May 2019

po’p

the

pep o’ plant may 2019 Volume 92 Issue 6 H.B. Plant High School 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629

people issue

be the voice for suicide prevention

Spotlight: people of plant

Should summer be spent working?

page 5

pages 9-27

page 29

cover design – alexis perno

2 | Table of contents | PO’p may 2019

Table of contents 4 5 9 11

News update voice of hope money mitch Aarushi Pratap

15 16 19 21

megan hamilton featured artists Leah Burgin Mary Ellen Eudaly

23 27 28 29

david hutchinson Isabella costa staff editorial pro/con

Letter from the editor Why The People Issue?

Throughout the year, we as a publication have had the opportunity to cover so many fascinating stories. Some of our most impressive of these are our features on members of the student body and their pursuits, hobbies and interests.

I know that I speak for other staff members as well in saying that hearing about the passions of others and learning just what an incredible and active group of students are present here is one of the best experiences of serving this publication.

Yet, for several reasons, we have not had the opportunity to share as many of these stories in printed form as we would like.

To remedy this, our final issue’s Spotlight focuses exclusively on the people of Plant: what they do and who they are. Students of all different talents and skills are included to showcase the breadth of activities that the students of this school – our classmates and our friends – are involved in.

From our very own rap artist, to a competitive dog trainer and award-winning artists, Plant is home to individuals who possess incredible and unique talents.

What’s yours?

Find us Twitter

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@plantpop Pep O’ Plant @humansofplanthigh

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page design- natalie kerr

Policies Mission: The Pep O’ Plant is a student-run newsmagazine serving the community of H.B. Plant High School. The mission of the Pep O’ Plant is to provide an open forum for the free exchange of ideas.

Code of Ethics: Students are expected to adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. Consequences for knowingly or unintentionally violating this code include, but are not limited to, probationary status on staff, zero credit for the assignment and removal from leadership positions.

Editorial Policy: The editorial board will make all decisions for the publication. Editorial board members will discuss controversial issues and consider the advice of the adviser before making decisions regarding coverage.

Unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the editorial board. Signed opinion columns and reviews do not reflect the views of the entire staff, adviser, faculty or administrators of Plant High School.

Letters to the Editor Policy: Letters to the editor can be emailed to pepoplantnews@gmail.com.

Letters may be no more than 250 words for publishing purposes.

The editorial board reserves the right to edit for length, clarity and grammar in order to meet Associated Press style guidelines. Letters may be rejected in cases of obscene, threatening or libelous language.

Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published.

Obituary Policy: Any current student, staff or faculty member who dies during the year will be recognized with a 300-word obituary and one yearbook-style photo. The editorial board may decide to cover the deaths of alumni or former staff/faculty members when appropriate.

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 may 2019 | table of contents | 3

PO’P

Staff PEP O’ PLANT | phsnews.com

editor-in-chief

Sports Editor

Writers

Graham Hill

Kate Caranante

Addie Robey

Design editor

Sports Manager

Faculty Adviser

Alexis Perno

chris pisciotti

Louisa Avery

Managing Editor

multimedia editor Design adviser

Michelle Tutor

Riley Schofner

christina porcelli

Copy Editors

Social Media Managers

This Issue’s Contributors

Clio Bruno Jessie Larrinaga

Meaghan Hamilton Natalie Ulm david hutchinson isabella costa summer purks Brian taylor josephine johnson

Hartley Hill Lily Phenis

Photo Editor Brenna Anderson

News Editor Carol Kornworcel

Designers Alexis Alvarez Laura Alvarez maizie tremblay lauren rose

Features Editor Ava Nelson

Opinions/ Exressions Editor

Photographers Avery Franks Hartley Hill Kate Caranante

Ariana Cimino PO’P is a member of Quill and Scroll, National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia University Press Association, Florida Scholastic Press Association and Southern Interscholastic Press Association.

Free distribution,1000 copies printed Contribute your own work: phsnews.com/Expressions

Plant High School

2,469 students; 143 faculty & staff 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa FL, 33629 (813) 272-3033

4 | news | PO’p may 2019

designer – alexis perno

news update

Striking a pose, senior Nathan Patterson plays his role in “The Drowsy Chaperone” in the auditorium April 5. Patterson played the role of European lover, Aldolpho. —AVERY FRANKS

Students presented awards for achievement

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uniors and seniors received academic, scholarship and other awards at a ceremony Wednesday, April 24.

The awards are sponsored by different institutions and universities, including Dartmouth, the University of Virginia, Smith College, Wellesley Collge and Princeton.

“Many of the book awards are given to the junior class,” college and career counselor Lauren Moseley said. “It’s an honor to get any of the awards.”

Military academy applicants and the top student in all academics are also recognized and honored

at the ceremony.

“The goal of the ceremony is to reward all of these hardworking kids for their achievements over the year,” Moseley said.

The highest award that can be received is the “Golden Panther” award, recognizing a student who has shown dedication to academic achievement and participation community service.

“I’m very honored and proud of every student who is receiving awards,” Bush said. “Any award is a great achievement to receive, and every student should be proud.”

