The Lion's Tale - Volume 58 Issue 2 - Oviedo High School

Club improves physics knowledge PAGE 4

FEATURES

SPORTS

PAGE 13

PAGE 18

Repeated tragedies cause fatigue

Swim team prepares for season finals

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LION’S 2 TALE EDITION

NEWS

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • 32765 NOVEMBER 3, 2017 • VOLUME 58 • OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

SERVE SET SPIKE

Girls’ volleyball places seventh in national invitational tournament STORY BY TESSA KOWALSKI The girls’ volleyball team competed in the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona in late September.

It was their first national invitation and, though they were far from their home court, the team went 5-2 and placed seventh overall in the whole tournament. They only fell twice.

“We did very well, we made it to the top platinum bracket,” said girls’ varsity volleyball coach Jennifer Darty.

“Our first loss was to the tournament champions, Mater Dei, from California.”

Darty received an invitation to attend the tournament via email last January for her team to play in the tournament.

“I couldn't wait to tell my girls,” Darty said. “They earned

it last season, and they continue to earn it this year, and I hope that we get another invitation.”

Before Darty could tell her team about the Arizona trip, she had to make sure the school would allow it.

“It’s a very big trip and we had to fundraise a lot of money,” Darty said.

Sophomore middle Mikaela Shultz felt that the Arizona tournament helped her realize how she and her team should play against tough competition.

“The game gets super intense and speeds up,” Shultz said. “As a team, it really helped, because we realized what we needed to do in order to beat those great teams that are out there.”

Losing states last year led to Shultz’s realization that the team was going to have to work for everything.

“We realized that not everything was going to get handed to us,” Schultz said. “We had to work at every moment.”

Sophomore outside hitter Rebekah Rath thought that participating in the tournament provided plenty of advantages.

“I think the advantages were getting to play really tough teams that we’d never see otherwise, and it just helped us bond,” Rath said. ”It helped us to work harder and realize that there are teams that are also really good.”

According to Darty, playing against the best of the best helped the team grow together and get used to that level of competition.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

2 | NEWS | THE LION’S TALE | NOVEMBER 3, 2017

the Scoop

Beta Club assists with disaster relief PHOTO BY DEB SHEA STORY BY KATHLEEN YORK This year Beta Club has been helping out Puerto Rico, Mexico, Las Vegas, and Texas. These places have experienced some unfortunate events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes and mass shootings.

Beta has over 100 people in the club, and their mission is to help the unfortunate.

“They held a drive where a bunch of volunteers joined in, they helped package food and kits to send to Puerto Rico,” said freshman Gracie Pennington.

Sophomore Brianna Ortiz stated that they are working with Alex’s Lemonade Stand and The Hope Foundation, as well.

“Beta had raised just a little over $400 for Alex”s Lemonade Stand,” Ortiz said.

According to Ortiz, doing the work is fun.

“Beta members really enjoy helping out, especially after seeing the final product,” Ortiz said.

Puerto Rican devastation impacts Florida families

the Month in Photos

BOXES OF HOPE. Sophomore Caroline Preston packs meals for the HOPE for Puerto Rico event sponsored by Feeding Children Everywhere at the Orange County Convention Center.

STORY BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN It happened more than a month ago. It happened to not touch many homes in Oviedo. But it happened to devastate others.’

And, indirectly, it happened to impact Oviedo anyway.

“I didn’t have any communication with my family there until two weeks after it happened,” said junior Dehlylah Stedham. “Then they called to tell us that they have no power, so we sent generators to them.”

Hurricane Maria made landfall on the US territory of Puerto Rico more than a month ago. Forty-eight people were lost. Thirty-five percent of Puerto Ricans still do not have running water. Thirty-nine percent of people do not have access to cell service. And 79 percent of the island still does not have power.

“A lot of my family is there and it worried me because a lot of them live in the mountains, and that means they’re going to be some of the last few people to get their electricity back,” said junior Sophia Torres. “I still haven’t heard from some of my relatives.”

Both Stedham and Torres emigrated from Puerto Rico to Oviedo some years back, but they spent much of their lives in the US territory.

Like Torres and Stedham, many Floridians have found themselves impacted by the storm that never hit Florida.

Whether it’s through family members, friends or new neighbors and peers, the crisis caused by Hurricane Maria was wide-reaching.

“We have four new students here from Puerto Rico,” said ESOL teacher Gina Cuello. “The administration has been helping these students, and the school has been working to make the students feel welcome.”

Through all the efforts of people in Puerto Rico, Florida and around the world, there is hope that still glimmers.

“Physically, Puerto Rico’s destroyed, but not in spirit,” Torres said.

PHOTO BY FERN SILVA

STAR WARS STRIKES. The administrators dress up as their favorite Star Wars characters on Oct. 25 for Class Day.

PHOTO BY ISABEL FAIN

STUDENT TALENTS SHINE. Freshman Alessandra Dunoyer performs at the talent show in the auditorium on Oct. 24.

PHOTO BY ISABEL FAIN

PLAYERS COME HOME. The varsity football team participates in the Homecoming parade along King Street on Oct. 26.

PHOTO BY ISABEL FAIN

POWDERPUFF RISES. The senior Powder Puff cheerleaders perform at the Homecoming pep rally on Oct. 27 in the RWL gymnasium.

FRONT PAGE DESIGN BY C.QUINLAN & I.FAIN

DESIGN BY KATHLEEN YORK

NOVEMBER 3, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | NEWS | 3

CONFLICT AT CONCERTS Attacks at concerts stir feelings among concert-goers, parents STORY BY DANIELE GRIFFITHS Over the past few years, there have been multiple incidents that have taken place at concerts, from Las Vegas to Manchester.

With this spark in violence at concerts, attendees of concerts--and parents of attendees--have had to reconsider what it means to go to a concert.

Senior Alexandra Adams was at the “Before You Exit” show when Christina Grimmie was shot and killed.

“Staff just kept yelling, ‘Run!’ and it was very chaotic,” Adams said. “I immediately ran to the car and drove off.”

Adams still attends concerts, but with a new sense of awareness.

“Now, I always identify the nearest exits, what I would do and where I go if something were to happen,” Adams said.

Even after this incident and others, many people don’t let fear stop them, just like Senior Mekenzie Pettit.

“I haven’t noticed a difference in the attendance since everything’s happened,” Pettit said. “I went to the P!ATD concert right after Christina Grimmie was killed, and it was still maxed out.”

Sophomore Owen Greene is another concert goer who refuses to let incidents

like these affect his attendance.

“I feel relatively safe at concerts because there is such a low chance of an attack actually happening,” Greene said.

“Plus, I’ve seen that there has been an increase in metal detectors and people getting patted down before entering some venues.”

Senior Olivia Bastone hates seeing concerts targeted for violence.

“Shows are a safe haven where people of all different walks of life can come and have a good time,” Bastone said. “There’s zero tolerance for hatred, and the fact that there are people trying to abuse that serenity is awful.”

The spark in violence at many public events started to occur just recently, according to English 4 teacher Kati Hansen.

She stated things were different when she attended concerts as a teenager.

“When I was 17, 18, the issues were a lot different from what we have today,” Hansen said, “No one ever thought about them, there were different issues. You didn’t want to be attacked, obviously in a different context from today’s standard, but concerts have always been about being safe, making sure you pay attention to things around you: if you saw something, then you said something.”

The change from concerts years ago to concerts now have left some people, such as AP Human Geography teacher Kimberly McKernan, feeling uneasy about concerts for her daughters.

“It shouldn’t be an issue about girls attending concerts, but, realistically, we live in a world where girls are not always safe and need to make smart decisions,” McKernan said. “For example, people constantly talk to my girls as if they are middle school students, not juniors in high school, because of their height. I worry about people trying to take advantage of them because of that. I’d be OK with them going if they could go to a concert with a large group of girls so that they could look out for each other.”

McKernan has taught her girls to take safety precautions at a concert.

“I have taught them to pay attention to their surroundings and remove themselves if anything seems off,” McKernan said.

These precautions are similar among many other concert goers.

“My mom is fine with me going,” Adams said. “She just wants every detail before I go, and she makes sure it is at a safe venue. I always have to make sure my phone is charged, and that I go to concerts with a buddy.”

Pettit takes her own safety precautions.

“I try to look to see if there are any ‘sketchy’ people around,” Pettit said. “If it’s an outside concert, then I look at the surrounding buildings--now that the Vegas shooting has happened--to try to find where would be best to go if something did happen.”

Bastone believes there’s not much she could do, but that people at the concert would have her back.

“I truthfully feel pretty safe, and they’ve proven that to me by protecting me if the crowd gets too rough,” Bastone said.

“If something were to happen, I believe it would definitely be a group effort of protecting each other.”

Beyond that, however, Bastone stated that there isn’t much else she can do to protect herself.

“If someone wants to come shoot up a venue, nothing I can do will be able to stop them,” Bastone said.

Bastone refuses to let the attacks stop her from enjoying life.

