The Lion's Tale - Volume 59 Issue 5 - Oviedo High School

Science fair winners qualify for states PAGE 3

FEATURES

SPORTS

PAGE 14

PAGE 18

Forced masculinity causes damage

Traditions unite varsity baseball team

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • 32765 MARCH 14, 2019 • VOLUME 59 • OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

The GREAT GATSBY

’

LION’S 5 TALE EDITION

NEWS

Theatre production process requires intense preparation STORY BY SKYLAR ZERN

The opening night of a theatre production is full of bright lights, applause, rituals and lots of enthusiasm.

“There is so much excitement backstage that you can almost feel it tangibly,” said Tim Carter, the theater director and drama teacher.

The department will debut The Great Gatsby on March 28. However, what the audience will see is only a fraction of what goes into the production process.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

2 | NEWS | THE LION’S TALE | MARCH 14, 2019

the Scoop

FCA alumnus shares experience with current students PHOTO BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN STORY BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN At 6:45 a.m. on a Feb. 27, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) hosted alumni and former FCA president Dr. Brian Pikalow as a guest speaker.

“We were looking for guest speakers for the club, and Mr. Matthews said he knew him,” said senior and current president KJ Hayes.

Pikalow emphasized the role FCA has played throughout his life.

“I went to UF, then eventually became an associate pastor at Discovery Church in Orlando,” Pikalow said.

Students also voiced their thoughts about FCA’s impact throughout the earlymorning meeting.

“I think FCA has given me a place to just be able to express myself through my faith at school, and I think that’s important to a lot of people who come to the meetings,” Hayes said.

At the end, Pikalow thanked the students for upholding the FCA tradition.

“I think the students who are part of FCA today are just as committed to its mission as we were when I was in FCA,” Pikalow said.

“We definitely want to host more guest speakers in the future,” Hayes said.

BACK TO INSPIRE. Former FCA president and current Discovery Church associate pastor Dr. Brian Pikalow speaks to students at the weekly FCA meeting on Feb. 27.

Student-created career fair draws support from local businesses

the Month in Photos

STORY BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR Senior Adelle Mitchell hosted an event called “Frame Your Future” to obtain her Girl Scout Gold Award, which is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn.

“I planned this career fair to give students the opportunity to speak with professionals,” Mitchell said. “This would allow them insights into the career they’re interested in and help them to not change majors in college.”

Mitchell was able to get about 20 businesses to attend.

“I contacted them through the Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell also recorded short interviews with each business representative.

“There will be a feature on the Chamber website so students can learn more about the careers, as if they went to the event, and the Chamber may continue my project for future years,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell was pleased with the overall outcome, though attendance was small.

“Not many students showed up, which was disappointing because the businesses were excited to speak with the students,” Mitchell said. “I am happy that the businesses got to network with each other.”

PHOTO BY BRYN GARICK

PROM FASHION. Junior Tyler Metz and senior Julissa Pujols walk through the Commons during lunch, showing off styles of tuxes and dresses at the prom fashion show.

PHOTO BY BOB GARICK

HONORS SOCIETY INDUCTION. Senior Sara Garcia receives her certificate for being inducted into the French Honor Society.

O-Glow replacement event still under discussion in SGA STORY BY ABBIE WYDRA O-Glow, one of the most well-known events at OHS, boasts neon paint, black lights and blasting music.

However, O-Glow will be different in the upcoming school years.

“It’s going to be a glow party kind of thing with glow sticks, neon and glow in the dark,” said junior Abigail Gibbons. “SGA will have the decision made by the end of the school year.”

FRONT PAGE DESIGN BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR

PHOTO BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN

ICE CREAM FOR HOPE. Beta club member freshman Emma Aguilar serves Jeremiah’s Italian Ice during the Week of Hope to raise money for Relay for Life.

PHOTOS FROM FRONT BY G. LANDWEHR

PHOTO BY CHRIS CAPP

ROCKETING TO VICTORY. Seniors Ruth Tufts, Lauren Puig and Priscilla Chun show off the bottle rocket they made for a SECME competition held at the University of Central Florida on Feb. 16.

DESIGN BY ABBIE WYDRA

MARCH 14, 2019 | THE LION’S TALE | NEWS | 3

Student researchers work toward states

REGIONALS VICTORY. Seniors Ivan Del Barco, Grace Thompson, Travis Koenig and Taesung Um celebrate after winning first place in the Physics and Astronomy and Environmental Engineering at the Seminole County Regional Science and Engineering Fair (RSEF). Thompson, Koenig and Um’s group project also earned an International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) runner-up nomination. All four qualified for the State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF).

Qualification for state science fair leads to excitement, uncertainty PHOTO BY EMMA STEWART STORY BY PATRICK COSTELLO Oviedo High School will send 12 students to compete in the annual State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida (SSEF) at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland on March 26-28.

Oviedo students will be competing in a variety of categories at the state fair, according to experimental science teacher William Furiosi, who oversees the school’s science fair program.

“Some of the categories our students are competing in are behavioral sciences, like psychology, cellular and molecular biology and plant sciences,” Furiosi said.

“We also have earth and environmental sciences, microbiology, so basically a really wide range. I think we have people competing in six or eight of the total 13 categories.”

Sophomore Eshan Ramesh, whose project involves predicting international tuberculosis statistics using neural networks, won second place in his category--intelligent machines, robots, and systems software--at the regional fair.

He has since been working to improve his project in preparation for states.

“I’m making a lot of changes that I should have had for counties, including stronger application of my project by consulting with experts in the field, expanding to other diseases, and using stronger indicators of disease,” Ramesh said.

Ramesh and other SSEF contestants will face a thorough judging process at the competition, according to Furiosi.

“There are two rounds of judging,” Furiosi said. “There is an early-morning session where the students go through a round of questioning from category judges with experts in the field, and ultimately that DESIGN BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN

first morning part is solely to decide who is in the top half of the category and who is in the bottom half. In the afternoon, you start seeing the judges either view both parts or the teams split into judging the top half, who actually places, and then the bottom half, who might win some special awards.”

OHS has played a key part in Seminole County’s success at the state fair in past years.

“At the high school level, we had eight projects place in their categories last year at state,” said Rachel Novella, science fair director for Seminole County.

“Although none of our Seminole County high schoolers placed first, we did have two Seminole projects tie for second place in the Behavioral & Social Sciences category, and one of them was from OHS.” This year, OHS earned eight of the 15 Seminole County spots at the high school level for the state fair, and expectations will once again be high.

“We are bringing very strong projects,” Novella said. “I’ve been so impressed with how polished many of their presentations have been when I’ve had the chance to preview them. In talking with our fair’s judges, who are mostly university researchers and professionals in their various STEM fields, many of these projects rival graduate-student-level work.”

That being said, it’s impossible to predict just how the projects will perform at a higher level.

“There are some projects that our experts from UCF and the local professional community think are the greatest thing, but then they go off to state and they might not place at all, or the opposite occurs,” Furiosi said. “I think we have a good chance at doing well, but it’s kind of up in the air.”

4 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | MARCH 14, 2019

Saying goodbye to OHS tradition O-Glow is one of the most well-known, unique, and exciting events Oviedo has offered each year. It gives students the opportunity to forget about the stresses and challenges of being a teenager with a couple lively hours of color, music and dancing in the old gym.

It has even brought the community together, as students invite their friends from other local high schools to join in the activities.

Above all, O-Glow is a night to have some paint-filled fun and make lasting memories with friends and classmates.

However, as with all things, O-Glow is not without its faults.

The event, taking place in a large, dark, crowded and loud space, can be chaotic and unrestrained, and this inevitably leads to its fair share of negative consequences.

Some of the behavior of those participating in O-Glow, particularly in the thick of things in the middle of the gym, would be considered less than acceptable-to put it mildly--by parents, teachers and administrators.

The event also creates some safety concerns. There have been injuries at O-Glow in the past, culminating in a frightening incident at the event this past fall in which an ambulance had to be called to the school.

When something serious like that happens, it’s probably a sign that at least modest changes need to be made to a celebration or gathering.

This coming school year, the Student Government Association (SGA), which is in charge of O-Glow, plans to do just that.

Due in part to possible safety issues, the next edition of O-Glow will not include the paint that has helped it become such a well-known event around Oviedo. Instead, it will have an increased focus on creative decorations and activities, while maintaining a glow-inthe-dark theme.

SGA also hopes that this move will attract students who may have been uncomfortable with the paint component of the event.

This change is sure to disappoint some students who had come to love O-Glow just the way it was, and understandably so.

However, we at The Lion’s Tale are optimistic that those who organize the event will find a way to keep the fun and excitement of O-Glow while minimizing some of the undesirable aspects of it.

Sometimes, a little change can be just what a tradition like O-Glow needs.

IN YOUR FACE

Do you think O-Glow should end?

Freshman Logan Bryant

No. I don’t like that it’s ending at all. It’s a fun activity and I had a lot of fun going to it this year.

Sophomore Mackenzie Legg

No, I enjoyed it a lot last year, so I think it should keep happening. I’m a little upset that it’s ending.

Sophomore Hannah Tulp

No. It was a lot of fun, overall, and pretty crazy. But still, it was really fun.

OUR WORD

Senior Nick Strawser

No. We’re seniors, so it doesn’t really matter, but I think O-Glow is a big part of the start of the school year. It gets everyone hyped for the rest of the year, so it’s a little sad it’s going.

