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Robinson High School 6311 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33616
Volume 61, Issue 1 | October, 2020
WHAT’S INSIDE NEWS OPINION A&E
PG 3
SPORTS
Has America’s individualism gone too far? An inside look at an eLearner’s classroom Get to know Robinson’s golf team
PG 6
FEATURES
By: Amelia Foster Print Managing Editor
A familiar face has returned to Robinson this fall
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PG 5
eLearning Can Damage Physical Health
Robinson seniors vote for the first time
PG 8 SAVE THE DATE
NOV. 3 Election Day
NOV. 11
Veterans Day (Non-Student Day)
NOV. 23
Start of Fall Break
NOV. 30
Students Return from Fall Break
In this photo illustration, editor Anna Woodward demonstrates how she works throughout the eLearning school day. Photo by A. Woodward
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illsborough County eLearning was proposed as an alternative to brick-and-mortar school, where students could attend school from their home computer. The program involves learning alongside in-class students, but the side-by-side learning requires spending long, sedentary hours at the computer, which is known to impair health. Eye strain. Headaches. Fatigue. Back pains. All symptoms related to computer vision syndrome, which results from using a computer for hours on end. The symptoms typically disappear at the end of the working day, but if they aren’t prevented, they will continue to worsen. Working for four hours straight on the computer has been associated with these symptoms, and the school day from start to finish is just over seven hours, not including homework. Emma Geerholt (‘22) was an eLearning student who switched to brink and mortar schooling during the first quarter. “Not only was I staring at the screen all day just for school, I had homework after that so there were some days where I was staring at my computer screen alone for 10-12 hours,” Geerholt said.
There are multiple factors in what causes computer vision syndrome. There is an increased visual demand with a computer than with printed text because the contrast of black text vs. white screen with the brightness of the screen worsens the visual strain. Improper posture while sitting at the computer for hours causes musculoskeletal pains in an effort to see the computer better. Prevention is the key to solving these problems. Researchers recommend sitting with the eyes 35-40 inches from the screen, with the computer itself resting 5-6 inches below eye-level. However, for students with laptops—which the county provides for students without home laptops—this solution isn’t attainable as work needs to be done from a closer range. “I wish we weren’t staring at a screen all day,” Tia Stroud (‘22) said. “I feel like my eyesight is getting worse... I try to wear my glasses more often and I also try to get all my work done so I’m not staring at my computer all day.” In the Hillsborough County eLearning guiding document, the county lists several recommendations for how courses should be formatted during the week; none of the recommendations include period-long zooms for each course more than two days a week. For all three options, the minutes spent on zoom each week range from 98 to 100 minutes per course. For Robinson’s IB students who work on a 90-minute block schedule, just two rotations can fill that allotted time period. “I wish more teachers would use a more asynchronous approach for the online students,” Madelyn deVega (‘21) said. “I truly don’t think we need to be present on Zoom calls for the entire hour and a half to complete our work, especially as high school students. Allowing students to work independently would minimize screen time and eye strain overall.” Computer vision syndrome is a relatively new issue, one that emerged in the past century. The American Optometric Association reports that the syndrome can worsen vision—such as blurred distance vision—even after stepping away from the computer. The long-term effects of this syndrome have not yet been studied. Robinson’s eLearning students will continue to face this catch-22 until all students can safely return to school.
Homecoming Postponed Until Declared Safe By: Jenny Le Online Managing Editor he fall Homecoming season, typically filled with dancing shoes and sparkly dresses, is instead filled with masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. Due to COVID-19’s safety precautions, Robinson’s Homecoming has been postponed until it is safe for students to attend. “In a typical year, SGA sponsors all sorts of events, including planning and putting on pep rallies, spirit themes for football games, teacher appreciation events and gifts, and the biggest SGA event of all, Homecoming,” SGA sponsor Thomas DuSold said. Typical Homecoming traditions at Robinson include spirit week, homecoming court, a homecoming game, Excalibur in the stone and the Homecoming dance. An SGA-organized spirit week was held Oct. 26 to Oct. 30, but did
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not precede a Homecoming game. “I am not going to say we won’t have a Homecoming. One of the many things Mr. Bhoolai and I are in agreement on is that as soon as it is safe and we are cleared, some kind of Homecoming is happening,” DuSold said. The 2020-2021 school year has changed in many ways due to COVID-19. Part of the school’s students are conducting their schooling from home with eLearning, contact tracing is enforced and students are missing out on many of the events that once brightened up the school year. SGA usually raises most of their income at the beginning of the year from the annual Homecoming dance. COVID-19’s affect of this year’s homecoming season has cut SGA’s revenue and, in turn, their programming budget for the year. SGA has focused their
efforts on smaller events, such as a school beautification project and the spirit week. “The students of this school deserve to have a real homecoming, to have a real celebration where we all dress up and have a great time, now more than ever. So when we get the green light to do something like that, we will,” DuSold said.
