The Lion's Tale - Volume 56 Issue 4

LION’STALE

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • 32765 • FEBRUARY 3, 2016 • VOLUME 56 • ISSUE 4

PG 9

SIDE JOBS: TEACHERS SHARE

THEIR STORIES

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ATTENDANCE POLICY IMPACTS EDUCATION

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FACULTY PUSH ESE STUDENTS’ POTENTIALS

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COZY COFFEE SHOP OFFERS PLACE FOR STUDENTS TO CHILL

2 | THE LION’S TALE | NEWS | FEBRUARY 3, 2016

The month in photos

The

Photo’s Of

The Month

ROTC shooters practice for top regional spots WRITTEN BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS Inside the Civilian Marksmanship Program Center in Anniston, Alabama, there is not a sound. No one speaks.

The energy is high and everyone is there for the same reason: to shoot.

“You have to be really quiet because the shooters are all trying to concentrate, but the moment you walk in, you can feel that everyone there is so passionate about shooting,” said senior Alexis Hagood. “Shooting is what they do, shooting is what they are proud of.”

On Feb. 10, NJROTC is sending their precision team and two of their sporter teams, Team A and Team B, to Alabama to compete in the Navy Regional Championship.

“The first way to qualify is by Postals,” said senior Desthiny Rosich. “They send us special targets, and we shoot here at the school. We then send those targets back, and then take the top four individuals, put them together as the team, and we send them off. Another way to qualify is at the Area 7 Championship, which is held here.”

The Area 7 manager, Commander Herbert, also puts in a good word to make sure that Oviedo’s teams are able to go, according to Rosich.

“Thankfully, this year we were able to qualify both from

state and the Postals,” Rosich said.

The teams have been preparing for the championship every Tuesday and Thursday morning for an hour before and after school.

“We get up early in the morning and get to the school by 6 a.m. and shoot until 7 a.m.,” said junior Sarah Griffith.

With all this practice, the teams have a few areas to continue to improve.

“We really need to improve on getting 100s for prone, 90s for offhand, and in the high 90s for kneeling,” Griffith said, in regards to the different shooting positions the precision team competes in.

The shooters on both precision and the sporter teams are very confident in their abilities for the competition.

“Regardless of anything going on, if we are in pain, we all push through it,” Rosich said. “If we can shoot, we shoot because it is our passion. It’s our second home because we are a family, so we are going to kick butt. We always push through, and we are going to go to Grand Nationals one way or another.”

PHOTO BY INDIA PANTIN

STRIVING FOR PERFECTION.

The Mane Attraction dance team rehearses their routines before their National competition from Jan. 29 to 31. The team made OHS history by ranking nine places higher than last year.

Art department excels Local Scottish festival at competitions, wins

showcases culture WRITTEN BY SKYLAR MCNELLIS

Scottish culture is known for kilts, bagpipes, sheep herding, food, and that rolling, tough accent, but the Scotts are also known to contribute a lot to America’s culture.

From Jan. 16-17, the Central Florida area celebrated the 39th Annual Scottish Highland Games. Activities included archery, athletics, sheep herding, highland dancing, and so much more.

Archery was a skill used by Scotts in medieval times, but it was time for Americans to shine at the festival.

People tested their ability and tried to hit targets using only longbows and recurve bows. Another test of skill was the Boulder Boogie, where men and women picked up a heavy boulder and tried to walk as far as they could before dropping it. If they ranked with the highest weight and farthest distance, they could be titled Lord of the Trolls (for men) or Goddess of the Trolls (for women). It was interesting to see the struggle on the men and women’s faces while trying to lift a ginormous rock that could weigh anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds! Students over 16 years old could take part in the contest.

Another sport was traditional sheep herding. The dog’s main goal was to herd up all the sheep, maintaining and keeping the sheep together, and herding the fluffy rams. This bloodline of sheepdog has won more than 30 International Sheepdog Society (ISS) titles.

The dance competition consisted of the Highland Fling, Sword Dancing, the Scottish Lilt, and others. The most important aspect of Highland Dancing is the footing and positioning of the feet. One wrong pose from the dancer could be criticized by the judges. Some awesome bands included in the show were Off Kilter and Albannach.

There were over 35 clans that showed at the Highland Games. Each Scottish clan has its own crest, kilts with its tartan (plaid) pattern, and a coat of arms. Staying focused on all of the different designs while the people were dancing was perplexing.

WRITTEN BY NIYATI SHAH Individual band members competed at all-county on Jan. 30 and received placement into sections based on the quality of their auditions.

ALL COUNTY RESULTS

Tubas 1st: Justin Garretson 6th: Cameron Messer Euphoniums 4th: Daniel Stadler 5th: Annabel Blan Trumpets 2nd: Emma Deathrage

Tenor Saxophones 1st: Paige Mulac 2nd: Molly White Clarinets 6th: Michael Aponte 15th: Phillip Spurlock

PHOTO BY NIYATI SHAH SIGNING TO SUCCESS. Senior Cooper Bradford poses with his teammates on National Signing Day, Feb. 2. He will attend the University of North Florida to play on their baseball team.

The Mane Attraction dance team received seventh at the Universal Dance Association National Dance Team Championship in the hip-hop division on Jan. 29-31. At the Florida Regional Dance Championship on Jan.18, the team also received second in the hip-hop division, and third in the jazz division. At the regional competition, they were 1.1 points away from first place in hip-hop.

PHOTO BY INDIA PANTIN

DRIBBLING AND DRILLING. Senior Sarah CENTER STAGE. Freshman Talia Hollis shines at

the UDA regional competition in the Mane Attraction jazz number, in which the team received third out of six teams.

Carbone practices with the varsity soccer team as they prepare for the state semi-finals on Feb. 5. The team will be playing against Vero Beach. If they win semi-finals, the team will move onto finals on Feb. 6.

Policy pushes for full seats

FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | NEWS | 3

WRITTEN BY NATHAN HADDAD

for whichever students were close to making it up,” No credit. An entire semester of work, but it amounts McDonald said.

Students missing classes impacts not only the to nothing because junior Corey Finkle missed more than nine class periods. He encountered this reality when he students and administration, but teachers as well.

Trigonometry teacher Sue Brown feels the impact. checked his transcripts.

“When students miss tests and quizzes, then I have “They took my credit away for my class because I had ten absences,” Finkle said. “I had a good grade in the to create make-up tests and quizzes,” Brown said. “They class, but they took away the credit last year. I found it also end up missing the homework and the instruction time. Many times students come to tutoring and it has to out this year.”

The nine absence policy is based on state statutes, be taught a second time, so it has a big impact on me according to school administration manager Jason personally.”

Brown sees that students have various reactions.

McDonald.

“Some students are independent learners who can “The state dictates what a credit is and we try to have pick up the material on their own, but for other kids, a policy that is in line with them,” McDonald said. it becomes a great burden because they can’t teach The state has determined credit requirements.

“That is 67.5 hours per semester. The county builds themselves,” Brown said.

Sophomore Micha Ziegler agrees with Brown. He says in an extra nine days of cushion, allowing a student to miss nine class periods while still meeting the hour missing class has had a large impact on him, and he has had to make up time for classes that he was present for requirement,” McDonald said. the majority of the period.

Hours are recovered by one-for-one.

“Mostly it was first period I missed, I missed the “If a kid has twelve absences, in one of their classes, they come to Saturday school for three hours and, for five-minute mark,” Ziegler said. “I wake up early every example, twelve minus the three hours they could come morning but I have to wake up my mom up as well, for make-up equals nine absences - then you’re good so it’s not like I’m just waking up late. I got held back because we got caught in a to go for that period,” said dean few incidents on the way to Jason Maitland.

I am pleased that the students are being school.”

Maitland explains the responsible and if they mess up and go over, they If students miss the first importance of students attending take the steps to get back to compliance five minutes of class, they are school.

Administrator Jason McDonald considered absent.

“The more days a student Dealing with absences misses, the probability that they affects parents as well, as will not do well in their classes goes up, so obviously we want them to come to school, McDonald explains.

“A couple of years ago, we used to allow up to five that’s why we’re here,” Maitland said.

School administrators took initiative at the end of last parent notes; the big change was that we stopped allowing it,” McDonald said. semester to help students who needed make-up time.

“The parents were confused at first, because there “We did a Wednesday school during the last week of school last semester, and we had administrators stay were no more parent notes, so you could call it backlash,” late on the half days to provide additional make-up time McDonald said.

“We felt that nine unexcused absences--for whatever reason--was pretty generous. Students can miss even more than that and can have it excuses for field trips, testing, doctor’s notes, or whatever,” McDonald said.

The policy has had positive impacts, according to the administrators.

“Just from last year, we have seen an increase in our attendance, so the policy seems to be working,” Maitland said.

McDonald recognizes that an attendance policy will likely never be popular.

“Nobody loves an attendance policy, but they just kind of accept and understand the rules,” McDonald said.

“We believe it’s fair, and you can recoup that credit if you have ten absences. So it’s a fairly flexible policy.”

Brown believes that the policy could be changed for the better.

“There will be some kids that the policy hurts, and there will be some kids that the policy helps,” Brown said. “My personal opinion is that if someone can pass my class with missing it fifteen times, and they are independent learners and can pass my tests/quizzes then I don’t have a problem with that.”

“I think kids need some guidance, some structure, they still need consequences,” Brown said. “The parents also need that and the parents need to have us have a policy so they can enforce consequences and have guidance. But I don’t ever see it changing, I really don’t.”

Zigler believes the policy could be changed and improved as well.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY NATHAN HADDAD “They could be a bit more lenient with absences,” Zigler said. “The school has been good to me though, RETRIEVAL IN PROCESS. Attendance makethey notified me about the absences; it’s just hard for ups take place at the Commons on select Saturdays me to make it every single day because some days I just throughout the year. can’t, I can’t always get a doctor’s note.”

Finkle agrees with Ziegler.

“I don’t think the current policy fair because they should notify us better, but I did make-up for another class by attending a Saturday school,” Finkle said.

McDonald notices that kids understand the harms of missing school and take the initiative to make it up.

