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Robinson High School 6311 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33616
Volume 59, Issue 4 |April, 2019
Feature news
What’s inside Learn all about this years senior hall of fame
pg 2
Meet the custodians who work at Robinson
Mopping up the Employees?
Fun and Unique things to do over summer By Morgan Brazier and Racquel Ingram managing editor and Staff Writer
Hillsbourough county school district considers outsourcing custodians
DIY-ing your clothes is one of the biggest trends on social media, and for good reason. It's cheap, good for the environment and fun to do with your friends. You can make your plain shoes more decorative or embroider a jean jacket.
Opinion
Knight Writers staff explains why red shouldn't be a school color
Take art classes
sports
pg 5
A&E
pg 6 Why Disneys live action remakes are a bad idea
pg 8
SAVE THE DATE May 1
IB Students' last day
May 6
AP exams begin
May 21
Traditional Students last day
May 24
Semester exams begin
May 27
No school
May 29
Graduation
May 31
Last day
After the initial bliss of not having to go to school, summer boredom sets in fast. Here are some fun things to do over break, whether you do it alone or with friends.
Learn to DIY (do-ityourself)
PG 4
Robinson’s Tennis team manages without a coach
By Amelia Foster A&E Editor
Custodians, unlike janitors, have an involved relationship with the place they work and do more than just cleaning.
Photo by R. Ingram
If a private company ends up taking over the county’s The Hillsborough county public school system employs custodial services, it is likely that the schools current cusover 1,500 custodial workers, who spend their days taking todians would remain in their current positions. However, care of schools and their students, a job which provides they would no longer receive state benefits as they would them with certain benefits and retirement insurance - but be employed by a private company, not the state. There is this may no longer be the case. no guarantee that the company would provide the same, Deputy superintendent Chris Farkas sent out a letter in or similar benefits to those that district custodians are March of 2019 stating that the county is looking into subcurrently entitled to. contracting custodial services, meaning a private compa“There are people who’ve worked here 20 years 15 years ny will hire and manage custodians for the schools. This and they were counting on retiring here too, it’s not that change has been proposed in an effort to save the county anybody makes that much money, it’s like teachers you money and use funding more efficiently. know you come because you like kids or your coming ”Nothing is changing at this time and we don’t know if for your future and your benefits and retirement,” Stovall anything will change...We respect what our hard-working said. custodians do everyday for students,” Robinson’s principal, Robert Bhoolai saidTanya Arja, a media outreach repWe feel like we're a part has expressed similar concerns regardresentative for the district. ing what will happen to those who Outsourcing custodial services could of the place and then currently work at the school. potentially save the school district money people just push us all ”My main concern is my people you but if the custodial staffs are no longer away. -Pat Stovall, Head know I want them to be taken care of employed by the district they will no they’re part of the Robinson family...I Custodian longer receive state benefits such as state want them to maintain that relationretirement and health care. According ship with us, ” Bhoolai said. to Naze Sahebzamani, a social studies Bringing in a private company could possibly reduce teacher at Robinson and the schools Classroom Teacher the amount of custodians on campus during the day Association representative, it is not guaranteed that outwhich would make those who clean up and take care of sourcing would save money. the school more like janitors than custodians. ”It’s gonna potentially cost the district more money... ”Janitors and custodians are like really different beevery time something happens on campus, it’s our cuscause janitors come into an office at night cleaning where todians who take care of it,” Sahebzamani said. “If it’s a custodians get more involved with the school we know private company, they can say ‘well we don’t do that, that’s who people are, ” Stovall said. not part of our contract you have to pay us more money’, At the current stages of the districts research, no so it ends up costing more money in the long run.” decision has been made on privatizing custodial cervices. Privatization has proven successful in other districts Companies are bidding for the rights to the contract and around the country. However, there have also been cases there was a school board meeting on Tuesday April 2 where a district made the change to privatized custodial which was attended by many people opposing the proposservices but ultimately chose to return to county managed al and speaking out against it. custodians. ”It’s sad if you’ve been some place a lot of years, my "They have already gone to another state, to Chicago, kids all went to school here, I’ve been here forever,” Stovall and visited to see how counties do that are privatized...I said. “We feel like we’re a part of the place and then peoknow a lot of places it doesn’t work, I heard that they tried ple just push us all away...it kinda makes you feel like we’re it in Lakeland, Polk county, and that it didn’t work for not important. ” them,” Patricia Stovall, Robinson’s Head Custodian said.
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Art classes aren't always just about painting- you can learn to knit, sculpt or do any other craft. Art is a great way to express any emotions you're feeling or can just be a way to pass the time.
Go to museums If you're one of the few people who enjoy learning even over summer, go to some of Tampa's museums. You can learn about maritime history while on a warship, go to the Tampa Bay History Center or check out art at the Tampa Museum of Art.
Have a picnic You're never too old to have a picnic, and the best part is you can have one almost anywhere. Create a picnic basket filled with snacks and go to the beach, a local park, or even host one at night while ghost-hunting with your friends.