—ADDIE ROBEY

Theater students receive award nominations

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ix theater students have been nominated to participate in the Broadway Star of the Future showcase for their performances in their spring musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

Broadway Star of the Future is Tampa Bay’s awards program in part with the National High School Musical Theater Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards.

“I am enormously proud of all of the nominees,” theater teacher and troupe leader Dan Franke said.

“I feel an even greater sense of accomplishment for the kids, knowing some of the challenges they had to face and overcome. These girls and guys are not just talented. They are dedicated, focused and tenacious on the stage, and that is a testament to their desire to do all they can to make sure that their castmates shine.”

Sophomore Cameron Summitt, who played the character Man in Chair, and senior Nathan Patterson, who played the character of Aldolpho, were nominated for lead actor roles in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” This are their first nominations.

“I am so honored to have gotten nominated,” Patterson said. “It truly reflects the character of all of those part of the Plant Theatre Company who welcomed me with open arms and helped me improve

every single day in order to be the very best Aldolpho I could be.”

The two nominees for lead actress roles are sophomore Toni Keene for her role of the Drowsy Chaperone, and Logan Franke, for her role of Janet Van De Graaf.

This is Keene’s first nomination and Franke’s second.

“Being nominated is really an honor,” Keene said. “It’s something I have been wanting to work for since freshman year, even though I really didn’t know what it was.

It was really great to be able to work with people who have been nominated and have made it to the Jimmy’s which is the higher-up contest. It’s great to follow into Logan Franke and Maggie Musco’s footsteps, and it’s really great to be able to experience this.”

The two supporting performer nominations went to juniors Jason Calzon, for his role of George, and Niki Peacock, for ensemble.

“It feels really exciting that I stood out to people and proud that someone appreciated the time it took to form a character,” Peacock said. “I was surprised to be nominated because I’m not much of a singer but glad my acting and dancing made up for it. My hope is to prove I deserve this award and work harder in everything moving forward.”

— CAROL KORNWORCEL

Chorus students prepare to sing the national anthem at the senior and book awards ceremony April 27. The ceremony recognizes juniors and seniors for achievements throughout the year. — AUBREY RAMSFIELD

designer – alexis perno

PO’p may 2019 | news | 5

voice of hope

Students participate in talent show for suicide awareness

Opening the first act, lead singer of Zenith and senior Alex Cheatham sings “Sparks Fly”, an original song, at the Be The Voice talent show April 23. The talent show was founded by senior Emily Surak for suicide prevention awareness. —GRACEN RIVERA

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ixteen different groups of students per- where kids are and what interests them.” formed at the Be The Voice for Hope Zenith, a rock band made up of five stutalent show April 23 in the auditorium to dents, opened the night performing their origspread suicide prevention awareness. inal song “Sparks Fly”. Lead singer and senior This was the second annual Be The Voice Alex Cheatham performed last year with the talent show, organized by senior Emily Surak. Pink Panthers a cappella group.

Surak said winning the Lightning Heroes of “It was so amazing,” Cheatham said. “I love Tomorrow award inspired her to produce the performing and I love performing rock music show again. the most because it’s so thrilling and so fun.

“I wanted to produce this originally because You can dance to it, you can rock to it and have I’ve had multiple friends over the years that have a great experience in general, especially to perstruggled with depression or suicidal thoughts, form in front of smiling faces which is really and I realized that this was a big issue in our nice.” community,” Surak said.

The judges of The Crisis Center were Anna Morris, of Tampa Bay and the This kind of event shows people that Olivia Fiss, Grymes American Foundation for Cannon and Father Suicide Prevention had no matter what they’re going through, Len Plazewski. Their tables set up to present top three choices for and talk about their or- they have a basis of support for them. winners were junior ganizations. Ken Gibson, - Meghan Martinez Megan Martinez in the director of marketing first, sophomore Avand public relations, atery Franks in second tended the event with Emily Weir, a representa- and junior Caroline Baird in third. tive of the center.

“I think this event is so important to have “The Crisis Center is glad to have some way because so much of depression and suicidal to interact with the teens in the community,” thoughts is based on a feeling of loneliness,” Weir said. “People don’t typically want to talk Martinez said. “This kind of event shows people about it, thinking that if they don’t talk about that no matter what they’re going through, they it then it won’t happen. We would much rath- have a basis of support for them.” er have some sort of way to inform people and Sophomore Parker Shaw performed a tell them how to address it and resolve it, and self-written stand-up comedy routine about a talent show is a great way to do it because it’s three different movie theater experiences he has

“

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had. This was the first time he has performed in this talent show.

“I think stand up is a very under-represented part of comedy in schools,” Shaw said. “People would just have random outbursts and it would be funny, but it’s rarely seen on formal school stages and settings. I thought I might as well do that about something that I really care about.”

The Pridettes made an appearance during the performance along with freshman Katie Briet, who performed “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell.

