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Robinson High School 6311 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33616
Volume 58, issue 1 | October 1, 2017
irma strikes
news
Whats inside
opinion
pg 2
Rehearse-a-Thon: See what goes into marching bands all day rehearsal.
Hurricane Irma strikes Tampa and causes widespread destruction across the state of florida. as a result, certain early release days will be canceled. By Hayle Short Managing Editor
Senior Expenses: School costs are adding more stress to upperclassmen.
feature
pg 4
sports
pg 5
A&E
pg 6
pg 8
Robinson Welcomes New Teachers: Take a look at what some of Robinson’s newest additions have to say.
Leading By example: Chase Volpi begins to take charge as captain of the varsity football team.
Throwbacks make a comeback: Robinson students rock some of the latest fashion trends.
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n Saturday, September 16, Hurricane Irma came plummeting into Tampa with winds reaching over 100mph and left millions without power and water. Students in Hillsborough county had school canceled for 11 days with many taking the chance to evacuate and spend time with their families. While Irma didn’t hit Tampa as severely as expected, many still experienced an impact from the storm. “My family decided to go to Orlando thinking it would be safer but ironically the eye of the storm hit there so it wasn’t.” Nick Carlstedt (’20) said. “At home, part of my fence was knocked down and there was branches everywhere and we had no photo NOAA power for four days.” Hurricane Irma struck the Tampa Bay area as a Category 2 storm early Monday, September 11 after pummeling the Keys and Many have been question- Collier County. The hurricane resulted in the Hillsborough County School District to close schools for seven school days. Students ing how the county will take returned back to school on September 18. care of the lost school days. break. unhappy as they look forward to leaving According to the official “I feel bad for everyone it hit and I’m school earlier on Mondays. country twitter page, “HCPS will convert 4 happy that it didn’t hit us as severely, ” “First off, it’s horrible because half days early release days into regular school days.” Maya Fisher (‘18) said. “I am completeare when I have time to catch up on anyThe dates will be on Oct. 23th , Oct. 30th , ly fine with this since we only get a few thing that I’m missing and it’s a Monday. Nov. 6th, and Nov. 13th. minutes off anyways and it doesn’t make a It’s the only thing that it had going for it.” Overall, students around campus are difference. ” Alessio Casamento (‘19) said “And why pleased with this decision as many were On the other hand, other students are four random Mondays? Like, no.” concerned about losing their thanksgiving
Homecoming Recieves New Dates After school district decides to cancel school due to hurricane threat, administration reschedules homecoming festivities By Athena Crews Staff Writer
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fter cancelling the Homecoming festivites in the middle of spirit week due to Hurricane Irma, Homecoming is now a go and the new date has been announced for October 21 to match the football schedule. The venue remains the same, it will be held at Patinis Bistro & Skate, 4465 W Gandy Blvd, from 7pm to 11pm on Saturday, October 21. Leading up to that Saturday, spirit week will remain the full week with potential different days so none of them are repeated. Light the Knight after school pep rally held Oct. 18 and the Homecoming game will be played Friday, Oct. 21
against Middleton. Homecoming King and Queen will be revealed during halftime. Many students are worried and confused about homecoming since the date got changed. “The excitement usually surrounding Homecoming has shifted and a lot of students are worried about how spirit week is going to be and the venue” Madison Courtemanche (‘18), student government member said. “As long as we have the same turnout we usually have for Homecoming, everyone is going to have a lot of fun”.
photo i. hanewicz The Knight mascot rides in a convertible during the court presentation at the 2016 homecoming game. After the school district decides to cancel school, due to hurricane threat, administration reschedules.
SAVE THE DATE Oct. 9
School Picture Retakes
Oct. 11
PSAT
Oct. 13
End of 1st quarter
Oct. 16-20
Spirit Week
Oct. 21
Homecoming
Oct. 30
Senior Picture Day
02 KNIGHT WRITERS | News |October 1, 2017
NEWS All Students Receive Free Lunch until Oct. 20 By Macey Hatton Staff Writer
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he last few weeks have caused a lot of stress on students, teachers, and families due to Hurricane Irma. A lot of families were forced to evacuate and a lot of people did things to prepare and make sure all of their families and homes were safe from the storm. However, some student’s homes and cars are still damaged from the storm. Some still don’t have power and it’s obvious many families still have a lot to deal with. With that being said, the US Department of Argiculture announced that all students in Hurricane Irma’s path are eligible to receive a free school lunch unitl October 20. The USDA made an announcement on their website. “All students in affected disaster areas in Florida will now be able to enjoy free school meals provided by USDA’s National School Lunch Program,” the USDA said in a press release. “The measures will potentially impact over 1,800 and 1.4 million children.” The US Department of Agriculture also said in a press conference that they want to make sure “no one affected by this disaster goes hungry.” “They wanted to make sure it was a bit easier for families to get back on their feet,” principal Robert Bhoolai said. “If families didn’t have to focus on how they’re paying for lunch, they are able to spend more time and money on repairing
Mu Alpha Theta; Above Average Club members feel excited for upcoming competitions.
