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School’s Out, Here’s What’s Happening Over Summer Break Page 5
May 18, 2017 | Volume 90 | Issue 8 H.B. Plant High School | 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
News @plantpop INSTAGRAM
In Memory of, Administrators change bell schedule, What You Missed, School’s Out!
Features
@humansofplanthigh
Jazz Band receives first superior ranking, AP 2-D Studio Art students receive Scholastic Art Awards
SNAPCHAT
Opinion
@pepoplantnews
Sports
WEBSITE
pepoplant.com 2 | Table of Contents
Florida legislatures ignore public opinion, Incentive Card rules need revision, Letter to the Editor
Season Summary
4-8
11-13
14-16
19-22
MISSION STATEMENT: Pep O’ Plant is the student-run publication serving the community of H.B. Plant High School. The mission of Pep O’ Plant is to provide an open forum for the free exchange of ideas.
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Staff
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY: Members of the staff are expected to use personal and publication social media accounts in a mature, responsible and professional manner. Students who do not follow these guidelines will lose the privilege of posting on the Pep O’ Plant social media accounts and may face additional consequences. Unsigned posts on a publication account will be removed.
EDITORIAL POLICY: The editorial board will make all decisions for the publication. Editorial board members will discuss controversial issues and will consider the advice of the adviser before making decisions regarding coverage. Administration will be made aware of any sensitive topics in advance. 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, advisor, faculty or administrators of H.B. Plant High School.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY: Letters to the editor can be emailed to pepoplantnews@gmail.com. The editorial board has the right to revise, edit, condense and reject any letters. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published.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 in the newspaper with a 300-word obituary and one mugshot photo. The editorial board may decide to cover the deaths of alumni or former staff/faculty members when appropriate.
ADVERTISING POLICY: Pep O’ Plant has ad space available in print and online for members of the school and local community. To receive advertising information, email pepoplantnews@ gmail.com. Advertisements that 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.
ORGANIZATIONS: Pep O’ Plant is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association, Southern Interscholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll. Pep O’ Plant was ranked as All-Florida for 2016-2017 by the Florida Scholastic Press Association.
Editors-in-Chief Savannah Lowry Jacob Robinson Opinion Manager Thompson Draper News Manager Isabella Ank Page Designers Sydni Bates Brandon Lovinger Natalie Kerr Alissa Mellman Izabel Martinez Staff Artist Grace Summers Photographers Gian Cortez Lauren Workman Sports Writers Reed Frevola Cole Maines Staff Writers Chloe-Amelie Aikman Katie Pine Riley Schofner Faculty Adviser Louisa Avery Policies | 3
In Memory of Katie Golden Katie Golden, senior, died from unexpected causes on Tuesday, April 18. Golden was born on August 23, 1999 in Tampa, FL and attended Coleman Middle School before coming to Plant. Golden was also both an accomplished pianist and cheerleader. “Katie was a kindred spirit. She was very introspective, but also very connected with and aware of the world around her always liked to think of the bigger picture and always reflected much deeper thoughts about who she was and the world around her,” English teacher John DeOrio said. Following her passing, she was remembered by the entire school through a moment silence, as initiated by Principal Robert Nelson. “Our heart and prayers are with the family of PHS senior Katie Golden. Heaven gained an angel last night,” Nelson said via Twitter. Golden was known around school by many teachers and peers for her personality and character. “I knew Katie, I knew her siblings, I actually still stay in contact with her brother,” English teacher and Golden’s homeroom teacher Dana Smith said. “She was definitely a bright spot for me because she was always coming in and always jovial.” A service celebrating her life was held at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 22, where friends and family shared memories of the late high schooler. “Katie would always wear our Grandfather’s necklace with Jesus on the cross, and that’s how we know she’s with god,” Golden’s sister said at the service. Overall, Golden will be missed among the student body, teachers and administrators. “We have a really good homeroom and this has been a loss,” Smith said.
