PEP O’ PLANT | phsnews.com
LET US BE HEARD PAGE 12-13 ACTIONS, NOT WORDS PAGE 16
February 2018 | Volume 91 | Issue 4 H.B. Plant High School | 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629
Contents News 05 What You Missed 07 Gasparilla Season
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Features 09 Here Lies Star Wars: May it Rest in Peace
11 Tapping into the Spotlight 15 A Thinking Man’s Football Spotlight 12-13 Let Us Be Heard Opinions 16 Actions, Not Words 17 Wizard Money 18-19 Oscar Film Season Sports 21 Signing Day 22-23 Sports Spotlight
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13 2 Table of Contents | PO’P December 2017
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A sign stays taped to the pole outside the front of the school explaining why the chalk messages were written. A group of 16 seniors wrote the memorial and messages the night of Feb. 15.
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Brief breakdown of local, state, national and international news
Local Rays come to Ybor City Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg has been home base for the Tampa Bay Rays since 1998, but the baseball team will be moving to another stadium. Rays owner Stuart Sternberg has announced that the Rays will be moving to Ybor City and are currently looking for an exact site to build a new stadium. Ticket sales have been low for the team, which is a contributing factor in why they have chosen to build a stadium closer to the city for which they are named after. “It’s kind of like a better location than it used to be, it’ll be easier [to go to games] than before,” sophomore Mackey Jones said. Although it is still unknown how much the stadium’s construction will cost, Sternberg has already proposed an $800 million budget with the Rays paying $150 million.
National
Military parade to show off American arsenal
A military parade may be taking to the streets of Washington D.C. later this year. President Trump was reportedly inspired to organize this parade after watching the Bastille Day celebrations in France last July. Like France, the parade will possibly include tanks and marching service members. Some have expressed concern about such a parade due to the cost of hosting it and the almost guaranteed damage to Pennsylvania Avenue. Supporters of hosting the parade, however, argue that it is a way to honor the troops and to show America’s strength. “You’re showing off America’s strength, you’re showing off our progress…and you’re making people feel safer,” freshman Rocco Salata said. Planning for the parade will continue, but a date has not been currently set. Page Designed by Izabel Martinez
State Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis’ birthdays
PHOTOS of the QUARTER
lose holiday status
The Florida Senate has approved bill SB 244, which would abolish Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis’ birthdays as legal holidays. Both men have had their birthdays honored in Florida for over a century and opponents of the bill believe ending this holiday would erase Southern history. “Honestly, if they were significant people in our lives and did something significant in the past I think they shouldn’t remove it whatsoever, they should keep it,” senior Lalita Romero said. On the other hand, supporters of the bill argue that the purpose of this proposal isn’t to insult Southern history, but rather to end the practice of honoring the Confederacy, which allowed slavery. This bill comes in the wake of a the debate on whether Americans should honor Confederate leaders.
Led by senior and captain Tori George, the Step Team performs during halftime at the basketball game against Robinson on Feb. . The Step Team was founded earlier this year and is sponsored by English teacher Anna Robinson. Photo by Morgan Shelton
International
Winter Olympics continue In PyeongChang
After years of preparation on the part of both athletes and South Korea, the PyeongChang Olympics began on Feb. 7. “They give the world a common ground to unite and showcase their talents,” junior Sravani Gopaluni said. As of Feb. 19, American athletes have won a total of 10 medals. The categories for these victories include snowboarding, alpine skiing, freestyle skiing and more. The first gold was obtained by 17 year old slopestyle snowbaorder Red Gerald. Norway is currently leading the world in medal count, with a total of 28 medals. The United States is in fifth place, which may change with the coming events. Briefs by Isabella Ank
Participating in Brotherhood Sisterhood Week, sophomores Ejirah Shellman, Ashley Hills and Diamond Scott dance on the patio. Performances took place through the week of Feb. 12. Photo by Isabella Nutter
Holding a strength through unity banner, students stand in front of the school in white to honor and stand in solidarity with the victims of the Parkland shooting. PawCapella and Pink Panthers both performed, as organized by juniors Lily Macintyre, Lauren Rose and Caitlyn Dellegatto. Photo by Alea Jennings
News
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GASPARILLA
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The 11th annual film festival kicks off on March 20 and ends on March 25. Guests can purchase tickets to see individual movies or buy a Daily Film Pass. This festival also includes panels with professionals in the industry and competitions for aspiring filmmakers. The concluding award ceremony will be hosted on March 25.