M Logo courtesy of the USDA website The USDA announced all students in Hurricane Irma’s path will be able to receive free school lunch until October 20.
anything damaged from Irma.” Bhoolai is not the only person that thinks that this free school lunch period will help students in need. “I personally know that we have students on this campus who do not eat lunch on certain days because they don’t feel like they have the money,” Annabelle Allison (’19) said. “I think that a lot of the kids don’t have sufficient funds to pay for their lunch every day.” Additionally, the USDA announced in this press releast that “Florida is currently reporting shortages of certain food products,” and the USDA believes that allowing students to get lunch and breakfast free for a month is an appropriate solution. Bhoolai said that more students are already enjoying school lunch. “By making the school wide announcement, I have already noticed an uptake in lunches served,” he said.
By Nicole Perdigon Staff Writer
u Alpha Theta, a club centered around learning math and challenging students to push themselves to learn, seems to be ready for the 2017-2018 school year. The club has more members than usual and appears to be on the right track for this competition season. “I’m getting a ridiculous amount of applications, more than we’ve ever had before,” said Judi Charley-Sale, IB Math teacher and Mu Alpha Theta sponsor. “For the first time, Robinson is going to have a qualifier test to see who really wants to be in Mu Alpha Theta.” Charley-Sale goes on to say all students that are currently practicing are doing better than expected and they are ahead of the average school curriculum. In fact, Charley-Sale said “the freshman practice was amazing, she [freshmen team leader] did a great job teaching them all about quadratic equations and how to solve them before they ever would have learned them in class.” Not only is Charley-Sale feeling excited and prepared for this season, so is Brooke Rodriguez (‘20) a member of the precalculus team. “In mu alpha theta we have practices every Wednesday, and we go over lessons and learn. Then we compete in completions throughout the year,” said Rodriguez.
photo n. perdigon Two Mu Alpha Theta students work on a math problem during Mu Alpha Theta practice. The club practices during lunch to prepare for Math Bowl and Mu Alpha Theta regionals and states.
Rodriguez is on the pre-calculus team and she said that practice is going to be every Wednesday and she is feeling prepared for the upcoming season. Both Charley-Sale and club members seem to be ready for the season to come and excited to be learning math.
Marching band hosts annual fundraiser rehearse-a-thon
By Emmersyn Brown Staff Writer
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photo j. oben Marching band member Sreeram Vasudevan looks at his sheet music during the Marching Knights Friends and Family performance in August. The band is hosting their annual Rehearse-a-Thon on September 30 to raise fund for competitions.
he Marching Knights will host their annual Rehearse-a-Thon fundraising event on Saturday, September 30. Rehears-a-Thon is full day practice event where band members ask businesses, friends and family for donations. The money raised allows the band to attend their competitions. The band has held Rehearse-a-Thon for over 10 years and last year they raised over $7,000. This is freshman Mellophone player Hannah Miller’s first time fundraising for Rehearse-a-Thon. “It’s been pretty easy because my family loves me,” Miller said. She said she asked her family in person and easily raised the minimum $50 amount per band member. The other benefit of Rehearse-a-thon
is the nine hour Saturday practice. Revett said the band will work on different things throughout the day to give the members a break from marching drill outside in the heat. “It’s usually very, very hot, so we try to keep them motivated by switching up things that we’re doing,” Revett said. “We give plenty of water breaks. Our boosters are awesome. They provide fruit breaks in the morning and then in the afternoon to keep everybody energized. Some band members are looking forward to finishing their show. “It’s a really productive time for the band,” drumline member Anders Mclennan (‘20) said. “I think we get a lot of work done.” However, Mclennan said it’s difficult to focus for nine hours straight.
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The disease we all have
By Anna Thomas Editor-in-Chief
How many times have you set down this paper to check your phone? Cell phones seem to take over our lives. It’s turning into a disease. People can’t function without phones anymore. Visit rhstoday. com to read this opinion.
Disney Leaving Netflix in 2019 By Amelia Foster staff Writer Netflix recently announced that they will be pulling Disney movies starting in 2019. Since September of 2016, the 93.8 million Netflix members have been able to watch all of the Disney movies that they want, but that will no longer be the case. Disney is starting their own service that will only stream Disney shows and movies. Visit rhstoday.com to read the full story.
“Its really hard and especially toward the end [because] we’re ready to go home,” he said. Starlets member Zoe McIntyre (‘21) said she’s excited for the long practice. “We’re getting better as we go on and the more practice we have the better we will be,” McIntyre said. “It’s such a long practice and we’re all spending it together so I feel like we will get more accomplished.” Revett hopes the band’s unity will lead to a successful Rehearse-a-Thon. “Saturday is nice because it makes us really be in that team environment for the entire day,” he said. “We split up during the week, so like percussion and guard and winds are divided during the week. So this is a nice time for everybody to be together again.”
