The Lion's Tale - Volume 58 Issue 1 - Oviedo High School

Students find food, jobs at new restaurants PAGE 4

FEATURES

SPORTS

PAGE 20

PAGE 17

Teachers discuss religious policy

Athletic trainers address sports injuries

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LION’S 1 TALE EDITION

NEWS

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • 32765 SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 • VOLUME 58 • OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

BIOSCIENCE VS.

BIOTECHNOLOGY Name change brings confusion, opportunities for current students

STORY BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN The students erupted into a noisy mess of panic after Bioscience teacher Kathy Savage made the announcement. Questions about graduation overlapped with questions about scholarships and honor cords and schedules as Savage tried to restore order to the classroom.

“When they first announced Bioscience was going away, I didn’t know what was going on,” said freshman Joy-Joy Um, who was previously in Bioscience 1. “I hadn’t even been in the class for a month when the teacher told us that the Bioscience program might be canceled.”

That following Tuesday, the school board convened to decide about a variety of issues. They then announced that the Bioscience Program of Emphasis at Oviedo High School would become the Biotechnology Program of Emphasis, effective that Wednesday, Sept. 6.

“The fact that the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) had plans to delete Bioscience 1, 2 and 3 from their list of available science courses first came to our attention after we failed to get approval for a fourth-year course, Bioscience 4,” Savage said.

According to Savage, the FLDOE said that enrollment in the courses was low across the state, even though OHS saw the opposite trend.

“We then realized that our entire Program of Emphasis was in jeopardy and meetings were quickly called to look at options to save it,” Savage said.

Since then, students, teachers and administration have dealt with confusion of the name change--and what impact it actually has on the program.

“If I don’t take this class, I might be sent back to my zoned school, which is not as good as Oviedo,” said junior Lena Head. “Since it’s just a name change, I now feel more secure.”

The Biotechnology Program of Emphasis, which still allows out-of-zone student to apply, will keep most of the same content, but some changes will occur.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 4

2 | NEWS | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

the Scoop

Lions provide assistance after devastating hurricane PHOTO BY SUSAN RODENBURG STORY BY ABBIE WYDRA On Sept. 11, Category 1 Hurricane Irma hit central Florida. Irma left about 6.1 million people in Florida without power, including most citizens of Oviedo.

After hurricane Irma, volunteers from Beta Club and National Honor Society (NHS) helped clean up.

Freshman Hudson Cullen was with Beta and helped with cleanup.

“We went around helping, picking up branches and helping those without power,” Cullen said.

Other than picking up branches, Beta and NHS also held a food drive for the school’s food pantry to help the people that lost power during the hurricane.

“We assisted in filling our OHS Food Pantry first, and then carried more than four full van loads of food and clothing to Geneva Elementary,” said Beta Club sponsor Deborah Shea.

Cullen felt that is was a beneficial experience.

“It felt good helping people, and the community was more together as a whole, and we were more safe together,” Cullen said.

EXTENDED COVERAGE AT OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

Fees implemented for missed AP exam sessions

the Month in Photos

STORY BY PAIGE SIMPSON As of the 2017-2018 academic school year, students who take AP courses may think twice before skipping the exam.

A $90 fee has been implemented to cover the cost of each AP exam for which a student registers.

“This is an effort to have kids take classes seriously and to recoup some of the lost funding that we pay; last year, we had over 100 kids not show up for their tests, which was $8,000 [lost],” said principal Joe Trybus.

Teachers like AP Environmental teacher Benjamin Hogue believe administration’s decision comes with logical reasoning.

“Our school is generous in paying for students to have the opportunity to receive college credit through AP testing,” Hogue said. “If a student signs up to take the test and skips, I wholeheartedly agree that student should reimburse the school.”

Junior Brianna Collazo agrees with Hogue.

“I think that using the school’s money recklessly could impact other activities,” Collazo said. “If 10 students don’t show up, $400 that could go to other activities are wasted.”

Although she agrees with reimbursement, Collazo is glad Oviedo doesn’t require students to pay for their exams up front due to possible problems; Trybus agrees. “[If] there is a hardship in the family, then we will work with every single family by a case-by-case situation,” Trybus said.

Senior Hannah Jahosky thinks that if students planned ahead, rather than waiting until the last minute to decide, this problem could be solved.

“If you want to get the AP credit, then take it; if not, then don’t register [for the exam],” Jahosky said. “People who register and end up not taking the test are wasting their time in a faster-paced course with a larger workload.”

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

WATCH IT BLOW. In biology teacher Heather Delong’s class, freshman Jason Burns measures how high the soda shoots up after he put Mentos inside the bottle.

PHOTO BY EMMA STOKES

SCOOP FROGGY FROG. Beta Club members junior Bailey Hopkins and sophomore Madison Bogert scoop Jeremiah’s Ice to fundraise for Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

EAT THOSE MUNCHKINS. During the first pep rally, junior Olivia Sala shoves Munchkins into junior Chris McDonald’s mouth in a competition.

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

BIG RED BUS. Senior JeAnn Rosario-Lopez waits to get her blood drawn in the Big Red Bus blood drive on Sept. 22.

FRONT PAGE DESIGN BY FERN SILVA

DESIGN BY EMMA STOKES

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | NEWS | 3

R

k c o

PHOTOS BY FERN SILVA AND I.FAIN STORY BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS Scents wafted through the air and loud music blared over the speakers during Oviedo’s Center Lake Park’s first Rockin’ the Park.

“It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a festival-type atmosphere with music, food trucks, vendors and drink specials,” said City of Oviedo Event Manager Sean Fitzgerald.

“This is the first event I’ve attended here,” said Tanya Rodriguez, a Winter Springs citizen of 27 years. “I just happened to be looking on icflorida.com tonight, and saw that there was something in our backyard.”

Many other events are held at Center Lake Park, like Oktoberfest, Movies in the Park, and Thursday Night Food Truck Nights. Senior Vis Pham has attended many of these events before.

“I have attended several events, including Great Day in the Country, Food Truck Thursdays, and multiple concerts,” Pham said. “I personally love events at Oviedo on the Park because of the great ambiance & clean environment.”

Event setup

Events are advertised for the whole family and are typically free, with the option

’ in

the

Park

to purchase food, water or merchandise.

“I think it’s cool, and it’s free, and that’s a big deal because there are a lot of families on a budget, and I’m one of those,” Rodriguez said.

Citizens of the surrounding areas of Winter Springs and Geneva, such as Rodriguez, are in a good proximity of the park for those who need something to do.

“Whenever there’s an event that we can go out to that’s anywhere around Orlando and it’s not costing any money, then that works for us,” Rodriguez said.

To prepare for all of the attendees, Fitzgerald said there is a lot of work that goes into the event, much of which people don’t see.

“Police and Fire are integrated to make sure there are appropriate security and safety measures in place,” Fitzgerald said. “Staff and volunteers are scheduled and trained on their specific duties and expectations. In this business, the saying goes, ‘We work when everyone else plays.’

It’s all worth it, though.”

Community partnerships

According to Fitzgerald, many events at the Park are a team effort.

“Rockin’ the Park is a community partnership with Helpful Hands, Inc., which is a local nonprofit that provides assistance to youth and families in need,” Fitzgerald

Oviedo’s Center Lake Park hosts first wide-range musical event said.

According to Helpful Hands volunteer Jim Strzalko, the group started five or six years ago.

“Their goal is to help the kids in the Oviedo and Winter Springs area, and they give pianos that are hooked up with sine waves and a music box; then they will buy them a piano, and they will probably buy about one or two a year,” Strzalko said.

“Then they also do 15,000 Balloon-a-grams a year for the kids who are battling cancer, or celebrating getting through a sickness.”

Helpful Hands also holds many events and donates to the parks and families around the holidays.

“The biggest event that Helpful Hands puts on is ‘Evening Under the Stars,’ which is held at the Orlando Science Center,” Strzalko said. “They donate over 98 percent of the money, and everybody working is a volunteer.”

A local club that helped at Oviedo’s Rockin’ the Park was also Optimist Club.

“Optimist Club is a national organization that is focused on benefiting children, “ said Optimist Club volunteer Carla Hogan. “We have Oviedo and Winter Springs Optimist club. We are always helping children, so we always do a lot of events for the special needs community throughout the entire year, like bowling events and dances.”

Movies in the Park

October 20 Rogue One

November 17 Beauty & The Beast

ROCKIN’ TOGETHER. People perform, dance, donate and enjoy at Center Lake Park’s Rockin’ the Park event.

DESIGN BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS

December 15 Lego Batman

4 | NEWS | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

National biotechnology employment grew by

6.4%

Florida’s biotechnology industry is one of the LARGEST and FASTESTgrowing in the nation Parts of the sector grew by more than in 2001-2010

31%

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Bioscience 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be replaced with Biotechnology 1, 2, 3 and 4. However, students previously in Bioscience 2, 3 and 4 will not be transferred into their respective Biotechnology courses.

Instead, all current students in the Biotechnology program are registered for Biotechnology 1 for 2017-2018.

According to Savage, however, students will still be learning content to match their previous Bioscience course.

“There is no difference in content, rigor or credits earned,” Savage said.

Some students still have reservations about the change.

“What frustrates me most about this is that I’ll be in Biotechnology 1 on paper,” said senior KC Kinestrass . “Like, my transcript would read, ‘Bioscience 1, 2, 3 and Biotechnology 1.’ Colleges might wonder why I suddenly broke off with Bioscience.”

2001-2010

This created more than

96,000 jobs

INFOCOURTESYMEDCITYNEWS.COM

Head stated a similar concern.

“I was in Bioscience 3, and next year I would have been in Bioscience 4, but I’ll actually be in Biotech 2…that’s confusing,” Head said. “It’s just going be more difficult, because I’ll have to attach a paper to my transcript [that says] I was actually in the same program.”

New opportunities Freshmen like Um and sophomores like Natalie Thatcher, who are in Bioscience 1 and 2, were less frustrated.

“I will still be taking the same class content-wise, and only my schedule will change a little bit,” Thatcher said. “I am interested in the new scholarship I might be able to get now that I am in Biotechnology.”

