Editor-in-Chief
Kaden Bryant
Managing Editor
Lauren King
Copy Editor
Audrey Choate
Photographers
Logan Hayes
Danielle Stein
Reporters
Tori Baer
James Bryant
Joemi Cordonero
Jared Fredell
Caleb Laxton
Ava Des Marais
Clare McCoy
Mars Meyers
Merrick DiCarolis
Cooper Garvey
Nelson Kanistras
Riley Sanderson
Dominique Moise
Snow Pastermack
Madelyn Reno
Joshua Sabbia
Luke Thompson
Luke Yost
Oviedo High School
601 King Street Oviedo, FL 32765
P: 407-320-4199
F: 407-320-4213
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
800 copies of The Lion’s Tale are distributed free to all students and staff at Oviedo High School. Subscriber information is available on OviedoJournalism.com.
Reader Contributions
Letters to the Editor are accepted and may be sent by post, e-mail or dropped off in Room 5-020. The Lion’s Tale does not accept guest columns and reserves the right to edit Letters to the Editor. Full policy is available on OviedoJournalism.com.
Advertising Policy
The Lion’s Tale reserves the right to refuse advertisements. The full advertising policy of The Lion’s Tale is available on OviedoJournalism.com.
at the same time. Take a look at page four to read about how multifaceted graduation really is for students.
Learning a new language is an impressive yet often underrated skill. Along with learning a new language comes the opportunity to create bonds with others you previously never would’ve been able to. Read about how the gift of language can strengthen ties in your own life on page five.
KADEN BRYANT | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The school year is approaching a close. Report cards are coming out, deadlines are soon due, and everyone is in a frenzy of some sort, whether it’s making up last-minute assignments or grading month-old work.
Taking a special look at the allstars on campus, this edition of the Lion’s Tale has a lot to unpack.
Graduation is approaching, and with it comes stress. Seniors have been awaiting this day for years, yet it somehow still feels so far away - but too close
In our news section, we cover many important events taking place. Mental health has been stigmatized for years despite the immense impact professional help can have on a person’s’ life.
On page six, mental health counselor Kevin Baluja and intern Sterling Ramsey show their support for students and the program in which they help them. It’s a judgment-free zone for all to have a safe space in which they can feel heard.
Speeding poses a dangerous threat to construction workers outside of Oviedo High School. They take measures
to ensure safety, but they are often ignored. Take a look at page seven to hear the concerns of these helpers.
Freshman Gargi Paranjape balances her school work and interests while excelling in her academics every single day. On page 9, read about how Paranjape achieves such incredible success in all aspects of her life.
Check out page 11 to see our sports section. Featured is Aidan Mahaffey for his achievements in weightlifting and Ben Filler, showcasing how his brother inspires him every day. Flipping the page, you’ll see coach Anna Hollis-Childress’ great contribution to the softball team this year.
Sweet symphonies, head-bopping beats, and light, airy tones. Our entertainment section features the underground band, Lime Cordiale. Look at page 14-16 to see about their musical impact, how Taylor Swift has lost her voice over an era of music, students’ favorite albums, a movie review of John Wick, Lana Del Rey, and more.
Logan is a sophomore and a photographer on staff. In his free time, he likes to play games, build computers, and is an animal-handler. He does freelance photographer and works at a feed store on the side. Portrait pictures are his favorite to take, animals and plants being his favorite. He listens to a lot of classic rock and dubstep. In the future, he’d like to continue as a photographer in the marines and build his own business one day. Even after retirement, he hopes to continue takes photos forever.
Mars is a junior and a reporter on staff. She enjoys writing in her free time, especially covering mental health topics like romantic tragedies. She doesn’t like writing happy endings, thinking they’re too cliche. Her music preference is wide and listens to a lot of country, pop, punk, indie, and alternative music. Her taste is very diverse and she likes to branch out with different genres. She wants to work for the national suicide hotline one day after majoring in psychology. Her goal is to help others.
Maddi is a junior and reporter on staff. She likes to go shopping, be wined and dined, fashion, music, and making TikToks. She works at ChickFil-A and hates movies because she has no attention span for them. Her hobbies include taking naps and going to the gym. She’s a Coke and Dr. Pepper fiend. She hopes to study at Seminole State next year, ideally broadcasting so that she can one day become a news reporter on TV. She likes listening to all music, especially rappers like Drake and 21 Savage.
CHICAGO ON
A great way to end off the school year with a spring musical,
takes on the classic Broadway musical, Chicago.
PERFORMANCE OF A
Band impresses the crowd with an incredible performance of their melodic, easy-listening, long-practiced music.
If such a thing as a radical environmentalist avant-garde horror film were to exist, the city of Oviedo would be a worthy candidate for its subject matter. The eerie specter of ruthless gentrification looms over the community, rearing its ugly head in hushed discussions of shopping centers being demolished to make way for endless development.
Despite the endless stream of quirky gift shops and small businesses that proclaim the unique opportunity
As high school seniors across the country don their caps and gowns this spring, they will be celebrating a major milestone in their lives: graduation. For many, it marks the end of a long journey filled with friendships, academic challenges, extracurricular activities, and personal growth. But there are two sides of this story.
On the positive side, graduation is a time to celebrate accomplishments and look forward to the future. Many students have worked hard for years to achieve their academic goals and earn their diplomas. Highschool graduation is just the start of their journey. Graduation ceremonies offer a chance for families, friends, and teachers to come together and recognize these achievements. It brings about a time for speeches, cheers, and tears as graduates take one last look back at their high school experience and prepare to move on to the next phase of their lives.
Graduation can also be a time for reflection and personal growth. Many students use this milestone to take stock of their experiences and think about what they’ve learned. They may reflect on the friendships they’ve made, the lessons they’ve learned, and the challenges they’ve overcome. For some,
graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities for self-discovery and personal growth.
However, there are also some less positive things associated with high school graduation. For some students, the transition to college or the workforce can be overwhelming. Getting into colleges is hard enough despite the potential financial burden. They may also struggle with the demands of higher education or the pressure to find a job. Some students may feel lost without the structure and support of high school and struggle to adapt to the new challenges they face.
Additionally, graduation can be a bittersweet experience for many. While it marks the end of one chapter, it also means saying goodbye to friends, teachers, and a familiar routine. Many students may feel a sense of loss or sadness as they leave behind the familiar surroundings of their high school and move on to new challenges.
Overall, graduating is a complex and multifaceted experience that can be both positive and negative. It marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another, filled with opportunities, challenges, and personal growth. While there may be some challenges associated with this milestone, it is ultimately a time to celebrate accomplishments and look forward to your future.
in Oviedo, this complete overhaul of the city’s character may render it completely indistinguishable from anywhere else in American suburbia.
The sights of cranes, the orange vests of construction workers, and dirt piled onto sidewalks seem to be nigh inescapable. Sprawling apartment complexes seem to be constructed in no time at all, with the glitz and glamor of Ikea light fixtures and brandnew exercise equipment always visible through the windows below.
While the economic invigoration and modernity that these developments bring are promising to many, it begs the question of where this growth stops. For instance, it is unclear if these shiny new apartment complexes will bring equal opportunity to the city, or, as has been seen in many places across America, a steady increase in rent for locals.
It is obvious that large real estate and construction companies are not developing Oviedo out of the goodness of their own hearts; as with most things in America, there is a profit to be pursued. There seems to be a deepening conflict between the longstanding small businesses and institutions in Oviedo and the newest coffee shops.