4 | News
Bella Galen-Valdes Bella Galan-Valdes, senior, has passed away May 5. She is remembered by friends, family and the school community. “Bella was a very reserved person who was sincere and kind, and always quick to laugh and see the brighter side of things with friends. While she was quiet and soft-spoken, she Picture is from junior year had a heart of gold who had compassion and empathy for those around her,” English teacher John DeOrio said. Even though she didn’t make many contributions to the school aside from her studies extracurricular-wise, she left a lasting impact on those around her. “Her and Katie Golden were both the sweetest girls. I didn’t know Bella as well, but we had a great homeroom and it’s been a huge loss,” English teacher Dana Smith said. In addition to her being remembered by teachers around the school, her life was also reflected upon by a fellow senior classmate. “Anyone Bella was surrounded with was blessed to be in her presence. There was not one day that she was upset for more than five seconds, and her smile could light up a whole room,” senior Bri Barcena said. She is survived by her younger brother Brian who is in seventh grade, her mom Betty and her dad Robert. Barcena also goes on to talk more about what shaped Valdes’s personality, and how she was as a person. “Her personality and how she acted grew on the people around her. She never let anyone treat her as if she was a lesser human being. She is a part of all of us, and we should all be thankful for her,” Barcena said. Funeral services were held on May 12 at the Boza and Roel Funeral Home in addition to an announcement made by Principal Robert Nelson with a school-wide moment of silence.
A New Lunch Bell Rings Administrators change bell schedule
Regular
EARLY RELEASE
WARNING BELL
7:20
7:20
1ST
7:33 - 8:23
7:33 - 8:15
ATTENDANCE
8:23 - 8:28
8:15 - 8:20
2ND
8:34 - 9:24
8:26 - 9:08
3RD
9:30 - 10:20
9:14 - 9:56
4TH Lunch A
10:26 - 11:16
10:02 - 10:45
5TH Lunch B
11:22 - 12:12
10:51 - 11:34
6TH Lunch C
12:18 - 1:08
11:40 - 12:23
7TH
1:14 - 2:04
12:29 - 1:11
8TH
2:10 - 3:00
1:17 - 2:00
Meghan Ciemnolonski said. In addition to a change in lunch times, tutoring may also become available during lunch in the upcoming school year. Although this is not yet definite, it remains a possibility. If approved, students will be able to receive tutoring from teachers during lunch. “If students who need the extra help can’t stay after school and get the tutoring we offer now, it’s going to be within the school day,” assistant principal Kimi Hellenberg said. Despite this change, class lengths will remain relatively the same as they are for the 2016-2017 school year. Accordingly, the new schedule should not detract from students’ education.
FROMthe
HALLS
How do you feel about the new school schedule?
“
I might not be able to hang out with my friends or do my homework -Mina Mueller, freshman
“ “ It will be good for lunches so kids can space out and a lot more time for kids to finish their food . -Brenton Wadsworth, junior
“
Period
“
A new bell schedule will be installed for the 2017-2018 school year. Although quite similar to this current year’s schedule, the new schedule features a considerable difference. Unlike prior school years, lunch will be a completely separate period, instead of merging it within fifth period. “It’s definitely going to give us a lot more lunch time,” junior Phoenix Kish said Fourth, fifth and sixth periods will be reserved as lunch periods, students receiving one of these periods as their time to eat. Therefore, there will be no overlap in lunches. “We just have to work at a much fast-
er pace, it’s all dependent on the pace,” cafeteria employee Tomika Wilcox said. This comes after the previously proposed bell schedule (in which high schools began at 7:15 a.m. and ended at 2:00 p.m.) was voted to be postponed until its institution for the 2018-2019 school year. “Overall, I don’t think it’s that different. It will definitely help with the organization of lunches,” sophomore Brenda Sanchez said. With the current schedule, overcrowding may sometimes occur in the cafeteria due to the overlapping of lunches. This leads to long lunch lines which take away time students could have used to eat. “I prefer the newer [schedule] because it’s more efficient,” freshman
“
Isabella Ank News Manager
I don’t know how I feel about it. Why not just give everyone the same lunch? -Cedric Williams, sophomore
News | 5
What Y u Missed... Pep O’ Plant Retweeted Cyberattacks @Windows
News in 140 characters or less “They were very dangerous and we should try to prevent them form happening again in the future.”
Global cyberattacks have affected tens of thousands of Microsoft Windows computers, involving encrypted files and demands for ransom payments . Source nytimes.com
Cal Richards, freshman
Pep O’ Plant Retweeted Kara McCoullough @MissUSA2017
Miss District of Columbia, Kara McCoullough, was crowned Miss USA 2017 at the May 14 pageant, and is already involved in controversy regarding her interview responses. Source BostonHerald.com
Casey Brucato, junior
Pep O’ Plant Retweeted HB #7069 @FloridaLegislature
Florida legislators passed HB #7069, which Governor Rick Scott has to sign in to law or veto by May 23 (Editorial on pg. 14).
