OHS students have been practicing for months for the upcoming musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Check out photos of rehearsals before seeing the show beginning Feb. 22.
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Junior Allison Tate-Cortese has won numerous awards for her skills in video production. Learn more about her winnings inside.
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ION’S TALE
F e b r u a r y 5, 2 010
Volume 50
Issue 4
601 K ing Street
Oviedo, Florida
‘What NOT to Wear’
OHS only school in county to offer Uniforms on the way if students not in compliance biotech track Victoria Persampiere
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news editor
magine this: a science class where medical-minded students can get a headstart with engaging and challenging lab activities, where the textbooks will address such concepts as recombinant DNA technology, nanotechnology, and genetic disorders, and where ambitious students may have the opportunity to secure internships and real-life research opportunities. Sounds awfully collegiate, right? Now, imagine that class at the high school level – specifically, at OHS. Science and math fans rejoice: OHS has officially unveiled a new curriculum aimed specifically at students with an interest in the field of biotechnology. Called a “Program of Emphasis,” this new Bioscience Technology track will be open in the 2010-2011 school year to all students sophomore year and above. “It’s basically the study of using living things to advance human needs. It covers gene modification to make plants more pest resistant – it’s applied daily all the time in subjects like the golden rice projects, stem cell research, and the Human Genome Project,” said PJ Kreahling, one of the teachers involved in the development of the program. “So many students tell me ‘I want to be a doctor,’ but there are just so many other aspects to the field – and we’ll explore them in this program.” Biotechnology is one of the fastestgrowing fields internationally, and a knowledge of the basics can open doors to hundreds of career paths. “There are 3750 careers in biotechnology and 184 business in the field just in the state of Florida. It’s not just medicine, either – it’s also agriculture, water, ecology, pharmaceuticals… there are literally thousands of career options for students in the biotech program,” said Principal Robert see BIOTECH, page 5
Dress code faux pas
X HATS XHOODS XUNDERGARMENTS SHOWING
XSUNGLASSES
X
2010-2011
Hats, caps, visors, hoods, bandanas, or other head gear.
X Halter tops, tube
XTANK TOPS
tops, backless tops, spaghetti straps, tank tops, shirts with low cut “The necklines. student Exposure of population undergarments, could do cleavage, and with a little midriffs.
X
more selfcensorship.”
Kelly Hines ‘11
XMIDRIFFS
X Skintight
clothing, pajamas, trench-coats, and suggestive garments.
X Dresses, skirts or
shorts above mid-thigh in length.
“Some people wear tank tops all the time. What if it’s hot out? It’s Florida.”
Rips/tears above XBOXERS X mid-thigh. SHOWING
X Underwear worn
XTOO
as outerwear, bathing suits, cheer shorts, bike shorts, and spandex material bottoms.
SHORT SHORTS
Kimberly Thevenin ‘13
X Cleats, slippers, and
shoes with wheels. Jewelry or accessories that pose a safety concern such BARE as dog collars, wallet chains, and large hair FEET picks.
X
FLIP-FLOPS OKAY?
X
After much debate, flipflops will continue to be allowed.
Information courtesy of Seminole County Public Schools
see DRESS CODE, page 2 photo illustrations/MIRANDA GHALI
Student body reaches out to help Haiti victims Caitlyn Braswell
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co-sports editor
nly days after the 7.0 earthquake struck, Haiti resident Cindy Gassan moved to Florida and joined the OHS student body as a senior. “I took the plane alone here. I’m living with my sister now while I go to school,” said Gassan. Though most of her family still resides in Port-au-Prince, Gassan doesn’t plan on going back soon. “My dad wanted me to come here because it’s bad [in Haiti]. We have no home. I wanted to stay. It’s my country and I wanted to help,” said Gassan. The quake struck close to home - affecting students on campus as well. Junior Chantel Ashley sits in front of the television stunned as newscasters retell the horrors of a 7.0 earthquake that shook an entire country—and her hometown. “I was speechless at first. I didn’t believe it. I had to let it sink in. After it had finally sunk in I just cried. There was no way to get in touch with them; all the land lines were down. I photo/KEVIN VELOSO WE CAN HELP. Senior Paige Lenssen donates money to the NHS, SHS, Beta Club, was just really in fear of the unknown,” said Ashley. Not long after the news reported on the destruction, and Gay Straight Alliance collections for Haiti while sophomore Drew Freeburn helps Ashley got an email from her father who lives in collect. The money will be donated to USAid to help all victims of the earthquake.
Port-au-Prince. “He told me a little bit about what had happened down there. He didn’t go into much detail because I think he didn’t want me to worry,” said Ashley. “Most of my family lives in Haiti: my real mom, my baby sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins. My sister was the one who called me and let me know that my aunt and two of my cousins had died. A lot of my family is still missing, too.” Sophomore Scotty David, with at least 25 relatives in both Portau-Prince and the southern city of Jacmel, spent a great deal of his time Cindy Gassan ‘10 reaching family after the earthquake as well. “We called them but it was really hard to reach my family right after the earthquake. My parents had to call multiple times and it took about three days before they finally made contact with the family. Luckily no one was injured,” said David. With both media coverage and personal reports of damage see HAITI, page 3
February 5, 2010
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The Lion’s Tale
News n
Angela-Mia
r e h c a e T Year
FCAT Writing, Reading, Math, Science dates to remember Feb. 9 - Writing (Grade 10) Feb. 10 - Writing (Makeups) March 9 - Reading ( Grades 9 +10, retakes for 11+12) March 10 - Math (Grades 9 + 10, retakes for 11+12) March 11 - Science (Grade 11)
of the
Mane Attraction dance team places in championship, competes in Nationals at Disney The Mane Attraction dance team placed at a championship competition at Seminole High School. The JV girls took 1st in both Jazz and Hip Hop, and the varsity team took 3rd in both routines. The team’s soloists placed as well, with seniors Cynthia Darrenkamp taking 4th, Stephanie Carter winning 7th and junior Andrea Marquinez finishing with 11th. During the weekend of Jan. 30-31, the team competed at the Amway Arena. JV placed 1st in Hip Hop and 2nd in Jazz, and Varsity placed second in Jazz and third in Hip Hop. The girls participated in Nationals at Disney’s Wide World of Sports on Feb. 5-7. They will finish out the season with two more competitions, and then dance together for the last time at the Spring Show on May 21. There is a mandatory parent meeting on Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. for the parents of girls interested in trying out for the 20102011 school year.
Best of high school press
The Lion’s Tale newspaper and The Oviedian Yearbook are featured in The Best of High School Press publised by NSPA and distributed nationally and online at studentpress.org/NSPA.
Students collecting used dresses for the OHS Dress Extravaganza Seniors Samantha Tolentino and Frances Vazquez have planned an OHS Dress Extravaganza on Feb 27 in the media center. If any students have gently used dresses, they may donate them by dropping them off to Patty Blake or Sandy Traeger by Feb 23.
Kilmer
Kilmer teaches formula for college success photo/KEVIN VELOSO
Victoria Persampiere
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cumulative ‘college ready’ percent is 86%; to at least two colleges. “[My class] is especially relevant now, the entire program test ‘college ready.’ The since college readiness is now a portion of state average is somewhere around 45%.” our school’s grade,” said Kilmer. “I make College readiness is tested through sure my kids are ready in as many ways as College Placement Tests (or CPTs) which they can be for college.” SCC offers to all of Kilmer’s MCR students. Kilmer also takes care to ensure that all The test is used to place students in the of her students are well prepared to take her correct math classes in college. Passing the in-class tests. CPT well can help students segue directly “I think one of the major uses for my into advanced math classes in college – but Kilmerisms is just to increase confidence poor performance can seriously discourage and decrease anxiety,” she said. “I’m a big college freshmen. believer in taking away the deep dark secrets “If you do poorly on College Placement of math. My students will always know what Tests (CPTs), you get stuck in what I call to study for a test, because it’s just not fair to ‘math hell’, which are pretty much just give them a ton of material and just tell them prep courses in college that you pay tons of to ‘study everything.’” money for but don’t receive any credit for,” Kilmer has been teaching for 22 years said Kilmer. around the world, including four years spent Her main goal is to keep her students out on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She has of these prep courses and allow them to take been teaching at OHS since 1998. the courses they’ll need to earn a degree. “Oh, and I just wanted to let my Algebra II The extent of Kilmer’s teaching doesn’t students know I love them, too,” said Kilmer, end simply at math – in fact, numbers and after she explained all of the information formulas make up only a portion of her MCR about her MCR classes. curriculum. The rest is devoted to getting her And it’s that love for her students, and students as college-ready as they can be; her her confidence in their ability to do well that students do projects to hone the skills which leaves a lasting impression and won Kilmer would be most helpful in a college setting, the teacher of the year award. and they are required to research and apply
news editor meaning that 86% of my students through
hanks to math teacher Angela-Mia Kilmer, certain OHS students can recite the Pythagorean theorem to the tune of ‘Row, row, row your boat.’ Kilmer’s Math for College Readiness (MCR) and Algebra II Honors students have always benefited from her confident, open teaching style – and it’s this ability to teach that earned Kilmer the OHS teacher of the year award for the 2009-2010 school year. “I love to teach my students silly ways of remembering things. I hear from past students some of my Kilmerisms and notes help a lot in college,” said Kilmer. “I have one girl who graduated six years ago who came back and mentioned that she still uses her notes from this class in her college math classes.” And college readiness is Kilmer’s main objective. She designed the content and teaching method in her own MCR class, and the curriculum is quickly catching on elsewhere. “Senate Bill 1908 requires schools to offer my MCR course,” said Kilmer. “It’s just so exciting for me to see my baby get picked up like that.” Her program’s widespread popularity is due in part to its obvious success. “My
Board says new dress code serves as last warning Emily Cottrell
A
co-diversions editor
merican Idol contestant Larry Platt’s infectious song lyrics, “Pants on the ground, pants on the ground, looking like a fool with your pants on the ground,” echo the sentiments of the Seminole County School Board. A new dress code policy featuring stricter enforcement of violations that include wearing tank tops, hats or hoods, baggy pants, and short shorts will take effect for the 2010 – 2011 school year. If these rules are not taken seriously, the Seminole County School Board will make the policy even stricter. “The School Board is giving us a year to tighten up and follow the new rules or they will move us to the uniform policy,” said Executive Director of Executive Secondary Schools, Walt Griffin. Principal Robert Lundquist states that the school will indeed be following these new guidelines, and acknowledges the challenge of enforcing them. “It’s going to be difficult for the administration staff to enforce the dress code. We’ll do the best we can, and it will take great time and effort. It is going to be especially difficult with the more stringent requirements. Primarily, I believe the mid-thigh rule (for shorts and dresses with the females) is going to be the biggest compliance issue,” said Lundquist.
Another item that will provide a challenge is the shirt rule. They do tend to be more convenient, simple, and cheaper,” Each top must either have sleeves or a collar. In other words, said Hines. no tank tops will be allowed. Freshman Cari Cook believes that stricter dress codes and Many students worry that hoodies will be prohibited, but the threatening uniform policy are unfair. only wearing the hoods up will be. “I don’t think there are really any problems with how “We are going to do our best to educate the students over students are dressed, and I don’t want uniforms. That doesn’t the next year about seem reasonable at all,” said Cook. what is appropriate Humanities teacher Suzanne Barnett thinks a dress “So many teenagers are just code policy is necessary, but that uniforms may be a and what isn’t,” said Lundquist. following trends. What’s available bit much. Junior Kelly do think that because there is a county-wide to them happens to defy dress code, dress“I code, Hines agrees with schools should try to enforce it. However, and that’s unfortunate.” the School Board’s I have been here a long time, and I don’t want to decision. Suzanne Barnett, see an even stricter code involving uniforms. Some “Maybe I’m Humanities teacher clothing and hairdos are not appropriate or can be an really straightlaced, obstruction to learning, but I don’t believe the severity but I feel changing of uniforms is necessary. So many teenagers are just the dress code policy is probably a good thing. The student following the trends. What’s available to them happens to defy population could do with a little more self-censorship. We are dress code, and that’s unfortunate,” said Barnett. here for education, not to make a statement of personality. On Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Media Center, the PTSA will You have to acknowledge your audience – your teachers. You host a fashion show that highlights the yes’ and no’s of the new dress code policy. District officials will be present to should act like the adult you hope to become,” said Hines. answer any questions. Opinions vary when it comes to the idea of uniforms. “I went to a private school, so I don’t really mind uniforms.
The Lion’s Tale
February 5, 2010
News
Students band together to help Haiti 100
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Donations in Millions
60
40
20
Aid to Haiti
by Country
In times of crisis, individual countries pledge aid to the affected nation. However, the majority of donations come from individual charities, like the one run on campus by Spanish Honor Society, Beta Club, National Honor Society and Gay-Straight Alliance, which has collected around $300 at the time of press and continues to raise money through donations. T-shirts will soon become available, and all proceeds will go to the Haiti relief effort. Collectively, United States citizens, companies, and private investors have donated over $644 million.
info: counterpunch.org
from HAITI, page 1 to family members in the US, many find it hard not to imagine the damage their relatives endure. “My cousin’s home was completely destroyed and some of the buildings in my uncle’s orphanage have been destroyed and affected by the earthquake. It’s so crazy to think about, knowing that my family is temporarily living on the streets without shelter makes me feel sad because there isn’t much we can do other than send supplies and money,” said David. For Ashley, who lived in Haiti for seven years, the damage is hard to imagine. “I’m worried about the damage. Everything is so bad down there. There are bodies lying in the roads. People are afraid to go into their own homes because they might collapse. Most families, like mine, are just living in the streets in front of their homes right now,” said Ashley. Only days after the Earthquake disaster in Haiti, senior Cindy Gassan left her home in Haiti to join Oviedo High School. “I took the plane alone to come here and live with my sister,” said Gassan. Gassan intends to stay here in Florida for a while, “My father decided I would leave after the Earthquake. We have no home now. I wanted to stay in Haiti because it’s my country and I wanted to stay and help,” said Gassan. While major organizations such as the Red Cross have gathered over $63 million for supplies to the Haiti community, many families find it harder than expected to get their personal care packages to relatives in Haiti. “My family has nothing right now. We sent them clothes and this week we’re sending money. Me and my mom are sending as much as we can but they’re going to have to wait awhile to receive it,” said Ashley. Others like David avoided personal care boxes and chose to help through Red Cross donations, “My family hasn’t received any supplies yet. They have received small portions of food and a little bit of supplies but other than that they have not really got much to be effective,” said David. “We haven’t been able to send supplies because with the earthquake crisis they would more than likely not receive the goods we send but we have given financial support through the Red Cross and different organizations.” While many families try hard to get flights to Haiti and help their relatives out, both David and Ashley know how hard that is to achieve right now. “My parents are trying to contact my uncle and cousins to figure out when they can go to Haiti but right now they are limiting who they are allowing into the country because of all the aid and support coming into the country. It’s always been my family’s hope to go to Haiti but not under these circumstances. Unfortunately, Haiti is so fragile and the need for relief efforts is so real that there are restrictions about who can go into the country,” said David. Although many others aren’t connected personally to the people to Haiti, people all over the
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0 world are still working together to help the small nation in their time of need. A group of three students spent a week collecting items from their home followed by a weekend yard sale to collect money for Haiti. After hearing about the earthquake on the news, sophomore Savannah Lacey’s mother suggested to the girls that a yard sale would be a good way to help the Haitians. Not long after the suggestion was made, the girls began searching their houses for items to sell. “I brought over clothes and toys for the yard sale. Alex brought her stuffed animals, lotions, hats, belts, and kids’ toys for it too,” said Lacey. “I also brought over some Pomelos from the tree in my backyard. We started selling them for a dime but they were a really big hit and raised them to a quarter. We sold at least 70.” By the end of the weekend, the girls made a combined total of $265 which they sent to the Red Cross. Though it was a lot of work, all the girls said it was worth it.