While coffee shops are obviously not an ontological evil, one must ask what the ramifications of the gentrification and development they serve as a harbinger for are for the working-class community in Oviedo that may not be able to afford any rent increases.
The obvious detriment to rapid urbanization is the displacement of
wildlife. Oviedo is representative of the “concrete jungle” metaphor to its most literal conclusion; the city overflows with animals, plants, and other natural structures. Sandhill cranes strut across the streets, bobcats and other dangerous animals are often the subject of panicked neighborhood Facebook posts, and the infamous chickens make themselves known sonically in the downtown area. However, one should definitely
make sure to keep in consideration what could potentially happen to Oviedo’s biological diversity if the all-consuming beast of urbanization continues to encroach upon habitats and ecosystems. During the aftermath of gentrification, when the real estate companies are satisfied, when Oviedo is nothing but a labyrinth of geometric apartment buildings, where will those celebrated chickens be able to rest?
“The obvious detriment to rapid urbanization is the displacement of wildlife.”
-Audrey Choate, 10
AUDREY CHOATE | COPY EDITORTIME’S TICKING: Senior Maddie Mahaffey sits down to work, trying to ignore the stress of graduation upcoming. WAKE-UP CALL: Clucking happily, “Sweatpants” the chicken roams around the corners of Oviedo. Every morning when the Sun rises, he crows. LOGAN HAYES | PHOTO
For some, language classes are just a requirement for graduation, but for those who continue on to the higher courses –it’s their life. Whether it’s Spanish, French, or ASL, learning a second language elevates your brain and changes your perspective on the world.
Languages open your mind to new experiences; it’s a way to connect to other people in a very special way. Learning new things allows you to be unafraid of the unknown and it allows you to utilize a part of your brain that is often left unused. Language barriers impede communication, so breaking down the barriers can change your world.
Since the United States has been described as a melting pot, many foreigners find a home here. Knowing a language can make something that’s very scary for people a little more friendly. Just imagine being new to a country, possibly having fled from a less than desirable life, hearing the language you speak would make everything so much more comfortable. Outside of immigrants, being able to understand or use ASL can be crucial in situations where a deaf person cannot communicate with hearing people.
The classes are even helpful for
people who already know the language, as they can use it to develop their grammar and become more fluent in different dialects, like someone from Mexico getting to learn Spanish from Spain. Being able to connect with more people from the same or similar cultures, can brighten the world of those who may feel alone at school. On top of connections they might make, for people who know a language more than English, having a class like that may give them an advantage, especially if they struggle in other classes. It’s a way to not only learn more correct grammar and speaking, but also give a boost to someone who might really need it.
The language program at Oviedo High School is also full of teachers with passion; it’s these teachers alone who take their love for other languages and transfer it to their students. For courses like French, Victoria Huffman has her students for 4 years (if they choose to continue), so the connections she makes with her students are truly unique.
These classes are unlike any other subject, the energy of the atmosphere allows students to learn differently. For many, the language program is a home for them and no matter what they pursue, these skills can stick with you forever if you let it.
WRITE IT DOWN: Students work hard in their foreign language class. They are translating new vocabuary and learning how to structure sentences for conversation.
Every June, companies incorporate aspects of pride month through any products of promotions they are releasing. They add a rainbow or a quote that shows their support for the community, but don’t actually go to much, if any, length to help the minority they’re supposedly representing. Some even go all out and change all their social media profiles and other company items to match the celebration for a certain group – but that is where the support often ends.
February is Black History month, March is Women’s History month, June is Pride month, and Spanish Heritage month is from September to October. These months are commonly used by companies to advertise their products, often altering their logo to match the design. For example, on International Women’s Day in 2018, Pringles changed their logo from their usual man with a mustache to a Miss Pringles. While they may be showing their support for the group, their intentions of doing it are often questioned.
Once these celebration months come around, many companies use
this to their advantage to gain income for themselves. They use socialmediatopromoteanyproducts of theirs, and design a logo or incorporate something that involves the celebratory month. Many companies do this expecting support from the groups they’re targeting, but oftentimes it backfires because it doesn’t actually benefit the community the brand is supposedly advocating for in the first place. InJuneof2022, Bud Light advertised rainbow colored beers for pride month andchanged the meanings of the LGBTQ letters, Obviously, the community did not appreciate those words, and the advertisement completely backfired. The community found it disrespectful, and found the words to be mocking. Many people felt that if someone wants to show support to them, having a play for words, or throwing rainbow colors everywhere, doesn’t give them appreciation. Instead, if you truly supportthem,thendoingwork with the community, or promoting them, helps the situation not feel like a mockery. Asimilarinstancewas whenWalmartstarted selling T-shirts
for Juneteenth back in 2022. Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the free slaves, who were emancipated. In today’s world of advertising and social media, you see a lot of people posting or selling items that are involved with the holiday. By doing this, it takes away from the true meaning of the holiday, and people are just profiting off of it. A person doesn’t need to sell or buy products to show appreciation of a holiday, but instead study those who were a part of this significant event, and celebrate the holiday for how it was meant to be celebrated.
One thing that most people don’t appreciate about these companies is their loyalty. For example, once February comes for Black History Month, or June comes for pride month, they change their designs on products and stores, to show support for their groups. But once the month is over, you don’t see much of their support anymore. This makes you think that they only do this for the money, so the people they are advertising for can buy their products. Whether their intentions are truly good or not, putting more effort into showing support for diverse groups is needed.
“Language barriers impede communication, so breaking down barriers change change your world.”
-Clare McCoy, 12
CLARE MCCOY | REPORTERAUDREY STREMBICKI | PHOTO
A student stands in front of a door - a bridge between them and the office of a social worker with his intern. Cold sweat drips down their spine, hand shaking as they turn the handle. But instead of being met with a bland, uninviting room like often imagined, the office is full of colorful plushies, pillows with positive phrases, and warm smiles greeting the student.
This is the office of Kevin Baluja and Sterling Ramsey.
Baluja is a school social worker and Ramsey is an intern. Typically, school social workers transfer between locations on a rotational basis. This allows the workers to reach a variety of students, although building proper chemistry with these students is difficult to sustain. As of this year, experimentally, social workers will stay at one location.
There is a team at Oviedo High School that consists of medical professionals, such as Baluja and Ramsey. Baluja manages general basic needs, such as attendance issues, as well as counseling. Ramsey attends the University of Central Florida in addition to her internship.
Baluja values the contrast between counselors and social workers.
“A social worker views a person holistically. They look at your personal life, your school life, your relationships –they want to get to know you and support you in all those ways,” Baluja said.
Counselors are the frontline to students who need support, but they are not the only option for service. Students may reach out to other personnel if they do not feel comfortable with their assigned counselor for mental health support.
“I think that the school is doing what they can,” Noah Powers, 11, said. “The school doesn’t know who needs help, but they make it very clear that we have a system available for students who are struggling mentally – that they have
According to the Florida Department of Education, $140 million were funded towards the Mental Health Assistance Program and $39.4 million for additional care services.
There are services available to students. What is called the ‘referral dashboard’ is a system that lets the staff know which students are requesting a meeting. It is not the stereotypical referral that implies disciplinary action.
The team at OHS leave their doors open for those who seek counseling. Some households make it so that students feel uncomfortable expressing how they feel, or if they need help. Medical professionals have studied in their field so that they can find an approach that will help others thrive.
“Sometimes we kind of think blackand-white, but there’s a whole lot to not just being students, but as humans,” Ramsey said. “We’re very complex creatures, we have a lot going on, and that’s why I really love this job.”