“Most students only miss a class or two, it’s rare that students miss large amounts of classes or more than nine in one class,” McDonald said. “In that case, there’s normally something going on, maybe it’s home life or something’s preventing them from getting to school.”

McDonald believes most students are aware of the policy and make-up options.

“They’re taking responsibility for missing classes,” McDonald said. “If they sleep in for first period or whatever, they understand that there are consequences for that. I am pleased that the students are being responsible and if they mess up and go over, they take the steps to get back in compliance.”

School absences by the numbers

136

students lost credit in one or more classes for the first semester due to excessive absences

437

courses, credit was in lost in total over the first semester of the 2015-2016 school year

15-20

calls the front office takes about attendance daily

Credit retrieval policy “Students with 10 or more absences can attend Saturday School to make up time.

Wednesday school was another option offered at the end of last semester. Students may speak to their counselors to enroll in credit retrieval classes.”

INFOCOURTESYOFDR.MCDONALD

4 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | FEBUARY 3, 2016

Teachers should not be forced to get second jobs In the wake of budget shortfalls and traditionally low salaries, teachers are taking on second and third jobs in record numbers.

As a staff, we believe that teachers who have the dedication and determination to take on a side job are astonishing and deserve more recognition.

According to USNews.com, at least ten percent of teachers in every state rely on side jobs outside the school system.

The analysis from the Center for American Progress shows that, on average, U.S. teachers with at least a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience earn $44,900 annually.

This income doesn’t allow for reckless spending; in fact, most teachers find themselves needing more. Because of this, so many turn to getting a second job to provide for their family, or to keep up with their life comfortably.

Although some teachers may not shed the light on their job outside of school, it is typical for some to become bartenders, waitresses, tutors, school bus drivers, and even lawnmowers.

It makes students realize that they’re not the only ones who may have loads of stress on their shoulders.

Education Professor Eleanor Blair Hilty estimates most teachers make around $5,000 through outside work and often enjoy it as an escape from the classroom. She concludes teachers are getting something more from their second job other than an extra

paycheck.

Even though you may not think a happy smiling teacher feels overwhelmed, working an extra job inevitably does take a toll. On top of their work in the classroom, teachers have to grade papers and plan lessons – work they often do at home.

Teachers also decide to take up a second job in order to keep up with their personal lives. Whether it’s a family they must provide for, or a cashdemanding hobby, they will still find a way to get the money they need.

Still, even if teachers are taking up side projects to fulfill different interests, the economy has certainly been a factor in pursuing more hours.

Often, teachers with added responsibility are feeling the weight of two jobs on their personal lives, and sometimes even their work in the classroom has potential to suffer.

So how is this problem being addressed?

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which collects data on student performance across the globe, advised the United States earlier this year to work to elevate the teaching profession in order to improve student performance. The recommendations included measures like raising the bar for who is selected to become a teacher, providing better training and better pay.

Because of this determination teachers show to keep up with their lives, we as a staff believe they deserve more appreciation.

IN YOUR FACE Do you think it’s fair that some teachers are forced to take up a second job?

Ally Fargo, 11

“No, teachers should be getting paid more because they are essentially nurturing the future.”

Zach Casey, 9

“No, because they have to come in early every morning to plan for the day and they’re one of the last at night to leave. When is there time for a second job?”

Camden Crowl, 9

“No, they should be compensated for as much time they spend here at school teaching kids.”

OUR WORD

Jonas Allen, 9

“No, they should not have to have second jobs because teaching is a hard enough job as it is.”

PHOTOS BY DELANEY ROBB

More than 1 in 10 American teachers rely on a second job to make ends meet.

INFORCOURTESYOFUSNEWS.COM Design Editor Alex Damis

Advertising Editor Makaila Cowart

Opinion Editor Hannah Gibilisco

Photographers Alex Browning Delaney Robb India Pantin

Features Editor Alexis DiBlanda Editor-In-Chief Alex White Co-Editors Nathan Haddad Niyati Shah

Entertainment Editor Faiz Uddin Sports Editor Douglas Chiodini

Staff Artist Bria OllivierreWilliams Staff Reporters Krislynn Keeton Declan McCoy Ansley Babcock Yaritza Calvert Connor Compton

Sterling Corum Bryn Garick Megan Ghersi Danielle Griffiths Gillian Landwehr Jesica Litton Skylar McNellis Conner Quinlan Fernand Silva Paige Simpson Anna Tagye Jessica White Faculty Adviser Elise T Carlson

ILLUSTRATION BY BRIA OLLIVIERE-WILLIAMS Principal Joseph Trybus Oviedo High School 601 King Street Oviedo, FL 32765 Phone: 407-3204199 Fax: 407-320-4213 Population: 2474 Students 31 Staff members

Admin Adviser Drew Morgan

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • FEBRUARY 3, 2016 • VOLUME 56 • ISSUE 4

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

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

CSPA, NSPA, FSPA. Distribution 2100 copies of The Lion’s Tale are distributed free to all students and staff at Oviedo High School.

Subscriber information is available upon request.

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

The Lion’s Tale does not accept guest columns,

and reserves the right to edit letters to the Editor.

Full policy is available on request.

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FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 5

staff writer

MEGAN GHERSI

Politicians prove need for research

Travel, exploration define character ILLUSTRATION BY BRIA-OLLIVIERRE WILLIAMS

staff writer CONNER QUINLAN During many family vacations I have made the epic journey across the nation’s southwestern section in an RV, which was my home for about a month.

I went many places, from our very own Florida Keys to the SpaceX facility in Hawthorn, California.

I have seen and done many things.

The Florida Keys is a group of islands that my family frequents for vacations. Usually we go to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where we rent a boat to get to the reefs.

I am a certified scuba diver, so I enjoy lots of the underwater scenes.

When I’m underneath the ocean, there is a kind of tranquility that surrounds me; nothing can interrupt the silence.

I like to cook, and try new foods.

The Keys are the cause for my love of seafood, and there is a restaurant that my family and I go to every time we travel there: the Islamorada Fish Company is a highlight stop.

I always get the blackened lobster with fries on the side.

Always is the restaurant a tropical

haven, a hut with palmfrond roof, on stilts over the ocean, in a breezy lagoon.

I have discovered that, even though I love the Keys, after a week of exploring underwater landscapes, I get tired and leave.

The second major stop that we took was in Missouri, at the St. Louis Arch.

The arch is one of the more iconic structures of that state, a monument to the United States expanding north and west in the early years of America’s existence.

I went inside the arch, up to an observation deck 630 ft. above the ground.

A pod-like elevator took me up to the top, where I admired--and freaked out over--the view. 630 ft. up, on an unstable structure, with a storm that rolled through the previous day and caused the river to flood, scared me.

That’s how I figured out I was afraid of heights. That’s a problem I don’t have in the Flatlands of Florida.

In California, the first attraction I visited was Yosemite.

We arrived at Yosemite from the south side, making our way to the Upper Pines Campground. We stayed for six days, hiking, rafting, and biking around the valley.

The sights are supreme, with almost inspirational views of waterfalls, mountains, and wilderness.

At the campground, there was electricity, sewage, and water, but no TV, Internet, or cellular connection because of the mountains.

There was one café in the valley with Wi-Fi, and it was always packed with people who look like annoyed dads drinking beer.

This reminds me of how almost

anywhere in Florida, you can get a cellular connection because of how flat the state is, but I would soon learn that California holds a great technological treasure as well.

California holds two of the most interesting scientific places I have ever been, The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (the Mars rover designers), and SpaceX. I took a tour of both, thanks to my dad. We got to view lots of the equipment used to build satellites, and the Mars rovers.

I even got to see a communications satellite being built, which is actually in space right now.

SpaceX, the major space company, run by Elon Musk (the owner of Tesla Motors), was an engineer’s dream: it had 3D printers creating rocket parts, plus robots assembling the rockets that were launched the following month.

It was so interesting how they assembled a rocket quickly and efficiently.

Visiting a place of such scientific significance was better than anything you can find at NASA’s space center on the Cape, because these are the labs that designed the shuttle, plus all of the science needed to explore other planets.

From seeing all those scientific wonders, I learned to see space travel in a new light.

From there, we took a straight shot home. Florida, now that I see it in a new light, is much better than California or New Mexico.

I discovered that our humidity is just right, and our temperature and weather are not as bad as other places.

Even better, I learned that I am ready to do just about anything! Unless it has to do with high places...

Politicians might sound well-read and knowledgeable when they debate big topics.

They use political jargon and talk about policies and ideas that make them sound smart. However, it is surprising just how many things they say are partly true, false, or completely made up.

According to Politifact (a fact checking website), these percentages reflect false statements made by presidential candidates: 29% from Hillary Clinton, 30% from Bernie Sanders, 31% from Jeb Bush, 41% from Marco Rubio, and a whopping 76% from Donald Trump. Polifact sets it up so that there are six categories: true, mostly true, half true, mostly false, false, and pants on fire. The main percentages came from combining the three false categories (although it must be said Donald Trump had 20% in the pants on fire category).

These numbers are outrageous.

Citizens should be able to know exactly what politicians stand for, the truth about what they support, and what they are doing (or going to do) with the position they have (or want to have). The whole point of our system is that citizens can vote for who and what they believe in.

To be able to vote effectively on what we think is best, we have to understand the issues and research the different sides so that we can make an informed decision.

Part of the reason that politicians get away with things like this is because we let them. We vote them in without really looking into what they believe in.

It’s shocking to see how much politicians don’t know about the important topics, yet they go on and on about them.

Rather recently, President Obama issued an executive order on gun control, and everyone has something to say about it.

Some say it’s tightening a loophole, dubbed, “gun show loophole,” others say that the loophole doesn’t exist. How are they going to be able to make important decisions if they don’t know the facts?

These people have enough money for huge campaigns, yet they can’t spend the money or the time to research and make sure they know what they are taking about?

This needs to change. Politicians should not be able to get away with ignorance, or worse, lies. We need to make them accountable. Politicians should not be able to get away with things they previously have. We need to make sure we elect people who are aware of the issues and will do what they promise.

