The Lion's Tale - Volume 57 Issue 1

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LION’STALE

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • 32765 • September,14 2016 • VOLUME 57 • ISSUE 1

piece by piece 04

STUDENTS DELAY GETTING DRIVER’S LICENSES

PG 16

LIFE AS A TRANSGENDER STUDENT

19

UPCOMING PLAYS AT THE DR. PHILLIPS CENTER

21

TEAM ADJUSTS TO NEW CROSS COUNTRY COACH

2 | NEWS | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

The month in photos

The

Photo’s Of

The Month

Senior earns scholarship benefitting her educa tion, library WRITTEN BY JULIAN RIOS

It’s not unusual for students to get scholarships that include money for college textbooks. It is unusual for students to earn books for their high school.

Senior Rachel Reichard recently won that kind of scholarship.

Reichard was one of five people in the country to win the 20th Annual Signet Essay Contest by Penguin Books USA. “It was June 14 and I was out running errands with my mom when I found out I won,” Reichard said. “We were freaking out together when I got the email.”

Rachel won $1,000 to buy supplies for college and the school recieved $600 in books.

The media center recieved an array of genres, including the classics, like books by George Orwell and Charles Dickens.

“I was told about this scholarship when Rachel came in and told me that we were going to get shipped a large amount of books,” said media specialist Carol Woods.

“This is the first time that the media center has benefitted from a scholarship. It’s extrodinary!”

The essay that Reichard wrote was about Little Women, a novel by Lousia May Alcott. The question that Reichard had to answer was if the phrase “Little Women” derogatory.

Rachel answered “no” because it was the father’s term of endearment toward the girls.

PHOTO BY CAROL WOODS WINNING WITH WORDS. Senior Rachel Reichard sits with the many books that she won for the media center. She also won a scholarship for the essay she wrote for a Penguin Books contest.

Reichard said that even though she won this scholarship, it doesn’t affect her descision about where she wants to go to college.

“I want to go to UCF because it is close to home,” Reichard said.

Woods said students should pursue scholarships in areas of strength.

“My advice for for any student who wants to earn a scholarship is to pursue an area that they are comfortable with,” Woods said.

PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

UNLOADING THE KILN. Senior Jake Margerum takes pinch pots out of the kiln with art teacher Natalie Sansone.

Finding Refuge

Students start Bible study group

PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

WRITTEN BY STACIA AHLERS

Every other Wednesday, at both first and second lunch, a Bible study group congregates to delve into religion. In the hour, members listen to one another’s inquiries and perceptions of Bible excerpts, and also propose ideas and advice for submerging more into their religion.

Senior David Son, the founder and leader of the group, reads passages from the Bible and provides inspirational interpretations of them to his peers, who range from freshmen to seniors.

To Son, it’s more than an hour of preaching.

“I do want to pursue a career in this but that’s not why I am doing this,” Son said. “I’m doing this because I want kids that don’t hear this to hear it. I want this to be a reflection of God’s love. I don’t want this to be because of me; it’s because of God.” According to Son, having a place to express the love of religion for teenagers at school is extremely important, because people who grow up with religion can feel confused when they attend a diverse school like Oviedo.

Son believes that there’s no cohesion or unity for religious teachings in a scholastic setting. He feels this can be damaging to a lot of spiritual people, when they lose their values and lessons amongst Calculus and World History.

“Sometimes it can feel like talking about my Christianity is such a taboo subject,” said sophomore Cierra West, who attends the sessions. “You could offend someone, when in reality I feel like I should be able to talk about something that is such a big part of my life.”

ALL WRAPPED UP. Junior Chris Keefer shows off his bandage, from donating blood, to junior Fiona Femminineo.

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA ONE IN SPIRIT. Bible study group meets to discuss relilgion in a safe environment.

West and Son aren’t the only ones who want to express their religion in a school setting. According to Son, the first week, the group contained seventy people, and the second had ninety.

The people who do come are passionate.

“The OHS refuge has strengthened my courage to be able to get out of my comfort zone and reach out to others,” said Junior Eliana Benedict. “We are made to support and encourage each other as we are called to be in the world and especially in school, kids have a hard time with that.”

Son is extremely delighted with what the group is becoming and anticipates the future of the team.

“People that come are very loyal; people that come are very genuine; people that come are really receptive and they want to hear it,” Son said. “It’s just very successful, and I’m very proud of that. It’s our mission at refuge to be a vessel for Gods love and grace, so that hopefully through our compassion, Gods love can be shown.”

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

SHOWING YOUR SPIRIT. Students gather in the RWL gym to show their school spirit during a pep rally before the Oviedo vs. Hagerty game Sep. 9.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | NEWS | 3

GRAND OPENINGS BRING GRANDES

Students find pros, cons, jobs in new coffee shop WRITTEN BY BRYN GARICK

Panera, Chipotle and Starbucks have opened doors at Oviedo on the Park.

Panera, which opened 2014, still has a full parking lot much of each day, while.

Starbucks, which opened in Aug. 2016, has been attracting more new customers.

“Starbucks opening is a great idea because there’s also a Chipotle and a Panera,” said freshman Morgan Ross.

“It’s convenient for me to go there because it’s close by, so I don’t have to drive far.”

Freshman Cameron Cate also finds it convenient.

“That’s where my mom’s dance studio is,” Cate said. “I can walk there.”

Atmosphere analysis

Students also like the new Starbucks for its multi-purpose atmosphere.

“It’s useful for studying as it provides a quiet atmosphere that I can focus in,” said sophomore Rylee Faherty.

Ross said that she is also looking forward to having a nice location to complete homework after school and on weekends, while junior Sydney Budt appreciates the friendly atmosphere.

“It’s nice to have something so nearby Park provide teenagers with more than that’s homey,” Budt said. “It’s super nice just coffee and food. They provide job opportunities, as well. and clean and it’s modern-looking.”

Alumna Karla Orellano, who has Some students, however, think that worked at Panera for a little over two the new Starbucks isn’t that great.

“I think there’s too much space,” said months, thinks that the new workers will sophomore Ava Ingle. “It’s too open; I get the hang of things, since she has like Panera better because you can have learned a lot already.

“I’ve learned your own little to work under corner, and pressure and your own little It’s convenient for me to go there with others,” space.” because it’s close by, so I don’t have Orellano said.

Faherty also to drive far.

“To solve feels like she Freshman Morgan Ross problems fast doesn’t have and efficiently her own space and to not let when she is at frustration keep me from reaching my Starbucks.

“I thought that the tables were kind of goals.”

Senior Katelyn Newman, who is cramped,” Faherty said.

Service also factors into student also an employee at Panera, thinks that working at Panera has better prepared opinions.

“I understand that it’s really new and her to deal with other workers.

“I learn about how people behind there are new workers that are trying to get the hang of things,” Budt said. “But the desk experience things because I understand how they feel,” Newman said. other than that, I’m sure it will be fine.”

“So then when I go out and get food, or I New job opportunities The businesses at Oviedo on the go to different places, I’m not rude to the

person serving me because I know how it goes for them.”

Competitive business

Both employees believe that there is competition between the new Starbucks and Panera.

“I feel that a lot of our coffee customers now go to Starbucks,” Newman said.

According to the menus, Panera’s coffees are cheaper by a few cents.

“This woman came in and she was looking at the menu and then she said, ‘I’m going to go to Starbucks actually,’ and she just left,” Newman said.

Orellano said that since Chipotle has opened, there is also a lot of competition about where patrons will go for food.

Even though customers might go to different restaurants, Oviedo on the Park, as a whole, is maintaining its customers.

“I like the whole setup of it and I feel like everybody just has a good time with it,” Newman said.

Orellano said it is one of her favorite places.

“I’m so glad they built it,” Orellano said. “I can just go walk around with some friends and have a great time.”

Drivers on Decline 4 | NEWS | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Teens postpone driver’s license privileges for many reasons WRITTEN BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS

Kids often look forward to getting behind the wheel of their own car. As teens, many are postponing that dream.

One issue many student drivers face is the expense of insurance. Junior Grace Wildgen says insurance is an issue because it is going to cost a lot for herself and her twin sister, junior Abby Wildgen.

Other students have to pay for their own insurance, such as senior Kadi Tao. Currently, the average cost of insurance at the age of 18 is $6,456, according to ValuePenguin.com.

“I have to pay for my own insurance,” Tao said. “But I can’t afford it because I can’t get a job because I can’t drive.”

Tao is not alone. According to USNEWS. com, “unlicensed young adults tend to have higher levels of unemployment than their peers who do have a driver’s license.”

Junior Shaleen Stocker is itching to be able to get her license but can’t, due to getting into an accident while driving with her permit.

“I got in an accident with my stepmom,” Stocker said. “I was turning left at McDonald’s and I got hit, so the police told me that I couldn’t get my license until next April.”

Since the accident, Stocker said her mother is wary to let her drive again, so she doesn’t get to practice as much as she’d

like. Although Stocker got in an accident while driving with her license, USNEWS. com says “there has been a big drop off in licensed young individuals, those people not being on the road has a natural spill-over to reduced accident rates, and accidents caused in general, by younger, inexperienced drivers.”

Some students don’t feel motivated to drive, such as junior Nick Harrison. Harrison said he first delayed even getting his permit because he didn’t feel prepared to drive.

“I realized I was putting [the permit] off too much, so I hurried out before sophomore year and got it then,” Harrison said. “Now, I’m delaying getting my license because I just don’t feel like driving yet. I’m still learning.”

Wildgen has been able to go in to take her driver’s test for two months now, but on top of the insurance problem, she also faces having to learn how to drive a stick shift car.

“I first had to learn how to work the stick shift, but getting it on the real road is kind of stressful so I haven’t had a lot of practice,” Wildgen said. “It’s the only car to practice with because the others are really fancy, so my parents don’t want me driving them.”

Tao said there are disadvantages to not owning a driver’s license.

“I can’t go and hang out with friends whenever I want, and then there are certain

events that I want to go to, but if my mom is busy doing something, I can’t get there,” Tao said. “Sometimes scheduling doesn’t work out with what my mom is doing and what I want to be doing.”

Junior Bailey Barnes says she also experiences the disadvantage of having to rely on other people. She also feels that she doesn’t have a lot of freedom because she doesn’t have a license.

Wildgen says she isn’t allowed to ride with other teenage drivers and feels pressured by some of her friends to get her license.

“My friends keep telling me ‘you need to just get your license so that we can go out,’” Wildgen said. “My friend is younger than me, so she just turned 16. She can’t get her license until later than me.”

Unlike Wildgen, despite Tao’s mother not letting her drive, she is allowed to drive with her friends.

“My friend takes me to senior lunch and we hang out, but most of the time, it’s just my mom driving me places,” Tao said.

Even though there are the negatives, junior Leeann Figueroa says there is a positive to not owning a driver’s license.

“A positive about not driving myself places is that I don’t have to spend money on gas,” Figueroa said. “I know that once I get a car, I will be spending a lot of money on gas.”

Reasons Teens Aren’t Driving

32%

37%

31% 37% Teens are too busy to get their driver’s license 31%

Owning and maintaining a vehicle is too expensive

32% Teens are able to get transportation from others INFOCOURTSEYOFATLANTIC.COM

Nearly 70% of teens admit to having talked to someone on the phone while driving in the past 30 days.

More than 50% of teens admit to having read a text message while driving in the past 30 days.

INFOCOURTESYOFAAA.COM

ILLUSTRATION BY DANIELL GRIFFITHS

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 5

IN YOUR FACE

Teachers leaving Does teachers leaving have an impact on your education? midyear impacts student learning Amontae Bachelder, 10

“It definitely does. Through the year you get comfortable with your teacher and when they leave you get lost, and the teachers’ styles may differ as well.”

Students arrive on the first day of school full on nerves and anticipation about meeting their new teachers for the upcoming year.

As the first few days of school pass by, students grow more and more acclimated to their new surroundings and their new teacher’s teaching style.