PHOTOS BY OWEN FRANCIS

OHS HOSTED 8 O-Glows

1200-1300 students attended COST: $12,000-15,000 PROFIT: $15,000 Money goes to: Homecoming, teacher uniform polos, campus needs, principal funds

Editors-in-Chief Bryn Garick Gillian Landwehr News Editor Saadhana Sridharan

Opinion Editor Joyce Ng

Business Manager Julian Rios

Features Editors Tessa Kowalski Vani Thupili

Artist Sophia Bloom

Reporters Entertainment Editor Penelope Banks Abbie Wydra Patrick Costello Conor Duncan Sports Editor Owen Francis Nevada Cullen Brendan Graves Justina Nielsen Online Editors Christina York K. Penuel Kathleen York Emma Yost

Contributers Ethan Jewell Abbie Kautzman Skylar Zern Faculty Adviser Elise T. Carlson Admin Adviser Drew Morgan Principal Joseph Trybus

ILLUSTRATION BY K. PENUEL Oviedo High School 601 King Street Oviedo, FL 32765 P: 407-320-4199 F: 407-320-4213 Population: 2480 students 19 newspaper staff members

Mission Statement The Lion’s Tale is the student newspaper of Oviedo High School, located in Oviedo, Florida.

Our mission is to provide news, feature stories, editorials and opinions relevant to our readers while upholding the highest professional and ethical standards. The Lion’s Tale follows copy standards outlined in the Associated Press Stylebook, 42nd Edition, published in 2007 by the Associated Press,

and is a member of the CSPA, NSPA and FSPA. Distribution 1400 copies of The Lion’s Tale are distributed free to all students and staff at Oviedo High School. Subscriber information is available on OviedoJournalism.com.

Reader Contributions Letters to the Editor are accepted and may be sent by post, e-mail or

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • MARCH 26, 2019 • VOLUME 59 • EDITION 5

dropped off in Room 5-020.

The Lion’s Tale does not accept guest columns and reserves the right to edit Letters to the Editor.

Full policy is available on OviedoJournalism.com.

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DESIGN BY JOYCE NG

MARCH 14, 2019 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 5

Basic computer class should be required

More holidays deserve national recognition

ETHAN JEWELL

JUSTINA NIELSEN

contributor

With how quickly society is developing, especially with technology, people should be prepared to adapt constantly.

It takes effort to keep up with lots of new software and hardware. Fortunately, it isn’t very challenging to learn--some people just have a hard time gaining access to computers and instructional material.

A way to provide everyone with access to technology skills is to teach it early on in school. Although there are electives, people don’t often choose them because they don’t seem very entertaining.

I have had lots of experience with computers and have had multiple classes about them, and being able to use a computer efficiently has given me an advantage at times. School projects that require something digital, like a PowerPoint or video, aren’t difficult.

But, sometimes, I have to do a group project with people who don’t know how to use the software. They may be people who have had experience with technology before, like their phones, but they just haven’t ever needed to use a program for business/school. I am surprised by this, but after I show them a little about the software, they figure out how it works with ease.

If students from grade six and up are easily able to figure it out in a short session,shouldn’t elementary students be able to as well?

Somehow, even in 2019, a lot of people don’t consider being able to use a computer a necessary skill. Subjects like math and language arts are there to prepare us for living on our own and succeeding in life, but with how our world is progressing, computer skills will be just as important. Most jobs already require employees to do things on a computer (and they don’t even need a lot of math), so some people can argue that computer skills are just as important as math.

If kids in elementary school learn computer skills, they will be better prepared in life. Besides, it isn’t much harder than math, so even if kids have trouble with it, with enough practice, they will be fine.

If people aren’t prepared for the future, they will fall behind. Since the amount of technology is increasing, it’s causing jobs to require increased computer skills; to keep a job, workers will likely need to know these skills.

If computer skills could end up being the difference between getting hired or not, shouldn’t we give kids a better chance by teaching them early?

DESIGN BY SOPHIA BLOOM

reporter

ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIA BLOOM

Instagram often misleads, distorts reality

online editor EMMA YOST

Ever since I was a little kid, my family and I would take photos purely to capture memories. When I look back on those pictures, I remember everything about that day. My camera roll is filled with candid images of my friends, family, pets and scenery--memories that I won’t forget.

When I signed up for Instagram on my 12th birthday, I figured those were the kind of things people would post, so my first post was a picture of my dog. But as the year went on, I realized that Instagram was used less for memories and more for public image.

I know most people I follow on Instagram in person, but for others, my only impression of them is their Instagram posts. For people with hundreds of followers, if the only impression of them that their followers get is on Instagram, everything needs to be perfect, right?

Recently, I was walking around Orlando with my family and I noticed a group of four girls posing in front of the Orlando Eye. They were wearing matching outfits and had perfect hair and makeup. I realized that I have never done some kind of matching photo shoot like that with my friends.

I thought about it more. When I see pictures of people I know looking “perfect” at locations like Disney or Universal-where that perfection is completely impractical--it’s likely they went there

purely for cute pictures, or to do a few activities, then spend an hour taking hundreds of photos just to find the perfect one to post.

Those girls at the Orlando Eye must have spent hours planning their matching outfits, poses and makeup for one picture.

It reminded me of other girls I knew who would get hundreds of likes on their photos and a plethora of comments about how gorgeous they looked in the moment the photo was taken.

I had never realized how fake Instagram really is until then. This was especially unsettling as I had spent so much time during the summer looking at how much “fun” my peers were having while I was at home watching Netflix. The images that kept reappearing in my feed weren’t real memories or experiences-they were simply an illusion of perfect people having a perfect time at the perfect place.

For the experiences that I have truly and fully enjoyed as a teenager, I have almost no photos. I was so caught up in the moment that it didn’t even cross my mind to take photos for Instagram.

I don’t need pictures to post online to remember those moments. If it was something I truly enjoyed, how could I forget it? When I do take pictures, they aren’t planned; you can’t plan memories.

Regardless, social media is built around self-image. Celebrities have always been partially to blame in the past for self-esteem issues and high standards, but with apps like Instagram, it’s not just celebrities throwing “perfection” in your face--it’s everyone. Instagram is such a toxic platform, often used to brag and seek attention, yet we absorb ourselves in it. Even for people without self-esteem problems, Instagram is unhealthy.

Although they don’t admit it, I know so many people wish to achieve those hundreds of likes and comments, but in the end, Instagram isn’t real life. Real “likes” come from real life.

There are about 20 holidays that are known around the world, like Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, etc. In different parts of the world and in various cultures, people celebrate even more holidays.

Multiple people celebrate different holidays because of their religion.

Throughout history, people have been criticized because of what they believe in and what they celebrate. Thankfully, time has passed, and most people nowadays don’t celebrate something because it’s not what they believe in, but they don’t make fun of others who do believe in something different.

Yet, I think not all holidays are recognized as much as they should be.

Various communities have created their own days to celebrate what makes their community unique. Many people don’t really know much about others’ groups.

There are communities for different religions, social groups and other beliefs, each with its own set of celebrations.

Some of these groups have holidays that deserve more recognition, like status as a national holiday. For a holiday to become a nationalized holiday it has to go through Congress, must show several instances of celebration, and have a sizable number of states take action, according to senate.gov.

All these different communities have had a part of their lives where it was hard to be a part of that community because of the holidays they celebrate.

Some holidays, like St. Patrick’s Day, should be expressed more clearly to show appreciation of others’ beliefs and who they appreciate in their culture. Even though many people enjoy the festivities, most don’t understand why this date is celebrated, which is unfortunate.

One holiday that can have a large impact falls the day after Valentine’s Day: Singles’ Awareness Day, which is for people who don’t have boyfriends/ girlfriends. It is great for these people to celebrate being themselves and not needing someone else to be happy. This should be nationalized because I see more people around campus and around town celebrating Singles’ Day than the original Valentine’s Day. The holidays that are unknown are unknown just because they don’t stand out as much as the holidays that are everyday in people’s minds.

This should change, and we can all play a role. We can open up to new experiences, grow our communities and advance our social environment by trying something new.

6 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | MARCH 14, 2019

HEAD to HEAD Are tattoos acceptable?

features editor

TESSA KOWALSKI

Everyone can help reverse death of common courtesy Courtesy is politeness in attitude and behavior. Unfortunately, it is on the verge of death. As more and more people become individualized and detach from the collectivist society that we used to live in, the idea of courtesy is declining-and we are all to blame for it.

We are all guilty of not thinking about the concerns of others, focusing too much on ourselves to even notice we are causing harm.

Common courtesy is the acknowledgment of another person’s presence and considering their basic societal comforts and concerns.

Edmund Burke said, “Manners are of more importance than laws. Manners are what vex or soothe, corrupt or purify, exalt or debase, barbarize or refine us, by a constant, steady, uniform, insensible operation, like that of the air we breathe in.”

Essentially, without respect, the world will run amuck.

How often do you think of the concerns of others?

The decline of common courtesy has accelerated because people think solely about themselves. They don’t have any regard for others.

If you’re the type to blast music from yours car at all hours, you’re not caring about the effect it has on others. When you drive through neighborhoods at night, you create a public disturbance. Children are trying to go to bed, and adults want to relax at home without interruption.

Maybe you’re not the blaring-music type. But how do you speak in public places? Do you curse in public when small children are near? You should watch the profanities you use around small children because they shouldn’t be exposed to that type of language.

Do you talk in movie theaters? No one wants to hear any of your petty drama when they are trying to focus on Liam Hemsworth in Isn’t It Romantic? Everyone in the theater is trying to watch a film, and by talking, you show you have no regard for anyone but yourself.

Or do you use your phone at dinner, or when someone is talking? We all have done it; our phones have been the biggest contributor to the individualization of our society. By spending more time on our phones, we tend to focus more on ourselves and less on the betterment of others.

By using our phones less, we as a society can reestablish our courteous ways and reconnect as a society. With just a little courtesy, we can bring ourselves back together.

