The Lion's Tale - Volume 50, Issue 2

Junior Nikki Intrieri hits the Seminole trail on rollerblades to stay in shape while junior Robyn Stroble skates for relaxation. No matter what the reason, the health benefits are substantial.

page 23

The Glass Slipper Cakery just opened in the Oviedo Marketplace along with a tattoo parlor and Pet Rescue by Judy. Check out the story to see where you can get some tasty treats, get inked, or even pick up a puppy.

page 4

LION’S TALE

October 28, 2009

Volume 50

Secretly planned skip day causes loss of senior privileges

CAUGHT RED HANDED

Carson Bailey

S

co-editor-in-chief

eniors decided to take the day off on Nov. 2. 329 of them to be exact. This unexpected skip day resulted in the senior class having their weekly senior lunches revoked.

“We usually have advanced notice and little disturbance with the one senior skip day we allow,” said Principal Robert Lundquist. “This year it’s taken a completely different turn.”

One senior skip day a year is over looked, as Lundquist said. But this year there was talk of multiple skip days planned by the seniors.

“Faculty members informed me that the seniors were skipping, and that they had plans for many other skip days – one the Monday after homecoming, for example, and at least one per nine weeks,” said Lundquist.

Seniors disagree on whether or not there where in fact more than one skip day planned.

“I only knew of one,” said senior Elaine Thoma. “The one that happened on the Monday after Halloween.”

On the other hand, senior Stefanie Cortes says there have already been two senior skip days.

“On Oct. 20 we had our first senior skip day because it was 2010 backwards, said Cortes. “But not many people attended.”

The recent skip day took many teachers and administration at OHS by surprise.

“Many teachers contacted me when they realized how many seniors were missing. They were upset because they had prepared lessons that would now go to waste and put them behind. To be honest, I was upset too. I had no idea it [senior skip day] was coming,” said Lundquist. “I feel that we give the seniors many rights and privileges, they took advantage of that. It felt like betrayal.”

Out of the 329 that did skip, there were 117 who did attend school that day.

“I thought taking away our senior lunch was too harsh for all the kids who didn’t go or have a chance to go,” said senior Dimitri Wilks.

Like it or not senior lunch privileges are gone for now but perhaps not forever.

“The senior officers are drafting a letter to be sent to ever senior letting them know how to earn their privileges back. Seniors need to come to school prepared to learn, respect the rules, keep up campus cleanliness, and show school spirit in a positive manner,” said Lundquist. “When we see that they are back on track, they’ll receive their privileges again.”

Issue 2

601 K ing Street

Oviedo, Florida

nces

conseque p e e st to s d a le s d in k ll Shoplifting of a Lindsay

Knox

J

unior Br staf an for sever don Reese* has f repor ter al years been a th ief “I don’t shoplift to it or b e cause I’m because If ad Reese. “ I do it be eel I have to do dicted cause I’v it with it fo ,” said e been g r years. I e tt in t’ g s just easy away Reese c from sto laims that he use to me now.” d to only re s Dollar T s including Pu blix, Km hoplift ree, and Albertso a r has been t, The n’s. a little th ble to get away But because he ings, he with sho has mo plifting items. ved on to pricier “I got b caught,” ored because I wa sa to start s id Reese. “That’ s never getting s when hopliftin I decide gf stores lik d e GameS rom the more e xp top and T to see if arget. I ju ensive I could g s et away Shoplifte with it, a t wanted r s n s te d al aroun I merchan d $25 m can.” dis illion in percent o e from stores ev ery day. f these s Ab ho the ages of 13 an plifters are teens out 24 d between 17 years Althoug old. and gam h shoplifting m es ay it, if a s to the criminals w seem like fun hoplifter ho get aw is c are anyth ay with ing but a aught the conse quences joke. see SH OPLIFT ING, pa ge 3

*names withheld

photo illustration/CARSON BAILEY

Locker search turns up no drugs

Emily Cottrell lockers, indicating there may have with the dogs were enough. The co-diversions editor been some illegal substances in zip ties and the gates have made

J

unior Chelsea Mastrocola walked to her locker with three police officers and an administrator, wondering what could she could have done wrong.

“I didn’t have anything illegal in there, so I was honestly scared that I was getting setup – that someone had put drugs in my locker,” said Mastrocola.

Mastrocola’s locker was found free of unauthorized items.

The school performs drug checks at least once a year, photos/MIRANDA GHALI bringing dogs from across the CATCH THAT CRIMINAL. Flash, the county to help search the lockers drug dog for Oviedo Police Department awaits and the parking lots for narcotics. instructions from his owner, Officer Dave “The dogs sat in front of some Capetillo.

them. We checked each of them, and I am happy to report that we did not find any drugs in the lockers or the parking lot, said assistant principal Greg Register.

The locker system, revolutionized this year, helped the process go smoothly. Each student received a pink slip that required their name, locker number, and combination. Every locker that was not spoken for was secured with a zip tie, and students across campus wondered why they were needed.

“I think the zip ties are unnecessary. We didn’t have real problems last year. The drug checks

me feel like the administration has lost trust in us,” said senior Michelle Collins.

Register believes that the zip ties will help locker cleanliness and remove the temptation for storing illegal substances.

“We didn’t want students using extra lockers for storing trash or unauthorized items,” said Register, “The pink slips really helped out. We formed a spreadsheet containing all of the data that we received from them. Then we were photos/MIRANDA GHALI able to easily find the students whose lockers the dogs suspected STAY...STAY...GO! Flash attacks Officer of containing drugs easily.”

Steve Rogers, who assists in excersises that help see DRUG DOGS, page 5 Flash keep fit and well trained.

2

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

News

Dangerous at any speed

Students place at local art shows Three students won awards at the Altamonte Chapel Fall Festival Art Show on Oct 31. Senior David Gagnon won “Best in Show,” senior Haley Nungesser won first place in painting, and sophomore Allie Boyd took first in ceramics. At the Maitland Art Festival, Mackenzie Gill placed first in the sculpture category.

ESOL classes participate, earn prizes in reading poster contest Magali Rodriguez’s ESOL class focuses heavily on reading, and sponsored a reading poster contest. The prizes were a $20 and $10 gift certificates to Regal Cinemas for first and second place. Every ESOL student participated in the contest, and winners were chosen by Rodriguez and staff based on a rubric.

Junior Ngan Huynh won first place, and senior Sae Ara Moon took second.

The remaining four finalists who received honorable mention were sophomore Paola Matos, senior Fausto Galindo, junior Juan Munoz and senior Linoshka Vega.

College workshop in Media Center will help with FAFSA, aid A college financial aid workshop will be held free of charge for all seniors and parents on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 7:00 PM in the Media Center. The workshop will include detailed instructions for filling out the necessary FAFSA forms for federal aid and scholarships.

Five-minute passing time stands Principal Robert Lundquist asked faculty members to vote on whether to extend the passing time by one addition minute.

When the vote came in almost evenly split, Lundquist made the decision to leave the time at five minutes, declining to add an additional minute.

According to Lundquist, not all teachers voted and the ultimate decision was his.

For the past three years, passing time totaled seven minutes in order to accomodate construction on the campus.

Newspaper wins top honors The Lion’s Tale Newspaper earned a Gold Medalist rating from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association with 949 pointsout of 1,000.

The judge wrote, “Overall, an absolute pleasure to peruse. Masterfull use of design elements throughout.”

NJROTC to honor veterans during Tribute to Veterans week Tribute to Veterans Week will be held from Nov. 9-13. The NJROTC will honor veterans of the armed forced by displaying the names of veterans who are friends or family of OHS students on a ceremonial wall of honor in the Commons.

A recruiter from each branch of the military will be present on campus with displays during the week.

OHS students read more than any other high school in county OHS students on average check out more books from the Media Center than any other high school in Seminole County.

In Sept. 1755 books were checked out, averaging 1.3 books per FTE unit. The high school with the second-most books checked out was Lyman High, with an average of .9 books per student in September.

photo illustration/CARSON BAILEY

RISKY BUSINESS. Despite warnings from parents, some teens text while driving and risk accidents or death.

Studies compare car texting to drunk driving Jordan Branch

D

prohibiting the use of a mobile device

staff reporter while driving.

anger behind the wheel now lies at the fingertips of teen texters.

While driving, a beginning driver with little experience, sophomore Brielle Jones could not resist the urge to divert her eyes from the road and look at her phone. Within seconds, she found herself merging into the median in front of Sunny’s Barbeque on Red Bug Road in Oviedo.

“When I first started driving, I had my phone in my lap. I got a text. I went to look at it and merged into the median.

Ever since then, [when driving] I have to turn my phone on silent and put it in my mom’s purse,” said Jones.

On July 27, 2009 the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute released a study with figures representing the increase in risk of crash or near crash event while performing various tasks on a phone.

The most elevated figure for a risk of crash or near crash event appeared under the text-messaging category. The report stated that the risk of a crash or near crash event increases 23.2 times while texting.

Currently in Florida, there are no laws

Q&A

“I don’t think you should text while driving. But have I done it? Do I do it? Yes, but I’m biased in my opinion, because as a police officer we multitask more than the average person. In our cars we have radars and equipment we have to be attuned to, but I don’t think the average person should text while driving,” said Officer Jermaine Walton, the policeman assigned to Oviedo High School.

Teens who use their cell phones constantly become attached to them and develop skills that allow them to text in various situations whether in class or behind the wheel.

“I text often while I drive. I text a lot so I don’t have to look at the keypad. To me texting while driving go hand in hand,” said junior Yere Guobadia.

On campus, there are rules against texting during class. The rules were established to prevent the distraction of a phone.

“I always laugh because students at school cry, throw a fit, and curse people out, if their cell phones are taken away, like it is life or death. [It] makes me wonder

how people lived 25 years ago before cell phones were actually invented,” said Walton.

After reports about the dangers of texting while driving surfaced from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, parents try to discourage texting.

“My parents are hypocrites. They tell me not to text while I drive but they do it,” said junior Caroline England.

“I believe all parents should be role models for their kids. I think it’s hypocritical to tell your kids not to do something and turn around and do it yourself,” said Walton.

The era of technology sparks the need for new laws to be devised.

Many states have seen the need to limit texting while driving.

Utah recently imposed a strict law following a terrible car crash.

The law punishes those who text while driving and cause a fatality. The driver receives the same sentence of 15 years in prison as a drunken driver would receive.

This came from studies with data that demonstrated how texting behind the wheel could be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.

Florida has yet to pass any laws on using mobile devices while driving, while many other states have different laws on their books to restrict the use of phones.

Early next year, Senator Thad Altman will be proposing legislation to ban texting while driving.

Simarlarly, President Barack Obama passed a law banning all federal employees from texting while driving.

Law enforcement officers and those involved in the legal system see flaws in the enforcement of this law that may become popular in other states.

Subpoenaed phone records could pull up the text messages of that day, but who is to say the driver sent them or passengers in his car or where exactly he was at the time of the text? There are so many factors that could prevent certain knowledge to convict.

“I’m still debating whether there should be a law against texting while driving, because I’m not sure how you could tell or enforce it. I’ve seen the studies about how it is just as dangerous as drunken driving, but I’m still not sure if a law against it could be enforced,” said Walton.

Senator Thad Altman proposes ban on texting while driving

Q: What encouraged you to introduce legislation to ban texting while driving?

A: I filed this bill in response to public outcry

Q: Will the proposed legislation apply only to teens? Why or why not?

A: If passed, this law will apply to all drivers

for safer highways and more responsible drivers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has reported approximately 6,000 deaths last year that resulted from drivers using mobile devices. The percentage of car crashes and injuries caused by distracted drivers is increasing each year.

This law will force drivers to focus on the road and practice safer driving habits.

in Florida as texting while driving isn’t age specific. However, teens put themselves, and others, at a greater risk when they use their phones while driving because they are inexperienced drivers. It is also important to note that the younger generations tend to be the ones who text most often; raising the likelihood of them texting while behind the wheel. Teen drivers need to be aware of the dangers associated with texting while driving, and I hope this legislation gets their attention.

Q: What instructions will law enforcement receive to enforce this legislation?

A: This will be treated as any other law passed through the Florida Legislature and law enforcement will act accordingly. If charged with texting while driving, the driver will be issued a nonmoving traffic violation. We are actively working with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to make sure this issue is enforced efficiently and effectively. photo/WWW.FLSENATE.GOV

The Lion’s Tale

October 28, 2009

News

3

Pirating movies, music form of shoplifting from SHOPLIFTING, page 1 Senior David O’Hara* was out with his girlfriend at Claire’s at Oviedo Marketplace. She handed him a pair of earrings that he assumed she wanted him to hold for her.

They walked out of the store together, hand in hand, only to be stopped by the store manager and the police.

“I didn’t realize that I had done anything wrong,” said O’Hara. “The manager told us that she had seen my girlfriend hand me the earrings and us walk out with them.

Even though I didn’t know they belonged to the store, I still got in trouble.”

O’Hara faced 45 hours of community service, a teen court program, five jury duties, a jail tour, regular drug tests, essays, and worksheets. He also had several court appearances to attend and at the time of the crime was arrested and spent 15 hours in JDC (Juvenile Detention Center).

“I would never even think about shoplifting again,” said O’Hara. “Even though I didn’t mean to do it the first time, the consequences I had to suffer were enough to convince me that nothing good can come of it.”

Arrests rise

In the past five years, over 10 million people have been caught shoplifting according to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention. As the number of people caught shoplifting increases, the police and store management have no choice but to tighten their grip on theft prevention.

Most retail stores have what is known as a Loss Prevention Program. “LP” for short, this is a form of private investigation into theft. The purpose of this program is to maximize profits through reducing retail theft.

In department stores such as Sears and PETCO, there are specific employees hired for LP. These employees have an office, equipped with multiple cameras which are set up all around the place of business in order to keep track of the whole store at any moment in time. The employees also dress as though they were any normal customer, in order to make their employment at the store unknown to potential shoplifters.

If an LP representative sees anything suspicious while watching the cameras, that person immediately leaves their office to tail the person without acknowledging them at all.

If they come to suspect anything at all, they stop the customer immediately and are entitled to search them.

“The LP guys that we have here have caught a lot of potential shoplifters,” said PETCO employee Leah Mixon.

“It may seem like they’re doing nothing by sitting up in their office all day watching video tapes, but they’re saving my business money.”

stealing, the parent can take the teen back to the store and meet with the security department to explain and apologize for what happened. This alone could cause embarrassment for the teen, making them not want to do it again.

KidsHealth also states that kids of all ages need to know from an early age that shoplifting isn’t just about taking items from a store — it’s stealing money from the people who run the businesses. Plus, shoplifting makes Online theft When people hear the word shoplifting, the main thing that prices higher for other customers. They should also know that stealing is a crime and can comes to mind would probably be lead to consequences far worse stealing from stores. However, online “When I download movies or music than being grounded, including piracy, or illegally downloading juvenile detention centers and music and/or movies online, is the off the internet, I don’t feel as if I’m even prison. latest form of shoplifting. donig any harm. Everybody does it “I think people who shoplift Downloading or uploading are trying to feel better about and nobody ever gets in trouble.” copyrighted works such as software, movies or music without permission Robert Cruz, ‘11 themselves,” said junior Chelsea Wilson. “If they get away with is clearly illegal according to Hilary it, they feel like nothing can stop Rosen of USA Today. But some them. They feel invincible.” teenagers disagree.

“When I download movies or music off the internet, Report crime I don’t feel as if I’m doing any harm,” said junior Robert As important as it is that shoplifters be caught by store Cruz. “Everybody does it and nobody ever gets in trouble, so management and/or the police, it is also important that if what’s the big deal?” another customer witnesses this crime, that they report it Security measures to stop online piracy continue to immediately in order to prevent further damage done by the develop, as do the techniques used to break them. shoplifter.

According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project “If I saw somebody shoplifting, I would tell someone in Survey, two-thirds of Internet users who download music authority immediately,” said sophomore Amber Smithson. illegally are unconcerned that they are violating copyright “People shouldn’t be able to take things whenever they laws, while only twenty nine percent say they do care and six want to. It’s not fair to the rest of us who have to pay extra percent have no opinion on the issue. for those items in return.”

While only a mere twenty nine percent claim to care that If stealing becomes a habit of a family member or they are breaking the law, according to USA Today, nearly friend, consider speaking with a doctor or therapist to get sixty eight percent of people say that they would stop illegally to the real cause of this behavior. The best way to prevent downloading software, music, and movies completely if they shoplifting is to completely block it out of someone’s mind were going to have to face jail time and/or fines. by showing them the consequences and teaching them that it’s not just a game.

Parents key Shoplifting is a serious matter with serious consequences.

