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Robinson High School 6311 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33616
Volume 58, Issue 4 |April, 2018
news
What’s inside
opinion
REad the Open letter from natalia Mccalla
sports
Take a look at a photo gallery of boys basketball and read about the cheer team’s recent success
feature
Saying goodbye to our senior staffers
A&E
pg 2
Find out why physics students are frustrated with their class
Prepare for Spring with these new fashion trends
pg 4
pg 6
pg 5
pg 8
ONE CAMPUS, TWO SCHOOLS
Students feel a disconnect between the IB and traditional programs
By Macy Mclintock & Natalia McCalla Managing Editor & Staff Writer hen the bell rings signaling the end of class, only about 66% of students step out into the hallway. Not because others refuse to leave, but because there are two separate sides to Robinson; it is not one cohesive high school. Out of the 1,638 students at Robinson, approximately 500 make up the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme that runs much differently than the traditional program. Because of this, Robinson seems to hold two different schools, divided by scheduling and coursework. According to the American Psychological Association, 27% of teenagers endure “extreme stress” during high school-- only 21% of adults experience “extreme stress” due to work and home life. Even if not in an accelerated program like IB, students are loaded with hard tests, homework and the general stress of high school. So, why is the IB program so distant from the rest of Robinson and receive so many additional privileges? The IB program runs on a “block schedule,” so that students have four 90-minute classes a day, while the traditional students have seven 50-minute classes. This calls for a completely different bell schedule and lunch period. The only times during the day when a traditional student and IB student see each other is during traditional electives that an IB student can opt to take, clubs which meet once a month and afterschool activities, such as sports, theater and band. Despite sharing one campus, segregation is ever present. But the issue of separation delves much deeper than the layout of the school day.
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In December, after the freshman IB Spanish teacher suddenly left, traditional Spanish teacher Fernando Tudanca immediately vacated his class to pick up the IB position. This same problem occurred in March, when past AP Environmental Science (APES) teacher Sarah Sanford left her job as a teacher in the traditional program to transition m. mcclintock into the freshman IB IB student Nicole Perdigon (‘20) and traditional student Nathalie Monroy (‘19) stand for a phoscience department. to ilustration depicting the stereotypes for their respected programs. A substitute teacher student interactions. The Foundation focuses taught APES for a month until a replacement more on school improvements, such as funding was hired. the refillable water stations and the blue tarp at “There’s a big misconception that there’s a the school and PTSA offers student scholarships big gap between traditional and IB students, but and provides teachers with appreciation meals when it really comes down to it, kids are kids and grants. and they are going to behave like kids,” Sanford On certain ACCA days, once-a-month days said. “There is a little more pressure on this side with no classes for IB students, RIBLI brings to do well, but one of the downsides is that there in USF psychologists to lead IB students in is no planning time on the IB side.” meditation strategies that can reduce stress. IB has its own fundraising event and parent IB students have to pick up a ticket from their association, Robinson High School IB Link Inc. homeroom in order to get into the meditation (RIBLI), which has sponsored ice cream socials, sessions. Traditional classes are not provided raffle drawings and special meditation days-with tickets. exclusive to IB students. Last month, a parent came to the school asking Although there are parent organizations for to buy the IB yearbook, not realizing that the both programs, like the Parent Teacher Student school has one book, not one per each program. Association (PTSA) and Robinson Foundation, With these differences the programs seem to RIBLI is the only one geared toward direct be rivals, with students feeling discrimination. Continued on page 2.
TOP OFFeaturing THEIR CLASS the Best of the Best By Cassidy Williams Staff Writer
CATHERINE JOHNSON IB VAL. “I just took classes enjoyed doing and important because you’re not dreading the extra work.”
that I that’s then doing
EVE GLENN TRAD. VAL.
“My friends helped me to maintain my social life, they also helped me maintain my academics because we studied together a lot. We all helped each other get here”
MILIN KURUP IB SAL.
“[Finding out]was a grateful moment. I wasn’t expecting it. I had always wanted to become one of the top in the class and I finally became one”
LANE JOHANSEN TRAD. SAL.
“I can’t not do my work. I’m a huge perfectionist so I just made it my mission to turn in every possible assignment were given and study really hard for tests”
SAVE THE DATE April 23
Senior Meeting (3rd period)
April 24
Cap and Gown Pick Up
April 25
IB Senior Send Off
April 28
Grad Bash
April 30
IB Exams Begin
May 5
SAT Test Day
May 7
AP Exams Begin
May 23
Class of 2018 Graduation
May 25
Last Day
Extended Coverage Want to read more on the valedictorians and saludatorians? Use Snapchat to scan this QR code.
