With the renovations to OHS almost done, learn about the design principles behind them.
The biggest, baddest animal in all the land has made its way to OHS. Check out the newest fad.
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LION’S TALE A p r i l 21, 2 0 0 9
Volume 49
Teacher, staff cuts loom over campus
Issue 7
601 K ing Street
Oviedo, Florida
1.
Emily Cottrell, Miranda Ghali co-diversions editor, co-editor-in-chief
O
viedo High School will be hit with budget cuts as Florida’s chances of receiving the federal stimulus money hangs in the
balance. The biggest cuts Seminole County Public 2. Schools will be facing are teacher cuts. According to the March 25 Orlando Sentinel, staffing cuts in 3. SCPS could save more than $20 million. “OHS is being reduced 4.6 instructional positions (five percent), 0.6 ESE positions, 1.5 ESE assistants, and 2 non-instructional positions,” said Principal Robert Lundquist. “Keep in mind that all of this is on top of us having to let go 25 positions 4. last year. So now we are going to have to cut even more. It’s going to be very difficult to staff our classes to where we have small numbers.” Many students worry that some of their best teachers will be fired, because seniority is one of the many factors taken into consideration in this process. The tedious process starts with developing a skeleton master schedule for next year, This is a schedule of all the classes and time slots that would be offered next year without actually placing students in them yet. Next, Lundquist considers everything about a teacher including what kind of contract they are on, what they are certified to teach, and how many students signed up for each class. “I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to make some adjustments to the large classes and I’m hopeful that the district will be able to provide additional funding to reduce the class size, to meet the class size amendment law,” said Lundquist. 5. Students also worry for the fate of photos/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN, KEVIN VELOSO extracurricular programs. ROTC programs will be allowed to stay. According to Lundquist, no other extracurricular programs at OHS will be cut either. “Right now we have over 100 students signed ROCKIN’ THE HEART. The grand opening of the new science building on Monday, April 13 now allows science teachers and students to get back up for ROTC, so as it stands right now, the ROTC program is in a healthy condition,” said to doing labs. On April 16 and 17, anatomy classes conducted the first lab in the new science building by dissecting sheep hearts. 1. Anatomy teacher Amber Petschel shows students the superior vena cava of a sheep’s heart. 2. Seniors Kayla Pyecha and Harryson Thevenin examine the blood vessels of Lundquist.
Sheep hearts christen new building
see BUDGET CUTS, page 3
the sheep heart. 3. Senior Stephanie Gallison opens the ventricle of the sheep heart. 4. Senior Heather Jaeger opens the chamber of the sheep heart while senior Kayla Juliano watches. 5. Senior Caitlin Millich removes the pericardium (the outer covering) of the sheep heart.
Encore’s Winter Guard places first in state Tien Holmes
T
staff reporter
he theme of Encore’s Winter Guard: Alone. In fact, the team stands alone as the sole winner of the Winter Guard Championships in the “AA”
class. Last year the team ranked fourth in “A” class. “A” class is higher than “AA” class. The team underwent many changes this year, including losing a captain and dropping a class. Despite the set backs, Encore reached the top in ratings. Senior and captain Valerie DeLeon is proud of her team. After five seasons, which include two marching seasons and two winter guard seasons, DeLeon is ecstatic that she got the opportunity to enjoy this accomplishment during her senior year. “Winning Championships is my proudest moment of my winter guard career,” said DeLeon. “We were photo/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN first place in the division but we also had more points TWIST, TURN, AND TWIRL. Sophomore Cheyanne Holmes and senior Nicole Alers practice a overall than anyone else in the class.” routine for the Encore Winter Guard team. The team placed first in state, the first time since 2005. The “AA” class consists of several schools from season started off with the team falling as low as fifth place at one point, but the team worked hard to make it into first place. Seminole County including Hagerty, Lyman, Seminole,
Oviedo, and Winter Springs High Schools. While being a part of Encore for two years, sophomore Cheyanne Holmes thinks that out of all the schools in Seminole County, Lyman High is Encore’s biggest rival. “Lyman has a really clean show,” said Holmes. “Hagerty is a rival for us too, because they have a really good guard.” At the beginning of the season, Encore experienced a rollercoaster of finishes. At the premier show at University High School, OHS finished seventh with a score of 44.10. The next show at Colonial High, Encore finished third. Encore remained third for the Hagerty show but fell to fifth at the Lyman show. However, at the next showdown at Winter Springs High, Encore bounced back to first with a score of 72.80, tying with Seminole High. “[When we got first] I screamed so loud,” said Holmes. “I wasn’t expecting it but I’m so proud of it.” In order to achieve such high marks, the team members know what they have to do. see ENCORE, page 3
2
April 21, 2009
News
The Lion’s Tale
WROR TV destroys competition Carson Bailey
The Chorus department participationed in the District Tournament March 20. Horizons, SATB, Bel Cantos, and Soprano Soprano Alto (SSA) sections all received a superior rating, the highest of all ratings awarded. SATB received the second highest rating with an excellent rating. The chorus department graduates five four-year seniors this year, including Nicole Alers, Marissa Nichols, Alex Kirkland, Cate Daughterty, Korissa Lumia, and Tracy Waguespack. Chorus director is Bill Schult.
Student Government elects, announces officers for the 2009-2010 school year
The members of Student Government for the 20092010 school year are as follows: president Niladi Dupa, vice-president Laquinta Alexander, vice-presidential advisor Kevin Veloso, secretary Jessica Childress and treasurer Stefanie Cortes, all of whom are juniors. Senior class officers include president Katie Morton, presidential advisor Krysta Bann, vice-president Kaley Webster, secretary Jenna Hill, and treasurer junior Casey Tucker, who will all be seniors next school year. Junior class officers include president Blaine Smith, presidential advisor Brittany Skeels, vice-president Amanda Lopez, secretary Chenell Henderson, and treasurer Brittany Scott, all of whom are currently sophomores. Sophomore class officers include president Meaghan O’Kennedy, presidential advisor Zach O`Hanlon, vicepresident Lucia Santana, all of whom are currently freshman secretary and treasurer.
Latin Club ‘Best in Show’ at competition, earns coveted spot on Certamen team
The Latin Club competed at the State Latin Forum in Orlando on April 16-18. They placed first in Advanced Vocabulary, first in Advanced Mythology, and earned a “Best In Show” for a score of 47/50. Best in show essentially means that the same test was given to Level ½ , Level 1, Level 2, and Advanced. Whoever gets the highest score out of all of the levels wins the award - so OHS scored highest out of all level divisions. Places themselves are determined per level. The Latin Club members also tried out for and earned a spot on the Florida Advanced Certamen team. Certamen is a multidisciplinary, quiz-bowl style competition for all aspects of Greco-Roman civilization. The team will compete at the National Forum on July 27-August 1 at UC Davis.
R
FSPA Awards
Plan B ‘morning after pill’ available to 17-year-olds without prescription
The FDA approved Plan B, commonly referred to as the “morning after pill” will be sold over-the-counter to all women 17 years of age or older. The pill is most effective when taken as early as possible. Previously, Plan B was available only to legal adults 18-years and older without a prescritpion. Plan B is not a substitute for other contraceptives.
Construction on campus, around town comes to a close
Victoria Persampiere
A
photo/ courtesy of KYLE SNAVELY
OHS Chorus Department shines at District Tournament, brings home highest ratings
staff reporter best it could be.” enting a hotel room: $120, FSPA registration fee: $75, Seniors Nate Enos and Zach Wignall worked cooperatively Winning six awards at FSPA: Priceless. on the WROR TV website that won first place from FSPA. On April 16 a crew of TV production members “I was surprised my website won first. Nate and I worked piled into a Discovery Charter bus and headed towards the for about a month on the website, but we did what we had to Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) convention in and it paid off. We won first in the state for our website, and that Tampa with one goal in mind-Destroy the competition. alone is a great accomplishment. It means that we are learning “Our goal when attending FSPA was to win in every contest and growing in the field of broadcast,” said Wignall. that we submitted something in,” said sophomore Allison Tate. Although most of the students that attended FSPA are “We wanted to rack up as many awards as we could and I think seniors, the underclassmen are assured that the broadcasting we did just that.” classes will keep their high standards. The Lion’s TV production crew won a total of six awards “Most of the people who attended FSPA were seniors, but and placed in more categories than any other video production I know that with Mr. Snavely’s dedication we will do even program in the state. better next year. We will work just as hard to assure that OHS “Oviedo High School won in every single carry-in contest. receives the recognition it deserves,” said Tate. Although we didn’t captivate first place in TV production attended FSPA with an every submission we are still proud,” said in-it-to-win-it attitude which gave them the junior Xavier Simon. motivation to work hard. What bothered the On top of having to get used to a new members of TV production and even Snavely teacher, this was TV productions’ first year 1st- Website was the lack of feedback they recieved. 2nd- PSA competing at the FSPA convention. “The convention was a great experience “The accomplishments TV Production 2nd-Every Student Has a for both my students and myself. The guest has made as a whole are fantastic because it Story speakers were an incredible resource. shows our entire program has made immense Understand, here we have video production 3rd- Show Intro strides over the course of a single year. When teams from across the state submitting their Mr. Snavely came in he took our program to 3rd Sports Podcast very best work for competition and we couldn’t new heights,” said Tate. “I’m so proud that Honorable Mention - Cinema watch any of their videos. All judging was we were the only school to win six awards at Editing done behind closed doors.” explained Snavely. FSPA and place in everything, even though “Coming from a competitive/performance we haven’t been to this convention before background, this was bewildering to me. We and had no idea what to expect. It was also great for Mr. need to be able to watch the videos that are being submitted for Snavely to have accomplished that in his very first year here.” competition so that we can see what other schools are doing While the TV productions crew may make their job look and we can learn from other productions.” easy, these awards didn’t come without hard work and long Now, one year more experienced, the TV production hours of preparation. members look forward to another year, and another chance to “We started pre-production for our FSPA submissions ‘destroy the competition’. about three months prior to the competition and didn’t have “My goals for next year at FSPA are to simply prepare, the final product until the day before we left. That’s how long prepare, prepare. I want to leave zero my students worked on each submission,” said TV productions leeway for any possibility of OHS to teacher Kyle Snavely. “They stayed after school up to lose,” said Simon. “I want every single six hours to try and make their project the person at the convention to know that OHS will be running the show.”
and refurbished lockers,” said Lundquist. “But the biggest
“The city council has been lobbying our congressional
impure air floating around, and now it pumps completely clean air.” The construction also continued off-campus in the form of an extensive, three-phase widening project planned for SR 426. “Originally, the [road widening] project was scheduled to be completed by the end of Summer 2009,” said Megan Olivera, a Public Information Officer for the Florida Department of Education. “We are [just] a few weeks away to complete the roadway. The Contractor is currently performing signal and sign, and pavement markings, as well as sidewalk and curb clean up.” Further road-widening projects, especially around the RedBug/Tuskawilla/Greenway on-ramp area and in Old Oviedo, are currently being considered.
representatives for the needed funding,” said Deputy Mayor Dominic Persampiere. “At the council’s direction I traveled to [Washington] DC along with our city manager the first week of March and our prospects in Washington to secure the needed $24 million for phase I seem promising at this point; we headed to Tallahassee the week of March 30 to do the same.” The total cost of the road-widening project has been estimated at between $70-80 million. Now, with construction all around Oviedo drawing to a close, Lundquist takes a moment to reflect on just how far the school – and city – have come. “[The construction] has exceeded all of my expectations. It has added a touch of class to the school in comparison to what it used to look like,” said Lundquist.