Students at the 2016 Robinson Homecoming enjoy the dance. RHSToday File Photo
2 |News
Bush is (Temporarily) Back
Past principal Johnny Bush returned to Robinson while administration was quarantined as a substitute principal. By: Ella Wertz News and Features Editor
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ohnny Bush worked at Robinson for eight years in administration. He was hired in 2009 as an assistant principal, and became the official principal when Laura Zavatkay stepped down in 2012. Bush became Plant High School’s principal in 2017. Due to many administrators having to quarantine for two weeks, Bush had the opportunity to temporarily return to Robinson. “When any school is short administrators other schools send administrators to cover, “ Bush said. “I was... just an administrator helping out, it was truly an honor. Robinson is a great school.” Even though Bush has spent three years heading Robinson’s rival school, he rejects this traditional view of the schools as rivals and cherishes his experiences at both. “I do not consider it a rival. I did not attend either high school as a student. We moved into Plant’s zone 23 years ago so our kids, when we had them, could one day attend Plant. Never thought I’d be principal of both. I’ll let the students lead the rivalry charge,” Bush said. Robinson has significantly changed in the past couple of years through the addition of the Foreign Language building, water bottle refiling stations, and repaving of the parking lot. Bush’s temporary position allowed him to
catch up on some of Robinson’s newest features. “The main office and conference room both look amazing,” Bush said. “A new building, wow!” However, even though there have been many beautification changes at Robinson, the foundation that Bush set up as principal remains almost completely intact, making Robinson a piece of home for him. “[My favorite part about coming back to RHS was] knowing it will always be my first principal appointment. I hired so many of the current staff and they are all my friends in education, it is always good to come the campus to see them,” Bush said. Bush’s time back at Robinson has allowed him to reminisce on his time here, both as principal and assistant principal. Bush continues to appreciate students’ creativity and effort to start projects that would benefit Robinson as a whole. “One of my favorite memories of Robinson was when students came to me with ideas that would enhance the school as a whole. I loved when students had ideas for new clubs or events like Break the Silence and clubs like Girls who Code,” Busch said. “[The school’s] theme was Robinson Rising, great memories of all the things done to
Good Things You Missed in 2020
Student Government Association Works on SchoolBeautification Project
By: Amelia Foster Print Managing Editor
By: Amelia Foster Print Managing Editor
SECOND PERSON CURED OF HIV
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lthough HIV—otherwise known as the human immunodeficiency virus—can be treated, until 2020, only one person had ever been cured of it. In March 2020, United Kingdom citizen Adam Castillejo was declared cured of the virus after 30 months with no need for treatment after a stem cell transplant. His case was first publicized in 2019, but his identity has since been revealed and he has been declared officially cured.
HISTORIC PARASITE OSCAR SWEEP
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n Feb. 2020, Korean film Parasite became the first international film and first non-English language film to win the Best Picture Academy Award. The film won four Academy Award in total—Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature Film and Best Original Screenplay.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM THE BLM PROTESTS
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he 2020 Black Lives Matter protests were triggered with the death of George Floyd on May 25, and are still occurring today. The protests have made advancements for racial equality across the United States, whether it is laws or promoting Black history. Breonna’s Law, named after police brutality victim Breonna Taylor, was passed in Louisville, Kentucky on June 11 to ban no-knock search warrants. The Department of Justice announced on Oct. 20 their initiative to combat excessive use of violence by the police, named The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Law Enforcement Training and Technical Assistance Response Center.
NASA HEADQUARTERS NAMED AFTER FIRST BLACK FEMALE ENGINEER
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he NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C. were renamed on June 24 after Mary W. Jackson, their first Black female engineer. Jackson was recruited by NASA in 1958 after working with its predecessor, and was featured in the 2016 film Hidden Figures. The new name is another step in honoring the historical contributions of Black people that bettered the country, despite them previously being unacknowledged.
In 2014, then principal Johnny Bush talks to the students, parents, and teachers gathered at an award ceremony. RHSToday File Photo
lift the school.” Even though Bush is employed at Plant, he will always be a large part of Robinson. His influence and the precedents he has set as principal helped create the Robinson that students attend today. Despite the changes to the school and Bush’s three year gap, he recounted that the ambience and aura provided by students remains the same. “Robinson students are still friendly and display a great deal of pride in their institution,” Bush said.
SGA takes on school beautification project as a way to help the school in a COVID-friendly form. ith all the major ways that Robinson has changed because of COVID-19—eLearning, masks, posters—it’s easy to overlook the more minor adjustments. Robinson’s Student Government Association recently started a school beautification project, a way to better the school while remaining social distanced and in open-air. School beautification comes across in myriad ways: pulling out weeds, cleaning up trash, improving the environment. For SGA, the goal—as always—is to serve the school and student body in whatever way possible. “We were drawn to helping the environment because it’s something that we see and when you’re in a pretty surrounding you feel better about being there,” Sadé Wallace (‘21), the SGA Student Body President, said. “Who doesn’t like to see more trees?” The school beautification events happen on Service Saturdays—another new concept for SGA. On these Service Saturdays, SGA members join together to work to improve the school. The events are not limited to members of SGA, but are open to all Robinson students and their parents. “Sadé is very passionate about making the campus a friendly, cleaner environment,” Thomas DuSold, the SGA sponsor, said. The first Service Saturday was on Sept. 23, where volunteers spent the morning cleaning up the football stadium. Groups cleaned out the trash under the football
Student Government members gather around the trash and weeds they collected from the football field. Photo by S. Wallace
bleachers, pulled weeds under the bleachers and near the entrance to the stadium. At the second event on Oct. 2, volunteers focused on the courtyard, where they planted a tree, vines and flowers. “Swaraa Dhore really took the lead on that, getting plants donated from Outdoor Accents on Westshore to beautify and color up our courtyard,” Dusold said. The upcoming SGA-hosted Service Saturday will be in Nov., and the SGA is currently working on approval for murals around school. In the meantime, SGA partnered with the PTSA for a clean-up at Bobby Hicks on Oct. 25. “At the end of the day, whatever we do is done with the intention of bettering the school’s community,” Wallace said.