Then, just like that, it’s all for nothing, as students are informed their teacher has left, and they will be meeting their new teacher in the upcoming days.

The process starts all over, and students once again have to grow acclimated to a new teacher, and what feels like a new class.

We at the Lion’s Tale believe that teachers apbruptly leaving is a major inconvience and disservice to students.

In the professional realm, it’s foolish not to pursue the best possible opportunity for oneself; however, when it comes to teaching, the impact on students must be considered.

Students are not objects, able to simply reset themselevs and all they have learned because their teacher is suddenly replaced.

Switching teachers mid-term harms students, as it sets back learning and classroom productivity. This is especially an issue when every curriculum is slammed with content.

In our school system, a large emphasis is placed on maximizing time, on having students learn as much content as possible in a short period of instruction.

Classes needing to adjust to a new

teacher is the anthises of this and is extremely unproductive.

We acknowledge that teachers leaving after the school year has begun is never ideal for any other parties involved, including other teachers and administration. We also know there is not much administration can do once a teacher decides to leave, other than promptly try to find a replacement.

So, while the blame should not be placed on the school, it is fair to place blame on the individual teacher for choosing to leave after school begins.

There is no reason a teacher could not make the choice to leave their position over the summer, giving the school and students an adequate amount of time to adjust.

Once the school year begins, teachers should have to keep ther jobs at least until the end of the semester so that there is some continuity for the course.

If teachers decide to prioritize professional advancement over classroom continuity, that is their choice to make, but not at the expense of the students involved.

The priority needs to be placed on the students. Teachers leaving once the year has begun is a major disservice to everone involved.

If a teacher wants to leave, he or she should wait until an appropriate academic break to minimize the negative impact upon student learning.

Ultimately, our school system must prioritize students, and that burden falls on individual teachers as well.

OUR WORD

Robert Grzybowski, 12

“Not really. The teacher’s techniques may differ, but in the end the teachers follow a specific rubric, so as long as they follow that there should not be a problem.”

Garrett Chittenden, 10

“It depends on the replacement. If the teacher knows what they are doing and knows how to correctly teach the students, then there shouldn’t be a problem.”

Karina Brown, 12

“Yes, because if a new teacher comes in, they don’t know what they are talking about and they start off on the wrong subject.”

PHOTOS BY JESSICA WHITE

“When teachers leave schools, overall morale appears to suffer enough that student achievement declines.”

INFORCOURTESYOFBLOGS.EDWEEK.ORG Online Manager Doug Chiodini Business Manager Makaila Cowart Tech Manager Conner Quinlan Editors-In-Chief Nathan Haddad Niyati Shah

Photographers Olivia Bastone Aaron Nedlan Fernand Silva

Print Managers Paige Simpson Faiz Uddin

Artist Alex Sayavong

Reporters Stacia Ahlers Pamela Chapman Connor Compton Nevada Cullen Bryn Garick Danielle Griffiths Gillian Landwehr Jesica Litton Julian Rios Saadhana Sridharan Emily Vernikos Jessica White Abigail Wydra Christina York

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX SAYAVONG

Designers Declan McCoy Trey Hargis Joyce Ng John Speer

Oviedo High School 601 King Street Oviedo, FL 32765 P: 407-320-4199 F: 407-320-4213

Faculty Adviser Elise T Carlson

Population: 2530 students 29 staff members

Admin Adviser Tanya Cameron Principal Joseph Trybus

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 1800 copies of The Lion’s Tale are distributed free to all students and staff at Oviedo High School.

Subscriber information is available upon request.

Reader Contributions Letters to the Editor are accepted and may be sent by post, e-mail, or dropped off in Room 5-020.

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 • VOLUME 57 • ISSUE 1

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

Full policy is available on request.

Advertising Policy The Lion’s Tale reserves the right to refuse advertisements. The full advertising policy of The Lion’s Tale is on file in Room 5-020 and is available upon request.

OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

6 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

editor-in-chief

NATHAN HADDAD

Democracy requires action from citizens

What do you want to do when you grow up? It’s a question that all of us had to answer at some point by the time we entered kindergarten, and if you’re like me, your answer was probably along the lines of wanting to be a superhero, or aspiring to change the world.

While I can’t claim to be changing the world, I will venture to say that I’ve settled on helping shape the future of our country.

This July, I immersed myself in the world of politics by interning over 40 hours per week for a U.S. Senate campaign.

When I began my work, I went in fueled by my political interests, not quite sure what to expect. Now, I can’t imagine my life without the work I do.

Speaking to thousands of voters each week, knocking on the doors of several hundred homes each weekend, and working different political events in whatever time is left has cemented the importance of political activism for me.

Our founding fathers created this great nation as a representative democracy, allowing “we the people” to be the ones in control of our government.

Regardless of your political views, it’s foolish not to take advantage of the great privilege we all have as citizens of the United States of America.

Getting involved with a political campaign and doing the meaningful work to help elect or re-elect that candidate utilizes an ability we all have as citizens: an ability to help better our future through government.

Whether it be on the national, state or local level, politicians in each area of government represent every one of us.

Depending on which area of government the elected official serves, their choices can have an even more direct and local impact on each of our lives.

When you look at it through this lense, why wouldn’t you want to be involved? Why wouldn’t you help someone who represents your beliefs become your representative in government? Elected officials are our voice in government, so why not ensure that that voice is one that mirrors your own?

As a millenial, the policies, laws and choices made in government today will impact all of my adult life. This makes it imperative--in my view--to be involved, to make sure those choices are ones with which I agree.

I urge all young people to do the same.

Regardless of your beliefs, make your voice heard.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.

Utilize your voice and privileges as citizens of this country, because becoming politically active is a decision you won’t regret.

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX SAYAVONG

Thinking deepens life experiences

photographer

OLIVIA BASTONE The world we live in is full of meaning, and it takes more than one glance to fully recognize the depth of it.

Imagine watching a movie, seeing flashing figures go by and dialogue being exchanged, but it goes in one ear and out the other.

Would you truly comprehend what the characters were trying to convey? Odds are, probably not.

In a world without critical thinking, we would have no purpose.

All the stimuli in our lives require our cognitive abilities to make something of the information we receive.

There is clearly a difference between understanding the information and recognizing the significance of the information.

The way to become a person who

acknowledges the poignancy of certain events is simple. All it takes is little steps in the right direction.

Make connections and try to notice how that places a larger role in the global connection.

The art of critical thinking really comes down to getting the most out of what is presented.

Looking beyond what is commonly known can be difficult, but trying to see the world from another perspective is an amazing way of allowing the mind to expand.

Being taught to become curious creates a great advantage. When there is so much stimuli being tossed around, wanting to understand how it all fits into the giant puzzle is almost a magical feeling.

Once an individual notices how much information is constantly being pumped around the globe daily, every day seems like a new opportunity to discover the mysteries of the world.

There are many in the world who try to shove their points of views and biased statistics down others’ throats, but it’s the curious peoples’ responsibilities to sort out what the truth is.

Don’t let someone else decide what’s the right choice.

Don’t allow someone to determine what side of the argument to be on.

Don’t accept propaganda from the world, look at both sides of the argument

and make a judgement free of bias.

If an individual establishes their own sense of value in what they believe, they are automatically benefitting tremendously more than another individual who is merely lapping up what others are telling them is right.

In every imaginable situation, it’s always better to have more knowledge than less. Being knowledgeable means being able to experience more deep connections with the world, and being able to defend situations worth defending.

There’s never been a person who thought being uninformed was more benefitial than being in the loop.

Denying the possibility of connecting the actions of the world is an injustice.

Without knowledge, our lives would be pointless.

Everyone has the potential to become great, it just takes a little work.

Color will seem brighter, moments sweeter, and life fuller when every aspect can be appreciated to its full potential. The world is connected by common experiences, and the ability to notice those is truly a gift.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s much better to completely diagnose the stimulus presented, to reap the wonderful benefits of truly knowing what this world is about, rather than sitting back and letting others decide how the future will play out.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 7

reporter

AARON NEDLAN

School policies cause frustration

Being kind to strangers should be OK ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX SAYAVONG

reporter

STACIA AHLERS Can someone please explain to me how in the world I am being “fake” when I smile at a stranger?

For the last five years, I’ve been chastised and even despised for “committing” simple acts of kindness towards strangers and acquaintances.

Suddenly, when I glance upwards and make accidental eye contact with someone, and then try to fix the awkward moment with a smile, I’m the antagonist in their dramatic, personal telenovela.

When I open doors for people, it’s just an expected polite act, and when I say “excuse me” politely and try to pass someone, I get glared at and shoved.

Somehow, somewhere, this generation lost its compassion and uses the lazy excuse that “being kind to others is being fake.”

Since when is it social suicide to go outside of your typical clique and actually take interest in another person, whether or not you know them? And why?

“Fake” is a slang word used to describe someone as ingenuine.

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I smile at someone, I am not maniacally planning to destroy their wellbeing by distracting them, nor do I hope that they never find out that I had no planned intention of bringing them down brief warm and happy feeling that they felt in their heart.

People have always been friends with their neighbors, their dentists, their lawn keepers, their cousin’s best friend, their second step-sister’s mother in law without a second thought.

Only recently has it been considered weird to make friends with the young couple standing behind you in a megalong grocery store line.

But...why?

What do we have in this world if we don’t have one another? Why should we consciously decide to break down people we associate with instead of bring them little bits of joy as often as we can?

People who believe that helping others (without going through a sixmonth befriending process first) is “fake” are wrong.

To act that completely thoughtless and immature is lunacy. No, it’s actually quite literally barbaric, because it creates a savagely cruel and exceedingly brutal society.

The idea that people would allow ignorant hatred and laziness to drive their motivations completely enrages me. Beyond the basic realization that it makes absolutely no sense to ruin one another instead of aiding, I seriously hope that the people of my generation aren’t actually this pessimistic about life.

Why would you insist on leading a terribly sad and lonely life by forging suicidal societal beliefs?

And the fact that people insist on making the person who reaches out to others feel insecure about doing something kind is the saddest of all.

Remember that every single person you encounter serves a purpose in your life. Whether it’s your AP Psychology teacher, that cute boy with the freckles that you’ve seen in the halls but never talked to, the woman who hit your car last Friday, the girl who you’ve always admired, or the woman who checks your groceries out at the local supermarket: they mean something to you.

And you are significant to your peers too, whether or not you know it. Every single person has a life, has a million struggles; each person encounters mean and kind, people, just like you do.

But the insane thing? The time you spend which each and every person is limited, maybe to a seemingly-endless 180 days, or an hour and a half, or fifteen minutes while you run in and grab a milkshake. Before you know it, that person will be removed from the rest of your entire life. So don’t take anybody for granted.

The moral of the story? Yes, sometimes people are a pain in the butt, and yes, sometimes you might be counting the days until you never see a certain somebody ever again, but putting on a respectful smile and wishing only the best for others is a magical, selfless thing that will improve everyone’s quality of life.

If we can only remember the golden rule: to treat others the way you want to be treated.

Because life would be a lot easier if everyone was just kind to one another.

After all, a smile doesn’t cost you a darn thing.

With the plethora of school policies, you never know when you are breaking one.

Take dress code, for example. Every morning, students ask themselves if their outfit breaks the dress code. The rules are stated everywhere, but most are unclear.

Boys are told not to sag pants, but at what length are pants classified as “sagging”? Since everyone’s body is built differently it’s a challenge to figure out if what you are wearing is just right.

The biggest problem with the dress code is that it primarily targets girls. Why is it so important that they don’t show something as simple as shoulders, a body part everyone has?

Yet, when there is a football game, the cheerleaders can walk around in their “uniforms,” which are nothing short of revealing.

If there is a code, it needs to be applied to everyone. To make things right, dress code needs to be seriously re-evaluated and made more specific so there are fewer dress code errors at school.

Another issue: why are students forced to stay on campus during pep rally days?