Ramsey grew up participating in community service and doing volunteer work. Her mother raised her this way: to give the good that you receive back.
“I am not here to impose my perspectives, my beliefs, the way I feel, the way I would treat a situation –I don’t impose that on anybody. All I’m here to do is to listen to you guys and navigate it with you,” Baluja said.
As with Ramsey, Baluja went to his school social worker for support. When they would have a meeting, his day would become a little brighter and a weight would fall off from his chest. Rather than a normal therapist, his social worker would view him as a person holistically. These ‘holistics’ are the center of social work, meaning looking into the layers of the person for the factors that contribute to their overall health: physical,
mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing.
In their office space, snacks and water bottles are available for students in need. The room is decorated with figures such as Remy from Ratatouille, inspirational quotes on posters, a mirror with positive reinforcements, and there are fidgets toys on the table. The working duo understand that students need a welcoming safe space, especially when discussing difficult topics.
“My best advice for any student is that there are things we want to go through alone and there’s things we don’t know who to go through with it. You don’t know what you’re experiencing,” Baluja said. “Just like if you’re lost in a city, you may need a tour guide. Just like when you’re lost with your emotions, you may need an emotional guide.”
Ramsey is working as an intern with Baluja to enhance her skills that she will use as a social worker. This means asking the right questions, actively listening, empathizing with students, and understanding human relationships. The goal is to view the individual holistically.
Many students are intimidated by the thought of having to speak to officials. The idea of repercussions or legal action supervening is a daunting thought. The majority of students believe that this is guaranteed to happen if they say the wrong thing to a social worker or counselor.
“The only counselors that felt helpful were the New Horizons counselors,” said Wakim. “Having more of them could definitely help students feel more open and safe to talk to someone.”
The waters of confidentiality can appear murky. The right to confidentiality means that whatever is said in the room, stays in that room. The limitation is if the student has the intention to harm themself or someone else, or if a situation is life-threatening. If the right professionals are contacted, they will explain the ground rules of confidentiality before the discussion is opened.
“Confidentiality means that you’re really in the driver’s seat,” Baluja commented on the concern. “The majority of time, when heavy topics come up, students will ask questions like, ‘if I were to talk about this, what would you
have to do?’ And I’ll answer you straight up if I have to make a report about that.”
Throughout the school year, select Thursdays are known as ‘Wellness Days.’ Third period is extended to allow students to watch a Nearpod covering a different topic every time. Covered subjects range from drug and alcohol use, to mental health, to social pressure. At the end of the lesson, a survey is mandatory for students to take to receive credit for participation. The last question is if the student needs mental health help. These surveys are sent to the counselors.
While the survey is a decent plan, many students are not convinced that Wellness Days are an efficient approach to addressing the situations that many students are in.
“They need to go more in depth on mental health issues and outlets that students can use. I believe that sitting in a classroom and listening to a monotonous video lecture on depression has a completely opposite effect than intended,” Ayalis Wakim, 12, said. “We need more access to mental health counselors that are specifically trained to handle mental health issues.”
Many students feel this sentiment, saying that the Nearpods are not interesting or bore them due to the long, unengaging segments. While the delivery of the lessons are informative, the execution is what matters. But the final survey does offer students an available route to ask for help. The fear of embarrassment is diminished when the right professionals are at your service. They understand the whys-and-the-hows of situations and will help navigate an individual with conflicted emotions, which sprout from the causes and effects of life.
“You could have done the absolute worst thing ever in your entire life, but we could still go somewhere from here because we have the gift of tomorrow,” said Baluja.
“Just like if you’re lost in a city, you may need a tour guide. Just like when you’re lost with your emotions, you may need an emotional guide.”
-Kevin Baluja
“I am not here to impose my perspectives, my beliefs, the way I feel, the way I would treat a situation - I don’t impose that on anybody. All I’m here to do is listen to you guys and navigate it with you.”
-Kevin Baluja
Barreling down Florida State 426 at 45 miles an hour on a 30, construction worker Taylor Schell is knocked back a few feet by the powerful gust of wind it blasts. The absent-minded driver passes on by without a thought, but Schell is endangered like this nearly every single day, and that fear sticks with him.
Taylor Schell is one of the many dedicated workers upgrading the overhead power lines outside of Oviedo High School. The current ones were outdated, meaning a larger gauge wire had to be installed. But, as workers like Schell arrive to do their job, they’re left in serious danger.
“There’s a lot of impatient people around here,” Schell said. “We try and pre-warn them before so we can get our work done, but it doesn’t do much.”
In 2020 alone, 4,764 construction workers died while on the job. Considering this, it’s no surprise road construction workers are constantly worried for their safety while merely trying to make a living.
While measures are put in place to
protect these workers, drivers constantly ignore these attempts. They put signs up to caution people of what’s ahead and to try eliminating as much confusion as possible and often end up having to spend time directing traffic themselves.
Azalea Moore’s job is dedicated to enforcing safety measures like these. She sets up cones, fixes poles, and ensures no oncoming traffic winds up causing an accident.
“It’s a construction site. People are working,” Moore said. “We wouldn’t speed through your front office, so why should anyone ours?”
Senior Ava Grady parks in the busy front lot of OHS every morning and has noticed the endless stream of cars zooming past the individuals hard at work.
“I think people just don’t realize what’s going on and it’s dangerous for everyone involved,” Grady said. “They’re out there with their cones and little yellow hats, but the cars barely give them any space to work.”
Many people don’t take the threat of their vehicle’s speed seriously. A car traveling below 20 mph is considered a safe speed for pedestrians, but just
TORI BAER | REPORTER
Club members clamor and bustle around, in search of a seat. The air is buzzing with excitement and hope as everyone celebrates the Inter-Club Council’s very first time at the drawing board. Pitches are exchanged and the room is full, but there is still the lingering promise of space for expansion in the future. It is a new moment for Oviedo High School as students revitalize the collaboration and impact that has been needed on campus.
The ICC may seem like a brandnew concept, but actually has been a part of OHS history for some time. The council’s reign had ended only two years after Student Government Association Representative, Heather DeLong, began teaching in 2015. It is now: SGA, Black Student Union, Gay-Straight Alliance, Latinos in Action, and Future Gen pushing the ICC back on its feet.
Nicole Garrow, 12, notes that, although the ICC is slowly crawling back, it has not yet regained its previous stature. It is still in its building process. The club has only done a summit at OHS and recently a countrywide meeting. They are laying out a foundation to bring what comes next.
ICC is planning to collaborate on events to help destress students. However, in order to make everyone feel invited and be able to join the festivities, some positive changes were first needed.
For example, the constricted title of homecoming/prom king and queen was
altered to be more inclusive of people who don’t identify under a binary label. The idea was brought up and implemented by students looking to help their peers feel more comfortable on campus.
Small changes, like with homecoming and prom, will be reverberated throughout school so that even smaller clubs can improve campus. These improvements will be magnified once several clubs can collaborate on one event or activity. That is precisely what ICC has in store.
Nicole Garrow hopes that the SGA food drive and other important events such as Black History Month will serve as a connection for some of these clubs. It can be a bonding experience, designed to spread smiles.
“I think it is a great opportunity for them to be built more so that our clubs can work together throughout the school and to create sort of a network, rather than working individually,” Garrow said.
Every quarter, the Council will work together and organize events such as the Freshman Ice Cream Social, the Club Crawl, and Senior Week. Last homecoming, other clubs joined in as well. Students note that it will be critical to keep up with the monthly and quarterly meetings to be able to maintain the Inter-Club Council and make these events happen.