Sparks fly in 1959, still By Macy McClintock remain today Managing Editor Bonnie and Kenneth Fuqua were a part of the first graduating class at Robinson. Now, 52 years later, they are happily married and recently came back to the place where it all started. They met at Robinson first started dating in 1959. Robert proposed in 1964 when they came back to the school after college. Visit rhstoday.com to read the full story.
October 1, 2017 | News | KNIGHT WRITERS 03
Blue Tarp; Eye Sore or Helping Hand?
news outdoor Pep Rally in photos The Starlets (left) perform a 90s themed dance at the Plant pep rally. The Starlets practiced for weeks to perfect the dance choreographed by their team members. “The 90s dance was really fun,” captain Amanda Ellington (‘18) said. “It was one of my favorites ones to perform.”
By Emersyn Brown Staff Writer
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t’s a new addition to the school, bright and blue and in your face. Many students see it as an eye sore but could it be for a greater purpose than to block out the sun. Because the freshman class continues to increase each year, Robinson decided to expand cafeteria seating to fit more students. Principal Robert Bhoolai believes that it was time for a courtyard makeover and that the investment was a smart move. “ ..[the lunch patio] had the standard concrete tables and it was out in the middle of an open court yard,” Bhoolai said. “It was not a student friendly place, so I felt that…we could build a better space for our kids.” The sole purpose of the tarp was to
photo j. oben Juniors and seniors eat under the tarp during A lucn. This year was the first year juniors could sit outside. “I personally don’t mind…but other seniors I know find it unfair that we have juniors sitting outside with us,” Raleigh Lutz (‘18) said.
create a cool environment so that students can enjoy their lunches in the shade. The tarp’s color, which many students dislike, has a purpose. The blue color was chosen to blend in with the sky and create a more shaded area. Because of the additional seating, Bhoolai invited juniors to enjoy their lunches in the courtyard, something that was formally only offered to seniors. Many seniors feel that their senior privileges have been stripped away. The students’ complaints, however, seems to be the least of Bhoolai’s concerns. “The funding came from the Robinson High School Foundation,” Bhoolai said. “Which is a 501c3 organization that supports Robinson High School both academically and financially. It is made up of parents and students and they receive donations from parents that are committed to the school.” The helping hand from parents coming together and solving a problem shows just how connected Robinson is to its alumni. This seems to be the least of his concerns though. That being compared to the new seating arrangements and all. Now with the seating arrangement; Bhoolai has introduced juniors and seniors to the outdoor patio area. With this new seating arrangement comes some backlash. “I personally don’t mind…but other seniors I know find it unfair that we have juniors sitting outside with us,” Senior Raleigh Lutz said.
photo a. megerian photo a. crews
Junior Alexis Smth-Ewing perfroms a herkie jump during the varsity cheerleading pep rally perfromance. The cheerleaders performed to a mash up of artists including Katy Perry, Arianna Grande and Pink.
photo a. crews
Junior Homecoming Court nominee Johnathan Joyner suprised girlfriend and fellow Homecoming Court candidate Olivia Espinoza during the Plant pep rally. Joiner surpsied Espiloza with a home sign that said ‘will you liv it up with me at Homecoming?’ “I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Espinoza said. “I just turned around and there was a giant poster. I had no idea, he did a pretty good job of hiding it.”
Weight Training Class Removed for 2017-18 School Year
By Andrew McMillan Staff Writer
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or many students weight training was a class that alcurrently employs only one physical eduation teacher. lowed an academic break from the normal rigor of the Mr. Holland, who teaches a full schedule of HOPE to help school day. With the new school year many students were students receive their graduation requirement. Many students are upset about the disappointed, myself included, to find cancelling of weight training. that the class they signed up for the year Weight training was “Weight training was basically the prior wasn’t on their schedule. basically the starting Principal Robert Boohlai gave a few starting point for my interest into point for my interest reasons behind the school’s decision to weights and going to the gym,” said Lance Maulsby, (18) who had weight remove the class. into weights and training last year. “Also it was my only “The class was not of enough intergoing to the gym,” time to go to the gym.” est,” Bhoolai said. Now, students who want to get into Bhoolai also said that Shwan Taylor, -Lance Maulsby, (‘18) the gym and get their lift on now have former weight training teacher, was to find another alternative. needed in the social studies department, due to the growing population of the school. The school
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Thank you
Robinson High School Foundation for funding RHStoday and Knight Writers.
photo a. mcmillan The weight training room now sits empty during the school day. The weight training elective class has been cancelled for the 2017-2018 school year. Students who wanted to lift weights for academic credit now have to find another alternative.
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04 KNIGHT WRITERS | Opinion |October 1, 2017
Opinion Mysteries of the Clinic By Cilicia Anderson Sports Editor
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or the past three years, I’ve noticed our school has a hard time advertising things to students. Whether it is events or clubs, or more importantly, things offered in our school’s clinic. For student athletes like myself, it is difficult to find time and money to fill out athletic packets so that we can begin participating in practice and games. Not to mention you have to turn it in on Mondays before noon if you want to be cleared that same day. Otherwise you have to wait a whole week to be cleared, causing us to miss valuable practice and playing time. I was unaware that our school clinic offers free physicals every Thursday. Christine Chapman, our school’s nunrse informed me that there are many things our clinic has to offer. “There’s the healthy students program where, with parental permission, we medicate with over-the-counter, general medicine; Motrin, Tylenol, cough drops, those kinds of things,” Chapman said. “Out of about 1600 students, 600 are enrolled.” The clinic also gives STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and Pregnancy testing for free, which doesn’t need parental involvement.