The only options for students is to go to the pep rally or sit in the Commons, which is completely unfair for students that might have problems, such as hearing isues or a case of claustrophobia.

Students should be allowed to leave early if they don’t want to attend the pep rally. I know it’s a way to show school spirit, but after seeing the same event over four years, it begins to get dry.

I also recommend not having three pep rallies back to back at the beginning of the school year. Spread them out.

The school uses them for almost every football game, which may seem to be the most popular sport, but we also need to support basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, etc. All sports should be included at a pep rally event.

Maybe to fix this problem the school can schedule pep rallies in the morning, so that students that don’t want to go to the pep rallies can stay home for an extra 30 minutes. The pep rally would start at 7:15 a.m. and would last the normal duration.

Students need clearer rules and choices to make sense of policies.

HEAD to HEAD

8 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Are cops abusing their power?

America’s police system broken by prejudice WRITTEN BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN A siren interrupts the daily hustle and bustle of road traffic. The blue and white police vehicle skids to a stop behind the speeding red convertible. As the driver swivels down their window, the police officer asks to see their license and registration.

The driver opens his car compartment, and they hear a loud shot, feel a deep, stabbing wound in their spine. The officer was, feeling “threatened” by the driver’s movement towards the car compartment, fired his weapon.

This is a regular occurrence in Baltimore, as well as in many other towns across the country, where law enforcement is trained to discriminate against the black community.

The nation has grown accustomed to hearing these stories, where police officers unrighteously use their privileges against the common people. While many police officers do fulfill their oath to protect and serve, many others do not, causing global outrage at the police force.

According to USAToday.com, the Department of Justice recently charged the Baltimore Police Department with racial bias in its handling of crime, which includes stopping a single man 45 times in the past few years. Of people arrested for minor offenses, 91 percent were African American.

Training and policy is tinted with prejudice, with an “us vs. them” mentality prevalent in the police force.

This is exactly the kind of abuse of power we need to stop.

Many other police forces around the

nation are also under investigation, as police shootings become a mainstay in today’s news.

Ferguson, Freddie Gray, David Garner,Trayvon Martin: these names are familiar today because of the grave injustices associated with them.

This topic has caused massive controversy and protest today because of the way the police force has been allowed to run for decades.

While many argue that if one obeys the police, they won’t be hurt, this idea is also wrong. According to wsvn.com, an unarmed African American therapist was shot at multiple times, while his hands were in the air, while he was lying in the middle of the street, in broad daylight.

When asked why he shot the man, the officer replied, “I don’t know.” This event, which took place in Miami, is a prime example of how police officers are using violence in unnecessary circumstances.

This man is now sitting in a hospital bed with a bullet lodged in his spine. All this because a police officer carelessly fired his gun.

This is not the temperament that one would expect from a law enforcement officer.

A police officer should help civilians, defend them.

They should protect civilians, serve them.

The police departments of America are wounded. Many officers are biased and prejudiced; thus they are not fit to “protect and serve.”

Our police system must be revised, filtered, and conformed in order to protect, serve, and--most importantly-regain the trust of millions of Americans.

POLICE STATEMENTS 43% Agree

Police strive for justice, do not intend harm WRITTEN BY FAIZ UDDIN The past year has been full of talk about police brutality and officers abusing their power. Many people see it this way because the media tries to find an exciting story that will lure viewers in.

The media features content that makes the police force look bad, which overshadows all the good that they do. There are multiple accounts of police officers getting involved with the community and helping citizens.

According to goodnewsnetwork.org, about a year ago in Osceola County, an officer made a big impact on a young boy named Broke. Broke was diagnosed in 2014 with Autism-SPD-impulsivity control issues. He had bad anxiety and had trouble speaking to others.

One officer was very kind to Broke and showed him around the police station, which helped Broke grow more confident in himself. Many people wouldn’t have had a full conversation with Broke, but the officer made a positive change in the boy’s life.

Police join the force to protect and serve the community, not to beat and shoot people. If it were like that, then insane people with guns would be in uniform everywhere.

Officers risk their lives every day for our safety not because they have to, but because they want to.

Some people say they don’t care for the police, but when they find themselves in trouble, whom do they call? That’s right, the police.

It doesn’t matter about, race, color or ethnicity: their jobs are to ensure the

DEATHS CAUSED BY POLICE

06 7 9

“Always following the RULES is not compatible with getting the job done”

as of Sept. 13

84% Agree

“Witnessed fellow officers using more FORCE than necassary”

INFOCOURTESYOFCOPCRISIS.COM, WASHINGTONPOST.COM

EVERY HOURS

7

in 2015 there was one cop shooting that resulted in death

100

community’s safety.

Most of the time the police are on patrol. They drive around the streets making sure everything is okay.

Officers aren’t a problem for those who follow the simple laws that are in place for everyone’s safety. It is their job to enforce those rules. If people happen to try to harm others, then the police take action to prevent further unfortunate events.

In some cases, officers do tend to go overboard, but if other citizens were put in that same position, they would likely make mistakes, too. Police go through training all the time. They train before they join the force and even after they join.

Officers are constantly training and honing their skills. According to discoverpolicing.org, all new cadets (officers in training) must train at an academy for six months.

During the academy, the cadets spend countless hours learning how to preform CPR, solve a crime and shoot a gun.

Once on active duty, they continue to practice and develop new skills with the help of other officers.

After joining the Police Explorers program, I was introduced to the police life. At first I felt nervous being around cops in general, but then, I got used to them as I spent more time with them.

They are hardworking people doing their best.

I spend with them. I know that they are not abusing their power. They stop people from hurting other people, and that’s not a bad thing; it’s just their job.

NON-WEAPON DEATHS IN 2015

75 50 25

D RME UNA

TOY

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LE VEHIC

N NOW UNK

Items carried by people who died

10 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Confidence-building atmosphere

School helps individuals overcome obstacles with confidence, hope UPLIFT YOUR

CONFIDENCE SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE

BANISH YOUR FEARS

DON’T UNDERSTIMATE YOUR TALENTS

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA POWER THROUGH CONFIDENCE. School secretary Patti Blake shows her victory and strength against her battle with cancer.

WRITTEN BY JESICA LITTON High school can be an important period for developing confidence, according to research. Some teachers and students feel that the school’s environment has boosted their confidence.

Senior Mollie White said that her teachers have helped her immensely, education-wise.

“My teachers gave me more of an education,” White said.

Many students agree that having a better education made them feel more confident and brightened their horizon, like junior Egypt Bennett.

“People can be really mean, but it helps that you can push past it,” Bennett said. “No matter how bad something is that someone says, there is always that one teacher or that one friend to help you through it.”

Bennett also thinks that her teachers have helped to make her more successful.

“They have never given up on me, and push me further to be better,” Bennett said.

My CONFIDENCE is not tied to RESULTS, it is tied to the PROCESS. Teacher Paul Brown

Junior Myranda Spruck said that a specific teacher has helped to boost her confidence.

“Mr. Densberger makes me feel like it OK to fail every now and then, as long as you learn from your mistakes; he doesn’t pressure me,” Spruck said.

Junior Samantha Fleming states that her teachers have helped her a lot.

“My teachers make me feel like I can accomplish anything I set my mind to,” Fleming said.

Junior English teacher Paul Brown tells his students that confidence is the most important thing a person can truly have.

“My confidence is not tied to results, it is tied to the process,” Brown said.

Not only do teachers help their students, but also their fellow faculty members.

School secretary Patti Blake said her recovery from her battle with cancer and her early return to work were related to the confidence she felt at work.

“All of my friends and family here at Oviedo brought me meals because I hadn’t felt like cooking,” Blake said. “I was supposed to be out six weeks, but I came back two weeks early; it was really nice to come back to work to the students.”

Blake said that putting on makeup and wearing her scarves made her feel more confident. Students also feel that styling themselves is a confidence booster.

Sophomore Savana Garza loves to have her own style.

“High school has a wardrobe, but I am able to still have my own creative style,” Garza said.

Garza has blue hair, and it makes her

feel good when others comment on it.

“I love when people compliment my hair or ask about it, because it makes me feel important,” Garza said.

Junior Alyssa Antone, however, believes that high school can both help and deter people’s confidence.

“You’re exposed to different things and can be more independent; you don’t have to try and fit in with different groups,” Antone said.

On the other hand, Antone said that high school can decrease confidence.

“You feel like you need to fit into a certain popularity, like you see on TV, but when you get here that isn’t the case,” Antone said.

Spruck believes high school has boosted her confidence more than middle school.

“Being in high school has made it a lot easier to make friends,” Spruck said.

Fleming also believes that her friends have helped along the way.

“My friends have been there for me through everything,” Fleming said. “They have made high school a lot easier of an experience.”

Garza also believes it can be somewhat hard, but at the end have a positive effect.

“People will try and tear you down, but in the end you have to be strong and not allow their words to get to you,” Garza said.

Antone said she has a motto for high school.

“Love yourself, accept yourself, and remember to have fun, because you only have four years,” Antone said.

LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES AND MOVE PAST THEM

EXCERCISE TO RELIEVE TENSION AND BOOST MORALE

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

MONITOR YOUR SUCCESSES DON’T ATTEMPT TO FIND VALIDATION FROM OTHERS, FIND VALIDATION IN YOURSELF REVEL IN THE LITTLE PLEASURES OF LIFE

INFOCOURTESYOFLIFEHACK.ORG

SEPTEMBER 14 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 11 CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

Deaf teacher inspires students to learn WRITTEN BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR American Sign Language (ASL) teacher William Cooper takes language immersion to the highest level in his classes, using ASL almost all of the time.

He knows ASL fluently because he is deaf.

At the beginning of the year, freshman Sophie Gill was concerned about how Cooper would teach.

“I was surprised, but then I saw how he teaches and I realized he actually teaches really well,” Gill said.

Sophomore Jonas Allen said that it doesn’t impact Cooper’s teaching abilities.

“I didn’t really care that he’s deaf, it’s like a Spanish teacher speaking Spanish,” Allen said.

Some students were worried that communicating with Cooper would be difficult, but with time and practice, they have become comfortable.

“Everyone understands because, as we communicate with him, we learn things,” said sophomore Rachel Fargo. “If we finger spell something that there is a sign for, he teaches us that sign.”

Sophomore April Jones said it also helps that Cooper reads lips well.

“Plus, as we learn more signs, everything becomes a whole lot easier,” Jones said.

Junior Bailey Barnes likes to communicate through sign language.

CLUB FEATURE

“Normally in class, we sign and not talk, for the most part, because I feel like it’s almost rude, because he probably normally speaks ASL most of the time,” Barnes said. “If I speak English, I know he can understand me, but I still feel like I should be courteous.”

Jones thinks that she will benefit from Cooper sticking to sign language.

“I was kind of worried at first that it would be hard to communicate with him, but then I realized that he would make the best teacher because he’s had experience pretty much his whole life,” Jones said.

As for Cooper’s teaching style, Gill likes that it differs other teachers’ styles.

“I love how he incorporates his actual life into what he teaches,” Gill said.

Fargo said that Cooper makes it easy to learn sign language.

“His teaching is more interactive, with more visuals and less work,” Fargo said.

Freshman Ali Schimpf believes that students are more focused and more immersed in the language because their teacher is deaf.

“It urges me to try my best to sign to him when asking a question or having a conversation with him,” Schimpf said. “It also gives me practice with signs we’ve already learned.”

Junior Jada Beason believes that she is understanding the language more.

“I think because he is deaf, it really does help us understand, because we can’t talk since he can’t talk, which

CLUB FEATURE

Sustainability Jeopardized in the past 26 years

18,288,809

glass and plastic bottles have washed up on shore and collected by volunteers

870,000

diapers have been collected from the ocean shore

125,156

appliances have washed up on shore

3.5 million

tons of trash have been found within the Pacific Ocean INFOCOURTSEYOFMNN.COM

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

LEARNING THE SIGNS. American Sign Language teacher William Cooper shows his students new signs.

means that we really can’t talk,” Beason said. “Sign language is all about using your hands, body language, and facial expressions.”

