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School community needs to eliminate stigma around mental illness pg. 20 Mental health strikes up concern pg. 16-17
October 2017 | Volume 91 | Issue 2 H.B. Plant High School | 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629
Contents News 04 What You Missed 06 Flu Shots on the Fly 08 Homecoming at a
L
S
Glance
Features 10 Drama plans full year 12-13 The Aftermath 14 Good Morning Panthers 19 10,000 Hours & Counting Spotlight 16-17 Help is Here Opinions 20 Under Pressure 21 The NFL Protest 23 Are the New iPhones Really Worth It? 24 Horror Film Season
Sports 26 Not Giving Up 28 Sports Spotlight 31 Row Row Row your Boat
2 Table of Contents
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PRESSURE TO SUCCEED
PEP O’ PLANT | phsnews.com DRIV
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Savannah Lowry Jacob Robinson
Alea Jennings Chad Mendez
TUITION SAVINGS
Copy Editors
Dylan Pitts Graham Hill Hanalei Mattingly Macie Lavender Mia Collado Riley Schofner Kai Alexander
EOC EXAMS HONORS CLASSES PEP O’ PLANT | phsnews.com AP CLASSES
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School community lacks accommodations for students with mental illness pg. 20
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Mental health strikes up concern pg. 16-17
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October 2017 | Volume 91 | Issue 2 H.B. Plant High School | 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629
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Information 3
News brief breakdown of international, national and state news International
Hurricane Maria crisis continues in Puerto Rico
Although Hurricane Maria has been downgraded to an extratropical cyclone and is expected to continue to weaken, its effects remain alive in Puerto Rico. Supplies, such as food and water, are scarce. To buy such supplies requires waiting in line for hours, and sometimes for an entire day, and even then, availability is not guaranteed. “The island has irregular topography, so even though there could be supplies or things that can be transported, the roads have not yet been cleared,” Spanish teacher Alberto Rivera Claudio said. In the coming months, many students will be without education, as it remains unclear when school in Puerto Rico will reopen. Additionally, many are still without power, a particular difficulty for hospitals, which need power for ventilators and other machines.
@HCPS
4 News
To make up for school time missed during Hurricane Irma, there will no early release Mondays on Oct. 23, Oct. 30, Nov. 6 and Nov. 13.
National
Mass murder inflicted at Las Vegas country music concert
What began as a normal concert turned into the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. Steven Paddock, the identified shooter, killed more than 58 people and injured over 500 Sunday night Oct. 2, in Las Vegas. Witnesses have described the scene as “chaotic” and said that there was “mass confusion”. Many believed that the loud sounds were coming from fireworks at first, but concert-goers soon realized they were gunshots. “I think the overall situation is...almost impossible to imagine,” junior AnneSophie Labossiere said. Despite apparently planning to escape the scene, the shooter was found dead in a hotel room with 23 guns. Police forces will continue to investigate the motive behind his actions.
@phspink panthers
The Pink Panthers Acapella group performed at the Hyde Park Friday at the Fountain event, on Oct.6. They performed songs such as “American Boy”.
State
Key West reopens for tourists post Hurricane Irma
After being ravaged by Hurricane Irma, Key West has reopened its doors to tourism. This is a crucial development for the islands, where the tourism industry is very prominent. “The first step in rebuilding is taking in the money from tourism because it can help whatever was damaged,” senior Thai Bui said. Many were worried that Irma, which was the worst storm to hit the islands in 57 years, would cast the Keys in a bad light and dissuade visitors from coming. In response to this, a $1 million campaign is underway in order to once again put Key West in the spotlight as an attractive vacation spot. Briefs by Isabella Ank
@phsgoldand black
The oldest honor society of the school, The Order of the Gold and Black tapped their senior members for the current school year on Oct. 5.
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Tampa-Central/South
1155 S Dale Mabry Hwy. Suite 5 Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 515-6891 with the purchase of a bundtlet NothingBundtCakes.com
Expires 10/31/17. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Limit one free bundtlet with the purchase of one bundtlet per guest. Multiple free bundtlets with purchase of multiple bundtlets is not permitted. Valid only at the bakery listed. No cash value. Coupon may not be reproduced, transferred or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Must be claimed in bakery during normal business hours. Not valid with any other offer.
