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Robinson High School 6311 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33616
Volume 59, Issue 1 |October, 2018
news
What’s Inside
Opinion
Natalia Mccalla Discusses the word “ghetto”
feature
The Political issue: Read our coverage of the 2018 midterms
sports
pg 2
Read our interview with this year’s homecoming king and queen
Read more about volleyball’s season in our mid-season recap
pg 3
pg 4
A&E
pg 6
pg 8
Find out about tampa’s newest attraction: Sparkman Wharf
SAVE THE DATE Oct. 25
IB Junior Pinning Ceremony
Oct. 27
ACT Test (BassHollils)
Oct. 31
Report Cards Available
Nov. 3
SAT Test (Bass Hollils)
Nov. 5
Club Day
Nov. 8
Blood Drive
Nov. 12
Non-Student Day
Nov. 19
Fall Break Starts
HAS THE MONEY RUN OUT?
The State Government keeps cutting funding To Public Education , Robinson is Paying the Price By Alanna Felton Editor-in-Chief
A
sk any student, teacher, faculty member, or parent at Robinson if they think that their school receives enough funding, and, odds are, they will all respond “no”. The Florida state government has followed a consistent pattern of cutting funds for public education over the past two decades. Per student funding in the state of Florida for the 2018-19 school year is $7,408, well beneath the national average of $11,500. “They tout that we have record-level funding every year but... if you compare the amount of funding that students got this year to what it was ten years ago, it’s really not that different,” Principal Robert Bhoolai said. The lack of school funding in Florida creates problems for almost every aspect of schools- from poorly maintained facilities to overcrowded classes. Robinson is one of many schools to feel the repercussions of an overextended budget. “I believe that what we are seeing right now are the unintended consequences of all the legislation that has been applied in the state of Florida in the last 10 to 15 years,” Bhoolai said. Like many high schools throughout Hillsborough County, Robinson has suffered from malfunctioning air conditioning. The first assemblies and pep rally of the 2017-18 school year were rescheduled because of broken AC in the auditorium and gym. Many classrooms have also had broken AC units. “We also sometimes see that things aren’t painted immediately when they need to be painted... I think one of the biggest issues that we see with that maintenance at Robinson is our antiquated bathrooms,” said Teresa Potter, a Robinson parent, district employee and public school funding advocate. Robinson has an active PTSA and school foundation which take on some expenses that the state doesn’t provide sufficient funding for, such as repairs to the auditorium and bathrooms. But not all schools are lucky enough to have that level of parent involvement. Hillsborough County Public Schools has now reached a point where they are facing at least $2 billion in unmet maintenance expenses on their school campuses. A referendum has been placed on the 2018 Hillsborough County ballot proposing a half cent sales tax increase to raise funds for public schools. While a sales-tax hike would help the district raise money for its capital budget, it still leaves unresolved shortages in the operating budgetmoney that goes towards paying teacher salaries and providing everyday necessities for public schools. Florida is 47th out of 50 states in attracting and retaining teachers, and many Robinson students have felt that impact personally. The school has yet to find a long-term substitute to replace AP Statistics teacher Randall Vincent, who resigned this September. AP physics students were also left without a teacher last year after Sadije Redsovick resigned after the first
photo illustration by Knight Writers Staff
quarter. “For AP Statistics not having a permanent sub has only been okay... But I had AP Physics last year and not having a permanent sub, as well as not having a teacher for a large portion of the year caused us to struggle quite a bit, on tests” Austin Tait (‘19) said. Low teacher pay is a key factor contributing to this problem. Qualifying teachers used to receive a $4,000 salary increase every four years, but that raise was cut from the budget last year when the county could no longer afford it. “If you look at how the salaries are structured across a teacher’s career across Hillsborough County, we do pretty well in the middle… but we don’t do so great for the early years,” said Matthew Ketchum, History teacher and one of Robinson’s Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association representative. The district eventually settled with teachers, but Florida still has one of the lowest average teacher salaries in the country. It is particularly difficult for newer teachers, who begin with a very low starting salary and are not eligible for raises. Teacher Thomas Dusold agrees that salaries are an important issue, but argues that unmet maintenance on campus is the biggest problem for both teachers and students. “You look around at Robinson, which has, you know, sixty-year-old buildings, and they are wholly inadequate to a 21st century learning environment,” Dusold said. Funding for public education has become an important issue in the current Florida governor’s race. Candidate Andrew Gillum has pledged to invest $1 billion dollars in public schools and raise the starting teacher salary to $50,000 and candidate Ron DeSantis has promised to expand school choice programs and vocational training in the state. Ultimately, budget cuts made by the Florida state government impact Robinson students. Many have stories of teachers who left, air conditioners that broke, bathrooms that are never open, and classes that float. All of this can combined can negatively influence their performance in school. “I think it makes it harder to learn, for some classes, and it definitely makes it harder for teachers to teach too,” Michael Griesemer (‘20) said. While it is widely agreed upon that lack of funding has caused problems at Robinson, little improvement can be made without change at the state level. “I definitely don’t think that the district can solve the problem on their own. I think that the referendum can help… but ultimately, most decisions regarding education, including funding, happen at the state level,” Ketchum said. Managing Editor Morgan Brazier contributed to this article.