news editor improvement is the A.C. system; there used to be a lot of delegation in Washington, as well as our state
bout three years ago, OHS began the complete renovation of the campus; the construction which has become familiar to most students now draws to a close. The projects that remain to be completed include new tennis and basketball courts beside Building 21 and behind the Old Gym, and the entryway to the school. “We really hope that the new courts will excite people to try out for tennis and basketball,” said principal Robert Lundquist. “It’s been so long since we’ve had courts on campus.” The new science building opened for student use just after spring break, marking the final building renovation. “The new building 12 has new floors, ceiling, cabinetry in the classrooms, a new furnished workroom
The Lion’s Tale
April 21, 2009
News
3
any struggles with the team,” said Line. from ENCORE, page 1 Encore practices every Tuesday and “Our success is due to the staff really. And I Thursday in the Commons. am very proud.” “We have to work harder now that we During the middle of this year, DeLeon’s got first place,” said sophomore Angiee co-captain left the team. “It was really hard Carey. because now I was alone, and I really needed Carey has been a part of Winter Guard support. I had to make sure that I kept the for two years as well. team morale, but we made it so I hold no “I joined because it looked fun and grudges,” said DeLeon. colorful. We have Now senior to learn the basics Monica Luciano is of dance and how to the co-captain. “We worked hard for this [first work with a team. But “When I place]. It wasn’t easy and we were now that we’ve became co-captain, put through test and I think we won, we know we my role definitely really deserve this.” have to improve changed.” said in everything Luciano. “I made Michelle Behling, ‘10 including flag work sure I helped out and choreography.” more.” First year guard member junior Michelle Encore received first place back in 2005 Behling thought joining Winter Guard was and now in 2009. After grueling practices just about finding new friends. She never and run-throughs the team is recognized as thought she would be part of an award elite. winning team. “I grew to love it [Winter Guard],” said “I was so happy,” said Behling. “We Luciano. “It’s something different and I am worked hard for this [first place]. It wasn’t so proud of our accomplishments.” easy and we were put through test and I photos/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN really think we deserve this.” TWIRL THAT FLAG. Senior Nicole Alers practices her Band director and overseer of Encore is routines with Encore during sixth period. Encore practices every proud of the team. “I personally didn’t have Tuesday and Thursday in the Commons. from BUDGET CUTS, page 1 Even though all extracurricular programs will be allowed to stay, most are still having monetary issues that cannot be helped by the school. Drama teacher Jennifer Devine said, “Sometimes the school lets us borrow money, but we are completely self-funded. Students have to do their own funding and the rights to a musical costs $3,000.” Students involved in the drama program also feel the effects. “We used to get $2,000 from the school every year, but now we have to fundraise for ourselves. The Wizard of Oz was so expensive, so it would have helped a lot if we had money from the school, but we managed to pay it off through fundraising, ticket sales, concession sales, and ad sales,” said junior Amanda Eifert. The T.V. production program already has plans to cope with the lack of monetary funding. “This year is like a honeymoon since we received all new equipment, but next year – the honeymoon’s over. We will be producing DVDs for different groups such as cheerleading to make a profit,” said T.V. production advisor Kyle Snavely. Other major cuts include bussing, summer school programs, and the number of sports events. Sports events, however, are not affected by the budget cuts, but by
the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association). The FHSAA is cutting games to raise money for other counties in the area. “The athletic department doesn’t get any money from the county - all of the money comes from fundraising. So, because of that, we aren’t hurt as bad as Orange County,” said Howell. “The question is: Can the parents and students raise the money in this tough economy? But we’re doing fine so far.” Even though Lundquist tries to stay positive, he still wishes that the cuts didn’t have to happen. “If we didn’t have the five photo/MIRANDA GHALI percent cut, we’d be fine. We’d be perfect, because we will have STRESSFUL TIMES. Sitting in his office, Principal Robert Lundquist filters through budget cut papers in the daunting task of trying to an increased population for next figure out which teachers and faculty members to cut. OHS is being reduced 4.6 instructional position, 0.6 ESE positions, 1.5 ESE assistants, and 2 non-instructional positions. year,” said Lundquist. “Hopefully things will change somewhat Sentinel article, the SCPS School Board met right now. “ so that we can get some of those teaching Tuesday night to refine its budget but could Lundquist hopes the legislators come to positions back and we can get some of those make few decisions because state funding is their wits before these budget cuts continue non-instructional positions back.” tentative. It is uncertain whether Florida will to affect the school. $65.5 million dollars will be cut from receive federal stimulus money. Lundquist said, “I hope that the legislators Seminole County’s budget next school year, “Our legislators are meeting in regard find ways to fund public education in the according to a March 18 update by SCPS to funding public school education, which state of Florida. That’s really the bottom line Superintendent, Bill Vogel. Since the 2007- by the way, they are required to by law,” to all of this – give us money, and we’ll be 2008 school year, SCPS have experienced said Lundquist. “Public school education is fine. They’re under-funding public school budget cuts up to $105 million dollars. a fundamental and constitutional right and education and it needs to change now. We Although cuts are anticipated, not all cuts they are obligated by law to fund it. In my should be a priority, not on the chopping are final. According to an April 22 Orlando opinion, they aren’t doing a very good job blocks.”
SEE YOUR AD HERE! Affordable custom-made ads, circulates to students and all over Oviedo! Call for prices and information at (407)-320-4199 or reach us through our email at: LionsTaleAds@yahoo.com
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News
April 21, 2009
t b e d g
The Lion’s Tale
r o f s e i g e t a r t s
n i g dod
a tting e g h t of wi there it ’s a rite s p u t ard righ er rd is e lett er, credit c So c a n c a t t i ev rs. cred ge accep s. How n consume safe ng a e i e v l i n l l o ’ w c s r O tic ica a enage e or Amer r plas licens e in most te to ruin for eping you Be wary r ke ssag the road t o f a r Not everyone is a klepto waiting in the p s a p i t m n ver e s e e v t n f fi e y o h p shadows to steal your identity - but that’s Bu b to follow w on your are are the to t-free. b no reason to be negligent with your credit e m e fe de of thu a purchas ear this, her i l e l r u r u w card. Remember to never let a waiter or easy se and yo aking I eat this, e’s an nt, and be on’t u ng m
“Can Ther consideri en d rself: r is yes, th s are more u e o r ’ y u e sk en yo that te s over e answ card. A credit this?” If th tudies show small item latte s S uy y or pla d to buy it. hen they b a Starbuck es a r w a r im your c overspend . $3.00 fo ve it four t e o a t p. m h likely span of ti ut if you adds u y l l a b e r g , a lon eem small he money s ,t might lus interest p , k wee
Know your stuff
asks you “Credit or When the scanner at Target ere is a huge differnce Debit?” pay attention! Th Credit, technically, is beween credit and debit. ’t have at the time, and spending money you don rements later on (plus being billed for it in inc , on the other hand, is interest, of course). Debit eady have in savings. spending the money you alr e the money, because Be sure that you actually hav to make transactions most cards will allow you pty. And dropping - even if your account is em with some heavy into the negatives comes fees.
waitress keep your card by accide careful ordering things over the phone or online. If you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud, cancel your card immediately.
Watch y our fund s
Online ba nking mak es keeping However, track of y as with m o ost compu Make sure terized pro ur spending a bree that you le ze. grams, it is ave a track and write not infallib able paper all of your le. trail. Keep deposits a checkbook your receip nd withdra . If someth w ts als in the , ing online say someth le doesn’t m ing about atch up wit dger in your it! Call yo h your rec ur bank an ords, d see what’ s up.
Look at the big picture
The best thing you can do to keep yourself out of debt is be aware of how much overspending will effect the rest of your life. Like, for example, if you’re a senior and you make only minimum payments on a thousand-dollar purchase on a credit card with 12% interest rate (the average rate and total debt for under-21s) you’ll be paying it back for six years! You might be in the workforce, or have a M.D., or attending medical school...and you’ll still be paying off that shopping spree from when you were 17! Try fiddling around with an online debt calculator to put things in perspective. by VICTORIA PERSAMPIERE
Opinion
The Lion’s Tale
5
“The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.”
Bertrand Russell
LION’S TALE
OUR WORD
Oviedo High School 601 King Street, Oviedo FL 32765 • Phone: 407-3204199 • Fax: 407-320-4213
Applauding Seminole’s fine financial foresight Lately, Orange County has been praised for its faith in federal funding; faith which has simultaneously caused it to postpone school closings and teacher layoffs. In this regard it’s demonized our own county, which is made to look a little extreme for stripping faculty members of their jobs. Regardless, it is in our humble opinion that Seminole County is showing far more initiative than its southern neighbor in its preparation for the worst. Anticipating a $35 million shortfall for next year, Seminole County is pressing forward in its decision to make bold budget cuts. It’s a carefully calculated – and fairly conservative choice that seems to reveal the pitfalls of Orange County. Most overtly evident is it’s over dependence on anticipated bailout funds. To us, it’s a matter of counting the chickens before they’ve hatched. Regardless, Seminole County’s unprecedented move to forge ahead presents itself as one that may be far more beneficial in the long run. Sadly, the federal bailout money to be received by public schools cannot last forever. In actuality, the cash provided will only be enough to support Orange County for a single school year. Consequently, the Orange County school board is merely postponing the inevitable. Annual spending plans will have to be trimmed at some point or another. It’s better the “rip off the bandaid” and deal with the unpleasantness now, rather than have it cast a dark shadow of uncertainty over the future. It’s this sort of thinking that ushered a response from the forward-thinking officials of the Seminole County Public School system. As of next year, the
April 21, 2009
illustration/MICHAEL MANGOS
Classroom of tommorow brought to you by the Florida Legislature. Seminole budget will be 341 employees lighter. Coordinated with the elimination of most summer school programs, downgrading of magnet school busing and increased reliance on air conditioning, the proposed reductions only constitute about $31 million in savings. Still, considering the current economic crisis, it’s only reasonable that officials should expect the unexpected.
Faced with consistently rising expenses, plummeting enrollment and a variety of other factors, Seminole has decided to do what needs to be done and stave off the need for further budget cuts down the road. It’s good to see Seminole County taking charge of it’s own future rather than leaving the decisions to be made by the politicians in Tallahassee or Washington. Quite frankly, we wouldn’t want it any other way.
The Lion’s Tale belongs to CSPA, NSPA, and FSPA. We reserve the right to refuse ads. The views of the staff do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, staff, or faculty of Oviedo High School. Advertising and editorial policies are on file in the newspaper room. (21-020) Editors-in-Chief: Miranda Ghali, Stacey Sterling News Editor: Victoria Persampiere Features Editor: Tiffany Ray Diversions Editors: Carly Brower, Emily Cottrell Sports Editor: Connor Bailey Opinion Editors: Kevin Baird, Jordan Hugh Sam Photo Editors: Graham Christensen, Brooke Fidrick Staff Artists: Miranda Harmon, Michael Mangos, Kevin Baird Staff Technician: Graham Christensen Advertising Editors: Ryden Butler, Faculty Advisor: Deborah Jepson Administrative Advisor: Anna McCarthy Principal: Robert W. Lundquist Staff Reporters: Carson Bailey, Caitlyn Braswell, Marsha Gibbs, Tien Holmes, Nirvani Khan, Maggie Kipi, Tova Kranz, David Parsons, Colin Perry, Caitlin Smith, Julia Thorncroft, Kevin Veloso Lion’s Tale is accessible through the OHS web page.
The Lion’s Tale provides an open forum for students, teachers, and the members of this community. Letters to the editor and guest columns are welcome and may be written and submitted to Deborah Jepson’s room 21-020. Anonymous columns or letters will not be printed, though names may be withheld upon request.
Purpose equals pursuit of what you want most neatly packaged and easily explained. Because of the factor we play in defining ourselves, purpose is defined differently for each of us. In this regard, life is meaningless. When one dedicates thought to this sort of concept, it’s actually quite liberating. Without a predetermined function, man is free to explore his opportunities and dedicate himself to something of his own choosing. This truth is justified every waking Kevin Baird co-opinion editor moment of each day. Man is free to indulge ver since he crawled from his cave in whatever he pleases. The question on the 200,000 years ago, man has questioned agenda shouldn’t be, “What is the meaning of a single aspect of his own existence. life,” but rather, “What is the meaning of your Like their ancient progenitor, every individual life.” of every generation has, at one point in time, What tickles your spirit? What brings wondered about the “meaning of life.” joy to your heart? What goal are you willing It is likely to remain as one of the single to work towards or what are you willing most frequently asked questions of all time sacrifice in the pursuit of that goal? What – tackled, unsuccessfully, by both learned do you personally think gives your life philosophers and anguished teens. purpose? Analyzing these questions is far Sadly, the “true” meaning of life can more useful than speculating on some intrinsic be difficult for anyone to grasp since its significance. connotations differ from party to party. At the Some people search for satisfaction end of the day, the meaning behind anything is through self-gratification - amassing money purely subjective and cannot be derived from and possessions while collecting experiences, anyone other than ourselves. sights, memories. But the most fortunate As said by French existentialist Jean Paul among us discover that deeper meaning and Sartre, “Man is nothing else but that which he purpose are found through service - making a makes of himself.” positive difference in the lives of others. The human experience is truly a transient In reality, we all play a role in guiding one. Life is far too short to worry about the the great chain of destiny. My hands are possible designs of some other being - mortal on it right alongside yours. And while the or ethereal. Meaning is not something that be strength of each link is based on the resolve
The human element
E
One might even say that the limited of each individual, the combined efforts of all men could potentially determine the futures of amount of time dedicated to life on Earth is what makes these contributions so valuable. those to come. Once we fade, our distinctive The destiny of all men depends thoughts are silenced. Our on the determination of standalone potential future offerings souls. It is only when we to the world are left struggle for our own desires twisting in the wind. Our that we pull civilization in exclusive spot in humanity the right direction. is left unfilled. It is the Most assuredly, the experience of life, itself, vagueness of life confirms that carries meaning. that we are our own In the meantime, much masters. We cannot rely is left for our race to achieve. on the words of our peers or Those who live in the name some abstract deity to make of advancement offer the ultimate decisions for us. In fact, we must gift. For such men and women, the take on step further away from lengthy search for value – perhaps traditional notions. Any worth that unknowingly - has come to an end. can be attached to our lives comes We all yearn for a world from us and us, alone. We must look beyond the chaos illustration/KEVIN BAIRD in which even the most insubstantial person form has of the present day and identify the some degree of importance. problems that have affected man in the past While it’s not unreasonable to believe strive to ensure that they are not realized in the future. Within the scope of a “bigger picture,” that this can be achieved, it won’t happen only this sort of mindset can hope to reveal the overnight. Still, searching our souls can provide enough merit for our civilization, the answer to humanity’s oldest question. next, and the one after that. Some may wonder about the transience The pilgrimage is a private experience life; wonder how a life that is allowed to end and will present alternative outcomes to can possibly carry any innate meaning. various entities. Life is an experiment with no A single person’s existence conveys its value through the enjoyment of the individual; meaning but the one we create. Wherever we step, a new and unique path through the overall contributions made to the emerges just beneath our feet. human race.
