The Lion's Tale - Volume 57 Issue 2

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LION’STALE

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • 32765 • OCTOBER 26, 2016 • VOLUME 57 • ISSUE 2

homecoming HULLABALOO

PG 5

FESTIVITIES CONJURE UP SCHOOL SPIRIT

03

UNITED STATES ENDS 50-YEAR TRAVEL EMBARGO WITH CUBA

15

COLIN KAEPERNICK SPARKS DISCOURSE ON NATIONALISM

22

BAND EMBARCES UNIQUE CHALLENGE OF NEW SHOW

2 | NEWS | THE LION’S TALE | OCTOBER 26, 2016

The month in photos

The

Photo’s Of

The Month

Teacher starts project to reduce littering WRITTEN BY JESSICA WHITE Trash is left behind all over tables and on the ground after lunch. Support facilitator Jessica Johnson thinks this is unacceptable.

Respect the Den is a new program, started by Johnson, to help promote respect around the school and to throw away trash.

“I have created this initiative to address the issue we have on campus with trash being left in the stairwells and the Commons, and all other areas in the school,” Johnson said.

Johnson believes that the students should show more respect towards the school and care more about their surroundings.

“I feel that, as a school, we need to teach our students how to respect the space that they are in,” Johnson said.

“This initiative is going to help kids invest more into school as a whole and find the need to respect the space that they are in.”

Johnson feels that this program will help change how the students think.

“The state of the campus, with the trash being left everywhere, shows a lack of respect for the area and for the people who have to clean up all of this trash,” Johnson said. “Also, students not having respect for

PHOTO BY NIYATI SHAH PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

RESPECT THE DEN. Junior Olivia Mauga helps keep the campus clean by throwing away trash.

themselves is an issue.”

The next piece of the Respect the Den initiative is the Caught Being Clean campaign. Administration will be armed with coupons/gift cards to hand out to kids during lunch, or during the day, who they see picking up trash.

Currently, the staff has coupons for Sonic and Chipotle.

HOW POTATOES EAT. Seniors Isabella Lozada and Savannah Brennan and junior Payton Bogert conduct a lab in AP Biology to learn about diffusion of sucrose through potatoes.

Extensive traffic causes frustration among students WRITTEN BY OLIVIA BASTONE A mass of groggy teenagers, with the harsh light of the morning sun piercing their eyes, mixed with rush of the morning traffic, makes for a crazy parking lot.

The front lot, reserved for juniors during the school day and football fans on Friday nights, consists of four narrow rows and about 500 spots.

Those who show up at 7:00 a.m. to snag a spot experience daily frustration “There are plenty of spots,” said junior Sami Ross.

“It’s just the lack of access to the parking lot.”

There is only one entrance and exit to the lot. As parents drop off their kids and students flood the campus this creates multiple lines of cars in the morning and afternoon.

“It’s awful,” said junior Jacob Kotar. “There’s a ton of people who park there; it’s really hard to get in and out.”

Many students would like to see another exit added, like Ross and Kotar, but the administration doesn’t see any future change coming.

“It’s not easy to change,” said school secretary Patti Blake. “It’s the way the parking lots are built, so [the exits] will never change.”

However, students have ideas for other ways to improve the situation.

“I think the teachers should park in the back,” said junior Devon Fox. “They always leave school after us anyway.”

Junior Christina Adams thinks there should be an additional traffic light put in place outside the entrance of the school to regulate the flow of vehicles.

Students are still new drivers, which adds another

PHOTO BY JESICA LITTON

ADORNING THE DOORS. English teacher Rachel

Miracolo’s classes took turns writing on ribbons before placing them around the door, which is decorated for breast cancer awareness.

PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

PARKING LOT CHAOS. Students leave campus at

the end of the day. The number of cars in the parking lot on SR 426 causes congestion, as everyone tries to leave through the single exit. The lot holds about 500 parking spots, mixed between teachers and students. layer of stress to the exiting process.

“I worry about being hit,” Adams said. “Also, maneuvering around the parents that sit and wait for the students is challenging.”

On the other hand, some students, such as junior AJ Pelfrey, have no issue with the parking situation.

“I get to my car before the bell rings because my seventh period lets us out early,” Pelfrey said. “I have no problem getting out. I guess I’m lucky!”

PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

MEET THE MASCOT. Students take to the stands

in pink clothing to show their support for breast cancer awareness during the football game against Lake Brantley on Oct. 21.

Freedom in flight

OCTOBER 26, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | NEWS | 3

Changes in U.S.-Cuban relations enable air travel WRITTEN BY S. SRIDHARAN A commercial flight from America to Cuba took off on Aug. 31--for the first time in 50 years, according to USAToday.com.

This came as a result of the loosening of the strict travel and trade embargo that the United States imposed on Cuba in the Cold War era.

The lifting of the Cuban commercial travel ban has opened new travel opportunities for Americans.

English II teacher Rachel Miracolo said she has an interest in visiting. “[Cuba] has a really rich historical past,” Miracolo said. “I think it’d be really cool to go there and tour around, and see what Cuba has to offer that way.”

When Cuba became a Communist country in 1959, this travel ban was enacted, along with a trade embargo. Not only did it cut off cultural exchanges, but it also created a harsh stigma between Cuba and the U.S., two previously friendly nations, according to Modern History Project 10.

This situation lasted for more than 50

years.

Since 2014, the Obama administration has been looking to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba.

With the opening of U.S. embassies in Cuba and Cuban embassies in America, the once-rigid American-Cuban relationship has softened some, allowing for more interaction between the two nations.

Until now, only chartered flights could take travelers to Cuba. However, charter flights are expensive, hard to find and book and unreliable. They can be called off due to just a drizzle of rain.

Now, commercial flights from the U.S. are permitted to fly to any of Cuba’s seven airports.

Miracolo said a previous experience motivated her desire to see Cuba, and she would like the chance to fly into one of those airports now.

“Some people, when I was in college, had the opportunity to go there with one of their professors, and they took their whole class to go to Cuba and back,” Miracolo said. “Some of my friends who went told me about it, and they said it was cool. I

wished I could go.”

Cuba has always been mysterious to tourists, such as Miracolo, who’ve seen Cuba from afar, but were restricted from going there.

This change in access could mean even more to Cuban-Americans, as it may help them reconnect with families back in Cuba.

When Cuba underwent its massive political change and became a Communist nation, many Cuban immigrants fled and moved to the U.S. Most of those immigrants immigrated to Florida--in particular, Miami.

After half a century, they will now be able to return to Cuba for visits, and they will have an easier time than tourists, since there is still a set of strict rules and conditions under which a traveler must fall to be able to visit Cuba. Appropriate purposes for travel to Cuba include visiting relatives, participating in academic programs and doing research.

In addition to this, tourists must also give a report to Cuban officials, in which they must describe what they did each day of their visit.

facts in flight

Airlines approved for travel to Cuba American Airlines Frontier Airlines JetBlue Airways Silver Airways Southwest Airlines Sun Country Airlines Americans can bring up to

$400 in souvenirs from Cuba Travel must fall under certain purposes visiting relatives religious activities journalism academic programs professional research pariticipation in performances & sporting events creating art & music INFOCOURTESYNYTIMES.COM

OCTOBER 26, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | NEWS | 5

HOMECOMING DAYS Monday 10/31 “The Other Grease” (50s clothes) Tuesday 11/1 Greek Life (preppy as in a fraternity or sorority) Wednesday 11/2 Greek Gods Seniors: Zeus & Hera (Togas) Juniors: Demeter (farmers) Sophmores: Aries (Camo) Freshmen: Hermes (Tacky tourist) Thursday 11/3 Olympic Sports Friday 11/4 Spirit Day

Students govern Homecoming week decisions WRITTEN BY STACIA AHLERS Homecoming was originally an event that celebrated returning alumni in the new school year, back when the tradition began in Kansas in 1911.

In 2016, the school spirit frenzy thrives and has transformed into a student-run week of events that celebrates school pride. Homecoming is planned by the Student Government Association (SGA), especially by the seniors.

“Juniors plan the prom, and seniors mostly do Homecoming,” said senior Bailey Bohrer, a member of SGA. “This is like the seniors’ thing. [But] everyone does a really good job helping out--the teachers especially.”

Senior Piper Bolt said the Leadership team starts planning theme and events well in advance.

Piper Bolt explained how SGA decides on themes every year, and says that they usually begin preperations during the second semster of the prior year.

“The class comes up with a bunch of ideas,” Bolt said. “We make Powerpoints and then we vote on it as a class.”

Devyn Wallin, another SGA senior, said that the group wanted Homecoming this year to relate to the Olympics, which took place in August.

“We decided that Ancient Greece was the best way to kind of class up the theme,” Wallin said. “We felt like it had the most for Homecoming week and for dress-up days. Plus, it related back to something that was actually happening.”

According to Wallin, Bolt and Bohrer, Homecoming. Some of them already the theme is extremely important because have set-up themes, but usually we grab it determines the decorations and overall pieces from different themes,” Wallins tone for the entire night. said. “Last year for Great Gatsby [prom], “We are really excited about the we ordered huge cardboard cut-outs, theme,” Bolt said. “We’re really excited and this year we’re going to be putting about everything leading up to the dance, together columns.” and the dance itself.”

To accomplish all of it, Bolt said that Once the theme is set, the physical the leadership teams breaks up into work begins. committees.

“We definitely have to give it a good “Everyone has a job and they have month in advance, make sure we have to perform it and get it all done,” Bolt everything,” Bolt said. “It’s kind of always said. “Someone can join the parade going on until it happens, so it takes a lot committee, decoration committee or the of preparation. And the two weeks leading court committee.” up are really hectic.”

SGA students are thrilled about the Wallin agreed and admits there is upcoming Homecoming dance and week. extensive sweat, blood, and tears put into “Even if you don’t like the dance, Homecoming each year. you should definitely be involved in the “We always activities leading have tables up to it,” Bolt said.

Everyone’s responsible for something “You only have four in the back at in Leadership, so it’s kind of cool to Homecoming, so years to go, so you see it all come together. we’re working on might as well take little centerpieces advantage of it.”

Senior Devyn Wallin and decorations Wallin said that [that will] be able it is neat to see to portray the theme throughout the how all the time, manpower and small night,” Wallin said. “It’s a lot of in-class details make the events memorable for and after-school work: putting together students. As a senior, Wallin feels this decorations that we order, and [staying] hullabaloo of a homecoming will be one after school to move tables and set up the to remember. bigger pieces.”

“Everyone’s responsible for something Wallin said that the decorations will be in Leadership, so it’s kind of cool to see “white, gold and flowy” and Bohrer added it all come together,” Wallin said. “It’s all that there will be a Mediterranean feel. about the students getting hands-on and “We have these catalogs we’ve making sure we tailor the event to how used for proms [and] every year for [we] want it.”