Well-thought-out tattoos showcase personal meaning, life perspective

Tattoos potentially harmful for lifestyle, future career goals

STORY BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR

STORY BY JULIAN RIOS

Tattoos are a unique way of expressing yourself. Every tattoo can have a different story behind it–it all depends on the person. For many, tattoos are a part of their identity because their tattoos are so meaningful to them.

People can get almost any type of tattoo: favorite actors, fictional characters or musicians, family members, animals or pets, religious icons, symbols, etc. The list continues on because it is up to a person to decide how they wish to express their interests and beliefs.

In Florida, the legal age to get a tattoo is at 16 years of age, with parental consent; otherwise, the legal age is at 18 years old, according to leg.state.fl.us.

That being said, one should never rush a tattoo. Tattoos are similar to a work of art–some take a several sketches to get just right. Even when someone thinks their ideal tattoo has been perfected, they may notice the tiniest bit of detail that isn’t quite right.

Because of this, tattoos should never be rushed. If someone has any uncertainties, maybe tattoos aren’t the right choice.

A person should get a tattoo because he or she wants to, not because others are getting tattoos. Tattoos are an individual’s decision, not anybody else’s. No one should let anybody’s opinions and preferences interfere with their decision; after all, this image is going to be something that will permanently be on that person’s body.

When getting a tattoo, people should be sure to be mindful of the placement. Some common areas to get tattoos are wrists, arms, ankles, etc. These are visible locations, depending on the clothing worn.

Also, people must be mindful of tattoo placement in regard to a job. Some jobs prefer their employees to not have tattoos.

So, if someone does get a tattoo and wants to be mindful of employment, they should get a tattoo in a less visible area.

People must keep in mind that their preferences may change as they age. People should make sure the tattoo is something that they will never get sick of or regret.

Finally, when getting a tattoo, a person should make sure to do his or her research. Finding a reputable tattoo parlor and reading the local reviews is important. Most tattoo parlors have websites with biographies for all of their artists. They are usually organized by styles, so people can find an artist that specializes in their desired style of tattoo.

Tattoos. Are they actually okay? Honestly, tattoos are an acquired taste. If someone doesn’t like them, then they just don’t like them. There are some things that don’t seem to healthy about them, or things that are just odd about them.

First of all, it hurts to get one. A needle infuses the skin with ink by constantly breaking the skin. There are certain dangers that arise from this way of permanently marking skin.

The person who gets the tattoo can actually get an allergic reaction from getting the ink in their body because of the dyes.

This reaction can arise years later in the form of rashes. Other effects include skin infection, inflamed tissue, overgrowths of scar tissue, blood borne diseases and burning or swelling at the tattoo site, according to healthline.com.

Second, tattoos are permanent. What if, when someone is 20, they get a tattoo, and it’s of something they enjoy at the time, but then, once they are 60, they don’t enjoy that specific thing anymore? Also, the skin changes and stretches and wrinkles, so by the time the person is 60, the tattoo could be all saggy and gross.

If tattoos are placed without thinking about careers, they may mess up future opportunities. Certain companies do not approve of or allow tattoos in any way, shape or form. For example, Disney requires its cast members to cover up all tattoos in the parks and resorts. Another example is ChickFil-A. It requires team members to have a certain size of tattoo if they do have one. If placement isn’t considered carefully, someone may later be desperate for a job..

People may say that tattoos are a way to express creativity, which is true, but if someone enjoys something at 20 that is vulgar and explicit, and has kids later in life and cleans up their act, what would they tell their children? Or if there is someone who gets the name of their significant other tattooed on themselves and then those two break up or divorce, then the tattoo would just be a memory that isn’t pleasant in any way.

Sure, there is tattoo removal or modification, which costs from $200-$500. But if the tattoo was there in the first place, there wouldn’t be a need for all of this extra money.

In general, while tattoos are a creative way to express one’s unique personality, there are many risks associated with getting a tattoo. These risks could be potentially harmful to the body, or costly for the person who gets them. But if the person getting that tattoo is aware of the risks, and completely sure, then they can go ahead and get it.

Tattoos Over the Years

1700s

Tattoos are a tradition often found among Native Americans

1800s

mid 1800s

Tattoos are used to identify soldiers in the Civil War

Tattoos become a fashion statement

INFOCOURTESYTIME.COM

1970s

Poor sanitation causes hepatitis outbreak

early 1900s Tattoos artists often make house calls

present day About 21% of

Americans have tattoos DESIGN BY JUSTINA NIELSEN

MARCH 14, 2019 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 7

NJROTC drills precision in competitions PHOTO BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR

STORY BY OWEN FRANCIS Twenty uniformed students stand still in rows. The commander slaps his arms against his legs, and the entire team launches into a precision exhibition filled with slaps, claps, and stomps.

The drill team is a competitive team for the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) whose members come from all grades.

Senior Emma Blakey has been part of drill team for four years.

“It is a lot of fun and you make a lot of friends,” Blakey said. “You can learn a lot about teamwork, yet most people don’t think that you can be involved in something like this.”

Even though freshman Mellisa Eck has been on the drill team for only one year, she enjoys the friendships she has made.

“We become closer and become a family as we go on competitions, which are a lot of fun,” Eck said. “I feel like I have made a second family out of JROTC.” Master Sergent Contreras, one of the commanders in charge of the drill team, said the team is very committed.

“They practice four days a week, so about seven hours a week,” Contreras said. “The drill team asserts discipline, inserts instant obedience to orders and builds confidence.”

Junior Cannon Parker has been on the armed drill team for three years. In armed

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Seniors Kaylie Susskraut and Emma Blakey practice their drill team routine together. drill, competitors add a dummy rifle to the routine, which they spin and slap in rhythm.

“Drill is like a brotherhood--we will always talk to each other,” Parker said.

“Competitions are a lot of fun, they’re very action-packed, and even when we are not competing, we are hanging out in the tent and stuff.”

According to Blakey, the team must meet strict expectations for each six-tonine-minute routine.

“Competitions are very intensive due to national regulation standards,” Blakey said.

Contreras said that these standards

influence the creation of each routine.

“There is a certain criteria that we have to cover,” Contreras said. “We come up with a routine and, depending on how fast they’re learning, we tend to create our routine.”

But one routine isn’t enough for an entire season.

“We typically change the routine because the judges are different, so it’s more enjoyable for us and them,” Eck said.

The judges are volunteers from collegelevel ROTCs, including Navy, Marine, Air Force and Army.

“The judges look at whether your hands are in the right place, if you slap at the right time,” said freshman Aydan Chandler. “It’s pretty intense.”

Senior John Rose has been on the armed drill team for four years and said the exhibitions are very competitive and that it makes the team want to win. Rose also said that being on the team has taught him discipline and leadership.

“When I have to take charge of the team, it’s a big deal,” Rose said. “It’s very time-consuming, but it’s still a lot of fun to compete.”

Seniors reflect on outcomes of major project STORY BY PENELOPE BANKS For years, senior projects have been one of the most important assignments students have to face in their high school career. They are year-long projects that are due towards the end of the year, and require lots of hard work and dedication. Each senior project is based on of a topic of the student’s choice.

“I taught the special ed program at Oviedo to play soccer, and I organized a game for them to play on the real soccer field,” said senior Maddy Senecal. “It was a fun little event.”

Senecal said that she had been working on her topic for a long time.

“I went to my mentor, Coach Q, because she’s one of the ESE teachers, and we made a little timeline for what days we wanted to have practice,” Senecal said. “Time management is a huge thing for this project.”

Senior Brianna Heatter chose something out of the ordinary for her topic: how to train a race horse.

“I set aside certain dates so I would not get behind on my project,” Heatter said. “When I figured out what I had to do in my core classes, I would do that on time, so I had time to complete my project.”

Senior Sarah Reed almost didn’t study her first-choice topic because it was so specialized.

“I have a passion for working with disabled children,” Reed said. “At first, I thought it would be too difficult to find a mentor for occupational therapy. Then I thought I would be missing out on a great opportunity, so I went for it.”

According to Reed, her project did take a lot of time.

“It was hard with my project especially because I was going to the observe sessions with my mentors, and I would write and take notes,” Reed said. “Then I would have to come home and type notes, so it was a lot of hands-on experience and typing. It took a lot of time management.”

DESIGN BY BRYN GARICK

Senior Olivia Sala said that her senior project was fun-as long she didn’t wait till the last minute.

“My project topic was organizing an FTK 5K fundraiser,” Sala said. “It took a lot of time management.”

Sala had to pay extra attention to her school work.

“My senior project and school work came in as one thing, in a way, so I just had to make sure I had all my papers prepared and was aware of deadlines,” Sala said.

Sala said that people make senior project out to be the worst, but that it can be an interesting and fun experience.

Senior Michael Aponte, on the other hand, believes the senior project is not worth it, and is glad that it is optional next year.

“I taught a student how to play the clarinet,” Aponte said. “I did procrastinate until the last minute.”

Because of this experience, Aponte recommends to others that they should not wait.

“Time management is a very important thing to maintain during the projects, even though it really does not matter because it won’t be there next year,” Aponte said.

Senior Talia Hollis experienced similar difficulties with her project, which was centered around interior design.

“I started with sitting down with my mentor and looked at where my long-term projects would be and where dance would also fit in, because I have that after school every day,” Hollis said. “Wherever there was a hole, we would stick my project in there. I would work on something even if it wasn’t due--I would just get it done right then and there.”

Hollis has a positive point of view on the project.

“Honestly, senior project was super fun and it really allowed me to grow farther into my passion for design,” Hollis said. “It was super beneficial, even though I lost a lot of sleep and it was very time-consuming.”

Hollis said the project helped define her future.

“I definitely can see myself going into the interior design field,” Hollis said.