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Opinion
April 21, 2009
The Lion’s Tale
Say “Buongiorno” to Europe’s underbelly
Slice of
Life
Miranda’s Stacey Sterling
I
Marvelous
co-editor-in-chief
Musings
Dont worr y, be happy
f you know me you know that I laugh loudly, love fully, and live everyday. If we live in fear of taking chances, we risk missing the opportunities that could give us a greater chance at life. If we laugh in fear of being too loud, we risk the chance at true happiness. If we love in fear of getting our hearts broken, we risk the chance of losing someone great. Have you ever seen an older couple in a restaurant and wonder what their story is? It may just be that I have sat in on too many ‘everyone has a story’ lessons in newspaper, but I believe it is just general curiosity. I wonder how long they’ve been together, where they’re going, where they’ve been, and how they’ve made it so far. I think about what they have learned and how much they have grown, and how much I myself have to learn about life. One thing that people take for granted is the small moments in life. That split second when your friend actually understands a joke told five minutes ago, that one moment when you finally figure out the answer to the math problem you’ve been working on for over an hour, or even that moment when you look out the car window and see the most beautiful sunset as you drive to meet your friends for a night out on the town. Life is too short to be anything but happy. There are times in life when things don’t work out exactly like you wanted them to, moments that you wish you could take back, or things you wish you could do over. If we spend our life looking back on our mistakes, or wishing that things would have turned out differently we won’t have learned anything. We’ll be in the same spot as when the mistake happened. Don’t dwell on the past, but look forward to the future. I understand that sometimes happiness doesn’t come easy but my friend once shared with me her life quote, “Everyone wants happiness without pain, but you can’t have a rainbow without rain.” Everything can’t go perfectly all the time. No one will have the perfect life, and even if it seems like they do they’re putting on a show for people. There are too many days when I find myself focusing on what is going wrong that I forget to stop and realize what I have to live for. Sure I was late getting up, got stopped at every red light on the way to school, and forgot my calculus book at home, but the sunrise was amazing, I’m alive for another day, and I have family and friends that care. The next time something goes wrong, before you go and rant to your friends, think about what you have to be thankful for and what you have to look forward to. I see the elderly man stand up as his wife begins to rise from her chair to go to the restroom. He seems anxious as he awaits her arrival back at the table, and frequently glances at the direction at which she departed. His eyes sparkle with wisdom, and he seems to be the happiest man in the whole entire world. Things happen on their own terms. Love will find us at unexpected moments, laughter will fill our hearts, and life will give us opportunities. What we do with life’s opportunities will give us the small unexpected moments in life that bring laughter.
T
Miranda Harmon
staff artist
he Sunday of this spring break, I woke up in a different world. I woke up in a world much older than ours, with thousands of years of rich history. I woke up in Italy. More specifically, I woke up in Venice. Over this spring break, I traveled to Italy with my Italian teacher and some fellow students. The short version would be that I had the time of my life. The long version, however, involves countless trips to gelatterias, seeing the ancient ruins of Roman civilization, witnessing the Sistine Chapel, eating pizza in Rome, and getting lost in Florence. We first stopped in Venice, after a long drive from Milan. We made our way down south, staying the night in Venice, Florence, and finally Rome. Of course I ate. After all, Italy boasts the title of food capital of the world. Gelato, tortellini, pizza, lasagna, everything. I took no prisoners. And I shopped, too. I brought back Venetian glass, Florentine leather, and everything in between. But if there’s one thing I’ve taken from my travel experience, it’s that the
world is big. Much bigger than most by the Atlantic Ocean. of us realize. It’s almost impossible to I was wrong. Italy isn’t a different comprehend, but the world is much larger world at all. A different place, maybe. than each of us. Certainly a different culture. But like While I was in Bologna, during the accordion player and my lunch I noticed a man I, both countries playing accordion outside occupy the same the restaurant. He planet. played beautifully, This wasn’t a perfect just a vacation for accompaniment me, or a shopping to the rustic, destination. It was Italian scene. an opportunity to I wanted, more learn and grow, and than anything, to I’d like to think I take his picture. seized it. I had just received a hand-me-down film camera, which I used at every opportunity. Nervously, I approached the man after gulping down my lunch. I feared he would be angry or upset at the prospect of me capturing him on film. After I tossed a few euros in his basket, I timidly began to ask in my broken Italian, “Posso prendere…” trying to say, “Can I take a photo?” Before I could finish, he simply smiled and nodded.“Sì.” Rome Despite the fact that I was just another ignorant American tourist with a camera, the accordion player happily let me take his picture. I captured the moment in time forever.Of course, the picture turned out rather blurry. But that’s not the point. The point is that, for a minute there, I understood Orlando that we were fellow human illustration/MIRANDA HARMON beings, despite being separated
Helpful hints for an heir unapparent First of all, I need someone who can laugh at themselves. See how I started this column? I used selfdeprecation to make readers laugh at my expense. A lot of real comedians use this Michael Mangos staff artist trick which is also the s this may be my last article I’d like to announce that the “humor reason a lot of comedians die of column” section of the school low self-esteem and newspaper is now open. I know what you’re thinking: “Humor drug abuse but we’ll get to that later (not column? I thought this column was really). exclusively about how much this nerd Nobody thinks loves Battlestar Galactica. Anyway, I better get back to not reading his column cocky people who brag about themselves are like I always do.” funny. Well, folks, you’re wrong. I’m more You know the kind of person I’m of a Star Wars fan and this is indeed the talking about, the jerk who wears humor column. And until this newspaper decides to put in a combination obituary/ American Eagle and makes fun of sex advice section, this column is going to someone else just because they’re an easy target. continue to run, even when I’m gone. Look around. There’s probably a guy So I’m calling out anyone who thinks like that in your class right now. If not, they’re funny or masochistic enough to write for this paper to meet my challenge. it’s you. Please stop existing. Second of all, I need my prodigal son I need a successor and honestly there’s no one else currently on staff fit to do this. to be funny. Sounds easy, right? Well, like Somalian pirates planning to hijack an I need that one social misfit who can turn his bitter hatred for school spirit into American ship, you should consider a few things first. comedic gold. Written humor is a lot different I know what you’re asking yourself: than shouting “that’s what she said” “How can I possibly measure up to after someone says something vaguely Michael Mangos’ standards? He is a suggestive. god among men. He single-handedly It takes patience and abstract thought. destroyed the third death star before If that doesn’t do the trick, try writing anyone else even knew about it.” your articles about how much you hate the Don’t worry aspiring misanthropes. Xbox 360. I’ve tediously compiled this list of all Finally, and most importantly, I need the things you’ll need to become my new someone who will never be happy with bespectacled, out of shape padawan.
Because Pobody’s Nerfect
A
illustration/MICHAEL MANGOS
what they’ve written. Yes, it’s a sad fate but a good writer is never happy with their work. It may not look like it but I actually worked hard on this article, tweaking sentence structure and arduously, um...spell-checking just to make it as funny as it can be. You can’t really be entirely content with what you write or else you’ll wind up like the author of Twilight, undeservingly proud of your stupid vampire books that feature “vampires” that glitter in the sun and have no fangs. You’ll stop questioning your work or what it even means to be a vampire. Seriously, I hate those books. Well, that’s all the advice I have to give you. I hope whoever gets my position enjoys writing for the paper. I’m going to miss writing this column nobody reads but I’m off to bigger and better things, like working minimum wage while attending community college.
The Lion’s Tale
April 21, 2009
Opinion
7
Cultural Debate:
R-rating great or insult to teens? sneak into. I have caught people trying to get tickets for movies like Role Models, Step Brothers, Watchmen, I Love You Man, and the list goes on and on. I have to ask: why is it so desperately important to see these movies? Why can’t people under 17 go see something, oh, I don’t know, appropriate? Why is it so bad to be a good, appropriate young person? I know I probably sound like a nagging mother right now, but I’m being serious. Miranda Ghali co-editor-in-chief Now I have another question: After Pr o t ection f or t eens getting caught without ID being able to prove that they are 17, why do these teenagers get he opening night of Friday the 13th mad at me? I am merely the middle man was the night of one of the worst here. I am doing my job. experiences I’ve ever had. Not th Maybe people don’t realize that it is because I went to see Friday the 13 . No, it actually against the law for Regal Cinemas to was because I had to work in the box office let anyone under the age of 17 without a legal of Oviedo Marketplace’s Regal Cinemas. th parent or guardian over the age of 21 into an You see, Friday the 13 is rated ‘R’, so, ‘R’ rated movie without valid identification. as a box office cashier, it is part of my job to Well, I am now addressing all kids under make sure that no one under the age of 17 the age of 17 when I say, it is against the gets into the movie without a legal parent or law. Don’t beg me to “Just please give me a guardian over the age of 21. This is not the ticket. I swear I’m 17. I’m actually almost rule of Regal Cinemas, but in fact, it is a state 18.” (I can’t even count how many times I LAW. Not just for Friday the 13th, but for have heard that one before.) Don’t look at me ALL rated ‘R’ movies. th like I am picking on you. Don’t yell at me for So why in particular was Friday the 13 so bad? Probably because it includes horror, doing my job. Seriously, how would you feel if I came gore, and sex, the trifecta of the silver screen. to your job and told you “you don’t know I actually had to refund about 40 Friday the th what you are talking about. I’ve seen like 13 tickets. 40! These were almost all from seven rated ‘R’ movies here before and I teenagers that had gotten someone else to have never been carded”? buy their tickets for them and then got caught If you are 17, fine, you can see whatever going into the movie without an ID saying you want, just please, please, please, I am that they were 17. begging you, bring any ID with a date of Apparently, it doesn’t matter to teenagers birth and a picture on it with you. If you whether or not the movie is even good. It don’t have one, you can even bring me your doesn’t matter that this particular Friday th school ID and your birth certificate with you. the 13 is almost exactly the same as the th I don’t really care. previous 11 Friday the 13 ’s. It doesn’t even Why is it so desperately important to see matter that it was rated inappropriate for a rated ‘R’ movie? Just wait until you’re old teenagers and children under the age of 17. th enough, if you want to see these movies so Friday the 13 isn’t the only ‘R’ rated badly then it will be worth the wait. movie that people under 17 have tried to
Regally Riled
T
movies that my parents approve of, but just don’t want to see with me. I understand that it’s a ticket seller’s job to refrain from selling R-rated movie tickets to underage viewers. They can lose their jobs if they do so. When I went to purchase a ticket for Slumdog Millionaire, I was turned away by my editor for being underage and I simply thanked her and walked to the back of the ticket booth and purchased a ticket via Carly Brower diversions editor machine where no identification is required. Yet again, why would they make R-rated Underage discrimination movie access so easy to obtain if it was so harmful? have traveled with Nemo across the Nowadays, when I see a PG-13 rated ocean, fought along side Harry Potter, movie I’m shocked at some of the material and I have joined Jamal to face the they deem appropriate for a thirteen-year-old poverty and hardships in India. to see. When compared, rated R movies and Going to the movies is one of the things rated PG-13 are not so different. Nowadays I really enjoy, but since I’m 16 I’m not PG-13 movies are allowed to have one F allowed to see an R-rated movie without an word per film. If someone hears it once or adult. I believe that what I see is my choice five times, the damage is still done. Explicit and I don’t think someone should be allowed words are used in music all the time but no to dictate what they deem appropriate for my one has tried to put an age limit on that. In age-that’s up for me and my parents to decide fact, using explicit words in music actually if they choose to allow me to go. makes the song more desirable than the clean R-rated movies meet the criteria of version. having “adult activity, hard language, intense The fact of the matter is that stubborn or persistent violence, sexually-oriented underage viewers who want to see an adult nudity, [or] drug abuse” according to the movie will find a way to do so. No amount of Motion Picture Association of America. The refusing to sell them a ticket will discourage average teenager is already exposed to these them from finding a way in. things through other media. I don’t think Movie theater employees should spend seeing violence or sexual activity on a screen less manpower on trying to catch people is causing these results. sneaking into an R-rated movie and use A punishment is a consequence for their time on more pressing issues such as someone who has done something wrong. movie hoppers. I’m not suggesting that they If you’re under 17 and caught in an R-rated let eight year olds view hard-core raunchy movie, you get kicked out and receive a refund for the movie. If the movie companies movies, but that they lower the age limit to sixteen or fifteen. I think that 15-year-olds really thought sneaking into an R-rated can handle this ‘adult’ activity portrayed on movie was wrong, wouldn’t they come up screen, considering that most teenagers are with a more severe punishment than just a already dealing with these situations slap on the wrist? during everyday life. Most of the R-rated movies I want to see, my parents don’t. Paying $8.50 to watch a man’s body being twisted to extremes in Saw isn’t exactly their definition of fun. Since I don’t have too many friends over 21 to buy my ticket for me, I feel like I’m forced to resort to sneaking in to the R-rated
Pursuing Privilege
I
illustration/MIRANDA HARMON
Alex Hague
‘10
“No, because they plan to cut a lot of it from sports.”
Toby Tobkin
‘11
“The budget cuts are reasonable given that school might not have enough money to run schools otherwise.”
Allison Tate-Cortese
‘11
“No, students also need to know that they can take action against this by contacting th”
8
April 21, 2009
The Lion’s Tale
Features
Captivating Ceilings Art shows self-expression, demonstrates literary meanings, symbolism on ceiling tiles in classes Maggie Kipi, Tiffany Ray it is my name, you have taken my soul. Leave me staff reporter, features editor my name.’ It sums up the whole book in a nutshell.