“Being able to perform in this event felt really good because there have been experiences in the past with friends and just people around me who have dealt with these things and it’s a hard subject to cover, but I really like supporting that and bringing awareness to it,” Briet said. — CAROL KORNWORCEL

National Suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis resource hotline: 211

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PO’P may 2019 | news | 7

Congratulations

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design editor alexis perno

online editor nicole prus

managing editor michelle tutor

multimedia editor riley schofner

photo editor brenna anderson

copy editor lily phenis

Copy editor hartley hill

news editor carol kornworcel

features editor ava nelson

expressions/ opinions editor ariana cimino

sports editor kate caranante

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over

music matter Money Mitch opens up about dreams

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itchell Holmes hops on stage, the “idrankyourlean is my best friend, so it is albeat drops and fans in the crowd go ways fun making music with him,” Holmes said. wild as they begin singing along to “We met through different people in seventh the local rap artist known to most as Money grade and have been friends ever since.”

Mitch. What seems like a fantasy to most sophHolmes hires someone to shoot and put toomore boys is just a normal Saturday night for gether music videos for him.

Holmes, pursuing his dream to be famous while “Getting over 30,000 views on ‘Stunting’ continuing to gain popularity. was huge for me,” Holmes said. “It’s my favorite His brothers, John and song I’ve written.”

Alex Holmes, gave Mitchell Various venues, consistHolmes his famous name of ing mostly of local parties, One of my favorite parts Money Mitch when he was invite and pay Holmes to very young. They have con- about making music is getting perform frequently. tinued to call him that ever “He just inspires me —MITCHELL HOLMES since and have been a large hate a lot because he is a new part of his inspiration. artist ... yet makes amazing “My biggest influence is music,” sophomore Chrismy brothers,” Holmes said. tiana Dirks said. “I really “They were always rapping around me as a kid think he could be something one day.” and were a big reason I started rapping because Holmes’ biggest dream is to get a million I was always close with them.” views on multiple of his songs in the future.

Holmes’ music is supported not only by his “I am going to perform in arenas on tour all family members, but by many students as well. over the world,” Holmes said.

He is well known and has a great number of fans Holmes has produced many songs that he in various high schools in South Tampa. has not released yet. He chooses to release them “I don’t listen to his music, but props to him when he feels it is the right time. because he is chasing his dream,” senior Walter “I recently made a song with Famous Dex Wilbon III said. and Jose Guapo,” Holmes said. “This guy from Holmes started making music when he was California who made songs with them DMed 12 years old. But before he was known for his me saying they have heard my music and liked music, he wanted to play football. it. Knowing they liked my music made me really “I loved playing football until I stopped in excited.” middle school,” Holmes said. “I ran out of time Holmes spent $2,000 to make a featured for it because music became more important to song with Famous Dex and Jose Guapo. He me.” plans on going to Los Angeles to shoot a video People started listening to his music when with them around November. he began dropping songs in 2016. Holmes’ first “One of my favorite parts about making muhit was “813 Anthem.” It received 2,300 views sic is getting hate,” Holmes said. “I like getting on YouTube and Spotify. it because it proves they listen to me. There’s “Knowing that everyone was listening to my never been a time where I was actually offendstuff was lit,” Holmes said. “I don’t know spe- ed.” cifically what happened, but people definitely People usually throw hate at him via social started acting different around me.” media, typically on Instagram and Snapchat.

His music was originally just on Sound “I mean I wish everyone loved me, but I Cloud. Now Holmes’ music is carried on plat- don’t really care that much,” Holmes said. “It’s forms such as Apple Music, YouTube and Spo- kind of funny in my opinion, and it motivates tify. me.” –HARTLEY HILL “I wanted to level up so that people could Gaining popularity in various South Tampa schools, hear me on everything,” Holmes said. rapper sophomore Mitchell Holmes is referred as MonIt takes Holmes about 30 minutes to make ey Mitch by his peers and teachers. Holmes has been a song. He does it all day, every day, usually making music since he was 12 years old and is known with sophomore Giovanny Condorpusa, known for his very first song “813 anthem” which got 2,300 views on YouTube and Spotify. –HARTLEY HILL as idrankyourlean.

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.”

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designer – maizie tremblay

PO’p may 2019 | features | 11

sew chic junior finds creative outlet in design

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he sits at her sewing table making final touches, feeding the sewing machine with colorful patterns and prints. For most students, a normal after-school activity consists of going to a sports practice or doing homework, but for junior Aarushi Pratap, it consists of designing and making various types of clothes.

“I love to design and sew,” Pratap said. “All I think about during the day is picking out my fabrics and starting on new projects.”

It takes Pratap about four to five hours to make a machine-sewn dress. She first sketches out her creation and measurements for the dress and then begins to sew.

“When I make dresses, I love to work with interesting and ethnic fabrics,” Pratap said. “I have also always loved creating vintage-looking clothes.”

Pratap finds most of her inspiration online, looking at other designers such as Elie Saab, Dolce Gabbana and Zuhair Murad. She also watches fashion programs such as Top Model and Project Runway to find inspiration.

“My design teacher in India helped me first learn how to design and make dresses in 2014,” Pratap said. “I also love watching how-to videos because it gives me inspiration and help with sewing.”

Pratap attended the Heritage School in Gurgaon, India, which is where she participated in her first fashion show. The show consisted of juniors and seniors but made a special exception for Pratap who was the only middle school and solo designer. The show followed a Renaissance theme.

“I loved designing those dresses in the fashion show,” Pratap said. “I love princess dresses, so it was very fun for me to do.”

