The Timber Creek Tribune Volume XV Issue 2 December 2014 follow us on Instagram
Deaf community speaks up Read on Page 2
Patrick chooses ‘Noles Read on Page 3
Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice Read on Page 7
Elektra gets revenge at Districts
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INSIDE fIVE FUN HOLIDAY FOODS pg. 4 Hunger games review pg.6
nOVEMBEARED RESULTS PG.8 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade pg.6
PHOTO/ Lucinda Mason Sophomore Grace Murphy (lying down) and senior Amalie Meer (kneeling) deliver stunning performances.
Kilani Sierra “Elektra” was the first play to start the drama department’s 2014-2015 Main Stage Season. The original Elektra, by the classic Greek play by Sophocles, tells the story of a sister and brother seeking revenge for the death of their father. The adaptation, written by drama teacher Elizabeth Brendel Horn, is set in a modern-day mental institute. The character of Elektra is trapped within her mind and yearns for revenge. The two stories differ with the killing of Elektra’s mother; in the original
play Orestes (Elektra’s brother) kills their mother, while in Horn’s adaptation Elektra commits the murder. “I didn’t initially set out to write out an adaptation…I really liked the story of Elektra and I thought that it had a lot of potential,” stated Horn. Students took two months to prepare. The show was cast in mid-September, consisting of students in the sixth period drama class. Students memorized monologues for their desired roles, then performed it in front of their classmates for their audition. Senior Alexander Gonzalez stated “…all I did to prepare for that role [Young Oerestes; Nurse] was just getting into the moment of every show and feeling how the vibe was for the whole scene…all of my actions are
very stiff and rigid as the Nurse…” All roles required different preparation. “I would play around with intonation, pace, and emphasis of the lines until I and the director feel the character is best represented,” stated sophomore Grace Murphy in relation to preparing for her role of the character Elektra. The show’s purpose is to perform at the district competition. “Elektra” performed the Friday of Districts, while that Saturday students in drama performed their individual events for competition. The drama district competitions were at Dr. Phillips High School from November 19-21. The results for the performance of “Elektra” included straight superiors for the play, advancing the show to the State Festival.
Tis the season for studying Overload Cristina Toppin
index Features and highlights pg.2 sports pg.3 Winter Break special pgS.4-5 entertainment & reviews pg.6 Opinion pg.7 NOVEMBEARD pg.8
Some say farewell to school for a couple weeks, waving assignments goodbye. Others leave the building but cannot escape work. While the sea of assignments varies in depth among students, there is always a group of pupils that experience the stressful and scary “Holiday Overload.” “Holiday Overload” presents the common dilemma of successfully juggling one’s schoolwork, social life, and leisurely activities. During the holiday breaks, however, students are expected to complete their heap of assignments and enjoy a long deserved vacation from the pressures of school life at the
same time. Being a student who is experiencing this plight, I believe this expectation defeats the purpose of taking Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break. While we don’t have to commute to school at 6 a.m for a couple weeks, all the work that is missed in the classroom makes its way into our houses. Assigning work to students during vacations is not such a new and cruel practice in American school systems. However, requiring such a vast amount of material for students to complete does not allow them to fully enjoy their rest. I texted
acquaintances, went to the movies with friends, and visited relatives during Thanksgiving Break. My mind was absent even though I was physically present. I was mentally keeping track of upcoming due dates, test dates, and the work I needed to complete by my return to school. I finally realized that the frantic thoughts about my pile of schoolwork were hindering my period of relaxation. What is the point of sending students away from school if teachers will assign a hefty amount of work? Continued on Page 4
Features and Highlights
Pg. 2 Check out these articles online! www.tctribune.com Cadets commeorate vets at vigil
Deaf community speaks up Andrea Rivera
On Nov. 11, the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) held the Veterans Day Vigil in the Performing Arts Center (PAC).
‘1989’ goes beyond your ‘Wildest Dreams’
With a new style and a fresh 80s pop sound, Taylor Swift released her fifth studio album “1989” on Oct. 27.
