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Students speak about their experience as a transgender youth pages 14-15 September 15 2016 | Volume 90 | Issue 1 H.B. Plant High School | 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
News @plantpop INSTAGRAM
New Clubs, SAT Changes, Universal Bathrooms
Features Steps to Applying to College, Sophomore Robotics Champ, Transgender Students
Centerspread Student Fashion Businesses
@humansofplanthigh
Opinion SAT Stress, Parking tag price increase
5-9 10-15 16-17 20-21
SNAPCHAT
Arts & Entertainment Movies that Have us So Totally Buggin’, Chorus’s New Year
@pepoplantnews WEBSITE
pepoplant.com
Sports Football’s Goes for State Championship, Volleyball’s Upcoming Season, Fall Sports Spotlight
23-25 27-31
MISSION STATEMENT: The Pep O’ Plant is the student-run publication serving the community of H.B. Plant High School. The mission of the Pep O’ Plant is to provide an open forum for the free exchange of ideas.
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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 sensate 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, fatality, or administrators of 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 Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published.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: The 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 which promote services or products that are illegal or harmful for anyone under 18 will not be considered. The editorial board has final approval over all advertisement content and design.
Editors-in-Chief Savannah Lowry Rachel Ferreri News Editor Zoie Ashmeade Features Editor Darnell Henderson Centerspread Editor Zoe Antinori Opinions Editor Sam Werner Art & Entertainment Editor Maggie Fitzsimmons Sports Editor Jacob Robinson Business Manager Natalie Grant Public Relations Pershia Haj Emilia DiFabrizio Copy Editors Jake Criser Dean Criser Sports Writer Reed Frevola Staff Writers Isabella Ank Sydni Bates Thompson Draper Elizabeth Hancock Cole Maines Amanda Rodeiro Faculty Adviser Louisa Avery
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Students hope for new club approval Sam Werner Opinions Editor Despite all the clubs Plant currently offers, students are now beginning to come up with new ideas and create new clubs for their peers to participate in. Getting a club approved is a long process. Students must do everything from finding a sponsor to creating a club mission statement to being authorized by Plant administration. Despite all the steps, many Plant students are taking the initiative to make their club idea a reality. Bob Schofner,junior, has been figuring out club details all Summer, for a service club open to all students. “There is a club called Why Define Us to empower women, but not one for men,” Schofner said. Schofner’s club has the objective of helping at risk-males, by reducing ATOSS and other expulsions and in turn increasing male graduation rates. “I am trying to get a mentor program going where we [club members] go be a mentor to a middle schooler,” Schofner said. As well as trying to help out kids part of the Panther community, Bob wants to use this mentor program as a way to positively affect the South Tampa neighborhood. Hunter Owens, junior, is another student trying to add a club to the plant
1. Request an appointment to talk to Ms. Melnick about your club idea
community. His club, which will host pingpong events, has a plan to give back to the community. “The clubs main purpose is to raise money for the Brain Bill foundation,” Owens said. The Brain Bill foundation is a charity that gives back to families who have
any student enrolled in a Plant ensemble. “[The club] meant to bring together our talented musicians to represent the Plant High music program in our community,” Mamus said. This club offers a way for all the music programs at Plant to work as one. With the band, orchestra, and choir teachers all sponsoring a single club, students from different branches of the music program can now more easily collaborate with each other. “I think the whole idea of a music honor society is really cool,” senior Taylor Hatjioannou said. “Normally only Music Honor Society founders, Lauren Williams, senior, Brooke Shapiro, music based schools junior, Ethan Kramer,junior, Roman Mamus,senior and Nicholas Swaich, have music honor senior, gather to discuss details on the development of their club. The society’s, but Plant’s club formed to bring together those who are involved with music promusic program is grams and have qualifying academics. Photo by Savannah Lowry growing each year so I think it’s time had a child die in the special forces that we have one of our own to show“Members will meet to play and so- case our musical talents.” cialize. It allows students to build charWith the plant community continuacter and have friendly competitions ally evolving and growing more clubs with peers,” Owens said. give students more opportunities to get Roman Mamus, senior, is trying to involved both in school and in the comcreate a Music Honor Society open to munity.
How to create a club
2. Join the club waitlist
3. Design a club constitution that contains 5 W’s about the club
5. Have at least 20 students sign an interest form
4. Find a club sponsor
Compiled By: Zoie Ashmeade and Sam Werner
News | 5
Support your local Children’s Cancer Center to make an immediate difference in the life of a child. To make a donation or attend our events, visit:
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Kids need more than medicine to be well.
