February 2019 by Pep O' Plant

po’p

pep o’ plant February 22, 2019 Volume 92 Issue 4 H.B. Plant High School 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629

the

advocacy issue

what’s your

#cause Students create change

is protesting effective?

eating disorder awareness

pages 19-25

page 29

page 32

2 | Table of contents | PO’p february 2019

Cover design – NATALIE KERR cover Photo ILLUSTRATION – ALEA JENNINGS

Table of contents 4 9 11 14 19

news briefs rick’s cafe keene recovers fishing team students create change

28 staff editorial 36 college athletes should not be paid is protesting 29 effective? 37 signing day 32 eating disorder 38 sports updates awareness 33 ocean pollution

SEE PAGE 7

SEE PAGE 4

SEE PAGE 38

SEE PAGE 14

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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 Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published.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. Advertising Policy: 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. Corrections 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. 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 Gold status with the Florida Scholastic Press Association (2018). The Pep O’ Plant is also a member of the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society.

PO’P February 2019 | Staff | 3

PO’P

Staff PEP O’ PLANT | phsnews.com

Print EICs

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

Design Adviser

Managing EIC Jake Criser

staff artists

Copy EIC

Maggie hayes Ariana Cimino

Dean Criser

Designers Photo EIC Alea jennings

Christina Porcelli

This Issue’s Contributors Natalie Ulm

Alexis Alvarez Maggie Hayes Laura Alvarez

News Editor Alexis Perno

Features Editor Chloe-Amelie Aikman

Opinions Editor Graham Hill

Photographers Avery Franks paola laborda Maizie Tremblay Gracen Rivera Lily-Ann Taylor Brenna Anderson Aubrey Ramsfield

Sports Editor Katherine Kasper

Webmaster/ Expressions editor Riley Schofner

Sports Manager chris pisciotti

Social Media Manager Alissa Melman

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

2,480 students 143 faculty & staff 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa FL, 33629 (813) 272-3033 Contribute your own workphsnews.com/Expressions Free distribution 1000 copies printed

4 | news | PO’P February 2019

designer – NATALIE KERR

Orchestra PUTS ON COMBINED concert

Opening with American Salute composed by Morton Gould, sophomore Andres Sada and freshman Jeremy Yang play the first violin section Monday Feb. 11 auditorium. This concert was a chance for the orchestras to practice their music selections before the upcoming assessments. – BRENNA ANDERSON

ll three sections of orchestra performed together at a concert Monday Feb. 11 in the auditorium. “This is one of many of the orchestra’s concerts throughout the year,” orchestra director Steven Bossert said. “But what makes this one different is that all three components of the orchestra are coming together.” The three different sections of the orchestra are the philharmonic, string and concert orchestras. Each orchestra has different students, along with a different sound and style. “I love performing at the orchestra concerts because I can see how my hard work in class is paying off,” sophomore Morgan Austrich said. Philharmonic orchestra includes string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. String orchestra plays only string instruments, such as the violin or the bass, while the concert section of

the orchestra includes string, percussion, woodwind, brass and keyboard instruments. “We play music that really shows off our strengths but also challenges us,” Philharmonic member junior Eve Larkin said. The concert was performed mainly for parents in the audience, but it also provided students with an opportunity to prepare for their assessments. “The highlight of the year for students is the performance assessment,” Bossert said. “They have been basically preparing for this since September.” In the annual performance assessment, each orchestra has three pieces of music, as well as an on-thespot sight reading test that they will perform in front of judges at King High School. “I’m so proud to see how my students have grown over the course of the year, and the concert is a perfect way to showcase that,” Bossert said. – ADDIE ROBEY

Teachers perform at Faculty Idol

he winner of this year’s Faculty Idol was the four-man band Lockdown, comprised of John Henson, John DeOrio, Bruce Yost and an out-of-school drummer. They performed “Ring of Fire” Jan. 31. “My goal was just to have fun,” teacher, guitarist and singer DeOrio said. “We had been talking about playing for a long time and said

that it was time to have fun and play and get the guys together to see what we could do.” DeOrio also sang in a duet with English teacher Amanda Marriott, performing “Shallow” from the movie “A Star is Born.” Another duet performance was Cristalyn and Clarissa Stokes, who are known as the Stokes Sisters. The two sisters performed “Someone Like You” by Adele. They were chosen as one of the top three performances, along with Lockdown and Officer Mark Holloway. “This song resonates with both of us,” English teacher Cristalyn Stokes said. “We have both had our hearts broken and did it together because we’re sisters and we support each other through those heartbreaks. I thought everyone was really great, all of their acts were really unique so it was cool to get selected, but everyone did amazing.” Performing “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash, Bruce Yost plays his guitar Media specialist Matt Penn along with fellow co-workers Jan. 31 at Faculty Idol in the auditorium. and five of his students showcased Yost’s band “Lockdown” won the contest. – GRACEN RIVERA

a poetry slam surrounding high-school and the musical theatre class performed “What’d I Miss” from the Broadway musical “Hamilton.” English teacher Kristina Renaud and her son, senior Rhett Renaud, performed a mother-son tap dance they choreographed themselves. “My goal was to be able to not only perform somewhat sufficiently, but also to be able to make my son proud,” Renaud said. “We prepared by getting a piece of plywood and literally made the moves together and practiced them side-by-side.” There were four judges for Faculty Idol: English teacher Joshua Marr, AP psychology teacher Clare Sessums, assistant principal Napoleon Wade and student affairs secretary Eric Vance. Vance was previously asked to perform but decided to judge instead. “I went off of who gave me the greatest show,” Vance said. “I wanted to see a show, I wanted to see awesomeness, I wanted it to be fun and playful and amazing and it was better than I expected.” –CAROL KORNWORCEL

designer – NATALIE KERR

PO’P February 2019 | news | 5

School Board member , State Representative review safety measures

tate Legislative Representative Jackie Toledo and Area 2 school board member Stacy Hahn visited Plant Feb. 11 to review safety measures implemented since the Parkland school shooting in February 2018. Such measures include locking gates with a buzzer system and 33 security cameras placed around school. Currently, all administrators have access to the cameras. There are also plans for a monitor that would include all camera feeds to be installed in the main office, according to Principal Johnny Bush. “What they’ve done in the last year is impressive and I wanted to see how they’ve used the tax dollars that we’ve given them,” Toledo said in response to the safety measures. “I’m very impressed with that.” Bush showed Toledo and Hahn the front gate, the single-entry access point next to the main office and demonstrated how the electronic car gate and buzzer systems worked. They also mentioned the speed bump constructed right before the entrance of the electronic gate for vehicles, ensures that more than one car can’t enter the parking lot without being buzzed in by the main office. Communications and Media officer Grayson Kamm visited and said the district is “paying deep attention” to the issue of school safety and “not just letting this stuff happen.” “Security is definitely a top priority and

Principal Johnny Bush speaks with school board member Stacy Hahn and state representative Jackie Toledo during their visit Feb. 11. Bush pointed out new safety measures put in place and improvements for school security. – GRAHAM HILL

mental health services for our students,” Hahn said. “We absolutely know that students aren’t going to learn if they don’t feel safe... that’s why this was important today, to highlight the security measures that are in place but to also have

some really candid conversations with our state legislator Jackie Toledo about funding and what we need to make sure we can continue to keep our schools safe.” – ALEXIS PERNO