Wolves come up short against West Orange in basketball The boy’s varsity basketball team narrowly lost 85-79 in an overtime thriller against the West Orange Warriors on Thursday, Nov. 20.
Students and Teachers roll up their sleeves to save lives More than 100 students participated in the blood drive on Dec. 4.
PHOTO/ Andrea Rivera Stephanie Gonzalez signing “understand” in a conversation at Deaf Bible study. The “deaf” become “Deaf,” proudly capitalizing their culture, hands turn more useful than usual, and smiles remain a universal language—this is the Deaf community. Stereotypically silent, yet loud in truth—and not just metaphorically speaking. Deaf culture and the Deaf community In the Deaf community, sign language suddenly stops being a “cheap substitute” for “real” language; it is a language of its own, with specific grammar and vivid facial expressions. The Deaf meet to share the joy of being part of a rich culture, not as a support group for hearing-impaired people. “They take time out of their lives just to all meet up and show love to each other. That’s what being Deaf is all about,” said freshman Denny Navarro, son of two Deaf par-
ents. Navarro has been fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) since three yearsold and is an active member of the Deaf community with his father. “Deafies” (term used for Deaf people inside the Deaf community) have traditions and characteristics, such as giving “signnames” to hearing people (which only a Deaf person can do) and being openly-affectionate from the first time they meet someone. As hearing people walk into the Deaf world, the question will arise: “Are they hearing-impaired, or are we ‘Deaf-impaired?’” The hearing-minded and their misconceptions It is common for “Hearies” (term used for hearing people in the Deaf community) to see deafness as a disability, but to “Deafies” it certainly is not. “We call ourselves Deaf, not impaired, not deaf and dumb— just Deaf,” said Elvin Garcia, who was born deaf. Garcia believes one misconception about the Deaf is that they cannot speak. “We can do everything else except hear. We are able to vocalize and speak,” he said. “Some like to speak, some don’t. That’s their preference.” Sign language is not universal. Like other languages, sign comes in different forms, grammar, and “languages.” Therefore, English and ASL are not the same. The public, lacking knowledge about the Deaf community and culture, assume the Deaf want them to “fix” their deafness. However, the majority of Deaf people do not want to “become hearing.” This has been attempted through different methods, such as cochlear implants and speech therapy. “No way [I would get a cochlear implant]. You need to be satisfied with who you are,” said Thalia Hernandez, a “Deafie” who believes the implant could bring about identity problems. Garcia, who uses hearing aids instead, would not get the implant either, mainly due to the side effects and risks (such as emotional instability and mental retardation). Deaf people have fashioned their own culture and identity into existence, and the hearing will not get
in the way of that. Now, knowing that being “deaf” is lacking hearing, but being “Deaf” is being part of a culture, it is easier for the general public to stop seeing deafness as “hearing loss,” but rather “Deaf gain;” losing hearing but gaining a culture. The hearing and Deaf united “I feel that the hearing and the Deaf are equal. I mean, hearing is one thing— it doesn’t matter,” said Hernandez. She explained the importance for people to understand “Deafies” have their own way and to be sensitive to their culture. Both Hernandez and Garcia agree that, although there are others ways of communicating (such as pen and paper, lip-reading, cell phone applications), “hearies” should learn at least some signs. ASL at your fingertips Timber Creek has an active ASL program in which students are exposed to the language hands-on (literally), the culture, and sense-of-family it inspires. Amanda Robinson, ASL class teacher and club sponsor, graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in communications sciences and disorders. Having no Deaf relatives and being exposed to ASL in her senior year of high school, Robinson gives credit to her childhood neighbor, a sign language interpreter, for sparking her passion for Deaf culture. Robinson believes it is important for students to attempt to learn ASL. “With 90% of Deaf children being born into hearing families, it’s important that we help bridge the gap between the Deaf and the hearing communities,” she said. Olivia Gray, Sarah Lanshe, Veronica Titus, and Mackenzie Canario, former ASL students of Robinson, are now pursuing interpreting majors. “From the first day of ASL, students are immersed in the language-- they are exposed to a unique learning environment,” said Robinson. “The teacher and the students remain voice-off throughout most of the year.”
