March 2013

theroar the March 2013

Budget Cuts Hit Home

Plus: SCHOOL SAFETY ON LOCKDOWN SANDY HOOK FOCUSES AWARENESS

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theroar Voice of the Students

Vol. 15, No. 4 March 2013

Sports

Opinion 4 Inbox

21 Cat Tales

Letters, surveys, tweets and more

Sports Editor Sam Lack gives a play by play of being on the basketball team

5 Staff Editorial

Arming teachers won’t solve school shooting problem

22 Ready Set Go

New coaches bring a different approach to track season

6 Code Red Ready?

Effectiveness of new safety policy is questioned

News 12 Creep on the Street

End of busing brings increased awareness of area predators

16

Application Fee Planning to return next year? It’ll cost you $30

18 Online Competition Whitworth-inspired fund-raiser draws national attention

Getting the rare opportunity for the experiment they designed to go into space, the ISS group led by science teachers Amy McCormick and Angela Feldbush celebrate their victory with the administrators. The experiment is aimed at discovering a cure for ALS in honor of Coach Jason Whitworth who is currently battling the disease.

Photo credit: Abbie Kellner

Features 8 Dead End School board cuts all busing to schools of choice

by Tania Martin

14 Safety in Schools Do new measures taken by school board properly protect students?

by Nathaniel Curtis

ON THE COVER: Illustration by Jack Dickens for The Roar

26 Menu Mapping Area restaurants provide savory discounts every day of week

24 For the W––in

Girls’ soccer and basketball programs triumph at districts

Entertainment 28 Broadway Bound

Eighth-grader Emily Durelle aims for the limelight

29 Skrillex Review New EP “Leaving” is short but full of sonic pleasure

30 Hot Plot

“Warm Bodies” gives zombie genre a classic-lit twist

by Brady Kelsey

THE ROAR West Shore Jr./Sr. High, 250 Wildcat Alley Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 242-4730 ext. 255 FAX: (321) 242-4740 Adviser: Mark Schledorn Publisher: Carleigh Walter Editor in chief: Brittany Cho Managing editors: Millie Rosasco, Nathaniel Curtis Business manager: Nithya Sheshadri News editor: Felicia Solazzo Opinions editor: Aalekhya Tenali Sports editor: Sam Lack Entertainment editor: Madison Dimond Web manager: Dana Brown Staff writers: Sarah Day, Krunal Patel, Nicholas Baker, Jessica Blanco, Danny Dolnik, Valerie Ferretti, Andrew Lim, Lauren Youngson, Stephanie Shaw, Jack Dickens, Stephanie Everest, Lindsay Gorham, Tania Martin, Keiran Sheridan, Brianna Silvestre, Sydney Saunders, Sarah Brusca, Konur Oyan, Micah Weber, Brady Kelsey, Jack Moore, Liam Wixted, Joseph Crown

Please recycle this magazine

yourturn

surveysays

Inbox

The Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre was the second-deadliest school shooting in U.S. history, following the 2008 attack at Virginia Tech University where 33 died.

How much time do you spend on social media every day?

Photo: Jacob Smithe

30%

One to two hours.

28%

Less than half an hour.

20%

More than two hours.

19%

Half an hour to an hour.

3%

None.

Do the code red drills and locking doors make you feel safer in school?

71% No.

19% Yes.

10%

New Coaches Tony Riopelle, Bob Salazar, and Drew Schafer measure long jump distances in hopes of high scores for their first track meet at Palm Bay on Feb. 21.

Rocky roads for track and field With the start of a new track season, I knew that there would be a change. New coaches mean a new coaching style. What I was not expecting, is just how different the season would be. This is my third year doing high school track, and I have had different coaches every year that I have returned.

Now, I am thrilled that we have two new coaches, but I’m just not on board with their methods.

Doing lunges is not something young track runners should be doing. If done improperly, it can lead to knee issues and maybe a dislocated knee. I have seen what problems this causes because my sister is a prime example. I think that it would be beneficial for the team to have a team meeting with the coaches and athletes to discuss what we are all looking for this season. The details

I’m not sure.

twittersays What’s your favorite part of Valentine’s Day?

64%

Pop quizzes in Econ make me grateful for the notes that I tried to take.

Jordan Bauer @Bauer_Jordan, 12 The only happy thing that’s happeend this weekend is remembering that I drive Marissa and Ryan home from school starting tomorrow.

-Katy Morgan @matykorgan, 10

I hate Valentine’s Day.

15%

Being with my significant other.

11% Celebrating with my friends.

10%

Getting candy and gifts.

Photo: Creative Commons

of what warm-ups we do can be hammered out as well. I know that the current coaches are beyond qualified for the job, but I don’t think we returning members are ready for such different styles.

Lauren Dietl, 12th Grade Ending Brain Bowl would hurt Challenge It only takes minutes in a West Shore classroom to see that the students at this school know a whole lot of facts about a whole lot of topics.

To make the Brain Bowl segment of Wildcat Challenge more “fair for everyone” by replacing academic topics with pop culture/sports trivia, or worse, to retire Brain Bowl, is an insult to the juniors and seniors who would rather show off their knowledge than do a wheelbarrow race.

Perhaps I’m biased; I’m captain of the academic team and watch Jeopardy religiously.

But, those facts aside, I couldn’t help but feel frustration when I heard they plan on changing Brain Bowl because it’s not “fair.” First of all, the questions are created by the teachers of junior and senior courses. It’s unlikely that you’re going to be asked about anything you wouldn’t have learned sitting in class. Brain Bowl is centered on our high school curriculum, and not just the difficult classes. Questions come from classes like anatomy and humanities; no one is going to be asked to solve problems off the AP Physics C exam.

Requesting a change because it isn’t “fair” is like adding a handicap to level out the playing field for the physical events—it’s preposterous and defeats the purpose of a competition.

Wildcat Challenge is a West Shore tradition, and should preserve the segment that keeps it what our school is known to be: nerdy. If Brain Bowl is butchered or taken out, expect me to come down with a cold on the day of Wildcat Challenge.

Eran Del Castillo, 12th Grade

VISIT WESTSHOREROAR.COM TO: vote for “Survey WRITE TO US Send a letter: to Room 3-104 Says,” view the photo of the day, catch up on the latest news, Send an email: OR or to your English teacher communicate with the staff or stay up-to-date on sports. theroarletters@gmail.com The Roar recognizes itself as a public forum and encourages letters from West Shore students and members of the community.

The Roar cannot print ads promoting activity illegal by Florida law, ads opposing any religious beliefs, ads written in poor taste, ads with racial or sexist comments, ads considered inappropriate by the staff, advocacy advertising or ads containing libel.The Roar is not responsible for web sites viewed through links found on pages mentioned in the publication. The Roar values letters from our readers: the maximum length for letters is 200 words. No more than one letter a semester will be published from a writer.

Letters and columns are edited for length, content and clarity. The Roar maintains the right to edit all submissions for poor taste, length, grammar and libel. Views expressed in the “Opinions” section do not necessarily represent the views of the Brevard County School Board, the West Shore administrators, faculty, student body or The Roar staff.

4 l theroar l march 2013

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staffeditorial

Illustration: Jack Dickens

Arming teachers is the wrong solution

Everyone is shocked and upset by the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, but hasty responses must be avoided. Case in point: the idea proposed in Lake County of arming teachers with guns.

While something must be done to prevent future school shootings, this proposal is deeply flawed and dangerous.

The plan, suggested by Lake County school board member Bill Mathias, doesn’t force teachers to carry guns; it would simply allow teachers to be issued firearms if they pass certain checks. However, putting guns in the classroom is a mistake.

This plan begins at the elementary school level, but small children and guns aren’t a good mix. According to About. com’s Pediatrics section, in 2010, 114 children died in firearm accidents. Momlogic.com stated in 2008 that 35 percent of homes in America contain guns. How might the number of accidents increase if 100 percent of schools contained guns? Of course, reasonable precautions would

be taken, but with a deadly weapon in a classroom, there’s always the potential for accidents.

At the secondary level, placing guns in classrooms could produce violence: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 65 percent of school-related homicides from 1999 to 2006 involved gunshot wounds.

How would this plan avoid giving students easy access to firearms? The guns could be kept hidden and locked away, but then they might not be at hand if needed. Even if teachers kept the guns on them, there’s a possibility that they could be overpowered: according to the American Psychological Association, over 125,000 teachers were attacked by students in 2003 and 2004.

Something must be done to protect children in the wake of the Newtown shooting, but this is not the solution.

While declaring schools gun-free zones might only make them targets, having teachers carry guns brings more risk than protection.

march 2013 l theroar l 5

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Aalekhya Tenali Sense of Security

Those in authority struggle for ways to keep schools safe Locked doors and an increased number of security drills. So far, that has been the school district’s primary response to the mass shootings in December at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT. But when a Roar online survey posed the question “Do the locked doors and code red drills make you feel safer at school?” the student body responded as follows: 19 percent said “Yes”, 10 percent replied “I’m not sure” and an overwhelming 78 percent answered “No.” These responses aren’t very surprising, because after all, how far will locked doors really go in stopping a determined aggressor on campus?

