Pop april final by Pep O' Plant

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PEP O PLANT

H.B. Plant High School 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL, 33629 April 2015 Volume 88 Issue 8

e h t E F I L e m l a o o G h c s h g i h r e t f a of

Discover the various choices seniors are making after graduation. Page 8 & 9

Valedictorian

Grad Night Restaurants

Baseball Player

Read the Valedictorian’s views on high school, the future

Learn about 5 restaurants with Grad Night dinner potential

Check out seniors who are playing their ﬁnal games for Plant High School

page 7

page 13

page 15

April 2015

2 • News

Previously @ Plant Raise Your Voice Maddie Manilla, sophomore,Alanna Gonzalez, senior, Nick Russo, senior, and Elizabeth Doney, sophomore, practice a musical number at Cabaret rehearsal in April. PO’P Haley Babbitt

Prom Pals Seniors Allison Torres, Yasmin Toney, Ali McGary, Alanna Gonzalez and Kiely O’Keefe get ready to snap pictures at University of Tampa before prom on March 28. Courtesy of Yasmin Toney

Causing a Racket Junior Karina Hernandez faces oﬀ against a Countryside High School tennis player on April 9. PO’P Erce Phillips

Rising Stars Juniors Bennett Taylor and Erce Phillips discovered that they will serve as Editors-in-Chief of the Pep O’ Plant for the 2015-2016 school year. PO’P Nikki Lund

National Newbies Sophomores Jaxon Brown and Mitch Buntyn receive their NHS certiﬁcates and congratulations from NHS president Chip Stern at the ceremony March 25. PO’P Emmalee Herrera

April 2015

News • 3

New school chef pledges to continue cafeteria changes Katie Whitson News Editor Between the months of August and May, lunch remains a fixture during the school day, nourishing the bodies, as well as the minds, of students. Coinciding with new national and local government policies promoting better nutrition, Hillsborough County recently implemented policies to improve the nutritional value of the food in school cafeterias. Student Nutrition Services (SNS) manager Mitch Smithey, known by students as “Chef Mitch,” embraced the spirit of this movement when he arrived at Plant two years ago. His departure in March called attention to the modifications he made during his tenure at the school, most notably “SecondChance Breakfast,” a program that allowed students to obtain breakfast from the cafeteria until the beginning of third period. “One of the biggest issues

PO’P Haley Babbitt

Student Nutrition Services Manager Debbie Ferguson prepares the daily oﬀerings in the cafeteria. Ferguson assumed her new position this April.

nationwide is students skipping breakfast. Students who eat breakfast perform better on standardized tests, have less behavioral issues and have better attendance,” Smithey said. “They are better students overall.” While Smithey’s breakfasts initially drew only 250 students, the program now serves between

L OSSI R

440 and 500 students each day. “It just started snowballing from there. There’s still a lot of room for growth,” Smithey said. In addition to Second-Chance Breakfast, Smithey has attempted to improve the quality of food that students consume. Since arriving at Plant, Smithey has adapted the cookies

OPEZ

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

PERSONAL INJURY Michael J. Rossi Phone: (813)253-3351 Fax: 981302533431

offered by the cafeteria from an Otis Spunkmeyer brand to a county-approved, whole grain homemade recipe. As Smithey assumes his new job at Oak Grove Elementary school, he looks forward to reaching a younger group of kids that require nourishment to maximize their potential in the classroom. Debbie Ferguson, Smithey’s successor, has 28 years of experience, recently transferring from the Pinellas County School District central offices, and has extensively discussed with him how she plans to continue his policies. “We’re communicating now about what he’s started. The communication will continue,” Ferguson said. “I’ll do my best.” Some students noted the improvements in cafeteria standards since Smithey’s reforms. Notably, Second-Chance Breakfast provides students with another opportunity to eat before the school day begins.