“It made me feel really good to raise money for Haiti. We met a guy who was actually from Haiti and he was very thankful for what we were doing. It just felt really great,” said sophomore Hayley Carter - Frederickson. Along with individual projects to earn money, many clubs joined together to send money to Haiti. “Spanish Honor Society, National Honors Society, the Gay-Straight Alliance, Beta club and Colonel Nardo were all planning on separately raising money. Then we all decided to just get together and make it a joint effort,” said senior Kevin Veloso. To raise cash, members from each of these clubs go around each lunch asking for any donations from pennies to dollars. “So far we’ve raised $270 and NHS plans on donating $110 on their own as well. We plan on having our last day for donations on the 19 of Feb.,” said Veloso. Veloso also had GSA member, senior Miranda Harmon, draw a design for a Haiti relief shirt they
will sell with all proceeds going straight to US aid for Haiti. “The shirts say ‘We Can Help’ on the front with a bandage and on the back there is a drawing of Haiti with another bandage on it. We are selling them for $10 to help raise money too,” said Veloso. Other students and their families feel compelled to help Haiti in other ways such as fostering abused and orphaned children in Haiti. “Because of the poverty they have and how much help they need, we know we can provide for a child,” said junior Kadee Turner. “We have put our names on a list with the Department of Children and Families. Our church is trying to set up an organization for people to foster them as well, it depends on if our church comes through.” As Americans and others all over the world bind together to help the people of Haiti, outlooks on life quickly changed. “This has definitely changed my outlook on life. It just shows how anyone’s situation can change in a heartbeat and that we should be grateful for what we have,” said David.
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News
February 5, 2010
The Lion’s Tale
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‘You’re a Good Man,
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CHARLIE BROWN’ all photos/BAILEY, EUBANKS, VELOSO
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. (1) Senior John Colon and Junior April Sullivan practice the song “My New Philosophy.”
(2) Sophomore Ali Hartwig and Freshmen Casey Green rehearse their lines on stage. (3) Seniors Ryan Johnston, freshmen Taylor Schwarz, and seniors Mark V. Harriot, and Gina Scheraldi practice singing a song in the chorus room. (4) Freshman Andrea Dobo works on Snoopy’s house for the set. (5)Sophomore Dallas Marcone watches on stage as sophomore Hartwig and Green rehearse a scene. (6) Sophomore Max Moothart and Dobo work inside Snoopy’s doghouse. (7) Freshman Megan Mullally paints Shroder’s little piano. (8) Jenn Devine instructs the set designers on how to paint Charlie Brown’s mailbox.
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Drama dominates at competition, prepares for musical
Carson Bailey
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co-editor-in-chief
roupe 4564 of OHS stepped into the Dr.Philips High School Auditorium, ready to dominate competition. After three days of competition troupe 4564 left with not one but four Best in Shows, and OHS once again stole the stage. “Receiving a Best in Show is a very high honor in any category. I was ecstatic about receiving my one, but four Best in Shows is practically unheard of. The only troupe to have ever received four or more was WSHS my freshman year,” said senior Sandia Ahlers. “Four Best in Shows from one troupe is just straight up incredible and we are all honored to have been recognized in such a way.” Hours of rehearsal and preparation contributed to this achievement. “Our students have been preparing for this year’s district competition since competition
ended last year,” said senior Claire Shackelford. payed off,”said Moothart. While competition is over for now, troupe “We auditioned in Sept. and have been 4564 will be traveling to Tampa in April for perfecting our pieces since then.” Ahlers, being a new addition to troupe 4564 state competition. Troupe 4564 focuses have now turned from this year, has seen a great change over the past competition to the upcoming musical, You’re a four years in competition. “As a tranfer from WSHS this year, I must Good Man, Charlie Brown. say that from the outside, “We’ve been preparing OHS has definitely for Charlie Brown since early upped their game since See You’re a Good Man, December, even though we’ve my freshman year. Our Charlie Brown on Feb. 26-28 been practicing for about a month one act, though it did not in the Gerald R. Cassanova and a half we still have a long place, was the favorite Performing Arts Center way to go,” said sophomore of most anyone I spoke Drew Freeburn “Many of the to from District 5,” said practices in early January were Ahlers. “Our 5th Best in Show for Technical for competition and the entire week of District Performance (in a one act) is also one of the competition we didn’t get much rehearsal in.” highest honors for a troupe.” In preparation for the musical, cast members Agreeing with Ahlers is senior Spencer have been reading the Peanuts comic strip Moothart. every Sunday. “Our troupe definitely stepped it up and it “All the cast tries to read the Peanuts strip
every Sunday, but it’s difficult to understand the characters on a psychological level. Because each strip is just an excerpt from an average day in the Peanuts life,” said Freeburn. Senior Gina Scheraldi takes inspiration from these Sunday comics and tries to translate the comics to stage. “The comic strip has actually helped me, because it gives enough information for me to base my character off of, but it also allows enough room for me to add my own interpretation into my character,” said Scheraldi. “Be prepared to be immersed in the world of Charles Shulz’ Peanuts characters. We want the audience to feel as though they are hanging out with Charlie Brown and all of his friends. We plan on utilizing the whole auditorium to achieve this. The show will be funny, family friendly, and something you’ve never seen before,”said Shackelford
The Lion’s Tale
February 5, 2010
News
5
School to start a week earlier to boost scores Stephanie O’Sullivan for semesters. So I think they should be after staff reporter break so we can prepare more for them,” said
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tarting school a week earlier. No week Campbell. off for Thanksgiving. Semester exams Junior Alex Lewis is completely against before winter break. These are just a the new schedule. few of the changes in the schedule for the “That is a dumb idea and I am 100% upcoming school year, starting on August 16, against it. I’m going to home-school if this 2010. gets enacted,” said Lewis. “We in Seminole County feel it is Students have expressed mixed feelings beneficial to start a week earlier, so that we about the upcoming winter break. can prepare for FCAT and for the AP exams “If you get out for Christmas break right in the spring. Also, it allows us to end the before Christmas, then it just doesn’t feel like first semester before the holiday break,” said Christmas,” said senior Jessica Hardy. Principal Robert Lundquist. Junior Patrick Elliot said, “It really doesn’t Assistant Principal Marcia Haskel agrees matter to me. Whatever the school does is up that the extra week of school before FCAT to them.” gives the students AP Human more time to work on Geography teacher “I don’t think our students will be strategies and improve Jason McDonald is important skills. in favor of the new impacted too greatly. Our students One of the biggest schedule. adapt better than others.” advantages, to “Ending the first Principal semester before Lundquist, is having Robert Lundquist the holiday break semester exams before the winter break. is just a natural “I like the fact that ending point. When we are ending before the holidays. Obviously the students come back, they can start fresh it’s more educationally sound. It will make with a new semester. As a teacher, I also like it more sense instead of having exams when from the planning side of teaching, but other students come back from break. I feel they than that, I don’t think I’ll be impacted by the will perform better on their exams with this new schedule that much.” change. Also, we hope to have semester exam Lundquist believes that student attendance exemptions back for A/B Honor Roll students around Thanksgiving could initially be a next year,” said Lundquist. problem, since this years’ schedule included Sophomore Sidney Lalich agrees. a five day break from school. “I think exams before break is definitely “In the past, we never had a week off for better because you don’t have to worry about Thanksgiving. Most families tend to plan exams over break. It just makes more sense,” around the school year, but I believe that said Lalich. initially it could prove to be a problem. Even Junior Alexandria Campbell, however, five years ago when we didn’t have the five disagrees. day break at Thanksgiving, we had absences. “You need a couple of weeks to study So families will just have to adapt,” said from BIOTECH, page 1 Lundquist. And it’s not just a single class, either; once the program is in full effect, students will be able to follow a sequence of three courses in one of three separate areas of emphasis – bioscience, biotechnology, and biomathematics. Each of these fields will address a different portion of the student populace. Lundquist, Kreahling, and fellow science teachers Kathy Savage and Amy Demins are currently working to start the program at level one with just Biotechnology I and Bioscience I. Later on, they hope to begin offering additional
photo/KEVIN VELOSO
GETTING IT TOGETHER. Counselors Marilyn Gunther and Eileen Roberts get FCAT writing materials ready for testing on Tuesday, Feb. 9.
Lundquist. Lundquist also believes that the new schedule will not have a huge impact on the students or parents at Oviedo High School. “I don’t think our students will be impacted too greatly. Our students adapt better than others. It’s a bit of an inconvenience for them, but I know they will adapt. As of right now, I’m not sure exactly how the parents will react, but I feel they will be fine with it. I know it’s not ideal, but we only had so many days that we could choose from,” said Lundquist. This explains the lack of a full week at Thanksgiving or a fall break. However, Junior Leonardo Matos is still not fully impressed with the new schedule. “I think we should have a fall break because it is right next to our exams. We are
courses – Bioscience and Biotechs II, III and an entirely new math-based route beginning with Biomathematics I, II, and III and extending to cover additional calculus courses. “We’re also in the process of connecting with UCF, and we’re visiting Burnham and UF,” said Lundquist (UF has a similar program at Santa Fe High in Gainesville). For now, there are no definite decisions as to who will teach the new courses. Kreahling, Demins and Savage are all qualified, and Demins plans on attending UF’s two-week Industrial Biotechnology Teacher Experience course during the summer. There is also a possibility that some of these classes would be taught by professors from a local post-
going to be worn out from studying and we’ll need a break,” said Matos. “I think the new schedule will work better with semester exams. Since they are before Christmas break, we won’t forget the material and will get better grades. Sometimes change is just necessary, and this is for the better, “ said sophomore Ellie Weinbel.
Dates to remember
Aug. 16: First Day of Student Attendance Nov. 24-26: Thanksgiving Break Dec. 23: Schools Closed for Students/Teacher Workday Dec. 24 - Jan. 5: Winter Break Jan. 6 - 7: Teacher Work Days Mar. 21-25: Spring Break June 1: Last Day of Student Attendance *dates subject to change
secondary institution. While the details are still sketchy, Lundquist, the science teachers, and the Seminole County School Board have all expressed excitement and interest in the idea, said Kreahling. Disney awarded the school a $10,000 grant to initiate the program, which will hopefully benefit not only OHS students but the entire county. “We’re the first of our kind in Seminole County,” said Principal Robert Lundquist. “Currently, the program is open to OHS students and transfer students. Once we develop the program more, there’s a possibility that we may become a magnet school. Really, what we’re doing is giving students an opportunity to work in fields where they are needed.”
Course Info Bioscience Bioscience three-year curriculum plan
Biotechnology
Prerequisites: A’s in 9th grade Standard Biology, B’s in Honors Biology or AP Biology, and A’s or B’s in Honors Geometry. Progression: Freshman Year: prerequisite classes Sophomore Year: Honors/AP Chem, Honors Algebra II, Bioscience I Junior Year: AP Bio/AP Chem/Honors Physics, Honors Pre-Calc, Biosci II Senior Year: AP Bio/AP Chem/Honors Anatomy, Calculus AB/BC, Bioscience III (with an internship or research experience and possible involvement in BioGENEius Challenge) “Bioscience is aimed at the student who may want to get involved with a four-year program or a post-graduate program,” said Lundquist. This course is meant to be taken in conjunction with a rigorous science and math schedule, as Biology and Chemistry are major components of the course. “Bioscience is based less on technical skills and more on research and understanding of concepts,” said Kreahling. The course will hopefully offer an opportunity for students to intern at local businesses in the biotechnology field, and may contain an assignment for the International BioGENEius Challenge.
Biotechnology three-year curriculum plan
Prerequisites: A’s or B’s in 9th grade standard or honors Biology and Algebra I, and the concurrent enrollment in both Chemistry and Geometry or above in 10th grade. Progression: Freshman Year: prerequisite classes Sophomore Year: Standard Chem or above, Geometry, Biotechnology I Junior Year: Standard Physics or above, Algebra II or above, Biotech II Senior Year: AP Bio/AP Chem/Standard Anatomy Physiology, College Algebra or above, Biotech III (with job-shadow experience) “Biotech is designed for the student looking to enter the biotechnology workforce, where they can connect with SCC and Valencia and get a certification,” said Lundquist. Many careers in biotechnology require an associate’s degree or a certification past the high-school level, and they are in high demand – so building a solid foundation at the high school level is a must. “Biotechnology is at the vocational level,” said Kreahling “It’ll be more skillbased.”
Biomathematics
This course will not be offered in the 2010-2011 school year; however, it may be offered in the future in conjunction with the bioscience and biotechnology classes. The proposed plan includes additions to the existing math curriculum, including two new Calculus classes.
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February 5, 2010
The Lion’s Tale
Opinion
“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” - George Bernard Shaw
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Our Word
YOU
Recovery for Haiti
Tragedy has struck Haiti in the form of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Many students at Oviedo High School have began charitable efforts. National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, Gay Straight Alliance, and Beta Club are teaming up to collect money and donating it to US AID. Recently, President Barack Obama pledged an initial $100 million in aid, which was later raised to $379 million with 42% of the money going to direct disaster assistance. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush formed the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, a charity organization to aid victims of the earthquake, “to help the Haitian people reclaim their country and rebuild their lives.” This is exactly what needs to be done. Even before the earthquake, Haiti had a plethora of issues. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the least developed in the world. Contributing factors of this include: dictatorship, political corruption, embezzlement, rebellion, drug trafficking, child slavery, illiteracy, and poverty. Now is the time for an economic recovery, to terminate all the problems that reigned terror upon this nation. For starters, Haiti needs functioning roads, security, electricity, and new sanitation. Making the nation beautiful hopefully would influence outside nations to invest in Haitian business. Foreign aid makes up approximately 30–40% of the Haitian government’s budget. Being the largest donor, the United States has provided Haiti with a bountiful amount of funds. It is time for Haiti to begin to flourish economically and get on its way to being a self-sufficient nation. Haitians need more than relief for their current predicament. They need jobs that they can depend on for years to come. The earthquake may have changed opportunities in Haiti, but hasn’t reduced them necessarily. Unexploited economic opportunities surround the country. High quality crops such as mangoes and coffee are grown in Haiti but aren’t marketed well. Also, the United States provides Haiti with duty-free access to American apparel. Profitable garment factories along Haiti’s eastern border have served for good competition with China. Expansion in the garment industry or any other manufactured good could flourish. If successful, industrialization in Haiti will catapult the nation to economic prosperity. If unsuccessful, Haiti will return to the same position they’ve been in. Basically, the option is to remain an undeveloped country or become self-sufficient. In order for Haiti to be a thriving and developed nation they need help from outside investors. There are plenty of organizations where people can donate money to Haiti’s recovery, but it’s important to make sure the organization is legit. If you would like to donate for the recovery of Haiti, The Lion’s Tale suggests that you go to: www.ClintonBushHaitiFund.org.