“The club is hopefully going to take opinions and take the purpose of a bunch of different organizations, again, making
an increase of 10 is where the line is quickly crossed. Additionally, at speeds above 50 mph, the injury risk increases exponentially and could be fatal.
“Just be patient,” Schell said. “It pays off in the end.”
positive change and coming together once a month in order to make sure we’re all on the same page,” DeLong said.
Over the next few years, the ICC is wishing to expand to other clubs
around campus. In the past, InterClub Council was for every single club. Now, it’s not that it won’t be for every single club one day, but their current goal is to first go back to the basics.
“I think people just don’t realize what’s going on and it’s dangerous.” -Ava Grady, 12
In addition to the plethora of mental health resources at OHS, the New Horizons therapy program is available on campus for no cost. New Horizons Counselor, Keisha Jordan, maintains a fervent enthusiasm and optimism about her work and counseling services.
She enjoys her job as a high school mental health professional because she enjoys the various personalities of students, as well as their willingness to come forward about any issues they may be experiencing.
“I love all the different students’ personalities and experiences that I get to learn about when meeting with different students … I love that students are open to and willing to talk about things that are not easy for them and to look for the support they need,” Jordan said. “I hope by putting my best foot forward to support students in the best way that I can, that I’m giving them a space to reach their full potential.”
She feels that she gives her students the resources they need to succeed in their journeys with mental health.
“I feel like I put the ‘battery’ in students’ backs. I give them the confidence and support they need, so they feel like they are a little closer to [be able to] do the things they want to do,” she said. “They feel empowered.”
The New Horizons program features both individual and group therapy sessions. Students complete activities with other students who have similar issues to them; for instance, a group of freshmen concerned about their high school experience can find community and belonging in a space where their issues are shared.
“This is a space where students can just be who they are and learn the life skills they need,” Jordan said. “I feel privileged to be in a space where people come to me, and people who leave here and feel better about what they’re going through. Knowing there’s students that are benefiting from it, it helps to solidify that feeling.”
Even though this is only her first year working at OHS, she has received a great amount of support and appreciation from students who have benefitted from the New Horizons program and her counseling.
“This is the first time I’ve worked in a school, and, obviously, you guys spend a lot of time here. There is an effect of working with students where they have to be in a place they’re struggling with,” she said. “I feel privileged to be in a space where people come to me, and people who leave here and feel better about what they’re going through. Knowing there’s students that are benefiting from it helps to solidify that feeling.”
While Oviedo High School does have quite an abundance of mental health outlets, many students are not aware that these programs are available to them, for no cost.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because there are people here who are looking to help and support you. If we don’t know that you need
the help, we can’t help you. Telling someone you’re not okay can really make a difference,” Jordan said.
Keisha Jordan feels that her work at OHS has impacted her personally and has become an integral part of who she is.
“I’m a believer in God, and I think purpose is a big thing - and a part of who I am is answered by this work,” she said.
Shakira sings an infamous verse in the background. Students dance and hum along to the familiar tune, thrilled to have a fun-filled Friday. Leslie Martinez pauses the song, explaining not only the lyrics, but also its lore. Everyone sits at the edge of their seats in anticipation. The Spanish 2 teacher values that they hear the language in context, especially in something as widespread as music. She goes beyond the textbook requirements, constructing more efficient rules.
Most importantly, her dedication to granting that wish is unrivaled. And despite teaching being considered a challenging career, Martinez has meticulously managed to get as close to mastering it as possible. She has brought a new kind of teaching to the table, expanding her students’ worlds.
“I think I’m from a different culture than students at this school are used to experiencing,” Martinez said. “I don’t know if it makes me better, but I think it makes me different, and I think different perspectives are important in life.”
is very superficial,” she said. “You come in and leave and you don’t really retain anything. You just aren’t interested in coming to class.”
It sure is working. Her students love everything she does for them and how real of a person she is. She is authentic and peels back her outer shell to reveal her bright personality. She stays professional while maintaining an undiminishing connection with her students.
Lola Tuten, 11, thinks that it is impossible to find a teacher like Martinez. Her style of teaching is unique, expanding on more than just Spanish. Tuten notes that her teacher has guided her through tough times. She reminds her of her stepmother, acting as a mother figure at school.
“She’s helped me get a lot better at being confident about what I’m saying and explaining certain situations,” Tuten said. “She is sarcastic enough to bond with younger people, but old enough to keep them grounded, in a way, while also putting in hints of humor every once in a while and talking about really good life lessons.”
have to demand respect, Martinez earns respect from her students. Junior Uriah Williams is a student of Martinez that has grown a special bond with her.
“Everytime I come into the classroom, I am always yelling to say, ‘Hi’ or I dance around her desk,” Williams said. “It’s always fun, it’s always light, but she’ll keep me in line if I need to be.”
She always manages to brighten students’ days. Even if it is with the littlest things, she makes every moment count. Martinez takes interest in the students, showing that she cares.
“She has exposed me to a different way of learning,” he said. “I think, in the future, I will seek out other educators like her.”
Leslie Martinez wants her students to thrive and survive not just in high school, but also in life. She wants her students to learn more about the world, especially concerning Latin America.
“Her goal, as a teacher, is to show the love of Spanish-speaking countries through her own little way, to the point where people fall in love with it, too,” Tuten said.
WELL-CULTURED AND WELLROUNDED: Spanish teacher, Leslie Martinez, assists a student on their assignment for class.
Martinez wants to give her students a new experience so that she can bring something remarkable to their lives. She also emphasizes the importance of being personal with her students.
“I think that if you don’t really get to know each other, then everything
Martinez is funny and kind to others. However, she is also stern and not one to waiver when she has made up her mind. Most importantly, she acts accordingly in the right situations. That gives her an irreproducible balance.
While other teachers sometimes
Martinez aims to enhance the Spanish learning experience by teaching about Spanish culture from her own experiences.
“She is just so well-cultured and well-rounded. You always leave the classroom knowing more about history, culture, and Spanish,” Williams said.
Tunes echo in freshman Gargi Paranjape’s ears as she holds up her colored pencil to a formerly-blank page. She had just completed hours worth of experimentation after a long day of AP classes and competing in academic fairs, now finally able to enjoy the eternal peace of her craft.
With countless academic achievements to her name, Paranjape has very little time to actually relax. Despite the struggle of sparing a few hours here and there for her beloved hobbies, she still manages to be active in tennis, art, and swimming, as well as being an avid music-lover and continuous participant in fairs.
“Whenever I compete, I’m always a little nervous,” Paranjape said. “But, after presenting to a few parents and peers, I’m confident in my work and ability to succeed.”
Ever since she was three years old, competing has been in Paranjape’s blood. Even with tennis, fairs, and competitively swimming, Gargi Paranjape’s main focus is science.
“To me, science means having the power to create,” she said. “Science
gives you the knowledge to change the world, and I really like that.”
Gargi Paranjape is dedicated, and it pays off. She won first place for Earth and Environmental Sciences category in the Regional Science and Engineering Fair, earning a special award from the American Society of Civil Engineers and the US Agency for International Development. Paranjape was also a nominee for the State Science and Engineering Fair, OSC-LMSC, and the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition.
“When I won, I was shocked beyond expression,” she said. “I came to school the next few days smiling, and when the principal’s update showed my name with the awards I’d won, I showed all my friends. It really was a great experience.”