“I really like [Second-Chance Breakfast] because I go right before homeroom and have something to snack on during third period if I don’t have time before school,” Rachel Goding, senior, said. Students expressed that they would miss Smithey’s presence in the cafeteria. “He will be missed. I remember, every morning I’d get breakfast from him,” Anthony Schmoll, senior, said. “I know he’ll do great at his next job.” Smithey eagerly anticipates aiding the student body of Oak Grove Elementary, expressing strong confidence regarding the future success of Plant’s cafeteria. “There shouldn’t be a whole lot of changes after I leave,” Smithey said. “[Ferguson and I] have been very good on the level of ideasharing.” Students can look forward to a continuation of Second-Chance Breakfast and the installment of new lunchroom additions, including an iced-coffee machine.

April 2015

4 • Features

Senior journalists bid farewell to Pep O’ Plant Print Editor-in-Chief

Jessica Jagodzinski

Online Editor-in-Chief

Robby Killette

News Editor

Katie Whitson

Centerspread Editor

Meg Barrett

Features Editor

Melissa Jassir

Distribution Manager

LaNae Fluellen

Staff Artist

Nikki Lund

Photographer

Emalee Herrara

Staff Writer

Allyssa Ashmeade

Not Photographed: Arts & Entertainment Editor PO’P Ysabella Canto

Photography Editor

Helen Kahassai Haley Babbitt

Virtual school classes broaden students’ future opportunities Allison Figueroa Public Relations Initiative. Universities clamor for students with this valuable trait- the ambition, motivation and focused personality that breeds success. Often times students demonstrate their drive by overloading on AP classes, which can backfire when stress piles up. Virtual school provides the opportunity to remove a period from the school day. It’s free, and offers a vast buffet of core classes, electives and even career certifications. Not only do online classes showcase college readiness, they are also the rare combination of “resume-booster” and actual “useful experience.” “At some point during four years of college you may encounter having to take an online class, especially if you’re planning on going to a large university,” Lauren Spinka, college resource officer, said, “So taking an online class in high school is to gain some experience on how to be

successful in that online format.” Learning to communicate with a teacher and fellow students in an academic setting translates well to a business environment. “In a lot of career fields today, a lot of communication is going to take place online, a lot of components of your career may be in an online format, because we have a global market now,” Spinka said. Taking a class that provides certification in Microsoft programs is a real wow-factor when applying for any job, and can set a student apart from other applicants. “I personally think another benefit is being able to navigate the online world and be successful in learning how to communicate with your teacher,” Spinka said, “and can translate to effective communication in an online market.” Reaching beyond the online class, graduation requirement requires a commitment of time and energy. “I went to a panel of a lot of the state university college represen-

tatives, the way they explained it was if you can demonstrate that that opportunity isn’t available to you at school, they won’t view it negatively if you leave your high school in order to increase academic rigor.” Spinka said. It is certainly tempting for students to pick up a free class that lets them leave early, but Spinka warns of the consequences. “If you’re leaving to take a less rigorous class so you don’t have to be at school, thats going to be obvious. They want to see that you’ve maximized your impact on this community first.” Media Specialist Sharon Schram often sees a few students in the library working on their virtual school classes. “It would be a good use of the resources,” Schram said, “But I wouldn’t want the computers to only be for virtual school, other schools have that policy, and it really restricts classes from coming in.” Students who are attempting credit recovery can find a quiet place on campus by taking the Credit Recovery class, or by tak-

PO’P Allison Figueroa, Melissa Jassir, Meg Barrett

ing Research. But James Tagg, sophomore, takes a different approach to virtual school, one that has been shared by past valedictorians. “I take Geometry and Algebra 2 to get ahead,” Tagg said, “The coursework is good. The only thing is the facts and questions are more difficult, but the explanations are simple and easy to understand.” Virtual school requires diligence. A student must submit a

certain amount of work per week, a quota that varies with each course. Some students may have trouble focusing on the lesson while fighting the natural urge of the Internet, but the same distractions apply to college life. “Even if you attend every class in college, you’re still going to have to independently get yourself up and there on a weekly basis and be accountable.” Spinka said. “That component of self motivation is very important.”