LION’S TALE Staff
Editors-in-chief Carson Bailey Miranda Ghali
News Editor
Victoria Persampiere
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NHS President asks for students’ help ear Students, Recently, there was a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti. Buildings were damaged, lives were lost, and homes were destroyed - all of this in the poorest country in the western hemisphere. The people of this country clearly need help, and now is the time to act. Throughout the next few weeks, the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Gay Straight Alliance, and the Spanish Honor Society will be collecting monetary donations at lunch for the victims of the earthquake. On behalf of these clubs, I urge everybody who can donate to do so. We have the chance to rebuild a community, repair lives, and help those who have lost so much. Though we are a small community, we can make a difference. Thank you for your continued support throughout this time of need.
-James Telson, ‘10
Want to submit a letter? You can send letters to the editors at room 05-020 or email us at editors@thelionstale.com
Thanks to grandmother, advisor, friend The pursuit of happiness
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Tiffany Ray
features editor
he smell of antiseptics wafted around me as I clutched the provided teddy bear, and grinded my teeth. My hair pulled back in a low ponytail to expose my ear, I squeezed my eyes shut and thought of my grandmother a foot away, who didn’t have the luxury of closing her eyes. She watched as the earring pushed though my cartilage, and listened as I breathed an exasperated breath. My grandmother volunteered to help me get my ear pierced. I really needed the help, I assure you. I paced in front of Claire’s for 20 minutes, stomach churning, before I finally went in. I’ve always been frightened of needles, or anything piercing my skin. When I was seven, I tucked my arms into my dress at the doctor’s office when it was time for my finger prick. I’ve always called my Grandmother “Nini,” and she’s always been there for me in the times of fear and strife. She’s blonde, like me, with soft features, and a welcome smile. More importantly, she’s got these sparkling blue eyes. At least they sparkle when she listens to me sing. And, I tell you, she’s only one of the few who really listen to what I’m singing about. But her hair cuts short above her shoulders, uncurled, because she doesn’t have time to spend on creating an image of luxurious hair. Nevertheless, she is beautiful. But her soft features turn down into lines of worry, and anguish. The shadows beneath her blue eyes deepen. Her hands shake, and I watch her rub them still. Her feet ache, but she doesn’t have
Opinion Editors
Sports Editors
time to rest them on a pillow. She sleeps on the couch because she can’t move her back during the night, or the burning pain will wake her up. These aches and pains are not only from age – she is a young grandmother, compared to most 17 year olds’ grandparents. My mother had me at 21 after all, and Nini had my mother young, too. Nini exerts her every ounce of energy into her work, into dealing with people in our lives who hurt her, and into making me happy. Only last weekend did she tell me that my happiness was worth the trouble of paying our way to New York this year. We’re going to New York on the chorus field trip. It’s been almost two decades since Nini last stepped onto a plane, and she hadn’t planned to any time soon. That is, until I mentioned the trip. I didn’t want to ask for the money to go, especially with the economic hardship we’ve experienced lately. I mentioned it in passing, and explained I didn’t want to go. But she knows me too well. She’s even going to accompany me, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. She hasn’t been on a plane in decades. She’s more than a grandmother to me – she’s an advisor, a true mother figure, and a friend. I spend a bit of almost every weekend with her. In fact, I share my room with my sister at her house, our home. Some of my best memories are walking
Staff Artists
Jordan Hugh Sam Julia Thorncroft
Connor Bailey Caitlyn Braswell
Features Editor
Miranda Harmon Wesley Wynne
Advertising Editors
Staff Reporters
Tiffany Ray
Diversions Editors Carly Brower Emily Cottrell
John Campbell Amanda Ferguson
Photographers Kevin Veloso
Miranda Betterley Jordan Branch Angiee Carey Nirvani Khan
with her in the garden, wincing in the sun, and trying to remember the names of all her plants. Flowers make her feel close to her mother. I suppose one dark day I will have flowers to remind me of her memory. We also have the red birds. Every year red cardinals come to our tree and nest. And every year a red bird comes to my Nini’s window while she looks out at her flowers, or washes the dishes. Cardinals are not known for venturing as close to humans as our birds do. We personally believe that her mother’s spirit sends us a red bird every year, and fills us with hope and joy. You may think the idea is ridiculous, and unprecedented. But so is believing in anything, God or otherwise. So we believe, and it has remained a special symbol for our family. If I ever get a tattoo, it will be in Nini’s memory, and it will be a red bird. When I was little, I religiously listened to “Who I Am” by Jessica Andrews, changing the lyrics in my mind to fit my life. “I am [Jean Deveney’s] granddaughter, the spitting image of my father, and when the day is done, my [Nini’s] still my biggest fan.” In fact, I’m listening to it as I write this, thinking about how sparkly eyed she’ll be when she reads this. I don’t thank her enough for everything she does for me; for all the love she’s given me. I don’t want to ask myself one day, in the words of Jimmy Eat World, “What would you think of me now? So lucky, so strong, so proud. I never said thank you for that. Now I’ll never have a chance.” So I’m saying it now. Thank you, and I love you Nini.
photo courtesy/TIFFANY RAY
Lindsay Knox Hallie Lavery Kaitlyn Loughlin Curtis O’Brien Stephanie O’Sullivan Kimberly Segrest Jennifer Wakas
Faculty Advisor Deborah Jepson
Administrative Advisor Anna McCarthy
Oviedo High School
601 King Street, Oviedo FL 32765 • Phone: 407-3204199 • Fax: 407-320-4213
Online
The Lion’s Tale is accessible through the OHS website. The Lion’s Tale reserves the right to refuse ads. The views of the staff do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, staff, or faculty of Oviedo High School.
The Lion’s Tale
February 5, 2010
Cherish every minute of senior year
can prepare for. Sometimes it sneaks up on you and you have to fight it off on the spot. Even the best students fall prey to this awful disease. After all, three and a half years of working hard takes it’s toll. Writes And this brings us to the question: what is high school for? Is high school merely a four year-long preparation designed to impress the college admissions? It certainly seems that way at times. We take AP classes to free our future college selves. We spend Miranda Harmon staff artist years preparing for the SAT’s just to get a good score. ell guys, here we are. A new Yes, it certainly seems that way. decade with new possibilities, But on the other hand, we can do more and for my fellow seniors, the last than that. We can take what we learn beyond semester here at dear old Oviedo. the testing centers. No matter what anyone A lot of us have either gotten into tells you, there is more to this college or have acceptance letters on the thing than grades. Don’t way. ever let anyone tell you We’ve taken our SAT’s, completed our that you are your community service hours, and it looks like a SAT scores, because smooth sailing from here on out. it turns out there’s For a lot of us, this means a big fat case more to a person of senioritis. than that. What is senioritis? It’s a disease which So yes, we get strikes the young and bored, usually tired of grades. those who are anxious to move on. Usual Either way, use your symptoms are laziness, drowsiness, and senioritis well. failure to get to school on time. It’s Or not. inevitable Seniors now have a choice to make. You that you’ll may be accepted to college, but don’t let lose interest that façade fool you. in high High school doesn’t end in January. school if We’ve got four more months of high you think school, so use them to your best advantage. there’s Yes, that’s right. It’s time to break out the annoying teacheresque advice. Easier said than done. Senioritis isn’t always something you
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nothing left here for you, but there are still ways to make the most of your goofing off. Have some free time? Cherish it. Go walking in the park. Paint. Play Frisbee. Research an ancient civilization. Practice a musical instrument. You may find something out about yourself you never knew before. Do what you love. Or heck, spend some quality time with friends. Tell the people you care about how much they matter. Try and make the best of what are supposedly “the best years of your life,” even if they weren’t. You may graduate wanting nothing more than to high tail it out of here, but you’ll probably end up missing it later. So take a minute and look around. Oviedo may be more beautiful than you realized. And really, there is stuff here left for you. Pay attention in class. This is a time to learn for learning’s sake. Yeah, you may not care about the subject, but try and respect the class anyway. Even if your final grade won’t necessarily affect your college applications anymore, you should still leave with everything you can. Follow these instructions, and you won’t waste any time in wasting time. Sometimes the best lessons aren’t learned inside the classroom. Try to learn everywhere, inside class and out. We get this education for free. Might as well milk it for all its worth.
I
Nirvani Khan
staff reporter
have always had a keen admiration and appreciation for science. Personally, science allows me to ask “Why” something in the world is the way it is, and “How” natural processes in the world work. The doors of science are always open for new questions and further observations. Science is the subject taught in school that requires the most imagination because there are many, many scientific discoveries yet to be made. The possibilities are absolutely endless. I am easily astonished about the world around us and how it works. I believe that becoming knowledgeable about the world in which we live is incredibly important because we mustn’t be ignorant about the planet which we call home. To me, we should rise above merely being satisfied that something works. We should strive to learn more because we would understand so much more. Knowing and learning “Why” and “How” is far more useful than just simply learning that “It works.’’ Science has given me the opportunity to spark even more curiosity in myself and to continue to learn. Because of my love for science, I strongly support the “Program of Emphasis”, or a Bioscience Technology program that is going to be introduced into Oviedo High School’s curriculum next year. According to PJ Kreahling, a biology teacher at OHS who is helping to initiate this program, Bioscience Technology is “Basically the study of living things to advance human needs.”
From the Editor Carson Bailey
co-editor-in-chief
Don’t ask, don’t tell What the...?
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or anyone who doesn’t know, the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy currently allows gays and lesbians to serve in the U.S. Military. There’s a catch, though. You have to lie about who you are. That’s right. Gays have to lie about their sexuality if they want to protect their country. I’m sorry, but can someone please tell me why sexuality is an issue when it comes to joining the army? Sexual orientation doesn’t determine your ability to fight, your capacity to love your country, or your willingness to serve. Your enrollment in the army should not depend upon your sexual preference. At least 28 nations allow gays to serve openly in the army. It has even been shown by some of our NATO allies that allowing openly gay and lesbian members does not have an impact on discipline, morale, or unity among members. Former President Bill Clinton tried to end the policy against gays serving in the military in 1993. When lawmakers rejected the proposed change, Congress passed the “don’t ask, don’t tell,” policy as a compromise. That was back in 1993. We live in a new time, new millenia. The United States illustration/MIRANDA HARMON should be constantly progressing. Appointed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by George W. Bush, Adm. Mike Mullen stated that he’s a strong advocate That is exactly what we need in the For example, learning about towards the rights of gays to serve in the genetic disorders, stem cell research, future of, not only Biotechnology, but also military. and nanotechnology are involved in for the future of science. That is, more In 2006, a survey of 545 returning Biotechnology. people being more productive and having Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, 73 percent Learning how to improve technology to the desire and ability to learn new things to reported being confortable around gay make human lives more efficient is a crucial make human lives more efficient. service members. If the majority of soldiers field. In the future, if our society would like These are reasons why I am in definite to progress and develop new technologies favor of the “Program of Emphasis”, as the felt fine fighting alongside gays, then why can’t the rest of America overcome and ways of thinking, we really are going incoming Biotechnology program coming homophobia? to need more curious and innovative people to OHS. Homophobia is the key issue here. working in the Biotechnology field. To This program brings so many American citizens are afraid to give gays illustrate the need for more people working opportunities and opens so many doors for rights because they feel uncomfortable in this field, Principal Robert Lundquist said students interested in science. Even while around gays. Most people who are that there are 3,750 Biotechnology careers. only in high school, there are intern and homophobs base all their knowledge on There is a strong demand for people to work research opportunities available at places gays from seeing Ellen DeGeneres and Clay in these careers. such as the Burnham Institute for Medical Aiken. I promise you, America: not all gay With this being said, the “Program of Research in Lake Nona, Florida. Emphasis” will promote Biotechnology, There, student can experience people are like Adam Lambert. Far from it, teach students more about what this field is, stem cell labs, actually. and will hopefully spark Biotechnological and explore Has our country grown so narrow interest in each and every student. and learn about minded that we can’t even accept those who The implementation of this program various topics want to fight for our country. We won’t even will give students a taste of what it is like to such as cancer, let those who want to fight for our country work in the field so that if they do decide to neuroscience, fight. work in this field when they are older, they diabetes, and If one man can perform the same exact will be more experienced and more ready. obesity. tasks as another, why would someone’s I also believe that if intelligent, capable I personally sexual orientation matter? Homosexuals students right here at OHS decide to stay have interest aren’t going to run out on the battlefield away from science majors because they in the field of with a pink gun. They are just the same as believe it is too boring or too challenging, Biotechnology, any other solider. our society will have a profound lack of and I would Some people may argue it will disrupt particularly like to potential future scientific knowledge. the current gender separation but there is I believe that the “Program of work with medicine. nothing to disrupt. People routinely undress I want to help Emphasis” will obliterate the very common in places such as locker rooms, doctor people, but I don’t misconception that science consists of offices, and saunas without going crazy. necessarily believe solely chemistry, biology, and physics. And if someone is going go crazy or There are many more science fields, and that, to do so, I have have consensual sex, then a door or wall biotechnology, my personal favorite field, is to be a doctor working isn’t going to stop him or her. The setup of in a doctor‘s office. one of them. rules disallowing sex while in army living Maybe, with Science doesn’t have to be boring, quarters could easily fix that. this “Program of especially Biotechnology. Wouldn’t you prefer to work in a laboratory working with Emphasis,” I’ll find Therefore, there really isn’t any reason a career that satisfies the genes of plants to make them more to stop homosexuals from serving openly in my love for medicine, resistant to pests, as opposed to sitting in the army. It’s just a discrimination against for helping people, for an office all day, where everything is so those who could truly be helping our new technology, as well predictable? I certainly would. country for the better. as my love for science. Many students think that science is People’s sexual orientation isn’t a Maybe more students will challenging. I think that being challenged question to get into college, or for getting helps you become productive and learn new find a career that they are a job. Why should it be a question when interested in, too. things. illustration/WESLEY WYNNE fighting for our country?
Biotech school brings new opportunities NIRVANI’S NOTIONs
Opinion 7
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Opinion
February 5, 2010
The Lion’s Tale
Scholastic debates
Should colleges pay for brains or brawn?