02 KNIGHT WRITERS | News|April, 2018
NEWS
PAINTING CAMELOT
NAHS use their skills to paint murals around Robinson By Jules Whitaker & Kenzie Hatton of multiple artworks that NAHS will create Staff Writers around Robinson, with Hayle Short (‘18), the he National Art Honor Society (NAHS), president of NAHS, acting as a key player in partnered with various Robinson faculty planning paintings. The club has decided upon members, has agreed to create two murals three murals around the school’s campus, the encapsulating some of the aspects that makes third of which is the journalism logo, which Robinson more than just a school. By the request will be painted in the journalism classroom. of the journalism staff and the football coaches, the Joanie Oben, the Journalism and TV production honor society will create a mural related to each teacher, has gotten together with some of the activity: one in the TV Production room, one in the NAHS students to design the new mural. coaches’ office, and one in the boys workout room. “I really wanted to get rid of the old mural of Craig Everhart, Robinson football’s new head camera angles and I was going to do it myself, coach, asked NAHS to paint a football themed mural but Hayle Short knew that I wanted to get rid of it in the coaches’ office in an attempt to elicit more and offered the club’s assistance in creating a new student body involvement with the sports team. mural for the wall,” Oben said. “At this time, we had just built a new coaches The inspiration for the design came from office down in the P.E. wing. [The office] is nice, but Oben’s original logo for Robinson journalism, h. short it has bare walls,” Everhart said. “I was thinking, Member Nic Narvades (‘19) spray paints the journalism logo in the TV production room. “We and with the creative minds of the students, what better way than to get some nice art work on worked hard an are very proud of it,” Narvades said. “I think it turned out very well overall. has become a lively spray paint adaptation. the walls than to use our students?” Vice President Juliana Heath (‘19) is excited to bleachers look like during Friday night lights. Along with With the help of the art society students, the mural that will be created in the coaches office, the finish and see the final product. Everhart’s ideas will soon become a reality. students will paint the phrase “three more feet”, the team’s “It’s still a work in progress,” Heath said, ”but I think it Everhart’s vision of the wall is to be the creative motto, on a black board that will go in the workout room. will be cool to have more art around the school.” expression of NAHS, with a focus on what the home The mural in the football coaches office is just one
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ONE CAMPUS, TWO SCHOOLS Continued from page 1. “I really wish adults would stop treating traditional students like they’re inferior,” Student Government president and salutatorian of the traditional program Lane Johansen (‘18) said. “I would love if, instead of judgement and comparison, AP and IB students gave each other support and encouragement.” Out of the 1100 students currently in the traditional program, 35% are in AP classes, yet they can be overshadowed by IB kids. “I’m in four [AP courses] now and I’ve taken three in the past... they are pretty rigorous,” said Alyssa Collier (‘19), who is currently ranked third in the junior class. “I know that [IB students] have a lot of challenges too. I think it depends on the course, some AP classes are really hard and some IB classes are hard, [it] just depends.” But it goes beyond students. IB teachers get a T-pay roll because they don’t receive a student-free planning period. Instead, they supervise a “JA”, or an IB study hall. (Traditional students aren’t given a study hall.) And separation is depicted in student interactions, as IB and traditional students often fall under stereotypes, as false as they may be. “[The stereotypes are typically that] IB is more smart, white, really rich,” Ava Alcaraz, a traditional
sophomore, said. “And traditional is more ghetto, more ‘I don’t care about school’, more ‘I want to get out of here.’” Students from other schools have similar views of Robinson due to the traditional population and IB is seen to make up for that. “I had to bring two people from Academy [of the Holy Names] here, and when they entered the school, they were terrified of the place,” IB junior Dominic Mazza said. “I took them to the bathroom and went to talk to a teacher about something and left, and they called me panicking because they were terrified of the place and thought they were going to get mugged or something when I left them.” “It didn’t make sense to me why they said that, I didn’t know why that perception was thrown out there,” Mazza said. Although both sides may fall under stereotypes and the school may seem separated, it is still one campus and still one student body. The issue of traditional and IB separation has been a topic of debate for years now, but until administration takes action and people stop the judgements and move past the stereotypes, Robinson will remain separated.
BAND MARCHES TO DC By Nicole Perdigon Staff Writer o some, traveling to new places is a routine thing. To others, it’s a rare opportunity that is cherished. That’s why band director Christopher Revett plans a trip to Washington D.C. every four years, to allow every band kid an opportunity to travel at least once in their high school career. David Navas (’20), a member of the drum line, has never traveled out of the state before, making this trip extremely special for him. “Seeing just how many things have happened before and had taken so many lives... I had never really seen that in scale and it puts it into perspective,” Navas said. “I liked the national cemetery because it was really impactful seeing all those gravestones with the people who served in the military.” Although about 80 kids from the band got to go on the trip, a signifigant amount missed out on the opportunity due to financial issues. The total cost of this years trip was 700 dollars, and was paid with monthly payments rather than
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paying the hefty fee all at once. Bryce Buckland (’18) has been in the band program for four years and holds an upper leadership position that allowed him to get a better understanding of the financial issues some students had. “I know there were some individuals that really wanted to go but couldn’t due to finances, and it’s unfortunate that it has to be this way,” Buckland said, “If there’s any way that we can kind of alleviate that pressure in the future that’s something
courtesy of s. krinos
Sophie Krinos (‘19), Corrine Lara (‘20), Christopher Revett, Camille Lara (‘18) & Sam Garcia (‘20) sit on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial while on their trip to Washington D.C,. The band takes this trip every four years.
Trending on rhstoday.com
“Enough is Enough”
Senior achieves her dream
By Alanna Felton A&E Editor
By Macey Hatton Staff Writer
The march in Tampa last Saturday, March 24, was just one of over eight hundred that took place around the nation and the world calling for an end to gun violence. Visit rhstoday.com to read this story.
Many high school students’ dream is to get into their dream college. And for Lane Johansen (‘18) that dream became a reality... Visit rhstoday.com to read this story. j. whitaker
we would definitely want to do.” Despite the struggle with money that many kids faced regarding this trip, it seemed they enjoyed the experience. “The importance that all those memorials and monuments play within our history and our culture is always more exciting to them then they think it would be,” Revett said. “They really get engrossed in it and they start to appreciate things that men and women have done in our history to shape this country.”
m. hatton
Water Wars gets washed away By Morgan Brazier Staff Writer
Every year, seniors at Robinson compete in a competition called Water Wars where students make teams, plot, ambush, and attack each other - all with water guns. But this year, though Water Wars is said to be unaffiliated with the school and county, administrators thought the festivities got a little out of hand and the competition was almost cancelled. Visit rhstoday.com for more.
