The Lion's Tale - Volume 57 Issue 6 - Oviedo High School

FIND MORE NEWS, SPORTS AND REVIEWS AT OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

LION’STALE OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • 32765 • MAY 4, 2017 • VOLUME 57 • ISSUE 6

WALK OF THE LIONS

CLASS OF 2017 03

SPACE INTEREST SPARKS AFTER RECENT SURGE OF INNOVATION

17

SENIORS DISH OUT FUTURE GOALS IN A BUCKET LIST

22

SPORTS SUCCESSES FUEL OVIEDO UNITY AS SEASONS CLOSE

2 | NEWS | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 4, 2017

The month in photos

The

Photo’s Of

The Month

Members of class of 2017 critique testing over many years WRITTEN BY NIYATI SHAH The class of 2017 has been exposed to an entourage of new testing policies over the course of grade school, from the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) to the Redesigned SAT. “Over the years, the class of 2017 had gotten used to the typical FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) that had occurred every year--until a new state test arrived,” said senior Yamilka Nigaglioni.

Nigaglioni believed that learning the new curriculum and standards was difficult for students and teachers alike.

“The FSA was introduced and it incorporated reading, writing and math, and I do not believe my teachers prepared me enough because I do not think they were aware of the new in-depth testing,” Nigaglioni said.

Senior Zoe Davide found the FSA, which was instituted in 2015, more challenging than the FCAT. “It’s like the state is just creating random new tests, that are also required to pass the class or graduate, and they’re determining whether or not the test is successful based on how we do,” Davide said.

However, according to Davide, the class had some leeway.

“For my class, they let everyone pass by default because the test was so unreasonably hard (for example, on the non-calculator portion it asked for the cube root of a number in the 2000s), which ultimately worked in my favor because I have trouble taking any test, but standardized tests especially,” Davide said. “So in a way it took some of

the stress off my shoulders because I didn’t have to worry about retaking it or anything.”

The Redesigned SAT, to Nigaglioni, proved to be beneficial for her college applications.

“For the SAT, I attempted studying by using a review book and writing analysis essays that the new testing required, but I got used to the fact that I had to become accustomed to the testing to do better,” Nigaglioni said.

Nigaglioni’s scores were higher on the new SAT, but she said she would not allow a test to dictate her life.

“I knew that I could not let a test undermine my intellect, but while in the process of college applications and college admissions, I had to put in full effort to get accepted,” Nigaglioni said.

Davide did not see the change in tests impact his own college applications.

“For me personally, I don’t feel like it impacted my college admissions much, if at all, because I was pretty fortunate to get into four of the five colleges I applied to, even though my test scores aren’t as strong as some other people’s,” Davide said.

In the long run, Davide sees how being the first to take an exam can impact college applications.

“However, I do feel strongly that it probably has some impact on most other people’s applications,” Davide said. “Because, as much as for me it turned out to be somewhat a good thing to be the guinea pigs of the newand-improved standardized testing systems, I can see how for most people it wouldn’t actually be a positive thing.”

Cost, benefit of private colleges impacts school choice WRITTEN BY OLIVIA BASTONE

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

Students paid $1-$3 to smash cars during lunch near the Commons during a fundraiser for Student Government.

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

PROMENADE OF SENIORS.

The Class of 2017 celebrates the end of the year with the Alice in Wonderland Prom on April 22. Seniors Yobi Guobadia and Nelly Young were crowned Prom King and Queen.

School Tuition vs. Potential Earnings per year

per year

PHOTO BY NIYATI SHAH

$61,478

Public College

$33,480

$9,650

Community College

$57,252

$41,184

$3,440

Senior Grace Morton has to decide between the University of Alabama and the University of Central Florida.

Part of her decision comes from evaluating the potential costs and benefits of each.

There are hundreds of possible doors that can open for college. Students can choose to go in state, out of state, to a community college, or never even enroll at all. According to the Washington Post, many students wonder if the type of college someone goes to will matter in the long run.

A study done by the Atlantic found that “the more elite a school, the better its alum’s paychecks,” meaning that the steeper price of the tuition may someday result in a steeper paycheck. This means that spending more money to receive a degree from a private institution could be worth it in the end because of the possible amount of income that could be acquired. The study showed that “private university [graduates] eventually make 20 percent more than their counterparts.”

However, Morton said the statistic might be unrepresentative of the complete student bodies throughout all higher education centers.

“I think that statistic may be skewed because the amount of students graduating from public institutions is considerably larger than private ones,” Morton said. “I believe that the amount that you make is partly based on the career you choose, but more so the amount of work you put into it.”

Because of this, Morton feels confident in her decision to attend the University of Central Florida and pursue a career in radiology.

In some cases, community college graduates can earn

a matching--or even greater--salary than private school graduates, according to the Community College Review (CCR). In their study, they discovered that, because community college education is more focused on specific job training, it creates a more specialized skill set that can become lucrative.

CCR further concluded that while the skills and work experience earned from learning a specific trait at community college are beneficial, the potential for an increased pay is still greater when the student completes a four-year degree.

“With everything becoming increasingly competitive in the job market, it’s important to get the most amount of schooling you can possibly acquire,” said senior Zach Whitacre. “It can help you procure an edge.”

SMASHING CARS.

Private College

CHEMISTRY OF COLOR. AP Chemistry teacher Scott Waisanen provides recreation for his students through tie-dyeing t-shirts at the end of the year. Students pose to impersonate their colors.

INFOCOURTESYBIGFUTURE.ORG

FRONT PAGE DESIGN BY NIYATI SHAH

DESIGN BY EMILY VERNIKOS

Launching Off

MAY 4, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | NEWS | 3

New discoveries, accomplishments fuel popular interest in space Earth

1

7926 miles

Mars 1/2

4220 miles

NASA plans to send

ASTRONAUTS to Mars in the

2030s just to

ORBIT

From Sputnik to Orion, over the last few years, our country’s interest in the void above has increased dramatically.

With the rise of jobs pertaining to the advancement of space exploration, to the next possible missions to Mars and Beyond, the interest spike is logical.

Freshman Annelise Lind is one of the many who are a part of the rising love of space, and she is ready to take off to the stars.

“I do plan on being an astronautical engineer for NASA,” Lind said. “My dad and my brother are both engineers, and I myself like being able to put things together.”

Today’s school students have a higher probability of making it to space than those of previous generations.

The Orlando Sentinel said that the “University of Central Florida has seen a 32 percent jump in aerospace engineering and physics program majors with space-related curriculum since 2012.”

“Anybody between the ages of 5 and 18 are the next generation of students that are going to be the group to go on a mission to Mars,” Lind said.

AP environmental science teacher Ben Hogue said his students are very interested

92% of

Earth-like planets in the universe haven’t

been born yet

Planet most similar to Earth Kepler-452b

Earth

days in a Year

days in a Year

365

385

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY plans to send spacecraft to the three Galilean moons of JUPITER

2022

IN

Planet’s Size Comparison

in the subject of space.

“Space is by far the most popular topic I teach in the Earth Space Science class here on campus,” Hogue said. “I save it for the final 9 weeks, as it is easily the unit where class participation and enthusiasm are the highest.”

Junior Ashley Raynor is a heavy enthusiast about the concept about space, but she would prefer to keep her feet on the ground.

“Although I do like the studies, I would prefer to become an interpreter for the new discoveries,” Raynor said.

With the interest in space among those who are hoping to go--and those who are not--increasing, different forms of entertainment have brought light to the advancements in space.

“Entertainment, like The Martian, got people thinking that one day they might actually be able to go and grow stuff in space,” Raynor said.

As to whether there are other beings out there, the disuccion never ends.Though he does not believe in extraterrestrial life, Hogue views space in a unique way.

“I must say I do not believe in aliens,” Hogue said. “But the most exciting thing about space is the discovery of the unknown.”

THE

WRITTEN BY FERN SILVA

INFOCOURTESYNASABUISNESSINSIDER

Congratulations to our beloved 2017 Oviedian Seniors: JESSICA BUDNOVICH, DANIELA NIEVES, ISAIAH PHILLIPS, CHARLOTTE SKIPPER, OLIVIA SMITH, and SHANE TAYLOR.

FABULOUS! SENSATIONAL! AMAZING! TERRIFIC! SPECTACULAR! AWESOME!

OF COURSE, there are not enough superlatives to describe you and your contributions to this program.

You stayed true to your responsibilities and fulfilled all your commitments.

You demonstrated the real meaning of LEADERSHIP in every class.

You met every challenge and kept your composure in the most stressful of times.

THERE’S NO DOUBT that you are the best of the best.

I am so honored to have worked with each of you and I am so proud of your ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Your contributions are now part of Oviedo High School’s history, and your legacy will long be remembered and treasured.

I know you will continue to shine bright and make the world a better place.

Don’t forget that, you will always be welcome in room 5-023—please come back and visit! WE WILL MISS YOU! We wish you well in all your future endeavors….

Ms. Pope and the Oviedian staff DESIGN BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS

4 | NEWS | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 4, 2017

Baseball honors first responders with appreciation night

PHOTO BY AMY GIPSON

AT THE BALLGAME. Oviedo fire chief Lars White and Orlando police officer Shawn Shaouni threw the first pitch during the First Responders Night at the Ballpark event at the baseball game on April 21.

WRITTEN BY C.COMPTON As fires popped up all over central Florida with no real rhyme or reason, the call to action was sounded for those who would be willing to rise up and help the community--policemen and firefighters.

Because of such fires, baseball coach Jason Foss came up with the idea to host an appreciation night for first responders.

He spoke to Hagerty High School’s coach, and they agreed to host the First Responders Night at the Ballpark at the rivalry game on April 21 at Oviedo.