According to KidsHealth, parents can play an important Even if somebody has been caught shoplifting before it’s role in shoplifting prevention. If a teenager is caught never too late to get help and change into the person they’d shoplifting, it’s recommended that parents follow through rather be—one who doesn’t have jail in their future. with strict consequences. For example, when a teen is caught

photos/KEVIN VELOSO

HELP FOR KIDS. (left) Sophomores Tiffany Staral and Savannah Tumlin sort through the stuffed bears to find the next one they will hug. (right) Sophomore Allison Coleman prepares a teddy bear to give to the children at the Arnold Palmer Hospital. This year the club will raise money for UNICEF, a organization that feeds children around the world.

Key Club sends bears to children Nirvani Khan

President of Key Club, sophomore

C

staff reporter Payton Norman said, “[Key Club members]

hildren at Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando, Florida undergoing chemotherapy are in for a heartfelt surprise.

Members of Oviedo High School’s Key Club, sponsored by Deborah Boyarsky, participated in an event called Hats and Hugs on Nov. 3, 2009.

Key Club members brought in stuffed animals, children’s hats to put on the animals, as well as get-well cards.

All stuffed animals were hugged by each Key Club member. The donated gifts were then put into gift bags and will be distributed to the children at Arnold Palmer Hospital shortly.

feel Hats and Hugs is important because the kids in the hospital are going through so much. Sometimes, a small act of kindness puts a smile on their face and brightens up their day.”

In addition, Norman finds significance in hugging the stuffed animals.

“Hugging the bear is symbolic. It’s like a chain reaction because you hug the bear, then the child hugs the bear. It’s almost like you are hugging the child,” said Norman.

“This project was beneficial and successful and I cannot wait to do it again next year.

Maybe next year, we will get the whole school involved.”

4

News

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

Treats, tails and tattoos

After speculation about closing, Oviedo Marketplace sports new shops plus postive new vibe Victoria Persampiere

news editor

I

It’s these little touches - like the fact that Manolov herself often mans the cash register that make Glass Slipper Cakery truly unique.

“I live in Chuluota now, and I’ve lived in Oviedo for fifteen years,” said Manolov, a mother of three and a firsttime business owner. “It was really important to me to stay local; that’s part of why I opened up here.”

Manolov first discovered her passion for cakemaking only two and a half years ago, after her mother convinced her to take a cake decorating class at Michael’s.

“I took the class and as soon as I touched the fondant I knew that it was what I wanted to do,” she said. “I used to meet clients at home, and then cook the cakes at a different location. It’s just like with anything you do, though; eventually you reach a point where you can either stop and just hit a plateau, or go further. I chose to take the next step.”

t’s been six months since General Growth, owner of the Oviedo Marketplace, filed for bankruptcy and Oviedo residents feared that the mall would close.

But with three new businesses including the Tattoo Parlor Glass Slipper Cakery, Carvajal’s tattoo parlor, Andres Carvajal’s storefront, located across the and Judy’s Pet Rescue, the Oviedo Marketplace is walkway and a few shops down from Glass Slipper doing well – in fact, it is flourishing.

Cakery, also offers something new and unusual.

The once-vacant shop fronts are slowly starting to fill “I think I’m actually the only tattoo shop in Oviedo up with displays, and signs in the walkways advertise for city limits,” he said. “That’s part of the reason I decided community events such as Malloween and special discounts to come to the Oviedo mall.” at certain stores.

Unlike Manolov, this is not Carvajal’s first business; These changes are due in large part to the Oviedo he owns another Avenue Ink off Colonial.

Marketplace Merchant’s Association, which formed only “I originally expected less traffic in this location four months ago in an effort to organize the many because the mall has had a reputation for being business-owners who rented space in the Oviedo a little quiet, but it’s actually been much better mall. than I expected,” said Carvajal. “Business has “In its simplest form, we’re a group of slowed down in our other location a merchants who help the mall with advertising little, and we’re sort of going to see efforts, community outreach, and planning which location does better to serve family events,” said Jim Pridemore, president as a permanent location.” of the association. “But most merchant’s Carvajal first began tattooing associations work differently from us in that when he was around 16 or 17 years they just get together to pool funds for buying old. advertisements, whereas we do that but we also “I mostly practiced on friends and want to get the community involved in family,” he said. activities at the mall. We really want the After he graduated from high OVIEDO GETS INKED. Andres Carvajal keeps community to know that if their church a collection of his favorite works in a black binder for school, Carvajal moved to New or organization needs a place to hold an inspiration and to help customers choose their tattoos.

York, where his uncles own tattoo event, we’re here to help them out.” shops in the city. Once he felt that So far, these activities, such as the he’d learned enough, he came back National Night out with the Oviedo home and opened a shop of his own - first on Colonial, and Police Department, have seen good turnouts. now in Oviedo.

The Oviedo Marketplace Merchant’s Association Opening a tattoo parlor in the mall, Carvajal said, was is working with the Oviedo Police Department and a little different than opening his other shop. the Optimist Club to plan a car show sometime this “There were very strict rules we had to follow when Jan.. we set up here. Nothing about the tattooing can be seen.

But these events are not the only major changes in We’re not allowed to display pictures of our work in the the mall. Many of the storefronts are not only unfamiliar, shop window, stuff like that. It was all fairly easy to do, but they are entirely unique in what they offer to the though.” community.

And the Oviedo customers who trickle in every day “I don’t know of any other specialty cake shops to get inked and pierced are different from the customers in the area,” said Prudence Manolov, owner of Carvajal became accustomed to in New York and off Glass Slipper Cakery. “The nearest ones I can Colonial. think of would be either Sprinklez or Sweet, “We have a very different customer base here than at and those are both a little far away.” our other location. We see a lot of people in their 40s here, and UCF students, and also people seem less spontaneous Whimsical Cakes here and are more likely to spend a lot of time thinking of Glass Slipper Cakery specializes in custom exactly what they want.” said Carvajal. cakes, ranging from the whimsical to the traditional to the downright unusual.

Pet Rescue by Judy But that’s not all Manolov Leave Avenue Ink and take a left, and you’ll find serves up; her display yourself outside Pet Rescue by Judy, the only no-kill case is filled with huge shelter in the area. cupcakes and shot glasses “We were contacted by Jennifer McNeal and graciously brimming with sugary offered the space as a donation, because it was formerly treats, and her shelves vacant,” said Judy Sarullo. “We’re so thankful that we support piles of cake have this location.” cutters shaped like high “And now we’re looking for volunteers to help out here heels and a variety of candy. and in other events, such as the upcoming Winter Park She’s even working on making some parade, and foster homes. You can go online and fill out of her treats sugar and gluten free, for those and application, sign a couple of waivers and you’re set.” customers with diabetes or Celiac’s disease.

photos/VICTORIA PERSAMPIERE

SOME NEW FACES. In addition to cakes, Prudence Manolov also sells a variety of freshly baked cupcakes to customers who want a taste of her work but don’t need an entire cake. (left) Andres Carvajal sits in front of the rows of sample tattoos in his ultra-modern shop. “It’s the thing I’m most proud of,” he said. (right) Hershey the lab mix is just one of Pet Rescue by Judy’s many dogs awaiting adoption or a foster home. Most dogs range in price from $150 - $200.

photo/COURTESY JUDY SARULLO

The Lion’s Tale

Dogs need rest after long days on campus from DOGS, page 1 The K-9 Unit dogs from various area police departments avidly searched for any illegal substances. Flash, the five year old German shepherd working for the Oviedo police department, took part in the campus inspection.

“Flash was trained as a dual purpose police dog. He can locate multiple types of narcotics, and can work to track down criminals or missing people,” said Officer Dave Capetillo, Flash’s handler and owner.

These dogs need breaks, so they curl up in the backseat of the air conditioned police vehicle, equipped with a system to monitor the car’s temperature. If the police officer needs assistance, the dogs will jump into action with the click of a button.

“If I, for example, get into a tussle with someone, I can press this button that opens the back door of the police car. Flash will jump out, run and find me. Then he’ll bite and hold the assailant until I intervene and give him other instructions,” said Capetillo.

For the officers and the dogs to create a strong relationship, all police dogs must live with their handler.

Said Capetillo, “He doesn’t work when he’s at home. He’s just like any other dog.

He’s actually very social, unlike many aggressive police dogs. But when I start getting my uniform on, he knows it’s time to get down to work.”

October 28, 2009

News

5

Proposal eliminates flip-flops Miranda Ghali

W

current policy needs to be modernized. It junior AJ Wynne.

There are still some kinks to work out in the new proposal, such as enforcement of said Griffin.

Lundquist agrees with the need for the dress code.

Lundquist said, “Flip-flops are one of the a change. “I think the proposal needs to be tweaked a little bit. It does have some issues that will be hard to control - that and the collar or sleeve shirt issue [which states validity to it, though.”

Many students feel that the flip-flop that all upper garments must have a collar prohibition is the worst part of the new or sleeves]. Fashion in today’s times is such that you could have a dress that conforms to proposal.

Junior Will Reischmann said, “I don’t all other dress code rules, but just doesn’t think they should prohibit flip-flops. I don’t have a sleeve or collar.”

Though changes to the dress code have see anything wrong with people wearing been proposed, nothing is final yet. them.”

Griffin said, “Nothing has been decided; Sophomore Meaghan O’Kennedy we are gathering input based on the draft. agrees.

“Everyone’s going to be wearing flip- This is the beginning of the dress code flops no matter what the dress code is. They development process, not the end. We hope are easy and they go with everything,” said to have it all finalized by the end of the first semester. What suggestions do the student O’Kennedy.

There are also the students who disagree body at Oviedo have?”

Students may submit opinions to the with the prohibition of tank tops.

“I live in Florida. It’s like one hundred school board public information officer degrees outside for more than half the year. Regina Klaers. Her email address is: regina_klaers@scps.k12.fl.us I don’t understand why, as long as I’m appropriate, I can’t wear what I want,” said

co-editor-in-chief has not been changed for several years,”

alking around campus, anyone can see the many pairs of flipflops on students’ feet. But, with the newly proposed dress code for Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS), they may soon be disappearing.

According to the first draft of the Student Appearance and Dress Code for the 20102011 school year, the major changes coming include the prohibition of flip-flops, tank tops, and pajama pants. All schools in SCPS have the option of adopting the new dress code or a standard uniform policy.

Principal Robert Lundquist doesn’t think that OHS will adopt the uniform policy.

He said, “This new dress code policy eliminates the chance of uniforms.”

The purpose of the new dress code, according to Executive Director of Secondary Education for SCPS Walt Griffin, is to keep up with the many changing trends of teen students.

“Trends continue to change and our dress code must be relevant and enforceable. The

is in for some changes.

What’s Dif ferent? TheChecknewoutdresswhatcodenewpolicy rules you might have to follow.

Flip-Flops

While the current dress code does not specifically allow flip-flops, it doesn’t ban them either. Instead, it banned “unsafe footwear.”

In the new dress code, this is explained as being any form of flipflop.

Sleeves or Collars

The old “three-finger”rule does not apply to shirts in the new dress code. Now, all shirts must have either sleeves which cover the shoulders completely or a collar, like a polo shirt.

Pajama Pants

The only thing the old dress code said about bottoms were that they must be “fastned and worn at the waist.”

The new dress code proposal would specifically prohibit pajama pants and undergarments worn as pants.

6

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

Opinion

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

What do

Our Word

YOU

Need law prohibiting texting while driving Teens find time to text in the shower, during class, and suprisingly while driving.

Alarming traffic accident reports demonstrate just how irresistible teens find the urge to text. They show how dangerous this addiction can be for not only the texter, but also innocent pedestrians and fellow drivers.

We on The Lion’s Tale newspaper staff feel something must be done to prevent teen texters from endangering the lives of others and themselves.

Teens do not have the best track record, many times best known for their poor decision-making skills.

Although some can be held responsible, a great majority still find time to text while driving.

Something must be done to prevent these poor decisions.

We propose Florida makes new laws banning texting while driving.

Texting takes away many mandatory senses needed to drive successfully and safely. It engulfs the mind of the texter, handcuffs their hands to the phone, and diverts their eyes from the road full of traffic.

Many concerned communities have taken notice to this problem.

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found the risk of car accidents rises 23.2 times while texting.

Other studies present data that suggests texting while driving to be just as dangerous as driving intoxicated.

Lives lay at the fingertips of those who choose to haphazardly text while behind the wheel.

Drivers must always be on their toes and on the lookout for an unexpected turn of events.

The road deserves a driver’s undivided attention, whether stopped at a stop sign or red light or high-tailing it on the Green Way. Ideally, people would refrain from texting while driving in order to avoid danger to themselves and others.

And the state must ensure the safety of its citizens by banning texting while driving.

High fives to all

Wow! Kudos to all students who have been on the recipient end of awards, scholarships, and district ranking.

Varsity fall sports such as girls volleyball, football, and girls bowling have risen to the top as district champions.

The Oviedo Marching Band placed second in the 2009 Echoes of Excellence Super Regional Marching Competition at Middleburg High School near Jacksonville. Percussion received a score of 91 and the band had an overall average of 85.5, eight-tenths of a point from first place.

Students should be proud of the success and pride they bring to our school.

We know there’s more to come.

LION’S TALE

think

Five minutes between class needs change

D

ear Editor, I feel that the school board should extend our in-between-class-time, by at least one minute. I’m late to almost every class. I have to run across the campus on a daily basis. Bright and early in the morning, I run to upstairs building eight, then I have to run downstairs building five, then I have to run all the way to building 13, then to downstairs building eight, then to building twelve, then to upstairs buildings, then to upstairs building eight, then all the way down to the bus ramp.

I’ve never been on time to 3rd or 6th and I think it needs to change. I’m tired of being marked tardy. I’m getting punished for their mistakes. Our campus has become bigger, and five minutes just isn’t enough.

The grass is also getting destroyed because so many people have to run through it. I vote yes to adding time.

I’d rather have less class time by one minute, then continuously getting referrals for something I can’t control.

-Hannah Young, ‘11

Texting while driving: one click away from death

The pursuit of happiness

Tiffany Ray

I

Opinion Editors

Staff

Features Editor

Victoria Persampiere

features editor

t can only be seen as grotesque; a mockery of the female form. I’m talking about the Venus of Willendorf, an overly robust and voluptuous figure made in prehistory. It’s a disgustingly exaggerated image, right? Wrong.

We might find her bloated curvaceous figure ugly, but the prehistoric people who sculpted her thought it was beauty; the epitome of the female form.

The Venus of Willendorf is thought to be a fertility figure, explaining the lack of facial features and the exaggerated breasts, stomach, and well, everything. Health and fertility have always been a basis for beauty since the survival of our species depends on women’s childbearing ability.

If the Venus of Willendorf’s figure is an image of fertility, then why is our society so focused on thin women?

Our Western society idealizes narrow waists, which, like the Venus of Willendorf, suggest fertility. The image of health and fertility just isn’t depicted the same way in every culture.

Because different cultures view beauty differently, beauty is subjective, and literally, is in the eyes of the beholder.

This is not a new idea. During ancient Greece’s Classical Period, Greeks idealized their figures with taut, athletic bodies. Western society idealizes the ultra thin models with virtually no extra body fat – an unhealthy image compared to the fit but fuller figured sculpture in Ancient Greece. We see these stick thin images everywhere in the media in magazines, posters, television, etc. We fall victim to this unrealistic idea of beauty. And I am no exception.

I did not ask for the body fat I can pinch with my fingers, and the full figured shape I see in my reflection. It is not beautiful to me, and the media tells me I should not feel beautiful

Editors-in-chief News Editor

Want to submit a letter? You can send letters to the editors at room 05-020 or email us at editors@thelionstale.com

Stress from ‘perfect’ body image

Jordan Hugh Sam Julia Thorncroft

Carson Bailey Miranda Ghali

?

Tiffany Ray

Diversions Editors Carly Brower Emily Cottrell

Sports Editor Connor Bailey

Advertising Editors John Campbell Curtis O’Brien

Staff Artists

Miranda Harmon Wesley Wynne

when nearly every advertisement portrays Westernized beauty or some form of dieting. As I write this there is a Jenny Craig weight loss commercial on TV, urging me to lose weight today.

There are times just looking in the mirror breaks me to tears. I feel as if who I am inside does not match the outside; essentially, what everyone else sees is not me. Even in my dreams I see my physical self differently than it really is. I see a much slimmer me. But those who love me say that I am beautiful.

Maybe how I see myself doesn’t match what they see.

This idea isn’t uncommon to me. Someone I love struggles with anorexia. She is one of the most gorgeous people I know, and a part of me has always wanted to have her small and now healthy figure. I’ve always been amazed that she sees herself as jarringly ugly and disgusting. She quite obviously is not.