Trending on RHSToday.com Quiz: Which Among Us character are you? By: Anna Woodward Editor-in-Chief “Among Us” has become very popular in the last few months for its simplistic gameplay and fun characters. Everyone seems to be playing it, from your classmates to your younger siblings, but what color character from the game fits you best? Take this quiz to find out.
Welcome Back, Mr. Taft By: Hanna Malone Sports Editor With the graduating class of 1999, John Taft walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma from Robinson. Twenty-one years later, he returned to teach U.S. history honors at his alma mater.
Editor’s Letter By: Anna Woodward Editor-in-Chief
Land of the Me Me Me
Opinion | 3
The American Ideal is Slowly Peeling Away at our Country’s Greatness By: Anna Woodward Editor-in-Chief
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t’s hard to condense this issue into this space. There is already so much that goes into producing a print newspaper, and those responsibilities became magnified this issue. We’ve had to adapt. Despite our adviser having to quarantine and not having access to our traditional workspace, we’ve worked hard to make this issue creative and informative. That being said, I want to thank the entire staff and Ms. Oben for consistently pushing through on this issue, especially our Print Managing Editor Amelia Foster (‘21). She has put so much work into this issue and I hope she takes a well-deserved self-care day soon. I’m thankful that we have had the opportunity to continue publishing despite these circumstances. This issue is unlike any other we’ve produced, but I see that as a good thing. If anything, this issue has shown our staff we can get it done, no matter what.
Read This Opinion on RHSToday.com Don’t Replace RBG until After Election
Growing up in the bubble that is westernized education, it’s natural to think that the United States of America is the best country in the world. We’re taught that our country can’t do anything wrong. Ironically, the country that prides itself on its “liberty and justice for all” is lacking something that all need: compassion. In wake of the many pressing events that 2020 has brought, one thing continues to baffle me. How does the American public go ahead and act with only themselves in mind? The American ideal of doing what you want and always having to be special is slowly peeling away at our country’s greatness. Frankly, it’s embarrassing. In theory, individualism is great! Being self-sufficient and having the autonomy and independence you’ve worked hard for is something to be proud of. But alas, like many things, America has taken it too far. Freedom doesn’t mean you get to yell at an underpaid retail worker when they tell you to put your mask on. “Basic human decency” now seems like a foreign concept with many levels despite its utterly
Print Managing Editor Amelia Foster Online Managing Edtior Jennifer Le
this year. Everyone wants COVID-19 to go away, right? But, a common goal has been lost in the midst of “freedom,” if you can even refer to entitlement as freedom. With that being said, I’ll leave you with this: the United States of America cannot call itself the greatest country in the world when it barely stands united.
Editorial: Don’t Cut the Arts The Arts Programs are Important to our Education By: Robinson Journalism Staff When Hillsborough County Public suffer. The county should not claim schools announced anticipated to be looking out for students’ budget cuts, it was no surprise to mental health if they try to take assume that arts programs would be away one of the only items that first. A sliver of hope came through motivate many students to come to when Superintendent Davis assured school. that that would not happen until Here in the newspaper, many teachers began to get cut; some art of our staffers are or have been teachers. Business is business, but involved in the arts. It allows us there have to be better alternatives. to be connected with our school Hillsborough County cannot cut its because whether you are involved or arts programs. not, the arts’ presence brings people “The arts” doesn’t just refer to together. Friends make plans out studio art. It covers band, orchestra, of seeing their peers perform and theatre, choir...the list goes on going to their art shows. An HCPS student holds a simple yet bold sign at the Sept. 22 school board meeting. and on. An array of activities that The schools themselves rely on Photo by A. Woodward countless students partake in, and the arts more than they expect. honestly, would feel lost without. The arts are a release from the stress Without a band, who plays at the football games? Without orchestra, who of a regular curriculum. Who isn’t relieved to go to class and play an plays at graduation? Without art classes, how can creative students who instrument after a difficult test? may not have the resources to paint and draw access materials? The list of For a while, HCPS has made arts credits a requirement, which has examples ends here because we all know that this list could go on and on. encouraged kids to get involved in the arts. While some drop out of Cutting the arts doesn’t only impact the students. All the art teachers the class after earning the credit, many stay after having a memorable we have encountered have been experienced and ready to help their experience. Even when students drop out, it’s oftentimes due to a students. There’s a reason why elective-specifically arts-classes are more schedule conflict or an overwhelming course load. Just because not memorable to students; those teachers are irreplaceable. Not saying that every student is involved in the arts doesn’t mean they’re not grateful core curriculum teachers aren’t because every teacher plays an important for the opportunity. The county cannot keep that requirement and its role. In this case, though, we need to stand up for art teachers. They give implications if it cuts the arts; it just doesn’t make sense. so much and shouldn’t be let down this way. At a recent school board meeting, parents, teachers, and students We acknowledge that we are not well-versed in educational policy. advocate for the arts. No matter what they focus on, there is always a We don’t know what goes into the finances of running a school district, common theme: the arts bring people together. These programs give but this cannot be the only way to combat budget cuts. Much like people many students a group to be a part of a way to feel included and loved. come together over the arts, they can, and they will come together to Without them, many students feel lost, and mental health is bound to fight for them.