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SAT adjustments cause admission changes Sam Werner Opinions Editor Starting on all tests after March 2016, College board changed many aspects of the SAT. The graduating class of 2017 are the first class to take the redesigned SAT, and will be the first to use the new test to apply to college. “I think it’s going to make it pretty complicated for the college admissions officers this year,” College Research Teacher Lauren Mosely said. Many colleges are unsure about admissions requirements due to unfamiliarity with the new test. Colleges such as the University of Florida and Florida State University, are using score converters to convert scores from former applicants to scores on the scale of the new test. “It didn’t make sense to me...I didn’t
understand the format of the test.” Urja Kaishik, senior said. For students who have been studying for the test since before the change, the SAT brings difficulty. Most parts of the test have been redesigned, so students studying on the old format is no longer helpful. “I’ve been doing the practice tests on Khan Academy,”Giovanni Figueruelo, junior, said. Along with introducing the changes in the SAT, college board introduced a free alternative to use to study. Khan Academy allows students to link previous SAT and PSAT tests to their account, so they can study what they missed before. “I would always recommend that students take the essay,” Mosley said. “You never know if a college you’ve been wanting to apply to will require it.” One of the major changes on the SAT is the essay. As well as having the option
NEW SAT
Test Length
3 hours (plus 50 minutes for the optional Essay)
to take or not take the essay, the type of writing is completely different. Previously students had to defend their position on a topic, now they have to read, analyze, and write about a passage. “The SAT reading is so long so I’m tired of the test within the first hour,” Sarah Seghrouchni, senior said.”Unlike the ACT which is fast paced.” Before the change, the SAT had the reputation of being the harder test compared to the ACT, more students choose to take and send ACT scores to colleges. This is starting to change, and the SAT is gaining a new reputation as the easier test. “I think change is always hard but ultimately students will see that the changes to the SAT are beneficial to them,” Mosley said. Only time will tell how the new SAT not only effects students’ academic testing but college admissions requirements.
OLD SAT 3 hours and 45 minutes
1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing * Reading Test * Writing and Language Test 2. Math 3. Essay (optional)
Test Sections
1. Critical Reading 2. Writing 3. Mathematics 4. Essay
Essay optional, and if taken students are given 50 minutes to read, analyze, and write about a reading passage
Essay
Essay passage required. Students are given 25 minutes to write about their position on a topic
Overall Scoring
Overall score Scale ranging from 400 to 1600 Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 200 to 800 for Math 2 to 8 on each of three dimensions for essay, which is scaled and reported separately
Overall score Scale ranging from 600 to 2400 Reading Scoring Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Critical Reading; 200 to 800 for Writing Math Scoring Essay Scoring
200 to 800 for Mathematics Essay score included in the Writing score Compiled By: Sam Werner
News | 7
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School designates universal bathrooms Zoie Ashmeade News Editor Plant will be installing two universal restrooms after President Obama encouraged public schools to accommodate transgender students. Which according to News Channel 8 led to a mandate from the school board for each school in Hillsborough county to have at least one universal restroom. “Because our campus is so big we decided to put two sets of restrooms so we will try to alleviate anybody being late or tardy to class if they want to use the restrooms, they’re purely optional,” Principal, Rob Nelson said. The restrooms will be located upstairs south hall and on the first floor of the west wing. “Just the way the bathrooms were designed and the location it allowed us to be able to do that with minimal phys-
ical alterations so we could stay within a financial means,” Nelson said The implementation of the bathrooms has mixed reviews from students and staff. “I just don’t understand why we’re spending more money on something stupid like this when we could spend it on something the school needs,” John Shields, senior, said. “I respect the production of universal bathrooms, giving people the opportunity who are going through a hard time trying to figure out who they are it’s one less thing to worry about. But on the other hand, I think the community is small and it’s not absolutely necessary the money could be used for something for a large population of the school,” Brooke Wasz, junior, said. “I feel as if we could go without them but if they aren’t hurting anyone I don’t really have an opinion,”David Mengazzi, sophomore, said.
Some found the incorporation of bathrooms a positive change to help the transgender community feel more comfortable. “I feel like it’s a great Idea, I think some kids will be like confused about it, but for the most part I think they’ll get used to having them,” Lauren Workman, freshman, said. “I think it helps plant to get on the progressive track to where our nation is going. We’ve always been a nation that fights for freedom and equality and this is just an example of doing that,”English teacher, Shay Cowart said. “I thought that It was like very amazing that he was able to do that for a typical public high school,” Matt Hammerberg, sophomore and transgender boy said. The restrooms will have a sign that states “universal” and open to use by anyone upon completion during September.
Universal Bathrooms Timeline March 23
May 9
North Carolina DOJ files passes HB2 lawsuit aka ‘bathroom challenging bill’ HB2
May 13
May 13
July 8
Obama transgender bathroom policy instituted
Texas sues Obama Administration joined by 12 other states
Where Bathrooms will be located
Sources: CNN, The Washington Post, Politico.com, Charlotte Observer, NBC news,
Downstairs west wing ‘new building’
July 19
Nebraska Hillsborough sues Obama County makes Administration universal bathrooms joined by eight required other states
Sept 2016 Plant installs two universal bathrooms
Compiled By: Zoie Ashmeade and Elizabeth Hancock
Upstairs south hall
News | 9
Steps to Applying to College Alumni, counselors advise students on the application process Rachel Ferrari & Maggie Fitzsimmons Editor-in-Chief & Arts and Entertainment Editor Many seniors have already begun their college applications and most of these applications are due in October and November for students that want to make priority deadlines or be considered for some scholarships. This process seems overwhelming and stressful for many students, but most agree that advice from people that have already gotten through it can be immensely helpful.