Source wikimedia commons
Source techcrunch.com
Jaden Dixon, sophomore
“I loved her dress and she is super pretty. I also think it’s cool how her platform is promoting STEM education for girls.”
“If it’s in their best interest and something that can help kids, then it’s not something that’s too bad, it’s not something that is too drastic. It’s really up to the school board.” “As someone who eats loads of berries and things that look like leaves, I’m very excited for it to open.”
Pep O’ Plant Retweeted Opening Soon @SproutsSouthTampa
South Tampa’s first Sprouts Grocery Store will open May 24 and offer a variety of organic foods and goods. Shay Cowart, English teacher
Pep O’ Plant Retweeted Broadway Star of the Future @BSFfinalist
Maggie Musco, junior, has become Thespian Troupe #0817’s first Broadway Star of the Future finalist.
PO’P Lauren Workman
6 | News
Maggie Musco, junior
“I’m very excited, it’s an honor. It’s across a few counties so I didn’t expect to get it. I just went in with an open mind and did my thing.”
Designed by Darnell Henderson Compiled by Savannah Lowry
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Call today for scheduling information and registration. Classes are filling up fast! Advertisement | 7
School’s Out! Here’s What’s happening Over Summer Break MAY
5-26
Friday Concerts in the Park
MAY
27
97x Backyard BBQ
MAY
27-28
Sunset Music Festival
JUNE
4-12
A reoccurring free event every Friday of May from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., hosted at Water Works Park in downtown Tampa. The last two Fridays of the month will feature The Hummingbirds (May 19) and Johnny G Lyon Band (May 26).
5-13 Peru Trip
8 | News
JUNE
21-29 trip
A music festival hosted by the radio station 97x at the Vinoy Park in St. Pete. Tickets are free if you receive them at one of the “Ticket Drops”, but VIP tickets are available for $25. The festival begins runs all day and features artists of the alternative genre, including groups Group Love, Milky Chance and K Flay.
Hosted at Raymond James Stadium, features the performances of electronic dance music (EDM) artists Major Lazer, RL Grime and Zed’s Dead. Tickets begin at $122 and the event begins at 3 p.m. both days.
An EF Educational tour to London chaperoned by Yohanis Carrera. This trip promises the feature of theatre in London.
JUNE
16
Dierks Bentley Concert
JUNE
3
Jimmy Buffet Concert
JUL
25 Shawn Mendes Concert
London
JUNE
English teacher Shay Cowart takes a group of students on a tour of the culture of London and Dublin. Cowart designs the tour herself and specializes it to what the students going abroad London & Dublin wish to see.
An EF Educational tour to Peru chaperoned by Yohanis Carrera. This trip will host 14 students to experience the culture of Peru, including Alpacas.
Dierks Bentley is a country music artist and will be performing at the MidFlorida Credit Union Ampitheater. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and has seat ranging from the lawn to the pit in front of the stage.
A concert of the country music genre, at the MidFlorida Credit Union Ampitheatre featuring Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and has seating ranging from the lawn to the pit in front of the stage
A concert of the acoustic pop genre at Amalie Arena. The concert begins at 7 p.m. with opening act Charlie Puth, followed by singer songwriter Shawn Mendes.
Family. Friends. Community. Jim Cornwell, Agent 4305 Bay To Bay Blvd Tampa, FL 33629 Bus: 813-835-8892 www.jimcornwell.com
We’re all in this together. State Farm has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support Plant High School. ®
Get to a better State . ®
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Congratulations Plant High School Graduates. Here’s to the brightest of futures and hoping that all of your dreams come true.
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GOSHEN
azz Band
receives first superior ranking
Riley Schofner Staff Writer
J
azz band has recently hit new heights with their first superior at the state wide level in the school’s history, says band Director Brian Dell. He was stunned that his students had such an excitement to perform fueled by their appreciation of the Jazz art form. A Jazz band, made up of a rhythm sections, saxophones, trombones and trumpets practice daily under Dell’s leadership. It only includes the most outgoing and stellar musicians from the school, so competition at statewide events is tough. “The skill was so much higher than my first year. I wonder if this is what lead us to success. What line did we rise over to make it to the top?” Senior third year trombone player Jonathan Clements said. These students not only try to enhance their individual quality, but sportsmanship and unity as a band. Every year these pupils practice to be the best they can, however, this season was different. “Our band put in extra effort to achieve and win! Despite that, our greatest corner stone had to Mr. Dell. He helps a lot,” senior saxophone player Conner Costello said. This jazz band runs a different show than a regular high school, with students who are self-motivated to help each other out for the greater good of the ensemble.
