Knight Writers Vol. 59 Issue 2| December 2018

www.rhstoday.com | @RobinsonKnights| @RobinsonSports_

Robinson High School 6311 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33616

Volume 59, Issue 2 |December, 2018

news

What’s inside

opinion

pg 2

A&E

pg 3

The thespian troope traveled to USF to compete their one act pippin the Knight Writers Staff discusses why it’s important to have an elective Knight Writers staff finds the best places to visit around tampa

sports

pg 4

Feature

pg 6

pg 8

DJ Jandura is a wrestler who hopes to have another shots at state this season

Tigers Pounce 51-44 Jesuit defeats Robinson in close game

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n Friday, Dec. 7 the Knights played their long-standing rivals Jesuit for the first time this season, losing 51-44 after a tight game.

The Knights had a rough start, trailing Jesuit 16-7 at the end of the first quarter. By the end of the first half, they were behind 14-26. Although they improved their performance as the game went on, the Knights still found it difficult to recover.

“The biggest setback was scoring, we didn’t score enough and we missed a lot of shots,” Cameron Lockridge (‘19) said.

Free throws proved to be a consistent problem for the team, who missed 16 out of 24 total free throw attempts throughout the game.

“We’ve got to be able to hit shots,” Head Coach Steve Smith said. “We can shoot the ball well, but we’ve got to make our free throws.”

The Knights couldn’t afford to

By Alanna Felton Editor-in-Chief

give up any extra points against Jesuit, who continuously outscored them in free throws and two-pointers.

Robinson’s defense struggled to keep up with the Tigers and prevent them from scoring.

“Jesuit has good shooters so we’ve got to keep them from shooting,” Lockridge (‘19) said.

Tyrel Gray (‘21) started off the third quarter with a successful three-point shot, and the team bounced back, outscoring Jesuit 16-8, and bringing the score up to 3430.

However, even after narrowing the Tiger’s lead, the Knights were still unable to overtake them. Jesuit outscored the Knights by just 3 points in the final quarter, bringing the total score for the game to 51-44.

Despite their loss, the Knights are looking ahead to future matches, taking the lessons of this game with them.

“We can play with Jesuit... they’re a good team, but we played hard, we played tough,” Smith said.

The Knights’ next game will be an away game against the Jefferson Dragons on Tuesday, Jan. 8 (4401 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL, 33607).

Shooting Guard Cameron Lockridge (‘19) eyes up the basket as he attempts a free throw.

CLASS(ROOMS) ARE ALMOST IN SESSION

Robinson is on track to have new classrooms by next year

read about how one band member put the band before himself

Semester Exams

Jan. 8

Students return

Jan. 8

Basketball at Jefferson

Jan. 12

Wrestling Duals at Chamberlain

Jan. 14

Club Picture Day

Jan. 21

MLK Day - No School

Jan. 24

Report Cards Available

Jan. 26

Gasparilla

ByAlanna Felton Editor-in-Chief

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inter break is fast approaching, and students will soon have free time on their hands.

Here are some fun, simple activities to pass the time with.

Go Christmas Light Sight-Seeing Pass the evening with a walk or drive through the neighborhood to admire houses’ colorful light displays. Or venture further afield to see the holiday lights at Largo Central Park, the Florida Botanical Gardens or downtown St. Petersburg.

Have a Pajama Party Recapture the magic of elementary school pajama parties by spending a cozy afternoon-in with your friends, watching holiday-themed movies and drinking hot chocolate.

Take Some Time to Give Back Winter break can be a great time to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate.

Metropolitan Ministries hosts an annual Holiday Tent which provides meals and presents for struggling individuals and families.

You can contribute by volunteering on donating goods. Go to https:// www.metromin.org/holiday-central/overview/ to learn more.

SAVE THE DATE Dec. 17 - 21

Holiday Activites To do During winter Break

Go to the Beach

By Morgan Brazier Managing Editor

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ince September of the 2018-2019 school year, Robinson High School has had an ongoing construction of its much needed new classrooms.

There will be 10 new classrooms added to Robinson along with two computer labs to accommodate the schools growing population.

As of right now, Robinson has six floating teachers, meaning teachers who do not have their own classroom move from one room to another throughout each school day. Accord-

ing to principal Robert Bhoolai, the new classrooms will give all of the floating teachers their own rooms.

“Sometimes all my stuff is in three or four different places...sometimes I don’t have the right stuff with the right classes at the right time...if a student needs to find me they don’t know where I am,” floating teacher Lisa Ceely-Derathe said. “I am basically assured to have a classroom next year [because of the construction].”

The school does not know yet what each room will be used for but will be taking into consideration what the school needs most.