02 | October, 2018 KNIGHT WRITERS
BACK ON THEIR “A” GAME
News
School Earns “A” Rating from State
RHS ROYALTY
By Nicole Perdigon News Editor
Astatus, Robinson high school has finally
fter two years of maintaining a B school
Leonard’s Photography
Jovani Saturno, Gaelle Denson Crowned During Homecoming Halftime Game
Jovani Saturno (‘19) and Gaelle Denson (‘19) pose after receiving their crowns after the Homecoming halftime during the Friday, September 21 game. Saturno and Denson were one of three finalists for Homecoming king and queen. “I decided to run for homecoming queen because I thought it would be a fun experience. I never ran before so I decided since it’s my last year at Robinson I should leave with no regrets and go for it,” Denson said.
By Ella Wertz Staff Writer omecoming queen and king is many high school students’ dream. This year Gaelle Denson (‘19) and Jovani Saturno (‘19) took the title. But winning isn’t just getting a sacred crown; the titles of homecoming king and queen come with many other perks and even some added responsibility. The race for homecoming starts at the beginning of the year, when students must make the daunting choice of whether to run or not. “I decided to run for homecoming queen because I thought it would be a fun experience. I never ran before so I decided since it’s my last year at Robinson I should leave with no regrets and go for it,” Denson said. Running was a spontaneous decision for Denson. She choose to create a new image for herself throughout the school as courageous and not afraid of rejection, and her decision to take a chance paid off. For Saturno the crown not only makes high school memories, but also brings confidence to the winner. “I felt like the man, it was dope to win in front of all my friends,” Saturno said “Since winning, I’ve
H
been recognized by different people I’ve never met.” In addition to bestowing positive emotions and confidence, the crown also comes with various responsibilities. “[The main job of the king is] to carry on the torch and tradition,” Saturno said The biggest responsibility of the king and queen is to return the year after their win to crown Robinson’s next homecoming queen and king. “I honestly can’t wait to come back to Robinson and be able to crown the new queen and watch her have the same experience I had,” Denson said. This crown has given the new royals of Robinson the ability to meet new people and make more friends all over campus. It provides them with the possibility to reach out to and connect with more students at Robinson. “I think my position in the student body has changed by a lot more people knowing who I am and I feel like I’m more of a role model to inspire other girls to not be afraid and to believe in yourself,” Denson said.
Homecoming pep rally Coverage Scan this QR code, or check out RHSToday. com to view our photo gallery from this year’s Homecoming pep rally.
moved up to a grade A school. In the 2017-2018 school year Robinson saw major improvements from the bottom quartile of students, specifically in reading and math. Student scores improved by nine percent in reading and 18 percent in math, which is significant in comparison to previous years. Principal Robert Bhoolai fully credits Robinson’s success to the students. “It’s not what I’m doing as the principle it’s not what the teachers are doing in the classroom it’s not how many days we’ve come to work,” Bhoolai said. “Regardless of if they had a bad day or a good day...when they walk in the door that next day it’s a fresh start.” The bond between students and teachers very important to increase the schools overall grade, as well as the amount of students testing, and the amount improving their grades from previous years. Testing Coordinator at Robinson, Cynthia Bass-Hollis makes sure all the students have their
Q&A: TEACHER OF THE YEAR Kailyn Morman voted Teacher of the Year by staff
By Skylar Hurley Staff Writer Q: How did you feel when you found out you won teacher of the year? A: “I was very surprised it was definitely an honor and its really awesome because its the other teachers so that vote and that made it very special to me, just that my colleagues and the people I work with think that I’m doing a good job with my kids” Morman said. Q: Why was it so surprising? A: “I think sometimes its hard for the different teachers here to know whats going on in other peoples rooms and what were doing with our kids. For other people to acknowledge that they see what your doing its always gonna be surprising” Morman said. Q: What do you enjoy about working at Robinson? A: “I love my kids at Robinson especially being able to work with not only with my reading kids but the football players as well having that position as academic success coach. This year has helped me connect with more kids” Morman said.
New year, New security By Racquel Ingram Staff Writer
he shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas
to look at how schools in Hillsborough County operate. This past March, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed SB 7026, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. “I called on the legislature to give me a bill that will allow us to make our schools far safer, allowing for a much greater law enforcement presence and for hardening our school buildings… this bill does that,” Scott said. Hillsborough county schools main goal in the changes made is to keep students safe, The new Public Safety Act is the counties way of attaining this. “We want to make sure that our students
This isn’t special treatment Oben wins JEA rising star award By Amelia Foster I’m an average student. I get good grades, I take an elective, and I try in school; the only difference is that I happen to have a heart disease.
School District introduces new county-wide security policies
THigh School has made everyone take a second
Trending on rhstoday.com A&E Editor
best chance at testing and to make sure the school has a better chance on improving test scores. “There was only five students [that did not test] , but they did not come to school at all, any day of the last four months of school, “ Bass-Hollis said. The effort put in by the principal and teachers of the school has not gone unnoticed by students. David Navas, a junior at Robinson, notices how important it is that Robinson has finally moved to an A school. “It shows the effort the teachers are putting in to improve the students learning to better them for life,” Navas said. Though it may seem now like being an A school doesn’t provide the students or faculty with any physical reward, the county recognizes the school and helps to support Robinson, so the school gets the help they need when and if they need it. “Getting to know the students by going to games... and getting to know them and sitting with them as people. We are going to be doing rotations with them and adding different things so that way we can keep it different so that way they don’t lose interest in the materials” Robinson’s reading coach, Amanda Perez, said.