April 2015

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April 2015

6 • Features

Events wrap up senior year Date Planner April Senior Week

April 20 - April 24

Grad Bash April 24

For: Seniors May Senior Awards Ceremony May 11

Baccalaureate May 17

Graduation May 27

PO’P Melissa Jassir

Helen Kahassai Arts and Entertainment Editor

With less than two months left in senior year, events that students have been waiting for all year- including Senior week and Grad Bashbegin to take place. Senior Week Baccalaureate April 20- 24 May 17 Seniors celebrate their last couBaccalaureate is a graduation ple weeks in high school with a tradition that originated in Enfinal burst of spirit. Senior Week gland at the University of Oxford involves the entire class of 2015 in 1432. The ceremony precedes participating in interactive activ- the official high school graduaities to celebrate their last days tion ceremony. Baccalaureate is together. smaller and more intimate so the “I’m looking forward to Senior immediate family can gather to Week the most because it gives celebrate the graduates. Adminthe graduating class a chance to istration, faculty and community step outside the lines without get- leaders give speeches to provide ting in trouble or looking weird,” advice to students as they start the Cyana Howard, senior, said. next phase of their lives. Grad bash April 24 Grad Bash takes place at Universal Studios from 7 p.m. 2.a.m., Celebrating seniors can ride roller coasters and see celebrities perform live in concert such as, Trey Songz and Flo-rida. “I’m most excited for Grad Bash because it’s like a little get away for a weekend before you go separate ways for college, and Pitbull will probably be there,” Leah Dosal, senior, said.

Senior awards assembly May 11 Invited seniors receive awards, scholarships and watch the senior video filmed by TV productions.. The video consists of interviews and seniors dancing with clubs. Graduation May 27 On May 27 the official graduation ceremony takes place at 1 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

April 2015

Valedictorian reﬂects on high school Chae Chat Katie Chae Staff Writer

Features • 7

Q: A:

As the seniors leave in a couple of weeks, ready to attend graduation, go to college and enjoy their freedom, our valedictorian will give one final speech cherishing all the memories that the seniors had.

Q: A:

PO’P Haley Babbitt

Valedictorian Cameron Mackenzie poses for a Pep O’ Plant photographer before an interview. Mackenzie has gained attention for his academics.

What steps did you take to be valedictorian? I told myself freshman year that I needed to take a bunch of AP classes, so sophomore year I took 5, junior year I took seven, and this past year I took 8.

Did you want to valedictorian? Why?

I wanted to freshman year more than I do now because then I thought I had something to prove. I took all these classes to show myself that I am smart. Now that I think about it, it seems like a waste of time because I know the extent of my own intelligence and didn’t need to spend four years proving something to myself.

What are your passions? My passions are math and science. I’m on the math team here. I’m the captain and coach of the Calculus team and Brain Bowl Team. Math makes me happy; I do it when I’m sad. Sometimes I’ll take a break and practice it to improve my mood.

are you going to miss Q: What most about Plant? really going to miss my friends A: I’m because with college we’re going to go our separate ways and I’m going to miss the people that I grew up knowing.

are your favorite and Q: What least favorite classes? Cameron Mackenzie, favorite class is AP Chemistry A: My from my sophomore year. I just like it because I understood everything that went on in it and everything just clicked along better than any other class. My least favorite class was AP Spanish Lang, because I had no idea what my classmates or the teacher were saying.

teacher has mentored Q: What you the most throughout high

senior

Q: Where collage

are you going to and what are you planning to major in?

A: Caltech. Chemical engineering.

is your favorite high Q: What school memory? A: Snorting and laughing under a tree

in Dublin this past summer, during a school ﬁeld trip.

school? Why? Deﬁnitely Mr. Thomas. He taught me how not only to be a better person, but to ﬁnd a level of optimism in everything I do, so that I am always happy.” He’s kind of like a second father to me.

was Q: What contribution

your biggest to an extracurricular activity?