PHOTOS BY OLIVIA BASTONE

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Juniors Declan McCoy, TICKETS FOR SALE. Jackson Wydra and Aryan Acevedo cheering during powderpuff practice.

Student Government sells homecoming tickets during lunch.

HARD AT WORK. The junior powderpuff girls take a break during practice to discuss the plan for the day.

6 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | OCTOBER 26, 2016

GRADES DON’T IMPROVE WITH MORE WORK Scribbling numbers in the margins of a math worksheet with a cup of coffee at 12:00 a.m. is a situation with which many students are familiar.

Does this midnight toil on homework actually correlate to positive grades?

According to a 2015 study in the Journal of Educational Psychology, for students spending more than 100 minutes on homework, test scores reach a plateau.

100 minutes equates to one hour and 40 minutes. Spending simply one hour and 40 minutes may seem quite short for some, but that just develops our arguement even further: we have been programmed to believe that investing hour upon hour reading and studying leads to improved grades.

The amount of homework assigned to students leads to a stagnant metabolism, glazed eyes, and mental exhaustion.

Instead, retaining information from classroom lectures and jogging the brain for a reasonable amount of time is a better option for exam studying.

Professor Gerald Tundre at Pennsylvania State University believes that excessive homework becomes

more of a “remedial strategy,” where struggling students cram as much practice as possible, and not an “advancement strategy,” where students can learn to excel.

The staff at The Lion’s Tale couldn’t agree more. We don’t deny the importance of practicing excercises and reading pages in preparation for class, but we highlight the fact that burdening students leads to fatigue, and possibly, failure.

Exams result in similar mismatches.

When studying, students read notes and textbooks, but their retention is compromised.

In addition, not all students are suited to the testing environment. The nerves, the sweaty palms, the answer choices that all seem to be true contribute to confusion and, eventually, poor test performance.

A student may be comprehending the material but behind in homework; or, their test scores don’t reflect their understanding, causing misconceptions amongst teachers and parents.

Grades don’t make the man, but the man can make his grades.

IN YOUR FACE Do you think there is a correlation between homework and quiz grades?

Jonas Allen, 10

“I don’t think they correlate, because some people are bad test takers. People will also just copy stuff at home.”

Genesis Martinez, 11

“I don’t think they correlate. Whenever I do homework, I refer back to my notes, so the quizzes are always harder, especially math ones.”

Gabriel Garcia, 10

“I don’t think it relates because tests are harder than homework, and some people are just bad test takers.”

OUR WORD

Caitlin Bateson, 12

“No, because you can always cheat on homework, but when it comes time to take the quiz you’re unprepared.”

PHOTOS BY AARON NEDLAN

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Teachers have right to leave during year for personal reasons

Many teachers do whatever they can to make sure that students have the best educational experience, and when you state “it is fair to place blame on the individual teacher for choosing to leave after school begins,” you are simply ignorant to the truth.

You have no idea why a teacher is leaving; it could be for health, to care for a family member, a promotion, or a transition to the corporate world, which doesn’t run on a school calendar.

I have not personally known any teacher who intentionally set out to leave after the school year started and disrupt the education of the students. You might find that the teacher is heartbroken about having to disrupt their students’ lives, but that teacher is doing what they have to to survive or take care of their family.

When a teacher leaves, you should take the mature step and look beyond your classroom experience and think of what has caused that teacher to leave. Be supportive. Help the transitioning teacher. Take personal accountability for your own education and you will find more enlightenment.

So, the next time you want to begrudge another human being for doing what is best for them because it will affect you, think again.

-Teacher Kati Hansen Online Manager Doug Chiodini Business Manager Makaila Cowart Tech Manager Trey Hargis Editors-In-Chief Nathan Haddad Niyati Shah

Photographers Olivia Bastone Aaron Nedlan Fernand Silva

Print Managers Paige Simpson Faiz Uddin

Artist Alex Sayavong

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

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX SAYAVONG

Designers Declan McCoy Joyce Ng Conner Quinlan John Speer

Oviedo High School 601 King Street Oviedo, FL 32765 P: 407-320-4199 F: 407-320-4213

Faculty Adviser Elise T Carlson

Population: 2530 students 29 staff members

Admin Adviser Tanya Cameron Principal Joseph Trybus

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

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

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

Subscriber information is available upon request.

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

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • OCTOBER 26, 2016 • VOLUME 57 • ISSUE 2

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

Full policy is available on request.

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

OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

OCTOBER 26, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 7

staff writer

BRYN GARICK

Overboard PDA gross to others

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX SAYAVONG

Should we let the bees be?

staff writer

EMILY VERNIKOS

We should be able to throw our food away in peace during lunch. Instead, students struggle to get to class and eat lunch outside because of wasps and bees around the school.

The trash cans outside are infested with bees and the roofs of the covered walkways have hives spread out all over the school.

We all know the feeling of the impending attack. You’re speed walking from second to third period, with a backpack heavier than your body and your emotions combined, there they are.

The bees. They are awaiting your arrival like a bully, about to plunge you headfirst into the dilapidated grey trashcans.

You try to completely bypass their congregation, hoping to not perturb the deadly beast.

Yet, they come, in full force. Buzzing at the crevice of your ear, consuming leftovers from yesterday’s lunch, the bees attack--and you’re defeated.

If you sit outside at lunch you have probably witnessed someone panic over a bee; maybe you have even freaked out over a bee swarming around you.

The best thing to do is to just sit still, even if it lands on you. That’s a good way to avoid being stung.

When it comes to getting rid of the hives, swatting and running speedily from the source of stinging is what the average student resorts to.

Last year, I noticed the campus had a lot of bees at the same time of the year, before fall. According to Orkin.com, bees become active in warm weather, typically summer.

Assistant principal Drew Morgan said that there is not much the school can do to get rid of them, but that the staff does try to change out the trash can liners as much as possible, as the food that is collected in the trash cans is what attracts the bees.

Solution? Going to the superstore to the superstore and purchase wasp/bee killer. You can also make a home-made spray by mixing water and mild soap detergent into a spray bottle.

The custodians spray and knock down the wasp nests as they find them, according to Morgan. He said that the best thing students can do is let

administration know where there are wasps nests so that administration can take care of the issue.

I do think we should get rid of most of the hives, but I don’t think we should get rid of all them, since bees are a benefit to the environment.

Bees are responsible for pollinating about one-sixth of the flowering plant species worldwide, and the administration also recognizes this.

Schools of bees tend to crawl inside the trash cans. When people throw food away, the bees swarm all over.

Seriously, throwing food away shouldn’t be a problem.

In my opinion, an easy solution would be to have lids on the trash cans so the bees wouldn’t be able to have access to the food and will then not hover around the students.

I sit outside to eat my lunch, and one of the people at my lunch table got stung by a bee. She was disappointed but not surprised.

I don’t think anyone would be surprised, at this point.

Should we let the bees be? I don’t know.

Should we continue to panic frantically about our existence in their presence?

Yes. We are high schoolers.

Are we overhyping the situation?

Maybe.

The bees, just like the lion, are part of our culture. It’s an Oviedo thing.

I’m rushing to class, cramming for my test.

I glance up to check where I’m going, only to see a couple making out.

I’m overrun with disgust and confusion as to why they decided to swap spit in the hallway--and not just swap it casually, but to an extent that makes me stop studying for my test.

Couples around school decide that the perfect location for them to swallow each other’s faces is in the middle of the hallway when people are trying to go to class or eat their lunch (which is even worse, since the sight causes indigestion).

I understand wanting to make out with a significant other, but I don’t understand why the only place that is deemed appropriate is in the middle of the hallways, or against lockers that don’t belong to the couple.

Couples can go on dates and kiss each other all they want in their own space, on their own time, time that does not involve school hallways where there are classes.

They can confess their love in private.

Showing off to the entire school is disgusting and inappropriate.

Couples that make out non-stop in school appear to not entirely like each other all that much, truly.

Instead, they just prefer the idea of showing off to students with their relationship.

Constant kissing in the hallway makes other students uncomfortable, whether it be because couples are making out near classes or where we have to walk. Either way, it makes people feel awkward.

If couples are desperate enough to shove their tongues down each other’s throats during school hours, they should find somewhere not right outside of classes to do so. Or, even better, they should refrain from excessive lip-locking until school is out and they are away from the public eye.

Kissing is something that should be considered personal. It shouldn’t be shared with the entire population.

No one wants to see the make-out sessions of our acquaintances, especially while attempting to learn at school. It just isn’t visually appealing for any parties involved.

Couples should just find somewhere in which they can make out with each other not around school, as it is extremely distracting and gross.

8 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | OCTOBER 26, 2016

staff writer

ABIGAIL WYDRA

Fresh perspective on high school

Most upperclassmen think of freshmen as just more students on campus.

But, from the freshman perspective, it is a whole different story.

The transition from middle school to high school is a big deal for most students because it is the beginning of the last four years before we are smacked in the face by the real world and college.

Most upperclassmen probably think that the freshmen have it easy, but in reality, we are still getting a fresh perspective on high school, and finding out how much different it is from middle school.

What most upperclassmen probably forget is that high school is a big deal to the freshmen.

Mostly because, as freshmen we are told that freshman year is the most important year, that it is a year that all the colleges consider.

Most of us end up stressing out about our grades, and the vast amount of homework that we receive from our teachers.

Then, we walk into school the next day looking like zombies, realizing that high school is a wake up call and is no joke (unlike middle school).

Social experiences, too, are a whole new world.

As freshmen, we are the little fish in a big pond. We are surrounded by upperclassmen.

A great example of this feeling is pep rally days. The commotion comes at us from all directions.

Everyone goes all-out to support the school before a game, wearing the school’s colors and painting "OHS" in orange and black on their skin.

The drum line enters the Commons during lunches and plays a few beats while everyone stands on tables.

The pep rally itself puts everyone in a happy mood. Everyone shouts and dances to prove they are the most entusiastic students.

The pep rallies are a fun experience for us as freshmen. But they can also be very intimidating and foreign to us freshmen. People standing on tables is just straight-up chaotic.

But I like chaotic, just like most freshmen here.

We are getting a fresh perspective on what high school is like--and how it can be the best four years of our lives.

Industrialization creates nostalgia

PHOTO BY 123RF.COM

staff writer

DANIELLE GRIFFITHS

When I think of Oviedo, the first word I think of is “home,” but the second word I think of is “chickens.”

Just over the past few years, Oviedo has become a quickly industrializing city.

Where there once stood acres of orange groves along Mitchell Hammock, the entire land has been cleared and now is home to an apartment complex, Oviedo on the Park, and is the future home to The Strip.

As someone who’s lived in Oviedo all of my life, I hate to see this town losing its small town feel. With a Park Ave. type shopping plaza and park popping up less than a mile from my house, I can’t help but feel both excitement and disappointment.

I think of the type of shopping that will soon be readily available to me, but then other times I look at the construction taking place and wish for the orange groves back.