But that’s what eating disorders do to your brain, and is even an idea that plagues young women like me. I once saw a documentary on eating disorders. The participants were asked to draw a full sized outline of their figures on full length mirrors. Girl after girl drew figures notably bigger than they actually were. Their perceptions of their bodies aren’t the same as what we see. I can’t help but feel that we all don’t see ourselves clearly. In the words of Taylor Swift, “the only one who doesn’t see your beauty is the face in the mirror looking back at you.”

I know it’s ridiculous for me to feel ugly when I am a healthy weight according to my Body Mass Index. I shouldn’t be ashamed that I don’t weight 110 pounds anymore. I even know that I am beautiful. But knowing and feeling are not the same. And most of the time I don’t feel beautiful.

Photographers Kevin Veloso

Staff Reporters

Miranda Betterley Jordan Branch Caitlyn Braswell Angiee Carey Nirvani Khan Lindsay Knox

Hallie Lavery Kaitlyn Loughlin Stephanie O’Sullivan Kimberly Segrest Abby Wakas Jennifer Wakas

But when I don’t feel attractive I find ways to feel better about myself. There are self esteem boosting techniques worth trying, and a few have worked for me.

Listen to music with a positive message, especially about beauty. Turn these songs on in the background when you’re getting ready for school, and when you’re feeling down.

Listening to upbeat music puts me in a better mood, enhancing my self image. I prefer “With You” by Goodnight Sunrise, a cover of Jessica Simpson’s original. “With nothing but a t-shirt on, I’ve never felt so beautiful.”

Dress for success. Though this phrase is cliché, employing this idea has promising outcomes. You just have to believe that even if you’re not a supermodel, you can be the most beautiful you by dressing in clothes that (respectively) flaunt your body. Or if you feel uncomfortable in form fitting clothes, like me, then opt for comfort rather than style; it can make you more comfortable with your body.

Exercise. I can’t stress this enough. Not only does it release endorphins, but I feel so much better about myself, whether I look any different or not. And when changes do occur it feels amazing too. I take weight training as a class, and though I won’t get any thinner from it, just working out every day makes me look at myself in a better light. The gradually shaping muscles don’t hurt either.

Realize that if you think you’re beautiful and show that to the world, then the world will reflect that back to you. Anyone can see themselves as beautiful. But you’re no Helen of Troy, you say. Who’s to say you’re not? After all, according to Christopher Marlowe, she was “the face that launched a thousand ships.” But Marlowe neglected to say just exactly what that face looks like. It could be anyone’s face. It could even be yours. illustration/MIRANDA HARMON

Faculty Advisor Deborah Jepson

Administrative Advisor Anna McCarthy

Oviedo High School

601 King Street, Oviedo FL 32765 • Phone: 407-3204199 • Fax: 407-320-4213

Online

The Lion’s Tale is accessible through the OHS website.

The Lion’s Tale reserves the right to refuse ads. The views of the staff do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, staff, or faculty of Oviedo High School.

The Lion’s Tale

October 28, 2009

Opinion 7

Skipping, part of growing up and changing criminal record.

I consider myself to be a good kid. I’m the kind who will party occasionally, but in all honesty I’d rather be reading Harry Potter than doing anything illegal. My Writes parents trust me, and rightfully so. I do all my homework, take AP classes, and get A’s and B’s. By teenage standards, I’m pretty lame.

But on the first Monday of November this year, I took the day Miranda Harmon staff artist off. I slept in, read Harry Potter and am a skipper. the Order of the Phoenix, knitted, Okay, okay, not really. Not intensely, painted, completed homework, anyway. I do not skip classes on a and spent quality time with regular basis; in fact I could count the a couple of good friends. number of school days I’ve ever skipped on And that’s the extent of my one hand. confession: I blew off school, Yet this year, being my last of high played hooky, and had a fine school, I made the decision to cross over to time. the Dark Side and participate in Senior Skip Now those who know me Day. understand that I’m not the kind Now, first of all, I should say that to skip, mainly due to guilt. I feel this isn’t a column of protest. No, no, I guilty about most everything, even for understand fully that our senior lunches crimes that I don’t commit. It’s a curse. were taken away, and for a good reason.

And yet, despite my guilty tendencies, I Skipping school is not considered a good, don’t feel all that bad about skipping school wholesome thing to do, nor should it be. this one time. Not to say that I didn’t do I am not advocating skipping school. We a bad thing; I know I did. Yet somehow, deserved what we got. despite my crime, I feel fine.

No, this isn’t a protest, or an excuse, but I guess, really, there’s one fact that rather an explanation. makes me feel okay about this: I survived. I I should begin by saying that I am not did a bad thing, and I lived to tell the tale. I a bad kid. I have never landed myself in as broke a rule, which, for me, is a big deal. much as a lunch detention. I don’t text in I’ll live, and I’ll graduate on time, and class. I once had to write a letter of apology the world will keep on spinning. I’ll make to a seventh grade teacher for talking too up the work I missed and not dwell on the much in class, and that’s the extent of my bad thing I did.

Miranda

I

feel no need to apologize for the act itself.

I didn’t skip to prove a point. I honestly don’t see much point in skip days, nor do I think that I’ll do it again.

Ultimately, it’s myself who I am hurting or helping depending on my actions, which is a lesson I’d like to think is one which teenagers need to learn. It is myself who benefited from the extra hours of sleep I got, the sense of rebellion I felt, and it is I who will have to make up the work I missed and face the consequences of breaking the rules.

And honestly, in a school environment that often feels like a contest to see who can cram in the most AP credits, college acceptance letters, and prom dates, it’s nice to take some time to sit and not worry every once in a while. If teaching that makes me lazy, then profession, and the last thing so be it.

I’d ever want is to disappoint them. I fear, Thus, in skipping school, I learned one therefore, that I may have disrespected them of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned so in not showing up. far in my four years at Oviedo, which is that Regardless of this, however, I don’t I am responsible for myself, and that my feel much of a need to apologize for my actions do indeed have consequences. crime. I did not skip school out of spite or I am a skipper, and I neither hold my disrespect; rather, I skipped out of a longing for sleep and relaxation. I will apologize to head high with pride nor low with shame, for I cannot apologize for learning and my teachers, perhaps, and certainly those growing. who suffered because of my actions, but I The twinge of guilt I do feel, however, resides in me at the thought of my teachers, who still had to come to work when I was free to play.

I’ll say right now that I have utmost respect for those of the

Family loss causes painful memories NIRVANI’S NOTIONs Nirvani Khan

M

staff reporter

y heart is ripping, it’s shredding to pieces as I slowly climb my way up a long, steep, dark hill in West Orange, New Jersey, on my way to my grandmother’s home. It’s becoming increasingly harder and harder to breathe and my stomach starts to hurt immensely, and it feels empty.

My mind is racing as I think deeply, over the terrible things that have happened, and the horrific, lonely thoughts are making me dizzy, they’re making my head pound with pain.

Then the tears start falling, faster and faster, like cascading waterfalls, and after a few minutes, my entire face is drenched and sticky from the salty residue the tears have left behind.

Once, finally, at the top of the hill, I find my grandmother’s house, dark and dismal, and I fumble with the door knob. It’s hard to twist and turn, and I knock on the door, expecting someone to open it for me, to help me. But no one comes.

After quite some time, I manage to muster enough energy, to regain some of my lost mind and I open the door, only to find darkness, only to find that no one is there, no one is home to welcome me. I’m running through the house and I am frantic.

Where is my grandmother? Where is she?

Why is it so dark in the house?

My mind knows the real truth, it knew the real truth even before fumbling with the door knob, yet my broken heart yearns for another possible explanation.

It’s time to face the truth.

My grandmother isn’t in the house, and she

isn’t ever coming back.

Realization sets in, overwhelms me, and I’m breaking down: she’s dead. My grandmother is gone from this world.

Since I was born, my grandmother has always been someone very near to me. She helped my parents raise me.

My grandmother fed me, bathed me, dressed me, and combed my hair.

When my mother was at work, she always came over to watch my brother Jason and I, or we went over to her house. Whether at my house or hers, my grandmother always cooked for me, cooked all my favorites.

We always had so much fun together.

Looking back, although I was only a toddler at the time, many of my most memorable experiences were with my grandmother. Every year when my family took a vacation, she was always there.

She also taught me many valuable life lessons, such as to always give more than I take.

If someone didn’t have something, my grandmother would give whatever it is she had, even if she was left empty-handed. She felt that it was important to help others in need. To be quite honest, my grandmother was the most generous, most giving person I had ever met in my entire life.

My grandmother also happened to be the most hard-working person I ever met.

She could have retired, but she wished to continue working. She encouraged me to do my best in school because she told me that she wanted to see me do great things later in life. My grandmother taught me that, in order to achieve my dreams and goals, I must work hard. Nothing comes easily.

The thing I admired the most about my grandmother was how loving she was. She was open to anyone, and truly cared for others, more than she cared for herself. I knew my grandmother loved me, I knew she loved me deeply, because she told me. And that love that my grandmother gave me is priceless, it’s the best gift I have ever received. Her un-dying love. And, needless to say, I loved her back.

Loved her like no other.

But, when I turned seven, I didn’t know what was happening. It was then that my world starting to turn upside down, everything started to change.

My grandmother was admitted to the emergency room in Mountain Side Hospital.

After I found out, it was incredibly difficult to cope with.

I didn’t really tell anyone because I knew it wouldn’t make anyone’s lives any easier.

I was confused, I was hurt, I was upset. My grandmother never came over to my house anymore. Whenever I saw her, she was in a hospital bed, looking pained, not looking fresh of vitality like she used to.

She was diagnosed with polycythemia vera, which is a blood disorder where one’s bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, and that was very difficult for my

became almost completely blind, only able to see out of the corners of her eyes.

She was suffering, and I know that. Even at my young age, I could see that.

It was very terrifying when she started to have strokes, even though I didn’t know, at the time, what a stroke really was. I just knew that I didn’t want my grandmother to have to deal with them.

Although my grandmother was physically declining in health, emotionally, her love for her family was just as strong as ever. No matter what rough time she was having, she was always appreciative and loving.

One day, however, I came home from school and my brother ran down the steps with terrible news. I didn’t believe it, I didn’t want to believe it. She was gone, gone forever, she wasn’t coming back. I was shocked, I didn’t know what to do.

And it didn’t really hit me until I saw her in her casket.

That was a rough sight for me, to see her family like that, to remember her like that. to accept.

And of course, I let all of my tears out, As time what had really been bottled up inside of me progressed, during the two-year nightmare. my grandmother’s The most difficult part was when the health did just the funeral-home workers closed the casket. opposite. She was It was at that single, life-changing moment deteriorating right I finally realized that I wasn’t ever going to see before my juvenile my grandmother again. eyes. I heard how I don’t like thinking about my her speech became grandmother’s condition during the last two slurred and much of years of her life, but I like to reminisce about what she said became the good old days, back to the days when she hard to understand. used to strap me in my car seat, telling me to I saw how my never forget to wear my seat belt. once very active Losing my grandmother was difficult, and grandmother could no it changed my life. longer walk by Now, each time I think of my grandmother, herself.

I remember her un-dying love that she gave But the hardest me. And I remember the un-dying love I gave difference in my her. Although I still have those sad and lonely grandmother that days, that mutual love helps heal my broken I had to accept heart. illustrations/MIRANDA HARMON was that she

8

Opinion

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

Potential changes in dress code causes debate they shouldn’t have to. I don’t see any harm in a simple pair of sandals.

Afterall, I’ve never heard anyone say, “Beware of the naked feet.”

And there is no way that baggy sweatpants and pajama bottoms are a distraction to our peers. I never thought I’d see the day when being comfortable was a crime.

Another rule states that all garments must have sleeves or a collar, which prohibits the wearing of halter-tops, tank tops, and backless dresses. By this, they’re implying that shoulders are not to be shown, period. I’ve never heard of anything so ridiculous.

Shoulders aren’t going to catch my eye, and I’m certain that the thickness of my straps, whether it be three fingers or three centimeters, won’t reveal my body either way.

The most unreasonable limitation, by far, in the new dress code is what kind of pants we can wear. It’s stated that our pants must be worn at the waist. Hah, don’t make me laugh. Good luck finding a pair of high waisted jeans at your favorite store in the twenty-first century.

I mean, as long as I’m not exposing my torso to the whole student body, I don’t see why it’s important to wear pants up to my belly button.

Oh, and no cheer shorts they say, or soffees, as many of us ladies call them. I’m not sure they understand that we live in a state that has an average temperature of high 80’s to low 90 degrees daily.

Finding a pair of mid-thigh shorts for such a petite person my size is practically a scavenger hunt. This rule is unfair. What may look too short on one person may look exceptionally long on another.

With all this being said, I think it’s safe to say I am completely against a new dress code.

Cracking down on disobedient students is one thing, but punishing students over a dress code issue is absurd.

My prediction is that if a new dress code were to be put in place semester or even next year, many students would not be happy and enforcement would be a problem for students and administrators.

Remember this is Florida people, the Sunshine State, for crying out loud. And you have the power to be heard in this debate.

Write a letter to the editor and get your voice heard.

This could be your only chance to prevent this new dress code from going into photo/JULIA THORNCROFT action.

student body almost immediately.

I truly think that there are people on this campus who have no idea how to dress appropriately, because they’ve never really had to. Senior project is evidence of that - seriously, count how many girls come in looking more like hookers than businesswomen.

It’s insane. I think if we were Kaitlyn Loughlan staff reporter Victoria Persampiere news editor to strengthen the regulations as to what we s a fellow student, I object to a really think that we need a new dress code. can and cannot wear to school and actually new dress code entirely. I believe Woah, hey, put down the pitchforks, assign punishments, people would be there is nothing wrong with our people – I have a good reason! Students more likely to dress in a manner which is current dress code and we shouldn’t have been stretching the rules on dress code appropriate for a school setting. for as long as I can remember; I mean, come The new proposed dress code isn’t perfect, become even more limited on what we can wear, as it is presented in this new on, look around. I don’t really care whether though. (I mean, come on, no flipflops in dress code, your top’s sleeves are three-fingers wide, or Florida? The school board is going to see a It feels as if we’re back in elementary whether your skirt hits at “mid-thigh”. riot over that rule) But the basic idea is a good and middle school, where you’re given But seriously, people, when your shorts one. no mercy over what you can wear. are so small that the linings on the three-inch Make every student aware of the dress Technically, flip-flops are a violation pockets stick out by your thighs (and, I’m code, and make sure that they know what will of our current dress code, however, sorry to inform you, but if your pockets stick happen if they break it. many teachers and administration out, so does your butt.), or you advertise for Essentially, just ensure that Oviedo members do not agree and choose not illegal substances on the baseball caps you students are as put-together and respectable shouldn’t even have on campus…you have to as possible, so that the community will see us to enforce it. As a result of this new admit, that’s inappropriate. and be proud of our maturity, not ashamed of dress code, administrators and faculty members would be required to report Take, for example, Halloween 2008. Now, our promiscuity. those students wearing them.

I’m not throwing out any names or anything The only question that remains is what I don’t think (the list would be too long, anyway) but some should these punishments be? Write a letter to people thought it would be fun to wear their the editor and let us know what you think.

Halloween costumes to school. Yeah, sure, that’s fine, right?

Got an opinion?

Not with the current lax dress code, it SPEAK UP isn’t. The campus crawled with all manner of “adult” costumes. Nurses in five-inch submit letters to the editors in room 05-020 pumps and miniskirts chatted by their lockers; or email us at Playboy bunnies adjusted their too-small black editors@thelionstale.com corsets and tried to keep their ears on straight as they ran to class.

Administration did eventually crack down on the sleazy costumes, but it’s kind of sad that they even had to.

I mean, think about it: once the school bell rings, we all walk home, stop at Sonic, go to work...and what we’re wearing represents our entire school. I’m certain the Master’s Acadamy kids in their khaki bermuda shorts look at us Oviedians like we’re trash when we stand behind them in line at McDonalds in our microskirts and tubetops.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly not advocating uniforms for public school.

All I want is for people to start following the rules we already have, and for those rules to be more specific.

We need to know exactly how narrow our shirtsleeves can be, and how short our shorts can be, and what the punishments for not following the rules will be. If teachers were to start actually disciplining people who don’t conform to dress code, we’d probably see a change in our

For new dress code

Against new dress code

A

I

The

Talking Heads

“They should announce to people to be more aware of what you wear, not enforce more strictly.”

Erin Parker ‘12

“It [dress code] helps students express their individuality. If they take that away, students may start acting out through their behaviors.”

Ben Finnegan ‘10

What do you think about the proposed changes in dress code?