In light of the heartbreaking school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, it is crucial for every school to question the effectiveness of its security system. As the gun debate rages on Capitol Hill and sweeps through the country, a variety of ideas have been suggested to improve security in schools.

Some, as simple as locking doors have already been implemented nationwide, while other more controversial ones such as arming teachers with handguns are pending discussion. Still, others point fingers at the shortage of mental health counseling available to young adults, claiming that a better mental health system could prevent a potential shooter from carrying out his or her plans.

This sort of labelling and stereotyping of “potential shooters” is precisely what makes the security system so fallible.

Clearly, in the 21st century, shooters will not make an appearance with black ski masks and an arsenal of weapons.

Similarly, the small quiet kid who was always bullied in middle school is hardly

6 l theroar l march 2013

going to be the next Adam Lanza.

Surprisingly, few shooters are diagnosed with any mental illnesses and most do not suffer from drug or alcohol abuse.

Some have dead giveaway quirks, such as resentful complaining of bullying.

Some show signs of depression or even desperation. And yet, some are silent and seemingly normal, but even they have the ability to turn violent, if provoked enough.

The bottom line is that each and every one of us can play a role in reaching out to others who may feel ostracized or bullied.

While I’m in no way advocating that all those bullied are going to mastermind a plan for revenge, I am saying that how we treat people greatly influences their actions.

Past trends show that school shooters can be people from any age group, ethnicity or socioeconomic background.

Contrary to popular opinion, they don’t suddenly “snap,” but rather plan deliberately. During such a time, they exhibit many warning signs that a vigilant student or teacher can spot and take

Surprisingly, few shooters are diagnosed with any mental illnesses and most do not suffer from drug or alcohol abuse.

measures to prevent them from carrying out their plans.

The U.S. Secret Service report on school safety finds that school shooters often inform at least one person, usually a friend, student or sibling, of their plans in detail, prior to carrying them out.

Most confidants are unresponsive to such plans, wrongly believing them to be an exaggeration or a plea for attention.

Just imagine how many lives could have saved if someone was in such a position in Newtown, and had the wits to tell the authorities in time.

To quote the vice-president of the National Rifle Association, Wayne Lappiere, “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.”

Fortunately, West Shore has a “good guy with a gun” in Student Resource Officer Charles Landmesser.

“We’re doing everything possible and are as prepared as can be,” Landmesser said.

Ideally, security cameras to monitor the campus and key swipes to allow access into classrooms are optimal. However, to work with the resources on hand, the frequency of code red and code black drills has been increased.

Lately, the general grumbling of teachers and students has reflected the school-wide annoyance associated with these new precautionary measures. But Landmesser said they aren’t going away anytime soon.

“Just because it is a bother to unlock the door when you get home, does it mean you stop locking the front door to your house when you go out?” Landmesser said. “The ‘front doors’ of every classroom are the same.”

Despite all outward preventions, the school’s biggest assets are the students and teachers who keep both eyes open for any suspicious activity.

“None of these precautions are meant to make students fearful of such an incident occurring,” Landmesser said.“We just want to be prepared, because all it takes is one time. I’d rather take all preventative measures than to face the alternative.”

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13

U.S. School Shootings since 2000 8

7

25 3

10

22 11

14 1 26 19 5 17

27

21

28

9 20

4 18

24 6 15

12 23

16

2 Graphic: Carleigh Walter

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Feb. 29, 2000: Mount Morris Township, MI, one dead May 26, 2000: Lake Worth, FL, one dead March 5, 2001: Santee, CA, two dead, 13 wounded March 22, 2001: El Cajon, CA, five wounded March 30, 2001: Gary, I., one dead April 24, 2003: Red Lion, PA, two dead Sept. 24, 2003: Cold Spring, MN, one dead, one wounded March 21, 2005: Red Lake Indian Reservation, MN, 10 dead, 14 wounded Nov. 8, 2005: Jacksonbro, TN, one dead, two wounded Sept. 27, 2006: Bailey, CO., two dead Sept. 29, 2006: Weston, WI., two dead Oct. 2, 2006: Lancaster County, PA., four dead, seven wounded Jan. 3, 2007: Tacoma, WA., one dead March 7 2007: Midland, MI, one dead, one wounded

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

April 16, 2007: Blacksburg, VA., 33 dead, 26 wounded Sept. 21, 2007: Delaware State University, two wounded Oct. 10, 2007: Cleveland, OH, four wounded Feb. 8, 2008: Baton Rouge, LA, three dead Feb. 14, 2008: Northern Illinois University, seven dead, 15 wounded Aug. 21, 2008: Knoxville, TN., one dead March 26, 2011: Martinsville, IN, one dead Feb. 27, 2012: Chardon, OH, three dead, three wounded Aug. 27, 2012: Perry Hall, MD, one dead Dec. 14, 2012: Newtown, CT, 27 dead, two wounded Jan. 10, 2013: Taft, CA, one wounded Jan. 12, 2013: Detroit, MI, one wounded Jan. 15, 2013: St. Louis, MO, two wounded Jan. 15, 2013: Hazard, KY, two dead, one wounded Source: cncpunishment.com

10 Suggestions for How to Reduce Shootings in Schools • Strengthen gun laws • Keep gun regulations the same or relax them • Arm the schools/teachers

• Improve school security • Cut down on violence in the media • Improve mental-health care • Limit media coverage of shootings

• Increase focus on parenting • Bolster kids’ social skills • Watch out for one another

Killing Public Education

The Roar Series

In an attempt to plug a $30 million hole in its budget, school board tells choice schools to say

BYE-BYE

BUSING

BY TANIA MARTIN

8 l theroar l march 2013

If busing were to be cut, I would not be able to come here and everyone would be depressed without me. —Yolette Estimable, 7th

My parents work early.

They’d have to drop me off in the morning, so I’d have to get here really early — like at 7 a.m.

— Taylor Smith, 7th

My parents would not be able to afford the gas to get me here every day.

— Briana Barreiros, 9th

BREVARD DISTRICT SCHOOLS

march 2013 l theroar l 9

Killing Public Education

The Roar Series

E

ver since she was in eighth grade, Natalie Brown has hopped on the school bus at 7:50 a.m. She has grown to be a “key player” in the school by participating in several extracurricular activities such as National Honors Society, National English Honor Society, orchestra, Quill & Scroll, and Spanish Honor Society.

After the school board voted to eliminate busing to choice programs on Feb. 12, Brown — who lives 22 miles away from the school — realized her chances of returning for senior year were slashed.

“My mom stays at home to take care of my special needs sister,” Brown said. “My dad is the district manager of Advanced Auto Parts and has to travel all over central Florida. Driving to school takes one-fourth of a tank of gas per round trip.

With prices so high, it will be a struggle to come on days that I don’t have meetings before or after school.”

When the half-cent tax was rejected on Nov. 9, the school district proposed several ways to save the budget from collapsing for the 2013-2014 school year, including the elimination of corridor busing for several choice schools in Brevard.

“The tax was supposed to supply the schools with around $30 million for the next school year. We are trying to figure out what we can cut in order to save that money,” School Board Member Amy Kneessy said in January. “Think of it like a house. If you don’t take care of your house, you can’t live in it. If you don’t have money for your car and can’t take care of it, it won’t go very far.”

On Jan. 31, the district and state lawmakers met to discuss the creation of a “pay-to-ride” program that would help ease the elimination of busing to choice schools. However, the Florida Department of Education stated that such a plan might be illegal, given that the law states children may not be charged for educational purposes.

“The law is silent on this issue. It is up to the School Board to make the decision if they would like to enact pay to ride busing for schools of choice,” said State Rep. Steve Crisafulli of Merritt Island. “My understanding is that the Department of

10 l theroar l march 2013

Education has expressed their displeasure with the School Board on this issue.”

According to district figures, the average daily mileage per choice school bus is 55.4 miles. The cost per school bus mile is approximately $3.17, making the daily cost for a school bus $175.62. Multiply that number by the state-mandated 180 school days and the annual cost to the district is $31,611.60 per bus. Since there are 14 buses at West Shore, the total basic cost for its buses, excluding sporting events and field trips, is $442,562.40. With similar costs for busing to other choice schools in Brevard, the total cost for the corridor busing adds up to approximately $1.2 million.

“The cost of over $1 million to provide this service has become prohibitive with our current financial challenges,” School Board member Andy Ziegler said.

“When having to choose between cutting elementary school music to all elementary schools, or busing students who make a choice to go to a different school, I would have to choose preserving the educational program first.”