This industrialization has allowed Oviedo to grow from its population of 25, 837 in 2000 to its current population of 37,128, according to Census Viewer and the City of Oviedo website.

That’s an increase of over 11,000 people in our once-small town of Oviedo.

Another beloved aspect of small-town Oviedo was the Townhouse Restaurant.

I remember when I was a child, and my parents and grandma would take me to the little yellow brick restaurant in downtown Oviedo for pancakes about once a month.

It was a cute little diner with a smalltown feel, with seating room for only a handful of people.

Although the charming, old restaurant was torn down from its original ground, it has been relocated and transformed into a much larger restaurant.

The new Townhouse has multipleroom seating and feels a lot less like a diner and more like a resturant.

Just outside the previous building, while walking back to the car with a stomach stuffed with pancakes, I remember seeing the well-known Oviedo chickens, strutting it across the middle of the road and holding up all the traffic, because no one would dare hit the chickens.

Even though the chickens can still be seen in downtown Oviedo, they seem to be decreasing in numbers, and I fear what will become of them once the new road is built through the middle of downtown.

I cannot say from personal experience of the past, but as a driver

now, the traffic and drivers in Oviedo are terrifying.

People are constantly being dumb by texting and driving, which causes them to hold up traffic, and the increase of people on roads that once didn’t have as many drivers is making driving more dangerous.

My parents often recall to me how it was to drive when I was younger, and how much calmer and peaceful it was around Oviedo, but now that it has begun-and will continue to--industrialize, the traffic will continue to increase.

Aren’t I lucky that I just got my license to drive in the craziness?

This increase in drivers has caused more roads to be built, such as Oviedo Blvd. and the upcoming road that will be built through downtown, the one that has caused multiple businesses to move, including the Townhouse.

It also caused the closure, destruction and rebuilding of the firestation downtown.

Overall, I understand that the industrialization won’t be all bad for Oviedo.

There are obviously ups and downs to having a city start industrializing because there are people for and against it.

I understand that it will bring in money for the town to be able to host events and keep the city in the condition it is in.

Even with all of that considered, I miss the little town I grew up in, the little town of Oviedo that I called and will continue to call home.

I hope I never have to miss the chickens.

HEAD to HEAD

OCTOBER 26, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 9

Should students stand during the Pledge?

Freedom of expression always allowed Students should respect anthem, Pledge Up until this August, little action had been taken by professional athletes to advocate against mistreatment of minorities. That all changed when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem, and protests to his actions have broken out like a disease.

Kaepernick explained that he will not stand for a country that oppresses black people, so he does not stand during the national anthem.

Although his message makes him sound like a man who has always spoken out for a good cause, his previous actions have not upheld his reputation. This same Colin Kaepernick donned socks poking fun at rogue cops, portraying them as pigs, during practice. He has since set that aside and is now attempting to raise awareness for blacks and other minorities that face discrimination.

In his postgame press conference, following the Buffalo Bills’ 45-16 trouncing of the 49ers, Kaepernick said that he didn’t get why people viewed his actions, aimed at fighting for freedom and justice for all, as un-American.

Kaepernick’s actions have led to a mass movement nationwide, in which pro, college and high school athletes and coaches are kneeling, raising their fists, or lying down while the national anthem is played. These attempts to end oppression against blacks and other minorities need to be continued and recognized by our community.

Kaepernick’s effect on our society is truly incredible, as more and more teams

join the movement. Seattle’s Garfield High School’s entire football team took a knee before a game in mid-September.

Kneeling during the national anthem may have originated in football, but it has since spread to basketball and soccer.

Even high school and college cheer and bands are performing their own protests to oppression.

While each group of individuals has its own reason for kneeling, some are shining in the media spotlight. One of the most notable athletes to join the protests against minority oppression is U.S. women’s soccer team star Megan Rapinoe, who has previously came out as gay.

Rapinoe described her decision to kneel during the anthem as something small, hoping continued use of it will spark meaningful discussion about how laws do not always protect minorities, such as herself.

People are labeling the actions of Rapinoe and Kaepernick as un-American, as U.S. soccer officials have showed strong discontent towards Rapinoe since she started her protests. Something that is being overlooked by those people is the message behind their protests. It’s time to stop questioning the actions and start supporting the cause.

This is a wake-up call to the people of America. Our society needs to acknowledge the fact that there is still discrimination out there. Against other races. Other religious groups. Women.

Gay and transgender people.

Maybe it’s OK to sit during our national anthem, if that’s what it’s going to take to end oppression against people we view as different.

WRITTEN BY JOHN SPEER The recent trend of people kneeling during the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem is not respectful.

The most recent famous example of this is Colin Kaepernick of the 49ers football team. This, however, was far from the first display of this nature.

Throughout the past, in and outside of school, there have been frequent attacks on the Pledge and anthem by parents and students for its insensitivity and specific tailoring to Christians.

The general issue with the Pledge and anthem, according to those who protest in this way, lies in a conflict of beliefs-or in some, hatred of trends in the US, specifically things such as police brutality and remnants of discrimination.

Regardless of whether or not the kneeling emerges from the hatred of the country, or the Pledge and anthem as written pieces, it is not fair to kneel during them.

The United States of America was founded on the belief that each man should be able to worship to their God as they saw fit. Therefore, it was only fit to include the reverence of their God in the Pledge to uphold the structure of this ideal.

People should stand, if not in veneration, but in respect for the nation that our founding fathers built, as strange it may seem or be today.

People also seem to not want to honor the Pledge due to the mention of God in it. This is a poor reason because, though the Pledge says “one nation under God,” one is not giving their loyalty to the

Kneeling, Patriotism & Religion Do you believe Colin Kaepernick’s behavior is patriotic?

Does Kaepernick have a constitutional right to protest?

72% said “NO”

64% said “YES”

“I don’t say the ‘God’ part [of the Pledge of Allegiance] because I’m an atheist” - Senior James Smith*

Christian God. The pledge mentions this to state how it was founded, and how the founding fathers wanted it to stay.

Regardless of how far we have strayed from that religious basis, the original reason for the founding of the U.S. was for freedom of worship, which everyone still has. The Pledge, then, is not to God, but to the nation itself.

Recent trends in the U.S. are also sometimes referenced when people kneel, especially the “Black Lives Matter” movement, which is in protest of discrimination and unnecessary force used against people of color. The goal of this movement is mainly to achieve perfect equality, which isn’t always observed by the government and its people.

Standing during the Pledge and anthem is, more than anything, a show of respect. Despite wrongdoings in America, many efforts are being made to correct them.

Efforts should be made to correct things through discussions and procedures, not through disrespect.

Kneeling during the Pledge and anthem, in Florida specifically, actually requires the written permission of a student’s parents or guardians. This spawns from Florida Statue 1003.44, which states: “When the national anthem is played, students and all civilians shall stand at attention, men removing the headdress, except when such headdress is worn for religious purposes.”

Students--and citizens in general-should respect the nation in which they live.

Protest gone national PHOTO BY TIMEMAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY NEVADA CULLEN

*name withheld

INFOCOURTESYOFCBSSPORTS.COM

Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the Anthem stole the national spotlight, resulting in him being on Time’s front cover.

10 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | OCTOBER 26, 2016

BEHIND THE MASK

Fast Germ Facts

Community prevents pathogenic infections through covering mouths

dangerous to my mom because her immune system is very weak.”

Surgical masks, procedure masks, For cancer patients, chemotherapy is dust masks and medical masks: the commonly used as a treatment to kill the name doesn’t really matter when it comes rapidly growing cancer cells. to germ protection.

Chemotherapy can damage the white With the flu, blood cells common cold and that help To reduce the amount of germs I’m other airborne fight germs, taking home, I wear a medical mask to diseases and resulting in school. germs, some a weakened Junior Alexandria Alexander students take more i m m u n e precautions than system that others. is more vulnerable to viral and bacterial At school, germs and bacteria are infections. spread everywhere--it is the ultimate “I’m aware of the common cold, the flu breeding ground for germs. and the germs coming from congestion Due to the immense amount of germs, and sneezing in the air,” Alexander said. junior Alexandria Alexander wears a Alexander also takes other mask. precautions, like washing her hands and The mask that Alexander wears using a lot of hand sanitizer. blocks the bacteria in liquid droplets that For Alexander, avoiding germs and fly from the mouth and nose. taking precautions is something she is “To reduce the amount of germs I’m willing to do to protect not only herself, taking home, I wear a medical mask to but her mom. school,” Alexander said.

Not only are people using masks to Alexander has another reason to protect themselves from germs, but they take caution with germs going around are trying other sanitation procedures as campus. well.

“Because my mom has cancer, Sophomore Maika Mitsumori uses every other Tuesday she receives other tactics to protect herself. chemotherapy,” Alexander said. “The “At home, I take off my shoes so germs that we find common are really

WRITTEN BY JOYCE NG

they don’t track dirt around the house,” Mitsumori said. “The house is cleaner for a longer period of time. You don’t know what your shoes have touched throughout the day.”

Sophomore April Jones said that her family also practices removing shoes at home.

“My dad usually just changes his outdoor shoes into indoor slippers since he doesn’t like to have cold feet at home,” Jones said.

Another common bacteria-fighting strategy is the use of hand sanitizer.

Sophomore Shannon Chapman carries hand sanitizer in order to protect her health.

“Having a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer is a very easy, lightweight and accessible option,” said Chapman. “I use it before lunch and when my hands are coated with germs.”

Chapman finds using hand sanitizer is the best way to cut down on germs, as medical masks seem to be more inconvenient.

“I feel like masks are too bothersome if you’re trying to eat a snack in class or at lunch since you need to take it off and then put it back on,” Chapman said.

“But it does do its job to protect you from germs and others from your own germs.”

The flu virus can travel up to 12 feet through the air at 100 miles per hour Cold symptoms usually appear 24-72 hours after coming in contact with the virus Sneezes send 100,000 germs in the air traveling at about 100 miles per hour Catch a cold simply by rubbing your nose or eyes after touching someone with the cold virus Phones have 18 times more bacteria than a toilet handle INFOCOURTESYWEBMD.COM

OCTOBER 26, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 11

Homework’s usefulness to learning under debate

Teachers, students weigh in with opinions on homework

what they CHOOSE to do outside of class,” Savage said.

“And, yes, that includes studying for a test.”

Senior Ben Shirey said the work Savage gives is The clock on the wall reads 12:00 a.m. when a student finally gets home after a long day of school, soccer and primarily inside of class, which allows for outside benefits.

“I personally like this, especially considering that work, he wants to close his eyes and sleep. But the weight of his backpack is as heavy as his eyes. His assignment bioscience is very lab-based, so you expect it to be done in book shows six out of seven classes have assignments the class itself,” Shirey said. “For those of us that take AP classes, this is great as it means we can focus on classes due tomorrow.