“Pregnancy tests are a part of healthy students,” Chapman said. “If somebody came to me they would be counseled on if there really is a need to do it, because what happens is they go out Saturday night and something happens, and Monday morning they’re terrified.” A lot of routine procedures take place at the clinic for free, or if you have insurance, they are able to take that too. Inhalers and Epi-pens can be kept in the clinic as well, or if you need to keep it on you there is paperwork you and your parent can fill out. The nurse practitioner can do sports and school entry physicals and work with your teachers to create a care and action plan. Students are not always informed about what is offered here on campus, however, it is important for us to know these things since it can save families money and time. If someone is planning to get a physical done here at school, you must complete the medical history portion of your athletics packet and bring it to the nurse’s office so they can approve the student and give a date and time for the physical.
Thank the Band Marching band works just as hard, if not harder than any other team here at Robinson. It is certainly a team and they do compete in competitions, but whether or not it is an actual sport is hotly debated. This contributes to the problem of not often getting the recognition deserved. One reason may simply be lack of awareness because students do not hear a lot about band. This is unfortunate, as there are about 160 band members which equates to almost a tenth of the schools population. Not everyone realizes how much time band takes up. When you’re not rehearsing, you are practicing on your own, memorizing music and steps. Rehersals are hard, they may not seem as intense as other sports, but the level of focus and
The Knight Writers newspaper is published by the seventh period journalism II-V class at Robinson High School.
Editor-In-Chief Anna Thomas
Managing Editors
Macy McClintock Hayle Short
News Editor
Lillian Martin
Features Editor Ashlea Daniels
Sports Editor
Cilicia Anderson
A&E Editor
Alanna Felton
It's Expensive being a senior Editor's By Emily Bowlin Staff Writer
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t’s a new school year and the Class of 2018 is facing many senipr expensive. With prices and the amount of what they need rising, they barely have enough money to spend on themselves. Personally, I am struggling with all expenses. I don’t really support how we have to dig out every penny we own just for graduation, or just for being a senior in general. I am not the only one that thinks of this as an issue. “I don’t like how everything for seniors is so expensive, I think the prices should be lowered. Mainly because some seniors want to have
that full experience of senior year, but can’t because they don’t have the money,” Marissa Garcia (’18) said. “I personally can’t do a lot this year because I don’t have that much money, and this year alone is already going to cost me over $200-$300.” With expenses rising around school, it’s getting harder for us to enjoy senior year. many seniors are doing everything they can to get enough money. A less expensive senior year would be very appreciated by not only me, but so many others.
By Cassidy Williams Staff Writer skill required to march in time and play the music by memory correctly is huge. Combined with the brutal Florida heat at the hottest part of the day, it’s a lot for anyone to handle. But the students in band do not give up, they continue to work hard and play harder. In band if you mess up, it doesn’t just affect you, it affects the entire band. One person out of place can determine the outcome of an entire show, which seems terrifying but its true. Being a part of something so big where everyone depends on one another is amazing to experience. Everyone works tirelessly to meet their goals and the goals of the band. The feeling of success after a big performance and knowing that you gave it 110% is a feeling not soon forgotten. Even though they are there for every football game, cheering on the team win or lose, rain or shine Marching band still does not get the recognition they deserve.
Staff
Abby Meyer Amelia Foster Andrew Mcmillan Brooke Volpi Cassidy Williams Emersyn Brown Emily Bowlin Macey Hatton Mackenzie Hatton Madison Lowe Morgan Brazier Natalia Mccalla Nathalie Monroy
photo j. oben Band members practice their show at one of their many rehersals. It has been largely debated whether or not marching band is a sport. Band member Kelsey Means (‘18) said, “If competive walking and golf is a sport, why can’t marching band be one?”
Nicole Perdigon Paul Jennewein Tahj Phillips
Publications Adviser Nancy Oben
Principal Robert Bhoolai
Robinson High School 6311 S. Lois Ave Tampa, FL 33616
Phone: 813-272-3006 Fax: 813-272-3014 School hours: 7:33 a.m. to 3 p.m. Population 1640 Students 150 Staff
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
Letter By Anna Thomas Editor-in-Chief
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his isn’t just the first issue of the year, but the first issue for many of our staff members. I am pleased to say that the Knight Writers staff combined with the staff of RHSToday.com. With more reporters, we have been able to cover a wide range of news topics and publish both online and in the paper. The whole staff has been working to help teach each other the steps to this new system. I am so proud of the work and progress we have accomplished in just a few months. From our veterans to new comers, each of us have poured countless hours into this first issue. I hope our work is something that not only we can appreciate, but something the school and community can thoroughly enjoy. This issue covers everything from Robison’s star athletes to the hurricane that affected us all. The staff has worked to put together advice, opinions and news articles to ensure that there is a story for everyone to enjoy. I’d like to give a special thanks to all the staffers and editors. Ms. Oben and managing editors Macy McClintock (’19) and Hayle Short (’19) have put in the extra hours and have made the job easier for the rest of us. Their hard work is the backbone of this paper.