By Alanna Felton Editor-in-chief Many Robinson students recognize Nancy “Joanie” Oben, as the teacher in charge of Robinson’s journalism program in room 112, but few realize how much she actually juggles.
stay safe,” Assistant Principal of Administration Nikki Lockett said. “Hillsborough county is doing everything in its power to make this school a safer place,” Lockett said. One of the many changes Robinson has made this year is the amount of access points to get into the school. This year, students can only enter through three gates rather than the seven entrances in previous years. Not only do these new system keep students safe they also relive stress from the school resource officer Jessie Hester. “I think the new system is great. I feel like they are the best policies because they will keep our students safe,” Hester said.
$85 yearbook forever.com
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KNIGHT WRITERS October, 2018 |03
Opinion
Editor's Letter Utilize Your Right to Vote By Amelia Foster A&E Editor
By Alanna Felton Editor-in-Chief
The entire newspaper staff has worked hard to bring you the first Knight Writers issue of the year. I am grateful for the hard work put in by our staff writers and our editors, and for the indispensable guidance provided by our supervisor, Ms. Oben. When conducting interviews for this issue’s political stories, we received some push back from some people who asked us “Isn’t the school newspaper not supposed to talk about politics?” My response to this question is a simple no, of course the school newspaper is supposed to talk about politics. Knight Writers and RHS Today exist to inform Robinson students about important stories that impact their lives, including politics. The decisions made by our political leaders impact the conditions students experience everyday at school- what our campuses look like, what we learn about in class, how much our teachers get paid, etc. It is impossible to “not talk about politics” because politics are the context which informs every day a student spends in public school. Teenagers have every right to be just as interested in the workings of their government as adults, and we hope to inform students with our objective political coverage. I encourage my peers to speak up for what they believe in, vote if they can, and effect change.
The Knight Writers newspaper is published by the eighth period journalism II-V class at Robinson High School.
Editor-In-Chief Alanna Felton
Managing Editor Morgan Brazier
News Editor
Nicole Perdigon
Eof the most important rights I have as an American
ver since I was young, I was taught that voting is one
citizen. And yet, every two years when election season rolls around and I see people wearing their “I Voted!” stickers, one face is noticeably missing from that crowd: the young people. Voting rates have been historically low in the past decade, with young people consistently not going to the polls. Although voting is the easiest way to participate in democracy, people ages 18-24 have been barely participating in midterm elections. These elections don’t get nearly as much coverage as presidential elections but they still matter. The House of Representatives, some seats in the Senate, and the Governor’s seat are all up for people to vote on during midterm elections. All of these political positions make laws that will affect your future. Congress has the same say in government as the President does, but the voting numbers don’t support that. In the 2014 midterm elections, only 34.5% of people age 18-24 were registered to vote, with only 16.3% actually voting. As of the 2016 presidential election, only 45.8% of Floridians age 18-24 were registered to vote, yet they make up 9.3% of Florida’s population. If everyone eligible to vote in Florida actually voted, they could change elections. The 2014 governor’s election was decided by 1%, with Rick Scott at 48.1% and Charlie Crist at 47.1%. That election could have had
“
an entirely different outcome if more people had exercised their right to vote What really makes a difference in elections is not Democrats becoming Republicans and viceversa, it’s the people who have never voted before deciding to vote. Nowadays, Florida citizens can register to vote once they’re 16 years-old, and it is as easy as deciding to do it at the DMV when getting a driver’s license. If you really value your voice, use it. There is never a predetermined outcome in any election- whether its federal, state, or local. If someone tells you that you don’t have to vote, they’re lying. American government is influenced in many ways by the average person. Generation Z is leading nation-wide movements like March For Our Lives (a movement to reform gun laws) and the easiest way to make your voice heard is by voting for what you believe in as often as you can. If we really are our future, then we need to get out and vote.
If you really value your voice, use it.
”
What do you know about ghetto? Wmy Air force one’s high tops, baggy Nike
hen I walked in to my Spanish class with
sweatpants, and a medium sized gray Tommy Hilfiger shirt, I felt good. I felt comfortable in my clothes I thought I looked fine and nothing was wrong. But my classmates felt different. I heard kids and friends say, “you look ghetto” “you look hood” and “you look black.” You know when you feel so mad and you want to react. You don’t want to say something you want to do something. But I didn’t. I didn’t feel the need to say something in return that would be just as rude or racist, I didn’t want to verbally abuse anyone. I only felt the need to physically restrain myself from taking off my book bag and doing something that would have been a lot worse than words. Because I knew if I were to do just that I probably would have fed into the stereotype of “ghetto” or “hood”. And I know I’m not wrong. So, I sat in my seat and kept my mouth closed, a part of me will always regret not saying or doing more, but this goes much deeper than this one incident. Why are people still stereotyping and using words such as “ghetto” especially over an outfit. Why am I black because of an outfit? Which honestly only showed stupidity because I am black through my parents. I am a mixed girl with a white mother and black father. But I guess to today’s generation your skin color does not make you black or ghetto or hood it’s your clothes. In 2018, years of trying to end racism and prejudice why
Sports Editor
Macy McClintock
A&E Editor
Amelia Foster
Features Editor
Jules Whitaker
Opinion Editor
Natalia McCalla
Design & Multimedia Editor Emersyn Brown
Staff
Alyssa Acosta Skylar Hurley Racquel Ingram Jack Kirk Ella Wertz Anna Woodward
Publications Adviser Nancy Oben
By Natalia McCalla Opinion Editor
do these words spark a much deeper affect? Why do these words leave lingering anger? Or simply leave you feeling disrespected? And no, it is not just the black race that are disrespected and judged; it goes for all races. No matter what background you come from or culture. White people will never feel what it is like for minorities because throughout all of history every other race was seen as inferior to them. Many families for generations strive and fought to be seen as equal. And to this day minorities are judged and assumed to act or talk or think a certain way. I can honestly say whenever whites are judged or stereotyped it doesn’t hurt like it does others, because in some odd way they will never feel what every minority feels. White people in general have never been labeled as a minority and probably never will be. So yes, all races may criticized by white people, yet when a white person criticizes a different race it hits harder because we all know they don’t understand where we come from.