SENIOR PROJECT

NUMBERS 8 PROJECT

CATEGORIES

fewer than

150 projects

ABOUT 6 MONTHS

SPENT

this year

about 50

students registered for projects

next year

8 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | MARCH 14, 2019

Conspiracy Theories Changes in tech lead to rise of new conspiracies

STORY BY S.SRIDHARAN In the soft blue light of the screen, faces flicker. Scrolling through endless text, watching hundreds of frames flash by, freshman Sofia Lopez consumes the content.

“I spend hours watching conspiracy and investigation videos sometimes,” Lopez said.

It’s not just Lopez who finds herself drawn to this content; millions of others watch or read conspiracy theory explanations.

“I do go into that realm of YouTube sometimes,” said senior Abigail French.

YouTuber Shane Dawson and other prominent internet personalities hold the attention of many students. But the conspiracy theories most students are into today are different from ones that have gained attention in the past.

“I feel like conspiracies have definitely gotten more mundane, like they’re not as crazy as the usual ones,” French said. “The conspiracies that are popular now are things that affect us more in our everyday life.”

The rise of a new wave of conspiracy theories has led to more people finding both entertainment and truth in them.

“I’m really into how unsolved crimes are explained,” Lopez said.

Junior Alison Archer tracks new conspiracies.

“The Chuck E. Cheese pizza conspiracy is one of the newer and more popular ones,” Archer said.

Popularized by Dawson, this theory argues that pizza served at Chuck E. Cheese’s gaming arcades is “recycled”: uneaten slices from previous customers’ pies are reheated and served to new customers. The primary evidence supporting this is the mismatched sizes

and shapes of the pizza slices in a full pizza pie.

“I definitely am not going to Chuck E. Cheese’s again,” Archer said.

The theory gained widespread popularity and a devoted following after Dawson uploaded a video called “Investigating Conspiracies with Shane Dawson” to his YouTube channel.

Within 24 hours, it had 17 million views. As of March 12, it had 35 million views. Dozens of videos by others summarized and followed up on the theory, which rocketed up the attention to the theory. Chuck E. Cheese’s eventually issued a statement denying the allegations of recycled pizza; however, the conspiracy lives on.

Other theories popularized by Dawson include the staging of the recent California wildfires and iPhone monitoring.

“I’m currently really into the theory that iPhones are always recording us,” said junior Maddy Menoher.

Menoher said this relates to how the Live Photos tool works.

“It records a little bit before I even take the photo,” Menoher said. “How could it do that if it wasn’t always recording us?”

Lopez finds it all fascinating.

“A lot of days I come home from school, pull up an hour-long video, and just watch,” Lopez said.

The accessibility of the content makes it a source of entertainment for many and leads to prominence.

“It’s just the internet,” French said.

“The small things that people notice, they write about it on the internet. Then other people reading it think, ‘Oh my gosh, I noticed that too!’ It just gathers into a giant conspiracy from there.”

WAS IT ALL A LIE? THE MOON LANDING WAS FAKE CONSPIRACY SAYS: The US staged the moon landing on Earth in hopes to get a “leg up” on the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

YOUR IPHONE IS WATCHING YOU CONSPIRACY SAYS: Apple’s iPhones are recording you at all times, listening and seeing through Live Photos.

CHUCK E. CHEESE’S IS FEEDING YOU LEFTOVERS CONSPIRACY SAYS: Chuck E. Cheese’s whole pizzas are made up of leftover slices. The pepperoni pieces don’t match up in size.

THE CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES AREN’T NATURAL CONSPIRACY SAYS: The wildfires were set on purpose by companies for financial gain.

THE MANDELA EFFECT: Chuck E. Cheese’s name has always had the apostrophe ‘s’.

Chuck E. Cheese never existed.

PHOTOS BY PEXELS.COM DESIGN BY JOYCE NG

MARCH 14, 2019 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 9

FAST FIVE Paint your own nails “It saves money and I can do it just the way I want it.” -Junior Mia Dahm

Buy a used dress/make your own “I’m re-using my sister’s old dress because I can’t afford one.” -Sophomore Abbey Landwehr

DESIGN BY OWEN FRANCIS

Five ways to save money on prom

Wear a suit “I can wear more colors with it and look more unique.” -Senior Christian Conrad

Do your own hair and makeup “I want to do my hair because I don’t want to pay for a stylist.” -Senior Shannon Chapman

Carpool “It’s way cheaper and more fun to go with more people.” -Senior Mia Baker

PHOTOS COURTESY FROM STUDENTS

10 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | MARCH 14, 2019

TATTOOS: TERRIFIC Permanence worries parents STORY BY JOYCE NG From an authoritative perspective, parents play a great role in impacting their children.

Biology teacher and parent Holly Primc shares her thoughts on the tattoos.

“Since tattoos are permanent, I would caution anyone to wait until they are of the right mindset to get one,” Primc said.

Primc currently does not have any tattoos.

“I’m not sure about committing to something permanently being attached to my body,” Primc said.

“I’ve planned out two, if I ever change my mind.”

Spanish teacher and parent Adelaida Ehinger also considers the permanence of tattoos.

“My biggest concern is that a tattoo memorializes one point in time

that may become less important or irrelevant later in life,” Ehinger said.

“Tattoos are permanent reminders.”

Ehinger sees this as a problem and recurring theme even though she has never considered getting a tattoo.

“At times I’ve asked people what some of their tattoo symbols mean, and some can’t always recall,” Ehinger said.

Over the years, both parents have noticed a fluctuating trend for tattoos.

“It feels like these things in the US are a bit cyclical,” Primc said. “I think they’ll go away and come back, which is what they’ve already done.”

Primc doesn’t really see the point in these temporary trends.

“Who’s getting tribal tattoos and Chinese symbols anymore?” Primc said.

Ehinger also sees tattoos are cyclical.

“Everything has a cycle,” Ehinger

said. “They’re very popular now and a lot of people have them. I think that will change and they’ll become less trendy.”

Ultimately, Primc wants her kids to be careful and conscious about what they decide to put on their bodies.

“I want my kids to truly know themselves before they commit to tattoos,” Primc said.

Primc does appreciate that tattoos are a form of storytellng art.

“I’ve had students get tattoos at 17 because they had a story to tell and used tattoos as art to self-express,” Primc said. “But just wait until you’re truly ready to tell your story.”

Ehinger has her household rules about tattoos for her family, especially after seeing some lower-quality tattoos on other people.

“Our rule at home has been ‘no tattoos until you’re on your own,’” Ehinger said.

Teachers consider impacts STORY BY JOYCE NG At Oviedo High School, there are both teachers and students that have tattoos--and they don’t have to cover them up.

“There isn’t anything in the dress code about tattoos,” said dean Jason Maitland. “As long as they’re not offensive or profane, there aren’t any restrictions for students and teachers.”

Science teacher Joseph Iacovino got his first tattoo at 18.

“My first tattoo was an unscrupulous biker tattoo, which I later covered,” Iacovino said.

Iacovino said this happened because as he aged, he grew and his outlook changed.

“Be mindful that your outlook will change over time,” Iacovino said. “That makes it interesting, how you have to look back at who you were, because sometimes you’re not always going to be that happy with who you were at that time, even if it was everything you knew and everything you thought was important to you at that moment.”

With a total of seven tattoos, Iacovino still has a favorite.

“My favorite would be one of my oldest, of the Invictus, meaning ‘to conquer,’” Iacovino said. “It’s also a poem by William Henley. It’s basically when things are bleak and when

DESIGN BY PATRICK COSTELLO, GILLIAN LANDWEHR

things are at their darkest, you have the power to change your situation.

You have to choose to do so. So there’s a little bit of empowerment there.”

Algebra I teacher Tara Skaggs also has a few tattoos. One is a semicolon, which represents her connection with her best friend.

“We don’t see each other very often,” Skaggs said. “Adulthood, kids, opposite sides of the spectrum, it’s just like a continuance of our friendship, no matter what happens, no matter where we are. We eventually will get ourselves back together, like two sentences being connected by a semicolon.”

Skaggs made sure her tattoos would not hinder her professional career by choosing placement intentionally.

“I was very careful about where I got tattoos so that they all would be easily covered,” Skaggs said.

However, tattoos were not always so popular. Iacovino remembers the 1990s in New Jersey.

“The tattoo culture was that, if you were hanging out with bikers or just straight up thugs, or with the military,” Iacovino said. “So if you weren’t one of those three, you probably didn’t have a tattoo.”

Over the years, Iacovino noticed a

drastic change in the early 2000s.

“It became a little more about the art in some cases, or became about ‘look at me, I’m independent,” Iacovino said.

Bioscience teacher Amy Demins has chosen not to get any tattoos for herself.

“Tattoos aren’t for me,” Demins said. “I just worry about regretting them when they’re old and saggy.”

Because tattoos are permanent, Demins is hesitant to commit, and she worries about the same issue for teens today.

“My main concern if they get tattoos is that they would regret it,” Demins said.

This art form can cause problems in the job market. Iacovino has been turned down from a job before because of the position of his tattoos.

“Luckily, at that point, it wasn’t that big of a deal because the job wasn’t that important,” Iacovino said.

Iacovino planned ahead for later interviews.

“When I interviewed here, I had long sleeves, when I interviewed in the mortgage industry I had long sleeves,” Iacovino said. “It wasn’t until I kinda proved myself that I would wear short sleeves, because then they knew who I was and I was past that initial judgment stage.”

Would you ever consi getting a tattoo?

No: 19 Yes: 76 Maybe: 6 POLLOF101STUDENTS3-13

The minimum legal age to get a tattoo in Florida is 16.

MARCH 14, 2019 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 11

ider

Teens express personal beliefs through body ink STORY BY JOYCE NG Inspired by personal interests, universal symbols and everyday living, art has moved from the traditional canvas onto the body.