17-MF-0230-09131_Bogo_3-5x4-5_V2.indd 1
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BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL $20 STUDENT CUT & STYLE I N C L U D E S H A I R C U T, S H A M P O O , & S T Y L E 813.348.4161 • 2920 W SWANN AVE. BOOK OLINE @ THEWEXFORDHOUSETAMPA.COM
on the
Students receive vaccines ahead of flu season As the school year settles in, students are once again at risk of catching influenza, more commonly known as the flu. Flu vaccines were given to students during school on Sept. 26 to lessen the chance of contracting the disease. “I believe that it’s important to prepare for the worst but pray for the best,” junior David Abernathy said. Prior to this, forms were given to students who could either sign up for a flu shot at school or choose not to receive one. “Health is important because if you’re sick all the time you miss classes and have extra homework,” senior Bob Schofner said. Vaccines take place before peak flu season begins in late November. This way, the potential of catching the disease is lessened. “Less people get the flu and won’t transfer the flu to other people at school,” sophomore Tian Nguyen said. According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is responsible for over 9 million illnesses. This can also lead to hospitalization for severe cases. “[Being healthy affects students because] they’re not tired so they learn better in their classes,” freshman Silja Kiukas said. Although about 46.6 percent of teenagers aged 13-17 are vaccinated each year, the flu shot can have negative side effects. These effects may include nausea, a fever and headaches. “A company called Healthy Schools comes in and they [administer shots] throughout the whole state of Florida,” nurse Kayla Spilman said. “I was responsible for gathering consent forms, making sure they were filled out properly.” Healthy Schools’ goal is to prioritize student health so they can achieve their best in the academic setting. Article by Isabella Ank
Top: Feeling anxious, freshman Cloe Smith receives the flu shot vaccine. She later explained that it was not that bad after all. Middle: Sitting patiently, sophomore Ryan Williams prepares for the flu shot vaccine. He later commented on how shots do not bother him. Bottom left: As the nurse sterilizes his arm, sophomore Roberto Morley waits for the flu shot. Morley remained calm throughout the shot. Photos by Kit Longshore.
6 News
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Homecoming at a Glance
E-Board prepares festivities
Although the weather may not make it apparent, autumn is steadily on its way, bringing along sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes and of course, homecoming. “[Homecoming] is a Halloween theme, but it’s not really cheesy with costumes and everything,” junior Lexi Ashby,Vice President of the junior class, said. “It’s just the decorations that are kinda halloweenish, then it’s the typical homecoming where you dress up nicely.” As with other school events, officials are concerned with inappropriate behavior and are taking precautions to avoid altercations. “There will be no buses allowed, and if there are they have to be approved,” senior Laura Savage, member of E-Board, said. “The reason for that is it has been one of the main things resulting in ATOSS in the past along with using substances and going over the edge, so that’s a big deal. In regards to bringing guests, students must fill out guest forms, which will later be approved from principals of both schools. This allows E-Board to have an official list of everyone who is attending. Although Homecoming themes are chosen by the school, E-Board creates
Working on the computer, E-board members junior and senior, Lena Diasti and Hunter Owens, look for decorations for the homecoming dance. E-Board is in charge of all accommodations for the dance. Photo by Morgan Shelton everything that is put into the actual event A new dress itself. style has entered the “We have to make and buy everything playing field, standing that goes into homecoming,” Savage said. out among the crowd of “Our [homecoming] always has more seemingly everyday props, more lights, more music, more djs dresses. A two-piece and stuff; not to brag but we have the better dress not only breathes homecomings than the other schools. life into Homecoming They usually have the same playlist and fashion, but also lets reuse it while we bring in a new dj every just the right amount single year which are always the best that of midriff breathe! we can get so they’re expensive. All the These dresses have money that goes into homecoming tickets goes right back into the event, so it’s like a been found almost at any occasion, from school dances or parties to weddings. recycling rather than a savings.” Brief by Alexis Perno Article by Alexis Perno
Homecoming Dance What: Homecoming 2017 Theme: Halloween When: Oct. 21 at 8:00 p.m. Where: A La Carte Event Pavilion. How: Tickets can be purchased in the cafeteria for $50 and $60 at the door. 8 News
Each day students are welcome to dress up according to the theme during the pre-homecoming week of Oct. 17- Oct.20.
Tuesday : Tacky Tourist Thursday : 1990-1999
Wednesday : Wicked Friday : Black and Gold
PANTHER HOMECOMING PROWL: Oct. 17 @ 7p.m. GAME: Oct. 20 @ 7:30p.m. Page Designed by Izabel Martinez
m.
plans full year
T OCT.
25-28 “Noises Off!” at 7 p.m.
JAN.
DEC.
FEB.
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16-18
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The One Acts Festivals, an all day event at USF
Spring Musical Auditions 1/16 at 2:30 p.m. 1/17 at 3:30 p.m. Spring Musical Callbacks 1/18 at 3:30 p.m.
Winter Showcase at 6:30 p.m.
MARCH
APRIL
APRIL
14-17
12-13
19-21
Florida State Thespian Festival an all day event in downtown Tampa
Spring Musical “Into The Woods” at 7 p.m.