During their combination jazz concert with Robinson High School Jazz Band, at Robinson, David Mau, junior plays the Baritone Saxophone. The concert featured a multitude of songs including, “Round MIdnight”, “Witchcraft” and “String of Pearls”. Photo by Savannah Lowry.
“Very fun, however would have been too challenging without my elder’s support,” freshman saxophone player Tabatha Vera said about her first year. Every participant of the band has their own reasons they want to expand upon their music passion, much like second year sophomore trumpeter Jack Krutz. “I found that I perform with a goal to achieve from the music. It helps me connect to the soul of our band,” Krutz
said. Jazz has exceeded the precedent of quality within the bands history, and they plan to continue their successful community in future years. See a video of jazz band practicing
pepoplant.com
Features | 11
Silver Medal
WINNERS
AP 2-D Studio Art students receive Scholastic Art Awards AP Art students, Jack Glover and Elena Grant, juniors, were recently recognized on a national level for excellence in the visual arts. As recipients of the Silver Key awards, the two artists were congratulated at a ceremony hosted at Blake High School on March 24, as well as having received numerous letters and emails in support. The event itself, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, aims to “[recognize] the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s youth, and [provide] opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated.” “It’s a national award and it’s important for them to see themselves in the context of their peers at such a large scale (event),” Stacy Rosende, AP Art teacher said. Over 330, 000 original works of art were submitted, Glover and Grant rising to the top one percent to receive such an honor. Presented by the Alliance of Young Artists and Writers, this competition is open to all students grades 7-12 across America with 29 categories of art and writing to apply too. The judges also hold up multiple elements when critiquing. “Well, they have to break it down into how the person does it, or how the techniques you use, visually, how well it
12 | Features
“
“
Chloe-Amelie Aikman Staff Writer
Silver Medal recipients, juniors Jack Glover and Elena Grant display their award winning work. Grant and Glover were of the top one percent of the 330,000 artworks submitted for the award. Photo courtesy of art teacher, Stacy Rosende, looks, and then craftsmanship and just draw off of that and kind of build our pretty much how you completed the work off of it,” Glover said. whole scope of the project,” Glover said. Silver Key award status presents an Grant, her work titled “Distance”, de- exciting opportunity for the both of scribes her artistic process as one that them. involves multiple elements. “It opens up doors for schools to “I think for a lot of people it’s differ- give you scholarships. It’s something ent, but definitely there’s a lot of empa- really good to have under your belt if you want to get a career in art or even just going to a school that isn’t for art,” Grant said. “It definitely shows you, it you something that’s like ‘Okay, “It opens up doors for schools to gives I am good enough. If I’m good enough give you scholarships. It’s some- for this, I know be good enough to thing really good to have under get higher thingsI can and your belt if you want to get a ca- a career out of it.” I know I can make reer in art or even just going to a Specifically, this National Award can school that isn’t for art.” provide Glover and Grant with collegiate opportunities. -Elena Grant “When they apply for college, these national awards are recognized as prestigious awards throughout the nation because everybody’s participating thy between you and your subject of in this,” Rosende said. “It’s not just a lowhat you’re drawing. I love to do por- cal thing it’s a big deal.” traits from observation, so I just feel like Both Glover and Grant plan to conthere’s a connection sometimes between tinue in their pursuit of the arts as they me and what I’m drawing,” Grant said. finalize submissions for their AP Art Glover feels a similar connection to his portfolios. work; his piece, titled “Smoking Man”, “They were in the top one percent of as well as Grant’s reflect the artists’ joint over 300,000 entries, and I believe that appreciation of the objective form. they are hardworking students, they are “Everyone thinks about things in life, deserving, and I am immensely proud of and we all kind of think of people, about them,” Rosende said. things and places, and we are inspired by things and people, so we kind of
Steps to Success
1.
2.
3.
4.
Drawing out the face
5.
Underpainting with acrylic
6.
Start with oil paints
7.
Darkening
8.
Adding more light
Beginning specifics
Completing specifics
Finalizing
American Vision & Voices
AWARD Posing next to her artwork, “Narcissist”, junior Jessie Yang explains her art to observers at the Dali Museum. This is the largest artwork Yang has ever done. Photo courtesy of Jessie Yang.