The Gold Seal level of the Bright Futures scholarship program awards $75,000 to recipients who have three or more credits in a career program in high school. Bioscience students did not qualify for this level, but Biotechnology students

that complete the program do.

Funding also played a role in causing the change to the program.

“Up to this point, our program has been funded through the original Race to the Top grant,” Savage said. “Maintaining the program has been funded through the millage tax referendum.”

Now, because the program falls under a different education umbrella, there is funding available from the state, according to Savage.

“This program cost Oviedo High School about $20,000 annually, and that’s a huge chunk of change we can now save,” Savage said.

Kinestrass stated that the increase in funding does make the change worth it.

“But it is still hard for students like me to adjust to such a dramatic change,” Kassis said. “Until a few weeks into the school year, I had no idea what the Biotechnology program was. I think that we should have

been given at least some warning of this change.”

Biotechnology, as a program, also provides students the option to earn a new certification.

“We have an opportunity to offer a Pharmacist Assistant Credentialing Exam (similar to our other certification program, Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam),” Savage said.

The pharmacist credential might be added to the Biotechnology 4 course curriculum.

“Pharmacogenomics is using the DNA sequence specific to an individual for genes [in medicine],” Savage said. “It is known to affect how well the human body metabolizes various pharmaceutical drugs.

So we are actually trying that out this year, and we will see how successful our students can be before committing to it next year.”

Additionally, students who complete all four levels of the program may find themselves visiting more off-campus locations.

“There are also field trips [to some research labs] that can be offered to the fourth course, that are not practical in the other years because of the sheer numbers of students we have in the program; since the fourth-year course has fewer students than the earlier years, it is easier to convince [these] facilities to let us in to visit,” Savage said.

Thatcher shared Savage’s excitement about the future of the program.

“I think the new opportunities [offered]

by Biotechnology are going to be really interesting,” Thatcher said.

Teacher shortages not surprising, not unusual Influx of eateries creates student jobs

STORY BY CONNOR COMPTON When junior Larry Travis received his schedule, he was excited to see what his next year was going to look like. He hoped to ask some of his older friends about the teachers’ reputations.

Instead, Travis found blanks in place of some teachers’ names on his schedule.

At the start of the school year, several classes had longterm subs as administrators worked to fill faculty positions.

English III teacher Ellen White stated a potential reason for why teachers are leaving.

“The teachers are not getting paid enough for the work that they do; with our role of teaching the next generation of adults to inhabit the earth, the work we do and the hoops that we have to jump through just don’t cut it,” White said.

White said that this especially impacts younger teachers.

“They come into the field expecting great things, and when the state tells them we have to put these students into cookie-cutter dimensions and that every kid needs to know this thing and has to act this way, they get discouraged and think, ‘Hey, I could make way more money with equal stress,’” White said.

According to English II teacher Kati Hansen, it is the fact that teachers are too constrained.

“I think there leaving for the pay, and I think they’re leaving because there are things we are promised that are not happening, like the class size amendment,” Hansen said. “I think that when you are told you have to teach a test and you can teach it however you wish, it’s one thing; it’s quite another when the state mandates are telling the teachers they have to teach this skill this day and with this activity.”

Hansen said this also impact goes beyond just the teachers.

“I feel that not only does it limit the teacher, but it limits

the students, and that level of confinement could be a big pull of why they’re leaving,” Hansen said. “We are being expected to do more and more with less and less, and it gets frustrating.”

While some teachers believe there is a recent increase in the number of teachers who leave, others, like testing administrator Matthew Guglielmello, do not.

“I would not consider the past years’ drop in teachers an irregularity,” Guglielmello said. “This school’s faculty is a close group of friends, and so when people leave it feels more significant to me than in previous years; but it’s only because I’ve gotten closer to my colleagues as I spend more time at Oviedo.”

The lack of teachers can be felt beyond just the classroom, according to dean Jason Maitland. Maitland stated that the lack of teachers causes an increase in substitutes, which can lead to more students in the discipline office.

“Depending on the day and depending on the number of subs determines whether or not there is an increase in students in the discipline office,” Maitland said. “But on the other hand, students are most rowdy typically on Fridays and Mondays--and also these are the days that teachers are out the most. So, are there more students because it’s a Friday or Monday, or is it that there are fewer amounts of teachers?”

Guglielmello stated that, in the end, teachers leave for numerous reasons.

“The most common is for the benefit of their family,” Guglielmello said. “It could be for a promotion themselves, or following the promotion of a spouse.”

According to Guglielmello, it’s important to remember that teachers have responsibilities outside of school “While they are dedicated to their students’ learning, they have a larger obligation to do what is best for their own children and loved ones,” Guglielmello said.

STORY BY ISABEL FAIN Many new restaurants opened over the summer, bringing a rush of customers and employees to the new spots. Now with three off-campus lunch days, seniors are exploring the new food options around Oviedo.

Senior Maddie Barker, a recently hired local Dairy Queen worker, believes that the new food places provide a haven for high school students, both as customers and employees. Getting hired at Dairy Queen opened up a new window of opportunity for her.

“I think that [the opening jobs] are really a great idea; as high school students, it’s great to have jobs and experience,” Barker said. “I work service, so I either work front counter or drive through. I deliver the food and take orders.”

With many high school students are filling up staff positions, food places have also been extremely considerate of their young workers, according to senior Julia Wisdow.

“My friend that works at the Moe’s downtown is being transferred to our Moe’s,” Wisdow said.

Along with the plans for booming restaurants comes the construction zone.

“I’m just waiting for them to be done with the construction,” Wisdow said. “In order to get to like that RaceTrac or Planet Smoothie off of Lake Central Avenue in downtown, during that construction, [driving] was confusing and scary. So now that they’re putting in that extra road, it’s going to be great.”

Barker stated that the construction has been stressfree, in her experience.

“I think they’ve done a pretty good job of making it not too in the way of everything,” Barker said.

DESIGN BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 5

Class levels don’t dictate student success Different levels of courses allow for students to accommodate to their specific academic needs. Each level has different aspects that appeal to our wide variety of students.

The AP program has great options.

These class levels allow for students to be immersed in the curriculum of a collegelevel course, while still being in high school. Also, if students pass the exam at the end of the school year, they could get college credit.

Honors and standard classes, though lower in level, still allow students to flourish in their academic careers, while experiencing course basics at a slower level.

Honors classes are a step up from standard, whereas AP classes are a step up from honors; standard attempts to provide more supports to students, whereas honors classes try to push students further on the path to AP classes and college preparation.

Although different, each class level is vitally important to each student on campus. Each student should strive to find the class level that best suits them, whether that be AP, honors, standard or even dual enrollment.

For example, students who find themselves needing a slow class pace

IN YOUR FACE

What factors determine what class levels you take?

Junior Darius Billops

It depends on what you are passionate about and what you want to pursue on a later on career.

should plan to take standard classes, and possibly strive for one to two honors classes in particular subjects in which they’re highly skilled.

For students who find themselves wanting to dabble their feet in a collegelike course, the suggested course selection should be AP classes.

Though class levels are different, class selections are not so black and white.

Even though a student may not be academically strong, doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to take standard classes, or even though a student may be academically strong, doesn’t mean that they must take all AP courses.

Those students can take a less intense class to balance things.

We at the Lion’s Tale believe that students should take the classes which are best fit for them and interest them the most, whether that be in standard, honors or AP levels.

Students shouldn’t feel pressured to take certain classes, from any outside influence, including, but not limited to, peer groups, teachers, parents and societal views.

Class levels don’t amount to anything if students aren’t in the class best suited for them. Class levels don’t signify anything; students define themselves.

Sophomore Jennifer Hague

It depends on what my grades were in the previous years; if I did bad in math, I might not a high level I might take a lower-level class.

Junior Justin Foulk

I picked the classes that I want because like that was like what I was interested in.

OUR WORD

Freshman Elexia Pool

I had bad grades [last year] so I’m in lower classes, but my electives are stuff I wanted to take.

PHOTO BY ISABEL FAIN

In 2016,

29.5% of FL students

graduated with a 3 or higher on an

exam during high school.

ILLUSTRATION BY CONNER QUINLAN

INFOCOURTESYCOLLEGEBOARD.COM Saadhana Sridharan Opinion Editor Joyce Ng Features Editor Danielle Griffiths Editors-in-Chief Paige Simpson Gillian Landwehr Online Editors Trey Hargis Bryn Garick News Editor

Isabel Fain Emma Stokes Sravani Thupili Artists Sophia Bloom Alexis Desena Kimberly Penuel

Entertainment Editor Fern Silva Designers Declan McCoy Sports Editor Josh Cordonero Nevada Cullen Chris Keefer Conner Quinlan Business Manager Julian Rios Photographers Reporters

Pamela Chapman Connor Compton Tessa Kowalski Jesica Litton Dylan Sachs Emily Vernikos Abigail Wydra Christina York Kathleen York Faculty Adviser Elise T Carlson

Admin Adviser

Drew Morgan Principal Joseph Trybus Oviedo High School 601 King Street Oviedo, FL 32765 P: 407-320-4199 F: 407-320-4213 Population: 2530 students 29 staff members

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

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

and is a member of the CSPA, NSPA and FSPA. Distribution 1500 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

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 • VOLUME 58 • EDITION 1

DESIGN BY KIMBERLY

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.

OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

6 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

BEFORE

AFTER

editor-in-chief

PAIGE SIMPSON

Senior year lacks former close relationships

As the beginning of my senior year dawns--with familiar faces around campus, friendships rekindled and new possibilities on the horizon--it seems as though I have all the necessary materials to have a perfect final chapter to my four years as a Lion.

But, rather than basking in the new year’s warmth, I find myself feeling empty.

Somehow, I still find myself looking in all those familiar places, even though I know, in my heart, they’re empty. I still find myself pausing at the door that I used to run to when newspaper was stressing me out; still find myself craving those late-night basketball practices where Coach mixed up our names, or where we threatened to wrap you up in bubble wrap; I still find myself pulling up to practice, expecting to spend time with my golf girls for life.