Pratap moved from India to Tampa in 2015 and says that the fashion in Tampa is in some ways very different than in India, but in some ways similar.

“In Indian cities people wear more Western clothing, but we also have beautiful traditional Indian clothes and fabrics,” Patrap said.

Patrap prefers a mix of both, using tradi-

tional fabrics in modern designs. She loves to work with loud and colorful products, and Pratap’s friend Maggie Rowan says that her personality and style coincide.

“She has a very outgoing and extraverted personality, she is very bold and you can see that in her style,” Rowan said. “She is very out there.”

Rowan and Pratap were matched in the Best Buddies program at the beginning of the 2018 school year and do many things together, from participating in the Special Olympics to going shopping.

“I love being around her,” Rowan said. “She has such a fun personality and she is a very, very happy person to be around.”

Rowan and Pratap usually see each other three times a day and sometimes at lunch.

“When she eats with us during lunch, it’s so fun because I get to hear about all of her projects and cool designs that she is working on,” Rowan said.

Pratap has many projects going on right now; she just finished her Indian Summer Project, which she worked on from 2017 to 2018.

She will be starting up some new projects in 2019.

“All of my Indian Summer collection is made with handloom mill fabric, which is locally sourced from India,” Pratap said, “I thought of the name ‘Indian Summer Project’ because I was using Indian fabrics and the clothes where meant to feel very summery.”

Not only does Pratap make clothes for friends and family, but she also makes dresses for charity. Just recently she auctioned off a handmade dress, which raised $2,000 for Special Olympics.

With four years of fashion experience already under her belt, Pratap plans to become a fashion designer and have a successful brand. She wants to be able to follow her inspirations and create clothing that people will be excited to wear.

“I love to dream,” Pratap said. “And I think my dresses have a dreamy character, too.”— MAIZIE TREMBLAY

In store-bought clothing, junior Aarushi Pratap displays her fashion taste. Pratap started making clothes in India in 2014. —GRACEN RIVERA

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PO’p may 2019 | features | 15

Fetching first place

Sophomore trains dogs for competitions

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laying with dogs all day can seem like lots of fun, but for some, playing has turned into a professional competition and sport.

Sophomore Megan Hamilton has been training her two dogs Daisy and Derby, both dachshunds, and has been competing in dog shows for the past five years.

“Initially it was easy to begin, but as I progressed and became more competitive against other people, the difficulty increased and there were harder challenges,” Hamilton said. “For example, the complexity of an exercise in rally increases, and I have to train a lot and work hard with my dachshunds to be competitive and win placements.”

Participating in competitions like the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club and International Canine events and junior showmanship have strengthened her handle with her dogs and has made it a big part of her life, Hamilton

said. 4-H is a showmanship club that represents four personal development areas of focus for the showers: head, heart, hands and health.

“The reason I decided to start this sport is because when I was younger, I would always watch the dog shows and canine events when they came on T.V.,” Hamilton said. “My love for dogs also pushed me to start in 4-H.” Hamilton spends about six hours a week handling her dogs: three hours for a bathing and blow dry a week, 15 minutes for nails every three days, an hour in refreshing and training once a week and two hours for grooming daily.

“This is for sure a passion and a sport,” Hamilton said. “If you don’t have a passion for this, it is extremely hard to enjoy. Lots of work goes into every dog sport.”

Hamilton is a self-starting trainer by preparing her dogs at home using videos, articles and other sources to be able to train and perform

1 1. Posing with Ellie the standard poodle, Megan Hamilton holds her ribbon in Lakeland, Florida. Hamilton won a Reserve Best in Show at the competition. 2. Working with Simon the Ibizan Hound, Hamilton competes in a junior showmanship. Hamilton went on to win 2nd place out of about ten juniors. 3.

Competing at an American Kennel Club dog show, Hamilton works with Oscar, a miniature long-haired Dachshund, in Arcadia, Florida. Hamilton began working with dogs five years ago. 4. Posing for the “win photo,” Hamilton stands with Derby in West Palm Beach, Florida. Hamilton and Derby were awarded Reserve Best Junior Handler at an American Kennel Club Dog Show.

basic obedience and rally. Her dogs have learned basic training like sit, spin, focus, weave, beg, shake and touch.

In 2017 she met her mentor Marianna McCullough who breeds, shows and owns dachshunds as well as gets asked to judge occasionally.

Hamilton is a Junior Handler and on the top 10 list of Junior Handlers of 2018. She has competed in Westminster, Royal Canin, and all National Owner-Handled Series all-breed Florida shows.

In the future, Hamilton is not sure about what she wants to do with dog shows, but for now, wants to continue her passion and see where it takes her in the future.

“The thing about dog shows that appeals to me most is the bond between the dog and I,” Hamilton said. “How the dog pours their whole heart into performing well for me is what makes dog shows fun.” – CAROL KORNWORCEL

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4 Photos used with permission by Megan Hamilton.

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designer – Lauren Rose

16 | spotlight | PO’p may 2019

Made

to be

hannah hansted

Freshman Hannah Hansted’s piece “Monster Picnic” was exhibited at the Dali Musuem and received the Award for Excellence in the annual surrealist competition. Hansted said she finds reality “a little bland to a degree,” so she draws inspiration in things she finds strange, often combining elements of nature with mechanical and human structures in her work.