Schimpf appreciates attending Cooper’s ASL class.

“I enjoy going to his class because I’m constantly learning new signs in a new way,” Schmipf said.

Beason has noticed that students actually pay attention in Cooper’s class.

“His class is really the only class that everyone pays attention in,” Beason said.

CLUB FEATURE

“He never has to tell anyone to stop talking or pay attention, unlike other classes, where students never stop. Everyone pays attention and everyone wants to learn from him.”

Junior Fiona Femminineo looks forward to a fun experience this year.

“I think we will be able to learn better because he’s deaf; we’ll be more involved and really immersed in deaf culture and signing,” Femminineo said. “I like that we all sign to each other because I’m learning more than I would if he talked.”

CLUB FEATURE

CLUB FEATURE

Marine science comes to life through competitions, activities for club members WRITTEN BY A.WYDRA & S.SRIDHARAN

Though only in its second year, the Marine Science Club is already preparing for a second year of competition on the national level. Members are planning for the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB), which they will attend on Feb. 18.

“It’s basically a normal academic bowl with a marine theme,” said senior Ben Shirey, founder of the club.

Academic bowls are tournaments in which small teams from each school answer questions from a wide range of topics. Each team fights to be the first to answer each question; the team that hits the buzzer first is the only one allowed to answer the question.

The team with the most correctly answered questions and points wins the game, round and, eventually, the tournament.

Before they can go to the NOSB, they must first pass the qualifying competition, the Spoonbill Bowl, held at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, Fla. Topics for competition range from the oceanic landscape to thermophile bacteria congregating around seafloor lava vents.

“We do a lot of practice with things in marine science fields such as ecology, oceanography, and geology,” Shirey said.

Club members must be knowledgeable about the great sea as a whole, but they also focus on an annual theme.

“This year’s theme for the competition will be marine renewable energy, which should be an exciting topic of study for the students and myself,” said AP Environmental

teacher Benjamin Hogue, the club’s adviser.

On top of having a theme, the competitions also include topics such as history and naval science. These fields that are out of the usual marine science category. Hence, students in ROTC could help the club in competition.

Club members do more than just compete, however.

Currently, they have planned two field trips, including one to the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, Fla. The Marine Science Center engages in a variety of eco-activities, including sea turtle and bird rehabilitation, marine research, artificial reef building and beach cleanup.

It also has marine biology exhibits, interactive displays, nature trails and a boardwalk.

While there, members plan to volunteer and help the center in whatever way they can.

The club came into existence when five students with a passion for marine science wanted to compete in the Spoonbill Bowl. Last year, they ended up taking one team to the NOSB. This year, they hope to take two teams.

Shirey said his motivation for creating the club was based on his future plans.

“I have an interest in marine science,” Shirey said. “I want to pursue a career in marine biology.”

Although it is only the second year, the Marine Science club has stayed strongly intact, with more people are joining the club this year.

“If a student is interested in learning about marine science or thinks they might want to study this in college, this club would be a great way to prepare themselves,” Hogue said.

12 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

ROBOTIC REVOLUTION

Classes, clubs ut enhance educati

ROARbots CLUB CONQUERS ROBOTIC CHALLENGES, LEARNS TECH SKILLS FOR WRITTEN BY PAIGE SIMPSON

One of the main aspirations of introducing robotics into classrooms is for the purpose of increasing computer science skills for all SCPS students.

STEM Specialist Stan Palmer

The future is here, and it brought gifts. Technology. Technology is always evolving, especially in schools. Schools are constantly trying to keep up with the newest technology available and find ways to incorporate it to improve student education. In an article from Education Weekly, Benjamin Herold said schools spend more than three billion a year on technology, through the transition from the traditional chalk and blackboards, to the modern realm of markers, whiteboards, and tablets.

From the robotics club, ROARbots, to classrooms, teachers and coaches alike are taking advantage of the opportunities to use robots in school.

James Byrne, a retired PhD mechanical engineer from the University of Miami and specialist in medical device manufacturing, is the co-leader of ROARbots. Byrne applaudes the use of robots in school curriculums, especially as schools push Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) studies.

“A number of parents got together who were interested in having their children join a STEM afterschool activity at OHS, and it’s attracted around 15 members for 4 years now,” Byrne said.

According to Byrne, these members participate in the U.S. First Tech Challenge (FTC), which was founded by Dean Kamen, the inventor of the Segway. “[Kamen] wanted to champion the development of STEM education in middle and high schools across the country,” Byrne said.

ROARbots is making big strides this year to reach state competition two years in a row.

“The FTC comes out with a new challenge every year, and we build a

THE GRAND SCHEME

robot to complete all the tasks for that challenge,” said senior Daniel Butterfield, who has been competing in ROARbots all four years of high school. “Last year we had to build a robot to climb up a mountain. We made it to the state level for the first time in history of Oviedo RPARbots; hopefully we’ll make it to the state level, and maybe even nationals.”

Like Butterfield, Byrne hopes for ROARbots to make their return to state. “[I’m] looking forward to helping the team compete, and [I] hope to be able to make it to state again this year,” Byrne said. “We hope to split into two teams this year if we can get a couple new members.”

Unlike some clubs, ROARbots doesn’t just focus on their main goal, building robots. Their club works on social and professional skills by obtaining points all year through competitions, community service and teamwork between rival teams.

“We usually have around seven [competitions],” Byrne said. “You have have to accumulate a certain numbers of points through participation and from scoring within the meets. We can [gain points] through sponsoring meets or by helping other, inexperienced teams. We can get ‘gracious professionalism points,’ which is another way of showing a team’s maturity, and showing that they can participate in the wider world.”

The team is brimming with ideas for the coming season.

“Every year, in the competition, it’s different; we’re going to have to have a robot that moves around and crawls over objects,” Byrne said. “Maybe it will have to open doors or containers, retrieve objects, move them from one place to another, and place them with precision at the target location.”

However, with creativity comes

A GLIMPSE OF THE IMPACT OF STEM EDUCATION

INFOCOURTESYOIFR.ORG,BUSINESSINSIDER,NATIONALMATH+SCIENCEINITIATIVE,DISNEY,UCDAVIS

limitations.

“We’re going to be the [robot] with a certa Bryne said. “We conn to one cellphone and

by WIFI to another ce All the different par controlled by this cellAt the end of the of ROARbots is the st Specialist of the Dep and Learning, Stan his students’ future a them.

“One of the m introducing robotics i the purpose of increas skills for all SCPS stu “A recent study has sh of higher paying jobs least some coding sk only increase in the fu of our SCPS students job market.”

Like Palmer, Bry future of student su ongoing advances.

“If you’re able to p to conceptualize a m perform a certain tas of the game on a job a if you have experie even better because you really know what said. “My aspiration to see some of thes be able to position t getting into institution a job. Many skill that a competitions are dire working world.”

As technology con alter lives, there will mold young lives--one

ONLY 6% OF U.S. STUDENTS WILL GET A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN A STEM FIELD

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 13

MEAN HOURLY WAGE $37.44 OF STEM JOBS

tilize robots to ional experience

FUTURE

e limited to controlling ain type of cellphone,” nect game controllers d have it communicate ellphone in the robot. rts of the robot are -phone.” e day, the main focus tudents. SCPS STEM partment of Teaching Palmer, reflects on and his own goals for

main aspirations of into classrooms is for sing computer science udents,” Palmer said. hown that roughly half ($57,000+) require at kills; that number will uture and we want all s ready for the future

MEAN HOURLY WAGE

FOR EVERY NON-STEM JOB, THERE ARE 3 STEM JOBS AVAILABLE

INVESTING IN ROBOTS HAS PROVEN TO INCREASE EMPLOYMENT 25% OF U.S. COMPUTING JOBS WERE HELD BY WOMEN IN 2015

U.S. STUDENTS ARE 27TH IN MATH & 20TH IN SCIENCE OUT OF 34 COUNTRIES IN 2015 , THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS SOLD WORLDWIDE PASSED 240,000 FOR THE 1ST TIME

yne looks toward the uccess and robots in

program, if you’re able mechanical device to sk, then you’re ahead application--especially ence--and winning is e then it shows that t you’re doing,” Byrne ns for this year are se students grow and themselves better for nal higher learning or appear in the robotics ectly applicable to the

THE CURRENT GLOBAL LEADER IN INDUSTRIAL ROBOTIC AUTOMATION IS SOUTH KOREA BY 2018, AROUND 1.3 MILLION INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS WILL BE ENTERING FACTORIES

ntinues to evolve and l always be ways to e robot at a time.

THERE WILL BE A $1.5 BILLION MARKET FOR CONSUMER & BUSINESS ROBOTS BY 2019

$18.36 OF ALL JOBS

INTERIOR DESIGN HARNESSES ROBOTS WRITTEN BY PAIGE SIMPSON As part of the Robotics Initiative, SCPS high schools received 10 LEGO core robotics sets each. The goal of the robots is simply to enhance education in schools by using enterprising innovation.

“As an educational resource, the hopes are to use robots as the “learning tool” not just the lesson itself,” said Digital STEM Specialist of the Department of Teaching and Learning, Stan Palmer. “For example, the same way we use a protractor and compass as learning tools to learn about math, we want robots to serve as a learning tool for a multitude of subjects. While using it to enhance course work, students are also exposed to computer science.”

Interior design teacher Jaince Latimer dreamed about introducing technology into her classroom; her dream has finally come true.

“I think it will open eyes to newer possibilities,” Latimer said. “I think it’s a fun way to challenge [students], and it gets them to seek a career that’s more exciting and not be afraid to try anything.”

Originally a project-based class of designing real-life rooms, interior design is taking a new route with robots.

“It won’t just be so much the interior design part, it will encompass more technology, innovation, and newer ideas,” Latimer said. “It’s going to require higher thinking skills and mean that [students] need to think outside the box to be more than they have in the past.”

Although dynamic changes are occurring to interior design, student opinions, like junior Fiona Femminineo’s, encompass positivity.

“I feel interior design will change for the better, that incorporating robots will add more of a new creative outlet, while incorporating more of the industrial side to the class,” Femminineo said.

The biggest challenge these robots will face is a yearly event, put on by all levels of interior design classes to showcase their accomplishments of the year, called Eye Extravaganza. This year, interior design classes will band together to create a real-life Mars expedition model to be put on showcase at Extravaganza in April.

“My students will have to collaborate in groups to do research to decide what different stations we need [for the Mars project],” Latimer said. “Similar to the building of a house, you need your social zones, your living zones, your bathrooms, your kitchens. We’ll need bathrooms, a waste remover, food storage, etc.”

Latimer’s biggest inspiration for everything she does, she said, is helping her students excel and make memorable experiences in her class.

“I’m inspired always by my students, that’s my number-one inspiration, and I’m always seeking to find ways to make my class not the normal everyday class,” Latimer said. “I’m excited to see them do it, and excited to see the robots. We have a very good response from Eye Extravaganza every year; I can’t wait for the parents to see it.”

Latimer said parents, especially fathers, have been skeptical of her program, and her biggest roadblock to building up her program. However, her program has also brought immense admiration. “[In] my first couple years teaching, fathers were doubtful of how this was going to help their children; they thought that they were only doing paper dolls and playing with fabrics, which a lot of people to this day still think that’s all we do,” Latimer said. “But over the years, my fathers have learned to respect my program.”

CHANGE SWEEPS FACULTY 14 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Students adjust to fluctuations in teaching staff WRITTEN BY OLIVIA BASTONE

The new school year was kicked off with a farewell to some of Oviedo’s teachers and a welcome for new ones.

Former AP American Government teacher Daniel Cowgilll and former debate teacher Bryan Singer have moved to other schools, Lake Brantley and Lake Mary, respectively.

Former English teacher Lesley Russo also chose a path leading away from Oviedo High School.

These teachers left to pursue career advancement. Cowgill said her appreciated his experiences here.

