The Lions Tale - Volume 61 - Edition 6 - Oviedo High School

EDITION EDITION 35 6 EDITION OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL EDITION 2 OVIEDO SCHOOL OVIEDO HIGH HIGH SCHOOL 601 KING STREET OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL 601 KING STREET 601 KING STREET OVIEDO, FL 32765 601 KING STREET OVIEDO, OVIEDO, FL FL 32765 32765 MAY 5, 2021 OVIEDO, FL26, 32765 VOLUME DECEMBER 9, 2020 MARCH 2021 61 OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM NOVEMBER 6, 2020 VOLUME 61 VOLUME 61 VOLUME 61 OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

A SIGNING wrinkle in DAY time Pages 8-9

2 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 5, 2021

Memorable year comes to end with normalcy on horizon One of the most unique and memorable school years in Oviedo High School (OHS) history is coming to an end.

When we returned to campus in August after a five month, pandemicinduced hiatus, we were met with numerous changes and uncertainties regarding what lay ahead.

Many face-to-face classes were smaller as students opted to learn at home through Seminole Connect and Seminole County Virtual School, with the former forcing teachers to make significant adaptations to their teaching styles. Face shields and masks, and, when possible, social distancing, became the norm on campus. Perhaps the biggest changes were to the structure of the day itself. OHS moved to a block schedule for the year, and a third lunch was added, including new outside seating along with it.

Attendance was limited at sporting and other events, with ticket sales largely moving to the GoFan platform.

All the while, events of great consequence occurred in our country and world; we reported on the reactions of students and teachers and the local impact of many of them. Joe Biden defeated incumbent Donald Trump in a historic presidential election in November, and Trump supporters violently attacked the Capitol in an attempt to overturn that result in January.

Of course, new developments arose in regard to the pandemic throughout this time, including highs in case numbers and the production and distribution of multiple vaccines against the coronavirus.

Our school saw its fair share of quarantined students and Covid-19

cases- 90 to be precise, the third highest number of any school in the county. That being said, OHS largely avoided any major disruption to its daily operations, something that can’t be said for every school in the region or state.

Conditions have certainly improved since this time last year, as both in-person graduations and AP testing are being held.

The beginning of the next academic year will further see a gradual return to normalcy as vaccination rates continue to rise. Seminole Connect is being discontinued, and the number of students enrolled in Seminole County and Florida Virtual Schools will presumably also drop.

Teachers with heightened vulnerability to the virus will be able to return to campus as well.

The Centers for Disease Control

OUR WORD

and Prevention has already relaxed its guidelines for social distancing in schools from six to three feet between students in areas with low virus transmission.

Many of this edition’s stories will be reflective in nature, including the “year-inreview” for sports and a story on retiring teachers. We’ll also report on ambiguity in the county’s guidelines for reporting sexual harassment and assualt as well as the opening of vaccine availability to 1618 year olds. Our final center spread of the year will honor the top ten in the senior class by weighted grade point average, as has been tradition.

The Lion’s Tale would like to congratulate the class of 2021 on their graduation and all their accomplishments at Oviedo High School over the past four years. Furthermore, we would like to wish a happy and relaxing summer vacation to all.

Month in Photos GO TEAM. Senior Tyler Wampole is raised by his fellow cheerleaders at the powderpuff game.

PHOTO BY AUDREY STREMBICKI

YOUR SERVE. Senior Shay Spadaro jumps to serve the ball.

PHOTO BY AUDREY STREMBICKI FIST BUMP. Senior Brandon Egerton receives a fist bump from the ePathways executive director at CTE night.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS. The Mane Attraction Dance Team was crowned champions in the hop hip category.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OHS

PHOTO COURTESY OF OHS

Entertainment Editor Mackenzie Holmes Elliott Siress Jaden MaduroVanterpool Online Editor Elsa Mattsson Emma Yost Brandon New Ashlee Ross Business Manager Emma Tagye Justina Nielsen Hannah Warrner Editor-in-Chief Patrick Costello Managing Editor Emma Yost Sports Editors Kenny Aponte Kait Peterson

Art Director Veronika Maynard Reporters Penelope Banks Vincent Crook Nikta Daryadel May Frangoul

Photographers Diego Lara Audrey Strembicki

Faculty Adviser Ben Langevin Admin Adviser Nancy Diaz Principal Dr. Trent Daniel

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

OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • MAy 5, 2021 • VOLUME 61 • EDITION 6

FRONT PAGE DESIGN BY VERONIKA MAYNARD

Population: 2480 students across in person and online settings 19 newspaper staff members

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.

Mission Statement The Lion’s Tale is the student newspaper of Oviedo High School, located in Oviedo, Florida. Our mission is to provide Distribution news, feature stories, 800 copies of The Lion’s editorials and opinions Tale are distributed

free to all students and staff at Oviedo High School. Subscriber information is available on OviedoJournalism.com.

Reader Contributions Letters to the Editor are accepted and may be sent by post, e-mail or dropped off in Room 5-020. The Lion’s Tale does not accept guest columns and reserves the right to

edit Letters to the Editor.

Full policy is available on OviedoJournalism.com.

Advertising Policy The Lion’s Tale reserves the right to refuse advertisements. The full advertising policy of The Lion’s Tale is available on OviedoJournalism.com.

OVIEDOJOURNALISM.COM

DESIGN BY PATRICK COSTELLO

MAY 5, 2021 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 3

Depth of anime makes it worth a watch writer

MAY FRANGOUL Oftentimes people are quick to judge when it comes to the subject of anime.

It’s understandable as it’s easy to think of them as just “cartoons from another country” but there’s so much more to it than just that. There are thousands of different shows to watch and they can range from action to comedy to horror to romance. Each of these shows that are produced takes a great deal of effort. Each scene that you watch is all hand drawn first before going through several rounds of revisions. It then gets digitized where special effects are added in and edited thoroughly before getting finalized. One episode that’s about 20-25 minutes long can take up to a month to produce.

Aside from the hard work and dedication that is put into making a show or a movie, there’s usually a great deal of symbolism and hidden themes that are in a series. Once you really get into a show, you start to analyze what you’re watching and wonder how a certain aspect of a scene ties back to the bigger meaning they’re trying to convey. Anime isn’t always about the “cute aesthetic” and more often than not, there’s bound to be a deeper meaning depending on the show you watch.

Some examples of popular anime all over the world include: One Piece, Naruto, Death Note, and Attack on Titan. One Piece and Naruto have been around for at least the past two decades and many fans

have grown up with each of the lovable characters. The main character named Luffy from One Piece, and Naruto from the show of the same name have wholesome, fun, and rambunctious personalities that you can’t help but get attached to. Both of the shows have relatable characters and action packed scenes that take place in their own unique worlds while retaining a balance of fun and more heartbreaking scenes.

Attack on Titan and Death Note, however, carry more dark and complex themes overall. A myriad of symbols appear throughout the course of Death Note, such as the constant appearance of apples. The show also heavily questions the concept of what is right and what is wrong. The main character in Death Note is named Light, and his antagonist - whose name is L - go back and forth in their actions which can be taken as right or wrong depending on which perspective you take. Attack on Titan also discusses the concept of right and wrong along with the consequences that follow one’s actions. People in this fictional world fall into either the land of Eldia or Marley.

Each side has a long history of conflict that also plays a major part of the show.

At the same time the characters fight for their lives against the creatures that consume them known as titans. Both Death Note and Attack on Titan draw you in with their well written characters and all of the little details that make the shows what they are. These darker shows might not be anywhere near the first two when it comes to overall fun, but each one of them is emotionally moving in its own way, giving you a reason to give them a watch.

People tend to be judgmental when it comes to something they aren’t familiar with but anime is something that is worth a try. You can think of anime like any other show that’s produced in the US, and most shows have an English dub version as well. There’s a plethora of shows ranging from different genres, offering something for everyone. Anime may seem strange at first glance, but you’ll come to learn that it’s definitely worth giving a chance.

Stay in US comes to a bittersweet end writer

ELSA MATTSSON With only a month left in the United States, my emotions are all over the place.

This is not just finishing my exchange year. I am saying goodbye to Oviedo High School. For the whole school year I have been attending classes on campus and experiencing American high school life during one of the most special years.

I remember getting my placement information in July last year and finding out that I would be going to school at Oviedo. I looked up the school and was shocked when I found out how big it is.

I remember being so excited when I saw the orange and black logo and the lion mascot. Now looking back at the year, I cannot believe how fast it has gone.

The advantage of being a foreign exchange student is being able to take almost any classes I want. English and US history are required, but my other classes I chose for myself. I am interested in arts, so naturally I chose photography, pottery, and art history. I was lucky to have Mrs. Pope on her last year here at Oviedo. I think she is a big part of the Oviedo spirit and I am sure she will be missed.