Let’s do our research, so that we know what we need to know to be an effective part of this system. Let’s make the system work like it’s supposed to.

6 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | FEBUARY 3, 2016

editor-in-chief ALEX WHITE

Pain of breakup opens door to self-discovery

They say that there are two tragedies in life: one is to lose your heart’s desire, and the other is to gain it. But what if after all the pain and hurt from losing someone dies down, you realize that it was for the best?

There are moments in our lives when we find ourselves at a crossroad: afraid, confused, without a roadmap. After a serious break up, it’s hard to feel like yourself, and it’s hard to decide what to do next.

After ending a yearlong relationship, I felt as though my identity was completely fragmented. I spent a year of my life trying to please someone who made me feel as though I’d never be adequate for him.

Nowadays, I feel weak and angry, both at myself and him. I subjected myself to this toxic relationship for the longest time, but had no idea how to get out of it.

Love is a dangerous thing. It’s fickle and wavering.

One moment, someone can tell you how much they care; the next, they decide they want something else, someone else.

For a while I just felt hopeless. I didn’t know what was wrong with me and why I wasn’t good enough.

Everyone tried to tell me things to make me feel better. “Time will heal you,” “it gets better,” “don’t think about him,” “you deserve better,” “you’ll find better.”

Hearing these things gets old after a while.

It took a while to get out of the post break-up depression, but I don’t feel hopeless anymore.

The relationship I was in drained the happiness and individuality out of me to the very last drop. I became someone I wasn’t. In the end, it hurt me more than anyone.

Although I didn’t realize it at first, I finally feel free and joyful.

Although I am a much happier person now, things aren’t perfect. I still feel lonely, sad, broken, and unable to fully trust anyone.

Although the experience hurt me immensely, I learned that it does get better.

At first, it feels like your world is falling apart and you have nowhere to turn without that one person by your side. But so many great things come from finally experiencing independence. You get to know yourself.

I no longer have to worry about pleasing someone else every hour of the day. I no longer have to worry about texting back within half an hour. I no longer have to worry about being perfect for someone else.

I’ve learned to appreciate those around me so much more. It’s incredible to feel the amount of love and support others provide in rough times. It makes you feel lucky and slightly less alone.

Since we are so young, our emotions are raw, and it’s easy to feel like every bad thing that happens is the end of the world, but it’s not. It’s easy to believe that what you’re going through now will hurt you forever, but it won’t. It does get better.

Although going through a break up is harsh in the moment, what you’re feeling will fade. And one day, you’ll go a whole day without thinking of that person who broke you.

I can’t wait for that day.

ILLUSTRATION BY BRIA-OLLIVIERRE WILLIAMS

Extreme political correctness prevents solutions

opinion editor HANNAH GIBILISCO Breaking news: there is an epidemic running rampant amongst this generation.

Symptoms may include: twitter rants, petty tumblr movements, and harassment of those who do not believe in your personal beliefs and hurt your feelings.

The illness is called: the Modern Obsession with Political Correctness.

If you show any of these symptoms, don’t worry! There is a cure: a spoonful of logic.

We, unfortunately, live in an era where people are more worried about being offended by the Meninist twitter page than they are about real issues and worldly events.

For those who may not be aware of Meninism, it is a satirical twitter page poking fun at feminism.

To clarify, meninism is a satire. A satire is a joke.

A joke is not to be taken seriously. It is absolutely

hilarious to see people yank their hair out in frustration over a joke.

A feminist club started on campus. This, of course, is not a problem.

What they stand for and their intentions seem to be proactive and positive.

However, as a response, a few boys made a joke about creating a Meninist club.

For anyone with a fully functioning brain, this was an obvious joke. Their tweets were dripping in sarcasm.

A full-fledged twitter battle broke out soon thereafter.

I was perplexed to see the outrage following their tweets. They were joking; words projected through a computer screen cannot harm anyone.

It was funny, really, to see children act as if a twitter joke was the bane of their existence.

It was even funnier to see them attack in a belligerent pack online, and not see a single one of them confront anyone in person.

Extreme political correctness, in my opinion, is a war on free speech.

Our voices and opinions are the only things that make us a

unique species; we can communicate standpoints and make our voices heard to the masses.

As of late, though, free speech has been stepped on by those who are too sensitive to handle it.

Yale University, for example, has started a campaign called “Chill on Free Speech.” Essentially, it is a movement aimed towards eradicating free speech as a constitutional right.

When a certain Yale teacher defended the right of students to wear costumes that might be considered “culturally appropriating,” he started a whirlwind of controversy.

Mind, this was a statement he voiced privately in an email.

To clarify, cultural appropriation is defined as the “adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of a different culture,” such as Caucasians dressing up as Native Americans.

After this emailed statement became public, a barbaric riot broke out in the name of political correctness.

The crazed, animallike students screamed in his face, at a point-blank distance, lots of nonsense about not protecting his

students from the horrors of cultural appropriation.

Please, if your biggest fear in life is cultural appropriation, you are exemplifying the epitome of a first-world problem.

Amidst drone strikes and ISIS attacks around the globe, it’s appalling to see people fight tirelessly for something so trivial.

That’s the thing about self-titled Social Justice Warriors--they think they’re fighting for a gallant cause; when, in reality, their cause is about as nonexistent as the things they’ve accomplished.

This behavior is nothing but a reincarnation of Woodstock-wannabes attempting to implement peace and love into a nononsense world.

I can’t name a single thing this movement of demonizing free speech and overdosing on sensitivity has accomplished. All I can see is an increased number of ranting tweets.

Raising their keyboard-swords and utilizing their twittershields, all these “warriors” do is promote a society with an inherent fear of real-world confrontation.

HEAD to HEAD

FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 7

Are teens too young to be in the club scene?

Teens are simply too young to be in the club scene WRITTEN BY HANNAH GIBILISCO

High school is a pivotal point in one’s life.

Therefore, there is only room for proactive choices towards the prosperity of one’s future. Of course, students can mix leisure-time activities within their studies, but fun can be had without reckless behavior being involved.

Clubbing as a teenager is dangerous; kids are just too young to be placed in that environment.

According to a poll conducted by ABC, 75 percent of Americans view underage drinking as a huge problem in their communities.

Teen clubs harbor a huge risk for underage drinking. The malevolent mixture of drinking and clubbing can be a fatal one.

According to CDC, 4,300 minors die each year from alcohol-related incidents.

Abduction, rape, and car accidents are just few of many deadly occurrences that can easily be brought upon by drinking and clubbing.

The risk of these things only increases when the clubber is a naive child.

Clubbing is an activity meant for legal adults. The environment is encompassed by alcohol and other substances that minors are just too young to handle.

The brain, according to URMC, doesn’t fully develop until at least 25 years of age. 21 is a lot closer to 25 than 14-17 is.

This exemplifies that the choices

FOR EVERY

$100 SPENT IN THE U.S.

$1

GOES TO ALCOHOL INFOCOURTESYOFWWW.CDC.GOV/ ALCOHOL

made by an underdeveloped brain will not be optimal, especially in a dangerous club scene.

Although clubs may be a good place for networking with people--a trait needed for most careers--there is a time and place for everything.

Networking can take place at internship fairs, jobs, and classroom settings. These are healthier places for networking, and definitely paramount the environment of a club.

Furthermore, the adolescent years are intended to be a time to hone personality traits and mold oneself into who you want to be.

This is done, in part, by meeting like-minded and positive people.

Teens placing themselves in the club scene at a young age make themselves susceptible to falling into the wrong crowd, and associating with the wrong people.

The opposition may claim that clubbing relieves stress and provides an outlet to channel school-inflicted worries and anxieties.

However, there are other, safer ways to relieve stress.

According to WebMD, meditation and talking to loved ones are effective ways to reduce stress levels. Clubbing is not the only way to have fun and reduce stress.

In closing, clubbing is not an activity that will benefit minors.

Children should take the time to craft themselves into healthy and success-bound adults, and not put themselves into the dangerous and toxic club scene.

TEENAGERS ADMIT TO

DRINKING ALCOHOL IN HIGH SCHOOL

37%

TO

BINGE DRINKING

21%

Responsible teens should be allowed to club WRITTEN BY NIYATI SHAH

Underage clubbing, when mature, is absolutely appropriate. By 16 years of age, the teenage mind is mature enough to make practical decisions.

In addition, clubbing is a release from the average high schooler’s day-to-day stresses, and of course, going out to clubs in high school provides preparation for the future. The most viable location for high schoolers to club at are underage clubs.

We teenagers have a bad rep. We are told that we have no sense of maturity and are constantly subject to transient emotional outbursts that frustrate everyone.

Although that may be true to a certain extent, neuroscientists at Emory University found that teens who take risks possess a brains similar to those of adults.

Myelin, a fatty substance in brain cells, allows for greater neural processing and increases during the teenage years to an extent that reflects the adult brain.

The more experience teens receive in different environments, such as clubs, the more myelin is generated, making them faster at making practical judgements.

Therefore, the teenage brain is definitely mature enough to take on a club.

In addition, clubs are cathartic.

According to a study conducted by Frontiers In Psychology, roughly half of today’s student teenagers feel stressed out on a day-to-day basis.

As students, we suffer the plight of chronic worriers: anxious over the upcoming chemistry project, memorizing and re-memorizing vocabulary terms for

English, burning the midnight oil to soak in as much as we can before we are faced with a scantron.

The same 2015 study found that friends constituted the greatest source of social support (70%). What better way is there to release one’s stress after a week’s hard work than to go out clubbing with friends?

Our future is in teenagers’ hands.

Those we associate with in our college and professional years will decide our fate. As the classes of 2017 and 2016 enter their respective fields, clubbing will become a source of networking for that enterprising entrepreneur, that aspiring consultant, that enthusiastic STEM engineer. Networking is a method to gain connections to increase our chances at survival in the competitive age we live in.

If we don’t receive the necessary skills to prepare us for the real world in high school, how are we to ever socialize in the next few years? Clubbing is essential simply because growing one’s communication boundaries will help one advance in one’s field of study.