Spring Musical “Into The Woods” at 7 p.m.
Section 10 # Features
heater is preparing for the upcoming year packed with plays, musicals and competitions. “We’re kicking off the season with a straight play [non-musical] called ‘Noises Off’,” junior McKinnon Bell said. “For our one act we are doing a student edition of ‘Avenue Q’, in the winter we are having a showcase of class performances by students as well as a student written and directed play called ‘404’. In the spring we are doing the musical ‘Into the Woods’.” Bell also explained about the nature of competitions theater does. “We will be competing in Individual Events which [involves] students preparing pieces from published plays and can range from monologues to ensemble musical numbers to costume construction,” Bell said. “It takes place at Blake on Oct.7.” Despite the large amount of productions, Bell is not nervous. “We have a very talented department in all aspects and we keep growing,” Bell said. To be involved with the drama department also means attending rehearsals and other after school commitments. “I am playing Poppy Norton-Taylor [in ‘Noises Off’],” junior Brenda Sanchez, who has a lead role, said.
Troupe #1087 members, senior Allison Young, senior Shane Close, junior Mason Shaw and senior Dylan Fidler, practice their lines for the “Noises Off” production. The play will premiere on Oct. 25 and run through Oct. 28. Photo by Lauren Workman “We are all preparing by attending rehearsals every single day after school as well as watching videos of performances on YouTube and memorizing the script in our free time.” Theater director Dan Franke is also excited for this year. “‘Into The Woods’ has been one of those shows that is near and dear to my heart,” Franke said. “I was in the show, I produced the show for an AllState festival in Illinois a few years ago; I just have never directed it. I’m really looking forward to directing it.” Besides directing, Franke is also looking forward to this year’s drama group. “For me, as a theater teacher, I’m looking forward to watching students who have already started their tremendous growth continuing that,” Franke said. “The seniors this year were my babie, my freshman year here was their freshman year here... [I’m looking forward to] watching the kids grow and learn and succeed and the shows becoming more successful by filling the audience with people who are excited to be here,” Franke said. Noises Off will run from Oct. 25-28 and is double-casted. Article by Alexis Perno
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Family. Friends. Community. Jim Cornwell, Agent 4305 Bay To Bay Blvd Tampa, FL 33629 Bus: 813-835-8892 www.jimcornwell.com
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The hurricane known as Irma instilled anxiety amongst Florida citizens as it approached the peninsula, leading to massive evacuations and consequently food, water and gas shortages. After bearing over Central America, it first made landfall on the Florida Keys as a category four storm, it weakened as it moved up the state, but nevertheless left a path of destruction in its wake. Brief by Savannah Lowry
Irma stresses, batters Tampa
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One: A tree breaks in front of the apartments on S Clearview Ave. due to the strong winds of Hurricane Irma on Sept. 10. Two: Minor flooding occupies the streets of South Tampa, including Sheridan and surrounding areas. Three: A tree falls on a home in North Tampa, causing the to roof cave in. Four: The inside of a home, in which a tree has fallen, is completely destroyed. Five: The walls of Apropos, a womans clothing store, collapse from heavy rain and strong winds on Sept. 10. Six: Fencing, in North Tampa, falls victim to Irmas’ winds. Seven: San Pedro loses power after uprooted tree becomes entangled with power cables. Eight: A tree creates a hole in the roof of a North Tampa home. Nine: A colossal sized tree collapsed, creating a blockade in the road. Ten: Debris, from the uprooted tree, hangs on the open ceiling of the victim’s home. Eleven: In wake of Irma, debris and power lines haphazardly weave past residences on Tacon Street.