Do your summer homework When you have two months off, it isn't smart to spend the entire time procrastinating. Create a timeline of when you want to finish your homework and stick to it. Once you're done, you can have a carefree summer without that weight on your chest.
02 KNIGHT WRITERS | News|April, 2019
News
Robinson's Finest
By Anna Woodward Staff Writer
We all know that person. The one who’s a soccer captain, SGA president, Valedictorian, founder of a club, a yearbook staffer and still manages to have a social life Among the many Robinson traditions, the Hall of Fame is one that recognizes a number of seniors every year who stand out from their peers. These students aren't just exemplary students, but also are recognized as leaders within their community. This year's Hall of Fame recognizes Sophie Bailey, Alessio Casamento, Josean Casiano, Mekhi CusseauxWilliams, Adriana Jones, Macy McClintock, Stephen Miller, Candice Moore, Taylor Robinson and Austin Tait. Those in the Hall of Fame have contributed their time and effort to extracurricular activities, as well as to work in the classroom. They are well-known not just by their teachers but by their peers for being students that go above and beyond. "The school has done so much for me teacher-wise and faculty-wise, so I thought I should pay my respects back to the school as well," Casamento said. "After this year, I realized that everyone, even myself, can have what it takes to push themselves for even higher leadership responsibilities and achieve great accomplishments, especially for something they are passionate about," Jones said. In addition to these two, the rest of the Hall of Fame is involved in multiple extracurriculars through Robinson. Here is a list of the other eight and their contributions to Robinson's extracuricculars.
Macy McClintock
Varsity Captain of the flag football team, Sports Editor for the Newspaper, President of Key Club, President of Strong Legs, President of Junior Classical League (Latin Honor Society), Vice President and Founder of Economics Club, Executive Secretary for SGA, and a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Knightmare, Quill and Scroll and Junior Civitan. She also runs the Break the Silence game.
Sophie Bailey
Adriana Jones
Candice Moore
Alessio Casamento
Mekhi CusseauxWilliams
Taylor Robinson
Austin Tait
Stephen Miller
Captain of the girls soccer team, Head Captain of the flag football team, on the Senior Advisory Council for SGA, CoPresident of Ophelia, Calculus Captain for MU Alpha Theta, Officer of Knightmare, a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.
Secretary of the National Honor Society and the Multicultural CLub and the president of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), Keep Our School Beautiful (KOSB) and the American Sign Language (ASL) club. Additionally she is a member of the FBLA, SCience Club, Spanish Honor society and MUN. Jones says that having an active ole in so many clubs helps her gain necessary skills in areas like leadership and initiative.
President of Spanish Honor Society as well as IB Ambassadors, and a member of the American Sign Language, Multicultural, FBLA, MUN and National Honor Society clubs. He also helped found RHS Against Cancer. He chose IB as a way to challenge hinslef and to benefit from the well-rounded curriculum. After graduation, Casamento plans to attend Univeristy of Florida and study to become a veterinarian.
Director of Activities for FBLA,President for Robinsons Gaming Alliance, Vice President of Thespians, Executive tresurer for SGA, Historian for the Hispanic Honor Society, an IB Ambassador and a member of the NAtional Honor Society.
Josean Casiano
In the Aeroknights Club and a member of the National Honor Society, on the wrestling team.
Senior Class Vice President, officer for Student 2 Student, FBLA Community Serivce Director and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also plays on the soccer team.
On the Yearbook and TV Production Staff, Junior Civitan and a member of the National Honor Society.
She is a member of NJROTC, on the Air Riffle, Armed Basic Drill and Athletic Teams, as well as a member of color Gaurd. She is also the Operations Officer for NJROTC. Robinson is a member of the National Honor Society, Sci-fi and Lain clubs, as well as Future Doctors of America
On the soccer team, President of economics club and Jewish Student Union.
Trending on rhstoday.com Amelia Foster Water walk raises awareness for By A&E Editor underpriviliged children On Wednesday March 26,
Robinson’s Be UNICEF club held their annual water walk to spread awareness of a larger UNICEF goal. During the event, around 20 students–including the softball team–split into 4 teams and lugged buckets of water around an obstacle course to represent the struggles children in thirdworld countries face in accessing water.
Are HOnor Societies worth By Morgan Brazier Managing Editor the cost?
The fee for an honor society at Robinson tends to be about $20, a cost that isn’t a problem for most high school students. It is common for students to join honor societies and other clubs to improve their college resume and counselors and college admissions offices stress the importance of being involved with extra curricular activities such as clubs. But what happens when cost does become an issue?
|April, 2019 KNIGHTWRITERS 03
Robinson royalty
News
Knight Writers staff sat down with Prom King Reggie Allen and Prom Queen Kaliah Henderson to talk about heir new reign over Camelot. Reggie Allen
Q: What motivated you to run for prom? A: "My friends and family were the ones that motivated me to run for prom." Q: How did you campaign? A: "I campaigned by sending people photos that said 'vote Reggie for king'." Q: Describe the feeling when you won. A: "I was very surprised and excited because I really didn’t think I would win because I went up against some really good candidates." Q: How did winning affect your presence at school? A: "I was acknowledged by a lot of people I never met before and i was able to meet new people." Q: What did you think you did differently than the other candidates to push your campaign over the top? A: " The thing that pushed my campaign over the top was my friendly personality and the performance quality I possess while performing."