The Knight Writers newspaper is published by the first period journalism II-IV class at Robinson High School. Editor-in-Chief Anna Woodward
simple connotation. Does this go for all Americans? Of course not, despite this being an opinion piece, I can be objective enough to realize that this doesn’t go for everyone. At the same time, do you see this extreme patriotism and emphasis on individualism in other countries? Debatable. I’m also objective enough to realize that I live in a country where I can write something like this without fear, and I’m so thankful for that privilege. That doesn’t stop me from pointing out what needs to change in our country. Is having to do something you don’t like annoying? Of course, it is. But if it’s for the purpose of the greater good, I’ll be blunt. Grow up and suck it up. All these conspiracies about what the government is doing to take away your rights are just ways for people to justify a need to be in control. Focusing on individualism takes out the factor that unites people: a common goal. With people only doing what they want with no awareness of other people, that common goal is impossible. If you’re confused on what I mean, look at
News & Features Editor Ella Wertz Opinion Edtior Olivia Godinez Sports Editor Hanna Malone A&E Editor Meena Vasquez
Staff Ethan Adair Sarai Cochran Samuel Elliott Pimpaka Kuthran Zoe Thaxton Publications Adviser Nancy Oben Principal Robert Bhoolai
Mission Statement The role and goal RHS newspaper is to inform, interpret and entertain their viewers through accurae and factual reports, and be accurate, fair and impartial in its coverage of issues that affect the school community. The staff will strive to report all issues in a legal, objective, accurate and ethical manner, according to the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics.
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4 |A&E
Chill Bros in South Tampa is Remarkable
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hill Bros just recently opened another location on Bay to Bay on Saturday, October 10. It’s a perfect place to try if you want something different from other places like Dairy Queen, Twisty Treat or Baskin Robbins. When I first heard about it I thought it would just be another ice cream place with the same classic flavors, but it’s a mouthwatering sweet treat with lots of contrasting varieties that I didn’t even know existed. The outside of the building is very artistic with many plants and colors that make it stand out. The lines are usually a bit long but they go down really fast considering there are only 3 people working behind the counter. There are lots of places to sit as well. Outside seating, inside seating and The double-down Oreo ice cream, featuring red, white and blue even seating toward the sprinkes and a triangle-shaped waffle sheet. Photo by S. Cochran back to hang out at a little jungle. The environment is just really nice and welcoming—especially the employees. They are really sweet and helpful and seem to like where they work. The inside is very clean and creative with art on the walls and ceilings. Right when you walk inside there’s music playing that varies from different kinds of genres but mostly Indie modern music which I really loved. They also have a shelf full of their merchandise like hats, shirts, and mugs which has their logo on it. When you go to the website they have all of the kinds of flavors, cookies, floats and shakes if you are curious about what you want which I thought was helpful. Their icecream is vegan for the people who want something sugary and good. Their cups are also
By: Sarai Cochran Staff Writer
environmentally friendly and don’t fall apart. I decided to get the double scooped Double-down Oreo with sprinkles in a cup. Any time you order ice-cream you will get a triangle-shaped waffle sheet, which was absolutely outstanding, especially considering that I don’t really order waffle cones. The waffle sheet just gives a perfect balance with it and looks aesthetically pleasing. The Double down Oreo is very chocolatey if you’re a chocolate lover. While I was eating, it definitely was new to me because that I’ve never had a preference for chocolate icecream but it was delicious. They have loads of different flavors like Tampa Banana, Bees Knees, Chronic Popcorn, Sicilian Pistachio, and Spanish Olive oil which are different from the flabors I’d definitely recommend going to Chill Bros at least once to try something different. You can tell they’re trying something new but want to keep it modern. They stand out from others and it gives them a lot of attention from people who are curious about the place. I’m excited to see the future of Chill Bros and the different kinds of flavors in the future. They want to make ice cream for everybody, all while taking care of the environment.
The outside of Chill Bros on Bay to Bay. Photo by S. Cochran
Robinson Students’ Rooms Bloom with Personality
By: Meena Vasquez Sarai Cochran A&E Editor & Staff Writer
Quarantine has Put a Lot of Time in Our Own Rooms, So Our Staff Asked What Robinson’s Rooms Looked Like and What It Meant to Them
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hen COVID was at its peak, everyone was stuck in their house on lockdown. However, with this ample amount of time, some people have taken this time to decorate their rooms. We looked into what the decor meant to the students of RHS and featured their stylish rooms.