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WHEN CAME TO TOWN Local restauranteur shelters 150 people, their pets from hurricane n an abundance of caution, schools close. Flood zones are faced with mandatory evacuation. The public scrambles for plywood, sandbags, generators – gas stations dry up and weather channel spaghetti models shift only nearer to local devastation. Bread and water disappear from shelves. Tampa enacts a curfew. Families at home are glued to the television with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey still fresh in their thoughts. As households pack up and board up, news comes that one man has opened his doors for his community to take shelter. Ergin Tek, owner of restaurant “Gengiz Khan” and 18-year-long resident, converted his establishment and livelihood from grill to shelter for three days to those seeking refuge. On the higher ground of Bay to Bay Ave., Tek was able to offer sanctuary to 150 people and 62 of their pets during Irma’s collision with Tampa. “When someone is your customer, or your friend, or your neighbor in the community, when they need you – you have to do your job,” Tek said. “This was something that we had to do.” Not only offering a place for people to sleep safely, Tek also set up a room entirely for the benefit of pets. He offered professionally prepared meals, with beverages and
morning coffee for his guests – and was able to achieve this despite losing power for two days. With the aid of battery backups and a generator, they were able to keep food from spoiling. Prior to the storm, almost all furniture and items deemed nonessential were moved out to make room for his temporary residents. “I’d rather be prepared than not. I’d rather help, than not. I’d rather get people together and inspire, than not… I’ll do it again,” Tek said. Tek was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, receiving flowers, fruits, mail and thousands upon thousands of online messages expressing gratitude. With the storm past, Tek was able to reopen “Gengiz Khan” on Friday, Sept. 15, but not before one final act of kindness: donating the surplus emergency supplies to the neighborhood free of charge. “If I die, what would I care about what I have?” Tek said. “So I thought I should spend something, that way I can save lives with it.” Tek, and “Gengiz Khan”, will be making a future appearance in a book set to come out this November about hurricanes Harvey and Irma, including the efforts of those who worked to overcome them. Article by Chloe-Amelie Aikman
Features 13
Sitting in front of the camera, senior John Watson gives the news for that day’s morning show. Watson is the anchor for every Friday show. Photo by Lauren Workman
Morning show enacts changes The morning show is back on air and arrives with new changes for the 20172018 school year. “The biggest thing for us this year is that we’re shifting our focus not so much on national news…but really honing in on all the great things that happen at Plant,” TV Production teacher Greg Meyer said. Greg Meyer is a first-year teacher at the school. In addition to teaching all TV related classes, he also oversees the production of the morning show. Within the classroom, students produce the content of the show, while also learning how to properly utilize software and tech. “We film it and we splice it all together,” senior Daniel Curtis said. In contrast to last year, more students will also participate in the creation of the show, and in turn, receive more screen
14 Features
time of their own. “We’re involving TV 2 a lot more… so you’ll see a lot more juniors and sophomores ...but really on the morning honing in on show giving out all the great announcements,” junior Jack Trigg things things said. that happen Aside from the at Plant,” revamping overall theme of -Greg Meyer, the show’s content, TV there is a new Production time limit to the show. Morning teacher show staffers now have to work with merely five minutes of screen time, a decrease from last year’s limit of ten
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minutes. “Since we have less time it’s kind of hard to fit all of our content and still do what we want...in only five minutes,” senior Isak Belmarez said. Staffers also shared their favorite parts of being on the morning show. “I’m most excited about all the people in the morning show because I know most of them,” sophomore Alex Munson said. In addition, as with all projects, it’s a remarkable experience to see the finished product. “[It’s exciting] when people see you on TV every day,” freshman Denali Duncan said. Be on the lookout for fresh content daily, brought to you by the team at Panther TV. Article by Isabella Ank
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Left psyc men Sept scho to re
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chool administration hosted a mandatory mental health training for all faculty. The training took place on Sept. 25, and its topics were mandated by the county, after being taken to state legislation and approved earlier this year, although the movement for an initiative like this has been in the works for the past several years. The event was led by James Landers, school psychologist, and Leland Schardt, school social worker, who already held a mental health overview presentation during 2017-2018 preplanning. Monday’s meeting featured a presentation made by the student services department for middle and high school teachers and surrounded topics concerning overall mental health and particularly, suicide prevention. “Everyone has a role [in prevention],” Shardt said.
16 Spotlight
Mental health strikes up concern She explained that the training would give teachers the tools and information to handle the potential threat of suicidal behavior in a student. Not only are they taking into account the need for a course of action in the case of suicidal ideation, but promoting that all indicators of poor mental health be considered seriously. “I’ve never seen more mental health issues than what I see today,” AP Psychology teacher Michael Boza said, after attending the training. “I think [today’s students] are under a special kind of stress that really takes a toll, so I don’t mind getting together with my colleagues and discussing [suicide prevention] because it is so important.” The training covered suicide prevention, intervention and post-vention, in other words, how to identify emergency situations in the classroom, interference
AMONG
20% 11% 10% 8%
live with a mental illness have a mood disorder have a behavior or conduct disorder have an anxiety disorder
Source National Alliance on Mental Health
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FROM the
HALLS
Did you find the mental health assembly effective? Left: During the assembly for mental health awareness for sophomores, school psychologist, Jim Landers informs students on signs to look for among their peers for mental illness. This assembly was the third of the day and took place during third period on Sept. 28. Photo by GianMarco Cortez. Right: As leader of the student mental health training, school psychologist, Jim Landers instructs teachers on what signs to look to for and how to react. This training was required for all faculty and staff. Photo by Natalie Kerr of possible suicide and what to do in the case of a successful suicide. “They [teachers] are the frontline,” Shardt said. “They are going to be the first to notice a change in student’ behavior, appearance, weight, peer group.” Teachers were asked to contemplate various underlying stressors that lead to poor mental health and suicide, offering responses such as bullying, self-harm and overextension. “The most common underlying feature in students at risk for suicide is anxiety,” Landers said.