Awareness for a colorful cause
PHOTO/ Justin Martineau Student Government wears pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness during pink and red ribbon week.
Rabeea Rehman Members from NHS (National Honor Society), Service Learning Council, and SGA (Student Government Association) brought awareness to breast cancer and Red Ribbon Week on Oct 27-31. Along with Pink Out on, the NHS committee sold Scare Away Cancer T-Shirts in honor of bookkeeper Audrey Kimmel, and all others fighting
breast cancer. “What was special about the shirts was that they are personal for the community,” said senior Naadiya Hutchinson, President of NHS, BETA Club and Helping the Homeless. “Kimmel is our school bookkeeper and huge part of our community and showing our support for her was a big part of why we did this project,” she added. NHS raised over $800 and made
50 chemotherapy packages for breast cancer patients admitted at a cancer institute. “I think students should be motivated to continue supporting breast cancer research bases off of all the success we have had with Scare Away Cancer,” said senior Leander Shedd, NHS treasurer. On Friday, Oct. 31, the Service Council held an event focused on driving under the influence at the courtyard as a part of Red Ribbon Week, having students wear goggles that impair their vision to simulate drunk driving while navigating a remote controlled car through a student-made obstacle course. “On the [Oct.] 31st we also had students ‘volunteer to die’ that day. They would have their face[s] painted and wear a paper outlining how they had died... I am hoping Timber Creek students are responsible in their actions,” said senior Adrian Negron, Co-President of the Service Learning Council. “High school is a fun place to be, so make the best of it through good decisions!”
Sports Patrick set to run ball for ‘Noles
Pg. 3 Basketball Schedule Dec. 13- Lake Highland @ Oviedo Dec. 15- Cypress Creek @ Timber Creek Dec. 16- Lake Nona @ Lake Nona Dec. 19- Colonial @ TimberCreek
PHOTO/ Andrea Rivera Jacques Patrick and his younger brother Peter Hayes have a strong bond based on their love for football and family.
Jan. 6- Boone @ Timber Creek Jan. 8- OakRidge @ Oak Ridge
Todd Akroyd Senior running back Jacques Patrick has officially committed to Florida State University. After endless debate about where Patrick would attend, he announced his decision Monday, Oct. 27 in front of a full gym of fans. FSU had been recruiting Patrick since he was a freshman at East River High School. Throughout Patrick’s career, FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher and offensive line coach Rick Trickett gained his trust by consistently reaching out after games. After all the good game texts and official visits, they eventually convinced the young runner to accept their invitation to Tallahassee. “I could tell I would get taken care of at FSU,” said Patrick. “It’s a great opportunity on and off the field. It feels like home there.” However, the young phenom’s journey began long before he met Florida State coaches. Patrick first played football when he was nine years old after watching his older brother Javonte Seabury excel at the sport. Seabury was supposed to attend FSU as well, before ultimately playing for Western
Michigan University. Patrick is working hard to make sure he graduates this January. In order to participate in the Seminoles’ spring practices and prepare for his freshman season, he will have to enroll at FSU early. “I have goals that go far beyond high school. I have to stay grounded and continue to work hard. I want to play college football. I want to be drafted into the NFL,” said Patrick. The senior back has definitely stayed grounded despite all the publicity and accolades. Rather than making the announcement solely about himself, he chose to share the day with his younger brother Peter Hayes by announcing his decision on Hayes’ birthday. “He asked me to share it with him. I thought it would be cool to celebrate together,” said Patrick. With Patrick’s senior season winding down, he became the first running back in Central Florida to run for over 2,000 yards in three separate seasons. He has racked up over 7,542 total career rushing yards in four seasons. It looks as if he will surpass Central
Florida high school football star Willie Green on the states’ all-time rushing yards list. Green finished his career with 7,947 yards, the most ever by a Central Florida running back. Patrick will move into fourth place on the state’s all-time rushing list with only 405 more yards. Just ahead of him on the list, Pro-football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. However, with the local fame comes high expectations. “I don’t feel any pressure. People want you to live up to their expectations, but I just go out and do what I can. I don’t let other people’s opinions bother me,” said Patrick. Some compare Patrick’s violent and relentless style of running to backs like Herschel Walker. However, it may be his work ethic that should be compared to greatness. “You have to work incredibly hard. I’ve dedicated my time to get better and separate myself from other running backs. To have success during the season, you have to put the time in during the offseason. You have to want it more than the next guy,” said Patrick.