If parents are not comfortable with the classic club scene, underage clubs provide a wonderful alternative to the experience. It is natural for parents to be concerned about drug and alcohol presence at such clubs. If a teenager is not deemed intelligent enough to avoid such substances, then an underage club is a logical option.

Teenagers should be permitted to attend underage clubs. We have maturity, we need an outlet for release, and we will receive experience.

Go club with great vigor.

AMERICANS SPEND

$160

BILLION OR MORE

ON ALCOHOL

A N N U A L LY ILLUSTRATION BY BRIA OLLIVIERE-WILLIAMS

HOW IS A DRINK DEFINED?

5 OZ. WINE

1.25 OZ. 80 PROOF LIQUOR 12 OZ. BEER

Balancing Act

FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 9

Teachers work extra jobs despite downsides

Second Job Stats Teachers who have a second job

anymore, because you learn to cope,” Hennessey said.

Even when the sun isn’t up, special education teacher “That’s what you do as an adult, you learn to factor Ed Hennessey is working to make ends meet. these things in,” Hennesy said. “I just learned that as I got “I get up at five, get the kids ready, come to school older in age.” and then I decide what I’m going to do that afternoon,” Her second job’s flexible hours aid Hansen in the Hennessey said. balancing process.

“Tonight I have a sporting event. I’m doing the soccer “It has very little impact on my teaching,” Hansen game, collecting tickets, and after that I might Uber for a said. “If I am too tired, then I don’t work. My second job little bit,” Hennesy said. “I typically like to be home by like is very flexible and can be done on my time frame, which nine.” is wonderful.”

Hennessey earns extra money in many ways, including The wellbeing of his children is a major motivator for a job at Old Navy and driving for Uber.

Hennesy to work the extra hours.

English teacher Kati Hansen “That’s what we have to do also got a second job, delivering as educators because we don’t Our economy is expensive and groceries with Shipt, for financial get payed enough, so we have teachres need a little extra money to reasons. to do what we need to do to have fun “I think that our economy is survive and make sure our kids expensive and teachres need a Teacher Kati Hansen have good lives,” Hennessey little extra money to have fun and said. go out for dinner, or to a movie Hennessy believes that once in a while,” Hansen said. teachers getting second jobs out of necessity isn’t a new “Life is not cheap, and teaching doesn’t pay as well as phenomenon. other professions,” Hansen said.

“It’s always been that way,” Hennessey said.

However, this additional income comes with strings “When when I was in high school I remember teachers attached. always having second jobs and working retail or just the “I’m tired,” Hansen said. “I also need to make sure to local grocery stores or something.” have enough time to see my kids and get my stuff done Even though he has to do extra work, Hennessey has around the house. Chores don’t go away just because no plans to leave education. you grow up.

“I’ll be in education, I love it, I’ll be in it forever,” Over time, life’s challenges have become easier for Hennessey said.

Hennessy to deal with.

ILLUSTRATION BY BRIA-OLLIVIERRE WILLIAMS “It used to [impact my teaching], but it’s not really

39%

WRITTEN BY ALEXIS DIBLANDA

Reason for having a second job

Need Income: 77% Want Income: 15% Other: 8%

Second Job Industries

Retail: 18%

Education: 18% Medical: 11% Creative: 25% Other: 28%

Impact on Teaching

150 Surveys distributed on Jan. 19, 72 returned

Yes: 24% No: 68% Sometimes: 8%

Hours worked at second job 0-5: 22% 6-10: 25% 11-15: 34% 16+: 22%

Percent of teachers who want to stay in education

50% 60% With second job

Without second job

10 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | FEBUARY 3, 2016

THE TEENAGE BRAIN

DOPAMINE LEVELS

SYNAPSES

FRONTAL LOBE

MATURATION 80% developed

SHEDDING LIGHT ON REALITY

DANCING

WITH

DA

TEENS REVEAL TRUTH ABO WRITTEN BY C.COMPTON & N.SHAH

Pulsing lights, energizing music, and a range of moral and immoral decisions.

Students are attracted to this club scene, but due to their age, they question their choices.

“When all of your friends are eighteen and you are not, you feel left out,” senior Tara Woods* said. “It’s more of an obligation to go, peer pressure, rather wanting to go on a personal level.”

Senior Jackson Greene* agreed.

“I think at this age it is not so much as a social bubble as it’s a feeling of being left out,” Greene said. “I feel people get peer-pressured to go. If your friends are all going, you might feel compelled to go.”

AP Psychology teacher Joan Stone believes it is the teenage mindset that drives youth to club.

“They have an impulse because it is an exhilarating place,” Stone said. “They want to be with their friends, they want to be part of the group, they think that that is where all of the cool people are. They want to be there, they want to be part of that, and you can’t blame them. That is what being a teenager is all about.”

AP Psychology teacher Zack Densberger asserts that teenagers don’t possess enough wisdom.

“In my opinion, teenagers don’t have the maturity to handle themselves in a dangerous situation,” Densberger said.

Densberger finds that teenagers are attracted to the party environment due to natural impulses.

“Teenagers want to meet people that they find interesting, attractive,” Densberger said. “They like to dance-that is a human thing. It obviously didn’t start with adulthood, it started when you were younger. You have got this age, when your hormones are telling you to go out and meet.”

The presence of alcohol in this environment presents a set of conflicting choices.

“When you’re 18, there is a lot of alcohol involved and you’re not only

90% OF ALCOHOL CONSUMED IS CONSIDERED BINGE DRINKING

pressured internally to drink, but externally, as well,” Greene said.

However, Greene believes in abstaining from alcohol use.

“I haven’t actually gone to a club and consumed alcohol, because that is just dumb,” Greene said. “It is just asking for something bad to happen.”

Stone recounts her experience, as a teenager, in the party atmosphere.

“When I was young, there wasn’t any alcohol in the clubs,” Stone said. “I know when I was in college, and I was a teenager in college because I started when I was 17, we would come home and we would all get together and we would party and dance. “ Senior Samantha Wallace* cautions against entering Teenagers d today’s clubs. to handle th “I think that Teacher Zack D underage clubbing and fake ID’s are illogical because girls are setting themselves up for clubbing trouble and that is how a lot of rape cases occur,” Wallace said.

Stone believes the atmosphere has changed over the years.

“You have got to remember that that was a while ago and I was never concerned that someone was going to put something in my drink,” Stone said.

“That just wasn’t going on at that time.”

An example of a compound that may be slipped into a drink is “roofie,” a slang term for rohypnol, which is a shortterm treatment of anxiety and insomnia through sedation.

Imported rohypnol came to prominence in the 1990s as a cheap, recreational “date rape” drug, claims the Indian Journal of Medical Research.

Overdoses cause loss of consciousness and lethal respiratory depression. Senior Jasmine Minus* finds that the illegal drug is present in clubs around Florida.

“I personally have heard stories of a person going to the club and getting a roofie put into their drink,” Minus said.

WOMEN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16-24 ARE 4 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE DATE RAPED THAN ANY OTHER AGE GROUP

ANGER

11 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | FEBUARY 3, 2016

OUT UNDERAGE CLUBBING

“Just because you get a drink from the bartender doesn’t mean that it’s safe.”

Senior Margaret Williams* saw the effects of rohypnol firsthand when she was in a club.

“One time I was at a club and one of my friends lost all consciousness over a time period,” Minus said. “At first, it seemed that she was really drunk, but I knew she hadn’t drank much. I was confused and asked her what was happening. Her speech was slurred and it’s sad because of how fast it all happens.

She was so unaware and then she began to lose all feelings in her limbs. We then got in the car and took her home.”

For such occasions, Stone suggests a back-up plan. “ T h e r e is always a don’t have the maturity chance that hemselves. something Densberger could get in your drink, everywhere,” Stone said. “It is hard to protect yourself from that 100%. You have to go to the restroom, take your drink, and throw it in the toilet if you think somebody put something in it. If you don’t want to cause a lot of trouble, then you have got to be smarter than they are.”

However, police intervention, on many occasions, is considered a greater step towards safety.

“I think the police being on the premises is a good thing because, if anything they are there to help,” senior Molly Thatcher* said. “People get in trouble but in the end it is for our own safety.”

Woods recalls an incident when police administered checked on clubgoers.

“This one time, the police come in, around 12 of them, and they walked up to anyone who had a wrist band and checked our IDs,” Woods said.

Often, violence in the club calls for a greater police presence.

“I heard just recently that a kid was

P

beat up because he was tipsy and picked on the wrong kid,” Williams said. “The victim’s father filed lawsuits on the club, and gave the police department two million dollars to be more alert and secure when it comes to underage drinking, and making sure the police try to break up fights.”

Choices about which friends to go with, or which club to attend, can negatively impact the club experience.

“There was this one time, when I was by myself because I had left my friends, and this old man, probably 40, started following me,” Woods said. “I told him to please leave me alone and stop following me, but he wouldn’t stop. I told my friends and we screamed at him to get away. He stared at me for a little bit from across the room. I was terrified.”

Williams also recounts an incident where her safety was jeopardized.

“One of the worst experiences I ever had was on a pretty populated night and a fight broke out almost on top of me,” Williams said. “I ducked to the floor and put my hand over my head to not get hit over the head. Then the police grabbed me and got me out of the situation. I then swore never to go to that club.”

Going to clubs, in Stone’s opinion, should ultimately be up to the teenager.

“Teenagers have to have some independence because if they are going away to school, they are completely independent,” Stone said. “You have got to give teenagers an opportunity to make some choices.”

However, Stone also believes discriminating between moral and immoral is key.

