November 2018 Issue Roar

ROAR westshoreroar.com • West Shore Jr/Sr High School • 250 Wildcat Alley - Melbourne, FL 32935

December 2018

Administration addresses vaping on campus, 12 Senior soccer stars reflect on the past eight years of playing together, 17 Three seniors get the maximum score on the ACT, 10

WHAT’S INSIDE

“The Roar”: December 2018

Swiss Family In the mountains of Switzerland the Slaghi’s stop to take a picture of their view.

Page 14

Page 17

Just the Start Seniors have spent a lifetime of playing soccer together.

Review Shawn Humphrey’s take on ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’

Page 23

Clearing the Air Administration addresses vaping on campus

Opinion 4 5

Staff Editorial

17

All Four One, One Four All

What has happened to our country?

18

Athletes to Watch

19

Clubbing the Competition

Understanding the dangers of vaping

Anna Wilder’s thoughts on the current state of our country and its future

News 9

Sports

New Chapter

Changes to reading challenge generate success

10

Perfect Act

14

Swiss Family Silaghi

Three seniors earn maximum score on the ACT

Siblings’ achievements extend beyond borders

Senior soccer stars reflect on the past eight years of playing together

A preview of who to watch this season

Eighth-grade golfer defies expectations

Entertainment 21 23

Love it Hate it

Thanksgiving, Trump x Kanye, Big Mouth

Reviews

‘Titans,’ Focus, ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’

4

Staff Editorial

from the editor Students need to understand the dangers of vaping

Vaping. It seems to be more of a social thing these days rather than any form of smoking cessation for those trying to quit smoking traditional cigarettes.

How ironic that e- cigarettes are still considered “healthier” alternative to those cancer sticks considering all the detrimental effects that closely follow vape users.

One distinct fact that must be pointed out is that e- cigarettes not only contain nicotine — the addictive substance that forces cigarette users to keep smoking and elevates a user’s risk of heart attack — but manufacturers have no obligation to disclose all the ingredients in vape juice, meaning when a person says “it’s just flavoring” they’re lying without even knowing it.

Let us not forget to mention that doctors have not yet conducted studies to determine the toxicity of the vape juice if it is inhaled over long periods of time.

It is, however, known that flavorings contain chemicals that are known to be respiratory irritants, and research has found that some flavors are potentially more toxic than others.

Studies are already showing the ignorance of users with regards to the substances in their vaping device.

Editor In Chief Auston Gonzalez Managing Editor Valery Linkenhoker Sports Editor Madhav Pamidikkula Graphics Minaal Murshid Contributing Writers Leighton Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Justin Ho, Shawn Humphrey, Cullen Capaldi, Michael Lucente, Rosellen Rodriguez, Emily Lovelock, Business Manager Alex Nixon Adviser Mark Schledorn Publication Policies “The Roar” recognizes itself as a public forum and encourages letters from West Shore students and members of

Sixty-three percent of JUUL users did not know that this product always contains nicotine.

Despite the fact that vaping is approved by the FDA as a possible way to quit smoking, it is a completely different story for high-schoolers.

Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine modeled e-cigarette usage based on surveys, 2014 census data,

various mental and physical health problems later in life. Additionally, some e-cigarette vapors contain the cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, nickel and chromium.

It is simply tragic for the decline in cigarette use to be deterred by the rising epidemic of vaping as the next generation enters the world addicted to nicotine.

According a vaping article in “Vox,” as of March 2018 e-cigarettes sales are at an all-time high. The cost of e-cigarettes starts around $50 and additional pods of nicotine cost $30 to $45.

And it doesn’t help that celebrities such as Ben Affleck and Katy Perry are known to vape, which has led to teens believing that vaping will make them cooler or increase popularity.

According to the school administration, girls and boys have both Graphic by Minaal Murshid been caught vaping and scientific literature. It found that inside restrooms and at some schools, vaping led teens and young adults to students have even been caught vaping begin a smoking habit rather than in class. avoid or quit tobacco use.

Out of high-schoolers, more seniors Nicotine in teens and young adults are known to vape than any other can disrupt brain development, grade levels according to Edutopia. interfere with long-term cognitive Some schools have begun monitoring functioning, and increase the risk of bathroom usage by students. the community. “The Roar” cannot print ads promoting activity illegal by Florida law, ads opposing any religious beliefs, ads written in poor taste, ads with racial or sexist comments, ads considered inappropriate by the staff, advocacy advertising or ads containing libel. “The Roar” is not responsible for web sites viewed through links found on pages mentioned in the publication.

“The Roar” values letters from our readers: maximum length for letters is 200 words. No more than one letter a semester will be published

from a writer. Letters and columns are edited for length, content and clarity. “The Roar” maintains the right to edit all submissions for poor taste, length, grammar and libel. Views expressed in the “Opinions” section do not necessarily represent the views of the Brevard County School Board, the West Shore administrators, faculty, student body or “The Roar” staff.

Submit Send your opinions to wstheroar@gmail. com Visit Go to westshoreroar.com for more content

opinion

December 2018

What has happened to our country?

Second Chance

By Auston Gonzalez Editor in Chief During the Nov. 6 election, around 64 percent of voters decided to pass Florida Amendment 4, which restores voting rights to people with prior felony convictions upon completion of their sentences, including prison, parole and probation.