“Living in fear is worse than not living at all,” Bastone said. “There are some things you can’t control, and if you’re safe and vigilant, you shouldn’t let fear overcome your life.”

Countries with most setlists in past 30 days

DON’T

bring drugs

DO

bring snacks to eat beforehand

DON’T

bring alcohol

11092

2784

DO

The United States

drink lots of water

DON’T

be rude around others

DON’T

let your phone die

1742

11106

DO

be courteous to others

DO

bring a portable charger

The United Kingdom

Artists with most concerts in the past year THE WIGGLES 273 setlists DARKENED SOUL 189 setlists THE BEACH BOYS 176 setlists KANE BROWN 165 setlists

Germany

Venues with the most concerts in past 30 days ZILLER PARK Austin TX (174 setlists) 9:30 CLUB Washington NW (74 setlists) CITY PARK New Orleans LA (65 setlists) INFOCOURTESYSETLIST.FM

DESIGN BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR

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

New club provides tutoring, advanced opportunities in physics PHOTO BY DECLAN MCCOY STORY BY CHRIS KEEFER

The newly formed Physics Honors Society welcomes students who are interested in learning about physics, plus those who need help understanding physics.

Academically inclined students who wanted a place to share their passion for physics with others got together to form the club. The Physics Honor Society (PHS) is not a national club, but rather, is operated on a local level within the school.

“We wanted to start this club last year, but seeing as how important our studies are, the logistics just didn’t work out,” said senior Jackson Wydra, the vice president.

“This year we have a larger group and a more consistent meeting place.”

While the club currently only has six members, they hope to expand, whether with students wishing to join or with those who just need help studying. Club leadership offers tutoring sessions every Wednesday for those who need extra help in their physics classes.

“We work with students of all levels of physics class and we tutor every Wednesday at 1:45 p.m.,” said senior Jeremy Rockaway, the club president.

Not only does PHS tutor fellow students, its members also engage in extended and intensive physics discussions.

“Sometimes we even work on complex problems from Harvard’s physics question of the day,” Rockaway said.

“This way, we can challenge those students who are already proficient in physics.”

Members also use the club for networking purposes.

“This club is more than just a resume-filler,” said senior Chase Walker. “The Physics Honor Society is a group of students who has come together to learn more about physics in a fun way.”

Getting to know peers who share similar academic

LEARNING WITH VELOCITY. Seniors Chase Walker and Ethan Vincent tutor senior Will Pryztup as a part of Physics Honor Society member duties. interests can be very advantageous both in the present and the future, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Physics has many applications and provides various career opportunities beyond of high school. From aerospace to civil engineering, there is an ever-growing number of physics-related occupations for students to

pursue.

Students who wish to join PHS should visit during club hours, 1:45 to 2:30 every Wednesday in Art Woodruff’s classroom, 12-010. Any and all students who are serious about succeeding in higher education and their mathematics-based classes will benefit from PHS.

DESIGN BY CHRIS KEEFER

Individual reactions to tragedy must balance past, future Our world is not perfect; there is pain, destruction and sadness. There is death, loss and tragedy. There are natural disasters, from hurricanes like Irma to earthquakes and tsunamis that kill hundreds, thousands and millions every year. Mass shootings and terrorist attacks are growing more and more frequent recently--especially in the west.

Constant warfare in the Middle East causes refugees to attempt to find solace in the west, out of the necessity to live.

There is no way to sugar coat it: life is not perfect. Tragedy strikes each and every person in its own way, and each and every person has a different means of coping with unbearable disasters.

Some bury their pain deep inside; some let the pain consume them; some ignore the root of their evil.

Each person has a different way to deal with pain, and that’s okay. There is no right or wrong way to deal with that which is something we humans cannot begin to explain. We cannot explain how someone snaps and kills innocents, or why a tornado takes away everything in someone’s world.

We at The Lion’s Tale believe that everyone has their own way of dealing with things, that everyone needs time to

process, mourn and begin to heal, and that’s OK. Until they can come back to where they once were, that’s the best they can do.

Yet, in recent years, it has become a pattern to simply react numbly to all these tragic events. Though they all occur in our wold, we find ourselves especially numb when they don’t affect us personally. We turn on the news and all we see is death, pain, destruction and cataclysm. In reality, this affects people because it is something that is universal--disaster can strike anyone at any given time.

To adapt to this, people shut it out and move on with their lives. It is an effort to outrun the pain. Others try to hide, to lock themselves away. Phrases such as, “I’m not going to go to a parade because I could be shot,” have become the norm; people are scared. Being fearful is okay, it is a natural emotion, but we can’t let it overpower us.

We at The Lion’s Tale believe that overcoming that which scares, hurts or frightens you is necessary to continue your normal life. We shouldn’t become numb to these events, yet, at the same time, we shouldn’t become petrified by them. To deal with these tragedies, we must find a balance somehow--in any constructive ways we can.

NOVEMBER 3, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 5

IN YOUR FACE

How does society react to repetitive tragedies?

Senior Ethan Fields

The reaction is becoming less and less profound as more tragedies occur, so that is very problematic.

Senior Haley Hill

It doesn’t ever really change. History repeats itself and so do the reactions.

Junior Jack Scully

With the Las Vegas shooting, people will go on about how guns are the problem, which is a big factor, but there is a lot more in play.

OUR WORD

Sophomore Julia Hoffman

Society, at first, is sad about the loss of life, but then people become desensitized to it; it hinders people’s ability to understand the actual fears when we are in situations.

PHOTOS BY FERN SILVA

A:ccept the anxiety and don’t try to fight it.

W: atch the anxiety and focus on your breathing, taking longer breaths on the out-breaths.

A: ct normal. This tells your unconscious mind there is nothing wrong, and there is no need to react.

R:epeat the above steps as necessary.

How’s the weather today?

E: xpect the best. Controlling your fear is possible!

ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIA BLOOM

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

Photographers 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

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 • NOVEMBER 3, 2017 • VOLUME 58 • EDITION 2

DESIGN BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS

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 | NOVEMBER 3, 2017

BEFORE

AFTER

online editor

BRYN GARICK

‘Pink’ does not always represent ‘girly’ traits I like pink.

Scratch that−I have a mild obsession with the color. I highlight my favorite school subjects in pink and I edit and peer-grade students’ papers in a pink pen.

My pink Converse are my favorite shoes and my favorite jacket is pink. I drink exclusively pink lemonade, and if there is an option between another color and pink, I always pick pink.

I like the way pink looks in the sky when the sun’s just rising, and I like the way it looks written on a whiteboard.

I didn’t used to admit that, though.

I was taught that pink was a “girly” color (even though it was associated with boys as recently as 1918). I was taught, from the time I was little, that pink meant you didn’t play sports; you liked makeup and you liked shopping, which were things I didn’t identify with.

Society told me that to identify with those things meant I was girly. Society taught me that to be girly meant that I was weak. I didn’t want be considered girly because I didn’t want to be considered weak. I liked pink, but I didn’t admit it.

Movies such as Mean Girls and Legally Blonde promote the idea that liking pink means you are girly. TV shows like Modern Family, with characters such as Haley Dumphey, promote the idea that to be girly means you are dumb and weak.

I started to embrace the fact that I liked pink when high school began. I thought it would be a fresh start, that liking pink wouldn’t be considered “girly,” that, therefore, wearing pink wouldn’t make me weak.

I bought a pink calculator and pink Converse. Slowly, my closet and room began to fill up with the color pink.

High school wasn’t much better, however. I wore pink and, while no one cared, society still promoted the idea that pink meant girly and weak.

I became comfortable with the fact that I liked pink, but I didn’t feel any more comfortable with being considered girly and weak.

I love pink, but I don’t love the societal connotation that surrounds pink.

Society isn’t always right, though. It’s not right about pink. Pink is a great color, and liking pink isn’t bad. Girls are strong.

Girls are smart. Being girly means being great, not being weak and dumb.

Therefore, I like the color pink. I like how it looks on flowers and on walls.

And I don’t care anymore if it makes me girly. I like being girly and I like pink.

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXIS DESENA

Swimming provides escape from life

staff reporter

ABBIE WYDRA

My alarm goes off and I wake up to pitch black darkness. It’s 5 a.m. on a Tuesday, but I don’t mind.

I get out of bed and prepare in the quiet of a swimmer’s morning. I pack my swim bag, my school backpack and my lunch, all in the early morning.

I arrive at the pool. Giant football stadium lights illuminate the still water.

I stand before the lane. I take a deep breath and prepare for the freezing sensation of the water. My skin tingles in anticipation, and I dive in.

The cold water shocks my system and forces me to wake up. I am on alert, mind and body acting as one. For 45 minutes, nothing is on my mind except for my swimming.

All I hear are the sounds of rushing water and my own pounding heart.

All I feel is the cold water sliding past my skin and the burning pain of my

muscles. With every stroke, I propel my body through the water. I propel myself towards my goals.

Gliding through the water, I feel like I belong. I could stay in the same lane, swimming back and forth, for hours.