“Sometimes the choices will be good, sometimes they won’t be, but you have got to accept that,” Stone said. “Some of these kids are going to be gone within the next year, so it is time to start reaping the benefits of what they have been taught, showing that they do have some values and that they do know the difference between right and wrong.” *NAMES WITHELD UPON REQUEST

WHAT IS THE MOST DANGEROUS ELEMENT OF CLUBBING? BINGE DRINKING

24%

DATE-RAPE DRUG INTAKE

64%

HARRASMENT BY STRANGERS

12%

STUDENTS USED FAKE IDs 25% OF TIME THEY DRANK ALCOHOL BEFORE THEY TURNED 21

A ROHYPNOL DOSE OF AS SMALL AS 1 MG CAN IMPAIR A VICTIM FOR 8-12 HOURS

}

$53 BILLION ARE LOST ANNUALLY TO UNDERAGE DRINKERS IN MEDICAL BILLS & INCOME LOSS

INFOCOURTESYOFLEARNINGLIFTOFF, HELICOPTERMOM, TURNINGPOINT, & CDC

12 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Educating the Exceptional

Denny said. “I’m a lot more patient with students and we learn to celebrate success with some of the smaller things that most people take for granted.”

One important aspect that is taken for granted is job opportunity.

“I think a big thing is that I would like to see more of a our students. We have to work on the life skills and job skills, vocational option for students that have disability,” Johnson as well.” said. “To where if they really feel like they are not a college Such instruction creates a challenge, yet the teachers are track, they can pursue some kind of vocational program like prepared with solutions to every crisis. train to be an electrician, a plumber, just something where “I take a deep breath,” said support facilitator Jessica it is a little less college-focused and more ‘here is some Johnson, laughingly. “I think what helps me is to try to put useful skills so you can have a trade once you get out of high myself into the shoes of the student, where they are coming school.’” from. If it is a behavioral issue, what is really the root cause In addition to career options, the staff would like to see the of the behavior and try to get to the root cause, instead of just annihilation of a stereotype. acting quickly and trying to punish.”

“There is definitely the stigma around ESE students Meadows agreed. where people think that they are not as smart, they are poorly “Being preventive is the biggest behaved, they can’t achieve at the thing,” Meadows said. “Knowing same level as typical students,” They are not inferior, they are your kids and talking in a softer Johnson said. “That is not the different. voice really helps. The more you case. It is just that they have yell, the more they pick that up. But, different struggles and they need Instructor Christopher Meadows if you talk in a calmer voice, then supports in place to help them it brings that level down a little bit be successful in a classrooms more.” setting. It really bothers me that With much analysis and deliberation, the staff always there is still this stereotype that ESE kids aren’t as good as generate a logical answer. other kids. In my opinion, they are just as good as, if not better “We have some students that have some severe behaviors than, the typical student.” and while they are going through that behavior, we try to Meadows agreed. figure out what triggered that,” Denny said. “And there has “They are not inferior, they are different,” Meadows said. been sometimes where it has been a week after an incident “They may require certain things but I will tell you, some of and then we have this ‘aha’ moment when we figure out what my kids are better artists. They have different areas that they it was that was bothering them. It is usually something very excel in that other kids do not.” minor that really threw them over the edge.”

Denny believes the Oviedo ESE population strongly Teaching ESE students is educational to the staff as well. defies the stereotype of inferiority.

“I feel like I learn things from the students as much as they “Everybody is successful in something and everybody learn things from me,” Johnson said. “More just about what has something to bring to the table,” Denny said. “They may they go through and how resilient a lot of my kids are.” not be the brightest, highest-achieving academic student, but Denny feels a similar appreciation for her students. there are also great skills in other areas. You just have to find “I just fell in love in with the kids and working with them in what they are good at and keep working with that skill.” the challenges that they face and help them be successful,”

ESE students excel through instructor aid WRITTEN BY NIYATI SHAH When senior Alison Fasony learned how to tie her shoes for the first time, happiness pervaded the ESE classroom.

“The parent thought that we would have never been able to do that and we finally were able to teach that skill to her,” said head ESE instructor Johnna Denny. “It is a big deal which most high school students don’t think of that as any big deal, but that was a huge accomplishment for that student.”

According to the Florida Department of Education, the purpose of exceptional student education is to help cultivate the “unique gifts” of each disabled person in the public school system.

“An ESE student is a student that has some type of disability that prevents them from functioning in a regular classroom setting or in some cases achieving standard diploma options,” said support facilitator Christopher Meadows.

As a support facilitator, Meadows has the responsibility to aid in daily education.

“When I am in support facilitation, there is another teacher in the classroom and I work specifically with those kids that are disabled,” Meadows said.

The curriculum the students receive doesn’t differ from what normal students receive.

“If it is a history class, the curriculum is already there,” Meadows said. “My job is to take that and break it down into smaller chunks. Instead of giving a whole sandwich, a 12inch, I cut it into sections of four inches, four inches, and four inches.”

Denny instructs her students with a particular purpose in mind: graduation.

“We have assessments and testing at the end of the year, just like everyone else,” Denny said. “Kids have to meet the benchmarks and we have to cover everything from English I to Chemistry to American Government and Economics with

Application Anxiety

Seniors stress about college admission process WRITTEN BY PAIGE SIMPSON As graduation nears, seniors anticipate the arrival of their options for furthering their education. Many have received their admissions, yet several still wait in suspense for their future. From early admission to regular admission to sports scholarships, students share similar anxieties.

Waiting for good news

The clock on the wall ticks to match senior Ninna Cruz’s heartbeat as she prepares to open the letter that will determine her future.

Engulfed by anticipation, she slowly rips opens the letter. She reads the first line relief, and is finally relieved.

Congratulations, you’ve been accepted into the University of Central Florida.

“I was crazy excited,” Cruz said, “Knowing that I actually got in, I dropped all feelings of doubt I had about myself.”

Cruz was accepted into UCF, and USF, and is waiting to hear back from UF and SSC. She plans on pursuing civil engineering.

“I made sure that wherever I applied offered my major.” Cruz said. “I also looked at the school ranking to see where they stood in the top one hundred schools.”

To better her chances of admission,

Cruz said she completed early admission.

“Early admission helped to guarantee a spot in the school,” Cruz said. “The longer you wait, the less likely you are to get into that college because of space issues. I went online and gave them all my information, such as test scores, like SATs and ACTs, and my official transcript.”

Cruz said she struggled with nerves while waiting to hear back.

“I wasn’t sure of myself at all,” Cruz said. “I was really nervous, and I didn’t think that I would get accepted into any college. I have good grades, but there’s always that little strain of doubt.”

Cruz plans to attend UCF but wants to wait until she hears from UF to make a final decision.

“UF was my primary school that I wanted to get into, but by doing the college tours to see the campus life, I personally liked UCF way more than UF,” Cruz said.

Soon-to-be college athlete

Senior Alexys Nowak committed to playing soccer for NSU over the summer of 2015. In addition to playing soccer, she plans to major in physical therapy. Nowak believes NSU is a perfect fit for her.

“It has the perfect combo because it has my major, and I get to play the sport I love,” Nowak said. “It’s also on the

beach, so it’s really pretty.”

Since NSU is a private university, Nowak said she tried to get as many scholarship as she could.

“I made sure I got all the right scores in and showed leadership skills, so I could get more athletic money,” Nowak said.

Although she is excited, Nowak says she definitely felt pressure from her parents.

“Since I’ve been playing for so long there’s pressure from my parents,” Nowak said. “I really tried to get as much athletic money that I could so I could pay them back for all the years I’ve been playing soccer. I just want to make them proud.”

Unlike Nowak, senior Cooper Bradford said he felt no pressure from any family members.

“My parents have always wanted me to do my own thing and I chose to play baseball,” Bradford said. “They wanted me to pick what made me happy; I wasn’t pressured from anyone so I picked the school I wanted to go to.”

Bradford was offered scholarships to FAU, UF, FGCU, and NFU committed to NFU on a baseball scholarship and plans to major in pharmacy.

“It felt awesome because that’s the next step after high school; everyone wants to be a college athlete,” Bradford said. “I’m really happy to be given this opportunity and to be given a scholarship is really awesome; I’m really thankful for that.”

Deciding between colleges

Senior Tyler Caccavello, who wants to

major in either business management or digital design, completed early admission to UCF and USF, but has not heard back yet.

“It’s been about a month and a half, so I’m a little nervous, but if it doesn’t work out it doesn’t work out,” Caccavello said.

Senior Paula Quero, who also hasn’t heard back for UCF yet, is also anxious about not hearing back yet.

“I’m really nervous that I haven’t heard back and most of my friends have,” Quero said. “That means they have their future set out for them whereas I don’t yet.”

Quero wants to major in graphic design and says that there was a big push from her parents to get into college.

“My parents are big in education and they always say that education is the most important thing in life because education is the only way to get anywhere in life,” Quero said.

“Ever since I came here three years ago, UCF was the first college I had heard of because my cousin played baseball there,” Quero said. “It caught my eye; I liked the environment when I would visit my cousin.”

Caccavello’s brother and sister both attend UCF, making it his first choice.

Caccavello feels support from others around him.

“My dad’s been really supportive; I haven’t been pressured into college it’s just something I want to do,” Caccavello said. “I chose those colleges because I know them well.”

FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 13 CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

Once a student, now students’ inspiration WRITTEN BY FAIZ UDDIN

Algebra II and girls volleyball coach “I became a teacher just as how I Jennifer Darty is a former Oviedo High became a coach,” Darty said. “I wanted School student, a well-known teacher to motivate students to be the best they and an inspiration to future students. can be and make an impact on their In her high school years, Darty lives as much as possible.” participated in prestigious clubs, such Keeping the status quo, Darty as Beta Club, Epsilon Nu Gamma, Mu continues the volleyball trends such as Alpha Theta, and the National Honors team meals before home games.

Society.

The team heads out to one of the Darty was not only outstanding member’s houses to gorge down food in academics but also excelled in and socialize with one another. athletics.

“It’s a team bonding exercise,” Darty The former student used to be the said. “The team goes nuts in the locker Most Valued Player (MVP) of the girls room.” volleyball team back when she was still Darty uses this technique to get the in school. team going before each match. The After graduating college, she team is grateful for having such an intended to coach college volleyball. amazing coach.

However, she took an unexpected path.

“We have a close relationship with “As far as the teaching side and our coach,” said Bridgette Holland. coaching high “When we school volleyball, I play for her saw that as being we play our When we play for her we play more later on in my hardest.” our hardest life, maybe 20 years “ W e Senior Bridgette Holland down the road,” just come Darty said.