O
ne man’s ceiling tile is another man’s It stood out to me,” said De Coursey. “I painted canvas. Meander through Marziza the line in script and painted gallows because it’s Vitali’s and Roy Starling’s classes and The Crucible’s main imagery.” Junior Vickie Muscedere painted The Carnival see the wide variety of art displayed on the ceiling tiles. Like the frescos on the ceiling of of Venice on her ceiling tile for Vitali. “The Carnival of Venice is a bunch of the Sistine Chapel in Italy, each painting brings celebrations in costumes, which I really like. unique aspects of art to attention. Finding similar inspiration from a previous Being in Venice during Carnival would be a art teacher at OHS, Vitali and Starling allow spectacular sight, and I wanted to bring a little bit their students to paint the ceiling tiles in of it to my life here,” said Muscedere. Both Starling and Vitali can’t choose a favorite their classroom, displaying an array of colors painting, and admit that each painting is unique, throughout the ceiling. “I was at a teacher’s meeting in the art and beautiful in it’s own way. “Art if very symbolic and can be self room, and that teacher had the ceiling painted, expression, or an expression of hope and faith,” so I copied the idea,” said Vitali. Vitali and Starling both have kept the said Muscedere. Junior Ariana McCain enjoys the literature tradition alive by giving students the pleasure involved in the art. of expressing their creativity. “It’s really inspiring that According to Starling, people felt the need to paint anyone who wants to paint “[Painting ceiling tiles with things from books that they one can. thought was touching. It “Starling said that quotes] really reflects the art of really reflects the art of we could always paint a literature.” literature,” said McCain. ceiling tile about a book Both Starling and Vitali we discussed,” said junior Ariana McCain, ‘10 admit that each painting is Josh De Coursey. unique, and beautiful in it’s Senior Kiva Mitchell own way. created ceiling tiles for Vitali. Starling expresses that although he doesn’t “For Mrs. Vitali’s ceiling tiles, I did Leonardo Da Vinci’s drawing of the fetus. It’s have one favorite, some are just exceptional. “I wouldn’t be able to say if I have a favorite but a drawing of the inside of a woman’s womb,” some are really striking such as the peacock,” said said Mitchell. Mitchell is also in the process of creating a Starling while pointing to a peacock surrounded piece of art to be portrayed in Starling’s room. by colors of blue and green. Mitchell enjoys projects artistic projects “I’m doing an interpretation of a Kurt Vonnegut quote. I think it’s beautiful, ” said because it gives her a chance to express herself. “These projects were fun. I love art,” said Mitchell. The idea came to Mitchell while her Mitchell. “It’s enjoyable to me to be creative.” Senior Monica Chun sees a symbolism behind class was reading Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt the art of painting celing tiles. Vonnegut. “The artistic value of it is that it’s like Michael The quote is ‘What is the purpose of life? To be the eyes and the ears and the conscience Angelo’s painted ceiling,” said Chun. De Coursey is proud to have his work of the creator of the universe, you fool.’ I really like the quote and what it means and stands displayed. De Coursey said, “I sit right below the tile I for,” said Mitchell. De Coursey also painted a favorite quote painted, and I catch myself looking up at it all the time. Every day I get to see something that I from a play he read in Starling’s class. “Mine is a line from The Crucible. ‘Because made.”
photos/BROOKE FIDRICK, MIRANDA GHALI
STOP AND STARE. Italian teacher Marziza Vitali, English teacher Roy Starling, Art teacher Tonya Letzo, and sculpture teacher Robert Lawarre allow painted ceiling tiles to be displayed in their rooms. Students are allowed to paint ceililngs to express themselves, and in Starling’s class, to capture literary meaning within art.
The Lion’s Tale
April 21, 2009
Features
9
Firsthand story with teen reveals struggle with anorexia, depression I
’ve always been depressed and had circumstances, after being strip searched. an eating disorder for as long as I can The days went by and I went to several remember. I ate a lot and then I ate less therapeutical groups a day: group, self, art, and less and less. I just thought everyone and cinema therapy. In cinema therapy we was like that. To me, it was normal. When analyzed movies and the psychology behind I was in the eighth grade my parents finally them. In art therapy, I painted and worked said something. with clay to release some anger that I had. We came home from the Highland I painted mostly nature, and made flowers Games, and I hadn’t eating anything all day. from clay. I reverted to nature because I My mom asked if I thought I was fat. I said find it calming and peaceful. There’s no yes, and she was really surprised. I guess judgment in nature. There’s no “fat.” I wasn’t. She took my hands and put them Nutritionally, in addition to my three over my hipbone and asked, “You think this meals, I had to have six Boost puddings a is fat?” Still, I said yes. day, which basically have 400 calories each. A few weeks later they started taking me I didn’t want to have so many. Strangely to health clinics. The therapist was good, but enough, even though I felt like I was she didn’t know how to handle my eating gaining so much weight, I actually wasn’t. disorder. I used to bring in my DS and silly Your metabolism goes really slow when putty, and she’d be more interested in being you’re low in weight, and when you start friends than trying to help me. I went to her eating more, you instantly burn up anything you eat. Your body is for a few months, but I was confused, and your slowly getting worse. I was metabolism goes eating maybe a sandwich a day, and getting skinnier and overboard. If you’ve ever felt like skinnier. After a while, I commiting suicide, call Then one day, my parents started appreciating the suicide hotline for took me aside and told me if the food more. Slowly help before it is too late. I kept on getting worse they’d I went up the levels take me to a place called there. At Renfrew, Renfrew Center, an eating there’s levels one, disorder treatment facility. two, and three. The I was worse so they kept taking me to the most extreme cases have to stay in bed doctor to check on my heart. all the time. You’re so thin that you’re not I was cold, so cold. Even in the summer supposed to move at all. Then there’s the I wore a heavy jacket. When you get so thin, day room, where you’re watched around the your body isn’t strong enough to regulate its clock, so that you can’t harm yourself. temperature properly. It’s a major symptom After that is when the levels come in. You of anorexia nervosa. gradually increase in levels with the more Renfrew Center for eating disorders progress you make. I was a level one when One day my parents asked to talk to I first went. I had to be watched and was me. I was confused, and thinking, “Oh my on what we called “trays,” which is where goodness, their silly rant about me being you’re not allowed to pick your own food. thin again.” They told me that they were You just eat what you get. Slowly I went up taking me to Renfrew. I started sobbing. I the levels, to where I could do activities like didn’t understand why. I thought I was fat, go to restaurants, the park, and the mall. I became a vegetarian because meat was and to a point I still think I am. We drove to South Florida, to Renfrew. one less thing that I had to eat. Renfrew gave When we got there, there was a security me an excuse to start anew. I could be almost guard. I remember my first impression of it anything that I wanted to be. My room was being very cold. Not just temperature, but like a dorm, and I had a roommate. I could in feeling. I didn’t expect myself to change. do my laundry, make my bed, and take care of myself. I felt in control. My parents had But, I sort of did. My first day was a haze. I was introduced always done everything for me before. to the other patients, and had several Effects of physical, mental self harm checkups to make sure I didn’t have any I stayed for three months. That’s very open cuts or burns from self-harm. I met long. A lot of people would stay only a few my new therapist, and psychiatrist. It was weeks. I was the second longest patient at hard to learn everyone so fast, under the the time. I still talk to longest patient there
1-800-SUICIDE
Self-Mutilation Self Mutilation is defined as a deliberate, intentional injury to one’s own body that causes tissue damage or leaves marks for more than a few minutes which is done to cope with an overwhelming or distressing situation. Who Self-Mutilates? • • • •
About two million people in the U.S. are self-injurers. One out of every 200 girls between the ages of 13 and 19 practices self-mutilation regularly. An estimated 11,000 American boys are also affected each year. A large portion of self-mutilating women have also struggled with eating disorders; anorexia, bulimia or both. • Most self-injurers do not harm themselves with the intention of committing suicide. • Over ten percent of teenagers are thought to have at least experimented with self-mutilation.
Common Behaviors of Self Mutilation • • • • •
Cutting - involves making cuts or scratches on your body with any sharp object Branding – burning self with a hot object Hitting or punching Picking at skin or re-opening wounds Hair-pulling
Where to Get Help
• contact a mental health professional information compiled from www.gurl.com, www.psychiatric-disorders.com, www.helpguide.org
to this day. We talk about things from our past and how they’ve contributed to who we were and are, and about positive actions and codependency. Even though I was watched, I harmed myself in the bathrooms. I would hit myself with a glass vase on my hips. I would count 100 times each time I went to the bathroom. I got deep purple bruises to the point that it would hurt when I walked. One day my shirt lifted a bit, and another patient saw my bruises. She was concerned. I don’t think I hit myself again after that. But, a year or two after Renfrew, I started cutting myself. We were allowed to talk to friends and family by phone or letters. My best friend sent me a little care package that I appreciated a lot. I’m sure it was frustrating for her that I was so focused on my weight. I guess it’s not normal to restrict and exercise a lot. She was happy to see me get well again, and be able to function better. After you lose so much weight, you have trouble focusing on other people. You don’t have the same emotions that you do when you’re healthy.
Life with depression, rape
Since Renfrew, my depression’s been up and down. I’ve been to University Behavioral Center for wanting to kill myself for several reasons. One reason being that I felt overweight. The major reason was that I was raped, and one of my best friends decided to go out with him. She didn’t know about the rape, but it still hurt me deeply to see them together. It was the day before my birthday when I first saw them as a couple. There are still days when I feel that the rape was my fault. Like I should have said no louder, or pushed away harder. I didn’t tell anyone about the rape for a while because I was so ashamed. I told my best friends that it was consensial. It wasn’t until later that I finally told them and my parents. I could have pressed charges, and still can, but it’s not worth it. He’s photo illustration/MIRANDA HARMON out of my life now, and only in my nervosa part of my anorexia, where I see mind. I’ve always felt disgusting and worthless. myself differently. My worst year with depression was last Those feeling have been worse since the year. I became a zombie. There was really rape. nothing that could make me laugh or show My depression is better right now. I’m emotion. taking stronger medications. But, some I feel that the chemical makeup limits days I feel like I can’t express my emotions me because the only thing to help is properly because of the medication. There the medications. It’s are days when I want to something that I’ve always cut myself. But, I can’t had, and something that because there are people I’ve gotten used to. My that care for me and it friends and reading are would hurt them more Call the rape hotline for the only things that help than me in the end. legal, and emotional help. me escape to another Now when I look in You can seek closure and world where I can do or the mirror, what I think move past sexual assault. be anything other than varies. Sometimes I think what I look like and who I’m the most hideous I am. person in the world, and The medication’s other times it’s alright. basically brought me new life. I can laugh I think I’m always going to have a little again, see that there is hope, and see that voice in my head that says I’m ugly and fat. there are more things in life than the boy I’m going to just have to learn to fight it. I who raped me. I can move past the mistakes feel that most of the time people are lying to me when they say I’m beautiful, even that I have made. though they’re not. I see people for who *as told to Tiffany Ray, they are, and think that they’re prettier and skinnier. I think it just has to do with the name withheld by request
1-800-656-HOPE
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Features
April 21, 2009
The Lion’s Tale
Freshman expresses creativity Nirvani Khan
F
staff reporter
reshman Cassandra Tolentino has a profound desire to become an author and an illustrator and she works toward that dream each and every day. Tolentino began writing as a hobby in the fifth grade, at the age of 10 years old. She specializes in the genres of adventure, comedy, mysteries, poems, and love stories. Tolentino said, “I enjoy writing because I can control everything that happens and cause so many different twists.” She became fully involved in the field of writing ever since she took a creative writing class in the third grade, where she learned from her teacher and inspiration, Mrs. Weaver. Tolentino said, “I write at least three hours each day, if not more than that and I have written at least 35 stories altogether.” Tolentino starts with her least favorite part of writing: brainstorming. During this writing stage, she jots down random ideas off the top of her head. She finds that music helps her formulate ideas for the basic plot line and for the characters. “Pre-writing is important because if you don’t work out a sturdy plot line, your story falls apart later,” she said. After forming a basic plot line, she begins to write. It takes Tolentino about one month to finish a story, though it can take much longer than that. But for this aspiring writer, writing isn’t just something that she does in her spare time. It’s her whole-hearted passion and she puts forth a lot of time and effort into each one of her stories. “I once wrote a story that was 40 chapters long. Each chapter was about six typedpages long, and one typed-page is about 500 words. It’s called ‘Silence is Golden’ and it is a romantic comedy about high school life,” she said. Staying up very late on weekends to write isn’t rare for Tolentino. “One time, I stayed up until 5:00 a.m. working on a story,’’ she said.
Freedom of composing stories
Ryden Butler
C
staff reporter
Internet alters communication onversing with someone online is a unique breed of human interaction. The internet hosts a stage in which obscurity performs as a cloak for the ignorant and a bond between experts of the the arcane. Though the internet allows us to interact with more people and with a greater frequency, is it making us better socialites, or is it maiming traditional skills necessary for conversation? It doesn’t take long to get tired of speaking with people over the internet. Anyone who has spent five minutes on Xbox Live will agree. Though the optional private chat feature is a convenient way of talking to friends, public chats are usually dominated by a few invariable archetypes: The Pest (Makes insane noises of literally no consequence), the Comedian (Punctuates every sentence with “your mom”), the Bigot (Thinks that racism is still cool), and the Sailor (Every other word rhymes with duck).
Detriment of online anonymity
photo illustration/CASSANDRA TOLENTINO
ILLUSTRATING INTROSPECTION. Freshman Cassandra Tolentino displays her illustrational talents in a self-portrait of herself composing a story.
afterwards. Anytime I read it, I have a difficult time,” Tolentino admitted. In addition, Tolentino absolutely loathes writer’s block, but she has found several ways to make the ideas flow again. “Whenever I face that dark pit of doom that all writers end up in [writer’s block], I always tell myself to take a look at everything around me. For example, I once had a very hard time introducing certain characters into a story. Luckily, I saw an empty soda can while I had writer’s block, and I ended up making a whole chapter out of it,” Tolentino said.