This does, however, exclude those convicted of murder or a sexual offense. Clearly, a number of people were sensible when voting on this amendment, which is pretty unheard of considering the number of overwhelmingly ignorant and hypocritical individuals living in this state.

Going into this election, Florida was one of just four remaining states in which convicted felons did not regain the right to vote without the approval of a state officer or board. It is a relief to see people receive a second chance in life, especially considering the important restrictions behind the amendment that excludes those who commit heinous crimes.

Data collected by the Florida Commission on Offender Review has shown that the majority of felons who regain suffrage and other civil rights do not commit new crimes and have indeed learned their lesson.

We want people who have hindered society to return in a productive manner, and this is a fair way to encourage them to do so. Registering to vote will hopefully inspire people to become informed on a variety of political topics and not simply vote in a blind manner.

Then again, that is what the majority of Florida’s voters do anyway, so there is not much of an effect in that sense. This year has been substantial in pushing for individuals to vote, and this amendment restores this right to nearly 1.5 million Floridians.

Not only will this be a vital factor in the next local elections, but also in the future presidential ones. It would be foolish if we as Floridians were to encourage those who are eligible to vote do actually do so, yet deny those who have made mistakes and served their time the right to contribute to society. The principle factor behind this amendment is to incite a new movement of community participation. No longer will a vast number of minds be excluded from major ideas and events, which is a comforting thought to consider in today’s global darkness.

to the editor

New amendment passed in election

5

We have introduced a new fundamental of normal to America. We grasp onto the hope of having a day where a shooting or tragedy doesn’t occur, while a majority of the population mindlessly trudges along the given paths. We ignorantly ask for “hope and prayers” without thought, forgetting about the incident in a week. How is it that the basic rights of free speech, press, assembly and religion have been altered into forms I can’t even comprehend? The hatred that has consumed this world is sickening, and a part of me doesn’t even want to imagine living in a future like this. “Land of the free, home of the brave… America.” Our national anthem has a patriotic ring in my ear, as I wonder where this language is present in society today. I feel disgusted at the fact that we tear each other down because we side with blue or red, as all of us strive only to be happy. We automatically assume the worst in each other, digging deeper into the gaping hole that we have placed ourselves in. Whatever religion, values, beliefs or political standing you side with, I think we can all agree something needs to be done. This is why I am calling, crying and pleading for you to care. I cannot stress this enough; our future is begging us to take action now. It is no longer about whether you side with one party or another, because at this moment in time, all we can seem to do is use abhorrence to destroy. We will never live in a perfect world, but we cannot allow ourselves to become so unraveled that the definition of normal is related to consistent tragedies. Students, I ask you to take action now. I ask you to leave hatred behind, and work together to unite and stand strong, so we can clean up the current mess of “republic and democracy” present today. It’s our time to stand up, to vote, to make change and shape the future. If my time is now, if our time is now, then let’s do it.

Let’s vote, voice our opinion and change the world. Because your future is depending on it, and so is America.

Anna Wilder, 12th

Stop TikTok

TikTok is becoming one of the largest apps on the market right now. Most people make TikToks ironically, but some do not. My sister, Makayla Peterson, and my friend, John Luu, are two of these strange people who joined the TikTok community. My sister has a very strange obsession with the application that I cannot begin to understand. I personally view the app as obnoxious and pointless, whereas she prefers to spend most of her free time creating and watching compilations of these useless videos. I never understood the concept of lip-syncing to audio and songs, and I still don’t. I think TikTok has gained more than enough popularity, and needs to be euthanized. I have witnessed behind the scenes of this app first-hand.

Although I am amused by these senseless videos, I would most likely never make one myself.

Carly Peterson, 10th

campus connect

Christmas Candle Story by Valery Linkenhoker Managing Editor On stage, alongside a professional Disney conductor, a full-piece orchestra and celebrity narrator — Chita Rivera, a two-time Tony Award winner — senior Madeline Anderson along with other members of the school’s chorus class will take part in the annual Candlelight performance at Walt Disney World on Nov. 22.

For Candlelight, Disney invites select choirs from around the world to audition for the opportunity to help tell the story of Christmas through classic carols and songs.

The school’s choir normally participates in candlelight during the month of December, according to senior Victoria Skaggs, but this year singers have been scheduled to perform on Thanksgiving Day. Chaos of bringing family members to Florida or sorting out where Thanksgiving dinner will take place can cause students and their families to miss the annual candlelight event.

However, this is not the case for Anderson.

“My family was extremely supportive,” Anderson said. ”We are a Disney family and had no issues moving our Thanksgiving to Friday.

Unfortunately, other families were not as flexible due to schedules and families traveling in for Thanksgiving.”

December 2018

7

Choir to celebrate holidays with Disney shows

Photo by: Amy Davis

Center Stage The annual Candlelight event takes place at Walt Disney World’s Epcot International Festival of the Holidays in the World Showcase.

Skaggs said she looks forward to participating in the event since it is her last year to do so, although she will miss out on sharing Thanksgiving dinner with her loved ones.

“My family is not going to Candlelight with me,” Skaggs said.

“They are having dinner at my grandparent’s house this year. I am still participating in Candlelight because this is my last year to do it.”