Make a list #1 of colleges
The summer before a students senior is a good time for touring the schools that they are interested in. This is also a good time to check the universities website and see what is required to apply and what needs to be done to qualify for admission. Usually this entails checking the average ACT/SAT scores needed and seeing GPA requirements. “Definitely don’t listen to those people ‘Oh I can see you going there!’ Listen to yourself and think about class size and how you perform.” -Addison Hill, alumni.
Study and take the ACT #2 and/or the SAT
Junior year is usually when students are advised to begin to approach the ACT/SAT, seeing as this is the year that colleges are primarily looking at course loads and grades, which can make studying for the tests seem daunting if a student is unprepared. Luckily, starting early gives plenty of time for studying and retaking the test if needed. “Don’t stress too much but the more practice tests you take, the easier they get because it is all just a system with different numbers. My best advice to you is to get a feel for both tests and then focus on the one you like better.” -Holly Wells, alumni.
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“Make a checklist of everything required by each school you want to apply to and mark it off as you go. A mistake that students often make is not reading the instructions for admissions carefully. A good way for a student to ensure that their application process goes smoothly is making sure to stay in the loop with the different platforms and assistance options Plant has.” -Lauren Mosley, College & Career Counselor.
#3 Make your resume
Most colleges look for well rounded students, not just good grades or athletic participation. This is why the college resume carries a lot of importance. As a student, it is the chance to show their involvement and interests as well as give the school a chance to see what a student’s hobbies, extracurriculars and outside life looks like. “Make it professional, but don’t include stuff that is ‘fluff’ since that is irrelevant to and makes you look immature.” -Bennett Taylor, alumni.
#5Meet every deadline
Write your essay #4
The college essay is a great way to give the college a chance to see what a student is like and gives insight into their personality and beliefs. Schools advise that applicants should utilize this as an opportunity to show the college who they are truly beyond their grades and test scores.
“Make sure it comes from the heart because no school really cares about the generic essay about trying to shine. They care about diversity or a ‘slump’ and how they bounced back from it to become a better and brighter person.” -Yonathan Alem, alumni.
Deadlines are familiar to most students by the time they’re seniors, but many find that college application due dates can sneak up on them causing unnecessary panic. When these dates approach, it’s important students remain focused and organized so they don’t find themselves in the unfortunate situation of missing a deadline and therefore not being able to attend the school of their choice. “The college application process is brutal. But putting in the time and planning ahead can make all the difference. If you genuinely care about getting into a certain college, put in the effort because they want to see that you care about what you do-It will carry over into your work in college.” -Joe Rosenberger, alumni.
“GoodLuck,” -Joe Rosenberger, alumni.
Features | 11
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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*Former Plant High graduate
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Sophomore shares robotics experience
Caleb Summit competes in the Vex Alabama State Competition, where his team successfully went on to the next level, The World Competition. He is now currently training outside of school to continue competing in the VEX platform. All photos are courtesy of Caleb Summitt.
Natalie Grant Business Manager After moving to Tampa last year, Caleb Summitt, sophomore, took interest in the Robotics team. In seventh grade he competed among his peers in the Alabama Qualifiers for the VEX IQ, the competition platform for Robotics. From there his team went on to compete in States where his team was chosen among many to participate in the world competition. Randomly assigned to an alliance, teams competed to solve a given puzzle with the robot they had created. “There were three inch by three inch cubes that we had to stack up in a scoring zone. The higher the stack the more the multiplier,” Summitt said. Competing among his fellow team mates he was able to achieve a current ranking of 12th in the world. And now after his move, Summitt is ready to get back into the competitions of the Robotics world. “My teacher, he was starting a Robotics club. And at the time there were not too many people in his class so I decided why not,” Summitt said.
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There he learned how the Robotics Team works as a unit to be utilized in the upcoming competitions. By joining the team he was able to learn the details of programing and the components involved in the process of building a robot. He not only got to develop his interest in the field, but work with a team to fulfill a common goal. Myles Hoskinson, senior, a Robotics team member shares his view on the preparation for the club’s competitions, “To prepare for competitions, we practice strategy and driving on our personal field. This way we can dominate when it comes to game day.” “It is a lot of fun, but it is very time consuming. But I think it pays off in the end,” Summitt said. Though Summitt would prefer to grow up to become an aeronautical engineer or a pilot by joining robotics he has been able to narrow down possible career choices. And in taking this leap, Summitt was able to learn how to program, build a robot and solve various puzzles. He can now be found growing his interest outside of school by pairing with a formed team that competes in VEX.