Paranjape is currently enrolled in three science classes, Bioscience 1 Honors, Experimental Science Honors, and Chemistry Honors. In bioscience, she is a force. Throughout the day, people come to her for help and she flies through labs like a tornado, finishing them with time to assist those who need it.
For her sophomore year, Paranjape is planning on taking five advanced placement classes, including chemistry.
COOPER GARVEY | REPORTER Greg Odienero, who helped him get that position here in the first place. He is quite passionate about the art of English and its subject. And had a very unique take on why he enjoyed it.
A new face enters the roster of Oviedo High English teachers: Joseph Robert. Ending up at Oviedo High School after a combination of both fortunate and unfortunate circumstances, Robert was quick to join OHS.
He was previously an English teacher at Deltona High School, but when he heard there was an opening at Oviedo, he took it.
“The head coach over here gave me a call and said they had a position available,” Robert said. “They wanted to know what my interest level was in joining Oviedo, and my interest level was very high.”
The class he teaches had to go through many substitutes and standins before Robert arrived. This has been the case for a couple of English classes in the school for seniors. An ordeal such as that can thwart people who are incredibly willing to learn.
Simply prohibiting good grades and making learning so much harder without a devoted teacher. He hoped to make their last quarter as good as possible with a now permanent instructor.
“They’re seniors,” he said. “They’ve had a unique situation here in this class where they’ve been through a couple teachers, subs, and whatnot.”
Robert also helps now run the football program at our school, the same as he did back in Deltona. Afterall, it was the football coach,
“It’s not like math or history where there is either a right or wrong answer. We, especially here with the seniors, do
Although, unlike her math and science homework, Gargi doesn’t have her future entirely figured out right this exact second, but luckily has plenty of time to
figure it out in the mean time. With all her extra work, hobbies, and interests, she has many options ahead of her.
“After high school, I want to go to Georgia Tech for college. Other than that, I just know STEM is where I want to be,” she said.
a lot of interpretation and things like that,” Robert said. “You get a lot of different answers and a lot of different opinions on things and it really makes it interesting.”
Coach Robert too was grateful that he had such an opportunity to come to Oviedo in the first place.
“I’m very happy to be here,” he said.
”It’s a great school and a great county, especially for this school to be in. In the 6-7 days I have been here, it has been nothing but warm and welcoming,” Students rest assured that the class of Coach Robert is definitely one that they hope to be in, for both the literary arts and his teachings in football.
“It’s a great school and a great county. In the 6-7 days I have been here, it has been nothing but warm and welcoming.”
-Joseph RobertBIG LEAGUE BOOMIN’: Freshman Gargi Paranjape competes in another science competition, showcasing her impressive hard work and earning her another title for the books.
“When I won, I was shocked beyond expression. I came to school the next few days smiling, and when the principal’s update showed my name with the awards I’d won, I showed all my friends.”
-Gargi Paranjape, 9
JOEMI CORDONERO | REPORTER
Walking in the science building, you’d easily recognize Christopher Capp’s room. The door is always wide open whenever he can, the laughter from students talking with another and with him, the inviting atmosphere of past projects everywhere. Capp is recognized as one of the most well-beloved teachers on campus by students and staff alike.
Capp originally had an education degree in teaching mathematics, but had an abundance of knowledge in physics from his college years to want to become a science teacher. With his
fun personality, for him, it was fitting for someone with a lot of energy who loved to do exciting labs on campus.
He brings an energy that just a mention of his name makes people smile or recall a fun story that happened in his class. From past labs making ice cream, to his costumes that he goes full out for - like dressing up in a full bat costume. It’s a Capp thing that can’t be replaced to his students.
From inside and outside of school hours, Capp dedicates his time to his students as much as he can. He sponsors Dungeons and Dragons, SECME, and GSA. Though they all differ in many
| REPORTER
The SECME club is a longrunning but relatively unknown club between elementary, middle, and high schools. SECME, which stands for Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics, and Enrichment, inspires students in STEM and allows them to fuel their love for science into creative projects and competitions.
The club’s sponsor, Chris Capp, is a proud and beloved physics teacher in Oviedo High School’s science department.
“I like watching the students suffer and struggle, because the beauty of it comes when the projects come together,” Capp said.
He has been the sponsor for all 11 years of his teaching and enjoys inspiring and challenging his students to create. With his love for his students and science, SECME is the perfect outlet for his passions.
Sonny Maiorino, 11, is the club’s vice president and a third-year member.
“I feel like he’s the only one that could do it, he’s chaotic but he definitely brings the right energy,” Maiorino said. “The best thing has been seeing the club grow over three years.”
It’s that energy exactly that won two teams the top three in the competition this past February at UCF. Along with the math competition, members of the club participated in many of the events, like the egg drop, bottle rocket, bridge, and hanglider. These projects were meticulously crafted starting in September, and the members’ hard work paid off.
But, as much as the club is for science, a lot of students use it to make friends. Finding other people with the same interests and ambitions is extremely important for those who wish to continue them after high school. Capp’s environment allows students to branch outside of their comfort zones
areas, they all agree on one thing: Capp makes them feel comfortable to be in his classroom around others like them.
“I usually just, you know, trust everybody and I give them open space to speak their mind and I don’t judge,” Capp said.
One of the clubs, GSA, is an invitation for anyone to get involved in to be with friends or peers around them. Capp’s been involved with the club for many years and doesn’t plan on letting go of sponsoring the club. He loves being a part of the club’s atmosphere and so do the students.
“The atmosphere of the club is
very comforting. Capp helps make the atmosphere [in the club] with his personality,” said future GSA president Lupé Ayala. “He has a happy personality that can brighten someone’s day.”
As much as the students enjoy the clubs as much as they can with friends and the activities that occur during them, Capp also finds joy in being there for his students.
“I like giving them a place where they can be themselves and they can kind of do what they like to do best,” Capp said. “You know, sometimes kids just need an outlet, and I like picking the clubs where there’s not really somebody who has that outlet for them.”
Out of clubs, he also gained new experience from his physics class. Last year, the previous AP Physics teacher, Dr. Soos, retired. Capp has had to work from the ground up to create everything from the labs to tests to make the class smooth sailing.
“I am honored that they trusted me with the class, it has been extremely challenging putting together the class,” he said.
Capp continues to be the notorious great teacher that he is through his determination to make sure his students know how much potential that is in them.
and learn more well rounded skills.
“I like being able to work with friends and being able to use that experience in the real world,” Timothy Doucet, 12, said. The goal is never to learn how to do one science subject perfectly, but instead how to integrate what you learn in school to your everyday life.
SECME is so much more than meets the eye; for those who choose to join will find a world of new interests and people. But, in addition to it, is Capp’s infinite love for all things science that brings the club’s energy and environment to a level not typically seen in a school environment every day.
“I like giving them a place where they can be themselves and they can kind of do what they like to do best.”
-Christopher CappCAPP SNAPS BACK: Christopher Capp talks strategy with a student during the annual and highly-anticipated PowderPuff game between the teams who came well-equipped for the big night.
The crowd watches the game intently; the ball flies through the air and the stands roar as the Lions land a homerun – winning the game. It’s jarringly tense, it’s incredibly energetic, and, ultimately, it is victorious.
Like most incoming freshmen, the opportunity to join the Oviedo High School football team is an experience coveted by its students. Sophomore Aiden Mahaffey, ever so eager to play, impressively made the team as a freshman.
He joined the program under Coach Greg Odierno, more commonly known as Coach O, who is known for working his players hard in the weight room to help strengthen the team and increase their physical performance. This aided Mahaffey in becoming the star he’s known as today.