According to chorus teacher Amy Davis, each auditioning group is given a choice from 15 songs to perform.

Once the group chooses the song it wants to audition with, its members practice in order to both sound and look good.

Davis said Disney wants chorus groups that have a balance of

males and females with various vocal ranges.

After receiving the audition tape, Disney takes about two to three weeks to respond, notifying those selected whether they will perform in one morning show or two afternoon shows.

In a departure from past years, West Shore’s choir has been given the opportunity to perform twice on the same day.

“Personally,I am extremely excited and honored to be performing in two shows,” Anderson said. “I have never done two shows in one night before.

Through the efforts of our choir teacher, Mrs. Davis, and everyone involved over at Disney, I expect this will be the greatest performance for West Shore yet.”

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December 2018

campus connect

New Chapter

9

Changes to reading challenge generate success

By Ethan Boyd Featured Writer The new 20-book challenge for Reading Counts has inspired many middleschoolers to pick up a book this year, according to Media Center Specialist Amy Franco.

“There are a lot of kids bringing in books, checking out, bringing in, checking out,” she said. “I would guess maybe 20 to 30 a day.”

Reading Counts received a major boost when Principal Rick Fleming made it a priority for the school year.

“In several conversations I was having with staff members that teach AP, they were concerned,” Fleming said. “We collectively had a concern that students were just not reading. In other words, they were coming to class with an expectation of being prepared on a topic that they were to read, and because they might have perused it or read the Cliff Notes from it, they didn’t fully understand the concept.”

According to Fleming, the lack of deep reading was also leading to another educational problem: writing fragmentation.

“It’s research based that good readers, traditionally, are good writers,” he said.

However, writing was not the only worry present.

“We also saw a decline in the number of books being checked out from our collection,” Fleming said.

“We were concerned that our students were not reading for pleasure. They were more concerned with reading texts than reading deep intellectual content from either a story, fiction or nonfiction or some kind of informational text.”

In a departure from last year, the Reading Counts initiative specifically targets middle-schoolers.

“Mr. Fleming asked at the first day of school what we were doing for Reading Counts and how we were going to promote it this year,” Franco said. “So I asked him to just let me do seventh and eighth grade, because we felt like the ninth grade students were really busy last year, and they really couldn’t participate as much as the younger kids.”

The old format of a bingo card showing different kinds of books to read has been replaced as well.

“I also decided that the bingo card was a little bit more challenging for us to manage here in the Media Center, so I took that out,” Franco said. “And I just made it a straight 20-book challenge for the year.”

The effects of the new changes already can be seen.

“We started last year, and by the end of the year last year, we had students that read some 75 books and over 20 million words,” Fleming said. “This year already, we

Photo: Amy Franco

Book Worms Middle-schoolers sit down in the library to engage in Reading Counts.

have a celebration that we’re going to do at Christmas where we’ll be recognizing students that have read 45

million words. We’ve had over 900 Reading Counts tests that were taken, and over 600 that were passed.”

10

westshoreroar.com

Perfect Act

campus connect

Three seniors earn maximum score of 36 on exam

Story by Justin Ho Staff Writer

Usually, taking one of the most important standardized tests of your high school career while sick with a 101-degree fever is a recipe for disaster, but for senior Maggie Dercole it turned out quite the opposite as she, along with seniors Viorel Silaghi and Christian Camps, earned a perfect 36 on the ACT. “I was quite surprised when I got the score report back and found out that I got a 36,” Dercole said. “I had the flu that day and I felt like I was dying while I was taking it.”

The ACT is one of the primary exams for college admissions that tests student proficiency in math, science and English.

Blue Ribbon Seal

Getting a perfect score on the ACT is not an easy feat. Only 2,760 test takers achieved a perfect score out of two million test takers worldwide in 2017, and only three students have ever achieved a 36 in school history until this year.

“I am proud of our grade,” Camps said. “I am not surprised that our grade had three people get perfect scores. Our grade has a lot of really smart people compared to the older classes. ” Camps and Silaghi achieved their perfect scores on their first try while Dercole secured hers on the second attempt.

Silaghi took the test during the

summer.

“Probably the hardest challenge I faced when it came to the ACT was registering for it,” Silaghi said.

“Since I was out of the country over the summer during the registration window, I had some issues registering for the test.”

West Shore students generally excel at the ACT. When compared to other Florida students, West Shore students score an average of nearly eight points higher on the ACT with a 27 compared to Florida’s statewide average of 19.8.

School sets standard by earning third coveted award

Story by Rosellen Rodriguez Staff Writer

West Shore earned its first National Blue Ribbon recognition in 2004, helping to put the school on the academic map. Then in 2013, the school returned to the national spotlight with a second ribbon. But after receiving the honor for a third time in October, the school stands out as the only high school in Florida to be awarded the title three times.

In order to qualify, the school’s students must be top performers on state assessments, including English and math. Additionally, the school must serve student populations of at least 40 percent from disadvantaged backgrounds. The award celebrates the school’s overall academic excellence or its progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“Words cannot begin to describe how proud I am of our entire school community of students, teachers and parents,” Principal Rick Fleming said. “To win the award three times under the new criteria that changed in 2002, and the only high school to do so, puts us in an elite company by ourselves.”