My favorite class I took this year was psychology. Mr. Densberger inspired me to pursue psychology as a career in the future and his class had some really interesting discussions over the year. Even though that class had the smallest workload, I can - with certainty - say that I learned the most in it. Of

course I also loved working on The Lion’s Tale newspaper team. The energy and ambition in the class and Mr. Langevin’s passion for journalism were so inspiring!

The most important and memorable part of coming here for me was making such good friends. Some of my closest friends that I have now I met on my first day and others I got to know later in the year. In most of my classes I was greeted with excitement and interest and, especially on the Newspaper team, I felt like the classroom atmosphere was amazing.

It was also so fun having the experience of being on the weightlifting team. It was cool seeing how sports teams at school work. Being able to practice after school, compete in a meet and go to the banquet at the end of the season were unique experiences for me, especially since I am usually not that into sports. I will now have a varsity letter from weightlifting to take with me as a memory of my time on the team.

After nine months away from home there are a lot of things I am looking forward to when it’s time to return. I have missed my friends and family and it will be amazing to see them again. I am looking forward to a wonderful summer with my friends in Finland before school starts again in August. I have missed my neighborhood and the practicality of public transport. I have missed our long breaks between classes and the additional freedom that we have back home in high school. Still, there is so much that I will miss from Oviedo - my friends, the easy and interesting classes, weightlifting, and the school spirit. I will miss the painted ceiling tiles in the classrooms and sitting outside in the sun for lunch.

Looking back at my year, I am so grateful and happy over my choice to come here this year. Even though the pandemic has caused many problems, things could not have turned out better for me. Being lucky enough to be able to go to school all year and experience so much of Florida and the United States has been amazing, and I will have so many good memories to look back on when I go back to my life in Finland.

Video games unite us, bring comfort during difficult times Writer

JADEN MADURO-VANTERPOOL The Covid-19 pandemic is one which has caused undoubtable dismay in both our lives and the lives of others surrounding ourselves. In many ways, it has forced us to completely alter our day-to-day routines to better adapt to these sorrowful times, in hopes of preventing further spread of this deadly virus. As a result, the very presence of said virus has had a major psychological impact, causing people to lose a sense of safety, predictability, control, freedom and security.

But with the arrival of a vaccine, this allows time to reflect upon at least one of the things that made our lives a bit easier, gave us a little distraction from the chaos and welcomed us with warm embrace.

What I am talking about is the subject of much praise and ridicule alike, video games!

After originating in the 1970s, video games became a worldwide phenomena

DESIGN BY JUSTINA NIELSEN

around 1989 and ever since have been a ceaseless presence in internet and pop culture alike. From the Mortal Kombat franchise to the godfather of video games- Mario Bros- this form of entertainment has made a place in almost all of our everyday lives in one way or another, ranging from inspiring playful derision or high-praise to a never-ending grind to improve a skill cap.

As people strive to socialize and relieve stress during a time which they should otherwise be separated, gamingmore specifically online gaming has seen an astronomical rise in use. This is especially noticeable in titles such as Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, Minecraft and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. With such a spike in popularity, one still expected to increase, it has become clear that gaming is no longer just a means of short-term entertainment.

Players can also have social interaction with other players online, which is one of the most attractive parts of the

game. Games allow us human beings to temporarily escape from the cruelty of reality. They are a remedy against boredom, sorrow and isolation alike. They represent the perfect platform to keep social interaction with others and combat the loneliness which plagues us all, all the whilst possibly having the company of another within earshot.

One of the ways video games helped with the quarantine is by helping bring the families closer. In today’s digital age, it is not uncommon for a family of individuals to be occupied with their device of choice and generally grow taciturn over time because of work, school, entertainment, hobbies and so on.

A small but vocal minority may prefer to play casual games like cards, puzzles or board games. The majority especially nowadays would most likely find such activities to be underwhelming.

Fortunately with the diverse array of video games from numerous companies, genres and platforms it ensures there

is a game for everyone, at any time, for any player base, in whatever mood you’re feeling. Such an assortment of entertainment is bound to bring a family together, whether by Couch Co-Op or distanced Multiplayer during Game Night and similar activities or just casually after a hard day.

Video games have also allowed us to make new friends and ignite rivalries.

With the rise in success of online gaming, it is becoming more and more frequent for games to have an online setting available or at the very least, multiplayer.

These modes allow us to access others in the real world to socialize over the common interest in a game in a casual or competitive setting. Not only does engaging with an opponent help to sharpen one’s gaming skill, like in sports, it also assists in establishing long-term relationships.

Take Animal Crossing: New Horizon for instance, a game in which if you desire Continued on Video Games, Page 4

4 | OPINION | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 5, 2021

Reflecting on struggles as chapter in life ends

Business manager

JUSTINA NIELSEN The approach of graduation has made me think about my past years. I have thought about who I was, how I changed and who I want to be. I remember that I was a kid who was fearless, someone who never bowed down to anyone- then I got bullied. Not by my parents or by other students, but by someone who was five times my age. I was in third grade at the time. I had just turned 10 years old. He and his family had just become homeless. My family and I thought they were our friends, so we let them stay in our house for three months. Over that time, I was bullied by them in my own home. I don’t remember how I broke down to my parents about it, but that family was out the next day. Even though they had left my house, I still had to run into them at the youth league that I was a part of.

My family was upset at the fact of what happened, so we went to go visit our family up north to get away for a couple of days. My family saw a change in me, and I started getting calls everyday by one of my family members. Little did they know I was having horrible nightmares that would wake me up at night.

I would be sleeping and out of nowhere, I would wake up and be crying so hard that I would not be able to go back to bed. It was hard to tell people how I felt and how it happened; it just made me uncomfortable to talk about.

It started to affect my school work. I still have nightmares here and there, but I do

Pandemic creates additional challenges in preparing for college Managing editor EMMA YOST

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, everything has changed for students.

School was cancelled, classes became virtual, and nothing has been the same since.

While adjusting to the pandemic,

not let it affect me. There are days where I force myself out of my house, even when I have a bad night. This way, I show myself that I am not letting it not affect my life anymore.

I was 10 at the time, and my friends who knew me saw a change in me. I was now a kid who was shy and quiet. I would not show up to school, and if I did I was in black pants and a hoodie. One day, my friends used their “sit anywhere” tickets to sit with me. At that moment I broke down to them. They were all there for me.

I moved to a different bowling alley, Boardwalk Bowling Center, and it has been my home to this day. During middle school, I was finding myself again and regaining what I lost. I wanted my confidence, my strength, but it seemed so far away. My struggle had gotten to the point where I thought about horrible things like hurting myself or ending my life. I did not realize that if I did anything to myself, I would be letting them win. I wanted to be the person I wanted to be, not the one others expected. I decided to fight for myself and not be afraid to be myself.

When it was time to enter high school, I had to go back to the other bowling alley. After my freshman year ended, my coach wanted me to join the junior gold program at that alley so she could coach me, so I joined.

That’s when everything started happening again. Instead of bullying though, I was stalked by a member of that same family from earlier. It got to a point where I broke down to the prior bowling coach at OHS, and that is when we put a police report in. We gave the report to the coach to give to the owners of the alley.

Then we reported it to the United States Bowling Congress (USBC); when the USBC sent a complaint to the person who stalked me (because he was involved in the bowling league), I was punished. I was trespassed by the owners.

We went to the school, and nothing happened initially since we were told the alley would no longer be used by Seminole County teams. However, this did not happen because my coach had connections to the center. After USBC said it was my parent’s word against my stalker’s word, we went to Safe Sport, an organization which aims to address child abuse in sport. Again, nothing happened.

They told us to go to the Orlando board, of which the man who stalked me was a member.

Then at the beginning of the junior year, my parents went to the school board and nothing happened. We were no longer welcome at the alley. The owners allowed me to go in to bowl for the high school team only, but my parents were not allowed and had to watch me through a tablet for all of my sophomore, junior and senior years in high school. This brought back those same terrible memories.

As soon as my parents found out about my thoughts, they took me to three different therapists, and I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over the last three years of my high school life, I have seen myself in an old yet, in some ways, new light. I see that I have gone back to being who I was in the past and speaking my mind, but I still hesitate sometimes. I have seen myself grow from someone who you might consider broken to someone who is considerably stronger than most people think.

Through all of this I was able to fight for who I was. I was able to place sixth in my senior year at the state competition with help of my coach, Shawn Ryan.

My parents, Coach Zach Waters, Mike Morran, Elizabeth Viles, Dr. Daniel, all the amazing staff at Boardwalk Bowling Center, my friends and family were also there for me and did whatever they could to help me feel better.

Since bowling was so difficult, I was

the class of 2022 has been preparing for college applications as well. Junior year is the most important year of high school, and completing it during the pandemic has not been easy.