By Alyssa Acosta and Ella Wertz Staff Writers
photo Leonards
Kaliah Henderson
Q: What motivated you to run for prom queen? A: "I wanted to run for prom queen because its my senior year and I wanted to make it memorable. My friend and I wanted to be bestie goals so she went for homecoming queen and i went for prom queen and we both won!" Q: How did you campaign? A: "My friend and I made T shirts as well as posting it on social media and everyone else did too." Q: Describe the feeling when you won? A: "I was so excited I jumped on the stage so quick and a lot of stress was released. Q: How did you winning affect your presence at school? A: "My presence is still the same but people call me queen to play around with me." Q: What do you think you did differently then the others running that pushed you over the top? A: "Being extra with everything especially with the shirts since a lot of people loved that idea." Prom King Reggie Allen and Prom Queen Kaliah Henderson celebrate after their crowning during this year's Prom.
Old traditions changed with new students Robinson admits new students into the sophomore year IB programme By Anna Woodward Staff Writer
Eorientation for incoming freshmen, but this year, somearly this month, the IB program held their routine
thing was different. Assistant Principal for Magnet Curriculum Matthew Johnson announced something new to the program: starting this year, Hillsborough County will allow current freshmen to apply for IB programs for their sophomore year. "The district felt that-statistically speaking-that a student that's excelling in their ninth grade year would be able to do well in their sophomore year entering into IB," Johnson said. The change comes as a way to make the IB program available to more students. Currently there is only one application window if you would like to enter IB. This one opportunity was during their eighth grade year. Many schools don't fully advertise the choices that students have for high school, so if a student doesn't hear about the program in eighth grade, they don't usually get to apply in time. "Often times, sadly, some students in eighth grade, their counselors or their school doesn't advertise fully all
the choices that are out there, because we have 11 different magnet programs in the district and four of them are IB," Johnson said, "so it's unfortunate because if they don't hear about it the first time, they weren't able to get in." Because the first two years of the IB program are considered "pre-IB", students technically aren't in the Diploma Programme until their junior year. Students who apply for their sophomore year will miss the first year, but will still be able to complete the Diploma Programme with the rest of their peers. The enrollment process is the same for students who apply in eighth grade, the only difference is the grade level. "Since it's such a life-changing program for many people, it opens up a lot of doors for people, they (Hillsborough County) want to give as many as possible [the chance] without hurting that student," Johnson said. This opportunity will benefit students who either did not apply in time, or just want to participate in the program after time in a traditional program. For example, a traditional freshman could apply their freshman year for IB, or a freshman from a military family could apply to the program when they move to Tampa, despite not being
The best of the best Phillip cornett Trad. Val
Grace Brill IB Val
“I got a big smile on my face, I was happy, I was very happy... and about the whole class clapped for me, it was a great moment.”
“I was so excited but I wasn't shocked or anything because I knew I was ahead. I'm very grateful to have been supported by friends.”
at an IB high school beforehand. Additionally, traditional teachers will help by picking up some pre-IB courses like world History/Government and AP European History in order to help encompass the larger class sizes. "We are growing a little bit into the traditional side, meaning that some of our traditional teachers are going to be picking up some of our pre-IB courses," Johnson said. "so for example, Ms. Militello is going to be taking on two additional World History/Government classes...and then Mr. McCray is going to take on two additional AP European History courses to help cover the overflow of courses we're offering." Despite what seems like a big change, Johnson said that the only major change next year will be the incoming freshman class, the biggest the program has ever seen. Besides that, the addition of new IB students won't change Robinson that much except for the addition of a few newand familiar-faces to the IB "I want to be able to provide as many students in Hillsborough County the opportunity to earn a diploma," Johnson said.
Meet Robinson’s 2019 Valedictorians and Salutatorians Macey Hatton Trad. Sal
“I'm super excited to be salutatorian and it's great to know all my hard work paid off.”
Kenzie Hatton Trad. Sal
“I was really excited because Ifelt like it validated how hard I've worked and it's an accomplishment I'm very proud of..”
Cat Liu IB Sal
“I think what really boosted me up there was getting started freshman year. Right now I'm everywhere I want to be.”
04 KNIGHT WRITERS | Feature|April, 2019
Feature
MEET ROBINSON'S CUSTODIANS
By Jules Whitaker Feature Editor
Get to know the employees impacted by our front page story
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ost Robinson students know the custodial staff ’s faces, but they might not know their names. Some of the custodians have a long history at Robinson, such as head custodian Pat Stovall, who has worked at Robinson for 31 years. Others are newcomers to the school, such as Maria Raina, who has only worked at Robinson for seven months. Read on to find out more about Robinson’s custodians, including the things they wish students were more aware of. Editor-in-Chief Alanna Felton contributed to this story.