The criteria changed in 2002 to reduce the number of undeserving winners. Before then, schools were being recognized under the popular federal Blue Ribbon Schools Program despite unimpressive academic records.

Since then, schools are rewarded based on student achievement results — not process — to ensure every child learns and no child is left behind, according to former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige.

History teacher Kirk Murphy,

who has taught at the school since its opening in 1998, said the award exemplifies what the original group of 12 worked to create in the school’s charter.

“The fact that we get this award and have received it three times, it speaks highly to everything we have tried to accomplish,” Murphy said.

“I think it really is that concept of excellence achieved and that’s what we’ve done.”

Senior Jacob Kent said the school is receiving the recognition it deserves due to the students’ work ethic.

“All the students work extremely hard both academically and [in extracurricular activities],” Kent said.

“The number of times we have won the Blue Ribbon is just a testament to the environment that our teachers and faculty create for us.”

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westshoreroar.com

Who’s Vaping?

13%

eighth graders

31%

ninth graders

24%

10th graders

14%

11th graders

28%

12th graders Find more information at drugabuse.org, rtmagazine.com and kidsdata.org

cover

Clearing the air

As teen vaping grows, so do health concerns

By Justin Ho Staff Writer At 14, he found himself at his former girlfriend’s house just talking and hanging out until she offered him something new: an e-cigarette.

At the time he thought because it was just vapor, it couldn’t possibly be harmful. He wanted to fit in so he reasoned it couldn’t be that bad.

He had never smoked before, and as he drew the vapor from the e-cigarette into his lungs, he began to feel it. A light buzz left him craving for more.

“I wish I never got into it,” the senior said.

“I’ve spent over $500 on it and I hope to stop forever, but I’m always wanting to do it just because it feels so nice.”

E-cigarettes weren’t initially created for recreational use. The first prototype for the modern vape was invented by Hon Lik, a Chinese researcher who wanted to create a device for smokers who were trying to curb their addiction.

Early designs were clunky and had a short battery life, but modern vapes have built on all facets of Lik’s prototype, extending battery life and increasing portability. The result has created problems for schools as modern vapes can now be stealthily carried on school campuses.

Two types of vapes have grown in popularity among teenagers.

The Juul fits inside a palm and, at first glance, resembles a flash drive, while the Suorin Drop is slightly larger and shaped like a teardrop.

In part because of their sleek design of the delivery systems, vaping has risen dramatically among teenagers despite a decrease in smoking with an estimated 2.1 million teens using some form of e-cigarettes in 2017 according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Juul labs, the managing company of the Juul, recently posted its best quarter with the

company now valued at $15 billion.

Vapes use refillable cartridges that contain various e-liquids containing such flavors as mango, cool cucumber and creme brulee, and other sweet flavors that attract teenagers.

“It’s actually an epidemic for the youth,” Assistant Principal Catherine Halbeur said.

“The district has put a big push out due to the health dangers of it and what we do is we follow the district discipline ladder on our end.

School Resource Officer [Valerie] Butler also writes the students a civil citation and it’s for students who are in possession of a tobacco product or a vaping device or any part of that product. We have heard rumors and some remarks from other students that there has been vaping on campus, and this is a pretty big problem we have been trying to solve.”

“We have heard rumors and some remarks from other students that there have been vaping on campus and this is a pretty big problem we are trying to solve.”

Students caught on campus with a vaping device face a monetary fine and a mandatory tobacco education class. A second infraction would result in an additional requirement of mandatory volunteer service and a third offense would result in a suspended driver’s license.

Butler noted that even schools with fewer of disciplinary issues are seeing a surge of vaping on campus.

“It’s a big problem since through vaping, kids who haven’t smoked before are being exposed to nicotine,” she said. “And they’re becoming hooked on it.”

Halbeur said the school’s strategy is to encourage students to police themselves.

cover

“We hope that being more informed, vaping just need to realize the risks students will make better decisions currently of vaping and furthermore and that they also will spread the word the risks that may be formed in the that this isn’t good,” Halbeur said. future.”

“We also appreciate our students and Because vaping has become know how our students do look out increasingly popular among teenagers, for each other, and we do hope our Florida voters have also recently students step up and tell their friends approved a state constitutional or somebody else ‘hey, you shouldn’t amendment that bans the use of do this. This isn’t healthy for you and electronic cigarettes in most enclosed this is why.’” workplaces, though exceptions will Researchers have called underage be made for the use of electronic vape users members of the ‘Guinea cigarettes in designated bars, hotel Pig Generation’ rooms and vape shops. because studies have In addition, the FDA been inconclusive recently has announced regarding the full a plan to ban the sale effects of vaping over of flavored e-cigarettes time. in thousands of gas According to FDA stations across the Commissioner Scott country and will also Gottlieb, the nicotine a plan to increase associated with vaping “I personally still regulation involving necessitates the need age-verification did it in spite for harsher regulation requirements on of health risks on tobacco products. websites.