Students receive regional writing and art awards

everal students submitted works to the Scholastic Art and Writing contest and four received Gold Key awards, meaning that their works will be sent on to the national competition. Senior Katherine Valenti submitted works for the humor category, which required a portfolio of several pieces in addition to the story being judged specifically. “I just wanted to do it because the humor writing category was really fun,” Valenti said. “It really reassured me that I have good ideas when I won.” Junior Brandon Lovinger received a writing award for a short story called “The Hallway.” “I want to be an author eventually, and one of my friends suggested that I enter the competition, and I really wanted to get into it,” Lovinger said. “I actually had my phone off for class, and when I turned it on, I got like a million messages from people saying, ‘Oh my god!’ It was definitely rewarding, and I felt really good about it because in writing there’s not a lot of opportunities at a young age ... so getting the

opportunity felt really good.” The process that the students created works varied, and some students looked to others for assistance with their submissions. “Ms. Cowart, my English teacher, helped me go through edits in my story,” Lovinger said. “She really was a big help throughout that process.” Senior Adam Jones won a drawing and illustration award for his piece “Constricted”, which was a morph of four animals. “I wanted to showcase a piece that I put a lot of detail work into, a lot of intricacies, which showed my technical side as opposed to a lot of my other work which is more lucid and abstract,” Jones said. “I think that winning was indication that my work was received well. I’ve achieved my goal of getting my art out there which is great.” Art teacher Brian Taylor required that his Advanced Placement students participate in the contest. “It’s extremely important,” Taylor said. “Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are prob-

ably the most prestigious competition, not just locally, but across the nation. It’s been around for 40 years and lots of great artists like Andy Warhol and others have been included throughout their career in the awards.” Senior Zain Khan entered the painting category and submitted a portrait of his mother which manipulated chiaroscuro, an effect of contrasted light and shadow. This effect can be created by using different paints to light and shade. “I was focused on my technique, which was inspired by the Baroque artist Caravaggio,” senior Zain Khan said. “If you look at his art you can see chiaroscuro, which I wanted to use.” Looking onward to the national competition, the winning students wait to hear the results in March. “I just wait for the results, which is exciting,” Valenti said. “I don’t have super high expectations or anything, I’m just happy I got awarded, because I did it for fun.” – JESSIE LARRINAGA

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PO’P February 2019 | news | 9

rick’s cafe 2019 1 In allegiance for the impending revolution, Varsity Chorale members raise their hands at the end of “One Day More” from the musical “Les Misérables.” Senior Laz Vasquez played the revolutionary leader Enjolras and said his favorite part was

“definitely the acting” 2 As a part of Will Rogers cowboy band, Men’s Chorus members Zach Comstock, Thomas Bui and Ken Ferlita perform “Give a Man Enough Rope” from “The Will Roger’s Follies.” This was the second time the

Men’s Chorus appeared on stage, having performed “It Takes A Woman” from the musical “Hello Dolly” in Act One. “I would say the thrill of being onstage with men’s chorus helps pull us all together,” freshman Zach Comstock said. “It’s ex-

5 7

Chorus performs 28th annual variety show hilarating to know that there are people watching our every move, challenging us to do better than before.” 3 As part of the largest Individual Act in this year’s show, juniors Kennedy Logan and Sophia Laratta, and Seniors Abby Boe and Lexi Whitley look toward sophomore Matthew Van Wert while performing “Our Favorite Son” from “The Will Rogers Follies.” The show ran for three nights, Feb. 14-16. “It’s honestly incredible the time and effort we put in to this production,” said Van Wert. “It’s amazing and it’s an honor and a privilege to be surrounded by such incredible and talented individuals.” 4 During the first number, “Another Op’nin’, Another Show” from “Kiss Me Kate”, junior Kennedy Logan acts as a reporter interviewing senior “celebrities” Cheyanne Brubaker and Callan Barber, while junior Abigail Samel films. This song, as well as the closing number “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, get performed each year as chorus tradition. “When I was little, I used to come to [Rick’s Cafe] and my babysitters were really involved and two of the acts I’m doing this year she did when she was my age so it’s kind of a tribute, and I’ve just always looked up to them and stuff,” said Logan. 5 Performing the duet “Together Again” from the musical “Young Frankenstein”, senior Charley Yost and junior Jason Calzon reenact Dr. Frankenstein and Igor’s first meeting. Individual Acts not placed in Rick’s Café will get the chance to perform during Rick’s Too/Senior Showcase. 6 Opening Act Two, sophomore Avery Franks plays the wicked witch Elphaba, while senior Natalie Meyers plays the good witch Galinda during the Varsity Womens Chorus’ rendition of “What is This Feeling?” from the musical “Wicked.” Myers said the experience is “a lot of fun and you get to meet a lot of people.” 7 Belting out “So You Want to Be a Nun” from the ventriloquism musical “Nunsense”, Sophomore Toni Keene raises her puppet as she depicts a nun trying to recruit others to her convent. Individual Acts auditioned in December for their place in the show. “It is my first year in chorus so I’m just like getting to meet all these people while we’re having this amazing opportunity and it’s just really fun backstage,” Keene said. 8 Closing the first act, the Women’s Chorus sings “Hard Knock Life” as freshman Regan Mcgary acts out the punishments the orphans wish they could inflict on Ms. Hannigan. The dance was choreographed by juniors Kennedy Logan and Payton Covelli. – ALEA JENNINGS AND NATALIE KERR

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PO’P February 2019 | features | 11

‘You become more than what you were before.’ Accident alters teacher’s perspective

hile on call as a firefighter, not long after completing his first year of training, Jeffery Keene stepped off the firetruck to grab a hose — but tripped and fell in the process. In a matter of seconds, his life changed forever as the firetruck pulled up and came to a stop on his foot, crushing it. “Right away, negative thoughts began running through my head as I was thinking of all the things I wasn’t going to be able to do,” Keene said. Before he was a director of farming operations at a hydroponic herb farm, a science “I learned that intern at Disney’s Land everything happens Pavilion in Epcot and an earth science and for a purpose. Had chemistry teacher, Keene was a firefightthis not happened er in New York for 10 The job ran in to me, I would not years. the family; his father, step-dad and be the person I am uncles, cousins were all a part of the firefighting sertoday. I believe vice, so Keene followed that what doesn’t suit and suited up. “The service made kill you makes you the job appealing to Keene said. “You stronger, but only me,” get to serve your comlearn a lot, if you allow it to.” munity, meet people and have fun.” – Jeffery Keene When he was 18 years old, Keene joined Explorers, a firefighter training program for teenagers. He went on to complete a required year of training to become an official firefighter. “The year of training was the most challenging,” Keene said. “It is very important to be an active member too, or else you are kicked out. You have to actually be there, clean the truck, clean the firehouse, go to trainings and go to fire calls, which can sometimes mean waking up at 2 a.m.” But then he fell. Keene spent three months in the hospital

while in rehabilitation after losing his foot to the firetruck. He walked out of the hospital with a cane and prosthetic leg. Now a department member for 27 years, Keene will continue being a life member because of his permanent injury on the line of duty. “It was sad,” Keene said. “My family was concerned with what would happen to me. I was faced with the option of living off my parents for the rest of my life.” Keene had to withdraw from his college classes for a semester. His accident also led to a breakup with his girlfriend at the time. “After some time though, I started realizing that you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to,” Keene said. “So, you fight through the negative things that have happened to you, you focus on the positive and you become more than what you were before.” After a year, Keene was becoming comfortable doing things he used to do again such as firefighting, hiking and mountain biking. Later he jumped back into his classes, finished college with a four-year degree and began a family. “I learned that everything happens for a purpose,” Keene said. “Had this not happened to me, I would not be the person I am today. I believe that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but only if you allow it to.” Keene was the only one-footed firefighter in the state of New York for the next eight years. He became a teacher when he moved to Florida. “I was always good at getting the point across to people, so I guess it is my gift,” Keene said. -HARTLEY HILL

Dressed as a pirate, Jeffery Keene shows off his prosthetic leg decorated as a peg leg before Gasparilla Friday, Jan. 25. Keene lost his foot to an accident working as a firefighter when he was 18. – ALEA JENNINGS