When the time came to choose classes before this school year, like many others, my family and I decided that online would be the safest option.

However, as my senior year approaches, I’ve been feeling more unprepared than ever.

Had the school year been normal, I would have spent free time preparing for the SAT or ACT, but not being in school each day, it’s been hard to remember to spend time practicing, or reviewing concepts. I haven’t had a traditional English class where a teacher might remind us of the upcoming test dates.

Instead, for both tests I just got an email one week prior to each.

Not to mention, even though I go inperson for electives now, I don’t have classes before 10, so taking a big exam like the SAT at 7 a.m. was quite difficult. I felt like I had a bit of a disadvantage not

being used to the normal early morning time. I was in a rush to leave the house and had trouble staying awake during the test.

When it comes to college applications, I feel so lost and don’t know where to start.

I don’t feel ready to even begin thinking about going to college in a year, since it felt like high school was just getting started pre-Covid.

The pandemic has already had a significant impact on college enrollment.

According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, undergraduate enrollment at higher education institutions is down 4.5 percent as compared to last spring.

Half of the colleges I’m interested in aren’t doing in-person tours due to COVID, and there are many uncertainties when it comes to applications. Will the pandemic be over in time for my freshman year and will classes be in-person? Questions around COVID certainly will impact where I decide to apply come fall, along with worries about wasting money just to be in college online classes for the year.

able to find another home through the school newspaper. The reason why I love the newspaper class is that it has made me feel like I can be who I want and write stories that can make a huge difference.

In high school, this was like my second home since bowling was not the best during those years.

It makes me sad to leave the newspaper behind since it was an important part of this large chapter of my life. I am ready to start moving forward from my past experiences and not let thoughts overpower me and make me change who I am. Life is what we make of it; we all have a history that we can not change, but we can change the future.

Know that in times when you feel alone, you have others by your side. My favorite saying was always “play the game you love; love the game you play.”

But now, my favorite saying is “do not let other people’s opinions get in the way of who you want to become.”

I can not wait to see how my next chapter of my life goes. I know it will be amazing and full of wonderful, lifechanging things.

THREE YEARS LATER. The author is pictured here in her freshman and senior years.w

Video Games from Page 3

you can play solo or invite some friends to chat, trade items and visit each other’s islands. Perhaps Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is more your speed. This game is a first-person shooter which implements elements of war while providing multiple game modes for numerous players around the world, all competing to test their skill and collect some salt. The very concept of interaction through video games is a thoughtful way to make memories and have some laughs during the time we cannot in person.

In conclusion, video games can easily assist us in finding calm and peace and escaping from the suffering of reality.

They alleviate psychological anxiety and depression, whilst providing a relaxing and fun way to socially interact with old friends or make new friends and stay connected with loved ones. The pandemic has only made obvious this characteristic of video games, which has really been there all along.

DESIGN BY PATRICK COSTELLO

MAY 5, 2021 | THE LION’S TALE | NEWS | 5

Students weigh choice to take AP tests online or in person STORY BY EMMA YOST PHOTO BY AUDREY STREMBICKI Just a year ago, Advanced Placement (AP) testing was switched to an online format for the first time ever due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, as testing dates approach, students have been given the choice to test online or in person for their end of year AP exams.

Classes such as AP U.S. History, English Language and Composition and Human Geography have the option to take an in-person test or online. However, for some AP classes that have speaking sections, such as Spanish, students must take a written test in person.

For AP Language teacher Kate Kammerad, her students will be given the choice to test online or face to face. She feels that students should choose what works best for them.

“There are so many variables at play this year and to maintain a semblance of equality for all - all students must be given the choice to test online or face-toface,” Kammerad said.

However, she feels that both options have their pros and cons, the date of the test being just one.

“The paper test is May 12 and the digital test is May 26,” Kammerad said.

“Students may be more motivated to test earlier while they are still mentally and emotionally engaged in school (not

on vacation mode!) and have all the knowledge fresh in their minds.”

While students have more time to prepare for the online tests, the digital platform has its own disadvantages.

“The digital platform poses a problem for the multiple choice section since they will not be allowed to go back to any previous questions or choose which articles to read first,” Kammerad said.

Junior Skylar Zern has been a Seminole Connect student for the entirety of the 2020-2021 school year, but she plans to take her AP tests in person.

“I’ve heard a lot of negative things about the online test- that you can’t go back to certain sections of it,” Zern said.

“And I really like having a pen and paper, actually being able to hold a test.”

Being online the entire year, Zern feels

that she is not as prepared for test day as she could be if she were a face-to-face student.

“My feeling of preparation I don’t think has anything to do with the teachers; all of them have been really accommodating,” Zern said. “I think it has everything to do with that learning online is just not for me.”

Testing online also poses internet problems for Zern.

“Something about online testing makes me really nervous, mainly because I live in Geneva,” Zern said. “Wifi connection at times is scary, so I opted to test in person.”

Junior Evelyn Gannon plans to take her AP tests in person.

“I plan to take them all in person with paper and pencil,” Gannon said. “I think it’s easier to write everything out, and also I get a choice in prompts for the [history exams], and I can choose what essays to do in order and can go back to questions.”

Although Gannon will be testing in person, she feels that students should have a choice regardless.

“I think it’s a good idea for students to have a choice because they will choose the choice that works with them better and the choice that makes them the most comfortable,” Gannon said. “It also gives them the option to test the way they have been learning and doing their work all year.”

TEST PREP. History teacher Liam Mason reviews test material with history students.

Bill affecting Bright Futures scholarships stalled for now STORY BY VERONIKA MAYNARD With the state legislative session at its end, SB 86, or the Bright Futures bill, has stalled but could return next year.

The controversial bill’s provisions contain a variety of things, including changes to the amount of financial aid available, information you must learn pre-college and information you must give postcollege.

Previously, this bill promised financial aid that would cover 75% to 100% of the student’s tuition given that they meet the eligibility requirements. With the new amendments to the bill, the state would no longer cover the complete 75-100% of the costs.

Instead the state will allocate a certain amount of financial aid each year (following a formula considering prior distributions of aid and the prior number of eligible applicants who received no awards), and use this formula approved by the State Board of Education to distribute the funds amongst the institutions and students.

Amongst the changes to the funding for state financial aid, were the extra provisions tacked on for students applying for the scholarship. The most recent version of the bill connecting students to career planning and similar programs for their first year in college. Students must complete a career readiness training module to be able to register for their second-year classes for college.

This career readiness planning has the purpose of teaching students their job prospects, future possible wages,

DESIGN BY EMMA YOST

and employment rates for their major.

The career readiness program will be created and planned for by the individual university.

To aid in the data collection for the career planning, universities will use graduates’ information to calculate the post-graduation median salary 1, 5, and 10 years after graduation; median student loan debt; debt-to-income ratio; estimated monthly loan payment as a percentage of gross monthly income; and, the percentage of graduates who have continued their education beyond the baccalaureate level.

The changes to the bill have led students to fear about how this will affect them and their futures, and how the new allocation of funds would affect them.

“They are only changing the bill to put the money into other things; if people of a higher socioeconomic status were affected and got less funds, I would understand, I would be fine with that. But they are just doing it because they only want to spend so much money on kids’ education every year, so I don’t agree with that as much,” says Carolena Johnson, a sophomore.

There is the fear among students that setting a limit on the scholarship funds every year will restrict the amount of funds available to students if there something goes wrong with the government’s predictions regarding the number of students applying to the scholarship; thus leading to less money being distributed among the eligible students who may need it to even begin to be able to afford higher education. The fear of more students leaving the state should the bill

people turn away from them, and the state.”

The bill passed the state house but not the senate in the past legislative session. Bright Futures is fully funded for 2022, but the legislation could return in the future.

changes be ratified is ever prevalent.

As sophomore Naman Daad put it, “the idea of taking away from what is Florida’s biggest asset in education Bright Futures - detriments from the state’s whole public college education.

This will damage Florida’s colleges when

Specifies the information that will be gathered to aid in the equation used to determine how many funds will be allocated each year.

Section 1

Sections 2, 10

Explains how the equation to determine allocation of funds will be made, who will make it and which data is considered in the making of the equation.

The Student Financial Aid Bill, summarized

Describes the details of who is eligible to receive Bright Futures funds.

Section 7

6 | NEWS | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 5, 2021

Students eager to get vaccine after availability expands STORY BY ELSA MATTSSON PHOTO BY PATRICK COSTELLO All Americans 16 years and older are now able to get vaccinated at local vaccination sites. With America releasing three different vaccines for free to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more people are getting vaccinated. This is the way the country is hoping to reach immunity against the disease. Since April 5, vaccination sites are allowing everyone who is 16 years or older to get vaccinated.

For people under the age of 18, parental permission is required.