“I was very honored to get the award and it was totally unexpected. It was very ego boosting to have affirmation that I was doing something right. Also, the art is 5 ft by 3 ft so it took some time to make it, but it is overall pretty stylistically loose. I thought “Narcissist” was pretty neat and pretty big.” - Jessie Yang, junior and award recipient
Features | 13
Florida legislature ignores citizens’ opinion The passing of HB 6079 has been met with strong opposition from many educators and groups among social media. This bill holds many provisions, specifically those with an easy appeal, to hide the more negative impacts to public school. HB 7069 involves the highlights of a reduce in testing, with a push for the removal of the Algebra II E.O.C., a required daily recess for elementary school students and expansion of Bright Futures Scholarship spending. However, it is obvious that the numerous positive aspects of the bill are meant to cover up the increase in spending for charter schools, which consequently takes funding away from public schools. The promise of “Schools of Hope”, which are defined as charter schools in low-income neighborhoods, may seem like a good idea, but all it’s doing is ignoring the true problem in public schools. All this dedication to charter schools is not only harmful to the already struggling public school system, but arguably pointless as although charter schools boost high graduation rates, three fourths of charter school students will drop out of college before earning a
From the PO’P Staff
Bright Futures The top-level Florida Academic Scholars Award would increase to fully paid tuition at the public university rate. It would also cover some fees and include $300 for books and other education-related expenses each fall and spring.
14 | Opinions
Student Testing
The bill would eliminate the Algebra II End of course exam and the test for student-athletes who don’t take HOPE.
four year degree, as reported by USA Today. The most upsetting feature of HB 7069 is its opposition to citizen input, especially that of educators, parents and students. The bill, when given to law makers to review, was not able to be changed, included 278 pages, covered $419 million and said lawmakers only had 72 hours to review the bill before voting. HB 7069 even saw opposition from large groups such as the Florida PTA, but lawmakers appear to have taken no outside voice in to consideration when casting their votes. HB 7069 is an all or nothing bill, meaning it was strategic of the charter-school supporting law makers writing the bill to set up the situation that if it is vetoed by Governor Rick Scott he will be saving funding for necessary public schools, but also unfortunately turning down many positive provisions for the public
Schools of Hope New charter schools will get five-year contracts and money from the state and a share of local property taxes to operate in areas that have failing schools.
Schools of Excellence
Schools in the top 20 percent will receive exemptions from some mandates and principals will get more autonomy over staff and money.
PO’P Grace Summers school system. The proposition of these new provisions to the Florida education system, can be vetoed by Governor Scott 15 days after he receives it. It is a civic responsibility for those impacted by HB 7069 to write Governor Scott and express their concerns in the time allotted. He can be reached at (850) 488-7146 or mail can be sent to the Office of Governor Rick Scott State of Florida The Capitol400 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Textbooks The new rules would make it easier for parents to challenge classroom materials.
Religious Expression
Students would be guaranteed the right to wear clothing and jewelry with religious symbols at school and participate in religious activities, including prayer, at school. Source: Tampa Bay Times
Incentive Card rules need revision
Katie Pine Staff Writer
Positives & Negatives of Incentive Cards
Principal's Honor Roll and Honor Roll students receive a great reward by providing an incentive card. The incentive card allows students to drop between one and three tests at the end of each quarter. In the requirements of making this card valid for use, students can only be absent two or less times with no unexcused absences. The amount of absences should not affect the eligibility of the incentive card. Although absences have some relevance to a student's performance, absences are not relevant to the incentive card itself. If a student is able to achieve that high of grades with more than two absences, then they are still worthy of dropping a test. That illustrates the difference between non honor and Honor Roll students- if an honor roll student misses a few days, they will make sure to complete their work and maintain their high grades. If anything, the absences should further prove a student's eligibility of the card. The incentive card rules also do not account for personal issues. There is no room for human error or tragedies at
home, such as sickness, death of family member or surgery. According to student affairs, rewards given with the incentive cards may only be eligible to take advantage of "based on two or fewer excused (with no unexcused) absences in the those classes." No student should be penalized due to a tragedy outside of school. For example, I missed four days of school due to recovery from wisdom teeth surgery. As a High Honor Roll student, I emailed my teachers prior to and post procedure, explaining my situation. My teachers and doctors all told me to stay home and rest, and come back when I'm feeling better. I was also prescribed high strength pain killers, so I didn't want to break any school rules but having them in my system while on campus. But when it was my turn to drop a test in a class, I was denied. Situations like mine happen all the time- during flu season, kids are told to stay home until their fever breaks, and sometimes a loved one passes away. Major stressors and tough experiences like these should not have any input in the use of an incentive card. On the other side, the incentive card should be providing leverage for stu-
•Only two excused absences per class •Inconsistent; Some teachers •follow the rules and some don’t •Only can drop passing grades •Does not always affect grades •Only one per class •Cannot drop if there aren’t enough tests
dents to stay motivated and earn good grades. It is not meant to be an excuse for missing an excess amount of school. A student with an incentive card should not have the mindset of "well I can miss a bunch of school because I can just drop something at the end of the quarter." This counteracts the purpose of the incentive care, but most kids receiving these cards are hardworking students that want to succeed, so they are usually not using the cards as an excuse for laziness. Not every student is perfect and yes, some students would abuse the card in that aspect, but no system will cause perfect behavior and control a student's motives. In order to fix this unfair issue, rules should be adjusted. A possible alternative could be instead of two days, it should be five days. Also, if a student is stuck in a severe enough situation that attending school is not an option, they should be able to work it out with student affairs. The incentive card is a great way to motivate students to work hard and earn good grades, but the system needs some changes in order to make it better.