Yet, no matter how many times I look, it hits me just as hard as the first time. You have graduated, moved on. You are no longer here.

While I’m floating a daydream of my future, I have to admit that I’m terribly stuck in the past. As I know from experience, in order to move on to the present full-time, I must come clean with my past--although I’m not good with that.

This year, to me, is the loss of quite a few people who’ve somehow resonated with me, large or small. This year means many things, both already known and things yet to come.

This year means goodbye--goodbye to the friends I had. It means goodbye to spur-of-the moment golf days; goodbye to teen wolf fan-girling moments during class; it means goodbye to puns so bad you can’t help but laugh at them; goodbye to always being able to rely on my sisters by choice; it simply means goodbye, both beautiful and haunting in its duality.

Although it means goodbye, I’ve finally realized that “goodbye” doesn’t mean “the end.” I can’t promise you that we’ll stay friends or ever speak or see of each other again, nor can you promise that same, but I can promise you this: no matter what, you will always be a part of my life.

I promise that when I think of you, I will always smile and think of the fond memories we shared. I trust that when the time comes for me to leave the nest, those who I’m leaving behind will do the same.

Big and small, people change your life.

Like Peyton Sawyer said, “People always leave,” but their time is worth every second we spend together. So, with this, I guess it’s time to officially say goodbye; thank you for our wanderous infinity, my friends.

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXIS DESENA

Trip to Africa changes perspective

staff reporter

CONNOR COMPTON When most people think of a retreat, they think of going to a quiet, tranquil place in the woods for a couple of days to reunite with nature.

But in the summer of 2017, I set off on a much different retreat. I aimed to go back, physically and mentally.

Back to whom some think is the mother continent. Back to the untamed wilds and the primordial time capsule that is Africa.

Uganda, in particular.

When I boarded that plane in June, I was super-thrilled at the opportunity that I had received. To live among the people of Uganda, to learn the secrets of how they operate daily, to fully immerse myself in their culture. On the everlasting flight, I recalled what I knew about the religion, the functionality of African tribes, the animals and the dangers of living on the Savannah.

We landed in the Boundji airport in

the Republic of the Congo, essentially in the middle of the African jungle. The humidity hit me like a veil of plastic being draped across my face.

We then took an 818 mile drive to Uganda. The long ride consisted of fighting off bugs and watching the immense jungle twist and turn and morph into Savannah, much in the same way that a person changes when undergoing a life-changing experience.

Starting out in the jungle is like the mass, dense, wild place of the self that is the ego: full of the dark side of the person, the nasty and ugly that rears its head when provoked, like a python in the jungle.

Then, into the Savannah, which represents the more calm and collected side of the person: the side that is organized and runs the body on a dayto-day operation.

Once we finally arrived in the village, it was night and the high, full moon that hung in the air was much brighter than I had ever seen.

There was a gargantuan flat rock that was to the right of the village, and while most travelers were looking toward the village huts to sleep, I noticed that most locals were on the rock. I asked why, and they said that you don’t have to worry about the spiders on the rock. With that, I jumped right on that rock with my blanket and went to sleep.

Even though the rock was uncomfortable, it was sturdy. Like in childhood, when your parent would hold on to you in a large crowd for the fear

of losing you, the rock represented the grounding or anchor point the point of coming back to reflect upon oneself.

Through my time in the village, I learned that we hold the internet and electricity so close to our hearts, yet these people didn’t even know what Facebook or Instagram are. Amazingly, they are way happier than those who have constant access to the internet and power.

Things like eating a meal together and sitting around a fire telling stories is more important and entertaining to them.

This bond is important in the society spiritually because a connected village starts to act as one being; and the more connected you are to yourself, the more connected to you are to your ancestors, which, in turn, connects you to the gods.

Even though there are definite dangers to living in Uganda (like worrying about a crocodile pulling you into the river and eating you alive), the overall beauty took my heart, from waking up to the sounds of warthogs in the distance or the chutting of a cheetah that lived in the village.

Experiencing what keeps these people going and reevaluating what makes me happy as a person changed me in ways that I could not have predicted. Standing today and waking up each morning is more valuable to me than it used to be.

This trip was more than a retreat, it was a reconnection. I have learned to disconnect from electronics and to plug into the frequency of nature.

DESIGN BY CONNOR COMPTON

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 7

features editor

DANIELLE GRIFFITHS

Positive influence from close relationship nourishes growth

ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIA BLOOM

Varied teaching styles help learners

staff writer

SOPHIA BLOOM I’m an artist. I draw detailed, colorful pictures all the time, and sketchbooks litter my floor. But the majority of my art does not appear on high-quality paper, or is not drawn with state-of-the-art (pun intended) supplies.

Rather, it appears in the margins of my school notes, or on the divider pages in my binder. Flowers and eyeballs, faces and swords line my schoolwork, creating an abstract mural that would most likely seem incredibly cryptic to any future art historian.

However, I’m not trying to spread a secret message here--I’m trying to retain information from about six classes of lectures.

But how would my little doodles, which usually have absolutely nothing to do with the subject matter at DESIGN BY JOYCE NG

all, help me in this way?

There are different types of learning--mainly visual, aural and tactile--meaning that people often learn by sight, sound or touch. As a visual learner, I often find that I have difficulty learning in school.

Because I am a visual learner, I rely mainly on seeing things, such as pictures, charts or diagrams. Somehow, my brain connects the things I see to the content I’m learning, and relates drawings-especially my own--to facts.

Oftentimes, I like to reserve a page in my binder for doodling, as my brain associates the pictures with the concepts I’m trying to learn.

However, most of the material taught in schools is either taught via a PowerPoint lecture or read out of a textbook, which makes things a little harder for me.

Although people who retain information through hearing things may benefit more from this, what about those who learn by other methods?

Tactile learners, for example, who learn from touching and hands-on activities, spend a lot of their school time like everyone else, reading from textbooks and taking notes.

However, you may notice that many

of them often fidget, tap and move in their seats as they learn. Activities such as science labs help them to learn, as well as interactive lessons that involve building something or walking around.

According to the University of Alabama’s School of Medicine, five percent of students are kinesthetic, or tactile, learners, while about 65 percent are visual learners such as myself; aural learners make up the remaining 30 percent.

If this is true, it doesn’t make much sense for teachers to rely mainly on lectures and speech, in my opinion.

As we know, there is no right or wrong way to learn--that depends on the individual. So, what can the school do to accommodate all sorts of learning techniques?

For one, teachers could vary the ways they deliver lessons.

On some days, instead of simply talking to the class, they could supply lessons with visuals for people such as myself, or maybe allow short, one- to five-minute stretch breaks during “freeze time” for those who have the urge to move.

This is not to say that the way that material is taught in school is wrong, but it can definitely be improved through an open-minded approach to all learning methods.

I never imagined myself having a boyfriend in high school, let alone an actual relationship in general, but now I am in a future where it is possible. Although it’s high school, and I’m only just 18, I have discovered so much about myself and grown so much as a person.

In eighth grade, I never viewed high school as much more than four years of hardcore studies and education, and I would probably still view my experiences in high school that way if it weren’t for one person.

Freshman year, I walked in the front door with a lot of baggage, emotionally and literally. That moment kicked off relatively upsetting freshman and sophomore years. I was obsessed with the feeling of the control I had over my grades. I used it as a way to produce fake happiness, never allowing myself to take a second to sit down and consider the purpose of it all.

Constantly keeping myself busy with schoolwork helped me ignore that I had no idea what I was going to do for college.

It helped me ignore my issues with my self-image and self-worth. Not having time to pause and think about these caused overwhelming moments, moments of feeling that I would be swallowed up in my gigantic backpack.

But then, one day, at beginning of junior year, he said he wanted to get to know me better. Right there in that hallway is where I left a lot of myself: my awkwardness, my self-consciousness and my fake happiness.

When you hang out with people often, you pick up on some of their traits, even if you don’t realize it. Him being nonjudgmental has given me a model for how I should try to be towards others. I have become so much more accepting of people because of him; still, our views are often strikingly different, which has helped me learn how I should never be influenced by the opinions of others.

The other day, I spoke out against my parents in a situation where I felt I should express my opinion, whereas I would never have done that before. I’ve grown so much, learned to be comfortable in my own skin because I am accepted in his eyes, even when I make mistakes. That acceptance is something I’ve only felt among family and with my best friend, until now.

Coming into high school, I carried so much baggage with me, but because of my continuing experiences with him, I will be able to come out with less baggage-and with more growth than I could’ve ever imagined--for my future.

HEAD to HEAD

8 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

Are increased safety measures good or bad?

Safety must be ensured on school campus Security measures go too far for no reason STORY BY DECLAN MCCOY With the advent of increasingly frequent public attacks by individuals fervently following ideologies to a violent extreme--be it religion, racist ideologies or nationalism gone too far--there is an increasingly urgent case to be made for bolstered security.

In the last few years, the Seminole County Public Schools system and, more importantly, Oviedo High School, has been taking steps to make its students feel more safe, such as instituting freeze time, a policy where students are held in their classrooms for the first and last 10 minutes of every period.

It is my opinion that freeze time is not enough. Allowing students to walk to and from the bathroom unsupervised is simply not safe; in order for students to be safe, they must be kept inside at all times.

Students must also be monitored between classes to truly reduce the risk of an intruder assailing the student population.

Taking a lesson from George Orwell’s classic 1984, it is clear that the only way to keep people safe is to increase surveillance.

There was a large uproar last year when 15 new security cameras were added to the campus, but that is a fraction of the number of cameras this school needs to be safe. The campus is 210,000 square metres.

How are 15 cameras going to cover that? That’s a whopping 14,000 square meters per camera.

For an appropriate level of security, I believe the campus needs at least 420 cameras, which reduces the necessary

coverage area of an individual camera from 14,000 square metres to 500, a 28fold increase in camera coverage.

As important as surveillance, however, are metal detectors and backpack searches. According to a 2017 study performed by the National Center for Education Statistics, six percent of high school students reported being harmed or threatened by a weapon in 2015.