A: Staying after school to tutor students each week for several hours and several clubs.

Congratulations to the 2015-2016 Pep O’ Plant editors Editors-in-Chief: Bennett Taylor & Erce Phillips News Editor: Joseph Rosenberger Features Editor: Rachel Ferreri Opinions Editor: Matt Blydenburgh Arts & Entertainment Editor: Savannah Lowry Sports Editor: Jacob Robinson Centerspread Editor: Allison Figueroa Photography Editor: Ysabella Canto

April 2014

8 • Centerspread

The Game of

Wi n B te r e ak r Baccalaureate

Going to the Homecoming Game Winter

Unity Day

Exam Week

RT STA

y of t Da Firs ol o Sch

Plant Armw vs. ood

2 3 4 5 6

START

Fair Day

L for

Rick’s Cafe

Senior Award Ceremony e tur Pic y Da ife

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Seniors have begun preparations for whatever path they have elected to take for their next step towards a career after graduation in May. While many students have moved towards the path of a four-year university, some have chosen different routes, particularly involving attending trade school or community colleges, enlisting in the military or moving directly into a career. “A friend of mine told me about UCF and their great engineering program, so it was down to that and the other Florida schools,” Chad Wynne, senior said. “What boiled down to it was that it was a big campus, but quiet at the same time, the campus is gorgeous, and the school has a very promising future as a whole.” While some have decided to stay in-state, other students have chosen to explore opportunities outside of Florida. “I chose Auburn because it’s a great school and has great education for my intended major, and even though it’s a smaller school, it has that large-campus SEC feel to it, and I really love that about it.” Connor Welsh, senior, said.

Although many seniors will attend college in the fall to decide what to do after school, some students have decided to join the United States Military. Chase Rumbley, senior, will be joining the ROTC program at Florida Atlantic University and major in marine science in order to join the U.S. Army Reserves as an officer after graduating. “I’ll be able to travel the world and help people who aren’t able to help themselves, which is why I joined the program.” Rumbley said. Community Colleges and Trade schools offer students the gain a college-level education, but with a much more localized approach that focuses on preparing students for careers. Also, community college education may soon be free throughout the nation with a proposed plan from President Obama. “I plan on studying business for a year at HCC and then transferring to Florida Gulf Coast University after that to continue.” Mark Melamud, senior said. In addition, students who attend at least a year of community college in Florida may transfer to any state university upon the end of their term.

AP T Pl estin g Je ant s uit vs.

Seniors explore post-graduation alternatives. Matt Blydenburgh Business Manager

6 1

Spring Break

Homecoming Dance

Graduation

ROTC/ Military

Out-of-State University Decision Day

Multicultural Day

Dressing up for Prom

MPAs

Clu Un Se der a D th ay e

Th ing ank Br sgiv ea k

Senior Banquet

Wonderland

ay s

ST AR

n it o ua rsal d a a Gr ehe R

R ep

y all

Black and Gold Day

Attending Panther Prowl Senior Girls’ Scavenger Hunt Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week

START

3 6 1 2

r in o Se ams Ex

y ul b Da C re u ci t P

4 5

Plant vs. Robinson

4 3 Se n i o rs’ La s t Day

April 2015 Centerspread • 9

In-State University

Community college

April 2015

10 • Opinions

Pep O’ Plant 2415 S. Himes Avenue, Suite 103 Tampa, Florida 33629 (813) 272-3033 ext. 247