Homework. Students have to do it and teachers have to that do give large amounts of work. Without another set grade it. It has long been deemed necessary to successful of homework that has to be done, I can also be part of multiple clubs, have more time to hang out with friends and learning within education.

In 2011, a study done by the National Center for catch up on some much-needed sleep.”

While Savage prefers to not give homework for her Education Statistics found that high school students spent, on average, 6.8 hours on homework per week, according class, AP Government teacher John Howell feels that he relates homework to the economic concept of opportunity to USNews.com.

AP English Language and Composition teacher Shayna cost.

“In economics class we teach about ‘opportunity cost.’

Hron feels that the homework situation has started to get If you spend more time on one out of hand. thing, you have to spend less “Students go to school for time on something else,” Howell seven hours a day and then have Students are stressed with the work said. “There are only 24 hours after school jobs and clubs and load, and teachers are stressed with in a day and nothing changes sports,” Hron said. “Then you have the grading. that. So, what often happens teachers who assign homework Teacher Shayna Hron is you cut back on studying or every night. The problem is that, doing homework so that you can oftentimes, teachers have to give homework to be able to get through the curriculum, but keep up the social stuff and your grades suffer. That’s the even if a teacher only assigns 30 minutes of homework a ‘opportunity cost’ of life.”

Senior Erin Barbery, a student in Howell’s class, relays night, the student has six other classes that have assigned how his homework policy affects her. the same thing.”

“A lot of AP classes give you a ton of homework, so it’s Hron believes that this homework load has effects into nice going to Coach Howell’s class and knowing that he the next day.

“The next morning they are stressed and cranky won’t overload you,” Barbery said. “I feel that he adequately and oftentimes tardy, and what do we do? Yell at them, prepares us for the tests during class, so I don’t think there’s reprimand them, tell them they should be doing better,” much need for homework. Coach Howell isn’t one of those Hron said. “Students are stressed with the work load and teachers that gives you homework for no reason or gives teachers are stressed with the grading. Yet we continue to you ‘busy work.’ I appreciate that he keeps our homework load light because, being seniors, we have a lot to focus on do it.”

AP Environmental teacher Kathy Savage said that with college applications and scholarships.”

Another teacher who believes in homework is preresearch shows that homework is not a productive use of calculus teacher Lauren Fedi. a student’s time.

“I feel that most academic subjects should, and probably “I believe that students should be free after school hours to pursue their own interests,” Savage said. “My do, require homework almost every night,” Fedi said. “There own 23 years of experience has shown me that homework is a reason that our sports teams have practice every day is mostly copied and not understood anyway. Putting in while they are in season. Same with our band, chorus, and good grades for homework while students score poorly on drama program. They practice to learn the plays, learn their lines and learn the routines, overall to get better. exams should speak volumes.”

Savage will consider giving homework once there is For academic subjects, classwork and homework is that practice, and completing it on a daily basis is important.” evidence that it is beneficial to students.

Sophomore Jade Monteiro thinks homework should “Until then, the only homework my students will have is only be required for topics that aren’t yet mastered.

“A lot of my teachers this year are making homework optional, and I think that is a great thing,” Monteiro said.

“I don’t believe you should have to do homework if you already know what’s being taught in the subject, but I do believe that it is a great way to practice.”

Sophomore Natalie Rodriguez said that homework should depend heavily on the type of class.

“Depending on the class, you have to do the homework to be able to do well in the class,” Rodriguez said. “The homework helps you practice more, especially with math, since what is on the homework is what is on the test, so it just makes more sense.”

Hron also recognizes that homework has its place.

“I think it is important to have a reasonable amount of homework in math courses because they require practice,” Hron said. “Similarly, with English courses, homework should be reading-based because they also require outside of class practice.”

WRITTEN BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS

B

C D

F

• Keep an updated schedule • Don’t procrastinate • Get a good night’s sleep • Prioritize your work • Make time for yourself

A

TO-DO LIST

12 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | OCTOBER 26, 2016

political Teachers integrate political rhetoric into lessons, aid in teen understanding of election

ARTISTIC ENGAGEMNT

This graphic of Barack Obama was created by artist Shepherd Fairey during the 2008 election, that is now part of Art History curriculums.

WRITTEN BY NIYATI SHAH Podiums and posters and pauses between sentences.

Politics. Inside the classroom, some teachers find ways to address the election through their subject areas.

AP U.S. History teacher Jessica Jenkins utilizes the vocabulary designated by College Board to discuss the election.

“I like to do it through synthesis: the idea of connecting previous historical events to what is going on currently, tracing themes throughout history and how they relate to current events,” Jenkins said.

AP Art History teacher Jessica Furiosi teaches students how to use the skills of art history to understand political schemes.

“My class uses more historical art pieces and historical thinking to give students the skills to interpret commercials and billboards and posters that are present today in the current election,” Furiosi said.

Furiosi believes that students realize the potential of art as a mechanism to delve deeper.

“I think students find it surprising that politics affects art so much,” Furiosi said. “I don’t think students think about politics and art together.

They think of art just being an expression of someone’s personality and I think they find interesting, especially when we discuss Greece and Rome, the differences in art from, say, a Greek democracy to a Roman empire. Thinking about how people display themselves in art says a lot about their political ideals, whether that’s one person or a whole society.”

The teachers find connections within their coursework to link to the topic of conversation amongst the candidates.

“We read Washington’s Farewell Address and he talks specifically about parties and the power of parties and factions,”Jenkins said. “He talks about the infighting between factions

THE POLITI

Students in political cla AN ENDURING ELECTION.

AP Art History teacher Jessica Furiousi preprares students for upcoming election through teaching analysis skills and paying attention to trends in art.

PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

Follow modern coverage

D po th

OCTOBER 26, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 13

discourse that leads to such instability, and how it will lead to despotism, which we can talk about it,” Jenkins said. “I also talk a lot which is when a group of people fill that void because of the about civil discourse; you can talk about it as long as you are fear that’s going on. We related that how his words about respectful and that you have ideas to back up those opinions. political parties have come to light today.”

It’s not our job to teach [the students] how to think. We need Furiosi draws a parallel between the canon of art history to let them come to their own ideas about politics.” and modern politics.

AP U.S. Government teacher John Howell holds a “There is a poster of Obama that was made by a graphic daily class discussion about the recent news regarding the artist, Shepard Fairey, that has become part of art history,” politicians.

Furiosi said. “It is not part of what I’m teaching in high school “This is what Coach Howell does, because I have him yet, but it is part of the art history canon of graphic art and for U.S. government,” said senior James Populic. “Basically, political art. Certainly, art of Obama is involved in art history what he does is, everyday, when we come to class, he asks courses at the university level. I wouldn’t be surprised if ‘what’s new with the election?’ He asks what Hillary said in a Trump or Hillary would come in there in some way.” debate or what Trump said. I just put my conservative point AP Environmental Science of view in the discussion. Coach teacher Benjamin Hogue finds Howell is liberal, so I like that that environmental reform isn’t contrast in class, so it makes for They most likely know my necessarily tied to the president, interesting debates.” philosophy, but I tell them on a but his class propels the idea of Howell believes that his role regular basis that it is up to them awareness. is to create an educated voter to decide.

“While maybe the people I want through such discussions, without AP Government Teacher John Howell don’t always get elected, there are directly imposing his bias. people in other offices that can do “They most likely know my things,” Hogue said. “I feel like a lot of environmental issues philosophy, but I tell them on a regular basis that it is up to are just more about awareness. That’s what I really like them to decide who is right and who is wrong,” Howell said. about my class. I can educate the students about how to be “I want them to be informed voters who look beyond a simple aware of these things in the future. I think most of the voters party label and not accept something as right because their aren’t aware of a lot of the science behind our world. They own party says it’s true. Truly educated voters are able to are aware that the issue exists, but they are unsure of the realize that even though they register as one party or another, science behind it. I don’t think people are aware of what’s they probably don’t agree with every detail of their party’s going on.” platform.”

Instead of imposing their beliefs upon students, teachers Furiosi strives to teach her students how to view media, seek to allow students the autonomy of free political thought. the parties, and society as a connected whole.

“The teachers are very into stating your own opinion “How this election has gone has made me realize that and they want us to have our own voice,” said junior K.C. we need to teach people to really think and really research,” Kanistras. “They’ll often ask us very generic questions. We Furiosi said. “Getting students to address point of view, just talked about the debate and discussed, ‘Oh, what was address perspective, address that person’s background, and your opinion on this candidate’s response to this question?’ historical context. These skills that we do in class are really We were able to talk about how we felt and who they really relatable to the election.” supported. It is a very judgement-free zone and they make it With such skills, Furiosi hopes to influence the future into so that anyone can talk about it.” making smart decisions.

Jenkins propagates a “zero tolerance for intolerance” “It might not change their choice but as long as they are atmosphere. making their decision with their eyes wide open, rather than “I already set up the kind of climate and atmosphere for just following tradition,” Furiosi said.

ICAL CLASSROOM

The political classroom helps students develop the ability to deliberate “How should we live together?”

assrooms are more likely to...

Discusses olitics outside he classroom

Learn to agree to disagree with those with different views

Students are more likely to cast a ballot in the future

civic learning pays off Top Political Science Universities: Harvard Princeton Stanford Michigan Yale Berkeley Interest in politics & civics has reached the highest levels since research began 50 years ago Incoming freshmen expect to protest in college

40%

Percentage of incoming freshmen that say they want to become community leaders

INFOCOURTESYOFTHEPOLITICALCLASSROOM.COM,HERI.UCLA.EDU

14 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | OCTOBER 26, 2016 CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

CAMPUS HERO

Drill team commander instructs superior routines WRITTEN BY CONNOR COMPTON A series of slaps and other rhythmic movements echo in the distance as senior JeAnn Rosario-Lopez leads her unarmed drill team through an intense eight-minute routine.

“I am the unarmed exhibition drill team commander, and I lead a drill team through a routine of slaps, which is tapping various parts of your body in a rhythmic manner,” Rosario-Lopez said.

Rosario-Lopez, whose rank is Cadet Ensign, represents the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) at meets with her team.

The routine focuses not only on the individual person, but on the group as a whole. “[It is also] working on alignment of the people and training the newcomers the routine, and how to execute that routine in uniform manner,” Rosario-Lopez said.

Junior Jessica Montcrief said that Rosario-Lopez is a great team member.

“Rosario-Lopez is a very driven and wonderful person,” Montcrief said. “She is always there when you need her. She is one of the greatest pieces of the puzzle that we call the unit.”

Rosario-Lopez said that she has been driven since middle school to have a passion about soldiers.

CLUB FEATURE

“Around seventh grade I really grew a love for soldiers and how they protect our communities,” Rosario-Lopez said. “So that was a beginning of what drew me to join ROTC.” Being on the drill team has impacted her life beyond the ROTC unit.