To others, this might seem boring, but it is my one and only escape from life, the time out of my day where I get to just swim and think about nothing: it’s just me and the water.

After 45 minutes, I get out of the pool, breathing heavily, trying to give my muscles the oxygen they need to repair and function. Though I am exhausted, I am happy. I feel accomplished as I prepare to face my next challenge of the day: school.

I walk into the front doors of the school with a wet shirt, wet hair and the permanent smell of chlorine.

To others, it is just the smell of chlorine.

To me, it’s a symbol that my life is devoted to swimming, and that I have some way to escape from the stresses of the rest of the world.

Even though I fall asleep basically every day in first period, I remind myself that swimming is going to help me prepare--both physically and mentally--for whatever life tries to throw at me.

During school, I fight my way through each class, attempting to stay awake and retain the information my teachers are providing to me, but my mind drifts.

All I think about is when I can get in the pool again and escape from the world.

After school, I finally go back to the place I call my second home: the pool.

It’s another two and a half hours during which I am free from the stresses of school and life. There are no homework assignments, no tests and no difficult people. There are just the almostimpossible sets my coach uses to push my team and I to our physical limits It’s another challenge that helps me prepare for the real world after high school and college.

At my second home, I also am surrounded by my second family: my team. We all encourage one another, watch one another, and cheer each other on. It’s just an overall positive environment, and it adds to the sense of escape from life.

My swimming family helped me transition from elementary school to middle school and from middle school to where I am now. Some of the girls I swim with are now like second sisters to me, and I couldn’t imagine life without them.

Swimming, itself, is not only my second home, it is my main life.

My broad shoulders, the permanent smell of chlorine, wet hair and being constantly hungry. I couldn’t imagine my life without it.

Swimming is one of the best things that has happened in my life, for so many reasons.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without swimming.

I don’t know how I would be living if I didn’t swim. It has transformed my life forever and, hopefully, I will be waking up at 5 a.m. for a long time.

DESIGN BY BRYN GARICK

NOVEMBER 3, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 7

My dog is one-of-a-kind!

ADOPT ME

entertainment editor FERN SILVA

Two passions make future decisions uncertain

ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIA BLOOM

All animals deserve loving homes

staff reporter

EMILY VERNIKOS Each year, 2.7 million adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in the United States, due to too many pets coming into shelters and few people consider adoption when looking for a pet.

I think every pet deserves a safe home with a loving owner.

The number of euthanized dogs and cats could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them. When adopting a pet, the vaccination and spay/neuter fees are usually included with the adoption price. The cost of animals that are sold by breeders can be very expensive, so if you were to buy from a shelter you would not only be saving money but also a life.

Buying a puppy or even an older pet from a breeder doesn’t make you evil against rescue…responsible dog breeders do not cause pet overpopulation.

Irresponsible dog owners do, whether they breed dogs deliberately or don’t DESIGN BY JOYCE NG

bother to neuter their pets in the first place.

Breeding for appearances hurts the animal’s health. Dogs and cats don’t care whether their physical appearance conforms to a judge’s standards, but they are the ones who suffer the consequences of human genetic manipulation.

Inbreeding causes painful and lifethreatening genetic defects in “purebred” dogs and cats, including skin problems, epilepsy, heart defects, blindness, deafness, etc. No one who has an animal’s best interests in mind would intentionally mutilate him or her in this horrible way.

Since virtually no breeders require every puppy or kitten they sell to be spayed or neutered, these animals could soon have litters of their own, leading to overpopulation and denying homes to animals who already need them.

I get that some people go to breeders for specific breeds. That makes sense, but if you really want a certain breed so badly, there’re also rescue groups. For example, if you were looking for a Shiba Inu dog, there are rescue groups for Shiba Inus.

Animal shelters are filled with happy, healthy pets just waiting for someone to take them home. Most of the pets in shelters wound up there because of a human problem, like a move or split in the family, not because they did anything wrong. Many are already used to living with families.

Rescuing a shelter animal is also a way to fight/ go against puppy mills.

Puppy mills are factory-style breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs.

Animals from the mills are housed in poor conditions, with improper medical care, and are often very sick.

The mothers of the puppies are kept in cages to breed over and over, according to HumaneSociety.org. After the dogs at the mills are no longer profitable, they’re simply discarded, either killed, abandoned or sold.

You’re probably thinking, “Why are people even buying from these mills?!”

The mills continue to stay in business through deceptive tactics--their customers are unsuspecting consumers.

By adopting a pet, you can be certain you’re not giving those mills a penny.

I remember scrolling through Instagram seeing someone say, “You won’t find my dog at a shelter!” and just thinking, “Wow, are you serious right now?”

I understand that people prefer certain dog types/cat types, I personally enjoy Shiba Inus a lot, but the fact that the person is talking badly about how shelter animals don’t meet their “standards” is absurd.

I have a Jack Russell Terrier mix that I adopted from an animal shelter.

He is an amazing companion. I am really glad we got him. He has a healthy environment with a family that loves him.

That’s what every pet deserves.

Whether you buy from a responsible breeder, an animal shelter or a rescue group, please make smart choices, and give a pet a great loving home.

A photograph is able to capture a single moment in time, to preserve that moment for an eternity. That ability--to freeze a moment for others to experience the emotion, the meaning and the significance behind it--is what drives photographers like myself to capture these moments.

The first time I had taken a photo for the pure aesthetic appeal was the summer between sophomore and junior years. The photo was of a sunset that was particularly stunning. While it may be considered something basic to photograph, it sparked my interest in the art of photography.

At the start of my junior year, I picked up a solid DSLR camera for the first time ever. I haven’t been able to stop taking photos since that day. With every photo, my skills and techniques increase, expanding my understanding about the world of photography.

But it also makes me less and less certain about what my future entails.

For the entirety of my life, I’ve been entrenched in the ideas of science, with the plan that, when I get older, I’ll find some science career and dedicate my life to that.

I’ve even gone so far as to choose the field of science that I want to follow: aerospace engineering. I’ve read into the subjects, watched rocket launches, dreamed up my life on a rocket-everything.

Then, in came photography, an unknown beast in my eyes, but a beast that I wanted to tame. It is a medium that I can use and shape, with which I can create various images and moods; I can do all of this with only a few changes in my technique.

Even though I have only taken photos for little over a year, it’s impossible to find me without my camera nowadays.

Photography allows me to truly express myself and show the world the way I view things, while also providing an outlet for experimenting, trying new ideas and ways to capture a moment. Photography has grabbed me by the reins and hasn’t let go of me since.

And here I am now: a senior, utterly confused about what I will do in my future because my two main passions don’t exactly intersect.

But, who knows, maybe one day I’ll find a way to connect the two passions. Maybe I’ll find that secret job where I can use both sets of my skills to the best of my ability.

Until that day, I will sit at a crossroads, improving my skills in both areas, hoping that I won’t ever have to decide.

HEAD to HEAD

8 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | NOVEMBER 3, 2017

Is concert safety increasingly an important factor?

Keep safety in mind when attending events

Concert attendees should not have fear STORY BY JOSH CORDONERO Recent events--especially the Las Vegas shooting last month--have caused casual patrons and experienced concertgoers alike to feel unsafe.

Gun Violence Archive has stated that 273 mass shootings have happened since the start of this year. We can’t always ensure safety in any situation, and I’m fairly certain we are all aware of this fact. For example, in this year alone, 33,736 people died due to auto accidents, whereas 11,008 people died due to shootings, according to the CDC. Those statistics show that you’re more likely to meet the maker while traveling to the concert than you are at the concert.

But we haven’t had a huge increase in fear about car accidents. The fear of live music venues, however, has risen, mostly because of the press coverage surrounding these mass shootings.

If a shooting happens in a private area, the casualties are lower and the victim is uninteresting to the public, so there’s a low chance it will be publicized. In comparison, if a well-known public figure holds a sizable concert and it is attacked, it draws the media’s attention.

The ratios are disproportionate and produce a good amount of fear.

Whenever the news gets the chance to report a mass shooting, the first thing it covers is the life of the shooter.

A tragedy should be viewed in a light that expresses compassion towards the victims. It should also provide information to ensure future precaution. It should only provide strictly factual and necessary updates as to the course of action taken with the perpetrator.

Focusing on the killer is one of the reasons why fear and anxiety is introduced to the public’s thoughts. While they are out in public, reminders that a human is capable of doing such surely contribute to such insecurity.

Personally, I am generally satisfied with all the measures taken for the crowd’s safety. My experience at a concert last year included a stabbing. Though the person who was stabbed was injured, the venue’s security did a marvelous job handling the situation. They were able to catch the perpetrator, provide the assistance necessary to the victim and return safety to the rest of the event.

Sometimes, even with the right safety measures, incidents will still occur.

It’s the reactions to these incidents we should observe. Security guards are posted at populated and lesser populated areas. They all do their best to prevent any weapons, drugs or alcohol from being brought into the venue.