“I think the event was a success,” Foss

said. “We had a large crowd at the game.

There were around 40 first responders and family members that came to the game.”

Junior Alex Figueroa stated that it was a great night.

“There were a lot of people at the game,” Figueroa said.

Even though the game was a rivalry match, the true spirit of the game was about coming together to honor those who have risked their lives to help the citizens of Oviedo.

Sophomore Blake Loubier said the night was important.

“I thought the first responders night

was really awesome, especially to see all the people of Oviedo come out to support those who put their lives on the line every day,” Loubier said. “They have been fighting these fires regularly, and had the courtesy to come and support us. It was an honor to have them watch us play baseball.”

Junior Justin Lampel said the night started with free admission for the first responders and their families.

“The responders themselves got a free hot dog and drink,” Lampel said.

“Before the game, a lieutenant of the police department--a former Oviedo High

student--got to throw the first pitch. The chief of the fire department threw for Hagerty’s side.”

School resource officer Mikee Thompson stated she feels reciprocal appreciation, from the police point of view.

“As a police officer, it is really nice to see members of the community come out and support our cause,” Thompson said.

“It really pushes the fact that some of us risk a lot to help the community.”

Foss said that he and Hagerty’s coach thought of the idea because he has friends in the police and fire departments, and he wanted to show some appreciation.

“I have known many of these people a long time and they are very caring about central Florida,” Foss said.

The team was very supportive of the event, according to Foss.

“They truly understood the importance of the night, and everyone showed their appreciation for the departments by thanking them and expressing their gratitude,” Foss said.

Lampel stated he would support the event again if the need were to arise.

“I definitely will always support the event, because the police and fire departments do a lot for our community, and I definitely could see this becoming an annual--or at least recurring--event,” Lampel said.

Foss also considered the idea of a repeating event.

“As for the plan of another first responders night, I plan on doing something along the lines once a season, just as a way for the team to show our appreciation for the departments that risk their lives for us,” Foss said.

Senior privileges restricted for rest of year Parking enforcement UPDATE TO A STORY FROM OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

WRITTEN BY ABBIE WYDRA

Senior privileges: a favorite feature of each year of seniors. They are one of the things that the underclassmen look forward to for their entire high school careers.

They are privileges, however, so they can be taken away--like they have been this year. Senior privileges have been suspended for the remainder of the 2016-2017 school year. The rumor was that there were too many fights at school.

According to principal Joe Trybus, there was a different reason.

“What [administration] started to see about two months ago was that there were groups of students who would have a substitute, and they would try and talk the sub into letting them out 10 minutes early, and even 15 minutes early, and they would say, ‘Well, we’re all seniors, we are allowed to,’” Trybus said.

Leaving early for lunch, going-off campus for lunch, leaving school five minutes early and attending fewer school days are a few benefits of being a senior, most of which have been restricted.

The biggest issue, to many seniors, is not being able to leave campus five minutes early at the end of the day to beat the traffic, and to leave five minutes early on Tuesdays and Thursdays to go off-campus for lunch.

“It’s kind of upsetting, knowing we have waited four years for this, and now we don’t have the ability to leave five minutes early,” said senior Brianna Waggoner.

Senior Joshua Figueroa agrees.

“Since seniors waited this long to get here, we should be able to have some privileges other than what juniors and sophomores and freshmen have,” Figueroa said.

Seniors see this restriction as a big deal because the

traffic in the junior parking lot in the front of the school is chaotic and causes major traffic issues. It can take up to 30 minutes to get out of the parking lot alone.

Although the seniors have their own parking lot in the back of the school, the traffic is still bad because they are trying to leave the campus at the same time as the rest of the school.

“It is hard for everyone because not everyone that parks in the senior parking lot are seniors, so it’s hard trying to get in and out because students don’t park in their right parking lots,” said senior Christian Abrahams.

Another reason that the privileges were revoked was because a vast majority of the student body was not taking the attendance policy very seriously.

“There are actually 31 pages of kids who have violated the attendance policy, and that’s hundreds and hundreds of kids who need to go to make up time,” Trybus said.

Attendance can affect seniors directly. Students can start losing credit for the courses they are taking, which can impact whether they graduate.

The punishments have affected seniors more than other grades, but it doesn’t mean that the seniors are giving up their privileges easily.

“It showed that administration has power over us,” Waggoner said. “We’re now upset over this, and it’s shown that the senior class can unify and can fight against it.”

Abrahams agrees.

“We all have rights; we have freedom of speech,” Abrahams said. “I think we have a voice and we are united as a senior class.”

Though the privileges are frozen for the Class of 2017, Trybus expects them to return in the fall. Trybus stated that he is considering new ideas, as well, such as allowing seniors to leave campus early every day for senior lunch.

“I would be open to new suggestions for other privileges for seniors,” Trybus said.

increases in senior lot WRITTEN BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN

Seniors have seen more intense patrolling of the senior parking lot in the past few weeks. School dean Jason Maitland said that this is because, recently, school administrators have been getting a lot more complaints about the lack of available parking spots.

In response, the school has become more aggressive with monitoring.

“We are stickering cars that do not have the yellow parking tag,” Maitland said. “It’s fairly simple: senior parking privileges are for seniors only.”

Senior Melissa Rodriguez agrees with the action the school has taken.

“I think that if juniors and sophomores, and even freshmen, have been taking our parking spots, it is wrong,” Rodriguez said. “These spots are supposed to be reserved for us. They should wait until they’re seniors, just like how we had to wait.”

While the back parking lot has been specifically designated for seniors for years, junior Shaylene Gulara disagrees with parts of the set-up.

“I do think that juniors and seniors should stick to their respective parking lots, but the junior parking is a lot worse than the senior parking lot,” Gulara said. “It always takes at least 20 minutes to get out of there after school. I think there should be a more efficient system implemented to control the horrible traffic.”

According to Maitland, the policy will stand. He stated that cars parked in the back parking lot without the parking tag will be towed--especially in the next school year.

“Students need to understand that the parking lot is for seniors only,” Maitland said. “It is their privilege.”

DESIGN BY CONNER QUINLAN

6 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 4, 2017

College not only path worth taking The majority of American high school graduates attend college.

However, for 30 percent of high school graduates, college is not the next step after high school, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

We at The Lion’s Tale believe that alternative (non-college) paths after high school should be pursued with caution.

However, students who choose these paths should not face stigmatization for their decision.

According to the Pew Research Center, millennials who do not attend college earn, on average, $17,500 less annually than college graduates. In addition, college-educated millennials are significantly less likely to be unemployed than those who do not attend college. Millennials who do not attend college are 16 percent more likely to live in poverty than those who earn a college degree.

These statistics, however, are not to say that students who pursue an alternative future will not be successful, nor does it mean that those students will be less happy.

According to a 2015 mental-health research study published by the British Journal of Psychiatry, there is no link between education level and personal happiness and, ultimately, one can find happiness regardless of the path he or she

pursues post-high school.

We believe that students should be informed of the economic difficulties pursuing an alternative future entails; however, we also believe that those who make an informed decision should not be stigmatized for it.

Students can build their resumes through internships and networking-without a college degree--and pursue careers in fields where college degrees aren’t necessary, such as careers as a pilot, sales representative, plumber, mechanic, etc.

In addition, vocational/trade schools are an overlooked alternate pathway for students with specialized interests. Such education can lead to jobs that are high-paying and in-demand.

College degrees do not automatically equate with success. Often, college graduates struggle to find work, and there have been plenty of successful individuals who have achieved great successes without a college degree, such as Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.

We understand that college may not be the right career path for every student, and that students may elect to follow alternative paths after high school.

Each student should do what’s right for him or her, and should not face a stigma, regardless of what choice he or she makes.

IN YOUR FACE

Is college required for success?

Dolton McNew, 12

“Yes, because most jobs will require a degree of some sort.”

Alexander Estes, 12

“While it’s not necessarily required, it helps a lot.”

Taeisha Bloom, 12

“It’s your life. Do whatever you see making you happy in your future.”

OUR WORD

Benjamin Schutt, 12 “It helps guide us to more careers and pathways to life, so it’s required for sucess later in life.”

PHOTOS BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN

”Life is the most exciting opportunity we have.

But we have one shot. You graduate...once, and that’s it. You’re going out of that nest. And you have to find that courage that’s deep, deep, deep in there. Every step of the way.”

-Andrew Shue, actor ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX SAYAVONG Online Manager Doug Chiodini Business Manager Makaila Cowart Tech Manager Trey Hargis Editors-In-Chief Nathan Haddad Niyati Shah Print Managers Paige Simpson Faiz Uddin

Photographers Olivia Bastone Fern Silva Artists Geovanna OllivierreWilliams Alex Sayavong

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

Designers Declan McCoy Joyce Ng Conner Quinlan Faculty Adviser Elise T Carlson Admin Adviser Tanya Cameron Principal Joseph Trybus

Oviedo High School 601 King Street Oviedo, FL 32765 P: 407-320-4199 F: 407-320-4213 Population: 2530 students 30 staff members

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

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

and is a member of the CSPA, NSPA and FSPA. Distribution 1800 copies of The Lion’s Tale are distributed free to all students and staff at Oviedo High School.

Subscriber information is available upon request.

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

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • MAY 4, 2017 • VOLUME 57 • ISSUE 6

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

Full policy is available on request.

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

OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

DESIGN BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN

MAY 4, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 7

Passions for art, animals combine in illustrations editor-in-chief

staff writer

NATHAN HADDAD

STACIA AHLERS

Leading provides learning

One of my most respected role models once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” President John F. Kennedy simplistically, yet thoroughly, defined the value that roles of leadership have played in my life.