“Drill has affected my outlook on life by giving me a lot of discipline and leadership skills,” Rosario-Lopez said. “Numerous times I have found myself in situations where I had to use my knowledge of leadership, given to me by drill, to assess the situation and find out the best possible solution to the problem or activity.”

Regardless of the make-up of the team members, whether in class or after school, Rosario-Lopez feels that she has learned to respect people’s ideals.

“Drill has taught me that, regardless of what others think, to have it not to do with what we’re trying to accomplish,” RosarioLopez said.

Rosario-Lopez has high expectations for college and volunteers in order to better her chances of achieving her dreams.

ROTC has meant a lot to her, as she feels it has helped her work toward these goals.

“If I could redo my high school years, I would still be in ROTC,” Rosario-Lopez said. “It’s such a great community had has taught me a lot.”

CLUB FEATURE

PHOTO BY FAIZ UDDIN

REHEARSING THE DRILLS. Senior JeAnn Rosario-Lopez leads her team in a drill rehearsal.

CLUB FEATURE

CLUB FEATURE

CLUB FEATURE

Key Club provides students with opportunity to volunteer involved in my school. The fact that this club is studentrun really caught my eye”.

All throughout the month of October, the Key Club Reilly thinks that the club will benefit from being will collect money during both lunches to be donated student run. towards Breast Cancer Awareness. Tables will be set “I do believe that they will take more ownership in up during lunches where students will be able to donate. what we do because they are deciding to do what’s Key Club was a club a few years back and this year, important to them,” Reilly said. students have revived it.

Senior Guessford and Senior Kim are the co“A few years ago, we had a Key Club program at presidents of the club this year. our school. Now, we are starting it back up, bigger than “This year, John Kim and I have split the role of before. We currently have president,” Guessford said. “We 70 members and we are still have a direct set of delegations accepting,” said co-president assigned to us through Key Club.

Being a member of the Evelyn Guessford.

Shortly put, the presidential role Key Club will help build on According to keyclub.org, will set goals for our chapter, leadership and people skills.

“Key Club International is recruit new members, motivate, Senior Akanksha Tyagi the high school organization evaluate total operations, sponsored by Kiwanis delegate appointments and International.

Key Club tasks, and build connections assists Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the to our Key Club District Officers and Lieutenant children of the world.

Government.”

This year is guidance counselor Sarah Reilly’s first The officers and members all enjoy being able to year as sponsor for the Key Club. volunteer to help out the community.

“This is my first year,” Reilly said. “My mom’s “My favorite thing about key club is that you get the husband is in the Kiwanis and asked me to be the chance to help people and I enjoy helping people a lot, academic sponsor for an OHS key club.” especially people who are in need,” said co-president The club’s Vice President Akanksha Tyagi, said her John Kim. favorite thing about the club is that it is a student lead Tyagi also enjoys helping others. club.

“The most rewarding part of being in Key Club is “[That] is really unique and you don’t really find seeing the impact we have on communities, and that’s these types of clubs in most places,” said Tyagi. “I think just a really good feeling to know that you helped,” that’s also why I joined, because I wanted to be more Tyagi said.

WRITTEN BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR

PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

FIGHT FOR CURE. Juniors Owen McNamera and Rhianna Ventura take a peek at the money raised for Breast Cancer Awareness during lunch.

RESPECT OR REBELLION OCTOBER 26, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 15

Nationalism questioned by anthem & Pledge protesters WRITTEN BY NATHAN HADDAD ILLUSTRATION BY CONNER QUINLAN

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked a controversy that blurred the line between sports and politics this August when he decided to start kneeled during the National Anthem.

Kaepernick intended to spread awareness about what he perceives to be racial injustice in America.

AP Literature teacher Amanda Dickson believes Kaepernick has the right to take the stand he took.

“Kaepernick is exercising his First Amendment rights by refusing to stand for the Pledge of allegiance,” Dickson said. “For those who argue that not standing for the Pledge is unpatriotic and he should not be permitted to do so, I would say this: the First Amendment protects the rights of a citizen to free speech, and it would be equally unpatriotic to deny a person that right because of your own personal feelings.”

Dickson believes Kaepernick has the right to protest as long as he does not hurt others or break the law.

“The idea that our nation can’t tolerate the views or actions of others for no other reason than that they are offended by or disagree with them is indulgent,” Dickson said.

A cultural climate that wants to disallow Kaepernick’s actions could be dangerous, according to Dickson.

“The moment we disallow voices of dissent to be heard because we disagree with them--or are offended by them--is the moment we end the time-honored tradition of free speech and a constructive national discourse,” said Dickson.

Senior Samantha Doe* also feels Kaepernick has the freedom to kneel.

“I agree with Colin Kaepernick because he has the freedom to do whatever he wants in terms of kneeling during the Anthem,” Doe said. “It’s his own personal opinion and it’s how he feels about injustice in America.”

AP European History teacher Kaitlin Darling also sees merit in Kaepernick’s stance.

“I think that Kaepernick has valid reasons for his actions,” Darling said. “Yes, there has been an increase in race related violence and there needs to be something done.”

Senior James Smith* agrees with Kaepernick’s silent protest.

“He’s not doing anything violent or aggressive, he’s just silently protesting,” Smith said. “People who support him can peacefully and silently protest alongside him.”

Senior Mario Presutti, however, disagrees with both Doe and Smith.

“If you’re going to be at a sporting event and sit during the Anthem, you should keep in mind that there are a lot of people who died for and fought for our flag,” Presutti said.

Senior Katy Lee* views Kaepernick’s

actions--and those who emulate him--as actions, Presutti understands students have the right to sit during the Pledge. self-serving.

“Students who sit during the Pledge “Self-proclaimed martyrs for a cause are not new to our history,” Lee said. can do what they want, and I support their “People like Kaepernick, who believe right to do what they want, but I just feel they are doing something revolutionary that it’s disrespectful and downright rude,” by putting on a show for a social-justice Presutti said.

Lee finds students who choose to sit movement, humor me.”

Lee finds fault on the other side of the during the Pledge to be attention-seekers.

“Its as if to say ‘look at me, I’m the pinnacle issue, as well.

“I am also humored by the masses of enlightenment because I opt out of a getting offended over the actions of one fifteen-second recitation,’” Lee said. “There man,” said Lee. “With a diverse country are far more constructive things to do than get heated over comes a diverse set the symbolism, or of opinions.”

I am pledging my allegiance to my Smith said that country’s greatest resource: its citizens. lack thereof, of a glorified fabric.” that same diversity Teacher Amanda Dickson D a r l i n g emphasizes how believes that dated the Anthem is.

“The man who wrote the National students should stand during the Pledge.

“If you have an issue with the Pledge, Anthem owned slaves,” Smith said. “At the time it was written, it was aimed towards then you can spend that time reflecting on only white men who owned property. In something else; same goes for the National America now, we have a melting pot of Anthem,” Darling said. “Honestly, I think all different religions and races, so the that there are much better ways to take a stance. Most people are discussing the National Anthem isn’t relevant anymore.”

Smith not only supports Kaepernick’s lack of patriotism, rather than the racism actions, but also supports not standing and misuse of weapons that is plaguing during the Pledge because of religious our nation, which is what Kaepernick and others are trying to protest in the first reasons.

“I don’t say the ‘God’ part because I’m place.”

Dickson stands during the Pledge an atheist; I realize that our country was founded on Christian values, but we are because of what the Pledge represents.

“When I Pledge my allegiance to the a melting pot of all different religions and flag, I am not just pledging to a distant races,” Smith said.

Doe said it is unpatriotic to force governmental entity, or a military, or the land itself, I am pledging my allegiance to the students to stand for the Pledge.

“In general, I feel the Pledge of country’s greatest resource: its citizens,” Allegiance is a form of indoctrination,” Doe Dickson said. “But most importantly, I said. “Forcing people to recite it daily and stand for ‘liberty and justice for all.’ As a forcing people to stand for it is against nation, we haven’t always lived up to that last part, so I think it’s important to reassert those beliefs.”

Although he disagrees with their our commitment to equality through the

Pledge every day.”

Darling, however, believes the Pledge has lost its meaning.

“It is more of a routine, rather than actually reflecting on what is said,” Darling said.

Despite the nation’s past faults, Lee remains patriotic.

“I am immensely grateful that I am living in this country, due to the opportunities I have been and will be presented with, but it is by no means a perfect nation,” Lee said.

“There is always room for improvement, and deeming an imperfect entity as perfect could hinder said improvement.”

Darling said that the United States’ roots are something to remember.

“What separated us from the majority of the rest of the world is certainly something to be proud of,” said Darling. “Our nation is in no way perfect, but it is a country that still fights for freedom and equality.”

Regardless of whether they stand or not, Dickson hopes students have deeply considered their actions.

“I can only hope that those who do not say the Pledge have given the matter thought and come to that conclusion in an informed way,” said Dickson. “I hope the same about those who say the Pledge.

Unexamined actions or words carry no meaning, whether one chooses to say the Pledge or not.”

Dickson is proud to live in a nation that does not impose a collective view.

“I respect a person’s right to refrain from saying the Pledge,” Dickson said.

“In reality, they are just words, and many say the Pledge mindlessly with no thought to what it means, or what it cost to have a nation that strives for freedom and democracy.” *NAMES WITHELD UPON REQUEST

16 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | OCTOBER 26, 2016

BON VOYAGE

Seniors consider pros, cons of large schools vs. small schools WRITTEN BY PAIGE SIMPSON

Four years of stressful homework, hair-pulling tests, and crazy friend drama are coming to a close for seniors.

But, before they can say goodbye, they first have to get accepted into a college of their choice.

According to the Washington Post, acceptance rates for top schools in the country, like Stanford and Princeton, as well as some smaller colleges, are falling. This leaves the debate of where their future awaits: a larger or smaller college.

For senior Sara Costello the choice is clear: larger college.

“The size of the college definitely comes into play when I decided whether to apply there or not,” Costello said.

“I have already eliminated some colleges from my list because they were too small for my liking.”

According to Big Future, U.S. small colleges have fewer than 1,000 students compared to large universities who have more than 35,000 students.

Some of the positives listed for larger school’s include a wide range of majors, stocked libraries, most housing, well-funded programs, and a diverse student body according to Big Future, which match up to Costello’s expectations.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people, being in a new environment, and taking more challenging and interesting classes,” Costello said. “I think one positive is that you usually have a lot more diversity in a class and a multitude of different opinions and views, which is good for a discussion-based class.”

Like Costello, senior Reilly Fennell was enticed by the allure of big colleges.

$72,500 income of successful engineering graduates of Rice University

3.11 average college GPA

“The size of the schools I chose played a big role in my Fennell described two reasons why the gap between decision,” Fennell said. “I wanted to go to a school with large and small colleges is so large and why larger lots of pride and school spirit; I chose big schools where colleges are typically harder to get accepted to.

I can find that.”