Pat Stovall, head custodian “We’re just kind of all a big family. Everyone gets along and likes everybody.”
What Do you wish more Students did?
“Picking up after themselves. Being a little more careful with the bathrooms and spilling things.”
Wanda Butler, custodian
Mary Castillo, custodian Octavio Napoles, custodian What Do you wish more Students did?
“Not to get the school dirty and to be clean.”
Maria Raina, custodian What Do you wish more Students did?
“To consider the custodians and clean up after themselves. Not to damage the soap dispensers [in the bathrooms] or the seats in the cafeteria..”
Jackie Martinez, custodian What Do you wish more Students did?
“Maybe the food in the rooms. I don’t have problems, I don’t have complaints. It’s kids, you know what I’m saying.”
Mike Blackwell, custodian “Pat is... one of the best bosses I’ve had in my working environment career. We all get along pretty good here in custodial.”
What Do you wish more Students did? “Find the trashcan.”
Zaraida Jimenez, custodian
|April, 2019 KNIGHTWRITERS 05
Editor's Letter By Alanna Felton Editor-in-Chief
It seems like just yesterday that I was drafting my first editor's letter for volume 59 of Knight Writers. Now, four issues of Knight Writers later, I am just a week away from saying goodbye to Robinson Journalism for good. This year's staff has produced four of the best issues of Knight Writers that I have ever seen, earning us a gold ranking for print from FSPA.Many members of the 2018-2019 staff were new to editorial positions or new to journalism altogether, and I cannot thank them enough for their dedication and creativity. You all have made this newspaper what it is, and should be incredibly proud of yourselves. Knight Writers and RHS Today both also owe an enormous debt to our sponsor, Joanie Oben. You have always been available to answer questions, brainstorm, and help us work through problems, but you have also taught your students the value of self-reliance and independence. I am deeply grateful for the time and support you have always given the newspaper. As difficult as it will be to leave, I know that the newspaper will be in good hands. Robinson's newspaper program has grown so much in the short time that I have been a part of it, and I can't wait to see how it continues to evolve.
Red should not be used to decorate the school if it is not one of our official school colors
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obinson's school colors are black, white, grey and silver. This does not include red. These colors are an important part of our school history, it's been this way since 1959 and they are now part of so many school traditions. Our athletes wear uniforms with these color schemes. Students dress in these colors and paint their faces with them to show their school spirit at sporting events. These colors decorate school merchandise such as clothing, planners, and water bottles. However, in the new sign marking the entrance to the media center and in the auditorium, red accents have been added to the traditional RHS color scheme. The staff of Knight Writers is confused by
Editor-In-Chief Alanna Felton
Managing Editor Morgan Brazier
News Editor
Nicole Perdigon
this decorative decision. Red isn't a part of our official school colors, so why are we using it to decorate our school? Not only does red not belong in Robinson's color scheme, red and black are the official colors of Hillsborough High School. If we include red as one of our school colors, we will be matching with Hillsborough which would be ridiculous. If the purpose for adding red to the signs is to generate visual interest with a varied color scheme, then we would like to point out that there are a wide range of greys which could be worked into a sign's design. All of the preexisting school signs and decorations match the
By The Robinson Journalism Staff Robinson color scheme, so adding red to the new signs at the media center and auditorium is unnecessary. White, black, grey, and silver may be neutral colors, but that doesn't mean they can't be to a variety of interesting uses. Robinson should work with the many options that it has already rather than adding additional colors which have nothing to do with our school. The Knight Writers staff would like to ask that the school refrain from any future attempts to add unnecessary colors to our perfectly good color scheme. Photo by M. Brazier
sound off:
don't kiss. I hate it
What do students think about PDA in the hallways?
School hallways are not the place for public displays of affection By Jules Whitaker Features Editor
Dear couples at Robinson, I am late to class. There are approximately five minutes between each period, those five minutes are used to get water, go to the bathroom and then the obvious— get to the next class. This time is not scheduled PDA time. The hallways are narrow enough without adding the obstacle course you create when you wrap yourself around your significant other. Public displays of affection, or PDA, is defined
Illustration by E. Brown
The Knight Writers newspaper is published by the eighth period journalism II-V class at Robinson High School.