Lillian Brill (‘21)
“I decorated my room like this because it’s what makes me feel most comfortable at night and I like having a room that shows my personality. My decorations are mostly posters from vinyos, photos with my friends and items I’ve thrifted over the years. This decor is a reflection of my mind, which is really cluttered and unorganized most of the time.”
Kayla Miles (‘21)
“I’ve added a full picture wall in my room full of my friends and family and I have a bunch of motivational paintings all arround my room. I’ve also added bee lights that I got from Walmart and LED lights that go all around my room that I got off Amazon. I created my photo wall so my room could be a more fun place to be in for my self because everytime I look at that wall it always brings a smile ot my face. I show it off to my friends because it’s kinda hard to miss!”
Henry Bui (‘21)
“I have a wooden model of a pirate ship and a sword on my display hand made in Vietnam. The sword has dragon etching on it and the dragons are supposed to represent strength and wisdom. I put them there because I liked the meaning behind it and I like the way the stained wood contrast with my light blue walls. The decor is a way to liven up my room and express myself.”
Reese Paul (‘23)
“I used to keep it pretty simple, now I change it a lot.... my interests change a lot, It’s more like me than it was before. My window sill has plants on it and there’s a couple of funko pops and art. I like to help people a lot if I can, I’m pretty good at keeping things alive which could represent the plants.”
Review: Get Ready to Turn Up the Volume on Remote
A&E | 5
Wallows’ Latest Release is Short and Sweet
By: Anna Woodward Editor-in-Chief rom Lead Singer Dylan Minnette’s starring role in 13 Reasons Why to their smash hit collaboration “Are You Bored Yet?” with Clairo, it’s hard to not have heard of Wallows at least once. Their first album, Nothing Happens, was a perfect smorgasbord of songs for every mood, so I was excited to hear of the release of their latest EP, Oct. 23’s Remote. Remote is different, taking on a unique sound that retains the catchiness of the rest of Wallows’ discography. When I think of the word remote, I immediately think of a television. Hearing the electronic and funky beats of this EP, I got just what I expected. Remote strays slightly away from the conventional beats Wallows used in the past, but isn’t significantly different to the point where you can’t stand to listen. The emphasis on guitars throughout the EP reminds me of their other works, which is something I’m glad they kept in Remote. I was going in ready to compare this EP to their debut album, but quickly realized that I couldn’t. They both stand out in their own way, and I enjoyed both for reasons that can’t be comparable. My favorite song on the EP was a tie between “Coastlines” and “Talk Like That.” Both were catchy and had instrumentals that stood out from the other songs on the EP. The former sounds straight out of a Nintendo game, and the latter has you bobbing your head without even realizing. “Coastlines” was catchy, and had a growing beat that made me excited to hear what would come next. I can only describe the beat of “Talk Like That” as cute; it made me smile! A similarity between these two songs was the short
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pause towards the second half of the song. Wallows isn’t new to doing this, but that detail worked so well with these two songs. I couldn’t help but picture an audience at a concert freezing, the growing anticipation in the venue breaking as everyone screams the next verse. Although I said I wouldn’t compare Remote to Nothing Happens, this is one of the things I loved most about Remote. The final track on Nothing Happens, “Do Not Wait,” is nothing less than a perfect song to end an album on. It’s an experience to listen to that brings out emotion no matter how you’re feeling. Similarly, “Wish Me Luck,” the sixth and last song on Remote was slower, and felt more personal than the previous songs. By the time you’re done listening to it, you feel satisfied, having gone through fast and upbeat songs that make your heart race to chiller ones that let the music leave your body, in a way. Moreover, “Virtual Aerobics” was a perfect song to start the EP with. It’s bold and grabs your attention with its snappy sound. Wallows arranges the songs to tell a story, grabbing you in the beginning and making you feel sad to go at the end. The smooth transition to the second track, “Dig What You Dug,” only supports that point. My only critique of Remote was that the songs felt too short. As soon as I got into them, they ended. Granted, this is an EP, but I was still disappointed to see that the longest song was three minutes and 46 seconds long. Wallows made use of the short times, and still delivered appeasing music, but I would’ve liked to see even one song that was a bit longer. At the same time, I don’t know how I would’ve felt about ten or so songs like those on Remote. What makes these songs work so well is that they’re on an EP. They
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The album art for Wallows’ EP Remote. Photo by Atlantic Records
have similar characteristics, but since there are only a few tracks, it’s easier to notice things that make them different. If Remote was longer, I definitely think that the songs would’ve easily blended together, and would’ve been lost to “quantity over quality.” If I didn’t make it clear enough, Wallows satisfied expectations once again. Remote was easy to listen to and well put-together. I hope to see these tracks live someday, because if they’re anything like the pleasing studio recordings, it should be a treat.