“We live in Florida, so its really hot and we should be able to wear whatever.”

Caroline Carpenter ‘13

I don’t see anything wrong with the way people are dressing now.”

Justin Anderson ‘11

“I never really see anyone with a crazy outfit that they have to cover up.

I wear sweaters and jackets to cover up so why should I be punished?”

Courtney Sullivan ‘11

“I don’t think they need a dress code. But people shouldn’t come to school half naked either.”

Natalie Shepherd ‘12

Features

The Lion’s Tale

October 28, 2009

9

Fear takes human form

Teen takes steps to stop male stalker Tiffany Ray

5

making harassing phone calls, leaving dated,” said Parker.

Parker began ignoring all ophomore Alexandria Lahman* vandalization. Cyber stalking involves a of his messages, and moved reluctantly picks up her vibrating use of electronics to harass someone. Both on from the relationship. phone, and glances at the screen. types of stalking can lead to psychological “After seven months of his Lahman presses the voicemail button, damage, and possibly lead to a physical abuse and harassment I started knowing that the message will be just assault or murder in the worst cases. dating someone else. That’s another of a string of harassments. Her “Mark either has issues with women or when things exacerbated into eyes widen as she realizes her mistake; this feels superior,” said Lahman. “Like he has worse threats. Tyler called my message is not like the others before it – the right to do anything he wants to without stepdad from a private number this one threatens her safety.

– he was always calling from a consequence. That scares me.”

“This boy I barely I knew got my phone Sophomore Madison Parker* knows that private number. He told my dad number and began all too well. Parker that his daughter’s not a virgin calling me, claiming “He said, ‘I swear I’m going to fell victim to an and called me obscene names,” to be my boyfriend. abusive relationship said Parker. make you watch me kill your that ended with Mark* asked me to do But, for Parker, the worst inappropriate things, came when her boyfriend began harassment and family.’ How could someone be but I turned him down. I being threatened. stalking. such a monster?” didn’t even know him,” “A deep voice that didn’t “ T y l e r * Madison Parker*, ‘12 physically abused belong to Tyler called my said Lahman. “He’s obviously someone me. I had the phone. In a low and violent tone who doesn’t enjoy mindset that he did that because he loved he said, ‘I swear I’m going to rejection.” me. After the relationship ended he still make you watch me put a bullet The rejection stirred numerous more contacted me, more persistently and through your boyfriend’s head phone calls with nastier tone and diction. threatening each time. I was afraid to break and kill your family.’ I knew “He started leaving threatening messages up with him, and now that I have, I’m still Tyler had to be orchestrating the saying I was a number of explicit things. afraid of him,” said Parker. call. How could someone be He told me ‘you better watch your back,’ While dating, Parker invited Tyler to such a monster?” said Parker. and made it clear that he has guns,” said her house constantly. She now realizes the Parker immediately told her Lahman. mistake she made. stepdad, who in turn called the Stalking is defined by www.privacyrights.

“He left messages on Myspace saying, non emergency police number. org as harassing or threatening behavior that ‘I know where you live. You better watch “When the officer came I let is engaged in repeatedly. Such harassment your back.’ Of course he knows here I live. him listen to the voicemails and can be either physical stalking He was at my house all the time when we told him everything. The officer or cyber stalking. traced the private number back Physical stalking and warned Tyler’s parents consists of following of his actions. His parents someone, appearing seemed to be protecting at a person’s home, him, even saying that the officer was a hoax, not a real cop,” said Parker. “Like I was the bad guy.”

The police officer warned Tyler’s parents that if he has any more contact with Parker or comes within the vicinity of her residence, then he’s going to have a warrant for his arrest and face felony charges.

“The warrant is for harassment and threats. He has a case number in the Seminole County System, which means his name is in the system. He has no reason to be at my residence since he lives 30 minutes away. If he does come near my home, then it means unimaginable things,” said Parker.

Lahman, too, is involving the police. She is in the process of filling a police report.

“I’ll see Mark following me sometimes. He seems to be always near. I’m tired of it.

I have text messages as evidence to what he’s been saying.

I expect that I’ll have a restraining order against

S

features editor hand-written messages or objects, or

things to do when being

stalked

1 Keep a log of every stalking

incident, whether you’re being followed, or its a voice or text message being sent.

2 Make a police report and consider

a restraining order. But, consider a restraining order carefully for experts believe it can sometimes lead to violence.

3 Try not to be out in public alone.

4

Carry a cell phone with you at all times and change your phone number.

5

Make sure friends, neighbors, and family know about the situation. Show them a photo of your stalker.

illustration/MIRANDA HARMON

information from www.privacyrights.org

him,” said Lahman.

Though Tyler has made no contact since the officer’s warning, Parker remains terrified.

“I’m so sketched out by random cars that drive slowly past me or strangers giving me looks. I’m worried for my family’s safety.

Even at school I wonder if anyone knows him and could be out for me,” said Parker.

The police officer suggested that Parker tell her school about Tyler, so that people would know he couldn’t come on campus.

“The gates actually make me feel a little safer. But I’m still paranoid. I never walk anywhere alone anymore,. The only things stopping him or someone he knows from hurting me are gates when I’m at school, and my front door when I’m at home,” said Parker.

Parker feels Tyler’s threats ring true, and should not be taken lightly.

Said Parker, “He dated someone I know before me. He did the abusive cycle with her, but didn’t threaten her. That means he escalated with me. What’s going to happen when he reaches another level? What’s going to happen to his next girlfriend? He told me to watch my back. That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

*name has been withheld

10

Features

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

Straight Edge movement snags senior

X

Pearson Bolt explains why he rejects drugs and alcohol Nirvani Khan

protest,” said Bolt.

The band members of Teen Idles argued staff reporter that they hadn’t come to the bar to drink hen senior Pearson Bolt entered and they didn’t have any desire at all to the sixth grade, he made a drink.

They simply wished to perform. decision that ultimately changed Essentially, a song called “Straight his life.

Edge”, written by the band Minor Threat, Bolt said, “My friend Austin was the started the movement.

Since the 1980’s, first guy I met who was Straight Edge. In the movement has only grown, especially addition to getting me into some awesome because of awareness spread by bands music, he told me about the Straight Edge consisting of minors. movement. Once he filled me in, I thought These minors wished to obliterate the it would be a cool idea, so I decided to be notion that many hardcore band members Straight Edge as well.” had during the 1980’s. Basically, it was Straight Edge is essentially a lifestyle common to find that people associated with that revolves around hardcore punk hardcore music felt profound hatred for music. themselves and for the rest of the society.

“When you choose to label yourself Like the majority of Straight Edge and ‘be’ Straight Edge, it’s a lifelong people, Bolt’s impetus for becoming commitment. A popular saying is ‘Death Straight Edge is that he wishes to keep Before Dishonor,’ which, in essence, himself clean from drugs and alcohol. means you’ll die before you compromise.

“I’ve just seen a lot of stuff that I don’t Some people go the whole nine yards-they really want to go into,” said Bolt. don’t have sex out of marriage, they don’t Bolt, as many Straight Edge people do, drink alcohol or do drugs, they don’t cuss, wears X’s on the back of his hands. and they don’t eat meat. More moderate “I put X’s on my hands to remind kids just don’t have sex out of wedlock, myself of my promise,” said Bolt. drink, or do drugs,” said Bolt.

Bolt never tries to force anyone around Since its establishment in the 1980’s, him to become the Straight Straight Edge Edge concept or to believe has diffused and what he does. today, one does “I’m not not have to be going to sit associated with on a high hardcore punk horse and music in order say that kids to be Straight aren’t Edge.

Pearson Bolt, ‘10 who Straight Edge Bolt said, and drink and “[The Straight do drugs are Edge movement horrible people.

Not at all.

My decision to is] stretched out into a lot of different be Straight Edge was my decision, and I’m genres.”

Not only do Straight Edge people not going to force that on anyone,” said refrain from things like drugs, alcohol, Bolt. “If my example can lead someone and sex, but most Straight Edge people else away from that-even if my also refuse to follow and be influenced example doesn’t lead them to by society. Instead, Straight Edge people becoming Straight Edge-follow their own standards that they have then I’m happy.”

However, Bolt does set for themselves. believe that teenagers The Straight Edge movement was today could make initiated by a hardcore punk band by the better decisions. name of Minor Threat in the 1980’s.

“You can have “[A band called Teen Idles] was way more fun on going to play a show in a bar- but [the Friday and Saturday band members] were all underage. The nights at shows than bouncers forced them to put X’s on their

W

“I’m not going to sit on a high horse and say that kids who aren’t Straight Edge and drink and do drugs are horrible people. Not at all. ”

hands (a typical thing at underage shows) despite their

photo/MIRANDA GHALI

Senior Pearson Bolt proudly displays the ‘Straight Edge’ X on his hand.

X MARKS THE SPOT.

Straight Facts

•The term ‘Straight Edge’ originated out of the Minor Threat song “Straight Edge”.

•The number ‘24’ is sometimes linked with Straight Edge because X is the 24 letter in the alphabet.

•October 17 is recognized as ‘National Straight Edge Day’.

•The ‘Teen Idles’ were the first ones to be marked with X’s on their hands.

•Straight Edge is abbreviated as sXe. getting trashed and puking your guts out the next morning. But that’s my own decision,” said Bolt.

Bolt believes that society frequently judges Straight Edge people before getting to know them beforehand.

“One big difference is that a lot of Straight Edge people are tattooed up, pierced here or there, or wear dark clothes.

Society would see a person like that and say, ‘Wow, that’s some horrible metal-head who hates life and everyone in the world.’

But, in reality, Straight Edge kids are-well, Straight Edge-and you can’t always judge a book by its cover,” said Bolt.

Although Bolt is Straight Edge, most of his friends are not.

Bolt said, “Only three or four of my friends are [Straight] Edge. And, to be honest, I like it that way. I can live an example for my friends without shoving my beliefs down their throat.”

In addition, Bolt has seen

various reactions from his friends after they came to know about his being Straight Edge.

“Some people make fun of me, some people think it’s cool. Most of my close friends think it’s cool,” Bolt said.

At times, some people find it difficult to accept the fact that Bolt is Straight Edge, including his family. “[My parents] think [being Straight Edge] is silly and they give me a hard time for it. They agree with the morals, but they don’t like me being Straight Edge. But, I stuck to it because I made a commitment and it’s something I believe in. Peopleeven my family-can make fun of me, but I have my convictions and I am who I am,” said Bolt.

Bolt, along with four others, are in a Christian band called The Greatest of These. He does the vocals and writes the lyrics. Although, in the band, only Bolt and one other band member, senior Chris Clark, are Straight Edge, everyone gets along well.

Bolt said, “We’re a Christian band, and that’s more important to Chris and I than being Straight Edge. Being Straight Edge is a commitment and a promise-Christianity is our faith, our life, our all. Everyone in [The Greatest of These] is a Christian and that bond of fellowship comes before Straight Edge.”

Other than performing with his band in places such as house shows, garages, churches, and venues, Bolt has a strong love for attending band shows after he performs.

“Since Straight Edge was founded in the hardcore-punk scene of music, most people who are Striaght Edge go to shows a lot. Anyone who knows me knows that, after playing [at] shows, going to shows is my favorite thing to do,” Bold said.

Being Straight Edge is something that Bolt is truly proud of.

“Being [Straight Edge] is a lifelong decision,” Bolt said.

“It’s who I am.”

The Lion’s Tale

October 28, 2009

Features

11

Baby changes senior’s life Teen returns to school after giving birth

I

parked my car in the back parking lot behind the school. I took a deep breath as I opened the door and stepped out of the car.

I made my way through the double doors and across campus towards my locker. I dismissed obscured glances and hushed whispers as I passed by.

It didn’t bother me if they talked, even though it did make things a little awkward.

If people wanted to start drama let them, I don’t care, I don’t put up with that anymore.

Having a baby changed my life completely.

My daughter Riley was born August 15, 2009, at Winnie Palmer hospital in downtown Orlando. She weighed in at 7pounds and 10 ounces and was 21 inches long.

When I found out I was pregnant nine months earlier I was pretty nervous. I actually started crying.

My boyfriend, Doug Lee Carmack Jr., was in jail at the time for violating his probation. When he heard the news he didn’t want anything to do with me, or the baby. I felt so alone.

To make matters worse, my parents were very disappointed. My mom thought I was still a virgin. I got the silent treatment from the both of them for quite a while.

For a month I went to live with my sister in to ease some of the tension. When I returned home things were okay with my dad, but there were still hard feelings with my mom. She is the only person who I feel judges me. Things still aren’t O.K. with her, and I don’t know if they ever will be.

All I know is Riley and I are moving out Nov. 6 of this year, the day I turn 18.

Even though Riley is what I live for now, I did have doubts when I was pregnant with her. I thought about giving the baby up for adoption, that maybe having a baby now wasn’t a good idea.

photo/COURTESY OF KRISTEN PAULEY

BRAND NEW BABY. Pauley and Carmack pose with new baby girl, Riley who was born Aug. 15, 2009.

Maybe it was unfair, and the baby should be with a family that could support and take care of her better than I could. But now I completely regret ever thinking any of those things.

It is tough, though, at times. A baby can be expensive. There are formulas, diapers, food, and a plenty more to pay for. Doug and I are having problems financially right now.

He has been paying for the formula and diapers lately, but while only doing side jobs, such as making prosthetics and fixing tile and dry wall for neighbors, Doug doesn’t bring in a large income.

The things I pay for come out of my parent’s money, and they’re getting tired of the expenses. Even though I’m the one who’s with Riley 24/7 Doug complains that it’s hard being a parent. He asks why I don’t fork up any money, or why I don’t pay for anything. But

he must have forgotten how he didn’t give any money for my doctor’s visits or the hospital bill. It ticks me off.

Through all the problems, Doug still wants to get married. But I don’t want to be in a relationship right now, much less considering marriage. For me it’s a scary thing to think about.

When people ask me about Riley’s future, I say kids turn out how they are raised. I worry about what she’ll do, or decisions she’ll make sometimes.

I just hope she doesn’t end up with the wrong crowd, like I did.

But in the present, Riley is two months old, weighs 12 pounds, four ounces, and is 24 inches long. The name Riley doesn’t have any specific meaning; Doug and I just liked the name a lot.

I had to wait at least six weeks after giving birth before I could return to school. I knew I would need my education for me, and for Riley.

My parents were really happy with the decision. They knew finishing school and having a degree was really important for the both of us.

While I’m at school my dad and Doug take care of Riley. Doug has to work sometimes in the afternoon, but my dad is a retired AMTRAK conductor so he can watch her.

Despite the fact that I’m a teen mom, I pretty

much get treated the same by my teachers at school. They understand if I need extra time and stuff, but I can usually manage.

But when I get home I have to work my schoolwork around her schedule. It’s a good thing she’s an easy baby. She usually sleeps while I do my homework.

Every time she cries it’s for a reason, she either needs her diaper changed, is hungry, or wants to sleep. I have to go to bed when she falls asleep, and now I only have to get up about once a night with her around midnight.

That is definitely the worse part about being a parent so far that and changing dirty diapers. But now Riley is getting a lot better and is almost on a schedule where she doesn’t wake up at all.

Going out and partying isn’t part of my life anymore. Since I’ve had Riley I don’t go to parties. Yeah, it’d different but I don’t mind.

She comes with me wherever I go, which is usually to my house or Doug’s house. I can still hang out with friends though. They are all really supportive, even though at first they were a little suspicious about me leaving Riley at home and coming back to school.

But now they understand and everything is okay.

After I graduate from high school I plan to continue with my education. I’m going to Seminole State College for two years and then a university.

I want to study dolphin training or marine biology. That’s the career I’ve always wanted, probably because I love the beach.

Being a parent has changed me completely.

It’s not all about me anymore; it’s all about Riley. I used to be such a daredevil, but now I have to really think about what I’m doing.

Every decision I make affects her, so I have to be careful and make sure I’ll always be there for her.

Riley has made me become so much more responsible too. I’m more responsible now than I ever thought possible. I no longer pay attention to the drama people start either.

Now I just drop it, and ignore the problems people start. I don’t need or want that in my life anymore.

As for the best part of being a parent, it’s the love. There are no words for the kind of love I feel for Riley, I’m so glad I get to experience it.

She’s my reason to keep going; she’s my everything.

m o o B y b Ba

*as told to Hallie Lavery compiled from babycenter.com

really

Bringing up baby can add up.

Here are the costs for one year.