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14 | FEATURES | PO’p FEBRUARY 2019

designer – ALEXIS ALVAREZ

Fishing Team Makes Waves Team continues to grow, pursues charity work, wins tournaments

azing at the open water of Tampa Bay, it isn’t unusual to see fishermen of all backgrounds getting their catch. The sport has been popular in Tampa for years, and now it has found a home at Plant High School. The Fishing Club and Team was founded by junior Isaac Heuchan, who also serves as board president. For Heuchan, however, creating a team is more than just a hobby – it’s following a lifelong passion. “I was fishing on Bayshore when I was little and always loved it,” Heuchan said. “I bought a kayak and went fishing a lot, mainly for freshwater fish ... and then got a boat and now I’m fishing a lot of saltwater.” One of Heuchan’s goals for the club and team is to assemble student fishermen into a community. With this network of students, those who are interested in the sport have others to fish with. “There’s many anglers in Plant High School that love to fish but they don’t have that many people to fish with because they don’t know

anybody,” Heuchan said. “So I wanted to get something together so that … we could fish, have fun and do community service and just get out there on the water.” The team has already participated in local competitions and has won numerous awards. At these tournaments, members were judged based on the type, quantity and size of fish caught. In the Grand Slam Tournament, the team won first place and in the Young Life Tournament they won second place. “You always just go out there for the adventure and that’s what makes it fun,” Heuchan said. “You never know if you’re going to catch fish or not and you never know what you’re going to catch.” Besides fishing recreationally and competitively, the team has also participated in multiple community service projects. The group has worked with organization Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and helped in multiple clean-ups. “[Fishing] lets you be more aware of the environment – like the trash and things like that

around Tampa Bay,” senior and club finance director Evan Passath said. “It’s really nice to know that you’ve impacted either someone or something or just Tampa Bay in general.” In addition to their environmental work, the fishing team has also allied themselves with Angling for Relief, an organization that allows pediatric cancer patients to learn how to fish and enjoy the outdoors. Team members teach fishing basics to the children, as well as tips and tricks. “It’s made an impact by being able to help people, especially little kids who don’t get to do that stuff,” junior and club marketing director Mary Paige Porter said. “It’s really awesome to let them experience things that they don’t get to experience.” The fishing team plans to participate in charity work alongside competitions and practices. Whether they are contributing to the local organizations or winning tournaments, the team continues to make waves in the community. –ISABELLA ANK

On Picnic Island during Angling for Relief Feb. 2, junior Tristen Owens explains to his partner David how to cast a line properly. Each team member was assigned a partner with whom they would help fish and teach new skills. – ISABELLA ANK

PO’P February 2019 | features | 15

designer – alexis alvarez

1 2

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1. Junior Isaac Heuchan and senior Sam Cook attempt to catch one last fish before the event ends. As President of the Fishing Team, Heuchan sought to get team members involved with the community by partnering with local charities. 2. During Angling for Relief’s event at Picnic Island, junior Mary Paige Porter interacts with participant Nolan. This isn’t the first time the fishing team has volunteered with Angling for Relief, and they plan to work with the organization again in the future. 3. Senior Evan Passath waits for a fish to be caught by the hook. Besides volunteering with Angling for Relief, the fishing team has also completed clean-up projects with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. 4. Eighth grader Damien Burdick converses with his partner, Luke, during Angling for Relief at Picnic Island on Feb 2. Angling for Relief was founded by Jake Klopfenstein in honor of his friend who passed away due to pediatric ewing sacoma. 5. Senior Sam Cook helps his partner Jace attach a line to the fishing rod at Angling for Relief. Angling for Relief is an organization that seeks to provide pediatric cancer patients with opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing. 6. Senior Anton Mlack and Junior Mary Paige Porter show a recently caught crab to Mlack’s partner, Michael. Supplies, including fishing rods and bait buckets, were donated by various stores such as Sailor Mike’s Bait and Tackle and Alafia Marine. 7. Participant Jaxson inspects his hook as fellow participant Jace and senior Sam Cook watch. Before the event began at 9 a.m., fishing team members set up the supplies, which included rigging all 50 rods. – ISABELLA ANK

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LESSONS

designer – natalie kerr

PO’P February 2019 | spotlight | 19

Advocating for Mental Health Senior draws awareness to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay How did you get involved in the crisis center? they were that someone like me was spreading and really doing something. I’ve had like friends since I was in like fifth word about 211 and the crisis center and talking Is there anything you would like to add? grade that struggled with anxiety and depres- about resources. The crisis center hotline is 211. sion and a lot of mental health issues. And one Also, I’ve had other friends reach out to – AVA NELSON of my best friends a couple years ago tried to kill that don’t even go to Plant - across the state herself a couple times, and it was just something - that have reached out to me really close to my heart. and asked for advice, if like one of And after realizing I could have done some- their friends was dealing with suithing about it, and she moved away now so she’s cidal tendencies or thoughts. That fine, I realized I could have done something, was really moving because I knew so I started researching things and I found out that what I was doing was actually about the crisis center and then I just started, being heard and like people were you know, going up there and trying to get in- paying attention. Inspiration volved. When did you first realize you Can you describe what your volunteering is had a passion for this? To let people know Friends who like at the crisis center? Ok so, I started doing pageants that suicide is not struggle with At the crisis center, well my and I started competfirst event with the crisis center was ing my sophomore year the answer mental health “Suicide is not the and in the Miss AmerStrokes For Hope swim thing and it was like a group of five swimmers answer, and there ica organization, which who swam around Davis Island and is the one I compete in, I swam like 1000 feet and just came is a way to feel you have to have a platTime management Hosting the back. form. After the experiThe other things I’ve done with better.” – Emily ence with my friend, I and being taken ‘Be The Voice’ the crisis center, I’ve spoken at a few decided that I wanted seriously talent show that Surak donor events and then mostly I usuto focus more on the promoted suicide ally just bring gift bags and goodie crisis center. And then bags to the callers in the call center because they I just started going there because awareness have a really stressful job and they get a lot of this is actually really inspirational really stressful calls each day. That’s what I like to do – cheer up their day. What do you hope to accomplish with your volunteer work? I just want to make more teens aware that the crisis center hotline is 211 and there is a way, suicide is not the answer and there is a way to feel better. How has your involvement impacted you as a person, how have you changed since becoming involved? I think I definitely changed in a way in I observe a lot more, and I know when something is off with someone, and I know statistics, like one in five teens struggle with a mental health illness and I know if someone is struggling I’m there to listen to them and help them through their problems and I’m not afraid to get them help. What is your favorite part of this and most rewarding part? My favorite and most rewarding experience with this whole thing is the same one and it was right after I was finished with the show Be The Fighting for “Life” senior Emily Surak hopes to combat suicide in teens. Surak organized and presented the “Be Voice. I had a bunch of people reach out to me The Voice” talent show in March 2018 to raise money for the Crisis Center of Tampa bay and spread suicide and tell me how they struggled and how happy awareness. – PAOLA LABORDA