“I tell people all the time,” Cowgill said.

“This is the best place I’ve ever worked.”

All the change in faculty does come with a price.

Many students have admitted to signing up for a class specifically for a teacher, and were left disappointed when they were assigned a new one.

“The only reason I signed up for AP Government was because Dr. Cowgill was teaching,” said senior Grace Morton, who has to adjust to former honors government teacher, John Howell. “I really enjoy his teaching style.”

But Howell adopting the new classes was only one step towards settling the dust in the social studies department.

“A substitute is taking over Dr. Cowgill’s honors U.S. history classes right now, and she has some social studies background,” Howell said. He hopes, the students’ sakes, she will be the permanent replacement.

AP World History teacher Kevin Wainscott is also worried about the void in staff and the effect that it might have on the students’ learning.

“Students like to know about the teachers they’re hoping to have,” Wainscott said. “And when you don’t have a consistent group of teachers every year, that leads to the unknown.”

Wainscott said that students respond well to consistency throughout their high school careers, and it could throw them for a loop if too many aspects get changed.

Students are also noticing how their grades are being affected by the commotion.

“We get used to the teacher’s style of teaching,” said sophomore Liam Morgan.

“An abrupt change in that environment can be difficult to comprehend.”

Morgan is hopeful, however, that

students will be able to keep up with the new pace and thrive throughout the rest of the school year.

Junior Alexandra Adams had similar thoughts.

“We are so focused on catching up rather than fully learning and understanding the information,” Adams said. “All the information is being thrown at us.”

While Wainscott and the students believe the lack of stability among teachers affects the students, AP Psychology teacher Zack Densburger thinks otherwise.

“I’ve always been a big believer that the individual is the learner and the teacher is the facilitator,” Densburger said. “If you want to learn, you learn.”

Wainscott noted there is a culture within the faculty and, with more movement in staff than usual in the past eight years, the unspoken balance is taking a hit.

“You can’t have a culture of the school continue if you don’t have people who created it,” Wainscott said. “We have a really outstanding culture at OHS. The more new teachers you have, the more time it takes for them to figure out what the culture of the school is.”

New Teachers ENGLISH Cristina Wilson Jessica Canul Pam Carlson SCIENCE Mike Lampkin Ravindra Toolsie Claudia Giraldo Elizabeth Robertson SOCIAL STUDIES Shannon Dawson Hildreth House MATH Morgan Khort Sean Kurth

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 15

Societal violence scars all Pulse aftermath brings a community together #PrayForOrlando.

“I was shocked when I heard the news The place was filled with people both stating that the attack was in Orlando, my hometown,” said freshman Elizabeth gay and straight, young and not-so-young.

Clubgoers from the U.S., Puerto Rico, McDonald.

Candlelight vigils were held, and the Dominican Republic, Mexico and elsewhere: all were having a good time, memorial sites were set up at Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando and in front of dancing to salsa and bachata.

A fun evening out turned to horror at Pulse.

T-shirts were made, saying “Orlando 2:02 a.m. on June 12, when police received reports that multiple shots had been fired at United” with a colorful heart in the middle.

All the money from the shirts was given Pulse nightclub.

SWAT teams and other emergency to the “OneOrlando” fund, which represents response groups were called in soon the diversity of Orlando, including those in the Hispanic after the gunfire and LGBT began, and a communities. tweet confirmed It was amazing seeing so many All of the that the shooter people come together. money went had been killed at directly to the 5:53 a.m.

Sophomore Fariha Syed victims’ families, Police and and to survivors. emergency “It warmed my heart seeing people response began the task of saving the lives donating money and supporting as much as of those injured thereafter.

Forty-nine lives were lost and 53 people they could,” McDonald said.

After the attack, the victims were in need were injured, making Pulse the site of the of blood. largest mass shooting in U.S. history.

Clinics for blood donations were filled Orlando citizens responded with mass with people as soon as the news that blood support for all those impacted.

Social media apps trended donations were needed spread.

WRITTEN BY EMILY VERNIKOS

“It was amazing seeing so many people come together after such a horrible event took place to help out people that were injured in the Pulse massacre,” said sophomore Fariha Syed.

In the first 24 hours after the attack, 312 pints of blood were provided to the victims.

In the week after the attack, OneBlood, a blood clinic, took in 28,000 pints of blood; the average weekly volume is about 18,000 pints.

On Aug. 24, Orlando Health and Florida Hospital announced that they would not bill the survivors of Pulse for their medical expenses.

Instead, the hospitals will write off an estimated 5.5 million or more in care.

Florida officials said the bills totalled more than $525,000.

The main hospital–Orlando Regional Medical Care–treated 44 of the more than 50 victims who needed immediate medical attention after the attack.

“The Pulse massacre was a terrible event, 49 innocent lives were taken when they shouldn’t have been,” McDonald said. “Orlando came closer than ever and supported each other. The victims of Pulse will be remembered.”

Debate on police brutality spreads to Oviedo

“I believe it’s going to get worse before it gets better,” Hill WRITTEN BY AARON NEDLAN said. “The media is exploiting the videos and the angles at By the end of July 2016, over 50 cops had been killed across which they are displayed.”

To become a policeman for the Oviedo Police Department the U.S., and out of those, 31 lost their lives to incidents involving (OPD), one must undergo at least six months in the academy, firearms.

This statistic is a more than 50 percent increase in police which includes taking core classes.

These classes include firearm and emotional training, fatalities, in comparison to the statistics from 2015.

Over 670 civilians have been killed by police so far in 2016, amongs other courses.

For the other courses, officers in training can enhance according to The Washington Post.

That number is also higher than those killed by police in their education through subjects such as crime analysis, processing evidence in criminal investigations, tactical previous years.

According to Officer Michael Hill, who has been a police training, and more.

After passing the academy exam, policemen then follow a officer for eight years in addition to being a resource officer for Oviedo High School, the media is wrongly portraying cops--in field-trained officer around in ride-alongs for six months.

Once all the necessary some cases--to be doing the wrong requirements are complete, the thing when a situation occurs. police officer is then able to begin Across the nation, the police have No one wants anything to riding solo, patrolling the community. the mission to help the community, but ever go badly.

Twice a year, police officers must recently the community is rising against Lieutenant Heather Capetillo undergo an eight-hour course in the system with numerous movements. firearm and emotional training.

These movements include, most Those courses are intended to prominently, the “Black Lives Matter” movement, which is against what some perceive as an excessive use of force by police provide the officers with an opportunity to learn new laws, in addition to learning new tactics about how to deal with across the nation.

Senior Noah Mathison echoes what he thinks about these situations they may face.

According to OPD Lieutenant Heather Capetillo, one of kind of movements and what they are saying, but believes that the biggest challenges facing officers is how to deal with the neither police brutality nor violence against officers is justified.

“Hurting the people that are trying to protect this community media.

Dealing with the media is difficult because, according seems like nonsense, but it happens in our everyday life,” to Capetillo, the media has the ability to manipulate and Mathison said.

The anti-police brutality sentiment is one that bothers Hill, as sensationalize officers’ actions.

According to Capetillo, the bottom-line goal for the OPD unprovoked violence is not the intent of officers.

“My job and every policeman’s job is to protect the community,” is to ensure all interactions are law abiding, with no negative results.

Hill said. “No one joins to pull the trigger on someone.”

“This is the way we do business, we follow the rules,” Because of all the recent movements, Hill doesn’t see Capetillo said. “No one wants anything to go badly.” improvement on the horizon for police-community relations.

PHOTO BY NATHAN HADDAD

Families of victims in Orlando shooting commemorate loved ones

ORLANDO IN MOURNING. Mourners pay their respects at the Pulse nightclub, which has become a memorial.

TO ARM OR DISARM? A lowdown on gun usage in the U.S. 491,130 avgerage number of violent crimes commited with a gun every year over the past decade

The U.S. has

5% of the world’s population, and owns

50% of the world’s guns

0

number of “commonsense” gun laws passed by current Congress to prevent gun violence

Being killed with a gun in the U.S. is as likely as dying of a car accident in U.S

Active shooter events

6.4 to an average of 16.4 have grown from events per year

INFOCOURTESYOFWASHINGTONPOST, NYTIMES&BUSTLE

16 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

Gender identities topic of contemplation amongst teens

The Trials of Being

ransgender

The progress of the LBTQ community through the years

Dept.of Defense prohibits U.S. Military from discriminating applicants based on sexual orientation

Tammy Baldwin is the first openly gay politician elected to the Senate

2016

2012

1982 75,000 people participate in the Nat’l March on Washington for Lesbian & Gay Rights

girls bathroom.”

Cruz appreciates the consideration, but still disagrees with the situation.

“I think the whole single stall bathroom thing is a good idea, a good start, for people to get more comfortable with transgenderisim,” Cruz said. “But, I personally think that trans people should be able to go the bathroom that they identify with. With everything, there are going to be some bad apples that get through. For the most part, it is not predators wanting to go to the bathroom, it is people who actually identify with that gender. We need to use the bathrooms that actually suit our identities. When people deny trans people to go to their own bathrooms, they just deny part of their identity, which is pretty messed up.”

Russo holds a high esteem for other transgender icons and the stereotypes they have banished.

“I look up to some famous trans people, like Ryan Casada,” Russo said. “He is not even on testosterone and he is just really confident himself. I also look up to Aidian Dowing, the first male trans bodybuilder.”

To improve the outlook on their identities, some transgender individuals undergo hormone therapy.

“My mom said she doesn’t want me actually doing it until I’m 18,” Cruz said. “I have a lot of insecurities based on things like voice and facial structure and I’m just hoping to alleviate that.”

The future of acceptance into society has a bright outlook, according to Cruz.

“With the upward trend of people being more accepting and kinder to people who don’t identify with their assigned gender, I am hoping that it is definitely more positive in the future and that they have better access to their own resources,” Cruz said.

“That it is generally a more accepted thing and it is not treated as some sort of social taboo, and that if you identify with it, you are not some sort of freak. I hope that there is more representation of trans people in a positive manner.” *NAMES WITHHELD UPON REQUEST

2015

In the Stonewall Riots, gay youth uprise against raiding police officers at the Stonewall Inn

Wisconsin is the 1st state to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation

1993

EVOLUTION OF ACCEPTANCE

Cali Supervisor Harvey Milk protects LGBTQ from being fired from work

1979

The Society for Human Rights is founded as the first gay rights organization

1969

1924

When junior Tyler Peterson* was in middle school, he had an existential crisis.

Hastening to uncover his identity, he resorted to Google, coffee, and his friend circle to place a name on the dilemma, the unusual feeling.

Peterson embarked on his transition from identifying as female to male in middle school.

“I had a realization in middle school, and then it just progressed from there,” Peterson said. “I got to the point where I was 100 percent sure I wasn’t a girl, but I didn’t really know what I was, because I wasn’t really aware that being a boy was an option. Even when I did find out that was an option, I was like ‘Gee, that would be hard, I don’t want to deal with it.’ So, I didn’t for two years.”

Senior Alicia Wilks* just recently discovered her true personality.

“Earlier this summer, I realized something,” Wilks said. “It was at a wedding that I made the ultimate decision. I was watching the bride dance with the father for the last time, that giving the bride away ceremony, and I realized just how much I wanted to be the bride.”

After Peterson came out, his girlfriend began questioning her identity as well.

“We met my freshman year and her sophomore year,” Peterson said. “She 100 percent thought she was a straight, white, Christian boy. I was kind of queer.

She had a lot of issues, mostly because of her parents. We were talking one day and she was saying how she wished she could be more feminine without people labeling gender roles. I was like, ‘Hey, if you want to be a girl, you can.’ She was like, ‘Oh, OK.’ Two days later she was like, ‘Hey, I want you to call me Chloe now.’”

Sophomore Daniel Cruz* struggled to define his experiences, to pinpoint when his skepticism began.