To prevent this, we must institute random additional security screenings at every entrance and exit, which would ensure nothing contraband is being brought into the school.

According to the Journal of School Health, students are 6 percent less likely to carry a gun to school when there are metal detectors are present and 8 percent less likely to carry a weapon to and from school.

These measures would reduce the risk to students that during the day. At night, however, the school remains unsecured.

The school should have additional night security as well as improved fencing, perhaps even with barbed wire at the top so as to prevent loitering, trespassing or other criminal acts.

Unfortunately, danger comes in many forms and, to be adequately prepared for danger from within and without, there need to be constant identity checks to make sure there are no imposters trying to infiltrate the school.

The only way for that work is for students to be required to carry identification at all times, so that if they are stopped, they can promptly assure security they actually attend this school.

To be safe, we must increase security through these measures.

STORY BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,” according to the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution.

These do not seem apply to students at our school.

There has been a drastic uptick in the use of security measures in schools over the past decade, according to The Atlantic. This has occurred to schools from Concord to San Diego, from newly built schools heavily investing in brandnew safety technologies, to antique-era schoolhouses adding security cameras.

This is happening in Oviedo.

While many officials would say these measures are helpful, the answer may point in the opposite direction.

Advocates of increasing security in schools point to government studies-such as the 2015 Indicators of School Crime and Safety Report--that conclude results like, “between 1992 and 2015, the number of students who were victims of crimes at school declined 82 percent.”

But this does not account for the hundreds of unreported crimes.

When New York’s Office of the State Comptroller reviewed 10 public schools in New York City, nearly one-third of crime-related incidents went unreported to authorities. School officials failed to disclose more than 400 incidents on the appropriate paperwork, and most of the paperwork that was filed was categorized incorrectly.

These miscommunications could be happening all around the country--even

at our high school.

Therefore, school crime has-theoretically--not been decreasing. It may even have been increasing.

Not only have such security measures not done enough to combat school crime, they also infringe upon students’ rights.

The Fourth Amendment protects a person from fear of being searched without a warrant. But since security measures have risen, many students have to worry about that constantly.

These additions also eat up our school budget; on average, in the United States, hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent on managing school security every year.

So, why do we invest so heavily in security cameras, guards and searches?

There is one primary reason: it makes people feel safe. The prescence of cameras especially tends to make people feel better about their surroundings, as most people believe such security measures are infallible.

But they aren’t. Various ways to foil security cameras can be dreamed up by anyone, and mundane aspects like the position of the camera can cause an entire crime to go unstopped. Even if a camera does capture a bad deed, it could take hours--even days--for authorities to see the footage. Similar disadvantages also render the addition of security officers/guards and searches useless.

Not only do the increasing security measures not curb school crime, they violate the student body’s rights and can use up large sums of money. Right now, these safety measures are here for little reason.

SAFETY STATS $540 million

In 2013, the TSA spent $540 million on new equipment

3/70 Tests

Despite extra funding, TSA failed 67/70 security tests

by DHS

DOWN

82%

17% Of the 372 mass shootings in 2015, 64 were were school shootings

Victimization rates in schools have decreased 82% between 1992 and 2015 INFOCOURTESYJOURNALOFSCHOOLHEALTH.COM

DESIGN BY DECLAN MCCOY

10 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

SAFETY CONCERNS INCREAS School, district administrators take steps to ensure campus safety STORY BY PAIGE SIMPSON As each school year begins, new changes and policies are implemented to make each year better than before. This becomes especially apparent when new leadership comes into play.

“When I [first] came here, I did a needs assessment around the school and I felt like one of the things I wanted to improve on [was] safety and security,” said principal Joe Trybus. “I like to think of OHS as a leader; I wanted to lead with having a safe school.”

Now, with four years as principal under his belt, Trybus is getting the opportunity to put some of his vision for safety into motion, due to the cooperation of the Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) district.

“A lot of these [initiatives] were already in the works, but with there [being] a shooting at Seminole High School last year and [having] a person retire from the district office, who was in charge of safety and security, it’s testimony to the fact that we have to be conscious of safety,” Trybus said.

In reaction to events like the school shooting, and the bomb threat that occurred at OHS two years ago, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Department partnered with SCPS to make plans.

“I have working in my office a captain and a

lieutenant from the sheriff’s department, [and] I’m in constant daily contact with them; [they] keep me posted on things that are happening globally, nationally, statewide and county-wide,” said SCPS superintendent Walt Griffin.

Since partnering, the two organizations have created a symbiotic relationship based on the same initiative: making school campuses safer.

A couple of years ago, the sheriff’s department conducted a study on safety and came up with precautionary measures to better combat and ward against compromising situations.

The study discovered a couple ways to make school campuses safer, which Trybus has supported.

“The first [discovery] was that every employee has to wear a name badge with their picture on it, and it has to be above their waist,” Trybus said. “The second thing they said [was] you can make year campus a whole lot safer if teachers lock their doors, [which is ] easy to do on an elementary campus, but it’s hard to do on a high school campus because there are hundreds of doors; but if your door’s locked,

the likelihood is that you’re probably going to stay safe. If it’s open, then bad things can happen.”

Since many of these changes affect teachers, there are mixed feelings about these decisions, but Trybus finds little negativity.

“I generally have not have any negative feedback, I’ve had inquiries,” Trybus said.

Yearbook teacher Alicia Pope, who has worked at OHS for many years, feels that all these changes are a different shift compared for the OHS she used to know.

“I’ve been on campus a long time, but things have changed,” Pope said. “For decades, there wasn’t even a fence around the school; people walked freely on and off campus.”

Pope attributes this shift in protective measures to the growth and expansion of Oviedo.

“Oviedo is bigger now, and less rural; there are more opportunities for people

THE

who want to do harm,” Pope said.

Both the district and school administration understand concerns regarding safety measures but believe that their implementations will help guard against threats; therefore they will continue to adapt to changes when they see fit to do so.

“It’s like your house: you don’t go to bed at night and leave your doors wide open or your garage wide open, you lock everything down,” Trybus said. “I think it speaks to society and where we are. There’re a lot of people out there who are just not nice people, and we just have to do what we can do to protect ourselves.”

Dru

RAVE PANIC BUTTON APP

The Rave Panic Button app allows faculty and staff members to have a quicker way to alert emergency personnel.

-Dean Jason Maitland TEACHERS ARE VERIFIED AS USERS THE APP IS GEO-LOCATED TO THE CAMPUS HOLDING DOWN A BUTTON FOR 1.5 SECONDS INITIATES AN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

FOR THE FULL STORY, VISIT OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

PHOTOS BY RAVEMOBILESAFETY.COM

Study more 10 Ca Have Came

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 11

SE Cameras Students may be filmed and the videotapes may be used to determine violations of the Student Conduct and Discipline Code.

y shows e than 9 in ampuses e Security eras.

ug Searches 24 percent of public schools reported the use of random dog sniffs to check for drugs.

Gun Violence Children are almost 100 times more likely to be murdered outside of school than at school.

CAMPUS SAFETY

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

On average, there are about 300 shootings a day.

300

OFC M. Thompson

There are more mass shootings in resturants than in schools.

I have worked for Oviedo PD for 13 years, but I have worked for the NYPD as a detective, after 9/11, I stayed for another 3 years, then came here [to OHS].

They say in training if you make it through your first year [as a resource officer], you will probably never want to leave. Graduation was very emotional, the principal asked at the time, the kids got to you didn’t they? I understand why the teachers do it now.

As a police officer, you have to have good verbal skills, I have my tools on my belt, as well as other tools, a defibrillator in my car, more fire power, my lifeline, which is my radio. Social media is a great tool for me to use, I have an automated system to send out alerts This is the most rewarding job I have ever had.

Every kid that goes here I consider one of my own, and it upsets me when I see the kids on streets doing something they shouldn’t be.

There have been 242 school shootings in the US since 2013.

Metal Detectors 4% 4 percent of public schools use random metal detector checks.

STORY BY PAIGE SIMPSON Visitors to campus have 15 new reasons to feel like they’re being watched, as 15 new security cameras were installed this school year.

In light of certain negative situations across Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS), the district saw it necessary to make plans for security cameras to be placed on campuses around the district.

“We have integrated cameras around the district [because] a couple of campuses have had some graffiti or minor damage,” said SCPS superintendent Walt Griffin.

Specifically on OHS campus, the original cameras--installed last year--cover the outside of campus, which helped catch exterior vandalism and monitoring concerns, according to assistant principal Drew Morgan.

Morgan said the exterior cameras were able to catch a hit and run that occurred a couple years ago.

New cameras monitor interior security issues

With the success of the first wave, principal Joseph Trybus decided a second wave of cameras should be implemented for this school year, but with a different focus, looking at incidents, ranging from vandalism to stealing of cell phones, which weren’t necessarily being covered by the first wave of cameras.

“We’ve got kids who think it’s funny to rip off soap dispensers in bathrooms and spread soap everywhere, or write things on walls,” Morgan said. “It’s minor stuff, but it happens quite frequently, and I think the new cameras will hopefully prevent that kind of stuff.”

According to Morgan, the cameras will also help catch students who do these types of things.

“Most of the [cameras this year] are interior cameras [with a] focus on hallways, restroom areas and high-traffic areas,” Morgan said.

The internal cameras flag any situation regarding facilities, discipline and safety situations, but the cameras can also aid discipline with clarity in situations.

“[The cameras] also lets us see if it’s a mistake,” said dean Jason Maitland.

“It allows us to see [if] they’re goofing off or [if] there’s horseplay so we’re not wrongly accusing kids of purposely doing something when we can clearly see it was a mistake.”

Trybus believes that all of the incidents will begin to dial down once people become more aware of the camera presence and the consequences of their actions.

“If you know you’re on camera, generally people behave differently, because the film doesn’t lie,” Trybus said. “We’ll be able to get rid of some bad actions.”

Morgan believes OHS is a still a safe school, and on the way to becoming more proactively safe.

“We didn’t get more cameras because the campus is unsafe, we got more cameras to add another layer of safety above what we already had,” Morgan said.