“It’s hard to get accepted into a larger college for two Fennell based her decision off past experience to reasons. The fact is that it’s more well-known so people which she attended both a small private school and a who don’t really do the research on all college options large public school setting, but despite her decision, it will remember big names and apply there,” Fennell said. depends solely on the person.

“The second reason is that you typically have more people “If you prefer a more intimate setting with smaller class applying there that are going to be more competition for sizes than small is most likely for you, but I prefer the large the select few spots.” public school setting because Dune shares similar you can be your own person,” viewpoints to Fennell and adds Fennell said. “I prefer getting to her own opinion as well.

I think a smaller college is safer for know lots of people, experiencing “It’s typically harder to get me, it will be easier to meet people. the environment of a big campus, into a larger college because Senior Nikkie Dune and sharing the feeling of many more people apply; they belonging and comradery with are often more well known, more people.” increasing the amount of Unlike both Costello and Fennell, senior Nikki Dune applicants and the competition,” Dune said. “I think that believes smaller colleges are a better fit for her. larger colleges have better athletics but smaller colleges “Going to a smaller college comforts me because have much better academics. I think arts can be strong at I know that all of my professors will know me by name, either a small or large college.” and have time to help me grow individually as a student,” But despite all other factors, Costello believe a college Dune said. “I think a smaller college is safer for me, it will is only as good as its merit and programs, rather than its be easier to meet people; I might feel lonely at a large size. college.”

“It completely depends on the college; for example, Dune feels a smaller colege will provide better Davidson is just as hard to get into as Notre Dame, and academic oppurtunities for her.

Notre Dame is 12 times as large,” Costello said. “I’d say “Class sizes are also smaller which allows for discussion larger colleges usually have better athletic programs in the rather than just being lectured at. All classes are taught by main money making sports because athletes want to play professors with graduate degrees- no graduate students in the environment, but otherwise, the other aspects like or adjuncts.” arts and academics totally depend on the college itself.”

BIG SCHOOLS

5% lowest acceptance rate in the nation (Stanford University)

43% of men in America attend college

57% of women in America attend college

Psychology is the most popular college major

PROS Name recognition Large social circle Large selection of programs Affordable CONS Large class size Less faculty access Greater competition Getting lost and distracted

51,269 SMALL SCHOOLS PROS Small class sizes Greater access to faculty Tight-knit community Hands on learning

number of undergrads at UCF, the largest in the U.S.

CONS Fewer majors to 90% choose from Fewer resources Limited socialization Graduation rate of UNC INFOCOURTESYPREPSCHOLAR.COM, ONLINESCHOOL.ORG, Chapel Hill UCLA.EDU, THEHOMESCHOOL.ORG, DEGREECENTRAL.ORG

////Reviewed

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OCTOBER 26, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | 17

Quick Review

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

TV Show

SUPERLATIVE

ADMIRABLE

ADEQUATE

Woman in Black Play

GRIM

ATROCIOUS

REVIEWED BY FAIZ UDDIN

The new season of Agents of Shield is here with a new threat, The Ghost Rider.

The Rider is out for vengeance and will kill anyone in his way.

But the team of Agents has their hands full with the new uprising of the Watchdogs.

Agents of Shield has non-stop action-packed adventures that will attract all kinds of fans, especially Marvel fans.

The show continues the stories of Marvel’s movies and shows how S.H.I.E.L.D. covers up recent battles.

American Housewife TV Show

REVIEWED BY FAIZ UDDIN

The new TV series American Housewife joins the ABC family. Katy Mixton stars as Katie Otto, a housewife in Westport, CT. Westport is a town where everyone is healthy and fit, and Katy is dealing with her weight problems.

She deals with these problems in her own hilarious, quirky way. Katy is a natural-born comedian, and her work is phenomenally funny.

The show continues to make me laugh and will make you laugh, too. So grab some popcorn and enjoy this kneeslapper.

Battlefield 1

Video Game

REVIEWED BY AARON NEDLAN

With the introduction of another first person shooter this year, a lot is to be expected.

Battlefield 1 exceeds expectations with the story, but the multiplayer feels like other shooters.

The campaign is phenomenal, allowing players to take multiple routes to complete a mission with their own play style, which adds a cool twist compared to the previous installments of

PHOTO BY AARON NEDLAN PHOTO BY AARON NEDLAN

Drama department creates Halloween vibes with spooky play The production of The Woman in Black was visually captivating. The collection of creative props, well-developed characters and an intricate story line makes this play a must-see for students.

This play, something unlike anything seen before in our hometown, brought a chilling experience to the audience.

The two lead roles are played by seniors Daniel Butterfield (The Actor) and Alex Petty (Mr. Kipps).

The play is set in Europe, so the actors had to use British accents, which were hardly distinguishable from fake accents.

During first hour of the play, Mr. Kipps and the paid actor are in the theater acting out the experiences Mr. Kipps faced. In the second act the mood turns dark and scary, paranormal activities start taking place, and this is when the “woman in black” appears.

Since the style of theatrics was altered

from the typical upbeat and mainstream to suspenseful and dreary, I commend the theater program for an outstanding job creating a darker atmosphere.

The lighting within the show was exceptionably notable. It intensified every moment and illuminated the importance of each scene. Whenever the mood of the scene changed, the color of the lights changed as well. They used flashing lights to imitate lightning. It allows every audience member to understand the impact of the story line and entire message.

The costumes that the actors wore impressed me when compared to some previous productions; they were incredibly authentic and fit very well with the characters being portrayed.

The thrilling music added fright with soundtracks of broken records and piano, as it built the scenes up and created suspense.

This play was well-adapted to the stage, and the storyline was clear and easy to

follow throughout.

Actors used the space allowed, moving all through the auditorium, and they provided a well-rounded performance.

Another factor that contributed to this play was the excellent use of dynamic props.

To make it seem like this play was set in the 1900s, the cast used lanterns and Victorianera clothes.

The “woman in black” was a very ominous character. The audience never sees her face, yet and she is the center of the entire production.

Because of the theater program’s switch to a darker tone with this show, the audience is left unsure about what to expect next from the group--in a good way.

The theater department did a wonderful job with The Woman In Black, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come next, whether upbeat or serious.

Battlefield.

The way the story is told is unbelievable. DICE, which is the company that produces Battlefield titles, have truly outdone themselves with this new installment.

The game starts off with nothing short of a bang, where the player starts off in charred ruins that were once a building.

The player then goes to take out waves of enemies, until he inevitably dies from being overrun by enemy forces.

The screen shows a brief memorial

card, and then the player is switched to the next doomed soul and is engulfed in WWI. It shows that death means something, and not many games can manipulate such strong action like Battlefield 1 can.

Even with nine maps and a plethora of weaponry, the multiplayer is still lacking a special something.

Map designs are good and original, but with most of them being quite open, there is no need to use any other type of weapon

than the sniper they provide.

It would be nice to have a few closequarter combat maps, but it’s a struggle to format when there are 64 people in a single lobby.

It’s understood that there are game modes that have a smaller server size, but to compensate for them, Battlefield just shrinks already created maps instead of creating new ones.

They have done this in the past, but it’s starting to look like a lack of effort.

For multiplayer to separate itself from the many other shooters, there must be effort on all fronts, not just with the story mode.

REVIEWED BY JESSICA WHITE

FOR A SCOOP ON PLAY PREPARATION, CHECK OUT OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

18 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE LION’S TALE | OCTOBER 26, 2016

American Horror Story TV Show Horror

REVIEWED BY JULIAN RIOS

Youtube provides creative outlet Fernand S

How has youtube impacted your personal life?

It’s connected me with a lot of people who have a lot of the same interests, and it’s helped me realize what I want to do later on in life, which is be a director. So it kind of is an outlet for me to put what I work on, my short films and everything, on.

Fernand S

How do you respond to any hate that you get on your channel?

I ignore it as best as I can. I don’t like to get involved with that kind of stuff. I just kind of let it go and keep doing what I’m doing and try not to let it affect me in any way.

Fernand S

Do you ever feel threatened by new policies that youtube puts out?

I believe that it could be good for certain people, but at the same time, bad for people with certain content that they are putting out there. But it could definitely have a positive impact, because there are some pretty awful things out there that should be taken down.

Fernand S

Do you ever think Youtube could become a lifestyle for you?

I feel as though youtube is just a step into getting into bigger productions later in life, becoming a director, getting into film school. It’s a really good base for putting all your work on, so that when people are looking for what you can do, they can go there and see. It’s almost like an online portfolio basically, so it’s more like a step in going where I want to go.

Up-And-Coming: Movies

Doctor Strange In Thearters Nov 4th

Doctor Strange is Marvels movie take on the popular comic book superhero, Doctor Strange.

Benedict Cumberbatch will be playing the lead role as Doctor Strange himself.

This movie will be the fourteenth in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that was created. This places high hopes on the quality of the movie itself.

This Season’s Movie’s Doctor Strange (November 4, 2016)

Doctor Strange (November 1-6, 2016) An American in Paris (December 13-18, 2016) Wicked (January 11-29, 2017) A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (February 7-12, 2017) The Little Mermaid (March 7-12, 2017) Matilda (May 9-14, 2017) Finding Neverland (June 6-11, 2017)

From murder houses to haunted hotels, a new season of American Horror Story has officially kicked off. Titled “My Roanoke Nightmare,” it takes the form of a documentary throughout the whole season and follows a Los Angeles couple who recently moved to the North Carolina countryside.

Sarah Paulson and Cuba Gooding Jr. portray Shelby and Matt Miller in the reenactment of the truly terrifying events that happened at Roanoke. The real Shelby and Matt Miller, (Lily Rabe and Andre Holland) narrate the story as the reenactment plays out on the screen.

Soon after the couple moves into a new house in the middle of nowhere, they begin to hear and see strange things. They both dismiss it as the locals trying to scare them. But, when Shelby is almost killed, Matt decides to call his sister, Lee. Angela Basset portrays Lee in the reenactment and real life Lee is portrayed by Adina Porter.

Lee, just getting divorced from her husband, decides to bring her daughter to the house so they can spend time together.

Her daughter starts to hear and see things that the adults can’t see, which causes a state of panic throughout the house.

The setting creates a perfect mood for the story: an old house, left in shambles, where people have mysteriously disappeared. Throughout the season, viewers learn the stories behind the house and the people who lived there before the Millers. It sets a bone chilling feeling when paranormal things happen there. Also throughout the season, viewers learn the story behind the lost colony of Roanoke and what happened to them.

Personally, as a fan of the American Horror Story franchise, I think the season is off to a great start. It is on a great path right now and is setting up a great story. There is much to still be revealed, considering there are only a few episodes out, but this season has great potential to be something extraordinary.

Up-And-Coming: Events

Homecoming Events Nov. 5th, Game, After School Nov. 4th, Dance, After School

Great Day in The Country November 12, 9am - 4 pm

OCTOBER 26, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | 19

One Page Low-down App Review: Zedge REVIEWED BY CONNOR COMPTON The app Zedge has been on a roller coaster for the past two months, from one of the best apps to one that I uninstalled. Due to the newest update of the app being so big the creators have made a separate ringtone version of the app that’s $4.99. They took the sounds out of the free app completely and left only the wallpapers.