My teacher, he was starting a Robotics club. And at the time there were not too many people in his class so I decided why not
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-Caleb Summitt
Features | 13
They Just Want to be Heard Students speak about their experience as a transgender youth
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Walking in to school on the first day sophomore Rylee Stone walked to the courtyard to reunite with friends with a new short haircut, bleached hair and a binder on his chest. This would be his first year identifying as a boy on campus, joining a handful of other transgender students at school. “Even though this is my first year being a guy it’s not the first year being on my mind,” Stone said. “When I was in seventh grade I remember having a conversation with my mom saying I don’t feel like a girl. It was super late and super emotional and I kind of remember her dismissing it.” In the past few years the transgender community has seen a rise in appearance in popular culture. Such a If someone you rise can be seen know decides in creation of that they television series, are trans, non including “I am binary, anything Jazz”, a reality that falls under show on TLC that LGBTQ+ you highlights the life should be reof a transgender spectful of it. teen, in addition -Rylee Stone, to featured roles sophomore such as transgender woman Laverne Cox, who stars in the Netflix series, “Orange is the New Black”. Plant has also seen a rise in its transgender population, “My first year here to my knowledge there were none, my second year one student came to ask me what bathroom to use then that grew to 12 or 13 students,”
Leland Schardt, the school’s social and overthink,” Gorder said. Being born in the wrong worker said. “My high school experience has body has a strong impact on been more difficult, especially with the day to day life of these the name situation and bathrooms- high school students. “It’s like having to go out of my way to tell given me more anxiety, teachers about my name,” Matt Ham- with other students there is merberg, sophomore and transgender always a fear of being bullied,” Hammerberg said. boy said. For Jackson their high Similarly, Jayson Bickel, junior, who identifies as a non-binary boy said school strugit’s the simplest things that become gle has been Just Don’t be harder, “You wouldn’t really think of it similar, “Dys- a poophead. like that, even just having a substitute phoria, it’s like Just try your teacher you have to go up to them and a feeling of hardest, even explain and come out to them too so discomfort or if you don’t they don’t deadname you,” Bickel said. like your body care. Try and Plant has made its own contribu- is wrong or use people’s tions to accommodate students such the way peo- pronouns, try to as the implementation of universal ple see you or be nice. bathrooms which according to Kat address you is -Emery Gorder, Jackson, a senior who identifies as wrong, and so sophomore non-binary, “make me feel a thousand dysphoria has times safer, when Mr. Nelson institut- really impacted them I was shocked, I was told by ed my mental health throughout my Ms. Schardt on the first day of school time at school and it’s made things a and honestly I didn’t believe it, I was lot harder like meeting and interacting ecstatic.” with new people really difficult. EspeEveryone’s experience cially if I don’t feel safe with them.” is different, in the words Stone echoes such a school experiof Emery Gorder, sophence, “At school I was kind of nervous, omore transgender kind of excited to see myself for the boy, “A transition is a first time. The only person who asked transition, it’s not only about my gender was this one guy physical, but emowho would only look at my boobs,” tional and mental. In Stone said, regardmy head I was still so ing his first day. I request that used to being called a Many faculpeople use they, girl and “she” and ‘oh ty have attempted them pronouns look this is my daughprogressive movebecause I’m ter’ and it’s hard to make ments. “In the thecoming out now the switch. Everything is a atre department or educate transition you still have to they allow me to themselves go through change. When audition for and more if they are I first started asking peoplay male roles and interested. ple to call me by my name and proteachers always use -Kat Jackson, nouns it was something I had to inmy preferred name, senior grain in myself. Thinking about it is pronouns are a difgreat but thinking about it too much ferent story for the makes you start to overwork yourself most part,” Bickel said.