Originating as decorative and tribal symbols signifying power and rank among early civilizations, tattoos have evolved into personal pieces that still have great significance for many people.

Getting a tattoo can signify coming-of-age, or can be a symbol of independence, like for senior Laura Hidalgo. Hidalgo got her first tattoo on her 18th birthday.

It’s a monogram of the alphabet, a symbol consisting of all the letters and numerals of the English language.

“I know it’s pretty nerdy, but I’m a really big bibliophile, so I didn’t want to get a book quote that I would outgrow later on in my life,” Hidalgo said.

After careful contemplation, Hidalgo made sure her tattoo represented who she was in a timeless way.

“For me, it is what makes up every single book I’ve ever read that has impacted me up until this point, so it’s a way to pay tribute to all of that, because I wanted a literary first tattoo,” Hidalgo said.

Tattoos can also serve as a reminder and symbol of personal growth.

“I have a tattoo on my shoulder,” said senior Cassidy Gillis. “It’s of a

The Florida Department of Health began licensing tattoo artists in 2012.

sunflower with five bees.”

Gillis got the tattoo when she was 17 years old, and her mom signed off on the consent form. To Gillis, it is more than an ordinary, decorative tattoo.

“I used to live in Virginia when I was in middle school, and I didn’t really have a good relationship with my family because I was a little middle school kid,” Gillis said. “Then we moved here. It represents me blooming into a better person and having a better relationship with my family. That’s why there’s five bees-one for each person in my family.”

Honoring loved ones is prevalent among permanent reminders.

Senior Taylor Eklofe recently got a tattoo at that expresses some of her memories of her grandfather. The tattoo is a quote.

“It was one of my grandpa’s godly sayings,” Eklofe said. “He was like a dad to me before he passed away.”

Sophomore Anthony Graham pays tribute to his sister through his tattoos.

“I have a tattoo on my arm of a rose, compass and the name of my sister, who passed away,” Graham said. “It’s a memory of her.”

Hidalgo said she really likes tattoos.

“I think it’s a great way to express yourself,” Hidalgo said. “I really like the idea of committing enough to a piece of art that you want it on your body and it becomes something that represents you. I don’t think that it

There are around 20,000 tattoo parlors in the US.

INFOCOURTESYPEWRESEARCHCENTERMARKETRESEARCH.COM

should be as detrimental to your career as the older generations think it is.”

But some students, like senior Victoria Johns, understands how tattoos may not be everyone.

“I think some people don’t like the idea of putting permanent ink on their skin, and that they might change their mind about it in the future,” Johns said.

Committing to getting a tattoo is a big deal for most individuals.

“Even though I have a tattoo, I can totally understand how hard it can be, because tattoos are permanent and do last forever,” said sophomore Dylan Cemoni.

With the hesitations and permanent decisions that go into getting tattoos, students evaluate how their tattoos will impact their futures.

“When I started getting tattoos, I didn’t really think about how getting tattoos would affect me in the future,” Eklofe said. “I want to be a dentist, and I found out that I just have to wear long sleeves if I’m in a professional setting, but other than that, it should be fine.”

Hidalgo is not worried about her tattoos negatively impacting her hopes of becoming a lawyer.

“I think, as we get into the workforce, it won’t be a big deal anymore,” Hidalgo said. “It’s becoming more normalized as the years go on. It’s definitely not one of those things that you can be ostracized in society anymore.”

At least 45 states prohibit minors from getting tattoos.

Senior Cassidy Gillis

Algebra 1 teacher Tara Skaggs

Senior Laura Hidago

Sophomore Anthony Graham

PHOTOS BY JOYCE NG

C OR TERRIBLE?

Tattoos

12 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | MARCH 14, 2019 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

Drama students work to produce ‘The Great Gatsby’ on stage PHOTOS BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR

Choosing a Show

The entire procedure begins with selecting a show. Drama teacher Tim Carter said it requires combing through different company catalogs, searching for shows students will enjoy and be able to perform.

“I also make sure that I have the number of students in my department that can fill the roles,” Carter said.

But the selection of a show was a little different this year, as Carter allowed his students to select a production.

“This show was the students’ show,” Carter said. “They have been telling me for two years how much they love Gatsby.”

The selection of The Great Gatsby was especially exciting for junior Elise Compton, who played Daisy Buchanan.

“I tried out for Gatsby because I really enjoy literature,” Compton said. “Because it’s based on the book, I was super excited.”

The Technical Demands

Carter said that the show must meet the level of technology that OHS can provide.

“The next step is to make sure that we have the technical capability to do the show,” Carter said.

Carter said that Gatsby is a show with

quick scene changes and lots of scenery movement; this is a difficult task to achieve since OHS lacks a flying loft, a theatrical rigging system of ropes and pulleys that can quickly and quietly move set pieces.

Instead, Carter developed an alternate method.

“What I decided with this show was to use projections and small set pieces,” Carter said.

Auditions & Casting

Next, auditions begin. This is when, according to Compton, the students see the script for the first time.

“I set aside a day to have students come to the drama classroom and audition for the show,” Carter said. “Auditions usually take a couple hours.”

Shortly after the auditions, Carter posts a casting list. One of the most difficult things for students to face is the rejection if they aren’t cast in a show.

“It’s just as hard for me to break the news to students who don’t get the role,” Carter said.

But for those who get roles, the feeling is rewarding.

“Seeing my name on the list made me feel pretty darn good,” said sophomore Tyler Wampole, who plays Nick Carraway.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are usually scheduled for two or three times a week, plus Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the month of the show.

According to Carter, early rehearsals are challenging for his students.

“Students are very busy and they have to get into the routine,” Carter said.

Compton, however, feels the rehearsals are easy, thanks to the relationships she has with her fellow cast members.

“We’re such a big family that rehearsals are really enjoyable,” stated Compton.

“Once you learn about all of the cast members’ and techs’ lives and share a connection through theater, it’s amazing.”

Students begin to memorize lines, plus work on blocking and timing. These three aspects go hand-in-hand and can be difficult, as theater student Michele Hebert puts it.

“Blocking is: they’re saying this line in this exact spot,” Hebert said. “I feel like that’s kind of hard.”

While blocking can be challenging, line memorization presents itself to be the most difficult part of rehearsals for both Compton and Wampole.

“You’re basically remembering a book that somebody else wrote,” Wampole said.

Students also must get to know the character they’re playing during rehearsals.

“I think I enjoy it so much because I get to experience different lives,” Compton said.

Experiencing the “different lives” of characters isn’t without its challenges.

“Acting on a character you don’t know is tough,” Hebert said.

Tech Week

PAINTING FOR PLAY. Junior Madison Ferguson, junior Miles Winterfeldt and senior Mariana Cartagena paint a set piece for the production.

VOLUME UP. Junior Zoey Young works on the tech side for the production of The Great Gatsby.

PRACTICING LINES. Sophomore Tyler Wampole, freshman Imperial Rouse and sophomore Karlie Green are practicing their lines and blocking during a rehearsal.

While those on-stage face challenges of learning lines, timing, and placing, those off-stage face Tech Week, which is the week leading up to the premiere of the show.

The members of the technical team make sure all the technical portions of the show are running as they should. Any final touches are made during this week.

“This includes sound, lighting, costumes, actor’s places on stage, stage managers, etc.,” Carter said. “It’s a tough week if things don’t go as planned.”

While technical issues are rare, they can be worrisome.

BEHIND THE SCENES. The drama department is trying something new by projecting the setting.

“Problems during Tech Week could be that something doesn’t work, especially if it is right before the show day,” Hebert said.

“Or a prop from set is broken and it’s too late for a replacement. We usually don’t have problems because our techs are on top of everything.”

Tech Week allows the director to ensure everyone knows their lines and where to be without having to be told.

“There is one day that is dress rehearsal where cast members wear costumes, makeup and mics through the whole show with no interruptions,” Hebert said.

Once the show is running smoothly and everything is in order, the cast and directors await the opening night.

Opening Night

On the night of the show, the cast arrives an hour and a half before it starts to get prepared with costumes and makeup.

They don’t just prepare the conventional way, however.

“There are a lot of traditions and rituals that go on for new members, but they have never revealed to me what they are,” Carter said.

Some of the traditions aren’t as discreet.

“There is a chant that they do on the loading dock that isn’t a secret,” Carter said. “They get very loud.”

Of all the steps, the opening night is the easiest for both the director and cast, since the show is prepared to run smoothly.

“It’s an amazing feeling and students get ‘hooked’ after their first show,” Carter said.

Final Curtain

Because of this, moving on after the show isn’t always easy, according to Compton.

“We become such a big family during every single production and it’s hard not to get attached,” Compton said. “But I always try and look forward because I know we will be starting another great show.”

According to Wampole, being a part of a performance is rewarding.

“You committed to something, and you saw it through the whole way,” Wampole said.

Carter said the students actually embrace the challenges.

“This is so much fun for them that they welcome challenges because it makes them better actors,” Carter said.

MOVING IT ALONG. Junior Gavin Conklin and junior Skye Singletonre getting the props set up and moving them to the correct places.

DESIGN BY TESSA KOWALSKI

MARCH 14, 2019 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 13

Apple’s AirPods rise in popularity, price

What’s YOUR Go-To Song?

“moonchild”

by RM

WIRELESS CONNECTION. Freshmen Claire Colley and Lauren Claydon share music at lunch with one set of AirPods.

Apple first released AirPods in December 2016 for the price of $159.

Unlike some technology, the AirPods’ price has remained consistent, even three years later.

In that time frame, Apple made it almost mandatory for users to need AirPods; Apple removed the headphone jack on the newest iPhones. This means people cannot listen to music and charge their phones simultaneously--unless they have AirPods.

“I don’t really know if I like them yet,” said sophomore Madyson Leiker. “I just got them so I can listen to music and charge

AirPods currently retail for

$159

they are worth how much they really cost.