Opinion
Editorial: Our color is not red
Sports Editor
Macy McClintock
A&E Editor
Amelia Foster
Features Editor
Jules Whitaker
Opinion Editor
Natalia McCalla
loosely as acts of intimacy. Kissing, touching or that sweet embrace from your partner is good and fine, but the problem is where that act takes place. One place it should not be happening is school. It's disrespectful, inconsiderate and kinda gross. These hallways just aren't big enough for all of us and in the long-run and short-run, education trumps high school relationships. On top of the problem of couples being on top of each other, backpacks instantly turn this inconvenience into a border wall between me and my education. In both instances, the world is better off without the wall created by your ignorance. Other than being an inconvieniance to everyone around you, making out with your significant other is not something other people want to see. You are not staring in the next romantic teen movie so please separate yourselves and go to class. Generally, schools are a cesspool of germs and poor hygiene and chances are high that the kid sitting next to you did not wash their hands last time they used the bathroom. With that in mind, I cannot think of a less romantic place to have a make-out sesh. Aside from germs, it also gives a bad impression to your teachers if whenever they see you outside of class with "Chad's" tongue is in your mouth.
Design & Multimedia Editor Emersyn Brown
Staff
Alyssa Acosta Racquel Ingram Jack Kirk Meena Vasquez Jasmine Vidovich Ella Wertz Anna Woodward
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: 8:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. Population 1536 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 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’
"I think PDA is you know disgusting, you shoiuld keep that private and not in public" -Jeremy molina ('20) "I feel like PDA shouldn't be displayed in the hallways...it's like doing it at church." - Kiana Person ('19)
"It's illegal, it shouldn't be allowed"
-Josh Renslow ('21)
'I think it's fine in moderation but when I look over at lunch and see them eating each other I don't feel hungry anymore." -Alexis McWilliams ('21)
Code of Ethics
Policies
For more information about the staff policies, follow this link rhstoday. com/about/staff-policies
Publication Memberships
06 KNIGHT WRITERS | sports|December, 2018
SPORTS
Boys tennis team rallies without a coach
Due to coaching changes within the program, the boys tennis team was left without a coach for the season
By Meena Vasquez Staff Writer
we have a van.” said Melissa Mousseau, economics and social studies teacher. She has helped drive the boys team in the past. ost successful sports team have not only talented The students have been working together to make sure athletes, but a talented coach as well. However, the team keeps informed. Robinson’s boys tennis team has had to pave their path to “I feel like there’s not much of a problem. Maybe a little success without a coach by their side. less organized, but that’s okay,” team captain Sam Smith There was some turnover this year for the tennis (‘19) said. “I feel like me and Nikhil Pardeep (‘19) have program. Girls coach Maureen Pelamati stepped down to done a pretty good job at making sure everyone knows focus on theater. Boys coach Lisa Ceely-Deranth moved where they’re supposed to be, what they’re supposed to into the girls tennis position. Leaving do, and help them with strokes and the boys team without a head coach. stuff.” Not having a coach Since then, the position has remained Other team members feel the same, was worrisome in the unfilled all season. such as Nimel Pardeep (‘21). “[A lot of people think that] if they beginning but the two “Not having a coach was worrisome don’t play tennis, they can’t coach, where in the beginning but the two captains captains have been doing a basically you can. I don’t play tennis have been doing a great job keeping great job... anymore but I played it when I was up with games and practices,” Nimel -Nimel Pardeep (‘21) younger,” Derathe said. “But maybe they Pardeep said. “I’m lucky enough to thought it could be too difficult or if have my brother drive me to games they don’t know how to play tennis they but the few times I’ve been in an admin’s wouldn’t be a good coach.” car there have been no problems.” With no coach, that means there’s no stable way of The absence of a coach has left many team members transportation to games. The administration and other to undertake responsibilities. For example, every match teachers have stepped in. The school provides a van day Smith goes to Niki Lockett, Assistant Principal for for the tennis team to go to matches an a member of Administration, and writes in which athletes are playing adminstration drives them. It doesn’t spark problems for that day. He’s also responsible for the practice tennis balls the admin and team members though. and is the figure head for the front office if anyone needs “The district rents us a van. [It’s not cramped because] to talk about problems with the tennis team.
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“I feel like a lot of people have stepped up to be able to help us at matches with food and stuff,” Smith said. “I feel like it’s helped us grow as people a little bit. I mean, it would be nice to have a coach. But we’ve all taken up the responsibility, I think its helped us bond better as a team.”
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Tennis captain Nikhil Pardeep (‘19) prepares to serve. Nikhil is one of two captains who have stepped up this season because there is no coach. Photo by M. McDowell.
Robinson athletes awarded Heart of a Champion By Jasmine Vidovich Staff Writer wo Robinson athletes— a cheer captain and a flag football captain— have been nominated for the Heart of a Champion award. Soccer and flag football caption Sophie Bailey (‘19) and Alex Takagishi (‘19) are Robinson’s nominees for this year. Launched in 1997, the Heart of a Champion Foundation is a non-profit organization that actively teaches and supports students with great citizenship and sportsmanship qualities. The Foundation also provides educators with materials to teach these qualities. Heart of a Champion encourages those athletic students to have courage, drive, determination and heart. The scholarship, along with recognizing the achievement and character of its recipients, serves as financial aid. ”I’m very grateful and excited about it [the award] and I think it’s a really great opportunity to put money towards my education,” Bailey said. In addition to recognizing athletes for their hard work and community-centered deeds, the award helps the nominees recognize those qualities within themselves. ”Cheerleading is a team sport,” Takagishi (‘19) said. “As captain, I have to be motivating and show the team what to do and help them throughout it all.”