$120 Formula

$252 Toiletries

$276 Medicine

$420 Toys

$708 Clothes

$864 Diapers

12

Features

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

Race car speed tops 80 mph

RC car built by junior burns the competition Curtis O’Brien

Another big difference between a “toy” and an “enthusiast” level R.C. is staff reporter the cost. t’s eleven o’clock at night in the Publix “You have to have money,” said parking lot, it’s quiet. However, every Merzoian. once in a while there’s a roar there. That A single car can cost anywhere from is roar is junior Vaneek Merzoian driving his $200 to several hundred dollars versus remote- ontrolled car. about $25 at a local grocery store.

“It’s a really great hobby,’ said But once venturing to an enthusiast Merzoian. level RC car, the superiority is evident.

Merzoian inherited his hobby from his It is obvious through a huge jump in father who also is a R.C. car hobbyist. price, performance, customization,and START YOUR ENGINES. Merzoian starts the engine of his R.C. car and maintains it to race.

“He used to drive, and I used to options. watch and I just really wanted to try The level of customization seen it. I was just too at the enthusiast little to control level R.C. cars “I usually drive my R.C. car at them, I couldn’t is unparalleled. successfully When it comes to Publix around eleven so I can be drive.

He customization of by myself and just drive” would have any part, or any to take it from the Vaneek Merzoian, ‘11 appearance me,” said sky is the limit.

Merzoian.

However it’s not “I started off slow. So when I got a always necessary to customize the R.C. little bit older he actually let me drive it once car. in a while,” said Merzoian.

Kits come in every shape and size.

Merzoian’s first time on his own behind Most are modeled after real cars. the controller began.

Some kits come ready to race while “I started with off-roading cars so that if others you have to build piece by piece.

I crash or flip I won’t damage the car that The most important thing to consider much because it’s on grass and stuff,” said when buying an R.C. car is the engine Merzoian. size. The size of the engine ultimately When Merzoian was around 12 years determines how fast your car will go. old, he became a full-blown hobbyist.

“With the electric the advantage is “Then when I got a little bit older there is no lag and you can get a better and got really fascinated with the hobby. acceleration. With the gas engine you TO THE STREETS. Practice makes perfect for I got my own cars, street racing cars,” don’t have to rely on the battery, and Merzoian races his car on the streets of his said Merzoian. it’s faster in the long run. When electric “I usually drive my R.C. car at Publix cars take off, they take off at a much neighborhood. around eleven so I can be by myself and faster speed. A gas car can drive longer just drive,” said Merzoian. and with them you can keep refilling the Most R.C. cars are labeled as either tank, but with electric cars you have to “enthusiast” or “toy” grade. stop and charge it and then you can go,” An enthusiast level R.C. car is very said Merzoian. offbeat compared to a toy R.C. car. They R.C. racing is a lifelong hobby and can top at about 20 mph, on a good day, Merzoian has just begun. He has a lot and are almost exclusively electric. more to accomplish and plans to have a In contrast, an enthusiast level lot more fun.

R.C. car is much faster and either “It’s pricey but for the love electric or gas-powered. of the sport, it’s worth it, and “A gas powered RC car can go remember just be careful and from 60 to 80 mph and an electric have fun with it and maintain can go about the same,” said your car,” said Merzoian.

Merzoian.

I

REV IT UP. Merzoian inspects his car and

performs maintenance on pieces and parts that may have been damaged during a race.

all photos/LINDSAY KNOX

Wilson Nail Salon Professional Nail & Skin Care Call For Appt.

Block & Nation, P.A. Family Medicine Board Certified Family Medicine ✦ Caring for Newborns to Adults ✦ Bradley M. Block, M.D. Craig P. Chase, M.D.

Amy J. Nation, D.O. Susan G. Smolen, M.D.

Caring Hearts, Healing Hands! 2441 West SR 426, Suite 2011 Accepting most major insurances EXCEPT Medicare and Medicaid

PH: 407.678.6888 Oviedo, FL 32765 Fax: 407.678.0252 www.BlockAndNation.com On Aloma, South of Chapman

Tel: 407-366-0066 Tel: 407-366-0998

1954 St Rd. 426, Ste. 1148 Oviedo, FL 32765 Gift Certificates Available

The Lion’s Tale

October 28, 2009

One by One Stephanie O’Sullivan

?

Features

13

Did

?

Lights, camera, action you ? know?

Triple threat student takes center stage ?

by Miranda Harmon Jelly

?

S

enior Ryan Johnston stands a fear that he will forget a line while backstage, dressed out in his onstage.To prevent that from happening, Lollipop Guild Munchkin costume, the drama department practices almost jumping up and down to get into character. every day leading up to the first day of Any second now he’ll be stepping onto performance. the Gerald Cassanova Performing Arts “We rehearse almost every day, and Center to act out his part in the Wizard we have to work around our directors of Oz. schedule, so every day, except for This won’t be his first time on stage, Wednesdays rehearsals, is from 5:30 to 8. but before each show, the nerves still find And Wednesdays rehearsal usually starts a way to kick in. But when he steps out right after school,” said Johnston. onto the stage, and stares into the full In the days leading up to a performance, audience, it takes all of his effort not to Johnston prepares himself in other ways break out smiling. than just rehearsal.

“When I’m on the stage, I think in “A few days before a musical the characters mind and in the present. performance, I usually go on ‘Vocal rest’, I f o r g e t everything else. which basically means that I won’t speak When a light hits until the performance, unless necessary. me, I forget all I also read through the script again and about homework really get to know my character.” and school, and Johnston said that he’s played focus only on my everything from the role of the bully, Lyle, lines,” said Johnston. in Footloose at the Orlando Repertory Johnston knows that when he’s on the Theater, to the role of the friend, Pigstage, he’s not alone. Many of his friends Pen, in the upcoming spring play Charlie are out there also, performing along side Brown at Oviedo. him.

“Most of the time, I’m given the crazy It was one of characters.

I haven’t his friends, senior come across a character The Iliad, The Odyssey, and April Sullivan, that is too crazy or too who urged him into wild to play, because I All of Greek Mythology in acting. read through the script 99 Minutes of Less “I pushed Ryan and am able to study my Showing: Dec. 4 at 7p.m. because I saw character so I know their and Dec. at 2 and 5p.m. passion and talent. emotions,” said Johnston.

I could see it The craziest thing whenever I talked Johnston has ever been about theater. He’s really blossomed,” told to do on stage was when he was Lyle said Sullivan. in Footloose.

Johnston admits that at the beginning, “While I was playing the bully, I had he was a bit skeptical. to act like I was beating up a kid. But “I was thinking, ‘What if I don’t make it was dark, so nobody could really see it?’, but now I know that I’ll have fun. You anything, and I didn’t hurt him,” said just have to go with it,” said Johnston.

Johnston.

By the time Sullivan introduced Although Johnston is involved so much Johnston to the world of theater, Johnston in the fine arts department, so much that had already been involved with the chorus he doesn’t have much down time between at Oviedo High School for two years. chorus and drama practices, he is unsure Now, Johnston has three passions in his of what it will lead to in the future. life: singing, acting, and dancing.

“Maybe if I have some free time in the “I don’t really have a preference future, I’ll do some theater. I don’t want between the three. That’s why I like to limit myself. Life is crazy. You just musical theater so much, it combines all have to go with it,” Johnston said. three,” said Johnston.

Editor’s Note: One by One appears Johnston said that he loves showing in every edition of The Lion’s Tale, and people how much he loves what he’s features a randomly selected student. doing, and now he performs ‘just for the This edition, a staff reporter interviewed photo/CARSON BAILEY love of performing.’

SINGER, ACTOR, DANCER. Senior Ryan Johnston is the first person seen wearing an Oviedo Johnston admits that there is always a triple threat with the ability to sing, act and dance.

High School t-shirt.

Sloths grow algae, birds eat rubber

1

In Iceland, it is considered an insult to tip in a restaurant.

2

Skepticisms is the longest word that alternates both hands when typed.

3

A ‘jiffy’ is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.

The sloth moves so slowly that green algae can grow undisturbed on its fur.

4 5 6 7 8

Every day 20 banks are robbed. The average take is $2,500.

Over 2500 left handed people a year are killed from using products made for right handed people.

“Clinophobia” is the fear of beds.

A kea, a bird from New Zealand, likes to eat the strips of rubber around car windows.

9

A group of geese on the ground is a gaggle. A group of geese in the air is a skein.

10

The longest recorded flight of a chicken is 13 seconds.

compiled from/ WWW.STRANGEFACTS.COM

14 Diversions

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

e v e i l e b u o y Do

Garrett Urban

1 Kristen Bennett ‘1 think they “Yea. I don’t ey re. I think th e h w y n a o g h haunting stay on eart finish things people and yet finished.” they haven’t

‘12

ly “No I don’t. The on it an proof is them seeing their that in itself can be d not own imaginaton an physical proof. “

edition Check out the next haunt own exploration of

?

Is anyone out there } { Skeptics say ‘no’.

Believers say ‘yes’.

You be the judge.

Tarot cards guide believers Kimberly Segrest

M

a specific meaning that is designed to convey horrible things but that’s not what true tarot

staff reporter a message to the person getting the reading reading is about.” said Rayne

ystery hangs heavily in the air of Elemental Crossings, a holistic new age store in Sanford, as Reverend Spring Rayne Shuffles the tarot cards.

“Tarot is a form of divination which is another term for fortune telling. There are all different kinds of things to use as a form of divination, cards are just one of them,” said Rayne, a tarot reader of 13 years.

Tarot card reading is not all about telling the future like most people think.

“True tarot reading are about giving the person guidance, helping them to get rid of mistakes they’re making and to show them how to get on a new path,” said Rayne.

Not everyone is a believer.

“I don’t think anyone can tell the future because it is always changing,” said freshman Kimberly Thevenin.

For some, though, the tarot deck offers guidance.

“It doesn’t make decisions for them. It just tells them these are your options. You can choose to continue down the same path of destruction or you can change these certain things and have happiness contentment and joy.”

Each of the cards in the tarot deck have

done.

“The answers flow through to tell the story on the cards” said Rayne.

Rayne has all sorts of people come in for readings, even though she doesn’t do much advertising word gets around through recommendations. She says she gets everyone from government employees looking for direction to college students doing it just for the fun.

“I don’t want to say it’s a certain group of people. It could be anyone. It’s usually desperate people who are at their wits end that are just really looking for direction.” said Rayne.

The readers at Elemental Crossings don’t charge for their services. Instead they ask for a love offering or donation.

“We suggest a donation of approximately $40 for about 30 to 45 minutes,” said Rayne, “ but I don’t really stop on a stop watch. I just let it go until it flows. Some people need more information than others and I don’t believe in charging extra for that.”

Despite tarot’s many believers, it still has its detractors.

“People that are scared or skeptical have the wrong idea. They think I’m going to tell them when they’re going to die and all these

However Rayne doesn’t let the skeptics get her down.

“Those are the ones I love the best,” says Rayne. “It was frustrating at first but I know that I definitely have the gift and I’m very good with it.”

Others reject the idea of guidance through Tarot cards.

“I don’t believe in those kinds of superstitions. I feel God guides my life, not cards,” said Rob Lawarre, sculpture teacher.

Rayne knows there are sceptics but for Rayne, who is also a healer, the reason she reads cards is to help people.

“It’s really neat to see people come back and these changes that they have made have just made their whole lives blossom,” she said.

Elemental Crossings

Phone: 407-392-6870 Address: 311 South Park Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10AM-6PM Sunday 11AM-6PM

The Lion’s Tale

Florida Ghost Buster

e in spirits?

nd

Diversions 15

Rev. Judith Baldwin routinely treats people who believe they are infected by demon spirits Jordan Hugh Sam

Tess Poleschuk

‘11

because I No. I don’t hosts are don’t think g n’t really a real. There is I just don’t lot of proof. t will come ou think ghosts ou. and attack y

for our n of The Lion’s Tale o. ted places in Ovied

?

e }

October 28, 2009

T

‘12 Janie Williams me people “Yes. I know so ich don’t get feelings wh where. I come out of no eople have believe these p f the supersome sense [o natural world]”

co-opinion editor

he world for Judith Baldwin is filled with spirits and demons.

“It’s not that I believe in demons. It’s that I have to confront them sometimes. I don’t give them any belief because that would be giving them energy. I simply have to face the fact that certain people at certain times have interference. You can call it demons, you can call it interference, you can call it otherworldies, you can call it something that doesn’t even have a name. But there are interferences in life.”

According to Rev. Baldwin, demonic energy can do all kinds of things to people and it can show up in many ways.

“If you are being interfered with by possession, you pretty much know it because your life is not working right. Life becomes hellish, and it gets worse. This sounds simple, and I don’t mean to be cavalier.”

Rev. Baldwin works as a minister of spiritual counseling. She also writes books and teaches classes to help people realize their own spiritual nature.

“The work began 35 years ago when my husband was a dentist.

A new client who was extremely terrified of the dentist came for an examination. My husband had just gone to a professional weekend class where he had learned a few phrases in medical or dental hypnotherapy. He started using the techniques to help her calm down.”

He then experienced something unusual.

“She started talking about a life that wasn’t the present one. My husband was a scientist, not a spiritualist and he didn’t know what to do.”

Spiritual beginnings

This was the beginning of his research in psycho-spiritual modalities.

“He ended up leaving dentistry and getting a doctorate in psychology and also a doctorate in divinity so that he could explore this kind of interference, even though he did not believe in at all.”

According to Rev. Baldwin, spirits roam in this earthly realm.

“I experience those kinds of energies almost everyday of my life at work. I’ve also had my own experiences apart from my work.

Perhaps you are sitting in your living room and watching a show or reading a book. You are perfectly content, nothing is wrong, nothing scary is happening. Suddenly, out of the corner of your eye you see something move through the room. Your body responds with chills and your hair stands on end. A lot of what people call ghosts are simply spirits. They no longer have a physical body.

This does not mean that all spirits are harmful. Some are good, some are bad and some are lost.”

“A ghost is a former human being who is occupying space where he or she shouldn’t be anymore,” said Rev. Baldwin.

“When you no longer have your own physical human body you aren’t supposed to stay here. This is not the place you are supposed to be. You’re supposed to go on to a different place. We all know. If you are here and you no longer have your body, you are either here for a very dedicated purpose, or you got lost somewhere along the way after the body died.”

Even after people’s spirits move on to their appointed place, there are many ways to contact the dead. You can do that through prayer, you may have the help of an intercessory, such as an angel or a saint, or you may have dreams.”

Rev. Baldwin said, “If you call into the light to talk with a loved one, or to simply say I love you, that is usually alright.”

But she warns, ”If you are using the Ouija board to contact spirits, that can be dangerous because you may call in spirits or entities that are not of the light.

“Anybody can talk to the dead, it doesn’t take more than a thought coming into your mind. But what you then do with that thought, and why you are doing it, and how often you are doing it, is another matter.” photo illustration/CARSON BAILEY

16

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

Diversions

Find Jelly!

A small image of Jelly has been hidden somewhere in the paper.

Have fun searching!

Designers use creative techniques to make artistic dresses, costumes Kaitlyn Loughlin

A

staff reporter dresses.”

little lace here, some sparkles over there. Ready-Set-Runway. A new line of clothes by senior Haley Nungesser come strutting down the stage.

This could become reality one day, and Nungesser plans to make this her future after college.

“I’ve already been accepted into the International Academy of Design Technology in Tampa,” said Nungesser. “I started out at their summer camp program two years ago, and that’s when I was inspired to create my own dresses before I applied to attend college there.”

According to Nungesser, it is not a difficult process to be accepted into such a University for someone with an enormous passion for this field of interest.

“I’ve always loved photography, vibrant colors and different forms of architecture.

The scenes and meaning they present are where I get the majority of my inspiration for my designs, since I create my own patterns,” said Nungesser.

Some other to-be designers like senior Vicky Muscedere, buy their patterns instead of make them.

“In Mrs. Lockwood’s senior survival class we sew pillows using patterns, and its really good practice,” said Muscedere.

Haley Nungesser is currently enrolled in Tonya Letzo’s Advanced Placement art and drawing class, as well as Alicia Pope’s photography IV class, where she expresses much of her passionate and exotic designs as extra practice.

There are many places to buy materials for one who is interesting in partaking in this activity, and as a designer, Muscedere has her own preferences.

“I usually go to Joanne’s Fabric Store or The Sewing Studio to get my supplies and materials,” said Muscedere. “They have the best quality cotton and satin for my

According to Muscedere, most of her dresses are made from cloth, rather than satin because satin is much more delicate and rather expensive.

Both Muscedere and Nungesser share the same stores as their main provider for materials, but the ensembles in which they create from the fabrics are entirely different.

“Most of the pieces I design are for costumes for the many Japanese Anime conventions I attend. And others, like my simple orange and black dress, are just for me to wear at pep rallys as school spirit,” said Muscedere.