More than just a writer Tolentino admires certain Tolentino has hopes of aspects about her writing, yet there publishing some of her stories are improvements she believes that in the future. she must make. “Soon, my dad will send “I think the best thing about my Cassandra Tolentino ‘12 one of my stories to a publisher, writing is that I am able to suddenly turn probably ‘Bright and Dark,’ she said. down different plot roads,” she said. Though, writing isn’t the only thing With her remarkable ability of creating a strong atmosphere of suspense, she wrote Tolentino devotes her time to. She said that she began drawing when her favorite story entitled ‘Unsolvable she was old enough to hold a pencil. “When Mystery.’ “That story is about a girl’s parents you draw, almost anything could turn out of getting murdered. A young detective works a line. Drawing is very calming and helps you relax,” Tolentino added. on the case,” Tolentino said. She said, “I draw mostly Anime sketches, She believes in order to improve her stories, she needs to work on making her which is Japanese animation and I prefer drawing people because no two persons characters more unique. Initially, writing didn’t come easily look alike.” Tolentino’s parents strongly support her for Tolentino, and there are still obstacles that she must overcome, including writing artistic interests. “My father is a superb artist; I look up introductions for chapters, which she isn’t to him. He shows me new techniques and too fond of. “The first story I ever wrote was my least my mom always buys me sketchbooks, ” favorite one and it was called ‘Love Story.’ she said. In addition, Tolentino often draws After I finished the first chapter, nothing made sense. I didn’t even use quotes. When characters from the stories that she writes. “It all begins with a pencil, or anything someone spoke, I just put their names in parentheses and their conversation that leaves marks on paper, and any sort of
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material you can draw on. There’s not much thought behind it [drawing.] If I’m drawing a more mysterious character, I use darker shades. If I’m drawing a protagonist, or anyone who is always smiling, I use brighter colors. For shading, I just use a few different HB pencils that have different shading tones. I can’t really say I have a technique, but I do always start with the head of the character,” Tolentino said. Usually, Tolentino doesn’t spend more than two minutes on quick sketches, but perfecting a sketch entails more time. “If I get stuck on a drawing, I just go do something else for a few minutes. If I’m really satisfied with it, I will sometimes frame it and hang it in my room,” she said. And as many artists do, Tolentino believes that she has her weak points and strong points in drawing, depending on the subject. “The best piece of artwork I think I have ever drawn was a boy with animal features who I have saved for a long time. I used a certain technique to add texture,” Tolentino said. “I believe I draw portraits very well.” Tolentino believes she must improve on drawing the bodies of people. Her tip for any teenager who has a desire in becoming an artist is “Colors always make a picture look cooler, but they can sometimes blend and mess things up.” Because she spends so much time writing and drawing, Tolentino sometimes doesn’t have time to do other things, including track and field, but she commits herself 100% to the dreams that lies closest to her heart: drawing and writer. “My happily-ever-after would be becoming a writer who illustrates,” said Tolentino with a beaming grin, a grin almost as radiant as her passions.
Yet the one underlying characteristic of all of these archetypes is the person behind the microphone. Under a pseudonym like xXawesomegamer52Xx, one can easily be excessively aggravating, and have the benefit of anonymous impunity. The next day, the little annoying racist walks into his fifth-grade class, and nobody knows the difference. Like a schizophrenic, his personality is divided into two segments: one which is held accountable for his words and actions, and one who has verbal carte blanche. Text-based discussions take a different turn. Taking ten seconds to look over someone’s MySpace profile reveals more than enough information to strike up dozens of conversations. And considering that Google is only two clicks apart, anyone can have an in-depth discussion concerning arcane trivia. Rather than producing peeves and hate-mongers, the bios, videos, and songs found on social networking profiles allow for the creation of expert online conversationalists. Yet in reality, conversations are a much more intricate social mechanism. Since people don’t have their Facebook profile following them around on the street, it’s the responsibility of the two conversers to find common ground and work from there. If it so happens that you both have common interests, then maybe it’s a friendship worth pursuing. Obscurity is the currency of internet conversations. Whether we choose to live in it or learn of it, the obscure is the mechanism which drives online interactions, and divides or connects one from others. But when the curtain is lifted and reality sets in, does the internet prove to strengthen our social skills, or does it simply formulate unique interpersonal relationships that are less than skin deep; penetrating only as far as Google can take us? And with no consequences, what lessons do we learn?
The Lion’s Tale
April 21, 2009
Features
11
photo/MIRANDA GHALI
LINES AND DESIGN. Horizontal and vertical
lines are displayed through the vertical columns and horizontal walkways of the front of the school. .
Design aspects visible on campus Latimer, company evaluate campus for elements, principles of design Nirvani Khan
D
staff reporter
Vertical, horizontal lines give status neutral colors, like beige and tan, which give
First of all, OHS is dominated by vertical an orderly look that promotes an environment isgruntled students groan over the and horizontal lines. There are horizontal of learning. Bright, fun colors, such as mint green walls of the Commons, lines at the front of the school, including orange, aren’t used in classrooms because wishing another color had been the overpass that connects building 13 to they would formulate a milieu of excitement chosen. What the moaners don’t realize is building 1. This element is used for strength and students would be more prone to talk. that every structure, design, and color chosen and durability. Latimer said, “In the Commons, hallways, for the campus has a distinct and deliberate Vertical lines prevail by means of the and in bathrooms, you see blue and green meaning. columns in the Commons, light poles, and schemes to give a feeling of relaxation and Seniors Amanda Dimmick, Chelsea columns that support all of the overhangs. order. If we had orange in the bathrooms, Lyon, Jessica Kirk, Amanda Stoff, Danielle Latimer said, “Vertical lines give our there would be more writing on the walls.” Speroni, Carina Ablanedo, and Jessica school a stately presidential look and give our Harmonious design suggests style Durand set out to analyze the designs behind school status. The columns [in the Commons Concerning the scale and proportion of OHS. and supporting the overhangs] help us feel OHS’s campus, every feature and structure The six students involved are from Janice connected as a unit and gives a feeling of was designed to accommodate the average Latimer’s Interior Design IV class. height.” human being, in terms of size, such as the Latimer said, “The purpose of this In terms of space, the campus of OHS is tables, chairs, windows, lockers, desks, and project was to analyze and interpret Oviedo large, open, and clean. toilets. High School’s campus, Latimer said, In addition, OHS isn’t symmetrically including all buildings “Our spacious balanced, except at the very front of the “If we had orange in the campus helps us school. and grounds, the interior and exterior, landscapes, bathrooms, there would be more feel free. Oviedo Latimer said, “There are more buildings and the structures based High School was on the west side of campus than on the east writing on the walls. ” upon the elements and built so students side. It’s still pleasing because everything Janice Latimer, and teachers would doesn’t have to be balanced, but people need principles of design that we have studied. Interior Design teacher have a comfortable, to feel balanced.” We are [also] judging relaxing, spacious Instead, OHS’s campus has asymmetrical the campus based on place to learn.” balance, which means that we feel like it is meeting universal design features and energy Speroni says, “[The Commons’s open balanced, but it isn’t, in reality, symmetrical. conservation features.” space was] well planned for mass traffic. If OHS had symmetrical balance, it would [There is] good use of double doors [for] mean that if one divided the campus down Principles of Universal Design Universal design means designing easy access.” the middle, both sides would be the same. Both rough and smooth textures can be interiors and products to accomodate people Rhythm, which is the principle of design found on campus. with a variety of requirements, and needs. that suggests a flowing quality, is evident by Latimer said, “We have rough, firm means of the repetitious bricks. “No matter if you’re handicapped, blind, textures because of the cement walkways. or use wheelchair access, every building at Latimer said, “Rhythm gives the When it comes to hallways, we OHS should be accessible to every person in room personality, life, a sense of have smooth textures.” the world,” said Latimer. style, and it stimulates us.” For instance, the six students involved in Patterns, colors dominate The focal point of OHS, is the this project learned that OHS has no round Durand added, “The rough Commons, located at approximately doorknobs and has light switches that flip texture of the bricks [around OHS] the middle of the campus with from side to side, instead of up and down. adds masculinity, durability, and walkways that branch from this “Lever handles on the doors and light security but the shiny, aluminum central building, suggesting its switches that flip from side to side make it roof adds femininity.” dominance. Janice Latimer easier for people with arthritis to use them. OHS’s campus is dominated In order for a building to [Also], lever handles make it easier for people by repetitious, geometric patterns. have harmony, it must have unity carrying heavy weights,” said Latimer. For example, Durand says, “The geometric and variety. OHS follows the concept of The wide hallways, elevators, and ramps, pattern of brick creates more interest and Harmonious Design. accommodate individuals using wheelchairs harmony by using symmetrical designs.” Latimer said, “Harmonious Design [is] a or crutches. In addition, there are many Natural and artificial light is used all design in which every item fits well with the parking spaces available for the handicapped, through OHS. Outside of the buildings and others.” as well as rough textures on all of the stairs in classrooms with windows, natural sun OHS’s campus satisfies the idea of unity to ensure safety. Braille is used on bathroom light is available. Also, in the Commons, the because of the use of brick throughout and classroom signs to serve the blind. large glass windows enable great amounts of the entire school and the presence of the Furthermore, there are many features at sunlight to enter. Commons, which unites the students of OHS OHS that promote energy conservation. Latimer said, “Anytime you have glass in together in a sentimental way. Latimer said, “We have brought a room, it makes the room look twice as big. However, OHS also satisfies the idea of in recycling bins, water faucets that It helps bring the nature and the nice weather variety because none of the buildings use automatically turn off, and lights with timers in, and it gives the students the feeling that exactly the same color or shape of brick.. in the storage rooms. The lighting and air they’re not boxed in.” All in all, design affects more than just conditioning we have conserves energy.” Additionally, color is the most important the structure of buildings, or the shallow She assigned this project so that her element of interior design. interpretations of wall colors. Interior Design IV students could apply their Latimer said, “Color can make you feel Ablanedo said, “Interior designers help knowledge of the elements and principles sad, happy, overwhelmed, positive, negative, bring ideas to life, with a mixture of ideas. of design to something real: Oviedo High and talkative.” [As a designer] you can create space to fit School’s campus. The walls of OHS are predominantly somebody’s personality and change lives.”
Color Coded
Every color of design creates its own emotion. Read on to see what feelings your favorite colors give off.
Orange
Orange gives feelings of friendliness and energy; it’s a great school spirit color. It’s not a great color to have in any large amounts, it would cause people to be too energetic.
Blue
Blue gives a feeling of sense and order. It also gives you a calm and fresh feeling. It gives a feeling of a new beginning.
Green
Green gives you a feeling of receptiveness, and being open.
Red
A touch of red gives you a feeling of control.
Pink
Pink gives a feeling of femininity, indecisiveness, and sweetness. It makes you seem like you can’t stand pressure, you’re pampered, spoiled, or don’t have to follow the rules.
Black
People think negative, like mourning, death, misery. But it is also the color of sophistication, dignity, success. The right touch of black in the right way gives you power.
Purple
Too much purple makes you feel overloaded and overwhelmed. If you’re sitting alone in a room with purple, you’re going to feel totally defeated. A little bit of purple gives a feeling of royalty and creativity. Wearing it gives the feeling that you are special.
White
People associate the color of white with good things, like the white knight who protects. People think of spiritual things, like angles. But when it comes to designing, it can give the feeling of emptiness, and too much dead, unused space. information compiled from Janice Latimer
Features
April 21, 2009
The Lion’s Tale
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Features
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The Lion’s Tale
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Sports
Editor
T-Rex takes over... Biggest, baddest animal in all the land April 21, 2009
14 Features
David Parsons
I
staff reporter
t’s been 65 million years since the T-Rex ruled the land, crushing opposition under its mighty foot and its diamondsmashing jaws. Now, at Oviedo High School, the clocks are turning back, as the ‘tyrant lizard’ has returned once more, this time under the guise of a piece of popular culture. “We were in a restaurant in Universal Studios that was showing highlights of Universal-sponsored movies and we were all completely miserable,” said Oviedo alumnus Zach Wilkins.
The Lion’s Tale
“So I bet [senior] Alex Mack $5 that he couldn’t get a phrase to spread. Something along the lines of ‘totally tubular’, ‘square’, or ‘murse’ is what I was looking for. He accepted the challenge, noting that I have a problem of setting people up in bets where they have nothing to lose and I put my life savings on the line just for entertainment.” Mack asked what phrase he was supposed to spread. Seeing that The Lost World was playing on one of the TV’s, Wilkins calmly answered: “T-Rex.” “Initially he just said the word
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T-Rex, but that wasn’t very merry or powerful,” Wilkins recalls. “Anyone could just say something annoying like ‘elephant’ or ‘bowling ball’ and eventually some jerk would start saying it to mock him.” So Mack merely said the word twice, back to back. “Repetition!” said Wilkins. “That’s a literary device. What a charismatic scoundrel!” From these humble beginnings, the “T-Rex T-Rex” phrase has grown far beyond the bet and is now heard all over campus. However, its sudden widespread use has led to some confusion over its meaning. “It’s hard to put into words. It’s more of an abstract idea,” said Mack. “You see, we only have [T-Rex]’s particle remains, and only those that have been preserved. When you think about it, he could’ve been pink with purple polka dots. He could be anything. So when you strive for these limitless possibilities, it’s like you’re embracing the ideological self. And when you have a group of people all embracing it together, you get T-Rex T-Rex.” In laymen’s terms, however, the phrase can be used to describe anything “big or bad.” Senior Martin Trang had the idea to take promotion of the phrase to the next level. Propelling the fad are custom made T-shirts, which display a T-Rex ripping through the front of the shirt growling “T-Rex T-Rex!!!” The back of the shirt reads, “The biggest, baddest animal in all the land.” “We wanted to spread T-Rex T-Rex like forest fire, and the best way to do it was shirts,” said Trang. “I mean, people stare at other peoples’ chests all day long – what better a marketing tool for them to stare at than a T-Rex busting through the shirt?” Needing artwork for the project, Trang turned to fellow senior Sydney Kranz
? t r i h s g et a y,
rentl r u C ? e land h T-Rex t x n i e R r o T t preda d batch of nonp a o t e r e a n h a seco 0. The shir ts oduction. o be t t r t o n f a $1 uw ken t of pr s o Do yo re being ta ing sold for c 301@ e k h t c t a a e a m b s d x order ch are re being sol k at ale oo.com. a c e a y M e x a h h tees. T terprise and ld contact Ale n_trang@ya u n r ti profit e nterested sho Trang at ma ei in Anyon om or Mar t il.c hotma
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to give a face to the legend. “I was asked by Martin to draw it and after inquiring as to the reason – like whether [T-Rex] was a codename for a terrorist organization – drew it,” said Kranz. Kranz found a picture of a T-Rex on her sister’s wall and used it as a model for her own rendition. “I didn’t know the shirt would come out as good as it did. It feels weird to me to see it on t-shirts because I’m not used to seeing my drawings around.” To maximize the effect of the shirts, the group has “T-Rex Tuesdays” once a week where everyone unites under the common banner of the T-Rex and wears their shirts to school to promote the fad. “A few people have asked me about the shirt,” said senior Jenny Cavaretta. “They’re very intrigued by it and the fact that each T-Rex-er gives a different explanation of it kind of adds to its mystique.” The phrase gone farther than the classroom: it’s also found its way into the sports world of OHS. On the Oviedo track team, the phrase has found a niche among the distance runners. Reasoning that nothing is more intimidating than a T-Rex, the 4x800 team first used the phrase in a pre-race chant in their first meet of the year. The team’s success has sparked similar cheers before almost all the distance races. “Whenever we use it I get really excited to race, and I feel empowered by the T-Rex,” said junior Daniel Schmidt. As the belief in the phrase builds and the “T-Rex-ers” look for new ways to spread the trend, the chances for Wilkins to retain his $5 diminish daily. “Now, it has the power of Xerxes,” Wilkins says with slight exasperation. “It’s got its own shirts, hats, memorabilia, and billboards! It’s got its own DAY OF THE WEEK. For Alex to win the bet, however, someone I don’t know has to use the phrase in public to prove how far it has spread.” In any case, the T-Rex has left his mark upon the many that invoke his name on a daily basis. “Before I met T-Rex, I was alone,” says Mack. “I was afraid. I was a man with no purpose. Now that I’ve accepted T-Rex into my heart, I’ve found what I believe to be salvation. I have dreams. I have morals. I have everything I have ever wanted to obtain. I am Alex. T-Rex T-Rex.”