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The Heart of a Champion Foundation also stresses the importance of a strong character, something commonly found among many prominent athletes. “Having strong character helps you with a lot of things other than sports,” Takagishi said. “It helps me with school, and shows that I am a dedicated person.” Since the coaches are the ones who nominate the athletes for this award, a nominations shows that a student has made a good impression throughout years of practices, games and tournaments. “When Sophie first started football her freshman year, she was a pretty good athlete, but not extremely fluid in running,” said Joshua Saunders, head flag football coach. “The thing that we see more from her is her ability to move side-to-side and the ability to become a better athlete than what she was, and most of that is her determination to get better.”
Star Showcase
Sophie Bailey and Alex Takagishi are both Robinson’s nominations for the Heart of the Champion award.
Sports showcases highlights two "hot shots" of Robinson athletics. Each issue will feature a few standout athletes from the current sports season.
Drew Verez ('19)
Alexis Smith ('19)
Verez (‘19) has been playing Lacrosse on the Robinson team for all four years of his high school career. He plans attending Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University, and will continue to play Lacrosse in his college career. “My freshman and sophomore year I wanted to go to school for lacrosse and later on realized that life has more to offer than just lacrosse” Verez said. “I want to take advantage of it and use Lacrosse as a gateway into my school of choice”
Smith (‘19) has played on the Robinson softball team for all four years of her high school tenure, and is now a team captain in her senior year. Smith is near the top of almost every batting stat on the team. After high school, Smith will be attending Nova Southeastern University on a softball scholarship, which will be a new experience for her. “I’ve lived in Tampa my whole life,” Smith said. “It’s a completely different area.”
December, 2018 | sports | KNIGHT WRITERS 07
Opinion: Swept Off Their Skates By Macy McClintock Sports Editor
62 wins. This feat was unprecedentedamazing. Yet now, this statistic is sad, and to some, quite pathetic. A few weeks ago, I began writing a story on the Tampa Bay Lightning. They had just won the President’s Cup and tied an NHL record for the most wins in a single season. They led the league with 128 points. They were on absolute fire. And now here we are. All it took was four painful games that left Lightning fans speechless. As a diehard Tampa Bay sports fan, I had never realized how much we depended on the Lightning for a chance at winning until this devastating, rather embarrassing, playoff season.I’ve seen my fair share of Bucs and Rays letdowns, yet the Lightning have always seemed to bounce back. But not this time. I don’t know if there’s one person to blame. We have an all-around talented roster and strong coach. But I sense a bit of complacency. The Lightning have been so close year after year, with comeback after comeback. I was expecting that same comeback again this year- and I think the players may have been as well. That’s what I blame for the Lightning’s takedown. But I also see it as a wakeup call and in a weird way, not the worst thing that could have happened. Although I’ve said this before, I think next season the Lightning can win it all. This time, I really do mean it.
SPORTS
Knights fall to Dragons 5-1 in an error-filled night
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n Robinson’s second match-up with the Jefferson Dragons this season, it was the Knights’ errors and lack of offensive production that lead to a 5-1 loss. ”If you don’t put up any runs you lose onehundred percent of those [games],” Coach Kevin McCray said. “Not only did we not put up any runs hardly, we gave them four unearned on errors.” The game started with the first error coming on the fourth at bat by Jefferson, putting the score to 1-0 in the first inning and setting the tone for the rest of the game.The next three innings saw no runs from either team, although Robinson got a few hits that they failed to convert into runs. Koby Fogg (‘19) pitched for most of the game and was relieved during the top of the seventh inning by Michael Swanson (‘19). Fogg gave up four runs while pitching, while also notching four strikeouts. ”I feel like I did pretty well,” Fogg (‘19) said.” I didn’t walk too many people.” The fifth inning saw Jefferson extend their lead by a run off of another error by Robinson. Robinson responded in the sixth inning when, first, in the top of the inning, Fogg got all three of the batters that stepped up out, with the first
batter out on a caught pop-fly and the next two out to ground outs. The Knights finally got on the scoreboard as Kenny Keller (‘20) scored Robinson’s first and only run as Isaiah Tosado (‘19) hit a double that ran Keller to home-plate. At the top of the seventh inning, the Dragons ran away with the lead, adding on three more runs, two off of errors, to bring the score to 5-1. Once Swanson got Jefferson’s offense off the field, Robinson ran out of time to come back as, despite two singles, Jefferson put the game away. ”Overall we didn’t hit very well but we made a few errors also,” Fogg (‘19) said. “It wasn’t as good as we can play.” One game is not an indication on how the rest of the season will go, however, as baseball is a very volatile sport. ”It’s high school baseball, so there’s not a lot of carryover from game to game,” McCray said. Despite the loss, the team is looking past this game and focusing on the future. ”[We will] hopefully see them in the playoffs.” catcher Isaiah Tosado (‘19). The Knights will face off against the Newsome Wolves on April 30 at 7:00 p.m. ( 16550 Fishhawk Blvd, 33547).