Print Editor-in-Chief Jessica Jagodzinski Online Editor-in-Chief Robby Killette News Editor Katie Whitson Features Editor Melissa Jassir Opinions Editor Bennett Taylor Arts & Entertainment Editor Helen Kahassai Sports Editor Erce Phillips Centerspread Editor Meg Barrett Photography Editor Haley Babbitt Public Relations Allison Figueroa Webmaster Henry Jetmundsen Business Manager Matt Blydenburgh Copy Editor Emily Greiwe Staff Artist Nikki Lund Photographer Emalee Herrera Ysabella Canto Circulation Manager LaNae Fluellen Staff Rachel Ferreri Katie Chae Allyssa Ashmeade Faculty Adviser Louisa Avery The Pep O’ Plant is Plant High School’s studentrun newspaper. Opinions expressed may not reflect the views of the entire staff or school. We welcome signed letters to the editors. Letters can be brought to room 103 or placed in Louisa Avery’s school mailbox. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject any letters. Some material courtesy of MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service. Professional associations include Florida Scholastic Press Association, Southern Interscholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll.

Adults need to stop lying to teenagers ‘Best time of your life’ commentary annoying, untrue Column Students spend time in classes repeatedly tapping their foot against the leg of their desk and watching the clock move slowly toward another number. After three years of the same routine, they reach the final year, the finish line, the last hoorah. However, despite the repeated glowing message from every high school movie and comments from relatives, senior year can be the pinnacle of stress. Being asked by every adult, “What are your plans for after high school?” A teenager can develop a well-rehearsed answer about their college acceptance, intended major and how they plan to become a partner at a law firm by age 35 while owning a diverse stock portfolio. While honestly, we don’t know what the heck we are doing after collecting our diplomas.

Introducing yourself as a high school senior can induce a sparkle in the eye of your middle-aged conversation partner when they say, “This is the best time of your life.” Perched on the cusp of adulthood with parents prepared with scissors, ready to cut the ties of dependency, senior year may be an important development year but it teenagers cannot describe it as the best time of a their life. It can be “the best time to get a prescription for Xanax” or “the best time to see if you can pass three tests in one day on three hours of sleep.” High school peakers, beware. Rose colored glasses can cause a faux-golden tint on the four years spent in high school. So put away your varsity jacket from 1978 and stop lying to teenagers.

Man on The Street

Review your senior year, rank it on a scale from 1-5.

aaaag

aaaaa

aaaag

“It’s been pretty good so it’s not a three. I’m at school so it’s not a five. Too good to be a three.”

“It’s been a magical ride.”

“Because I learned, but the material was boring.”

“Because APs suck.”

Will Hargett, senior

Isis Escandon, senior

Jenna McKinney, senior

Luis Paredes, senior

Compiled by: PO’P Allyssa Ashmeade, PO’P LaNae Fluellen

April 2015

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12 •Advertisemant

April 2015

Sally O’ Neal’s supports Plant High!

April 2015

Arts & Entertainment • 13

Local restaurants cater to student grad night needs Uleue:

Exotic, indigenous, unique. Set in a more secluded part of the city on a water park overlooking the Hillsborough River, Ulele has a picturesque location. A large, two-story building lined with floor-toceiling windows, the restaurant provides the perfect location to watch a colorful setting sun. Following a Native American theme, ingredients are local. Among the exotic fixings are alligator hush puppies and frog legs, however most dishes feature more typical seafood. From the beef selection, the filet mignon and the New York strip loin are great choices, the flank steak, although named one of the specialties, is not worth its size and flavor. Falling mediocre among the flavorful appetizers and main dishes, the desserts offer limited choices, with nothing outstanding. Prices range from $20- $36 for the main dishes.

Osteria Natalina:

Although not as well known, Osteria Natalina is one of the best Italian restaurants in Tampa. Owned by an Italian family, everything is homemade, handmade, and fresh. Seafood dishes dominate the menu, however, almost any Italian dish can be cooked up if ordered. Among the best dishes are the hearty-sized lasagna, which comes in a variety of meats, and the gnocchi filled with asiago cheese and covered in pink sauce. Dessert is a must- options range from creamy gelatos, typical tiramisu and the mascarpone limoncello. Due to the relatively small size of this restaurant, it would not make a good choice for a large group of people. Osteria Natalina makes an ideal choice for a group under ten people.