The protocols in case of any accidents or terrorist attacks are without number. No matter what, they’re prepared for a worstcase scenario. A great way to make sure the work that security does goes smoothly, would be for the concert goer to stay calm and do their best to stay safe. It goes without saying that the best way to be safe is to avoid any trouble at all.

If the anxiety surrounding security for shows still plagues you, don’t go.

Concerts are just as safe as they were before, with increased trained professionals paid to handle your security.

There’s no need to worry or add to the national pandemic concerning safety at concerts.

STORY BY GILLIAN LANDWEHR After all the attacks that have been in the news this past year, people should be more cautious and take safety into consideration when it comes to attending public events such as concerts.

Take the recent Jason Aldean concert as an example. Fifty people were killed and over 400 were injured by a gunman who shot into the crowd of a music festival in Las Vegas in October.

At the Ariana Grande concert, 23 were killed and 250 were injured by the denotation of a bomb just outside the venue.

Before purchasing any concert ticket, it would be wise to do some research.

Find out whether the venue is safe, read online reviews of the venue, find any of the safety procedures or rules that the venue has listed on its website. All of these will help you determine how safe the venue is.

I myself am an avid concert attendee.

I enjoy spending time at concerts and, never once in my life, have I felt at risk while at a concert. Yet, after all the violence that has occurred at concerts within the last year, I take the possibility of this situation actually happening much more seriously.

If these events don’t startle you, then I advise that you at least do research on the venue. Look up where the venue is located. Look at the shops, parking garages and restaurants to get a good sense of the area. If the area seems sketchy or questionable, decide if you really want to go. You never know what will happen in an unknown area, so be careful.

Concert safety also depends on the type of music. At a pop/acoustic concert, the behavior of fellow concert goers would be more tame than it would bet at a rap/hip hop concert. It all depends on the music.

Another thing to take into consideration is who is performing.

For example, if someone like Shawn Mendes was performing, you could expect people to have better behavior than if a rapper such as Kendrick Lamar was performing. This is all reliant on the audience. A majority of Shawn Mendes’ fans are young, teenage girls, while most of Kendrick Lamar’s fans are older-aged teens/adults.

The age range allowed in the venue is also another good way to determine what you should expect to happen. If a concert is all ages, then you should expect all ages to be in attendance. If the concert is 18 and up, then you should expect those in attendance to be more assertive.

If this atmosphere doesn’t worry you, then that’s great. Go out, have fun and enjoy your time. Just remember to stay safe, in case any dangerous scenario ever happens.

Ensuring that you are always safe during events like concerts is very important. Some ways to keep safe are go with friends, bring extra money, make sure you phone is charged and bring a portable charger.

Most venues are beginning to increase their safety and security procedures. Often, there will be metal detectors, bag checks and pat downs.

All of these procedures are in place to prevent the occurrence of any danger.

CONCERT TRAGEDY TIMELINE Romania 2015 51 killed 50+ injured

Belgium 2011 5 killed 140 injured

Seongnam 2014 16 killed 11 injured

Orlando 2016 1 killed 1 injured

Paris 2015 130 killed 352+ injured

Las Vegas 2017 58 killed 500+ injured

Manchester 2017 23 killed 500+ injured

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DESIGN BY JOYCE NG

NOVEMBER 3, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 9

Sweaters, scarves, boots arrive with calendar change

Despite heat, students dress cool for fashion fashion trends 20 years ago, it’s roughly the same.”

STORY BY ISABEL FAIN Mustaine also stated that there is a Even though the thermometer still read difference between boys’ and girls’ fall over 80 degrees most days, fall colors attire.

“I think girl fall attire is more runway and styles popped up on campus in early October. Fall has become one of students’ style,” Mustaine said. “If you ever look at runway styles, it’s favorite fashion more eccentric. But a seasons to look lot of designers lean forward to during the Guys still wear shorts and more towards girls.” school year. girls, since they get a little cold, According to Junior Beeta start wearing more layers.

Mustaine, fashion Daryadel defined fall designers for boys fashion as oversized Freshman Amari Jacobs have one mane clothing, leggings objective. and sweaters.

“For boys, it As a member of always goes back to Design Club who is emphasizing in fashion, Daryadel also the basics,” Mustaine said.

When the weather dropped into the stated that colors define fall fashion, such 50s and 60s during the last few days of as mustard yellow, browns and burgundy.

Junior Kate Mustaine said that the October, more and more students came to added clothing layers are due to the fact school wearing scarves and boots.

Freshman Amari Jacobs, who loves to that the history of fashion has remained wear scarves, stated that it was because of constant.

“A lot of it stems from history and that the Floridian sense of climate change.

“Probably since they are native to fashion styles haven’t changed too much,” Mustaine said. “It’s still kind of the basic Florida, they are not used to the sudden looks. Looking into fashion trends now and change in weather,” Jacobs said.

PHOTO BY ISABEL FAIN

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Senior Gabe Hubbard

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Junior Summer Drew

Classroom decorations create varied learning environments Biology teacher Cherie Brinkman likes to see the changes her students undergo.

“At the beginning of the year, they like to look at the Classrooms are the places where students go to learn, where they spend the majority of their days. They are also pictures to see who is in my other classes,” Brinkman said.

At the end of the year, it is a different story. the places where teachers spend most of their time.

“They like to look to see how much they have changed AP Language teacher Shayna Hron recognizes that teachers and students both need to be happy and since the beginning,” Brinkman said. “It is pretty funny sometimes.” comfortable in their learning space.

AP Literature teacher Amanda Dickson said that her “I spend a great deal of my life in this room, so I need it room is a big part of herself. to be a bright and happy place,” Hron said.

“I spend so much time in my classroom that I need As for students, such as senior Ryann Woideck, some believe that a more welcoming classroom leads towards to surround myself with decorations that make me feel at home and represent who I am,” more productive learning.

Dickson said.

“Decorative classrooms help me Many teachers use the decorations learn because it makes me feel like I’m Decorative classrooms to give students a feel for what kind of in a homey environment, and I’m more help me learn because it person the teacher is. Sometimes, the comfortable and able to do the work,” makes me feel like I’m in a assumptions that students make are Woideck said. homey environment. not entirely true.

Other students think the classrooms Senior Ryann Woideck English II teacher Jessica Tinkle that have “too many” decorations can said she is one of those cases. put a learning curve on their brains.

“On the first day of school, I let Junior Josie Hodgson accepts the my students make assumptions about me based off of decorations, but finds them to be a distraction sometimes.

“For me, decorative classrooms are cool, but they can my room,” Tinkle said. “They all came to the conclusion make it harder to learn because I find myself sometimes that I was a cheerful, optimistic and positive person, and I reading the posters and not listening to the teacher,” explained to them that, that is not always true.”

Senior Myranda Spruck stated that the decorations are Hodgson said.

One common trend is that teachers post pictures of there for comfort for both the teacher and students.

“Decorative classrooms are meant to make students past students--and students’ work--in classrooms.

“They all put up past students’ pictures and I like that want to learn,” Spruck said.

According to senior Samantha Fleming, it is true that a lot because it helps them keep the good memories,” decorated classrooms help the students.

Woideck said.

“When a classroom is decorated, it shows me that the Teachers also enjoy seeing the way students react to the pictures and how their rooms affect their students in teacher cares about what their students think,” Fleming said. the long run.

DESIGN BY ISABEL FAIN STORY BY JESSICA LITTON

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Do you prefer a decorated classroom or a plain one?

51%

Decorated

49%

Plain POLLOF100STUDENTSNOV.1

What is your definition of a decorated teacher’s room?

It feels like ‘wow’ this is a nice room; I want to be in this room all the time.

Senior Sarah Hickerson

Something colorful, with nice things to look at.

Senior Crysta

Booth

Decorated rooms give off a vibe of that person. A decorated room shows who that person is.

Freshman Nick McGrew

10 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | NOVEMBER 3, 2017

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STORY BY DYLAN SACHS

Before

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Going through a di both a parent and a c as well as the relations drastically.

Brill describes ho divorce.

“They were OK at still show signs of wa be,” Brill said. “They a During a divorce, parents. Hill described her relationship with e “The first couple ye my mom on days I was with my mom,” Hill sai Sawicki-Lake state should try to do so wi their children.

According to Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and two faces. Fearful that humans were too powerful, the god Zeus split them in half.

From that point on, humans forever longed for the other half of both their bodies and souls. Once they finally found their “soulmate,” the humans would live joyfully for the rest of their lives, knowing that their soul was finally complete again.

For many married couples, this story became a reality--or so they thought.

Relationship counselor Debbie Sawicki-Lake explained how some couples can underestimate the reality of marriage.

“Marriage is a commitment,” Sawicki-Lake said. “If you’re not committed, there’re a lot of opportunities for life to get in the way and create a wedge between the couple.”

Senior Allison Hill* discovered that her parents were on the road to divorce because of a fight.