Nungesser’s approach to fashion differs greatly from Muscedere’s.

“I get most of my ideas from designers such as Erin Fetherston and Marc Jacobs,” said Nungesser. “Many also come from varied fashion magazines, depending on the type of dress I make, but I tend to craft cocktail dresses the majority of the time.”

Nungesser does not wear her cocktail dresses. Instead, she pins them on a mannequin in her room so she can change elements of the design if she chooses.

But what do these upcoming designers have in common? They both share unique qualities in their masterpieces.

“I like to use different types of hemming and alterations to accentuate my style and body form,” said Muscedere.

Nungesser also does this like using innovative style techniques and constructing her own outlines.

The cost of many high-class designer clothing can be expensive. However, according to Muscedere, “depending on the fabric you use, and how elaborate the design is, price ranges vary.”

A typical pattern of standard designs at The Sewing Studio will cost on average about $13, but a more complex and decorative one can be up to $30.

photo illustration/CARLY BROWER

ARTIST AT WORK. Two of Haley Nungesser’s prize winning art show paintings stand behind her as she diligently works on a newer piece in art teacher Tonya Letzo’s AP Art Portfolio class.

“The amount of fabric used in a dress is typically around $40 - $50 a piece, if I’m making a cocktail dress,” said Nungesser.

“The deals couldn’t get any better, because The Sewing Studio is constantly running sales such as 40 perecent off the entire store,” said Muscedere.

Yet, pricing is not the only chief factor that this hobby of sewing clothes will cost.

Designers must have the patience and an exceptional amount of time to partake in this activity.

“If I am really anxious to complete an outfit, I can have it finished within two weeks, but if it’s a big project, like my blue choir dress, it can take me up to half a year to complete it,” said Muscedere.

Like Muscedere, Nungesser spends a few months finalizing her creations.

“With my senior year finally here and

photo/COURTESY VICKY MUSCEDERE

How to make a tube top 1

Before you begin, you need to measure around and along your torso to deteremine how tight and how long you want your shirt to be. Remember to leave an extra inch of fabric on each side so the size of the shirt does not shrink as your sew it together.

2

Once you have completed your measurements, cut the fabric according to your measuresment into two squares of that size.

3

Now that you have your fabric pieces sewn together, attach an elastic band to the top inch of your shirt, fold it downward so it is not seen and sew.

illustration/KAITLYN LOUGHLIN

all the preparation before college, I don’t find much time to make dresses as often, but I love it because it allows to me express myself throughout my works and it’s a different activity that everyone should try,” said Nungesser.

Although Nungesser has stopped creating dresses, she still spends a lot of her time painting and drawing pictures that express her creativity in a similar way.

“I won the Great Day In The Country Scholarship for my self portrait,” said Nungesser. “It’s worth $500-$1000.”

This same self-portrait was entered in the Altamonte Chapel Art Show (along with another art show), where Nungesser was awarded first place for acrylics and received $50 in cash prizes.

The Lion’s Tale

October 28, 2009

Diversions 17

Homecoming resurrects lost city SGA chooses ‘Journey to Atlantis’ theme Angiee Carey

Fever. decision. I don’t know about any of the seniors but I do The question is, will students get involved with these know that the juniors have a lot of beasts on their team. new themes this year? ust face the facts; high school can never be re-lived.

So I think he juniors are going to win,” said junior Paola “I will probably only dress up on Jungle Fever So why not live it to the fullest? Why not go to the Castrillon day and maybe character day as Gertrude rowdy football games and feel the thrill of cheering But would some students rather play in the game?

McFuzz,” said Junior Rayah Gutek, “but on the Oviedo Lions football team, the night before the “I would definitely rather play in the honestly, I think that those that are single homecoming dance? Why not play a part on character day, game. Being in the bleachers is fun but by playing probably won’t want to participate on and gear up in your all time favorite movie character attire, in the game, I would be able to control the the Stop In The Name of Love day just to show some school spirit? wins,” said Castrillon. because its basically broadcasting their This year’s homecoming has been set to be in the Following the Powder Puff game, relationship status to the whole world.” week of Nov. 9 with the homecoming dance, Journey to the parade and carnival take place after No doubt Junior Jessie Hopkins has Atlantis, taking place on Saturday. Each year, homecoming school on Thursday. Those who have week (spirit week) is planned and organized by the Student opposite feelings about spirit week. been to the parades in the past years know “I would probably do the easy days Government Association at a district meeting. that the football team, the cheerleaders, because I don’t wanna go all out with it, but “ Every year we have a county meeting. This year our homecoming court and most clubs and I will definitely do the Jungle Fever day,” said county meeting was held at Seminole High School. There, classes each make their own personal float.

Hopkins. “On the day of Stop In The Name they gave us a lot of ideas and got The band plays selected pieces of music, like of Love, I do wanna see how many people our wheels turning,” said senior The Fight Song and Lions Are Number 1 “For both homecoming week would actually wear the color that says LaQuinta Alexander. to give the parade more hype. Other they are single, because I personally think Even though the club members sports and teams are also invited to and the homecoming dance, it it would be embarrassing to state your can go to this meeting and easily come and participate in the parade takes us about two months to status,” said Hopkins. get some ideas for homecoming The parade ends with a On the other hand, if students aren’t week, according to senior and carnival, held around the track arrange everything” secretary Jessica Childress, it’s in front of OHS. The carnival Jessica Childress, ‘10 into dressing up for these days, the other option is to support the school by going to not so easy to set everything up as has tickets that students the after school events. many students may think it is. pay for, which helps “After school on Monday, “ For both homecoming week raise money for sports and the homecoming dance, it takes us about two months to there will be a talent show. The talent and the school. show is where students basically just arrange everything,” said Childress. “The show off their talents,” said senior Kaci homecoming dance takes up the most time Wing, who is also part of the Student actually. We decorate the dance before Government Association. “ Then and after the game on Friday, and then Wednesday is the Powder Puff game.” it depends on how much we have It’s not too unusual for the Powder to finish if we continue on to Puff game to make students raring to Saturday with decorating or not.” be present at this game. Students, like All through out spirit junior Queen Guobadia, find it hard to week, there will be different not go out and root for her team. themes for each day: “ I’m really excited for the powder Stop In The Name of Love, Salad Dressing puff game. I hope juniors will win, but I just know seniors will because I think it’s Day, Multiplicity Day , Character/ rigged,” said Guobadia. “ As far as who’s going to Celebrity win the game, it’s a hard Couples day, and Jungle

staff reporter

J

Homecoming Dance Info Theme: Journey to Atlantis Date: Saturday, Nov. 14 Time: 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Where: Commons

illustrations/MIRANDA HARMON

18 Diversions

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

Pop Culture Column Julia Thorncroft

co-opinion editor

Movie rentals beat going to expensive movie theaters

Annie Hall directed by Woody Allen

Unquestionably one of the most iconic films of not just the seventies, but in film history. The style and technique of the film definitely makes Annie Hall unique. The film follows Alvy Singer (Woody Allen), a comedian attempting to maintain his up and down relationship with vivacious Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) and the story of their relationship over several years. The only Woody Allen film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, Annie Hall is considered the turning point of Allen’s films from being zany slapstick humor to thoughtful comedies exploring relationships and the human psyche. This film is considered as a romantic comedy, but comparing it to current movies, its more of an indie film FOR FANS OF: Juno, Lars and the Real Girl, Whatever Works

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

directed by Sergio Leone

Arguably the greatest of the spaghetti westerns, Italian director Sergio Leone creates a compelling story directed by Cameron Crowe with vivid imagery A semibiographical film, Almost Famous is based on and extensive director Cameron Crowe’s experiences as a young widescreen shots directed by Quentin Tarantino journalist for Rolling Stone magazine and touring with and the score made by Filled with eclectic dialogue, violence, and pop culture Led Zeppelin. This film introduced the world to actor photo/www.mgm.com Ennio Morricone is even references up the wazoo, Pulp Fiction undoubtedly was Patrick Fugit, who played the young rock journalist. Kate more magnificent. Leone the greatest film to surface the ‘90s. Quentin Tarantino’s Hudson had a breakthrough performance as Penny Lane collaborates with actor Clint nonlinear storytelling and astounding taste in music a Band-Aid for Stillwater, which ignited her to celebrity Eastwood for the final installment of the Man with No Name certainly adds to the essence of Pulp Fiction’s individuality. status. Almost Famous is a coming-of-age Trilogy. Considered as a prototype for its successors, this film is a Not to mention the film resurged John Travolta’s acting movie swarmed with classic that has been innovative in the film industry and has inspired career and ignited Uma breathtaking music and several films. Despite it’s three hour length, the movie is full of great Thurman’s. This film is an characters that you all-time favorite for any scenes depicting the bleak and bloody American West. immediately fall in true fan of movies.

FOR FANS OF: A Fistful of Dollars, Inglourious Basterds, Desperado love with.

FOR FANS OF: FOR FANS OF: Singles, Reservoir Dogs, Elizabethtown, Say Kill Bill, Death Anything directed by Martin Scorsese Proof Based on the non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, Martin Scorsese’s film GoodFellas follows the downfall of three gangsters. Filled with violence and approximately 300 F-bombs (ninth most in film history), the film tells the story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), an aspiring criminal who climbs his way as one of the top gangsters. Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) is a psychopathic cold-blooded gangster whose callousness will make your stomach churn. Goodfellas is a classic portrayal of life as a mobster. The fact that it’s based on a true story only makes it more disturbingly brilliant FOR FANS OF: The Godfather, The Sopranos photo/www.miramax.com/pulpfiction/ Going to the movies used to be enjoyable. Now it’s just an expensive way to waste two hours of your life, watching a sub par movie. Sometimes, it’s better just to rent a few of your favorite movies and make a marathon out of it.

For anyone who feels dissatisfied with the movies in the theaters, here are some of the best American films made:

Almost Famous

Pulp Fiction

GoodFellas

The Lion’s Tale

October 28, 2009

Diversions 19

Culture impacts learning styles

Different backgrounds foster different study habits Carly Brower influences how she acts with me because co-diversions editor when she was growing up education was

A

very important and tough.”

Cox’s mother, Lihua Cox, explains that in China education is of the highest importance.

“No matter in school or home, education is the number one goal,” said L. Cox. “ In the United Sates if you do not receive education you can still have a good job and support oneself and survive. In China you cannot. If you do not pass the assessment test your life is done.”

In, China, without education it is next to impossible to find a job. L. Cox tries to follow the Chinese interpretation of education when it comes to her daughter.

“The education in China has a good aspect and I want Tianyu to inherent the Chinese culture but also try and incorporate the American side as well,” said L. Cox. “I try to teach her to be the top in her class and study hard but in the U.S. she is surrounded by the idea of having fun. She studies hard now but I think it’s a little too late.”

AP World History teacher, Gary Barnett, explains how different cultures view education of varies.

“Each country approaches education differently - what one has to do to get ahead and how much value they place upon it,” said Barnett, “People coming from a background with no education can have an extra driving factor and appreciate it more whereas those who are

photo/MIRANDA GHALI

t the age of 12 senior Tianyu Cox traveled over 7,000 miles to America from a country known for its overpopulation and strict regard for education.

“I lived in Chang Chun, China for 12 and a half years with my grandparents when my family decided to send me to America to live with my mother. It was well known that education was easier here [United States] and it would be easier to get a job, as well as be with my mother who also grew up in China,” said Cox. During her time in China, Cox quickly learned that education was the first priority because without it meant a strong possibility being unemployed when older.

“Education was strict- it was similar to college because we only had two grades for each course from semester exams,” said Cox. “From elementary school to middle school students have to take an assessment test and if your score isn’t high enough then you will not get in to the next level of education.”

Having her mother grow up in China as well has influenced her outlook on how education should be perceived.

“My mom is also strict on grades.

She flips out when I get a B in a class. My parents used to take my phone away when they thought my grades weren’t high enough,” said Cox. “I get to pick my own classes but we have to discuss it. I think growing up in China

photo/COURTESY TIANYU COX

AROUND THE WORLD. Above: Senior Tiaynu Cox at age 5 , at a temple near Chang Chun, China, where she lived until she was 12 years old. Left: Tianyu works on an AP Language and Composition assignment.

accustomed to it just see how do they get it.”

All over the world culture defines who we are, whether we know it or not.

Sophomore Arjun Babuji’s Indian heritage has influenced his life at school.

“My parents both grew up in India and they took the education values they learned there and are passing it onto me,” said Babuji.

“In India education is really hard- my parents told me that they used to get it by sticks-so they always know more than I do and they constantly check PIN. If I’m not studying to their standards I have to study more. They also expect me to take many AP classes.”

Sophomore AJ Rathakrishnan’s Indian background has also had a profound effect on him when it comes to school.

“My parents want me to the best with all A’s, like my brother was valedictorian. They also want me to be a doctor but I’m not sure yet,” said Rathakrishnan.

Freshman Anya Katsevich parents grew up in Russia, where the education programs are rigorous, and her parents came to America when her father was offered a job as a math

professor. “ My parents are strict. I am expected to get all A’s but I think its more of my parents than the Russian heritage,” said Katsevich.

“It helps with my education, I don’t wish they were looser because I also expect myself to do well in school.”

Katsevich plans on applying to many Ivy League schools, including Harvard.

“My parents fully support me on going to an ivy league school. I think I’m going to be a math professor like my dad,” said Katsevich.

Having parents grow up in Russia has a few rewards of its own.

“In my household we speak Russian- it’s my first language and we travel there [Russia] every other year. I think they do this to keep us bilingual,” said Katsevich.

Oviedo High School is full of many different ethnicities, all of which contribute to who students are now.

“Culture definitely affects students and a lot of people don’t even realize it because it’s the seems so ordinary - it’s such a part of everyday life,” said Barnett.

Losing the education race

Students in countries such as India and China work at their studies rigorously in hopes of a well-paying, prestigious career, and many eventually may come to work in the United States.

Less than forty percent of U.S. students take a science course more rigorous than general biology.

USA

Students who begin their education in the United States and then move back to India with their parents have to put in a lower level class to cope.

INDIA

The Gaokao, the college entrance exam in China, lasts three days. Twenty five percent of the student’s grade is based on English.

CHINA

illustrations/MIRANDA HARMON compiled from/2 MILLION MINUTES, A DOCUMENTARY BY ROBERT COMPTON

20 Diversions

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

Movie Reviews

Jigsaw’s legacy lacks originality Carly Brower co-diversions editor

T

he sixth installment of the renowned horror films, Saw VI, proved to be repetitive and dull.

The film begins while the FBI are closing in Detective Hoffman, and Jigsaws’ wife assists the fallen agent in completing her late husbands work.

This film follows insurance agent William (Peter Outerbridge) and those he is surrounded with. William bases giving out insurance coverage on a formula devised to separate the healthy from the sick to see who is best suitable for the coverage. According to Jigsaws’ rehabilitation technique, sending photo/WWW.WHERETHEWILDTHINGSARE.WARNERBROS.COM William into life threatening situations will enlighten him to the value of life.

Rating: R To fully understand Miranda Harmon unfinished, though, this adds to the mystery At times, I felt as though Jonze was the intricate plot Time: 90 min staff reporter of Max’s adventure. trying too hard to connect with a newer viewers need to have Grade: C hat does it mean to grow up?

Where the Wild Things Are is not a kiddy audience, and would have done better to seen the previous films.

How do we measure maturity, movie. Rather than a kid’s movie, it’s a movie take a more classical approach. The depth Although the film leadership, and love? These are all about kids. The film deals with the trials of his artistic direction, however, quickly does contain many flashbacks to help guide questions addressed in director Spike Jonze’s and tribulations of real life situations using overshadows this. In the end, I learned to those who may have forgotten the important new take on Maurice Sendak’s old classic, fantasy. From the magical world of Max’s trust Jonze and what he was doing. details from the films viewers cannot fully Where the Wild Things Are. imagination we find reality. We all appreciate the extent of the franchise. This Where the Wild Things Are shows Where the Wild Things Are identify with Max and his struggles, Maurice Sendak’s creation as never before franchise is known for the bizarre, creative Rating: PG ways of death and torture but his film goes recounts the children’s story no matter how old we are. imagined. Jonze didn’t destroy or add Time: 101 min into more graphic detail showing scenes as of a troubled child, Max, and The one thing I wasn’t happy to the book; rather he took the idea and far as cutting out one’s body parts in order his quest to run away from his with was the soundtrack.

Yes, it’s Grade: A created a whole new piece of artwork. The to survive. problems. hip, and yes, it’s a modern twist personalities added to the Wild Things and The film ends with all the questioned Where the Wild Things Are on a classic tale. But why not nice Max’s family life add a whole new dimension pieces coming together to shed light on is not for the average moviegoer. In other wordless music that conveys a message? to the story.