Located at Curtis Hixon Park, this festival attracts hundreds of thousands of guests each year. Thousands of artists will be featured and pieces can even be purchased. The festival will also host an award ceremony on Saturday, March 3 with $75,000 distributed in prize money. Admission is free and the festival begins on March 3 and concludes on March 4.
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Tampa hosts variety of festivals
With the annual march of the Gasparilla parade already passing, an array of festivities are just beginning for Tampa Bay. For those who missed out on the parade but wish to partake in the pirate-themed entertainment, here is a list of upcoming events. Briefs by Isabella Ank
Every year Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa hosts the Gasparilla Music Festival. This year the music event is being held on March 10 and 11 and tickets can be purchased from $30 to $200. A variety of artists will preform, and different artists play each day. Some artists this year include Spoon and Father
The Gasparilla International Food Festival will be hosted on March 18 in Ybor City. This festival hosts a diverse selection of vendors and foods from different cultures, from Cuban to Mediterranean. Admission is free and guests can register their ticket to win a free meal from any vendor. Admission is free and guests can register their ticket to win a free meal from any vendor.
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Fans reflect on ‘Star Wars’
D
isney has announced another trilogy within the “Star Wars” universe, and more TV shows, included animated cartoons, accorded to Forbes. What is the future of these fan favorite films? Is Disney making a quality Stars Wars franchise with their direction? The last movie that came out, ‘The Last Jedi,’ that was just trash,” sophomore Molly Ryan said. “I can’t imagine a more unsatisfying film. I could find a fault in every single part of the movie, which was just absurd at parts and tied up every interesting cliff hanger [from The Force Awakens] in a stupid, unimportant plot line. I can’t wait for the next film, as in, I can’t give two [expletive deleted] to anything about this franchise again.” “The Last Jedi,” the most recent film, was written and directed by Rian Johnson, an up and coming director, who was given the job after J.J. Abrams had conflicts with the filming schedules. J.J made over a billion dollars in profit with “The Force Awakens”, but the film had similar elements to “A New Hope,” the first “Star Wars” film.
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Art by Jasmine Burgess & Chole-Amelie Aikman After George Lucas’s prequels, which got an average of 66.67, or a D, on rotten tomatoes, the new films are receiving A’s left and right. However, “The Last Jedi,” which changed directors while in the same trilogy, from Johnson to Abrams “You see all these people who are so excited for a movie they praised in their youth and it’s like watching lambs going to slaughter,” junior Molly Menchen said. “No matter who you are, how much you love Star Wars or how hardcore you are, you’ll still be disappointed.” The original Stars Wars trilogy of films were theater blockbusters. They pulled kids and adults alike, even creating toy lines and T.V. spinoffs. Star Wars has netted in nearly 14 billion dollars since its inception. “I don’t think it’s ever been about the movies,” freshman Gustavo Pereira said. “It’s all about money, and Star Wars is a goldmine. Disney has made so many spinoffs and toys, from the ‘Phineas and Ferb’ crossover to several movies that are planned ‘til the day I die. It’s not about heart, the fans or art but a committee in a high rise trying to appeal to everyone.”