#emily fastfacts surak senior Mission

Biggest challenge

Biggest accomplishment

20 | spotlight | PO’p february 2019

designer – Natalie kerr

Advocating for h # Student undertakes volunteering for cancer foundation

fastfacts

How did you get involved in doing cancer to me to help others when they work? need it. The summer of freshman year, I was ap- What do you consider your bigproached with the opportunity to do an intern- gest accomplishment? ship at the National Pediatric Cancer FoundaI think if we can meet the goal tion. There, I started writing the toolkit for that we’ve set for the walk, it will families with children who had cancer. be my biggest accomplishment. What inspired you to continue working there? Overall though, I’m really proud Get students more Well, the experience was very rewarding and of how much of an impact I’ve it felt good to know I was making a real differ- made on people’s lives, and after involved cancer ence in the community. I have always felt that writing the toolkit and interning work I’ve had the passion to help people. at the National Pediatric Cancer So how did you and Preslie both get involved Foundation, I can see that what in your toolkit project there? we’ve been working on has really Preslie and I have actually known each oth- made a difference, so I guess that er for 12 years, and one thing we’ve always had would be my biggest accomplishWriting a toolkit in common is the desire to reach out and help ment. for families with others. After that summer internship I did, I What was the most challenging recommended Preslie for the position and we part? children diagnosed ended up working together on special projects Like I said before, I think with cancer for the foundation. writing the toolkit was the most What kind of special projects did you help challenging project Preslie and I with? have taken on, because it was one Our biggest and most challenging assign- of the first big things we did at ment was definitely writing the toolkit. Our goal the foundation. You really need to understand was to provide advice and some comfort to fam- what people are going through cause they’re ilies who have children recently diagnosed with going through such a tough time, and you nevcancer, and how to deal er know how much your actions or with this, because we Being part of a community words can have an impact on them. knew it was a difficult are your expectations for the means that you are obligated What time for both the family future in terms of staying involved and the child. with cancer work? to contribute something Can you tell me about A: Right now, Preslie and I are the walk that you and – Trey Carlson trying to bring what we’ve learned Preslie are organizing? during our internships to Plant. Yes, the project we’re currently working on We’re starting a club called HOSA, Health Ocfor the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is cupations Students of America. a walk called “Walking Funds the Cure.” To- What’s your goal in starting this club? gether we are mainly focusing on obtaining First of all, we hope that this gets students radio sponsorships, locating local artists to per- at Plant inspired to get more involved in canform, and spreading the word to reach our goal cer work or whatever they’re passionate about of 3000 attendees. in the community. I think kids will take away In your opinion, why should students get more from this that maybe they want to reach out involved in their community? in the community and volunteer in a way they Being part of a community means that you wouldn’t have thought of before. But also I are obligated to contribute something, like your think a reason we’re starting this club is to raise time volunteering or even donating to a local some awareness about cancer and the opportuorganization, because you never know when you nities to volunteer and help out, like Preslie and might need it. We’re all part of one community, I have been doing with the National Pediatric and sometimes we have to rely on the communi- Cancer Foundation. – ADDIE ROBEY ty for help ourselves, so it’s always seemed right

trey carlson senior Mission

Biggest challenge

Inspiration Passion to help people

biggest accomplishment Seeing how their work has made a difference in people’s lives

In a joint effort, Trey Carlson and Preslie Price fight for a “Cure” to canc an internship doing special projects for the National Pediatric Cancer Fo

PO’P February 2019 | spotlight | 21

designer – natalie kerr

health #

Daughter of cancer survivor does cancer work in community

So, you said that your mom having breast can- work, and as I said, I can see myself doing some cer kind of inspired you. Can you elaborate on with it in the future. that a little bit? My mom was really sick my ninth-grade Why do you think it’s important for students year, and at that point in time to get involved in their community like this? watching my mom go You have to give through it was realback to the communi“It has shown me what I’m ty that helped you out, ly hard, but I couldn’t imagine a mother having passionate about and what I because you never know to watch their child go when you’re going to through that, so I want- want to do.” – Preslie Price need the services. Right ed to become active in now, we’re at a point Inspiration the pediatric cancer community. in our lives where we can give our resources, So, I’ve heard that you were do- putting it into helping out in the community, Fighting cancer Her mother’s ing an internship. Can you tell which we live in and it will only benefit us. battle with cancer me about that? But you never know in the future if, God It’s the internship at the Na- forbid, something bad happens, then you can tional Pediatric Cancer Founda- know, going in peace, that you’ve helped other tion. I started it my sophomore people and in the future that may help you back. year, but my friend Trey started it What do you hope that other people will take his freshman year. away from participating in the walk? Can you tell me a little bit more So that people can support kids in our comWriting a toolkit Seeing her about that? munity who are going through a really, really for those dealing mother healthy I did the internship with Trey tough time and kind of create a community feelwith pediatric writing a toolkit for families ing that we’re all here for each other. whose children were just diagIt’s also so that people can see what the Nacancer nosed with pediatric cancer, and tional Pediatric Cancer Foundation is about and we pretty much just put together maybe start giving their time or donations to a toolkit for anything they could the foundation. I just want to give the kids a fun need, featuring advice, what to do when you time while uniting the whole community. first get a diagnosis. What do you feel makes the effort you put into How did you get started organizing this event? it worth it? So, I started with the idea, and I shot it to For sure helping the families that need it, Trey, and we both thought it was a really great and also giving the kids something to look forway to bring awareness and emailed our boss ward to in terms of the walk and other stuff. For who’s the CEO of the National Pediatric Cancer the toolkit and when I did the internship over Foundation. the summer, definitely helping families made it How were you involved in the process? worth it. Well, we messaged back and forth with our Some days we were at the office for hours boss and a few of the event coordinators, and not really doing much, but there were some they said they had actually been beginning to times when Trey and I would look at each other formulate a walk for the foundation, so we were and know that we were making a difference and put on the board to start it. We can’t take full helping people out. credit, because they were formulating it as well In the future, what other events or activities at the same time. do you hope to get involved in? Can you tell me a little bit more about it? I hope to continue interning with the NaIt’s for the National Pediatric Cancer Foun- tional Pediatric Cancer Foundation and hopedation, and it is also at Raymond James. The fully unite more schools in participating in the theme is “what you want to be when you grow walk next year. up,” so we encourage everyone to come dressed I also hope to keep doing special projects as what they wanted to be when they were with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundayounger, and all the kids are going to come. tion, and also, I’m trying to open a club at Plant Plant students can get service hours for going. called HOSA, which stands for Health OccupaWhat have you taken away from being in- tions Students of America, with Trey. volved in these experiences? It’s a club for kids who seek future industry I have taken away that intern work with can- in the medical field, so we would be able to concer and kids with cancer is probably one of the nect kids with people from NPCF and Moffitt most fulfilling things ever, and it has shown me and TGH. We hope to get that passed. I defiwhat I’m passionate about and what I want to nitely plan on working with the National Pedo. I really, really like volunteering with cancer diatric Cancer Foundation. – ADDIE ROBEY Cure” to cancer. The pair got involved in this mission together during

fastfacts

preslie price senior Mission

Biggest challenge

tric Cancer Foundation. – PAOLA LABORDA

biggest accomplishment

22 | SPOTLIGHT | PO’p FEBRUARY 2019

designer – Natalie kerr

Advocating for the Earth Student advocates for environmental preservation

What is the most pressing environmental issue you are aware of? Well, I think it’s the global degradation of our environment by massive corporations that exploit our resources to make massive profits like the gas companies and the oil companies, those are the same thing, like deforestation, like the fact that our ocean is going to have more plastic than fish in, like, 2050 if it keeps going on this pace. And the fact that people try to blame it on people saying its overpopulation or its you know, you need to use reusable water bottles and eat less meat, and those are all good things to do but in reality it’s not the people that are causing most of it, it’s the corporations. What have you personally done in order to preserve the environment? Well, me personally I have, I use a reusable water bottle I try to pick up trash whenever I see litter anywhere somewhere like at the beach or somewhere in the environment. I also became vegetarian for like two months, which is like partially this reason but also morally and its, I feel like it’s more efficient. I also campaigned for Andrew Gillum for governor and he had really good environmental plans for Florida, and sadly he lost but you know someone will come by again with his platform. What change do you personally hope to inspire or see in the world, or at least in America right now? America right now I think everything’s be-

come so hectic in the political field and in general, in that area, that people don’t really want to engage in it anymore, because of how, like I said, how hectic it is, but if everyone were to, at least not everyone, but if most people were to engage and you know do a little bit of reading or you know listening to something. Every opinion matters so if people were to just become slightly a little bit more informed that could change the outcomes of elections and more people involved in protesting and stuff like that. Around when would you say you started to get involved in politics and especially in environmental politics? Well, I got started in politics in general, I guess, on the scholars two field trip back after the Parkland shooting last year in February and got to give a speech to the Florida senate hearing and after that I got involved and kept getting involved. Environmental stuff, I’ve always kind of known, or at least in high school and as I got older, I paid attention and knew what was going on, but I guess I didn’t really realize how serious it was until about a year or two ago in regards to our climate. It’s not even how serious it is, most people, the problem is most people think that there’s nothing we can do about it, they that its inevitable, but in reality there are actual people who are destroying our planet, they have names and addresses, and are actual human beings, and we can get them to stop, and it’s up to us to save us and it’s not like it’s an inevitable problem. That’s