STUDENT ASSEMBLIES
With mental health concerning school administration, Hillsborough county had an assembly for all high schools to provide help and reassurance for students. “We need to rid of the stigma and the stereotypes surrounding mental health and open up a safe space for people if they need help,” sophomore Lien Lamison said. School administrators such as Principal Bush, Assistant Principal Hellenberg and school counselor Hardy, along with many more, extended an offer to all students to seek help if needed. “Having friends who have had issues like this, I think it’s great that the school is taking action and trying to help because a lot of the time, people need some help that is difficult to receive,” senior Michael Snyder said. The rally took up the whole period and discussed topics like ways of knowing
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if somebody could be suffering from depression or dealing with difficult times and could use a helping hand. “It’s really important to take action and to pay attention to your friends because you could potentially save a life,” sophomore Alison Patterson said. Also provided at the meeting were national and local hotline service information and pamphlets on the information covered. “I think it’s really cool that the school is offering a guide to help us help other students get help if they need it because we are so caught up in our social lives, we are sometimes oblivious to the obvious signs for help,” freshman Jessica Larinaga
said.
All services are available to students at all times and in the future, the school encourages students to act immediately. “It’s pretty cool that our school district cares about us and wants to make sure we are doing okay,” junior Jasmine Weaver said. Article by Natalie Kerr and Gavin Figueruelo
Where to get help
National Suicide prevention line: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: Call 2-1-1 At School: Psychologist Jim Landers or any faculty member you trust
It was good because of the information they gave, but they could’ve given a visual like a skit.”
Jadon Saunders, freshman
It was informative, but ineffective because they suggested things that wouldn’t really help like eating a balanced breakfast.”
Jemel Leal, sophomore
Yes, it was effective because it gave good information.”
Jevon Lightburn, junior
I thought that it was informative, but I didn’t know how helpful it was because it wasn’t organized.”
Claire Haney, senior
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TEN THOUSAND & COUNTING AND COUNTING
The ski team preforms across Tower Lake, forming a pyramid with Matt Penn as a base. The show featured a variety water ski tricks that Penn has been perfecting for over a decade. Photos by Madison White
Media specialist reveals hidden passion It’s six o’clock; the show’s about to begin. Concessions line the shores and throngs of people settle down with children, friends and relatives; they wait, eyes on the water until finally, they see it. Fully costumed, strapped to skis and skimming the surface of Tower Lake, tonight’s performers will include none other than Matt Penn, resident librarian and long devoted show-skier. Unbeknownst to many, Penn has been in the extreme water sports scene since the early 2000s. He is a member of the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team, as well as an active participant in their weekly Saturday ski-shows performed at Tower Lake in Oldsmar. “I really like every Saturday, just kind of being on stage and looking forward to that and doing something that very few
How
To Get Involved:
1
Visit Website
people are exposed to,” Penn said. “It really has that wow factor.” Each uniquely themed performance comes with tricks including barefoot skiing, wake boarding, flips and human pyramids where Mr. Penn supports fellow teammates at the base of the formation. Not alone in his pursuit, the team is comprised of about 100 members who compete at regional and national levels, and have also set a world record with their seven-man front flip over a regulation 14foot wide jump. They are always looking for new members and opportunities to inspire others to try waterskiing. “It’s a real family atmosphere,” Penn said. “We have everything from little kids learning, up to grandparents and everybody in between.” Penn first became involved in this
Visit tampawaterski.com for information on ski clinics, dates and times.
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2
Call
Contact Lisa Schmidt at 727-480-9356 or Vikie Wilmout at 813-917-8354.
theatrical form of water sports when looking to teach his own kids how to waterski. It was something he enjoyed as a child – an opportunity that arose in the form of a newspaper advertisement found by his wife. Since then, his daughter has taken to it and they’ve gone on to compete in a doubles competition together. Penn’s commitment to his passion is best described in his own words. “I’ve been on the team for 15 years,” Penn said. “You know how Malcolm Gladwell, he’s an economist, he’s written a lot of books; he has a theory that in order to be really, really good at something you need to put your ten thousand hours in. I’ve put my ten thousand hours in.” Article by Chloe-Amelie Aikman
3
Ski
Go to Tower Lake, 130 Burbank Road, Oldsmar to start your water ski experience.