“When I was a little kid, I was really into

1977

WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED

BY NIYATI SHAH

all of this feminine stuff and then when I was Carl Russo,* with a shrug. “I just try to look around fourth grade, I started transitioning past it. It happens.” away and being all tomboyish,” Cruz said.

The ability of transgender individuals to “I never really knew what it meant. I just go to the restroom that corresponds to the thought because I had heard the term gender that they identify with has been a ‘tomboy’ so much, I just kind of went with topic of debate. the norm. When I actually figured out the “Well, there are counties in Florida term for it, I thought it fit so much more.” thatt have taken up similar policies to After overcoming the struggle of coming North Carolina’s bathroom bill, which are out, transgender individuals must face the intentionally spreading ignorance and issue of acceptance. bigotry,” Wilks said. “Not Seminole County, “When I first came out, my parents said but other counties.” they accepted me, but they didn’t really In a few pockets around the United embrace it in a sense,” Cruz said. “They States, transgender individuals’ rights are didn’t really refer to me the way I wanted being compromised. to be referred to. They said they were “Because of the whole gender issue, forgetting or it was hard. I understood that, the law is basically saying it is illegal to go but it did take quite a long time for them to the bathroom that you identify with, and to start regularly using the right pronouns you have to go to the one that is based on and such. My friends were totally fine with your sex,” Cruz said. “I haven’t ever gone it because they were a lot more willing to to the bathroom at school since identifying accept the change itself.” as trans, which has been about five or so Wilks explores feminine avenues to feel years now.” more like herself.

To address this issue, Oviedo High “I have been doing vocal excercises to School has accommodated for all genders make my voice a of students. little bit higher,” “We have I just try to look past it. It happens.

Wilks said. “I have worked with been shaving my parents and Junior Carl Russo legs, and I have students in the had certain types past, where of food, such as we ask, ‘What cherries, chickpeas, yeast, to naturally is going to make you comfortable in the build up the estrogen in my body.” learning environment?’” said principal To Peterson, acceptance is determined Joseph Trybus. “We can cite Maslow’s by the fundamental beliefs of society itself. hierarchy of needs. Students can’t learn “In the U.S., I think it depends on who when they are hungry, when they are wins the election, because it was getting scared, when they are intimidated. All of better for a while,” Peterson said. “Then, these things contribute to the achievement my right to use the bathroom became a of the kid. So if I am transgender and I am public debate. As a whole, we are getting fearful of going to the bathroom, I’m not places. There are people that are getting going to get much learning gains in the more accepting and a lot more aware of classroom.” what is going on.”

Wilks considers this change in view of Despite public perception, these the school atmosphere. individuals have managed to deflect “When you are in high school, you antagonistic comments. aren’t going to be on hormones enough “Sometimes, if I am out in public, I that you can pass as the other gender,” will hear comments directed towards my Wilks said. “I can understand at this phase community or me, personally,” said junior how they wouldn’t want me going into the

Obama rules on legislation, stating students may use restrooms they identify with

Supreme Court rules to legalize same-sex marriage INFOCOURTESYOFPBS.ORG

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 17

Grade retention, promotion prove beneficial to students people may think it would.”

Guidance counselor Lauren Vosburg If a student, parent, or school feels that states that there is a possibility of impact student is not ready to proceed to the next on the retained students social life. grade, they might make the decision to “It depends on how the students are retain the student for a year. Being held able to adjust to that change,” Vosburg back--or accelerated--can affect a student said. “The good thing about high school in many ways. is that there is a lot of flexibility, the ninth Sophomore Megan Weber coped well graders don’t just hangout with the ninth with the decision to stay back a year. graders.”

“Being held back really impacted my Even though a student knows s/he is grades in a positive way because, grade- struggling through the year, being told that wise, I can handle my work,” Weber s/he will be retained may impact the way said. “I feel like s/he feels about being held back school and s/he was the right metal abilities.

Skipping a grade gave me choice because “I think it opportunities that I never would I feel more varies among have gotten if I had stayed in my comfortable with the students,” natural grade level. the course work.”

Vosburg said. “If The social life they think school Sophomore Calli Quire of students who is difficult for are retained may them and they are be impacted, due already struggling, to then be told that not to the fact that other similar-age students only are you struggling, but you don’t get to will excel. progress onto the next grade, I do feel like Weber explains that even though she that could have an impact on them.” is a year older than everyone in her grade, Vosburg states that a student could her social life has not been affected. start doubting himself.

“I associated myself with people that “They could start questioning ‘is school are in eleventh grade, or my age, because for me,’ ‘why am I even here,’ ‘I’m stupid,’” I am supposed to be in that grade, so I feel Vosburg said. “I could just see that spiraling as though fit in with them more,” Weber out of control.” said. “Being held back made me a year Some students are out of their cohort older than everyone else in my grade, but not due to struggle, but because of it hasn’t affected my social life as much as aptitude.

WRITTEN BY JESSICA WHITE

If a student is excelling in his or her work and the school or parent notices, they may make the decision to let the student skip a grade.

Sophomore Calli Quire thinks that it was a good decision to allow her to accelerate past a grade in fourth grade.

“Skipping a grade gave me opportunities that I never would have gotten if I had stayed in my natural grade level,” Quire said. “My friendships are great, and I’m being challenged in my classes, which is awesome.”

When it comes to friendships, Quire’s relationships are not affected by the change.

“My social life is very normal,” Quire said. “I have awesome friends that treat me as if I am the same age as everyone else.”

Quire states that it is rare for the topic to even come up in converstation.

“I am in band and other extracurricular activities just like everybody else,” Quire said.

AP Seminar teacher Anthony Harrison says that if students have the right requirements to excel, then they should be allowed to.

“I think that if you are in a grade because of your certain age, that system is outdated,” Harrison said. “If you meet the correct requirements and exceed past your other grade members, then you should definitely be able to move ahead, but only if you are positive that you can handle the coursework.”

ACCELERATION vs DECELERATION Rate at which students were held back from 1995-2005

3%

1.5%

Rate at which students were held back from 2005 to 2010

Students who drop out are

5

more likely to have been held back than those who graduate

Many students improve at least one proficiency level after being held back. One study found that 41% of students held back attained proficient status in math.

All students who skip grades must have an IQ of greater than 130 INFOCOURTESYOFEDUCATIONBYTHENUMBERS.ORG

////Reviewed Quick Review

American Gothic

TV Show

REVIEWED BY FAIZ UDDIN Join the Hawthorne family as their world falls apart.

The wealthy family is living in Boston when an accident occurs, putting the head of the house, Mr. Hawthorne, in the hospital.

As a result, the family discovers hidden secrets that might link their family to the Silver Bells Killer, an assailant who committed multiple murders years ago.

As the past is relived, the atmosphere thickens with mounting suspicion that one of the Hawthornes might be the Silver Bells Killer.

Stranger Things TV Show

REVIEWED BY CHRISTINA YORK

“Stranger Things” is a great show.

Even though it is a short season, from the first episode it brings you in and makes you want to watch more. The main characters in this show are very young, but that makes it all the more interesting, plus adds some humor.

The character Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, makes the show even better because she isn’t meant to be a normal human, but is treated as one by Mike and his friends.

This is perfect for mystery and horror lovers.

Agust D Album K-Pop

REVIEWED BY JOYCE NG

Suga from BTS launched from a never-heard artist to a role model when he released a rap/hip-hop album, Agust D, that expresses the raw emotions even celebrities have.

BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys, is a well-known K-pop boy group topping the charts with their current album, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever.

Agust D showcases a different

SUPERLATIVE

ADMIRABLE

ADEQUATE

Competitive online gaming: eSports Digital competitions grow, build professional teams WRITTEN BY FERN SILVA

////

18 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

GRIM

ATROCIOUS

PHOTO FROM ESLGAMING.COM

eSports is one of the newest things for the video game community, and it is taking it by storm. Many games, such as Counter Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, even Halo, and Rainbow Six: Siege, are some of the games that have a hand in the eSports Community.

Alexandre Mcguire--otherwise known as Serenity17--a member of the eSports team MiLSpec, described what got him into eSports, including his early experiences, how the professional events work, and what it’s like to be a part of a team that professionally plays video games for a living.

“To someone who doesn’t know anything about it, it’s exactly like sports, but video games,” McGuire said.

Events for eSports have some key similarities and differences from other sports.

“The way the events work is exactly like sports for the players,” McGuire said. “For the viewers though, it’s pretty different. In most offline events you don’t have to pay anything to get in the audience, and the players are a lot more approachable.”

According to McGuire, the biggest difference is the crazy level of competition.

He got into eSports because of that.

“At first it was watching tournaments on

twitch.tv, I’ve always loved competition and to see people compete in my favorite games for a lot of money was so exciting and cool,” McGuire said.

When he started out, McGuire had no help.

“I got started like everyone else, climbing the ladder and always trying to get into better teams, networking as much as possible,” McGuire said.

But he also was in the wrong mindset when he started.

“I was trying to get better on my own, playing a ton and not thinking a lot,” McGuire said. “It takes years to learn by yourself what you could learn in a month or two playing with and against the best. Networking is a much bigger part of success than I thought.”

However, he learned quickly how to handle himself.

“No one has helped me out really, you kind of have to figure out everything by yourself in eSports,” McGuire said.

McGuire said that when he tells someone he plays video games professionally, he is met with some hesitation.

“A lot of people think that videogames are for kids, and when they see you spending all evening in front of your computer screen trying really hard and getting mad, they

just think you are a kid that won’t grow up,” McGuire said.

But, McGuire said that dedicated time is necessary for success, as with any sport.

“In big titles like Counter Strike: Global Offensive or League of Legends, where they make a very good living, they can spend 5-8 hours a day practicing as a team,” McGuire said. “You are also expected to play outside those times on your own to keep working on your mechanics as a player.”

McGuire will continue to work to better himself and his tactics with his team, while working with the changing field of eSports.

To do so, McGuire has set many goals for himself for the future of his eSports Career.

“My goal for eSport is to have fun and go as far as possible,” McGuire said.

McGuire believes that eSport will grow fast.

“It will be mainstream media, and you will be able to see matches on your tv,” McGuire said. “It already started with Dota 2.”

While eSports is a quickly growing sport, McGuire said there are still people who aren’t acquainted with it.

“We have to bridge the gap between the average casual player to the pros, because that’s the only thing that stops eSports from growing,” McGuire said.

image compared to their group’s album, which gives off a rough yet dreamy vibe.

The name Agust D backwards is Daegu Town SUGA, which identifies Suga with his hometown, Daegu, South Korea.

Agust D is a 10-track mixtape covering important topics, such as the reality of fame and mental health.

He mentions fame in “140503 at dawn,” “I hide myself completely life I’ve become a criminal/ I can’t even take one step outside this dorm that’s like a

prison.”

His lyrics show his listeners a different side to popularity letting them know that being popular isn’t the perfect lifestyle it may seem to be.

Through this song I realized how human some celebrities actually are, and the intense rhythms emphasize real raw feelings he has.

Even though Suga is a famous idol with many fans looking up to him, in his song “The Last,” he opens up about his mental health, saying, “At times I’m

scared of myself too, self-hated and thanks to the depression that takes over me/ comparing my dead passion with others, it’s now a part of my daily life.”

I feel that many teens can relate to this topic since we all constantly doubt ourselves.

But even with these struggles, Suga seems to show his fans he has found happiness within his career and band members.

Fans can find the addictive lyrics and strong beats on SoundCloud, where BTS has uploaded the full mixtape, allowing anyone to listen to them for free.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | 19

Whitechapel Band

Deathcore

REVIEWED BY JOHN SPEER

ILLUSTRATION BY CONNER QUINLAN

Big shows coming to Orlando WRITTEN BY STACIA AHLERS

The 2016-2017 Performing Arts schedule for the Dr. Phillips Center appears to be creating one of the most astounding seasons of shows Orlando has ever seen.

The season is very diverse, and contains several genres and storylines.