Under the Disney movie making process, most of the films have several screenwriters and the company tries to make a movie that appeals to the most audiences. “The Force Awakens” had nearly eight screenwriters who made the film. The process uses a board of writers who share different visons, and they collaborate to create the new movies. Stars Wars follows a main trilogy, with side stories that explain backstory and other Stars Wars events in the off years. “Rogue One,” for example, has its own contained story while “The Force Awakens” is a part of the main trilogy and storyline. Currently, there are over 10 films planned in a continued storyline, like Marvel’s film universe. “’The Last Jedi’ was, well, yikes,” teacher Robert Tait said. “When Leia flew through space, why? For what purpose? … When she flew through space, I thought ‘this is when she died, this is why it looks so bad.’ I was wrong. I’ll still go see the other movies, however. ‘The Force Awakens’ and ‘Rogue One’ felt like Stars Wars movies, and I am a pretty big fan.” Article by Riley Schofner
Features
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Sophomore founds model United Nations chapter
U
Discussing global issues, freshmen Lily Fitzgerald, Shibani Rana, Ainsley Neil and Kalli Yost prepare for their first regional conference. President and founder Karishma Rana guided club members in writing proper position papers. Photo by Alea Jennings
pon discovery of an absence, a new club comes forth. The Model United Nations Club, founded by sophomore Karishma Rana, is currently organizing and planning the future of its first year of operation. “The UN is a very important part of the world; it unites all these different countries, and it takes stances that influence decisions that governments end up making,” Rana said. “It’s important to be educated on current events, and I felt like our school could use a model UN to be more educated and informed.” Rana will be taking the lead role, as President and founder, in expanding the club and planning its meetings and practice general assemblies, as well as looking for opportunities to compete. She said she hopes to take the club to the National New York Conference, stressing the importance not on winning, but on the experience and learning opportunities such an event has to offer. “I like the idea of simulating international politics because most of the time when you think about politics, especially in the news, it’s most likely about politics primarily in the U.S.,” junior Jack Trigg said. “Looking at politics through
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another country’s point of viewIt is that’s incredibly important to interesting.” be educated The club will on current soon attend its events, and first conference, a meeting of I felt like multiple regional our school schools that will could use a each represent an model UN assigned group of to be more countries to form a collective. Each educated and school is assigned a informed.” different list before each event and they must appropriately -Karishma represent the views Rana, of those countries at each conference. sophomore “I originally joined because it sounded like a cool thing to do– just the fact that it’s like all different countries with different ethnicities and religions coming together for the common good of the world,” freshman William Hubbard said. The club will be meeting once a week
to practice and simulate UN conditions, discussing global issues and preparing for the Tampa Bay Model United Nations Conference to be hosted at USF. “I see it as a way for students to become more aware of the world around them and identify specifically what the needs are beyond the United States,” sponsor Social Studies teacher Margie Dennie said. “Focusing in on the United Nations and what they attempt to do in keeping peace and making sure that human rights are observed world-wide, this would be an excellent opportunity for students to be involved [in that].” MUN is currently in preparation to attend their first conference March 14 hosted by USF. Article by Chloe-Amelie Aikman
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room 711
Features 11
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S
Students unite in wake of tragedy
crawled in chalk across almost every surface, the names of schools impacted by shootings since 2013 covered each square of cement in front of the school, accompanied by small white flowers lying on the grass – symbols of purity, memorial and support. “I chose white flowers,” senior and participant Leigh Gabriely There’s no said. “White is a way to ignore really pure color and it kind of it when it’s represents the literally glaring bipartisanship at you from the of this situation. White is a floor, where colorless color , you’d usually be there’s no sides looking at your that can be chosen. White feet.” is just pure, and these kids were -Katherine pure.” Edgar, S p u r r e d by the recent sophomore tragedy in Parkland, where 17 students and teachers lost their lives, a group of students voiced their outrage and frustration with the lack of definitive action through chalk. Phrases such as “BE THE CHANGE,” “ACT
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12 Spotlight
NOW” and “THIS IS A CRY FOR HELP,” were scattered intermittently along the sidewalk. Reactions were similar amongst students and faculty alike. “I think people will actually see it,” sophomore Katherine Edgar said. “There’s no way to ignore it when it’s literally glaring at you from the floor, where you’d usually be looking at your feet.” A group of 15 seniors, organized by Macie Lavender, Savannah Lowry and Brooke Shapiro, came to the school the night of Feb. 15 at 11 p.m. to leave their messages of love, remembrance and pleas for change. “Macie, Brooke and I come up with the idea because we really wanted to show everyone one that we will not be silent and we are demanding change to be safe in our schools,” senior Savannah Lowry said. “The medium of chalk, and location of Plant were picked because it wouldn’t just be a social media post that could be scrolled past, but something on a large scale that students and adults would have to notice.” As teachers came into school they were greeted with the chalk-written messages. “I was both moved and impressed that the students here would take on
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something like this,” English teacher Derek Thomas said. “Rather than kids being sad, or whatnot, they feel almost empowered, they feel that they want to do something.” The shooting at Parkland was the eighth school shooting this year, according to CNN and Florida -Bo Puckett, the Guardian. The social studies weapon used teacher was a legally purchased semiautomatic rifle, but instead of attacking gun policy, one of the themes emphasized in the chalk text most was nonviolence. “Getting your voice out there is good,” junior Lucas Papa said. “It starts from us, but it’s going to eventually need to be people in government for change.” According to members of the group, the
I’m beyond words and beyond seeing things on social media – I’m beyond the debates on Facebook, I’m ready to see some action. Something needs to be done.”