The wallpapers are good, but I really enjoyed this app for its entirety. I think that the monopolizing of these kinds of apps ruins the want for a customized phone and it cuts the originality.

In accordance to the vigorous limiting of creativity, the wallpapers that the free app offers are just ordinary and bland. With only 20 wallpapers, overall, the variety is horrendous. It is not worth having this app for the large price it

costs.

I personally think that the makers of the app were trying to appeal to their own greed and completely forgot about their downloaders. They should make a new version compatible with the Iphones to where you complete a monthy paid subscription, and you can download as many as you want for that month and when its over you still get to keep those ringtones.

Android users can still purchase their ring tones off the website but it’s not compatible with Apple phones whatsoever.

Album Review: Revolution Radio REVIEWED BRYN GARICK

Green Day is a pop punk band that has been around since 1986 with the release of their debut album 39/Smooth.

The band, that last released a series of three albums in 2012, is back again with a brand new album titled: Revolution Radio released on Oct. 7.

The album is very different from other albums released.

Topics on prior albums consist of teenage problems such as breakups and parent issues.

But this album deals with issues of politics and other issues being faced in the world, it built with the purpose to attempt to change the discussion on the media. Fans are encompassed into a world in which they are forced to hear of terrorist acts and hate crimes present around the globe.

Teenage problems are not all forgotten though; songs such

as “Young Blood,” and “Ordinary World” still provide teenage fans with a sense of known ground as they discuss problems dealt with in everyday teenage life.

Revolution Radio portrays the band in different ways. There are many slow starts of songs that are backed with acoustic guitars before transforming into more upbeat songs with electric guitars. The songs transition seamlessly and leave listeners wondering when the once sad song became one of great emotion and rage.

Green Day fans can expect songs that are similar, however.

Songs still have the familiar voice of Billie Joe Armstrong, as well as the bass rhythms of Mike Dirnt, and drum beats of Tré Cool. Fans can recognize the familiar band, as their overall sound has remained the same.

Despite similar sounds, the band also references old songs, “Still Breathing” references the passing of Billie Joe Armstrong’s father as their hit song “Wake me up when September ends,” was originally written for.

Revolution Radio is a note to politics and violence in the United States and around the world. Green Day does a fantastic job explaining their stance on this violence through their lyrics.

Green Day’s new album Revolution Radio does not disappoint.

Restaurant Review: Chewy Boba REVIEWED BY EMILY VERNIKOS

It’s a hot day, and you’re thirsty for something unusual and cool. You may want to try a boba tea from Chewy Boba. Boba tea (also known as pearl tea or bubble tea) is a sweet drink that combines flavored tea and small gummy pearls.

At Chewy Boba, they have a variety flavors of milk tea, such as mango, honey dew, chai and much more. When I visited Chewy Boba I got a taro boba tea. Taro is a root, therefore it tasted starchy.

It was my first time having a milk tea with boba.

The boba just tasted like gummies with no flavor.

My older sister would always get boba, so when I asked her she said it tasted bitter but in a good way.

They also sell frozen yogurt and macaroons.

Chewy Boba is located on Alafaya Trail in Oviedo.

PHOTO BY EMILY VERNIKOS

SOUL OF AN ARTIST Singer Junior Brook Astacio INTERVIEWED BY JESSICA LITTON Q: How has going states twice made you feel?

A: It’s a great experience to go and it’s one of my favorite things to do. It also helps me to gain more confidence when I am singing because it reminds me of what I have accomplished.

Q: Do you want to pursue a career in singing?

A: Yes, my main goal is to get to Broadway, but that is a very hard goal to achieve. I would love to be a music teacher or work on the business side of music. Singing or working with any form of music would make me extremely happy.

Q: Who has helped you along the way?

A: Mr. Schultz, and also some of my other teachers have pushed me to do more and get better. Not only do I look up to my chorus teachers, but my regular teachers have encouraged me so much as well. My friends have been very encouraging by telling me that I’m doing good, or getting better.

Q: How would you say music helps you in life?

A: Music is definitely a good form of therapy. Whether you’re singing or listening to someone else sing, it’s very relaxing and a good way to express yourself.

Q: How long have you been involved in chorus?

A: I’ve been in chorus since middle school, I have loved every second of it. It has allowed me to grow in my singing and I feel like it has made me so much better.

Lilly Gunter

Mikaela Schultz

Audrey Douglas

Rebekah Rath

20 | SPORTS | THE LION’S TALE | OCTOBER 26, 2016

Freshmen rise to challenge of varsity WRITTEN BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS

Fans cheer and the lights are bright within the gym as a loudspeaker announces the names of the Lady Lion’s volleyball team. This year, four freshmen--Audrey Douglas, Rebekah Rath, Mikaela Schultz, and Lilly Gunter--have joined the team.

Coach Jennifer Darty said that these new girls have been able to bring many skills to the court.

“The four freshmen that I selected to be on varsity all play at a very high level and bring a lot to the table,” Darty said. “Just like every year, when we have tryouts, I am looking for the best athletes that want to compete at a high level and are going to get the job done. With this group, I got very lucky because they are going to be around awhile.”

Douglas felt that the trying out process was not as intensive as many believe it can be.

“Trying out for the team was fun because we had already gone to the Charleston camp, so I had already known a lot of people who are on the team,” Douglas said.

“It was still really nerve-racking because you still had no idea if you were on the team or not yet. Tryouts were really hard too, but it was fun because you had a whole bunch of people who were there helping you, and since I knew everybody, I already felt like I belonged there.”

Rath felt differently about tryouts than her teammate Douglas. Rath felt tryouts were a bit difficult.

“Trying out was definitely very hard,” Rath said. “You

are going up against girls who are more experienced and you just have to play your best.”

Although some freshmen might have trouble adapting to playing with the older girls, Darty says she coaches the freshmen just like the others.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say I take a different approach to coaching freshmen, but there is definitely a learning curve at the beginning and an adaptation phase to getting them comfortable in a new setting and style of play,” Darty said.

Just as Darty explained these girls have had to adapt, junior Ally Kissenberth feels having new players has been, and usually is, a bit of a struggle.

“Having freshmen on the team was a bit of a struggle at first since they are new to high school,” Kissenberth said. “They have to adjust to all of these new things, and it seems like they have been able to handle it very well.”

Douglas’ nerves were tested during her first appearance on the court.

“In my first game, I was really nervous, but I think I played okay,” Douglas said. “I had three kills and two blocks. It was my first three-fifths game, so it was really different, because once you win the second set after winning the first, you feel it’s done. Then you go back to the other side and it’s like, ‘Oh, wait, we still have to play another game,’ so it was really weird.”

Gunter’s first experience as a varsity player also brought some nerves to the court.

“The first game of the real season was against Lake

INDIVIDUAL

AVERAGES

13.5

.276

13.5

148

Audrey Douglas 71 individual

17.8

Oviedo Average

Rebekah Rath 254

National Average

Kills Per Set

Brantley and was super scary,” Gunter said. “I was nervous for how I was going to do playing with girls I have not experienced playing with. There was a big crowd but I still pushed through and showed what this season was going to be all about.”

Being a freshman means going up against and playing with older students, and that was an aspect that Douglas found rather daunting.

“At the beginning of the season, during preseason especially, I got really nervous because I had never played with a varsity team before,” Douglas said. “It was a lot different, but then after a while I talked to one of the older girls, and she helped me. Everything turned out to be okay.”

Rath said she feels as though the pressure doesn’t negatively affect her playing, but rather, it helps her rise to the challenge and play better every day.

Schultz said when they played Bishop Moore and Hagerty was she felt the most pressure.

“It’s pretty crazy playing when you have a huge crowd out there supporting you, so not only do you feel a need to help your team, but you also feel a need to play for the fans,” Schultz said.

Overall, the team has been having a strong season and they are currently 22-3 as of October 25, 2016.

“This season has been great!” Schultz said. “It’s had its ups and downs, as with any team, but overall it’s been awesome and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”

160 total team blocks 1092 total team kills

Mikaela Schultz 153 total team serving aces 20 Hitting Percentage

Total Blocks

Digs Per Set

INFOCOURTESYMAXPREPS.COM

Lilly Gunter 212

1438 total team digs

OCTOBER 26, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 21

UNDER PRESSURE TO WIN Boys’ golf team overcomes obstacles to success WRITTEN BY NEVADA CULLEN

PHOTO BY LEXI WHEELER Early this October, the men’s USA golf team won the Ryder Cup, much to the joy of many Americans grieving over the loss of The King, Arnold Palmer.

Team USA had a great performance, and the individuals on that squad motivate many young golfers who practice, day in and day out, to someday reach that level of success.

Boys’ golf team member junior August Kinder explained how watching the team drives him to be a better golfer.

“The USA Ryder Cup team motivates me because they play with passion for the game and their country,” Kinder said.

Working on their individual game is an important part of the golfers’ routine, as each spends time practicing putting, short hits and his swing at least once a week.

Head boys’ golf coach Shawn

Knaub sees this as each team member’s responsibility, because they focus on something different in group practices.

“A lot of that [skill practice] they have to do on their own, because it’s such an individual thing,” Knaub said. “I give them one day a week to work on their individual skills, and when we get together we usually play.”

Knaub takes pride in the improvement of his players, as his main goal is to have improved as a team, aided by each player rising to rise to a new personal level of performance.

Knaub expects each of his players to step up to the plate and do their job when the time calls, and although a golfer may never be perfect, each player must try his

hardest to get better.

“Golf’s a funny game, because right when you think you have it mastered, you don’t,” Knaub said.

Dealing with pressure in golf is important; different golfers take different approaches to pressure.

Pressure can stimulate emotions, causing the level of a player’s game to lower.

Golfers like Kinder acknowledge the true difficulty of dealing with their emotions.

“The hardest part of playing golf is controlling the space between your ears,” Kinder said.

As long as a golfer is able to counter his emotions, he can have success on the course.

Once emotions and pressure overtake someone, they can be in for some rough times.

Tough rounds in golf are

inevitable, but golfers have to learn to overcome it. When coach Knaub sees a player struggling, or someone dealing with shaky confidence, he offers some advice.

“Keep playing; there’s always one more shot,” Knaub said.

“You have to hit the next shot.

Don’t worry about the last one.

You never know when it’ll go in the hole.”

With all of the struggles that the boys’ golf team encounters, Knaub said he tries to ensure they are ready for any obstacle.

Overcoming those obstacles will prove important for the boys’ golf team.

The golfers know coach Knaub expects them to fufill their responsibilities and carry the load.

As the team improves and builds on their talent, they have one goal in mind for the end of the season.

“Make it to states, for sure,” Kinder said.