1% of college athletes go on to play the sport as a profession. The final kick in the shin is the fact that only 58% of college division athletes graduate. Furthermore, the money spent on athletics deprives academic students from research opportunities or maybe even a chance to attend the college. These academically driven students will be the ones curing cancer, developing alternative Curtis O’Brien staff reporter energy sources, and changing the world for the better. ducation’s ultimate goal is to instill This decade will be filled with an aging knowledge: to create students population that requires more doctors inquisitive about the world and its than ever before. Who should colleges be people. giving money to? The athlete triumphant Knowledge and discoveries lead on the football field or the student studying to the creation of new technology and his biology book, researching, and innovations. However, we are beginning applying to medical school? to see a change in our educational Academic scholarship beneficiaries institutions. have a much higher graduation rate and a profession lined up to boot. This is not We care so much about sports and usually the case for athletic orientated athletics that it has begun to change students. All in all, academics should our educational system. For example become the focus of applicants and we see a relation between sports teams performances and the number of applicants scholarships should follow suit. Research universities need to realize their primary to the University of Florida. The number focus should be research. Leave the sports of applicants rose after the basketball and football team won. The school wants as to ESPN. many people to apply as possible. Colleges and universities respond by creating more athletic scholarships. However, there is a major flaw. Schools will grant scholarships and admit students who are not as qualified as others but excel athletically. Scholarships should be offered to academic stars not athletic. To reiterate a sport scholarship is created to reward a student whose forte is sports. An academic scholarship is created to reward a student who is academic orientated. These scholarships allow students who may not be financially well off to pay for school, but which scholarship is the most beneficial for the world? Academic, hands down. Let’s not forget that education is a tool to allow new innovation and technology to be created. An academic orientated student can use that tool much more efficiently than an athletic orientated school. The college may receive more money from having a strong athletic program, but the student, who gets a free ride, has to dedicate a significant amount of time to the sport. That leaves little time for school work. Even worse, consider that only about
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excelling at what they participate in, it does not belittle how important grades are either. I do not agree that a 2.0 GPA athlete deserves a full ride scholarship, but I think it is still acceptable for an athlete to have a lower GPA than an uninvolved student and still receive a full ride scholarship. An involved athlete, such as myself, may spend several hours a day on just practices for sports. Weekends are John Campbell advertising editor filled with competitions and travel while weekdays are filled with practices and stress. All this has an affect on an athlete’s ollege. It’s a place that many grades and is recognized by colleges. They students strive to reach. College also recognize that hectic schedules, such is a chance to be employed in as this, teach students time management a failing economy, and a place to meet and problem solving. people. College is a challenge and a Many athletes even take the same struggle to get to, especially in current honors or AP leveled classes as other times. students. Even though some students have Students are looking for scholarships a higher GPA than the athlete, they may more and more now, and likewise, not have as rigorous a schedule. It takes scholarships are tougher and tougher a lot for an athlete to be able to take highto come by. As a full time athlete, I level classes. It is a real pain to try to do appreciate the chance to receive a full homework and projects between practices, ride scholarship for playing a sport. It is pretty amazing to have the chance to go to or having to stay up late into the night to complete them because practice ends after college for all the extracurricular work I dark. do. Furthermore, athletic scholarships Though it is great for full time athletes provide students a way to continue their to be offered full ride scholarships for educations. There are many people who deserve to go to college and never receive the chance to go. Life at home may press students to work so they can support their family, sometimes students even drop out of school to pursue a full time career to take care of themselves. It would be irrational to think that just a few letters on a piece of paper could show how dedicated or hard working a student actually is and can dictate whether or not they can continue their education. It doesn’t take much to sit through a class or ace a test if you have all the time in the world to study and review it, but juggling practices, tournaments, jobs and meets is truly an accomplishment. In the end, many athletes work just as hard as other students. They are just as motivated to succeed in school as well as strive to do well in sports. The only thing it comes down to is the effort you put into your activity. Athletes have proved they can work hard. Let’s reward them.
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photo illustration/JULIA THORNCROFT
Street Talk
Poll was taken out of 100 students on 1/29/10
Do you approve of the government bringing Haitians to Florida? “Yes. If we were in need, we would want someone else to help us. We should help them.”
Caroline England, ‘11
“No. We are the closest place to
NO 36% RE
YES 50%
A I DON’T C 14%
Haiti, but I don’t think they should stay here I think they can go somewhere else.”
Sasha Klimchock, ‘10
Features
The Lion’s Tale
February 5, 2010
9
‘Confessions of a Broken Heart’ Teens open up about heart conditions Kimberly Segrest
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staff reporter
e’ve all said it at one point or another, “my heart is broken,” but students like sophomore Andrew Luntz and senior Sean O’Neill know first hand what it really feels like to have a broken heart. O’Neill suffers from Pericarditis, a fluid build up around the heart, constricting so it can’t expand, and causing fluid to build up in his lungs. “[Pericarditis] can make the lungs not work properly or stick together while breathing,” said O’Neill. O’Neill first found out about his condition at age 17 after a bruised sternum led to Plearisy. “Doctors took a test, kind of like an ultrasound for the heart, and they saw a build up of fluid around my heart,” said O’Neill. Luntz on the other hand was diagnosed at birth with an unnamed heart defect. “[As a baby I] went into cardiac arrest and had to go on life support,” said Luntz. Since then, the form of his disease has morphed several times and is currently called Tertaralogy. “It makes your heart fast when you’re doing activities and beat slow when you’re sleeping. Its really slow at night,” said Luntz. To keep his heart beating at the rate it should, Luntz had to have a pacemaker placed in his heart. “Since I have a pace maker [the disease] is not life threatening,” said Luntz. Even so, their relationship is not always a peaceful one. “I don’t want a piece of metal in my heart,” said Luntz.
Due to the battery life of the pacemaker he has had to have five surgeries, so far, to replace it. “Twenty one is my next surgery [to replace the pacemaker].” said Luntz, “I used to have to replace it every six years but now I’m getting an adult pacemaker, so now it’s every eight.” O’Neill’s heart condition also requires a strenuous treatment plan to ensure his heart stays free of fluid. “At first it was treated with a lot of steroids when I got out of the hospital, and calcium so that my bones don’t rot away due to the steroids and antibiotics,” said O’Neill. “Because I had three episodes during my junior year, I had to go back to the hospital and they had to treat it with cortisone shots through an IV.” There are also several other difficulties Luntz must endure between surgeries to ensure the pacemaker is working properly. “Every two or three months I have to have a pacemaker check, and that really bothers me because I don’t like them,” said Luntz. These check ups are done over the phone. photo/COURTESY OF SEAN O’NEILL “I call in and mom has this machine that she MATTERS OF THE HEART. Senior Sean O’Neill rests in his hospital bed after being treated holds up to my heart,” said Luntz. for Pericarditis, a fluid build up around his heart. This allows his doctor to make sure his pace maker is working right without having him condition. come in to the office. “When I’d have an episode, I would feel a sharp pain in However, even with the pills and surgery, Luntz must my chest, and have a hard time breathing. Then my upper take precautions to maintain his health. body wouldn’t work, and have excruiciating pain,” said “I have to be careful in case I pull out wires when they’re O’Neill. still scarring in,” said Luntz. He usually finds out exactly when he needs a surgery Despite this, his heart doesn’t hold him back from six months to a year in advance. much. “They tell me at my appointments that I need another “I’m not supposed to play with magnets but I surgery whenever they figure out that the battery [on the don’t see how that will affect my life very much,” pace maker] is running low,” said Luntz said Luntz. Both Luntz and O’Neill will likely carry this burden all Said Luntz, “When you put pressure on of their lives, and due to the pace maker in his chest, a subtle the pacemaker it hurts more than it normally portruding bump is visible on Luntz’s chest. At this point in would.” time it happens to be the only real cure for a broken heart. O’Neill has also had to “Sometimes I don’t even know its there,” said Luntz of endure the pain of having a heart the life giving machine. “It just sort of blends in.”
Heart defects
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One of 120 babies is born with a heart defect. Some are severe, but many are not. Some heart defects are caused by an abnormal formation of the walls or valves of the heart. Detectable symptoms include trouble breathing, bluish skin, inability to grow or exercise normally, and heart failure. An ultrasound helps identify almost all heart defects.
illustration/MIRANDA HARMON
Treatment includes open-heart surgery for severe defects.
compiled from www.merck.com
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Features
February 5, 2010
The Lion’s Tale
‘Quiet On Set’ Allison Tate-Cortese wins awards with TV Productions unior Allison Tate-Cortese found her ultimate passion: filmmaking. With all the awards she’s received, there’s no doubt she possesses talent. “I have been making goofy videos since about eighth grade. I knew I wanted to learn about film production and make more professional projects for a long time, but it was Mr. Snavely who made that happen. He really took the program to an entirely new level and has given myself and all the students in his classes innumerable opportunities,” said Tate-Cortese. Among a copious amount of achievements, Tate-Cortese recently placed second with a reward of $2000 in the AAA Teen Advocate Competition and second in Florida Kid Care’s Act out for Health Video Contest. Junior Britney Skeel, senior Hyung-Jin Kim and TateCortese each received a $500 giftcard to Best Buy and $1000 for Video Production class.
Like mother, like daughter
Tate-Cortese looks up to classic directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Michael Curtiz, Billy Wilder, Francis Ford Coppola, and Woody Allen, to name a few. Tate-Cortese also admires powerful female directors, particularly her mother. “My amazing mother used to be in the film industry when it was very rare to be a woman in the film production,” said Tate-Cortese. ”My mom gives me lots of suggestions on my projects, including concept ideas, directing tips, script editing, and more.” Her mother, Debra Tate, worked successfully as a director, producer, and scriptwriter in both Washington D.C., and Orlando for over 20 years. A former member of Women in Film, D. Tate’s directorial experience includes a PBS
Place d n Story
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tition te Compe a c o v d A AAA Teen Disconnected. lm for her fi st ideo Conte V s n e m ie S
WROR TV controversy
Another source of motivation for Tate-Cortese is Television Productions teacher Kyle Snavely, who provides his students with knowledge from his own personal experience, notably as a digital cinematography teacher at Full Sail. Tate-Cortese commends him for all the assistance Snavely provides her with. “He [Snavely] has lent me equipment countless times, answered all of my never-ending questions, has stayed after school with me for hours so I could edit, found great contests for me to enter, and has simply been there every step of the filmmaking process. I have learned so much from him and I literally would not be who I am today if he had never come to teach at OHS. I owe him,” said Tate-Cortese. Some students assume that WROR TV is the sole project video production classes work towards, an assumption that Tate-Cortese discredits. “WROR TV is strictly our announcement show. I feel that most people at the school think that the announcements are the only thing we do in Video Production, and that other wise it’s a do-nothing-and-get-an-A-class,” said Tate-Cortese. “Really, the announcements are the tip of the cinematic iceberg. Every film we make in class is entered into a contest, state competition, or film festival. People at school don’t see them every day so they don’t realize how prolific Snavely’s program is. Not to mention how many awards it has won and this is only his second year teaching here.” One of the many projects Tate-Cortese worked on in video production class includes her film, Disconnected. It was then that Tate-Cortese gained a further knowledge and experience with writing, directing, and editing her work. “We cast with professional actors at a Full Sail Casting Call and the shoot consisted of two nine hour days. Then I edited in class everyday and even came in during lunch and after school some days and finished. The editing took so long because I was still learning the software and really only had about 40 minutes a day to work which flies by,” said Tate-Cortese. Tate-Cortese acquired more knowledge this past summer when she participated in a 48-hour film project. “It was straight 21 hours of nonstop shooting, except for food breaks. It was crazy and I was obviously dead afterwards but it never stopped being fun because just being on set is where I love to be,” said Tate-Cortese.
Allison Tate-Cortese, ‘11 Documentary featuring NJROTC
Currently, Tate-Cortese holds the chief editor position of Digital Lions Productions’ latest task of creating a documentary about the success of Oviedo High School’s NJROTC marksmanship team who have been state champs consecutively and currently rank second place nationally. “We are following the team through all their competitions including the nationals and when we finish it will be submitted to many festivals as well,” said Tate-Cortese. According to Tate-Cortese, the students in the Digital Cinematography class are the only ones working on the documentary. “The DC class is divided into a production crew, an editing team and a special effects/graphics team. We are trying for a feature length documentary. If it turns out we don’t have enough footage to fill that time frame for whatever reason, we will cut it to a 30 minute piece,” said Tate-Cortese. Tate-Cortese’s future remains unknown to her, but she hopes film will play a major role. “I am far from sure about what my future plans are, all I do know is that I have to make movies. What I do know is that filmmaking is my passion and its rather reassuring that I have realized my passion and now know what I want to do, or at least try to do for the rest of my life,” said TateCortese. 3,2,1 ACTION. Junior Allison Tate and her crew on the set of her film Disconnected in Trotwood Park in the summer of 2009.
photos/COURTESY OF ALLISON TATE-CORTESE
J
co-opinion editor
documentary on watercolor artists, and she won numerous International Television Association awards in D.C. and Orlando. D. Tate also worked with federal agencies such as Time Warner and General Mills. Tate-Cortese recently collaborated with her mother on their award-winning Siemens video that promoted Orange County Choppers and their new Green Chopper. “She directed and I cam-operated and edited. She checks my storyboards, and critiques my rough cuts, and encourages me every step of the way,” said A. Tate-Cortese.
photo/JULIA TH ORNCROFT
Julia Thorncroft
photo illustration/STEPHANIE O’SULLIVAN
The Lion’s Tale
February 5, 2010
Advertisement 11
12
Features
February 5, 2010
The Lion’s Tale
‘California Dreamin’ Senior Project could lead to internship with magazine
Miranda Betterley
N
exciting,” said JT Rhoades,
staff reporter corresponding photographer
ot many seniors get the chance to work with a well-known professional for the senior project. However, professional photographer for Transworld Magazine, JT Rhodes, has agreed to mentor senior Ryan McGuire who is taking pictures and designing his own skate magazine. “I’ve been doing photography for two years now, and only last year I started doing it more seriously. I knew I wanted to do something with photography [for my senior project] so I chose [to take pictures for and design a magazine],” McGuire said. Ryan was a bit skeptical about calling JT, but he did it. “I was extremely Ryan McGuire ‘10 nervous. He was just as nervous, though. He had never done anything like this so it was a new experience for him,” said McGuire, “[I met JT at] my cousin’s wedding in Oceanside, California about an hour south of San Diego. He’s a long-time friend of my cousin so he introduced me to him. My step- dad is the one who gave me the idea though. He said that it would be cool to work with him.” “I’ve never mentored anyone before, so it was really
for Transworld magazine. Rhoades has been shooting photography for eight years, and was inspired by his brother who filmed skateboarding. “I thought that it would be cool to shoot,” Rhoades said. “[As his mentor] we went skating together. I showed him light setups, and I basically showed him what the lifestyle is like to skate and shoot photos,” said Rhoades. For his project, McGuire is taking pictures, writing short articles, and designing pages for a magazine that he is not planning on publishing. Although he isn’t getting it published as of right now because of how much it would cost, he is doing the designs, layout, and all of the photography for the entire thing. “I chose to do a skateboard magazine because a traditional magazine is just mug shots or cropped photos, and skate magazines are more based on the pictures themselves, not the story. The photographer and the writer sit down and write the story together,” McGuire said. “You’re not writing a news story, and the design is more difficult.” McGuire’s magazine is themed with cutouts of the people in the magazine randomly placed throughout the pages. “[On a typical page that I layout] I put words, and depending on the page I might put a design or add background l a y e r s , ”
4 to
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photos/COURTESY OF RYAN MCGUIRE
RAMP UP SKATES. Senior Ryan McGuire intends to use these skate boarding snapshots in his magazine for senior project, based on action photography. McGuire said. “My favorite thing I’m designing is probably my trip to California with JT. It was exciting, and it was a new experience. It’s also a challenging [design] to do,” McGuire said. However, laying out a magazine is more than just placing pictures and adding words. “I usually edit the pictures in Photoshop. I touch it up and crop it if I have too,” said McGuire. It usually takes McGuire about four to five hours to finish one spread, or two pages. “My deadline is March 10. I have about four spreads done, and I need about four more,” McGuire said.
icture
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and the fo nine parts
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tips to taking a good photo 1. Rule of Thirds - Equally spaced lines with important compositional elements along the lines. The object should never be centered. See example above. 2. Cropping - This process is to trim out unneeded parts of an image. After taking your first shot keep moving in closer and try tight and loose cropping. 3. Angle - Choose wisely between a horizontal, vertical, tilted, low, and high camera angle. This determines how the viewer sees the subject. 4. Lighting - There are many types of lighting, backlight, direct light, diffused light, and artificial lighting. Most photographers conclude that proper lighting is essential to capturing a good photo.