The Pack was ready to play in 2014: the football season in review Todd Akroyd It was an exciting time for Wolves fans this fall. Particularly if they were following the football team, which finished second in the district and featured one of the best running games in state history. However, despite finishing with a 7-3 regular season record, the Wolves lost their road playoff game to West Orange High School in the 8A region semi-finals 42-21. It was a sudden ending to the season after leading West Orange by two touchdowns early in the first half. It was the Wolves rushing attack that took over games during the 2014
campaign. Senior Jacques Patrick led the pack in rushing, finishing the season with over 2,500 yards on the ground. In fact, there were many critics that said the only ingredient missing from the explosive offense was a consistent passing game. Quarterback play was so shaky throughout the season, that head coach Jim Buckridge changed quarterbacks for the playoff game against West Orange. Buckridge went with his star rusher Patrick as the quarterback. But even the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Florida struggled at the position and Pat-
rick threw three interceptions. Even with the poor passing attack, ultimately the Wolves rampaged their way to a successful season and sent the seniors off well. With it being Patrick’s last season, it will be difficult to replace his production next year. But the Wolves have the underclassmen to do it. With Marlon “MJ” Jarrell coming back at wideout, eight defensive starters returning, and Jackson Saffold taking over at running back, 2015 looks like another bright year for the pack.
Jan. 15- East River @ TimberCreek Jan. 16- Dr. Phillips @ Dr. Phillips Jan. 20- Olympia @ TimberCreek Jan.21- Winter Park/Freedom @Winter Park
pAST gAMES As of Dec.11, 2014
Nov.19-East River: 71-58 W Nov.20-West Orange: 85-79 L Nov.21-Winter Springs: 62-54 W Nov.28-Freedom: 77-62 W Dec.2-University: 61-46 W Dec.9-Winter Park: 51-46 W
Five Fun Holiday Foods
Lauren Johansen
1
Reindeer Sandwiches
A great way to get kids in the Christmas spirit!
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Holiday Tree Brownies
The Weather Out
Walking out on a Wint
Tatum Swanson
Once again, the possibility of a winter formal has been brought to the table and denied. After the incredible success of this year’s Alice and Wonderland themed Homecoming, a winter formal was demanded from students in all grade levels. “They want to dance and have fun with other students,” said junior Timothy Jackson. At Homecoming, that was the main activity, and there is no doubt students want another opportunity. “Dressing up and hanging with friends is appealing to oth-
A fantastic and yummy treat to serve at holiday parties!
3 4
ers and thats why they want it: to have fun,” says Sophomore Class Council Member Megan Van de Water, “I want it because of the experience and the people.” It was to be planned by Sophomore Class Council, and ideas floated around that the winter formal would be held in the courtyard in January, with beautiful tents decorated with lights, heaters, and confetti cannons similar to Homecoming. As ideas were discussed, anticipation among the Class Council intensified, but quickly turned to disappointment when the winter formal was disapproved. It was supposed to be a true Winter Wonderland for stu-
dents upon their return from the two week Holiday Break. “I was very disappointed that our winter formal wasn’t approved because I was looking forward to it,” said Van de Water, “I also believed our principal’s reasoning for the reject was unfair.” Dr. Berrio, after deep consideration, declined the idea of a winter formal because of the logistics. In addition, the school is incredibly busy planning Homecoming and Prom, and we haven’t ever had a winter formal in past years. Other high schools in Florida have winter formals of their own, and some could continue to state that it is unfair that our school
Pinwheel Cookies This treat is a fun twist on the classic cookie.