Principal Robert Bhoolai
Robinson High School
6311 S. Lois Ave Tampa, FL 33616 Phone: 813-272-3006 Fax: 813-272-3014 School hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. Population 1536 Students |150 Staff
Illustration by Elijah Ponder
Mission Statement
The role and goal of all RHS Media is to inform, interpret and entertain their viewers through accurate and factual reports, and be accurate, fair and impartial in its coverage of issues that affect the school community. The staff of RHS Media will strive to report all issues in a legal, objective, accurate and ethical manner, according to the Society
for Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics
Policies
For more information about the staff policies, follow this link rhstoday. com/about/staff-policies.
04 | October, 2018 KNIGHT WRITERS
Feature
POLITICAL KNIGHTS
THE POLITCAL ISSUE
lections aren't lim-
DESANTIS AND GILLUM FACE OFF IN GOVERNOR’S RACE By Amelia Foster A&E Editor
Igovernor Rick Scott’s term expires. For a state that tends to vote in
n the upcoming election, Florida will chose a new governor as current-
moderates, 2018’s leading candidates are ideological opposites. Ron DeSantis, former U.S. Representative, is the Donald Trumpendorsed Republican candidate for the Florida governor’s election. He believes in building the wall, defending Second Amendment rights, and signing pro-life legislature. Andrew Gillum is the current mayor of Tallahassee, and is endorsed by both Senator Bernie Sanders and former president Barack Obama in the governor’s race; he would be Florida’s first AfricanAmerica governor. He believes in reforming ICE, in enacting stricter gun laws, and in supporting Planned Parenthood. The governor’s race has quickly become heated as both candidates run increasingly negative ads and criticize each other in the press. Many voters who hold more moderate views are distressed by the distinct left and right wing ideologies that Gillum and DeSantis represent. “It is really terrible that our politics have been polarized this
DeSantis and Gillum on The issues
much because it isn’t good for cooperation,” said John Weachter (‘21), a registered Republican and supporter of Ron DeSantis. “It isn’t good that politicians have decided to represent half the state instead of the whole thing.” Gillum and DeSantis’ commercials especially emphasize their contrasting policies. In DeSantis’ commercials, he highlights his love of Trump and constantly points out Trump’s endorsement of him. In Gillum’s, he focuses on promoting equal rights and impeaching Trump. “America is really behind in terms of healthcare and making sure everyone gets a chance and that’s what Gillum is going to achieve,” said Sam Smith (‘19). DeSantis has expressed criticism of Gillum being too radical, while Gillum criticizes DeSantis for relying too much on Trump’s policies. “I voted for Levine [in the p rimary] because I felt that people weren’t ready for Gillum’s ideas,” said Gabriela Arias (‘19) “Now that Gillum has won I’m totally voting for him.” On November 6, voters at the polls will have to decide- who will be the best for Florida?
Andrew Gillum
•
• •
• •
Opposes tax increases Supports concealed carry and allowing guns on college campuses, opposes ban on assault weapons Does not have a specific healthcare policy Supports school choice and stopping Common Core standards Supports Trump’s immigration policy
• •
T
he Robinson journalism staff invited students to take an anonymous online survey asking questions about their voter registration status and political beliefs. 151 students responded to the survey, their anwsers are displayed in pie chart form.
•
Yes
Conservative
How would you describe you political beliefs?
Are you registered to vote?
No
Janet Cruz
Class of 1974 Democrat running for FL Senate 18 janetcruz2018.com
Class of 2010 Democrat running for Sarasota County Commission wesleybeggs.com
Supports tax increases Supports stricter gun control, including a ban on assault weapons Supports Medicare for all Wants to invest $1 billion in eduation and raise starting teacher salaries to $50,000 Opposes Trump’s immigaration policy
Greg Green
HOW ROBINSON VOTES I’m preregistered (will be able to vote when I turn 18)
file races like the governorship. There are several races for local positions taking place. Two Robinson alumnus are running for public office, and one of the school’s flag football coaches is running for a judgeship. Read more about the candidates with RHS connections below.