April, 2018 | News | KNIGHT WRITERS 03
News
APRIL IS FOR MILITARY KIDS It’s official: April is the month of the military child in Hillsborough County By Brooke Volpi Staff Writer
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n a recent district meeting, the Military Child Education Coalition officially declared April to be the month of the military child in Hillsborough County. Army kid Kennedie Crockrell (‘18) was chosen to attend the meeting as a representative for all military children in all of Hillsborough. To her, the importance of the honorary month stretched far beyond recognition for military kids. “The month to me means that my teachers, my parents, my friends, we can all come together to support each other,” Crockrell said. “It makes me feel good to be a military kid and serve with my parents.” When asked about the motivation behind the change, Lauren Bush, head of military coordination at Robinson, said, “It’s really a time to acknowledge the service and sacrifice that military kids make every day. It’s really an opportunity to celebrate and honor them.”
Many military kids, feel as though their service is overlooked. Even though these kids serve just like their parents, some students feel that they are rarely recognized for it. It’s true - military life is not their choice. Unlike their parents, they didn’t choose the life of being moved around. They didn’t choose the life of being removed from their friends, their sports teams, and their teachers. However, even though it’s not their decision, these kids roll with the punches and remain upstanding members of their schools, sports teams, and communities, and Robinson is proud to be home to almost 300 military students from all different branches of the military. MeghanGibbons(19),whosedadisaLieutenantColonelinthe Marine Corp, offers her hopes for incoming military families. “I think military awareness month is good for kids who are just arriving in a new area,” Gibbons said. “It gives them the opportunity to share their story, and it gives others the chance to learn more about the lifestyle of these families.”
GYM GETS A NEW LOOK
By Morgan Brazier Staff Writer
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n Monday, March 19, renovations began on the Robinson gymnasium. This is the first time that the gym has been completely refinished in over seven years. The plans for the gyms reconstruction include complete refinishing of the gym floor along with a new decoration. “I feel like it’s really good [that the gym is being redone] because a lot of people, especially players, have been complaining about how dusty the court is,” basketball player Quentin Burney (‘20) said. “I feel like redoing the basketball floor was a good way to use the money, especially when the athletics at the school are always downsized.” However, some students are curious as to why the school is redoing the gym instead of something else around the school. Anyone that has been on the Robinson campus may have noticed there is no
shortage of possible renovations. The reason the school could not use the money for a different project is because the renovations on the gym were a senior class gift, meaning the money
has already been allocated to the gym renovations. The seniors of 2017 had a few different options for
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Kennedie Crockrell (‘18) speaks to military families during a meeting on Friday, April 13. Crockrell recently spoke in a district meeting as a representative for military kids in all of Hillsborough.
NOT-SO PRIVATE their class gift but agreed that the gym renovations were the most needed. “I’m excited because the gym classes are going to get a new floor, all the sports teams are going to be able to enjoy it, for pep rallies it’s going to have a brand new floor, new paint, its going to be exciting,” Abby Patterson (‘20), Student Government Adviser, said. As for the actual design of the gym renovations, those are meant to be a surprise and the new gym will be revealed in April. According to Niki Lockett, assistant principal for administration, the new gym will be “fantastic!”. The gym renovations were completed on Tuesday, April 17, just before the national honor society inductions on the 18 and will be ready to show to incoming freshman to kick off the next school year.
Posting online is not just for you and your friends. Nothing is private anymore
By Lillian Martin boss, or more realistically News Editor for high schoolers, a magine posting something parent. In one case, a simple “funny” on snapchat, not screenshot led to two thinking too much about students suspended and who is going to see it. one expelled from Chapel Now imagine getting Hill Middle School expelled from school in North Carolina for because of it. negative postings they While this may seem made about a teacher. far fetched to some, it’s a There have been dozens reality for others who have and dozens of more cases suffered consequences extremely similar to this from posts that they have one, not only in middle made on social media. school and high school, but Instagram, Snapchat, leading in to college and Facebook, Twitter - all of the workplace. these are platforms for It’s not only things like people to freely post what screenshots that limit they want. And some privacy, but the internet in people do just that. Scan this QR code to see a itself is a major contributor To many. a perfect world video about the new gym to loss of privacy options would include anything floors, produced by the KNN within social media. posted online being kept Morning Show. Accounts that were created private, and between us several years ago may not and only the people we be running anymore, but allow to let see it. they are still up for the Unfortunately, that’s world to see for an infinite not really how the internet amount of time. But thankfully, not having their works. “The “The senior privileges did not completely internet is only ruin their senior year. The only privacy forever, ” Not having senior privileges privacy online is perceived Miles definitely was a let down to the class online is Young, privacy as you of 2018, but that has not stopped them perceived Warden from making the most of their last privacy ultimately can’t of New year here at Robinson. Their final year as you control what others College, here has had its flaws and drawbacks, ultimately Oxford, can/will see. but “it has certainly been one to can’t said. “If control remember,” Caplinger said. -Adam Mclane you share what a embarrassing photo, a others can/will see. If questionable opinion, or a you post something negative status update, it online, even on a private will stick around forever as account… it’s still online well - even when you think and 100% public,” Adam it’s gone.” Mclane, author and social Old MySpace accounts, media researcher, said. old Vines, and pictures that To better understand were thought to be deleted this, think of screenshots long ago can even be found for example. Even if an simply by Googling a account is kept private, name. And that’s just one anyone that’s allowed to example of this. view that account has the It’s important to be opportunity to screenshot a weary of what is posted on post and send it to whoever social media, because once they please. In extreme m. hatton it’s posted, it’s there to stay cases, this post could even Caroline Caplinger (‘18) eats her lunch while forever; even if you’re end up being shown to a sitting in the courtyard, a past senior privilege. on private. school administrator, a
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Underprivileged Seniors By Macey Hatton Staff Writer ith less than two months left before they graduate, seniors are embracing their last moments here at Robinson. With prom, sports, classes and more, they have had a full year and some are ready to leave, while others are sad to go. Seniors have a lot to say about their high school experience as a whole, and some ideas on how to improve it for the students who will be graduating after them. To start off, a tradition that has been at Robinson for many years, the senior breakfast, has been canceled and replaced. “I’m so mad that the breakfast was canceled,” senior Caroline Caplinger (‘18) said. “It was supposed to be a great bonding time with all my senior friends.” To replace the breakfast, Robinson is hosting “Senior’s Last Knight” on May 21. There is supposed to be a DJ, inflatables, dunk tank, and they will be providing dinner as well. However this isn’t the first seniorrelated thing they have lost. For years past seniors have had certain perks such as having their own lunch line and getting early release.