When McGuire graduates, he wants to continue taking photos. “I want to be a skateboard photographer. I want to take pictures for skateboard magazines and skateboard companies,”McGuire said, “I’m [persuing that by ] taking as many photos as I can and trying to get a lot of contacts and work with people that are in the industry, basically taking photos and improving my skills and trying to get my name out there are my main concern for right now.” McGuire is going back to California to apply for an internship after he graduates. “I don’t know how it will really go for me,” McGuire said, “but I wanna be like JT. [Even after the projects done] he’ll always be the guy that I will turn to.”
February 5, 2010
One by One
by Miranda Harmon Jelly
you ? know? Snails sleep, people eat milk
1
photo/KEVIN VELOSO
BING, BANG, BOOM. Dan Robertson keeps the band in time with a steady drum beat. completely falling apart,” said Robertson. Now, Robertson is a member of the Oviedo Drumline. At the 2009 state marching competition, the drumline won “Best Percussion” for the first time in school history. The drumline also went undefeated for the entire marching season. “I’ve played the 4th bass drum (which is the 2nd biggest one) for two years straight now, and I suppose I’ve stuck with it just because I like it so much. Some of the greatest friendships that I’ve ever had have been with the guys on the drumline, and a big part of it as that we all share a common interest in what we do,” said Robertson. While keeping grades up, regularly visiting Planet Fitness, and maintaining a passion for football are also important to him, music is his number one passion. “My friends and I will sometimes get
together and play a pickup game of football in our neighborhood,” said Robertson, “and I’m a diehard Jacksonville Jaguars and FSU fan. My dream as young kid was actually to play football in high school and possibly the NFL. Even so, music still tops my list to this day, and it has for my entire life. Nothing makes me feel more at home then sitting down with a pair of sticks and a drum and doing what I love best.”
Did
?
F
illing the pews and corners of the church, ethereal music cascades outward from the instruments and vocal chords of the band. With strikes to the symbols and snare, junior Dan Robertson keeps the band at St. Stephens Catholic Church in time. “The cool thing about being in the orchestra is the feeling of playing for a live audience. The group of musicians at St. Stephens is very talented. We have string section, a brass section, a woodwind section, singers, and we also have two guitars, a bass player, and me the drummer.” As part of the band at Sunday’s 11 a.m. mass, Robertson invests time to practice and perfect music that ranges from Christian rock to jazz. “Not only do I have to be familiar with all different kinds of music genres, but the drummer rarely has actual music to read, which means we have to be really good at improvisation. So sorry to disappoint Rock Band fanatics out there, but contrary to popular belief, watching shapes fly toward you and hitting buttons with corresponding colors does not mean you are a drummer.” Drawn to music, Robertson constantly surrounds himself with it. “I’ll sit upstairs in my house for at least an hour every day playing along to my IPod, or trying some new rhythm I never had before. I have a few friends I always like to call up if I’m in the mood for a jam session on the weekends, and sometimes we even record them to listen to them again later,” said Robertson. “My two favorite styles of music to drum to are definitely Jazz and Rock, but I’ll try anything once, especially if it’s fun.” Robertson took his first steps along the musical path with percussion instruments at the age of two, with a Cookie Monster tambourine. He began taking things seriously when he joined the Jackson Heights Middle School band in 6th grade. “My parents gave me a drumset for my thirteenth birthday. I’ve loved it ever since then. It’s a really cool feeling knowing you are the thin line that keeps the band from
?
13
?
Drummer man Dan Cookie monster tamborine inspires drummer Kevin Veloso
Features
?
The Lion’s Tale
Astronaut Neil Armstrong first stepped on the moon with his left foot.
2
A toothbrush within 6 feet of a toilet will get airborne bacteria from flushing.
3
A quarter has 119 grooves around the edge.
4
Captain Kirk never said “Beam me up, Scotty,” but he did say, “Beam me up, Mr. Scott”.
5
Milk is actually considered to be a food and not a beverage.
6
Bullet-proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers were all invented by women
7
315 entries in Webster’s 1996 dictionary were misspelled.
8
The most popular Cambell’s Soup in Hong Kong is watercress and duck gizzards.
9
A snail can sleep for three years.
Editor’s Note: One by One appears in every edition of The Lion’s Tale, and features a randomly selected student. This edition, a staff reporter interviewed the first person to pick up a plastic cup placed on the floor of the lunch room. compiled from/ WWW.STRANGEFACTS.COM
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OL O H T C S H G RS AT I U E C C EO ERW February 5, 2010
Features
The Lion’s Tale
GEND OUTH VIOLENC
G N I L L L A A C U SEX NAME
MOST
SEX
O M U R
D E T F I G RS
Y
Y L E N O L
O I T A T N E I OR 6% OF
6 S A E L T A
X E S S E U Q I CL
4 KIDS F O T U O 1 ED ARE BULLI
T N E M S S A R A H
G N I TEAS Typoef s g n i y l l u b
S
When dealing with bullying, there are three different types. These include mental, verbal, and physical bullying.
PHYSICAL
Physical bullying includes any physical that would hurt or injure a person. Destroying others property is also considered a physical mean of bullying.
VERBAL Verbal bullying is namecalling, making offensive remarks, or joking about a person’s gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or the way they look.
MENTAL
Mental bullying includes spreading rumors about someone and social alienation. This type of bullying can cause harm to one’s self-esteem
photo illustration/
BULLYING
BY THE
NUMBERS
205528 20% of students on average are bullied.
55% of students who are bullied reported being hit, slapped, or pushed.
r
e d i s n o you c
? G N I Y L L U B o
What d
28% of the nation’s yo participated in a seri either at school or a
“Racism, critisizing class and teammates, and physical contact.”
Qumar Lewis, ‘11
“When people intensionally make you feel uncomfortable, insecure, or inferior to them.”
Lindsay Broadhurst, ‘11
“Being mean to some by trash talking them
Colt
G SED N I T H G I F ON RE TEA
Y T I E S C U I B E ETHN SECUR A The Lion’s Tale
A H T U TH YO N O M EA L C A N C I O S T S PY
N I E S U AB
February 5, 2010
Features
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S R O RUM DER
N N E I G T I F T ’ Y L DON E N O E L C A R N O G L I ‘I’M HERE AND I NEED HELP’ G A I L N N E I R O I S T A O E M E T L T U N F E T M R S U S E L H A B S A R Y R E A N GA L H U V Y L G G N I U L L E A R C ’ E S U M O R A Y R N L Bullying takes toll on emotional, physical health E O D A N M U E G X U E R S OF T U O 1 ARE 4 KIDS D BULLIE
RS
CCU O E C N OLE I V H T DS YOU N T S U O O R M LG O O H C ON S
RTED O P E R S UN E O G NTS E D I C G IN N I Y L L LL BU A F O HALF
/CARSON BAILEY
Tiffany Ray
A
n urgent whisper fills the silence between lab tables in junior Rachel Bray’s science class. “I’m sorry that you’re the only one I didn’t invite to my party,” smirks her classmate. The seemingly simple comment nearly drove Bray to the unimaginable. “I have a history of depression, and her comment devastated me. Telling me something like that is not a joke. It’s painful to be bullied, and I nearly slit my wrists,” said Bray. “Luckily, I didn’t have the drive to do that.” Such a remark may be seen as teasing, not bullying. But according to bullyinginschools.com, social alienation, such as purposely excluding a person, and/or making offensive remarks counts. “Boys tend to use physical intimidation or threats,” said the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry [AACAP], referring to the age old storyline of bullies in the schoolyard. “[But] bullying by girls is often more verbal, usually with another girl as the target.” Bray remembers first being bullied in elementary school. “I have a condition called Aspergers Syndrome. It’s a very, very mild form of Autism. It causes me to be a little off the wall, and kids started noticing I was different in the third grade. They started avoiding me, and taking advantage of me,” said Bray. One friend pretended to be Bray’s friend, but spread rumors behind her back. “I would take her to nice place like Chuck E. Cheese’s because that’s what friends do when you’re nine. But she was only using me. I would take her to these places, she’d have fun for free, and then she’d have ‘funny’ stories to spread about me,” said Bray. “Another close ‘friend’decided to reveal all my secrets, and everybody turned against me. I found out my secrets were leaked when I heard people teasing me about things only she would know.” Senior Lauren Graham* experienced physical bullying in elementary school, one of the most common types of bullying, second to verbal. “During recess this group of kids would run up to me, and punch me in the back until I had bruises. Then I was pushed into a tree, and into a moving car in between classes,” said Graham. Graham’s parents soon told her to protect herself from the bullies at school. “They told me to fight back, and that I would never be in trouble with them for hitting someone if they hit me first. One day they punched me in the stomach and I punched back,” said Graham. “I got a referral.”
8
outh have ious fight at work.
eone m.”
ton Jaqueth, ‘10
According to the AACAP, the effects of bullying Everything we do is from the book,” said Johnson. Bray, as well as Wren, has experienced what seemed development, and/or school performance. Graham’s grades to be limited involvement and help from a school suffered when she was bullied. administration. “I didn’t know whether I would get hit that day or not, “I had a middle school counselor that told me, ‘everyone and I tried to stay to myself, not associating with other gets teased. It’s normal.’ She refused to listen to me, and kids. I didn’t really have friends until high school,” said was convinced that I was exaggerating. At that moment I Graham. almost lost faith in humanity. I realized people didn’t want Instances of bullying are shown to peak in middle to deal with the real issues; they don’t want to see the bad school, and to decline in high school, according to side of life,” said Bray. bullyinginschools.com. According to Duane Alexander of The National “People mature, so bullying hasn’t been so bad for me Institute of Child Health and Human Development, “being in high school. But if someone looks at me, and then turns bullied is not just an unpleasant rite of passage through to whisper to someone else, I’m paranoid. I think they’re childhood.” talking badly about me,” said Bray. Being bullied caused Bray to turn to self-injury to According to senior Rebecca Wren,* sometimes school cope. counselors turn a blind eye to bullying. “I hurt myself to get attention because I felt like no one “Girls are calling me offensive slurs would help me. I didn’t in school, yelling at me, and making know how to express me feel disgusting. I try to ignore them, myself,” said Bray. Call: but they harass me. I missed weeks But Johnson remains of school because I didn’t want to be adamant that students can harassed. They wrote horrible things on turn to counselors with my car,” said Wren. “My [therapeutic] troubles with bullying. doctor wrote me a note asking for me to “Every legitimate stay out of classes with them. I was told accusation will be that discipline would not help unless it investigated properly. got physical.” There should never Wren feels that school would not help her, going so far be a case where a student steps forward and is told just as to explain that she was told to just return to class, but Dr. to go to class. If a student is traumatized it might seem Nicola Johnson, head of the guidance department thinks minor to someone else, but if they feel threatened then it is otherwise. severe enough to be investigated. This needs to be a safe “I have not been aware of Wren’s case, but I am certain, environment,” said Johnson. and I hope, that a guidance counselor here would not say According to the Bullying and Harassment procedure, that to a student in need of help. We have a county policy the highest level of confidentiality will be used in and procedure in place on bullying that we follow,” said submission to any report of bullying. Johnson. Though tormented, Graham wouldn’t change her past. According to the Bullying and Harassment procedure, “It was them that had the problem, not me. It made me bullying is portrayed as “unwanted, and repeated behavior,” stronger. Everything that happens makes you stronger,” including threats, insults, and dehumanizing gestures said Graham. that are severe enough to create an environment that is But not everyone feels stronger because of bullying. “intimidating, hostile, or offense,” thereby interfering Bullying can lead to suicide, says the AACAP, and this with school performance, and/or causing physical or can be seen in suicide stories in the recent past, such as psychological distress. 13-year-old Megan Meir and Hope Witsell, both victims “If the incidents happen here on campus, then the of cyber-bullying who took their own lives. consequences of the bullies’ actions are determined through Said Bray, “I really think that suicide is a major effect Assistant Principal Greg Register. The most severe action of bullying. As I said, I nearly slit my wrists to escape the that can be taken on our part is suspension or expolsion. pain and harassment. If someone is bullied, how do you According to the county, we’re supposed to report the know you wouldn’t drive his or her emotions to the edge? incident to the principal designee of the students’ grade. How do you know they won’t be dead tomorrow?” *names withheld
features editor on children can interfere with social and emotional
“Putting down someone as an easy target because of your own insecurities.”
Sarah Dimmick, ‘11
1-800-423-TIPS
to report any bullying anonymously
O T W HO vent Pre llying 1 bu 2 3
Learn how to recognize bullying: Afraid to say what’s wrong, becomes aggressive, stops eating. Those are just a few signs that someone is being bullied. Educate others: Spread the word on bullying. Let your community know how negatively it effects kids. Stop bullying when you see it: If you see someone being bullied take measures to stop it. Either go get an adult or stand up for the bullied.
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February 5, 2010
The Lion’s Tale
Diversions
Find Jelly!
A small image of Jelly has been hidden somewhere in the paper. Last edition Jelly was hidden on page 11.