“Nicotine isn’t a For now, the FDA has just because I benign substance.” mandated that flavored Gottlieb said in a wanted to fit in.” products be banned press release. “This is from convenience Suorin especially true then stores unless the it comes to children, manufacturers can and the effects that provide evidence for nicotine has on a the potential benefits of developing brain. That’s why we these products. need a strong regulatory process that But while the FDA has begun to puts these new products through an crack down underage vaping, Juul appropriate series of regulatory gates.” Labs has responded by increasing its These concerns haven’t discouraged lobbying budget by 167 percent in an teens from using the product. attempt to circumvent or mitigate any “I personally still did it in spite of new regulations. the health risks just because I wanted As of now, Juul Labs has shut down to fit in,” the senior said. “Eventually, its social media accounts and has fitting in became an addiction to pledged to invest time to ensuring where it was hard to stop. People who that kids know the consequences and are really considering getting into dangers of vaping.

November 2018

13

Did You Know?

One JUUL pod

contains 20 cigarettes worth of nicotine.

A National Health Interview Survey

found that the odds of a heart attack increased by 42% among people who used e-cigarettes

In 2015,

E-cigarette use among high school students had increased by 900 percent.

63 percent

of JUUL users did not know that this product

Vapor

is not actually produced

by E- cigarettes. It is an aerosol.

Find more information at centeronaddiction.org

14

news

westshoreroar.com

Swiss Family Silaghi

Siblings’ achievements extend beyond borders

2 Photos: Mircea Silaghi

Photo: Orian Gaufraise

By Auston Gonzalez Editor in chief

T

he Romanian brothers could pass for any typical high school students.

That is, until you get to know them.

Before most of us awaken in the morning, Viorel Silaghi practices his piano skills, while younger brother Mircea finishes the final leg in his daily three-mile run before getting ready for school. Mircea comes through the door and greets Viorel. Not in English, but in French.

Born in Switzerland, with family from both Switzerland and Romania, Viorel and Mircea-David Silaghi are anything but traditional students.

Considering Viorel is a National Merit Semi-Finalist and Mircea is in the top 2.5 percent of American Math Competition competitors, they might just come across as academically-gifted individuals. Then after hearing them speak three languages and describe the 30+ countries they’ve visited, it is clear they’re pretty unique.

1 Despite living in Florida for nearly 16 years, Viorel said his family did not originally plan to stay in the United States for this long.

“My dad, when he finished his Ph.D., got an offer as an assistant professor at Florida Tech, so he came here,” he said. “Initially, it was only supposed to be for two years, but it’s been 16.”

The family speaks French, Romanian and English, consistently using all three languages in various situations. “[French] is our first language,” Mircea said. “We were born in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

My brother and I always speak French.

Sometimes with our dad we’ll speak Romanian because it’s polite to speak the language the person likes. We might use English every now and then for an expression or a joke.”

Melinda, a 2017 West Shore graduate and the oldest of the siblings, attends school at the University of Geneva.

Viorel said he hopes to return to Lausanne, Switzerland next year, to attend either École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne or the University of Lausanne.

3

1. Vast Views Viorel attended a music camp this summer at Mont Blanc, French for “White Mountain,” which is the highest mountain in the Alps and the highest in Europe west of Russia’s Caucasus peaks.

2. On the Rise Siblings Ioana, Melinda and Mircea stop for a water break during an afternoon hike in Switzerland.

3. Helpful Hand Viorel splits lumber in his grandparents’ backyard in Romania to use for firewood.

“My plan now is to go to either one of the two universities in Lausanne, he said, “provided I get into both of them — which should happen.”

Both Viorel and Mircea have impressive achievements including competing in a number of state-level and national academic competitions.

“I think my proudest moment is receiving a bronze medal for the United States Physics Olympiad,” Viorel said.

Mircea said his greatest achievement came in a math competition, reaching a score of more than double the mean.

“On the American Math Competition 10 last year, I got 123 out of 150 points and I never expected to get that high,” he said. “Above 120 is really amazing and it was better than my brother.”

Although all three have an array of academic accolades, Mircea said he does not consider one to be smarter than the other two.

“Our achievements are based on [Melinda] as a guinea pig experiment,” he said. “She went through everything, and we learned from that. I think our interests are closer to each other than our interests are with our sister.”

Sports Center

December 2018

15

Captains’ Pride Swim captains senior Dylan Gornto and junior Soha First Place Phenoms Phoebe Theophelis, Sydney Weatherspoon, Alexandra Theophelis, Katelyn Owl, Jake Repperger, Lance Stern, Dylan Gornto, Ben Castillo, Ramadan hold each team’s respective districts awards. and Riley Wilkins stand beside each other smiling with pride of their efforts.

District Domination Changes to swim team lead to postseason success

By Madhav Pamidimukkala, Chris Johnson Sports Editor, Staff Writer The girls’ swim and dive team made history at the district meet on Oct. 30 when it took home the first-place trophy.

Among these swimmers, 10 qualified for regionals, four took first place in their relay events and two took first place in their individual events.

This was a high-emotion victory as the team had narrowly missed first place in the past several years.

“I was ecstatic,” head coach Donald Gornto said. “The girls have gotten runner-up six years in a row and every year our goal was to get better and better. Finally, when we did I was ecstatic. I was so happy for them.”

Junior Sydney Weatherspoon won both of her individual events, the 50 and 100 meter freestyle, in addition to being a part of the winning 200 and 400 meter freestyle relay teams, which also included sophomore Katelyn Owl and seniors Alexandra and Phoebe Theophelis.