“I only remember about one fight I actually witnessed, but I know there were ca You always thought your others,” Hill said. “They were mainly about sa parents loved each other, and my sisters and I and how my dad needs to as they had a really strong marriage be more of a parent.” [but then] they don’t anymore.

Pre-calculus teacher Mellissa Brill fa Sophomore Sally Jones* described when she knew that divorce was her only option. ha “I noticed my children not being able to kn show affection because they never saw their father and I being couldn’t help them.” affectionate,” Brill said.

Sophomore Sally J Brill also stated that her marriage started to go downhill when during her parents’ div she and her husband lost a child and that, from there, they started “It was super sad, losing their initial connection. to totally change from Sawicki-Lake said that this situation, such as a death, is not just worried about wha an uncommon cause for most couples to seek counseling.

Hill said that her “[Couples] typically come to counseling because there’s been parent’s divorce. a significant hurt, like the loss of a loved one,” Sawicki-Lake said.

“I love my mom so “They’re unable to manage conflict, so increased arguments or her,” Hill said. “I remem fighting, or there is ongoing mental health issues.” for about half my life.”

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NOVEMBER 3, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 11

M di edi vo an rc a e ge fo r m at al es :

Divorce rates are 40% lower for couples with children

42.9 years

impacts entire family

ivorce can take a major emotional toll on child. The relationship between parents, ships between parent and child, change

ow her children were affected by her

first, but now, even two years later, they anting things back the way they used to are sad, and that makes me sad.” children can feel torn between the two d how her parents’ separation affected each parent. ears were hard because I wanted to see s with my dad, and my dad on days I was id. ed that couples going through a divorce ith dignity in order to soften the blow for

“We really want to do whatever we an to protect the children,” Sawicki-Lake aid. “That means helping them divorce in s friendly as way as possible.”

Brill described the pain she felt her amily go through during her divorce.

“I thought I would be able to find appiness again,” Brill said. “It hurt a lot nowing my children were so sad and I

Jones* stated she felt a lot of uncertainty vorce. thinking about how your family is going how you’re used to,” Jones said. “You’re at going to happen.” split schedule affected her during her

o much, so it was hard being away from mber saying that she has only seen me

After

Although the road to divorce may be different for many couples, the process of divorce can bring pain to any family.

Hill stated that her parents’ divorce changed her image of her father, and of parenthood in general.

“The divorce made my realize my dad wasn’t really an ideal parent,” Hill said. “I had to grow up quicker because I helped my sisters with almost everything, so I’m more mature and I don’t have a good relationship with my father.”

Sawicki-Lake said a divorce can change a teen’s idea of marriage for them in the future. “[Divorce] usually instills fear, in young adults, that ‘I can’t commit or shouldn’t commit, because look what happens,’” Sawicki-Lake said. “It really can skew a young adult’s developing belief systems about romantic love.”

Despite these assumptions some young adults make about marriage, many teens still have hope for their own marriages in the future.

Senior Kaitland Kanistrtas stated that divorce has changed her priorities for her future relationships.

“I still want to get married and have a happy family dynamic,” Kanistrtas said. “But I understand divorce and understand that, even if I got divorced, it’s not a horrible thing. In a way, seeing my family dynamic makes me more motivated to put forth more effort into keeping a healthy relationship and finding the right person for me.”

Brill said the lessons learned from her divorce will stregthen her current marriage.

“We still have our problems, but the first marriage taught me so much, and I know God will use that experience to make this marriage stronger,” Brill said.

Hill stated that she is still optimistic for her own future marriage, despite her parents’ divorce.

“I know now that marriage isn’t all rainbows and sunshine,” Hill said. “But, personally, I still have hope that I will have a happy marriage, despite my parents.”

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*NAME WITHHELD UPON REQUEST INFOCOURTESYWASHINGTONPOST.COM,NCES.COM

DESIGN BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS

12 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | NOVEMBER 3, 2017

What’s YOUR Celebrity Crush?

BATTLING BOUNCING BUBBLES. Two senior bubble soccer teams battle it out on the field during Homecoming week.

Bubble soccer offers fun for all grades sensation and posted videos of their ownall reaching a large level of popularity.

STORY BY JOYCE NG As the popularity of bubble soccer This year, Homecoming week consisted increased across the world and the internet, of many activities, including bubble soccer: leagues were created, as well as this new a sport that allows players to wear an Homecoming tradition. inflatable plastic “bubble” around them Bubble soccer for Homecoming was while attempting to play soccer. originally an event available for just “My daughter had heard of the idea the junior and senior classes, but the at the end of her sophomore year, so we participants changed for 2017. looked it up at dinner “This year, we one night and thought opened it up to all it would be a fun thing grades,” Finnegan to do as a fundraiser for It is another fun way we said. “Each team could the next year’s prom,” have from five to seven can raise money for Prom. said Kim Finnegan, people.” junior class sponsor About 80 students Teacher Kim Finnegan and English IV teacher. participated.

According to the “We had one HuffingtonPost, bubble freshman team, two soccer was invented in 2011--as a joke--by sophomore teams, five junior teams, and Henrik Elvestad and Johan Golden from seven senior teams,” Finnegan said.

Norway.

Though the name of the game is bubble The game was filmed and later became “soccer,” players are not limited to the viral on YouTube, with over 6 million views. normal game of soccer, which can make Many people soon joined in with the internet the game more fun and carefree.

PHOTO BY ISABEL FAIN

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At the end of the day, bubble soccer is all fun and games, with no set rules and serious concerns for the participants.

“Most groups play soccer, but sometimes groups will play Red Rover or Keep Away,” Finnegan said. “The end goal is to really just knock as many people flying as possible.”

Not only are students allowed to participate, teachers are, too.

“Last year we had an awesome teacher team--they were out to win,” Finnegan said.

“This year we didn’t have the turnout of the year before, so there was no teacher team.”

Because of the great turnout with about 80 kids, the idea of having bubble soccer as a part of homecoming seems to have a bright future.

“This was just our second year, and we will likely do it again next year,” Finnegan said. “The kids who play have a great time, and it’s something unique to do during Homecoming week. It is also another fun way we can raise money for prom.”

For Oviedo High school, bubble soccer has become another homecoming tradition.

Wait, what??

KYLE Senior Visakha Pham

Kurt Cobain Sophomore Eric Parsons

Cole Sprouse Junior Maika Mitsumori

Roadhog Junior Alex Sayavong

Ryan Gosling Junior Olivia Harshey

Paperboy ILLUSTRATION BY KIMBERLY PENUEL

DESIGN BY JOYCE NG

NOVEMBER 3, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 13

Frequent tragedies desensitize emotional reactions STORY BY CONNOR COMPTON In June 2016, Orlando was struck with the shooting of 49 people at Pulse nightclub. In September 2017, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria wrecked areas of Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. In October 2017, a shooter killed 58 concert attendees.

AP Language teacher Kate Kammeraad said that, with all the disasters that have occurred lately, the younger generations are becoming more desensitized as everyone becomes accustomed to such disasters.

“When you have just over a year between what was called the nation’s worst mass shooting (Pulse) and then it’s replaced by the next worst national shooting (Las Vegas), you realize that we are just sliding into a twisted sense of normalcy,” Kammeraad said.

Overexposure to tragedy

Shootings, however, aren’t the only things with which people have to cope.

“Add the hurricanes to the mix and people are tapped out,” Kammeraad said. “We are emotionally spent and can’t keep living on a heightened sense of fear. We push our feelings aside so that we can feel OK again.”

Senior Ethan Vincent also said that this generation has become desensitized to events.

“People are more flippant towards them,” Vincent said.

“They don’t regard the lives that were lost or the amount ingured.”

According to Vincent, some people try to deal with tragedy by creating memes and other forms of internet

Media Coverage

91 articles in the New York Times about mass shootings were about the shooter

commentary. senior Meghan Sisson.

“With Instagram and Twitter, people can pull whatever “Take into account a couple things when looking at picture off the internet and use it as material to make fun these world-wide tragedies: did you know someone who of whatever we may be trying to lighten the mood about, in was there? was there anything you could do? is there the moment,” Vincent said. “But after the fact, all we really anything you can do?” Sisson said. “If not, then you can be did was hurt those affected more.” sad, but don’t let it affect your everyday life.”

Kammeraad feels that use of social media does not Kammeraad stated that there were good reactions to mean that people don’t care. the Las Vegas incident.

“That doesn’t mean that people are becoming less “I was reassured to see how many people helped each empathetic or less affected, but that they need to be less other and didn’t abandon each other,” Kammeraad said. affected in order to really function in their everyday lives,” “The victims united.”

Kammeraad said.

As for the internet and social For Kammeraad, the events cause networking, Vincent said that people shock and disbelief. can prevent the mockery of not only We are just sliding into “It’s almost a sense of detachment, tragedies, but of people as well. a twisted sense of normalcy. like I’m watching a movie that shouldn’t “Before you post something on be real,” Kammeraad said. the internet, think about in the large Teacher Kate Kammeraad Over time, Kammeraad has found scale who all it could affect,” Vincent that her personal reaction to tragedies said. “Sometimes, if it could affect the has changed. slightest of people, don’t post it.”