According to the website of Oviedo

GET YOUR STICKER. Pictured here is the sticker given to those who receive the vaccine in Seminole County.

Mall’s local vaccination site, anyone over the age of 16 can be vaccinated.

To get vaccinated you need to book an appointment online. When going to your appointment you need to bring an ID, a proof of Florida residence and a guardian to give permission if you are under the age of 18. If your vaccine requires two doses, the appointment for your second shot is scheduled during your first appointment for at least 21 days later.

The vaccinations have had a few temporary side effects, like tiredness, nausea and soreness, but these symptoms pass after a day or two. The symptoms occur more often after the second shot. Complete immunity against the virus is reached about two weeks following the second dose.

This new turn of events leaves students the option to get vaccinated.

Many students at Oviedo High School are excited about this news.

“I want to get vaccinated because I want to see my grandpa, but my parents are hesitant,” said junior Kendall Sims.

Junior Jolie Hedge received her first dose on Saturday, April 10 at Seminole State College campus in Sanford.

“I was a little nervous about the shot because I’m the first in my family to get it,” Hedge said. “But I’m mostly excited because it means I can help this whole Covid situation go away.”

School remembers beloved athletic secretary Lougee STORY BY JUSTINA NIELSEN Oviedo High School (OHS) athletics secretary Linda Lougee passed away on April 8 with her family by her side.

She is remembered at OHS for helping students in every way she could, including helping raise funds for the new turf, sewing costumes, making football dinners and having an overall positive impact on generations of students who have walked the halls of this school.

Principal Trent Daniel was close to Lougee.

“I will remember Linda because she was one of the world’s greatest givers and a person that was just a ‘Lady Boss,’” Daniel said. “She got things done behind the scenes and supported OHS.” Lougee always volunteered her time to the students of OHS. She ran fundraisers for the sports programs, ran the Christmas tree sales, did all the athletic paperwork, organized coaches, fed the football players and administration team and referees every Friday night “and the list goes on,” Daniel said.

A feeling of great sadness and loss is evident after talking with students, teachers and other staff members who were close to her.

“Mrs. Lougee was one of my favorite people at OHS, she always made sure students were taken care of and cared

Hedge was eager to get the vaccine and wasted no time when availability was expanded.

“I decided to make an appointment as soon as they became available,” Hedge said. “Personally, I think that everyone should get the vaccine because then places can open back up and we can get back to life as normal.”

Her experience receiving the shot went smoothly.

“When I got to the vaccination site, there was almost no wait time,” Hedge said. “The nurse gave me the vaccine, and it didn’t hurt too much. It was the same as any other shot. Then I had to go sit and wait 15 minutes, and then I left. The next day I felt pretty normal. My arm was a little sore.”

On the same day, junior Olivia Mehring also received her first shot. She was vaccinated at the Oviedo Mall site.

“I realized I was experiencing a once in a lifetime event, so I did my best to take it all in,” Mehring said. “After we walked in and did our paperwork, me and my brother went right to a vaccination chair, and just like that we had our shots.”

Mehring was glad she decided to receive inoculation against the coronavirus.

“The vaccine staff scheduled the second dose for three weeks later,” Mehring said. “My arm felt sore, and I had

a headache for the rest of the day, and on day two I felt completely normal. It feels so good to be part of the vaccinated population now, even though I was never at significant risk if I did get Covid. It feels amazing to be doing my part!”

The perks didn’t hurt either.

“Also, now I get free doughnuts, so that’s cool,” Mehirng said, referring to a promotion by Krispy Kreme.

Vaccination progress 44% of Americans have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

42% of Floridians have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Per New York Times dashboard as of 5/3.

Upcoming local events and activities May 8 Bacon, Bourbon & Blues- food and drink in the Bacon & Bourbon theme along with live music from 2-9 a.m. at Center Lake Park.

May 12 City of Oviedo Virtual Trivia- play through Zoom and Kahoot from 7-8 p.m.

May 10, 17, 19 Lougee is seen here in the athletic office. about each student in her own way,” wrote former student Caroline Preston on Facebook.

Lougee was “truly a Lion through and through,” Daniel said. “If anybody bleeds orange and black, it is Linda.”

In honor of Lougee, the school has created a scholarship in her name, the Linda S. Lougee Community Service Scholarship. The scholarship is for student athletes at Oviedo who have made significant contributions to their communities.

Senior events- senior parade, senior farewell, and graduation.

DESIGN BY PATRICK COSTELLO

MAY 5, 2021 | THE LION’S TALE | OPINION | 7

Suspending local Covid restrictions ill-advised

Sports editor

KAIT PETERSON With thousands of Covid-19 cases still being confirmed in the state of Florida, there is a lot of controversy surrounding Governor Ron DeSantis’s decision to drop any and all previous Covid-19 orders on the state. Some of these previous mandates and orders include the use of masks in public and in establishments like restaurants, stores and any government buildings.

And although the number of positive cases in the state of Florida has indeed gone down a significant amount, that does not mean that Covid-19 has gone away completely.

Many things about going out and being around hundreds of people in many daily aspects of life like school, work and out in public places still do not sit right with me, as well as lots of other people because Covid-19 continues to persist.

What might this mean for the locals

DESIGN BY HANNAH WARRNER

of Florida with the height of the Florida tourist season reaching its peak in the upcoming summer months? With people from all over the country as well as from all over the world flooding into the bigger cities throughout the state, the lack of nearly any Covid-19 safety mandates is bound to negatively affect the state of Florida and its citizens.

The dropping of the Covid-19 mandate is simply an ill-minded decision to try and entice more tourists to come into Florida to bring in the booming tourist season revenue for the state. Theme parks, restaurants, beaches, and many other attractions that Florida has to offer have already begun to lower their Covid-19 mandates and restrictions meaning there really is no sense of security for those who might still be worried about contracting the disease.

On the opposite spectrum though, with hundreds of thousands of people gaining access to the vaccines which fight against and protect people from Covid-19, more and more people are beginning to feel safer in their communities and safer about the prospect of travel.

I have not yet been vaccinated. I want to be and will be, but as of right now, knowing that the governor has lifted all of the previous Covid-19 protection orders, it frightens me a little bit considering I go to places like Universal Studios, the

beach, restaurants and other places WITH a mask ON, and follow the Covid-19 regulations.

If many people begin going to these places without masks, I will begin to distance myself from places like these, or even wear two masks just to make sure I protect myself from contracting the virus again.

I think that this was a poor decision on the governor’s part. I understand that everyone wants Covid-19 to be over and for it to just go away, but that is not how this is going to work. It simply isn’t a feasible solution to an ongoing problem in our community and around the world to drop Covid-19 mandates and regulations during the onslaught of the pandemic.

GOVERNOR DESANTIS. DeSantis issued the order on May 3.

MAY 5, 2021 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 9

8 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 5, 2021

tied

1 tied

3

4 Chloe

Pursuit: computer science, economics and data science at the Massachusetts

Pursuit: aerospace engineering and pre-med track at the University of Central Florida.

Best high school experience: being part of the tennis team.

Song you play on repeat? “Down by the River” by Milky Chance.

Something you hope never changes? my positive, optimistic attitude.

Accomplishment you’re most proud of? sophomore tennis season, I achieved district champion at doubles and runner-up at singles.

What inspires you? my goals for the future inspire and motivate me.

Fictional universe you’d choose to live in? Grey’s Anatomy.

tied

Carlos Whyte Whyte Ramesh Pinkston Chavez Institute of Technology.

Silliest thing you believed as a child? that sharks could come up the drain in the shower.

Famous figure you’d like to have dinner with? Mark Rober.

Special talent: I can solve a Rubik’s cube.

Language you’d choose to become instantly fluent in? Spanish.

Favorite quote: “I’m ‘bout to end this man’s whole career”- Supa Hot Fire.

How does it feel to be tied with your twin for valedictorian? it’s a very strange experience. We’re very different, but we basically took all the same classes and got the same grades.

Pursuit: brain and cognitive science at the Massachusetts

Institute of Technology.

Obstacle you’ve overcome? severe developmental issues as a child.

Most valued possession: my Christian Bible.

Favorite movie: Cool Runnings.

Injustice you’d like to see remedied? gun violence and a disproportionate number of black men being killed by police.

Guilty pleasure: Lindt Lindor Chocolate Truffles.

Best high school experience: being on my high school golf team.

PHOTOS BY AUDREY STREMBICKI, COURTESY OF STUDENTS

Pursuit: computer science at the Georgia

Institute of Technology.

Greatest fear? running into a teacher outside of school.

Topic you could give a presentation on with no preperation?

Japanese kanji and the etymology of juguko.

Something you hope never changes? the taste of chocolate.

Pet peeve: proprietary closed-software that restricts user freedom and spies on them.

Superpower you’d like to have? perfect memory.