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evine
Photo by Kate Carante
Photo by Alea Jennings
crafting of their display took over an hour and a half. “This is people honoring people who had tragic events happen to them... it gives you chills,” Principal Johnny Bush said. “We hope that actions like this will get us closer to stopping this type of stuff because it’s nerve-racking.” Among the names of schools and demands for action that wrapped the walkways towards the entrance, one area was set aside for the names of all the victims of the Parkland shooting. “What really struck me was how close to home it was,” Maggie Musco, senior Page Designed by Jasmine Burgess
Photo by Alea Jennings
Photo by Alea Jennings
and participant said. “That’s what made me realize that something needs to change. Even if it’s just a small thing like this, getting people aware of what’s going on. I needed to do something.” Their stance, advocating action in the wake of this disaster, was echoed by others who heard their message. “It shows unity within the population and how we need to make strides towards a safer school environment,” freshman Matthew Van Wert said. “[School shootings are] happening too much now; something has got to change.” With over 200 campus names written
Feeling the need to do something in wake of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, a group of seniors leave messages in chalk calling for change in the front of the school late in the evening Feb. 15. The writing included the names of those who died in the recent shooting and a list of 250 schools that have been affected by gun violence.
across the pavement, local newscasters and parents quickly began to show up. One note taped to a sign in front of the school urged viewers not to wash the chalk away – but to remember Parkland and let their voices be heard. “We have to make sure that this is not normalized,” social studies teacher Bo Puckett said. “I’m beyond words and beyond seeing things on social media, I’m beyond the debates on Facebook, I’m ready to see some action. Something needs to be done.” Article by Chole-Amelie Aikman
Spotlight 13
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A Thinking Man’s Football
Teacher’s Quidditch fever spreads
From the pages of the much-acclaimed Harry Potter series, one of the Wizarding Realm’s secondary components has quickly made its way from fiction into reality – and is currently taking the world by siege. Born in 2005 and rapidly captivating college club sport fanatics, Quidditch is making its first appearance on campus under the guidance of science teacher Jeffrey Keene. Keene began his foray into Quidditch while teaching at Tomlin Middle School, when he first saw an opportunity to bring this sport into his students’ lives. “We made our own equipment at first, out of hula hoops and PVC pipes and other things, and we started playing,” Keene said. “And then we raised some money, so we got real equipment from a company that supplies real Quidditch supplies, and I’ve been coaching ever since.”