what most people need to realize. Where do you see your environmental interests taking you in the future, or even just political interests? I don’t really have an ambitious political future ahead, I want to study, you know, potentially study astrophysics or you know philoso- “It’s up to us to phy or psychology, understanding human and save us and it’s not humanities place in the like it’s an inevitauniverse, I guess. But maybe in the ble problem.” future I could potentially get into politics – Sam Sharf when I’m older, like you know after my career is over. But, that doesn’t really answer the question, so I guess in college and a little after I could start an organization to care about the environment, and like just get involved in protesting and stuff like that. What message do you hope to pass on to people overall and even right now? I’ve said this a lot but my message is the problems that are going on right now aren’t inevitable, the people causing the degradation of our planet are real people, and they have names and addresses and everything, just like you and me, and they can be stopped, you know we can save our plant, it’s not an inevitable problem if we fight it and combat it, and save it. – KATY KASPER

#SAMfastfacts SHARF senior Mission

Help get environmentally proactive politicians elected.

Biggest challenge People being close-minded and negative about the state of the environment.

Inspiration Awareness of how seriously our climate has been affected.

biggest accomplishment Influencing others to care about the earth.

Longtime advocate for “Our Planet”, Sam Sharf expresses his mission to fight for the environment. Sharf has previously campaigned for politicians with environmentally conscious platforms, including governor candidate Andrew Gillum in 2018. – NATALIE KERR

PO’P February 2019 | spotlight | 23

designer – natalie kerr

Advocating for my community Senior supports Community Tampa Bay

Can you tell me about your nonprofit? The nonprofit I work for is called Community Tampa Bay. The nonprofit’s mission is to end all forms of discrimination, so with that we do development for both professional and youth. I am an intern now currently with them since August, but I have been working in the organization since my freshman year of high school. I attended their program Any Town, a residential program where we learn about youth development and social issues. That’s where my passion ignited, and from there I have been volunteering with them and staffing their programs. How did you decide to go into that kind of work? When I went to the program going into my freshman year of high school, I was passionate about advocating and being really involved in the community. Participating in that program showed me exactly where I wanted to advocate for, which was social

justice and human rights. I am also very aware of my identity of being an Egyptian person, so that combined with the work I do with Community Tampa Bay makes me passionate to do that work all the time because I know that I have the capacity to do it, so I do it. What type of work does your organization do? We do a lot of youth development, so youth development is where we have programing and we come to schools and we facilitate events and do year-round programming as well. We have one program in the summer called Any Town – it’s a five-day, four-night program. It’s at Eckerd College. It is 100 percent free for every student who wants to attend. Any high school student can go. What has been most rewarding regarding your nonprofit work? I think a huge thing for me is just knowing so many people in our community and knowing so many people at Plant, and just

having that sense of community What changes do you wish to is really strong for me... I think evoke on your community? because I’m meeting so many peoStarting with the Plant comple and getting to know them and munity, I feel that there are so hearing their stories... many amazing humans That then makes ev- “Empathy is some- that attend this school erything worth it. and so many people At the end of the thing that’s kind of who are passionate and day, my work and any that drive and lost. We all know have work that we should sometimes, what’s not be doing and working how to have it, and matched, is empathy. hard for today is to Empathy is someuplift society in some yet we don’t do it.” thing that’s kind of capacity... So, it’s not lost. We all know how just me doing all those – Lena Diasti to have it, and yet we things – it’s also me don’t do it. preparing others to do the same in I think for me, not only seeing a greater capacity. that in the community at Plant, Do you want to pursue this type but in South Tampa and in the of work as a career? world, that’s such a problem beI’m really interested in social cause we have the capacity to do so, justice, human rights and advoca- yet we don’t practice it, and once cy, so I really want to study inter- we practice it, we will make other national relations. humans want to practice empathy I think that people put their and practice this radical way of livpassions on the back burner and ing for yourself but making sure think that it can’t be a career when others are doing the same. in reality it can be, especially in to- – MAIZIE TREMBLAY day’s world when so many human rights are being violated.

#lenafastfacts diasti senior

As an intern for the nonprofit Community Tampa Bay, senior Lena Diasti is an advocate for “Equity.” Diasti has been volunteering with them since her freshman year and became an intern in August 2018. – PAOLA LABORDA

Mission

Inspiration

To end all forms of discrimination.

My community

Biggest challenge

biggest accomplishment

Knowing age does not define me and how much I am capable of

The growth I have experienced, and the help I have provided to my community

24 | spotlight | PO’p february 2019

designer – Natalie kerr

Advocating for SAFETY

Primary organizers for the “Break the Silence” basketball game, juniors Riley Schofner and Heather Mcgeachy hold a sign expressing their aim to “Stop the Violence.” Also known as “Get Loud”, this event requires the crowd to remain silent until the ninth point in honor of domestic violence victims.– PAOLA LABORDA

designer – alea jennings

PO’P February 2019 | spotlight | 25

Teen combats domestic violence When did the Get Loud event take place? It happened January 17th. What was the purpose of the event? To raise awareness for domestic violence. Can you describe what happens during the Get Loud event? It’s basically a basketball game. And the way we raise awareness for domestic violence is that until the home team scores nine points, the stands are completely silent in honor of domestic violence victims. Why is this cause significant to you? I just feel like there’s too much hatred in this world, and people don’t deserve to feel unsafe or unloved, especially by people that they know and love.” What do you hope people get out of this event? Just a little more compassion, and people wanting to change. Where do you hope to take this

cause in the future? Any future goals? I think just passing it down, making it grow, and bringing all of the schools together, making it more of a community-wide event

Most people are really ready to change, they’re just waiting for someone to start it. – Heather Mcgeachy instead of just a school one. What have you taken away from this experience? Have you learned any skills you hope to use in the future? One skill overall is that you never know what people are going to say when you ask them, because so many people have been so helpful in the process, and it can be scary to ask but as soon as you ask most people are really ready to change, they’re just waiting for someone to start it.

Junior hosts third ‘break the silence’ event

What role did you have in this event? To what extent were you involved? I’m 100% the guy behind it. Heather McGeachy kind of piggybacked on. I started it at this school, and she asked if she could help.

Why is this cause significant to you? I just kind of represent it. I go to these events, I go to these state-wide events for the Youth Action Committee, I represent the district and I go to a bunch of meet-

#Riley fastfacts Schofner junior Mission

Inspiration

Domestic violence prevention

Heard about it at another school and wanted to bring it to Plant

Biggest challenge

biggest accomplishment

It’s not challenging at all, it’s my third year doing this

Pulling off the event his freshman year

How would you measure the success of this event? Just seeing people change and get wowed by the facts that we throw at them and see that they’re understanding it, because

half the things said I didn’t even know about. So many people are unaware and it’s because nobody’s said anything.” – MICHELLE RICONES RODRIGUEDZ