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
A fun Christmas spin on a everyday dish to enjoy during the holidays.
Children and adults gather around the tree at Avalon Aglow to take pi
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Wreath Shaped Pigs-In-A-Blanket
A festive way to place your classic pigs-in-a-blanket.
A Glance Ahead
Events to enjoy
during Winter Break.
Light Up UCF
From Nov. 14 to Dec. 4, make your way to UCF to enjoy ice skating, movies, carriage rides, and more!
New Movie “Annie” On Dec. 19, the new film “Annie” hits the big screen. Based on the classic Broadway production, it follows little orphan Annie and her unlikely friendship with Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx).
Osbourn of
At the Stree wood Studio of Dancing L Florida sno
tside is Delightful
ter Wonderland doesn’t have one. “If students are able to organize the event I don’t see why we can’t have it,” said sophomore Mason Bunke. Emily Vonhack, also a member of Sophomore Class Council, said that she does not understand why we don’t get the same opportunity. For most underclassmen, Homecoming is, in most cases, the only formal event they are able to attend throughout the entire school year; juniors and seniors have the opportunity to enjoy both Homecoming and Prom. Another event that is cheaper than other formals would be a great opportunity for students
who cannot pay for other school functions, or simply want another night to dress up and have a good time with friends. It is also less expensive to put on, since the primary expense is for decorations, a DJ, snacks, etc. Another argument is that it prepares the Sophomore Class Council for when they are juniors, planning for prom of 2016. Although this school year will not see a winter formal, the idea will surely be discussed in years to come. With fingers crossed, students and faculty will be able to be a part of a Winter Wonderland.
PHOTO/ Andrea Rivera Freshman Lucas Bryson is overwhelmed by the load of work he needs to complete.
Cristina Toppin Continued from page1
PHOTO/ PHOTO/ Brittany Brittany Crary Crary
ictures with Santa and friends.
ne Family Spectacle Dancing Lights
ets of America at Disney’s Hollyos, the Osborne Family Spectacle Lights features music, lights, and ow every evening through Jan. 4.
Tis the season for studying: overcoming the overload
Disney’s Candlelight Processional
Until Dec. 30 at Epcot, you can listen to the story of Christmas narrarated by celebrity guests, and listen to a mass choir and 50-piece orchestra every night at three different times. Standard park admission is required to access this show.
Instead of assisting students by ensuring that they remember material taught before Winter Break, completing more work harms them. Breaks are the few instances during the school year where I have the opportunity to heal my mind (which is constantly on work mode). How can students recuperate from intense anxiety caused from balancing work and leisure when assignments dominate their thoughts? Teachers assigning less material during school breaks in response to the grievances of students would only occur in a perfect world. While “Holiday Overload” is hectic, students should dedicate their effort taken to complete work into ensuring that they also relax during vacation time. Completing a portion of one’s work in the morning throughout the week can prevent the dreaded, Sunday-night study session. Designate at least two “fun days” for
Avalon’s Movie Underthe Stars Still in love with Frozen? Haven’t “let it go” yet? On Dec. 19, bring your blankets to the Avalon Park amphitheatre and enjoy free popcorn and a free showing of Disney’s holiday film “Frozen.”
relishing the company of friends and family. In the (common) situation that an essay or project has not been touched until the last day of Winter Break, abandon all distractions (phones, game consoles, television, etc.) and get working. A simple rule I follow is this: work hard to play hard. As Christmas jingles, pies, and colder weather sweeps in, so does a blizzard of work. While a pile of homework is not a desirable gift to receive during Winter Break, students are required to complete it. However, it is crucial that we remember our assigned material and mental health. School breaks should be a time for rehabilitating one’s brain and forgetting about the hardships of school life— not for constantly worrying about work. Dedicate time towards play dates, not only due dates. By focusing on finishing assignments and taking a mental break, hopefully students can overcome their overload.