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Savannah Lowry Editor-in-Chief
definitely led me to want to help other trans kids that are going through the school sysNon-binary: a gender that is not tem and don’t feel supported exclusively male of female or safe and I would like to do something with my life Gender Fluid: a gender identhat helps them so being tity which refers to a gender which an activist of some kind varies over time would be nice, I’ve defiDeadname: the act of referring nitely been impacted by my to a transgender person’s birth name own experiences to make other kids have better expeinstead of their chosen name riences,” Jackson said. Cis: a person whose self-identity Despite Plant’s efforts conforms with the gender that corthere can only be so much responds to their biological sex to do in a world where being different is still regarded as a Dysphoria: where a person fragile topic. experiences discomfort or distress “There’s a difI wish they because there’s a mismatch between ference between would see us as their biological sex and gender being in public and more than just identity being at school. It’s being trans, that Binder: constricts the breasts into we’re people too always a bunch of strangers but at a more flat chested appearance; a and it’s not just school it’s strangall that there is way to curve dyshoria ers who you might to us. Misgendering: using a word, have to be friends -Jayson Bickel, especially a pronoun or form of adwith. It’s a lot of junior emotions,” Stone dress, that does not correctly reflect said. the gender with which one identifies “For the most Compiled by Savannah Lowry, Editor-in-Chief part I feel supported by Plant, obviously there are those kids who don’t support it, but they’re everywhere,” The Student Advisory Committee Bickel said. (SAC) also hosts quarterly Unity Days, And following that statement up in which Jackson, Hammerberg regards to Plant support Jackson said, and Bickel have all been in“Yes and no, it really depends on the volved with, educating those faculty member and the student.” in attendance on the transTo make Plant as supportive and gender community. accommodating of an environment “I’ve very much enas possible, “We’re working on it by joyed being a part of SAC; having a support group that meets, it’s given me chances to universal bathrooms educate people on trans and having trainings I wished high everything,” Hammerberg for teachers for having schoolers would said. transgender students recognize that What’s being estabin the classroom,” said the trans comlished now in high school Schardt. munity exists, is the rest of these students Gender does not and be more lives, “I’m still in the process equal presentation, and informed. of coming out, it never ends. sex does not equal gen-Matt HammerI still want people to see me der. as trans not just a cis male be- berg, sophomore cause its not my whole identity,” Gorder said. “My high school career has
Words to Know
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When the Bell Rings... National statistics on school life for transgender students
78% Were harassed so severely they dropped out of school
35% Have been physically assaulted in school
15% Have been harassed in school Based on The National Transgender Center for Equality’s survey on 6,450 transgender individuals in the U.S. transequality.org Compiled by Savannah Lowry, Editor-in-Chief
Features | 15
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Fashion Forward: Rachel Fererri, Editor-in-Chief, Pershia Haj, Public Relations Manager and Elizabeth Hancock, Staff Writer
Elizabeth Kavouklis Elizabeth Kavouklis, senior, is one student who creates her own jewelry for her friends and for sale. She began the business over the summer all by herself. “I usually make my own jewelry because I really love thinking up ideas and I love getting inspirations and thinking up my own ideas. After some time, people would ask me if I could make some and so I decided to make a business out of it. I had a shorts business in 7th grade on Etsy and I loved doing it so I figured I could start another one. I market the designs by having my family and friends wear them and post pictures with them.� said Kavouklis. Prices range from $15$40. To see jewelry from Ataraxia, visit the Instagram: @_ataraxia_ or the website www.ataraxia.design.
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junior
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Students showcase their talents as they start their own fashion-based business adventures
Lillian Goodale
Gary Corvi
junior
senior
After beading her own jewelry, Lilian Goodale, junior, was able to create her own line, Beaded Hippie. The line, created four months ago, is Goodale’s gateway to doing what she loves. “I’ve always loved fashion since I was a little kid. My grandparents are what really started it. My grandpa taught me the ins and outs of the fashion world, what to wear and how to wear it. My grandma taught me that all a women ever needs is an accessory (jewelry) and lipstick to stand out. So fashion became my passion,” Goodale said. Prices range from $12-$25. To see jewelry from Beaded Hippie, visit the Instagram: @Beadedhippie_
Gary Corvi, senior, started his fashion line after finding his love for design in middle school. He is currently working on designing shirts but as of now his hats are his only piece of merchandise. “It started with the destruction of my first line, Swift. I want this line to be more meaningful and creative. My love of fashion and art inspired me. I’m doing it by myself but have the help from people with experience in fashion like my sister.I market my business by word of mouth and with social networks and by wearing it as much as possible.” Corvi said. Prices for his hats are currently set at $25. To see clothing from O.N.E. visit the Instagram: @o.n.e._
Leigh Gabriely junior
By employing her talent for jewelry making Leigh Gabriely, junior, started a new venture. Beginning her business, LeighG Jewelry, in early summer, she sells her own hand made jewelry with items consisting of beaded and braided necklaces and bracelets as well as chokers. “My aunt makes her own jewelry and she taught me a couple of years ago and this past Spring she really helped me start LeighG Jewelry. I’ve sold a few pieces in past years but this past summer is when i really started.” Gabriely said. Prices range from around $8-$25. To see jewelry from LeighG Jewelry, visit the Instagram: @leighgjewelry.
Centerspread | 17
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SAT creates unnecessary stress Run! Hide! There on the horizon line, another ghastly Standardized Assessment Test revision approaches! Here comes a fresh Standardized Assessment Test, or commonly known as the SAT, which promises to shower students in yet another heavy storm of immense pressure, excessive funding and it’s inaccuracy in testing student’s capability. Along with the several, separate factors that make up the model student the SAT contributes a distinctive cutout to the already unbearable mold students are required to stretch themselves into to achieve an impossible student standard and ultimately appease college administrators. The student standard at Plant is nothing short of utmost excellence and outstanding achievements. Naturally, this standard is nearly impossible to fulfill when one considers the energy consuming factors that compromise this standard. The components that each require perfecting to reach the godly standard of Plant, are as follows: Athletics, academics, club involvement paired with the essential leadership roles, and, of course, the SAT. Alone, the first three parts of the
TEST
Timeline
From the PO’P Staff
This paradox questions why colleges have generalized the entirety of high school students everywhere and lead them to falsely believe students competency can be accurately measured by a standardized test. Because really this test is at its core a test of memorization. Can you recall the steps to solving for x? Do you remember your higher level vocabulary? This test lacks the capability of gaging an individual’s true intelligence and their potential of doing proficiently at a university. How could it when all one has to do is memorize how a problem is done to get the question correct? With no need for true comprehension of the material, this test misses the basic foundations of testing learned material. Comparable to high school classes even. However, the SAT does have some merit in its inspiring qualities that challenge students to perform excellently for consideration of scholarships and full rides to college. But when does one draw the line between keeping one’s sanity and over exhorting themselves? College’s across the board need to comprehend that unnecessary standardized tests in addition to the whole process of college admissions is stressful and extraneous.