Features
19
School community needs to eliminate stigma around mental illness One in five teens, ages 13 to 18 have or will have a serious mental illness, as reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Despite these large numbers, our current high school community makes too few of accommodations for students living with a mental illness. For high school students that live with a mental illness, ranging from ADHD to anxiety, there is the accommodation of 504 plans to assist students whose
From the PO’P Staff
learning capabilities are clearly impacted by a disorder. These adjustments can range from time extension on an assignment to taking mental breaks during a class. The most evident issue amongst the high school community is the stigma that comes along with mental illness. The way mental illness is commonly viewed is as an avoidable flaw in personality. Also, there is a shameful way that mental illness is talked about, rather
than encouraging those who are struggling. For example, it is not uncommon to see the glamorization of mental illness by a high school student. Including those who claim to have social anxiety, only after spending a weekend binging a Netflix series, rather than going out. To help in all facets of high school, both staff and students, there needs to be more education in the realm of mental illness. Such education
should not be limited to what signs to look for, or how to report someone with known signs, but also on what mental illness truly is, in attempt to prevent misconceptions on different conditions. Although, the school is making steps towards mental illness awareness and suicide prevention, these steps are not being advertised well to the student body. The result of widely sharing all new accommodations would also be positive in regards to eliminating the awkward notion around someone with mental illness. It is also unfortunate and unfair that teachers tend to not accept mental illness as a valid excuse for a lack of performance or delayed work. In the realm of a student’s mental health, it is crucial for administration to truly listen to students’ needs and how school operations need to change to accommodate all members of the student body. Whether or not one changes their opinion on mental illness, it is extremely important that students and teachers at least respect the elements of one’s mental illness. Nearly 80 percent of students with mental illness won’t receive the help they need, as reported by the United States National library of medicine. This means that every step needs to be taken to help those students affected.
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THE
NFL PROTEST
NFL players kneeling for national anthem sparks debate
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An article such as this must be prefaced by saying: it is entirely legal to kneel or not stand up for the national anthem. It is a fundamental right guaranteed in the First Amendment to express oneself, including when someone disagrees with the government. However, while people can kneel for the anthem, they should not. The song and flag symbolize American principles. This includes all of the rights, freedoms and privileges that come with being American. With this in mind, it is somewhat ironic to protest the same country that gives that right to protest. America is rather unique in ensuring so many rights for its citizens. Kneeling as a protest to the president or to any current event is an interpretation of the flag and anthem that really cannot be supported. The flag and anthem do not symbolize
one person or era. They are an idea. They are a physical representation of the privileges America affords its citizens. It is interesting to note that such protests really do not occur outside of America. In other nations, even if the athletes disagree with current leadership of their country, they still stand out of respect for their country. Kneeling for the anthem is perfectly legal. Sitting for the “Pledge of Allegiance” is also perfectly legal. But just because you can do something does not necessarily mean you should. I understand that some of the president’s recent comments, especially concerning
PRO
Recently, sports have been filled with more than just touchdowns and tackles. With the current protests in the NFL, controversy has once again seeped its way into something seemingly untouchable. However, whatever your view on the issue, it is important to acknowledge the true reasoning behind these protests. When Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem for the first time, controversy immediately exploded across the league and beyond. Kaepernick must have known that when he knelt during that first peaceful protest the response would not be entirely positive, and yet he did so anyways, risking his career and more. What drove him to use such a public platform to speak up? Not the anthem, not veterans, not the president. Kaepernick knelt for a much larger issue that is continuously plaguing society: the treatment of people of color. Although we like to believe that
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racism was a thing of the past, it is clear that racism is still alive and well in our communities. Yes, maybe the chains of slavery have been reduced to ash, but racism is still present in systematic, subtle ways. Racism is like a snake- it sneaks up from behind and is not always easy to spot. Yet, it is still there, and no matter how many excuses we make to deny it, it does not change the fact that the grass has been invaded.
this topic, are incredibly inappropriate and not at all what one expects from the leader of the free world. I disagree with his comments as much as anyone, but kneeling for the national anthem is not an effective protest. Coming out and speaking up is an effective form of protest. Kneeling for an anthem that honors a country which affords us so many freedoms and privileges is only ironic. Kneeling makes no argument; it says that you disagree with the country without ever having to debate or argue your point. If you have something to say, say it. Take action. Kneeling expresses nothing. Every significant political or social movement in history was vocal. Abolitionists were vocal, suffragettes were vocal, civil rights leaders were vocal. Kneeling is weak compared to those movements. I fully support peaceful protests, but there are much better ways to make an argument than kneeling for the national anthem. Column by Graham Hill Kaepernick acted within his rights to protest for something he believed in: anti-racism. The anthem, America and the president were not the target of his protest. Frankly, if you interpreted that as so, you are part of the problem. Still, people grew angry, as is their right to do so. The First Amendment only protects an individual from the government, not from their audience. Some argued that what Kaepernick and fellow NFL members are doing is unpatriotic, but dissent and protesting is what brought this country to life. The core values this nation was founded on arose from people standing up for what they believed in, and Kaepernick did just that. When we protest aggressively we’re met with backlash. When we protest peacefully , we’re met with backlash. When we speak our minds freely, we’re met with backlash. It’s becoming pretty clear that you just don’t want us to protest at all. Column by Alexis Perno
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Many complain regarding lack on new features on iPhones Camera
Face ID
New chip
From the A10 to the A11, the new chip increases the quality of the phone’s hardware and features and the smoothness.