•Drop a test/quiz •Take off some stress for AP students •Can get a parking pass •Special lunch dedicated to those students
Opinions | 15
A Synopsis of a Cable News Network Letter To The Editor: In response to Staff Editorial “Trump deters freedom of the press” March 2017, pg. 18 President Trump has received a lot of backlash by the Left for criticizing multiple news outlets, more specifically CNN, for perpetuating fake news on their corresponding stations. However the question would be posed, is the President in the wrong for criticizing this news outlet? The definition of propaganda is as follows: information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. CNN is notorious for spewing liberal propaganda on their network, this is particularly one of the reasons why their ratings have tanked, “… primetime slot ratings have fallen to the lowest point since October 1, 1991.” (“CNN ratings plummet to historic low in primetime slot” Nov. 12, 2014. RT.com) Due to the fact that there is a plethora of examples of CNN displaying fake news or liberal propaganda I will take you through their greatest hits. Let’s start with CNN selectively editing a Black Lives Matter (BLM) supporter’s words calling for the burning down of white suburbs; CNN reported that the BLM activist was calling for calm. Coming up next I’m sure you predicted- CNN, otherwise known as the Clinton News Network and now known as the Crooked News Network, always said that Trump would lose. An article on CNN’s website uploaded Thursday, July 9, 2015, said that Trump just had a 1 percent chance of winning the election. This fake news outlet included multiple skewed polls oversampling democrats in the hope they would create a bandwagon effect for undecided voters. Moving on, some of the more upsetting propaganda garbage that came from CNN came in the form of CNN news anchor, Don Lemon. A white teenage boy was kidnapped, gagged, beat-
en, forced to drink toilet water, and was bombarded with multiple racial slurs. Even with this explicit evidence, Don Lemon, when confronted, refused to label this a hate crime. Now, we can only imagine if the roles were reversed. Continuing on to the beginning of the BLM movement, (which was built on a lie but that is another article) CNN can take the majority of the blame for spreading one of the biggest lies of the 2015-2016 season- the hands up don’t shoot lie. Michael Brown was shot by a police officer and was said to have his hands up, which was disproven by multiple forensic analysis of the case. However, CNN had four panelist hold their hands up in “solidarity” and began the spread of a politically driven lie that started the horrible fire of BLM. Furthermore, to something more recent, the election win of Donald Trump was the biggest upset to the snowflakes over at CNN and they were well ready and prepared to blame anyone but themselves. Anchor Van Jones blamed white people for Hillary Clinton’s loss, not the fact that she was one of the most untrusted candidates of all time, not the fact that she was the first candidate to run under federal investigation, and not the fact that her campaign had no message other than “vote for me because I’m a woman.” The reason for the loss in Van Jones’s mind was racist white people specifically, the “evil white male”. The flaw in this argument factually, is that Trump got a higher percentage of minority vote than Romney and McCain; also more women voted for Obama than Hillary (sorry Hillary but it wasn’t misogyny either). The common sense flaw in this is Van Jones blamed racist white men, but where were all these racist white men when Obama was a candidate? If what Van Jones is saying holds true we
wouldn’t have had Obama. Wrapping up, the democrats and the fake news networks with which they work hand in hand are losing ground. They have lost everything, and they need something to hold onto- this thing is Russia. CNN now wants to blame Russia for rigging and undermining the election when really there is no evidence of the Russians changing any votes. Allegedly, Russia hacked the DNC and undermined the election. Now, what did the hacking mean exactly? The Russians, if they really did this, all they did was expose to the American people how corrupt the DNC is and how they rigged the primaries were in favor of Clinton because and I quote “they didn’t want a Jew running the nomination ticket.” Can’t forget that CNN said that only they can show you the WikiLeaks dumps and not anyone else because it’s illegal, allowing them to spin it however they want. In conclusion, Russian conspiracy has declined because Trump took action against their close allies, Syria. What is it now CNN? What fake news story is next? My advice if you want your ratings to go back, start by respecting the president and reporting the news. President Trump has the full right to rebel against the mainstream media and the only reason the snowflakes don’t like it is because they aren’t used to an opposition to push back. Sorry to break to you CNN, and the rest of the Left, but this is a new era you can’t push us around anymore. The American people won’t stand for this any longer. No more indoctrination and propaganda. That’s why you lost, nobody to blame but yourselves, deal with it. This the era of President Trump. – John Awad, sophomore
Do you have an opinion? Submit a letter to the editor at pepoplantnews@gmail.com Letters to the editor can be emailed to pepoplantnews@gmail.com. The editorial board has the right to revise, edit, condense and reject any letters. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published.