Towards the end of my freshman year, our former Lion’s Tale adviser, Mrs. Jepson, opened the door to leadership when she asked me to come on board and join our school’s newspaper.

Through my three years on staff, I have grown from opinion section editor, to coeditor, to editor-in-chief.

Mrs. Jepson believed in me and gave me an opportunity, which not only gave me a platform to lead, but also demonstrated to me what leadership looks like--believing in and investing in others, which enables everyone to learn.

The main benefit I’ve experienced from being in a leadership role is gaining a greater capacity to learn. When you are a leader, you’re a leader of something, and that something almost always involves reaching or achieving a goal.

Learning and leadership go hand in hand. Through my platform of leadership, I’ve learned a great deal about people. I’ve learned how to work alongside, manage and produce a quality product with others.

The value in this has been indispensable to my personal growth and leadership, as I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned and apply it to other settings, such as leadership positions in my church, my internship at Senator Marco Rubio’s office, my opportunity to interact and guide others on various political campaigns, or with others that I interact with on a daily basis.

I am profoundly grateful to Mrs. Jepson for opening the door for me and Ms. Carlson for allowing me to continue to do something that would become part of who I am; for giving me the opportunity to learn, grow and become a leader.

My leadership role has been guiding a group of high school students to produce a newspaper 18 times over the past three years. For you, leadership might involve a club or a sport, but regardless of what your leadership looks like, it always involves other people, which, in turn, gives you the ability to learn from others.

The ability to learn through leadership, in my opinion, is something everyone should pursue. If you’re fortunate, like I was, to have someone who believes in you, take advantage of any leadership opportunity that presents itself. If not, don’t be afraid to create your own “luck,” as I have done countless other times. Either way: pursue leadership.

Pursue leadership because it gives you the chance to do something invaluable--the chance to learn and grow.

DESIGN BY BRYN GARICK

Teachers’ influence lasts

illustrator

G. OLLIVIERE-WILLIAMS

Q: How did you get into art?

A: When I was young, I would steal my sister’s drawings and scribble a new color over it. From that, I later blended many colors into something I’d draw myself.

Q: What inspires you for your art?

A: Most shows I watch or video games I play on a daily basis, like Smash Brothers [on] Wii and Final Fantasy XV. Q: What do you hope to do with art in the future?

A: I’m hoping that as a vet I could draw portraits of impactful animal patients, or use my drawing skills for video game characters or Disney.

Empathy most important trait

staff writer

AARON NEDLAN Throughout my school career, I’ve learned life lessons that will forever provide infinite help throughout my future battles and the challenges life throws at me.

One trait that has shaped me most is empathy. To have empathy for someone is to be able to look at something from a different perspective, or, in other terms, to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.

I had to learn how to be empathetic through a difficult journey. Since I was bullied when I was younger, I resented the world, asked the almighty question of “Why Me?” I built a wall; I bottled up all my problems, like most young victims of bullies. What I lacked was patience, the ability to stop being mad.

Learning “why” was a brutal reality

that most people don’t have the patience to understand at a younger age. This lack of understanding often creates bullies: people that don’t understand that even if you don’t have a lot, you should be happy for what you do have.

Growing up in a diverse community showed me that not everyone had the same chances I was granted. Yet, even I was not offered some chances that were available to others.

To have patience and empathy from the start of every situation was difficult to learn. To not do or do things poorly is easier than putting my all into something.

I expected the world to be given to me based on the nothing I had done.

But it doesn’t work that way.

I was mad at the world, but being angry doesn’t solve problems, it just creates worse ones. We all deal with different battles every day, and what’s important is how to battle them back--how to become not the victim, but the victor.

We shouldn’t judge others by their cover. We shouldn’t just assume their problems aren’t hard.

It is important to seize every opportunity, to just be nice: it opens up so many doors that are closed to the ones who don’t respect not only others, but also themselves.

Don’t give up an opportunity that could change life’s struggles for the better.

Third grade was the year I sat down every day after school to write my first “novel.” My teacher, Mrs. Hinton-Smith, was so impressed that she donated a computer to me, begging me to continue.

Now, writing is all I want to do with my life.

A major portion of my life includes how much adults have inspired and supported me. I am most proud when I am noticed and appreciated by them and, I think, in some ways, that is an innate and irreplaceable part of who I am.

The fondest memories I have of my childhood relate to teachers. At Indian Trails Middle School, I had an entire staff who genuinely adored me, and I could not have felt more successful or cherished. I earned the respect of all my teachers, and that made my entire three years priceless.

At Oviedo, I met some of the most devoted teachers: people who have built me into who I am. I’ve had teachers who cared enough about me to show up to my summer performances and teachers who have expanded my mind. I’ve had teachers who have improved my writing and who have supported my intense passions and weaknesses.

I’ve had teachers who wrote letters of recommendation that made me cry, and even teachers who have held me while I cried. I’ve had teachers who have refused to allow me to give up; even if physically, I only won a participation trophy, I mentally won the ability to push past my personal limits and succeed.

Most importantly, I’ve had light when I felt alone in the dark.

If you are lucky enough to attend Oviedo: appreciate what you have while you have it. See your elders as wiser and enjoy all that you learn from them.

Appreciate all they do, whether that be coaching at endless water polo matches or wearing crazy socks to brighten the day. All that they do is intentional, and all that they do helps you learn to become the best you.

If you are a teacher that I have imprinted on: I’m sorry for the constant visiting. I’m sorry for the random moments I spent taking up space in your classroom without speaking; I just wanted to be near you. I may have an odd way of showing it, but I appreciate you more than I can write and love you more than I can speak.

There isn’t a space in this newspaper long enough for me to type in the countless priceless moments, laughter and endless hours I’ve spent with you.

Even if there were, there are not enough letters in the alphabet to allow me to express the permanence of the effect you have had on my life. But thank you for giving me a reason to try.

8 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 4, 2017

Chance decisions impact life

editor-in-chief

NIYATI SHAH

Numbers exert power over society print manager Numbers. Their power is a doubleedged sword, in which one side is gleaming with benefits, and the other side is tarnished with rust and fear.

They’re universal, incredibly profound and logically sound. They’re tangible-they provide a source of concrete evidence for the pragmatists of our century.

Yet, as we subject ourselves to numbers, utilizing them for both menial and groundbreaking purposes, we nurture a sense of competition and begin quantifying our emotions. Any object with a number tacked onto it has the ability to cause a contest, whether it be healthy or vile.

Our reliance on numbers causes us to quantify our emotions, which makes us dr (but never as intriguing as R2D2).

Modern teenagers rate their peers’ attractiveness on a scale of 1 to 10, causing sadness to some (*cough cough* me) and ecstasy to others.

Social media pits friend against friend in a battle of quantifying followers, retweets, likes, favorites, all as a means to validate one’s existence, popularity and charisma.

So, what’s the solution? We certainly cannot tarnish the beauty of numbers: they are the driving force behind everything from Childish Gambino’s iconic “3005” slogan and Oviedo’s area code, “407.” Instead, we must banish the sickly limelight we shine on numbers and replace it with a lustrous brilliance that highlights all beneficial aspects of the numerals. We must eradicate our misapplication of numbers.

We must embrace the true applications of numbers. Don’t banish numbers from your life. Invite them. They don’t bite if you pet them the right way.

Indulge in the beauty of analytic geometry and vectors in the xyz plane, the perfect measurement of flour in chocolate chip cookies, the rows upon rows of library books coded with decimals and letters alike. Numbers have a world of their own, and so do we. Let’s merge with their world. Nicely.

Stop dictating your self-image based on a number on a weight scale.

Instead, analyze how many liters of water you drink because that leads to a far healthier lifestyle than the incessant digital regurgitation of pounds. Class rank and GPA, two integral pieces of the South Asian household, used to classify my personality. Now, I have realized I am more than just a high school transcript--I’m a human that doesn’t need quantification; rather, I am a human that needs qualifications and a cup of chai.

FAIZ UDDIN

It’s a funny how one little moment can cause a big change. Just like the butterfly effect, one thing leads to another.

During my 8th grade year I was selecting the classes that I would take my freshman year of high school. Not knowing what I wanted, I randomly put down Journalism I as my Fine Arts requirement.

At the end of freshman year, my Journalism I teacher told me to join the newspaper.

I joined, and at the start of sophomore year and I became the entertainment editor.

I did not know that decision not only meant that I wrote reviews about new movies, T.V shows and video games, but that I also received VIP movie tickets to advance screenings.

The next year, my writing gained strength through countless edits and revisions. I developed photography skills, which I even used to assist the yearbook staff.

I helped out by taking pictures,

and they taught me about designing a yearbook page, which is a lot different from designing a page for the newspaper.

That was yet another thing I hadn’t expected.

On top of those daily learning experiences, I also got the opportunity to attend an annual convention, put on by the Florida Scholastic Press Association, where high school publications from the state of Florida come together to learn from each other.

The past three years in newspaper has been a wonderful experience: staying after school till 9 p.m. during press day, trying to get the paper done; going off-topic every single time we brainstorm for each edition, every single year; ordering bad pizza for workdays to motivate people to get their work done.

Being in journalism even influenced my decisions about my Senior Project.

My project was based on a designing a website and writing small reviews about what I thought was relevant.

My writing was different for my Senior Project because I wasn’t writing the way I did in newspaper. In newspaper, we have to follow very specific rules.

For my project, I came up with the rules, which helped me become more independent and gain self-control. I used my knowledge to create my own product.

I’m glad to know that I will be leaving the entertainment section in good hands with the next entertainment editor, and I hope he knows how much is in store.

I couldn’t be any happier. And all of this happened by chance when I wrote “Journalism I.”