Jigsaws’ master plan, but in doing so, falls words, in order to fully appreciate the movie, Whatever happened to the art of the The Wild Things are no longer nameless short of the magnanimity the previous films you have to think. There are stretches during soundtrack? monsters. They now take on personas and the movie devoid of humor and action, and Not to say that it was all bad, but the song, problems of their own. They take on roles of set up. Saw VI maintains the intriguing deaths but the overall plot falls short. While the film this may bore those who aren’t prepared.

“All is Love,” by Karen O and the Kids, just people we all either know or identify with, does have some major plot twists it seems There’s a lot of the story that isn’t makes me cringe when I hear it. Just because and as Max grows so do they. tot parallel to all the other films. The original resolved, leaving a lot to the audience to a song registers as “Indie,” doesn’t make it In the end, the audience is left with a Saw achieves the individuality, but by the interpret. Instead of leaving the movie good. story, and what they make of it is up to them. sixth film it is all too familiar.

Young boy escapes to fantasy world

W

Music Reviews I Told You I Was Freaky

Aim and Ignite Fun Alternative

M

AFI Alternative

Julia Thorncroft staff reporter

ultiple label drops, extended writers block and band break ups seem to have prepared singer Nate Ruess for quite a few scenarios when it comes to his new band, Fun. Also featuring Steel Train’s Jack Antonoff and Anathallo’s Andrew Dost, Fun’s album Aim And Ignite has gone where Ruess’s past band The Format strived to go.

The band experimented with its sound, going from upbeat cabaret-like tunes such as “Light a Roman Candle with Me” to bubbly plays with guitar riffs and drum patterns to make up songs like “Walking the Dog.” Even with many of the lyrics dealing with what could be considered gloomy subjects, every song stands with a lively beat that leaves you smiling infectiously.

N

co-opinion editor

ew Zealand’s 4th most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapellarap-funk-comedy folk duo, known to most as Flight of the Conchords (FOTC) finally released their sophomore album.

Filled with stories of girl troubles and male prostitution, which is nothing out of the ordinary for these kiwis. Like its predecessor album, I Told You I Was Freaky serves as a soundtrack to the HBO series of the same name. Although the humor has dwindled since their first album, FOTC brings in new sounds and parodies proving that they have no self humility.

It’s fair to say that FOTC has surpassed Weird Al and are one movie away from being the Monty Python of the twenty-first century.

Cartel

AC/DC

David Cook

Tuesday, Nov. 17 6:00 p.m House of Blues

Thursday, Nov. 19 8:00 p.m Amway Arena

Tuesday, Nov. 24 6:00 p.m The Social

Saturday, Nov. 28 8:00 p.m Hard Rock Live

photo/WWW.DAVIDCOOKOFFICIAL.COM

Upcoming Concerts

Jet

Taylor Swift Pop country

Crash Love

Flight Of The Conchords

Caitlyn Braswell

Fearless Deluxe Edition.

Carly Brower co-diversions editor

T

aylor Swifts’ newly released deluxe version of her distinguished Caitlyn Braswell album, Fearless, has exceeded staff reporter expectations. Swift continues to captivate ith 15 years of experience, AFI’s listeners with her soft voice and relatable latest album Crash Love is as pop country music. detailed and intriguing as any of The album contains five new songs their eight-album history. including the fast beat “Jump then Fall” and This dark alternative band has never really stuck with one specific sound for any the thoughtful “Untouchable, as well as all more than a couple albums in all their years other 13 songs from the previous released version. Lyrics such as “Every time you together and Crash Love happens to show just that. The bands lighter side is shown as smile, I smile/ And every time you shine, they seem to have stepped away from their I’ll shine for you” express Swift’s talent for creating music that can guide listeners to gothpunk ties and moved closer to a rock reminise about their past relationships. genre.

Songs like “Beautiful Thieves” were These new songs do not stray from her stripped of AFI’s notable electronica routine of utilizing lyrics of love and loss addition and were moved closer to an upbeat to connect with the listeners. The 19-yearand nearly majestic sound while other old has built her career on incorporating tunes like “I Am Trying Very Hard her personal experiences into her music To Be Here” is a harder hit with and listeners are responding well. Swift’s driving rhythms, loud, crunchy concert tickets to four of her 2010 tour chords that all tie together into an dates sold out in two minutes after going unforgettable anthem. on sale. Swift has reinvented country As the album music, reaching out towards a new, progresses, it’s clear to see younger audience and her it’s the same AFI fans have good girl demeanor sets her always loved, just a little photo/www.taylorswift.com as an excellent role model more focused on for many. This rising country the intense tune singer has a long career ahead of of the album her and will continue to attract and a little new audiences with her soulful less on singer Davey Havok’s music. Rather old, or young high-pitched anyone can find comfort in these screams. inspiring tunes.

W

photo/WWW.TAYLORSWIFT.COM

The Lion’s Tale

October 28, 2009

EUROTECH

Advertisements 21

“YOUR MERCEDES-BENZ,BMW,AUDI AND PORSCHE DEALER ALTERNATIVE” 659 Nicolet Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 647-4757 For more information visit: www.eurotechgermancarservice.com

HS! O t r ppo

For BMW owners EuroTech is proud to announce our appointment as the authorized DINAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS dealer for Central Florida.

u We s

EuroTech

We provide service to...

UCF TEST PREP E X P E R T.

LOCAL.

AFFORDABLE.

SAT ,

ts l, there’s spor o o h c s ’s e r e h T events. there’s social e

Then there’s th

?

Are you ready rep you will be.

P With UCF Test W W W . T E S T P R E P. U C F . E D U 407.882.TEST

Cars

BMW

22

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

Sports

FHSAA rules in favor of OHS JUST KEEP SWIMMING. Senior Debin Long swims freestyle during a meet.

Caitlyn Braswell

T

US records in swimming

staff reporter

he excited screams of onlookers, water splashing over the pool edges, hearts pumping to their limits and this year, a loud gavel deciding whether junior Katerina Mueller-Dott is eligible to compete.

Mueller-Dott joined the team after moving to Oviedo from Germany through the student exchange program.

“I’ve been swimming for six years competitively. When I came to Oviedo I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay here without swimming so I joined the team as soon as I could,” said Mueller-Dott, but as she began to swim at meets, her talent gained the attention of opposing teams.”

Basically, another team thought we had recruited Katarina all the way from Germany to swim for us. They reported us to FHSAA and we got sent to court over it,” said junior Paige Moorehead.

After the girl’s swim team was reported by the unknown high school, Coach Charlie Rose sat Mueller-Dott out of a few swim meets, hurting the overall score of the team. ”The court ruled that we hadn’t recruited Katarina. She came here for school and enjoys the team. She adds a lot of dimension to the group,” said Rose.

“The whole situation almost affected us in a positive way. She’s a really great swimmer.”

While there was worry at first over whether Mueller-Dott would hold enough points to make it to districts, Rose put Mueller-Dott into one of the final meets before districts, earning her enough points in the end to be eligible to swim in the district meet.

Mueller- Dott explained that Oviedo is much different from the school she attended in Germany.

“In Germany, there are no school sports.

If you do a sport there, it’s not part of a school team. I really like having all these sports at

1 47.3 Seconds 2 51.9 Seconds 3 58.9 Seconds 4

Men 100 Meters Freestyle

David Walters

Men 100 Meters Backstroke

Aaron Piersol

photo/KEVIN VELOSO

TAKING A BREATH. Junior Josh Arroyo grabs a breath of fresh air while swimming the butterfly during practice at the

Oviedo Aquatics Center.

Oviedo, it gives the school a lot of spirit and pride,” said Mueller-Dott.

Along with a new German exchange student, the team now competes in diving competitions, something previously Oviedo did not participate in.

“We don’t have boards to practice on at the facilities we use but we got opportunity to practice one day where they did have some,” said Rose.

Rose also explained that he hopes next year to have more students willing to dive for the team. As of now junior Ryan Ireland remains the only diver for Oviedo High School.

“Being the only diver at Oviedo is fun but it can get pretty lonely. And I’m in the only guy too,” said Ireland.

But Ireland also believes being the only diver holds upsides as well. “It’s just fun being all by myself sometimes because I have no criticism,” said Ireland.

Ireland happened to be picked to be the team’s diver because of his gymnast background.

“I was a gymnast for two months but I kind of prefer swimming. I find it a better workout.”

Though Ireland only gets diving practice

in on occasion, he won first place at the team’s first meet and second place at the following meet.

“Being in the air is my favorite part of diving. Just being up there for so long, it makes you feel like a bird,” said Ireland.

Along with Rose’s direction, the team is also getting help from Cherise Sangstrer, a UCF student who chose the swim team for her volunteer hours.

“She has been a great help to the team. She works with the kids individually, especially with dry lands,” said Rose.

The swimmers believe the assistance of Sangstrer helps them greatly at meets.

“She’s worked with us a lot on strengthening our muscles during our dry lands at the end of practice. She’s also really helped with our techniques in our strokes that in the end helps us in the meets,” said freshman Amy Small.

This year, the numbers have nearly doubled in members who signed up to swim; something Rose always feels is a good sign.

“When you have a good group that stays and swim together with a common goal, the teams always seem to enjoy it more. It helps them swim faster and pushes them further,” said Rose.

Men 100 Meters Breaststroke

Eric Shanteau

Men 100 Meters Butterfly

Michael Phelps

49.82 Seconds

1 53 Seconds 2 58.9 Seconds 3

Women 100 Meters Freestyle

Amanda Weir

Women 100 Meters Backstroke

Natalie Coughlin

Women 100 Meters Breaststroke

Jessica Hardy 1:04.4 Minutes

4

Women 100 Meters Butterfly

Dana Vollmer

56.9 Seconds

The Lion’s Tale

October 28, 2009

Sports

23

Life fast lane in the

Rollerblading rises in popularity Julia Thorncroft

I

co-opinion editor

t’s 5:00 p.m. on a brisk afternoon in the midst of October. A blur flashes past the walkers, joggers, and cyclists of Seminole County. Junior Nikki Intrieri is bedecked in inline skates, a helmet, knee pads, and wrist guards as she swiftly speeds down a bridge, passing the others on the Seminole Trail.

“I began rollerblading about six years ago,” said Intrieri. “I stared rollerblading because it’s not something everybody does and because it’s something I know I’m good at.”

Rollerblading can help an athlete prepare physically for other sports. Intrieri used to be on the cross-country team and continues to run every other day. For Intrieri, rollerblading helps her gain endurance required for her to run.

“I usually rollerblade through the entire trail, from Oviedo to Winter Springs,” said Intrieri. “That’s partially why I don’t go

every day. It also depends on how much homework I have.”

Junior Robyn Strobl also rollerblades, but she rollerblades for relaxation, not for intensity.

“I rollerblade mainly because it’s very peaceful and relaxing,” said Strobl. “I try to go every day, but it’s usually just a couple of times a week.”

Like Intrieri, Strobl has homework and other factors such as dancing and after school activities that determine the length of her rollerblading route.

“Sometimes I’ll rollerblade for one mile, sometimes 10 miles. I skate either in my neighborhood or on the trail. It depends on whatever I have time for and am in the mood for,” said Strobl.

Rollerblading can be beneficial for one’s health, but that depends on how long and vigorously one skates. Although Intrieri rollerblades frequently, she sees very few people rollerblading as extremely as her.

“On the trail they just rollerblade,” said Intrieri. “Not really speed skate like me. In

SportsPlaylist

the half marathons I did there were a lot of really good people.”

Intrieri participated in the Disney Half Marathon, a marathon for rollerbladers, joggers, and others. It was there where she saw other talented skaters.

According to Intrieri, Disney Half Marathon terminated the rollerblading portion of their marathon. Therefore, she is currently searching for another marathon for rollerblading.

“I loved the half marathon. I did three of them and I was going to do a full marathon after those but since Disney didn’t do the races anymore I couldn’t. If I find some other races I would join them,” said Intrieri.

Skating as intensely as Intrieri does, one could suffer from an injury. In general, rollerblading can be dangerous for any person, whether a newcomer or an avid skater. Although Intrieri has not suffered from any major injuries due to rollerblading, she feels that wearing a helmet and padding is vital for any one who rollerblades.

“I’ve slipped while rollerblading, which

is why it’s important that I wear a helmet and wrist guards,” said Intrieri. “Wearing protective gear is definitely important because I know how it feels when you’re going 17 mph or faster and wipe out. At that moment you wish you had on padding and wearing a helmet could save your life no matter what sport you do.”

For those who have an interest towards rollerblading, rinks such as Semoran Skateway in Casselberry on Cassel Creek Blvd. and Universal Skating Center Roller Skating Rink in Orlando on Goldenrod Rd. offer skating for families or friends, give lessons, and even host parties. But most citizens of Seminole County could easily go on the Seminole Trail in their backyards.

Despite the fact that few students rollerblade, Intrieri believes that students should attempt rollerblading.

“I would [recommend rollerblading] because it’s something different and it makes me feel invigorated so I would hope it would make someone else feel good too about themselves,” said Intrieri.

best songs to rollerblade to:

1 2 3 4 5

E-Pro Beck Brass Monkey Beastie Boys Sour Patch Kids Asher Roth Bang On The Breeders World Town M.I.A.

6 7 8 9 10

Blinded By the Sun Gym Class Heroes The Cure Tegan & Sara Tik Tok Ke$ha Don’t You Evah Spoon Yes LMFAO

photos/JULIA THORNCROFT

ROLL BOUNCE. Junior Nikki Intrieri rollerblades on the Seminole Trail on an average of two to three times a week.

24

Sports

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

Lions capture district title Football team rolls over Winter Springs 33-13 Lindsay Knox

D

photo/ROBERT LAWARRE

ALL FALL DOWN. Team members fall on their knees as part of a half time exercise conducted by Coach Allen. continue on,” said varsity football coach, Coach Allen. “If we lose, we’re out of the running.”

Coach Allen also emphasized how much the team as a whole has improved this season, really stepping up to be the best.

Allen compares the team to a big family, stating that they really care about each other.

Offense and defense separately have made huge progress.

“We’ve improved our defense—not just one group really, but the defense as a whole,” said Allen. “The players have really stepped up.”

Allen stated that the offense has advanced as well, both passing and running the ball really well.

“We’ve all been working really hard,” said junior Chris Gallon (#11). “We’re always trying to be stronger, faster, better.”

As for this Friday’s Homecoming game against Lyman High School, the team already has a plan of action in order to win.

“We’ve got to be able to stop Lyman’s offense. They have some kids who can really run,” said Coach Allen. “We also need to watch their defensive line, because their linebackers play really well.”

While on their route to becoming one of the best teams in Seminole County, Oviedo always keeps one thing in mind.

“Our plan is to keep getting better every game,” said Allen. “We’re going to come back stronger every time.”

Trevor Berry

Blake Bortles Age 17 Weight 220lbs Height 6’4 Position Quarterback When did you start playing football?

6 years old Favorite part about playing football?

Playing on a team.

Favortie memory?

Commiting to UCF

John Campbell

F

staff reporter

istrict Champions. It has a nice ring to it.

The district championship game took place on Friday, Nov. 6 between Oviedo High School and cross-town rivals, Winter Springs.

With a record of 8-1, Oviedo fan had high hopes for a win.

“We all thought we were going to win,” said junior John Boston (#4). “During practice, we were all focused on this game.

We knew about everything that they did during their games and we were ready to go up against them.”

With a final score of 33-13, the long hours of practice and hard work showed to pay off.

Junior Steward Butler (#14) ran 128 yards and made four touchdowns as the Lions completed a 4-0 sweep.

Even though two out of five extra point kicks were missed, the Lions stayed on top of Winter Springs throughout the game.

In order to win districts, Oviedo had to beat Evans, Hagerty, Lake Howell, and Winter Springs High Schools.

State playoffs are to take place at John Courier Field in Oviedo on Nov. 20 against Osceola High School, with a record of 6-4, losing to Lakeland, Maitland, Dr. Phillips, and Winter Park High Schools.

“If we win the first round of states, we

Freshman joins varsity lineup

Blake Bortles ‘10

Age 18 Weight 190lbs Height 6’3 Position Receiver When did you start playing football?

Freshman year Favorite part about playing football?

Being with the team.

Favortie memory?

Trevor Berry Beating Hagerty this year

‘10

staff reporter

or freshman Alton Meeks, the Friday night lights have a whole new meaning. Over the summer, Meeks tried out for Oviedo’s football team and made the varsity team.

“It feels pretty good to be on varsity.

I’m glad all my hard work is paying off,” Meeks.