“I definitely think joining football helped me grow stronger,” Mahaffey said. “It’s something I look forward to doing.”
Getting into the weight room
is an important part of all student athletes training. Aiden Mahaffey is one such athlete. Mahaffey started lifting while the world was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He notes that this was a stressful time in his life in which the relief of lifting simultaneously lifted him some much-needed stress off his shoulders.
“Lifting during COVID really helped me get through lockdown,” he said.
This year, while still on the football team, he made the decision to join the weightlifting team in hopes of seeing how his strength compared to other athletes in the state.
Mahaffey competes at an impressive 219 pounds, which is an extremely competitive weight class. While competing, he only does the clean and jerk along with the bench press. Despite this his max clean and jerk is 205 pounds, while his bench press is an impressive 280 pounds.
“Aiden is a beast,” Micah Thorpe, 11, said. “Whenever we’re in the weightroom for football, he’s always supportive.”
He catches the ball, landing swiftly in his lucky glove as the crowd goes wild. Confidence, skill, and pure dedication – these are the words that family and friends use to describe Ben Filler. Ever since he was a child, Filler knew that he wanted to play baseball. Now a sophomore, he still has a similar goal: play ball at the next level.
Ben Filler is now in his second season as a Varsity Lion and has already made major improvements as a pitcher. He’s currently leading the Lions in Earned Run Average (ERA) with a 1.50.
While the Lions aren’t have the most inspiring season sitting at the halfway point with a 8-9 record. While not the most impressive season it’s better than many expected as this was considered a rebuilding year around the program.
Even entering a rivalry game with cross-town rival Hagerty High School on a four-game losing skid, Filler isn’t worried.
“We have a really strong team and really good chemistry,” he said.
While Filler came into the season as a starting pitcher, he’s taken a new role as the team’s closer. He has saved countless games this season for the Lions.
“My role for the team is to finish games out,” Filler said. “I love pitching in high pressure situations and playing a big role with the team.”
Ben Filler draws inspiration from his younger brother Max, who has autism.
“My brother inspires me to keep going every single day,” Filler said. “If he can keep going and stay positive, so can I.”
His great mindset helps him when pitching in tough situations. In addition to this is his close relationships with friends and family, helping to motivate him as a baseball player and make him into a better person. Not only does Max inspire Ben, but Ben also impacts Max.
“I am a great friend to my brother,” Ben Filler said. “I’m his best friend and everything, you could say I mean a lot to him.”
The Lions have seven games remaining and hopes are that they can finish the season strong. Ben has appeared in 15 of the teams 17 games and has recorded nine strikeouts, two walks, and has only allowed an on base percentage of 182.
These are incredible numbers, only being a sophomore. Filler hopes he can continue to build off this hot start and finish the season strong.
“My brother inspires me to keep going every single day. If he can keep going and stay positive, so can I.”
-Ben Filler, 10
scored their first run on a double play. The Lions closed out the inning, but failed to get on base in the bottom of the second.
The third inning got even worse as the Huskies got big hit after big hit, resulting in them scoring three more runs. Now, down 4-0, the Lions turned it up in their half of the inning with Tyler Coopersmith getting on base and Kyle Ball hitting a double. As a batter, Kaiden Lopez made the biggest play yet with a single, bringing Coopersmith and Ball home to make it a 2-run game. Now with the crowd back in it, Oviedo was feeling the energy.
The fourth inning started with the Huskies getting an out on a deep ball to left-center field. But since they still had a runner on base, Coach Andy Lyon put in relief pitcher, Ben Filler, to keep the Huskies in check.
needed to keep the game tied at 4-4.
In the bottom half, Cooper Pitman slammed a deep ball to left-center field for a double that got the crowd roaring. A sacrifice fly ball and a hit to center field later, Pitman scored a run. After a strikeout and a fly ball, the inning was over, but with the Lions now up, 6-5, all they needed were three outs to win it.
It was a humid and cloudy Friday afternoon at Mikler Field. Fans packed the stands as the Lions (8-10) prepared to take on their bitter rivals: the Huskies (13-5). After a devastating 11-0 defeat on Tuesday at Hagerty, the varsity squad looked to even the series. With Kaiden Lopez, 11, as the starting pitcher, Oviedo was ready for what was sure to be an exciting game during a season that one fan described as “an incredibly hard up-and-down fight.”
Lopez started off well with a strike on
the first pitch and eventually an out after a fly ball to right-center field. He struck out the second batter and forced the next one to chop the ball straight to him for an easy third out. However, throughout this strong opening, the Huskies dugout was raucous with constant chants, jeers, and distracting noises to get any kind of advantage they could - something they would continue for the entire game.
In the second inning, the Huskies were able to get into scoring position on second base after Lopez tried to check a runner at first and messed up the throw. A hit to right field later, and the Huskies
JOSHUA
SABBIA | REPORTERPeople often say that being an athlete can be very stressful and they need to be very focused to do great in their sport, but what people don’t talk about is how much it takes to be a coach of these sports teams. Dealing with the stress of watching the team they built to perform well is a task of its own, but rewarding at the same time.
Softball coach Anna Hollis-Childress deals with these issues all the time, but the way she takes these problems and makes them positive is what makes her a great coach. When she coaches, she really tries to build a team, instead of individual players playing together.
“I want to form a team bond wheretogethereveryone achieves more,” Hollis said.
She takes pride in what she does and puts her time into making the team great. Though, sometimes, it can be difficult to manage time between family and coachingbut she manages to make it work.
“I tend to throw both feet into
coaching, and that is why my husband is coaching JV with me,” she said.
She is a veteran member of the Oviedo staff, teaching for 30 years. She was a varsity softball player for all four years herself at Oviedo, highlighting how much she cares about the sport and school.
“I was a part of an era of the best slow pitch team Oviedo ever had,” Hollis said.
She started coaching fastpitch softball in the 1993-1994 school year and coached until the 1999 season until she took a break to start a family. She came back and coached volleyball because they had a new softball coach, but couldn’t get the sport out of her system and eventually came back as the coach.
She wants to inspire other players to be the best they can, and has many goals to get there. Truly believing in her team, the hardest part can be getting them to believe in themselves.
“I want to get the girls to believe in themselves, and the fact they have individual talent that, when combined with teamwork, is a perfect recipe for a great team,” Hollis said.
Ian DeVos got hit by the ball before getting walked, Brad Kantrowitz bunted, but the Huskies got DeVos out - all before Coopersmith got a single to put runners on first and second. One out later, Ben Filler got a hit and brought in a run after Hagerty’s shortstop fumbled the ball. Cooper Pitman got a clutch single to bring another run home and barely got to first base safe to keep the inning going.
Thanks to big hits and smart base running tactics, the Lions had tied it up. In the top of fifth, Filler got two outs on fly balls, but ended loading the bases again on walks. While his endgame was to not make the big mistake, he ended up letting a few batters off the hook. But, with excellent precision, he made crucial strikes when he
In the final inning, Filler got a strikeout and walked a batter on a 4-1 count before getting subbed out after his great performance. Brody Pezza came into the game with the chance to save the game, but after a deep hit into left field for a double, the runner at first ran across the plate to tie the game at 6-6. Another hit for Hagerty brought another runner home and by the time the Lions got three outs, the damage was done. Coppersmith’s at-bat had a strike and two balls before he sent a fly ball to right field for out number one. Napier’s at-bat went the same way before a hit to first base resulted in out number two. With Oviedo needing a hit to stay alive, Thomas Tanner got it with a single that went over the third baseman’s head.