A thrilling and spooky show, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime, tells the story of a young, brilliant boy who is suspected of killing his neighbor’s dog, and when he becomes determined to find out what actually happened, the boy makes shocking revelations that change his life.

If you don’t like dead dogs, catch A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder instead: a modern, dark comedy that relays a man’s attempt at avoiding the dire consequences of his actions.

With a tasteful mix of dramas and plenty of childhood classics, such as The Little Mermaid and Matilda, the eight shows that are coming to the Dr. Phillips Center this season are all phenomenal, well-known works of art, and there’s something for everybody.

Oviedo thespians are the most thrilled to see the Broadway hit Wicked return to Orlando for the first time in six years.

According to drama teacher Tim Carter, “student do songs from [Wicked] a lot in performances” both recreationally and

when they compete, which highlights the popularity of the musical in the last decade.

With a total of eight shows, the Dr. Phillips is preparing for a busy year full of performances that have never premiered in Orlando, or have not been here for many years.

A relatively new Broadway show that is touring and coming to the Dr. Phillips Center actually includes a former Oviedo resident, Alex Pernice, as one of the featured dancers on the tour.

This suggests just how many people are deeply involved with theater in this part of Florida, especially considering multiple Floridian actresses are beginning to hit the professional stage.

Denee Benton is a Winter Springs resident who is going to premiere in a the newest Broadway show, The Great Comet, which will launch in the upcoming year and hopefully tour into Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center within the next few years. Sandia Ahlers, an Oviedo High School graduate, has been a part of three different nationwide tours since her career began.

For Oviedo residents who seek to perform professionally, the Dr. Phillips Center aims to inspire young drama fanatics by showcasing the brilliance of art.

Theater can sculpt minds and creates a deep passion early in a child’s life, and the Dr. Phillips Center helps make that possible.

Up-And-Coming: Gaming

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is a re-mastered game of Skyrim.

Bethesda, the creators of Skyrim, redid the graphics of the game, which will be avliable to play on Oct. 28 for PS4, Xbox One and PC. Skyrim is an open-world action role-playing game with endless unique objectives to play.

Carter strongly agrees, adding that he believes that theater is accepting of everyone.

“That’s why we have so many kids who take theater,” Carter said. “Once they do a show, get bitten by the bug, get addicted, they become a part of the huge family we have and they don’t ever want to leave it.

I think that’s why [theater is] so good for everyone.”

This Season’s Plays The Illusioninists (October 4-9, 2016) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (November 1-6, 2016) An American in Paris (December 13-18, 2016) Wicked (January 11-29, 2017) A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (February 7-12, 2017) The Little Mermaid (March 7-12, 2017) Matilda (May 9-14, 2017) Finding Neverland (June 6-11, 2017)

The deathcore band Whitechapel returned this June with their sixth album: Mark of the Blade.

Reunited with producer Mark Lewis, producer for Black Dahlia, Cannibal Corpse, and Murder, they bring a new level of emotion with each of the 11 tracks.

The album features, for the first time in Whitechapel history, clean vocals from lead singer Phil Bozeman on their tracks “Bring me Home” and “Decennium.”

Even still, Phil himself says that they stayed true to the sound and structure their fans are used to, while trying to take them off-guard with their new reaches in sound.

He also says that the album’s unusual air of positivity, relative to older albums, springs mostly from their aging; growing from their uneasy twenties when they started, to their thirties now.

The title track “Mark of the Blade” was released on YouTube under the Metal Blade Records channel as a teaser for the whole album ‪on April 27‬, a solid month before the remainder of the album was released, ‪on June 24.‬ The song itself was received excitedly by both critics and fans, and within hours covers of the song were released all across YouTube. The remainder of the album features a variety of themes, from generally previously untouched slow melodies to their usual heavy driven course.

Another example of a branch into new areas is their instrumental song “Brotherhood,” in which their three guitar style really shines through, allowing for a strong rhythm, melody, and harmony to be simultaneously melded with a heavy bass guitarist.

The opening to the album is “The Void,” a song with an interesting meaning, seemingly about supporting those dear to them, hidden in their familiar--but chilling--lyrics.

This is followed by “Mark of the Blade” and “Elitist Ones,” a special song dedicated to those who still actively attack the band.

Past it are several songs, ending with “Decinnium” to bring the album to its eerie close.‬‬

Up-And-Coming: Events

National Honor Society Induction Sept. 20 after school

PSAT and SAT Oct. 19 during school

20 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

One Page Low-down

App Review: Bitmoji REVIEWED BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS Being able to customize your own type of emoji is a new and unqiue way to communicate and express yourself on social medias.

Bitmoji is a social media app that is being widely used at the moment. The app allows users to create an avatar in two different styles.

There is a Bitmoji style and a Bitstrip style to choose from once you start up the app.

After choosing your style, you get to create your avatar by choosing its face shape, hair color, outfit, and many other attributes that many people identify themselves with, such as classes or hats.

After customizing the avatar, users are able to choose from many background settings, or bright colored messages, that place their avatar in that setting or saying the message. These

can then be sent via text message straight from the app to anyone in your contacts.

Another large use for these creative little characters is in Snapchat. Snapchat recently updated their app to include the avatars. Now users can place their avatars into their own pictures and then put those pictures on their Snapchat story or send them to their friends.

Overall this new, popular app is quirky and creative in a way that no other apps have been.

Bitmogi gives the ability to dress up your avatar and send it directly from the app.

Album Review: Blonde REVIEWED OLIVIA BASTONE

It’s here. The long awaited, highly anticipated, second addition to Frank Ocean’s discography.

Ocean’s new album “Blonde,” hit the charts on August 20, almost four years after his debut album “Channel Orange.” Ocean, known for his slow and rhythmic beats, has been consistent with this theme; every song sharing the same hard-hitting lyrics as the first.

However, the excessive hype and inflated expectations leading to the album have left me feeling disappointed.

His lyrics allow everyone into his dark mind during the hard times in his life, and I totally vibe with this concept, but I would have loved to see Ocean change up the rhythm somewhere in the album.

While the lyrics provide a complete story, there’s nothing

in the melodies that contribute to the overall experience I feel Ocean was trying to achieve.

It seriously feels like there’s something missing.

The best adjective to describe the album would be “simple.”

The songs are straightforward and don’t involve many hidden elements to amp up the complexity. It would have been really cool if there definitely was some kind of variation in the tempos, because every song is slow.

I can’t lie, songs like “Ivy” and

“Nights” are definite jams. Their catchy lyrics and thumb-tapping beats quickly get stuck in your head and will have you singing them all day long.

Ocean did, however, add a little variation by having a few tracks that were simply people talking.

No rhythm, no beats, just talking. If that’s what he did instead of adding twists in his regular songs, I guess that’s just his form of expression, which was pretty cool.

But besides that, there weren’t any other songs I was jumping out of my seat for.

If you’re looking for an album to calm you down and possibly put you to sleep, this would hit the jackpot.

Even if you’re not an Ocean fan, this album could be your cup of tea if you enjoy chill music.

Better luck next time, Frank.

Restaurant Review: Duo58 Cafe REVIEWED BY NIYATI SHAH

The scent of freshly brewed chai, aesthetic coffee art, and eclectic indie music is the vibe of this cafe on the corner of Mitchell Hammock and Alafaya.

It has a homely feel, compared to the commericialized Panera and Starbucks right across the street, that serves as the ideal social hub. As a frequent visitor myself, I find the environment perfect for studying calculus, discussing what is occuring in American politics (or attempting to) and brainstorming writing topics, such as this one.

One also feels a sense of philanthropy when sipping tea from this non-profit organization, as as all the proceeds go to Mission of Hope in Haiti.

Grab a bite of their widely acclaimed banana bread, settle down in a nook with warm apple

cinammon tea to complement the autumn weather and take in the chalkboard caligraphy and dream catcher.

Business professionals, UCF students, high school geeks, and coffee enthusiasts will find a home in Duo58. So sip away.

PHOTO BY NIYATI SHAH

SOUL OF AN ARTIST Freelance Writer Senior Ken Evers INTERVIEWED BY NIYATI SHAH

Q: How did you enter freelance writing?

A: I first joined a freelance website called E-Lance.com, which has since been bought by this company called UpWork.

Essentially, people advertise the jobs they want and you can apply for them. They pay you after giving them the story they want.

Q: What have you written about?

A: I have written a children’s story about ants. I have also written stories about Iron Man. October is essentially horror story season, and I got $150 out of just writing horror stories--one about an evil puppy that killed its owner, one about death’s perspective.

Q: Is this your passion?

A: No, I’m spending most of my time working on a novel.

I am almost 60,000 words in, but freelance writing is fantastic practice. Essentially, I’m just getting paid to keep me creative and on my feet. It is, in very many ways, preparing me for the real world.

Q: What is a particular anecdote from your writing adventures?

A: I had been hired by someone from a particular brand of Christianity that believed that the Garden of Eden still existed and is on Mars. I had to write a story about Satan, and he tells me that ‘Oh remember, Eden is on Mars.’ I was like ‘what?’

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 21

CROSSING OVER

Cross-country embraces new coach, new mentality

ON THE RUN. Sophomore Angel Vicioso runs at the Astronaut Invitational at the Chain of Lakes Park. He finished as Oviedo’s fastest runner in the race.

PHOTO BY DAVE TIBBETTS WRITTEN BY DOUG CHIODINI Neon shoes were hitting the ground, trees standing above them and gravel churning below. With sweat dripping from the faces of the Oviedo cross-country team, they needed a new spark of inspiration to keep them going.

When new head coach Paul Brown pulled ahead of the team on his bicycle, the team found that inspiration. With his past experiences coaching at UCF, Brown feels ready to step up as Oviedo’s head coach.

“I feel I have been prepared,” Brown said.

“I like the kids, so that’s never an issue for me. My experience, passion and desire for what I do equips me to handle where we are and where we need to go.”

Brown isn’t alone in his quest to maximize his runners’ potential, as he has the upperclassmen to help keep the team focused. For freshman Sara Kuykendall, having that supportive presence made the transition to the team easier.

“Going in as a freshman, I was really nervous at first,” Kuykendall said. “The seniors and juniors brought me into it and they are all so helpful and supportive. They give you tips, like ‘You’re going to be okay’ or ‘The meet will be fun.’ Them giving me advice and support means a lot.”

In practice, Brown fosters an environment for his runners to grow and compete, preparing his athletes for their meets. Despite the tough practices, he knows it will pay off for the team.

“I believe practice should be more difficult than the races,” Brown said. “If the competition day is really hard on their mind and their body, then I believe I have ill prepared them as a coach to handle what they need to do. It’s important that they see the work they put in translate to something.

If practice isn’t more difficult, then they aren’t prepared.”

With the difficult practices, it is imperative that the athletes stay focused and push themselves.

As a team captain, senior Carly Mitchell realizes she has to lead by example to prepare herself and the team for the season.

“[As a captain] I just have to encourage others and push myself because people are looking up to me,” Mitchell said. “If I’m pushing myself and encouraging other people, that will translate to other people as well.”

Even with the grueling heat and hard work, the team still manages to stay upbeat at practices and meets through team traditions.

“The atmosphere is very positive,” Mitchell said. “We say a chant at the end of practice Friday before we have our meet.

The guys have one, the girls have one, and we all come together and say ‘Go Lions!’ at the end. Everybody gets into it and we just start laughing and stuff. It brings everyone together.”

The teammates’ friendships aren’t only on the trail, but also off it. As the team must run together and push each other to succeed, building bonds is extremely important to success.

For junior Tyson Harper, building these bonds is one of the most exciting parts of cross-country.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to spend time with our teammates outside of practice and meets,” Harper said. “I’m looking forward to hanging out with them and having a good time. It’s just good to bond and grow closer together.”

That camaraderie--built through practice, chants and hanging out --translates to a more successful, more motivated team. Freshman Sofia Falisi recognizes the importance of teamwork in cross-country.