What appeals to Keene particularly about this sport is its ability to reach a broader audience, athletically. “A lot of kids who wouldn’t normally play a sport, would jump at playing this,” Keene said. “I want to give them the opportunity to play the sport, learn it – and if they were to go to a college – join a team in college so the sport can grow.” A teacher in Hillsborough County for 19 years and approaching his fifth as a Quidditch coach, Keene has since taken his experiences from Tomlin here and has started a student interest club. With over 40 people signed up and many more expressing interest, Keene is eager to start playing. “Our biggest challenge right now, though, is we don’t have a place to play,” Keene said. “There’s very limited greenspace on this campus, so we’re going to
Catching the quaffle from his teammate, sophomore Ben Besanco participates in their quidditch practice. Basancon recieved the ball which advanced his team to the goal in order to score a point. Photo by Kit Longshore Page Designed by Izabel Martinez
have to figure out how to handle that.” While Quidditch is often discounted because of its literary origins, it’s translation onto the field (or in Quidditch terms – the Pitch) comes with an official Jeffrey Keene, rulebook and crecoach of the quidative adaptations. ditch team ,poses The snitch, while holding quidwhile not a golden flying sphere, is ditch equipment. represented by one Keene founded and player dressed in coaches the new yellow with a ten- quidditch team. nis ball in a sock Photo By Taylor attached to his/her Harahan shirt. There is the handicap that the “broom” element poses – items that Keene and his club have already made from scratch in school colors. “This game is like a three-ring circus,” Keene said. “It’s more cerebral; you have to think about what’s going on more than any other sport.” Quidditch is especially popular as a club sport at the college level, by which tackling becomes a legal move – something high school teams can do everything but. One of Keene’s personal goals is to see the sport increase in recognition and become more prevalent; already, one of his previous students has started another Quidditch team at Strawberry Crest High School. “It’s really exciting to be part of something which is up-and-coming,” sophomore Benjamin Besancon said. “[It’s] something that’s fun to be competitive with, but there’s also a social aspect; it’s more like a family than just a team.” Quidditch: It’s new, it’s co-ed, and Keene will be keeping the student body informed on how to participate with posters, announcements and games (potentially with other high schools) scheduled for the near future. Article by Chloe-Amelie Aikman
Features 15
The United States needs tighter gun regulations, more help for the mentally ill to protect civilians
Photo by Alea Jennings Photo Illustration by Jasmine Burgess The attack on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida marked the 30th mass shooting in the United States since 2018 began. With 17 individuals dead, 15 others injured and even more traumatized by the massacre, it has become imperative to find a solution so the history of mass shootings fail to repeat itself. According to a study conducted by the Central Florida Intelligence Exchange, 79 percent of mass shootings since 2011 have been committed by a person with “continuous behavioral health issues and mental illness.” Former President Obama had attempted to establish a rule that would limit the sale of firearms to individuals with mental disabilities. However, this was nullified before the law could ever take effect. If the majority of mass shootings are committed by people with mental illnesses, it seems reasonable that gun ownership should require background
From the PO’P Staff
16 Opinions
checks and a standard of mental stability Moreover, gun owners should be subject to yearly mental health checks to ensure that their minds remains in a secure state when handling a firearm. However, this may not be enough. More outlets should be available for those who suffer from mental illnesses. In addition to this, society needs to rid itself of the stigma against the mentally ill and those who seek help. If someone is experiencing a problem, that person should not feel ashamed to receive help from a therapist or medication. Besides this, another solution to counter the growing violence of mass shootings is to establish new regulations against guns. Nikolas Cruz, the identified shooter at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, used an AR-15 against his classmates. AR-15’s were also used to slaughter innocents at the Pulse nightclub, a music festival in Las Vegas and Sandy Hook Elementary School. Armed with the deadly AR-15 (which was originally designed for military use), a shooter can fire over 100 rounds
in mere minutes, according to the New York Times. This characteristic, along with the speed and easily interchangeable magazines, make the rifle a prime weapon for a bloodbath. Civilians who wish to purchase a gun to defend themselves do not need such a calamitous weapon. Consequently, AR-15’s and other semi-automatic weapons should not be available to the general public. To promote this change, people should keep an eye out for any underlying issues their friends or family may have. If they take note of one, they should encourage this person to seek the help they need. Likewise, students can advocate for change through joining protests or peaceful demonstrations, urging their representatives to take action. Implementing any of these changes does not guarantee an end to the violence which has overtaken America. By all means though, it is a step in the right direction, and impact cannot be known until something is done.