“It was really exciting to hear that the team won districts,” Weatherspoon said. “We have definitely put in the work, and it’s nice to see it pay off. I was pleased with my results as well.”

Weatherspoon endured pneumonia throughout most of the season which limited her full potential.

“I am now just finally getting rid of it,” Weatherspoon said.

“Since I had it for such a long time and I was still able to swim ok with it, it makes me really excited for the rest of the postseason, as I hope to put in a few best times.”

The Lady Wildcats weren’t the only ones who showed out this meet, as the boys’ swim team defended its runner-up title from last year and did so without having a dive team.

“I was as proud of the boys getting second as I was of the girls getting first,” Gornto said. “The thing that was so exciting was Cocoa Beach beat us by 63 points and they got 57 of those from diving, so to come so close to beating Cocoa Beach without having any divers, I think had we had divers we could have beat Cocoa Beach and took first place.”

Ten boys also qualified for regionals, with three placing first in an individual event and the 200 and 400 meter freestyle relay team winning their respective events.

Senior and captain Dylan Gornto, a member of both relay teams, also placed first in the 200 meter individual medley.

“Going into districts I knew we were going to win our relays because we were seeded well, but I was unsure about my individual event,” he said. “I was really happy placing first because I’d never been a district champion, then to go off my senior season and finish with three wins is really exciting.”

The team attributes some of its postseason success to significant systematic changes.

“First we did weight-training, which we had never done before,” Coach Gornto said. “We also went to a more sprintoriented practice schedule, but I think the biggest difference that we made is cuts this year. When people found out we were going to make cuts, I saw a lot of people practice over the summer, which contributed to their success.”

Phoebe Theophelis also agrees that the new weightlifting regimen contributed to their success.

“We had to go to the gym two days a week and we also did more dry land [conditioning],” she said. “Overall, I think weightlifting made us a lot stronger and developed different muscles which help with pulling ourselves through the water faster and I know a lot of us saw drops in our times after we started tapering and resting because of it.”

Regionals occurred Nov. 10, but only one eighth-grade diver, Lilian Altmann, moved on.

“Our regional meet is tough because we swim against a lot of the private schools that get people all over the nation to come swim for them,” Coach Gornto said. “My goal is to send swimmers on to make it to the state meet. I honestly feel that we could have two girls relays, two boys relays and as many as three individual swimmers move on to state.”

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westshoreroar.com

sports center

Swimmers reach new heights SCOREBOARDS The boys’ and girls’ swim teams new offense is conducive to their styles.

Compiled by Madhav Pamidimukkala Boys

Swimming

Record Sixth place, CCC Second place, Districts

Record Ninth place, CCC First place, Districts

Golf

Boys Record Sixth place, CCC Third place, Districts Eighth place, Regionals

Girls

Girls

Record Third place, CCC Third place, Districts

Bowling Boys

Girls

Record 6-2

Boys

Record 7-1

Cross-Country Girls

Second place Districts Sixth place Regionals Fifth place, CCC

Second place Districts Second place Regionals Fourth place, CCC

Volleyball Record 4-4

Boys

Soccer

1 Heritage 1 5 Satellite 0 7 Palm Bay 0 Nov. 27, Melbourne Nov. 29, Eau Gallie Dec. 4, Viera Dec. 7, Melbournce Central Catholic Dec. 11, Edgewood

Boys

Basketball

Nov. 19, Merritt Island Nov. 20, Space Coast Nov. 27, Heritage Nov. 29, Palm Bay Nov. 30, Cenevant Christian Dec. 4, Viera Dec. 6, Eau Gallie Dec. 7, Edgewood Dec. 10, Merritt Island Christian

Girls

1 Satellite 1 0 Melbourne 1 Nov. 26, Heritage Nov. 30, Holy Trinity Episcopal Dec. 3, Eau Gallie Dec. 5, Melbourne Central Catholic Dec. 7, Astronaut

Girls

Nov. 19, Viera Nov. 20, Astronaut Nov. 26, Melbourne Nov. 30, Heritage Dec. 3 Eau Gallie Dec. 5, Holy Trinity Episcopal Dec. 7, Cocoa Dec. 10, Satellite Dec. 12, Bayside

As of Nov. 25; for more updated scores, visit www.westshoreroar.com

capped off impressive seasons by blowing their competition out of the water at the Cape Coast Conference meet and then taking it one step further by winning first and second places at Districts.

The girls in THE SHAWN particular HUMPHREY found SHOW themselves going Sports Columnist home with first-place CCC trophies both overall and in the four by one relay and another at Districts. This was the first time in school history that the team had taken first place in these meets. For the boys’ team, senior Dylan Gornto placed fifth in the CCC 50 fly event and his team finished second in Districts with junior Ben Castillo taking first in the breaststroke.

In my last column, I told you that neither I nor the bowlers on the team knew what to expect for this season.

Yet, now we find that the boys’ team finished the season with a record of eight wins and five losses and the girls’ team reached a 10 and three mark. The two teams have successfully raised the bar for next year. It will be tough to replace Jonathan Crosby’s patented technique, but Abriana Camilo will have one more year to frighten opposing teams.