Del Frisco:

A recently opened restaurant, Del Frisco, provides a more affordable, varied range of food. A good option for either lunch or dinner, Del Frisco’s menu offers everything; from the best cheesesteak egg rolls, juicy burgers served with tiny adorable ketchup bottles, to a mouthwatering Nutella bread pudding. This restaurant has it all. For guests hoping for a more elevated dish, there are great steak and fish options as well. A two-storied, roomy restaurant, Del Frisco makes a great option for large dinner parties.

Bern’s dessert room:

If parents are looking for economic dinner options, Bern’s is not the place. However, as an alternate to a traditional dinner, Bern’s dessert room makes a great option. Having enough room to accommodate large groups, an all dessert grad dinner would be a unique alternative to the typical dinner. With a large menu of options, every guest can find their perfect dessert. Coming in at the top of the list, the macadamia nut ice cream features a just-right chocolate fudge sauce while the trio of lava cakes presents three small cakes with perfect liquid centers and three scoops of Bern’s special ice creams. If people are looking to share, the banana’s foster, prepared right at the table, combines delicious flavors and also provides a good source of entertainment. Unique to the dessert room, tables are partitioned by “barrels” which provide a sense of privacy for each party. Desserts range from $10-$18 (Taste of Bern’s- sample portions of multiple desserts) allowing for an affordable yet classy night.

Ocean Prime:

Coming in as one of the best steakhouses in Tampa, Ocean Prime offers great options for both lunch and dinner depending on the desired price range. The large interior easily accommodates parties with many guests, however, oftentimes busy during dinner, reservations are necessary. From the selection of appetizers, the French onion soup ranks the best, being just salty enough to compliment the cheesy Swiss topping. With the five different kinds and size steaks, there are options for the entire family. Sides are served family style, allowing the table to share various choices. If Ocean Prime is the choice of the night, make sure to place an order ahead of time for the decadent dessert: lava cake. It requires advance notice for preparation, so when served, the perfect mix of hot fluffy cake, delicious chocolate sauce and complimentary vanilla ice cream ends the night with satisfaction.

PO’P Melissa Jassir

Review Melissa Jassir Features Editor Del Frisco’s Grille Address: 4138 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607 Phone:(813) 878-6890 Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Osteria Natalina Address: 3215 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629 Phone:(813) 831-1210 Hours: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Ocean Prime Address: 2205 N West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607 Phone:(813) 490-5288 Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Ulele Address: 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 Phone:(813) 999-4952 Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Bern’s dessert room Address: 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 Phone:(813) 251-2421 Hours: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

April 2015

14 • Arts & Entertainment

Kendrick sets fire to rap game

‘Furious 7’ combines Lamar reignites black power movement with new album engines with emotion

Review

AAAAA LaNae Fluellen Circulation Manager Kendrick Lamar used his latest album “To Pimp A Butterfly” to share the challenges and successes of black culture, whilst delivering some of the realest lyric. In the opening song, “Wesleys theory”, Lamar’s lyrics are strengthened by the underlying Motown and funk beats. Music genres that were at the height of

Black music (during the late 60’s and early 70’s). Whilst sharing lyrics on the current state of black culture he gave tribute to the black artists that came before him, and paved the way for his success. One of the album’s main messages is success. He expresses how hard it is for any black person, more specifically black males to succeed in America. As riches increase, the harder it is to succeed, “Oh America….I picked the cotton that made you rich.” Lamar is not at all reaching when he wrote that lyric, because all one has to do is type “wage gap between black and white males” to see that his statement was grounded in truth. Expressing how many blacks are still working for their “40 acres and a mule,” which is a phrase of hope , commonly said by slaves in the early 1800’s. With his “Good kid, M.A.A.D city”, Lamar nostalgically raps