Sophomore Bryan Lukas doesn’t see why they have to be so expensive.

“I mean, they are just plastic, but they are also Bluetooth,” Lukas said.

The decision to purchase AirPods or not is different for each student.

“They are expensive,” said sophomore Alexzandria Tryon.

Rodgers found an alternative.

“I have a pair of Bluetooth earbuds that I got for $10 and they work really good,” Rodgers said.

To Leiker, AirPods are worth it.

“They might been expensive, but they are worth the money if you use them a lot,” Leiker said.

no

STORY BY JUSTINA NIELSEN

my phone at the same time.”

More and more students have purchased AirPods, making them easy to spot around campus.

Some students have seen other students lose their AirPods in classrooms, like junior Shauna Rodgers.

“I have seen lots of them get lost so far,” Rodgers said. “Last year, a kid was using his AirPods and one of them fell out under one of those huge cabinets. He had the whole entire class looking for them. We couldn’t leave until we found them.”

Since Apple released the AirPods, Samsung has created a new Galaxy type of headphones, called Galaxy Buds.

Students are debating whether or not

yes

PHOTO BY EMMA YOST

28% 72%

Since 2017, AirPod sales have increased by

57%

INFOCOURTESYDIGITALTRENDS.COM

DESIGN BY EMMA YOST

POLLOF100STUDENTS 3/7

Yes, I hate them

11%

Yes, I love them

16%

Yes, they

9% are OK 48%

I’m not interested

16%

No, but I want them

“Alone Together” by Fall Out Boy Sophomore Edward Grillo

“Farmer Refuted” from “Hamilton” Junior Hannah Horn

“Writings on the Wall” by Sam Smith Senior Chris Thompson

“Nice for What” by Drake Spanish teacher Leslie Martinez

ILLUSTRATION BY K. PENUEL

PaperBoy

Are AirPods overpriced?

Do you have AirPods?

Wait, what??

Freshman Nikta Daryadel

14 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | MARCH 14, 2019

TOXIC MASCULINITY STORY BY BRYN GARICK Toxic masculinity is a term that has become popular recently. According to the American Psychological Association, masculinity norms and toxic masculinity often cause men to have worse mental health. This can lead to men acting out in anger and having higher suicide rates.

However, toxic masculinity means many different things to different people.

Senior Laura Hidalgo said toxic masculinity pushes men and boys into gender roles.

“This discourages men from acting more feminine, or in any way that is outside of the norm,” Hidalgo said.

According to sophomore Sophia Knight, it stops men from being open about how they feel.

“It’s a social pressure on males to act a certain ‘socially acceptable masculine way,’ like not showing emotions and acting all buff and stuff,” Knight said.

Knight said the results are harmful.

“It also affects women because of how men act towards them,” Knight said. “It’s a social pressure to act a certain way, towards women and themselves.”

Freshman Nicole Fong has witnessed her friend be affected by toxic masculinity.

“I had a friend whose girlfriend just broke up with him, and he was crying,” Fong said.

“This girl was like, ‘Man, it’s really weird that you’re crying because boys shouldn’t cry like that.’”

Hidalgo has also seen the effects of toxic masculinity in the different ways boys and girls are raised.

“When given curfews, it is more likely for guys to get later ones, as people believe they’re more likely to be able to protect themselves than girls, which I’ve seen in my own family,” Hidalgo said.

What happens in the man cave stays in the man cave.

Cultural expectations damage male self-perception Effects impact both genders, relationships

However, freshman Alicia Gillis sees toxic masculinity as men excusing their actions due to their gender. According to junior Vincente Leon, toxic masculinity is the byproduct of men trying to prove themselves.

“They’re trying to be as masculine as possible, but it ends up backfiring on them and people around them,” Leon said. “I think it is a pretty bad thing because you can be masculine without having to all the time prove yourself.”

Senior Jacob Bierley has experienced this view of masculinity from his mother.

“My mom tried to impress ideals of masculinity,” Bierley said. “She’d get upset with the way that I walked or talked, or things like that, because she said it wasn’t manly.”

Toxic masculinity can pose threats to boys as they grow up, according to senior Sean Rice.

“It’s a problem because certain guys can’t express how they want to because they feel like they’ll be separated, or they won’t be treated like everyone else,” Rice said.

Rice has encountered this problem within his friend group.

“I have friends who weren’t the ‘Masculine Man,’ and they were made fun of, and they feel that they weren’t treated right,” Rice said. “Their lives have definitely been affected socially, and pretty much every other way.”

You’re sensitive for a guy.

take it like a man.

According to freshman Nicole Fong, toxic masculinity is something that can affect men of all ages.

“It’s a really bad mentality because guys feel like they have be a certain way or act a certain way,” Fong said. “Men in their 40s are the highest at risk for suicide because a lot of them don’t get help. They don’t know that it’s OK for them to get help.”

Perspective Discussions

According to AP Language and Composition teacher Kate Kammeraad, toxic masculinity is important to discuss so that people can learn about it.

“I want to allow all students the opportunity to express themselves and their experiences,” Kammeraad said. “It’s an important topic because it lets us have a better grasp on what others are going through, feeling, experiencing, etc.”

Kammeraad has opened this discussion within her classes by showing a Gillette commercial. The class then discussed its purpose and fallacies.

“Once we watched it, most students who were upset about its message realized that it was actually very positive about men,” Kammeraad said.

Kammeraad said that even though the commercial caught a lot of flak on social media, her students determined there was ultimately a good message in it.

“It was good because it showed how men can be better instead of using excuses to validate their behavior,” said senior Kayla Bachellor.

According to Kammeraad, the commercial showed that not every man is

Man up.

You throw like a girl.

affected by toxic masculinity.

“I would say that a few ‘bad apples’ should not spoil the whole barrel,” Kammeraad said. “Just because a few men like Bill Cosby have used their power to dominate women, it does not mean that all men are villainous.”

Parental Influence

Bierley believes that toxic masculinity stems from how people were raised.

“My grandpa was really hard on my dad,” Bierley said. “He forced him to do baseball and sports all his life and had high ideals for it, and it screwed up my dad a lot because it was like having a coach 24/7 yelling at you.”

Gillis said that parents tend to raise their kids the same way that they were raised, which can perpetuate the cycle.

“If the father grew up with his parents saying, ‘You’re great, blah blah blah,’ then he’s going to portray that to his son,” Gillis said. “I think that the parents definitely help form that in their child.”

Kammeraad tries to avoid imposing gender roles on her two sons altogether.

“I’m very mindful of what ‘being a boy’ means,” Kammeraad said. “We don’t talk about or establish what being a girl or being a boy is in my home.”

Even so, Kammeraad said some of her kids’ hobbies fall into gender roles.

“Some of our interests relate to our gender stereotypes, like my boys are into baseball and sports, but I don’t want my kids to think that their identity is based on their gender,” Kammeraad said.

According to Kammeraad, raising children to be kind can remove a majority of toxic masculinity.

“I instill kindness to all people regardless of gender, appearance, sexual orientation, religion, etc,” Kammeraad said. “Just being a kind and helpful person negates any of those toxic masculinity beliefs. I believe just being a good human being will take care of most of the hatred in the world.”

BOYS WILL BE BOYS. DESIGN BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR

Reviewed

16 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE LION’S TALE | MARCH 14, 2019

100 Bad Days Song

Captain Marvel Movie

STORY BY ABBIE WYDRA The band AJR recently released their newest single, called “100 Bad Days” in Jan. 2019. This song is a teaser for their upcoming album, which is going to be released on April 26.

The lyrics describe how, although everyone has bad days, in the future there will be something to look back on and laugh about.

I personally love the overall melody and the message the song conveys.

It’s great how AJR turned a serious topic into a fun and upbeat song.

This is AJR’s second album and their popularity continues to grow--I hope their career continues to blossom.

The Silent Patient Book - Fiction

STORY BY EMMA YOST Famous painter Alicia Berenson’s life is as perfect as it seems. However, she comes home one night, shoots her husband, and never speaks again.

In attempts to uncover her motives, criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber applies for a job at the facility where Alicia is staying, only to find the truth that he never expected.

The book itself is written in a way that is easy to read, but the story is still complex and interesting.

The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller perfect for anyone who enjoys an unusual mystery or likes psychology.

The LEGO Movie 2 Movie

STORY BY SOPHIA BLOOM Five years ago, the LEGO company released a movie that exceeded expectations.

While most people expected The LEGO Movie to be nothing more than an hour-and-a-half long commercial for plastic bricks, it proved to be not only witty and entertaining, but also a philosophical romp through capitalism, creativity and conformity.

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part proved to be as entertaining as the first

PHOTO BY MOVIEWEB.COM

Newest Marvel movie delivers backstory through action STORY BY JULIAN RIOS Before Iron Man, before Spiderman, before The Avengers, there was Captain Marvel, supposedly the most powerful hero in the Marvel Universe. The franchise previously hinted at her existence in one of the post-credits scenes of Avengers: Infinity War. Captain Marvel tells her story.

The movie follows Carol Danvers, played by Brie Larson, an extraterrestrial Kree warrior who is going on her first mission in the middle of an intergalactic war against the shapeshifting Skrulls. The mission--inevitably--leads her to Earth, where she starts getting flashes from a past life on the planet.

In these flashbacks she sees herself flying jets for the Air Force, laughing and loving her friends.

Soon after she lands on Earth, she

encounters a young, two-eyed Nick Fury.

Skrull soldiers come to find her and can take the form of whomever they please.

What follows is an adventure-packed movie with lots of comedy and heroics. It shows Danvers’ transformation into the hero she is meant to become in Avengers: Endgame.