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
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October 1, 2017 | feature | KNIGHT WRITERS 05
feature
New year, New teachers
New teachers discuss their jobs, their past, and their experience so far at robinson.
Christopher pettit, New asst. principal By Madi Lowe Staff Writer very year, students and teachers alike come back to school to find a few unknown faces in the rush of old acquaintances. After working previously at Greco Middle School, Christopher Pettit joins the Robinson staff this school year as the newest Assistant Principal for Student Affairs.
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Generally, APs do everything from moderating schedules to overseeing activities and routines, Pettit’s duties include being responsible for lockers, bussing, and behavioral problems. When asked about his values for himself and the students, the only answer was respect. “I believe the environment that we want is all based on what students do,”
Pettit said. “They need to keep doing what they’ve been doing this year and treat each other with respect, getting to class on time, and being responsible students.” Petit is already settling into his new position and the Robinson community. “I’m happy to be a Knight. I love it here. I`m impressed with the students, and I’m very fortunate to be here,” Pettit said.
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I’m happy being a knight. I love it here. -christopher pettit
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michael furman, new teacher By tahj phillips Staff Writer ichael Furman, the new Digital Design teacher, has taken Rebecca Nelson’s place after retirement. He used to work in the business world, being an employee for Dun & Bradstreet, a company that provides commercial data, analytics and insights for business, and Gateway Ticketing, a business that aims to improve security. He also owns his own business Pridestaff, an employment and staffing agency.
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Furman came to Robinson during the ’16-’17 year, working as a paraprofessional for the ESE students. He came down to Florida when his wife decided she wanted to live on the Gulf Coast. Robinson has grown on him quickly after being here for only two years. “I love it here,” he said. “I don’t plan on going anywhere for a while. I love my job and what I do.”
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I don’t plan on going anywhere. I love my job and and what I do. -Michael Furman
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brenda seal, new to IB
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Shes very nice and rellaxed. Her classroom is very open. -Alex Warner (‘21)
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By Paul Jennewein Staff Writer ath teacher Brend Seal has taught at at Robinson since 2010, but this year transitioned to the I.B program. “I taught a variety of subjects from Algebra to Pre-Calculus,” said Seal. This year, Seal is teaching Inquiry Skills and Geometry, replacing fromer Robinson teacher Joni Ghanndadian. The students are always pleased to have her in the classroom.
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“She’s really nice and relaxed,” Alex Warner (‘21) said. Her class is very open.” Away from the classroom, Seal loves to travel. “Last September I got on a plane on a Friday night and flew to Alaska and saw the nothern lights,” she said. Entering her eighth year at Robinson, Seal is enjoying herself. “I absolutely like it here,” she said.
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Daniel driscoll, new to guidance By Emily Bowlin Staff Writer ith the start of a new year comes new teachers and this year Robinson has a new guidance counselor, Daniel Driscoll. Driscoll will be a new counselor for students last names H-PF. “I feel as if he would be a good counselor,” Marissa Garcia (’18) said. “He seems as if he would be the counselor who would be there when you need him most.” While his arrival may come as a suprise to some because he was hired as an extra counselor, the other counselors have taken it in stride. “He’s great. We are happy to have a third counsellor to help more students with what they need, he’s doing an
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amazing job so far.” said Margan DeBoskey, the guidance department head. Sometimes change can be hard for some, but Driscoll has adapted in a few short weeks. “The students and faculty here are polite and respectful with a hard working caring nature,” he said. “I’m very happy working here,”
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The students and faculty here are polite and respectful... -Daniel Driscoll
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06 KNIGHT WRITERS | sports|October 1, 2017
sports
Leading By Example Distinctive leadership skills both on and off the football feild has landed senior, Chase Volpi, in the role of team captain as he helps carry his team through the season. By Morgan Brazier Staff Writer
part of how he earned his position on the team. “You obviously have more ootball is in season responsibility but also in at Robinson and the practice you have a certain Knights Football team are standard you have to set” going to be facing tough Volpi said regarding his competition in their uprole. “You need to lead by coming games. However, example.” Head Coach Shawn Taylor One of Volpi’s co-capis convinced that a team tains, James Pardee (‘18), captain, Chase Volpi (‘18) agrees that Volpi is great will help lead them through at keeping the teams a successful season. spirits up. “Number one is just “He’s the hype man leading by example,” Taylor on the field,” Pardee said. said. “He’s the best by “He’s like ‘let’s go, let’s go!’ example.” He’s one of the captains Volpi is a receiver, backand he’s very good at up quarter back, safety and leading everyone.” Pardee line-backer on the team said. this year. Acording to the photo a. megerian Volpi is interested in popular prep sports website Chase Volpi (‘18), two year captain of the football team, gears up for a preseason game against Tampa Catholic. The Knights lost to the Crusaders playing football at the MaxPreps, Volpi is averagin 38-14 after a tough game on August 18. The Knights are 1-2 for the season so far. Volpi is working hard this season to improve the team’s record collegiate level, but his 5 total yards per game and with 5.0 total yards per game and 3.3 defensive tackles per game in his final season. “His grades... his commitment to the team... it takes some time to earn the respect of your team,” Head Coach Shawn Taylor said regarding Volpi’s leadership. still unsure about his next 3.3 defensive tackles per step. game. This is Volpi’s second “Right now I’m undeyear as captian and accordgrades his commitment to the team… important for him to set a good example cided and still excited to ing to Taylor, he earned the it takes some time to earn the respect of for his teammates. Taylor said that he is see what the future holds,” Volpi said. position with his performance both on your team, ” Taylor said. good about keeping his grades up and and off the field. that he never misses practice, which is As a captain, Volpi knows that it is “Of course the off the field stuff… his
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Flag Football star gets national attention Flag Football captain Emily Kemp (‘20) earns a spot in the August issue of Sports Illustrated.