“It really depends on student needs,” Bhoolai said.

“We’ll look at our schedule for next year and determine how many classes each section needs and each subject needs and that’s how we’ll determine what we use them for.”

The construction project is expected to be finished by April of 2019 but the new rooms will not be put into use until the following school year.

“Teachers don’t like moving in the middle of the school year so we’ll probably assign them for next school year,” Bhoolai said.

Florida doesn’t exactly have the most conventional winter weather, so why not embrace it? Take a walk on the beach with friends, collect sea shells, have a picnic and make a Sand-Snowman.

Visit Downtown Tampa

There are lots of things to do in dowtown Tampa during the holidays. Go ice skating at Curtis Hixon Park, or visit Plant Museum’s Victorian Christmas Stroll.

02 KNIGHTWRITERS December, 2018|

THEATER HAS HIGH HOPES FOR PIPPIN Troupe 2660 goes to District nine

News STATE’S MINMUM WAGE TO INCREASE

competition and earns “good” rating

Student employees will get a 21 cent raise in 2019

By Nicole Perdigon News Editor

By Alanna Felton Editor-in-Chief that pay minimum wage, the increase is something to look forward to in 2019.

“I’ve been counting down the days, because it does Students will now have more cash in their pocket. The state has make a raised the minimum wage to $8.46 for 2019. Photo illustration by Nicole Perdigon. difference,” his past October, the Julieanna Florida Department of Chacon (‘20), who works at Economic Opportunity Hollister, said. “It adds up announced that, in 2019 to every hour.” the minimum wage for A 21 cent increase may Florida employees will seem like an insignificant increase 21 cents from amount, but, as Chacon $8.25 an hour to $8.46 noted, a minimal increase an hour. (For tipped in pay each hour adds employees, the minimum to more money towards wage will increase from students’ savings. $5.23 an hour to $5. 44 an “Being paid more will hour.) allow me to save up for For many Robinson college,” Reggie Allen (‘19), students working jobs

T

who works at Publix, said.

“It’s more money that I have to save up to pay for student loans and stuff like that.”

Even with this increase, Florida is still on the lower-end of the spectrum for state minimum wages.

While $8.46 is a lot higher than the federallymandated $7.25, it is a far cry from the double-digit salary that 13 states will be paying minimum wage employees in 2019. In California, Massachusetts and Washington, the minimum wage for 2019 will be $12.00, and in the District of Columbia it will be as high as $14.00.

Still, the raise remains a significant gain for working students, who feel that is a step in the right direction.

“I feel like what I get paid now is not exactly what I put in, so it will help a lot,” Nicole Kiernan (‘20) said.

Alaxander McAffee (‘19) and theater troupe 2660 perform a condenced one act of Pippin for the school in eighth period. Troup 2660 Performed to help prepare for the district nine competition and to advertise theater.

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heater troupe 2660 plans on making the 2018-2019 school year their year by showcasing their talent to the students of Robinson. In an effort to bring attention to the group, and prepare for their upcoming competition, the troupe performed a condensed version of the musical “Pippin” during eighth period on December 5.

Theater director and teacher Maureen Pelamati hopes that performing for their fellow students will not only bring attention to the troupe but also encourage students to join for next year. This year is special to Pelamati as Pippin is her favorite musical and she is excited to see how the students will take it and make it their own.

“Our spring musical is always our best, our costumes are set; everything is always fabulous,” Pelamati said. “I wanted to kind of recreate some of the fabulousness for the competition.”

Troupe 2660 has been putting an effort into making this year serious and performing their best. Not only is Pippin the musical troupe 2660 performed for the competition, but it is also what theater plans to perform in spring for the annual musical. The troupe began preparing for the competition back in October, they

hope their early start will create a strong performance year.

“I can’t make promises, I can’t tell the future but I can say that what we’ll give is a highest rating superior performance,” President of the troupe and the student playing Pippin, Alexander McAffee (‘19) said.

The troupe went to University of South Florida to compete in the District Nine One Acts, competing against 23 other thespian troupes in Hillsborough county.

Each troupe also performed a one act musical or play. Troupe 2660 performed on the December 6, receiving a “good” rating when scores were announced on December 7.

After performing an abbreviated version of “Pippin”, the troupe will extend the work to its full length for their Spring musical.

“I’m really excited for us to translate this to the actual spring musical because there are a lot of parts that we cut out,” Vanessa Fermin, a senior and student who played “leading player” said. “Exploring that’s gonna be a lot of fun.”