Budget cuts have outraged many, including Donna Lack, mother of two at the school, feeling as if many will be deprived of the opportunity to have an education at a choice school. “[This] will adversely affect families who do not have students that drive,” she said. “Working parents who are not home or able to leave work to be at West Shore by 3:30 p.m. to pick their students up will have to scramble to make other arrangements. It is also going to be a deterrent for families that apply because they don’t have transportation alternatives in place. In that respect, we may lose the

Brown realized her chances of returning for senior year were slashed.

prospect of some really excellent students that otherwise would have applied. To adopt a measure that saves approximately $1 million when the budget shortfall approaches $40 million seems very shortsighted. And another opportunity to take a swing at schools of choice.”

On the other hand, sentiment against having transportation provided to choice schools has risen, with some arguing that corridor busing to choice schools is a convenience, not a necessity.

“Corridor busing is a service provided in an effort to make choice programs equally accessible to everyone,” School Board member Andy Ziegler said. “Of course it doesn’t provide near the convenience of regular bus service to zoned schools.

Regular bus service includes a bus stop near students’ homes. Corridor busing still requires many users to travel a fair distance to catch the bus.”

Ziegler suggests that enrolling a child into a choice program is “simply that: a choice,” and that compromises must be made to keep a child in the program.

“This is a known part of the choice families make when applying to choice schools,” he said. “It is a sacrifice families accept over the convenience of a nearby bus stop in order to participate in what they believe is a superior quality education. Part of the reason the education is more effective is because families commit to being very involved.”

Students of all ages will be affected by the end of corridor busing, some, like Brown, may not even be able to attend.

“If a father works in an auto shop and a mother works as a waitress all the way in Southwest Palm Bay, a child may not be able to get to West Shore,” Principal Rick Fleming said. “It really bothers me that choice schools will now look like only parents with affluence will be able to get their children there.”

Lack, however, remains optimistic, saying the school will adapt.

“Our school is an amazing familyoriented school,” she said. “I have no doubt hundreds of carpools will pop-up to offset the negative impact of doing away with corridor busing .Wildcats are a resourceful bunch.”

Graphic: Jack Dickens; Source: Brevard Public Schools

Pressed for Cash

How Your Dollars Are Being Spent

News Feed

Stranger Danger

Neighborhood Watch

Predator awareness grows as corridor busing ends

By Jenna Winter Michael Preston Young II was convicted in 2008 of sexual battery on a child between the ages of 12 and 16 in Brevard County. He currently is serving a courtordered term of community monitoring under the authority of the Florida Department of Corrections and/or the Florida Parole Commission. And he resides on Highway U.S. 1 within three miles of the school campus.

Young isn’t an isolated case. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website, 66 sexual offenders or predators live within three miles of the school. If the search is expanded to include a five-mile radius of campus, that number jumps to 147.

Because of the school board’s recent decision to end corridor busing to choice schools, those numbers likely will take on even greater significance when students return to school from Summer Break in early August and parents begin dropping their kids off in surrounding neighborhoods to avoid the exponential increase in car-loop traffic.

Melbourne Police Department Sexual Offender Tracking Officer Valerie Claycomb, is responsible for about 100 sexual offenders and predators each day, checking their locations, records and employment. As a result, she is keenly aware of the varying levels of potential dangers surrounding the school.

“Typically if the victim is under 12, it makes the suspect a predator, and the amount of times a sex crime is done really is how we identify which category the felon would fall in,” Claycomb said.

After being arrested, the suspect in a sexual assault case enters the justice system. If that person is found guilty, he or she is convicted and registered in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement sexual predator and offender tracking system. Upon being released from prison, the convicted person must receive

12 l theroar l march 2013

permission before becoming a Brevard County resident and by law that person cannot live within 1,000 feet from a school, day-care center or park. “[Law enforcement] tracks them through the website, and several databases,” Claycomb said. “They are tracked for their life, and there is no way to repeal that.”

Claycomb said while most people have experienced the feeling of being watched in public places, those feelings become amplified by awareness lessons taught in school and by parents.

“It is extremely important to teach young kids about the causes and effects of sexual crimes but not to the point where they are paranoid,” Claycomb said. “But never assume how someone looks correlates to how dangerous they are. Some of the nicest-dressed people get away with worst crimes.”

School Resource Officer Chuck Landmesser said plans already are in place deal with the changes anticipated from the elimination of busing.

“At the beginning of the year, we will be adding sexual predator awareness along with the theft and bullying presentations we always do during PE classes,” he said.

“We’re also going to step up the predator information for everyone in the school, including teachers.”

In addition, Landmesser said he and other police officers will be driving around

“We will be adding sexual predator awareness along with the theft and bullying presentations.”

in the campus neighborhood during the first few months of school to observe patterns of where parents are dropping off their students — especially middleschoolers — and looking for suspicious activity.

“The lack of maturity in seventhand eighth-graders creates a lack of knowledge,” Landmesser said. “No one is going to know what they are doing is wrong if no one speaks up. Students will tell their friends but not report it.”

School neighborhoods aren’t the only places where teenagers could encounter predatory behavior.

“I have had old men standing by my car after I get off of work,” junior Michaele Garrison said.

The Winn-Dixie cashier said she sees a wide range of people during every shift, and recently a customer has offered Garrison more than cash for his purchases.

“An older man was checking out in my line and asked for my age,” she said.

“I answered, thinking he was just being friendly but was surprised when he came back in to tell me he would wait two years for me to be of age to take me on his boat.”

While such incidents grow increasingly common, Claycomb cautions teenagers and their parents against becoming overwhelmed by the seemingly endless barrage of sex crimes being reported in the news.

“The media sensationalize the effects of sexual predators but not how to prevent it,” Claycomb said. “Growing up in the media age, minds are altered to think the worst. On one end of the spectrum, citizens are always on the watch for violence, sexual predators or crimes. On the other hand, a state of complete complacency is rare. The scale of judgment cannot be unbalanced to a degree of danger. To protect yourself, one needs to level out of the scale.”

Graphic: Jack Dickens

News Feed Safety

Safety in Schools

Brevard adjusts in wake of Sandy Hook shooting

By Nathaniel Curtis

It may not have been the shot heard round the world, but the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in December proved to have just as wide of an effect.

On Dec. 14, Adam Lanza walked into the school and opened fire in a class, killing 20 children and six adult staff members.

In response, schools nationwide have increased security in an attempt to preserve the safety of students. Changes include locked doors, increased faculty vigilance and more stringency with hall passes.

“A lot of schools around the country are doing the same thing,” school resource officer Chuck Landmesser said. “Others remain further behind waiting for more security, but I think a lot of people have been receptive to the increased security.”

Sandy Hook is not the incident that caused school security to expand. Similar measures were taken after the Columbine shooting in 1999 and after the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007.

“Obviously this isn’t going to be like TSA security increases,” Landmesser said. “We won’t go to the full extreme like searches before coming on campus, but still, we will make sure other measures such as keeping the doors locked will continue. Security can be better attained even with small measures such as the locked doors that myself and administration are enforcing.”

Seeing that actions to ensure security have been employed before and were relatively short-lived, there is still some doubt regarding the security plan’s longevity. However, Landmesser says the changes will become the status quo in terms of safety.

“I think that this is more likely to be a regular thing because of the age of the people involved,” he said. “Columbine was awful, as are all school shootings. I even read an article about Columbine and at first thought it was about Sandy Hook because they were so similar, but these were young children, elementary schoolers. I think that these extra protections will remain in place for much

14 l theroar l march 2013

longer because of these age differences.”

Students are the ones most affected by the new policies, and it seems to either be a case of love it or hate it. For sophomore Sara Porhammer, the locked doors may be irritating at times, but the increased security is worth it.

“It really makes me feel safe,” she said.

“Even though a locked door doesn’t sound like a lot, it makes it seem like there is a new security force field around the class.

The least it can do is deter someone in time to get to safety.”

Yet another concern is regarding how effective these preventative measures actually are. Some think that a locked door will not stop a gunman, but still feel moderately more secure.

“We know that it’s safer,” Assistant Principal Jim Melia said. “The longer someone can be delayed by locked doors, the faster somebody else can get here to prevent as many people from being injured. We know that if someone came on campus with the intent to do harm, it would be very difficult to get passed a locked door. Even if they did, like if they spent some time shooting at the door, the police department is right on the other side of these woods. The other thing is that there’s probably about a good half a dozen deputies over in the court house.”

Melia’s opinion is not shared by all of those on campus who must live with these new safety procedures each day.

“[A locked door] makes it seem like there is a new security force field around the class.”

“I guess it’s a good thought, but I’m not sure locking the doors is going to do much,” eighth-grader Reeder Ward said.

“If someone wants to get in they can just break through the small door window and open it, or shoot out the window, but at least the new security is doing something more than nothing.”