Unsolved question you’d like the answer to? can we teach computers to perfectly understand human languages?

Ramirez Pursuit: molecular biology and mathematics at the University of Chicago.

Favorite movie: The Man Who Knew Infinity.

Obstacle you’ve overcome? coming to the U.S. with no knowledge of English.

Favorite fun fact: 144 is a perfect square forwards and backwards.

Exotic animal you’d like to have as pet? the peacock mantis shrimp, which can punch with the force of a bullet.

Crazy goal: break the record for fastest Rubik’s cube solve.

Destination you’d like to visit? San Isidoro, Mexico, my grandmother’s hometown.

5 tied

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9

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Joshua Bethany Ashton Joy-Joy Justin Rockaway Stewart Jablon Fields Um Pursuit: astrophysics at

Florida State University.

by weighted GPA

Jonathan Rachel Eshan

5

Class of 2021: The Top Ten

1

Attending on a golf scholarship.

Song you play on repeat? “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay.

Favorite book: the Harry Potter series.

Something you’ve dreamed of doing? winning the U.S. Open.

Hobbies: golf takes up a lot of my time.

Favorite food: spaghetti.

Pursuit: international affairs and terrorism studies at the United

States Military Academy.

Pancakes, waffles or french toast?: Belgian waffles in 2x1 rectangles.

Underclassmen advice: embrace discomfort. Get to know yourself.

How do you deal with stress? I write lists of things I need to do then run or play with my dog.

Exotic animal you’d like to have as pet? a baby alligator.

Fictional character you’d like to meet?: The Man in the Yellow Hat. Most valued possession: my dad’s 1977 cruise jacket from his time on the USS Forrestal.

Pursuit: public policy at the University of

North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Greatest source of happiness: music and running.

Who inspires you? my brother.

What are you known for? being the drummer for alt. rock band Chelsea Garden.

Ideal occupation: something in public service.

Underclassmen advice: do what you love and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

Language you’d choose to become instantly fluent in?

Italian.

Pursuit: software engineering at Cornell University.

Favorite food: Korean ramen.

Long-term life goal: become the CEO of the company I created and make it extremely successful.

Favorite fun fact: today is the oldest you have ever been and the youngest you will ever be.

Special talent: I can pop out the bone in both of my thumbs.

Famous figure you’d like to have dinner with? Tony Stark.

Dream car: Maserati White Ghibli SQ4 AWD S Q4.

Pursuit: pre-law at Washington

University in St. Louis.

Favorite book: Fight Club.

Accomplishments you’re most proud of? varsity swimming state titles and county scholar-athlete award.

Greatest source of happiness: video games and working out.

Destination you’d like to visit?

Jerusalem.

What are you known for? swimming and based memes.

Superpower you’d like to have? mind control.

DESIGN BY PATRICK COSTELLO

10 | SPORTS | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 5, 2021

Athletic seasons end with success, key lessons STORY BY MANCKENZIE HOLMES

writer VINCENT CROOK

Star QBs are highlight of draft If you’re a fan of a specific NFL team, the draft can be one of the most crucial parts of a successful season. During its latest iteration on April 29-31, teams and fans alike were able to experience one of the biggest drafts we’ve seen in a while.

Elite talent was not uncommon in this year’s draft, especially among quarterbacks. In the first 7 picks, three quarterbacks that were drafted. The number one pick, Trevor Lawrence, out of Clemson University, is one of these examples. This incredible athlete won the National Championship as a freshman and appeared in the championship game as a sophomore.

The prospect from Knoxville Tennessee was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the number one pick. A pick of this caliber will hopefully send the Jaguars upward, back to the form they had in 20172018.

The New York Jets had the second pick. They also drafted a quarterback, Zach Wilson, out of Brigham Young University (BYU).

While his freshman and sophomore years were not up to caliber, he broke out in his junior year.

He threw for 3,692 yards in his final year and declared for the draft on January 1, 2021. Soon after, many teams were debating where he would fall. Zach Wilson is able to run, and he has an amazing arm. Fans of the New York Jets were hoping that he would be their new franchise quarterback and their dreams came true.

After the San Francisco 49ers received the third pick by trading with the Miami Dolphins, they chose North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance even though head coach Kyle Shanahan said he would prefer to pick Mac Jones (who ended up being drafted 15 by New England). It will be interesting to see how that story plays out once the season starts.

The Atlanta Falcons held the 4th overall pick in the draft and they selected Kyle Pitts, a tight end out of the University of Florida. This pick made Pitts the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history.

In closing, this draft was extremely strong at quarterback, in contrast to next year’s class of prospects, where the position is relatively weak. The selection of Justin Fields at 11, once the consensus second pick, really demonstrates this strength.

During the past year, Oviedo High School has gone through many changes and has overcome many obstacles.

Despite all the difficulties, both the boys’ teams and the girls’ teams have brought home multiple championships to OHS. Both the boys’ and girls’ bowling and swimming teams won district, conference, and state championships.

The boys’ swimming team also came out on top with a regional championship.

The Mane Attraction team took home the national championship in the hip hop category and girls’ water polo came out with a District Championship.

Girls’ soccer came back as conference champions, districts runner up, and regional finalists.

Valentina Amaral, a sophomore on the soccer team is one of a set of triplets at OHS. She and her brothers, Lorenzo and Filippo, are all very competitive yet Valentina scored more goals than both brothers combined. Ever since she started

playing soccer at OHS, she has strived to become better.

Amaral is motivated to improve everyday by the potential for even greater success in the future.

The boys’ lacrosse, soccer, and water polo teams had great ends to their seasons and came out first in their district competitions.

Not only has OHS had many wins this year, but also many runners-up and individuals placing high.

Both girls’ and boys’ basketball placed second in districts. Boys’ golf, and girls’ cross country, lacrosse and softball also came out second.

In golf, Josh Stewart came in fifth place for individual state qualifiers.

Sam Austin, a senior track star at OHS, placed 33rd in the individual state qualifier. He continues to break more school records and has committed to the University of Florida (UF).

“I want to break my own records so I stay in the record books at Oviedo forever

and live up to what I believe I can do,” Austin said.

Not all teams were able to reach such a high level of success.

Several girls’ and boys’ teams fell short this season. This includes boys’ cross country, football, baseball, track and field, tennis, volleyball, and wrestling and girls’ cheer, golf, track and field, tennis, volleyball, and weightlifting.

Caroline Przystup, a junior hitter on the OHS Volleyball team, explained what the team in this upcoming season should work on the most. ”With every goal there’s the possibility of mistakes, but we can’t grow without them,” Przystup said. “Getting to states means winning first regionals, then districts and so on, so that would definitely also be something we are hoping to do.

[We want to] increase communication and effort.”

Athletics for the 2020-2021 school year have not yet come to a close as the beach volleyball season continues.

Sports Year in Photos

MVPs

Sam Austin- Track

Valentina AmaralSoccer

Shay SpadaroVolleyball

Kyleigh ThelenSoccer

Holds national best times in 800-meter dash at 1:50.00

Scored 19 goals, had 13 assists and 48 shots

442 hits, .594 hitting %, 288 digs, 54 aces and 6 blocks

Scored 12 goals, with .421 batting average 5 assists and 38 with 24 hits and 19 shots runs

Riley FennellSoftball

FINALISTS Stephanie GeberVolleyball Mandy TurnerBasketball & Lacrosse Avery AndersonLacrosse Justina NielsenBowling Spencer RoseLacrosse & Basketball Logan TerrellBaseball & Football Sebastian VargasFootball Josh Stewart- Golf Lily AndrewsVolleyball DJ Scott- Football

DESIGN BY MACKENZIE HOLMES

MAY 5, 2021 | THE LION’S TALE | SPORTS | 11

Austin inspires track teammates with intensity STORY BY K. APONTE, M. FRANGOUL PHOTO BY OHS JOURNALISM Feelings of nervousness and excitement course through everyone as the track runners arrive at the meet an hour early. The runners use this time to go over strategy and what times they want to hit that day. Races are usually intense and sometimes painful, but Oviedo High School’s senior star track runner, Samuel Austin, knows that this is the time to show what he’s been training hard for. He pushes himself to be the best runner he can be while still encouraging the rest of the team to give it their all.

Austin wasn’t always a track runner.

He first began with soccer which led him to starting track his sophomore year of high school to get in shape for soccer.

He is on his way to running on the University of Florida’s prestigious track program. His hard work and dedication to the sport has led to Austin setting record times and has earned him the spot of Number 2 in Orlando history.

“I was extremely excited that all my hard work had paid off and I was in disbelief that I broke 1:50,” Austin said.

“I’m extremely confident in my abilities and I will do my best to be great at the University of Florida.”

Austin has also inspired his fellow teammates to work even harder. He shares his knowledge on running with his team and gives advice to help them succeed as well. They see him as a highly competitive athlete who takes any opportunity to improve his skills.