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By Anna Thomas Editor In Chief
he Robinson flag football team, led by Coach Joshua Saunders, has won three state championships in the past four years. The team has continued to find success as a unit, practicing and participating in tournaments year-round. Sophomore Emily Kemp, however, has managed to make a name for herself in an already impressive program. Kemp set a new FHSAA record during her freshman season with 33 receiving touchdowns. “There isn’t anything she can’t do,” Saunders said in regards to Kemp. “She can run, throw, catch…she’s really good at the game.” Sports fans around Robinson and in the community
photo of the mention in Sports Illustrated’s August issue Captain Emily Kemp (‘20) featured in the August issue of Sports Illustrated on page 30 amongst other successful high school athletes. Kemp is a sophomore veteran starter for the state champion flag football team.
know what Kemp is capable of. Fortunately, the rest of the nation got a little taste of Tampa’s star athlete as well. Kemp was featured in Sports Illustrated’s August issue amongst other successful high school athletes. In the issue, Kemp was credited for her state record and for being named first-team all-state. “I think [being featured in Sports Illustrated] is awesome,” said Lauren King (’18), two year co-captain of the flag football team. “…well deserved. And it helps with recognition for the sport.” Like King, Kemp was pleased to see that the sport was featured in such a major publication. “It was definitely
Trending on rhstoday.com
Student Athletes Say Goodbye to Early-Release Mondays By Brooke Volpi staff Writer A new district initiative states that while their sports are in season, student athletes are required to spend one hour in study hall before going to their practices on early release Mondays.
Knights claim first W of the season, beat Spoto 31-14 By Macy McClintock Managing Editor
After Friday’s 24-21 loss to Blake came down to the final play of the game, Robinson (1-2) made sure to get ahead early this Monday, September 25, against Spoto (3-1). Their sizeable early lead paid off and the Knights defeated the Spartans 31-14.Visit rhstoday.com to read this game recap and many others throughout the fall sports season.
cool in the sense that flag isn’t really recognized by a lot of people as even a sport…” Kemp said about the magazine. The publication is a big deal for the team, the sport, and for Kemp. “She’s super humble about everything,” King said. “… despite being one of the best flag players ever.” Kemp will return to flag season as co-captain of the varsity team. Though she is only a sophomore, there are no doubts that she will succeed as a leader. “She has the personality and the work ethic to be some one other people follow,” Saunders said.
Opinion: FHSAA makes it easier for student athlete transfers By Macy McClintock Managing Editor Due to recent updates for FHSAA regulations regarding high school transfers, athletes who switch to a new school no longer have to sit out for a full calendar year. Managing editor Macy McClintock breaks down the new FHSAA rules for athlete transfers. Visit rhstoday.com to read the full story.
October 1, 2017 | sports| KNIGHT WRITERS 07
How XC coped with Irma By Andrew McMillon Staff Writer
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rma was a storm to remember, but with cross country season in high gear the set back was noticeable for me and my team. Most of my teammates were out of state primarily because they are military and also because the storm was supposed to hit us pretty bad. Luckily it moved last second but that is beside the point; Irma caused our team to miss 2 meets total and with our season requiring 5 meets to participate in post season meets, we kinda-sorta needed those meets. Luckily we still have 5 meets in the future that we can race in but if one gets cancelled we are going to have a major problem. Our training over the “hurricane break” was not nearly what we needed to accomplish. Considering the fact that we missed a meet over the weekend and two workouts killed the training schedule. All in all we still were able to pull together a few team runs and a mediocre workout; which didn’t go well for me. Looking forward to the rest of the season, we have a big meet this Saturday (9/23/17) at North Port Invitational. This meet is a big decider on what our team is made out of and will hopefully carry us through Fl runners, and pre-state at Florida State. Considering we are ranked 6th in the state by Mile Split USA, we are carrying a torch we never anticipated being adjacent to.