By Jack Kirk Staff Writer
Isaiah Tosado (‘19) attempts to steal third base.
Left: Senior Koby Fogg hits the ball. Right: Senior Michael Swanson chases after a Jefferson runner during the play.
Wrestling for the Win Emma Jones places third in second division By natalia McCalla Opinion editor Emma Jones is different than most girls. She in on the Robinson varsity wrestling team -The only girl on the varsity team- with wrestling being known as a male dominated sport Jones being on the team says a lot. Jones wrestled in the Girls state competition in Kissimmee at 117 lbs, because of her low weight she had to wrestle up. She won third place in second division. Jones said she’s highly dedicated and she thrives in a male dominated environment. Every athlete has obstacles they have to overcome whether it’s mentally and physically, they go hand in hand. In Emma’s case her challenges only made her push herself to be better and work harder. ”The challenges in wrestling are keeping your endurance up (running everyday), improving your strength (girls at this age are not as strong as the guys), and believing
in myself (the confidence),” Jones said. Jones began wrestling when she was in the seventh grade when her brother came home, “He came home one day and told me that I couldn’t beat him, so it became a sibling rivalry,” Jones said, Jones’ success is partially credited to her friends and family, with a slight sibling rivalry Jones had motivation to keep practicing, leading up to her success. ”My biggest mentor is my dad, because the first thing he told me before I started doing wrestling was that I’m entering into a boys sport, and so I have to out work the boys become stronger them. My dad and mom are my emotional support because they’ve always told me I have done great,” she said. Jones’ parents and coach have played a significant role in her journey to success, along with her fellow teammates. Treating her like a sister and helping her improve every step of the way over the three years. Even the coach, Thomas Montero, feels a very strong connection with Jones and thinks of her as part of the family as well as the teammates. ”In the first five seconds of seeing her wrestle I knew she was good, I like her determination, she’s tough this is the first Robinson girl wrestler to place in state.” Coach Montero said. ”She didn’t get the easy matches she got the hard matches. She had to wrestle the 7th ranked and 3rd ranked girls in state and she was winning.” Motivation and support seem to be the key to Jones’ success. Although she didn’t win first place she achieved goals outside of the competition, Emma Jones poses with her medal she proved her skill in a male dominated sport.
Lacrosse Photo Gallery Boys lacrosse beat Freedom 11-2 on their senior night April 5, 2019. Scan this QR code to see a photo gallery from the game.
BRINGING THE (DAIRY) KHALID’s free spirit isn’t JOY BACK TO TAMPA a&E
as free as he thinks Jack kirk staff writer halid is one of my favorite artists, so after he announced that he would be releasing his sophomore album “Free Spirit,” I was over the moon. The album is 17 tracks long, and, while I feel that every song was good and enjoyable, there is a major flaw with the project. The album is called Free Spirit, and yet it feels like he trapped himself in a box by singing the same type of song over and over again. Of the 17 songs, 11 are love songs. Love songs are Khalid’s bread and butter, but I wish that he ventured out more and sang about more topics. Despite the abundance of songs about love, “Outta My Head” stands out with a 90’s music video vibe, making me want to go find the nearest dance floor and get down. A big reason that this song breaks into it’s own is the feature of pop legend John Mayer. While Mayer doesn’t utter a word on the track, his signature guitar breaks out in the instrumental, giving the song a sense of individuality. There is another love song that stood out to me, however, and that is “Heaven.” Most of Khalid’s songs in the past have been pop earworms that you listen to with your friends to just have a good time. This song takes a much different approach, being a dramatic ballad that gave me goosebumps during the first few listens. I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes the song you hear at every wedding for the newlyweds’ first dance together while both families sob at how beautiful the moment is. Khalid takes a good look in the mirror and gets introspective on the song “Self.” While the sound of the song is very standard for Khalid and it doesn’t stand out
Ella Wertz staff writer
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Khalid’s “Free Spirit” album art
musically, the lyrics are deeply vulnerable and tell his story. Khalid is completely exposed in this song, which I think comes from a place where he feels more comfortable sharing his personal life with his fan base. While “Self ” is a look inside, “Hundred” is a song about more of the external things that are impacting him. The first half of the song is a very upbeat anthem about letting negativity roll off your back and just keeping focus on what you want. It reminds me of those cheesy Disney channel songs about being yourself you would hear all the time in elementary school, minus the cheesiness. In the second half of the song the instrumental cuts back a little and Khalid sheds more light on what’s behind his laid-back attitude.You can hear the pain in his voice as he talks about fighting his demons and cutting off people he felt were using him. I don’t know if this album showed Khalid’s free spirit, but it showed Khalid’s growth as both an artist as a person, which was what I really wanted out of the album.