MOV IES
The Lord of the Rings
Wall-E
A very lonely robot lives as what is probably the last sentient being on Earth. He lives a dull existence until he Avatar meets a strange robot from space and journeys to meet the last surviving humans in their new home. The race to save what remains James Since the start of new millenia, the entertainment of the Earth Cameron’s business has been booming. This past decade has Ever begins for Wall-E spectacle, seen the rise and fall Britney Spears, the growing since and his robot Avatar, takes winning popularity of country artist Taylor Swift, and the companions. Pixar the cake as one the King of Pop’s sudden death. outdid themselves of the best films fourth with this of the decade. Harmon season Miranda and compiled by Carly Brower beautiful animated Avatar features of story about an amazing alien “American environmentalism, love, world and the Idol” in and finding your place in struggle to maintain 2005, Carrie the universe. it. With over 10 years Underwood in the making, the superb has continued computer graphics make this to boost her movie special. A military man, Jake Scully, finds fame with her himself a new body and a new home on the addictive country planet Pandora. The plot quickly turns music. Her strong into a race to save Pandora. voice mixed with her southern persona gives this artist a reputation as being Hollywood’s southern belle. Underwood has become a multi-platinum selling recording artist and a multiple Grammy Award winner since her debut.
In
2001, “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings” hit the big screen. This popular trilogy brought out the inner nerd in everyone and it quickly became one of the most Carrie Underwood anticipated films of the decade with its adventurous plot and epic tale of four young hobbits. Together, all three movies grossed $2.924 billion worldwide making it one the most successful movie franchise ever.
T S E B THE ecade of the d
Black Eyed Peas
C I S MU
Harry Potter series
In 1998 the Black Eyed Peas released their first album “Behind the Front”. Since then, they have currently released five albums, their latest being “The E.N.D.” that contains the ubiquitous song “I Gotta Feeling.” The group puts a twist to hip-hop music combing a soulful flare and catching lyrics making them an unforgettable group.
BOOKS The Kite Runner
11-year-old Harry Potter finds out he’s not so average when he receives the now famous acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Facing giant snakes, werewolves, and horrible teachers, Harry and his friends embark on a magical journey involving common themes such as growing up and accepting death. This seven-part story by J.K. Rowling has touched the lives of millions over the decade, and remains famous as the fastest selling books in history.
Khaled Hossseini’s most revered novel, “Kite Runner” has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over five years. The setting of this story is in Afghanistan in the final days of the monarchy to the present. It follows the friendship between two boys growing up in Kabul and the struggles they must face in the time of war. Beautifully told, this story will emotionally hook each reader until the last page.
photo
ICIAL s/OFF
ITES
WEBS
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The Lion’s Tale
February 5, 2010
Diversions 17
Gadgets that will change the
Apple iPad
The iPad has debuted as Apple’s “magical” and “revolutionary” portable internet gadget. Its 9.7inch multi-touch high resolution screen, and multi-media capabilities allows users to surf the web, watch movies, play games, read digital books, share photos, and more. It can run nearly 14,000 apps for everything from entertainment to social networking and comes in a Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi plus 3G model.
1
Samsung Projector Phone
2
Having another one of those long and boring road trips? Well now, there is no need to. Samsung has managed to incorporate a built-in digital projector into a touch-screen cell phone. It can display movies, photos, and even project power point presentations.
“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” In the Disney classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the mirror answers this question. While the world hasn’t quite reached this level of technology, a research team in the Palo Alto Research Center is developing a dressing room mirror that remembers and replays each outfit for the shopper. Tireless innovators are developing interesting technologies like this that are making the future well worth looking forward too. compiled by Jennifer Wakas
3
1999
These cell phones, developed as part of a hybrid power system, would run on hydrogen fuel cells, providing a back-up power source, and lessening the dependence on the ordinary electricity supply. Once the phone’s main power dies, it will tap into the hydrogen for power. This device could make way to other environmental friendly phones.
New and improved Kindle
9
This lighter, slimmer, 3G wireless reading device allows readers to download reading material anytime and anywhere in “less than 60 seconds.” It has a built-in dictionary, and is able to read material aloud. It would be like having a personal library in the palm of one’s hands. Prices can range from $260 to $490.
Liquid Glass
Thanks to a German company, Nanopool, people can soon protect their surfaces, plants, and even clothes, with a non-toxic, water resistant, flexible and breathable liquid glass. It can resist heat, and repel nearly any hazard, such as bacteria or even acids. It will be available in a water or alcohol based solution.
5
6 Armatrix Smartgun
Sometimes guns can kill the people they were meant to protect. A German company has come up with a way to minimize the chances of this kind of tragedy. The Armtax Smartgun is a two-part safety system in which a fingerprint-encoded watch gives only the owner the ability to fire the weapon. It will be delivered sometime next month for about $970.
CDS AND SINGLES
$6 BILLION
10
4
That Was Then
$13 BILLION
Hydrogen-powered phones
Dressing rooms of the future
Getting tired of trying on that same prom dress for the second, third, or even fourth time? Soon, it won’t be necessary. A research team is developing a responsive mirror that will record each instance of someone trying on clothes and replay them in an electronic display. It will remember how the person looked in each outfit and imitate the person’s movements.
Samsung transparent OLED laptop
Once turned on, this 14inch OLED laptop’s display will automatically becomes transparent, making images appear to float. The panel can get up to 40% transparent, exceeding the past maximums 25%. Is this an invasion of privacy, or will the transparency be an option? The answer to this question. isn’t yet known.
World
As songs start to be purchased more digitaly, CD purchaces have gone down drasticly.
8
Skywalker Air Vehicle
The Skywalker Air Vehicle is the latest innovation in personal transportation. Currently a quarterscale model standing at 24 inches, it is not ready for commercial use, but prototypes are on the way. Their current design will be kit-built and will require a personal pilots license. Hopefully this will The company, Displax, has created a thin film be the first step to zipping above traffic just that can turn nearly any surface into a touchlike the Jetsons. sensitive screen. It works on curved, flat, opaque, or even transparent surfaces, and currently detects up to 60 fingers on a 50 inch screen.
Touch Screen Surfaces
7
This Is Now
MUSIC DOWNLOADS
2010
‘04 $184 MILLION
‘08 ‘99
$1.5 BILLION
‘08
32 MILLION
34%
‘99
‘09
‘09
DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDERS
T.V. VIEWERS
Percentage of all U.S. TV homes
27 MILLION
1%
‘06
DAILY EMAIL
POSTAL MAIL
The fast speed of the internet has made e-mail popular.
38 BILLION
Postal mail has dropped almost 24 BILLION pieces of mail in the past 10 years.
201 BILLION dropped to 177 BILLION
6 BILLION
‘99
‘08
photo illustration/CARSON BAILEY
BOOK SALES
Book sales have not increased very much over the past 10 years. E-books are starting to take over.
$3.7 BILLION $4.27 BILLION ‘99 ‘09
E-BOOK SALES
‘02
E-book sales are increasing rapidly as everyone rushes to ‘09 buy a Kindle.
$2 MILLION
$46 MILLION
18 Diversions
February 5, 2010
The Lion’s Tale
Mac VS Windows
Whether you’re heading off to college next semester or simply need Best of the brands a new computer, there are tons to choose from and picking out a new Here are some of the best options of specific computers one can be a nightmare. With the recent wars between Macs and and a comparison of specific details such as size, Windows systems, how can you possibly make the right choice? This battery life, weight, and memory space. guide is here to help. Be sure to weigh all options before choosing as Name this notebook is a big investment that will last at least a few years. Image Specs and Price
Mac Pros
Longer battery life – Battery lasts up to seven hours on a single charge compared to around five hours on most Windows computers. Less susceptible to viruses – Because a much smaller percentage of people own Macs over Windows, hackers tend to develop viruses for Windows computers so that they can target more computers at a time. Most average Mac users don’t even run antivirus software.
Force quit – Mac has an ability called force quit that allows users to shut down one program at a time when unresponsive rather than having to quit all programs in use when the computer becomes unresponsive like on Windows. Virtually noiseless when running – Unlike on most PCs, users can barely hear a MacBook when it’s on and they rarely overheat.
Extra notes:
Mac’s operating system is very different than Windows– There is no “Start” menu on Macs and instead the “Finder” is used to file documents and applications. This isn’t necessarily a positive or a negative, but it takes some getting used to.
Windows Pros
compiled by Miranda Ghali
Much cheaper than Macs – People on a budget (like future college students) will definitely want the much cheaper Windows over pricier Macs. Most Windows range from as low as $400 while the cheapest possible Mac starts at $999. More variations – Macs come in three different versions: MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. Windows are installed on numerous different brands including HP, Dell, Acer, and Lenovo. Much better for gamers – Way more computer games are made for Windows systems and are much easier to find than Mac compatible computer games. More customizable – Windows come in a lot of different colors, shapes, and sizes while Macs have the color options of silver or white, and sizes in only13” 15” or 17”.
Macs mouse tracks are a single button – The entire mouse pad on a MacBook is one button. You can push it anywhere or tap it as on normal computers. It takes a while to get used to if used to regular track pads, but it does have some really cool features when used correctly.
And the winner is:
If one were to buy a Windows computer with exactly the same specs as Macs (battery life, memory, and size) the price would be roughly the same. In this case, it might be easier to stick with whichever brand the user is familiar with.
MAC
So NBC gave O’Brien an ultimatum: either take the 12:05 a.m. slot or leave. Needless to say, he left. Pop For the record, I’m with CoCo. But I won’t Leno. I’m not obnoxious like Culture Rosie bash O’Donnell and Howard Stern. Sure, Column Leno could’ve walked away from NBC, working solely on his stand-up career. But he didn’t. Sure, O’Brien could’ve agreed to the time slot change. But he wouldn’t. Julia Thorncroft co-opinion editor And you know what? I’m glad he didn’t. Am I thrilled that he won’t be on “The Tonight Show” anymore? Of course or the past couple of weeks, the latenot. I’m devastated, to be honest. But night fiasco exploded over news it’s a matter of self-respect and knowing networks. the difference between right and wrong. By now, everyone should know about O’Brien knew that NBC’s plan was bogus. the battle between Jay Leno and Conan He took a stand for what’s right. O’Brien. For those who are unaware, here’s Saying I’m a fan of O’Brien’s would what happened: be an understatement. I idolize him. In 2004, on the 50th Anniversary of Conan is the average guy. He worked “The Tonight Show’s” first broadcast, NBC on his high school newspaper staff and announced that Leno would be succeeded became valedictorian. He studied history by “Late Night” host O’Brien in 2009. and literature at Harvard. Some of his “Saturday Night Live” alumnus Jimmy early works include writing for “Saturday Fallon would succeed O’Brien. Leno, of Night Live” and “The Simpsons.” He course, got his own primetime slot. got to perform on a regular basis with In Rolling Stone magazine, Leno stated The Groundlings, not to mention the gig that he wanted “The Jay Leno Show” to be that catapulted him to late-night stardom, a weeknight show rather than airing one hosting “Late Night” for almost 16 years. episode a week. Leno said that working I love writing, almost as much as I love every day works for him. comedy. I grew up watching “Saturday Apparently not. Night Live.” I’m on my high school Leno’s primetime show tanked, instilling newspaper staff. These are major factors a domino effect in low ratings for the that make me look up to O’Brien. Not that I following late-night shows on NBC. think I could ever accomplish what he has. Due to his low ratings, NBC would I’ll never be valedictorian and I’ll never go push back Leno’s show to 11:35 p.m. and to an Ivy League school. But I respect him condensed to half an hour, forcing “The as a writer. Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” to air O’Brien has been so fortunate to at 12:05 p.m. indefinitely. Needless to say, accomplish everything on his résumé. In O’Brien was outraged. the midst of his hectic brawl with NBC, Moving “The Tonight Show” to the O’Brien remained humble and appreciative next day would ruin the show’s legacy, and of his time working with the network. When O’Brien knew that. The ridiculous schedule given the opportunity to say whatever he proposed by NBC wouldn’t work out for wanted about NBC on his final episode of Jay, Jimmy, or Conan. “The Tonight Show,” O’Brien said this-
F
For the record, I’m with Conan
“Walking away from ‘The Tonight Show’ is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. This is the best job in the world. I absolutely love doing it. Every comedian dreams of hosting ‘The Tonight Show,’ and for seven months, I got to do it. And, I did it my way, with people I love. I do not regret one second of anything that we’ve done here. And if our next gig is doing a show in a 7-Eleven parking lot, we will find a way to make it fun, we really will. I will have no problems.” In the end, O’Brien did get the short stick. Everyone knows NBC treated him unfavorably. Regardless, O’Brien and sidekick Andy Richter were more than willing to make their final show the best. On the final episode, O’Brien delivered a powerful, heartfelt speech. When speaking about his fans, he began to choke up, but the final part of O’Brien’s speech was the most memorable. “All I ask is one thing, and I’m asking this particularly of young people that watch: please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism. For the record, it’s my least favorite quality, it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen. I’m telling you, amazing things will happen.” I will never forget what he said that night. Because O’Brien’s final episode meant everything to me, as I believe it did to others. It gave us all hope, that one day O’Brien would reunite with Jim Gaffigan in Pale Force. Or that William Shatner would recite poetry from
MacBook $999
13.3” screen 7 hour battery 4.7 pounds 1.08” thick 2 GB Memory
MacBook Pro 13.3” $1199
13.3” screen 7 hour battery 4.5 pounds 0.95” thick 2 or 4 GB Mem.
Dell Studio 15 $549
15.6” screen 5.5 hour battery 5.5 pounds 1.25” thick 3 GB Memory
Lenovo U450 $1299
14.0” screen 6 hour battery 4.6 pounds 1.0” thick 3 GB Memory
Going Rogue again. On the last episode, O’Brien showed a video clip of his brief time at “The Tonight Show.” The video incorporated highlights from the show. It also included clips from his first episode with O’Brien running from New York to Los Angeles while Cheap Trick’s “Surrender” played in the background. The segment ended with a black screen and three hopeful words: To be continued. I want a reserved fold-out chair in that 7-Eleven parking lot.
I’m with
CoCo
The Lion’s Tale
February 5, 2010
Diversions 19
Get sweet tweet apps free In 140 words or less, celebrities post, or “tweet,” their thoughts, plans, and promotions of products and charities. As Twitter emerges as one of the most popular social networking sites, its applications grow in popularity. Some are just plain outrageous, while others can be very useful. Here are some exclusive applications compiled by Angiee Carey that won’t bore you to death.
Twitter LOL
This app records comical tweets from various Twitter users on its own website. If a user wants to lighten up someone else’s day, they just might want to go and visit this site.
Twitter Loo
This app is known as one of the weirdest Twitter App users. In just three steps, it lets you post your detailed toilet humor to your page like “Splash & Dash” and “A NeverEnding Story.”
Twecipe
This app is perfect for those who love cooking. This easy tool gives you a recipe based on the ingredients you have. To collect better recipe ideas, follow Twecipe and send in some ingredients.