“But t o g e t h e r. obviously it turned She expects out the other way around to where it a lot out of us,” Holland said. “She is an was the first thing I did out of college awesome friend off the court and on the and I’m greatly enjoying it and wouldn’t court. She knows what she is talking trade it.” about. She cares about the team as a Darty is thrilled with her current whole and individually, she wants you position as both a teacher and a coach. to be a lot better.”

CLUB FEATURE

CLUB FEATURE

OVIEDIAN 2006

SET, COACH, TEACH. Varsity volleyball coach Jennifer Darty spikes

during a serve at a home volleyball game in 2006, her graduating year.

When playing for the Lady Lions, Darty was the MVP (Most Valued Player). Darty enjoys being a teacher and a coach simultaneously.

CLUB FEATURE

CLUB FEATURE

CLUB FEATURE

Students use new club to cope with daily struggles WRITTEN BY STERLING CORUM

PHOTO BY NIYATI SHAH TETE-A-TETE. Underground rant sponsor Shayna Hron discusses enlightenment with club members juniors Sarah Starbuck and Erin Barberry in a meeting.

They are creating positive messages on heart cards for Valentine’s day.

Underground Rant is a new club sponsored by AP Language teacher Shayna Hron. The club’s goal is to provide a place where students can have well-rounded discussions in a safe environment.

“I wanted a place where students could come and voice their opinions and their experiences because there is just so much negativity and hatred and ignorance in the world, and I thought that I could create a forum where we could combat that,” said club president and founder, junior Kameela Noah.

The discussions cover a wide variety of issues.

The group has had meetings to discuss standardized testing, stereotypes, and women’s rights.

“We usually talk about stuff like depression, and the educational system,” Noah said. “Just anything that students feel is a problem, we’ve discussed.”

The members often reveal personal struggles as well.

“Every meeting is a brand new experience,” said junior Sarah Starbuck. “Every Thursday I look forward to being surrounded by people who share a lot of the same ideas as me and understand what I’m thinking and feeling. Going to Underground Rant is really refreshing.”

“Literally, every meeting I feel like I’ve been punched in the face,” Hron said. “It’s amazing what these kids

are going through, and to know that every day they get up to go to school and spend countless hours at home doing homework, and some have jobs that literally support their families; it’s humbling as an adult. I have the utmost respect for these kids, and really all students, because of it.”

Although these may seem like large issues that cannot be solved by a typical high school student, Noah holds a different perspective.

“We’re at a very awkward age where we’re inbetween being children and adults, and I think it’s hard for adolescents, because we have a drive to fix the world around us, but our age restricts us from doing so,” Noah said. “I think that just talking about it and getting the ball rolling is important, so that when we’re at an appropriate age we can make change.”

The club is all about awareness. According to Hron, the members’ willingness to share personal experiences really helps other students to realize that they are not the only ones struggling.

“Awareness is key,” Hron said. “Often times, we are unable to open our eyes to understand what is really going on in the world, and what people are dealing with.”

“All of the students in the club come from so many different backgrounds and so many different experiences, but they all share the same fundamental love of learning and life, and just joy for expressing themselves. That is an amazing thing.”

Debate team strives toward states 14 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | FEBRUARY 3, 2016

researched for a long time and came up with many good speeches.”

The debate team works together to build strong Fields states the benefits of the debate team. speeches and debates for competitions.

“I think being on a debate team provides students Sophomore Chris Keefer, an active member of the with a nice perspective on the issues that are going debate team, works hard to perfect all aspects of his on in the world right now,” Fields said. “It allows us speeches in order to be a strong competitor. to stay informed about everything around us. Being “I have learned how to correctly research, form a thesis, aware of worldly issues that can potentially affect us in and organize a speech effectively. Debate helps me to the future enriches us with more knowledge.” improve my public speaking skills,” Keefer said.

Fields finds ways to cope with nervousness while Sophomore Stone Mangum finds the debate team has competing on stage. helped prepare him for the future.

“I think everyone gets a little amped up before “It has prepared me for my career and I now feel like they speak, but the key is to be able to channel that I can speak in front of a bunch of energy into your speech people,” Mangum said. “Being on and use it as a positive this team has really taught me to reinforcement,” Fields We want to bring back a trophy research I feel prepared me for said.” to represent our school. what I could probably expect in The team has Freshman Ethan Fields college when it comes to writing began preparing papers.” for the National Sophomore Ethan Fields Catholic Forensic League competition that enjoys representing the school through the debate team. takes place in Sacramento, California, from “I represent the Oviedo Lions in an academic realm,” May 28-29.

Fields said. “We as a team show what our school can do This national competition features a when it comes to writing and forming an argument. We variety of different debate and speech have been prepared by Mr. Singer, an awesome instructor.” categories.

Mangum notes how the team is different than other “I definitely want our team to make schools. it to nationals,” Fields said. “I don’t “The team is very diverse, all with different perspectives think Oviedo has ever had public and ideas,” Mangum said. “We take pride in how non- forum debater’s in national’s.” uniform our speeches are. Our team uses our own individual “Getting to that competition information unlike other teams.” is very prestigious and it would Keefer reflects on the results of the team’s first bring a lot of pride to Oviedo. competition.

We want to bring back a “We went to our first meet about a month ago, trophy to represent our and everyone performed very well,” Keefer said. “We school.”

PHOTOS BY HAGERTY DEBATE

WRITTEN BY JESSICA WHITE

TOP 1O MOST

ARGUED

DEBATE TOPICS 1. FOREIGN POLICY

2. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY 3. ANIMAL TESTING 4. SEXUAL ORIENTATION 5. CELL PHONES 6. CHURCH TAXES 7. CLIMATE CHANGE 8. COLLEGE EDUCATION 9. GUN LAWS 10. IMMIGRATION INFOCOURTESYOFPROCON.ORG

FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | 15

One Page Low-down

Cafè Review: Kaioen

WHAT WRITTEN BY BRYN GARICK GRINDS Before Kaioen opened, students looked for a quiet and cute place to study; Kaioen offers just that. It has been open for five MY months, but recently gained popularity as the weather got colder and people wanted warm drinks. The River of Life Church GEARS owns the new coffee shop, which is located at the roundabout on Division Street. Customers are allowed to use their parking lot across the street, as the shop only has a single space.

Kaioen creates a positive vibe with homey touches, including a spiral staircase leading to an upstairs, where there are more seating options, such as couches, plus the traditional table and chairs. The shop features live bands or solo artists every couple of weeks, normally on Saturdays, giving customers a chance to hear local talent while enjoying delicious coffee.

The very relaxing atmosphere of Kaioen makes it the perfect place to catch up on some reading or just to hang out with friends. A lot of students use the coffee shop as a place to study or complete homework without feeling stressed, or annoyed by their surroundings.

Kaioen sells coffee and tea. They pair the drinks with pastries, such as cookies, almond croissants, and cinnamon rolls; the sweet and fresh tastes blend well with the flavorful coffee. I recommend a caramel latte as the drink is incredibly tasteful.

All listed prices are “suggested donation only,” an idea that aims to keep prices reasonable.

Album Review: Adele’s 25 REVIEWED CONNOR COMPTON

On Nov. 20, 2015 Adele released her groundbreaking album 25. The album was a shocker to most, not only because of it’s astounding sales, but also because it marked the return of an amazing artist. Her passion as a musician and as a person is really evident throughout this album. The song Water under the Bridge really highlights her lifetime struggles.

She bring many different sounds to each of her songs, from the gothic heartfelt message of “Hello,” to the bluesy breakup message of “When We Were Young,” her hardships are emotionally moving. Her message is that one learns from one’s mistakes, but it is also possible to look back on pleasant memories.

Just on one of her most famous songs, “Hello,” she made 25 million dollars. The album itself racked in a whopping 75 million dollars. Her message is clear but unique and really sheds a different light on the outcome of a situation.

SUDOKU

WRITTEN BY JESICA LITTON

The one thing that makes fire run through my already burdened veins is close-minded people.

These are the types of people who have the audacity to judge others on their flaws, which they themselves possess. These are the types of people who will not give change a chance. For people like me, you try over and over again and fail repeatedly and yet we would still try again.

These close-minded people are so quick to give up, and fail to try new things. They will automatically despise you for not following on their bandwagon of ignorance.

The most common thing that is seen is when they judge the clothes that people surrounding them are wearing. They will not, however, ask why they are dressed in these ways. The people that close-minded individuals criticize could be living underneath a bridge, or not have the funds for high dollar clothing. However, these people who judge them have no reason, nor a right to comment and to criticize these people.

The favorite hobby these people practice is stereotyping.

“She’s too fat…” (She actually has an eating disorder). “That boy’s hair is too greasy…” (He has no means of washing his hair).

Although, you will not see these haughty people taking a look at themselves.

Close-minded people will forever be consumed in their own judgmental world. They are always closed into a box of hate.

In modern society, you must think before you speak. Your words are capable of terrible things.

Disney Springs

Haiku Reviews

Pretty Little Liars

WRITTEN BY FAIZ UDDIN

WRITTEN BY SKYLAR MCNELLIS

Flash forward five years A while new “A” seeks revenge “Secrets keep us close”

Short Stories WRITTEN BY YARITZA CALVERT I remember when you woke me up at AM and picked me up to just drive around. The sunroof would be open and it would be such a cold night out. You said that the fresh morning air was better than coffee, and that when we drove, there would be no destination. I remember looked up at the stars and talking about the craziest stuff, like our future together.

I remember when we used to sneak out and walk the city at night, visiting some burger shop with flickering lights and pale yellow and blue tiles covered in dirt and French fries. That chainsmoking waitress would give us our drinks and you got lemonade with a side of water because the lemonade was too “fake.”

I remember when it was always just us, when we were the only two we could stand and no matter how much we tried to make new friends, it was always just us. Even though we were stuck together, we were so free and so different.