“Coming up with new ways things could work and seeing it move in your head, that’s always been fun,” Hansted said. —CHLOE-AMELIE AIKMAN

seen

student art featured throughout the year

Summer purks

Junior Summer Purks’ work “Surrealist Poster” was accepted by the Dali Musuem student fashion design program and was shown at the museum. The piece was inspired by Salvador Dali’s piece with the same title, “Surrealist Poster,” and ‘50s-style attire, such as a poodle dress and gloves. “My Dali piece means a lot to me in the way that I was able to do a lot of incredible things with it I otherwise would’ve been unaware of had I not joined the program,” Purks said. – ALEXIS PERNO

PO’p may 2019 | spotlight | 17

designer – Lauren Rose

junhao zhang

Junior Junhao Zhang won the firstplace award for 2D art at the 19th annual High School Fine Arts State Competition April 4 at Hillsborough Community College. In addition to being recognized for the quality of his piece, titled “Pocket Mao” and done in oil paints on canvas board, Zhang also received a $500 scholarship towards art courses and supplies at HCC. Zhang is inspired by the current political climate in China and uses his art as political satire.“It is something that I can use to criticize the society, through which it is still up to interpretation, definitive — what is existing with the uncertainty of human thought.”– CHLOE-AMELIE AIKMAN

Junior Chloe-Amelie Aikman’s piece “Mycolonic” was accepted by a state surrealist art competition hosted by the Dali Museum and will be on display there over the summer. The competition’s theme was “Waking Dreams,” and Aikman’s title refers to muscle spasms that occur during sleep. “To me, ‘Mycolonic’ is really about a fragmented state of being,” Aikman said. “It’s also about that space between sleep and consciousness. To me, I think it’s a fragmented state of mind, but it’s a beautiful, colored version of it.” – ALEXIS PERNO

chloe-amelie aikman

Freshman Tessa Kowalski’s self-portrait was exhibited at the Tampa Museum of Art after being admitted into the 14th Congressional District and Next Generation High School Art exhibition. Kowalski’s piece came from a class assignment to draw a self-portrait that included elements of how she sees herself, such as her addition of ram horns to the piece to represent her Chinese zodiac. Kowalski said her favorite part about creating art is the emotional outlet it provides. “Things that you can’t say with words you can just draw, and it’s satisfying and relaxing just to be able to,” Kowalski said.

— CHLOE-AMELIE AIKMAN

Tessa Kowalski

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PO’p may 2019 | features | 19

‘recovery is absolutely worth it’ Student opens up about eating disorder struggle

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unior Leah Burgin, a student with a history of disordered eating starting around seventh grade, recently went into residential treatment for six weeks after a relapse in summer. She was diagnosed in August and is currently in Partial Hospitalization Program for the disorder. Trigger warning for discussion of eating disorders.

How did you first open up about your disorder?

It was harder with family, because they saw me go through this weight change and they knew something was going on, but not to what extent. All of my friends were very supportive and compassionate about the situation, same with family but it was harder with them because of family therapy and them taking blame or thinking it was their fault.

It’s something that’s hard to open up about, but once you do it, it just feels so much better.

It doesn’t feel like this big secret you have anymore.

Going off that, you said earlier you relapsed over the summer. How has that impacted your recovery and what coping skills have you used as far as that?

I realized throughout this whole big journey that a big coping skill of mine is art – drawing, music, stuff like that. Honestly, it is life-changing, which sounds annoying, but it’s true. It was something that was so hard to come by, to understand and figure out.

A big step of recovery is understanding your coping skills. Some people like slime, some people like reading. The relapse was really hard more on myself. I would stay up almost all night just crying because of how guilty I felt, since I knew how hard it was to get myself out of this hole, so I would just cry.

I felt like something was wrong with me, I was doing everything wrong. I was leaning towards substances to kind of help get my mind off of it, which was in turn declining my health even further.

What’s your opinion on diet culture?

I hate it so much. I can understand it from a point of view of a health professional, like a doctor, saying something like, “Oh, you have high cholesterol, you should cut this and this out,” but the kind of fad diets that are going around are ridiculous.

It is just draining your body and your body goes into survival mode, just surviving on the fat that’s stored, and it’s just on rapid decline but

you don’t know it. You think you feel awesome, but it’s just your body on survival mode.

What do you think of the phrase, “You don’t look like you have an eating disorder?”

I got that a lot, actually. I had bulimia, which was the purging and the restriction, but if you did eat you’d throw it up. That one, you still get 60 percent of the caloric intake, which I didn’t know, but I know now. I lost weight, but everyone would be like, “You look fine, you look good, you look healthy,” and I would get compliments a lot.

It was kind of just me saying, “Oh well, I should keep doing this.” You’re trying to reach that goal of looking like you have an eating disorder, because that’s what you want to look like, so it kind of just further perpetuates this disordered thinking. And not everyone at Plant I think has an eating disorder, but I do believe that almost 98 percent of Plant has disordered eating or disordered thinking.