airy Joy is a favorite stop for any person when they need a little pick me up or are just in need of a sweet treat. Dairy joy first served customers in South Tampa in 1958, but the beloved dessert destination needed some major upgrades after it was bought by Xtreme Juice, a local smoothie shop. After the purchase, Dairy Joy temporarily closed as the new owners gave a little TLC to the favored shop. I’ve been going to Dairy Joy ever since I was little. The shop holds a special place in my heart, but anyone could see that it was falling apart with the old, low to the ground tables and one poorly lit eating space. After the renovations, the local spot looked completely different. The chipped white paint had been re-painted with bright colors like pink and mint green, new tables were installed and lights were strung across the sitting area. The added flooring brightened up the area and covered the previously dirty concrete. The changes created a 1950’s diner feel, which uplifted the whole environment. These changes re-installed the joy that had been missing in the dark, uninviting atmosphere of the ice cream shop. The added colors made the whole building pop and re-focused the design on their famous neon-colored light up sign.Dairy Joy didn’t stop at changing their appearance and adding some new paint and lights-they now offer a completely new factor to the local spot by offering pizza and other foods. Right next to the building is a Westshore Pizza and Delicious Cheesesteak food truck which offers burgers, hoagies, chicken tenders, grilled cheeses, pizza, sandwiches and more.
LIVE-ACTION REMAKES STIFLE CREATIVITY
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isney’s new trend of live-action remakes of their already classic films is quite possibly the worst aspect of modern Hollywood in reference to creativity. No one wants to sit in a theater for two hours just to see a film they already know the exact plot of, and the excessive use of CGI just makes the film look tacky. Over the past five years, Disney has released seven live-action remakes, almost twice the amount of all the remakes released in years before. The sheer amount of remakes just makes it look like a cash grab on Disney’s part, with five more movies already confirmed to be released within the next two years. By spending time and money on something they’ve already done instead of searching for new ideas, Disney limits creativity where they once promoted it. Disney became big because of their animations, and for a reason--their animated movies are undoubtedly the best they’ve produced. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, Disney’s first animated movie, completely changed film, but Disney is stuck in the past instead of focusing on their future. One of my specific issues is that their remakes are just a repetition of the same plot. If you’re going to remake a film, do it from a new perspective or put a twist ending on it. That’s why “Maleficent” is the only remake I’ll watch because they flipped the script and focused on the villain, the rest I’d rather just watch in their original art form.
Why fix it if it isn’t broken is one of the most common idioms, yet Disney hasn’t seemed to grasp the concept. There’s nothing wrong with 2-D animation, and it often allows more freedom in the story because it increases the suspension of reality in the audience. Animation shouldn’t be considered a lesser art form when even age-old animation is still beautiful and timeless, while even the most modern CGI will be ugly in dated in less than a decade. I mean, who hasn’t marveled at “Cinderella” or “Sleeping Beauty’s” animation while simultaneously cringing at CGI from the early 2000’s. Repeating the classics only creates the chance to ruin the original movie. The recent “Dumbo” took all the heart and emotion from the story and made it seem plastic; the original “Mulan” is my favorite Disney film, yet the upcoming movie has taken the music and the main love interest out of it--two of the things that make the movie worth watching. The best example of all of these faults is the remade “Beauty and the Beast.” The original film’s ballroom scene is one of the most beautiful moments in animation yet the remake’s version looks overdone. They changed Belle’s iconic yellow dress into a plain and unimaginative one. Worse, the change from 2D to real life made Belle’s once lively character into a flat and boring character whose one personality trait is liking science, yet it adds nothing to the plot.
Live-action remakes, while nostalgic, suppress creativity in the worst ways. The CGI is ugly, the plots are predictable because we’ve already seen them and the films are always better as 2-D animation. I’d much rather watch an original Disney movie, at least then I’ll be entertained.
Dairy Joy’s perfect swirl with rainbow sprinkes set up against the new renovations. Photo by A. Foster
Dairy Joy has also updated their technology to keep up with the changing times. You no longer must search for floating change in your couch cushions or cash in your wallet because they accept credit and debit cards. However, even with these changes, the integrity and the desserts we all love still reign true. Along with the great tasting desserts, the friendly service is always a bonus. The employee’s always work with a smile and never hesitate to fill your ice cream needs.Their ice cream still has the same taste that we all remember and love. My personal favorite is the classic swirl ice cream in a waffle cone with sprinkles. This order is classic and timeless, yet Dairy joy still manages to make it better than anywhere else. Dairy Joy is the perfect one-stop destination for a great dinner and dessert. I mean, who doesn’t love pizza and ice cream? By Amelia Foster A&E editor Left image: Belle’s dress lacks the flair from the orginal, instead it has been turned into a plain yellow dress with light ruffles. The feel of the scene is boring, plain and overly formal. Right image: Belle’s dress has its iconic bright yellow design with the off the shoulder sleeves that contrasts well against the ornate background. The overall mood is romantic, as if they actually want to be Left image is a Right image is a there. promotional poster screenshot from the movie