SAT Revisions: A History 2005: The SAT is now graded on a 2400 scale.
1899: College Examination Board, known today as known as College Board, is founded.
1900s
Source: Erikthered.com
20 | Opinions
standard are enough to drive anxiety straight into the hearts and minds of students. Balancing a schedule that consists of a rigorous sport that practices one to two hours daily, efficiently completing homework and understanding corresponding material for later tests and taking on the responsibility of managing a club or being an active member is a recipe for the richest stress one will ever taste. Sounds horrible. But, for some abstract reason, colleges have come to the conclusion that though these components alone are only mildly important and yet another test is essential to the already grueling process of crafting a transcript that is impressive and unbelievably accomplished Not only do students now face the mountainous challenge of mastering material that traces back from middle school, but now finances make an appearance. See these tests don’t come cheap. Each SAT is about $50 per test. The SAT doesn’t only absorb your money, but it also fails to represent student’s actual capability and intelligence. The truth is that a majority of students just aren’t excellent test takers, but they maintain stellar academics. While the vice versa is also true, where some individuals are excellent at standardized testing, but lack a strong academic base.
1936: The math section on the SAT is removed.
1954: A guessing penalty is included on the SAT tests.
1940s
1920s 1926: First SAT was administered and was used to access aptitude, rather than mastery of subjects taught prior.
1978: A SAT test costs about $8.
2016: The essay is now optional, a perfect score is now reverted back to a 1600 and the guessing penalty is removed.
1980s 1960s
1942: The math section makes an appearance once again, but this time in the form of multiple choice.
2000s
1974: Time of the SAT tests are reduced to two and a half hours from three, for the 30 minute written english test which tests grammar and writing skills.
Complied by Darnell Henderson, Features Editor
COLUMN
Parking tag prices increase causes outrage
Zoie Ashmeade News Editor Before the start of the school year students were made aware that parking decals this school year would be made available but with a steep increase from $5 to $20. Without any physical improvements being made to the parking lot the 300 percent increase in price seems ridiculous for students to have to pay more money for less than ideal situations. All high schools in Hillsborough County have had an increase in price for parking decals, but with no explanation to why the price has gone up. Plant has more seniors and juniors who want to park their cars at school than spaces available, leaving a high demand for the parking spots and leading some students parking in the lot without parking tags. Seniors are given priority for the
parking tags and buy a majority of the available parking tags then after then juniors who hold gold and black cards are given the opportunity to buy the remaining tags. Even though typically wealthier students park their cars at school some students are responsible for paying for their parking tag. Students who already pay for their car and or insurance have another strain added to pay for the parking tags Many schools offer assigned parking lot spaces to students and allow them to personalize their space for the year and to minimize the stress in the morning of finding a parking spot. If plant implemented this practice students would be more willing to pay a high price for parking. At dismissal the lot is known among students for being overcrowded and difficult to get out of, leaving students stuck waiting in car lines for long periods of time waiting for a chance to leave
school, sometimes taking more than 10 minutes. While some may argue parking on campus is a privilege and that if students don’t want to pay to park at school then they can park farther at the parking lot on Himes and Empedrado. But in the hot Florida sun walking that distance in over 90 degrees weather, while lugging a 20-pound backpack is undesirable. During the Christmas season two rows of the parking lot are used to sell Christmas trees, but during the school year all of the spaces in the parking lot are needed. In previous years students have resulted to parking on the grass in front of the school during this time of year because there are no spaces left. Hillsborough County increasing the price of parking decals so dramatically after the span of one school year is unfair to students, and unless any major construction is done to improve student parking then it's a waste of money compared to previous years.
What do you think about the increase of price for parking decals?
“
“
I think the rise in price is ridiculous. We’re students and yeah our parents give us money but now were largely dependent on ourselves.” -Isak Belm, junior
It’s so expensive this year! Everyone’s been complaining and I want justice!” -Devin Feix, senior
“
I think it will help by decreasing the amount of cars in the lot, causing less time to get out of the lot.”
“
I don’t see the point of them raising the prices in the first place. Parking should be free.”