Review: Light Up the Sky Lit Up Netflix
The new Netflix documentary follows BLACKPINK, a popular girl group By: Pim Kruthun Staff Writer
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he latest Netflix music documentary, directed by Caroline Suh, on the girl group BLACKPINK titled, BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky. The film trended number 1 in 70 countries on the platform, as fans and curious newcomers swarmed the documentary that gives a glimpse into the “hard-fought journey” of the band. The documentary was emotional like a lot of other Netflix documentaries, which previously only documented western artists. The difference between the workings of the American and Korean music industry is portrayed in the documentary but at the same time, underlines that music has no boundaries and no categories, through showing the workings of BLACKPINK. In the studio footages, you can see the girls record and work with artists and singers from different parts of the world, as well as incorporating their different identities into their works. Each member of BLACKPINK come from different parts of the world, a
common fact amongst fans but probably a surprising fact to a new audience. Three members are Korean, and only one member, Jisoo was born and raised in the country. While Jennie, lived in New Zealand for most of her life, and the third Korean member, Rosé, is a homegrown Australian. The fourth member Lisa, is from Thailand, and she moved to Korea by herself at the age of 14. The documentary was broken down into parts that introduce viewers to every member’s individual journey that led them to their current journey as BLACKPINK. It was very interesting seeing the footage of their auditions, and hearing the stories of them training almost makes you feel proud. The training of all the members add up to 20 years, 20 years of experience and training in BLACKPINK. The story of 4 strong kids, who gave up their home life, their whole childhood, to train and compete for a chance to reach their dreams, is motivational and heart touching for viewers of all ages.
Promotional poster for the documentary. Photo by Netflix
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By: Anna Woodward Editor-in-Chief
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Freshman Swimmer Lays Down New Records 6 |Sports
Swimmer Brooke Beede Breaks Robinson Swim Records By: Zoe Thaxton Staff Writer
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obinson newcomer Brooke Beede has been overtaking previous records set by the swim team that date back to 2017, 2015 and even 2013 on her first year on the team. At almost every meet this year, she’s beaten a record whether it was an old time or beating her own time. At the Alonso swim meet on October 6th, Beede retook her record for the 200 IM with a time of 2:13.41 after Isabel Sayuag broke it during the Academy meet. To say the least, the freshman has some talent and has made her mark on the swim team. Beede has been swimming since early childhood, around the ages of 7 or 8. Even at that young age, she started swimming in club as swimming just felt natural and was something she enjoyed. Now she trains everyday and on most days twice a day to improve herself at the sport she loves. Her teammates are encouraged by her dedication. Sadie Jacobson (‘21) is a captain on the swim team and has swam along side Beede in relay races. Together, the two, along with Isabel Sayuag (‘24) and Avery Hawker (‘24), have also set records for their time in events like 200 medley relay with a time of 1:56.81 and the 4 X 50 with a time of 1:45.1. Jacobson, though a captain and a senior, sees how much potential Beede has and how well she’s preformed on the team. “Brooke has made a great contribution to the team for her outstanding performance. Her speed alone motivates her teammates to push themselves harder in practice,” Jacobson said. Beede, though she has no official leadership position as of now, still inspires her teammates to work hard and keep practicing. In and out of the pool, Beede shares smiles and is very outgoing and sweet to everyone on the team. Jacobson sees that she is on track to being a great leader. Beede is very humble about her accomplishments and was even surprised by her own
times when she broke her records. Still, she looks up to the upperclassmen on her team. “I know there are many other people in the swim world faster than me and I look up to them and want to get there as I know they work hard for it.” Beede said. She believes there is always room for improvement and strives to get better. This year is her first on the team and she’s already made herself a significant part of them team. Coach Atkins has high hopes for Beede with the coming years. “She might continue to set records over the next four years... probably break her own records.” Atkins said. Though the official swim season ended on Oct. 15 with the final meet against Tampa Heat, Beede has high chances of making states and breaking even more records on her way there. Brooke Beede poses with teammates in front of Bobby Hicks pool after a swim meet. Starting from left: Avery Hawker (‘24), Brooke Beede (‘24), Isabel Sayang (‘24), Sadie Jacobson (‘21). Photo in courtesy of S. Jacobson
Football Team Tackles COVID-19
The precautions the football team has taken to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. By: Hanna Malone Sports Editor he ongoing global pandemic has affected the world at large. Athletes and sports-goers are no exception to this. In order to ensure the safety of players, coaches, and those who attend games, the football steam has instilled procedures to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. With an overall standing of 4-1, with their only loss being against Jesuit High School on Oct. 16 with a score of 55-14, the ticket demand has increased. When attending a Friday night home game, especially with the recent decision by the Hillsborough Athletic Board to increase the maximum capacity, one might feel as though things are rather normal. It might appear that no real precautions are being taken, save for the fact that everyone in the stands are required to wear masks. However, while practicing, the players do make an attempt to maintain a six foot distance and do rotations in order to avoid an excessive amount of close contact.