I remember when we were so free that we wouldn’t do anything except explore the rest of New York. I knew New York like it was the back of my hand. I remember when you used to kiss the back of my hand and tell me “everything is going to be okay” when my mom was in the hospital.

I remember when you pushed me down the hallway in a wheel chair and push me all the way to the cafeteria to get my mom some pudding. I put a pillow in my dress and pretended I was pregnant and we’d laugh at soon as they past.

I remember all of our little adventures and how much I love them, how much I love you. I can’t wait to spend the rest of our days together because that’s the only way I want to spend them, together with you.

One of the happiest places on Earth, the legendary Walt Disney World, is famous for changing and growing throughout its 45 years of existence. Most recently, the Downtown Disney shopping complex has been refurbished and renamed into what is now known as Disney Springs.

Disney Springs still has some of the original shops, restaurants and entertainment, but now also includes fresh and exciting places that are waiting to be discovered. Disney Springs’ story is now portrayed as a Floridian waterfront town, complete with a Marketplace, Town Center, The Landing, and Westside dock area.

The new additions include Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar, Morimoto Asia, and The Boathouse.

My favorite shop is the new chocolate shop called the Ganachery, which has a huge selection of ganaches and chocolates. Ganache is a smooth type of chocolate made with cream, which I find absolutely delicious!

I would recommend the cinnamon-flavored ganache, which has Sri Lankan Cinnamon and Milk Chocolate.

I also enjoyed the layout of Disney Springs. Now, it is much easier to navigate thanks to the bridge. The only thing I dislike with the revamp is the removal of Disney Quest, an indoor interactive theme park.

Overall, I love the refurbishment of Disney Springs. It has a ton to explore; I wish I could just just live there!

Top Ten Rom Coms WRITTEN BY ALEX WHITE

1. Silver Linings Playbook 2. 50 First Dates 3. Clueless 4. 13 Going On 30 5. The Princess Bride 6. The Proposal 7. The Sweetest Thing 8. John Tucker Must Die 9. Pretty Woman 10. She’s All That

ENDLESS LOVE 16 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | FEBRUARY 3, 2016

STUDENTS SHARE WAYS TO EMBRACE DAY OF LOVE FEBRUARY 2, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | 17

VALENTINE’S SURVIVAL GUIDE WRITTEN BY JESICA LITTON

Make reservations! You do not want to get stuck with an angry girlfriend at McDonald’s on Valentine’s Day. Buy her favorite flowers, do not just assume she is into roses. Do your research!

Check the weather, and plan accordingly. You do not want to plan for a hot air balloon ride in the middle of a storm.

ILLUSTRATION BY BRIA-OLLIVIERRE WILLIAMS

VALENTINE’S KEEPING UP WITH TRADITION DISASTERS WRITTEN BY JESICA LITTON

A three hour wait at Longhorn Steakhouse, landed me and friends at hooters - Biology teacher Emily Norris

Forgetting the candy I bought for my girlfriend left me single.

- Sophomore Billy Kilmer

No reservations, horseback riding in the rain, our car broke down, and we ended up at taco bell... good times.

- AP Lang teacher Shayna Hron

Everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day a little differently. It is a day full of roses, and chocolates, but some aren’t into the same old thing.

Some people go above and beyond for their significant other.

“My wife and I used to go to a Chinese restaurant that John F. Kennedy went to, and we always sat in or near that booth,” said English teacher Anthony Harrison.

Just like Harrison, head varsity football coach Wes Allen does something very special for his loved ones.

“My wife and I make home-made pizzas, and now that our child is involved, we normally make fish sticks for him,” Allen said.

For teens and younger children it is a bit different, since most do small things with their families.

“My mom buys me stuffed animals every year, and my dad buys me a giant Hallmark card,” said junior Cheyenne Hoag.

Sophomore Tyler Massengill has a similar family tradition.

“My dad buys my mother and I chocolates every year,” Massengill said.

And for those who do not have a significant other this time of year, they still keep the spirit alive. Media specialist Carol Woods fulfills this holiday by sending love to others.

“I send cards to all of my loved ones, and I also treat myself to take out from one of my favorite restaurants,” Woods said.

Others celebrate by staying inside, such as senior Anna Shelton.

“I will be opening a bottle of sparkling grape juice, and watching the man-hating channel with my cats,” Shelton said.

For others, however, every day is a day to treat their loved ones with specialty.

“I treat my bride like it is Valentines Day every day,” said ROTC instructor Masterchief Dale Marteney.

Make sure to plan something you both are interested in. Do not plan to go go-kart racing if she can’t stand it.

Do not be so cliché. Your man is very special to you, he should not be treated just as every other man.

Lastly, if you happen to be alone this Valentine’s Day, do not fret.

Go get some take out, and hang out with your gal pals.

AN ESTIMATED

198 MILLION ROSES ARE SOLD ON

VALENTINES DAY

INFOCOURTESYOFPROFLOWERS.COM

////Reviewed

////

FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | 17

Shadowhunters Freeform TV Show

SUPERLATIVE

ADMIRABLE

Just Cause 3

ADEQUATE

Action, Adventure PlayStation 4, Xbox One & PC

by Square Enix

REVIEWED BY FAIZ UDDIN The new series “Shadowhunter,” now airing on Freeform (the new name for ABC), is based off the book The Mortal Instruments assandra Clare.

A young girl named Clary Fray must find her way when her world is turned upside down, after she discovers that demons are hunting her down for the mortal cup.

The show consists of twists and turns, but some of the plot does deviate from the book.

Congratulations Rachel Platten Song

REVIEWED BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR Rachel Platten released the single “Congratulations” on Jan.1.

“Congratulations” is a song about a couple enduring problems in their relationship. All of the lyrics describe what is going on between them. The line “help me find a sharper knife, I need to cut you out my life” really emphasizes the troubles this couple is going through.

Platten has powerful vocals that really highlight the song’s meaning, indicating she relates to the song. I would look more into Platten’s new album “Wildfire,” which was released on Jan. 1, as well.

Rainbow Six: Siege

by Ubisoft Game

REVIEWED BY FERN SILVA Released on Dec. 1, 2015, Rainbow Six: Siege is the newest in the line of Rainbow Six games, produced and published by Ubisoft. The game (available on Xbox One, PS4, and PC) follows up on the franchise’s history, as a slow,

ATROCIOUS

PHOTOS BY GAMESTOP.COM

QUICK REVIEWS

Action-packed, but repetitive Just Cause 3 from Sqaure Enix and Avalanche Studios is an exciting game full of mayhem and fireballs, but I’d be hard pressed to call it amazing. The story sets out in the fictional country of Medici, a nation torn apart between the cruel General Sebastiano Di Ravello and Medici native Rico, one fighting for absolute power, the other for the liberty of an entire people.

The game plays through at a moderate pace, moving through a myriad of different regions, liberating all the settlements the whole way through, by destroying so called “chaos objects” in the various settlements that appear.

The first couple times I liberated a settlement, it was a new and awesome experience. Going in guns-blazing, grappling around and exploding every single possible source of combustion within a mile radius is exhilarating. It only lasts for so long; there soon came a point in the gameplay when I had come across all of the different types of settlements and liberating all of the settlements simply

REVIEWED BY DECLAN MCCOY

became tedious.

The actual movement pace of the game is rapid. You are grappling, parachuting, and wing-suiting your way through level after level in style.

In all honesty, the movement mechanics of this game are its saving grace. My absolute favorite aspect of this game is being able to jump straight off the sheer face of a cliff and wing-suiting down onto an enemy convoy, gracefully parachuting while raining death on my enemies in the for of two silver revolvers.

Jumping from place to place is a great way to move across the map in style, but my personal favorite is the vast assortment of military vehicles, from the super fast fighter jets raining bombs from a mile above the target to a more personal approach, like a borderline impenetrable firing explosive shells. Grabbing a group of fellow rebels and cruising down the countryside in a Humvee is also a wonderful pastime in the game.

Aspects of the game were absolutely great, but its biggest weakness lies in the fact of how repetitive it is. The mayhem

and destruction is fun while it lasts, but sooner or later it gets old and I’m not so sure the plot is strong enough to fill those gaps.

The game led me in with promises of adventure and an engrossing plot, but I got let down when the main character seemed no better than the general he so deeply opposed. When you get down to it, Rico himself is a borderline domestic terrorist, blowing up what he pleases and instituting whatever justice he deems right.

The two things Just Cause 3 does exceptionally well are its vehicles, an assortment that comes close to a game like Watchdogs for both quality and quantity, and its weapons.

It doesn’t quite come close to other games for sheer volume but that’s not to say it isn’t a blast to tear through entire regiments with duel-wielded pistols, such as an assault rifle or a rocket launcher.

In retrospect, this is the kind of game I could pick up whenever I’m bored and have half an hour because of how much fun destruction is, but this is certainly not a game I could play for hours on end.

methodical, and tactical shooter.

Though the game takes a different approach from its predecessors, it is largely a multiplayer-only game, lacking a single player story.

It also introduces, for the first time in the franchise, a large amount of different characters, each with their own look, special abilities, and weapon choice.

The game centers around a game of five players on five other players. Five players are on the attacking team, while five other players are on the defending team.

Both teams are aiming to achieve three

points. One round-based objective game, includes hostage rescue, in which the attacking team must secure a hostage, and take said hostage to an extraction zone.

Bomb defusal, another aspect, is when the attacking team must defuse one of two bombs located on the map.

Another aspect is known as area secure, where the attacking team must simply secure a location on the map.

One of the main points of the game is how realistic it is. All characters have a set armor and movement speed.

All characters have a range of armor and speed, which affects the movement

speed of the character and health, or how many bullets you can take. Even though some characters have higher armor than the others, all characters cannot survive many hits.

Another central mechanic of the game is the largely destructible environments.

Many of the walls can be breached with a range of things, from grenades, breaching charges, and more character specific items, such as a sledge hammers, a thermite breaching charge, and a weapon mounted breaching charge.

The game is priced at the cost of a average triple A title, and will be releasing new content throughout the year, all the way up to the end of 2016.