“Mr. Trybus’ objective and the district’s objective is to keep the students and staff on this campus safe; the cameras are a [part] of the process of keeping us safe.”

INFOCOURTESYWASHINGTONPOST.COM,NCES.COM

DESIGN BY G.LANDWEHR, P.SIMPSON, D.GRIFFITHS

12 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

What’s YOUR

Catchphrase?

“What’s shakin’ bacon?”

Senior Fiona Feminineo

believes that parents play a large role in what classes their children take.

“I think the role that [parents] play is STORY BY DYLAN SACHS more of how much they impacted them In order to accommodate a wide throughout their school career,” Capp said. variety of student interests, there are “If they really pushed them to be good vast differences between AP, honors and students and motivated them to want to standard classes, as higher-level classes learn, then I think those are the kind of usually run at a faster pace, cover more students that had better motivation and that material and discuss subjects in more were more interested in learning.”

Another factor that depth than lower-level can impact students’ classes. class schedule are their Selecting what I don’t think it’s about friends or peers. level classes to take intelligence or skill. I think it’s Klatt said that her may seem black about putting in time. friends have no impact and white, but a lot AP Seminar teacher on what classes she of factors go into Anthony Harrison takes, but Capp stated the academic track that, for students taking students take. standard classes, S o p h o m o r e Kayley Klatt said her parents were a major friends can be a major influence in their influence in deciding what level her classes decisions. “[Students] want to do the same things were.

“They always discuss [classes] with me, that their other friends are doing,” Capp and we talk out what the best decisions said. “If they see a lot of their friends are are going to be,” Klatt said. “They give all taking standard classes, they’re going to examples of what they have taken, and [take] those kinds of classes.”

There is a common perception that what they feel that I would succeed in.”

Physics teacher Christopher Capp also students in honors and AP classes are ILLUSTRATION BY K. PENUEL

’’

’’

assumed to be the most intelligent and brightest pupils in the school. That may be true in some cases, but for other students, it’s a matter of how much time they can devote to schoolwork.

Freshman Colton Kirby said that he’s taking standard classes this year because of timing.

“I have a lot of extracurriculars with sports,” Kirby said. “With honors, you don’t have a lot of time for homework.”

This situation is common for many students who simply don’t have enough time for advanced classes. For students in honors and AP classes, school is often their number-one priority.

AP Seminar teacher Anthony Harrison believes that students in advanced classes are more motivated to have academic success than others.

“I don’t actually think it’s about intelligence or skill as much as people think it is,” Harrison said. “I think it’s putting in time and caring if you’re going to do well.”

Harrison’s said students should figure out what they are good at.

“Then figure out what your career’s going to be, ”Harrison said. “That will help you choose all your classes.”

Wait, what??

Class level selection depends on multiple factors

“That’s a big mood.”

Senior KC Kanistras

“Pickle”

Pre-Calculus teacher, Malisa Brill

“God, I’m so lonely.”

Senior Nathan Hill

“You gotta know that you know that you know that you know it.”

AP Calculus teacher Barbara Kelly

All right! I laid out your plans for today!

You’ll be able to get everything done!

No. Obsess about this random person for three hours straight.

Thanks, Brain!

Err...

Why?

!

IT DO

ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIA BLOOM

One for All

DESIGN BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS & DYLAN SACHS

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 13

Presidential decision affects citizens

15,000

transgender vets currently serving

Decision strikes reactions among student body, faculty STORY BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR

On Aug. 25, President Donald Trump signed a bill regarding the ban of all transgender service members from the military. This ban has struck controversy throughout the nation.

Senior Aryn Garrigan, awards officer of the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (NJROTC) program, believes this ban is unnecessary.

“I think the ban is idiotic and makes zero sense,” Garrigan said. “I think he’s just masking his prejudice by saying it’s more ‘cost efficient.’ You can look up the millions that the military spends on ridiculous things. I think it really shows how our government views trans people when they’d rather ban capable citizens from fighting for their own country.”

AP United States History teacher Jessica Jenkins, a military veteran, disagrees with the reasoning.

“I had done some research on this, but they said a very small percentage of the transgender members--between 1,320-6,630 of the total military force--a very small portion of this amount actually had the surgery while serving,” Jenkins said. “The budget is extremely small (0.04%0.13%) for what is made up of the total health care budget.

In fact, they spend five times (46 million dollars) more on Viagra, which doesn’t seem to be an issue.”

Jenkins believes the bigger cost issue is actually removing the transgender members.

“It’s really not much of an issue when you look at the percentage of how much of the budget it would be, and then you factor in getting rid of these people and the expense that it requires, as well as hurting the mission by getting rid of skilled people and having to retrain,” Jenkins said.

“That is far more expensive than any medical expenses he’s claiming exist.”

DESIGN BY JOSH CORDONERO

Trump’s transgender ban has brought more issues that were unforeseen.

“I especially feel horrible for the thousands of soldiers who are being forced out of the military,” Garrigan said.

“The ban doesn’t solve anything. Out of all the budget cuts they could’ve made, they decided to get rid of thousands of soldiers just for being trans? You can’t justify that.”

Automotive technology teacher and military veteran Tom Sterling doesn’t see an issue with transgender members serving in the military.

“I feel if you can do your job in the military, you should be able to stay in the military,” Sterling said. “I can see a little more cost if they want to do the physical gender switch. In the military, you can get free dental work, free wisdom teeth removal, free braces, free lasik eye surgery, free surgery. I think it would be a minimal cost to do that for [transgender members].”

Senior Rebecka Nelson, armor for the shooting team in the NJROTC program, stated that anyone willing to defend the country should be able to do so.

“I think if you are willing to go out there and fight for our country then you should be able to,” Nelson said.

Senior Brock Buckner however, feels otherwise.

“I believe that male and female should both be in the military, but I don’t think transgender should be in the military,” Buckner said. “I’m not going to say that they don’t deserve rights, because every human deserves rights, but I don’t think they deserve to fight for our country.”

Now that this ban is in effect, it will impact many soldiers’ lives, especially the transgender.

“Since I’m from a military family, I’m in NJROTC, and I happen to be trans, it definitely affects me,” Garrigan said.

“I wasn’t planning on going into the military, but I do have a few friends who are trans and are in the military now.”

134,300

Trans Veterans in total The U.S. military budget is roughly

$48,000,000,000 Transitioncare through the military is around $5.6 Million Transgender healthcare costs attribute 0.01% to the overall healthcare spending of the U.S. Military The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was eliminated on Sept. 20, 2011 INFOCOURTESYCBO.GOV

Reviewed

14 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

Atypical TV Show

League of Legends Game

STORY BY CHRISTINA YORK “Atypical” is a Netflix original comedy series that follows Sam, a teenager with autism. In this show, he develops the need to get a girlfriend, but for that he needs to be more independent.

Sam’s family tries to seek a better understanding for his ways.

Sam wants to be an ordinary teenage boy, but he has to get through some obstacles first. This show adds some humor to portray that autism isn’t something to be ashamed of. The show develops the idea that the definition of “normal” isn’t even normal. It also shows the heartfelt feelings of Sam’s peers and how they care for him.

To the Bone TV Show

League maintains status as thrilling game

STORY BY KATHLEEN YORK “To the Bone” is a show on Netflix.

It is hard to watch because it shows anorexia in today’s society. This show is based on the real-life experience of director Marti Noxon. The main character, Ellen, portrayed by Lily Collins. She is a woman who suffers from anorexia.

Her family agrees to send her to a group home. Ellen and the other residents go on a sometimes funny, sometimes harrowing journey. She must uncover how to confront her addiction.

The acting in “To the Bone” is pretty good, and so is the videography. I recommend this show to anyone who likes dramas.

STORY BY EMILY VERNIKOS League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena video game. It was developed and published by Riot Games for Microsoft Windows and MacOS. The game consists of three current running game modes: Summoner’s Rift, Twisted Treeline and Howling Abyss.

There are 2 teams of 5 people, each person controlling a certain champion.

There are many champions, varying from fairy creatures, a mummy, a robot, a pile of goo, etc. Each one has different abilities, and most players have a handful of champions they mainly use, but there are some players who are good at everyone (mostly pro players).

The player’s goal is to pull up the enemy’s base. Along the way, there are obstacles that can easily turn the tables.

There’s a champion for your preferred play style.

For example, if you enjoy staying in the back line and avoid injuries, you might like mage champions. Mage champions have long range attacks to get the job done.

Lux is an example of a mage champion. Lux’s damaging spells charge the target with energy for six seconds.

Part of what makes the game exciting is that it is always changing: it’s very dynamic, whether it’s a new item, game mode or a new champion!

Sometimes you will change mains frequently. When finding your main, I think they’re two important factors: finding the champion that fits your play style and finding the champion you thoroughly enjoy.

There are many different categories of champions. For example, there are

tanks, fighters, divers, slayers, mages, controllers, marksman and more. I main several champions, as in, play them all a lot and evenly.

However if I were to choose one, it’d probably be Ezreal. Ezreal would be considered a mage and marksman.

As in many online multiplayer games, while playing League Of Legends, you’ll most likely run into a toxic teammate or player.

League doesn’t have voice chat (microphones) but it does have text chat, meaning you are able to type, so if you’re not too sensitive, give it a go!

The most fun I’ve had is teaming up with my friends while going against a random enemy team.

League of Legends is a great game.

It is very complex and open, with many different champions to choose from.

think, “I’ve been on the low...I feel like I’m out of my mind/ It feel like my life ain’t mine.”

The song’s lyrics speak to the vulnerability of the listeners and everyone in the world who might need an outlet.

The first chorus of the song gets right to the point, saying, “I don’t wanna be alive, I just wanna die today.”

The way the Logic just says, “I just wanna die”--without glamorizing the thoughts of suicide--shows how important it is to seek help and how helpful a lifeline can really be.

Shedding light on this unspoken topic of society, Logic tries to keep the song

real, showcasing the truth that there are people that have thought about killing themselves. When Logic was explaining the lyrics behind this song, he said he wanted to say the things that everyone has thought about before, but no one has actually said out loud.