“When 9/11 happened, we were all Sisson stated that it is necessary to glued to the TV for weeks; in contrast, when the Las Vegas know that it will get better, and that people must try to move shooting happened, I couldn’t watch any of the video,” on.

Kammeraad said. “I was just too saddened and needed Communities can even grow stronger, according to to take care of my own mental state so that I could be Vincent. there for my children and my students, who were already “With Oviedo, and any other community witnessing the struggling with Hurricane Irma, and with Hurricane Maria recent events, what it does do is strengthen us as a people,” destroying Puerto Rico.”

Vincent said. “We band together and help one another in times of need. We truly come together and conquer what Coping through community There are healthy ways to react to tragedy, according to has happened by being a part of the community.”

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ITS IMPACT ON US

After the shooting in Vegas - Friday October 13, 50 people attended a support group for the shooting After the shooting in Pulse - 28,000 people donated blood

500 400

MASS SHOOTINGS IN THE US FROM 2015 - 2017 483

372 307+

300 200 100 0

2015

2016

2017

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DESIGN BY JOSH CORDONERO

Reviewed

14 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE LION’S TALE | NOVEMBER 3, 2017

The Gifted TV Series

Tenderness

ILLUSTRATION BY TREY HARGIS

STORY BY JOYCE NG “The Gifted” is a new Marvel TV series that presents the dilemmas of newly discovered teenage mutants, who are within the same world of the X-Men. The first episode, “eXposed,” reveals the powers of two high school mutants and serves as the catalyst of the plot. A normal family ends up on the run, which sets the plot in action.

With both original characters from the comics and newly developed characters, the first episode aired on Fox in October.

Many X-Men and Marvel fans anticipate how the intense story will unfold. This supernatural storyline is also attracting many other sci-fi enthusiasts.

Battle of phones leads to tech growth

STORY BY PAIGE SIMPSON Although Blue Hawaii’s follow-up album, Tenderness, reaches toward their re-designed sound of uptempo 80s disco pop, the album fails to dazzle.

The album travels through the difficulties of online relationships and the aftermath of breakups. With this, I expected the lyrics and sound to be sad, to touch on the pain she experienced; yet, this is not the case. Although the new sound is beautiful, it contrasts thematically with the lyrics.

The lyrics, at most times, don’t feel as though their about her online relationship. All in all, the only thing the album is perfect for is studying.

STORY BY ALEXIS DESENA Do we ever stop to think about how our smartphones have come to be what they are today? Most of us have grown up with smartphones so much so that we’ve never stop to look back at how much they have progressed. Things like a mobile device with access to the web didn’t seem possible then, but now it’s become an ordinary feature in technology. Maybe back then the reason the iPhone spiked up in popularity was because there was room for a lot of improvement and needs.

It is still amazing how fast they’ve developed after coming out in 2007. Some of the companies, like Apple and Android, have been going head to head with each other ever since this idea for phones came out. On January 9 2007 Steve Jobs announced the arrival for the iPhone

which later went on sale in June. This took everyone by storm as we have never had technology like touchscreens, apps and digital media in the palm of our hands.

Of course after the Apple company released their product they would have competition such as Android. Android launched their own version of the smartphone, the Galaxy, on the November of 2008. As other companies jump on smartphones all the heat has been taken off of Apple.

Android has had pros to Apple’s cons and vice versa such as better customization options, higher quality cameras, and better app and contacts organization. Apple, on the other hand, has a more efficient and reliable security system, can play your music anywhere iTunes is available, and a wider variety in the search engine. Because the iPhone

is strictly an Apple product, Apple has more control over its designs and product releases. Meanwhile, Android is used by a number of phone makers like Samsung, HTC and LG so the designs may vary in size and quality. Android has a larger variety of apps than Apple although Apple can be very strict about what apps it allows where as Android is more lenient.

Either way the cellphone race between android and apple have made the world smaller by speeding up the flow of information and the ability to connect. Both Apple and Android, are bringing new ideas to the table, such as having longer battery power, using wireless charging stations, better cameras, and face recognitions.

Right when we think we have technology by the horns, it surprises us with new additions. On top of that our phones are essentially our wallets these days.

character. Each brings a great deal of consequence to the progression of the story and the complicated relationships.

While the new actors do very well, they weren’t really necessary for the series, and it could have done just as well without them.

The story doesn’t surprise anyone either; while it is a good stand-alone that branches from the prior story’s conclusion, it isn’t amazing. The exposition is unexpectedly long, dragging on for four episodes before any conflict begins.

Surprises from Stranger Things, such as the Demogorgon or the Upside Down, lose their “horror” effect, and are sadly dropped to a lower level for the audience. It would feels like storylines are abandoned.

However, an incredible amount of effort was put into establishing background and setting, and it makes their town feel so real. This leads to awesome set pieces and incredible world-building. Hawkins is as characterized and lively.

It helps that character interactions

surround their ever-so-encompassing and merging subplots with a linear thread of the larger, overall plot.

Expectations are blown away. The sequel wasn’t a terrible addition. It has flaws and criticisms, yes, but it brings a great extension to the already amazing lore.

Stranger Things 2 is an instant classic, and definitely deserves to be recognized as one of Netflix’s more prominent flagship franchises. A special kudos should be given to the writers/ producers, who, despite facing the danger of hype, continued their work without fear, but with pride.

Anyone who enjoyed the previous season will enjoy this just as much.

Stranger Things 2 TV Series STORY BY JOSH CORDONERO Eggos, Eleven, and Christmas lights: three things for which the popular Netflix original, Stranger Things, is most notable.

Well, those and its brilliant blend of 80s pop culture nostalgia and character-driven story arcs that intertwine to deliver a strong plot.

The renewal of the series provided an astonishing new season. Character favorites from last season make an amazing reprisal, with each actor and actress presenting a well-rounded

MORE AT OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

Album

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NOVEMBER 3, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | 15

How to Be a Bawse STORY BY ISABEL FAIN

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY FERN SILVA

Indie games change industry through closer connections STORY BY SOPHIA BLOOM Ever since its introduction only a few decades ago, the gaming industry has rapidly expanded to captivate millions of players from around the world. In a short expanse of time, we’ve gone from Pong to HALO, Atari Breakout to Mario Kart.

Companies such as Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo have become multimillion-dollar corporations, attracting devoted fans since the 1980s.

In recent years, though, another genre of video games has formed. At the dawn of the new century came Minecraft, a sandbox-style game where players could build structures and survive in the pixelated wilderness. Due to Minecraft’s success, Mojang Studios, the independent (indie) company responsible for the game’s creation, even announced its professional status.

Although Minecraft was not the first indie game, its worldwide popularity inspired many other developers to create their own games, often marketing them on PCs or smartphone apps.

Such games include Five Nights at Freddy’s, a horror game that went on to have multiple sequels and dominated every middle schooler’s iPhone in 2014.

Another is the acclaimed Undertale, an RPG that allows players to choose

whether to be the hero or the villain of the story and is soon to make its debut on PlayStation.

Indie games connected players with the creators on a closer level, as they knew that the games were not developed by rooms upon rooms of people in a corporate building, but rather by a group of ordinary people just like them.

My personal experience with Undertale was positive, as I enjoyed the challenging gameplay with simple controls, the retrostyle graphics, catchy music and intricate story.

Over the summer, I played a bit of Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the newest installment to the 31-year-old franchise. The graphics were mindblowing, along with the expansive map and exciting gameplay.

Still, the professional quality of Breath of the Wild didn’t connect with me the same way games like Undertale did, as Breath of the Wild was made by a large corporation of developers, most of whom are based all the way across the ocean in Japan, rather than a small team of people living in the same country as I do.

Yet, as much as I enjoyed Undertale, I found Breath of the Wild to be a much better gaming experience, as Nintendo’s large budget allowed it to create a boundless and immersive universe that

Up and Coming: Video Games

many indie developers do not have the luxury to create.

Because of the lower budget that indie games are under, many of them sacrifice quality for engaging or addictive gameplay.

For example, the app game Geometry Dash has a very simple concept and basic graphics, yet many people play it for its addictive gameplay.

I enjoy a simple app called 1010, where the object of the game is to organize differently shaped blocks into rows of 10 before you run out of space.

These sorts of games are easier to develop compared to, say, the Elder Scrolls series or Assassin’s Creed, and there are many variations of them, created by inexperienced developers, that are often available on the app store for free.

Of course, not all indie games are cheap and simple, such as the artfully designed Cuphead, recently released for Xbox and Microsoft Windows, which has been quickly accumulating a growing fanbase.

Although indie games are certainly a product of a developer’s tenacity and determination, they will most likely never exceed the popularity and accessibility of games created by large corporations.

They are, however, definitely making an entrance, providing a unique and personal experience for gamers everywhere.