SALES TAX PASSES

By Nicole Perdigon News Editor

New sales tax referendum will provide more money for HCPS schools

Ia referendum on sales tax, which

n November Hillsbrough county passed

gave more money to the county’s public schools. Schools will be able to decide specifically where they want to allocate their share of money from the referendum.

Robinson plans to start by spreading the funds to the schools ongoing construction project and then use the remainder to replace the poor air conditioning and overhauls, improve classroom technology and to upgrade the safety and security at Robinson.

Trending on rhstoday.com

Concert review: Ed Sheeran The turkey got run over by a exceeds all expectations reindeer

By Amelia Foster

By Jules Whitaker and A&E Editor

Looking at the miles and miles of traffic-jammed cars leading to Raymond James Stadium, I was seriously considering whether this Ed Sheeran concert would be worth the wait.

Within the next five years, Robinson hopes to fix some of the problems the school has had with air conditioners and fire evacuation drills. In addition, the school plans to replace the outdoor court by the cafeteria.

The school also plans on completely repainting and waterproofing the exterior walls. By years six to 10 the main goal will be to use money to completley replace the schools fire alarm system.

For more information about the referendum funds visit the Hillsbourogh County public schools website at sdhc.k12.fl.us

$85

Ella Wertz

RHSToday staffers Jules Whitaker and Ella Wertz discuss when the Christmas season really begins.

yearbook forever.com

Buy a Year book

|December, 2018 KNIGHTWRITERS 03

Editor's Letter

By Alanna Felton Editor-in-Chief

Opinion Editorial: The Importance of an elective education Students should be encouraged to find a creative outlet in school

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This time of year is very a busy one for Robinson students. We have exams to study for, projects to complete, college applications to fill out.

In the midst of all this, the journalism staff has still managed to bring you issue two of Knight Writers. I am thankful for their hard-work and dedication.

With all of the pressure that we are under to achieve, it can be easy to reduce ourselves to the sum of grades and college acceptance statuses. But attempting to define self-worth through academic achievements alone is reductive.

We all have talents and abilities that cannot be categorized or described by a single transcript or exam score. No numbers on a sheet of paper are capable of capturing the full measure of a person’s intelligence, strength or kindness.

As important as it is to do well in school, it is also important to take care of ourselves emotionally. This issue of Knight Writers places a special emphasis on all of the fun, exciting things to do in Tampa this winter.

I highly recommend that, once exams are done and schoolwork is turned in, students take some time to appreciate the people closest to them and enjoy themselves. Have a little downtime, you’ve earned it.

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

hile high school students get to choose their own schedules, they are left with a lot of boxes to check for graduation requirements when deciding which classes to take. Many students want to go above and beyond what is required, selecting AP courses that will boost their GPAs and look good on their college applications.

When students try to fit as many challenging classes into their schedules as they can, electives often don’t make the cut. As a result, teens become overloaded with strenuous academic classes and do not give themselves any time to be creative or relieve stress during the school day.

While we agree that it is a good idea for students to challenge themselves by taking AP courses, we also think they should make time to take elective classes. Academics are important, but so is taking care of your mental health and giving yourself a creative outlet.

Joining a class such as art, theatre, or

orchestra can provide students with a class that is fun and allows them to use a part of their brains and a skill set that they don’t get to call upon in other classes. A class can still be useful even if it doesn’t automatically translate to extra points towards your GPA. Through journalism, we have all learned valuable writing, photography, teamwork and communicative skills that aren’t touched on in regular academic courses.

Taking an elective can also help you to make new friends by becoming part of a group of peers who share your interests. And being part of a class that isn’t tied to academics can help you to feel more connected to Robinson as a community.

Getting into the college of their choice is a goal that students rightly aspire to, but so

By The Robinson Journalism Staff is making sure that you are taking the time to enjoy the present. Taking an art class instead of an AP class will not decide your future.

Money and privilege aren’t an excuse T

he 21st century is a time when almost everyone’s personal business is online, and that has resulted in countless celebrity’s dirty laundry being aired. Despite the numerous accusations, there have been next-to-no consequences for most of the celebrities confronted.

From cultural appropriation to sexual harassment, rich celebrities are granted amnesty after nothing more than a slap on the wrist and a fake, teary apology that they don’t follow up on. Just because someone is rich and well known doesn’t excuse their harmful actions; money shouldn’t be able to buy an excuse.

Johnny Depp, an actor with a Net Worth of more money than I’ll ever see in my life, recently starred in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”, the most recent movie in the “Harry Potter” franchise. “Harry Potter” is one of the most profitable kid’s franchises of all time, yet when children go to see that movie, they’ll be confronted on screen with Depp-- a known domestic abuser. In 2016, evidence of Depp abusing his then-wife Amber Heard was revealed and, to this day, Depp’s career remains unaffected. If a person who was not rich and famous would suffer consequences from those actions, then Depp should too.