Through the song’s strong message and catchy melody, the listeners can truly connect with the music and, hopefully, find it as an outlet where they can express the feelings they may hide on the inside. To save someone’s life with a song like this is very powerful.

As I listened to this song, I felt that it

was very relevant to our society, especially for the younger audience, because of the many people I know who do suffer from depression, or are in low times of their lives.

Not only is “1-800-273-8255” an impactful hit to our society, but the other songs on Logic’s recent album, like “Anziety,” also touch on the realities of being human, mental health awareness and having true acceptance of yourself.

Logic, currently on a global tour, hopes to spread this positive message to the ends of the earth. For more information about suicide prevention and awareness, visit their website and check out the album, Everybody, available for streaming on iTunes and Spotify.

1-800-273-8255 Music Single STORY BY JOYCE NG “1-800-273-8255” is a single by Logic featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid whose music video was released on Aug. 17.

“1-800-273-8255” is part of Logic’s recent album, Everybody, carrying the concept of positivity and reality through darker days. The song’s unusual title is actually the phone number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and hopes to raise the idea of suicide prevention.

Logic starts out the song trying to relate to people suffering emotionally, who might

DESIGN BY EMILY VERNIKOS

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | 15

Rick and andMorty Morty Rick TV Show

16 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

Life is Strange: Before the Storm

Video Game

PHOTO BY WIKIA.COM STORY BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS

PHOTO BY INVERSE.COM

“Rick and Morty’s” newest season rocks expectations Top Episodes to Watch from Season 3

The Ricklantis Mixup: 9/10/17

The daily life of Rick and Morty’s from the Citadel

Mortys Mind Blowers: 9/17/17 Going back and reliving Morty’s forgotten memories

STORY BY ALEXIS DESENA The intergalactic tales of “Rick and Morty” are back for more exciting adventures after two successful seasons.

The third season stems from a divorce that flowed from the last season.

From there, all the characters find ways to cope and avoid this relatable situation, which leads to more character development, understanding and underlying conflict. This show is an adventure-driven science fiction show that mainly uses the theory of alternate dimensions. It’s main characters consist of Morty, a teenage boy; Rick, his ingenious grandpa; and their dysfunctional household.

The thing that makes this show really addicting to watch is its originality, unique voice acting and witty humor. The show really has a mixture of a childish and an adult nature; they don’t need to make fun of political or racial aspects to be funny.

Most of the jokes in the show aren’t repetitive and even if they are, they are plotted well through the episode.

Each episode feels like it reaches a goal to some end. Because it’s such a short amount of time to explain everything in one sitting, the show can easily be very confusing.

The voice acting is also what draws my

Up and Coming: Video Game Star Wars Battlefront II is said to be released on November, 17, 2017, a sequel to the 2015 version. Battlefront II is a first person shooter based on the movie franchise featuring characters from the original trilogies and prequel movies. Rather than focusing on multiplayer, it is focused more on campaign.

Star Wars Battlefront ll DESIGN BY ALEXIS DESENA

attention to this show. Justin Roiland, a co-creator of the show, has played a hand full of the characters such as the two main ones.

Even though they are voiced by the same person, they both have incredibly distinct personality in their tones.

Something about their contrasting voices almost makes it mesmerizing to watch, although some may think that it’s hard to listen to.

I am looking forward to comebacks of old characters, unraveled climaxes to previous seasons and new sides we usually don’t get to see from the characters.

From recent seasons the characters have stayed the same with their attitude and personalities, but things in season three have changed, in some of the way the characters see each other.

For instance, Morty used to see his grandpa, Rick, as an inhuman genius who he sticks by as a sidekick, but in later episode Morty act more dominant and aggressive.

On the other hand, Rick, while still staying true to his crude nature, has truly shown a better side to himself, which past seasons never really uncovered.

The show portrays its characters very well, having different personalities and extremely memorable people overall.

Released on Aug. 31, the prequel to Life is Strange, “Life is Strange: Before the Storm” released it’s first episode: “Awake.”

Skeptical on how a secondary game could be made without the use of Max’s time travel skills, the game was better than I expected. In the first, original game “Life is Strange,” the developers, Deck Nine, skim over the background of Chloe mostly focusing directly on the issues at hand, whereas in the new game, we see directly how Chloe was affected by the absence of Max and dealing with her father’s death.

Playing choice-based games typically leaves me feeling as though I did not have enough decisions to make, and that I didn’t impact the game that greatly, but in this game I felt as though I had enough decisions to make that were directly affecting the game play. This is exactly how I want to feel after playing choice-based games.

Another strong point of the game was the animation style which reflects the atmosphere necessary to make the player feel under stress or happy as the characters are feeling.

My favorite part of the first game was the playlist, so I was a little upset over the fact I didn’t find myself determined to listen through the playlist afterward like I did with the first game.

I have hopes that I may find myself listening to the playlist once all the episodes have been released, but until then the first episode hasn’t done much for me in terms of music, but overall, the entire game really had me excited to be back playing “Life is Strange,” and I’m prepared to play the rest of the episodes.

Up and Coming: Local Events

Petrified Forest October 6, 2017 1360 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL

Tunnel to Tower 5K Sunday, October 15, 2017 Cranes Roost Park

One-Page Low-Down

16 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

App Review: SketchBook STORY BY KIMBERLY PENUEL Autodesk Sketchbook is a very useful app if you’re an artist like I am. It features a vast variety of useful tools you can use on your Apple computer, iPad or iPhone.

Some good things about this app are the smooth brush strokes, the easy-to-use software and the ability to animate (if you use the computer version).

There are also some things that are rather frustrating to work with. You are given three layers and only a select amount of brushes you can use. To get more layers and brushes you must purchase them. The gradient tool and some additional tools, such as the ability to animate with the computer version, are things you need to purchase as well if you want to use them.

You need to register an account to use the

app as well if you’re using the computer. A cool aspect is that you can download special paint tools from the website, which I think is neat. Sadly, however, it does not work if you’re using iPad or iPhone. It is a feature specifically designed for computer usage only.

If they gave us free animation abilities, unlocked more brushes and gave more layers than just 3 to work with, then I would rate this app a good 5 stars. But until they do that, I’m leaving my ratings at only 3.5 stars.

Album Review: Rainbow STORY BY DYLAN SACHS If you’re looking for popprincess wild child Ke$ha, who wrote such hits as “Tik Tok” and “Take it Off,” Rainbow is not for you. The new Kesha has dropped the dollar sign and gained some perspective.

Leading up to this album release, Kesha had been involved in a three-year legal battle with her producer, Dr. Luke. Many fans speculate that her accusations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse against Dr. Luke have not only impacted her personal life, but may have been the inspiration behind many of her new songs.

Her new album is filled to the brim with catchy songs with a deeper meaning. Songs such as “Praying” and “Learn to Let Go” have catchy lyrics and upbeat melodies, while still addressing her struggles with suicidal thoughts and

depression that may be linked to her struggles with Dr. Luke.

These songs symbolize her emotional journey as an artist and as a person: Kesha says goodbye to her painful past and hello to her bright and colorful future.

Other songs on the album are more surface-level. Songs like “Boots” and “Boogie Feet” are still catchy, but that’s pretty much it. These songs are less focused on personal experiences, and are relatable to a larger general audience. Nothing about these songs screamed “Kesha”

uniquely, or had the personal touch that some of her other songs had.

These songs also differed from others on the album by having some country-sounding elements. From fast-paced banjo solos to slow and emotional country love songs, Kesha highlights this genre in various ways throughout the album. This choice to incorporate country music in her new album surprised a lot of fans who thought Kesha had long forgotten her country roots.

Overall, Kesha’s new album combines the good, the bad and the just plain weird. This colorful mishmash album will get you jamming, crying and hitting Mariah Carey-level high notes.

Rainbow hit the charts on Aug. 11, and claimed the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, with 117,000 album-equivalent units sold, streamed, or downloaded, within the first week.

SOUL OF AN ARTIST INTERVIEWED BY ISABEL FAIN

Artist Junior Olivia Burt

PHOTO BY ISABEL FAIN Q: How did you first get into the fine arts?

A: Art was sort of a thing that naturally just happened. Drawing seemed like something I already started to do, and it seemed like a fun thing to learn about and keep doing.

Q: How has being so heavily involved in the arts affected your life?

A: When I was doing art and starting out, it seemed like I was going through a rough patch in my life. A lot of things weren’t going right, and I feel like art was an outlet to make myself happy.

Q: Who influenced you the most in the fine arts?

A: My best friends, who always encouraged me to continue doing art, because there were patches where I thought ,“I can’t do this,” but then my friends were always there telling me, “You’re amazing!” and kept me with the energy to improve.

Q: Would you do this fine art as a career?

A: I would absolutely love to do it as a career! It’s not as much a career as of 10 or 20 years ago. But as the times move forward, it’s so much more known, studied, looked at, viewed and more appreciated than it was.

Q: Has there been anyone who goes against you when doing art?

A: When doing art, sometimes it feels like everyone’s against you, because you can get frustrated. At the same time, having very difficult things to overcome makes it that much more satisfying to do and to overcome.

Local Review: 1000 Degrees STORY BY FERN SILVA

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

With an influx of new places to eat and relax popping up in Oviedo, companies have huge competition to try to bring customers in. 1000 Degrees drags you in with just the name of the place.

Once inside, you are greeted by a wonderful (if inexperienced staff) and shown an extensive menu, ranging from 10 to 14 inches, from Roman Pizza’s to salads, with an assortment of different sides, toppings, and much more. All of this doesn’t add up until you get to the Design Your Own Pizza, where you can segment, overlay and mix and match any assortment of sauce, cheese, meat and veggies.

Aside from the assortment of food and choices, prices are very well balanced. With a “Design Your

Own” pizza sitting at around $9, alongside a 14inch sitting at around $17 dollars.

Overall, while still being new and working out some kinks with staff, the overall experience and quality is astounding.