Lilly Singh, an internet sensation (who goes by the name iiSuperwomanii) with over 12 million subscribers on YouTube, wrote a “guide to conquering life” called How to Be a Bawse. Since its release, it has been marked as #1 New York Times Bestseller book.

This book provides a step-bystep process, broken up into four parts, for how to improve your lifestyle and become a better person.

The book is especially formatted for a younger audience, with its bright colors, fill-in pages, varying font sizes and sprinklings of meaningful quotes. This brings an element of light-heartedness to the heavy messages, which impact her youthful audience effectively.

Even though the guide is an excellent way for students to improve their lives, it is rather long--it definitely doesn’t leave anything out.

It can be a bit challenging to find time to sit down and read through it all at once, with all of the deep life advice being thrown at your face.

This book holds a special place in my heart and has helped me to believe that if I set my mind to something, I can accomplish it.

Overall, everyone should read this book, especially since it comes from a modern-day sensation with a fresh perspective on life. How to Be a Bawse can help boost success in any situation that life throws at you. I rate this book four stars out of five.

EXTENDED COVERAGE AT OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM Check out my experience meeting the author and winning the Golden Ticket at her tour!

Up and Coming: Events

The Xbox One X is the newest console from Microsoft.

It is advertised to be most powerful console in the world.

The Xbox One X promotes smoother gameplay and better graphics, which are 4K in resolution. The starting price of the console is $500.

Xbox One X DESIGN BY CHRISTINA YORK

Release date: Nov. 7

Foam Glow 5K November 17, 2017

Festival of Trees November 10-18, 2017

One-Page Low-Down

16 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE LION’S TALE | NOVEMBER 3, 2017

x

App Review: Silly Walks STORY BY DANIELLE GRIFFITHS Silly Walks is an incredibly cute and addictive game that is perfect to play during down time between classes--or while procrastinating on doing homework.

You maneuver your object (which ranges from donuts to french fries) across the counterops, using your awkward movements to save your caged grape friends.

Standing in your way are many knives, hot waffle makers and toasters throwing bread at you, which can instantly kill you on the spot. You are then given the opportunity to revive yourself with the game’s currency--sugar cubes--or you can watch an advertisement to earn the ability play from where you died.

The movement is a bit difficult to get ahold of, and the characters are only achievable through

watching ads or purchasing the characters, which is the one downside of the game.

Overall, the art style is probably the best part of this game. The characters are all very cute and creative. This makes the game enjoyable, so you can progress through it to be unlock more of the cute characters.

Overall, I enjoyed playing this game, but it is one of those free games that tries to make revenue off of incentives that are only achievable by spending real money or watching ads.

Album Review: Younger Now STORY BY CHRISTINA YORK Miley Cyrus’ new album, Younger Now, has a total of 11 songs on it, and are all great.

Cyrus has changed her style during the past few years, but many people think this album is the start to a new and better version of her. Cyrus dropped her rap style for a more popcountry aesthetic style.

Cyrus said that this new album is to please her old, lost country fans--and herself--from when she transitioned into rap, and fans are screaming with excitement to see that the old Miley is coming back. Tons of kids on social media are posting things about her with her new songs and saying that she is coming back and better, and it is getting her a lot more attention.

Cyrus uses her godmother Dolly Parton’s music style and song writing in some of her songs, since Parton is known as

a country music legend, so that shows that Cyrus is getting back into her true self.

My favorite song on the album has to be “Rainbow Land” because it features Parton and it gives off a happy vibe because of them singing together. You can tell that Cyrus is in a better state of mind. You can feel that the lyrics are coming from the heart, as compared to during her rap phase, and that makes me want to listen to it on repeat.

Cyrus went on BBC 1 Radio’s annual live lounge and sang one of her songs from this album.

Cyrus made her song “Malibu,” which was the start to this album, back in June, and is just letting it out for others to hear. On the show she says, “I wrote ‘Malibu’ in June of last year and then put it out May this year.

It’s time. I’ve been holding on to it for too long!”

The album, at the moment, is doing well, but there hasn’t been much talk about it because it’s just the beginning of a new start for her.

Cyrus has been getting some hate that says her new “pure” act of innocence is fake because of how she was in her past; but the title, “Younger Now,” is saying that she is happy in life again and feeling younger and better. You can see her glowing in happiness in her music video for “Malibu,” which shows her feeling at home talking about her hometown life.

I recommend the album to anyone who likes pop and country.

SOUL OF AN ARTIST INTERVIEWED BY SOPHIA BLOOM

Actor Junior Kevin Jarvis

PHOTO BY SOPHIA BLOOM Q: How did you get interested in drama?

A: I got started through two elementary school plays that I found very exciting.

Q: What do you believe is your favorite fine art?

A: What fine art is there other than drama?

Q: How has being so involved in drama affected your life?

A: It basically became a form of socialization other than school.

Q: Who influenced you to start drama?

A: Me. I heard there was a play I could do, and I said, “I’m going to do it. It’s going to be good.”

Q: Why do you personally participate in drama?

A: It gives me the ability to be anything I dream about being and doing.

Q: Would you ever do drama as a career?

A: Probably not, unless I could get into movies or high-level Broadway.

Q: How do you think drama will influence your life?

A: It will always color the way I interact with people and how I approach decisions. I’m positive it will be a source of joy for the rest of my days.

Q: Who has supported you in drama, and who has been against you?

A: I wouldn’t say anyone’s against me; everyone I know seems to support me.

Local Review: Sugar Factory STORY BY SAADHANA SRIDHARAN

PHOTO BY S. SRIDHARAN

The Sugar Factory was bustling with activity the weekend I visited; adults and kids alike were grabbing candy from the bulk bins, licking tall icecream cones and listening to music blaring from the party room nearby.

As its name states, The Sugar Factory sells anything and everything sweet. Ice-cream, milkshakes, candy and sorbets are some of the highlights.

I sampled the Make-a-Wish milkshake--which had vanilla ice cream, chunks of birthday cake and plenty of sprinkles blended in--which showed that the restaurant lived up to its name. It was very, very sweet. I had ordered the smallest size, yet I could only finish about a quarter of the milkshake by myself because of the sugary intensity.

While I only sampled the milkshakes, icecream and sorbets, the restaurant also serves savories, and many families stopped by for lunch when I was there.

If you want to get a sugar high, this place is your best bet.

The Sugar Factory is located on International Drive in Orlando.

DESIGN BY ALEXIS DESENA

NOVEMBER 3, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 17 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Girls’ volleyball team earns seventh spot in nation at Nike tournament

SUCCESS OUT WEST. (Left) The Oviedo girls’ varsity volleyball team warms up for a game at the Nike Tournament of Champions at Arizona State University. (Below) The team celebrates after a 3-0 start at the tournament.

PHOTOS BY OHS VOLLEYBALL

“I think it definitely helped us, playing the top teams of the country,” Darty said. “It was a special thing for my kids, for them to go out there and experience that level of competition. And to take that trip with their high school team, I think it is an incredible thing for them.”

Senior defensive specialist Sami Ross thought that losing states last year taught the team a lesson in regards to humility.

“Everyone thought that we were going to win at states,

DESIGN BY JULIAN RIOS

so it really humbled us,” Ross said. “We can’t assume that we are going to win. We have to work our way there.”

Sophomore outside hitter Abigail Mason moved up from junior varsity to varsity volleyball just before the Arizona tournament.

“It was a pretty hard transition,” Mason said. “There are a lot of changes, especially changes in the tempo and how they play. But it was a lot of fun, and everyone was very supportive.”

18 | SPORTS | THE LION’S TALE | NOVEMBER 3, 2017

staff reporters V. THUPILI T. KOWALSKI

Girls’ soccer team attempts three-peat The Oviedo girls’ varsity soccer team is aiming to return to states and is hoping to secure a championship for the third year in a row.

For the past two years, the girls’ soccer team has pushed through obstacles and limits to take the title of Florida’s Soccer State Champions. Now that the new season has started, the girls are ready to work harder than ever.

Winning states means beating the best of the best, and the competition is more fierce than any team that they will go against in districts or regionals.

The accomplishment of winning states twice in a row demonstrates their superiority over the other competition-because they already know what it takes to win it all.

These girls have an unstoppable drive and a solid reputation that makes them the pride of Oviedo.

Oviedo’s girls’ soccer team has a sense of power, and every time they step on the field, they do so with a sense of authority.

Their communication on and off the field helps their plays work fluidly and insync, creating havoc for the other teams that they face.

Their achievements from last season will hopefully carry over to this season, leading to another championship ring, to bring them to a total of three.

The team will have to overcome the loss of its seniors from last season, who the team relied on for leadership.

This team, however, has plenty of players remaining from last year’s state championship team.

THE BLITZ The team kicked off the year with the preseason classic on Nov. 2 at Lake Nona at 7:00 p.m. They finished both games with a 4-0 win against Vero Beach and a 3-0 win against Lake Nona.

The team played a full 45-minute half against Vero Beach and another against Lake Nona.

The girls came out strong and with confidence that carried through with all their efforts.