#Heather fastfacts Mcgeachy junior Mission

Inspiration

To raise awareness about domestic violence

Her friend who started this event at Robinson

Biggest challenge

biggest accomplishment

Spreading the word

Being able to support the kids at the Crisis Center

ing for the Youth Action Committee. and examples of healthy ways to deal with The biggest thing about it is that they’re conflict within a relationship. all women – I’m the only guy there. The What do you hope people get out of this reason is that I’m just showing that white event? men can care too. Just that I’m a person who can teach, You have all these women sitting here and if you have any problems you can talk telling you how bad domestic violence is, to me. I guess the biggest part about it and they know that men are the ones that is that we have that community within provoke and abuse their partners, and I the school. need to show that men are the ones that Where do you hope to take this cause in really want to stop it and change their be- the future? Any future goal? havior, so it’s just trying to reach the tarDo it again next year. And especially get audience, which is men who need to to have another student take over when change their behavior. I’m gone. That’s what the core I’m showing that we should What have you of everything we’re trytaken away from this stop it before it even happens. experience? Have you ing to do is; prevention, which is what I real- – Riley Schofner learned any skills you ly try to focus on, by hope to use in the fuspeaking to youths about how to prevent ture? it. I guess a big problem with a lot of It’s my third year doing this, I’ve done these women – it’s not a problem, it’s just this already. It’s cut-and-dry, it’s the same the way it is – is that the main focus is on thing. It gets easier every year. what to do when you’re in that situation, How would you measure the success of how to avoid it, and how to leave it and go this event? to a place that can help you. Attendance has risen. There were I’m showing that we should stop it be- more kids here than last year, so I guess I fore it even happens. I’m going to these feel successful in that way. – MICHELLE schools to talk to these kids about what RICONES RODRIGUEZ a good relationship is, what a bad one is,

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28 | opinions | PO’p february 2019

designer – isabella ank

No More waiting citizens should always be active in community

Staff Editorial

here seems to be a pattern of action whenever a tragedy in the United States takes place. The incident receives maximum media coverage, politicians tweet out empty promises and protests calling for change spring up around the country. Soon afterwards, however, the media coverage dwindles, no political action is taken and even the most vigorous protests die out. Life in America seemingly goes back to normal until another tragedy occurs, perpetuating the cycle once again. Society’s reactive nature generates this thought process. Rather than being proactive and finding flaws within the system, we are forced to learn the existence of those flaws through calamitous lessons. Whether or not they are addressed, problems exist. However, just because said problems are ignored by the media or general public does not eliminate the responsibility of civilians and politicians alike to solve them. Take, for example, the controversial debate on gun control. The most recent major shooting that comes to mind for many is the massacre that occurred in Parkland, Florida last year. In the weeks following the shooting, gun control took centerstage on various media outlets, spawning March for Our Lives protests coast to coast and other protests that wished to protect Second Amendment Rights. In the end, however, nothing was achieved in the political arena (Dick’s Sporting Goods discontinued their sale of rifles, but this is a commercial store). In order to see change for the better, actions need to be taken even if there hasn’t been a tragedy. Protests should continue, awareness should continue to be raised and civilians need to pressure politicians to amend or create policies. To be proactive, students can find causes that suit their interests. This can be done through a quick Google search or networking. Some may also choose to get involved in causes that their friends participate in. This way, the experience may be more enjoyable for new volunteers. Others, however, may not find any organizations that are working towards a specific cause they support. In this case, it is always possible to

Chloe-Amelie Aikman start a new movement dedicated to this cause. Though more difficult, this can be rewarding for the cause someone is passionate about. Just as advocacy work is important for a cause, so is raising awareness, especially if the general public doesn’t have much knowledge about it. In the digital age, raising awareness can easily be done through social media campaigns or YouTube videos. Yet another step that can be taken to bring change is by petitioning the government.

While large protests in Washington, D.C. will bring the spotlight to an issue, it isn’t the only option. On a local level, anyone can easily get in contact with their congressional representative via e-mail or a letter. It is important to keep in mind that change is never guaranteed. Knowing this, it is essential for people to continue to try and usher it in, otherwise the country will be at a stalemate. Society has no time to wait for the next tragedy to occur; there needs to be action now.

PO’P February 2019 | opinions | 29

designer –alexis alvarez

IS PROTESTING EFFECTIVE?

Pro

et’s be real – in this day and age, it’s too easy to feel like nothing is ever going to change no matter how much you scream and fight. However, even seemingly insignificant protests (such as ones sparked by or on social media websites) can have a staggeringly large domino effect; this is what makes it so important to make your voice heard, no matter what. Although it’s unlikely a government official or celebrity will acknowledge a passionate protest post on Instagram or Twitter, what people fail to consider is that depending on your following, there’s a fair chance a good amount of people will see said post. It may be unlikely to change peoples’ opinions with just one post, but those who feel the same may feel more inspired to take action. If you think about it, most marches or events are started through a smaller platform and gradually work their way up to having a large following. For example, after the Parkland shooting in 2018, the March for Our Lives movement was started on social media. Through people seeing, sharing and retweeting, this became a nationally-known movement and established multiple events in many states. I’d say that’s a pretty significant effect on people. Regardless of whether or not you can make a grand change through even small actions, it’s urgent to voice your opinion – it can reach more people than you think. -ARIANA CIMINO

change requires more than just words

n an age of hyper-awareness, where a movement can be born online instantaneously, it seems that we are in a golden age of social activism. Flaws can be exposed and authority challenged in 280 characters or less. The promise of improvement lies only a few clicks away. But perhaps that’s the obstacle. With so many different agendas, perhaps our cries are not as clear as they are cacophonous. We encourage each other to share our stories, write letters to our lawmakers and show solidarity by wearing the colors of our cause. And most often, we say we’re “raising awareness.” Acknowledging a problem is undoubtedly an essential step, but a cause with no teeth garners no change. Social media is one way to open a dialogue, but without real-world pressure – be it boycotts, walkouts, petitions or the thousand other forms of peaceful demonstration – then all we have is another hashtag. We can’t afford to be competing for the world’s attention with only a half-developed platform. In a survey by the Pew Research Center, 77 percent of Americans said they believe that social media distracts us from “truly” important issues. We need to be important. The right to protest is one that we have a responsibility to exercise, but when we stand up, we owe it to our cause to commit to more than words. We owe it to society to ensure that when we pick a fight, we choose the most effective – not the most convenient – way to protest. -CHLOE-AMELIE AIKMAN

con

making your voice heard can inspire action

maggie hayes

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32 | opinion | PO’p february 2019

eating disorder awareness month

hose who experience them know immediately what I’m referring to, or at least get a sickening sense they do. Maybe your body can’t regulate its temperature. Maybe you always feel bloated. Maybe your organs ache when you lie down or your heart races when you walk briskly to class. Maybe you can’t go out with friends anymore because you hate people watching you eat. Or maybe people start to wonder why your teeth are rotting, why your hair falls out in thick clumps, why you constantly crave peanut butter or why you refuse to drink a glass of water. Maybe your throat always hurts, and nothing stays down for long, so you give up on trying to hold it there. I’m talking about eating disorders. I don’t mean the cutesy kind you see portrayed in cheesy teen dramas, or the ones used as an incredibly stale taunt of skinny people; I’m referring to the silent and painfully slow killer of over 30 million people in the United States. They’re gross and terrifying, and they happen to more people than one would think, especially to adolescents. And that’s exactly why we need to talk about them. It’s tough to want to discuss them. Most people shuffle around the sensitive subjects a conversation entails, and with good reason – there’s absolutely nothing glamorous or beautiful about these mental illnesses. To begin, there are many types of eating dis-

orders, and you don’t have to be underweight to have one. The ones most commonly discussed are bulimia, characterized by binge-eating and then purging, and anorexia, where one may restrict their calories to as low as 100 a day or fast for weeks on end. Some others are orthorexia, which is an obsession with supposed clean eating, and binge eating disorder, where the name speaks for itself. People who have binge eating disorder may appear overweight, or someone with orthorexia could seem like the epitome of health; even someone with bulimia nervosa is generally able to maintain a healthy weight. If you want to break it down even further, an eating disorder is simply a mental illness that can lead to physical effects; it’s these after-effects that give eating disorders the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. It can be difficult to tell if someone close to you is struggling, so pay attention if you see them start to shut themselves off from others, as this is the most common sign. They might have reservations about going to eat, or just slowly slip away from talking to people as often as they used to. Based on the type of eating disorder a person has, the effects on their body can be different – however, this doesn’t make any one disorder worse than another. The most common effects between multiple types are hair loss, skin prob-

Caution – column contains: descriptions of eating disorders and their side effects.