Wesley Beggs
Ron DeSantis • •
Eited to high-pro-
Liberal
Moderate
Flag Football Coach Nonpartisan running for County Judge Group 2 votegreggreen.com
INside Turning Point USA A new club encourages political debate at Robinson ollowing
the
trend
of
teens
politics, one of Robinson’s newest clubs, Turning Point USA, hopes to promote an honest political discussion among students. This is not the first time a politically-focused club has been organized at Robinson, but most of the schools’ political clubs have been more issue-focused. Turning Point USA, however, intends to urge students to be more politically active on a broader scale, regardless of which ideas they support. Turning Point USA is a national organization that promotes “the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government”. However, the Robinson chapter of Turning Point USA, started by Jadon Walters (‘19) and sponsored by Kevin McCray, is more concerned with promoting political debate rather than specific ideals. “We’re just trying to promote the idea that if you support something, go out and advocate for it,” Maxx Pearson
(‘19), one of the club organizers, said. “We just wanted to give an outlet for students to express themselves.” Some students have expressed disapproval of the club because of the organization’s advocacy for conservative principles. While the national organization is associated with right-wing ideology, the main purpose of Turning Point USA at Robinson is to encourage students to have political debates and discussions with each other, regardless of party affiliation. “I know there’s some students that were like very much against it, we invited them to debate, none showed up,” Pearson said. “The whole point of it is we’re just trying to promote political activism, we promote debates.” Walters was motivated to start Turning Point USA at Robinson after walk-outs concerning the Parkland shooting. He felt that there should be more open discussions about political issues in school. Members of the club attended a March for Our Lives event in September
Breaking down the key FL amendments and referenderums of 2018 By Alanna Felton Editor-in-Chief
Amendment 4: Restores voting rights to most prior felons at the end of their sentences
to discuss contrasting opinions on gun control. They also plans to start “Change my mind” tables at lunches which promote debates and hope to arrange for a guest speaker to come to campus to speak at a club meeting. “One of the things that they want is open dialogue, all students with all views, so students can agree or disagree but that’s not really the point. It’s the fact that students are thinking and possibly researching deeper,” McCray said.
Leading The March By Jules Whitaker Feature Edior
Under the current system, ex-felons must wait five years to apply for the return their voting rights, which can only be restored by a clemency panel headed by the governor on a case-by-case basis. Should the amendment pass, 1.5 million Floridians will be re-enfranchised.
Amendment 9: Ban Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling and Ban Vaping in Enclosed Indoor Workplaces Amendment
Citizens must vote on whether or not to ban both offshore oil and gas drilling and vaping in enclosed indoor workplaces. This is one of several “bundle” amendments on the ballot that combine multiple proposals.
Amendment 13: Ends Dog Racing
This amendment is a single proposal to end commercial dog-racing- which many animal rights activists have criticized as inhumane-in Florida by 2020. There are almost a dozen dog-racing tracks throughout the state which would be impacted.
Apolitics started small. After the lyssa Ackbar's involvement in
initial March For Our Lives- a protest calling for an end to gun violence in the wake of the Parkland shootingshe started helping the local chapter, March For Our Lives Tampa, out with its logistical needs. Like many student activists, Alyssa cites the shooting at Majory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland as the catalyst for her involvement in March For Our Lives. "It hit our school close to home... just the fact that something this devastating could happen close to our school, and having it be a possibility at any school in the United States is super shocking to me," Ackbar said. When Ackbar began, the two leaders of the movement in Tampa were seniors at Plant high school. Her real work didn't start until after their graduation. "It left a whole community of students and other people that wanted to get more involved in March for our lives, and wanted to do more than just the march," Ackbar ('19) said. "I got more involved and eventually became the co-head." Ackbar leads March For Our Lives Tampa with with Robinson student Macy McClintock ('19). "Alyssa is not afraid to speak her
Feature On The Ballot
By Morgan Brazier Managing Editor
Fbecoming increasingly active in
KNIGHT WRITERS October, 2018 |05
Referendum: Raise sales tax by half cent to fund HCPS
Alyssa Ackbar('19) and Nadya Hernandez hold their signs in front of the road to change tent at the Road to Change event
mind," McClintock said. "She's one of the best public speakers I know and handles backlash and negative comments really well." Together, Ackbar and McClintock recently raised $10,000 to put on a concert raising awareness about gun violence and encouraging voter registration which drew over 1,000 attendees. They have also participated in panels and attended town halls and rallies. Part of what Ackbar finds so appealing about the movement is its inclusive, non-partisan nature. March For Our Lives has gained a lot of support and momentum from students, parents and people from around the nation.
"A big component of March For Our Lives that the Tampa chapter has put forth is that gun violence has the potential to affect anyone, regardless of our political party, personal beliefs, religious beliefs, sexuality, skin color," Ackbar said." It's completely random, and since it can affect anyone, everyone should try and put in their part to end it. The way to do that is by voting." The current focus of March For Our Lives is the importance voter registration, and encouraging people to vote at the polls on November 6, and in every election after that. For more information on March For Our Lives, readers can visit marchforourlives.com
VISIT RHSTODAY.COM FOR MORE POLITICAL COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THIS ELECTION SEASON.
If passed, this referendum would raise sales tax by half a cent to fund Hillsborough County Public Schools’ capital budget. Uses for the money would include new air conditioners, campus maintenance, new security systems, and new technology for schools around the county. Want to know more about the HCPS referendum? Scan this QR code to read our full story about it on RHSToday.com
06 | October, 2018 KNIGHT WRITERS
SPORTS
Friday Night lights
By Macy McClintock Sports Editor
Here are our favorite views from the sideline during football season
Varstiy Cheerleaders run and tumble towards the home stands while the football team runs through the smoke.
Rebekah Gilliland (‘19) smiles during the band’s halftime show performance. Gilliland said it’s hard for her to remember to be present during the show. “If I’m completely honest, I don’t really feek anything when I perform,” she said. “There’s so much adrenaline going through my body, it feels like all of my nerves just leave my body.”