“He just doesn’t set a goal for himself, he actually achieves that goal,” said Samuel Henery, a senior on the track team.

A goal Austin has for himself is to place at the SECs his freshman year of college. During his sophomore, junior, and senior year at college, he plans to go to nationals.

“Sam inspires me a lot,” said Jack Campbell, a senior on the track team.

“His races are especially inspirational; it’s like watching a professional athlete and it makes me more excited to run and

10 athletes honored in year’s final signing day STORY BY KENNY APONTE Oviedo strives for athletic and academic greatness on and off the field.

Such goals are awarded with merit every season as seniors across all teams sign their letters of intent on signing day to play their respective sports in the next step of their academic careers.

On May 5, 10 additional student athletes joined their 18 peers in committing to the college or university of their choice to continue and thrive in their athletic and academic journeys.

One such student is senior Shane Jones who has committed to playing Division II lacrosse at Saint Leo University.

With the emotions of signing being different from student to student, Jones felt pretty clear on deciding to play at the next level with Saint Leo. “I feel excited and relieved about Saint Leo,” said Jones. “It has everything I could

DESIGN BY PATRICK COSTELLO

have wanted in a college athletically and academically. Signing to Saint Leo means to me that I have the opportunity to continue the game I love playing and I feel grateful for the opportunity”.

With their current chapters of high school coming to an end, the student athletes now have to use what they have learned from their 4 years at Oviedo and apply it to their future endeavors in college sports.

Maizie King, senior girls basketball player, committed to Ohio Dominican University to play Division II basketball.

She has learned many things over the course of 4 years, but most importantly she realized her self worth.

“From my high school career I’ve taken that I am only worth what I make myself worth,” said King. “In college I will apply myself in every situation and work as hard as I can.”

compete as well. He takes the workouts so intensely and goes so fast that I feel like he pushes the rest of the team to give it their all too.”

After a competition, all of the runners believe they could still keep pushing harder to improve even if they got first place. This doesn’t diminish the positive and uplifting atmosphere they create as a team. This past year saw many of the members run new personal bests and place in some of the races.

“Sam’s biggest improvement has been his confidence in himself, said David Tibbetts, the OHS boys track coach. “We knew we had something special when Sam Austin joined track and field. It just took a little while for Sam to believe it as well.”

The path to success isn’t always easy, but this hasn’t stopped Austin from doing what he loves.

“I love the sport because however well you do is equal to the work you put into it,” Austin said. “I hope to be one of the best 800 meter runners that UF has ever seen.”

TO THE FINISH. Senior runner Sam Austin is seen here.

New coach Odierno: “I’m not going anywhere” STORY BY KENNY APONTE Oviedo High School announced Boone offensive coordinator Greg Odierno as its new football coach on Feb. 26. We asked him about his goals and vision for the program as spring workouts begin.

If there is one, what was the deciding factor or element of Oviedo High School that made you want to coach our school’s football team?

“The community, academic excellence, and football tradition of success. All three were vital elements in me wanting to call Oviedo home. I am not a guy who jumps around, I was very selective of where I wanted to be a Head Coach.”

What did you think of the program prior to coming here?

“I knew there was tremendous support from the community for athletics. There has always been talent at OHS. Oviedo football is a brand that everyone knows, and I wanted to restore it back to where it was.”

In what areas do you believe you could improve our team?

“The chemistry and organization. I am going to develop these boys to reach their full athletic potential while building a family atmosphere.”

Is there a certain aspect of the football team’s style of play that you are excited to work with?

“We have a fast defense that has a lot of players who like to come down hill and be physical. On offense we have some special playmakers that I am excited to get them the ball in space.”

Are there any specific goals you would like to achieve in your time here as head coach?

“Of course, I want to compete and win

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREG ODIERNO NEW HEAD COACH. Odierno is seen here with two Boone players. district and state championships. More important than that I want to build men of character and integrity.”

What can the school expect to see from the program next fall?

“The school can expect an exciting style of play on both sides of the ball.

We are going to get our athletes the ball in space and allow them to make plays.

On defense we are going to attack the quarterback and play gap sound football.

We are going to be physical and do things the right way.”

Is there anything you would like the student body to know about you?

“I am excited to be here at Oviedo and I am not going anywhere.”

12 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 5, 2021

Retiring teachers share memories, plans for future STORY BY JUSTINA NIELSEN As this year comes to an end, and all of us are saying goodbyes, it’s also some retiring teachers and staff members final goodbye to their final year students and fellow staff members.

The teachers who will sadly be leaving us this year are Alicia Pope, Marzia Vitali, Janice Latimer, and Barbara Kelly, as well as one of our guidance counselors, Marcia Lightsey. All of these staff members are loved by their students and will be missed next year.

“I would like to say that I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful students and staff at such a great school for all those years,” Lightsey said.

“My first job was as a permanent sub in Orange County at Colonial High School,” Pope said. “Then I worked one year as an art/English teacher at Lake Brantley High School. While I was there, I went to a writer’s workshop where I met the most wonderful teachers. They taught at Oviedo. I decided that I wanted to apply for a job at Oviedo—and it was the best decision of my career!! Now, I have been here the longest, except for one other

PHOTO COURTESY OF OHS RETIRING TEACHERS. Pictured from left to right are Alicia Pope, Barbara Kelly and Marzia Vitali. person. At the end of this year, I will have completed 35 years as a teacher!!”

These retiring staff members had wonderful things to say about our school - especially about the fellow coworkers and administration, as well as the students

here at OHS. “I have many things I have to say, but mainly, I have loved being in the Pride of Lion Country and I appreciate all the great coworkers, students and administrators I have encountered,” Pope said. “They

have made the journey to this goal a remarkable and enjoyable one.”

“Oviedo is a special place, filled with diverse students and faculty, and I am so thankful to have been a part of such a great group,” Latimer said.

All of these teachers feel sad about leaving OHS behind. But they are excited to have changes in their lives and more time to spend with their families.

“As soon as this school year [ends], I am traveling to Minnesota to help my daughter with her son,” Kelly said. “He is 14 months old, and quite a handful! My plans as soon as I return are to declutter and organize EVERYTHING in my house.

After that I want to start on some home renovations.”

Some of them will no longer be close by as they are moving far away. And one teacher is planning to travel the world.

“We are moving to Italy!” Vitali said. “We will be travelling back and forth because my sons live here and my brothers are in Michigan. In Italy, I plan on travelling all over, eating everything I can, sip wine in a [piazza] and watch people go by and, every once in a while, bake!”

All of these teachers will be missed by the students and faculty here at OHS.

Struggling students learn resilience from teachers STORY BY ASHLEE ROSS At Oviedo High School (OHS), there are many teachers who work hard daily to guide struggling students towards success. These teachers are often overshadowed by their peers who may teach higher level classes, such as AP or honors courses.

These underappreciated teachers work with students everyday, striving to get them to succeed and understand the content they are learning. It takes passion and a love for teaching to come to school everyday with the patience it takes to guide these struggling students.

“I struggled in my classes when I went to school here, specifically math,” said Jennifer Dipietro, a teacher at OHS. ‘It was always the hardest class for me. Mr. Boggs was the senior teacher here who helped me understand math in smaller pieces; that is what I try to do to help the students who struggle.”

Teachers who are willing to go the extra mile to make sure a student feels comfortable and successful are the ones that are overlooked the most. Specific teachers, such as Dipietro, have learned skills and methods from teachers they had in school, and they incorporate these skills into their classrooms.

“For a student who is struggling, it is not about making straight A’s. It is about understanding the content and feeling confident in knowing you are doing it correctly. Passing grades come after understanding the content,” Dipietro said.

Sometimes in higher level classes, getting perfect grades becomes consuming and students steer away from actually processing and learning the

struggling students to learn to be resilient as they grow. This allows students to eventually recognize that success will come with growth and understanding.

Dali Museum Award-winning Student art

PHOTO BY AUDREY STREMBECKI LEND A HAND. Math teacher Jennifer Dipietro helps a student with her work on her laptop. content. These teachers who are working with struggling students make it a priority to take the time to make sure their students are understanding the content before they expect a good grade.

For most teachers, a trusting connection must be made with their students in order for success to be achieved. More often than not, students just need someone to believe in them because if a student doesn’t believe he can improve and be successful, then he never will be.

“I had a student who was failing almost every class and had zero faith

in his teachers and adult mentors,” said Cassidy Bailey, an OHS teacher. “He did not believe he would be able to bring his grades up and did not have faith in himself to pursue any future endeavors. I watched this student go from straight Fs to As and Bs. He just needed someone who believed in him, so he could learn to believe in himself.”

For a student who is struggling, the feeling of understanding the content is extremely beneficial to her personal confidence. When a student is confident, she is more likely to want to apply herself.