18 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Team prepares for playoff push WRITTEN BY DOUGLAS CHIODINI When the senior trifecta of Matt Milon, Qua Harper and Carlos Maffuz graduated last year, Oviedo basketball fell from state favorite to state underdog in the blink of an eye.

Apparently, the team hasn’t heard the news.

Despite losing the core of arguably the best team in program history, the Lions still display the unparalleled swagger that took the team to new heights.

With a hungry, must win mentality, recognition of mistakes, and confidence radiating from their every move, the legendary Lions basketball program is not settling for subpar amounts of success.

“We want to win,” said senior Wali Staten.

“We’re beating these teams and they’re still ahead of us on rankings, and we want to show we are better than them.

I expect to win and go all the way.”

Since losing their senior stars, the team has had to adopt a new, roleoriented style of play.

“We don’t have the straight all-star talent we had last year [that] could just come in and take over the game,” Staten said. “We have more guys that know their roles and do every other thing that somebody else can’t do.”

The influx of fresh young talent offers something that can’t be found on a team of seniors—untapped potential.

“We have a bunch of young guys on a loss, they manage to keep their cool the team,” said senior Shamus McKenna. and prime themselves for the future.

“With the leadership we have, with the “We keep a positive attitude about returning players from last year, we can things, even if we lose,” said junior Ivan teach them the ways that they can be Smith. “We just keep our heads up.” sped up fast, and going into the playoffs Keeping a level head allows the team we can have a good run. to keep their goals in their sights and stay With a new team composition came out of elongated slumps. many challenges, a lack of postseason “Every next game is the important experience game,” Staten and game said.

“Every experience district game.

Every next game is the important in general We’re trying to game. plaguing the win district, to be Senior Wali Staten Lions, they the top team for know there district, so after is work to be that game’s over done. we worry about Despite the obstacles blocking their the next one.” road to their ultimate success, the Lions Even throughout their inconsistencies, aren’t willing to surrender without a fight. the team manages to enjoy themselves “They don’t have experience yet of and unwind through their unique what it takes to go far in the playoffs,” traditions.

McKenna said. “I’ve been there for the “Nick Jones two years ago [danced] last two years now, so I know what it before every game and he passed it down takes and I can show the guys the way.” to me,” McKenna said. “I think it keeps Of the challenges they have guys loose before we play, not nervous overcome, gaining chemistry with the going into the games. It gets everyone new teammates has been the most ready to play.” crucial to gaining success.

Even though they have fun, the team “[Chemistry] raises our level of play,” knows if they want to capture the district Staten said. “We didn’t all know each championship, hard work and practice other, so when we came together and are essential. started talking and hanging out, we “We just try to work hard every day, try started knowing each other better.” to work on the right things,” said coach Even when the team succumbs to Shawn Knaub. “We’ll try to get better as their struggles, the scoreboard showing a team.”

PHOTOS BY INDIA PANTIN

SHOOTING FOR SUCCESS. Senior

Ben Hayden shoots a free throw along with sophomore Devon Knaub, making a pass.

4/2/16

4/2/16

4/2/16

ROAR BOARD

FEBURARY 3, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 19

The voice of OHS sports STAR ATHLETE: Alexys Nowak

Q- What makes this soccer season different than past seasons for you?

A- This year we have extra motivation since we got to the state finals last year, so this whole year we’ve been wanting to get back to that spot. Now we’re finally in the final four, so we have that opportunity in our hands again.

Q- How have you improved your game in pursuit of the state title?

A- I’ve been trying to make the most of all the opportunities I get and be a leader on the field, not just by telling people what to do but in the way that I play, keeping a positive atmosphere.

Q- How does a positive atmosphere improve your play and the play of the team?

A- It sounds cliché, but if one person does it the rest will follow... It’s just a better game when everyone’s positive and working hard.

Q- As a senior, what would it mean to win a state championship?

A- It would be awesome because I’ve been to the final four, this will be my third time… the only thing left to do is to win in the finals. It would just be great to go out and finish my high school career with a win.

PHOTO BY ALEX BROWNING

PINNED. Junior Josué Linares fights to get up from a pin at a scrimmage in Oviedo’s old gym.

WRESTLING

Wrestling team’s heart, hustle lead to success WRITTEN BY ANNA TAGYE

Determination and dedication, arguably the two most important qualities of wrestling, motivate the Oviedo wrestling team and push them to strive toward success.

“It’s probably one of the hardest sports I know of,” said junior Solomon Gruse. “You have to tell yourself you can do it.”

Practicing and working hard every day of the week, Gruse said the team improves their technique, match readiness and conditioning.

Although the team lost a lot of seniors after last season, the newcomers are helping ease the pain of the losses.

“We have a lot of new guys this year and not a lot of returners,” said junior Nick Sala. “It has been tough, but I think we are really good.”

While the matches are the team’s favorite part of the sport, they are also the most physically demanding, requiring grit and endurance to achieve success.

“If you last a whole match it’s going to be at least six minutes which is pretty tiring, you start to feel it when you’re done with the first period,” said Gruse.

“You get a sense of accomplishment because you have to work extremely hard to get the win,” Sala said.

PHOTO BY DELANEY ROBB TITANIC TOPSPIN. Junior Fernando Deaguiar prepares to hit a forehand at practice on Feb. 1 on the OHS tennis courts.

TENNIS

WATER POLO

Team adapts to insurgance of youth WRITTEN BY DOUG CHIODINI

The OHS water polo team is getting a makeover, but not in apparel. Because of this influx of raw talent, the team has been pushed back to square one in training.

“The only problem is that we had to start off with some of the basics,” said senior Mickey Kennedy. “We haven’t gotten into more advanced stuff yet that we’ll need to know by our first game, but at the same time they’re not a hassle. They’re learning a lot and they’re learning quickly.”

With 60 or 70 percent of the team being rookies, according to Kennedy, the learning curve was expected to be steep, especially with chemistry and teamwork.

So far, the chemistry has exceeded expectations.

“It’s so much fun,” Kennedy said. “The team is great... it’s a really good group of people.”

The rookies aren’t the only ones on a steep learning curve; first year head coach Liam Mason learns as much from the team as much as they learn from him.

“We have a really good leadership base,” Kennedy said. “Coach Mason, he’s learning a lot through us and we’re learning a lot through him.”

PHOTO BY ALEX BROWNING

INSTAGRAM OF THE MONTH:

PHOTO BY INDIA PANTIN

TWEET OF THE MONTH:

Lady Lions Soccer @oviedoGsoccer

_sammie13_

Jan. 29

your ladies are regional champs with a 2-0 win over Buchholz #finalfour #states #GOLIONS 26 RETWEETS 50 FAVORITES

199 likes

ROARing Success- Winter Sport Wrap-Up VARSITY

BOYS BASKETBALL GIRLS BASKETBALL BOYS SOCCER

GIRLS SOCCER

JUNIOR VARSITY

(14-11) GIRLS BASKETBALL (7-10-1) (16-8) BOYS SOCCER (10-4-3) (5-12-3) GIRLS SOCCER (11-2-1) (19-2) *Allstats records as Feb. of Dec. *All as of 2 8 **Info Courtesy of Maxpreps.com

PHOTO BY INDIA PANTIN

SPEED KILLS. Freshman John Wu and sophomore Jake Valente dash into a turn at track practice.

REPLACE. Sophomore Emma Early charges towards freshman Erica Taylor at lacrosse practice.

TRACK

LACROSSE

PHOTO BY ALEX BROWNING DRIVING THE PAINT. Junior Myana Strickland drives the paint against Lake Howell at the RWL gym.

BASKETBALL

20 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | FEBRUARY 3, 2016

126The f367o36r63c6e3 63l6i3v3es on859 Star Wars continuation excites new and old fans ILLUSTRATION BY MAKAILA COWART WRITTEN BY MAKAILA COWART A long time ago, in a generation far, far away… It was the period of jedis, droids, and lightsabers; a time which some of the teachers at OHS can recall.

“1978 was when the first episode came out and I was six,” said AP Psychology teacher Zack Densberger.

“I had never seen anything like that before.”

“As a six year old you’re just in awe that something like that could exist.”

Emotions run wild as the traditional yellow words scroll up the screen, and as that defining film score gives the audience chills.

Star Wars is more than a movie to watch: it’s a universe to live in.

“It was such a fantasy world to live in and it was the first one,” Densberger said. “You have all these series like Harry Potter and stuff where you live in this whole universe. This was the first

time it had been done. I didn’t realize how powerful it was.”

“It was just a big deal,” said AP World History teacher Kevin Wainscott. “It was really technologically advanced for its time.”

The series that started the evolution of the film industry links two generations by adding it’s newest episode ten years

It gives us a chance to escape from the mundane parts of our life.

Teacher Zack Densberger

later: The Force Awakens.

However, some fans are skeptical about the new continuation.

“I missed Star Wars so I’m happy that it’s coming back,” said sophomore Myana Strickland.

“I just don’t want it to be too modernized. I want it to have that Star Wars feel that it always does.”

Younger fans who grew up watching the movies on VHS or DVD can finally experience what it’s like to see the forever iconic series play on the big screen.

“I saw it opening day and seeing Lucas Film show up I was so excited,” said freshman Blake Loubier. “I got chills.”

“I had never seen any in the theaters before,” said sophomore Kaley Bonett.

“So it was really exciting because my parents had told me stories of when they had saw it in 1977 and how everyone was so taken aback. I felt really cool to be apart of that history again.”

Densberger, being among Bonett’s parents, shares what the Star Wars series means to him.

“It’s a world in which none of us will ever live in,” Densberger said. “It gives us a chance to escape from the mundane parts of our life.”

STAR WARS VS. REAL LIFE YOU’D GET 15 WIGS FROM

SHAVING CHEWBACCA IT WOULD TAKE 650 CAR BATTERIES

TO POWER

A LIGHTSABER

A REAL LIFE

AT-AT WALKER WOULD STAND AS TALL AS THE WHITE HOUSE

THERE ARE MORE STORM TROOPERS

ON THE DEATH

STAR THAN THERE ARE PEOPLE IN AFRICA INFOCOURTESYOFCRACKED.COM