Top: Ayden Weil (‘21) looks at the drum majors during the halftime show. Below: Wide receiver Cameron Lockridge (‘19) smiles after the Knights score a touchdown.
2017 Homecoming Queen Zjala Phelps crowns 2018 queen Gaelle Denson. This was Denson’s first time to run for court. “I decided since it’s my last year at Robinson I should leave with no regrets and go for it,” Denson said.
The student section gets loud after a big Robinson play.
Volleyball mid-season review T(16-5) has ended their season
By jack Kirk Staff writer
he Robinson Volleyball team
m. mcclintock Captain Kristin Werdine looks at the ball in play during the Robinson volleyball’s 3-0 loss to Plant.
in the 6A State Semifinals for the past three years in a row now, falling to Bishop Moore (12-6) each time. But this year, with head coach Ashley “AJ” Johnson now in her second year and a dominant starting lineup in tact, the Lady Knights are confident in their current standing as playoff season nears. “At the beginning of the year I really didn’t know what to expect, but we’ve really grown into a solid team,” Team captain and outside hitter Kristin Werdine (‘19), who recently committed to play volleyball at Clarkson University in upstate New York, said. “I see us getting consistently better, especially during postseason, and making it back to states again.”
After losing four of their tallest starters, the team had to reevaluate their strategy in a bit of a rebuilding year. But quick adjustments from the underclassmen players has allowed the Lady Knights to stay on track with their goal of another playoff run. “They [the underclassmen] have really stepped it up,” Werdine said. 5-11 middle blocker Maddie Hill (‘22) took over the starting middle blocker position after last year’s starter, Mileena Wilkins (‘18), graduated. Hill currently has 70 kills. Captain and setter Lauren Johnson (‘19), who leads the team with 97 assists, was recently suspended for two weeks after getting ejected from the Wharton game for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“When that happened we almost had to totally change our attack,” Johnson recently told the Tampa Bay Times. “I went to our best all-around athlete [Mila Yarich (‘21)] and asked if she could set.” The Knights went 2-0 during Johnson’s suspension and Yarich now has 32 assists. “Everyone can play multiple positions, which allows us to change the lineups so we can compete to our best abilities,” Yarich said. The volleyball district tournament starts on Tuesday, October 16, at Middleton High School. *Head coach Ashley “AJ” Johnson was unavailable for comment on this story.
Star Showcase
Sports Stars is a new segment to Knight Writers, introducing the "hot shots" of Robinson athletics. Each issue will feature a few standout athletes.1
DJ Jandura ('19)
Starting linebacker and offensive lineman Devin John “DJ” Jandura (‘19) leads the team with 35 tackles and one fumble recovery so far this season. “This is his first year playing linebacker,” Head Football Coach Craig Everhart said. “he’s played on the offensive line his whole career, so he’s done a good job of making that transition.”
Meg Courtney ('21) This is Meg Courtney’s (‘21) second year on the volleyball team. Next season, she will be one of the captains, a role she is excited to take on. She continues the season with 3 blocks, a kill percentage of 33.7%, and 11 aces. “I’ve focused at practice a lot and I have an urge to win,” Courtney said.
Opinion: Is It Time For Jameis Winston To Go? By Jack Kirk Staff Writer
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been faced with a terrible dilemma of having a quarterback, Jameis Winston, whose actions call his character into question. This led to the team having to decide if they should move on from the young prospect or continue to work it out with him. I personally believe that Winston should be given one more chance with all of his actions under a microscope. Winston was accused of sexual harassment for an incident back in 2016 during an Uber ride. He was suspended three games for the incident by the NFL. I believe that if the accusations hold up Winston should face a worse punishment than just three games, but if the accusations are not proven then he paid his dues and should move on from it. Winston had some character-questioning incidents while in college, which makes his case further stacked against him. Personal conduct aside, Winston has not developed into the elite player that he was drafted to be by Tampa. In his absence, the team exceeded expectations and got off to a hot 2-1 start to the season. This is in large part due to the record-setting play by his replacement, Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick looks like a top-five quarterback and exhibits talent that Winston has failed to show. Fitzpatrick is a better athlete and can make throws that Jameis has struggled with throughout his career, such as throwing the ball deep downfield. Fitzpatrick, however, came into the league in 2005 and has proven to be very inconsistent throughout his whole career. For the time being, Fitzpatrick should continue to lead the Buccaneers and Winston should ride the bench in order to not disrupt the success that the offense is having. I do, however, believe that either if Fitzpatrick begins to fall off in his production or in the following season, the team should turn to Winston and see if he can develop into the player and leader they have been in dire need of. If he fails, then maybe the organization should explore other young options.
On Target
KNIGHT WRITERS October, 2018|07
SPORTS
By Macy McClintock Sports Editor
Linebacker Anthony papp (‘19) is world-wide dart throwing champion.