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The Lion’s Tale
April 21, 2009
Features
15
One by One Carly Brower
Teacher, mother harbors How is Oviedo passion for children’s books pronounced? E
Jelly
by Miranda Harmon
nglish I teacher Kate Kammeraad steps into the dimly lit room, away from the surrounding trees and festivities, and looks around. Tapestries and old-fashioned antiquities fill the room to give it a renaissance touch. She sits down in the chair across from the gypsy looking psychic. After a few seconds of gazing at Kammeraad’s sunglasses the psychic shouted out her prediction- ‘You’re going to write children’s books but until you write them you won’t get published…so, get writing!’ “I went to this renaissance festival in February in Tampa. When the psychic told me that I was going to write a children’s book I thought she was talking about my mom because she does write, but I always thought about it [writing a children’s book]. It wasn’t really the psychic who made me go do it but more that she gave me the motivation to do so,” said Kammeraad. Kammeraad has had numerous experiences in the literary department that has helped buttress her experience in writing a book. “When I was in college I wrote a 75 page novella, or short story, about a soldier in the Vietnam War but I never published it. I always felt like I had this story inside of me and when I got it out I was satisfied,” said Kammeraad. “I also took a creative writing class in high school where I learned to be as descriptive as possible. I look at the different styles that authors use to guide me. In Twilight I like the slow way she [Stephanie Meyer] builds up the relationship and how in Harry Potter there are all these different allusion to past things.” Stephens King’s book, On Writing, helped Kammeraad with the writing process and to focus more on getting the story out on paper rather than placing too much emphasis on the word choice or format. “I have a couple of students who write and they try to get so stuck in the idea of making it perfect the first time instead of getting it out and revising it later,” said Kammeraad. The children’s book Kammeraad wrote is based on a farm waking up in the morning and the different behaviors in the animals. In the book, Kammeraad created her own illustrations using watercolor. “I don’t know the name yet. When I was writing I knew I wanted it to have rhythms and alliterations because that’s what children like in a book and I wanted them to think it was clever and funny. One of my favorite parts in the book is when the chicken wakes up the rooster because the rooster is the one
that is supposed to wake up first and wake up everyone else-so it kind of challenges the gender roles,” said Kammeraad. For Kammeraad, writing the book wasn’t a long process. “It only took me two days to write and revise the story. It took another couple of days to draw the illustrations but a few more weeks to watercolor them. My husband is an amazing artist. I learned from him the art of color combination, patience, and waiting to be inspired,” said Kammeraad. Kammeraads two year old son, Garrett, helped shape the book into what it is. “I wanted the book to have pictures of animals he would know and like and animals that children could make the sounds. I also wanted the book to have a sing-song effect because he’s [Garrett] getting into that style, and for it to rhyme,” said Kammeraad. “But mostly I wrote it with the mindset of wanting to get the story out and once I wrote the preliminary pages I went back and revised it.” Kammeraad uses different literary devices such as alliteration and rhythm to portray her theme. “I want the children to understand that there can be humor in the most simplest of acts,” said Kammeraad. Kammeraad would like to see her book be published and on the shelf at Borders. “I’ve looked online to get some ideas on how to get it published and there are a couple of publishing companies and I will email them and send it in,” said Kammeraad. “The reward in writing comes from seeing the joy and excitement in others. I can’t wait for the time that I read my book to my son and actually have photos/COURTESY OF KATE KAMMERAAD
WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF. English I teacher Kate Kammeraad gets inspiration for her writing from her son Garrett. Kammeraad hopes to see her book, currently unnamed, on Borders’ shelves one day.
Editor’s Note: One by one appears in every edition of The Lion’s Tale and features a randomly selected person at OHS. This edition, a staff reporter printed a list consisiting of every teacher’s name, closed her eyes, and randomly pointed to one.
it bound.” Having a son gives children’s books an appeal to Kammeraad. “I like that it [children’s books] allows the parent and child to interact together. Garrett will sit in bed reading book after book for 30 minutes. You can do so much with books-they get you to learn, feel, teach life lessons, and understand critical thinking questions,” said Kammeraad. “It lets the child have a voice. You can ask questions and they can answer.” Along with children’s books Kammeraad would like to someday write an adult fiction book. “I’m really interested in writing a book about a modern day women who is remembering her past lives in different time periods. Through the lessons she learns through her past lives she will grow to be a complete person who has learned all her life lessons,” said Kammeraad. Writing makes Kammeraad feel exhilarated and powerful. It’s a natural high and gives her the sense of pride in her work. “I like the feeling of excitement I with the creativity and the feeling of success knowing I did something. I feel invigorated knowing I did something productive instead of just watching TV,” said Kammeraad. “I’ve always struggled at what my true passion is but from this whole experience I’ve learned that you don’t know your bad at something until you try. Of course you’re not going to be good the first time you do it but you have to keep practicing.”
• Oviedo dates back to right after the Civil war in 1865, but became a city in 1925. • Oviedo used to house the Timucua, a clan of Native Americans who were part of the Seminole tribe. • Oviedo used to be pronounced O-vee-a-dough, but is now pronounced O-vee-dough. • Oviedo mail was delivered by riverboat twice a week. • The name Oviedo was picked on March 13, 1879 by postmaster Andrew Aulin, a Swedish immigrant who spoke four languages and loved to read; He named Oviedo after the city in Spain to reflect Florida’s Spanish heritage. • Oviedo at one time was a large producer in citrus and celery. • The first post office was established in March of 1879. • Oviedo is approximately 16 square miles. • Oviedo’s current population is 32, 855. • Hagerty High School, established in 2005 is not within the city limits. • There are 5 historic buildings in Oviedo, Florida that are recorded by the National Register of Historic Places; Browne-King House, Estates E.W. Celery Company Precooler Historic District, First Methodist Church of Oviedo, Nelson and Company Historic District, and the Wheeler-Evans House. • The Oviedo School was established in 1932 as a K-12 school, and the first graduating class received their diplomas in 1935.
compiled from www.cityofoviedo.net
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April 21, 2009
The Lion’s Tale
Diversions
Clips for Mother’s Day
Put a smile on your mom’s face Emily Cottrell
co-diverisons editor ant to stray from the traditional flowers, chocolates, and breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day? (It’s May 10!) You may not have much money to spend, but you still want to get Mom something nice. Not lame coupons promising hugs or that you’ll make your bed. Instead, here are some last minute coupon ideas that are sure to put a smile on your mother’s face.
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No More Complaining: You know how I come home every day moaning and whining about school? For the next week, you won’t hear the same mundane complaints that the teacher hates me or that she thinks I only have one class.
Shut Up and Listen: I promise to actually listen to all your sentimental stories about motherhood, no matter how embarrassing the baby references may be. If you get the home videos out, I’ll make a bowl of popcorn and watch with you.
At Your Command: Today, I am your humble servant. You are no longer my personal chauffeur, my personal chef, or my personal bank. Today, the family will do everything you’d like to do (within reason). And if you want to go to the mall I’ll be your chauffer.
Let It Be: Today, I will make sure everyone gets out of the house and lets you be. Take a day to relax and enjoy the peace you deserve after raising a kid like me. And kids like my brothers and sisters. illustrations/MIRANDA HARMON
The Lion’s Tale
April 21, 2009
Parents’ passion fuel future goals, teen focuses on growing business
S
Tube Talk
plants. I also really enjoy meeting all the
staff reporter new people that walk in on a daily basis,”
ophomore Desiree Crowthers has said Crowthers a busy day ahead of her ringing up The business also helps Crowthers customers to checking inventory at prepare for a regular job and helps Focal Point Landscape Nursery & Supplies, her brush up on her people skills. Inc. “It helps me in a lot of ways. “I ring up customers, do inventory, stock It teaches me how to deal in the retail shelves, help customers find what they’re business and considering I’m taking looking for, and do whatever else my mom over the business it helps me become asks me to do,” said sophomore Desiree better mannered and strive to make Crowthers. the customer happy,” said Crowthers. As an established landscaping business, The economy’s recession, impacting the nursery and shop sells many types of small businesses and large corporations plants, “[Focal Point Landscaping, alike, causes decreases in Inc] is a gift shop, a garden center revenue forcing many businesses (similar to Lukas Nursery). We to change or expand the services do installations, delivery, We sell offered. everything to t-shirts to garden For the Crowther’s family, this gnomes, to about a 100+ types meant expanding their business to of pots, We do grills like the ones include a store in addition to the you cook on and make them look nursery and landscaping services. better, and my dad will do pretty Desiree Crowthers ‘11 “Many customers just come much customize anything due to in and look to get ideas for when the current economic situation,” they get the money to spend, which isn’t said Crowthers. necessarily a bad thing, It’s just not good for Her work, though sometimes tedious, right now. Also, being that the store is a gift doesn’t phase Crowthers, who enjoys most shop and nursery, not a food store, it’s not a of her duties around the shop. necessity to everyday life. Landscaping is a “I enjoy the work as long as it’s not during luxury for many people, so they only consider the beginning of the year when we have to it when they have the luxury of having extra a physically count of all of the inventory money,” said Crowthers. which is in four or five different buildings Crowthers believes that the recession plus all the hasn’t caused severe problems for her parents business, allowing them to keep going with minimal change, with the exception of the expansion area where they sell various gifts and decorations. “It’s hard to say due to the fact that I’ve never worked in retail other than this
Miranda Ghali
illustrations/MIRANDA HARMON
Tova Kranz
Diversions 17
store, plus it’s new. But I think that if things were better, the store would be bringing in a much more steady income,” said Crowthers. Working in her parents’ business has its ups and downs, but, all in all, Crowthers says she wouldn’t give up the experience. “It’s both of my parents’ passion and it’s the business that I have grown up around. I love to be around people and I love to see all the new things that my mom gets in as her inventory. On the other hand, my mom decided to open her store a really bad time: right when the economy started to go down the drain. I’ve seen the difficulties that both of my parents have gone through trying to keep the store open,” said Crowthers. “They’ve also have had problems with the county with permits and such so my reply to my dad whenever he asks if I have any interest in taking both or one of the businesses over is to say that he has to fix it first and laugh, but yes this is my future and I’m most excited to say the least.”
co-editor-in-chief
New unique show catches liars in act
F
rom little white lies to exaggerated lies, almost everyone has told fibs at least a few times in their life. But how would you feel around someone who could tell that you were lying just by a twitch of you face? Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) can do just that. In “Lie To Me,” a new show on Fox, Lightman runs his own business called the Lightman Group in which he and his employees work to find out who is lying and why. The slightest twitch of a hand, jut of a lip, or blink of an eye can give even the most honest looking person away. Lightman, who’s character is based off of a real person, has discovered these things called “micro-expressions” in which people give away their true feelings without others really noticing. People can’t control their micro-expressions leaving Lightman and his team to unveil the truth every time. When I first saw the show advertised, I thought that there was no way the show would last. A person detecting lies doesn’t sound very exciting. In reality, the show brings something new every week. There have been cases brought to the Lightman Group to find out the truth from a politician, a basketball player, and even a man seeking to find out if his fiancé really loves him.
Censorship of lies
Even the show’s continuous plot revolves around finding the truth. From lies in the workplace to home life, these liedetectors can’t help but find the truth in life. Lightman had to become good at telling when it’s best to let on that he knows someone is lying. He mostly pretends to not detect lies in his friends and family, though he always knows when they are lying. For instance, he has a teenage daughter that lies to him a lot. He pretends to not notice the lies so that he doesn’t force her to alienate him, but he also has to do what’s best for her. Lightman’s partner, Gillian Foster (Kelli Williams) also has to keep her lie detecting skills away from her personal life. She has a cheating husband, but to keep her relationship, she turns the other cheek.
Human Lie Detectors beat odds
Bringing dorms, apartments to life
photos/TOVA KRANZ
Picking Plants Potting Plants Placing Plants Picking a plant that is compatible with your living space can be tough. You have to make sure the plant has plenty of sunlight and water. If you’re couped up in a dorm then the Pothos plant is perfect for you. This plant is filled with different shades of green and doesn’t require too much sunlight so it gives you a chance to enjoy mother nature even at college.
Keeping a plant alive and well in your apartment or dorm can be extremely difficult, but if potted properly they can be the perfect decoration. Bachman’s Exceloam is an excellent potting soil that is able to hold enough water while it stays pourous for good air circulation for the roots.
Information compiled from www.bachmans.com
Placing a plant in your home is a vital part in keeping the plant alive and healthy. By a window or somewhere where light is easily accessible is the best possible choice. If you’re lucky enough to have a patio then this would be the ideal spot. You should consitently water the plant according to the instructions to keep it looking its best.