For some in the school community, however, the added security has proved to get under people’s skin more than they feel that it protects them.

“It’s stupid and it’s ineffective,” senior Mary Gerlach said. “You can’t get into the classes without knocking anymore. It’s obnoxious, and the chances of a locked door stopping someone with a gun from killing someone is very, very slim.”

Despite the doubts and distractions the increased security adds, students, faculty and administration will have to adjust to the changes. Math teacher Steve Thomas, a West Point graduate, understands the ramifications of additional procedures.

“It’s a typical trade-off,” Thomas said. “To increase security, you have to decrease convenience. It is a small price to pay for added safety for the students. Because the school and district have responded seriously, students have responded to Sandy Hook with confidence.”

Despite this cause-effect view, faculty members such as social studies teacher Kirk Murphy still see the safety as more of a disruption. Some have even taken additional security measures. Upon knocking on Murphy’s door, you are prompted for a password and asked, “Do you have a gun?”

“I see the seriousness of the situation, but if someone wants to get into the classroom, there is nothing that I or anyone can do to stop it,” Murphy said.

“What if we have a code red? If someone, a student, comes to the door, and I can’t let them in, what happens if they get shot?

Imagine what that will do to the other students, the students’ families, and even me. I make light of it because I’m not sure it can be completely prevented, but I know

Safety vs. Scholastics While new security may make the student body safer, it is becoming more of a distraction during the school day.

Graphic: Jack Dickens

Locked down Student Resource Officer Chuck Landmesser checks a door to ensure that new security measures are being followed. it’s a serious issue.”

On the other hand, the district does not see this as a laughing matter. Although these new security enforcements have discrepancies from school to school, the board members have ensured that each school takes precautions to create a more secure environment. This view is not specific to Brevard County, however. School Board Vice-Chairwoman Amy Kneessy described the security reinforcements as a much more widespread occurrence.

Photo: Nathaniel Curtis

“I believe these tragedies have caused all counties to take another look at their crisis and safety procedures,” she said. “I don’t believe there is such thing as being “properly prepared” when you are talking about a tragedy to this magnitude but we do have crisis plans in place to address any emergency. I believe a heightened vigilance in our schools is always a good thing.”

More radical measures that have been suggested have included arming teachers, but that idea was shot down by the district school board earlier this year. According to District 1 School Board Member Michael Krupp, security can be increased just by having proper warning and a firm plan if

such an event ever did arise.

“As with any disaster, forewarned is forearmed, in preventing any further casualties in the event of same,” Krupp said. “That does not mean that we arm all of the teachers or administrative staff. It means that we are vigilant in keeping watch, securing our facilities, and notifying proper personnel of a possible change in the safety and well-being of the school’s culture when that occasion should arise. Other counties may be adding security personnel, sheriff ’s deputies, or even in some states arming school personnel. That still does not prevent someone from doing harm if they are intent on doing harm.

march 2013 l theroar l 15

News Feed Education

Cost of Choice

School board approves $30 application fee

By Felicia Solazzo and Keiran Sheridan

The lottery to enter choice schools will Christine Davis, the total estimated look a bit more like the Florida Lottery revenue to be generated across the district next fall as participants will have to from the application fee is between purchase a ticket — sort of. In an effort to $200,000 and $300,000. cut $30 million from the district budget, “The money collected by the fee is going the school board has approved a $30 to go towards district programs and application fee for those entering the student subjects that may be on the ‘cut lottery. In addition, returning students list,”’ Davis said. also will have to pay a $30 reapplication Those subjects include staffing for fee each year. elementary school “I think [the fee] music and art is ridiculous,” junior programs and duel Ryan Robidoux enrollment guidance said. “I have been counseling. attending West Shore “In the past, families since seventh grade, may have applied and I don’t see why I to multiple choice am now required to programs or applied Illustration: Name Name pay a fee to return. I several times to an outfeel as if it should be of-area school. They a one-time entrance may not be doing that Photo: Rachel Kershaw fee, not a recurring now because there is charge.” a fee due to budgetary The problem is the district needs to constraints,” Davis said. “Now they might generate as much additional revenue be submitting one application rather than as possible. School Board Chairwoman three, so that’s why there is the $200,000 Barbara Murray has referred to the to $300,000 range.” current challenges faced by the school In a recent memorandum sent to district as being “the perfect storm.” principals, Office of School Choice “These are difficult times” she said Director Vicki Mace explained the new via email. “State revenue was reduced implementation process regarding approximately 60 percent in our capital application fees. fund. Such fund pays our (mortgage) “The collection of the $30.00 application debt, maintenance, facility upgrades fee for out-of-area assignments and and buses. During this period, the state participation in choice schools/programs mandated class size and technology with will not be the responsibility of school no additional funding.” personnel,” Mace wrote.

In addition, property values have fallen According to the letter, all fees will be substantially in recent years, adding to paid online using a secure payment system the lack of funding. Had voters approved that accepts e-checks, debit/credit cards the half-cent sales tax referendum in the and money orders.

November election, the school board “The 2013-2014 out-of-area process will says it would not need to find alternative be automated and will include functions methods of funding. to make the process more efficient,” Mace “The expiration of the quarter-mill said. “Some of the functions include property tax, is what prompted the halfnotifying parents of the final approval/ cent sales tax referendum,” Murray said. denial decision via email, text or telephone “And voters did not vote that in.” and providing a tracking device for parents According to Choice School Coordinator to monitor their requests.”

16 l theroar l march 2013

The school board is working with Scribbles Software, Inc. to implement this process. A $2 merchant per-application fee is factored into the $30 cost.

“In reality, you are paying a $30 fee, but the company’s transaction fee is $2. The district is then only going to collect $28,” Davis said. “There is no charge to the district and there is no additional charge to the applicant because it’s built into that fee.”

Davis said that there will be an “alternate process” for those who do not have credit cards, but that process has not yet been determined.

In addition to the automated process, it is each school’s responsibility to create a “School Group/ Team” which will have access to various components of the new automated system. The group will hold its first meeting on March 8.

“The responsibility of that group is to assess the development of the new process,” Davis said. “As we go forward, we will be able to do it with fidelity and input from all stakeholders because the schools are the ones who are actually doing the majority when it comes to a choice application. They know what works and what needs to be done for their students and families. We need their input here at the district offices to assist with that.”

Principal Rick Fleming sees this meeting as vital.

“It is an opportunity for us to find out how we access the list of people who have paid and have not paid, and gives us the means to contact them,” he said. “So far, [Assistant Principal Jackie] Ingratta and [office clerk Janice] Kowing have been chosen to take part.”

Still, Fleming predicts complications.

“The problem is contacting everyone who has applied and informing them that it is necessary to pay the application fee in order to be entered into the lottery,” he said. “We do not have the manpower to make it possible. One person trying to call 800 individuals isn’t realistic.”

Making a Name

BCC transitions to Eastern Florida State College

By Micah Weber Dual-enrolled students will find a different name on their transcripts next fall when Brevard Community College will change its name to Eastern Florida State College next fall to reflect the college’s shift to offering four-year degrees.

“The four-year degree is to help BCC serve broader audiences,” BCC President Jim Richey said.

The college will offer a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Organizational Management with two concentration

Signing out Brevard Community College has yet to unveil the new logo for its announced name change.

— general management and health care management-according to the school’s latest press release. BCC will continue to offer more than 100 two-year associate degrees and certificate programs.

“It opens a new era for the college that will broaden its reach, provide more opportunities for students and strengthen its role as a driver of economic development and job-growth locally and in the region,” said Alan Landman,

chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The process to rename the college began in August as an effort to help attract students, build business partnerships and enhance academic programs. About 200 people participated through written surveys, focus groups and the college’s Facebook page.

The new advertising slogan is “enrolling at Eastern Florida State College includes the opportunity to learn about yourself, reach your goals and have a successful

Photo: Rachel Kershaw

life,” Richey said. “It’s a great balance of our proud tradition and the unlimited possibilities of the future.”

The College is expected to change its logo but does not plan to change the name of its athletic teams, which are called the Titans according to the latest press release.

To keep transition costs to a minimum, BCC faculty and staff are producing as much of the work as possible alongside consultants who have been hired to assist in the process.

Although exact costs of the project have yet to be confirmed, the name change processes at other community colleges in

Florida, have varied widely from a low of about $30,000 to a high of about $150,000.

Twenty-two other institutions in the 28-member Florida College System have changed their names when they started offering four-year degrees.

Ninety-two students at West Shore take part in a Dual Enrollment program with the college and 17 do early admissions.

“I’m still planning on getting my [associate of arts degree] in early childhood education with BCC either way,” senior Caitlyn Donovan said. “I think it could open up more opportunities for West Shore students since it’s local and maybe open them up to the idea of living at home, saving money and attending college.”

Not all dual-enrollment and early admissions students plan to use the fouryear degree option.