Throughout the movie there are many running gags, such as Nick Fury coming close to losing his eye several times. Most of the comedy arises from not Captain Marvel herself, but the other characters, who drop witty one liners left and right.

The movie balances comedy and action well.

While the movie was a bit slow at first, it makes up for it after about 30 minutes. It kicks it into high gear and starts to become a outstanding movie.

The intro credits are quite different from other Marvel movies. Instead of showing the basic heroes amid the Marvel logo, it instead shows a tribute to Stan Lee, the founder and creator of Marvel Comics. Pictures and drawings of him flicker by. This was a kind of sad way to start the movie, but it was sweet.

Some of the best parts of the movie were the way it ties into the Marvel Universe. For example, the Kree is a major part of Guardians of the Galaxy.

Also, among the cast there are several other recognizable faces.

Overall, Captain Marvel is a wonderful addition to the extended Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is full of comedy and action and answers many questions that Marvel fans have had for over 10 years.

installment. Even better, it’s rich with wisdom, which is delivered from the animated mouths of smart-aleck LEGO characters.

Set five years after the first movie, it opens in a post-apocalyptic city, in which the characters struggle for survival against mysterious aliens that attack anything happy and bright. Right at the beginning, the movie satirizes multiple tropes, including the idea that for something to be considered “cool,” it has to be dark and brooding.

Meanwhile, the main character,

Emmett, is still cheerful and positive, constructing a brightyellow “dream house” on the outskirts of the overly harsh and gritty town. Lucy, his girlfriend, tells him she wishes he was more dark and brooding. Emmett strives to prove his seriousness throughout the movie, until he finally realizes that it’s better to be himself than to change his personality to please others.

While the first LEGO movie provided a moral about a balance between being an individual and working with society, The LEGO Movie 2 seems to be focused on a personal message as the main characters struggle with overcoming

their own insecurities.

Like the first movie, this one takes place within the minds of two human siblings as they play and fight over their LEGO figurines. This was a commentary in itself.

Bianca, the younger sister, only wants her brother to respect and play with her.

Finn, now in his preteen years, is trying to come up with a story that only he can participate in. The quarrel between the siblings drives the story forward and delivers a message to young children that it’s okay to not grow up too fast.

The Lego Movie 2, while filled with snarky commentary and satire, was also a whimsical and lighthearted moviegoer experience for all ages.

DESIGN BY BRYN GARICK

One-Page Low-Down

MARCH 14, 2019 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | 17

App Review: The History of Everything STORY BY CHRISTINA YORK The History of Everything is a new app in which you can navigate, explore and do whatever you please with the events of history from the big bang “all the way to the birth of the internet.”

This app came out on Dec. 26, 2018, and has been updated recently to run more efficiently.

It has a 4.6 rating on the App Store, which is a big plus for anyone who wants to see what it’s like.

I know history sounds boring, but if you want to know all that’s happened and what there is to know about life, then this app is a great idea. I showed my parents this app just because I knew none of my friends would be interested.

I personally like this app because it has cool illustrations for each event and describes it in a way that’s understandable yet informational.

Whenever I am at home and have nothing to

do, I like to use this app instead of doing something unproductive.

I can always go to this app and get my mind going and learning new things.

Even if you’re not super into history--I’m not--going through all of the information they have to offer is kind of entertaining and lets me learn new things I wouldn’t have known if I had never downloaded this app.

It’s beneficial for your knowledge, and it’s free and easy to navigate, which is great!

I recommend this app to anyone and everyone to gain more knowledge.

Album Review: Father of 4 Offset, one of the 3 Migos members, released an album in Feb. 2019 called Father of 4.

Offset’s Father of 4 is the first of the groups solo offerings.

The album consists of 16 songs, five of them being his top songs.

The album includes many famous artists such as big Rube, J. Cole, CeeLo Green, Travis Scott, 21 savage, Quavo, Guvvi Mane, his girlfriend Cardi B, and Gunna, who recently released his drip or drown 2 album.

Offset teased his fans with his wife Cardi B giving birth for the Father of 4 album.

Father of 4 is one of my favorite albums that I can easily listen to anytime. My favorite songs from Father Of 4 are “How Did I Get Here” and “Lick.”

Offset’s number-one top song is “How Did I Get Here.”

Throughout the song, Offset raps about his life before fame. The song is somewhat noisy since there are multiple beats going on, plus several instruments.

Some of the song’s beats are definitely electronic. Yet, all of the tones mix together and harmonize very nicely.

“Lick” is very upbeat. The song follows pretty much the same rhythm and beat throughout. It’s a really nice beat, and one of the instruments is a flute, which adds a nice touch to the song.

Local Review: Culver’s STORY BY VANI THUPILI Culver’s is an American fast food restaurant famous for its frozen custards and tasty burgers.

When I first walked in, the smell was noticeably tasty, making my mouth water in anticipation for the food in the near future. Their meals are homestyle foods, such as butter-burgers and onion rings, which are served to families with quick and friendly service.

The crispy chicken sandwich was a filling, incredibly tasty meal, and can be compared to other fast food restaurants.

The meal was flavorful, though it was a tad greasy compared to other fast food restaurants.

DESIGN BY BRYN GARICK

Offset is one of my favorite rappers because his voice is very mellow, which mixes with the rhythm and harmonizes perfectly. All of his songs include plenty of slang.

All of the songs in this album are around three to five minutes, which is not too short and not too long.

“Don’t Lose Me,” the ninth song on the album, is a message to Offset’s lover Cardi B. In the song, he raps about how sorry he is, how he knows what he did was wrong and how much he loves and misses her.

Another great song on the album is “Underrated.” In the song, Offset raps about how, over time, he has become greater than his past self.

I give this album a five star review. I love almost every song on the album and barely have to skip any of the songs. They never get old, they are that good!

Frozen custards are the base of all desserts on the menu. They can be ordered plain, as a sundae or as a concrete mixer.

The concrete mixers come in two flavors, chocolate or vanilla. Two mix-ins or toppings can be added to tailor the dessert to your liking. There are a variety of toppings, such as candies, chocolates, fresh fruits and drizzles.

The frozen custard was spectacularly smooth and didn’t taste artificial compared to other fast food desserts, inviting the customer to never put the spoon down.

INTERVIEWED BY JOYCE NG

Visual Artist

Freshman Veronika Maynard PHOTO BY SOPHIA BLOOM Q: How would you describe your art style?

Veronika: I do watercolor and pencil sketchings.

Q: What would you consider yourself?

Veronika: I consider myself as an artist focusing on drawings.

Q: Are there any artists that inspire you?

Veronika: There’s this one artist online called Ellentori, there’s also an oil painter who I also really like.

Q: What is your biggest challenge in the process?

Veronika: Coloring. I can’t really figure out which colors work best, and the color theory is very complex, which I don’t understand very well.

Q: What is your favorite part of the process?

Veronika: The base sketch.

That includes laying it down.

Q: What are some hurdles you had to overcome?

Veronika: Dealing with art block and not being inspired is difficult. I don’t get out much, so it’s difficult to find inspiration sometimes.

Q: How do you often find inspiration?

Veronika: I go out and do something, so I take photos or I just try to leave the house.

Q:Whst is your favorite project?

Veronika: This pencil sketch I did, it’s of a girl who is kind of crouching, holding her head. It represents anxiety.

Up and Coming Event PHOTO BY CULVERS.COM

STORY BY KATHLEEN YORK

SOUL OF AN ARTIST

Senior Week 2019 April 1 - 5

Monday- 10 Years Back Tuesday- 10 Years Forward Wednesday- Senior Citizen Thursday- Spirit Day Friday- College Day

18 | SPORTS | THE LION’S TALE | MARCH 14, 2019

features editor VANI THUPILI

Respect proves professionalism

On both sides of the game, emotions run high past the final whistle. Joy and pure excitement run through the winners while the defeat sinks into the bones of the not-so-winners. Losers are expected to react with a calm demeanor.

But there is a certain grace in winning as well as losing.

A recent controversy between the Kentucky State Wildcats and the Kansas Jayhawks college basketball teams has arisen. It regards the time after the game, where both teams are required to shake hands with the opponent.

Should it be required in all sports organizations, such as college, and continued in the NFL and the NBA? On one side, critics believe that athletes should be allowed to walk away from the game, not be forced to shake hands with the opponents that they were just battling against on the court or field.

It’s a professional rub in the face for the athletes who have just lost.

But what does it say about an individual who just won the game? Is that athlete too boastful to shake the hand of the opponent they just beat?

Both sides have excuses to avoid shaking hands, but they aren’t relevant enough to avoid acknowledging the effort of the opponent.

Sportsmanship is an essential aspect of the game, a part that spreads to all areas of the athlete’s life.

Sportsmanship is respect: respect for the players, for the coaches, for the game. Not being able to respect those against whom they compete shows that the players have no respect for their passion.

Handshakes should be required by all professionals organizations--and enforced--because if an individual can’t respect his opponents, what does it say about that athlete’s principles?

Being the best athlete possible stems from being a good teammate, a good player and a good opponent.

Respect is a vital part of the game and should not be discounted at the expense of the “delicate post-game feelings” of athletes.

THE BLITZ Recently, the National High School Coaches Association named Jennifer Darty as the National High School Volleyball Coach of the Year. This is a great honor for Darty, who led the Lady Lions to a 28-4 record and a Class 9A state championship in an impressive season.

WHOLE SQUAD READY. The Oviedo varsity baseball team breaks a huddle during practice on Mar. 13 at John Courier Field.

BASEBALL BROTHERHOOD Teammates build bonds that strengthen gameplay PHOTO BY CONOR DUNCAN STORY BY CONOR DUNCAN Some teams only come together during competitions. But the varsity baseball team is together all the time, linked by team traditions off and on the field.