Lifetime loyalty leads to future

online manager

DOUG CHIODINI Even though I jumped through the hoops of college applications, writing essays and waiting for decisions, I have known where I wanted to go to college for the last 13 years. It just took me until now to realize it.

I unwittingly made my decision on Sept.

24, 2005, when the greatest moment of my athletic life occurred. As the clock hit zero, UCF’s football team did the impossible— they took the nation’s worst team, the nation’s longest losing streak, and defied the odds to upset Marshall 23-13. As I watched the players celebrate, the fans storm the field and the goal posts fall, I fell in love with sports—and my university.

Over the years, I have idolized the players. From Jermaine Taylor to Blake Bortles, the impact they had on the campus and the community resonated within me.

As their successes built the UCF legacy—a legacy of hard work and opportunity—I am building my legacy, one of academic dedication and fortitude.

Growing up with the school for the most of my life, however, created doubt.

Was UCF really for me? Would it offer the opportunities of “bigger name” schools, like Florida, FSU, and Georgia? I doubted my intuition, and searched elsewhere for my future home.

As I was sending in my applications, during the middle of football season, UCF dropped to the back of my mind even though they were the only team I cared about. I was absorbed in the Notre Dames and Harvards of the college world, and lost touch with my roots.

After being denied by my Ivy League aspirations, my choice came down to Florida and UCF. I had to choose between the “better school” and “my” school.

With my admission to the Burnett Honors College at UCF, my decision from 13 years ago was finally realized. I will attend UCF, the school that made me the man I am today and will guide me to being the man I want to become.

I look forward to these next four years of my life. I am blessed to have the opportunity to pursue a quality education while continuing my childhood passion.

I am lucky to be a Knight, happy to be a Knight, proud to be a Knight, and ready to forge my own future.

business manager

MAKAILA COWART

Facing fears opens doors

High school has been a roller coaster of change. Each year it felt as though I was a new person. Each month my interests and tastes diversified, creating the person I am today—and possibly the rest of my life.

Throughout high school, I constantly pushed myself to do things I thought I was too afraid to do.

When I moved here from St. Cloud, Florida, my freshman year, one of my biggest fears stared me down: not knowing a single person around me. This terrified me because, until then, I had grown up in a place where everyone knew everybody. For the first time, I had to introduce myself to new people.

Overcoming this fear was a huge milestone for me, and I decided to keep up with this idea. I started trying new things I told myself I could never do.

My freshman year, I forced myself to go to Halloween Horror Nights for the first time.

Admittedly, I was horrified, and I didn’t think I would go again. However, my sophomore year, my best friend and I went, and I liked it so much I went a second time. My junior year, I went 14 times. I developed a new love for horror and the culture that surrounds it.

Now, as a senior, I hope to work for Universal Studios to help create the magic that goes into the event. In this, I found the first thing I have ever truly been passionate about.

I also donated blood for the first time. I have always had an awful fear of needles and avoided them at all costs if it wasn’t mandatory for my health. Yet, as soon as I turned 16, my grandfather inspired me to give, and I pushed myself through the mental and physical pain. Since then, I have given blood whenever I can.

Recently, I had been pushing away my desire to shave my head due to being ridiculed in the past. In the third grade my mother finally allowed me to have a ‘‘boy’’ cut—which my peers took and twisted into a literal meaning. “He” and ‘‘his’’ were pronouns I was called for a while; I was also made fun of in the halls for ‘being a “boy.”

Going to a Christian school didn’t help, since girls weren’t supposed to have short hair. It broke a custom and shocked people. Since then, I have never cut my hair above my shoulders in fear of that same treatment— until my senior year. That decision to shave my head again has made me feel the most beautiful and feminine I have felt in my life thus far.

One of the few things this high school ride has taught me is to confront my fears and allow myself to be who I want to be.

Once you release your fears, you can accept any roller coaster life challenges you to ride.

DESIGN BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR

HEAD to HEAD

MAY 4, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 9

Is high school about academics or growing up?

Academics drive purpose of high school WRITTEN BY STACIA AHLERS Many people don’t understand the benefit of high school because they’re too busy texting in humanities to fully experience the positive effects of education.

Education is knowing the difference between grammar and language, between the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation, and the difference between pi and pie. Education is knowing that Frankenstein is the Doctor, not the monster, and that each vote, statistically, does matter.

Education is the after school hours of correcting the mistakes made on tests and, most of all, learning from them.

When graduates ace Physics 101 during the first year of college, they can thank the 28 classes that required them to learn how to study and comprehend material. When students can impress people by quoting literary geniuses, they thank the “pointless” memorization they’ve done every year. School is preparing students by not only teaching them subject matter, but teaching them how to learn.

High school is important because it gets people ready for their futures. It brings people from a fear of failure to an understanding that they will succeed. It teaches students time-management skills, responsibility, how to study, why they should study, and how good it feels to work really hard and--eventually--succeed.

More than anything, the experiences of high school gives students the time they need to develop mentally. An eighth grader doesn’t have most of the capability of a senior in high school, and definitely does not have the education four more years

adds. The end of students’ secondary education grants them the power and ability to succeed in college.

Learning does not merely prepare one for college; rather, the schooling acquired gives children the incredible ability to become independent thinkers. With this, one can dream the unimaginable, inspire and craft revolutionary creations, beautify masterpieces, and nurture relationships for the rest of his or her life.

Anyone who wishes to make something of themselves (whether they want to become a doctor or plumber) needs to complete high school simply to become a happy human being.

Without the basic educational information learned during the years before graduation, it will be virtually impossible for someone to understand others, which will lead to a life of loneliness and lack of affiliation. A large majority of all jokes made are allusions to famous works, historical events or theoretical possibilities.

Without the background of Shakespeare, algebra, American history and biology (to name a few), it’s insane how much is difficult to comprehend; just think of how “out of the loop” everyone felt as a 5-year-old. Heck, without chemistry, several people might accidentally mix ammonia and bleach--and then die (freshmen: don’t mix ammonia and bleach).

Every class students take changes them; every class that was on one of the four schedules students received has prepared them to make decisions about the future. Whether they realize it or not, each student is learning something new every day, and what they learn shapes who they ultimately become.

A CAD EMICS Bioscience AP English AP Mathematics AP Sciences AP Fine Arts AP Social Studies AP Foreign Languages CAPE Academy Programs

DESIGN BY JOYCE NG

Gaining life skills most important for teens WRITTEN BY NATHAN HADDAD High school encompasses a unique period in one’s life, as one transitions from childhood to adulthood, over a period of four years.

Throughout high school, teenagers mature into young adults and begin to find themselves.

High school is more about growing up than academics because not all students pursue academics further after high school; however, all students must become adults and productive members of society.

Regardless of whether students go to college or pursue non-college career paths, knowing how to make meaningful contributions to something, maintain commitments and effectively manage skills, time and priorities all are beneficial skills.

Geometry, algebra, or biology may never be useful for a student again after age 15, but the people/life skills learned outside of the classroom will be, regardless of what a student’s future holds.

These skills cannot be learned solely in a classroom, yet are arguably just as, if not more, valuable to the students for the rest of their lives.

These skills are directly applicable to any job/career students pursue after high school.

Many of these skills are gained through extracurricular activities, including the various sports and clubs students often participate in.

Through sports and clubs, students go through a period of extreme personal maturity--entering high school as kids and leaving high school as adults.

Through sports, clubs and other

OHS MISSION The mission of Oviedo High School is to ensure that students learn in a multifaceted environment that prepares them to become competent and productive citizens, excelling in their educational and workplace pursuits.

extracurricular activities, students get to hone their people skills.

Through these activities, students get to interact with others and learn valuable skills that are applicable throughout the rest of their lives.

Extracurricular activities in high school all allow students to make meaningful contributions to something, maintain commitments, and learn how to effectively manage their time and priorities.

The other major extracurricular activity students participate in, other than clubs, is sports.

In sports, students learn the values of teamwork, concentration, collaboration, self-discipline and hard work.

In sports, students increase their confidence, learn how to deal with and overcome setbacks, manage conflict, learn how to follow the rules and effectively deal with authority.

All of these principles and skills are applicable in both professional and personal lives after high school-once again rendering these skills more applicable than what’s learned in a classroom.

Throughout high school, students grow from teenagers to young adults.

Throughout this process, students often participate in extracurricular activities, in which skills are learned that are much more valuable to students in the long term over most of what’s learned in the classroom.

Growing up is a process, a process greatly enhanced by experiences students face throughout high school, resulting in experiences that benefit students far beyond the four years within the classroom walls.

EX TR A C U R R IC U LA R Basketball Wrestling Volleyball Weightlifting Baseball TV Production Softball Newspaper Football Yearbook Tennis Lacrosse Bowling Soccer+ Cheerleading Golf Track & Field Art Swimming & Diving + more

10 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 4, 2017

Senior Makenna Haynes

“I will have finished college and I hope to be a teacher somewhere, or have a type of job as a teacher.”

Senior Edward Berman

“I want to own my own business and be a successful manager.”

“Finishing my medical school and beginning my internship at a hospital.”

Senior Claudio Elenes

Senior Erin Barbery

IN TEN YEARS...

“I have different options. I could be pursuing a career in interior design or a medical career.”

“I am going to the police academy here and then I am going to look for a job as a patrol officer.”

Senior Logan Smith

“I hope to have a graduate degree in Theatrical Design and Production and be working at Cirque du Soleil.”

Senior Joseph Garcia

DESIGN BY BRYN GARICK

MAY 4, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 11

Future plans: choice between college, other options Traditional Paths WRITTEN BY PAIGE SIMPSON

Many students who receive a diploma on May 23 will continue to college in hopes of earning the next level of diploma.

Senior Mani Jahani said that college was always in the cards for him.