Noticing Destructive Eating Habits Can Aid Recovery

lems, heart issues and eventually, organ failure. Because of the terrible effects an eating disorder can have on your body in such a short amount of time, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Many people who struggle with eating disorders say they don’t feel sick enough to get help yet, but here’s the kicker: you’ll never feel sick enough. As soon as your relationship with food starts to deteriorate, you’re sick enough. It’s not easy to open up about having an eating disorder. Anyone who has had one knows about the harsh comments that come with it — whether they’re from parents, friends or distant relatives who think they know more about your body than you – people are always quick to comment on any weight change. It’s devastating that people will tell a slightly overweight girl she is in poor health and, all the while, turn a blind eye to a girl with anorexia – or maybe even praise her. To anyone struggling, it may seem like a difficult decision, but making the choice to talk about it is so worth it. Recovery is a long and winding road, and it can sometimes be two-steps-forward, three-steps-back; however, I assure you that the end goal of eating your favorite food without worry is the most freeing feeling in the world. After all, life is too short to continue counting your cornflakes. -ARIANA CIMINO

How this affects Plant: Students often feel pressure to diet and typically act on this urge

Students felt pressure to diet but never really attempted to do so

32%

30% 38%

Students have never felt pressure to diet

Graphics by Maggie Hayes and Laura ALvarez

Students have personally struggled with an eating disorder

Students know of someone who has struggled with an eating disorder

36%

11%

Students have had a loved one struggle with an eating disorder

Students feel insecure about their body multiple times per week Students never feel insecure about their body

32% Students feel insecure about their body at least once a day

27%

20% 9% Students have helped some- 8% one with an eating disorder

Students have never been exposed to an eating disorder

19%

38%

Students feel insecure about their body every once in a while

Statistics gathered from an online survey taken by 270 Plant students in February 2019

designer – alexis alvarez

PO’P February 2019 | opinions | 33

Plastic Planet Oceans Waste Away Due to Pollution

icture 50 years from now: oceans will be covered with an inconceivable amount of trash such as plastic bottles, plastic bags, cigarettes, food wrappers, plastic utensils, straws, beverage cans and paper bags due to the fault of humans. The amount of trash is unacceptable. Think about having children in the future who will have to live on a destroyed planet due to people living now who do not care about Earth. It is predicted by the Center for Biological Diversity that the amount of plastic in oceans will exceed the amount of fish in oceans by 2050. Plastics are very harmful towards sea life, and even the smallest things like a plastic bottle cap can kill an animal. According to Coastal Care, the number of fish will decrease because of plastic pollution, which will tremendously impact humans for the worse. Fish are an important food source that provides protein needed for the human diet. As stated by the Borgen Project, although there is a large variety of other foods in the United States, fish is one of the very few food resources available for the survival of people from poorer countries, providing a source of income to support those families. If fish were extinct, poverty would increase substantially in poor countries. It is excruciating to watch a person walk by a piece of trash in a public area without picking it up and throwing it away properly. If every person in this planet picked up trash, the planet would be instantly cleaner. Picking up trash

everyday should be a top priority for everyone to live on a healthy Earth. Going to beaches is one of the most popular activities for people on vacation, but imagine if there wasn’t a beach to even go to because of pollution. A person would not want to swim in plastic infested water, so can it be expected that animals should do so? Children in the future may never be able to see marine animals because they are extinct from swallowing trash they thought was food. These children will not even know what an ocean looks like because of careless people who inhabit this world. One other problem that hurts oceans is red tide. According to Science Daily, harmful algae forms in red tide that changes the color to red, brown, green or purple. Scientists are trying experiments to eradicate red tide by applying copper sulfate to the red tide cells, but this process can still harm some marine animals. The reason to care about red tide is that it damages the beaches near Tampa and the Bayshore area so that there will be no beach to come to relax on. Instead, the beaches will be too filthy to swim in. A bad case of endless coughing and trouble breathing will harm Tampa residents. Also, the sea life in Tampa will die due to red tide. If nothing will be done to clean the Bayshore area, then clean water will become part of the past. There is still not an official way for the Floridians to eradicate red tide, although it is still important for the people of Tampa to take care of

plastic pollution By the Numbers 60% of all seabirds have eaten pieces of plastic

40% of the world’s ocean

surfaces are covered in plastic

12,000-24,000

Fish ingest tons of plastic each year

267 species have been affected by plastic pollution in the ocean

100,000 marine animals are killed by plastic annually

SOURCE: CENTERFORBIOLOGICALDIVERSITY.ORG

their waters. An amazing way to help save the ocean and marine life is to use reusable versions of straws, plastic bags, coffee-cup lids and plastic wrap. Another way to contribute to keeping the ocean clean is to not buy water, but instead to use a reusable plastic water bottle.

GRAPHICS BY:ALEXIS ALVAREZ, CARTER HAMLIN, MAGGIE HAYES

A little effort and care can go a long way to restore the ocean to be clean and crystal clear the way Mother Nature originally created it. To keep the planet clean, make sure to recycle to preserve Earth’s natural beauty for future generations. -NICOLE PRUS

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36 | opinion | PO’p february 2019

designer –laura alvarez

for the LOVE of the COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYERS ALREADY RECEIVE ENOUGH BENEFITS, SHOULD NOT BE PAID

GAME T

ariana cimino

hree weeks into the college football season, Ohio State’s All-American defensive end Nick Bosa was ruled out due to a core muscle injury and given no time table for his return. Instead of continuing to be part of the team, he decided to leave school and focus on rehabilitation to be ready for the 2019 NFL Draft. Situations like these, which are becoming more common, bring up the highly controversial question once again: should college football players be paid? These athletes are risking life-altering injuries every time they step on the field. They are making a profit for the school they attend when fans buy tickets to see them play on Saturday afternoons, and they are advertising for brands such as Nike, Adidas and Under Armor every time they put on their uniform. However, despite these things, unless they walk-on, these young men are on full-ride scholarships. Full scholarships cover their tuition, fees and course-related books and give them a stipend for living expenses. They are given tutors for their courses as well as fully paid meal plans and medical care. They have the opportunity to complete their undergrad and gain professional experience for no cost, which is something students who do not have athletic capabilities can only dream about. They do not have to worry about leaving college and having to make money to pay off student loans that they acquired.

Although colleges and universities generate a profit from sporting events that the athletes partake in, they would not be able to afford to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual salary to a roster of up to 85 players on scholarship. In order to find money to pay these salaries, colleges would have to make cuts elsewhere, whether that be other sports or facilities. To add to this, not every school has the same budget, so each school would have a different salary that they would be able to award to their players which would affect recruiting. Recruits would more likely choose to attend the school that pays their players the most. And from there, where would you draw the line? Just because a player is on scholarship does not guarantee him any playing time. Would you pay starters the same amount as players that stay on the bench most of the season? This also leads to the issue of fairness. How do you justify paying the young man on the football field, when there is a young woman across the street from the football facility on the soccer field putting in hours but not getting a penny? However, we are forgetting the true meaning of collegiate football. There are two reasons athletes decide to dedicate their lives to the sport: their love of the game and their desire to go pro. By paying these players, the heart of the college football industry would be ruined because the players wouldn’t have to make it to the NFL to make a living. -KATE CARANANTE

designer – alexis alvarez

PO’P February 2019 | sports | 37

signing day 2019

Students sign national letters of intent

itting in front of family and friends in the media center, five seniors signed their national letters of intent on National Signing Day Wednesday, Feb. 6. “Football is a game that carves itself deep inside of your soul,” head coach Robert Weiner said. “So, there’s a reason why when we get to this culmination day, a day of choosing a school that not only will you go and pursue all of your academic pursuits, but also will play football in, there’s a reason why this day becomes so emotional.” The “culmination day” as referred to by Weiner started with a viewing of the player’s highlight reels. Following this, each player announced which school he will be attending next year and then signed his letter of intent. First to announce was defensive back Enrique Jerico DeJesus. He will be moving to Boca Raton, Florida as he will be attending Florida Atlantic University to further his academic and athletic career. “I don’t know that we have a better and sometimes more subtle representation of what we always try to be about,” Weiner said. “He is the ultimate lunch-pail guy who comes every single day, never misses a moment, always does his job, always does it to the best of his ability and is always there.”