It isn’t just big shot celebrities who have been in Hollywood longer

Illustration by Kristina Alexander.

By Amelia Foster A&E Editor

than I’ve been alive, but anyone who has had a taste of fame. YouTubers create a stream of nearly constant media for people to enjoy and with that media comes countless scandals, too many for me to ever possibly mention. YouTuber Pewdiepie, who has the most subscribers on YouTube, has been filmed multiple times saying the n-word and making violently anti-semitic remarks. Despite countless repeats of his past “mistakes,” his career has not suffered at all-- in fact he has grown more popular.

While not apologizing for what they’ve done is bad, posting an insincere and self-centered apology is almost worse. Celebrities have made so many apology posts that there is practically a format now: mention their mistake, mention how it was a result of them being “ignorant” even though they’re an adult who should know better and a promise to never do it again followed by them immediately doing it again.

Rich people being allowed to escape even the most menial consequences is representative of a society who glorifies people to the point where no mistake is enough to knock them down. Celebrities aren’t just being put on a pedestal, the pedestal is preventing them from having to suffer the consequences of actions like normal people.

What does Christmas mean to you?

“I like Christmas because i can spend time with family that I dont get to see often.”

- Janani Muthukumar (‘20)

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

“The opportunity to spend time with family and reaffirm value.”

“I love christmas because it brings my family closer from all over the country.”

- Sarah Sanford, Biology Teacher

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

-Sophie Kurilla (‘20)

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’

Scan this QR code to see a Christmas video on RHSToday. com.

Code of Ethics

Policies

For more information about the staff policies, follow this link rhstoday. com/about/staff-policies.

Publication Memberships

04 KNIGHT WRITERS | A&E|December, 2018

A&E

Mapping the way around tampa

A map of best places in tampa that opened in 2018

By Amelia Foster, Carly Long, Anna Woodward and Ella Wertz

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ampa's New Year's resolution must have been to get even more interesting, as dozens of unique attractions opened in 2018. Tampa stepped up its game with the additions of diners with an aesthetic of the past and food from the present, and re-invented, classic adventures. With so many places to go and things to do, Knight Writer's staff has decided to make the options more accessible to you. Here is a collection of the most entertaining places, complete with their distance from Robinson.

hey giant! little biscuits nine minutes away

H The front of Robinson.

Photo by V. Moore

METRO DINER

ey Giant! Little Biscuits prides themselves in making unique types of biscuits that branch out from the classic biscuit with butter. They currently have a holiday menu consisting of a sweet potato casserole biscuit, a cinnamon biscuit and a cheddy guava biscuit. Their approach on a classic staple that fits with every meal gives them originality and flare.

Location: 3201 S Dale Mabry Hwy

15 minutes away

M

etro Diner approaches classic American meals with unique twists.

Although well-known for their breakfast food, where they serve dishes such as a San Francisco Benedict and cinnamon roll pancakes, they have options like their Holy Davoli burger, a burger where the buns are replaced with grilled cheese. Metro Diner will satisfy all your possible cravings with their diverse and delicious menu.

Location: 4011 W Kennedy Blvd

Photo by M. Brazier

Photo by N. Perdigon

"They have a good grilled cheese sandwich and really good omelets," Brit Hiers ('22) said about Metro Diner.

"The atmosphere is really great in there, it's really cute, and the biscuits are amazing, I tried like seven different ones and they were all equally as good," Erika George said about Hey Giant! Little Biscuits

sweet soul 15 minutes away

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restaurant that's good for both your health and your Instagram feed, Sweet Soul offers acai bowls, smoothies and smaller snacks like cookies. From the outside, it looks small, but the space isn't cramped. The dining area is outdoors, complete with picnic tables and a farm-type area in the back with chickens. It's walking distance from other restaurants on Howard like Ciccio's and Daily Eats, which makes it perfect for an after-dinner dessert.

Location: 1101 S Howard Ave Photo by E. Brown

"[I really like] their charcoal ice cream," Nikita Seet ('20) said about Sweet Soul.

December, 2018 | A&E | KNIGHT WRITERS 05

A&E crabby bill's off the hook

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

29 minutes away

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rabby Bill's Off The Hook specializes in many different types of seafood.

They serve something for everyone with meals ranging from seared cusabi tuna to fried chicken. Along with the classic seafood choices, they have many exotic choices on their menu like gator tail and Antarctic salmon showing the creativity inserted into every meal. Crabby Bill's surrounds you with a relaxing, casual environment reminiscent of a beach as you eat.