“Coach Brown always tells us we need to work together more and to run as a pack instead of separating,” Falisi said. “He says when we work together we motivate each other, while we’re running it will motivate us to stay together, and that’ll just help us overall to be better.”

Brown acknowledges his team’s hard work and has completely embraced the team as his own.

“I love my ladies and my guys,” Brown said. “They are a great bunch of kids to be around. We ran in the heat of the summer and these kids sacrificed their entire summers, many of them. They sacrifice a lot and I’m very thankful that they are willing to work together to accomplish something.”

22 | SPORTS | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

GRIDIRON GREATNESS reporter

NEVADA CULLEN

Fans seek hope in Jaguars’ young core The countdown is over. NFL football is back. For us Florida football fanatics, that means another season of false hope and disappointment.

The last time an NFL team from Florida even made it to the playoffs, it was the lowly Miami Dolphins in 2008. The Dolphins are bound to go 7-9 or worse for the sixth time in the last eight years.

If there is hope, it lies in the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Starting quarterback and Oviedo alumnus Blake Bortles had a breakout 2015 season in which he threw for 4,428 yards and 35 touchdowns. He was aided by a deep wide receiver corps highlighted by pro-bowler Allen Robinson.

Bortles’ production will be even greater this year, as their free agent additions, including runing back Chris Ivory, will bolster the offense.

During the offseason, the Jaguars made improvements on their defense, signing players will offer depth at positions that were weak points last seasons.

Veterans will help 2016 draft picks, including Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack,grow and mature.

With one of the easiest schedules (according to NFL analysts), the Jaguars will battle the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans for control of the AFC South.

Expect the Jaguars to finally make the playoffs, and exit in the divisional round.

The skill and depth is there, but a lack of postseason experience could hinder the Jaguars from having a deep playoff run.

The Blitz Week one of the 2016 NFL season marked the first time since 1997 that neither Tom Brady nor Peyton Manning played on Kickoff Weekend. This also means that all footballs will be properly inflated for the first time since Brady’s debut.

2015 draft choice Trevor Siemian made his first NFL start since his senior year at Northwestern. He and the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers in a rematch of Super Bowl 50.

While reigning Most Valuable Player, Cam Newton focused on a new touchdown dance; expect a different quarterback to win the MVP award. Expect Aaron Rodgers to be back in contention this season.

PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

LOCKED AND LOADED. Sophomore Morgan Mitchell drops back to pass against Timber Creek on Aug. 26 at the John Courier Field.

Oviedo would win the game 20-19 on a last-minute touchdown pass.

Looking downfield

Coaches analyze Mitchell’s potential to guide Lions to success WRITTEN BY NEVADA CULLEN

Varsity football is passing the torch --and the football--once again. With the graduation of Nick Carbone, sophomore Morgan Mitchell looks to lead the Lions to a state title.

Many attributes of the team suggest that they can make a run at a championship. Their skill, spirit, determination and training compels them to work together to win games, athletic director Jakob Jarzynka said.

“I’m excited,” Mitchell said. “The team’s been working really hard, we have a good group of kids. We’re young, but the seniors have been leading the team well, and the captains too. The whole team’s just been looking good.”

Oviedo football coach Wes Allen said that, standing at 6’6”, Mitchell has the build and mental toughness to be a successful quarterback during and beyond high school.

Both traits compare to former Oviedo quarterback Blake Bortles.

“The two players have a lot of similarities,” Jarzynka said. “When you look at just physical stature, you look at height, you look at wingspan, you look at all those things that they both have.”

In the first game of Oviedo’s 2016 “[Blake] wanted to play no matter regular season, Mitchell displayed what,” Zimolzak-Coe said. “No matter his toughness, refusing to slide after what injury he had, he always told me scrambling and fighting for every extra to tape it up, wrap it up. ‘Whatever it is, yard. Whether he possesses the level make it better, because I’m going out of durability as Bortles is yet to be there.’” determined, but his coaches see the Jarzynka states that both Mitchell and undeniable potential.

Bortles work hard, are game managers, Jarzynka acknowledges that Mitchell have a short memory and stay poised has what it takes to be the next great and level headed during games. Bortles Oviedo quarterback. showed a key quality of a great quarterback “When you look for a quarterback, and that Mitchell needs to prove, according to when you look for Allen. what you want a “Blake was so [Mitchell] is the future of our program. quarterback to good after high We are really excited to see how he have, you need school because develops as a quarterback. them to be a he is a winner,” leader but also to Head Coach Wes Allen continue to play the next play and that’s what [Mitchell and Bortles] are both able to do.”

Their ability to stay levelheaded allows them to continue strong performances and bounce back from a poor play or drive.

While Mitchell has yet to endure any nagging injuries, athletic trainer Erica Zimolzak-Coe suggests that one of Bortles’ biggest strengths was his durability.

Allen said. “He competes in everything he does, and his work ethic is better than anyone else he will face.”

Allen believes Mitchell’s path to success will become clear if he can establish himself as a winner. His results will depend on how he grows and matures as a quarterback through training, practices and games. “[Mitchell] is the future of our program,” Allen said. “We are really excited to see how he develops as a quarterback.”

ROAR BOARD

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 23

Check out scores and game reviews at

INSTAGRAM OF THE MONTH:

@rileighpowers

TWEET OF THE MONTH: Oviedo Football @oviedo_football

Aug 27

“We have a great 12th man and community who supports us more than you could imagine.

That’s why we are #1PRIDE.” 9 RETWEETS 32 LIKES

PHOTO BY ISAIAH PINEDA

BREAK IT DOWN. The Oviedo Mane Attraction Dance Team prepares to perform at the pep rally on Aug. 26 in the RWL Gymnasium.

324 likes

Mane Attraction prepares for competition WRITTEN BY NEVADA CULLEN The Mane Attraction Dance Team (MADT) is often depicted as entertainment, a slight distraction from whatever event is occuring.

What most students don’t see is the conditioning and practices required to prepare for their supportive role and their own competitions.

“We put in the same amount of time and effort that every other sports team on campus puts in,” said senior Olivia Smith.

Many dance team members believe that dance team should be recognized as an actual sport.

Dance team is considered a sport in other states, but not in Florida.

Because dance is not labeled as a sport, it does not receive the funding that other sports recieve.

This drives the dance team to do whatever it takes to reach their goals.

“We have to raise money [to compete], so we’re really dedicated to it,” Smith said.

Despite the physical and financial struggles, the MADT is unified through their coach, Angela Futato.

STAR ATHLETE: Nick Sala

The hardest part of Futato’s job is delivering the constructive criticism needed to perfect a routine. She stresses the importance of taking a different approach based on a dancer’s personality.

“The most strenuous part about dance team are the practices and cleaning up of the routines,” said sophomore Emily Wightman.

Senior Torey Forsberg believes that the team is closer than ever, and has a good sense of chemistry that could lead to success.

“We’re top seven in the nation, and we’re going to go even higher this year,” Forsberg said.

To achieve that goal of improving their already pristine ranking, Forsberg knows the team must stay focused.

“We’re competing with hundreds of different schools around the entire country, and we beat a lot of them,” Forsberg said.

“We practice just like every other team, we have to motivate each other just like every other team, and we have to work together just like every other team.”

Q- What was going through your head when you made the game-sealing week one interception?

A- I was just thinking about what I had to do to win, what we had to do as a team. I was just focused, in the right position, and I made the catch.

Q- How does being a wide receiver help you be a defensive back, and vice versa?

A- It helps because you know both sides of the ball and you know what the goal on both sides of the ball is, so you know what to do.

Q- How do you work with your other teammates on defense?

A- It’s a close group. We talk to each other, practice with each other, do work outside of practice, helping each other out.

Q- What are your expectations for the rest of the year?

A- To win every game. You can’t shoot for anything less.

Q- How will you achieve that goal?

A- We’re going to bounce back, work hard, and do everything we can.

Q- Is your desire to win contagious?

A- Yeah, I think the seniors want to win more than anybody. When the underclassmen see us want to win, they definitely help us and they want to win just as badly as anyone.

PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

PHOTO BY KAREN HUNT

PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

CATCH OF THE DAY. Junior Michael Lopez leaps over his defender to catch the game-winning touchdown against Timber Creek on Aug. 26 at the John Courier Field.

MAKING A SPLASH. Senior Savannah Brennan swims the 100 meter breaststroke on Sept. 7 at the Oviedo Recreational Center.

SETTING UP SUCCESS. Freshman Rebekah Rath sets the ball on Aug. 30 against Lake Mary at the RWL Gym. The Lions won the match 3-0.

SWIMMING

VOLLEYBALL

FOOTBALL

Oviedo’s CHAMPION

PHOTO BY ALEX ESPINOZA, PAC 12 WEBSITE

24 | SPORTS | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

GUTS, GRINS, GLORY. Alumna Jenny Simpson celebrates winning the bronze medal in the 1500 meter event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio in August.

Simpsons’ Olympic success inspires others to pursue their own aspirations WRITTEN BY NATHAN HADDAD Jenny Simpson, Oviedo High alumna, earned athletic immortality when she became the first athlete from the United States to ever medal in the 1500 meter track and field race at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Simpson’s Olympic accomplishment not only placed her in the record books forever, but also brought great pride to her high school coach and teacher, Scott Waisanen.

“I was jumping up and down in my living room,” Waisanen said. “I was happy for Jenny to fulfill one of her dreams. She’s now won a world title in the 1500m (2011) and has an Olympic medal to go with it.”

Champion’s traits

Simpson’s high school coach, Jay Getty, knew early on that Simpson could be special.

“While in middle school she ran for my college roommate/teammate at UCF; he had already said that I needed to keep an eye on her progress,” Getty said. “Once she adjusted to the high school training schedule, the rest is history.”

During high school, Simpson expanded

upon those traits of success.

“Jen was a great teammate, ultracompetitive and very coachable,” Waisanen said. “She worked really hard, but also listened and was always encouraging her team to be their best, along with having the mental strength to persevere when needed.”

One practice where Simpson’s talent and leadership shone sticks in Getty’s memory to this day.

“During the workout, Jenny had settled into the boys group and just on the tail end of the group,” Getty said. “On the final segment, she felt as though the boys were not working hard enough, passed them down the stretch and almost created a giant fight afterwards.”

Throughout her time in high school, Getty noted unique challenges Simpson faced, due to her excellence in many areas.

“One main challenge was focusing on [Simpson] not being over-extended as a senior,” Getty said. “Activity with academics, athletics, clubs, honor societies and life all

became very taxing on time management.”

Inspiration for others

Simpson’s Olympics success has inspired other athletes to pursue similar paths.

Sophomore Rileigh Powers, who plays beach volleyball, said Simpson’s accomplishments show that you can achieve great things regardless of your background.

“It was really awesome seeing Jenny Simpson win the bronze medal in the 1500 because she went to Oviedo High School just like me,” Powers said.

Powers plans to pursue Olympic aspirations.

“I would like to go pro after college,” Powers said. “My goal in high school is to make it into the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) final drop before I finish high school, and then long term I’d like to compete in the 2024 Olympics.”

Powers already experienced success at the Junior Olympics this year.

“The Junior Olympics was really awesome because we won every single set

we played there, so it felt good winning that,” Powers said.

Powers’ success can be attributed to her hard work, according to volleyball coach Jennifer Darty, who coached Powers in indoor volleyball.

“Rileigh is an extremely gifted and dynamic athlete,” Darty said. “She has a lot of talent and works incredibly hard to be the best that she can be every day.”

Darty believes Powers will have success in whatever she aspires to achieve.

“If her goal is to make it to the Olympics, she is not going to stop until she gets there,” Darty said. “She is one of the most highly recruited beach volleyball players in the country right now and is going to make an impact at any school she wants. I know she will continue to work hard and do whatever it takes to accomplish her goals.”

Powers knows reaching the Olympics will be a challenge, but she is determined.

“I feel like if I keep playing women’s tournaments and keep improving--because there aren’t many girls my age playing pro right now--I can do it,” Powers said.