Taking a closer look at winter sports, basketball and soccer take center stage during this part of the year. The boys’ basketball team finds itself having to deal with losing Khalil Paul and Tony Hedrick, who broke the school’s singlegame scoring record.

As big as losing those two is, the bottom line is the team lost only two seniors. However, losing head coach Robert Salazar is huge.

Having to learn a new philosophy and a new face with head coach Wardell Collins will be an obstacle. But senior guards Auston Gonzalez and Travis McClendon should perform well if the

The girls’ basketball team finds itself with a new coach as well. Coach Derrick Hamilton made the jump from JV to varsity, which means that although there will be a new method of teaching, there won’t be as much of a learning curve.

Like the boys, the girls have lost only two seniors: Kayla Garoust and Taylor Smith. Adjustments will be necessary with Garoust having been the main ball handler.

Coming off of a second straight state final-four appearance, boys’ soccer has lost a lot of key players, including midfielder Abe Murphy, the team’s most technically-skilled player.

But the loss of human tank Dylan O’Brien has left it without its top goalscoring option. The team will need to replace the production of a man who routinely bounced defenders off of him and muscled his way to the net. Seniors Ian Leighton, Collin Robidoux and Cameron Yeutter will be the most likely scoring options this year.

Another challenge for the boys will be finding replacements for Liam Wiles and Brandon Benitez. With both gone, it’s unknown whether those who are next in line can pick up the slack.

But having junior Cooper Stein in front of the net for another season will mean a trustworthy last line of defense.

The team will find success this year, but whether it will equal either of the last two years remains to be seen.

As for girls’ soccer, finding a way to put the ball in the net is also a question. The team lost seven players to graduation, including Division III midfielder Sydney Zamorano and alltime leading goal scorer Elena Barr.

No doubt the team will be able to score goals, but replacing production the level of Barr’s is a tall task. I have seen her dribble the ball through the midfield by herself and score on the opposing keeper. When players as talented as those two leave, there are obvious holes to fill. However, there are high hopes to kick off this season.

sports center

December 2018

All Four One, One Four All

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Senior soccer stars reflect on the past eight years of playing together Story by Madhav Pamidimukkala Sports Editor The year is 2010. This Saturday morning, two premier U10 soccer teams — Melbourne Beach Tsunami and the Indian Harbour Beach Three Lions — face off. Before the game begins, Tsunami midfielders, 9-year-olds Ian Leighton and Cameron Yeutter, begin trash talking with the Three Lions Midfielders, Collin Robidoux and Chase Hester. The highemotion game that follows results in a 4-4 tie with Robidoux scoring a penalty kick and Leighton scoring on a free kick. The animosity with which the four boys treat each other develops into mutual respect as they recognize each others athletic ability.

Fast-forward six years. The four boys, this time united under one jersey, huddle together with tears in their eyes as they hold up the Florida High School Sports Association Class 2A Soccer State Championship trophy.

Seniors Robidoux, Leighton, Yeutter and Hester possess a friendship that has stood the test of time. From elementary school travel leagues to high school varsity success, the four boys have pushed each other to their full potential in the sport that they love. With each of them possessing exceptional athletic talent and hardened competitive mindsets, it’s no wonder the four found solidarity.

“I like soccer because I just like beating other people,” Yeutter said. “I’m very competitive. After we beat someone it’s like ‘I hate you guys, like that was a good game, but we just destroyed you.’ It’s a very competitive sport for me and I like that aspect of the game.”

Like Yeutter, Hester found interest in the sport as a form of competition.

“I’ve been good at [soccer] since I was young and I love being better than my opposing team,” Hester said. “When I was younger I also had to play baseball, but I was better at soccer, so my dad finally let me out of baseball, which was nice.”

Robidoux, on the other hand, initially became interested in the sport because of family tradition.

“My older brother played and my

Photo: Jason Yeutter

Photo: Madhav Pamidimukkala

“My dad played too when he was a kid and in college, so it was just in the family,” Robidoux said.

Leighton experienced a similar family dynamic.

“My brother has always been into soccer and my dad played soccer in college,” Leighton said. “ He didn’t force it upon us, but he started us really young and we’ve been playing since we were four.”

The four started on opposing teams in elementary school, but after facing each other multiple times, realized that combining their talents would make for a more productive travel soccer experience.

“I met Cameron and Chase at Ocean Breeze [Elementary], and then we started playing club soccer together,” Robidoux said. “Chase and I were on one team and Ian and Cameron were on another.

Probably a year or two after that we all went to [Melbourne Beach] Tsunami because we tired of the rivalry of playing against each other and realized if we just played together it would be almost unstoppable against other teams.”

West Shore wasn’t known for its athletic programs at the time due to its high academic rigor. The four boys still applied to the school together because they believed that if all four of them were to get in, being able to play together would outweigh the additional schoolwork.

“Literally the only reason we applied here is so we can all play soccer together,”

Yeutter said. “I wouldn’t want to be here for any other reason than to play soccer.

At West Shore we have the drive to out class our opponents.”

Head coach Robert Robidoux says that the boys’ close relationship gives the Wildcats an invaluable advantage. “[They have] a unique chemistry on the field together,” Robert Robidoux said.

“With each of them knowing the others styles and habits, the chemistry comes naturally to them. Knowing where each other will be on the field, covering and supporting each other and their communication. Sometimes I think they know what each other will do before the player actually knows himself.”