Location: 9648 W Linebaugh Ave

22 minutes away

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ince the zoo's re-branding, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, previously known as Lowry Park Zoo, has added the ride Roaring Springs which takes riders on a boat where they can see native Floridian wildlife before a three-story drop. Along with the ride, ZooTampa has increased the zoo's capacity for animals in order to help wildlife conservation. The changes all benefit the animals in the zoo, making ZooTampa a perfect place to go for any animal-lover on a sunny day.

Location: 1101 W Sligh Ave

Photo by Crabby Bill's Off The Hook

Photo by Crabby Bill's Off the Hook

"They had a good atmosphere and just contributed to an overall beachy vibe," Alexis McWilliams ('21) said about Crabby Bill's Off The Hook

taco dirty

15 minutes away

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wned by the same group as Sweet Soul, Taco Dirty offers food a bit different than your local Taco Bell. While Taco Dirty's food is certainly delicious, set up in an assembly-style line with unique and creative options, what makes Taco Dirty a place-to-be is the ambiance. The indoor and outdoor seating take the old-school vibe of a diner and give it a modern and trendy atmosphere. Complete with vegan and vegetarian options, Taco Dirty is a must for anyone with a taste for Mexican.

Photo by ZooTampa

The macaws at ZooTampa

ARMATURE WORKS 17 minutes away

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eminiscent of an upscale food court, Armature Works offers dining options from empanadas to sushi burritos. Their diverse food options make the establishment unique and great for groups who can't decide on what to eat. Armature Works has exclusive restaurants like Zukku Sushi and Astro Ice Cream, as well as smaller versions of other Tampa favorites like Ava and Swami Juice.

Location: 1910 N Ola Ave

Location: 2221 W Platt St

Photo by Armature Works

Photo by N. Perdigon

"I think Armature Works is really cool, it's trendy, the food is good," Sophia Crassas ('20) said.

check out our full review of these on rhstoday.com armature works taco dirty hey giant! little biscuits sweet soul

06 KNIGHT WRITERS | sports|December, 2018

SPORTS

Shhhh...

The annual Robinson game that raises awareness for domestic violence has spread to four other high schools.

By Macy McClintock Sports Editor ive years ago, Robinson student Katie Cassedy founded the Get Loud! Breaking the Silence event at Robinson. She wanted to bring attention to a major problem in the community that is often not recognized: domestic violence.

Since then, the event has flourished, grabbing attention from local media and the Tampa Bay Lightning and spreading to schools across the Tampa area. This year, Get Loud! is at four other high schools across two counties.

Every nine seconds, a woman in the U.S. is domestically abused or violated, but that’s not generally a statistic that’s known. The Get Loud! game is a student-organized event that strives to make students more aware of the commonality of domestic violence. For the first nine points, the entire gym is completely silent except for the players, coaches and referees. Then, once the ninth point is scored, fans from both teams break the silence.

“The game is meant to raise awareness for domestic violence in the community,” Emily Kemp (‘20), co-chair of the event, said. “I think it’s a fantastic cause. [Domestic violence] is something we need to talk about in the community to help bring awareness.”

All schools that run the event work with the

F

Spring of Tampa Bay and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to provide information to students on domestic violence.

The Crisis center brings the Clothesline Project to each event, which consists of blank shirts that victims of domestic violence decorate in order to relieve anger and stress. “[The Clothesline Project allows them to] express they’re pain and emotion they felt when it actually happened to them,” Kemp said. “It’s very touching and heartbreaking to see how this affected them.”

Along with Robinson, the game will happen at Plant, Hillsborough, Tampa Prep and Wiregrass Ranch this year. Kemp and her committee are also working with students in Rhode Island to potentially start it there.

For the basketball players, this event provides them with a unique experience as well.

“There is a little bit of pressure on us as players because it is completely silence, so you feel like any little mistake will be noticed more,” Captain Quinton Lane (‘19) said. “It makes us want to work harder to make the 9th point as quickly as possible so it isn’t silent for a large portion of the game.” Said captain Quinton Lane (‘19).

This year’s Get Loud! Break the Silence basketball game is on January 25 at Robinson (6311 S. Lois Ave., 33616).

Top: Students cheer as the ninth point is made during last year’s Get Loud! Breaking the Silence game. Photo by M. McClintock Left: Students made t-shirts that raise awareness for domestic violence during last year’s Get Loud! Breaking the Silence game. Photo by M. McClintock Follow along on RHSToday.com for game coverage on Jan. 25.

Bring it on to states

By Macy McClintock Sports editor Last competition season, Robinson missed advancing to the FHSAA 1A Cheerleading State Finals by seven-tenths of a point.