Needing to not concede an easy strike, Pitman made contact with a hit to third base, but Hagerty’s infielder just got to the ball in time.
The third out was made and the ballgame was over: Huskies 7, Lions 6. While the Lions made great plays throughout the game, crucial mistakes made in the infield along with Hagerty’s persistence resulted in a tough loss, but a valuable lesson.
“I want the girls to believe in themselves.”
-Anna Hollis-Childress
impressive victory on the field to remember.
MERRICK DICARLOIS | REPORTERTrey Ridder always knew he was born to play lacrosse. Even as a young kid, the sophomore lacrosse star knew he was going to start for the Oviedo Lions.
“I’ve always wanted to play for the Lions,” Ridder said. “I’ve lived here my whole life and Iwas alwayswatching them.”
Growing up in Oviedo, Ridder would watch Lions games as a kid and dream about starting for the orange and black. Now, he’s doing just that in ways his younger self never could’ve imagined.
After having 12 points in his freshman season, Ridder upped his game, already surpassing that number with 15 points in four games. Ridder is very proud of the recent success, but has still managed to stay humble despite it all.
“I love seeing my work and practice translate to my game, but I know that I still have a lot of space to grow,” he said.
Ridder is also a wide receiver for the Oviedo football team, who just finished a 10-2 season. But Trey Ridder isn’t only an athlete, he’s also one of the best-
ranking students in Oviedo High School.
After finishing at the top of his class freshman year, Ridder has ambitions to be valedictorian of the 2025 class. Balancing football, lacrosse, and a rigorous school schedule isn’t easy.
“It’s a lot of hard work taking this many AP classes and playing two sports,” Ridder said. “It’s all about having a good life balance.”
The Lions started the season off hot, winning three out of four games, including a win against crosstown rival Hagerty, Ridder had four goals against the rivals leading the Lions to a victory over the Huskies.
Their first loss came the day after the Hagerty win, narrowly falling to Timber Creek by one goal. Despite the loss, the team is still on track to accomplish their goals.
Although, recently the Lions have been struggling – losing three in a row before ending their losing streak to the Winter Springs Bears. Ridder led the team to victory putting up six points in a 12-3 victory.
“We came into the season with goals and we think so far we’ve worked really hard and accomplished those goals,” Ridder said.
Trey Ridder is a hard worker on and off the field, and it’s paying off for the Lions in a big way this season – impressing fans of the sport, as well as his younger self.
Boys varsity lacrosse is nearing the end of the season. With a winning record of 7-6, they are looking to finish off strong.
“This season has been great,” Aiden Eberle, 12, said. “We had our highs and lows, but we always came to play during our big games like Lake Howell and Hagerty. Everybody was pretty much locked in.”Beating Hagerty is always a huge accomplishment for any Oviedo High School athlete. It can be a great feeling to defeat the cross town rivals.
“Last year, we weren’t able to take it home, but you know it’s senior year so we had to,” Tyler Peeler, 12, said. “We had all the energy in the locker room before the game when we got on the field we put on our best.”
Getting hyped before the game was a key factor in their success against Hagerty.
“One thing I’ve learned is if you
want to get a win, just listen to Ty Peeler’s playlist before the game,” Trevor Metz, 12, said. “The Hagerty game was electric. We were there from start to finish and we didn’t give up.” Senior nightwas also a big successwith a 10-5 win against Lake Nona High School.
“Senior night was great, the whole community came out to support,” Peeler said. “We weren’t sure how the game was gonna go, but it ended up going our way.” With their two most important games of the year out of the way and ending up in wins, they’re now looking
forward to competing in districts. “We’ve been doing alright you know, we just haven’t gotten in our flow yet. We get a win then we go right back down,” Ethan Jones, 10, said. “We just need to get together, playoffs are coming up, I think we’re ready.”
“Last year, we weren’t able to take it home, but you know it’s senior year so we had to.”
-Tyler Peeler, 12
Limes leave a sour taste in your mouth, but Lime Cordiale leaves every lucky listener of their intricate, airysounding music feeling understood, youthful, and anything but sour.
There are countless staples in their 2017 album, ‘14 Steps To a Better You,’ that encompass their motto: “we take our music seriously, but we don’t take life too seriously.”
Oli Leimbach leads the surfpop group beside his brother, Louis Leimbach, in which they create music inspired by their distinctive, eccentric opinions on the world, what it is, and what we as people can do about it to be better.
A lull beat plays over a striking pitch, the saccharine sound of bongos reverberating in the background. ‘Addicted To the Sunshine’ was the very first song I had ever heard from the underrated group. Oli and Louis’ voices blend naturally to produce a soothing, calming tune that brings you back to childhood. While the point of the song
MARS
Taylor Swift’s song titles had some potential in her new album, “Midnights.” But that’s where the good ends. “Lavender Haze” sounds magical and enticing. A lavender haze is a term from the 1950s about being in the honeymoon phase of a relationship, and I would love to hear a song about someone’s lavender haze. Instead, Swift describes sexism and how a lavender haze creeps up on her – how she would love to stay in the lavender haze.
While “Lavender Haze” is tolerable, “Anti-Hero” is overplayed and repetitive. It has bad lyrics too: “Sometimes I feel everybody is a sexy baby,” or “I have this dream that my daughter-in-law kills me for the money,” and last but not least “It’s me, Hi! I’m the problem, it’s me.”
“Snow On The Beach,” which features Lana Del Rey, isn’t the worst. It’s reminiscent of her old, better music – for
instance, “Fifteen,” from her second studio album. Like all of her songs do, it tells a story. Her voice was softer and more powerful back then, her voice could fill a room and make people feel like they knew her and where she comes from.
For example: “When all you wanted was to be wanted.” This lyric shows how she felt unwanted by someone she loved. Many of us can relate too, as we’ve all been in a place where someone we loved hasn’t loved us back. Or, “Back then, I swore I was gonna marry him someday. But I realized some bigger dreams of mine.” These two lines show the story of how she grew up. Learning that her dreams are more important than marrying a man.
revolves around how people often don’t take many measures to protect the “sunshine” that we’re so “addicted” to, it holds a more personal message to me about preserving what’s left of our youth.
‘Following Fools’ draws you in with its slow to fast-moving pitch, accompanied by the Leimbach brothers’ oldie sound. The chorus melts into an upbeat, sunny melody as they repeat the lines, “we just wanna love you, we just wanna love you.” Lyrics like these symbolize the toxic masculinity ingrained within society due to men often attempting to appear as strong and powerful, rather than admitting and owning up to their weaknesses. Young men are more-so in need of guidance, love, and role models, as they are also commonly held to unrealistic standards when it comes to emotional well-being and vulnerability.
Beginning with a short intro from Leimbach, ‘That’s Life’ then follows a high-pitched, pixelated-sounding beat accompanied by a peaceful, continuous strum of guitar. Leimbachs’
voices sound far away and longing, yet the lyrics are centered around living in the present moment. They sing, “Yeah, in one moment, could all be gone. It’s more about the things that you haven’t done.” This masterpiece has a funky, beachy-feeling ambience that sets a nostalgic mood – despite its deeper meaning about the guilt people feel for constantly worrying over the future – in which the listener can truly just enjoy the present as these tunes fill their ears.
Lime Cordiale manages to capture both a sweet, savory sound that evokes a juvenile, high-spirited feeling, taking you back to the most freeing memories embedded in your brain. The Leimbach brothers have remarkable voices that are individual to them and the type of incredible music they together create. Utilizing a diverse range of euphonious instruments, track sounds, and their own blissful voices, Lime Cordiale is a bittersweet sound for all music-enjoyers to eagerly consume and add to their playlist.