DESIGN BY ISABEL FAIN

SEPTEMBER 29 , 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 17

INJURED ON THE FIELD

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

ATHLETIC TRAINING AMASSES INTEREST

Athletic training gains popularity among freshmen, especially girls STORY BY VANI THUPILI

the medical field, injuries and definitely Junior Gabriella Tuten securely sports, too, so I think the interest in it is positioned ice on a football player’s knee definitely causing the rise.”

Erica Zimolzak-Coe is the head athletic and wrapped tape around it to hold it in place; it reduced the swelling. Tuten is one trainer and has been practicing athletic training for 22 years. She teaches first aid of the new athletic trainers this year.

The Care and Prevention of Athletic and basic care of sports injuries, in order to Injuries class offers students the opportunity treat student athletes on and off the field, to learn hands-on skills. It encourages which is key to help players safe and free students to get involved in extracurricular from injury.

Zimolzak-Coe describes athletic training activities as athletic trainers while learning as “the prevention, important aspects of assessment, treatment, medical care.

This generation is more and rehabilitation of This year, over 20 sports injuries.” new students have interested in the medical Students are joining joined the athletic field, injuries. It is definitely the program for other training program, a causing the rise. reasons as well. bigger increase than Senior Gianna Walsh Tuten, who recently in previous years. The joined the program, program had so many is looking forward to applicants that it had to create a waiting list for the aspiring student building relationships with the players.

According to Tuten, the program will also athletic trainers.

Senior Gianna Walsh, who has been in help her earn the skills needed to pursue the program since her junior year, stated her dream in the medical career.

“If you want to get into the medical that she thinks there is a growing interest field, this is a good way to learn about the in the program because of current trends.

“This generation is more interested in different muscles and parts and how to heal

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them,” Tuten said.

The rise in the number of athletic trainers will lead to an increase in coverage for games to ensure players are safe from injury.

Student trainers aid the treatment of turf burn, rolled ankles, concussions and anything athletes may experience on the field.

“The most common injury has been a helmet to the knee and the knee gets swollen so we ice it or the ankle,” Tuten said.

Walsh stated that the majority of injuries occur in football, basketball and soccer because they are contact sports.

Once a player has been injured, they have a higher chance of being reinjured, and athletic trainers help prevent that from happening.

Lots of relationships are forged between the players and athletic trainers that can last a lifetime.

Zimolzak-Coe told her students that attitude is everything.

“Your attitude toward others will often determine their attitude toward you,” Zimolzak-Coe said.

ATTEMPTS TO GAIN CAN BRING PAIN

MEDICINE IN PRACTICE. An athletic trainer stretches football player Antoine Ferguson’s leg.

INSULT TO INJURY A quick rundown on SPORTS STATISTICS 15.8 %

Athletes break personal limits, obtain injuries in training process just right,” B. Kilmer said.

Junior varsity football coach Jim Baird stated that they do not personally deal with the injured player, but that it is really the Wide receiver senior Billy Kilmer was injured during an responsibility of the athletic trainers. offseason practice when he was picked up and slammed to the “We are fortunate that we have full-time trainers working with ground. This caused an air bubble in his stomach and led him to us, so any time there is an injury they immediately are sent to the be hospitalized. trainers,” Baird said. “They do not come back to us until they are Even though he is back on the field, Kilmer’s is just one injury cleared by the trainers.” that has led to some major concerns about the safety of high The protocols for football are put in place by a higher authority school sports. than the coaching staff, which helps prevent further injuries, in “Sports injuries are a natural consequence of playing sports, regards to the safety of the players. and if people are going to being active and involved and play “The school, the county, and I think maybe contact sports there is always a risk of injury,” even the state, has protocols; once they’re said AP Statistics teacher Angela Kilmer, diagnosed with a concussion it’s out of my Billy’s mother.

Sports injuries are hands,” Baird said. “The kid could beg to play According to sophomore athletic trainer a natural consequence of but they have to go through the entire protocol, Madison Smith, football causes the most playing sports. which deals with doctors, trainers and getting injuries since it’s a head-on-head sport.

AP Statistics teacher checked off and evaluated at every step of the “They do a warm-up at the beginning, and Angela Kilmer process.” they have a few water breaks in between all Even after her son was injured, A. Kilmer the practices,” Smith said. “They then split did not think that there needed to be many up into offense, defense and special teams, changes in the safety of sports. which basically are just the drills of what they do.”

“I don’t really know that there can be any new safety While he was out, B. Kilmer didn’t do quite as much as he had precautions; necessity is the mother of invention, so I’m sure hoped, since he would just sit out during his senior year. That new products will come out,” A. Kilmer said. “Just think about was a setback in his high school career. years ago: there weren’t batting helmets in baseball, and football “When I’m not injured we run routes and we scrimmage and helmets were made out of leather, which doesn’t do much to stuff,” B. Kilmer said. “But when I’m injured, I just record practices protect the head, and now we have the new concussion-type and record games.” helmets to prevent concussions.”

The coaches play an important role in making sure injuries The risk comes along with the sport, especially football with don’t happen, but they walk a tight line between that and pushing the amount of contact that is in it, according to B. Kilmer. players to get results.

“There is a risk, but when you play football the risk isn’t a “They push me as much as they need to, like over the summer surprise,” B. Kilmer said. “And it’s worth it.”

I feel like they pushed me too much, but in-season they push me STORY BY TESSA KOWALSKI

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DESIGN BY VANI THUPILI & TESSA KOWALSKI

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of high school football players who get a severe concussion go back to play on the same day

20

82% of schools have access to athletic training services

54% of athletes have played while injured

number of years that athletic training has taken to double

62%

of organized sports-related injuries occur during practices

Injury rates were 5.7 times higher in soccer in schools without athletic trainers INFOCOURTESYHUFFINGTONPOST, YOUTHSPORTSSAFTEYALLIANCE,AAP

18 | SPORTS | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

sports editor

NEVADA CULLEN

Student-section Twitter feud shows lack of class “Everyone come out looking like white trash like Oviedo’s student section!!”

This was the tweet that ignited a mass Twitter feud between the student sections of Oviedo (@OviedoStudent) and Winter Springs (@wspurplepeople) leading up to the football game on Sept.

22. The heated rivalry between the two squads was intensified by the senseless remarks made over social media by students of both schools.

It started with a Winter Springs HS student section tweet, calling for a “redneck/hick-out” theme for the game.

The Oviedo HS student section’s Twitter fired back, saying that it was looking forward to a game of “hicks versus convicts.”

Oviedo’s student section referred to former Winter Springs football players and students who had been charged for previous crimes. Meanwhile, the most infamous tweet from the Winter Springs student section was a video making fun of Oviedo’s football players and coaches, and making sexist and stereotypical jokes about Oviedo students.

Instead of ending with the initial insults, each student section continued to trash talk the opposing school over social media. A little bit of bad-mouthing spiraled into something out of control.

Each sexist comment, homophobic slur and derogatory put-down made by either student section glorified the complete lack of class in this online scuffle. Although it magnified the rivalry between Oviedo and Winter Springs, it was uncalled for and embarrassing, to say the least.

THE BLITZ The Lions got the last laugh, pounding the Bears in a commanding 35-7 victory. Sophomore running back Keonte Coffie rushed for 229 yards and two touchdowns. Junior tight end Britton Daniel caught two touchdowns. The Lions’ defense recorded two sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery.

Oviedo’s manhandling of Winter Spring proves that they are the superior team. It also goes to show that the level of trash talk that occurred was unnecessary.

Although the Lions were the superior team, its student section went on to battle the Bears in a barrage of ignorant insults.

A message to the Oviedo student section: There is no need to attack people on social media. Let the play of the football team speak for itself.

E-SPORTS EMERGES E-sports sees increase in interest, viewership, money PHOTO BY CONNER QUINLAN STORY BY ALEXIS DESENA Senior Zack Lombardo is suiting up for this year’s team sports events, but it isn’t the regular kind. He’s been warming up his teamwork abilities and fast motor skills for e-sports.

E-sports are multiplayer and competitive video games that can be played by professional gamers around the globe.

Games like League of Legends, Overwatch and DOTA 2 are video games that take communication and strategy to win and are not to be confused with sports-themed games.

A lot of debate has been tossed around about whether it should be treated the same way as other sports are treated in the media. ESPN president John Skipper stated at a New York meeting that e-sports wasn’t a sport; it is a competition.

“Millions of dollars and millions of people tune into watching [e-sports] because there is such a big audience,” said senior Daniel Vinokrov, a former e-sports player.

Jeff Dunn from Business Insider and MSN News wrote an article about the popularity growth in these games. E-sports in 2016 had $493 million in revenue and an audience of 323 million people, and in 2020, will have a predicted $1,488 million in revenues and an audience of 589 million.

For the past few years, e-sports have been growing in popularity and have reached top networks such as ESPN. Even with these large numbers, a lot of people who stick to traditional sports still think that video games as a serious career isn’t something to get excited about.

Jacob Wolf, an ESPN Staff Writer, wrote an article about a South Korean

organization that is outlining the process to dedicate their whole lifestyle to e-sports, organize e-sports as an Olympic sport. just like athletes.

“I don’t think that [e-sports] should be “E-sports is actually developing a lot, in the Olympics because [e-sports] is not and it’s actually becoming quite traditional,” necessarily an actual sport. Just people Lombardo said. playing video games for the fun of it,” said Because e-sports targets younger sophomore Alyssa White, a softball player. generations, it can cause a lot of impact Football coach John Rondone stated education and curricular activities. that he does not see how the physical “It definitely took a tole on school time,” aspect of e-sports is enough to qualify as Vinokrov said. “I definitely had my grades a sport. lowered because I was spending so much “I don’t know how much physical talent time working with my team.” is in egaming,” Rondone said. “[e-sports] No matter what it is, to get good at definitely has to do a lot with repetition anything, athletes must put time and effort and mental stuff, but as far as the physical into it. Olympic or not, they, too, may aspects of it, there are none.” sacrifice education for time with their sport.

Though some detractors state that This is the same with anyone who is willing e-sports shouldn’t be allowed in the to dedicate their time and effort to e-sports.