But this year, the Lady Knights have one goal in mind, and that’s to get back to states and take home the gold.

“Winning states is our goal this year.

It was our goal last year too but we didn’t quite make it,” Cheer captain Alex Takagishi (‘19) said. “Our energy is a lot

higher this year and we believe in ourselves, and I think that’ll be our biggest factor.”

Currently, cheerleading and flag football are the only two teams at Robinson that hold state titles. Cheerleading last claimed the trophy in 2012 but have been close to getting it back each year since.

“We’re working really hard to reach states this year, we’re staying focused,” Cheer captain Sydney Van Aelst (‘19) said.

“Maybe one bad practice will make the next one better, maybe one bad stunt will make the next one better. We need to get better everyday.”

The newfound determination also comes with a much more difficult routine. The team has set in place new tricks and stunts that can increase their difficulty score in competitions.

“Last year we kind of limited ourselves and didn’t do the hardest stunts we could do,”Gaelle Denson (‘19) said. “I think we are really working on that this year and challenging ourselves.”

As they attempt more difficult routines, the cheerleaders have increased their emphasis on bonding in order to become a more closeknit and supportive group. Last year’s drive to win was often overshadowed by team conflict and drama, so the cheer team is placing an emphasis on positive team energy to ensure that the whole team is focused on a good season.

“As a team we have to all support each other and work together to make sure we’re all having a positive mindset,” Van Aelst said.

Star Showcase

Quinton lane('19) Lane is a four year basketball and football player. This year, he is a captain for both sports, and is a starting forward for basketball. He hopes to continue playing sports in college.

“This is my last year playing so I’m just trying to have fun with each game and make every game count.”

Lane said.

Photo by A. Acosta Cheerleader Logan Richardson (‘19) performs the competition routine during the winter sports pep rally.

Sports showcases highlights two "hot shots" of Robinson athletics. Each issue will feature a few standout athletes from the current sports season.

JAlyssa Richardson ('19)

Richardson is a varsity captain and center-mid for the knights soccer team, She moved to Robisnon last year and has been a starter for two years. She will go to the University of Tampa on a soccer scholarship next year. “[soccer] means everything to me because that’s what’s getting me into college right now...It means the world to me.”

Opinion: Fantasy Football brings the season to life

By Jack Kirk Staff Writer When I first got into football, I only cared about one game a week, and that was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game.

Then I started playing fantasy football a couple of weeks later and all of a sudden there were six to eight games a week that I cared about. I believe fantasy football makes the football season so much more enjoyable as there is much more emotional investment around the league for the fans who tune in every Sunday.

Fantasy football teams normally have players from around 12 different teams, which gives participants a wide array of teams to pay attention to every week. So instead of cheering for just their favorite team, fans gets to cheer for many other teams and have a much more complete experience every week. It is like you get to make your own all-star team with players from around the league and pit them against other all-star teams.

Depending on the league that someone plays in, there can be a lot more to enjoy about playing fantasy football.

If they play in a league with money on the line, it gives all more incentive to indulge themselves in the season and truly pay attention to the happenings of the NFL. If you do well, you get money to go along with the sense of accomplishment.

My first league was with my family, so there was a lot of pride and bragging rights on the line between us all. I ultimately came in third place, which made me want to play again so bad so I could improve.

You also don’t have to limit yourself to just one league a year, you can do as many as you want.

This season I did two pro football leagues and one college football league.

One of my pro leagues has done well, while my other two have been tragedies If you like football but have a hard time getting invested in something other than your local team, I would heavily consider getting into fantasy football. It gives people a reason to watch every game that week as they basically get to play coach with players from all around the league.

December, 2018 | sports | KNIGHT WRITERS 07

Wrestling for the

win

SPORTS

Senior Devin “DJ” Jandura hopes to make it to states again this year

By Morgan Brazier and Jules Whitaker Managing Editor and Features Editor

W

hen Devin “DJ” Jandura (‘19) came to Robinson his freshman year, he was mostly just interested in playing football.

He had played various other sports growing up, but had never considered playing them at the high school level. It wasn’t until Thomas Montero, Robinson’s head wrestling coach, approached him at a football practice that he considered wrestling. Now, Jandura is a fouryear wrestler and varsity captain.

“Montero found me at a football practice and he knew that I had some history with [wrestling],” Jandura said. “He was like ‘come out and try it for real, try to be the best, come out and give it all you got.’”

Jandura placed fourth in the 2018 FHSAA Wrestling State Match and has his mind set on first place this year. But throughout high school, wrestling has been about more than just winning to Jandura. It has been a way for him

to stay on track and keep his focus in the right place.