“I am very passionate and excited for college, as I can select the specific subjects that I am passionate about,” Jahani said. “I think that college will help serve as a basis for everything that you do afterwards and, in that regard, it is very important, as it provides you with the education you need to excel.”

Guidance counselor Lauren Vosburg believes it is students like Jahani who are best equipped for the rigors of a college education.

“I think the best type of college student is the one who wants to be there for the right reasons—to get their further education in their area of interest or passion,” Vosburg said. “A biomedical science major may approach studying and classwork much differently than a creative photo major, but the amount of passion and intensity will be the same; it really depends on how far you think you can go, and also your work ethic.”

Jahani stated that college will impact his career.

“I believe that college will provide the necessary foundations for my future career and that it will place me at a higher position for jobs,” Jahani said. “It’s going to give a platform to explore about the things I would like to pursue.”

Like Jahani, senior Ebonie Thomas is confident that college is the answer when it comes to her future after high school graduation.

“I’m not passionate about college, but I believe college is the right path for me because it will provide the right foundation for me to be successful in the future,” Thomas said. “I believe that college will benefit me by providing the right tools and knowledge that I need to get a stable career in engineering.”

Both Jahani and Thomas hope to improve the world through the educational prowess they have already received, coupled with all they have yet to learn in the future.

Jahani anticipates creating bigger and better innovations--that will serve to shape generations to come--by creating engineered products.

Similarily, Thomas looks forward to constructing new technological breakthroughs to benefit the overall welfare of her community.

“My desired major is something in engineering because I am very interested in creating the products that will innovate the future,” Thomas said.

“I hope that I can create something that can benefit those who are disabled to have better access to living spaces.”

PATHS OF

EDUCATION

1 2 3

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRADES:

K-5

SUBJECTS:

Art, Subtraction, Reading

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES:

6-8

SUBJECTS:

Biology, Physical Education, Spanish, Algebra 1

HIGH SCHOOL GRADES:

9-12

SUBJECTS:

AP Language and Composition, Physics, Yearbook, Pottery

COUCH POTATO

WORKFORCE

ABOUT: The median annual earning for high school graduates in 2013 was $28,000

BENEFITS: Around 51% of graduates who don’t attend college find a job

by October

DESIGN BY PAIGE SIMPSON

ABOUT: 12% of high school graduates don’t go to college BENEFITS: No college, stress-free lifestyle

WRITTEN BY PAIGE SIMPSON

As high school seniors prepare to exchange their pencils and GPAs for ornately decorated diplomas at the University of Central Florida’s football stadium, many students look to futures that do not involve a college education.

A 2014 survey, conducted by the Huffington Post, showed that 12% of high school graduates remain uncertain if college is the best option for them.

“In all honesty, college isn’t for everyone,” said guidance counselor Lauren Vosburg. “I believe everyone should have the opportunity if that is what they want to pursue, but I do not think someone should attend college ‘just because.’”

Some alternatives to college include military enlistment, volunteer work, entry-level jobs and becoming an entrepreneur, which are all substitutions for the traditional college path.

For artists like herself, senior Charlotte Skipper said that it’s not that college necessarily has a negative connotation; rather, simply that it is unnecessary for her desired path.

“College isn’t really ‘essential’ to my career plans of being a professional photographer,” Skipper said.

“It helps, but what really gets you jobs in the business is connections and networking, as well as a strong portfolio.”

According to Elite Daily, college can be unappealing to those who want to pursue a field within art, whether visual, writing, theater or media-driven, because the cost of college is astronomically high. “[Without college] I could potentially have a job and be so much wiser about the world,” Skipper said.

“I’d further my portfolio and reach out to any and every company that hires photographers; I’d also look for mentors and internships that revolve around photography.”

Senior Alex Barson has a different reason for not going directly to college--to take a gap year, for which he has specific plans.

“The gap [year] which I will be taking is approximately two years,” Barson said. “I plan on serving a two-year religious mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.”

On his expedition, Barson hopes to achieve his desired goal: to serve others, as well as detox from the many years of education.

“I am assigned to a state or a foreign country for the purpose of serving people and teaching those who are interested about our faith,” Barson said. “I believe it would be a good idea to take a break from stressful academics and take the time to save more money for college; for me, it was just the best decision.”

MILITARY

ABOUT: After five years of commitment, militants make an average of $50,000 BENEFITS: Free college, training, experience

COLLEGE

ABOUT: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

Alternative Paths

BENEFITS: Education, more stability, higher pay

GAP YEAR

BENEFITS: Take a break from education, travel the world, gain new experiences

ABOUT: 90% of students who take a gap year return to college the following year

INFOCOURTESYHUFFPOST.COM

2 1 TEN TOP

12 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 4, 2017

OF

2017

NIKHIL PATEL

ROMINA HOMAYOUN

YALE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FL

A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD?

YOUR PERSONALITY?

ROLE MODEL? LUIS VON AHN R O L E M O D E L ? MY MOM HOW DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE WHAT FOOD BEST DESCRIBES DEVELOPING MEDICAL TOOLS THAT CAN SAVE LIVES

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH STRESS?

NETFLIX--WORKS EVERY TIME! HALF EMPTY OR FULL? FULL!

MOST OF SUCCESS IS A POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE

NERD CANDIES

IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE, WOULD YOU TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE OR THE PAST?

I WOULDN’T TRAVEL ANYWHERE

6 7 8 BASED ON WEIGHTED GPA

IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE, WOULD YOU TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE OR THE PAST?

BECAUSE I LIKE TO LIVE IN THE MOMENT

FUTURE--MESSING WITH THE HALF EMPTY OR FULL? THE GLASS IS PAST SEEMS LIKE A BAD IDEA DEFINITELY HALF FULL, I’M A CRAZY OPTIMIST

sydney vach

MITCHELL HAMMaCK

KAMILA ROSASCO

HARVARD UNIVERSITY ROLE MODEL? LADY DIANA

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FL

HALF EMPTY OR FULL? NEITHER

IT’S JUST HALF A GLASS

ROLE MODEL? FREDERIC CHAPIN R O L E M O D E L ? MY GRANDMA

ASPIRATION IN LIFE: HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH

SLEEP. A LOT TO CURE CANCER STRESS? FREE TIME? I HANG OUT WITH MY

GRILLED CHEESE OR PB & J? HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH STRESS? GRILLED CHEESE, I’M ALLERGIC TO PEANUTS PET PEEVE? THE SOUND OF TEETH

I PLAY THE PIANO WHEN I’M STRESSED

FRIENDS AND I WATCH A LOT OF NETFLIX

WHAT IS YOUR CROWNING

SCRAPING AGAINST A SPOON OR FORK PET PEEVE? LOUD NOISES ACHIEVEMENT? WINNING DISTRICT HOW DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE HOW DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE CHAMPS FOR BASKETBALL FOR A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD? A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD? THE FIRST TIME IN A DECADE

PROMOTE THE STEM FIELD DETECTING EARLY STAGE MELONOMA A S P I R A T I O N I N L I F E : IN MINORITIES AND WOMEN HALF EMPTY OR FULL? EMPTY M E D I C I N E A N D G E N E T H E R A P Y

34 5

MAY 4, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 13

NIYATI SHAH

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

NOAH SHEVER

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

KAILEY DAVIS

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

R O L E M O D E L ? RUKMINI DEVI R O L E M O D E L ? DWIGHT SCHRUTE ROLE MODEL? MY GRANDMA

ASPIRATION IN LIFE: ASPIRATION IN LIFE:

IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE, WOULD YOU TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE OR THE PAST?

WORK WITH DOCTORS BORDERS PREDICTIVE SPORTS ANALYTICS TO THE PAST BECAUSE I WILL AND RESEARCHING HIV/AIDS TREATMENT A N A LY Z E U . S . AT H L E T I C S ALREADY EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH STRESS? WHAT FOOD BEST DESCRIBES HALF EMPTY OR FULL? HALF FULL

BOXING, DANCING, RUNNING YOUR PERSONALITY? BECAUSE LIFE’S TOO SHORT TO BE PESSIMISTIC A SALTED RITZ CRACKER PET PEEVE? ARROGANCE PET PEEVE? IGNORANCE IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE, WOULD YOU

9 10 IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE, WOULD YOU TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE OR THE PAST? THE PAST. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW

TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE OR THE PAST?

PEOPLE DEALT WITH ISSUES TO REFORM SOCIETY

FUTURE--I’M CURIOUS OF WHAT TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY CREATES

doug chiodini

SARA COSTELLO

ASPIRATION IN LIFE: HELP PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD

BY BEING A DOCTOR IN THE MILITARY

CARLEY MITCHELL

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FL UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GEORGIA TECH ROLE MODEL? MY GRANDPA R O L E M O D E L ? MY MOM R O L E M O D E L ? MY MOM WHAT IS YOUR CROWNING ASPIRATION IN LIFE: WHAT FOOD BEST DESCRIBES ACHIEVEMENT? BEING NOMINATED HAVE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER

YOUR PERSONALITY?

FOR BEST SPORTS STORY IN ECONOMICS DATA ANALYSIS SUSHI: I EAT IT SO MUCH IT MUST PET PEEVE? SQUEAKY NOISES HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH STRESS? IT MUST BE A PART OF ME SOMEHOW

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH STRESS? CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK, MY FRIENDS HALF EMPTY OR FULL? FULL: VIDEO GAMES AND HANGING WITH FRIENDS

PET PEEVE? WHEN PEOPLE DON’T I FEEL LIKE I’M CONSTANTLY

THOSE WHO CANNOT INFORM THEMSELVES

FREE TIME? CHURCH, NETFLIX, READING

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR SURROUNDINGS H Y D R AT I N G F O R S P O R T S A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD? WHAT IS YOUR CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT? HOW DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE USE PASSION FOR STATISTICS TO INFORM GETTING INTO NOTRE DAME A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD? DEVELOPING CURES FOR GENETIC DISEASES

DESIGN BY MAKAILA COWART

14 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 4 , 2017

BRAIN TUMOR “I overcame brain surgery and a brain tumor. I was in the hospital for over a month while having four different surgeries to remove the tumor. Keeping up with school was hard. It was definitely hard. I got homework from a couple of teachers, but most of my teachers knew what was going on and they didn’t give me anything.”