Supportive teachers are able to guide

by Fatima Almousawi & Gracie Yarborough

DESIGN BY PATRICK COSTELLO

MAY 5, 2021 | THE LION’S TALE | FEATURES | 13

Students compare in-person, virtual school experiences STORY BY PENELOPE BANKS In today’s time just about everything can be done from the comfort of your home. Virtual learning has become an adjustment for teens around the world.

During the 2020-21 school year there have been an array of education options from which students could choose; hybrid, Seminole Connect, full time FLVS (Florida Virtual School) or SCVS (Seminole County Virtual School), and face to face learning. Though some students have thrived in virtual learning, others have been challenged with the options they chose.

Junior Maya Wooodard has been a full time face to face student during this school year, although at times she has had to stay home and, similar to everyone during the 2019-20 school year, was a virtual student for the last quarter of the second semester.

She describes her face to face learning

Dear Class of 2021 Yearbook Students,

DESIGN BY EMMA YOST

experience as more motivating.

“I like face to face learning because I’m able to pay more attention and gives me the opportunity to feel like I’m a part of the class,” Woodard said.

However this doesn’t skew her views on her experiences as a virtual student; in fact, she has nothing negative to add about the topic.

“I enjoy virtual learning because it’s nice to be in the comfort of my own home and have smaller groups without the chaos of classes, bells, masks, and really everything,” Woodard said.

Similar to Woodard, junior Maiya Robinson prefers to learn face to face.

Robinson enjoys more of the social aspect that comes with this learning style.

“Personally, I am a social person so I like going to face to face learning better,” said Robinson. “The majority of the year I did Seminole Connect and I struggled

Congratulations to the Seniors of the 2021 Oviedian yearbook staff!!

Megan Feigel, Katie Cunningham, Zakaria Zakaria, Stephen Scovel, Sebastian Galarza, Neri Verniani, Natalie Cyrkel, Madison Adams, Abbey Martin, Savannah Phillips You have all shown remarkable perseverance and dedication in a year so full of difficulties. Carry this knowledge with you: You can overcome any challenge with your creative talents and perceptive insights. You are

with it because, at home, there are more distractions and it is not quite set to be a learning environment like school is.”

Though Robinson shares mainly positive outlooks on face to face and clearly indicates her preference, she admits to there being some downfalls in the situation.

“Negatives of face to face can be seeing people every single day which can get very draining, but it’s easier learning wise because it’s built for learning and you are able to talk to your teacher face to face,” Robinson said.

Robinson also believes the main issue leading up to virtual being ineffective for some is that they are given the freedom to slack off and do as they please and sometimes teachers will not respond.

“On virtual, it is harder to get teachers’ attention and ask them questions because they are typically focused on those in class.

smart, you are powerful, and you are kind. Thanks for the many stories and laughs that you have shared with the staff; you found a way to bring light into the stressful days of deadlines.

Be proud of your accomplishments and talents—you represent the best of Oviedo’s Pride Rock. You definitely made my last year a year of joy.

The future is golden—go grab it and change the world!! I will carry you in my heart forever.

With love, Ms. Pope

It usually makes virtual kids feel like they aren’t really part of the class. At home, it’s easier to slack off and go do something else too,” said Robinson.

In agreement with Robinson and Woodard, junior Nydia Roman believes the virtual school option has more disadvantages than advantages, at least for her personally.

“With virtual I didn’t like it at all, it was nice to wake up later and be able to pace myself, but I didn’t really learn anything,” said Roman. “The workload is way more on virtual, and the dbas [discussion based assessments] are stressful.”

As the school year ends, students are given the option to either do full time FLVS/ SCVS or face to face for the 2021-22 school year. Seminole Connect will no longer be an option for students in the upcoming school year.

14 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 5, 2021

Justice for ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ When Joss Whedon’s version of Justice League originally came out, the fans were disappointed in the film. Whedon cut many scenes from Zack Snyder’s original film and added some that were very inappropriate, along with an embarrassing amount of awkward dialogue and poor editing.

Safe to say with all the toxicity behind the scenes

and the poor reception, fans were cut short of what was first planned to be a three part epic. After years of fans begging Warner Bros, Snyder finally announced that the “Snyder Cut’’ was going to be released for viewers on HBO Max on March 18, 2021.

DC Universe enthusiasts were very excited about the finished product and the epic to come.

Following the death of Superman in 2016’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, ZSJL sees the world-conquering Steppenwolf come to Earth in search of the three ‘Mother Boxes’. In light of this, Batman - played by Ben Affleck - recruits a team made up of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), the Flash (Ezra Miller), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), and

Cyborg (Ray Fisher) to face this foe, ultimately resurrecting Henry Cavill’s Superman for the big fight.

Coming in with a runtime of four hours, the film is divided into several chapters and centers around self-reflection, using the topic of hope from the past to fix your mistakes. The action scenes were outstanding, great to watch and a must see

STORY BY DIEGO LARA

DESIGN BY ELLIOTT SIRESS

experience. ZSJL is a masterpiece diving deep into the characters’ trauma and what they’ve been through and how they come together as a team. Justice League is visually beautiful. It is a big step from the 2017 counterpart.

Overall this movie was really good, and made me feel connected with all the characters and how they dealt

ASSET CREDIT: WARNER BROS.

with grief. It had me on my feet the whole time. Personally I would love to see Snyder’s full version of the Justice League and what he would have done with the characters moving forward. Regardless, this film is one of my favorite comic book movies by far and I’m really glad to see Zack Snyder’s Justice League finally make it to our television screens.

Grammys sparks The show must Imagine Dragons drama amongst go on: The Oscars returns with new BTS fans 2021 singles

PHOTO BY BIG HIT ENTERTAINMENT For the 2021 grammys, BTS was invited to perform their song ‘Dynamite’ and dance, however they did it back home in Korea because of COVID guidelines. Along with this, they were nominated in the category of “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” for the song they performed.

Although Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga won for their song ‘Rain On Me’, BTS fans were hurt by how the group was treated, and how they were used for publicity.

Looking at statistics, Rain On Me got 300 million views in nine months, while Dynamite got 900 million views in seven months. Many believe The Grammys choose groups by biased opinion and not taking into account statistics on which nominee actually did better stream-wise.

It has also been clear that minorities are not given Grammy when they clearly deserve it. The Grammys have shown xenophobic behavior before, and it was no surprise they did it again towards BTS. That is why fans are so outrageous, BTS have racked so many views, likes, and overall, they were the most popular group in the category. Just looking at nominations for any category, not many minorities are nominated, nor selected to win, which is sad.

And in the end they saved BTS to be the last performance so people had to wait and keep watching just to see their favorite group perform. It’s sad to say, but most fans were not surprised as the group has seen exploitation from award shows before.

DESIGN BY ELLIOTT SIRESS

STORY BY AUDREY STREMBICKI

This year was the Oscars 93rd annual award show.

Many families at home tune into watch, but on Hollywood’s biggest night of the year it was surprising the decline of viewers. In 2019 the show had a total of 29.6 million people watching at home, opposed to this year’s 9.85 million.

Even with the low views, the show must go on! Anthony Hopkins was awarded best actor in leading role for The Father, and best actor in a supporting role went to Daniel Kaluuya in Judas and the Black Messiah. Best actress went to Frances Mcdormand for Nomadland, and Yuh-jung Youn took home the award for best supporting actress for Minari.

One moment from the show that really got the crowd buzzing was the performance by R&B artist H.E.R., who performed ‘Fight For You’ from Judas and the Black Messiah, this track also winning the oscar for best original song from a movie.

Something that gave the audience chills was the memorial for late actors and directors we’ve lost in the past few years. Many viewers were upset, saying “...this is beautiful but it is completely ruined by the speed of the video.” But others argued that the importance of honoring these fallen stars outweighed the presentation.

After disapproval and absence of diversity from past Oscars, this was the first time an all-black producing team was nominated for best picture. This is a huge step in our culture and works to show others that it doesn’t matter who you are, and that no matter your background, you can win an Oscar.

PHOTO BY ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS AND SCIENCES

STORY BY NIKTA DARYADEL

STORY BY ELLIOTT SIRESS

Making a surprise come back, Imagine Dragons has recently announced a new album 3 years in the making. Following the backto-back releases of 2017’s Evolve and 2018’s Origins, the yet to be named fifth studio album has PHOTO BY INTERSCOPE RECORDS remained under wraps regarding details; but on March 8, 2021 the band released two brand new singles: ‘Follow You’ is a deep dive into indie-synth with a splash of energetic rock highlighting the track, pulled together by a catchy chorus and bridge with that classic alternative pop Imagine Dragons is famous for. Playing off lead singer Dan Reynolds’ own marriage, recently reconciled after receiving a “life-changing” text from his wife, the track “represent[s] a love that is realistic. One where love isn’t perfect but it endures.” Reynolds wrote on Twitter.