“Without wrestling, without sports in general I’d probably be a bad kid in trouble; I don’t even think I’d graduate,” Jandura said.

“I’ve been able to turn all the anger I’ve had into something positive.”

Jandura’s love for wrestling is reflected in his coach and his teammates, as they’ve all seen how much the sport means to him and how driven he is to be the best at what he does.

“Its not just going out there and beating each other up, its nothing like that,” Head wrestling coach Tomas Montero said. “It’s a chess game and you get better with experience and working hard. You gotta enjoy working hard and it pays off.”

Jandura has grown as a person and a wrestler since his freshman year. Despite the sometimes negative competitive nature of the wrestling

community, as a leader

Jandura has matured and come to see his wrestling team as a family.

“I

love my team but I hate the community, I get along with my teammates, I love my teammates, I look at them all like family,” Jandura said.

“We’re all just looking at each other like family, we all just try to learn from each other and help one another out.”

Winter sports pep rally photo gallery

By Alyssa Acosta Staff writer On Dec. 7, 2018, Robinson hosted their winter sport pep rally. The winter pep rally celebrates the winter sports including, boys and girls basketball, boys and girl soccer, wrestling, and competitive cheer. The pep rally was to hype up the big game that night for basketball who faced their big rivals Jesuit High School.

Emily Kauget (‘22) dances with Brianna France (‘21) during the Starlet’s pep rally performance.This is Kauget’s second pep rally performance.

“I get a little bit nervous preforming in front of my friends, but it’s fun because they get too see what you work on at practice everyday.”

The spirit boys preform their holiday routine to a mash up of Christmas music.

Sports Trending on rhstoday Cross Country places in top 10 in State Meet

By Macy McClintock Sports Editor After falsely qualifying for the FHSAA 3A Cross Country State Championship Meet in 2016, the girls cross country team was able to claim redemption this year and head off to Tallahassee for the 2018 meet.

Opinion: sports shouldn’t override morality

By Macy McClintock Sports Editor

I would label myself a sports fanatic. Baseball, basketball, football, hockey- whatever the sport, I’ve most likely attempted to play it and continue to watch it on a professional level.

Along with the games themselves, I enjoy following the athletes of my favorite teams as well. I look up to them, and I know that most youth do too. So I find it sickening when those athletes disregard morality, causing public shame on themselves, their team, their followers and society as a whole.

Florida Bowl Games

Name of bowl: Fiesta Bowl Date: January 1, 2019 Opponent: Louisiana State University Channel: ESPN 1:00pm

Name of bowl: Peach Bowl Date: December 29, 2018 Opponent: University of Michigan Channel: ESPN 12:00pm

Name of bowl: Pinstripe Bowl Date: December 27, 2018 Opponent: University of Wisconsin Channel: EPSN 5:15pm

Name of Bowl: Gasparilla Bowl Date: December 20, 2018 Opponent: Marshall University Channel: ESPN 8:00pm

08 KNIGHT WRITERS | Feature|December, 2018

WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: BAND EDITION SHARING A COKE WITH MACY Feature

Macy McClintock is a semifinalist for the Coca cola scholarship

By Jules Whitaker, Racquel Ingram Feature editor, staff writer ne hundred and fifty exceptional high school seniors will be recognized by the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation this school year and receive $20,000 towards furthering their education. This opportunity extends to students set to graduate in the 2018-2019 school year, and focuses on the leaders and public servants of the community.

Among the student applicants for this scholarship is a senior in the IB program at Robinson High School. Mae McClintock ('19) is active in her school's community, as well as the city of Tampa as a whole. Last year valedictorian of Robinson Eve Glen entered the Coca Cola Scholarship and was recognized as a finalist. Like Glen, McClintock has always shown dedication towards her grades and volunteer work.

As a student, McClintock has focused on maintaining a high GPA within Robinson's IB program. Joshua Saunders, her math teacher and flag football coach, says she would be a great candidate to represent Coca cola because she is caring and passionate and driven to success. She never gives up. "If I were going to send out a scholarship, I would love for her to represent me," Saunders said.

Aside from academics, she is involved in several leadership positions, each focusing on serving the community. Craig Everhart taught McClintock freshman year teacher and since then has gotten to know her closely through her journalistic work with the football team. "She embodies everything that we hope for in a Robinson student," Everhart said. "Her character is awesome. She shows that with a lot of the

O

Macy McClintock ('19), an organizer for the Tampa March for Our Lives, works a local event. One of the many causes she's passionate about.

service that she does."