-Kayleigh Frank, -Zack Simons, senior senior
“ “ I don’t get why they change the price senior year. What even is the point of the price increase?” -Christine Rioles, senior
I think it’s not good at all, it takes a lot of time to get out of the lot.”
-Manan Jethwa, senior Opinions | 21
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last Movies That Have us The of the ’90s choose ‘So Totally Buggin’’ kids their favorite Zoe Antinori, Centerspread Editor Natalie Grant, Business Manager
PO’P’s Picks: 1.“Titanic” (1997)-
50%
Of seniors’ favorite ‘90s movie was released in the mid to late ’90s era.
’90s movies
50%
Of seniors’ favorite ‘90s movie was released in the early to mid ’90s era.
Elizabeth Hancock
2. “Beauty and The Beast” (1991)- Rachel
Ferreri
3. “Good Will Hunting” (1997)Darnell Henderson
4. “Lion King” (1994)Zoie Ashmeade
“Addam’s Family” (1991)- Savannah Tindall “Clueless” (1995)- Emma Heese “Toy Story” (1995)- Drew Miller “Sandlot” (1993)- Nicholas Boonstopple “Star Wars: Episode I” (1999)- Myles Hoskinson “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)- Sydney Diercks “Home Alone” (1990)-Christine Rioles “Jurassic Park” (1993)- Stephen Jenkins A&E | 23
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Chorus prepares for new school year Sydni Bates Staff Writer Chorus preparations for the 20162017 school year have begun. Before school started, all chorus members were required to attend the annual boot camp, known as “Prelude”, where the boys and girls were able to warm up for the start of the school year. The boot camp allows the newcomers the opportunity to learn the ropes of chorus. The boot camp agenda mostly consists of listening to the voices of the new and returning singers. “It’s essential that we attend boot camp because you can get used to singing next to people you don’t normally sing with,” Natasha Cueves, junior and member of Women’s Varsity Chorus, said. The chorus groups have started to rehearse “The Star Spangled Banner” which they will perform at the beginning of the first home football game, as a group, arranged around the audience. This is a tradition that many of the chorus students have participated in past years. The new a capella group, called the Pink Panthers, will start performing this year. The Pink Panther’s will consist of only girls. The PawCappella group will continue to perform as well, along with the new all-girls group. The Men’s Varsity and Junior Varsity, Women’s varsity and Varsity Choral will also be returning for the new school year. “It’s going to be an awesome year,” Bruce Yost, Chorus teacher, said. Chorus will be taking off for their annual trip to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on Sept. 17, where the chorus groups can perform a number of songs for the Disney crowd. “[Going to Disney with Chorus] was a lot of fun last year, so I’m looking forward to this year,” Charley Brannan, sophomore and member of Varsity Choral, said. Many Chorus kids have said that they are enthusiastic about the leisure time they get to spend in the park after performing. After the performance, students split off into groups to enjoy the rides at the park and social aspect of the trip.
“It’s a good opportunity for you to bond with the other chorus kids,” Genevieve Bain, junior and member of Women’s Varsity Chorus, said. The chorus has a plethora of songs they plan to perform throughout the year. “Let Freedom Ring” and “J’entends Le Moolin” are a few of the songs chorus will perform for the fall concert and the Disney trip. All of the music comes from different styles and genres, and the music will range from patriotic anthems to children’s songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”.
Fall Concert When:
Thursday, Sept. 23 7-9 p.m.
Where:
Auditorium
Price:
$5
Featuring: Pawcappella, Pink Panthers, Varsity Chorale, Men’s, Women’s, JV Women’s & Varsity Women’s
A&E | 25
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The Drive For Four: Upcoming Football year brings optimism, possibility of hopeful season Jacob Robinson Sports Editor Coach Robert Weiner and the football team are looking to bounce back this year after their hopes of another state title fell short last November in a Regional semifinal loss to Lakeland High School, 21-11. This season will be like any other in Weiner’s 12th season here. Expectations are high as always, as new players arrive for the season. “The season starts anew every year with a completely different group of guys, so you have to not only put in the work that’s necessary to become good, but you have to go about the ways of finding your identity of what this team is all about,” Weiner said. Only time will tell with this 2016 team if they can reclaim glory come late in the year and capture the elusive fifth title in school history. With that being said, it is without question that this is the ultimate goal for this team. “We want to get the specific skills that eventually might be the building blocks to winning a championship, but the actual championship itself is just an end product of a process that goes on,” Weiner said. In addition to Coach Weiner’s optimism for what comes out of the season, players have also chimed in on their aspirations. “I think that with a great mindset and never giving up until the end, there’s no limit to how far we can go as a team”, Kenny Juste, senior. said Compared to past teams in history, this squad boasts players with Division I offers. 3-star Athlete Juwan Burgess, senior, committed to Southern California, over schools such as Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Michigan, and Ohio State. Inside Linebacker Thomas Allen, senior, choose Indiana for his college destination over programs like South Florida, Rutgers, and Colorado State. Even Wide Receiver Christian Watson, senior, committed to play ball at North Dakota State, the university that
Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Carson Wentz attended. There are also players who are still undecided in where they want to play. Wide Receiver Whop Philyor, senior, can choose between Arizona, Louisville and Syracuse, among others. Tight End Judge Culpepper, Junior, currently has 32 Division I offers, among the most out of any class. The 2016 schedule is headlined by many opponents that Weiner and others are looking forward to playing against. “A lot of people will circle the Hillsborough, Armwood, and Mobile, AL opponents on the calendar. It’s the best Hillsborough team that they’ve had in a long time, so we have to get ready for them right away,” Weiner said. Teams and players come and go, but rivalries are forever. Armwood High School certainly will be an opponent of this program for many years to come, and Weiner recognizes that. “The Armwood game has no implications on anything other than it’s the ‘Armwood Game’.” The teams in the Panthers’ district consistently improve, so no game will be a cakewalk, as a shot to get back into the playoffs will be the first step in the long season for Coach Robert Weiner and his 2016 Panther football team.