Winter Wonderland Waterford
in
From Dec. 5 through Jan. 4, attendees may enjoy carnival rides and games next to Regal Cinemas. Santa’s Winter Wonderland Village features food, lights and displays.
Entertainment and Reviews
Pg. 6 ‘Mockinjay’ EARNS soaring reviews
Macy’s Welcomes you to New York fi
LAUREN JOHANSEN “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part One”, the third film in the Hunger Games series, soared into theaters on Nov. 21 and was an instant crowd-pleaser. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) showed her strength by agreeing to become the face of the new rebellion against the Capital. With a team consisting of president Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) and her childhood friend Gale (Liam Hensworth) they start to rebel. The Capital plays a dirty trick on the rebel force by bombing their stronghold in District 13. Katniss’ ultimate goal as the Mockingjay is to rescue the remaining victors of the Hunger Games that President holds prisoner: Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), Annie (Stef Dawson), and Joanna (Jena Malone). A team of rebel volunteers, including Gale, go on a quest and attempt to return successfully with all three victors. “Mockingjay”, in my opinion, was not as action-packed as “Hunger Games” and “Catching Fire.” It showed a little of a dramatic side through Katniss and all the crazy events she has been through. I would have liked to see less drama and more of the Katniss we know so well from the other movies: tough and ready to fight. The actors portrayed their characters with authenticity. All in all “Mockingjay” kept my attention throughout the whole movie, and I cannot wait to see what part two has to offer.
PHOTO/Brittany Crary
BRITTANY CRARY This year’s star-studded Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrated its 88th anniversary. With 3.5 million people lining the streets of New York, and 50 million more people tuning into NBC, this event was not one to miss. From the floats and balloons, to the amazing performances, this production never was exciting from beginning to end. The famous Snoopy and Woodstock and The Elf on the Shelf balloons returned to the parade this year, and were once again crowd favorites. Six new balloons were added to this yearly tradition, including The Weinstein Company’s loveable Peruvian bear Paddington, the elec-
Check these articles out online! www.tctribune.com Grammer loses his way “Back Home”
BREAK IT DOWN RUN TIME:
123 min. RATING:
PG-13 GENRE:
Drama RELEASE DATE:
Nov. 21 ROTTEN TOMATOES:
6.3 / 10
ANDREA RIVERA Santa Monica’s favorite “lunatic,” and one of S-Curve Records’ most famous artists, Andy Grammer continues to reach receptive ears hungry for authentic beats and relatable lyrics.
As World Trade Center reopens, 9/11 must be remembered CHRISTIAN SIMMONS On Nov. 4 Conde Nast employees made their way into One World Trade Center, the building formerly known as the Freedom Tower.
trifying Pikachu, the giggling Pillsbury Doughboy, the Red Mighty Morphin’ Power Ranger, the lava-spewing Skylanders Eruptor, and the friendly locomotive Thomas the Tank Engine. To keep the magic going, Macy’s rolled out star performers this year including chart-toppers Taylor Swift, Nick Jonas, Becky G., and Megan Trainor. With Swift ruling the music industry after the debut of 1989, fans were excited to see her perform. Singing her new song “Welcome To New York,” Taylor took the stage inside CBS studios. This threw off some viewers, as most parade festivities are aired on NBC.