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Season Summary:
A look back at the teams records, highlights
Volleyball: 28-4 JV Volleyball: 10-1
Players including junior Bailey Wilson and sophomore Camryn Volger huddle up before the opening set of a game. During the season, they made it all the state championship game as the ninth best team in the state of Florida.
Varsity Football: 13-1 JV Football: 4-1
The offensive line gets ready before the snap during a playoff game versus Lee. They won the state semifinal game, advancing to the state championship game.
“Our season was very successful. We made it to the state championship and we got to grow a lot as a program and friends on the team.” -Birdie Frierson, freshman (varsity)
The season was a success without a doubt. We were underrated to begin with and weren’t supposed to make it past the 1st round of the playoffs, let alone make it to states. Although we fell just short of the ultimate goal, the season was one that won’t be forgotten.” -Evan Passath, sophomore (varsity)
“I think the season went fairly well. We beat most of the teams we played in the entire season. The only competition we really had was against Berkeley, but other than that it went very well.” -Dani Sleet, sophomore (junior varsity)
“Beating Blake was the best moment because they were talking a lot before the game and they thought they were going to beat us, but we destroyed them.” -Jared Folkman, sophomore (junior varsity)
Boys Cross Country
Senior Bradley Gilberto and Junior Jackson Samartin practice along Bayshore during a typical cross country practice. “The season went okay. We got a new coach and were adjusting to a few things. We have a bunch of young kids who are going to be really good next year.” -Walker Thomas, junior
Contributions made by: Jacob Robinson Cole Maines Reed Frevola Gian Cortez Emilia DiFabrizio Zoie Ashmeade Plant Twitter Pages
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Boys Basketball: 9-15 JV Basketball: 9-3
Varsity Basketball: 28-2 Girls and Boys JV Basketball: 12-3 Swimming
The referee tips the ball off to begin senior night against Alonso on Feb 3. They lost that game 47-40. “It was an improvement from two years ago. It’s still not what we wanted to get to. I think next year we can go even higher. I think the team is on the rise,” Bobby Gough, sophomore (varsity)
Junior Sydney Johnson dribbles up court against her Winter Haven defender. Looking to pass to Senior Payton Paro, Johnson and Paro have combined to be a backcourt force for the team this season.