about his life, growing up in Compton. In regards to Lamar’s latest work, this album shares hard truths about the black c o m m u n i t y, overlaying amazing beats. With this album listeners can see Lamar’s transition from kendricklamar.com reflecting on what is going Kendrick Lamar has succeeded in creating a musical his own life to masterpiece. He released his second major label seeing how the album “To Pimp A Butterfly” March 23. The album world treats him features 16 songs and is now available via iTunes. and his people. In the end, if you have not Even more so “To Pimp a Butterfly” is a call to already heard “To Pimp a action for the black community. Butterfly,” please put this paper He is sharing the many challenges down and go listen to it. It is truly a work of art that that they face, and prompting them to overcome them and shares many growing social issues along with unique beats. prove their adversaries wrong.

Indie Rock ♪

Concert Chart

April 2015

Metal ♪ Rap ♪

Alternative ♪ Rock Rock ♪

Genre

Artist

Date

Venue

Price

♪ ♪ ♪

Yellowcard

April 26

The Orpheum

$27.55+

Walk The Moon

April 26

State Theatre

$27.60

In Flames

April 26

Ritz Ybor

$35

♪

Alanis Morissette

April 28

Mahaffey Theatre

$49.50+

♪

Paramore

April 28

$43.25-78.75

♪

Ruth Eckerd Hall

Earl Sweatshirt

April 30

Orpheum

$30

Column

AAAAg Bennett Taylor Opinions Editor In a series dominated by tough guys, loud engines and big guns, the “Furious” saga got emotional. For the final scenes, a tribute to Paul Walker, who tragically passed away during the production of the film, were beautifully created. Choking up in this series felt strange, but the raw emotion of the cast remembering their beloved friend and star showed in those final scenes. All six “Fast and Furious” movies boasted multitudes of sleek, cutting edge cars, intense action scenes and minimal dialogue. They also featured painful attempts at character development through cheesy relationships and unrealistic dialogue. But the action was awesome. Cars parachuting out of planes, characters ripping up buses to save hostages and cars falling off cliffs highlighted extended clips of tremendous action. Instead of the plane, car or tank that typically is destroyed in the final scenes of action, a drone posed as the threat needing to be destroyed. Perhaps the most interesting scene involved cars being rolled off a cargo plane, parachuting onto the road to infiltrate a terrorist group. Is that a real thing? I sure hope so. It was cool. Already the best selling chapter of the series, Furious 7 will continue to bring in crowds with it’s outstanding visual effects, constant action and emotional appeal.

April 2015

Sports • 15

Junior competes on national platform Emily Greiwe Copy Editor

Courtesy of Jacob Hochhaulser

Jacob Hochhausler, junior, aims to take a shot during the 2014 National Championships. The top six juniors in the country competed for three spots on the podium; Hochhausler’s near perfect score placed first.

Softball swings into spring action Rachel Ferreri Staff Writer The softball team is competing at districts on April 13, and they currently rank No. 1 in Hillsborough County. The district tournament will be hosted at Plant this year. “One of the reasons that our team is successful is because we all get along so well,” Danielle Scott, senior, said. Plant recently won tournaments in Palm Harbor, Kissimmee, and they had a breast cancer tournament where they raised money for Moffitt Cancer center. “Our game for breast cancer raised $4706 for Moffitt Cancer Center,” Erin Fields, sophomore, said. Besides helping Moffitt raise money, the team has been working

on their skills constantly. “We have always been a good defensive team and have struggled offensively but we have improved a lot on both sides,” Fields said. “Our pitchers have been improving a lot this season as well and keeping us close in games but our biggest weakness is getting distracted when we pull too far ahead in games,” McKenzee Heron, junior, said. The team won two major tournaments recently. The Breast Cancer game against Riverview High School benefited Moffitt Cancer Center. “Our biggest strength this season is that our talent is very spread out, we don’t just rely on one or two players every game, it’s a true team effort,” Melissa Sigmon, softball coach, said.