Face ID, uses your face to log into your phone. Although the test run for it failed during the live Apple preview, with some small fixes, it seems to be able to work flawlessly.
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Storage
There is a storage increase, the most being 256 gigabytes, and the smallest being 64, which is surprisingly long for the smallest edition, as opposed to 32 and 128.
The front facing camera has been a major focus of upgrade, with much higher quality photo and video taking capabilities than any other iPhone prior.
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Wednesday, September 27
Screen size
Friday, November 3
Is the exact same as the iPhone 7, with the same cameras, and same basic features.
Display
The display has had a major upgrade that gives it a higher quality viewing experience, with the ability to record at 4K resolution, with a larger screen than previous phones.
Quick charging
Quick charging allows phones to be charged up a lot faster, but it requires a different wall adapter, as the one that comes with the iPhone 8 is a 5 watts, and quick charging is done with wall adapters of around 50 watts.
iPhone 8
Overall design
The overall design of the phone is very nicely done, and it has a very sturdy feel. The full glass back allows for the phone to be charged wirelessly, but Apple does not have wireless chargers and they must be bought from other companies.
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Animoji
The ability to use your face to make emojis move in texts. This monstrosity of an idea angered fans, since the producers at Apple spent time coding this, as opposed to something that would make these phones better quality.
iPhone X Sim Cards
Another poor feature of these phones is the inability to add SIM cards to them. SIM cards allow the user to add extra storage to their phones, making them much faster and giving more space for important things on their phones, such as pictures.
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HORROR FILM
SEASON
October sparks scary movie releases I’m Down with the Clown “IT” the recent Stephen King themed movie remake, has blown down
the doors of box offices, as carnivorous consumeristic vultures cannot stop pecking at this feral film, absorbing its subtle nostalgia and returning for second viewings to re-embrace the 1990 cult classic and horrific novel that features a funny clown, named Pennywise. I thought this film was extremely enjoyable, well made, and had wonderful performances by the clown and the child actors. However, all the horror fell flat on its makeup-covered clown face. There is a common occurrence of flashy, startling jump scares in movies that involve some “being” jumping at the screen and a loud clank or scream and making the audience freak out, but lacks any actual horror. This tanks the film’s score a couple points, and makes me question this film’s very genre. However, what brings this movie into a good watch is a couple of smart moves by the screenwriter and director and some good acting by the kids. Review by Riley Schofner
A Good Fall for the Doll Fans of horror movies will remember the haunted doll Annabelle, who first appeared in the 2013 film “The Conjuring.” While Annabelle had a minor role in the movie and its sequel, “The Conjuring 2”, she took the main stage herself in 2014’s “Annabelle.” Unfortunately, the evil doll was not suited to a lead role in her own film. The film fell short of the standard set by previous entries in the universe of “The Conjuring.” However, “Creation,” a prequel to the 2014 film, surpasses “Annabelle”’s other film in almost every way. Review by Graham Hill
The Mother of All Disasters In the very bottom of this deep cesspool of terrible passion projects manufactured by directors with too little talent and too much money, the recently released “Mother!” lies. “Mother!” is the fever dream of famed director Darren Aronovsky (best known for Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream), starring famed Jennifer Lawrence (best known for every movie she’s ever released) in a surprising casting decision, as the titular role of Mother. The plot, at its simplest level, follows the story of Mother, as she attempts to build a life for herself and her husband, “Him” or “the poet” (played by Javier Bardem), in their beautifully restored home. Review by Macie Lavender
CREEP 2 SOON TO BE IN
Compiled by Thompson Draper
THE SNOWMAN
“The Snowman,” releasing on Oct. 20, follows detective Harry Hole on an elusive search to find the man responsible for the murder of one woman, every year, on the first day of winter. As the serial killer catches onto Hole, he lures him into a chilling game of cat and mouse.