“I am planning on getting my AA before I graduate and then going to a state college so the four-year degree doesn’t really affect me,” junior dual-enrollment student Alec Sepulveda said. “I think it may keep a lot of kids from West Shore from going to a state college so they can get their AA first.”

Junior dual-enrollment student Kelly Etherton said she doesn’t think students will view BCC any differently — at least not for awhile.

“I don’t think people will really take it seriously as a four-year college until people actually know more about it,” she said.

To inform the public about the new direction of the college, BCC plans to use branding strategies to improve recognition of the college.

In its most recent press release, college officials said the naming and branding initiative will play an important role in the future economic development of Brevard County as organizations look to the college to provide higher educational opportunities and workforce skills in the coming years.

march 2013 l theroar l 17

Jason’s Run enters national contest: Vote online March 1-10 18 l theroar l march 2013

Photo: Rachel Kershaw

News Feed Community

ALS Awareness

Community rallies to aid coach with Lou Gehrig’s

By Lauren Youngson

T

hey made a difference last October and hope to do so again, this time in an online voting campaign held during the first week of March. Jason’s Run — a 5K run fundraiser held for the Jason Whitworth family last fall — has been named one of five finalists for this year's All-Star award for Make a Difference Day 2012.

Two years ago, Jason Whitworth, a former physical education teacher and cross-country coach at West Shore, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In response, Melbourne Central Catholic High School and St. Joseph’s Catholic School joined forces to create Jason’s Run, which drew more than 500 supporters and raised $25,400 to defray medical bills and adapt Whitworth’s house to his needs. That effort drew national attention through the Make A Difference Day campaign.

Each year, USA WEEKEND, a national magazine distributed in more than 800 newspapers every Sunday, provides a forum for its readers to vote online for their favorite project. The nominees will be posted on the Make A Difference Day website — www. makeadifference.com — beginning on March 1 at 8 a.m. and voting will close March 10 at 11:59 p.m. The All-Star Award Honoree’s favorite charity will receive a $10,000 donation.

The winner will receive notification around March 15 and the honoree’s name and charity will be announced in the April 12-14 issue of USA WEEKEND. Since Whitworth’s ALS diagnosis, awareness for the disease has spread through the school, spurring many to try to make a difference.

Science teacher Amy McCormick is the faculty sponsor behind “ISS: Project Whitworth,” an experiment designed by West Shore students to test how microgravity affects the activity of enzymes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using the model of papain and gelatin. The project has been chosen by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education to fly into space later this year so that it can be tested on board the International Space Station.

McCormick’s work with the project has led her to make deeper connections in Brevard County’s ALS community.

"I have been going to the ALS support group meetings for awhile now and all of these people are such good people," she said. "They don't complain about what they go through, instead they talk about what they need. These are good people who really don’t deserve what they are going through. We should all try to do our best to help them out in anyway we can."

McCormick also attends meetings of a local ALS support group lead by Rhonda Rittenhouse, who is the care coordinator for the ALS Association Florida Chapter which works with more than 100 people who suffer from the disease.

"Every person is so different and this disease seems to strike the best of them," Rittenhouse said. "The symptoms that each experiences are very different compared to others with the disease.

There are so many challenges faced by those living with ALS. One

of these is care. I assist people with resources like finding them or helping them with questions about the disease or anything related to it. We have a care assist fund that may be used by families for items like respite — a short break for the caregiver from caregiving, equipment not provided for by insurance and modifications to home or vehicle."

According to Rittenhouse, the ALS Association Florida Chapter also does a variety of things to spread awareness such as attending health fairs and holding several events throughout the year to raise funds since the organization does not receive federal funding. The organization also holds annual Walk To Defeat ALS events as well as the Tampa and Miami Ride to Defeat ALS events.

"Not being quiet about it is the most important thing to do," Rittenhouse said. "We have to educate people so that they remember what the disease is and one day we will defeat it."

There are many ways to help spread the word about ALS to the community, such as following the ALS Association on Twitter or liking the group on Facebook.

Other ideas include creating shirts that have ALS information on them or forming a Walk Team for the fight against ALS. Interested persons can contact the ALS Association Florida Chapter at (888)257-1717.

"Unfortunately in the State of Florida there just is not any coverage for in-home care unless you have a long-term care policy and few do have this coverage." Rittenhouse said. "Medicare does not provide for day-to-day care so the spouse or children of the pALS (people with ALS) usually becomes the sole provider of care."

Since many with ALS are not able to get the true medical supplies that they need in a timely manner due to issues with health insurance, the ALS Association Florida Chapter is encouraging others to try to supply the needs for pALS. "If you are even able to spend just a dollar on a Vial of L.I.F.E. that will make a big difference in someone's life,” McCormick said.

Vials of L.I.F.E (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) contain a blank medical information form, a Vial of L.I.F.E. sticker and a magnet and can be ordered from Medic One Foundation at (206) 744-9425. This gives first responders the necessary information they will need to properly treat the patients.

Another product is the CARE Medical History Bracelets which have a memory device that patients can load with all of there medical information on them. These can be purchased for $29.99 at http://medicalhistorybracelet.com/products/care-medicalhistory-bracelet-3-0/ Other items needed by those with ALS include gift cards that can go towards feeding attendees of the support group, medical supplies, books on tape or videos, used cars or vans, services such as lawn care and home maintenance or home modifications for wheelchair access.

"Every little bit helps these people with ALS," McCormick said.

march 2013 l theroar l 19

gametime

News Feed

Sports spring into action

By Liam Wixted

Girls’ Lacrosse Last Year’s Record: 4-4 Key Loss: Rae Antenucci Key Returners: Senior Jackie Sherry, junior Christine Sherry, sophomore Kaitlyn Inganna “I think we’re going to win more this year,” junior Lindsay Gorham said. “The teams lost a lot of players from last year’s line-ups and there are more teams in our district so we’ll play more games.”

Girls’ Tennis Last Year’s Record: 4-8 Key Losses: None Key Returners: Seniors Michelle Morency, Aalekhya Tenali, Jackie Martin “I’m looking forward to our team putting up a fight, but still maintaining a fun outlook on this season, especially with it being our last season for several of us,” senior Michelle Morency said.

Boys’ Lacrosse Last Year’s Record: 1-11 Key Losses: Grant Fontaine, Ethan Miles Key Returners: Sophomore Jack Nevins, freshman Noah Murphy “We have a new coach so I’m excited to see how we do and what kind of instruction he can bring to practice,” junior Jack Moore said. “I’m also looking forward to playing Mel High because they have been talking trash.”

Boys’ Tennis Last Year’s Record: 9-2-1 Key Losses: Ankur Mehindru Key Returners: Senior Chris Wong, junior Erich Heinricher “They are big matches because their teams are pretty deep,” senior Chris Wong said. “Holy Trinity is a big match because we have a rivalry and we hate them. I’m also looking forward to progressing past districts again.”

scoreboard Boys’ Soccer (14-5-4)

Space Coast East River Montverde Trinity Prep Astronaut Cocoa Beach MCC Atlantic Vero Beach Treasure Coast Edgewood Berkeley Prep Sebastian River Holy Trinity Cocoa Satellite Melbourne Gateway MCC Atlantic Cocoa Beach Satellite Bishop Moore

8-0 4-0 1-2 4-0 1-0 2-2 0-0 10-0 3-3 1-1 3-0 2-0 1-2 2-1 6-0 5-2 0-3 2-1 2-0 8-0 2-0 0-1 1-2

Girls’ Soccer (15-5-2)

Cocoa Beach 5-1 Astronaut 9-1 Edgewood 1-1 Cocoa 10-0 Sebastian River 3-0 Trinity Prep 2-1 Satellite 2-1 Space Coast 8-0 Atlantic 12-0 Titusville 3-0 Harmony 2-2 Master’s Academy 1-0 Berkeley Prep 5-2 Edgewood 2-1 Viera 2-4 Vero Beach 1-5 MCC 1-0 Atlantic 16-0 Cocoa Beach 2-0 Edgewood 4-0 Trinity Prep 1-2 (2 OT)

Boys’ Basketball (12-14)

Brev. Christian Satellite Master’s Aca.