I think it’s a very common thing that is kind of stigmatized, especially in men and boys. They have it, they have muscle dysmorphia, they can have body dysmorphia. It’s a very common thing that isn’t addressed enough. It’s annoying.

How do you think people at Plant and on social media could help break the stigma about eating disorders?

I think it’s starting – slow start, of course – and I think the whole body-positive movement is amazing as long as it’s within reason and held to the correct interpretation.

I know it can be further continuing negative things, like body positive when you weigh 70 pounds and are six feet tall, like that’s not body positive, that’s you needing help. I think the kind of normalcy of seeing human shaped bodies in media and in movies and TV would help a lot.

Do you have any advice for anyone else hoping to work towards recovery also?

Recovery is absolutely worth it. It seems at the time that it isn’t, and it’s not a straight line – it is up and down, sideways, everywhere.

And it’s not just going to be easy, there’ll be a lot of challenges, but you have to have the motivation and the drive and people will love you and support you through anything you’re going through. — ARIANA CIMINO

After a relapse in the summer, junior Leah Burgin is currently in the Partial Hospitalization Program.

Previously, Burgin was in a residential facility.

—BRENNA ANDERSON

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PO’p may 2019 | sports | 21

the final mile student breaks school track record

Racing the last leg of the 4x800, freshman Mary Ellen Eudaly keeps a steady pace on her first lap at regionals April 27 at George Jenkins High School. The 4x800 team qualified for states, and Eudaly also qualified in the 3200-meter and 1600-meter. —HARTLEY HILL

F

reshman Mary Ellen Eudaly started running in sixth grade, but competing in cross country began for her just this past year.

“I love it,” Eudaly said. “The team is really fun. My sister is on the team, and her friend who has a sister in my grade is too, so the whole varsity is really close.”

After training all summer, Eudaly was able to make it in the top seven for the qualifying race and was even given a spot on varsity.

“It’s really cool,” Eudaly said. “I mean, I knew going in that I would probably make varsity because of my training last year. But honestly, it’s also been surprising how well I’ve been doing, and I contribute it all to my teammates.”

Eudaly’s practice takes place at Bayshore for most weekdays, occasionally running elsewhere, such as local hiking trails. Every day except Sunday, Eudaly finds herself training for cross country in some way.

“I just try to do a lot of my homework before practice,” Eudaly said. “And running honestly gives me a good break and helps me take my mind off from school work.”

Along with practice comes the long-distance running competitions, which Eudaly has found herself placing in quite frequently.

“I won the county championship, and I beat a girl I didn’t think I would beat,” Eudaly said. “So, I think that was a great accomplishment.”

Eudaly has also found success on the national playing field upon running the fastest girls 3200-meter time at FSU relays March 22. After a lot of training and speedwork for preparation, Eudaly accomplished the 10 minutes, 28 second time.

More recently, April 27 at the meet at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland, Eudaly broke school records for the 1600 and the 800, completing them in 4:53 and 2:19, respectively. s “The coaches and teammates were all really encouraging.” said Eudaly, “I knew I was ready and had nothing to lose.”

Eudaly said much of her support and inspiration comes from the people involved in cross country with her, especially her coach Roy Harrison.

“We all love him,” Eudaly said. “He’s really close with all the girls. He always has a specific training plan for us and is trying to get us to run our fastest time at States so we can compete. He’s always looking out for us.”

Eudaly said her older sister, Elizabeth, also runs for the team and supports her in any way she can. Competing in cross country under the same team has allowed the sisters more time together.

“Even though I’ve been running faster than her, she’s still been extremely nice about it,” Eudaly said. “She’s been the best encourager ever. She’s just my favorite person to run with.”

When running, Eudaly said she often sticks with the large clump of girls in the front or the lead pack; towards the end is the time to pull ahead and win. Over the course of four years, Eudaly has kept on running, something which she has attributed to her team.

“The team is really helpful,” Eudaly said. “Just seeing the whole team and we’re trying to win the state championship, so there’s that every day. Seeing that I’m not just running for myself, that I’m running for the team, it’s motivating to keep going so that everyone will advance.” — AVA NELSON

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PO’P may 2019 | sports | 23

leading a savage life Student competes in obstacle course races On his fifth mile, junior David Hutchinson scales a wall and then bolts through mud, making his way to the finish line where he will forever be labeled an obstacle course racing savage.

When I was in middle school, my brother was interested in doing an OCR race, which made me interested in it,” Hutchinson said. “So one day in freshman year, I woke up and ran Bayshore. I thought it was easy.”

Right away, Hutchinson brought up mud racing to his mom, and he signed up for a Savage Race which he found on an Instagram advertisement. The first Savage race he competed in was seven and a half miles with about 30 obstacles.

“I had been training for American Ninja Warrior, and my buddy Morgan the Moose, who has competed on the show, said the obstacles would not be a problem even though I was worried they would be.”

In his first race, David Hutchinson finished in the top 40 out of 8000 people.

This was just the beginning of his Savage Race career filled with countless miles and obstacles.

“Competing gives me a title name of ‘Savage,’ which is a title for being fast, strong and crazy,” Hutchinson said. “It’s cool when OCR professionals, brands and companies reach out to me on social media and tell me that I should sponsor them because they know I am growing into a competitive racer.”