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“Creep 2,” releasing on Oct. 24, is about a woman who records herself doing activities with intimate men. She agrees to meet a man who lives in a remote area, and when she arrives he tells her he is a serial killer. She thinks this could make an interesting video, and decides to follow the man around all day, before realizing how poor of a mistake she really made. READ MORE OF THE REVIEWS ONLINE AT PHSNEWS.COM
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NOT
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Varsity football senior running back tears ACL
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enior Varsity Football and team has been helping running back Ty Thompson him move the chains towards has accomplished much in recovery. his high school years of playing “My injury will take a year to football. But on an Aug. 12, in a recover from,” Thompson said. scrimmage against East Bay High To accompany his long School, he didn’t know that this recovery time, Thompson game would be the game that has had to find things for his world flipped motivation. upside down. ...I try not “I have just been Thompson tore to think about hanging out with my his ACL in the first family and trying to my injury, I quarter with nine go to football practice minutes left. His can’t and I just as much as I can,” injury has him out breakdown.” Thompson said. for the season. -Ty He aspires to play “It has impacted football in college, Thompson, and the idea of me in a good way and a bad way,” senior quitting the sport was Thompson said. “In never something he a good way the injury has made considered. me appreciate football much “Yes, I will still want to play more than I used to before I got in college,” Thompson said. “I hurt, and the bad way is that as love football.” much as I try not to think about Despite his injury none of the my injury, I can’t and I just college offers he received have breakdown.” been revoked. Thompson is doing a lot of “Yes, I still do have offers, I physical therapy and although have about 17 offers now, and he is in a lot of pain physically I put down about five that I and emotionally, his family actually liked,” Thompson said. Article by Mia Collado
From the sideline, injured senior football player Ty Thompson helps to direct plays. Thompson tore his ACL in a scrimmage game against East Bay on Aug. 12, and hasn’t been able to play since. Photo by Tegan Fannin.
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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
Fall sports boast leading seasons
Swim & Dive
The boys and girls swimming and diving teams have been training and competing for weeks now, as they get ready for the County Championships at Bobby Hicks Pool on Oct. 6.
Varsity Football
The varsity football team has started off their 2017 campaign at 4-0 heading into the month of October, holding their opponents to a combined 27 points, including two shutouts against Gaither and Sickles. With tests upcoming against Armwood, Freedom and Leto, this is a determining month for the team as they look to get into the playoffs for another consecutive year.
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JV Football
Junior Varsity football has started off their 2017 campaign with consecutive wins, and as the month of October gets into full swing, they hope they can continue their winning ways.
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Varsity Volleyball
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After two weeks in which the team played eight total matches, the volleyball team has three upcoming tests against Freedom, Durant and a district game away at Steinbrenner High School.
JV Volleyball
As their season draws to a close, the Junior Varsity team and Head Coach Ali Markun get to reflect on a year full off narrow victories both at home and on the road, including multiple victories at invitational tournaments.
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One: Warming up his skills before his dive, senior TJ Donahue prepares for the meet against Robinson. The Dive team defeated Robinson. Two: Swimmers take positions to begin their race against Robinson at Bobby Hicks swimming pool. Swim defeated Robinson at the meet. Three: During the first quarter of the JV football game, the offensive line gets ready for the snap against Robinson’s defensive line. Junior varsity football won the game 39-6. Four: Varsity football gets in their line up across from the Gaither High School Cowboys to start the play. The Friday night game added another victory to varsity football’s belt, with a score 28-0. Five: Elizabeth Price and Cody Murray, sophomores, jump for the ball in unison. They were unable to save the ball and Sickles scored. Six: Junior Varsity volleyball player, Hope Frederick, freshman, prepares for an upcoming play at the home game against Sickles. Sickles was defeated. Photos by Taylor Harahan, Morgan Shelton, Madison White and Alea Jennings
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Sally O’Neal’s would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the Plant High families who have supported us and the students from Plant High School that have worked for us over 31 years. You have played a big part in our continued success and we thank you!
Go Panthers!!
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PHOTO ESSAY
After finishing their sculling quad at a Friday practice, juniors Katie Rice and Courtney Chalmers sit back. All members of the women’s varsity team were on the water at Palm River. A men’s varsity sculling quad rests easy after a long piece on the water at a Thursday practice. The men got a water break to drink and relax before having to continue another piece.
ROW ROW ROW
BOAT
YOUR
Women’s varsity team coach, Stephen Long, uses his megaphone to instruct the girls on what to fix and pay attention to. Coach Stephen instructs the women’s varsity team at practice every day of the week.
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Stroke seat Sydney Urban sits strongly at the finish, leading her boat in a good practice on the river. The women’s varsity team had just finished a weights work out and jumped right on the water. Stroke seat Kai Alexander rests easy while being instructed by coach Stephen on how she’s doing in her piece. Coach Stephen critiques Alexander’s form during her piece and what he expects her to change in her next one. All photos by Tegan Fannin.
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