SENIOR CALE ALBRITTION

HOMELESSNESS

“I was homeless at one point and I missed school for six months. There was a lot of stuff going on around me so that I didn’t even pay any attention to school. When I came to Oviedo, it gave me the right mindset of ‘I can finish.’ I’m in a better environment to where I can pay attention more [on school] instead of what’s around me that’s not good.”

SENIOR SANTURA HAYES-ZAPATA

LANGUAGE BARRIER

“I left my country and friends behind but I met new people and I have made new friends. I had to meet new people and [learn] to speak English.“

SENIOR CAMILLE RIVIERE

Congratulations Class of 2017 Seniors overcame hardships to maintain academic careers

DESIGN BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR

MAY 4, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 15

Favorite teachers use friendly approach to instruction WRITTEN BY AARON NEDLAN Many teachers have earned the title of Favorite Teacher from a plentiful number of students–and for a variety of reasons.

Some use humor, some use hands-on teaching, but they all ensure students fully understand the subject matter.

Senior Monica Gregg stated that the lessons she learned in Victoria Huffman’s French class helped Gregg make one of her biggest decisions.

“I plan to carry these lessons with me through my life, especially since she helped me decide that I wanted to pursue French for a career,” Gregg said. “She’s my favorite because she can be so personable and hands-on in her class.”

Senior Noah Mathison also sees this method as useful through auto teacher Thomas Sterling.

“Learning things in auto class is completely useless without hands-on experience, and Sterling makes sure we get hands-on as much as possible,” Mathison said. “Through all the handson experience I’ve experienced through my four years, this class holds the best memories of them.”

Senior Shane Austin says the yearbook and photography teacher Alicia Pope is one

of the best examples of beings hands-on.

“She’s very interactive if you need help, no matter the subject,” Austin said. “She gets very involved and shows you what you’re doing wrong on the assignment and helps you fix your mistakes.”

Another technique teachers use is humor.

According to senior Bobie Gill, the greatest of the funny teachers is physics teacher Christopher Capp.

Gill said Capp’s is a class that she looks forward to every day.

“No matter the mood you walk into Mr. Capp’s classroom with, you will always walk away feeling better and leaving with a smile,” Gill said. “He brightens up my day with his wonderful sense of humor, and his extensive care for all of his students.”

Senior Nate Wong also sees this method present in gym teacher Sean Knaub.

Wong stated Knaub’s class is a high point during his day.

“His silly humor makes the whole class smile and laugh,” Wong said. “I think humor used in any class eases the tension and makes it easier to participate. More teachers should try to make the kids laugh, to enjoy their school day.”

Senior Josh Garzon says AP World History teacher Kevin Wainscott’s sarcasm

brings the class to tears and makes the class feel more comfortable.

“His class is awesome, and the humor he uses make it even better,” Garzon said. “His sarcastic humor helps take the pressure off of the class being AP, and gives us confidence that we are able to succeed.”

The final technique engineered into some teachers’ lessons is free time, whether it is a little break in the middle or time before class ends.

Senior Caitlin Bateson finds history teacher John Howell’s use of free time to be a nice break during the seven periods of the day.

“The 10-15 minute breaks given a day is a literal lifesaver,” Bateson said. “It allows me to catch up on the day and just have a breather, or work on homework assigned to me that day, or work on some I might have missed the previous night.”

Senior Ally Guerrier also finds this method, used by English IV teacher Katheryne Mailander, very effective.

“It allows all the information that we learned that day to sink in, and allows us to question the content if needed,” Guerrier said. “I wish more teachers would notice we need a little break in the middle of the day as well, it’s a refreshing boost.”

Seniors visit elementary schools, find fond memories WRITTEN BY STACIA AHLERS With notices about elementary schools’ reunions popping up on the morning announcements, some seniors recall their early years for the first time in a while. With graduation on the horizon, they feel their childhood drawing to an end, and many seniors take time to reflect on their childhood years.

Senior Lauren Scheffler took the time out of her final year to walk down memory lane and visit the schools from which she previously graduated.

“My elementary school is such a positive environment, and I enjoy going to see old teachers and telling them what’s going on in my life because [they] still encourage me to do my best and are excited to hear how I am doing in school,” Scheffler said.

While Scheffler visits the school to get the most out of reflecting on her past, senior Jefferey Blakey visits to inspire children to learn from his experiences.

“I visited my elementary school when I was in ROTC and my instructor asked me, since I went to St. Luke’s, if I’d go back to talk to kids about the program,” Blakey said.

Seeing the campus he spent so much time on as a child from the perspective of almost-adulthood gives Blakey new insights.

“It seems to be a lot more regulated now than it was,” Blakey said.

Meanwhile, Scheffler stated how elementary school shaped her as a person.

“I would say, when I was in elementary school, I loved going into the music room and art room, and it affected me now because I am in band and I am in art,” Scheffler said.

Scheffler and Blakey were excited to visit their elementary schools most of all because they were able to pass their experiences off to the children there.

“I go back to tell kids about what they can do at Oviedo

DESIGN BY CONNER QUINLAN

to further their education,” Blakey said.

But even more than that, visiting the schools allowed these two seniors to reflect on old memories, to remember the emotions they felt when they left their former elementary and middle schools.

“It makes me kind of sad, because I’m very nostalgic, so whenever I go in the halls I [remember] ‘oh, this happened at this corner,’” Scheffler said. “But now, I have three schools I can go back to.”

Scheffler knows that, soon, she will no longer be able to walk straight onto the campus of Oviedo. Even though she dreaded arriving in the parking lot at 7:10 a.m. every morning for four years, she will no longer be doing so.

Though it is a bittersweet realization for her, Scheffler is excited and happy about the change, and is eager for her chance to explore the world of college.

But whenever seniors are feeling more bitter than sweet, it’s always nice to remember that, for the rest of their lives, they can return and visit Oviedo.

“I’ll probably be back, because my little sister goes here,” said Blakey.

Scheffler already knows for certain that she’ll be coming back to visit the school.

“I would definitely want to go back to the band room, stand there and just feel the presence, of like the cold air,” Scheffler said. “I’m not going to have that every day, and so when I do miss that, I’m definitely going to want to come here.”

Most of all, as she gets closer to the graduation stage, Scheffler realized what she will miss the most: the people.

“Yeah, definitely the people,” Scheffler said.

Hands-On

24.4%

Humor

46.6%

Free Time

30%

POLLOF225STUDENTS,CONDUCTED5/1

Best Teacher Qualities

Elementary School Reunions Lawton April 26

Stenstrom May 3

Keeth April 26

Rainbow May 10

Partin April 26

Carillon May 24

16 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 4, 2017

Delayed diplomas avoidable

Administration, guidance department offer advice to ensure students graduate individually to discuss progress and/or inform them and parents if they are not on track.”

Graduation is the culmination of senior year for many For students who aren’t on track, another step is taken. high school students; however, some students do not end “If they are not on track, then an individualized plan is up graduating in May. put in place to help them get back on track to graduate on Those students have the opportunity to graduate over time with their cohort,” Cameron said. summer, according to guidance director Nicola Williams.

For students who are falling behind, the school makes “The students in summer graduation receive a a variety of encouragements to help towards eventual diploma at the summer ceremony, pending completion graduation. of all graduation requirements,” Williams said. “We do “Students in danger of not being on track to graduate not allow students to participate are encouraged to make sure in May graduation without they are regularly attending having completed their diploma class, seek the assistance of their Be motivated, on time, respectful and requirements.” teachers, utilize tutors and are engaged.

The requirements set for monitored by their counselors,” Guidance director Nicola Williams graudation are not determined by Williams said.

OHS. Communication is also open “Graduation requirements are with parents. set by the FLDOE and SCPS,” said Ackley. “All schools in “Letters are sent out to all students that receive ‘F’ or the district have the same base options.” ‘incomplete’ grades throughout the school year, reminding Williams noted a singular commonality as a reason why them of the option of summer school to make up credits, as students don’t usually graduate. well,” Williams said.

“Students usually do not graduate because they have In order to avoid not graduating, Williams has several failed a class that is needed for a graduation requirement,” pieces of advice--a “to do” list that helps keep Oviedo’s Williams said. graduation rate consistently above average compared to School administrators devote numerous resources that other Florida high schools. are aimed at ensuring students graduate, according to “Attend class regularly, and be on time,” Williams said. assistant principal Tanya Cameron.

“Complete all assigned work and turn it in on time.There “Our counselors closely monitor our students and the is no magic formula for succeeding in high school; be graduation rate,” Cameron said. “They meet with students motivated, on time, respectful, and engaged.”

WRITTEN BY NATHAN HADDAD

Graduation Checklist Ensure all core credit courses have been completed with a passing grade Attend class regurarly to ensure you don’t lose credit because of attendence Be diligent in taking advice from counselors during the yearly credit checks

DESIGN BY NATHAN HADDAD

MAY 4, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 17

Senior Bucket List Seniors plan to accomplish an array of feats by college graduation

“I want to peacefully remove Donald Trump from office because I feel like a man who doesn’t accomplish anything, doesn’t keep promises and who promotes seperation in our communit y should not be in office.”