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However, this years senior class has seem to have lost their privileges as well as a beloved senior tradition. One privilege they used to have was the ability to be the only class allowed to sit outside instead of the crowded tables inside the cafeteria. However, now that the new blue tarp has gone up above the courtyard and more seating has been added, seniors have lost the right of being the only class outside. “I feel like I worked four years to sit out on the patio,” Mileena Wilkins (‘18) said, “but we had to share it with juniors when it was finally my turn.” Another senior, Alexis Doran (‘18), understands where Wilkins is coming from. “We’ve gone through high school seeing all the upperclassmen getting all these things, but when it’s finally our turn, everything gets stripped from us.” A few privileges seniors did not get to enjoy this year are the senior lunch line, early release to lunch, and sometimes early release from school. “I wish we would have all the things we watched the past seniors have,” Doran says. “It’s not just me, I know it’s a lot of the senior class that feel the same way. It’s super disappointing.”
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04 KNIGHT WRITERS | OPINION |APRIL, 2018
opinion
EDITORIAL
OUR TAKE
EDITORIAL CARTOON
Journalism is not “Fake News.” Question the news By The Editorial Board ournalism currently seems to be a bit of a hot topic. With terms like activism and “fake news” being thrown around political debates on the integrity of the media, we felt compelled to give our response as student journalists. So, here it is: I have always believed that journalism is much more of a necessity than we may realize. However, I find it only natural that people are skeptical of possible biased reporting. As citizens of this country and this world today, we should never blindly accept or follow anything given to us from one single source. Questioning things isn’t unpatriotic or hateful, but good for our own knowledge. But I will say this, assuming that the media is totally skewed and filled with activists is a gross exaggeration. Journalists are human, just like their viewers. So, if there’s bias in what news organizations choose to report, the viewer shows that same “bias” in choosing what they read and what they bring into public discussion.
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I’M PROUD, NOT LOUD
Staff writer, Natalia McCalla, opens up about her struggle dealing with stereotypes surrounding her sexuality To whomever it may concern, When I first came out about three years ago, a good friend of mine told me, “you honestly seem a lot happier,” while sitting together at a birthday dinner. I wasn’t really sure what she meant by that. I’ve always seen myself as a pretty happy kid, so I asked her to elaborate. She simply responded by saying, “you seem like you’re finally just letting go.” Although we were in middle school at the time, and it’s been three years since, I remember it exactly, as if it were yesterday-- because she was right. I realized I didn’t have to hide anything anymore because who I am isn’t a secret. Most kids in middle school, and now at Robinson High School, accept me for who I am and it’s not an issue. Although coming out was a relief and I’m
The Knight Writers newspaper is published by the seventh period journalism II-V class at Robinson High School.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anna Thomas
MANAGING EDITORS
Macy McClintock Hayle Short
NEWS EDITOR
Lillian Martin
FEATURES EDITOR Ashlea Daniels
OPINION EDITOR
Cilicia Anderson
A&E EDITOR
Alanna Felton
not ashamed of who I am, I don’t need to be “Hey, this is Sarah. She’s straight by the way” or reminded and called out for being gay. I’m not a “Hey, this is my straight friend”. Most people rare species. I’m not an extraordinary discovery. don’t think of it this way. I’m glad most people I’m not necessarily something cool or something accept me and for those who don’t, thank you for to be amazed by. I’m just gay. at least keeping it to yourself. For those that are having trouble following A part of me wishes I was still in the closet, along, here’s a simple example only because I would be spared all of how others find a way to of the constant and unnecessary continuously bring it up: I gay references. Now, everything I I DON’T WANT tend to wear flannels often. say, everything I wear, how I talk TO BE SEEN OR to someone, or the way I carry My friends frequently joke, “that’s a gay outfit.” But is it INTRODUCED AS myself is always referred to as a really? Or is it just a stereotype? THE GAY GIRL OR gay attribute, but it’s not. It’s just Does a straight girl wearing a the way I am. I’m just being me. flannel look gay? Are straight REMEMBERED AS I don’t do things because I’m people constantly told they gay. I do things because ONE. “look straight” because of a shirt it’s what I like and a part they choose to wear that day? of my personality. All of my interests represent I don’t want be seen or introduced as the my individuality. I just happen to be gay. There gay girl or remembered as one. I want people is no correlation, only forced stereotypes and to know me for me, not based off of someone a preconceived list of expectations that people introducing me as, “hey, this is Natalia. She’s place on me. gay by the way” or “hey, this is my gay friend.” Three years ago, I overcame my fear of coming People don’t need the heads up to be around me. out. Now, my fear is that’s all they will ever see Think of how ridiculous this would sound: in me.