Tweet my gaming Tweet my gaming is an app that gathers video game conversations from Twitter users in real time. Gamers are able to find the hottest games available on this site.
Twitty Pop
illustrations/WESLEY WYNNE
Users can vote for the hottest boy or girl on Twitter. The more votes, the faster they will then bubble up to the top. It’s definitely a fun, flirty way to find new people and bump up your followers.
Twrivia
This application asks you random Twitter trivia questions. If you’re one of the first among hundreds to answer it correctly, you will be rewarded a point each time. The time limit is 12 hours per question.
Celebrity Tweets taylorswift13: I didn’t notice until now
that the person who made my coffee today wrote ‘you’re wonderful’ on the cup. It made my day. owlcity: Spongebob, it’s been over eleven years. You’re not getting your license.
johncmayer: It’s inherently silly and
inherently dumb. If you really think that Twitter is the pathway to spiritual enlightment, well... It’s one step away from sending pictures of your poop.
souljaboytellem: Imagine living life like Jumpers and you could teleport anywhere in the world at anytime...omg...
20 Diversions
February 5, 2010
The Lion’s Tale
I
love you* YOU’RE MY VALENTINE.
1 year and 5 months Shawn Dailey ‘10 & Taylor Rolfe ‘11 “As far as Valentine’s Day, we’ll probably end up going to Olive Garden like we did last year. It’s my favorite restaurant so I’m happy with that,” said Rolfe.
photos/VALENTINESMOVIE.COM
Big hearts find love on big screen
1 year and 3 months Kayla Woody ’10 & Jake Redding ‘11 “We are going to see the movie ‘Valentine’s Day’. Then he is taking me out to dinner. When we get home we will exchange our gifts,” said Woody.
Frankly, the preview looks entertaining and funny, but then again, it’s a romantic comedy. Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Those movies haven’t done Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba, well in the box office lately. How Jessica Biel, Topher Grace, many good, original romantic Emma Roberts, and many more. A good turn out is predicted due to comedies are actually out there? It might end up bland or a little the comedic plot and cast. confusing to follow. Or it could be The film has a variety of sublike the horror that was He’s Just plots occuring during Valentine’s Not That Into You. Day which is similar to the film It should be an interesting date Love Actually, that also has several movie that will entertain anyone at intertwining stories. any age. From the previews, I can’t tell It would be a great movie to exactly what is involved in the plot but a large part seems to depend on see on Valentine’s Day with that its stars to add some credibility. special someone while eating your candy and popcorn. But is the plot any good?
Wesley Wynne including Queen Latifah, Jamie staff reporter Foxx, Bradley Cooper, Julia
T
he perfect date flick, Valentine’s Day, will be released Friday, Feb. 12. Directed by Garry Marshall, Valentine’s Day is a romantic comedy with an ensemble cast about couples that make-up and break-up based on the pressures and expectations of Valentine’s Day. Marshall has directed and produced past hit movies such as Pretty Women and the Princess Diaries, both of which proved to be widely successful. The film has an all-star cast,
1 year and 1 month Paris Kinsey ’11 & Scott Dangel ’11 “Her sense of humor, and her beautiful blue eyes attracted me. Also, we have so much in common, and that’s why I wanted to be with her,” said Dangel. 1 year and 1 month Fletcher Bell ‘10 & Caitlin Smith ‘10 “For Valentine’s Day we are going to dinner and then going putt-putt because that’s what we did for our first date,” said Smith.
Music Reviews
Of The Colour Of The Sky
Transference Spoon Alternative
Ok Go Alternative
J
Caitlyn Braswell
Caitlyn Braswell
T
photos COURTESY of/ ROLFE, WOODY, KINSEY, and SMITH
co-sports editor
he witty, treadmill famous band Ok Go has released an all-new album Of The Colour Of The Sky. Like their past albums, they managed to keep their clever lyrics flowing and the catchy tunes coming. Though the lyrics may have remained the same, Ok Go moved their sound further from the jumpy pop-rock beats of the past and moved forward toward a collection of dance-y easily compared to Prince or the Flaming Lips such as their spacey-synth single “End Love” or their full on dance track “I Want You So Bad I Can’t Breathe.”
DOWNLOAD THIS> End Love
The Soft Pack
The Soft Pack co-sports editor Alternative ust when it seemed the band couldn’t
do any more with their slashy guitar riffs and quick tapping drums, Spoon released another new and noteworthy album Transference. Unlike many groups that have managed to stick around the music scene as long as these 1996 music veterans, Spoon still managed to make their album stand tall with their classic sputtering horns combined with Britt Daniels raspy, matter-of-fact voice. Though most singer’s voices fall over time, it almost seems as if Daniels voice has withstood age. In fact, he’s managed to sound as young as their 1996 days in the business.
DOWNLOAD THIS> Got Nuffin’
Upcoming Concerts
Jay-Z
Saturday, Feb 20 8:00 p.m BankAtlantic Center
Flogging Molly Tuesday, Feb 16 6:00 p.m House of Blues
Taylor Swift Friday, March 5 8:00 p.m Amway Arena
Wilco
Monday, March 22 8:30 p.m The Filmore, Miami Beach
Julia Thorncroft
O
co-opinion editor
ne of San Diego’s finest, the Soft Pack rises above all the heavymetal and deathgrind tarnishing the California city. Changing their original name, the Muslims (due to racist comments), these beach boys prove their sound hasn’t changed one bit. Combine sixties beach music with punk in ’77 and you get The Soft Pack. Its California beach sound mixed with New York punk with a touch of ‘90s garage band. The song “Down On Loving” feels reminiscent, as most of the album does with its somewhat familiar sound and taste. “More or Less” is a song with upbeat rhythms, but still transcends a cold message. While every retro-garage band in Suburban America plays it languid, the Soft Pack radiate wide-eyed angst, most notably with “Parasites” and the predictably popular “Answer to Yourself,” but the best song on this album has to be “Mexico,” a sultry, tranquil beat causing one to reverie. The Soft Pack’s album is one that doesn’t need embellishment. Buy the album and put it in your car stereo, that’s where it belongs.
DOWNLOAD THIS> Mexico
5 Valentine’s Day Top
Songs
To Hold your Hand” 1.“I Want The Beatles Than Anyone” 2. “More Gavin DeGraw was a Fairytale” 3. “Today Taylor Swift
4. “If It Kills Me”
Jason Mraz
5. “Everything” Micheal Bublé
The Lion’s Tale
February 5, 2010
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February 5, 2010
The Lion’s Tale
Sports
6
photo/K
LOSO EVIN VE
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VARSITY SOCCER
RUN DOWN Junior Colleen O’Kennedy and senior Patrick Christie started on the varsity team this year.
1
SOCCER FASHIONISTAS
In order to keep their shin guards in place, the girls varsity team uses electrical tape as a make-shift way of holding them in place.
2
PET NAMES
3
DOUBLE TROUBLE
4 5 6
The girls soccer team have numerous nicknames for each other such as Momo, Minnow and Ape.
Senior John Harbalis can add varsity soccer to his list of teams he’s played for including varisty cross country along with sophomore Hallie Lavery.
SUPERSTITIONS
Before every game coach Waisanen hand outs blow pops to each of the girls and once on the field various players have special handshakes with each other.
STOP LOSS
With both teams losing seniors the coaches will look to the younger classes to replace the graduates and step up their game.
TOO MUCH TIME
During one of the girls practices sophomore Megan Dreesen managed to zip her entire body into the ball bag.
Tears shed as Christie says good-bye to team dinners
Connor Bailey
F
co-sports editor
or the past 11 years, guidance secretary Patty Christie has been hosting the famous “team dinners” for the soccer teams. This year was the final good-bye. Christie’s three children, Katie, Billy, and Patrick played on the varsity soccer team, with Patrick ending his senior season this year. “I have personally been apart of team dinners for 11 years, and have held 15 dinners at my house,” said Christie. Team dinners happen all over the campus whether it be soccer, football, or even cheer leading, it is a great way to bring to the team together, almost like a “family.” Dinners can often be described as a whirlwind with 13-16 kids eating for two or three hours, creating bonds and chemistry between all of the team members. “We have five or six meals per season. These are generally the night before district games,” said Christie. Usually a parent of one of the athletes volunteers to have it at their home and the host home proves the paper products and set ups while the kids bring the actual food. “It takes a couple of hours to set up for
and the seniors,” said sophomore Scotty David. A typical meal would consist of a salad, bread, pasta, gatoraid, and desserts. “The food is amazing, like the pasta and lasagna,” said junior Jacob Spikes. Christie reflected on some her favorite parts of team dinner. “Watching the kids, listening to their stories, and seeing all the shoes at my front door. I love it,”Christie said. After the kids eat they usually play all sorts of games like Monopoly or Call of Duty. “My favorite part of team dinner is dominating everyone in FIFA(video game) and taking Coles phone and making him mad,” said junior’ Carlos Delgado Through out the years Christie has retained many great memories but one sticks out from the rest. “The boys were rough housing and then in the middle of the winter one of the boys was thrown into the pool,”said Christie. photo/COURTESY OF PATTY CHRISTIE Closing a chapter in a person’s life is EAT IT UP. The boys soccer team including sophomore Heith Kerr, freshmen Nick Maggio andCole Thompson, juniors Veneek always hard, but these years have been Merzoian and Scott Harvey enjoy a hearty meal of hot dogs and fruit during a team dinner at Patty Christie’s house. extremely special to Christie. “I’m going to miss all the years. This a dinner. I have to have my house cleaned are always a must. before the kids come over,” said Christie. “I like eating the tasty food and chillin is my 11th and final year of being a soccer With teenagers, large portions of food with my teammates, picking on the juniors mom. I am going to miss it,” Christy said.
The Lion’s Tale
February 5, 2010
Sports
23
Trainers deliver care on, off field
Nirvani Khan
S
staff reporter
ophomore Aubrie Peppiatt stands on the sidelines of the football field waiting to help in case an athletic injury occurs. Trainer Aubrie Peppiatt said, “The best experience I’ve had with being an athletic trainer is football season, being on the bus and down on the field with the boys. It’s a lot different from being in the stands.” Sophomore Alaina Locus decided to become a student athletic trainer for more school involvement. Locus said, “I decided to be an athletic trainer to be able to learn more about injuries and also to have something to do after school.” Cathy Lowe and Erica Zimolzak-Coe are the two certified athletic trainers in charge of the student athletic trainers at OHS. “Both [Lowe and Zimolzak-Coe] make us all feel like family and they put a lot of trust in us all,” said senior Courtney Lyons. Zimolzak-Coe, who has been in charge of the student athletic trainers for eleven years, has a strong passion for working with the student trainers. “My favorite thing about working with the student athletic trainers are the bonds that we form and sparking their interest in athletic training,” said Zimolzak-Coe. Athletic trainers are absolutely imperative to OHS athletes. Lyons said, “Athletic trainers are there to make sure that athletes are healthy enough to participate, and rehabilitate them when they aren’t. They’re very important, so much so that almost every sporting event has to have a trainer on hand.” Sophomore Aubrie Peppiatt agrees. Peppiatt said, “I think that athletic trainers are important to have at our school because we do a lot for the students that play sports, we keep them safe and healthy, and
photo/CARLY MCCARTHY
HELP ON THE WAY. Senior Jillian Peppiatt walks off the field with trainers Erica Zimolzak-Coe and Cathy Lowe after assisting a football player.
care for them when they are hurt.” The student trainers train athletes that participate in all contact sports. However, football is the only sport in which student athletic trainers are present for practice. In order to become a student athletic trainer, one should be physically fit and dedicated to the health and well-being of OHS athletes. “Fitness is a key part of being an athletic trainer because you are constantly moving and constantly busy. [Athletic trainers] are constantly outside with the athletes, but they also work out to stay fit. In order to be good at[athletic training], you have to be dedicated to this and learn all that you can to help do well for all the athletes.” In Locus’s opinion, an athletic trainer must truly care about athletes.
Locus said, “To be an athletic trainer you must be up for the work and be caring.” The long hours that student athletic trainers put into training reflects this dedication. Zimolzak-Coe said, “Student athletic trainers meet usually two or three times a week and stay after school anywhere between seven and 14 hours after school each week.” Student athletic trainers learn to use a variety of training equipment. “We use weights for rehabilitation to help build strength back up, stretchy boards to work the muscles that need to be rehabilitated, and slide boards to help strengthen ankle injuries,” said Lyons. Of course, there are some challenges that come along with being an athletic trainer.
Lyons said, “Some of the challenges are the long hours, dealing with upset athletes, and bad weather. The worst experience was when our [Varsisty football] kicker, Sam Bloomfield, injured his neck. It made me worried and scared for him.” Lyons’ favorite part about being a trainer is an athlete’s recovery process. “My favorite part [about being a student athletic trainer] is getting to experience the recovery of an injured athlete and the happiness they have for getting back in the game. The recovery process involves a lot of rest, ice, and stretching,” said Lyons. Strong bonds develop between the student athletic trainers, as well. Lyons said, “We are basically like sisters. We may fight, but in the end, we get along and get the job done. Off the field, we get together and watch movies.” Furthermore, the trainers gain experience for the career they are interested in. “I’m interested in being an athletic trainer as a career because I like helping people. [Being a student athletic trainer] will help with experience. I’ve learned to communicate with people better,” said Lyons. Zimolzak-Coe encourages any student who wants to become an athletic trainer to get certified. “They need to go to a four year college that has an accredited athletic training program to become certified,” said Zimolzak-Coe. In addition, the student athletic program at OHS is open to those who are interested. Lyons said, “[Any student interested] just has to come into the training room and fill out an information sheet and then they come out the next week to try it out. The only requirement is that you enjoy sports.” Zimolzak-Coe understands that there is more to athletic trainers than athletic ability. “The ideal student athletic trainer must be hardworking, compassionate, and patient.”
Installation of carefree turf to save school money Hallie Lavery
T
staff reporter
he football field looks more like a beach than a grassy field. There’s sand, dirt, and deep pits covering the surface. “The main reason we want to install a new turf playing field is natural grass can’t withstand the amount of games being played on it,” Principal Robert Lundquist said. Because of these complications, players are more likely to be injured; performance level drops, and games are canceled or moved to other fields. Not only is an orderly field an asset, but it should also a source of pride, and beauty representing the school. “Turf looks better. It’s more aesthetically pleasing,” Lundquist said. There’s no doubt that a new turf playing field would be a great benefit to the school, and it’s after school programs. The decision to add new turf is up to a group of people, including Lundquist, Coach Allen, and the booster club- involving parents, business owners, and other locals in the community. “To raise money for the cost we will be selling squares of the field, such as the goal lines, the 50 yard line, and side lines. The city of Oviedo will also help us with money, and individual teams will be asked to do fundraising,” said Lundquist. The main factor for installing turf is the number of soccer, football, and lacrosse games that are canceled throughout the year. Throughout this year numerous games
have been moved to opponent schools because of field condition, therefore lessening the number of home games, and decreasing the amount of profit brought into the school from sporting events. “With a new turf field it will keep us from canceling games because of rough field conditions. There will no longer be any complications do to bad weather,” said Athletic Director Wes Allen. About ten teams use the field, including JROTC and Marching Band. Outside events are also held on the field, such as Pop Warner Football games on Saturdays. “With a quality playing field there will be no holes or unsafe areas, and it will be available for the community to use,” Lundquist said. The installation of turf is a complex process. It consists of many layers including crushed rock, weed barriers, sand, rubber, woven-fabric, and polyester fibers. Unlike natural grass, which requires fertilizers, pesticides, moving, and regular water, this system requires minimal maintenance, and lasts at least 10 years. “To install the turf we have to cut eight inches down into the ground, and layer the rock, rubber, and woven fibers,” Allen said. Lundquist confirms Allen’s statement. “There will no longer be the need for fertilizer or pesticides, which is good for the environment,” said Lundquist. By installing turf, more money would be saved, and gained. There would no longer be costs of field maintenance, and the field would be in top condition, making it optimal for scheduling events and games.