After transferring to Plant for his senior year, wide receiver Caleb Faris became a receiver that was “always getting open” and in the last five games, he had over 25 catches. He signed as a preferred walk-on at Florida State University. “Ever since I can remember, it’s always been a dream to play at Florida State,” Faris said. “It’s always been a dream to wear the garnet and gold. I know for a fact that I would never be standing here wearing this emblem if it wasn’t for Coach Weiner and the whole entire Plant football staff.” Quarterback Jude May transferred to Plant his junior year and prepared to compete for the starting job. When he did not beat out the competition, he decided staying at Plant was the best option for him, even if he wasn’t the starter. He eventually earned a preferred walkon status from the University of Florida. “He wasn’t a Plant Panther from the beginning, but he is a Plant Panther through and through,” Weiner said. “We want players that are competing for their spots every single day, but then we want players who are going to be teammates whether it works out exactly the way you thought or didn’t think.” Wide receiver Romain Smoke Mungin became the second senior to announce he was taking his talents to Florida Atlantic University

2 1 1. Following his introduction senior quarterback Jude May signs his letter of intent Wednesday, Feb. 6 in the media center. May received a preferred walk-on status at the University of Florida. 2. Following the signing of their letters of intent, seniors Caleb Faris, Enrique Jerico DeJesus, Jude May, Romain “Smoke” Mungin and Cameron Shaw stand alongside head coach Robert Weiner in the media center Wednesday, Feb. 6. They all announced their decisions to play Division I football on National Signing Day. 3. Before signing his letter of intent head coach Robert Weiner introduces senior wide receiver Caleb Faris Wednesday, Feb. 6 in the media center. Faris signed to become a preferred walk-on at Florida State University. – KATE CARANANTE

when he placed a “FAU” hat on his head. “Even though the recruiting process for me went bad, with the situation I was in because of my grades, Coach kept pushing me, kept helping me,” Mungin said. “He kept striving to get me somewhere.” Originally committed to Boston College, Mungin found a better fit for him closer to home with the assistance of Weiner. “This is a young man with all that talent and he just humbly goes about his game,” Weiner said. “There is a very, very kind and gentle soul inside a violent and fast body of this young man and that is the perfect balance for a football player, and since the moment he stepped on our campus, he has been a difference maker.” Last to sign was 6-foot-6 defensive back Cameron Shaw. Shaw’s recruitment started late after missing his junior year to an injury, but with the support of friends like DeJesus, he completed his senior campaign and he will be moving on to the University of Central Florida. “I didn’t think this day would ever come,” Shaw said. “Missing my entire junior year for an injury, it’s just been tough. I just want to thank my best friend for keeping me honest, keeping me in the weight room, and on the field.” -KATE CARANANTE

38 | Sports | PO’p february 2019

designer – laura Alvarez

winter sports close out their competitive seasons

SPORTS UPDATE wrestling The wrestling team has competed in nine matches this season and have qualified for counties, which will be Friday, Feb. 22. “We’ve been doing pretty well,” senior Gabe Givens said. “At tournaments we’ve been placing top three and we’ve had a lot of guys place.” With four injuries this season, the Varsity team needed to call-up JV players in order to compete. “We have a lot of younger guys, freshman and sophomores, that are stepping up for the challenges if we don’t have a wrestler at a certain weight class,” senior Luccas Papa said. “Also, the seniors are killing it in our final season.” – KATE CARANANTE

Attempting to pin an opponent, freshman John Michael Prudhoe grabs his leg before liting and throwing him don to the ground Dec. 11, 201 at Robinson High School. Prudhoe has been on the junior varsity team for one year. – ALEA JENNINGS

Special Olympics

The Project Unify basketball team poses with their gold medals after their division win Saturday Feb. 9 at State Special Olympics. They competed against teams from Pasco, Polk and Hillsborough counties for regionals. – GRACEN RIVERA

The Project Unify basketball team won a gold medal in their division Saturday, Feb. 9 at State Special Olympics in Taveres Florida. Soccer season has recently kicked off, too. “My favorite part is probably just being able to hang out with the athletes and just being a part of a program like that,” sophomore Emma Welch said. The Panther Gold bas-

ketball team also won their regional game at Berkley Prepatory School in January, where they earned their place at state for the second year in a row. “It felt really good, it is a cool feeling seeing the players apply what we did in practice” Gracen Rivera, Sophomore, Plant gold team coach. – HARTLEY HILL

designer – laura alvarez

PO’P February 2019 | spotlight | 39

basketball The girls basketball team is still advancing through the regionals tournament after becoming 8A District 8 champions. They face Bartow in the regional quarterfinals Thursday, Feb. 14. The girls need to win the next three games in order to attend state semifinals. “I think we’ll do good because we have been putting in some more difficult games this season and so I think we are going to be ready for the harder teams that we are going to see in regionals.” Boys basketball advanced to the district semi-finals

tournament beating Alonso High School 62-59. “The toughest part of the tournament for us is going to be bringing the same energy for all three nights this week,” senior Zach Brown said. “It’s going to be hard to be able to play at our best consistently for the whole game and not give up at any point.” The boys basketball season concluded during a home game Feb. 13 against Freedom High School. With the final score being 61-38 Freedom, the team will not advance to finals. – HARTLEY HILL

Dribbling the ball junior Izzy Shein looks for an open pass Thursday, Feb. 5 in the gym. The game versus Alonso ended in a 62-59 win for the varsity team. – MAIZIE TREMBLAY

Making one of the first shots of the night, sophomore Nyla Jean takes a layup in the gym Jan. 8. Varsity girls basketball took the win against Wharton High School 62-21. – BRENNA ANDERSON

Soccer Hockey The boy’s hockey team finished the season with a record of 13-92, under coach Dax Burkhart. “It was probably our strongest season my two seasons with the team,” sophomore Lewis Priestley said. “We made it the farthest in the playoffs.” They entered the playoffs and

won the first two games but lost 2-3 in overtime of the semi-final game against Steinbrenner High School at Brandon Ice Sports Forum Feb. 8. “My favorite part of the season was playing the semi-final game,” Priestley said. “It was intense.” – KATE CARANANTE

Moving towards the ball, sophomore Davis O’Malley gains possession and dribbles upfield Jan. 8 at Dad’s Stadium. O’Malley played mid-field and took one shot against Wharton High School. – GRACEN RIVERA

The boys soccer team wrapped up their season with a 14-3 record. They scored 65 goals and only gave up 10 under coach Janessa Taddei. “Overall we played really well this season as a team, and our coach did a really good job giving everyone equal playing time,” freshman Hayden Judge said. “It was just a really good experience for everyone.” The season ended when they lost in the district semifinals to Wiregrass Ranch Wednesday, Jan. 30.

The girls soccer team finished their season with an overall 12-3-1 record under coach Alex Venegas. “I think we grew a lot because in the beginning of the season we didn’t know how to play with each other,” sophomore Claire Rain said. “By the end we got really good. I felt like we should have gone farther, but we didn’t sadly.” They lost 1-0 in the districts tournament against Wiregrass Ranch Thursday, Jan. 31, ending their advancement to states. – HARTLEY HILL

During the quarter final game against the Seminole Sharks, senior Hamilton Reese skates into the offensive zone Feb. 6. The team earned their first win against the Sharks after three consecutive quarter final losses. – NATALIE ULM