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STAFF
Abigail Meyer Amelia Foster Andrew McMillan Athena Crews Brooke Volpi Cassidy Williams Emersyn Brown Jules Whitaker Macey Hatton Mackenzie Hatton Madison Lowe Morgan Brazier Natalia McCalla
By Anna Thomas Editor-In-Chief
By Elijah Ponder Contributor
Those same discussions, by the way, are making the headlines of the stories. Journalists are the voice of the people, not for the people. They tell the stories that the people say are relevant. As high school journalists, we value integrity. We know that in the real world, the reporters have to stay out of political debates and simply tell the story from the outside looking in. As high school students, it’s challenging to isolate ourselves from our school community in order to avoid the potential conflict of interest. To do so, we would have to be the commentator in the stands and not the player on the field. And that’s just what we aim to be. Though we can’t cut out every aspect of our lives (as we don’t actually get paid for this job of ours), we come to the journalism room every day and take a look at what you, the people of Robinson, are making happen in our community. And from there, the stories are written.
By Natalia McCalla Staff Writer
Editor’s Letter
Nathalie Monroy Nicole Perdigon Paul Jennewein Ross Scaglione Tahj Phillips
PUBLICATIONS ADVISER Nancy Oben
PRINCIPAL Robert Bhoolai
ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL 6311 S. Lois Ave
Tampa, FL 33616 Phone: 813-272-3006 Fax: 813-272-3014 School hours: 7:33 a.m. to 3 p.m. Population 1640 Students 150 Staff
MISSION STATEMENT
The role and goal of all RHS Media is to inform, interpret and entertain their viewers through accurate and factual reports,
our issues of Knight Writers, over 250 published stories on RHSToday.com, numerous individual awards from FSPA, and only one month left. As a senior, it’s scary knowing that the end is approaching simply because I’m losing something that’s so familiar to me-something so close to my heart. But I find comfort in knowing that the future for this staff is so bright. They’re getting ready to do bigger and better things. So, underclassmen, now is your time. The page is yours. As for my fellow seniors, thank you for years of dedication. You’ve built this program up to what it is now and have set the foundation for so many after you. All credit goes to you. And to Ms. Joanie Oben, thank you for your unwavering support and the countless hours you put into both the paper and website. Your behind-the-scenes work is the backbone to this organization. And your mentorship and support is the backbone to my sanity. To Robinson High School, on behalf of the journalism staff, thank you for making our jobs so much fun and for being our readers. These are your stories. This is your paper.
and be accurate, fair and impartial in its coverage of issues that affect the school community. The staff of RHS Media will strive to report all issues in a legal, objective, accurate and ethical manner, according to the Society for Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics
POLICIES
For more information about the staff policies, follow this link rhstoday. com/about/staff-policies.
05 KNIGHT WRITERS | feature | April, 2018
feature
FROM US TO YOU SENIOR JOURNALISTS WRITE ONE LAST REFLECTIVE PIECE IN THEIR LAST ISSUE OF KNIGHT WRITERS LILLIAN MARTIN, NEWS EDITOR Through all the memories made,the laughs (trust me, there were a lot of them), the new and old friends, and the occasional trash can catching fire, I found a home in Robinson, especially room 112.
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ASHLEA DANIELS, FEATURE EDITOR
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l. martin
CILICIA ANDERSON, OPINION EDITOR Freshmen, if I am to offer you any advice it would be this: don’t let your future be determined by anyone else. It’s not worth it.
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I can’t explain the impact this program and shool has had on me. I made some of my best friends and memories in 112. Advisors and staffs changed, but what stays the same for me is that 112 is my escape.
ATHENA CREWS, STAFF WRITER These last three years I have made some of the best memories, had the best laughs, and have shared many emotions with my friends and family in Room 112.
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WANT TO READ MORE? Use snapchat to scan this QR code to read the full senior letters from the news staff.