On the other hand, ‘Cutthroat’ returns to the band’s experimental roots, setting the record on fire through sharp stings, coarse drums and an inflamed instrumental. Backed by a guttural organ, the track derails in a powerful blaze of aggressive fervor matched with the harsh vocals. The song acts “an exorcism of self pity” according to Reynolds on Twitter, “An examination of my life - finding that I am beyond blessed - and trying to rid myself of all the meaningless things that have burdened me. [...] Finding that at the end of the day only one Dan will prevail, and it’s the one that loves myself.”

Even with little info, the hype for many fans remains strong, especially with these two tracks, seeing the group return and revise the pop and experimental music which put them on the map back with 2012’s Night Visions and 2015’s Smoke + Mirrors. It’s a welcomed return for many’s childhood band.

Continuing the legacy with ‘The Falcon And The Winter Soldier’

MAY 5, 2021 | THE LION’S TALE | ENTERTAINMENT | 15

Y SS GN B DESI TT SIRE O I L EL

STORY BY KAIT PETERSON AND ELLIOTT SIRESS

AS SE MA T CR RV ED EL IT: ST UD I

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As the Marvel Cinematic Universe approaches the end of The Infinity Saga with the two part movie finale Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, and begin the journey into Phase Four, many supporters were anticipating the possible events following the aftermath of the Blip.

With Steve Rogers, A.K.A. Captain America formerly played by Chris Evans, passing the shield down to Sam and leaving the legacy of “The Star-Spangled Man” up in the air, the world is left to hold it’s breath as our new Cap picks up where Rogers left off in Endgame.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier - picking up 6 months later - sees Sam yield the shield over to the U.S. Government to be memorialized in a museum while Bucky struggles to live haunted with the memories of his Winter Soldier past. The two are brought together when John Walker - played by Wyatt Russell - is appointed as the new Captain America, a manufactured soldier built to unify the country post-Blip. Meanwhile, an anti-border terrorist organization known as the Flag Smashers - run

by Karli Morgenthau, played by Erin Kellyman - is on the rise and our titular characters are left to team with old Captain American: Civil War antagonist Baron Zemo played by Daniel Brühl - in order to handle the two new threats.

With a new episode being released every Friday on Disney+, more and more of the enticing and slightly angering story line unravels. Following through the series of head-turning and heart-wrenching episodes, the writers convey an array of social issues in our history’s past as well as our modern day society.

One of the strongest comes from Sam’s side plot with Isaiah Bradley, - played by Carl Lumbly - an African American super soldier experimented on and imprisoned by the U.S. Government for the same heroic acts which put the blonde and blue eyed Steve Rogers on the map. Bradley’s story acts as a perfect tale of black erasure in American history, and it’s heartbreaking watching Bradley unfold regarding the torment he experienced, and reflects on the torment many African Americans faced and continue to face in our modern world.

It takes a shocking turn from telling a story of the characters and their heroic missions to something that can invoke emotions from a large number of people who might not have felt like they could connect to the idea of who Captain America is, the token blonde hair, blueeyed “face of america and what it stands for.”

The retro epic ‘Mortal Kombat’ captures fans Mortal Kombat - one of the most famous fighting games of all time that has eleven mainline games and multiple spinoff games has recently been put on the big screen.

Though Mortal Kombat is one of my favorite fighting game series, I was a bit sceptical when I heard that Warner Brothers was making a movie with New Line Cinema. Mortal Kombat had already released a movie back in 1995 with mediocre reviews and a sequel in 1997 with negative reviews.

But then again, last year Warner Brothers released an animated Mortal Kombat film that being “Mortal Kombat: Scorpion’s Revenge” to generally positive views, so this movie could go either way.

So when the movie released back on April 23, my opinion after my first watch was mixed. The movie really depends on what you are expecting out of the film. If you are expecting great fight scenes, many references to the games, and an adaptation loyal to the source material then this is a great movie. If you’re expecting a good story and a film which can stand alone from the games then look elsewhere.

Hunted by the chillingly fearsome ‘Sub-Zero’, - an ancient cryokinetic warrior played by Joe Taslim - an MMA fighter Cole Young - played by Lewis Tan - is sent on a wild journey to the temple of Lord Raiden - played

by Tadanbou. There Young spars with a diverse cast of expert fighters from across the world, including Ludi Lin’s ‘Liu Kang’, Max Haung’s ‘Kung Lao’, Jessica McNamee’s ‘Sonya Blade’, Mehcad Brooks’ ‘Jax’ and Josh Lawson’s ‘Kano’.

While preparing to go face-t0-face with evil forces

from “Outworld”, Cole uncovers more about his heritage and the ancient rivalry between Sub-Zero and an ancestors of Cole’s named Hanzo Hasashi, A.K.A. ‘Scorpion’ played by Hiroyuki Sanada.

Now the main thing this movie does right is being what makes ‘Mortal Kombat’ Mortal Kombat.

You have the blood, you have the gore, you have the fatalities, the characters, you have the epic and brutal fight scenes, and everything else that made the Mortal Kombat games special. Though the Mortal Kombat movie is loyal to the source material, it still introduces new elements to the series. The main new addition is the main character Cole Young. I welcome this new addition for it slightly changes the story that we already know yet keeping the plot the same as the original games.

Now as I said before, if you are looking for a movie that can be seen as its own thing, this is not that movie.

The story and characters can be confusing to newcomers who never played the games before. Some of the dialogue is not that interesting - minus everything that Kano says because he is the best character - and the movie is focussing more on creating a bigger universe instead of focusing on a single movie.

My overall opinion of the Mortal Kombat movie depends on the type of person watching it.

If you’re a huge Mortal Kombat fan this is a great adaptation of the games with some of the greatest fight scenes I have seen in cinema.

If you’re a person who knows very little of the series this might not be your film. But as a Mortal Kombat fan, I would say this is one of the greatest adaptations of a video game to the big screen I’ve seen.

STORY BY BRANDON NEW PHOTO BY NEW LINE CINEMA, WARNER BROS. PICTURES

DESIGN BY ELLIOTT SIRESS

16 | FEATURES | THE LION’S TALE | MAY 5, 2021

Violence and hate against Asian Americans on the rise STORY BY MAY FRANGOUL ILLUSTRATED BY VERONIKA MAYNARD INFO COURTESY OF WWW.CTGN.COM The year 2020 brought a worldwide pandemic due to a virus originating in China. It’s also the same year race related hate crimes against Asians began to rise in numbers in the United States.

The problem is likely more prevalent than thought as the FBI believes most hate crimes are never reported. The first wave of violence happened around the same time that Covid-19 cases started to increase. In 2019, there were a total of three reported hate crimes in New York City; this increased to 28 hate crimes in

2020. Other major cities such as Boston and Los Angeles faced a surge in hate crimes as well. Hate towards Asians ranged from racist posts online to physical acts of violence towards people out on the street.

In order to fully understand the current wave of hate crimes against Asians, it’s important to understand what constitutes a hate crime, why offenders commit hate crimes, and the devastating effects of hate crimes on the psyche of the victims and their demographic groups.

A hate crime is defined as a “criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity,

900 800 Percentage of Increase of AntiAsian Hate Crimes in Major Cities

700 during 2020 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

Boston

Los Angeles

New York

Long Beach

gender or gender identity.”

Hate crimes are fueled by fear, ignorance, and anger. These types of crimes are more likely to occur in times of social and political change. Certainly, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many things changed in society, including the loss of loved ones to the virus, lockdowns, business limitations and closures, school closures, remote learning, job loss, sanitation procedures, social distancing, and mask requirements. It has been a frightening time of upheaval for everyone. Unfortunately, anti-Asian hate crime offenders, out of ignorance, have “blamed” all Asians for the circumstances of the pandemic. The reality is that Asians are just as afraid of catching the virus; they have been suffering right along with all of the other races and ethnicities that make up the melting pot of America.

Victims of hate crimes experience a more profound psychological stress

than victims of other violent crimes to include a loss of self-esteem and concerns surrounding safety, which in turn produces feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.

“What I want people to do instead of associating Covid-19 as being an Asian person’s fault is for them to take a leap of faith and become friends with one Asian person and try to understand that person,” said senior Joy-Joy Um. “Asian people are not a virus, but more of a unique and wonderful population with beautiful and elegant cultures.”

There is no place for hate crimes in this world. Everyone has to be part of the solution. It’s important as a society to address the root cause of intolerance, prejudice, and discrimination through awareness and education on the frontend. And on the back-end, through laws and penalties that strongly discourage negative societal behaviors.

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S C H U L T E R E A L T Y . C O M DESIGN BY M. FRANGOUL, V. MAYNARD