- Senior David Mercado

“I want to publish my books ‘Half-Filth’ and ‘Under the Lotus,’ because people can’t buy it if it’s not published.”

- Senior Kendra Evers

I’d like to backpack in a National Park, because I re ally enjoy nature and adventure, and I would love the oppurtunit y to see the be aut y in this countr y.”

- Senior

Zach Whitacre

“I want to t ravel to Sou th Kore a because I re ally enjoy the food, language, and culture, because it would be an enriching e xperience.”

- Senior Madisyn Sapp

“I want to take a gap year to join the Peace Corps because I want to help others that are in need and experience other cultures.”

- Senior Benjamin Thompson

“I want to perform undergraduate research in neurological diseases because I want to be a neurologist and cure autism, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.”

DESIGN BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS

- Senior Caralyn Tenney

MAY 4, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 19

High school’s purpose differs by individual Seniors find own meaning after four years of various classes, activities, challenges WRITTEN BY JOYCE NG Parents, teachers and movies all create expectations about high school. After four years of actual experience, seniors have developed their own views about it.

Senior Sitara Choudhri stated her ideas about the point of high school.

“In theory, it’s supposed to prepare you for real life and getting into college,” Choudhri said.

For senior Cheyenne Hoag, it’s about becoming an adult.

“It’s kind of scary,” Hoag said. “I still remember the first day of freshman year when it was so intimidating, and now I’m a senior and I’m like, ‘Oh no, life’s about to smack me in the face!’”

Part of growing up includes becoming more independent.

“High school in general has really helped me with my time management skills,” said senior Karli Haywood.

Senior Rebecca Kavenagh stated that high school prepared her for deciding her career.

“It’s worth it in the sense that you get to figure out what you actually want to do,” Kavenagh said.

Because of the many classes and subjects available in high school, students can explore and experiment with their interests academically.

DESIGN BY JOYCE NG

“High school really got me interested in the career field that I want to go into by taking harder classes to challenge myself and to find out what I’m interested in,” said senior Claire Lambert. “We have good teachers here, compared to other high schools, and those connections are going to last, and that’s what makes it worth it.”

Being involved in the athletics has helped senior Miguel Lopez.

“It has helped me bcome a better student overall, and also become a leader on and off the court,” Lopez said.

High school’s challenges, however, did make Hoag wonder about the purpose, at times.

“Sometimes you’ll think, ‘Why am I here and doing this?’” Hoag said. “But then I feel really thankful. I’ve gotten a lot of new friends that I know will last a long while and I’ve learned many life lessons.”

Hoag had first-hand experience with making friends in her high school career.

“When you come in, you think you’ll have all these friends but then your old friend group breaks up and you find a completely different group of friends,” Hoag said.

Hoag said that high school isn’t just about classes.

“The point of high school is to find yourself--both academically and personally,” Hoag said.

Was high school worth it?

YES

57%

The human brain is fully developed by age 25.

NO

43%

POLLOF100STUDENTSCONDUCTED4/26

INFOCOURTESYROCHESTER.EDU

High school TV Shows/Movies: Least Realistic

Most Realistic

Clueless

13 Reasons Why

////Reviewed SUPERLATIVE

Quick Review

Sign of The Times Single

ADMIRABLE

ADEQUATE

13 Reasons Why Movie

////

20 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 4, 2017

GRIM

ATROCIOUS

REVIEWED BY BRYN GARICK Former One Direction singer Harry Styles came out with his first single on April 7, titled “Sign of the Times.”

The song doesn’t resemble songs he performed while in One Direction. It is slow and meaningful rather than upbeat pop previously known by his fans Inspiration for the song, from Pink Floyd to other 80s rock musicians, is evident in the song.

His new song shows the struggles of being in a popular band as a young teenager, like fame and privacy problems, and other problems faced by normal teenagers.

Iron Fist TV Show

REVIEWED BY JOYCE NG

Marvel’s 13-episode series of “Iron Fist” was released onto Netflix and has drawn a lot of attention.

Danny Rand, the show’s protagonist, mysteriously survives a plane crash and claims that he was living in another dimension, in the city of K’un-Lun, and raised by the Order of the Crane Mother.

The show’s intense and thrilling fight scenes expose the mysteries of the Iron Fist world. If you’re looking for a captivating show to take over your life for the next few days, “Iron Fist” is right for you.

Death Note TV Show REVIEWED BY EMILY VERNIKOS A genius student, Light Yagami, discovers a “Death notebook,” which allows the owner to send death to anyone.

The beare simply writes down the full name of the person they want to die, then adds when and how the death should occur.

Light decides to research criminals’ names and kill all of them so he can create a “perfect world.” Once police realize the

From book to screen, the Netflix original TV series “13 Reasons Why” has been a major talking point of many teenagers’ conversations. The series shows a raw, emotional take on the issues experienced in many high schools: sexual harassment, bullying, depression and suicide. As we know from the beginning, the main character, Hannah Baker, does kill herself.

Each episode is told through the voice of the dead girl herself, through tape recordings that she created when she decided that she was going to commit suicide. This story follows number 11 on the list, Clay Jensen, as he listens to the tapes. He learns dark secrets about each of his classmates, and how they contributed to the death of Hannah Baker.

Dylan Minnette (Clay Jensen) and Katherine Langford (Hannah Baker) both

have incredible acting abilities. With the emotion Minnette is able to bring to the show, he is a perfect fit for the character of a teenage boy going through an extremely emotional time.

Langford’s face was a breath of fresh air from the typically cast teenage girls actresses. Langford does a brilliant job at portraying Hannah Baker through her facial features and overall varying tones of her voice on the tapes.

Overall, I saw this show as masterpiece; many people don’t agree, and I can see their points. The last few episodes show some rather graphic material that would be triggering for

people who suffer with mental disorders or have experienced sexual assault themselves.

For regular viewers, this is not as much of an issue, and the graphic scenes are more of an uncomfortable thing to watch-but these topics shouldn’t be something that makes anyone comfortable.

And, as a regular viewer, I can see people’s points about the content, but I believe that the issues being portrayed in the show are very important. It highlights high school issues that really need to be addressed more in today’s society.

With “welcome to your tape” memes popping up all over Twitter, many people debate whether Hannah is just being too dramatic, but suicide is a serious issue. If these issues were what caused her to do what she did, then people need to wake up and realize that everything they do in life affects the lives of others.

In the words of Hannah Baker, “Everything...affects everything.”

amount of unusual inmate deaths they contact “L,” an intelligent man who has solved every report he has been given.

L seeks justice and is determined to find “kira” which translates to “killer” in English. The death note is largely based on the Japanese folk tale about the Shinigamis, or gods of death.

Shinigamis are supposed to kill humans using their notebooks, but most don’t even

bother staying in their native world, known as Shinigamis’ realm.

Ryuk, a very bored Shinigami, drops his notebook into the human world, only to be Light Yagami.

I enjoyed this anime because it was interesting. Almost every episode is left on a cliff hanger.

This anime is obviously dark.The pacing is well done, and even plays games with the viewer, leaving us trying to guess

what is going to happen next.

My two favorite characters were L and Light. I liked L because he was mysterious and always found a way/ answer for everything. I favored Light because he had his way around things and was incredibly smart.

L and Light are both intelligent and work together--but both despise each other on the inside. The two brilliant minds are always trying to outwit each other. It is a constant game of cat and mouse.

Death note aired from Oct. 2006, to June 2007. It is on Netflix and has one season with 37 episodes.

PHOTO BY SPOILERTV.COM REVIEWED BY D. GRIFFITHS

DESIGN BY FERN SILVA

MAY 4, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | 21

One Page Low-down App Review: VSCO Cam REVIEWED BY CHRISTINA YORK If you’ve ever wanted to take professional photos, edit them and share them for others to see, there is an exact app for that, called VSCO Cam. People who post pictures on social media have used this app to change the filter, brightness and texture.

It is a very useful app that I have used for years. The app always adds new filters, and even some special additions that you can only get at a limited time. It has a variety of tools to choose from, and you can even add your friends so you can view their pictures too.

They have updated VSCO with a 4.0, so now it is optimized for iPad users, and it offers some new features with the tools to create them even better than the app was before. The app has been available since 2013. Before it became the app it

is known for today, it originally started off as a film emulsion emulator, serious photographers use this app.

There are tons of tutorials on how to properly edit a photo, and while it is all so simple to me. It took me years to learn how to get the effects that I prefer. The app was voted the most suitable camera app for iPhone’s. With all of the tools that may come off as confusing, it is actually one of the most simple apps to operate.

If anyone wants to learn how to perfect their editing skills, this is the simplist app to begin.

Album Review: What Now REVIEWED BY PAIGE SIMPSON The American indie pop duo, known as Sylvan Esso, (consisting of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn) has released their second album, titled What Now. This Apr. 28 album is a fresh, yet seemingly familiar, compared to their original self-titled album Sylvan Esso, which was released in 2014. The fan favorites of the original album include are still beautifully crafted songs. Yet, they are triumphed by new soul-shattering tracks such as “Sound,” “Die Young,” “Slack Jaw” and “Rewind.”

All of the ten songs within What Now--especially the ones listed above--seem immensely more mature, regal and experienced than those on the first album. They circumscribe a heightened melody of buoyant energy and natural-like sound

effects, plus add acoustics and stronger, clearer vocals, which were non-existent in the previous album.

These elements elevate their tune of electronic pop, which is improved so immensely in this second album that it somehow snakes its way to the pedestal of iconic electronic pop artists (such as Marina and the Diamonds, Passion Pit, and Empire of the Sun) all while eerily encompassing the vocals of Mandy Lee from Misterwives.

Besides the tunage, one of my

favorite parts of this album is the lyrical aspects of this record.