20 l theroar l march 2013

61-49 46-59 55-38

Edgewood Astronaut St. Edwards Space Coast Cocoa John Carroll Cocoa Beach Bell Lafayette Chiefland Cov. Christian Space Coast Cocoa Beach Space Coast Astronaut Satellite Cov. Christian Cocoa Edgewood Brevard Christian John Carroll Master’s Aca. Astronaut

48-44 57-40 38-46 72-55 43-60 44-45 36-50 68-43 42-35 27-44 78-43 62-37 34-42 42-59 46-70 41-53 62-30 39-75 48-53 57-38 35-47 47-55 23-61

Girls’ Basketball (24-4)

Edgewood MCC

56-16 33-34

Satellite Heritage Merritt Island Merritt Island Master’s Aca. Cocoa Beach Cocoa Beach Cocoa Space Coast M.I. Christian Astronaut Rockledge Palm Bay Bayside Holy Trinity Space Coast Cocoa Satellite Edgewood Astronaut Cov. Christian Eau Gallie Bayside Edgewood Astronaut Cocoa Beach Lake Highland

71-43 59-44 52-35 46-32 50-26 44-46 32-40 30-29 41-18 67-19 39-42 42-40 12/20 67-30 41-39 49-46 46-37 57-16 60-35 42-39 62-19 59-27 61-10 58-24 41-37 36-32 39-42

gametime

Cat Tales

Making ‘sense’ of varsity basketball

By Sam Lack While pondering how to inspire you next, the ever-helpful varsity basketball coach and history teacher Tony Riopelle gave me these words of wisdom: “As Yoda says ‘Do or do not, there is no try,’” he said.

I understand this has little to no relevance to you, or anyone else for that matter, but then it hit me. What if the rest of the student body — save for my 11 teammates — doesn’t understand Riopelle’s dry, sarcastic humor, and that he really probably wasn’t expecting me to quote him in my column? I discovered, mostly through common sense, that the majority of the school has no idea what it’s like to be a varsity basketball player, and I’m willing to fix that.

Granted, you won’t want to be taken Photo: Dean Stewart through the grueling practices or the Spread the Love Sophomore guard Greg pre-season conditioning, but come Taveras shares the basketball, and the love, the Holiday Tournament at Bronson with his teammates High School, there’s no better place to be than on the team van, headed whether football or basketball. I must for Levy County. reiterate, however, that I have no personal I will take this “sense by sense,” allowing experience losing at sports video games, you to literally hear, taste, see, feel and, and some call me a Madden NFL 2013 unfortunately, smell what it’s like to be a master. OK, only I call myself that, but basketball player. really, the Dolphins shouldn’t be so poorly First we’ll taste varsity basketball, and rated in that game. how delicious it is. Whether it’s pre-game Sight is a tough one, because there’s meals at Chick-fil-A in the food court quite a bit to see amongst West Shore’s —actually, what am I saying? The food basketball elite. When the team sees a girl court is pretty much the only thing the in the mall and anyone tries to approach basketball team eats. We even go to malls her, we’re harshly reminded of the fact in other counties, just to eat the same that the team consists of several gawky, food. It’s redundant as it seems, but hey, oversized guys wearing matching polo because who doesn’t like Chik-Fil-A? shirts and khaki pants. So at the risk of What does one feel, as a member of a sounding strange, I’ll say that “seeing” basketball team? I could get corny, and girls is usually reserved for distances. You say he feels the camaraderie of teammates can see the defeat in the eyes of the teams and brotherhood, or the cool touch of a we upset along the way to a second-place basketball between my hands, but, frankly, finish at the Bronson tournament. You can that’s not all that happens. A certain even laugh as you watch Coach Riopelle sports fanatic (mind you, this certainly and a group of players convince our team wasn’t me) felt the handles of an Xbox captain, senior Scott Adams, that a grainy controller, and then felt the agony of picture of a cow is actually a terrifying being defeated in every single one of his bear, and you can watch his eyes widen endeavors into the world of video games,

when he realizes as he is reading this, that the only thing this “bear” would devour is some grass.

One of the few things that athletes get tired of is the incessant clapping that we basketball players do when we’re not in the game. It succeeds in encouraging the players on the court, but is equally as successful in aggravating those who don’t have the privilege of playing at that moment. That is why I, much to the dismay of my teammates and to the immense enjoyment of the fans who notice, choose to clap off-beat from my teammates and create my own rhythm from the bench.

Finally, we reach the smells of basketball. They’re not all bad, though, don’t worry. The aforementioned Chickfil-A has quite the intoxicating aroma, and a clean jersey smells oh-so-sweet.

Unfortunately, staying in a hotel for three nights with 12 athletes isn’t always olfactorily pleasant. Luckily, I roomed with someone who shared in my desire to keep our room spotless and free of unnecessary eating and/or dirty laundry.

Frankly, no one was welcome in our room unless they were invited, and only if they didn’t bring anything that would create any unwelcome odors. Walking into the other rooms is hardly bearable, as a wave of sweaty socks, three-day old waffle fries, and never-cleaned bathrooms hits you like a brick wall. I’ll omit further detail, but I assure you that it is not a jolly time.

There really is nothing like the experience of being with a group of uncontrollable, uncouth and simply hilarious guys for a weekend, and to make things even better, in between all the messing around we do the very thing we signed up for: play the game of basketball.

• At last, your sports trivia, in honor of spring training starting: Who is the alltime leader in hits, home runs and stolen bases?

The answers: Pete Rose (4256), Barry Bonds (762) and Rickey Henderson (1406), respectively.

march 2013 l theroar l 21

gametime

Coming to the Rescue

New coaches volunteer to save the track program

By Jacob Smithe and Sarah Day

A

s the days counted down to the about taking on this new commitment.

February, three weeks after track practices end of Winter Break, senior “I like track; it’s fun,” Riopelle said. “No officially began. The meets begin towards Lee Maki knew he was running one else wanted to [coach track] and I the end of February and span until the out of time. Track conditioning was wanted to keep the program alive because beginning or end of April, depending on under way, but a problem persisted that I know there are several dedicated athletes how far an individual or the whole team would make or break the team: no coach. who have been doing track for a while. advances.

Marshalling his fellow track enthusiasts, Also, I’ll be going home earlier than I ever With approximately 30 boys and 15 Maki set out on a desperate expedition for would in basketball.” girls, the team has more potential than in someone, anyone, to keep the program When team members heard that the previous years. However, senior Lauren alive. head basketball coach was going to take Dietl said that this advantage will be put “Timmy Pham, Rayme Persad, Saul Torres and I decided to go talk to teachers who we thought would be open to take on the task,” Maki said. “[Mrs.] Jenkins is really enthusiastic and always willing to help. [Ms.] Hartman had done Powderpuff. And [Mr.] Rehab is just Rehab.”

Despite many who doubted the idea of finding a coach, Maki and his posse had faith in these teachers. Science Department Chair Sherrie Jenkins lacks background in the sport, but still said she would be willing to rise to the occasion as a coach if necessary.

“I wouldn’t actually consider myself qualified for the position, but when Lee Maki gave me that ‘puppy dog’ look with his big, blue eyes, I couldn’t possibly let him down, or the rest of the hard working track team,” Jenkins said. “I was Photo: Jacob Smithe just trying to get the ball rolling.”

The Line Up At the season opener, coaches Drew Shaefer and Tony Riopelle team After all was said and done, the finalized coaching staff featured basketball up to measure a jumper’s mark, as coach Robert Salazer records the results. coach Tony Riopelle as head coach, his on the role of head track coach, the typical to waste with the lack of meets scheduled assistant basketball coach Robert Salazar reaction was somewhere between an this season. as head girls’ coach, parent Drew Schaefer amused smile and slight jaw-droppage.

“Without experience, it is impossible as returning throwing coach and athletic Despite the surprise, Maki showed to grow,” Dietl said. “I think that the best director Kim Shepherd as supervisor. excitement and confidence in having way to improve is by continuous racing “Words can’t explain how happy I am Riopelle to fill the position. against other competitive teams, in order that Riopelle stepped up to take on the “I think it’ll really whip the team back to prepare for the district meet where it job,” Jenkins said. “He even had to ask into shape,” Maki said. “He’ll make it a all really counts. The more meets we have, his wife for permission to be the coach lot more hardcore. His discipline from the more experience we’ll get, and the since it’ll take a chunk of time out of his basketball will carry over to track.” further we will advance in th long run.” schedule. I hope you all appreciate what With basketball his primary sport, Even though Riopelle is titled as the he’s doing.”

Riopelle did not start coming out to “head coach”, several others have stepped Riopelle also appears to be optimistic practices until the season ended in midup for a leadership position. Returning

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gametime

senior Robert Reis has been helping out with the organization of the team and leading warm-ups punctually at 3:45 p.m.

“I’m basically just filling the void until Riopelle gets out to practice since he’s been busy finishing off basketball season,” Reis said.

As well as assisting the team as a whole, Reis is focused on his own aspirations for the season.

“My ultimate goal is to break 5 minutes in the mile,” Reis said. “I have been constantly working hard and staying disciplined with my training to ensure my success is attained. I’ve been running every day, on the days we have track and then something on my own on

sport as he possibly can without actually competing.

“I’ll be a student coach for middleschool track,” Redito said. “I’ll be creating workouts and encouraging the athletes with positive words and motivation.”

As far as extra help goes, Coach Drew Schaefer has stepped up to assist in anything that the team needs. Schaefer and Riopelle have both coached track before at Melbourne Central Catholic so they both have background in the sport.