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BITC IN
Digital currency over-hypes willing profiteers The digital currency bitcoin has recently surged in popularity and worth, and many people find themselves asking what on earth this new money is. Bitcoin is an internet-based, international payment method that can be used to buy and sell goods by using an online transaction. It is an untracked market, and is unregulated by banks, leading to expensive and worthwhile investments that can raise in price rather quickly, or a deep price drop. Bitcoin is made through bitcoin mining, a lengthy and expensive process that uses high-tech advanced computers that create extremely complex and long lines
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of unique code. This system insures that bitcoin cannot be stolen or hacked. Basically, the more bitcoin is made, the more complex the code behind it is, making it safer to exchange with but harder to make. Bitcoin is a string of numbers and holds no real value. Most bitcoin is used on websites in the deep web, a small and incognito internet server that sells weapons, slaves, drugs and any other nefarious needs. Due to the unique nature of the currency, it cannot be found by the government, and is perfect for crime. It cannot be tracked by its source, unlike money, which has serial numbers, so trade for these goods are seamless. Bitcoin has very high exchange rates, but its popularity has only recently surged in size. Bitcoin is complicated and not worth investing into unless you have a college level understanding of computer programing. Bitcoin can be used at stores with “swift cards,” like debit cards, that pull straight from the bitcoin wallet, which lies within a protected server. There is no guarantee a store will take your bitcoin, however. Someone out there could take your bitcoin with a scam and money could potentially be lost. Bitcoin is in an economic bubble, and soon this house of cards will fall. And it has! And it will again! While writing this piece, bitcoin has fluctuated in nearly 10,000 dollars in worth. According to CNN money, when South Korea announced its future ban on the cryptocurrency, it dropped in nearly 1000 dollars in two hours. I’ve seen too much heartbreak from internet users who longed for the foresight to invest in this market, but no one could have predicted this leap in price. Go on
WHAT IS THE WIZARD MONEY?
2140
The year the last remaining Bitcoins will be supposedly mined
The percent of the worlds 40% Bitcoins that is held by just 1000 people
Bitcoin was invented by an anonymous man who goes by the alias Satoshi Nakamoto and released in 2009 Source: coinsutra.com to any 4chan /biz/ thread and witness the chaos. It’s almost like gambling, and you’re better off staying away. Many governments, nations and think tanks might even plan to ban or block this new market. It’s still under several investigations, and might just lead to disaster. If you want to spend your money, put it in a savings account, invest in Eurodisney, or pay off credit card debt. Column by Riley Schofner
Opinions 17
SEASON
Oscar nominated films produce variety of cinematic effects
The film “Call Me By Your Name”, stands as a beautiful delicate expression of new romance. Centered around the love of two young men, the actors portray the complex emotions involved with falling in and out of love in a deep and understanding way that pulls you in to the simple story line of the piece. Subtle glances and quiet unspoken moments show the vast portion of love that goes unsaid in a way that is extremely hard to find in film, and thus feels intensely personal. The soundtrack also adds to this effect as the soft and sensitive piano soundtrack further sets an emotional mood. “Call Me By Your Name” deals with the most personal aspects of love and companionship that all people can appreciate and view a sense of themselves in. Review by Sarah McCarthy
Starring Gary Oldman as the famously brash Winston Churchill, “Darkest Hour” tells a story of perseverance and patriotism. Its suspenseful pace is fitting for the foreboding tone. The film sheds a fresh and exciting perspective on one of WWII’s most pivotal moments, one that would determine the outcome of the war. Review by Isabella Ank
18 Opinions
The movie, “Dunkirk” is an exceptional movie documentation on the events of the World War II Dunkirk Beach evacuation. The lack of dialogue allows for wonderful true acting by newcomers such as Fionn Whitehead and Harry Styles. The direction by Christopher Nolan produces true emersion into a wartime experience with high grade effects as well appropriate use of camera angles. In addition, the movie’s score is a great partner to the all other aspects of the well-done film. Review by Savannah Lowry
Fledging director Jordan Peele, comedian of “Key and Peele” fame, has hsaken the somewhat stagnant horror genre of recent years with “Get Out.” Avoiding the worn out tropes of CGI monsters or excessive gore, “Get Out” is a psychological thriller packed with racial subtext and easter eggs. the story is brilliantly paced and well written; Peele is not afraid to muck the waters with comedic moments, allowing the audience rare moments of relief from the eerie tension and endearing us to the characters. With outstanding performances from the entire cast, “Get Out” is solidified as much more than an average thriller. Review by Macie Lavender