It’s almost as if she isn’t representing herself as a whole anymore. More like she is representing someone else’s stories. Taylor Swift’s old music has always been better than new. She had a stronger voice back then and now she’s quiet. SWIFT
“We take our music seriously, but we don’t take life too seriously.”
-Oli LeimbachSPEAKING NOW: CC by Attribution-Share Alike 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. SURROUND SOUND: CC by AttributionShare 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. BRUCE BAKER | PHOTO EVA RINALDI | PHOTO
With hit after hit, everyone in the world should know at least one song from ‘Hereos & Villains.’ In this dynamic masterpiece, you can hear stunning contributions from countless famed artists, such as The Weeknd, Travis Scott, Young Thug, 21 Savage, A$AP Rocky, Chris Brown, Future, Don Toliver, Takeoff, Mustafa the Poet, and John Legend. Bringing the best to the studio, these talented artists crafted this album to be a refined masterpiece - one of the best of our decade that will go down in musical history for ages. Only four months old, “Heroes & Villains” has stood firmly on the top 10 chart and it’s clear to see why. The haunting, airy tones in “Creepin” bring about a deep heartache in every listener, whether familiar with such debilitating emotional pain or not. The quick-moving, head-bopping beat of “Superhero (Heroes & Villains)” is sure to capture the attention of any rap-lover with a passion for consummate music.
“Midnights” is Taylor Swift’s most recent album and it is an absolute storm, blowing every song off the board. It’s currently sitting at #7 on Billboard 200. Most of Swift’s songs are enjoyable and deserve to be where they are and so does this album. Not my cup of tea, however, a whole bunch of people think otherwise. Taylor Swift has had a massive fanbase and it still stands to this day. With the “Midnights” release the fanbase is only getting bigger. If you’re a Taylor Swift die-hard, this is the album for you.
The number one album, ‘DAWN FM,’ written by the best musician in the world, The Weeknd, is so talented with the music he used to make at the beginning of his journey and the music he’s currently creating. No matter what time of his career you listen to, it’s a masterpiece. The “Dawn FM” is one of those masterpieces, with The Weeknd bringing every taste of music into one. With a solid 51 minutes, this album gives you plenty of time to vibe to whatever you’re currently doing. According to the fan, the best song on “Dawn FM” is “Less Than Zero” and I agree. Obviously, coming from The Weeknd, almost every song is a hit, but “Less Than Zero” hits better than any. The album was nominated for many awards so you know it’s a must listen.
Anomaly is the oldest album on this list. This track was released in 2014 and still to this day is one of the better pieces of music from the last decade. Lecrae is extremely talented and maintains around two million monthly listeners on spotify. This album is super calm, relaxing, yet powerful. Lecrae’s rapping and lyrics have deep meanings and show the talent that he has. The features on this album bring a whole new set to the table with lots of different people and styles getting involved.
LUCKI’s ‘Freewave 3’ is very underrated even though he has countless songs that do not miss. Every song you go to listen to made from this artist is a guaranteed score. The beats are impossible not to enjoy and sing along to whenever on. His album
“Freewave 3” shows his full potential in about 30 minutes. Sadly, his songs are quite short and feel like they’re over before they start, however, that doesn’t affect this artist’s skill and passion for the music industry. If you’re looking for the best from LUCKI, “Freewave 3” is the way.
LUKE THOMPSON | REPORTER
“Are you ready John?” “Yeah…”
409 people were killed over a dog, car, and his freedom. This may not sound believable, however, it is true.
The story of Chapter 4 is another within the stories continuing John’s bounty with nothing left but to survive and get his freedom. There’s no reason or objective for John anymore, all he has left is his life to give. The movie earned $250 Million USD at the box office, opening weekend. The director, Chad Stahelski, did amazing with the angle that this movie would have. Everyone who was a part of this project executed it perfectly.
When it comes to this franchise, the amazing effects make every scene and every kill incredibly convincing. The people who directed and worked hard were dedicated to their craft, bringing these films to their full potential. Each scene is filled with realistic fighting, intelligently-placed lighting, and massive explosions made with CGI. To make the effects really pop, the actors had to find the perfect time to fall after being shot or hit with an explosion. The cinematography and the sheer amount of effort put into falling off a building onto a car or down a set of
MADISYN RUMMEL | REPORTER
The album opens with the track “The Grants,” a mesmerizing, haunting ode to love and memories that were once lost. Lana Del Rey, elegant as ever, has a voice as mesmerizing as ever, with her distinctive timbre and delicate phrasing perfectly capturing the bittersweet emotions of the lyrics. The production on this track is particularly impressive, with shimmering guitars and atmospheric synths that create a hypnotic, almost-psychedelic sound.
Released on March 23, 2023, showcases Del Rey’s signature style of romanticism and melancholia, with an added emphasis on dreamy, hypnotic soundscapes.
“Let the Light In” is another standout track, with Del Rey’s vocals soaring over a driving beat and ethereal instrumentation. The lyrics are characteristically introspective, with Del Rey reflecting on the loneliness and isolation that can come with a secretive, toxic relationship. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Del Rey singing “Ooh, let the light in at your back door yelling ’cause I wanna come in ooh, turn your light on look at us, you and I, back at it again.”
The album’s title track is another highlight, with Del Rey’s vocals once again taking center stage. The lyrics are strikingly personal, with Del Rey reflecting on her own struggles with mental health and self-doubt. The chorus, which features Del Rey singing “love me until I love myself,” is both poignant and haunting.
Other standout tracks on the album include “Sweet,” a shimmering, dreamy track that showcases Del Rey’s poetic lyricism, and “Grandfather please stand on the shoulders of my father while he’s deep-sea fishing,” a wistful ballad that explores themes of nostalgia. Throughout the album, Del Rey’s voice remains the driving force, with her distinctive style and emotional depth adding an extra layer of complexity to each song.
“Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” is a stunning addition to Lana Del Rey’s discography. The album’s lush production and deeply personal lyrics make for a mesmerizing listening experience, with each track offering a unique glimpse into Del Rey’s world. Fans of her previous work will find much to love here, while newcomers will be drawn in by the album’s ethereal beauty and emotional depth.
stairs made these scenes spectacular. A lot of chatter is going around the topic of John Wick saying that some of the characters that John Wick has interacted with that are still alive, will make spinoffs with a whole new movie or show about those specific characters with little seasoning of John Wick being involved. Another thing that’s being looked over is making completely new movies that aren’t involved with the John Wick series, however, Wick may cameo in them. This series is so good, everyone would want another. Rumors are that Chad Stahelski confirmed that there is a possibility about a fifth chapter. Let’s hope these rumors are true but eventually, John Wick has to end. John’s life is sad, and sick with everyone around him wanting to kill him. This series is beyond amazing with how a single man was able to survive for this long, killing everyone in his path. He’s been thrown down stairs, chucked off buildings, and shot multiple times. These movies are the most exciting to watch because there is so much happening between the amazing sets, the acting, and all the special effects mixed into perfection akin to a mouth-watering beef, cheese, and rice burrito. The best of the best of action, step into the shoes of the John Wick.
“When it comes to this franchise, the amazing effects make every scene and every kill incredibly convincing.”
-Luke Thompson, 9HEY REY: Lana Del Rey’s album cover, adored and treasured by the avid listeners of her music.