On fall Friday nights, Anthony Papp ('19) is a linebacker for the Knights, but once his cleats are hung up and his jersey is stashed away, Papp is a dart-throwing champion. Papp became the 2016 Youth International Caribbean Cup Champion when he was 15 and now competes mostly in statewide competitions. For a while, he was ranked fourth in the U.S. "(My mom) brought home a dart board and I would play her friends on the weekend," Papp said. "I'd practice during the weekend so that I could beat them... it took a little time before I could beat them but now I am untouchable." Papp recently traveled to Trinidad on the Florida Dart
Association Youth team at the 2018 Caribbean Cup. Papp has also traveled to Barbados to compete and will travel to Jamaica in 2020. Papp typically practices for a few hours a night in order to compete at these high levels. "I train by putting targets around the numbers that I have to aim for and I work on consistency and precision," Papp said. "There's also a strategy to the game that takes time to learn because you always want to know what their (the opponent's) next move is." Although Papp has been able to travel around the world to throw darts, he keeps it quiet on the football team. "One of the things we're re-
ally trying to do this year is get to know each other on and off the field. It just randomly came up that Anthony has this talent." Head football coach Craig Everhart said. "I didn't know about it until the summertime and found out about it, it's very cool and very unique." Papp typically practices for a few hours a night, but has to take a break when football season comes around. "During the football season I just practice strictly football and take a break on darts." Papp said. After the football season, Papp plans on continuing preparation for his tournament in Jamaica in 2020.
Anthony Papp (‘19) throws darts in order to practice for a tournament.
Knights comeback, beat Brandon 42-7 By Macy McClintock Sports editor The last time Robinson boasted a three-game win streak was 2014. But in October 5's comeback against Brandon High School, the Knights were able to add a 42-7 victory to their 4-2 season. Plenty of penalties and consecutive runs through the middle of the field led to a Brandon touchdown early in the game, giving the Eagles the lead for a dominant portion of the first quarter. "Our main thing is trying to play a complete game... we did come out a little sluggish, we gave up a 21-play drive to start the game," Head coach Craig Everhart said. "But the defense made some adjustments, trusted the process and pushed forward to get a good win." Robinson quarterback Kobe Copple ('19) responded with a big touchdown run towards the end of the first quarter. The Knights rapidly broke the tie from there, with Cameron Lockridge ('19) and Copple again scoring rushing touchdowns. Copple led the team offensively with 202 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Lockridge finished the night with 80 rushing yards. Defensively, Kalieel Brown ('19) led both teams with 12 tackles. "It was a great all around team performance, (the offensive line) blocked, the receivers caught the ball and got opened and I just executed," Copple said. "We played well together." On the first play of the fourth quarter, Lothario Overstreet ('19) caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from Copple to extend the Knight's lead to 35-
7. A final touchdown pass from wide receiver Quinton Lane (‘19) secured the Knights’ 42-7 victory over the Eagles. The Knights take on Middleton Friday, October 19, at Middleton High School (4801 N 22nd St, 33610).
Sports Trending on rhstoday
SAVE THE DATE
Knights beat Blake 28-25 in comeback win By Macy McClintock Sports Editor In the final few minutes of Friday night’s matchup against Blake, underclassmen on the Robinson sideline started chanting the team’s motto, “Three more feet” as loud as they could.
Photos: Robinson volleyball beats Jefferson 3-0 By Skylar Hurley Staff Writer Robinson (4-1) faced Jefferson on Thursday, Sep. 13, in a district matchup. The Lady Knights defeated the Dragons in a straight 3-0 sweep.
Quinton Lane (‘19) and Lothario Overstreet (‘19) celebrate after Lane scores a touchdown. photo m. mcclintock
Robinson only has nine games left in the 2018-2019 fall sports season. Here are our top picks on games that you don’t want to miss
Dates
What
Where
Oct. 12 Varisty Football Home v. Jesuit
Times 7:30pm
Oct. 17 Swim AHN 6:00pm v. Jesuit/ AHN Oct. 19 Varsity Football Middleton 7:30pm v. Middleton Oct. 26 Varsity Football Jefferson v. Jefferson
7:30pm
Nov. 2 Varsity Football Home v. Bloomingdale
7:30pm
08 | October, 2018 KNIGHT WRITERS
A NIGHTMARE ON A&E FRANKLIN STREET PREVIEW: SPARKMAN WHARF The Tampa Theatre Celebrates Halloween With a Sparkman's Wharf Will Become Tampa's Newest Attraction This October By Ella Wertz staff writer
By Alyssa Acosta Staff Writer
Ashake as leaves fall- Halloween is finally cold wind blows through Tampa, trees
TTampa’s newest attractions. Sparkman he end of October will bring one of
Wharf will be a new outdoor food court that captures the essence of Tampa through keeping their restaurants and entertainment local. It was created as a rebirth of the Channelside Bay Plaza, a mixed-use shopping center. Sparkman Wharf will celebrate Tampa’s innovation by bringing something new and exciting to our own backyard. Their layout compliments Tampa as it is completely outdoors, allowing people to enjoy the water and sunshine. It strays from stereotypical food court style seen in places like the mall by housing all of their restaurants in reclaimed shipping containers, which adds a hipster touch to the food. It contributes another unique aspect to Tampa through the food. It is filled with restaurants that are all local to Tampa, such as Roosters & Till and Mise En Place, a twenty year old high-end restaurant. To keep it interesting and new, chefs plan on incorporating new concepts in their menus through various foods seen in every day life with little twists on them. It tackles all different types of food that range from the basic American hamburger to other foods like ceviche. Sparkman Wharf ’s main goal is to keep everything local, from the food to the entertainment, and to highlight the
13 Day Event
Rendering provided by Sparkman Wharf
This rendering shows what Sparkman Wharf will look like when completed.