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If players were not actively playing on the field, they were required to wear a face covering mask in hopes of reducing the virus’ spread. “During practices we do everything in rotations and just try our best to maintain a six foot distance while we do it, that’s all we really can do,” Said Rickeem Parks (‘22), the quarterback of the team. During meetings and study hall, players are required to wear their masks. They also remain masked while changing in the locker room, as well as when they were in the weight room. “Honestly the coaches did very well in keeping everyone safe while still getting prepared for game season,” Liam McConnell (‘23) said. “The only thing that would’ve been better is if we had matching masks.” Right: Robinson quarterback Rickeem Parks (‘22) dodges a blocking tackle from an opposing player from Jesuit during the away game on Oct. 16. Photo by J. Le
The varsity team practices in small groups during their rotations. Photo by V. Medley
Players’ parents walked them down the field, most of them in masks to be “covid friendly” on senior night. Pictured here is Kyle Muffoletto (‘21) and his parents. Photo by Z. McIntyre
Watch This Video on RHSToday.com RHS vs. Jesuit Highlights
Social Swinging Out of The Golf Media Spotlight: Season Robinson Boy’s Golf Team Earns District Runner-Up, Advanced to Regionals Cheer By: Hanna Malone
By: Hanna Malone Sports Editor
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ocial media has a significant part int today’s culture. Robinson athletic teams use social media to promote theirselves; posting scores, about upcoming competitions,broadcasting accomplishments, and encouraging the student body to participate in fundraisers. The cheer team is no exception. The team’s Instagram account, @ robinsoncheerleaders, is constantly growing, with over 650 followers. The account is ran by the head coach, Lexie George, but senior captains have access and can post on the page. Most of the content consists of group photos of the squad, videos of stunts and tumbling, and weekly cheerleader spotlights. “We try to post things that will promote school spiri, highlight specific atheletes, and show that we are also an accomplished sports team!” Says one of the senior captains, though they choose to remain anonymous.. Typically, the cheerleaders post between three and four times a weekon their feed and post on their Instagram story everyday. Pictures are taken by the coaches, or re-posted from team members’ personal acount when they tag @ robinsoncheerleaders in a photo. Check out the cheerleaders’ latest Instagram posts and keep up with the upcoming competition season @ robinsoncheerleaders.
Sports Editor
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hough golf is a quiet sport, typically muted behind football, soccer, and basketball, the Robinson golf team has accomplished some noteworthy feats this season. Consisting of only ten members, the team has finished as a district runner-up behind Jesuit High School and advanced on to regionals since the start of their season in August. Regionals were held at the Port Charlotte golf club on October 19. They finished nine out of twelve in the competition. “I felt extremely blessed to be able to play the great game of golf with such an amazing group of guys.” Justin Seo (‘21) responded when asked about his reaction to qualifying for districts at Temple Terrace. This year, each of the team’s eight returning players improved their technique and overall performance in matches in comparison to last season. Every golfer has decreased their scoring average, some as many as ten strokes and nine holes. “My goals as a coach are to give my greatest effort every day and get every golfer to show improvement over the season,” Said Kevin McCray, the coach of the boys’
golf team. “We want to build the sport at Robinson to the point where middle school golfers “want” to come play here as they are transitioning into high school athletics.” A large portion of the team are IB students, and three of them are also on the baseball team, so it can be taxing trying to divide time between athletics and academics. But they all manage to do so: “We share three players with baseball, so it can be tough to split their practice times and be IB students,” said Coach McCray, “Still, we have eight guys that routinely shoot in the 40s, with some that can go into the 30s. I have nothing to say but good things about all my players and their performance this year. “ Due to COVID-19’s continued prevalence, the season was cut short by about half, as both school and athletics began later during the year. “Obviously, our season was affected with the ongoing pandemic,” Said Gage Ferris (‘21), “but we made compromises and found a way to have a full season. Though this year wasn’t exactly how I would’ve liked for my final season to be conducted, I’m still appreciative of the teammates I got to experience it with and wish them mothing but the best for next year.”
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Upcoming Sports Events
Oct. 30 - 7:30 p.m. Varsity Football vs. Chamberlain Nov. 2 & 3 After School Boys Basektball Tryouts Nov. 6 - 7:30 p.m. Varsity Foobtall vs. Leto Nov. 13 6:30 p.m. B/G Soccer vs. Middleton
Opinion: Sports Games Shouldn’t Have Spectators
It may improve the game experience, but the consequences aren’t worth it By: Amelia Foster Print Managing Editor
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f you’ve ever gone to a sports game, you know the feeling. The roar of the crowd. People walking the stands, yelling about popcorn and soda and all the other overpriced food you can buy. How the waves of tension rise and fall with each move of the team, crescendoing just as the team scores (or doesn’t). Right now, due to the coronavirus, sports are looking very different—and they should stay that way. When the country first began shutting down in March, live sports had to completely shut down too, to the point where ESPN did a seven-hour marathon of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. When sports resumed, with athletes in bubbles and completely silent stadiums, it was weird, but it was bearable. The pandemic isn’t over, despite how much everyone wishes it to be, and the risk of spread from attending a sporting event isn’t worth a life. To argue the other point, maybe these people have decided that they’re okay with catching COVID-19 than attend this game. There is a chain of events with that: they catch the virus, they don’t realize they catch the virus, they continue with their life, and they potentially infect someone elderly or with health conditions. A pandemic is a community problem, and so it must have a community solution. That will always require some sacrifices, and the sacrifice
shouldn’t be someone’s life. I know that masks are required. I know that there are six-feet between seats and a lower capacity. According to the CDC, neither of those are enough to eliminate the spread of the coronavirus. University of Alabama recently reopened their stadiums at 25 percent capacity. The Alabama team beat Tennessee, and as part of tradition, attendees lit up their cigars in celebration. I repeat, cigars, during a respiratory pandemic. Never mind that that means they had to have taken their masks off to smoke them. It’s more than just insensitive, its potentially lethal. I acknowledge that spectators at a game is often more than just a matter of entertainment, that it provides money for the teams. However, there is a difference between wealthy sports teams letting spectators attend, and schools like Robinson that need it in order to fundraise. Life has not yet returned to normal during the pandemic, and it likely won’t for years to come. Any event where people are crowded around each other for an extended period of time creates a risk for the spread of COVID-19, and sports are no exception. The more people go out and spread the virus, the longer it will take for the world to recover. Watch the game at home, and have patience.