Olympics because there is no need for Some don’t view gaming as a legitimate physical practice, it sport and consequently doesn’t mean that those don’t feel it should who play professionally be included in the People are seeing that aren’t dedicated to their Olympics. Others, who you can perform and there’s work. perform in the sport, money in it. “[e-sports] is not argue it deserves its Senior Zack Lombardo easy,” said e-sports day in the big show. player Daniel Vinokrov.

“I think it’s “You really have to put in ridiculous,” Rondone as much education and said. “I don’t think time towards [e-sports], because [e-sports] [e-sports] should be in the Olympics. Does still requires just as much dedication.” it have a place on TV? Yes, but not in the Even if there isn’t as much physical Olympics.” activity on the body, professional If more and more people continue to e-sports players still train by developing watch and enough money flows in, e-sports faster reflexes, game knowledge, better may very well one day offer an Olympic mechanical skills and teamwork. An article gold medal to its victor--or, at the very least, from the official ESPN website summarizes gain sports viability. professional team Team Liquid’s training.

“Video games have kind of become a They practice for a minimum of 50 hours tradition since childhood,” Lombardo said. a week and work together for eight hours “So now that people are seeing that you a day. They also discuss game strategy can perform and money in it and enjoy it and review videos of matches they played they want to push it further because it’s against other teams. Professionals have to what they love to do.”

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DESIGN BY NEVADA CULLEN

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 19

ROARBOARD

For more, head to

OviedoJournalism.com

Boys’ cross country wants repeat state title PHOTO BY FLRUNNERS

RUNNING WILD. Boys’ cross country runner senior Ethan Fields keeps pace in a meet on Sept. 21.

SPORTS IN REVIEW: A PHOTO FINISH

OVIEDO CUP RECLAIMED. Coach Matt Dixon hoists the trophy after topping Hagerty on Sept. 7 at John Courier Field.

BEARING THE FLAG. Colorguard senior Meghan Kenny performs at halftime on Sept. 7 at John Courier Field.

ON THE GREEN. Junior Caroline Evatt lines up for a putt during a warm-up for a match on Sept. 27 at Wekiva CC. PHOTOS BY FERN SILVA & PAIGE SIMPSON DESIGN BY NEVADA CULLEN

STORY BY PAMELA CHAPMAN For six days a week, the cross country team endures two hours of practice in preparation for a meet. It is especially intense for the members of the boys’ cross country team, who are attempting to maintain their status as number one in the state.

In recent years, the team has had a constant shift in coaching. Former coach Paul Brown was the assistant coach two years ago, prior to being named head coach last year. He pushed the boys’ team to earn the number one ranking in the state.

“It was a pretty exciting feeling, knowing that all of the work that we’ve been putting in is finally giving us a reward,” said boys’ team runner senior Sean Schelling.

Brown left an impression on his team last year. Girls’ team member senior Hannah Kraftchick explained how Brown would sit down with the team and preach hard work and dedication to them.

“He was such a motivator and he would make everyone feel that they could run, place and do the best that they could do,”

said girls’ team runner senior Sika Kodzi.

“He inspired a spirit of excellence in the team.”

In order to take first at state once again, new head coach, Dave Tibbetts, who was the assistant coach last year, must find a way to retain the level of excellence that the team achieved last year.

According to Kodzi, coach Tibbetts has tried to implement a smooth transition from last year, so the team is doing a lot of the same workouts.

“The transition hasn’t been that difficult.,” Kraftchick said. “Coach Tibbetts has been with us for a long time--he was there when Coach Brown was the head coach.”

The team has learned specific skills from Brown that have contributed to the team’s success. Those skills, in addition to Tibbetts’ teachings, are being applied to this season’s practices and meets to lead the team to success.

“With all the [media attention], we have to keep the end goal in mind of winning states. We have to focus on making sure we earn that title,” Schelling said.

Star Athlete: Kathryn Sutton INTERVIEWED BY NEVADA CULLEN

During the fall, students often come to watch football and girls’ volleyball games. Slow-pitch softball games have rather slim attendance in comparison. Although slow-pitch is only in preparation for fast-pitch in the spring, there are several new features of the softball team this year.

They have several players committed to play softball in college. One such player is centerfielder senior Kathryn Sutton.

Here is what she had to say about the fall season: Q: How is slow-pitch softball different from fast-pitch softball?

A: It’s a lot easier, since we normally just have workouts in the weight room and don’t have practices outside.

Q: How rigorous are your practices?

A: We have two-and-a-half hour practices each day during spring.

Q: How do you condition as a team?

A: We have an agility class and we have workouts.

Q: How do you stay successful at the varsity level?

A: I practice on my own and go to hitting lessons.

Q: How often do you practice individually?

A: Every day.

Q: What is your role on the team?

A: I just try to be there for everyone and keep their attitudes up.

Q: What is the goal of slow-pitch?

A: To practice and improve your skills for fast-pitch.

Q: What are your expectations for the team?

A: To succeed and beat Hagerty.

Q: Have you received any offers?

A: I’ve received five offers, but I decided to take the full ride to Palm Beach Atlantic University.

20 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

Separation of

church & school Religious policies guide school interactions STORY BY BRYN GARICK Religion has always been a controversial subject in America, especially in public schools.

“Students have the freedom to pray whenever they want to,” said AP Statistics teacher Angela Kilmer. “They can also invite adults to pray or to speak to the group. We can’t initiate it. It has to come from them.”

In class

adhered to that. This is something I’ve thought throughout my entire teaching career, and I’ve taught in private Catholic school, I’ve taught in public school.”

After school

Religious clubs on campus help to promote a sense of unity among students.

“Sometimes Christian students or any other religious students maybe feel like an outsider,” Kilmer said. “Now, they realize there are a large number of [religious] students.”

Jewish Student Union students feel similarly.

“JSU [is] an open space for all students, not just Jewish students, to celebrate what makes our culture unique,” said senior Sarah Cooper.

Teaching religion--and related topics--can be difficult.

“We’re not supposed talk about religious aspects of evolution at all,” said biology teacher Cherie Brinkman.

“We’re supposed to keep it based on evidence. So when On the field we talk about evolution, we talk about the four evidences This sense of unity also exists on the football field. for evolution.”

“Players who have the same religious values and attend AP Psychology teacher Hildreth House is aware of the the same church services have a stronger bond,” said same policies. varsity football coach Matt Dixon. “It ties “Regarding religion, you have to be them together by their beliefs and builds very careful,” House said. “Teachers trust between those players.” are not supposed to express or expose Everyone has the right Out of school, church isn’t the only religious beliefs. It is supposed to be to their own beliefs and way players connect. a learning environment, and if you are traditions.

“Many players engage in prayer prior discussing religion, then you need to be Varsity football coach to the game, or their own moment of doing so in an historical manner.”

Matt Dixon silence,” Dixon said. “We hold a playerMany teachers have found ways engaged prayer before games, led by to avoid classroom disagreements by the team.” cutting off debates before they even According to Dixon, prayers help to calm the team. start.

“It gives [players] a moment to focus their minds and “A lot of it has to do with how you set it up to begin with: you say, ‘This may be a very controversial issue, but we’re mentally calms them before a game,” Dixon said.

Senior William Przystup also believes that prayers help here to look at it from the historical perspective because the team’s game. we’re all about thinking like an historian,” House said.

“It makes us feel more connected,” Przystup said.

History isn’t the only subject where teachers find that “We’re able to speak to each other and talk about our taking preventative measures is helpful.

“I let them know that we’re not going to be talking about Christian ways.”

However, religion isn’t always a connecting factor for all religion in general, or religious background, when it comes to evolution,” Brinkman said. “Instead of trying to say, ‘Oh teammates, according to senior Alec Lafferman.

“I try to keep the team Jesus-oriented,” Lafferman said. well, someone believes this and someone believes that,’ because then it’s open for debate and that’s where you get “I pray before every practice. There have definitely have been kids who don’t agree with what I have to say.” into the danger zone.”

Yet, disagreements never reach to the point of problems.

House believes the policies in place are good.

“I have never had any issues,” Dixon said. “It isn’t “The objective is not what do [I] believe, the objective mandatory, and out of about 500 hours spent together is what is the historical perspective of this religion,” House said. “I don’t feel that teachers should use their classrooms during the year, it becomes a small moment.”

Though according to Dixon, religion has never been that as platforms for their personal beliefs.”

However, House has held these beliefs throughout her important to the football team.

“Everyone has the right to their own beliefs and life and her career.

“I was raised that it’s not polite to talk about religion; traditions,” Dixon said. “If tapping into their spiritual side it’s a controversial issue that you don’t discuss with other before taking the field gives them security and purpose, people,” House said. “It’s just not polite, and I’ve always then I’m all for it.”

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SCPS RULES OF RELIGION

A course description will be presented before any religion class is initiated

Students are excused from school days due to religious holidays

Students can express their religious beliefs in homework, free of discrimination

Private Christian schools were created in colonial America

17 89

Public schools were created in the United States

School-based prayer could no longer be required in public schools

Lemon Supreme Court Case ruled that public taxes couldn’t go to Catholic school teachers’ salaries

18 21 19 62 19 71

Runyon Supreme Court Case ruled private schools could deny entrance to people on the basis of race due to religion

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For the first time, Seminole County Public Schools didn’t have days off for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

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Schools can teach morals that overlap religious morals Public schools cannot provide religious instruction, but may teach historical roles Schools may not celebrate religious aspects of holidays, but may celebrate secular aspects

Students are not exempt from dress code on the basis of religion, but schools cannot single out religious attire

INFOCOURTESYSCPS.K12.FL.US INFOCOURTESYBILLOFRIGHTSINSTITUTE.ORG

17 91

First Amendment to the Constitution gave freedom of religion

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Scopes Trials ruled that public schools could not teach evolution

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Civil Rights Act banned discrimination on the basis of religion, race or sex

Title IX created an exception for private schools to discriminate against sex, on the basis of religious tenets

19 72 19 87

In Edwards vs.

Aguillard, the Supreme Court ruled that evolution could be taught in public schools

DESIGN BY BRYN GARICK