Paired with phenomenal acting and a fitting soundtrack, “Ladybird” follows the story of Christine ‘Ladybird’ McPherson as she navigates her senior year of high school in 2000. “Ladybird” incorporates struggles I didn’t think I would see represented accurately on a big-screen. “Ladybird” is a movie that won’t only make you cry or laugh, but will leave you feeling as extraordinary as her name. Review by Alexis Perno
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Based on true events, “The Post” challenges its audience to wonder what they would do in a situation of personal interests versus the greater good. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks deliver lively performances to their respective characters, making them sympathetic to the audience. Its overall message concerning censorship of the news and demonization of journalists is also relevant to today’s America. Review by Isabella Ank
Paul Thomas Anderson’s, Phantom Thread, brings an elegantly crafted, gothic romance that was both intriguing and unsettling. The film challenges the viewer with a complicated plot and portrays utterly original characters with an impressive cast. This final act from Daniel Day Lewis, left audiences wanting more. Review by Madison White
As quite possiblythe strangest Oscar nominated movie of this awards season, “The Shape of Water” has garnered a lot of attention as of late. The passion project of acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro, “The Shape of Water” masterfully combines elemtns of classic Hollywood monster movies period film-esque Cold War tensions, and storybook roamance into a winding tale that is both unique and beautiful. The camera work in the film is more reminiscent of a “Goldden Age” Hollywood classic, elevating the story into something that will stick with the viewer long after the credits roll. Review by Macie Lavender
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri” is a bright shining garbage firer in the very best way possible. In a cinematic world where every character is deeply flawed we learn to embrace the humanity that brings us together. A dramatic plot laced with dark comedic moments, together construct the deeply emotional relationship that make this film one to remember. Review by Maren Shcarf
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FROM the
HALLS
Who do you think deserves the Oscar for best picure?
Dunkirk because I like war movies and it was really good”
Gian Cortez, senior
Get Out because it was good and i never knew what was going to happen.”
Alyssa Boosom, freshman
The Shape of Water because it’s a good movie. Not my cup of tea though”
Abraham Moore, sophomore
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midst the roar of applause from the audience, 15 athletes walked onto the stage. Among them were 13 football players and two girls soccer players. In front of them was a long table, surrounded by black and gold balloons, with small placards for every athlete. This was signing day, where senior athletes who will be continuing to play sports in college revealed what school they will be attending. The football team’s head coach, Robert Weiner opened the event on Feb. 7 at the Grace Family Church. “Today is a culmination day,” Weiner said. “It’s a day that goes back to the first time a little boy picked up a football... when a little girl first kicked a soccer ball.” Coach Jeannette Rosado, of the girls soccer team, also gave a speech. “These two young women have done an amazing job of representing what Top: Ty Thompson speaks of his it means to be a Plant women’s soccer experiences on the football team at National player,” Rosado said. “Not only are they Signing Day. Throughout his speech he talked about how the past four years were phenomenal students, but they excel on unforgettable. Bottom: Justin Lawrence the field as well.” The audience was filled with friends, poses in his UCF hat after announcing his commitment their football team. He gave a parents, siblings and teachers. Many speech that explained why he wanted to go players from both teams were in the to the university. Photos by Taylor Harahan audience, along with their coaches. Also in attendance were other familiar
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Senior student athletes announce college decisions figures, including officer Mark Holloway and principal Johnny Bush. All the student-athletes in signing gave their own speeches, thanking those important to them. Some also offered words of advice to friends and family in the audience. “Don’t let anyone tell you you’re too small or too slow or too weak,” Micah McFadden said. In his football career, he set a school record for tackles and was named as a top 10 defensive player in the state. McFadden will be attending Indiana University. Other football players at the event included Ty Thompson. “I don’t know if there’s ever been a player as loved by his teammates as Ty Thompson,” Coach Weiner said. Thompson, who plays running back, was injured in August and was out for the entire 2017 season. Thompson became emotional when describing his friendship with his teammates. “I love you guys; you’re beautiful,” Thompson said. “Even though I didn’t play, you guys made me feel like I did.” This was the largest signing day in school history and comes off a season where football went 12-2 and made it to the state semifinals. Girls soccer went 113-1 in their season. Article by Graham Hill
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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
Boys Varsity Basketball
The varsity basketball team will enter the Regional Tournament on Thursday night as they face off against Winter Haven after a 21-4 record, only losing one game in the District.