exciting features Tampa has to offer. To accompany the local food, they will be equipped with various forms of local entertainment. They plan to feature local artists to perform live music, they will offer fitness classes, and they’ll have various games throughout the week to keep the crowd engaged. Each week will have different activities, and they’ll incorporate pop-ups like Posies Flower Truck. Sparkman Wharf reflects some of Tampa’s culture and appeal. They will continue to grow and develop with Tampa bringing new aspects to the table that will be appealing to all. Their integration of the local spirit surrounding Tampa will attract many people and provide an enjoyable time whether it be through food, watching movies, or just sitting by the beauty of the water. They open at the end of October featuring the beautiful aspects of Tampa.
approaching. As the holiday comes, Tampa Theatre, the most historic (and most haunted) theater is celebrating full-swing. Starting October 19 and ending on Halloween, Tampa Theatre is hosting 13 nights of Halloween films, called their Nightmare on Franklin Street. From delightfully spooky, but never scary, films like Corpse Bride and Hocus Pocus, to horror classics like Psycho and The Shining. Tampa Theatre celebrates Halloween not just with movies, but by showing off it’s haunted side through their ghost tour. Tampa Theatre kicks off their celebration with a free premiere showing of Hi Noon, Goodbye Dr. Paul, a 12 minute comedy special written by Dr. Paul Bearer. The special starts Butch Patrick of The Munsters and has a post-screening Q&A for the audience to enjoy. What really starts the celebration is the theatre’s showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a cult-classic movie with audience participation. Onto the 20, where the theatre will host an all-day marathon of the A Nightmare on Elm Street movies, lasting from 10 a.m. to midnight, with the all-day pass being $40 and $35 for members. With a few modern movies like Hereditary and A Quiet Place sprinkled in- and a cheap price of $10 for general admission, $7 for members, and free for kids
under 12- the theatre’s long list of movies will sure intrigue any horror fan Tampa Theatre has been a landmark of Tampa since it’s opening in 1926, and it’s near 100-year history leaves many asking- is it haunted? The “Ghosts of Tampa Theatre” tour is select days throughout the celebration. A 75 minutes ghost tour throughout the theatre tours throughout the building starting in the lobby, to the balcony, to the backstage. Exploring their ghoulish guests and other ghosts, the tour is $12 for adults and $10 for children, while remaining free for Tampa Theatre members. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween then watching festive movies in a haunted theatre so buy tickets fast, because they tend to sell out. Catering to everyone from avid horror fans looking to be scared, to casual people who just love Halloween, Tampa Theatre has got the spooky season covered.
Photo credit to Tampa Theatre
Tampa Theatre's main theatre, where the showings will be held.
THIS IS AMERICA
STUDENTS EXPRESS THEIR POLITICS THROUGH FASHION
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By Anna woodward Staff Writer
I
n the past few years, many political and Jadon Walters (‘19) is the founder of topical events have happened, forcing Robinson’s Turning Point USA club. many students to form political opinions. “I founded Turning Point because Combine that with the ever-updating soI noticed last year we had the walkout cial media culture, political expression has for March For Our Lives on April 20th,” become an important means of sharing Walters said. “I thought if that’s gonna be one’s ideas with the world. sponsored by the school on campus the Tyler Senkowicz (‘21) expresses his other side needs to be heard in every issue, political views around school and he not just guns.” considers his beliefs important to how he Elizabeth Weck (‘21) uses stickers to expresses himself as a person. show her support for certain causes. On “Things have been better and worse her laptop, she mixes political stickers with since Trump became president, and I just ones supporting her favorite TV shows. think people should know the real truth, A reoccurring theme on her stickers is not listen to BS on CNN feminism and Barack and other stuff like that,” Obama, whom she deepIt’s a free country, Senkowicz said. “It’s just ly admires. Like many anybody can have an important for people to other students, Weck know the truth.” opinion, that’s the beauty hopes to use her platform Stella Dougherty to display what she beof America (‘22) expresses herself by lieves, even if it’s through -Tyler Senkowicz (‘21) decorating her backpack. something as simple as Among key chains and stickers. patches, she displays but“It’s important to tons representing her political beliefs. She speak up for people who can’t speak up for was inspired by the 2017 Women’s March themselves,” Weck said. to become more outspoken in her views. While the political opinions of those at Dougherty’s backpack is something that Robinson differ, they all share a common she carries with her everyday and has begoal: they want their voices heard. From come a way for her to display her political subtle accessories like buttons and stickers beliefs. to more noticeable ones like shirts and "Most of my friends have experienced hats, it is easier than it seems to use one’s some sort of form of oppression at school voice. or at home or just every day,” Dougherty “It’s a free country, so I’m not going said. “It’s important to me to be outspoken to tell them they can’t say it, but I’m not about this sort of thing so nobody has to gonna judge them for it either; anybody feel like they’re just overpowered by the can have an opinion, that’s the beauty of culture of oppression and that they’re America,” Senkowicz said. totally alone.”
It’s important to speak up for people who can’t speak up for themselves -Elizabeth Weck (‘22)
Photo credit A. Woodward
Elizabeth Weck (‘21) displays her political stickers.
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Jadon Walters (‘19) expresses his political beliefs through his clothing. Photo credit A. Woodward
Stella Dougherty (‘22) political pins, including a Black Lives Matter pin. Photo credit A. Woodward
Tyler Senkowicz (‘21) displays his political beliefs through his “Make America Great Again” hat. Photo credit A. Woodward