The forwards weaved in and out through the other teams defenders, making them look silly.

They finished with seven wellplaced goals that ended at the back of the net.

The defense held strong, shutting out both teams.

Come the state championship, look for a familiar face. The Lady Lions are poised to repeat, again, and take their third straight state title.

LOOKING UP. Sophomore Ryan Gibbons swims backstroke in warm ups to prepare for his 200 individual medley at the District meet at Lake Brantley on Oct 28.

Swimmers, divers prepare physically, mentally PHOTOS BY VERONICA ZERPA STORY BY ABBIE WYDRA The swimming and diving team is preparing to go into the end of competition season. Both teams are ready to take the top honors, even as stress mounts.

“All of them are a lot more stressful-conference certainly holds the least amount of stress, and districts doesn’t hold much,” said sophomore Ryan Gibbons. “Regions is a fast meet.”

Gibbons stated that regions is stressful because it determines which competitors continue on to the state level.

“Only the top 24 swimmers in each event in the entire state of Florida will advance,” R. Gibbons said. “So from regions, you’re swimming against them in the hopes of making it.”

The higher-intensity swim meets have a different feel compared to the normal dual meets: the higher the level of the swim meet, the higher the intensity and the competition get, which creates more of an exciting and memorable experience, according to senior swimmer Jeremy Rockaway.

“They are a lot more crowded; they’re so many more people, so the energy is a lot higher,” Rockaway said.”Everyone is doing their own thing, and racing and trying to score some points for the team.”

As competition season approaches, the physical training and mental mindsets of the athletes begin to change.

“We mix up workouts a lot, which I think is good,” Rockaway said. “We lift weights, we do dryland exercises and we also do a lot of mixed stuff in the pool.”

Rockaway said that these mixed

STROKES OF SUCCESS. Sophomore Guliana Zerpa prepares to swim her 200 individual medley at the District meet at Lake Brantley on Oct. 28. workouts help prevent swimmers from spending too much time doing one stroke in the pool.

“I really think that helps me prepare for districts and above,” Rockaway said.

Swimming is as much of a mental sport as it is a physical sport, according to sophomore Abigail Gibbons, who stated that she visualizes her race any time she can.

“If I just have a spare minute in class, I will visualize exactly how my race will go, all the way from stretching on the block, to exact stroke count, to even looking at the board when I’m done,” A. Gibbons said.

“Doing this repeatedly helps me to do the same thing in a meet.”

Though she envisions her wins as often as possible, A. Gibbons also gives herself a

break sometimes.

“I make sure not to think about it too much since I don’t want to be stressed,” A. Gibbons said.

Along with the in-pool and mental preparations for the bigger meets, some swimmers modify their diets to ensure that both their mind and body feel good on race day.

“Physically, I cut back on all sweets and candy,” A. Gibbons said. “On race day, I will feel whatever I have put into my body that last week, so if it’s healthy, then I feel better.”

Additionally, A. Gibbons uses food for a psychological boost.

“It also helps because then I use ice cream as a reward at the end of the meet as an incentive,” A. Gibbons said.

DESIGN BY ABBIE WYDRA

NOVEMBER 3, 2017 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 19

ROARBOARD

For more, head to

OviedoJournalism.com

Girls prep for Powder Puff intensely PHOTO BY ISABEL FAIN

PULLING AHEAD. Senior Morgan Clark gets her flag pulled by junior Payton Duncanson in the Powder Puff game at John Courier Field on Nov. 2.

SPORTS IN REVIEW: A PHOTO FINISH

KING ME. Seniors Jack Streeter and Sammi Blanford were crowned homecoming king and queen on Oct. 27 at John Courier Field.

RISE UP. KJ Hayes was a flyer for the junior boys’ Powder Puff cheerleaders at a pep rally on Oct. 27 at the RWL gym.

BRING HIM DOWN. Junior Ethan Terrell makes a tackle in the Homecoming game on Oct. 27 at John Courier Field.

PHOTOS BY ISABEL FAIN AND FERN SILVA DESIGN BY VANI THUPILI

STORY BY VANI THUILIPI Powder Puff football is a unique annual high school tradition. Many students and teachers alike come out to John Courier Field to watch, the game.

“It brings the junior class and senior class together in a little rivalry game,” said junior Ashley Mueller. “It gets the whole school pumped and it’s something very different and exciting.”

Powder Puff football is when the girls take on the stereotypical boys’ role and play a football game, and guys take on the challenge to perform a cheerleading routine.

“The boys working hard and embarrassing themselves is what inspires me to work harder, because they are working really hard to cheer for us,” said junior Jasmine Martinez. “Also, I wanna prove that girls have grit too.”

The girls prepare for the game by having biweekly practices and working on their defensive and offensive drills. The senior and junior teams train separately.

“The girls inspire me to play harder,”

Mueller said. “We all have the same goal: to win.”

Each girls’ team has different driving forces behind their efforts.

“The seniors are really pumped about it, since it’s our last year, we’re really putting all our best efforts into it,” said senior Louise Riviere.

The girls working together to reach a final goal creates close ties between the players, and they become more comfortable with one another.

Some girls knew each other before Powder Puff, and others met for the first time at the first practice.

“I love how no one is judgmental and we can all be ourselves,” Muller said.

Their fun and creativity is what dominates the atmosphere during practices.

“We have code words that we use within the game,” Riviere said. “It’s fun coming up with them, and there have been lots of inside jokes.”

Students never get bored of Powder Puff football, as it is always different each year.

“It’s definitely the highlight of the school year,” Martinez said.

Star Athlete: Keonte Coffie INTERVIEWED BY NEVADA CULLEN The Lions have won some high-energy football games this year. Each game had one glaring similarity: sophomore running back Keonte Coffie rushed for at least 200 yards. He also scored the game-winning two-point conversion against University. The team can achieve success as long as Coffie is the one carrying the freight at running back.

Q: Describe your game-winning two-point conversion against University.

A: It was crazy. It didn’t feel real. It felt like a dream, to be honest.

Q: What did that win mean to the team?

A: Ever since the win, we’ve been playing more as a team and working harder.

Q: You’re averaging 7.4 yards/rush. To what can you attribute this?

A: The offensive line opens up holes that are easy for me to run through.

Q: What is the team doing to help the push for the playoffs?

[The team is] working a lot harder, learning new things every day, trying to get better and watching a lot of film.

Q: What would it mean for the team to make the playoffs after missing it last year?

A: It would mean a lot, because Oviedo hasn’t been in the playoffs for a couple years now, so it would be a big turnaround.

Q: How do you plan to expand your role as a leader of the team?

A: I want to take more control and hopefully become a team captain, and make sure everyone is doing their work.

Q: What does Coach Dixon’s mantra, “got grit?”, mean?

A: [Dixon] believes that we can be number one if we work as a team, and [he tells us] to never give up.

20 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | NOVEMBER 3, 2017

HEADLINE

Halloween celebrations in decline other stuff

STORY BY PAIGE SIMPSON

Halloween is a time of trick-ortreating, attending parties, bobbing for STORY BY EMMIE STOKES apples, watching Halloween movies and listening to “The Monster Mash.”

Yet, students and teachers alike have found that there has been a decrease in Halloween traditions.

Students like freshman Patrick Costello haven’t found joy in Halloween since their youthful years.

“I don’t dress up because I think I’m too old and I think it would be weird if I went around as a teenager asking for candy,” Costello said.

Senior Gillian Haynes stated that she went to Epcot instead of indulging in trick-or-treating.

“I see no reason to really do anything for Halloween,” Haynes said. “Sometimes I’ll trick or treat, but

I’m starting to get too old.”

Other students, like senior Crysta Booth and freshman Catalina Peralta, still believe in the spirit of Halloween.

“Halloween is awesome because I get to dress up and be whoever I want,” Booth said. “Even though I’m older, it’s still a way for me to connect to childhood.”

Although several high schoolers-like Costello and Haynes--believe they’re “too” old for this holiday, many adults find themselves still channeling that childhood air of youth.

“I think it’s fun to dress up,” said AP Economics teacher Matthew Mason.

“It’s the inner child, so to speak, and kids seem to love it. It’s entertaining.”

Mason doesn’t have an answer as to why Halloween morale is declining, but has some theories.

“I think part of it is that Halloween

falls on a Tuesday, but I think this is an era where kids don’t dress up as much as they used to,” Mason said.

“I don’t know if it’s a technology thing, but there’s definitely some of that.”

Although there is decrease in Halloween involvement, some students, like sophomore Hayley Rivera, don’t get to choose whether or not to wear a costume.

“I don’t dress up for Halloween because of my religion, pentecostal Christian,” Rivera said. “We don’t celebrate the bad spirits, so we don’t dress up.”

Instead, Rivera said she still participates in a church event called Hallelujah Night, where attendees praise God and pass out candy.

“It’s a fun way to unite the community, and it’s just fun to get into the Halloween spirit,” Peralta said.

DESIGN BY DECLAN MCCOY