Hutchinson is currently training with the boys cross country team. In addition, Hutchinson has his own course built in his backyard consisting of different obstacles, including a salmon ladder.

“I like to swing around on bars and do pull-ups while just going around town and messing around,” Hutchinson said.

“Stretching is the worst. I’m not flexible.”

Each course varies between five and eight miles. There are also 25 or more obstacles which range from monkey bars to mud to ice pits and consist of different challenges such as crawling under barbed wire and climbing up a wall.

“My favorite obstacle is ‘Wheel World,’ where you grab on wheels that

spin and have to make your way across a bunch of them or else you fall in the pool underneath,” Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson has competed in six Savage Races so far and has improved each time.

“Before the race I am really hyped and excited.” Hutchinson said. “I am not worried about anything. I just look forward to crushing it and sharing a new post to show people what is going on with Savage Racing to influence them to come out and join me to do one. It motivates me knowing that I am accomplishing things while growing into a community of runners that like me.”

Savage Races are not the only OCR races Hutchinson competes in. For example, Hutchinson has an upcoming half-marathon Spartan Race with about 60 obstacles. He was invited to participate with a team, contrary to his typical Savage Races where he competes independently.

“The most rewarding part is knowing that you finished an OCR race and just knowing that you are capable of doing it,” Hutchinson said. “You get a great feeling inside of you that you can share and motivate people with.”

Hutchinson intends to be on American Ninja Warrior in 2021 and travel to different OCR races around the country.

Not only will Hutchinson continue racing, but he also plans to attend Florida State Fire Academy.

“I think I have the strength and capability to be a fireman, and I want to help people,” Hutchinson said. “My main objective is to retire as a fireman, open up a ninja gym and still compete on Ninja Warrior.”

Hutchinson competed in a new event Nov. 3 called Savage Blitz, a 3-mile course with 15-20 obstacles, and placed 12th overall and first in his division.

“Come out and do a race with me or hit me up to run Bayshore or go to a ninBefore his first Savage Race Nov. 11, 2017, David Hutchinson poses ja gym,” Hutchinson said. “It will inspire for a photo at the Florida fall open Savage Race at Little Everglades you and make you feel awesome.”

Ranch in Dade City. Hutchinson placed 39th out of 8391 racers overall.

—HARTLEY HILL Photo used with permission by David Hutchinson.

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PO’P may 2019 | Advertisements | 25

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designer – alexis alvarez

PO’p MAY 2019 | features | 27

Having A Nice Time freshman explains her life through skating

H

er dress spins, glitter visibly flying get the right cut for me,” said Costa. “I onto the rink and some onto her have always loved my outfits and the music face. Her pearly-white shoes hit chosen for me, since it fits me pretty well.” the ice after a successful jump, chipping a During competitions, the skaters are small part of the frozen surface. Smoothly judged based on the International Judging skating to the beat of their songs, fresh- System. Skaters are evaluated on jumps, man Isabella Costa does this six days a spins and footwork from 1.00 to 10.00. week.

According to Lower Extremity Review, “I actually started figure skating when I most of the injuries incurred by figure was two,” Costa said. “I had been doing it skaters since 2012 are mainly because of just for fun but began training for perfor- physical stress. Many of the injuries are mances at five.” not life-threatening, but they do force the Costa has had to find ways to balance skaters to take a break from the ice. her school life with her skating life, leaving “I just recently had my first injury after seventh period to arrive to their prac- about a month ago,” Costa said. “I hurt my tices on time. hip flexor. The doctor “Where I practice thought I tore it, and is 45 minutes away, so Skating makes you feel really I had been laying off it’s very hard for me for a while. I was realto get there,” Costa good. When you slip out on ly worried and ended said. “Though I do up not being able to go my homework in the the ice, all of your worries and to Regionals, but I got car, it’s still hard to better.” get all of it done in nerves go behind you. It is just Costa is a such little time. I have a free moment for you to feel third-generation skater been able to manage in her family, followmy time much better free. —ISABELLA COSTA ing her mother and her with both activities grandmother from her lately.” mom’s side.

Costa skates at the Ellenton Ice and Skating is something Costa said she Sports Complex. She competes in multi- loves to do, and even though she is not sure ple competitions like the South Atlantic how she would like to continue using skatRegional Championship, Orange Blossom, ing in the future, she is enjoying it now.

Sunshine State Games and more. For each “Skating makes you feel really good,” performance, she must do her makeup and Costa said. “When you slip out on the ice, hair as well as get a dress made. all of your worries and nerves go behind “My coach knows my personality pretty you. It is just a free moment for you to feel well, so they help me choose my music and free.” — CAROL KORNWORCEL

“

”

Skating during the South Atlantic Regional Championship, freshman Isabella Costa qualifies for the competition Oct. 3-6 in Coral Springs. She scored a 37.57 for her dance to the song “Sing Sing Sing” by Benny Goodman.

Photo used with permission by Isabella Costa.