You may be thinking, why can’t people just use a lie detector? How does the Lightman Group even stay in business? Well, as a matter of fact, lie detectors are only right 54% of the time and can be tricked by a person on sedatives or opiates. One of the best parts of the show may be when, after Lightman explains what a certain facial expressions means, viewers are shown real celebrities or politicians showing exactly the same expressions. They’ve shown people like OJ Simpson at his trial and Bill Clinton giving his “I did not have sex with Monica Lewinski” speech. After watching many episodes of this show, viewers can catch on to when someone is lying. Even though they zoom in on the face or slow the person’s conversation down, it is still exciting to catch a liar in the act. That’s not to say that I can actually detect lies on people I actually speak with. Even though one of the characters on the show is a natural at detecting lies, most of the Lightman Group had to go through years of studying to become that good at lie detecting. I’ve never seen a lie detection drama before. I could name tons of forensic, medical, and cop shows, but only one lie detection show, and that uniqueness alone makes it worth watching. “Lie To Me” airs on Fox with new episodes on Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
18 Diversions
April 21, 2009
The Lion’s Tale
no way. attacking pure air. E.G. Dailey, that’s the actress’ name. You know what I really can’t take much credit for anything amusing I might say from now on – Alan Greenspan could write a review she did before this movie? She was the voice of Tommy on “Rugrats”. Try picturing Tommy with a 9mm in his hand, of this movie and you’d be in stitches. It’s that pathetic. wearing lingerie, and captaining a gang of vengeful prostitutes. One of boys, Seamus, heads to the bathroom and within God, this is like an absurd R-rated episode of “All Grown three seconds of the door closing he re-emerges wearing a Up” that the writers made as some sort of lewd inside joke. COMPLETELY DIFFERENT outfit. David Parsons staff reporter Sally pulls a handgun on him and the They’re probably cackling at me right now! At this point, the screenplay was probably sound effect used for the gunshot sounds misplaced and never again found, because the like a low-quality recording of a 16th dialogue is suddenly reduced to obnoxious oneecently I’ve noticed that it’s become harder and harder century cannon blast. I...I just...why am sentence trash talk, as if the actors are making it to locate worthwhile movies to review for this column. I even here? Seriously, if they had used up on the spot. But since the cast is NOT made Sometimes I’ll spend a solid hour in Blockbuster, and sound effects from Microsoft PowerPoint, up of Wayne Brady and Ryan Stiles, the plot I would’ve felt less insulted. To indicate I’ll come away with some obnoxious kids’ movie like Air disintegrates completely, as characters start running Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch, where the only possible enjoyment death, the actor merely closes his eyes around in circles, axing each other with shamelessly comes from deceiving your friends for as long as possible that very quickly. There isn’t even a bullet plastic props from Party City and shouting out lines wound, and I can see his whole upper it’s really Like Mike 2. like, “It’s your turn to die!” half! Did he die instantly from a shot to After one obscenely long night of searching, a solitary ray The person who says this is Seamus, who was of sunlight guided my hand to Mustang Sally’s Horror House. the foot?? dead five minutes ago. No matter. He’s killed for A flashback brings us back in time to The title alone was enough to transport me in record time to real this time with even worse sound effects as Sally when the main character, Josh, was just the checkout desk, where I could SWEAR I heard one of the somehow snipes him from her front porch FOUR a baby and his mother begins to beat her employees say “Here you go, David” as they handed me my husband with a guitar. I’m already laughing, but his response is MILES AWAY using a handgun. rental. One of the characters actually begins hiding behind twigs even funnier: he dumps the Yellow Pages on her head! Do people here really know my name?? Geeze…I really that are half his body width, taking pot shots at the prostitutes How is Josh even remembering this, he’s an infant! And need to…get a life. Or…something. with rocks he finds on the ground. They swing their heads Mustang Sally is about a group of teenage guys that decide he’s in the other room! I’m beginning to think this movie’s one and only goal is to con its way into the Guinness Book of around wildly, looking in every possible direction except the to go to a brothel, and end up the objects of a murderous plot one from which the rock came. One of them pulls a knife out World Records for hitting the largest number of people over for revenge by a band of bloodthirsty prostitutes. Are you the head with extraneous objects within a 90 minute time span. of a nearby pile of dirt (!?), stabs him, and then chases him out disgusted yet? I certainly am, and I haven’t even hit the play Case in point: As one of the prostitutes raises her knife for onto the freeway, where Lloyd runs them over because that button yet! sticker is beginning to cast a shadow that reduces visibility to a kill, the jock of the group runs out of the forest carrying a To prove that they are totally hardcore, the boys decide two feet. two by four, does an elite soccer maneuver, smacks her over to race a train down a deserted dirt road along the way. Lloyd gets out of the car to survey the damage that his Thankfully, however, they’re very careful to remain below the the head, and then takes a victory lap around the scene. WordArt has done. In the distance, the tree house bursts into When I first witnessed this, I had to watch it in slow 30 mph speed limit during this fling with anarchism. flame, even though there’s no one there to set it on fire. I motion, fast forward, reverse, reverse slow motion, reverse Over the next 30 minutes, we are introduced to a have two theories on how this happened: either we’ve proved fast forward, and then regularly again just to make sure I had policeman named Lloyd with absolutely no relevance to the spontaneous combustion, or Reptar finally came for E.G. seen it right. Now, I’ve probably watched it 27 times. It’s that plot. Lloyd does little besides sit in his police car and – Dailey’s soul. Your guess is as good as mine. hilarious. That’s not a police car at all! The thing that says “Police” I need time to recover. I’ll be back when I’ve gotten the As the jock helps his injured friend to safety, Sally shoots on the side is just a sticker that someone printed off their image of Nickelodeon cartoons with semi-automatic weaponry computer and attached to the door with a few pieces of Scotch him in the shoulder and screams, “You better run!” Ok. That sounded really really familiar…No, that’s not possible. There’s out of my head. That could take a while. tape. It’s actually falling off mid-scene! After what seems like (and probably is) an hour, a HOW BAD CAN IT BE? prostitute attacks. The director was too lazy to even bother moderately angering so bad it’s funny cruel and inhuman punishment keeping the camera level, so the tip of the blade never even leaves the screen! See, this is why you’re supposed to have editors – so one of your main characters isn’t suddenly inherently stupid emotionally scarring so bad it hurts to live
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The Lion’s Tale
April 21, 2009
Movie Reviews
Diversions 19
Take a pass on latest Vin Diesel flick
Miranda Ghali
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ADVENTURELAND photo/WWW.ADVENTURELANDTHEFILM.COM
• Giant panda with knife saves boring movie Carly Brower other unusual loners and begins to enjoy co-diversions editor working at the shabby amusement park.
As the two grow closer James realizes that he is falling in love with Em. Unfortunately, Em has a dark secret with the Through a bizarre scenario of being comedy set in the summer of 1987, threatened by a knife for a giant panda bear much older park handyman, Mike Connell Adventureland is anything but James meets his love interest, Em (Kristen (Ryan Reynolds), which jeopardizes her funny. The dry humor mixed with relationship with James. inadequate acting qualifies the film as one of Stewart). The film does an exceptional From the moment the year’s most disappointing movies. job portraying the 80’s theme she saves James from the Recent college grad James Brennan Rating: R throughout the film. With vibrant husky father and son the (Jesse Eisenberg) expects a summer full colors and period music the viewer awkwardness begins. Their Time: 107 min of beautiful French girls and sightseeing feels like they actually stepped into relationship is portrayed in Europe, as well as finally losing his Grade: D+ a retro suburban town. through countless awkward virginity…that is, until he discovers that This movie had a lot of conversations, bonding his father has lost his job and they can’t potential but the casting director through pot cookies, afford to spare any money on their son. made some poor choices. Stewart’s and run on sentences about his lack of Thus he gets a job at the local amusement consistent incompetent acting combined experience with girls and her numerous park, Adventureland, in order to pay for his with the typical theme of boy striving to experiences with men. They seem to be dream college at Columbia. lose his virginity makes the audience feel destined for disaster as he goes out with He imagines working at Adventureland another, more popular girl behind Em’s back like covering their eyes and just plain as a summer full of boredom and uncomfortable. uneventful. Surprisingly he finds friends in and she has her own ghosts in the closet.
A
Kelly Clarkson Pop Carly Brower co-diversions editor
K
GHOSTS
The Gay Blades Alternative Caitlyn Braswell staff reporter
T
he Gay Blades’ love for what they elly Clarkson is back. After her do is evident in their clear, raw last disappointing album, My emotion and upbeat melodies in their December, she has reinvented first album Ghosts that has exploded into the herself and her music. Her fourth album, alternative scene. Each song on the album is All I Ever Wanted, is an immediate success. unique from their catchy drum beats in “O Her album cover expresses her music and Shot” to their softer yet still intriguing song personality perfectly- colorful and creative. “We Wear Mittens”. Her hit single “My Life Would Suck Along with captivating, unique beats, the Without You” jumped to the number one lyrics by front man singer Clark Westfield spot on the Billboard Hot 100 giving are as whitty as this zorro-like singer is listeners a reminiscence of the once himself. While the band still remains on acclaimed “American Idol” winner. the down-low when it comes to big-time Clarkson’s latest hit “I Do press, this band is on Not Hook Up” highlights her the rise and it’s all talent for leaving listeners thanks to the creative with a catchy tune ingenious and the sense mixed of bursting together on out in song. this soon With Clarkson to be climbing her classic way back to the album. top the music industry is sure to experience a peak in pop music. photo/WWW.MYSPACE.COM/GAYBLADES
Rating: PG-13 Time: 120 min Grade: B-
Don’t look away
photo/WWW.KATEVOEGELE.COM
All I ever wanted
co-editor-in-chief
hen advertising for Fast and Furious, advertisers promised that the movie would be a “new model” with “original parts,” but it was really an old model with a new paint job. It was exciting to hear that there would be a new Fast and Furious with the same actors as the first one including Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, and Michelle Rodriguez considering that the last one, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, had an all new cast. But, after all of the anticipation, the movie was a slight disappointment. The movie is a good way to pass some time, but remains just an average action movie with a predictable story line. It seems that every movie of the series requires some type of theft, drugs, and gorgeous cars. The opening of Fast and Furious redeems the rest of the movie with something audiences won’t soon forget. It includes people jumping from moving car to moving car, theft of moving gas tanks, and unplanned disasters. The movie then continues with the death of a character, the revival of old characters, and lots of nice, fast cars. The first movie of the series, The Fast and the Furious, is definitely better than the new one because it brought something new to the big screen, but this Fast and Furious is just more of the same old stuff.
Kate Voegele Pop Carly Brower co-diversions editor
K
ate Voegele’s album “Don’t Look Away” is a breath of fresh air compared to everyday explicit music. The sweet melody mixed with her seductive voice leaves listeners with a sense of nostalgia for a simpler era. Her lyrics focus on advice about love, dealing with daily life, and female empowerment. Voegele’s classy punk rock look shows her sense of maturity and gives her a distinctive air among other artists. Her hit “It’s Only Life” became the theme song for Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 and her numerous guest appearances and songs on the CW hit “One Tree Hill” only boost her fame. Her recent single “Manhattan from the Sky” doesn’t leave listeners disappointed, satisfying their need for music that reaches the soul. Her latest singles “99 Times” and “Angel” center on breaking free from the restraints of the men in her life. Kate Voegele will be coming to Orlando on May 22 to perform at The Social. Voegele is an artist that one cannot forget and is sure to continue to create inspirational music. Her next highly anticipated album, A Fine Mess is due out on May 19th.
IN a perfect world... Keri Hilson R&B
Tien Holmes
A
staff reporter
perfect world is exactly the phrase to describe novice artist Keri Hilson and her long anticipated album, In a Perfect World... Hilson didn’t just pop up onto the R&B scene, she wrote songs for artists such as Britney Spears and lyrics for Ludacris. Hilson also stared in R&B sensation Usher’s music video “Love in This Club.” With a successful beginning, it’s about time Keri released her own album. In a Perfect World... is a 15-track CD with outstanding vocals and parallelisms to the real world. Hilson’s first single “Energy” was a huge success. The album is not a disappointment and is a definite necessity for people who love R&B with flavor.
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April 21, 2009
The Lion’s Tale
Sports
Freshman sets for V’ball Caitlin Smith
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Malkus calls this season a building
staff reporter year.
ith many newcomers to the “We could of done better this season, volleyball team this season we had a couple key injuries that took the players could easily of had people out of the line up,” said head coach a pessimistic attitude about the season, Rafael Valle, who has coached at Oviedo but that’s not the case with many of the for five years. talented players. Ciesla suffered a minor injury to his One of these players, junior opposite shoulder during the season. hitter Jacob Ciesla said, “I think we’ve “It affected my game a little, it’s improved a lot since last year. We realize mainly just a nagging injury that I can what we need to do in order to win. “ play through,” said Ciesla. Ciesla believes one of the things that Many of the players on the team had have made a difference this year is the never played volleyball before high school fact that the team has a freshman setter, and were first introduced to volleyball a position usually reserved for a veteran through friends who played. on the team and the fact that the team has “I had never played volleyball before more discipline this year than in the past. high school, but some of my friends were Freshman setter Andrew Vidot feels a talking about it and asked me to give it a lot of pressure being the only freshman on shot. When I did, I really enjoyed it,” said the team. Ciesla. “I feel the Kim first began pressure most when playing volleyball in “This year the team is a lot more middle school and I don’t play that serious about winning. We’re liked it so much that well. When that happens I just tell practicing a lot harder and are a he’s continued to play myself that they all three years of high lot more focused,” put me on varsity school. Hyung-Jin Kim, ‘10 for a reason,” said Many of the players Vidot. set personal goals to “This year the beat certain teams team is a lot more serious about winning. during the regular season. We’re practicing a lot harder and are a Ciesla was looking forward to the lot more focused,” said junior Hyung-Jin home game against Hagerty High School, Kim. which Oviedo won 3-1. Although the chemistry between new “I was really excited to play Hagerty and old members of the team is strong, at home, I felt like we needed to protect according to Ciesla, the team is still our home court,” said Ciesla working on their communication. Kim however really wanted to beat “Everyday we play better and more as Winter Springs and Lake Mary High a team. Communication is still a problem School. though, but we’re working on it,” said “Winter Springs is the team I want to senior outsider hitter Taylor Malkus. beat most, since I played volleyball there Vidot also believes communication my freshman year,” said Kim. was an issue in the beginning of the Kim and Ciesla both set their sights on season. the district championship. “We should of talked more in the “I really want to win districts since beginning to get to know each other better. we didn’t last year. Oviedo is also hosting photo/OVIEDIAN YEARBOOK I think that would of helped us win more districts this year, so that’s really an SETTER, HITTER, SETTER. Seniors Tyler Schiner (#4) and Nick Goodwin (#7) jump to block an upcoming ball at the during the season,” said Vidot. varsity volleyball game vs Hagery High School. incentive to win,” said Ciesla.