Within her four years at Robinson, she has become an asset to the service clubs, spirit clubs, and student government association on campus. As the co-lead for the March For Our Lives Tampa, McClintock has also had the opportunity to work with nonpartisan campaigns with the focus of creating a safre environment for students, families, and individuals.

Hoping to advance as a finalist, on Dec. 13, McClintock will submit her more extensive application to the foundation as they narrow down the applicants to 250 seniors. From there, the 250 students chosen will go through a series of interviews organized by the foundation where they will decide upon the 150 students that will receive the $20,000 scholarship.

"I would love to go out of state, but there is definitely some guilt that comes along with that because of the heavy price tag," McClintock said. "Winning this scholarship would relieve significant stress on my family as we continue the college process and make going out of state much more accessible."

Senior Anders Johnson sacrifices for the band

By Jules Whitaker Feature Editor magine learning an eight minute marching band show. Memorizing your sheet music, finding your drill spot and learning your choreography for the visual elements in the show. Now, imagine learning all of this in one week - in October - after learning something else since band camp in July.

For one band member, this was his marching season. Anders Johnson ('19) is a senior at Robinson. He's been a dedicated member of the band since freshman year with the personal ambition of becoming one of the marching band's drum majors.

After gaining three years of experience from the trombone section, and attending a drum major camp with who would become the other two drum majors, Anders had shown a level of maturity and leadership that would qualify him for the position.

Anders Johnson moved from the drum major position onto the field as a trombone player after a reclassification of the band divisions occurred, leaving some empty placements on the field.

"We could either close that spot on the field or have Anders fill that spot," band director Christopher Revett said. "Even though he was doing a very good job as one of the drum majors. It would help the band in a bigger way."

The choice was left to Anders to decide what he would do, follow his ambition, or fill a need of his band. To him, the needs of the band came before his own; his decision was made and he would soon lead from the field and not the podium.

The theme of the show is announced in May, and until the first football game in August, Robinson's marching band rehearses for two and a half hours twice a week. In the midst of regular practice,

I

This RHS pet is adora-bull How one RHS student's dog became Instagram-famous

By Anna woodward Staff Writer

Tand the internet. Like many students,

wo of the world's favorite things: pets

popular, Stout's dad was interested in the app and decided to make Theo an account.

Sydney Stout ('21) loves her family pet, He still runs the account now, which is a bulldog named Theo - so do his 42.2k growing by the day.

Instagram followers. Like many pets on "We thought it would stay within Instagram, Theo has gained a following friends and family, but we did not expect by doing everyday dog things. On the this at all," Stout said. account, known to users as @bulldog_dad, For what it takes to run @bulldog_dad, followers can see Stout says it's pretty simpictures and videos of ple. When Theo is sleepTheo sleeping, playing ing or doing something with other dogs, and "We could probably do cute, someone will take a even carrying around more with it, but we don't. picture, and Stout's dad his favorite toy, a simwill try to come up with We just do it for fun." ple dinner bowl. a caption. In addition to - Sydney Stout ('21) Since it launched in these everyday photos, 2010, Instagram has Theo also does special been home to many posts for occasions. For accounts for pets, for example, "for the Superalmost any species bowl, we'll put two bowls you can think of. With so many accounts, with the different team names and he'll it's no surprise that there's a community run for one," Stout said. dedicated to dogs, specifically to bulldogs.

By doing this, the account stays rele"There's a big base of bulldogs on Insta- vant, on top of the classic dog posts. @ gram, you'd never expect it," Stout said. bulldog_dad was created for light-hearted While many accounts use their animals as purposes, but the account has given Theo platforms for advertising, Stout says that and his family some opportunities in the her family made the account just for fun. past, like doing an ad.

"It's always been nothing we've taken seri"We could probably do more with it, ously," Stout said. but we don't. We just do it for fun," Stout When Instagram was beginning to get said.

“

”

Here is a colllection of Theo the dog posed on his instagram, with his favorite bowl, holiday wears, and rooting for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Follow on Instagram @bulldog_dad

band members are also expected to attend a two week long band camp, with four hour practices on week days and sometimes including all day rehearsals on Saturdays.

Anders would be responsible for learning the placement for their entire performance, a compilation of music lasting eight minutes. What took the entire band a summer and then some, had to be placed in less than half the time. With his determination to help his section and his band, along with his skill with the instrument, Anders learned all of his parts in roughly one week.

"It's really helped the band out a lot for him to be in that position. He is still one of our drum majors even though in the show he doesn't conduct," Revett said.

Although the audience may only see him from the field,

Anders still leads the practices, by example, and part time drum major.

His dedication to Robinson's marching band has helped them earn a score of straight superiors in competition, as well as a consistent high rating in MPA and FMBC.