“We are a close team,” said senior Caleb German. “We work out and go the gym together, and play basketball and video games, and watch movies and stuff like that pretty regularly.”

According to senior Giovani Egidio, a tradition of pre-game lockerball helps relieve nerves and pull the team together.

“It’s a game we play with a tennis ball,” Egidio said. “You have to try to bounce the ball into anyone’s locker. You can try and block the ball, but you have to stay sitting.

If the ball goes in your locker and stays in, then you are out.”

Egidio said this tradition is important

because it keeps the energy positive.

“It’s always easier to play when you keep everyone in a good mood,” Egidio said. “When you obsess over what’s gonna happen out there, it throws off your game and it usually ends badly.”

German said the team chemistry is publicly evident on the field, too.

“We lead a player prayer before and after every game,” German said. “We also will tap the back of our leg with our cleat during the second ‘Oh, say’ in the national anthem. There’s no reason for it except for that it’s just what we do.”

The teammates’ understanding of each other helps create this atmosphere, according to Egidio.

“We bond in many different ways,” Egidio said. “We try to have at least three or four team dinners at each other’s houses in a season.”

“We bond everyday really,” Germain said. “Sometimes its playing games of

telephone when we stretch before our games or at practice, or when we go to each other’s houses to play basketball or video games.”

According to German, these activities help them on the field.

“When you get to know a person, you start to understand them,” German said.

“And when you understand them, you can start to predict how they’ll act on the field.”

The team holds together in both good and bad times.

“Usually after a tough loss we will talk about our mistakes and things we can do next time to try to not make those same mistakes a second time,” German said.

The team uses these discussions to focus their energy on filling in those gaps so next time they can operate more efficiently.

“After wins, we will go out to eat to celebrate, or hang out at someone’s house,” Egidio said. “Celebrating sucess is important, even in in sports.”

DESIGN BY CONOR DUNCAN

ROARBOARD

MARCH 14, 2019 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 19

For more, head to OviedoJournalism.com

Team rallies in face of family loss PHOTO BY NEVADA CULLEN STORY BY VANI THUPILI

TRADITION HELPS COPE. Softball coach Jen Quattry touches a photo of her dad to dedicate the season to him.

SPORTS IN REVIEW: A PHOTO FINISH

Losing a family member is always a difficult thing in life to overcome, but with a strong support system, the ability to accept and move on becomes easier.

Varsity softball coach Jennifer Quattry recently lost her father, and the support her team has shown has helped her through this difficult process.

“I actually have dedicated this season to my dad, “ Quattry said. “As a new ritual this year, I hang a picture of him up before the games and put my hand on his heart.”

Her father was a Marine and always stressed the importance of being strong in the face of adversity.

Oviedo High School team sports have a reputation of creating a family environment, putting a lot of emphasis on the relationships existing within a team.

“A tradition that the players started this year is praying before every game,” said junior Emily Van Horn. “She makes sure we all appreciate everything our family members do for us. She encourages all of

us to see her as someone we can talk to about anything, not just a coach.”

Senior Haley Kingsland, who plays on varsity, has played an active role supporting Quattry through this difficult time.

“The past few months have been really tough for Coach Quattry, so we just try to be there with her as much as possible,” Kinglsand said. “During one of our games, one of Coach Quattry’s dad’s favorite songs was playing, and then I hit a home run right after, and she said it really meant a lot to her and gave me a huge hug afterwards.”

Quattry played softball at OHS as a student, and her dad never missed a game.

“Since the season started, I can feel him with me on that field,” Quattry said.

The team is very close and acts as if they were one big family, according to Van Horn.

Quattry advises that people honor the memory of lost loved ones.

“They would want to know you are happy and cherishing the times you had with them instead of focusing on the loss,” Quattry said. “It truly takes a village when you are faced with moments like these in life.”

Star Athlete: Breanna Heatter INTERVIEWED BY NEVADA CULLEN

WATER POLO. Senior Rachel Nasby looks to create a goal in a game against Lake Mary at the Oviedo Aquatic Center on Feb 20.

SERVICE ACE. Sophomore Daniela Orjuela serves the ball during a practice at the OHS courts.

LET IT FLY. Senior Ana-Paula Dovali works on her technique for throwing the discus.

PHOTOS BY VANI THUPILI, MELISSA GILLIS & ANNETTE CYRKEL DESIGN BY VANI THUPILI

Senior Breanna Heatter is an attacker on the girls’ varsity lacrosse team. Heatter has been part of the team for four years and plans to continue playing lacrosse in college.

This season has been eventful for her, including a game-winning goal, senior night and a concussion.

Q: What is your role this year?

A: My role as captain is to maintain a positive attitude and lead by example by my actions, both on and off the field. Being a senior leader this year feels a lot different than last year as a junior. I need to be there for the team and step up more, in ways such as keeping the team together when I start to feel everyone getting down about a game or a bad practice.

Q: What was senior night like?

A: My senior night was something I have been waiting for since freshman year. As a freshman it felt like I had so long, but it came so fast. It was such a bittersweet night that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Q: What’s the biggest goal you’ve ever scored?

A: The biggest goal I’ve ever scored was when I scored in overtime for our district game against Winter Park. Our biggest win was against Winter Park because it was such an aggressive back-and-forth game, and we really needed to win it for our district seeding.

Q: What has your concussion been like?

A: The concussion really set me back by making me miss some important games. It was super emotional for me because it’s my senior year and I really don’t want to miss anything. I just had to keep reminding myself that my health will always be more important and that I will be back soon. I plan to be back for either the Apopka or Lake Mary game.

20 | SPORTS | THE LION’S TALE | MARCH 14, 2019

TRACK STARS AIM HIGH Track finds team success, identity through individual athletes’ victories in variety of events

their team. Dovali contributes a significant number of points to her team.

“Ana has an incredible work ethic and PHOTO BY VANI she has already started the season strong THUPILI with a second place finish in our very first Whether with Track meet this year,” Tibbetts said. “I running, jumping believe Ana has a shot at a top-three finish or throwing, the at the state championship meet this year.”

Oviedo High Junior Angel Vicioso also was a state School track team qualifier last year, taking third place in the has had several state 3200 meter race and four-by-800-meter qualifiers in the past relay, the latter of which set a new school and has established itself record. Vicioso and his coaches share high as a successful program. expectations for his upcoming season.

Head coach Dave Tibbetts is one of “It’s been good because I’ve been able only four coaches on the team, which to place at very high-level meets,” Vicioso includes over 100 athletes participating in a said. “At the same time, I’m really frustrated multitude of different events. Tibbetts said because I’ve never gotten a championship, that the coaches make sure to maintain so this year I want to be on top.” good communication with each other to As Vicioso looks to win a state title help these athletes. this year, a new addition to the track team “Other schools will have many more looks to make his own contribution. Junior coaches,” Tibbetts said. “Oviedo has football player Keonte Coffie joined the gotten a very good reputation for training track team in order to increase his speed, our athletes at a high level while having a and his coaches have seen his talent. very small coaching staff.”

“The change we’ve seen in his running While some people equate track to is just remarkable,” Tibbetts said. “He is a mainly sprinters and hurdlers, the team gifted athlete and Coach Weeks believes requires high placement in a variety of Keonte will be instrumental to our sprints events to win meets. program.”

Another football player, junior Griffin Top Talent Senior Connor Cleveland has thrown Houck, is doing something out of his shot put for the team since freshman comfort zone by trying pole vaulting.

“It’s different than other events in track year and often finishes with one of the top scores of his event. Despite not weighing because your run has to be perfect every as much as other athletes that participate time, or you’re not going to be able to jump,” in shot put, Cleveland was able to set the Houck said. “It can be really frustrating because you have to do so many things school record last year.

“No one really expects someone like right.” me to set a school record,” Cleveland said. Team Synergy “I didn’t even expect to come anywhere Vicioso shared that one of the things he close to a school record. It was a pretty enjoys most is just being a part of the team. cool feeling, knowing that the hard work “For me, a large part of it is the has paid off and knowing that I was being teammates and the support you get from recognized for the effort that I put in.” everyone,” Vicioso said. “I just love my After just missing qualifying for the state teammates and the coaches are great. championship meet last year, Cleveland It’s just that environment, they put you in looks to advance this time around. position to thrive.”

“This year we expect Connor to come Coffie enjoys the camaraderie and back strong,” Tibbetts said. “Coach Clark competition that being on the track team believes Connor will help lead our throwers brings. to states again.”

“It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s a really Cleveland is not the only thrower on the good track team,” Coffie said. “It gets team to contribute to the team’s success. very competitive in events. People take it Senior Ana Dovali qualified for states for seriously.” discus in 2018.

According to Vicioso, these athletes on “Last year, I became the Seminole the track team aim for personal bests while Athletic Conference Champion in discus,” earning points for the team during meets.

Dovali said. “My personal record is 34.52 “Everyone’s trying to improve their meters, which is about 113 feet. My goal is inner selves, but at the same time, you’re to break the school record, which I am very put in a group of all the people trying to close to doing.” do the same thing,” Vicioso said. “When The higher rank someone finishes in everyone’s moving in the same direction, their event, the more points they earn for you get synergy.”

Senior Connor Cleveland, shot put

STORY BY NEVADA CULLEN

Connor Cleveland

RECENT RESULTS

Event: Men’s Shot Put Distance: 12.22m 2nd place Lake Howell Quad Meet Feb. 20

Angel Vicioso Kayamo Galloway Sam Austin Mamush Galloway Event: 4x800m Race Time: 7:54.81 - School record #1 in State, #2 in Nation Mar. 9

Ana Dovali

Event: Women’s Discus Distance: 31.41m 1st place Lake Howell Quad Meet Feb. 20 DESIGN BY VANI THUPILI & NEVADA CULLEN