Junior Jacob Hochhausler doesn’t pass, tackle, dribble, rally, spike, sprint or score. But he currently holds the highest national ranking in a U.S. Olympic sport: Shooting. Though little known, shooting is the fourth most participated sport in the world. There are several subcategories of competition, but Hochhausler competes most often in international trap and skeet. In early March, Hochhausler shot in the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) South East National Championships in international trap and skeet events and placed first in both.

Baseball results from Mar.- Apr. 2015 -3/24 @Riverview: W 15-5 -3/26 Newsome: W 6-2

“I’ve always shot guns from a young age... the [shotgun range] coach told me to join the local club team. That started my career,” Hochhausler who only began to train competitively in the sport in 2014, said. As of March 30th, Hochhausler was listed as sixth in the country on usashooting.org, maintaining a perfect 1.0000 record along with the five athletes listed as first through fifth. “For my national ranking, we are all tied for first, but the top three ranked are Olympians and are multiple time World Cup champions.” “At the bigger tournaments, there are past Olympians and world champions.” Just recently, he has competed in tournaments

Seniors play final baseball games Henry Jetmundsen Webmaster

-3/31 Alonso: L 4-3 -4/2 Wharton: W 9-2 -4/7 Chamberlain W 12-2

Softball results from Mar.- Apr. 2015

-3/24 Oakleaf*: W 15-5

-3/26 Doral Academy*: W 6-2 -3/31 Alonso: L 5-4 -4/2 Wharton: W 2-0 -4/7 Chamberlain W 7-1 *Part of the Kissimmee Klassic Tournament

Spring time means the start of the season many of Plant’s sports, including baseball. Some of the senior players for the team this year hold exceptional talent that could take them to play to college and beyond. Two players in specific, Kyle Tucker and Jake Woodford. Both players have been committed to play at University of Florida since their sophomore year. They’ve played all four years at Plant under Coach Dennis Braun. “We’ve had a really great team this year and I’m really proud of how we’ve played,” Braun said. “Kyle is probably one of the best players in the country and Woodford is the best right handed pitcher.” The players have high hopes for

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at the University of Alabama, Jacksonville University, and Florida State University. Olympic shooting is unique in that all age groups can easily contend against each other; Hochhausler often competes well above his traditional age division. Travel is a large part of the culture of Shooting as a sport, and because of the level he has advanced to in such a short period, Hochhausler trains in Southern Georgia and spends very little free time actually in Tampa. “It’s frustrating having to drive all the way to Hartsfield every weekend to shoot,” Hochhausler said. The training center is about four hours and forty five minutes from South Tampa, a considerable trek.

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the team as well. “I think we’ve played well this season, some things just haven’t gone our way,” Woodford said. “I believe we have a good chance of winning states.” The whole team has been playing well playing well all season and contributing to the wins. “More guys have really stepped up and started hitting more and we’re looking to just finish strong,” Tucker said. Members on the team wish for more players similar to their current seniors. “I think the team is better than they get credit for being. I think younger guys are starting to make their mark to make up for the loss of some of our great seniors we’ll be losing,” said Braun. Players like Woodford and Tucker have been in the eyes of colleges since their sophomore years.

April 2015

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I’ll tell you what: Floyd will knock out Pacquaio Column Robby Killette Online Editor-in-Chief After years of waiting, the boxing world will finally get the fight they’ve been wanting. Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Manny Pacquaio will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, May 2. Each fighter has been negotiating their fight for years. Drama with the mash up started in 2009, when ESPN reported Pacquaio signed a contract to fight Mayweather. However, he denied the report. Since then, the fighters have gone back and forth

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on whether or not they would eventually face off against each other. Fans have worried that the fight would never become a reality, the two agreed to finally brawl, Dec. 12, 2014 In one corner we’ll have my pick to win the fight, 38-yearold, Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. who stands at 5’8” with a 72” reach and has an undefeated 47-0 career record with 26 knockouts. He won multiple boxing championships...

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