Golf team welcomes new coach By Nicole Perdigon Staff Writer The T.R Robinson girls golf team seems to be rather optimistic about their upcoming golf season, one of the coaches and two players have good things to say. The team has had some preseason hiccups due to practices and tournaments being held at the MacDill Air force base golf course. Besides the small bump for practice, all seems good for the 2017-2018 girls golf season. This school year, the team appears to be exited about this golf season. The Knights welcome new head coach Samuel Brown. It looks as though Brown has good things in store. He is leaning towards focusing not on the outcome of the season but on the journey and how the girls are growing as a team and learning about golf.
news New coah, Samuel Brown, works hard for a successful golf season for the team. “I’m not looking at the end results, but for the journey to be cherished,” Brown said. Brown’s positive outlook on the season has infected all the players. Raleigh Lutz (‘18) said, “I am excited… watching the girls and watching them grow… and continue the legacy of Robinson golf.” The team seems very welcoming to new girls on the team and excited about watching them grow in their journey through this season. The team is optimistic and excited for this season. They look as though they are deciding to focus more on the team rather then the score. They base their success on growing, not winning. And it seems to be working.
Robinson Remains Respectful
Knights continue to be on their best behavior despite rising tension between teams at rivalry game. By Natalia Mccalla Staff Writer very year, the much-anticipated football game between Robinson and Plant brings tension and drama between the students from both schools. Regardless, the knights continue to show their determination to beat Plant by participating in the traditional game festivities, including the pep rally where Thomas the Knight strikes down the panther. Afterwards, students continue to show their support at the actual game. “Since we are so close together, it makes a really good rivalry,” Miriam Speada (18) said. “A lot of us are friends with Plant students because of how close our schools are together, and it’s a tradition for a lot of us because we’ve been going to this game for the past three years…” The majority of students showed great excitement towards this rivalry game, however based off final scores from past years, many already assumed the Knights would take another defeat but still hoped for the best. All though some fellow knights feel that we are friends with the panthers, some feel otherwise.
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“Sadly we lost, but one of the Robinson players went down, and the Plant side of the field was being so rude and loud you couldn’t even hear yourself think,” Tianna Davis (20) said. “It’s common courtesy that when a player goes down everyone is quiet. I doubt the people on the field were easily able to communicate to one another about was wrong with player.” When a player is injured in any sport, all players get down on one knee and the audience comes to a complete silence and waits for the player to get back on their feet, or the player is carried off. It’s found to be very rude when someone is injured and players as well as the audience doesn’t quiet down. Robinson and Plant are two different schools but not just by size and school population, but by the attitudes that linger and come out of the students. “Both schools had a lot of school spirit and many students seemed very enthusiastic about the game,” Benjamin Maskin (20) said. “Even though Plant usually beat us pretty bad, Plant seemed to have gotten in a lot more fights than Robinson at the game, and I think Robinson is a much more chill and relaxed school than Plant.”
I think Robinson is a much more chill and relaxed school than plant. -Benjamin Maskin (20)
Swimmers unify as team
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SAVE THE DATE October 2
Golf @ MacDill
October 5
JV Football @ Leto Volleyball VS. Jefferson Varsity Football @ Brandon Swim @ Bobby Hicks
October 6
photo j. joiner Swimmer dives into the water during a season meet to beat his personal record.
By Nathalie Monroy Staff Writer s the new school year brings yet another season of swimming, Robinson swimmers are ready and anxious for new and rewarding challenges. And they hope to make this season count. Swimmer Daniel Deyoung (‘19) is constantly pushing himself to be the best. “Swimming is all about trying to push yourself as best as you can,” he said. Personal growth in the sport is a common goal for most swimmers. “I’m hoping to break my P.R’s (personal records),” Jonathan Joyner (‘19) said. “If I can get past those I’d be pretty happy with myself,” Joyner said.
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Swimming is very individualized with swimmers competing for the best times. Nevertheless, the Knights retain a team spirit and atmoshere. “I hope that we can have plenty of guys for the team to get to states this year. It’d be awesome to see,” Deyoung said. “We have a really strong team that I think deserves a place at states.” Deyoung and Joyner both hope to better themselves as athletes by putting in the extra hours. Consequently, they will bring their success to the team and the school. The team is devoted to achieve great things this year and make the most out of the season.