28 | Opinions | PO’P may 2019

designer – laura alvarez

making a mess Privatizing janitorial services costs more than it saves

Staff Editorial

E

fficiency. When kids who lived less than two miles from their schools weren’t allowed on school buses anymore, it was for efficiency. We changed our school schedules – sacrificing instruction time each day and shortening our periods – for efficiency. If a recent proposal by the school board goes through, we’re about to become even more “efficient” – and it could be messy.

The idea: outsource janitorial services throughout the county to private companies, effectively firing all our current janitors and switching to a third-party provider. For janitors a couple years away from retirement, there are concerns that this will threaten their benefits – and having to find a new job so close to retiring age opens up new challenges, not only in the search for employment, but also potential age discrimination by employers.

The school board has yet to make a decision. According to their research in counties with similar policies, private companies hired for these services were 80% composed of former district employees, but that hasn’t stopped protestors from gathering downtown at the district headquarters. In their hands, they carry signs that read, “Save our Custodians.”

We have endured budget cuts like these thus far because we wish to see the benefits of such measures. Schools need air conditioning. Our own gym is still plugged full of yellow tubes, wheezing with cool air from a contraption so elaborate that it was photographed by the Tampa Bay Times last August. Others are not so lucky.

In fact, projects are already being planned and some are underway to correct situations like this: 21 schools will get new A/C units this summer, 13 will receive new roofs, 31 schools will get new carpets or paint jobs and 50 new playgrounds, tracks, and athletic courts are to be installed, as reported by ABC Action News.

But, if we’re at the point where we are considering outsourcing janitorial work to save money, how can we afford this?

According to the same source, the district was reported to have received their first $9 million check from the new “Half Penny Tax” April 2. This is only the first payment – coming from just one month of the sales tax – and is anticipated to total to $130 million each year for the next

CHLOE-AMELIE AIKMAN

ten years. Relative to this new revenue stream, it calls into question how significant these custodial “savings” could be in comparison.

Privatizing janitors, then, feels like a desperate measure that’s been proposed before truly becoming necessary. Custodian employment has already been cut, with 116 positions removed in May 2018, resulting in an estimated $2 million savings reported by the Tampa Bay Times. Those against this proposal further argue that a private company could never offer the same quality of service that regular employees do, nor could they have the same personal relationship with the school and the kids that they serve.

Custodians do not have easy jobs. They are

the caretakers of our schools, ensuring that our children have a safe and clean environment for their development. If they are hired by a private company for the same work, where do the “savings” come from? Their salary? What human standard of living are we supporting if we take this route?

Perhaps when we look for ways to streamline our finances, we should consider not only the numerical cost, but the human cost. When we start guiding our institutions solely by price-analysis, we threaten to lose sight of the people that make education possible. Let’s not set a precedent of cutting corners.

It’s time that we took care of the people who take care of us.

designer – maizie tremblay

PO’p may 2019 | opinions | 29

CHLOE-AMELIE AIKMAN

SHOULD SUMMER BE SPENT RELAXING OR WORKING?

pro

W

students benefit more from relaxing summer

hether you’re a student or teacher, we can all agree that summer vacation is the single most anticipated school-related event to date.

It’s universally accepted that when summer rolls around, it’s time to relax and have your brain turn to mush for a good two and a half months of fun!

While working over the summer can provide opportunities for a head start in the school year, students would prefer binge-watching Netflix over sharpening their calculus skills any day.

Regardless, even if a teenager were to nab a summer job, a good amount of people spend their summers traveling or wanting to hang with friends.

As accommodating as they claim to be, many workplaces have strict rules about how often you must work.

For many corporations, summer jobs where you’re bound to be away often or quitting after a few months - thus leaving them short-handed - are a big no-no.

School is known as one of the largest stressors for teenagers, alongside part-time jobs, so why not take the chance to break free of its grip for as long as possible?

Perhaps the idea of staying indoors for months just sounds appealing to a depressed recluse like me, but I feel like most kids would turn their head and scoff at the notion of working over the break.

After all, if you hate the idea of doing a book report or any sort of project over the summer, why would you opt to push yourself even further than that?

Give your brain a break and be lazy. You’ve earned it.

— ARIANA CIMINO

a busy summer holds countless benefits

S

tudents yearn for the summer months where school isn’t a weight on their shoulders, and the time offers the opportunity to do anything.

Some see the break as a chance to do nothing for two entire months. However, keeping busy over break is more fulfilling.

With so much time at students’ disposal, staying home will always be an option, but summer is the time to participate in various activities such as getting a job.

Summer jobs are a great way to work without having to worry about other commitments like school.

They are also convenient for earning a good amount of money quickly, whether it be for college funds or recreational reasons. They can also be considered experience when applying to a different job.

While other students are out with friends, the ones that think ahead might be taking extra classes over the summer.

There are plenty of courses available at community colleges (which are free when registered as a dual enrollment student), along with online courses for high school.

That way, if there is a required class that seems easy to finish within few months, it’s out of the way by the time school starts again (which means earlier dismissal or more electives).

The best option would be to have a mix between working and relaxing, since the summer months allow enough time for both.

If students must choose between the two, however, staying busy and quickly completing that laundry list of tasks will always be more rewarding in the long run.

— MICHELLE RINCONES-RODRIGUEZ

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