ANDREW MCMILLAN
ABIGAIL MEYER
TAHJ PHILLIPS m. mcclintock
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l. martin
m. mcclintock
06 KNIGHT WRITERS | sports|April, 2018
SPORTS
2017-2018 Sports At A Glance Read the major points of the athletic year By Macy McClintock Managing Editor
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wenty teams, 10 months, three seasons. When sports are added into the equation, the school year seems to fly by for student-athletes. But as the seasons come to a close and the games wind down, cleats are hung up and Robinson uniforms are stored away for a bit-- but only for a short time of course, as the grind never truly stops. This year, Robinson experienced new successes, as well as multiple hurdles. Teams experienced an exceptional number of state appearances, saw two beloved coaches take their last steps on the field and competed in a few fight-to-the-death matchups, going both in and against Robinson’s favor. Diving into the season, the swim team sent four swimmers to the FHSAA 2A State Championships: Max Smith (‘20), Daniel DeYoung (‘19), Matthew Reinecke (‘18) and Chris Quach (‘18). Smith placed eighth in the 100 m individual relay. And to top off two district championships from the boys and girls cross country teams, cross country and track star Ethan Geiger (‘20) placed 10th at the FHSAA 3A Cross Country State Championship, taking home a medal. Following right behind them, the wrestling team ended the winter season with three state appearances: Jayden Alvarez (‘19), Devin “DJ” Jandura (‘18) who placed fourth and JaQuan Jackson (‘18) who placed sixth. Putting the medals aside, head football coach Shawn Taylor took his last steps on the football field this season to focus on his family, after 17 years as a Robinson football coach. Past offensive coordinator and current IB biology teacher Craig Everhart will take his place. Also for family reasons, girls head soccer coach Billy Helms took a teaching position at Gaither High School, after coaching Robinson girls soccer since 2009, to be miles closer to home. With Ashley “AJ” Johnson, the new volleyball coach this season, the Lady Knights (26-8) remained consistent with a 3-1 loss to Bishop Moore in the State d. robinson
Semifinals for the fourth year in row. After Alyson Gregorowicz took over as the girls basketball head coach, succeeding the resignation of Stephanie Sweeney, the Lady Knights (22-3) lost in the Regional Finals 83-52 to Lakewood High School for the second year in a row. However, not just playoff games were nerve wracking. The boys basketball team (7-17) swallowed a bitter 45-44 loss at home in their first regular-season matchup against Jesuit. Baseball suffered the same fate when they fell to Jesuit 5-4 on March 21 after scoring four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. The baseball team came back with a historic 5-2 win over Jesuit on April 11 in a 10-inning game, marking the first baseball win against Jesuit since 2007. On April 6, the softball team headed to the annual Bo Longshore Tournament in Naples, where they fell to Estero High School 2-1 in 10 innings in the first round of the tournament. Estero went on to win the tournament title. To put Robinson back in the winning column, the flag football team beat Plant 12-6 on April 4, when Emily Kemp (‘20) caught a touchdown pass in the final 47 seconds of the game to take the lead. However, two days later on April 6, the same Knights fell to Lincoln High School 7-6 in Tallahassee, making for their first loss in 28 games. With spring sports winding down their seasons, Robinson begins to put another athletic year, full of heartbreaking losses and heroic wins, in the books.
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Flag football manager Catarina Brandani (‘19) celebrates on the sidelines during their 13-6 win over Plant High School on Wednesday, April 4.
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Wide receiver Kyriece Lake (‘18) battles through the defense in the matchup against rival Plant on August 31.
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Sophomore pitcher Paul Jennewein winds up to pitch in the baseball team’s 2018 season debut, where they suffered a 7-0 loss to Plant High School on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
STAR SHOWCASE
Star Showcase is a segment in Knight Writers, introducing the "hot shots" of Robinson athletics. Each issue features a few stand-out athletes
Evan Watts (‘18)
Carolina Cassedy ('18)
In his senior season on the Robinson baseball team, catcher Evan Watts has a batting average of .283 and, as of April 15, he has 13 hits and three runs. “This season has been pretty successful,” Watts said. “Personally, this season has been a lot of fun being a senior. It’s kind of my last ride as a baseball player cause I am not planning to play in college.” m. mcclintock
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Cassedy has played basketball, cross country and lacrosse at Robinson. But, as co-captain of the lacrosse team, there’s no doubt in her mind that her focus is on the field. “Lacrosse has been my main sport over the past four years,” she said. “It’s really helped me grow as both a teammate and player.” Cassedy finished her high school career with a total of 107 goals and 40 assists.
Reaching the Finish Line By Andrew McMillan Staff Writer
April, 2018 | sports | KNIGHT WRITERS 07
SPORTS
Flag Breaks The Streak
After 28 games, the varsity flag football team becomes imperfect By Amelia Foster Staff Writer alking out on the field for the Capitol City Classic Tournament on Friday, April 6, the varsity flag football team didn’t imagine they would be losing their 28-game winning streak. The last time the Knights lost a game was two years ago, on March 26, 2016, against the Lincoln Lady Trojans, the same team they lost to on Friday, 7-6. As the spring season went on without a single loss, the Knights began to lose their spark that had brought them so far. When one never loses, losing doesn’t become an option. “You’re sort of expected to win all the time... this loss released all the pressure on us,” said Lauren King (‘18), one of four captains on the team. The Knights have beaten Lincoln twice in the past, but went into this game with a different kind of energy because of a fear of losing. “They had a sort of confidence that we didn’t [have] coming into the game. We had a sort of rivalry going,” King said. Almost two weeks after the loss to Lincoln, the same Knights fell to Alonso High School in a regular season game, 18-
12 in double overtime. The Alonso game marked the end to a 84-game winning streak against Hillsborough County teams for the Knights. “We didn’t really focus on a winning streak, just winning,” said co-captain Emily Kemp (’20). “It was a motivational thing where we saw what we can do and we work towards that.” That games don’t affect the Knights’ chances to progress to district semi-finals and the team will continue to train with a new passion in their playing. “This will allow us to rebound and play well for the rest of the season,” head coach Joshua Saunders said. “Last time we played [Lincoln] we lost, then had a two-year winning streak. If that’s the trade off then we’ll take it.” The team has played in state finals every year since 2014, and walked out as champions every time except in 2015. They progress to district semi-finals on April 25, hosted by Robinson. The girls continue to practice for future games, with intent on winning again. “This game did not define us as a team and we’ll keep pushing to continue winning,” Kemp said.