Nick Jonas and Megan Trainor stole the show, singing their top hits “Jealous” and “All About That Bass.” These performers kept me warm on the bone-chilling cold day with their fun, upbeat songs to dance to. Other crowd favorites included “Before you Exit,” “India Menzel,” “MKTO,” “Lucy Hale,” “KISS,” “The Vamps,” and “Romeo Santos.” After about an hour the parade started to come to an end, and in came Santa on his sleigh, bringing a heavy snowfall with him— the perfect ending to a magical event.
opinion and editorial Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice
Andrea Rivera
Emily Torres
No more than terrorists
A mother’s view
A cruel pair of forceps grab the legs, pulling them into the birth canal. A brutal pair of hands delivers the fetus’ entire body, except for the head. From there the abortionist proceeds to jam scissors into the fetus’ skull, which are then opened to enlarge it. Lastly, a suction catheter is inserted to suck the fetus’ brain, destroying every possibility of the delicate fetus ever having a first thought, memory, and opinion of their own. That mother isn’t merely ordering the removal of a fetus from inside her body—she is ordering the removal of her baby from life. Approximately 3,000 Americans lost their lives as a result of the destruction of the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11. Every day, more than 3,000 American babies are killed from abortion, making us almost terrorist ourselves—since both deaths happen to be conscious killings. “Abortion is murder, sugar-coated,” said junior Anais Hernandez. Arguing that as women we have the right to a choice as a selfish justification, many ignore the crude reality— abortionists are murderers are hungry for money. Planned Parenthood, a non-profit organization that provides reproductive healthcare services, has 30 executives that make more than
$200,000 a year; a few of them make more than $300,000 a year. Money is one of the leading motivations for the exhortation and execution of abortion. “I find it impossible to subscribe to a philosophy that believes that the destruction of human life is a legitimate solution to a problem that is mostly social, economic, and psychological,” said American actress and producer Patricia Heaton in an interview with Steven Ertelt from LifeNews. com. “In reality, most women ‘choose’ abortion because they believe they have no other choice.” Pro-life advocate and current Florida governor Rick Scott signed a bill Jul. 1, 2014, which states abortions are illegal in Florida after 24 weeks. With such restrictions, we will most likely see an increase in births in Florida, hopefully softening a mother’s heart when witnessing her baby outside her womb, being able to feel her child’s heartbeat. Whether the government gives us the right to abort or not, the convictions of our values should be enough to make us realize how inhumane the act is.
When you hear the word abortion, your first thought may be that taking a life away is wrong. However, what if you knew that abortion is what saves many from being put in unstable environments? What if you knew abortion is saving these souls from an unfortunate life? What many do not realize is that it is never an easy choice for a mother to abort their child. It is not an act made in spite. This is a choice often made to protect. Another thought to keep in mind is the value of a woman’s choice. Which often times the reason for abortion is because the mother did not choose to have the baby in the first place. Rape victims should not have to be forced into carrying the child of the same man that forced it to be conceived in the first place. And no mother should have to be forced into raising a child on their own. If a man was there to make the baby, the man should also be there to
Pg. 7
take ownership of it. Some may also argue that adoption is a better alternative to abortion. However, these are two totally separate things. For adoption to occur, the woman is obligated to give birth. The act of giving birth means that her choice to not have the baby is not being respected. The woman becomes the biological mother of the child, and that is not fair for the mother or child. While it does all come down to what is the best choice for an unborn being, it should always be a woman’s choice to carry and give birth to a child, because it is her body. Abortion was a pivotal subject in recent elections. Republican and prolife supporter Rick Scott was re-elected as governor of Florida, and under his administration a bill was signed to limit the scope of circumstances in which an abortion may be carried out. This is contrary to a woman’s constitutional rights– the rights over their own bodies—guaranteed by the fourteenth amendment. In the end, abortion should not be a matter of “right” or “wrong”: abortion just is. It should be a choice that is available to the women that need or desire it.
Todd Akroyd: Editor-in-chief Brittany Crary: Design Editor Cristina Toppin: Copy Editor Lauren Johansen: Social Media Andrea Rivera: Photographer Tatum Swanson: Page Editor Emily Torres: Page Editor Kilani Sierra: Page Editor Rabeea Rehman: Page Editor Christian Simmons: Page Editor Advisor: Kim Dobson
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NovemBEARD Results LANGE 1st with 85%
MARTIN 2ND WITH 14%
BERGER 3RD WITH 1%
By: Tatum Swanson and Rabeea Rehman