“I’ve coached all events before,” Schaefer said. “I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do. I can help out with relays, setting up meets, anything. If they need me to coach throwers, that’s what I’ll do.”

Photo: Jacob Smithe

Leaps and Bounds Sophomore Kristen Burns triple-jumps 13 feet at Palm Bay.

Wednesday when we don’t have practice.”

Luke Redito, a well-known, highly competitive runner, has decided to take the sidelines for his senior track season.

“I am having a right toe problem,” Redito said. “I’m playing it safe in hopes that with rest, the pain will eventually subside. I’d like to be able to run as long as I can, and if it means I have to take off some time now to do it, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

Redito will still be staying as close to the

coaches will provide the team with what they need in order to have a successful season.

“I’m really excited Schaefer is involved, he is a better coach than I am to say the least,” Finch said. “He has a world of experience.”

Despite Finch’s enthusiasm for all the volunteers willing to help the team, he said there is still not enough attention given towards our athletic department.

“I am disappointed about how sports teams have to do all their own fundraising,” Finch said. “I mean, [they] don’t have buses to any meets? That’s terrible.

Regardless of any setbacks, with the help of the new coaching volunteers track

Photo: Jacob Smithe

Suit Up Senior Geofrey Pena is first in line to claim his uniform as coach Tony Riopelle and manager Ethan Taggart supervise.

Being an underclassman, ninth-grade thrower Margarita Rexach didn’t know much about Riopelle because she never had him as a teacher, but did have some good things to say about Schaefer.

“I think Schaefer is a great coach,” Rexach said. “Schaefer’s always critiquing us which helps us improve. Even when we throw really well, he still gives us tips and advice so that we can throw even better.”

Previous track coach, and art teacher, Jim Finch is confident the new set of

will continue for those such as junior sprinter and hurdler Saul Torres who are committed to the sport.

“Even if track most likely won’t affect my entire future, it has always been something that I’ve looked forward to doing every year to relieve some stress,” Torres said. “When I heard that the whole track program might be ending, I was pretty upset. I think having Riopelle as the head coach will be a good change for the program, while making it fun.”

march 2013 l theroar l 23

gametime

Girl Power

Basketball, soccer teams wear district crowns

By Lindsay Gorham

West Shore is frequently considered one of the top college preporatory schools in the country. At other top academic schools, athletics tend to lack, and the absence of football and baseball teams at West Shore often makes the Wildcats underdogs. The past two seasons, however, have been laden with succcess, and it is now normal to see the Wildcats atop the district standings.

With the boys’ soccer team winning the Class 2A state championship last year, the various other athletic teams have had a lot to live up to. But, as they are regularly considered among the overacheivers of West Shore, the Lady Wildcats basketball and soccer teams both brought home district titles recently, breaking through the barrier that the school is “athletically inept.”

“While I’m proud of all the success and championships our teams win, what makes me the most proud is how all of our student athletes balance a rigorous curriculum and a crazy team agenda, with daily practices and games,” Principal Rick Fleming said. “Not only do our teams overcome tough school schedules to compete, we win.”

This year’s district championship is the third consecutive title for the reigning Lady Wildcats soccer team. In the district quarterfinal match, the girls breezed past Atlantic High School with a final score of 16-0. The team then soared through the district semifinals, defeating Cocoa Beach Minutemen in a close game, 2-0.

The winning streak didn’t end there. In the district final match, the Lady Wildcats soccer team successfully defended their title, knocking off Edgewood 4-0 to become “three-peat” district champions.

“It feels good winning the district championship three years in a row. I’m happy we’ve been able to defend our title and keep the program the best in the district as people move [on] and graduate,” senior varsity player Amanda Farthing

24 l theroar l march 2013

said. “I am confident that next year’s team will be able to continue winning districts.

It was a good way to round out senior year of soccer.”

The Lady Wildcats soccer team will graduate five seniors including captains Ciera Misner and Erin Berube, as well as Farthing, Lauren Dietl and Diana Sheedy.

The team returns 16 varsity players from this season’s title run, giving junior Sarah Brusca hope for the program’s future.

“I think that losing our seniors is a huge

Champs Junior Mary Kelly boots the ball and senior Victoria D’Esposito drives down the lane. For the first time in school history, the Lady Wildcats were district champions in both soccer and basketball. loss to the team but I still think there is enough talent and definitely enough heart left to keep us holding the district title,” Brusca said. “We need to keep our momentum by working well together and working on our weak skills throughout the regular season and really just have the will and push to want to win again.”

Also, adding to the growing collection of athletic recognition, comes a girls’ basketball district championship trophy.

For the first time ever, the Lady Wildcats basketball team brought home a district title upsetting reigning champion Cocoa Beach Minutemen in a close battle, 36-32.

“Winning districts was a huge step for us since it was the first time West Shore girls’ basketball had ever won it,” junior varsity member Nora McSorley said. “We’ve worked so hard not only in this season but previous seasons building up to reach this goal and it really shows how much we’ve progressed as a team.”

The girls’ basketball team also had another achievement in this record season, with senior Victoria D’Esposito’s entrance into the 1000 point1000 rebound club, a highlight of her successful career.

“It meant a lot to win districts and be in the 1000-1000, all in my senior year,” D’Esposito said. “My dad and I have been keeping track Photos: Dean Stewart of my points ever since my sister became the first person to get 1000 points. So it was a really big goal that I set for myself, the 1000 rebounds kind of just happened. Winning districts really just topped it off. After awhile, you get tired of hearing about all the other sports teams and what they’ve done, so it’s awesome to finally be the team to be recognized.”

Fleming lauded the impact of the recent athletic success.

“It takes a tremendous amount of tenacity and fortitude to succeed both on the field and in the classroom,” he said.

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Weekly Specials

By Brady Kelsey and Millie Rosasco Monday Wing Night @ Longdoggers 30 Cents per Boneless Wing/39 Cents per Wing “I live right across the street which makes it easy for me and it’s better than making dinner. I get home late from practice so I might as well just go over there. I see a lot of people from school and it’s fun.”

-Tess Sheets, senior

Taco Tuesday @ Tijuana Flats

2 Tacos, Chips and a Drink for $4.99 “It’s a really convenient way to save money especially because I don’t have a job. I go so often that the amount I save eventually adds up.

I could probably buy an extra taco with the money I save every month. It’s a lot better than any of the other places.”

-Austin Combs, senior

M

ost of us have two things cooking up in our minds just about 24/7: having fun and munching out. Nothing gets much better than grabbing a bite with some friends, especially if it means getting away from the ‘rents for a few hours.

But this constant spending seriously adds up, especially considering

Wild West Wednesday @ Texas Roadhouse 11oz Sirloin, Two Made-From-Scratch Sides and Endless Fresh-Baked Bread for $9.99 “Being an employee, I used to seat customers on Wednesdays and I remember I would dread working there because it would just be constantly going back and forth to the hostess table. All these old ladies would come in and say ‘I want the deal, I want the deal.’ It’s always the same crowd on Wednesdays, the same families with their little kids and the old couples.”

-Jenna Winter, junior

Thursday Karaoke Night @ Applebee’s 2 for $20 Entree Special

“It was definitely fun to sing in front of that many people.

Everyone’s doing it so it’s not really that embarrassing because everyone is embarrassing themselves equally. I would definitely recommend it for when we are on breaks because it’s hard to go on school nights.”

-Monty Karas, junior

Daily Specials Olive Garden

Unlimited Soup, Salad and Breadsticks Never Ending Pasta Bowl : 9.99 Dinner Tonight; Dinner Tomorrow 12.99 “I like their pasta, it’s delicious. I especially like the red sauce they use. I think its actually really cool how they make the decor look like it’s an Italy by adding lights to the ceiling and vines everywhere because you usually don’t see that around here.”

-Elena Panouses, seventh-grader

the income we have – well, in this case don’t have. We all are strugglin’ to scrounge up extra change just to pay for our next meal, but it isn’t just that next meal that we all really care about. It’s the atmosphere, the chance to hang out and make new friends, and basically there’s a cost. As a solution, restaurants all around Melbourne offer great deals where we can have the social life we desire and still be able to afford that pair of new Copa Mundial cleats for soccer or those Imagine Dragons concert tickets you’ve been craving for the past month.

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Personality Profile Rising Star. Eighth-grade actress sets her sights on bigger stage

By Kayley Lew “Luck favors those who are most prepared,” and for eighth grader Emily Deruelle, her preparation will allow her to succeed. Always dreaming of her name in lights, Deruelle immerses herself into the magical world of theater, a passion she hopes will lead her to her life-long calling.

“I love performing and being on stage. It’s the best feeling in the world,” Deruelle said. “All of my worries go away and I can focus on theater.”