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he Robinson track team took on a challenge with the Florida State University relays on March 23 and 24. With prom being that same weekend, the team was left with only four runners: Matthew Hunter (‘20),Ethan Hunter (‘20), Richard Bennett (‘20) and Ethan Geiger (‘20). Both Matthew Hunter and Bennett ran the two mile on Saturday, finishing with personal records. Bennett came in at 10:33 and Matthew Hunter at 10:17. Geiger and Ethan Hunter ran the one mile with Geiger having a gutsy race on Friday with some of the best runners in the state of Florida and Georgia, finishing at 9:44 and placing 47th overall. “The FSU relays were really cool because of the amount of talent in both high school and college runners who were there,” Bennett said. Meanwhile, Ethan Hunter ran on Saturday with a time of 4:52, finishing in 33rd place. Overall, the team did well at the meet with Geiger being the stand-out performer because of his previous success and his race against people who were older, bigger, and stronger. All four boys set personal records at the meet and have continued to show improvement in workouts and training. The track team so far has shown great promise with their performance and, considering not a single runner on the distance team is graduating this year, it is easy to say that the team has room to keep improving. Especially junior pair Mac Hutmacher (‘19) and Andrew Bruges (‘19) (who missed the meet in favor of prom) have a year ahead of them to step up their game and show off a little more before they are done. The end of the season is approaching for the track team with districts on April 14 and regionals on April 26. But with such young talent, the era isn’t yet over.
Katie Kemp (‘21) prepares to make an offensive play as she awaits the snap of the ball in the tournament game against Lincoln High School on April 6, the game that ended the team’s winning streak.
The Celebration Of Signing day 13 athletes sign letters of intent By Anna Thomas Editor-In-Chief
dance to support their teammates and friends. “I’m glad I spent [the experience of signing] with my Robinson family,” Pardee said. “All of them are ccording to the NCAA website, “Of the nearmy brothers. ” ly 8 million students currently participating in Additionally, Andrew McMillan, who lead the high school athletics in the Unitcross country team to another district ed States, only 480,000 of championship, signed to run cross them will compete at NCAA I’m glad I spent [signing country a Tallahassee Community schools.” And Robinson added 13 day] with my Robinson College. Co-captain of the volleyball to that number. After four years on the Rob- family...All of them are my team Elly Frierson committed to Keiser University after taking her team to inson field and court, those 13 brothers. back-to-back regional championships. student-athletes reached a major -James Pardee And, one day after her last milestone on National Signing high school lacrosse game, Corey Day, April 11, as they sat down to Hendericks commited to playing sign their letters of intent to play at the collegiate at Ave Maria University. Another lacrosse player, level. This year’s graduating class has eight football Olivia Smith, signed to play at Berry University. players who have committed to taking their game Tennis player Alara Hollyfield signed with Mercer to that next level: Vincent Fuggetta (Peru State University. University), Charlie Meech (Morehead State Uni“I am super excited for all of [these student-athversity), Keshawn Morris (Crown College), James letes]. They are receiving the opportunity of a lifePardee (Ave Maria University), Wan Wilson (Stettime, ” Assistant Principle and Athletic Director son University), and Chase Volpi (Samford UniNiki Lockett said. “I have a personal relationship versity). Eann Johnson (Northwest Missouri State) with all my athletes... This is bittersweet because and Tevin Fordham (West Liberty University) had they’ve been here all four years that I’ve been here.” already signed with their colleges but sat in atten-
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Senior Chase Volpi, safety and co-captain of the varsity football team, signs his letter of intent to play at Samford University.
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Tennis player Alara Hollyfield (‘18) and runner Andrew McMillan (‘18) share a laugh as they prepare to sign their letters of intent at the ceremony.
Trending On RHSToday.com The Historic Win
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Ausby’s Lifestyle
By Cilicia Anderson Opinion Editor
By Abigail meyer Staff Writer
After a 5-4 loss to Jesuit on March 21, the baseball team came back with their first win against the Tigers in 11 years on April 11. Go to rhstoday.com to read the story.
Sophomore Myron Ausby has dedicated much of his life to track early on in his high school career. Go to rhstoday.com to read the profile on Ausby. a. meyer
Lax Photo Gallery By Anna Thomas Editor-In-Chief
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The girls lacrosse team (5-6) fell to Plant 15-3 on March 29. Go to rhstoday.com to read the story on the game and view the photo gallery.
08 KNIGHT WRITERS | A&E|April, 2018
REVIEW:
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DRESSING A DORM
By Cilicia Anderson Opinion Editor or the senior class, the final year of high school is almost over. Of the many responsibilities that come with preparing for the college life, one of the most stressful can be shopping for dorm decor and necessities. Since students have most likely spent a good amount of money and time paying for applications and deposits, finding affordable and attractive dorm decor can be a challenge, especially if you’re going in for the summer term. Some advice for seniors would be to make a checklist of everything you need. Fortunately, websites like Collegeboard have already made a dorm checklist for students to reference which contains small necessities that students may forget. Knowing what you need before you go shopping is a really smart idea because it will save you time. If you don’t plan on spending a fortune on your dorm, plan on looking in stores such as IKEA, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Burlington for accessories that are cute and affordable. They all have living essentials that would go perfectly in a dorm as well as pictures and mirrors for the walls. A lot of times you can find items on sale for a really good price. Storage space should also be considered when shopping. Be on the hunt for containers that you can stack or slide under your bed. Another thing to look into is a bathtub mat. Most colleges advise you to purchase shower shoes; however, if you don’t like the idea of showering in shoes, search for bathroom mats and rugs.