Clay Hancher, junior and Egan Baber, senior, fight for a jump ball during one-on-one drills. The drills practice isolation as well as catching.
As Judge Culpepper, junior, runs his route, Dane Franzten, senior, hands the ball of to Ty Thompson, sophomore. The quarterback option is a strategy used by many teams.
Coaches Robert Weiner and Robert Marve call out plays and advise players during practice on Aug. 25. They went on to win their first game in Bryant, AL, 51-21. Photos by Jacob Robinson
Sports | 27
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mike@baytobayhardware.com
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You’ve Been Served! Volleyball season starts up again on Aug. 15 Reed Frevola Sports Writer Girls volleyball season is beginning again after summer break. With players coming back from summer, the team hopes to build on last season’s success. “The girls want to go back to the state championship. They now have the confidence and understanding that they are capable to do that and understand what it takes,” Coach Margeraux Sinabaldi said. To prepare for the upcoming season, the volleyball players participated in spring conditioning, along with becoming a better teammate by reading the book, “The Hard Hat,” by Jon Gordon. Along with this, the team trains during the summer after club season ended in July. “We did some summer workouts in open gyms, and went to team camp in the summer. In addition to that they also
played club.”, Sinabaldi said. “We all played club,” Carson Gibbs, senior, said. “We play all year. We’ve been working out all summer. Team camp, that was four days, 9 (a.m.) to 9 (p.m.). We just practice everyday.” One aspect of the team that is highly regarded by Coach Sinibaldi is the depth. “We have a lot of kids who can play a lot of different positions,” Sinibaldi said. “Our success is going to lie on whether or not the girls accept their roles that they will be given at different times. A lot of teams at the high school level don’t necessarily have the depth that we do.” When teams compete throughout the county, rivalries form, and that is the case for this team. “Our rivals this year are obviously the Robinson team. That’s just a natural rivalry because we are local neighbors. In our district itself, our matches against Wharton have become quite the rivalry throughout the years,” said Sinabaldi.
Players including Lexie Atlas, senior, and Bailey Wilson, junior gather around during the win against Newsome. The team is looking to make a second consecutive trip to the State Championship game. Photo by Maggie Ely
Kaylie Butts, senior, braces for a return in a match against Newsome on Aug. 30. They went on to win the game, 3-0. Photos by Savannah Tindall
Carson Gibbs and Kaylie Butts, seniors, coordinate a play midway during the Aug. 30 victory against Newsome. They are 3-1 so far on the year. Photo by Maggie Ely
Sports | 29
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Sports Spotlight... Fall sports begin for 16-17 year CROSS COUNTRY
GIRLS: Jim Ryun Season Opener: Overall: 1st Place Individual: Laura Jones, senior: 1st Place (Varsity) Annie Jinks, senior: 1st Place (Junior Varsity) Top 10 Finishes: Nadia Stratton, senior Gilliam Minnehan, senior Courtney Jones, senior Alix Rubin, freshman Up Next: Sept. 24 UF Invitational BOYS: Jim Ryun Season Opener: Overall: 7th Place Walker Thomas, junior: 8th Place Up Next: Sept 24 Invitational Photo: Bradley Gilberto, senior, and Jackson Samartin, junior, complete their run on Bayshore during the Sept. 6 practice.
SWIMMING PAW PRINTS
Junior Swimming National Event (July 2016): Morgan Tankersely, junior: 1st Place:100 meter freestyle swim 1st Place: 200 meter swim All-American Awards: Paxton Rhoads, senior Sarah Rossi, senior Cat Sterlacci, senior Caroline Rossi, senior
Project Unify aims to incorporate the Special Needs students at Plant High School into activities that students take part in after school. The varsity cheerleading engaged in teaching the students how to do some of their cheers. “We did this to allow the Paw Prints to feel involved during football games and be a part of cheerleading,� said Julia Mann, sophomore. Photo by: Thompson Draper
Sports | 31
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