Th Knights play against the Jesuit Tigers, where spectators can clearly be seen in the background. Photo by J. Le
Trending on RHSToday.com Photo Gallery: Knights beat the Wildcats
Photo Gallery: Robinson’s 4-win streak ends at Jesuit
By: Jenny Le Online Managing Editor In their first game after winning district champions on Wednesday, Oct. 21, Robinson volleyball leaves home victorious after beating the Hardee High School Wildcats 3-0. The Lady Knights will return for another match against Land o’ Lakes Wednesday, Oct. 28.
By: Jenny Le Online Managing Editor After a 4-0 season record, Robinson Varsity Knights leave defeated after the Jesuit game Friday, Oct. 16. Jesuit Tigers outscored the Knights 55-7 by the end of the game.
Girls Cross Country Preview: the Race to State By: Hanna Malone Sports Editor Ever since the season officially began on Aug. 29th, the girls cross country team has met for practice bright and early every morning at 6:15 a.m.
8 |Features
Q&A: What Does It Mean to be a Freshman in 2020?
An eLearner and brick and mortar student compare their freshman experiences so far at RHS. By: Anna Woodward Editor-in-Chief oing back to school has taken unusually longer to adapt to than previous years, and for good reason. Consequently, freshmen are entering a new school with some of their peers-and even teachers-online. RHSToday sat down with Giovanni Zayas (‘24) and Gracie Kurtz (‘24) to talk about the differences of starting a new school as an eLearner and as a brick and mortar student.
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Q: Why did you choose eLearning or in-person? Zayas: “I wanted to do in person, but my mom made me do eLearning.” Kurtz: “I chose in-person learning because I can’t focus on schoolwork when I’m at home, and I learn better in an environment with other people.” Q: How has this experience impacted your perception of RHS so far? Zayas: “Robinson is so much better than my middle school...the people are as nice as I thought they would be, but it seems a lot harder online.” Kurtz: “Honestly I didn’t really have a perception of RHS before, I learned that it existed when the IB presentation came to Coleman in like October. RHS is pretty cool though, I like the catwalk and stairwell.” Q: What did you expect going into freshman year? Has that changed at all? Zayas: “I expected myself to actually be at school, but other than that I expected the same [things].” Kurtz: “I didn’t expect much, maybe more people? Or at least louder people, everyone seems pretty chill and quiet in classes. I’m sure that’s not always true but in most of my classes you could hear a pin drop if the teacher isn’t talking.”
Q: Do you think your choice of learning has impacted connecting with new peers and teachers? If so, how? Zayas: “Yes. I don’t know why but asking teachers for help online is awkward and I hate it. I still made friends but I would’ve made a lot more if [I] actually got to go to school.” Kurtz: “Yeah, I don’t think I’ve connected to people as much as I would’ve liked yet, but I would be a lot more isolated if I chose online learning.” Q: Although this is only the second month of school, is there anything you wish you could do back and tell yourself before school started? Zayas: “I wish I could’ve told myself ‘do the work’ so I wouldn’t be as behind as I am now.” Kurtz: “No, not really.” Q: Describe your school experience this year so far in one word. Zayas: “Stressful.” Kurtz: “Chill.”
A graphic illustration depicting students doing eLearning and students doing brick and mortar. Photo by Anna Woodward
By: Samuel Elliott Staff Writer
How Does It Feel to be Able to Vote?
Knight Writers asked 18 year-old students their opinions on being granted the ability to vote in this upcoming election. By: Ella Wertz News & Features Editor
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ith the presidential election approaching, many seniors have the opportunity to vote. The right to vote is granted to almost every American citizen over the age of 18. The right to vote is a privilege and duty in democracies. Knight Writers interviewed five students regarding their thought on this newly acquired civil responsibility.
“It’s pretty cool! As someone who is invested in learning about current politics, it’s neat up have this opportunity.” - John Weachter (‘21)
“I feel honored to be able to share my political voice and fulfill my duties as a US citizen in this major election.” - Rachel Steinfeld (‘21)
“I feel like it is important to be able to have a voice for change for the direction of the country.” - Will Swanson (‘21)
“Having the ability to vote fills me with joy because I have the ability to change the fate of the country and have an impact on everyday policies that affect me.” - Yovanni Cardona (‘21)
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“Having the opportunity to vote gives me a voice in our democracy and helps me actually make a change in the direction of our country.” - Alex Warner (‘21)
“Knowing I have a voice in our democracy makes me feel like an active citizen in our country today.” - Cameron Spence (‘21)
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