Deruelle spends most of her time at the Cocoa Village Playhouse, participating in the “Stars of Tomorrow” program, a group of young local actors who have a passion for the big stage. She is also a member of multiple “Broadway on Brevard” shows, which are open to adults, as well as teens. Having watched her cousin David perform at the Playhouse when she was a little girl, Emily wanted to try acting out. This eventually lead to a dedication and passion for the theater.

“The Playhouse is like my second family,” Deruelle said. “I actually feel like I am at the theater more than my actual home.”

West Shore’s theater director Maureen Fallon has worked with Deruelle in training for the Junior Thespian State Festival and said she admires her devotion and her work ethic.

“Emily is very talented and hardworking,” Fallon said. “Although luck is the main component of theatrical success, I believe she can get where she wants with training.”

Having seen a wide variety of Broadway shows such as “Newsies,” “Phantom of the Opera”, “Wicked” and many more, Deruelle has fallen in love with New York

28 l theroar l march 2013

City and hopes to live there one day.

“My ultimate dream come true would to live in NYC and be on Broadway,” Deruelle

career locally, but she has attended a rigorous camp called Broadway Artists Alliance in New York. The camp, located in the heart of New York City’s theater district, is uniquely situated to offer classes taught by Tony Award-winners, Broadway performers, and NYC’s top casting directors, agents, coaches, and choreographers.

Deruelle was required to audition to for the camp and to select an area of emphasis, for which Deruelle chose singing.

“I took morning classes that were focused on dancing and acting,” Dereulle said. “Then in the afternoon I would take classes that were all specialized for singing. Singers who are in the business listened to me and instructed me. It was challenging, but it was such an awesome experience.”

Having been involved in show business for quite a while, Deruelle has played a variety of different characters, yet one character has deemed the title of her favorite.

Photo: Kayley Lew “My favorite show was The Sister Act Eighth-grader Emily Wizard Of Oz at the Cocoa Village Deruelle and her older sister Playhouse because I played the role Cecilia have performed together in of Dorothy,” Deruelle said. “The show was community theater productions. fun, energized, and it gave me another opportunity to pursue what I love to do.” said. “I’m not completely sure on whether Other roles that Emily has enjoyed I want to be an opera singer or focus on playing were Gertrude McFuzz in more musical/acting, but either way, I “Seussical the Musical” and one of the want to be on stage.”

Nicest Kids in Town in the musical Famous actresses such as Barbara “Hairspray,” during which she was able to Streisand and Sutton Foster provide perform in alongside her older brother.

Deruelle with the vision of who she would Dereulle takes the local theaters by like to become in her future career. storm in hopes to land her dream career.

“Sutton is so versatile, she’s a great “Performing has made me stronger as dancer and actress,” Deruelle said. “She a person because you get rejected every can do anything from opera to belting, day,” Deruelle said. “You just have to get and she’s been in so many shows.” used to that and once you do, a bigger Not only does Deruelle pursue her opportunity becomes available for you.”

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Reviews Past Albums

“Bangarang” 2012

“My Name is Skrillex” 2010

“Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” 2010

Leaving you wanting more. New Skrillex EP short but impressive.

By Jessica Blanco

Sonny Moore, known popularly by his DJ name Skrillex, has never released a proper album without the help of a few good DJ buddies such as deadmau5, Kill The Noise or Zedd. “Leaving” is his first solo project. This album shows culture’s evolution towards a more deep and twisted turn on electronic dance music. The album is pretty short — there are only three songs — and the songs themselves are pretty short, even for Skrillex, who is known for his insane eardrum-shattering bass drops, crazy upbeat tempos that make your head spin, plus catchy tones that get stuck in your

head days after you listen to them. In contrast, this album shows his bass drops being more relaxed and the tempo of the songs are slower.

“The Reason,” the first song on this album, has an electro-house start with pitch-shift changes that lead to a huge build with a heavy release. This song begins with a sound similar to Swedish House Mafia or Avicii, then shifts to Skrillex’s infamous bass drops and some manipulated synthesizers, leaving listeners feeling as if their heads are about to explode.

“Scary Bolly Dub” isn’t a new song. In

fact, it has been a part of his DJ sets for a while.

It’s the second song on this album. The song has a dubstep wobble with a Bollywood atmosphere that gives the listener a craving to go to the dance floor.

“Leaving” is the last and final song on this album, it has a more melancholy vibe, with slower beats, lonely keyboards, spread out percussions and a single “leaving” repeated. It’s like the ending of a great party, where all your energy is gone and you just want to lay

down and sleep.

Overall, I liked the album, mostly because I am a die-hard Skrillex fan and I believe that he can never go wrong in his masterpieces. This album is not his strongest, but it does have great potential in the electronic music market. It could possibly attract fans of deadmau5 or David Guetta with the more mild dance and pop beats. This may even show a change of heart in Skrillex’s electronic wavelength of dubstep sounds.

Regardless of the album’s far departure from its predecessors, these songs will be a great addition to his repertoire and may evolve to a new face of Skrillex beats. Skrillex is still a new artist and still has many years in front of him in the music field, who knows, maybe this could just be another test to prove to the world that he can do anything.

march 2013 l theroar l 29

cultureshock

Reviews Zombie Love. Filmmakers draw on Shakespeare to overcome cliches

By Lauren Youngson The concept of zombie movies has been done time and again, but Jonathan Levine’s “Warm Bodies” takes this overused theme and adds a refreshing new spin of romance, comedy and allusions to William Shakespeare’s, “Romeo and Juliet.”

The movie centers around a zombie named R (Nicholas Hoult) who after the apocalypse, mills around an abandoned airport with his fellow zombies, in a constant distress over his life and his lack of human abilities. Because R is a zombie and is unable to speak out loud, much of the movie incorporates voiceover narrations. One day R, his best friend M (Rob Corddry, who has some of the funniest — and most vulgar — lines) and other zombies get hungry and travel toward the human side of town in search of their next meal. There, the group finds Julie (Teresa Palmer) and her boyfriend Perry (Dave Franco) who are searching for medical supplies for the remaining uninfected humans. R instantly has a connection to Julie, but his zombie urges cause him to eat her boyfriend, thus, gaining his memories.

These memories cause R to fall in love

FAN FIGHT New american idol judges “Thrift Shop” by macklemore & Ryan Lewis “Les Miserables”

with Julie and, when his zombie friends try to eat her as well, he saves her and brings her back to the airport. There the two develop a bond that eventually causes R to become more human. In fact, as their relationship grows, he is able to speak more and more. However when the two travel back to Julie’s home, a fight causes them to separate. The connection between the couple spreads to many other zombies causing them to redevelop human characteristics. This change angers

LOVE IT “Nicki and Mariah’s fighting is really funny.”

— Kenzie Scott, 7 '”It’s dope because the beat is popping.”

— Megan Ward, 9 “The acting and singing was phenomenal.”

— Joe Katz,12

30 l theroar l march 2013

the bonies — skeleton zombies way past regaining their humanity — and causes them to start a battle to end this cure.

The allusions to “Romeo and Juliet” are many. Both the main characters names, R and Julie, clearly reference the famous Shakespearean couple. Also there is a balcony scene similar to the play, where R is professing his love for Julie who is standing on a balcony until her friend Nora, who wants to be a nurse, interrupts them. These clever allusions add an unique aspect to the worn out zombie genre, making the post-apocalyptic “Romeo and Juliet” really work.

The casting is spot on. Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer make a convincing couple and Hoult’s comedic voice-over lines emphasize how despite his undead traits, R truly wants to be fully human.

Teresa Palmer shines as well because she makes the audience really think that a person could fall in love with the zombie who killed her last boyfriend.

Despite its absurdly unrealistic plot, “Warm Bodies” works. With zombies, comedy and romance all wrapped into one film, viewers can’t go wrong with choosing this perfect date night film which is sure to warm up any non-zombie lover’s heart.

WHAT IS IT? The long-running singing competition adds three new judges for its 12th season.

“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is about buying clothes at a consignment store.

“Les Miserables” is a remake of the famous Broadway musical by the same name.

HATE IT “Nicki Minaj has no talent and isn’t qualified” — Schuyler Schrader,10 “The lyrics are pointless and annoying.”

— Myles Lindsey, 7 “I didn’t bother going because I hate musicals.”

— Christine Sherry, 11

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Fun Features I was _____ (v.) in the cafeteria eating a ______ (adj.) sandwich when Mr. Fleming walked up. He looked really ______ (adj.) and asked if he could ______ (v.) it. Being the ______ (adj.) person I am, I was ______ (adj.) and let him have the other ______ (n.).

Mr. Fleming _____ (v.) me and awarded me with a ______ (n.). I looked at him and said, “______.”

Wildcat Playlist Jimmy Carroll, 12th “Artificial Heart” Jonathan Coulton

“The Adventure Begins” Howard Shore

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“Falling Slowly”

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Glen Hansard

“Sieze the Day”

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Photo: Andrew Lim