October 9
Golf @Alonso Volleyball VS. Steinbrenner
October 11
Golf @ Chamberlain Volleyball VS. Newsome XCountry @Al Lopez
October 13
Varsity Football @ Jesuit
October 16
XCountry @ Lake Park
October 20
Varsity Football VS. Middleton
October 21
Swim @AHN
October 27
Varsity Football VS. Jefferson
November 3 Varsity Football @ Bloomingdale
08 KNIGHT WRITERS | A&E |October 1, 2017
NBT 2017 Two days of music
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Can Wonder Woman Save Justice League? By Amelia Foster Staff Writer onder Woman was a hit this year, Justice League failing wouldn’t hurt introducing us to the mythical isWarner Brothers now the way it would land of Themyscira and its Princess Diana, have over a year ago. With the success of a.k.a. Wonder Woman. The film has shattheir recent movies such as Wonder Womtered records set by previous movies with an, Dunkirk, and It, and Wonder Woman female-directors, and has become the film 2 on the horizon, Justice League flopping of the summer. Just this month, Wonder wouldn’t be a catastrophic situation, mereWoman hit $800 million in the internaly a bump in the road. tional box office and a 92% approval rating Only time will tell for how well Justice on Rotten Tomatoes, a record for any League does, and if it can recapture the movie. As of now, almost three months popularity of Wonder Woman, when it after the movie’s release, it is still being releases November 10. shown in some theaters. Wonder Woman’s success is unusual for a DC Comics movie. Recent DC offerings Suicide Squad and Batman v. Superman did well at the box office, but were almost-universally panned by critics. DC struck gold with Wonder Woman, but will they be able to repeat that success in future superhero movies? Justice League, which comes out this fall, will show if Wonder Woman was a onehit-wonder for DC. The movie has many iconic DC characters, with Gal Gadot returning as Wonder Woman alongside Ben Affleck’s Batman, Jason Momoa’s Aquaman, Ezra Miller’s Flash, and Ray Fisher’s Cyborg. Many fans think it appears very promising. For the first time, viewers will get to see these already well-known heroes team up to defeat a villain. “Since there is Wonder Woman and so many new characters, I think it will do pretty well,” Benjamin Kim (‘21) said about Justice League. “I’m excited to see Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures it.”
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Tampa’s annual alternative Music festival returns with an extra day and new artists By Brooke Volpi Staff Writer
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ext Big Thing (NBT) is coming back to Florida December from 2-3. For those unfamiliar, NBT is an alternative music festival with headliners such as Paramore, Walk the Moon, and Vance Joy. The festival will be held this year at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, FL. The festival has previously only been one day, but now it will take place over the course of two. Even though the concert is almost three months away, the lineup was recently released and has generated a lot of buzz with previous festival-goers and newcomers alike. The festival kicks off December 2nd, at 5:00pm. First performing are The Aces, followed by Arkells, then Magic Giant, X Ambassadors, and finally, The Lumineers. The festival starts up again at 10:00 am on December 3rd with Vinyl Theatre, Barns Courtney, Mondo Cozmo, Joywave, Misterwives, Saint Motel, Andrew McManon, Portugal the Man, Vance Joy, Walk the Moon, and finishes with Paramore. The tickets are priced at $53 for general admission to both days. With the general admission ticket comes the opportunity to see 16 different performers. “I think it’s a really cool way for Tampa to bring out these unknown bands to get their name recognized,” said Savvy Debus (’20), who has attended NBT in the past. “I remember in 2015 how they had some not as popular bands, like Walk the Moonnow, a lot of people listen to them, so that’s pretty cool.”
photo Next Big Thing The Next Big Thing (NBT) concert is coming back to Tampa in December. Headliners include headliners such as Paramore, Walk the Moon, and Vance Joy.
The concert isn’t just attracting old attendees, either. “Yeah, I’ve never been before,” Jules Whitaker (’20) said. “The lineup of performers sounds really good. I know several of the names on that list and from the sound of it, it’ll be a really good collection of sounds and performers.”
throwbacks make a comeback Fashion from the 80s and 90s is back in style this fall
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By Abby Meyer Staff Writer
lorida doesn’t really have four seasons, so most Floridians stick with shorts and a t-shirt when it comes to clothing choices. But we stillmanage to keep up with what’s trending all over the US. Some fashion trends right now are off the shoulder tops, high-waisted jeans and shorts, boyfriend jeans, bralettes, sneakers, and thrift shopping. A trend that has popped up in the past few weeks are the Clout. Glasses, which were originally worn by Kurt Cobain in the 90’s. The Stan Smith Adidas sneakers have been very popular this year and a year passed. Retro styles such as scrunchies, slips as dresses, chokers, neon accents, and lots and lots of denim. Olivia Espinosa (‘19) “I wouldn’t say the 90’s are coming back but the 80’s for sure.” The students at RHS have many different tastes in clothing or style. Some, like Mia McKell (‘18), wear thrifty outfits. “I would consider my style very different and unique” McKell said. Others, such as Joshua Hall Gomez, prefer a sporty-yet-professional look (‘20). “I’d like to say my style is sorta kinda hypebeast but I haven’t lived up to the hype yet,” Gomez said. And some people, like Olivia Espinosa (‘19) might just want to be comfortable “I always wear what’s comfy to me that day,” Espinosa said.
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I think clothes from the past are definitely trending right now. -Olivia Espinosa (‘19)
I think thrift shopping is really trending this year. converse are always in style. -mia mckell (‘18)
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I would definitely say vintage clothing is coming back into the game. -Joshua Hall gomez (‘20)
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