“I’m pretty excited to have Alton on the team,” said Coach Allen. “Its good for the program to have younger players playing up, it gives them a chance to experience a higher level of play. Alton really stood out because of his size, his maturity as an athlete, his strength and for his work ethic.”

Meeks plays on the varsity team as a situational quarterback. This means that he runs specific plays, mostly running, to pick up a few needed yards.

“I know I get less play time on varsity, but I think I learn a lot more playing with these guys, everyone has been real cool about Alton Meeks ‘13 me being on varsity,” said Meeks.

This year, Oviedo has a record of six wins and two loses.

The team practices for an average of 28 hours a week during the season.

“We all work hard, but I have to really push myself to keep up with the other guys,” said Meeks. “I have to just have to manage my time” Being a freshman on the varsity team, Meeks still has a few more years to continue playing on varsity.

“Alton has a bright future; all he needs to do is work. The sky is the limit with him,” said Coach Allen.

With three games left in the season, Alton nearly has a full season’s worth of experience playing on the varsity team.

“I’ll work as hard as I can and see where it takes me, we’ll see,” said Meeks.

District bowling champs head to state

Connor Bailey

J

sports editor our very and keep walking away with wins. ring.

ulie Leonard does it all, on and off the lanes.

Somehow Leonard finds time to focus on her bowling while taking five Advance Placement classes, consuming more than three hours of each night and being a drmmer major.

“I have a really busy schedule. I do a lot of work during school when I have time, and just try to mange my time wisely. After fouryears I’ve gotten used to it, but this is defi nitely a stressful time for me,” said Leonard.

However Julie squeezes in some time for personal bowling.

“Sunday is my only day off, and I like to go bowl a little to get in some extra practice,” said Leonard.

Julie and her team has not lost a match since her run to the championship last year, but still gives credit to her teammates.

“This was the first time we had ever gone undefeated, which is something most teams haven’t done. I am extremely proud of the team. We bowled well and won every match convincingly,” said Leonard.

Julie individually hasn’t lost a single match since the championship round last year.

“It feels awesome to be able to share this success with my team,” said Leonard. “I couldn’t have done it without them. We bowl

It’s really amazing.”

Winning districts for a third time brought out enthusiasm from Julie.

“Our district tournament was very exciting. We qualified in 1st place, 300 pins ahead of the 2nd place team, which is almost unheard of. After that, we just bowled our best and came out on top,” said Leonard.

Julie again praises her teammates.

“It was wonderful for me and Allison Jessee [junior], as this is our third time as district champions,” said Leonard. My team deserves all the credit, though- Allison Jessee, Kelsey Burr, Alexa Cornell, Victoria Fairman, and Courtney Wright. Without them, we wouldn’t have a team. They have all been bowling so well this whole year.”

Even with all this talk about possibly being a back to back state champion doesn’t rattle Leonard.

“Any pressure I have felt this season has come from myself.

Coach Wilkie, my parents, my friends- they just want me to do my best,” said Leonard.

“Everyone knows me as the “reigning state champion,” but I’m simply one bowler who will show up to the state tournament hoping to bowl well, and that’s something that takes the pressure off a bit.”

Leonard takes a double sided look to her bowling career, taking more than just a state

‘The most important lesson I’ve learned from bowling is humbleness. You see a lot of bowlers who get extremely cocky and tend to show off. They like to rub it in your face if they beat you. Our team has dealt with that a lot, especially at the state tournament last year,” said Leonard. “You have to learn how to be happy about your successes, and forget about any mistakes and just do what you do best and be happy with the result.”

With all the other distractions of everyday high school distractions, the team still finds motivation and fun in the sport.

“Coach Wilkie does his best to keep us focused, but his main goal is to make sure we bowl well and, more importantly, have fun. He’s extremely proud of everything we have accomplished. We have naturally good bowlers on our team, so we haven’t had to have many motivational talks other than our pre-game pep talk, which is more of us just yelling our favorite team phrases rather than Coach preaching to us. In the end, it all works out well,” said Leonard.

Winning a state championship again would fill Julie with joy.

“The emotions I would feel winning states again are basically indescribable. No girl has ever won the championship back-to-back. I photo/KEVIN VELOSO would love it if I could do that, but I will have LET ‘ER ROLL. Senior Julie Leonard practices rolling strikes at the Oviedo Bowling Alley on Broadway street. to take it one step at a time,” said Leonard.

The Lion’s Tale

October 28, 2009

Sports

25

photo/COURTSEY LUIS CRUZ

UP,UP, AND AWAY. Senior Brie Merriwether(7) attacks the ball set from senior Megan Pando(2).

Lions crush Timber Creek to advance in post season Miranda Betterley

L

staff reporter

ady Lions volleyball team rallied Wednesday evening in the Robert Lundquist gym to defeat Timber Creek High School in the regional quarterfinal with a score of 25-12, 25-14, and 25-17.

The next game will be the semi-finals on Nov. 10 in the Robert Lundquist gym against Winter Park.

To get to regional play, the Lady Lions team knocked off Winter Springs High School on Thursday, Oct. 29, winning in three games 25-16, 25-14, and 25-21. “ Our goal is always too win, and we definitely achieved that goal,” said outside hitter, sophomore Julie Brown.

During the season, the Winter Springs High Bear’s fans teased the team by labeling them “country”.

“At Winter Springs, sometime in Sept. during the varsity game, the [Winter Springs] guys came in with camo [army camouflage], fluorescent hunting vests, boots, and cowboy hats to make fun of us being hicks,” freshman player Savannah Shea said.

Instead of getting angry, the Lions decided to embrace the idea and during the Oct. 15 Volley for Hope game the girls dressed in camouflage uniforms and warmed up to country music.

The teasing didn’t take away from the Lion’s performance.

“It makes us play harder and it makes us want to beat them,” said sophomore libero Kayla Joyce. “We don’t do anything back, though. We just accept the stereotype. Their mascot attacked ours and they all threw dip cans at us, though.

“Two guys got kicked out of one of the Winter Springs vs. Oviedo games because they ripped off the Oviedo mascots head and were trying to get him to fight” Shea said Coach Chad Long takes the rivalry in stride.

“The crowd always tries to get to the player’s head,” Long said. “You know, the funny thing is, that in order to have a rivalry, there has to be competition. And as long as I’ve been here, 32-2 with Winter Springs, that’s not much of a rivalry.”

Even OHS fans joined the fun.

“Our fans support us though. They wear

Oviedian Yearbook 2009-2010 On sale now

Senior Ads are due space to Mrs. Pope in Limited ad room 05-021 by

%81 Pdupcfs!27ui still available Call 407-320-4202

photo/COURTSEY SAVANAH SHEA

YEEHAW.YEEHAW. Oviedo volleyball fans came out to support the volleyball team during the Volley for Hope Game

against Winter Springs High School. (2nd Row) Freshman Kyle Bean (1st row) Freshman John Thomson, Tyle Foto and JoJo Huggins.

camo to our games,” said varsity player Kayla Joyce.

At the Volley for Hope game, the Lady Lion’s crushed all three teams, freshman, varsity, junior varsity.

“We made em’ look silly,” said Coach Long. “As of the rivalry, it has no bearing on the outcome of the game Despite the rivalry, both schools managed

to raise a lot of money for the Benefit for the Hope Foundation, an organization that helps homeless people. All of the money from the concession stands and tickets sold went to the foundation.

The Oviedo’s Lady Lion’s are ranked number one in Seminole County, and received the Orlando Sentinel’s team of the week designation.

4KS\ 3\KZRSM]

Call for an appointment! 1340 Tuskawilla Rd. Winter Springs, FL

407.695.1788

26

Sports

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

‘Brady Bunch’ Cross country team thrives on competition, puts in 35 miles a week to prepare for season

Jennifer Wakas

R

been successful, but the team is beginning to

staff reporter get their own identity,” said Hammontree.

un hard, think big, be strong are the words imprinted on the back of the Oviedo Lion’s cross-country runner’s t-shirts, and that is exactly what they are doing.

“Senior Fletcher Bell ran a 5k under 17 minutes as of this morning,” said Zane Beard on race day, Saturday, Oct. 17. “The whole team set a personal record through.”

“We’ve pretty much came in the upper echelon of 3A schools in all of our meets,” said Beard, “and this year’s team has the best freshmen possibly in the school’s history.”

They were the first 3A school in the floridarunners.com meet as well as the Astronaut Invitational.

With the seniors graduating last year, along went with them some of the highestranking runners of the team.

“The loss of David Parsons really blows.

He was our number one last year,” said Beard.

Even with the loss of seniors, coach Tom Hammontree still greatly believes in the new team.

“We always hate to see the seniors leave, and it’s hard to replace seniors that have

This year’s team is improving from last year’s. “There’s more consistency this year and less complaining. I think they’re coming along great and maturing as a team,” said Hammontree. “They’re higher up in their rankings and more competitive.”

Helping their improvement, the team runs about 35 miles a week, all around Oviedo and Winter Springs. “They are improving every week, and coming together.

I’m very pleased with their performance,” said Hammontree.

He is happy with the team’s constant progress.

Race days take place every Saturday with the bus’ usual departure at 6 a.m. Daniel Schmidt, athlete of the month of Sept., usually comes in the top ten and placed first at the Hagerty Invitational.

“The waking up process isn’t that great but I love the atmosphere of race day. I love the competitiveness and the adrenaline rush that I get,” said Schmidt.

Some runners are optimistic about the team’s capabilities.

“We’ll probably come top five at regionals,” said Beard.

Hammontree’s thoughts are also optimistic.

“If they run what they are capable of running, they should make it to state,” Hammontree said.

He believes that running is mostly in the head.

“You can prepare them, you can encourage them, but when it comes down to it, it’s in their hands. Running is ninety percent mental and ten photo/KEVIN VELOSO percent ability. It has to be HIT THE ROAD. Senior Fletcher Bell leads the pack through the streets of in their desire to run as a Oviedo. Bell ran the 5K under 17 minutes at a recent meet. team and be successful,” Hammontree said.

North Carolina, Concordia University in He also believes that success is measured Michigan, and Florida Southern College are by the work involved. some of them.

“If you ask most players if they want to Not only do these athletes have a positive be successful they’re going to say ‘yeah’ perception of the teams capabilities, but but the difference is: do you want to work they also believe the team is, as sophomore for it?” said Hammontree.

Savanah Lacey called it, “One giant Beard said that the team is probably family.” going to states and several runners have “We’re pretty much like ‘The Brady already had scholarship offers.

Bunch’,” said Beard.

Schmidt has had offers from several “We have a very close team; we’re all different colleges. Brevard College in really good friends,” said Schmidt.

Roar Board

The Lion’s Tale

October 28, 2009

Sports

27

The

Roar

Lindsay Knox

staff reporter

In your face, seniors

S

photo/KEVIN VELOSO

LEADING THE PACK. Junior Paris Kinsey practices running before the district meet. The Lions were led by their top three runners to place high enough in districts to reach regionals.

Softball season ends with win

Cross country keeps hope

With two wins, the slowpitch softball team ended the season..

The ladies have been putting their trust into junior pitcher Tori Kidd, junior shortstop Chelsea Widley, third baseman Jackie Reich, and first baseman freshman Katie Silliman.The Lions won their senior night game.

A new sense has come to the cross country team. For the first time in years, the Lions have advanced to regionals. Placing sixth in the district meet held at Harmony High School put them in the top eight, securing a spot in regions. The top three runners Savannah Lacey, Natalie Shepard and Haliegh Stout have lifted the team through the season. Regions will take place in Stuart, Florida on Friday and Saturday Nov. 13 and 14.

Girl’s soccer team scores first win of winter season

photo/KEVIN VELOSO

LETS GO LIONS. Juniors Allison Tate and Lindsay Broadhurst cheer for their class

The Lady Lions soccer team is back in action with a record of 4-0. The team is looking for a third consectutive appearance in the state final four. Senior April Asby and the junior O’Kennedy twins are leading the way for yet another final four. Recording a 3-0 win against Lake Mary High School, district runner-ups from last season, the Lions look to be in tip top form.

during the Hagerty pep rally.

Five

Questions with Jillian Peppiatt

Jillian starts as forward for the Lion’s varisty soccer team. She has helped take her team to two final four appearences in the last two years.

photo/COURTESY SCOTT WAISANEN

ONE, TWO, THREE, KICK. Senior Jillian Peppiatt takes a shot on goal during

a pre-season game against The Masters Academy.

1 2 3 4 5

Peppiatt has been on varisty soccer for all four years of her high school soccer career.

What has been your favorite memory of soccer?

When I was running a fitness run my whole team jumped in with me while I was finishing .

Do you have any rituals before a game?

I usually take a nap before each game.

What is your favorite sports drink?

Gatorade Rain because “I make it rain.”

What are you going to miss most about the team next year?

The relationships I have with my teammates. It’s like losing part of my family.

Do you have any superstitions before game day?

I have a lot of different hand-shakes with my good friend Alenis.

EN10RITY? What a joke. I’ll give you one thing; you are the top class of the school. But as far as I’m concerned, you don’t run anything around here. The same goes for the biggest rivalry that Oviedo High School has come to experience.

No, it’s not Lake Howell, or Winter Springs, or even Hagerty High School. I’m talking about the juniorsenior duel that has been taking place for years: Powder Puff.

For any of you out there who have been living under a rock throughout your high school years, Powder Puff is an all-out flag football battle between the junior and senior girls. Any girl is welcome to sign up and everyone is guaranteed playing time.

And this year, I believe that the junior class is going to own the seniors.

Now don’t get me wrong, the seniors have some tough competitors, but with those competitors come arrogance, cockiness, and overconfidence.

While we juniors may not possess such endearing qualities, we do have three things that the seniors can never compete with: heart, drive, and the determination to win.

I mean, let’s think about this for a second. Last year when the present-day seniors played as juniors, they were physically mutilated by last year’s graduating class. With a score of 52-0, there are very few things to be proud of.

“Basically, I just want to see the seniors lose again,” said junior Chelsea Wildey, “Last year the score was absolutely pathetic and I think that the juniors have a good chance of beating them.”

As a member of the junior class Powder Puff team, I have personal knowledge of how hard we have been working on improving our tactics. We have practices every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:45-5:00 p.m.

“I look forward to the days when we have practice after school,” said junior Maddie Vey. “I get really pumped up because the class of 2011 is beast!”

Contrary to the beliefs of many students, I don’t think that the Powder Puff game is rigged for the seniors to win. Two years ago, the juniors defeated the seniors; this year will prove to be a repeat of that same scenario.

The seniors think they’ve got it all: Athleticism, brains, and technique. But the way I see it, all they have are bad attitudes and no chance of beating the juniors.

You may think that I’m a tad haughty or overzealous when it comes to this particular subject, but can you really blame me?

It’s a known stereotype of the past that seniors are supposed to ‘rule the school.’ But I believe that it’s time for the juniors to show that we’re more than just underclassmen. How do we plan on doing that? By outshining the seniors at the Powder Puff game on 11.

“We’re the class of 2011, we’re good at everything,” said junior Chenell Henderson. “The seniors don’t stand a chance.”

After years of ridicule and scornful jargon, we’ve had enough. This is our time to give the seniors everything that we’ve been working hard on for weeks.

“I want the juniors to win,” said junior Blaine Smith.

“I think that they deserve it. I’ve seen them at practice and they give it their all every time.”

For all you seniors out there, a fancy shirt labeled SEN10RITY doesn’t mark you as the leader of the pack. It’s up to the juniors to leave that on the field.

Upcoming Games Girl’s Varsity Soccer

• 11.12 @ Seminole 7 P.M. • 11.17 @ Lake Howell 7 P.M.

Varsity Football

• 11.13 @ Lyman 7:30 P.M.

Girl’s Varsity Volleyball • 11.10 Winter Pary 7 P.M.

Boy’s Varsity Soccer

• 11.09 @ Lake Highland 7 P.M. • 11.10 @ Lake Mary 7 P.M.

28

Advertisment

October 28, 2009

The Lion’s Tale

The Pizza Effect.

*Receive 10% off check with student ID Coupons cannot be combined with other offers

Football Special!

2 Slices - Chesse Pizza Great 2 - 18” Cheese Pizzas, & Fountain Drink

$5.00

Exp 12/8/09

2 - 14” Medium Pizzas

only at...

Nick’s

Restaurant & Pizzeria

2 Toppings Each

$16.99 Exp 12/8/09

up to 3 toppings each

$26.99

Exp 12/8/09

18” Large New York Style with Cheese & 3 Toppings

$15.99

Exp 12/8/09

1500 Alafaya Trail, Oviedo . 407-366-7330 . www.nicks-pizzeria.com . 10am - 11:30pm . 7 days a week