The song “Sound,” for example, is one of the shortest songs of the album, clocking in at 2:32, but it has a deep, subtle meaning. The song comments on the fact that everything is merely sound, that in this world, everything--everyone--is sound, that it’s impossible for all the sounds in the world to be heard.

It’s ironic: sound is meant to be heard, yet most sounds of the world aren’t being heard.

I also thought it was interesting how the duo managed to balance between light and dark, how they transitioned from more intense songs full of darker meaning, such as “Radio,” to more lighthearted and bubbly songs, such as “Signal.”

I found it to be a metaphor for how life has both light and dark within it, that you can’t have one without the other.

Local Review: Big Kahuna’s REVIEWED BY AARON NEDLAN

DESIGN BY FERN SILVA

PHOTO BY AARON NEDLAN

Big Kahuna’s island-styled bowls brings big flavor to our little metropolis. As soon as you enter this Hawaiian-themed restaurant, you are no longer in Florida. The music, the wallpaper and the décor bring you across the country to the islands from which this food originated.

The atmosphere allows you to enjoy your food in a relaxed mood. Big Kahuna’s customer service is also impeccable.

They use local, fresh ingredients in their delectable poke bowls, which come in many variations, depending on the customer’s preferences.

They cater to not only omnivores, but to vegetarians and vegans as well, with multiple meat-free choices on the menu.

Ordering a poke bowl can set you back about $10-$16, depending on the toppings or the amount of fish you want. Fish is the only protein option.

Big Kahuna is located at the intersection of Red Bug Lake Road and Tuskawilla Road.

SOUL OF AN ARTIST Performer Senior Daniel Butterfield INTERVIEWED BY FERN SILVA Q: How did you get into the fine arts?

A: It’s just something that I saw at my elementary school. They would do schoolwide plays and the whole school would get to see the play that they were working on and I thought it was awesome, so I did it the next year.

Q: What do you believe is your favorite fine art? Why? A: In general, I just love to create things. In any sort of art medium, I love different types of creating and they’re both really emotional things that can inspire people.

Q: When did you begin the arts?

A: In third grade, I joined a show choir. The next year I started performing in the school shows. As the years kept going by, I kept ending up in more and more things. Now I’m in choir and drama and everything else possible.

Q: If you were to pursue one as a career, which would you choose?

A: As a career, I would go into both acting and choir. They both go together so well, that I would easily be able to do both. They are both really enjoyable, that I wouldnt be able to give up one.

Q: Why do you participate in so many fine arts?

A: I participate in the arts because it’s really enjoyable. Not only for you, but for everybody who watches it or participates in it. It uplifts everybody who comes in contact with it.

Q: Did you think you’d ever be so involved in the arts?

A: No, not that much, it just happened.

22 | SPORTS | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 4, 2017

ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE ATTAINED Sports teams create school solidarity WRITTEN BY D. CHIODINI

{ } STATE

CHAMPIONS

GIRLS’ BOWLING GIRLS’ SOCCER

[ ] REGIONAL

CHAMPIONS

GIRLS’ SOCCER GIRLS’ SWIMMING GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

THE NUMBER

OF SENIORS WHO SIGNED

AN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP

CHAMPIONS

BOYS’ BASKETBALL BOYS’ WATER POLO GIRLS’ BASKETBALL GIRLS’ BOWLING GIRLS’ SOCCER GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

60.6 OVERALL WIN

PERCENTAGE ACROSS OVIEDO’S

SPORTS TEAMS

OVIEDO’S O V E R A L L RECORD VS. HAGERTY IN

ALL VARSITY

SPORTS

BEST PEFORMING SPORTS GIRLS’ BOWLING

GIRLS’ SOCCER

16-0 22-0-1 28-4

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

OF

17-12-1

13

[ ] DISTRICT

On Friday nights, the 12th man comes out to support the football team. When the girls’ volleyball team has a big game, the student section is in full force. Even at games away from Oviedo, students come out to cheer on their Lions. There is a direct correlation between Oviedo sports and student unity.

Athletic director Jakob Jarzynka sees the impact Oviedo’s athletic programs have on the school as a whole.

“There isn’t a larger driving force for a school’s culture than its athletics,” Jarzynka said. “When you’re good in athletics, you give something for the student body to rally around. When kids want to rally around that, they’re here participating in positive events, enjoying that time they have with one another. Athletics is the one thing that can really bring a school together.”

The students have a lot to be proud of. With the consistency of the girls’ soccer, boys’ basketball and other teams, a sense of school unity has developed over the past years.

“I think the teams bring a lot of pride and let the kids find a love for something,” said senior Justin Bauer. “It pushes them to come to school and promotes

togetherness.”

That pride not only impacts the students, but also the athletes. With the girls’ basketball team achieving their first district championship since 2004, senior Sterling Corum reflects on the honor of playing for her school.

“It’s really cool to be a representative of Oviedo, especially going away on trips and playing farther away than just Seminole County,” Corum said. “We played in a tournament at the University of Florida last summer, and it was really cool to be representing OHS.” This passion and drive increases student and community involvement in the school’s athletics, which propels it to further success.

“It’s hard to be successful in a school that doesn’t have a community that supports athletics,” Jarzynka said. “Oviedo is unique in the fact that, not only do we have a community, but we have a special community. We have a community that usually gets ranked in the top ten suburbs to raise a family every year. When you take those dynamics, and put it together with the student body we have here, and the teachers and the faculty and the staff, I really think we have something here that’s unlike any other place.”

NUMBER OF

VARSITY SPORTS

29

WE HAD COMPETE

THIS YEAR

2017

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

22-6

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

21-8

Statistics courtesy of OHS Athletic Department as of Apr. 12, 2017

DESIGN BY DOUG CHIODINI

ROAR BOARD

MAY 4, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 23

Check out scores and game reviews at

INSTAGRAM OF THE MONTH:

@benthomp_

TWEET OF THE MONTH: Oviedo Volleyball @oviedovball

4/26/17

Beach takes a big 4-1 win at Lake Mary to stay unbeaten.

Catch us on Monday at Hagerty in a big conference match at 3:15!

7 RETWEETS 24 LIKES

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA FOCUSED AND READY. Sophomore Jonathan Rucker makes a catch during practice on Apr. 26 at John Courier Field.

153 likes

Resurgence of football team goal of new coach WRITTEN BY N. CULLEN

When Friday nights roll around next fall, Oviedo football’s faithful will be as rowdy and energetic as ever. The face at the helm of the program, however, will be fresh.

New head coach Matt Dixon, who graduated from Oviedo in 2004 and last coached for Oviedo in 2009 under former head coach Wes Allen, is poised to make an impact on the program. “[Dixon] coached here for a long time, left and then became a head coach outside of Oviedo,” said athletic director Jakob Jarzynka. “Now he has an outside perspective, as well as an understanding of what we do here, and he can use this advantage to take this place to the next level.”

Dixon’s method of improving the football team consists of making changes in the coaching staff and the style and flow of gameplay.

“As with any change in leadership, there will be staff changes, but we will be retaining most of the coaching staff,” Dixon said. “Offensively, we add a lot of play-calling and high-level experience. On defense, we will have a young and energetic staff that will pump some juice into our

STAR ATHLETE: DAVID MAISH

new defense.”

Dixon thinks these changes in offense and defense will yield positive results.

“Fans will see an offense that will be able to control the tempo of the game and keep the defense guessing,” Dixon said.

“On defense, we will get back to a traditional defense and allow players to develop confidence through repetition.”

The athletes on next year’s team are already pouring out positivity towards their new coach.

“I like how he’s is keeping our offense no huddle, it gets us in shape and wears out the defense,” said sophomore center Dalton Barbara. “His attitude and mindset are great. [He is] easy to play for because as long as you give it your best and make gains in the classroom, weight room and field, he will give you his all.”

Dixon said he wants to instill a sense of pride for the program, school and the community. He has his sights set on getting Oviedo back to its winning ways, highlighted by their 11-2 record under coach Allen.

“It’s great having an alumni as our leader,” Barbara said. “He knows what it means to be a Lion.”

PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

Q: When did you start playing volleyball?

A: I started playing volleyball my freshman year and I did not know I would actually be good at it. I started playing beach volleyball about two years ago.

Q: How is club volleyball different from beach volleyball?

A: Club is a lot more organized, while beach you do what you want, when you want.

Beach is a lot cheaper than club volleyball and [allows you to] switch partners or teams whenever you want, while you pretty much stick with the same team for club.

Q: What aspects of beach volleyball give it a unique difficulty?

A: Beach volleyball is quite different than indoor due to it being two people instead of six. Also, jumping and moving in sand is a lot more difficult. Wind also becomes a major factor in a beach volleyball game, making it more difficult to control the ball.

Q: How are you training for the Junior Olympics for beach volleyball?

A: I train by practicing multiple different drills and playing in open tournaments (semi-pro). I also work out and eat well.

Q: To what do you attribute your success?

A: My success comes from hard work and many hours spent out on the sand courts, trying to get as many touches as possible to become more of a solid player.

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

PHOTO BY MONICA CULLEN

STORMING THE FIELD. The Lions football team charges out of the tunnel in a game against Winter Springs on Sep. 23 at John Courier Field.

DRIVING THE LANE. Junior Anna Tagye handles the ball in a game against Lake Howell on Jan. 23 at the RWL Gymnasium.

ALL SMILES. Junior Alex Figueroa and senior Nick Sala on base in a game against Hagerty on Apr. 21 at Mikler Field.

WINTER--BASKETBALL

SPRING--BASEBALL

FALL--FOOTBALL

DESIGN BY NEVADA CULLEN

IT WAS WORTH THE TASSLE!