22 | SPORTS | THE LION’S TALE | OCTOBER 26, 2016

online manager

DOUG CHIODINI

Intensity demands respect

Try carrying a tuba on your back, playing it while marching in formation and keeping rhythm, practicing more than eight hours per week. I know I couldn’t.

Having played basketball, tennis and Ultimate Frisbee, I know how hard it can be to play a sport. It takes perseverance, practice and precision.

Band takes perseverance, practice and precision.

Though it is the most underappreciated sport at our school, band performs at all pep rallies and football games. They have tournaments, regionals and a state championship.

Since band has the same schedule as sports do, why isn’t it considered a sport?

Band requires strength, endurance and skill—things most sports require.

Carrying a 32-pound tuba is no easy feat.

Add in marching and using up precious oxygen to play the instrument, and it becomes a task as daunting as running a 400-meter race.

The one element of band that truly solidifies its spot in the sporting world is teamwork. Everyone has to be in sync; if one person is out of line, the formation crumbles. If one person plays a wrong note, the entire song is ruined. Every element of marching requires precise coordination to be successful.

Lastly, the members of band mostly enjoy what they do. From what I’ve heard, the band members love the experience and make great friends there. The most important part of sports, especially in high school, is being able to have fun while playing, and the people in band know how to do that.

Although they may not get the respect they deserve, let it be heard that band is not only a sport, but one of the most important sports for the school spirit atmosphere.

THE BLITZ UCF football has put itself back on the map with a 4-3 start under Scott Frost. If they keep winning, the Big 12 conference won’t be able to give them the cold shoulder for long.

With the NBA season coming around once again, there is no new excitement surrounding the Orlando Magic after they traded their best player (Victor Oladipo) for one year with Serge Ibaka. I predict a 34-48 finish, another lottery pick and another new coach.

With the baseball season coming to a close, the Chicago Cubs are back in the World Series for the first time since 1945.

With their youthful star-studded lineup, 2016 will be remembered not as the end of their 109 year title drought, but as the beginning of a dynasty.

MAKING MUSIC. Senior Ethan Johnson and junior Logan Clingman play the trombone during the halftime show at the camo-out football game against Winter Springs on Sept. 23.

BANDING TOGETHER

New show focuses on physicality of band preparation WRITTEN BY DOUG CHIODINI PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

The band runs onto the field, sounds of vibraphones and marimbas filling the air. A sense of excitement overcomes the crowd as the performers position themselves.

The Marching Lions, equipped with their new show Imagine, face the challenges of aborting their traditional style. “[Imagine] is very different from what we usually do,” said senior Kai Juge. “Usually we go for a shock-and-awe show with lots of loudness and loud brass, but this time we’re going for a lot of visual effects and a much more musical show overall.”

While the show that audiences see embodies its title--inspiring awe in its observers, leaving the crowd silent in amazement--the final product did not come without sacrifice.

Over the summer, the band put in 80 hours of work during their two-week band camp. They rehearse six hours weekly, in addition to performing at football games.

Through the grueling practices in the blazing Florida heat, the Marching Lions have not only developed their skills, but also a sense of unity that will propel them through the season.

“My favorite part about band is everyone working together as one,” said sophomore Ana-Paula Dovali. “We always give each other support. Just being with your friends and family to put on a show, allowing yourself to entertain others and be amazing, it’s all worth it.”

This chemistry has allowed younger

members, including freshman Anna Hite, going to win [states], and we want to to transition seamlessly into the flow of the represent Oviedo the best we can.’”

Even with their renewed motivation routine. Stating that the band’s structure helped guide her, with older members to be the best, the band still realizes the answering her questions, Hite sees the importance of enjoying what they do and band’s camaraderie as one of its main maintaining the enjoyability of band.

“It’s a good atmosphere,” Juge said. strengths.

“Our unity helps improve our “Everybody knows each other, it’s all performance because we’re not as hard friendly, and there’s a drive to succeed. on each other, but we help strive towards Sometimes that drive can take over with some of the staff, but usually they’re very better goals together,” Hite said. pleasant and That unity very good at sets the We’re doing what we love. Because we motivating us.” foundation for want first place at the state finals, there As the band their success— are always things to improve. prepares for their passion their march on for music allows Senior Matthew Chrisimer states, they try them to break to draw from through the barrier of mediocrity, preventing them from past mistakes to perfect their act, looking back on their past performances to seek settling for less than perfection.

“We’re doing what we love,” said senior improvement.

“As a unit, we’ve improved a lot on Matthew Chrisimer. “Because we want first place at the state finals, there are our visuals and musical style,” Hite said. always things to improve. We knew what “We’ve grown a lot since the beginning of the year.” to expect.”

As the season progresses and the As the band strives to improve, they Marching Lions grow as a unit, they realize have already begun to reap the rewards.

At their first competition, they achieved the importance of putting the team above second place overall, sitting only 0.8 points themselves.

“Everyone in the marching band has a away from first. Their success quelled the team’s uncertainties and provided extra duty to everyone else to do the best they can to make the show as good as it can be,” motivation to improve.

“Over the past couple weeks of practice, Juge said. “We try to win the competitions we had been doubting ourselves,” Dovali and such, and we often do, but it’s not as said. “Once we hit our final performance much about that as it is about everybody of the competition, we instantly got in the holding everybody else up in the show and mindset that ‘we want to win this, we’re making it so that we can be proud of it.”

ROAR BOARD

OCTOBER 26, 2016 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 23

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Oct. 14

Grateful to be a part of AFC Bournemouth first team for these two weeks #afcb 22 RETWEETS 99 LIKES

PHOTO BY OLIVIA BASTONE

PLOWING FORWARD. Junior K.C. Kanistras prepares for the annual powderpuff game during practice at the front practice field.

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STAR ATHLETE: KARINA BROWN

Powderpuff unites school despite controversy WRITTEN BY ABIGAIL WYDRA Powderpuff: the time of year that everyone gets to see girls in football jerseys and guys in cheerleading uniforms. The time of year that the juniors and seniors face off against each other to compete for rights to call their class superior.

But there is one small problem, according to many juniors: seniors cheat.

Junior Ally Young claims that the senior team talks to the referees before the game and asks them not to penalize the seniors as much as the juniors. In football, if a team is penalized they are forced to move back a certain number of yards, which makes it harder to score.

Senior Steven Evans wants the seniors to win--no matter what.

“If you gotta cheat, you gotta cheat,” Evans said.

Young said that this is not fair.

“They cheat and they get away with it,” Young said.

Other than the debate about seniors cheating, most players choose to sign up for powderpuff because they had so much fun as juniors.

Coaches also enjoy the fun.

Debate teacher Michael Jaycox likes coaching sports, and Powderpuff gives him a chance to do that.

“I have been here long enough to have had them [in class],”Jaycox said. “It’s cool to get to know them and interact with them in a different way besides the teacher student relationship.”

Junior players are experimenting to see if they like it and will do it next year.

Young stated that she is doing Powederpuff to be more part of the school. Plus, she wants to win.

“I wanted to do something different, and I have been looking forward to it since freshman year,” Young said. “I want to win, definitely, because I want to beat the seniors.”

Junior Lindsey Lee believes the juniors have a chance of winning this year.

“I think that we will put up a good fight,” Lee said. “We have a lot of good players this year.”

Seniors want to win because it is their last year in high school.

“I mean, it is our last year,” said senior Ninoshka Ortiz. “Juniors have one more year, and in their senior year they can win.”

PHOTO BY SCOTT WAISANEN

Q- When did you first start bowling?

A- I started in my freshman year.

Q- How have you developed your game since then?

A-I’ve grown a lot. For my first two years I was averaging around 100, but now I’m up to like 250.

Q-How did you go about improving your score that much?

A-It’s mostly my motivation and determination to set a higher goal for myself and the team.

Q-Do you plan on continuing bowling after high school?

A- I wasn’t planning on continuing initially, but there’s a good chance I could get a scholarship if I do. So I’m not really sure about that yet.

Q- What’s your favorite part about bowling?

A- The teammates. We’re such a big family, we talk about everything, and if we have a problem we can go to each other.

Q- What was your most memorable moment of bowling at OHS? A- Going to states my freshan year and this year and winning states my freshman year.

Q- How do you feel knowing this will be the last year at OHS? A- I’m going to miss everyone on the team.

We’ve gone from freshman to now, we’ve known each other for a long time, so it will be sad to leave.

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

PHOTO BY FAIZ UDDIN

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

FLICK OF THE WRIST. Senior Kennedy Simonds throws the frisbee at Ultimate practice on Oct. 20 at the front practice field.

HEART TO HEART. Division Chief of Training and EMS Nick Dorey shows freshmen Jose Bolanos and Sahas Thyarala how to perform CPR compressions.

SHOWING SPIRIT. Seniors Chris Green and Brenden Coombs show their support at the camo-out football game against Winter Springs on Sept. 23.

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

FIRST AID

FOOTBALL

24 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | OCTOBER 26, 2016

TAKE A CHANCE

Teens douse themselves in horror this Halloween WRITTEN BY MAKAILA COWART

October brings more than free candy and carving pumpkins. It holds one of the most anticipated Halloween events of the year: Halloween Horror Nights.

“When October rolls around, what gets me excited the most is the anticipation for HHN,” said Junior Seth Pisano, “I know Universal never disappoints.”

“Living in Florida, we don’t get much of the ‘fall’ experience,” said senior Brianna Carney.

“Most people look forward to pumpkin patches and hayrides… [for me] it’s Halloween Horror Nights.”

It seems that attendees from last year’s 25th Anniversary contest that this year triumphed

event has kept improving each year, experimenting with tactics expectations that it would be to make the experience an scarier and more developed almost real one. than previous years,” Carney complex than I expected,” said best year”. senior Kadi Tao. “My favorite “This year felt like it held more house was either Halloween 2, horror, not only in the scare Exorcist, or American Horror zones, but also the houses, as Story or any of them honestly. well,” said Pisano, “HHN 26 is They were all so detailed; way better than last year.” everything from sights and The houses also seemed to sounds to smells and feelings top last year’s line-up. were spot on.”

“HHN 26 was way better The Universal event has than last year,” Pisano said. “My grown from Fright Nights to favorite house was American becoming an icon of horror.

Horror Story. By the time I got “I think HHN really marks the out of the house, my vocal cords beginning of the season,” Tao were weak from screaming so said. “October should just be much”. renamed to Halloween Horror According to visitors, the Nights.” in the overall experience.

#HHN26

THROUGH

THE

GATES.

Seniors Brianna Carney, Brittany Mah, Keegan Lathrop, and junior Kendall Bergman at HHN 26.

ARM IN ARM. Junior Seth Pisano poses with a vampire from the Vamp ‘55 homecoming parade.

HOSTESS OF HORROR.

Seniors Kevin Gaddone, Bobie Gill, Zach Whitacre, and Steven Evans with the maniac herself, Chance.