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This is most likely going to be the first major responsibility for students since deciding what college to attend. There’s a lot that you have to consider when shopping for your dorm and fortunately their are websites that will say exactly what is needed, and many stores are able to offer these items at reasonable price. All it takes is a little searching.
NOT REALLY ROCKING WITH ROCCO
The Knight Writer’s resident food critic Nathalie Monroy visits Rocco’s Tacos in International Plaza.
By Nathalie Monroy Staff Writer eing the Latina that I am, I am more than willing to eat any type of Hispanic food. So upon hearing that a new Mexican restaurant called Rocco’s Tacos had opened at International Plaza, I was thrilled. Once I entered Rocco’s Tacos, I was automatically enthralled with its decor antique Mexico-meets-Bohemian (with a touch of modern) flare. After falling in love with the decor, I was expecting to love the food as well. For an appetizer I ordered the Flautas; three flour tortillas filled and rolled with fried beef and avocado ranch on the side. I enjoyed the flavor of the warm, crispy tortilla paired with the cool avocado ranch. For my entrée, I didn’t order tacos, but rather a taco, as in only one. Each taco was $5.50! I wanted to try just one taco first before spending $16 on three tacos. Unfortunately, it did not live up to its price. I ordered my taco with cilantro and onions, but the toppings added no flavor whatsoever. It tasted bland and dry. I was disappointed with my main course but still had some hope for dessert. I ordered the Mexican Chocolate Brownie Sundae, and, yes it tasted just as good as it sounds. The sundae consisted of a brownie topped with vanilla ice-cream, Dulce de Leche, buñuelos, whipped cream, and honey salted peanuts. The warm brownie and the cool ice cream created a delicious contrast. The
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dish was further enhanced by the buñelos which are basically Mexican fritters coated in cinnamon sugar. The sundae really balanced out my entire meal and made up for the unfortunate taco. I wouldn’t describe Rocco’s Tacos as incredible, but it is still worth a try. Their menu is filled with other delicioussounding meals, so don’t let my experience prevent you from going.
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The appetizer Flautas was served with a delicious avocado ranch dipping sauce and the ranch paired well with the warm, crispy fried tortilla.
IF YOU GO: Address: 2223 N Westshore Blvd Suite 203, Tampa, FL 33607 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. and Sunday-Monday from 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
You Are What You Dress A. Meyer
By Abby Meyers Staff Writer s temperatures rise, so does the competition within the fashion industry to create this year’s most popular outfits, but businesses aren’t the only ones coming up with these trends. Teens and young adults, including Robinson students, are very much the motivation and inspiration of many fashion companies. This spring, many teens are wearing vintage-inspired outfits. However, the biggest overall trend seems to be self-expression and personal style. “Wear whatever you want, because it doesn’t matter, just as long as you’re feeling confident,” Madyson Evans (‘20) said. Evans also adds that styles that may have been popular over a decade ago such as high-waisted pants and skirts, crop tops, and scrunchies are all in vogue once again. “A lot of 90s fashion is coming back, but with a modern twist on it,” Evans said. A lot of these things are easy finds in thrift stores, making it easier to dress cute for less. Evans also loves to shop in thrift stores and strongly recommends it for good finds. Hunter Powell (‘19) is very involved in the fashion world and has a very specific idea of what is in style. Powell purchases clothing items that are in high demand and sells them at a higher price once they have run out of stock. Powell also agrees in the vintage come-back and seems to even make a profit from the top trends. “Reselling [the clothes] definitely effects the fashion industry. Reselling is what gives some of these brands all the hype; Supreme, Palace, and Bape are brands
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that are great examples,” Powell said. According to Powell, the companies will release new clothing in limited stock and for short time so everyone is rushing to get that item. A lot of these companies will never sell or make the same item again. “Now that reselling has become so popular, it makes it hard to get some of these items that are in high demand,” Powell said. But like Evans, Powell believes the best looks come from the individual’s taste. “Have your own style or mix it up with different styles,” he said. “Dress how you want and be unique” Powell said. And not everyone gets heir style ideas from magazines or the internet. Gabby Hinz (‘19) has a very unique look inspired by something else. “My biggest inspiration comes from Japanese street fashion,” Hinz said. Hinz loves color blocking, huge accessories, and looks from 90s TV shows. “I’ve always been intrigued by people expressing themselves in crazy ways-- it makes me happy to see people content and confident with their true selves,” Hinz said. One of her favorite trends that has come back this year is the “baggy 90s look” and that she has fallen in love with “mom jeans”. “Another trend I’m seeing is the 70s boho chic look, with a similar vibe to stores like PacSun”. Hinz said. But when it comes for fashion advice says “Wear whatever comes to your mind. Experiment, try things on you don’t like on the rack and see what makes you happy. To feel full energy of what you can accomplish with clothing- put together a coordinate of all your favorite pieces”. “When I wear an awesome outfit, I feel like I can accomplish anything.” Hinz said.
Self-Expression is Trending this Spring
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Have your own style or mix it up with different styles, dress how you want and be unique - Hunter Powell (‘19)
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I’ve always been intrigued by people expressing themselves in crazy ways - Gabby Hinz (‘19)
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