Turf layers
Yarn
Rubber Infill Sand
Elastic Layer
Sub Base
illustration/WESLEY WYNNE
LAYIN’ IT DOWN. Installing the turf is a complex process and could begin after the springs sports are done. “With turf the only work is to use a big comb to rake the field, we wouldn’t have to pay for maintenance or watering the field,” Allen said. After decisions are made final, and according to Mr. Lundquist, the school can secure a loan from the bank, the 30-day process of installation can begin. “We’re still receiving quotes for the
cost. We hope to start installing as soon as possible, most likely after spring sports are done using the stadium,” Allen said As for cost, the lowest estimate received so far was $571,000 from the company Turnkey. “After a period of about five to seven years, the cost of the field would be recuperated, and money will start to be saved,” said Lundquist.
24
Sports
February 5, 2010
The Lion’s Tale
Gators, Catfish lure students into swamps in search of tasty treats and profits
open campfire. “We do pretty much every type of hunting staff reporter including hog, deer, coyote, and turkey. he airboat swerves and races as the When we fish, we fish for catfish, the biggest alligator performs death rolls. Sarah we can get,” said freshman Sarah Tibbits. Tibbits pulls it to shore. For some OHS teens, hunting takes place Her dad yells, “Shoot him square between in their backyards made up of marshes, the eyes.” swamps, and lakes. Florida currently She does. That night her houses nearly two million alligators. father, her cousin, and “To alligator hunt, we go out on she indulge in fresh the Econ, or Puzzle Lake. I go cat alligator meat fishing outside the Jolly Gator under around an the bridge or at Hat Bill. The Jolly Gator is a great place to fish and have a good time. I also live on five acres where you can shoot deer right outside,” said Tibbits. Sophomore Lindsey Tuppeny, an avid fisher, agrees, “I go fishing a lot. I go to Mosquito Lagoon, Lake Jessup, Black Hammock, or the Jolly Gator.” Catching an alligator takes finesse and technique. “There are many ways to catch an alligator. One you have a big cable with a dagger on the end. You attach it to the ground with raw meat. When the alligator bites on to it, the stake gets caught in their mouth. The alligator struggles until it wears out and then you shoot it,” said Tibbits.
Jordan Branch
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ion/
CON N
The brave and seasoned often choose a life, often makes its rounds in high school. Tibbits has her own opinion on the topic. different method. “I wear the camouflage jacket, cowboy “I go at night on an airboat. I have a license. The biggest alligator I ever caught boots, blue jeans, usually a Dixie outfitter was 13 foot. Sometimes we jump on them t-shirt, and my red neck belt buckle. Being and stab them, but it is hard to sneak up a redneck is a lifestyle not a stereotype. If on them. Other times, we shoot them with you live the lifestyle, you are not afraid to bows. I’ve been doing it for 10 years,” said get dirty and you love being with friends and family. We love everybody but you don’t freshman Michael Duncan. While Duncan goes out on airboats to want to push us to our outer limits. We love hunt, Tibbits finds another way to have fun being in the outdoors and just having fun. We are not afraid to get hurt and for the most on an airboat. part are fearless,” said Tibbits. “The Camouflage seems to be most fun “I make stuff out of the alligator the symbol for a true hunter or part of being skin, like boots. I am planning on outdoorsmen. Those who hunt all the time and are serious about it on an a career in taxidermy,” wear their jackets even to school. airboat is the baby Michael Duncan, ‘13 Distinguishing a hunter at school can be made easy, even though they are trying to blend in wearing alligators. You can basically just grab them camouflage jackets. “My mom is from Georgia. My room is out of the water. It is called grabbing. They are cute and when you pick them up they completely camoed. My dad and I wear the wiggle around. You can also eat them,” said boots and the jacket like every day,” said Tuppeny. Tibbits. As fun and carefree as alligator hunting Although alligator hunting became mostly a hobby for these teens, alligators seems, the dangers are very real. “Once an alligator bit my ankle and make good meals. “I like alligator ribs. The ribs are actually I had to get 50 stitches. After I got out of made of cartilage. They are bendable. It is the hospital, I was sick for three months, my favorite food. The gator tail tastes like but right after I started hunting again,” said chicken. It’s all white meat. My daddy or Duncan. When it comes to getting the job cousin skins them. We have a whole freezer full of what we caught. We only buy cow done, hunters demonstrate passion and fearlessness. meat at the store,” said Tibbits. “The biggest fish I ever caught was 15 Others see a monetary value in the wide world of hunting. Duncan seeks to find a pound catfish. The biggest alligator I’ve ever way to profit from his love for hunting and caught was a six and a half foot alligator. I would jump in and tackle it myself if my the sport. “I make stuff out of the alligator skin, daddy would let me. I don’t care if I got my like boots. I am planning on a career in leg eaten off,” said Tibbits. The pride and joy of the hunts often end taxidermy,” said Duncan. For many hunters the hobby goes up as displays. “Our living room has three deer heads on deeper and further than just another outdoor adventure. Labels often come with the sport. the wall and outside my daddy’s shop he has “Redneck,” the most popular stereotype for a four foot seven inch rattlesnake skin that those that live in the outdoors and country my daddy killed,” said Tibbits.
OR B AILE
Y
HUNTINGFUNFACTS
»» More then 6,000 permits will be sold in Florida this year. Each permit is good for two gators. »» Alligator season runs for more than 11 weeks straight, usually from August to November.
The Lion’s Tale
February 5, 2010
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Sports
February 5, 2010
The Lion’s Tale
‘Rumble in Jungle’ raises over $3,000
Kaitlyn Loughlin
S
staff reporter
weat streams down the player’s intimidating faces as they fight for the ball on the midfield circle. After the draw is cleared, a stick is dropped, a skirt is pulled: “Rumble in the Jungle” is on. “The girls we’re split by grade because that seemed to be the fairest approach,” said JV girls head coach, Abby Miller. “Ninth and tenth graders played on JV, and tenth and eleventh graders played on Varsity.” This co-ed lacrosse challenge, called “Rumble in the Jungle,” was an intensified boys versus girls face off created to raise money for both lacrosse programs. “The lacrosse parents organized everything that was required for this event,” said junior TJ Campbell’s mother, Kristi Campbell. “It ended up being very successful and raised more than $3,000 for our sport’s funding.” Not only did this event bring in the big bucks to financially support the teams, but it also allowed the players to interact and bond as a unified sport. “It was a good way to kick off our 2010 season with a fun and entertaining program that brought our two lacrosse communities together,” said (K) Campbell. Although this game allowed the teams the opportunity to boast about who would win, the girls seemed to have major advantages. “We definitely had the upper hand because we played by girl’s rules, so the girl’s were already familiar with plays,” said girls varsity head coach, John Darley. “The girls and boys switched sticks, which benefited the girl’s because guy sticks are much easier to catch with.” The variations in the sticks can make all the difference because a guy’s stick has a deeper
pocket, while a girl’s stick has no pouch for the ball to stay in, unless you consistently cradle it. “Also, the boys were required to play in tennis shoes, while the girls were allowed to wear cleats,” said Darley. Cleats are important during a field game because they cling to the ground, which prevents slipping and makes running over dirt or uneven land more durable. “The girl’s played dirty; I had no idea they’d be so aggressive,” said junior Tim Walker. “We had no coach to give us pointers or direct us during the game either, which made it worse.” The girl’s team certainly did not go easy on the boys, but they did play fair. “Since JV beat the boys 8-2 and Varsity won 10-5, our defense was pretty strong, but I think our team spirit is what made us victorious because the girls looked like they had so much fun.” With the financial achievement competitive enjoyment, and loads of fan support, this newly introduced program proved to be a success. “We definitely plan on having Rumble in the Jungle every year from now on,” said Darley. With a new Oviedo Lacrosse tradition blossoming, anyone who was unable to attend this 2010 event is given the opportunity to come witness this festivity for many years to come. “I think if we improve our stick control and team collaboration we’ll be sure to pull a win next year,” said junior, Matt Tillman. Of course, the girls strongly disagree. “The girls have had a more consistent practice schedule over the past few years and it’s our own rules, it’d be almost impossible for us not to win,” said senior Callie Porcher. While some players participate for full victory bragging rights and the love of the
photo/KEVIN VELOSO
STEP ASIDE BOYS. Freshman Kendall Darley sprints past her defender, Ed Miller, for a goal. As she laughs her way to victory, Jordan Anderson watches the boys’ lacrosse team get defeated.
game, others partake in the game for mere fun. “I never felt so manly wearing a skirt before,” said senior Rene Kortus. Although the boys enjoyed acting the role as females and filling the bleachers with laughter, the girl’s proved their focus and determination
to win, as well as their true capabilities. There’s no doubt we’ll dominate in the future; we’re awesome, we look better in our uniforms, and our insane good looks will keep the boy’s distracted, while we kick some sissy butt,” said junior Yanire Acra.
Roar Board
The Lion’s Tale
February 5, 2010
Sports
27
The
Roar
Lindsay Knox
staff reporter
Athletes excel on and off the field
K
udos to all the academically-inclined student athletes out there. Now please take a moment to explain to me, how do you do it? As a dedicated member of the Oviedo High School Lion’s Tale Newspaper staff, I am in a continuous battle to succeed in my three Advanced Placement courses. I get behind in my homework and suffer the pressures of test after test on a weekly basis. I have found that I hold a deep envy for the intelligence of many athletes at our school who, besides spending two to three hours after school every day, still find time to conquer mountains of homework and face treacherous exams headon. Personally, I have plenty of time after school to complete my assignments. Whether that ever really happens is another story. Student athletes including senior Floyd photo/KEVIN VELOSO Wilks have found ways to balance their school BATTLE IT OUT. Junior (14) Katie O’Kennedy duels for a ball against (10) Yaya Martinez during the region quarter-final game against Freedom High School. The Lions won work and their dedication to a sport of their the game 4-0 to advance to the regional semi-finals. choice. “Even though I take a load of AP classes, I’ve learned not to procrastinate,” said Wilks. “If I come home from football practice and go As the boys basketball season comes to an end, the team has With the start of the 2010 track season approaching, the straight to my homework, I always get it done racked up a few more wins. team prepares to take on the challenge. This year, OHS within a few hours.” “We had five players in football training at the beginning changed its classification from a 4A school to a 3A school. Too often, the athletes at our school are of our season, so it took us awhile to get started,” said Coach Coach Roseum feels confident about the season and expects underestimated when it comes to academics. Kershner. the team to do well. She also expects Oviedo High School to The all-too-popular stereotype of the American Even with their tough start, the Lions ended the season with be represented in the state meet this year. football player is known to be a cocky, meata 15-9 record. head jock who could care less about getting good grades because he’ll get a scholarship to college anyways. With the season coming to an end, the Lady Lions finish The girls soccer season came to an unexpected loss in Students at our school defy this misconcepthe regional semi-finals against Winter Springs High School. strong with 11 wins and 11 losses. The ladies lost to Lake tion. Our athletes tend to excel both in the classContinuing with their dominance from the past two seasons Howell in the District semi-finals in a close game. All in all, room and on the field. the lions looked as if they would “three-peat” in the state Final the ladies had a good season and are looking strong for next “Football and track are both very important Four. The lions finished the season with a 16-5-1 record, district season. to me, but my education is my top priority,” champions and the SAC title. said Wilks. “I recently got accepted to Duke, and that’s where I’m heading to further my education.” After daily practices and conditioning, the varsity baseball Watching multiple OHS athletes succeed Wednesday, February 3 marked the day when three OHS team looks forward to starting their season. Their first game so well in their classes has provided me with a athletes took a lunge and signed with UCF. Seniors Blake takes place Wednesday, March 3, at Mikler Field against mindset that I, too, am capable of prevailing in Bortles, Trevor Berry, and April Asby committed to UCF; University at 6:00PM. The following game is Friday, March my AP classes, even AP Physics B. 5, also at home, against Lake Mary at 7:00PM. Bortles for football, Berry for baseball, and Asby for soccer. Personally, I used to be one of the stereotypical students who thought that the athletes at our school were overconsumed with their sports Tanner has played and didn’t care to work on their academics. varsity basketball Over this last semester I have been able to for OHS for two rely on these gifted students, as I can often be years, playing as found asking Floyd for help in order to pass my point guard both next physics exam. years. I have gained respect for these students. I no longer judge them, presuming that they are What is your favorite part of the dim-whitted and feebleminded. I see these students as my classmates, my basketball season? I like to be able to hang out and play basketball with tutors, my equals whether Floyd is teaching me how to calculate buoyant force, or I am being all of my friends. taught a new perspective: it’s possible to be acWhat makes your team special tive in AP courses and school work, and representing our school on the field, court, in the from other teams? We all get along with each other and none of us are pool, or on the green. selfish on the court.
Boys end a strong season
Track team has high hopes
Girls soccer takes District
Girls basketball looks ahead
Athletes commit to UCF
Baseball intends to score
Five
Questions with Tanner Below
photo/COURTESY OF TANNER BELOW
KEEP AWAY. Senior (4) Tanner Below travels down the court in an attempt to score
during a varsity basketball game against Hagerty. The boys defeated Hagerty 55-49 in overtime.
1 2 3 4 5
What do you like most about game days?
Getting pumped in the locker room before the game and running out to see the crowd as we warm up.
Upcoming Games Boy’s Varsity Baseball • 02.11 Deltona 7:30PM • 02.16 Freedom 7:00PM
What is one of your favorite things to do on the court?
Girl’s Varsity Lacrosse
What quality about yourself makes you a good teammate?
Boy’s Varsity Lacrosse
I like to make crazy passes to my teammates.
I’m not a selfish teammate. I don’t just care about myself, I care about my team.
• 02.09 @ Lake Brantley 7:00PM • 02.11 @ Hagerty 7:00PM • 02.10 Lake Highland 7:30PM • 02.17 Lake Howell 7:00PM
28
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