Girls Varsity Basketball
After finishing at 24-1, the girl’s varsity team will enter the second round of the Regional Tournament against Winter Haven.
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Boys JV Basketball
The JV team, under coach Brian O’Neil, finished their 2017 season with a win against Leto, as they finished the season 17-1, undefeated in the district.
Girls JV Basketball The girls JV team finished their season 7-4, behind leading scorer Ashley Murray and coach Mike Brady.
Boys Soccer
The boys soccer team ended their 2018 season with a loss against Palm Harbor University in the regional tournament, as they finish their season at 12-6-3.
Girls Soccer
Under coach Jeannette Rosado, the Girls soccer team finished their season with a loss against Wharton, as they finished the season at 11-3-1.
Wrestling
The Wrestling team finished their season at 12-8 under coach Jeremy Carter, as six wrestlers will advance to the Regional Tournament on the weekend of Feb. 24
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4 3 1: Reaching for the ball, junior Alexis Mathanghani tries to defend the opposing teams shot. The team won their first game versus the Academy of the Holy Names at the preseason tournament. 2: Defending the ball from an Alonso player, junior Ansley Melendi competes in the girls district soccer tournament on Jan 23. The girls won the game. 3: Reaching for the ball, senior Chance Jackson tries to win the jump-ball against the Jesuit player. Boys basketball won against Jesuit 61-29. 4: Focusing on the ball in midair, junior Daniel Bonilla and senior Johnathan Otterstad defend the goal. The team continued on to win 5-0 against Riverview. 5: Keeping his eye on the ball, senior Nathan Kolvachik serves the ball during a tennis match. This was the team’s second match of the season.
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Boys Tennis
The boys tennis team kicked off their 2018 season with a win against Wharton, 6-1, with their next match a home game against Leto.
Girls Tennis
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The girls tennis team opened their season on Feb. 15 as they faced off against Leto away from home; this is another season under coach Pam Gassler.
Boys Lacrosse
The boys lacrosse team will kick off their 2018 season on Feb. 20, as they face off against Cardinal Mooney at home.
Girls Lacrosse
The girls lacrosse team will kick off their 2018 season on Feb. 20, as they face off against IMG Academy.
Varsity Baseball
The varsity baseball team kicks off their 2018 season on Feb. 22 as they face off against Steinbrenner.
Varsity Softball
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The softball team started their 2018 season on Feb. 13, they played against King at home and obtained a 16-0 victory.
Flag Football
The flag football team held tryouts the week of Feb. 12, as they hope to repeat as State Champions in another season under head coach Bo Puckett.
Girls Track & Field
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6: Trying to overcome his Jefferson opponent, senior David Breascheer competes in a dual at the opposing high school. Wrestling will advance to the regional tournament on Feb. 24. 7: Waiting in line at warm-ups, freshman Aiden Lindsey participates in lacrosse practice. The team held practice on Feb.14 to prepare for the Spring season. 8: Preparing himself on the pitcher’s mound, senior Brock Fagler, opens the first inning of a preseason game. Fagler was able to strike out the first at bat. 9: Warming up with her lacrosse stick, junior Lexi Ashby prepares to practice on Feb 14. Girls Lacrosse began their season on Feb. 20. 10: Second receiver, Genevieve Greminger, senior, makes a break to catch a pass as Ayla Toney, freshman, goes on the defensive. This was the girls final day of tryouts. 11:Standing on home base, freshman Kayla Szwejkowski is up to bat and is determined to swing.
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The girls track team won multiple events at the first meet of the season on Feb. 13 at Jesuit High School, as they faced off against Jesuit, Wharton, Academy of the Holy Names and Tampa Catholic.
Boys Track & Field
The boys track team had their first meet of the 2018 season on Feb. 13 where they lost to Jesuit, but multiple runners set personal bests as they continue their season under coach Mike Boza.
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