“Our season went pretty good. We had a really good record. We played good against a lot of different teams and we made the most out of our opportunities,” Spencer Epps, freshman (junior varsity)
Girls Soccer: 9-2-5
Junior Emma Platt looks to pass the ball during warmups before a match. They made it all the way to the Regional Semifinals the past season. “This season was by far the best season we’ve had. We started out the season with a group of girls dedicated to mking it to the district championship, but we surpassed our goal and made it to the regional semifinals,” Emma Platt, junior
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“My favorite memory was probably the Senior Game. It was sad because all of my friends were leaving but it was good to see them all have a good game,” Sydney Johnson, junior (varsity) “Our team really bonded together and worked hard in our practices and games. I’m happy with how we put in a lot of work to be successful,” Abby Schnieder, sophomore (junior Varsity)
Boys Soccer: 6-9-2
Junior Rauri O’Rourke dribbles up the sideline looking to score in a match against Robinson. They went on to win the game 3 to 1. “I feel like we really bonded together, the team. There were some ups and down. We lost our first district game. We got back up though. I think we really gelled together as a team,” Victor Gonzalez, junior
Junior Morgan Tankersley competes in the Junior Swimming National Event. The Event was held in July of last summer as Tankersley won her events. “I think we all improved and got faster and we did the best we’ve ever done in school history by getting fifth in states,” Jake Connery, junior “A challenge would be when we got closer to the regional meets, when it started to get more narrowed down and more competitive during the district and regional meets,” Summer Felsen, sophomore
Crew/Rowing
Sophomores Bradley Blanton, Ben Rodriguez, Eli Rice and Carter Hamlin participate in the junior quad race. At the conclusion of the event, they finished third overall. “The year went pretty well. We started the year with a new training program. We did weights twice a week and I think we saw an improvement in our scores. We just had states and we finished collectively third as an organization and were going to nationals,” Courtney Chalmers, sophomore
Girls Lacrosse: 16-4
Freshman Heather McGeachy runs up the field looking to pass or score in a match against the Academy of Holy Names. They won that game en route to an appearance in the second round of the postseason. “I thought we did really well. We really bonded as a team and I think it showed when we played.” -Ellie Schifino, freshman
Boys Lacrosse: 11-4
Boys Tennis: 12-0
Two players from the Panthers and Tampa Catholic participate in a face off to start the second half during their Feb 14 match. They went on to win the game en route to an appearance in the District Championship.
Sophomore Bennett Davis follows through on his shot during a match. They went on to win the match en route to a perfect regular season.
“The most I got out of this season was probably working as a team.” -Damon Spiriti, junior (varsity)
“I know we had an almost perfect record. We won most of our games.” -Calvin Yang, sophomore
“The season was successful due to the beneficial relationships that will continue on. It was good because we had a bunch of sophomores and freshman that were playing for us, so hopefully Plant’s Lacrosse team will continue to be great.” -Will Hesse, junior (junior varsity)
Boys Golf: 10-1
Girls Golf: 8-3
The team hoists the state title trophy minutes after capturing the state title for the first time in 85 years. Led by junior Jackson Suber, they shot 606 to clinch the title by 17 shots.
This past season, the girls golf team finished third in the district and regionals as well. Led by juniors Jesse Harbaugh and Laurel Thaxton, they also posted an 8-3 regular season record.
“Being on a good team was great during the season and were all close so its more fun. It’s easy since we all know each other.” -Colin McCabe, sophomore
“The season went really well because we worked as a team to improve all of our scores.” -Laurel Thaxton, junior
Wrestling
Junior Devin Curry gets ready to face off against a member of the Jefferson team during the Jan. 14 wrestling duel on the football field. It was the first wrestling event on the field in Plant history. “I think the season went pretty well. We got eight people to regionals and a lot of us did really good at districts.” -Lucas Pappa, sophomore
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Baseball as of May 13: 21-5
Girls Softball: 6-20
Girls Track and Field
Sophomore Sam Nation prepares for the pitch from the pitcher in a game on April 11 against Alonso. They went on to win 1 to 0.
Sophomore Kit Longshore runs through the player huddle during team introductions before a game.
Seniors Anna Hubbard and Annie Jinks take a left turn on the track during a race. The team had six girls qualify and participate in the state competitions at IMG Academy in Bradenton.
“I think the most I got out of this season was teamwork, trying to figure out how we mesh as a team and rely on each other and trust one another.” -Grace Hastings, junior
“A big accomplishment for the track season was being consistently good on the season.” -Anai Peterson, freshman
“Yes we had a few losses on the year to teams that we believed we should have just put away. They had some comebacks but we kept our heads up and knew we had it in ourselves.” -Jared Folkman, sophomore
Flag Football as of May 16: 13-2
Coach Puckett address his team during the senior night game against East Bay. They won the game on a last second touchdown, 20-19. “I feel that this season has gone really well. I really enjoy the girls on the team and we have fun playing together.” -Martie Mahon, junior (Varsity) We had a really good season. During this season I made a lot of new friends and I improved my football abilities, my teammates have motivated me to get better at practice and have helped me grow.” -Ansley Wigham, sophomore (Junior Varsity)
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Boys Track and Field
Junior Tobin Snead races against three Robinson track members during a meet. Snead is one of the many multi-sport athletes as he also is a member of the football team. “The best team memory had to be the last 250 at States. It was the Senior’s last 250 that they’ll ever race. It was a good way to say good bye.” -Nico Bailo, sophomore
“The track meets were very fun because we all sit in a tent before and we all have a good time just talking; it brings us closer together” -Talley Murphy, junior
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!!
Pat and Judith O’Neal* *Plant High graduate
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