Treading Water
MARCO POLO.
1. Junior Deblin Long throws the ball while being blocked by a defenseive player. 2. Sophomore Jenny Atkinson scans the pool for an open team mate to throw the ball to. 3. Atkinson gets ready to grab the unoccupied ball. 4. Homeschooled sophomore Ana Philips guards the goal from any attempting scorers.
2.
1.
3.
4.
photos/CARLY MCCARTHY
The Lion’s Tale
April 21, 2009
Sports
21
Division changes effect football Julia Thorncroft
A
staff reporter
division drop for sports from Class 6A to 5A has given some cause for panic because away games could be quite far away. “Not many people would travel far for an away game,” said sophomore varsity girls soccer player Paige Giesler. “For example, if we had a game in New Smyrna it’s not likely that Oviedo people would show. Or if we had a home game and a team like New Smyrna had to come here, hardly anyone from their school would come, which is loss of gate money for us. Not to mention the little amount of time we’d have to finish homework.” While some teams could face have faced trouble of having to travel far, they won’t have to. According to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), all but one OHS fall and winter sports that were in Class 6A stay in that class. “Every two years FHSAA re-districts every sport in Florida [approximately 576 teams],” said football coach Wes Allen. “They take each school’s population, rank the schools from greatest to least, and cut back down to smaller districts. It’s for traveling purposes.” The only OHS sport going down to 5A is football, other exceptions include sports that were already in their own individual rank such as bowling (the whole state is in one class, OHS is district five), cross country (3A, district seven), golf (2A, district five), and swimming and diving (3A, district two). All 6A sports as well as football remain in district three.
“The change is neither negative nor positive,” said Allen. “We’ll still play the same schools that we played when we were 6A, it doesn’t matter to me either way.” According to Allen, football will play Hagerty, Evans, Lake Howell, and Winter Springs High Schools in districts because they’re all dropping to 5A in football as well. FHSAA has yet to post whether spring sports will move down to Class 5A or not. “They [FHSAA] usually waits until the end, or towards the end of the season to determine how certain sports will be classified,” said Allen. “Which is probably why they haven’t revealed that information yet for spring sports.”
Oviedo sports divisions for next fall season
Sport
Division
• Cross Country • Golf • Swimming • Diving • Girl’s Volleyball • Boy’s Soccer • Girl’s Soccer • Football • Basketball
3A 2A 3A 3A 6A 6A 6A 5A 6A
Discus, shot-putters in league of own the people who actually know what they are doing,” said Ridenbaugh. sports editor The point of the shot-put is to throw a heavy metal ball, called the shot, as far as alk through a track meet and the possible. typical events relay races, sprints, “You place the ball in your hand right and high jumps will all be in by your ear. You push the ball from your view. ear position as hard as possible trying to But tucked away in a corner the shot-put get a lot of momentum,” said Tajada. and discus events are under way as well. On the other hand, in discus throwing But Oviedo High School’s junior Ryan you start with a plate in the shape of a Ridenbaugh, freshman Alex Tejada, and discus and you throw the plate sideways senior Marcus Thomas all compete in the across your body. shot-put and discus throw events under the A usual practice for the shot-putters shadows of the more popular events. and discus throwers consists of two warmBoth Tejada and Ridenbaugh agree on up laps, high knees, butt kicks and then the lack of recognition. practice on the individual event. These “I think that people don’t really care practice prove to be about our difficult. events because practices they are not “I think that people don’t really care our“During coaches push us popular events about our events because they are not very hard, but it’s for and not well the best. We do a lot known to most popular events and well known to most of work to keep us spectators,” said spectators” in shape and work Tejada. diligently on our Ridenbaguh Ryan Ridenbaugh, ‘10 specific events,” said backed up his Thomas. teammate. The Lions “Most of the competed in the time our events are going on while other district meet held at Lake Brantley High more recognizable events are taking place at the same time. Our events are usually School this year. “Our team did well individually and held out of the way from the common as a whole at the meet. We also had meeting place,” said Ridenbaugh five athletes qualify for regionals,” said Shot-put and discus surprisingly take a Thomas. lot of skill and proper form to perform at The 4x8 relay team consisting of senior an athletes best. David Parsons, junior Fletcher Bell, “Shot-put takes both upper and senior Branden Fredrick, and senior Brian lower body strength so you can produce Germ advanced to the finals of their event momentum with your swing and get the during the meet. most distance possible,” said Tejada. Also junior Dimitri Wilkins competed Shot-put and discus are unlike any in the hurdles and placed 8th overall for other track and field event. the district. “What sets shot-put apart from other Oviedo placed 9th out of 12 high events is that technique is key. It separates schools that competed in districts. athletes from just being brute strong and
Connor Bailey
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photos/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN
RAKIN’ UP POINTS. Of all of Oviedo High School’s fall sports,
football will be the only one changing divisions. The spring sport divisions for next school year have yet to be announced by FHSAA.
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Sports
April 21, 2009
The Lion’s Tale
Sport of shooting runs in families Caitlyn Braswell
staff reporter
One, two, three, pull. The clay pigeon is launched heavenword, and Tyler Dupre follows it with his gun, squeezing the trigger when it comes into sight. “I skeet shoot sometimes. I really enjoy it, there’s always a rush of adrenaline when I shoot a gun,” said senior Tyler Dupre. Skeet shooting is a more realistic form of shooting and can be closely related to hunting in the sense that participants shoot a moving target, often times clay pigeons. Others, like junior Frankie Banigan go to ranges to shoot recreationally, “I’ve been shooting about four of five years. My dad had taken me to the Seminole County Gun and Archery one day and I just kind of instantly liked it,” said Banigan. Sophomore Toby Tobkin, who has been shooting for a little over three years after his mother’s boss bought him a .32 rifle, enjoys shooting things like tin cans and glass bottles in his backyard with friends, but doesn’t believe a range would be as much fun. “I like shooting cans and seeing how far I can hit them. I don’t really have any reason to go hunting either. I’m all for people who do hunt but buying meat is just easier. I prefer hunting at Publix,” said Tobkin. Just like any other sport, there are competitions held year long, like at the Seminole County Gun and Archery range.
“I did a competition about a year ago. I didn’t win it; the other guys are really intense there and are really good. It was fun but it’s more fun to shoot on my own. Competitions are really stressful, they take a lot of practice to place in,” said Banigan. Along with shooting guns, many collect them as well. “My Uncle owns about 20 or 30 guns total. I really want a World War Two Colt 45, My Grandpa had one. I shot it once and I really like it,” said Banigan. Dupre, who only has three guns including his favorite, a 12 gauge shotgun, plans on buying a Tommy gun as soon as he turns 18. Like Dupre, Bannigan feels that the best part of shooting is the empowering feeling, “My favorite part is the power I feel when I’m holding the gun,” said Banigan. However, Tobkin feels differently, “I don’t really feel like guns are powering. There are a lot of rules and laws pertaining to them. Even though I think they could be stricter, there’s a lot of ways a person could get in trouble over the little details in the law.”
Wood explains that the range is relatively “I really hope that someday when I’m cheap from what he’s seen. It’s about $20 for older I can teach my kids how to shoot a pack of bullets and that you pay for each and we can bond at ranges the way me target, but each one is pretty cheap as well. and my Dad have over the years.” “The rules are pretty general, basically you just don’t shoot each other, keep the gun pointed down range and if you’re under 18, you have to have a parent,” said Wood. “To own a gun or have one in your possession is illegal unless you are over 18, however a minor can shoot a gun, so long as the owner of the gun or someone over 18 is present.” Along with minors unable to own guns, it’s just as unlawful for a dealer to sell or trade a gun with a minor as well. In many situations, shooting guns runs in the family. “My dad started shooting around the time he was my age, he’s been doing it awhile. I go to the range with my Uncle, my Grandpa and other friends and family too,” said Banigan. Continuing the tradition of shooting with family is something Dupre plans on carrying on. illustration/STACEY STERLING
National Rifle Association standard gun safety rules 1
Always keep the gun pointed in a safe position away from people.
2
Always keep the finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3
Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to shoot.
4
Always wear eye and ear protection.
information compiled from http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp
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The Lion’s Tale
April 21, 2009
Sports
23
The Roar Connor Bailey
sports editor
Smaller school could benefit some athletes CATCH AND RELEASE.
(Far left) Junior Danielle Wilson fields the ball back to home plate against Timber Creek Highschool. The Lady Lions lost 2-1 in a highly contested game.
HERE BATTER, BATTER. Junior Brad Graham squares his shoulders and prepares to make a hit during the Austronaut High game April 21. The Lions beat Austronaut High School on April 21 have a record of 14-8 this season.
photos/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN
Girl’s lacrosse end Men’s tennis beat season with a bang Lyman, look to districts he girl’s lacrosse season ended 15-5 overall. The girls
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won the game against rival team Winter Springs. The wins against Lake Brantley and Lake Highland high schools were some of the best parts of the season because these teams have been hard for the girls to beat in the past. Senior, Ellen Spangenberg finished the season as the leading scorer with 79 goals and 32 assists. The girl’s lacrosse remains in the top ten in the state for seven consecutive years.
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oy’s tennis is going strong with an average record of six to four. Junior Dhillon Kumar leads the team with an average record of seven to three. Winning the last tournament against Lyman, four to three, the boys team reaps the fruitful rewards of their hard work.
Lady Lions water polo Women’s tennis content prepare for districts ith the season winding down to an end, the Lady with final standing
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oach Dove has one thing to say about her team. “Girls tennis is stronger than its ever been.” With an overall record of five to five, their best tournament of the season is against Lake Brantley. Leading the team with the most played and won matches for Oviedo, senior Hannah McLean holds an average record of eight to two. “The girls team needs to work on their emotional focus. Tennis is 90 percent emotional,” said Coach Dove.
with Tien Holmes
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Lions water polo team is finishing their season with a trip to Districts. The Lions are to either play Winter Springs, whom they lost to earlier in the season 14-7, or Lake Brantley, whom they also suffered a lost to. Though they lost both of those games, the Lady Lions looked promising in the prior game against Lake Howell, winning by a score of 14-5. The Districts are Saturday, April 25. Coach Ryan Donnell says that who ever the girls end up playing, he is expecting a hard fought battle.
Senior Nick Goodwin
Lions Tale: How long have you been playing volleyball? Nick Goodwin: Three years.
LT: What is your position? NG: Outside Hitter and Libero. LT:What is your best memory about the sport? NG: Going to tournaments to play against tougher competition. LT: What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? NG: Mint chocolate chip. LT: Which do you prefer, Pac-man or Galaga? NG: Pac-man, because I’m good. LT: Which do you prefer, Xbox 360 or Playstation 3? NG: Playstation 3, because I have a PS2 and I’m used to Playstation buttons. LT: Who’s your favorite super-hero? NG: Superman. LT: What magic power do you wish to have? NG: Mind reading abilities. LT: Did you ever watch Barney? NG: All the time. LT: What is your favorite cartoon character? NG: Quagmire from “Family Guy”. Gigsity Gigsity.
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here have always been bench warmers in every sport and that fact will never change, but dropping down class sizes might help. Athletes are talking about how dropping school enrollment and dropping down a class size would be the end of the world, but in reality it will, in some ways, be beneficial. High school students always hope to start on the varsity team, may it be baseball, football or even basketball. But dreams don’t always come true. Overall, a smaller student population would allow more opportunities for students to be on a varsity sport, and maybe even play as a starter. Students tryout for various sports but are unable to make the team because such masses of athletes come out for tryouts. With fewer students, there would be more openings on a team. Oviedo High School has a reputation for its’ highly competitive sports teams, such as soccer and football, but each year there are students who go out for the team but do not meet the standards and end up not playing. May it be a freshman or senior, many will have the opportunity to play a sport in high school if we are smaller. I’m sure no students of this generation remember this, but 20 years ago athletes played multiple sports during a school season, receiving more than one varsity letter. Old yearbooks from the 30’s and 40’s show several pictures of athletes who have been awarded a letter for four sports, one for each season. Now a days, only a select few get the opportunity to play during a varsity game. Colleges always like to see a well rounded student and having multiple varsity sports on your transcript is very appealing to them. Having a varsity letter is a sentimental object to people showing that they over came challenges and persevered. Therefore, I believe that if the school population drops, it will give other students a better chance at making a varsity sport.
Upcoming Games April 28 • Boys and Girls Varsity Track Regionals @ Showalter Field 1 p.m. • Boys JV and Varsity Volleyball @ Winter Springs 5:30 and 7 p.m. April 29 • Boys Varsity Baseball District Tournament • Boys and Girls Varsity Track Regional @ Showalter Field 1 p.m. April 30 • Boys Varsity Baseball District Tournament • Boys and Girls Varsity Track Regionals @ Showalter Field 1 p.m. May 1 • Boys Varsity Baseball District Tournament • Boys JV and Varsity Boys Volleyball @ Winter Springs 7p.m. May 2 • Boys and Girls Varsity Track State Meet @ Showalter Field 1 p.m.
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April 21, 2009
The Lion’s Tale