After winning the 2017 state title, the boys found validation with their decision to play together through high school.

“It was the best thing ever,” Leighton said. “I literally got chills, some tears came down after the game, but it was all good. It was mostly joy, a little bit of relief. It was definitely all worth it.”

According to coach Robidoux, the boys have set the standard of excellence for future players.

“During their time with the soccer program, they have anchored the program to three district titles, three Regional Championships, three Final Four appearances and a State Championship in 2017,” he said. “I have really enjoyed being a part of their growth.”

Second Place Standouts Collin Robidoux, Cameron Yeutter, Chase Hester and Ian Leighton after a Merritt Island tournament in 2014.

Determination The four boys recreate their childhood photograph before the 2018 soccer tryouts.

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westshoreroar.com

Jackson Stradtmann, 9

Athletes to Watch Compiled by Michael Lucente

sports center

Soccer

Q: What do you plan for the upcoming season?

A: I hope to get better at playing more conservative rather than attacking all the time.

Q: How have you trained?

A: I’ve been training and working hard in my club team practices as well at practicing at home to help get better.

Bowling

James Wood, 11

Q: What do you plan on improving moving forward?

A: This season we took on more than a full roster for the boys team in order to foster talent for future seasons and we have seen great success with this choice so far.

Q: What made you guys take it to the next level this year?

A: Part of our success came from the experience we had. This is the first season in a while that the team has been comprised of mainly grades 10 through 12, all of which having a few years of experience on the team to work with.

Basketball

Travis McClendon, 12 Q: How has basketball influenced your life at school?

A: Basketball has helped me socially. It also requires that my grades stay at a certain average which is helpful as I will be going to college after high school.

Q: Do you plan on furthering your basketball career after high school?

A: I would like to play basketball in college. It’s my goal but that depends solely on how well I play this year, so I’m going to give it all I’ve got this year.

Lacrosse

Kyle Johnson, 11

Q: What has this lacrosse season taught you?

A: It has taught me taught me team building and communication skills and has given me the opportunity to make many friends.

Q: What influenced you to start playing lacrosse?

A: One of my neighbors played and I was interested I was really drawn to the sport because I enjoyed the team aspect to it. Also being goalie was a huge draw because I have to command the team, and I love leading people.

sports center

December 2018

Clubbing the Competition Eighth-grade golfer defies expectations

Story by Chris Johnson Staff Writer Looking at eighth-grader Lila Iwanowski, it would be difficult to discern anything but a typical middle-schooler.

However, beneath her youthful exterior, lies an elite athlete who has surpassed most expectations.

Iwanowski is the top golfer for the Lady Wildcats, leading them to a thirdplace performance in the Cape Coast Conference, while scoring the seventh lowest score individually, helping the team to advance to regionals. According to head coach Jenny Pazderak, one of Lila’s greatest assets is her unwavering focus and determination.

“The drive that Lila has when she participates, you can see it just in her eyes,” Pazderak said. “When she comes out, she’s ready to play. She gives 110 percent each time.”

Iwanowski is driven by her goal to play for a collegiate program on a scholarship.

Her parents were among the first to

encourage this goal.

“When I was younger, my parents put me into a lot of sports,” Iwanowski said.

“My parents knew I could get a good scholarship in golf, but I think I just enjoyed it.”

Pazderak also said Iwanowski is capable of someday participating in a collegiate golf program.

“I feel that she has very good potential with golf if she sticks with it,” Pazderak said. “I see scholarship opportunities because she keeps her focus, tries the hardest she can and she goes out and works even when we don’t have practice.”

If her golf success weren’t enough, Iwanowski also plays a second sport: freshman volleyball.

“I started liking [volleyball] in sixth grade because I played on my school team,” she said. “Then I went to a UF camp and I met their women’s volleyball head coach, Mary Wise.”

Balancing two sports is no small task.

The freshman volleyball team practices

19

before school, which allows Iwanowski to attend almost all practices for both sports.

“My schedule is really busy,” Iwanowski said. “I have morning practices for freshman volleyball, and then I go to school and after that go to golf practice or a match.”

A schedule packed to the brim and starting around 5:30 every morning and ending far into the hours of the night is naturally exhausting.

“I stay up really late, sometimes until 1 a.m.,” she said. “I take a nap after [golf] practice, then I wake up around 9 p.m. to get all my schoolwork done, then I go back to sleep to get up at 5:30 a.m. for volleyball practice.”

Even though golf and volleyball practices will conflict once she progresses beyond freshman volleyball, Lila remains committed to playing both sports.

“I want to play both,” Iwanowski said.

“If I get on the JV [volleyball] team I’ll have to figure out some way to fit both practices, but I’ll find some way to do it.”

entertainment 20 Harry Who? Middle-school theater production will spoof Potter westshoreroar.com

By Sophia Bailly Featured Writer The Harry Potter series spoof, “Sally Cotter and the Prisoner of Ala Katraz,” will finally make its debut on campus Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., following a one-month delay due to Theater Director Maureen Fallon’s recovery from an automobile accident.

Preparations originally kicked off in late October, with Fallon facing the task of preparing the cast for its performance immediately after the completion of the all-school musical performance of “The Music Man.” “I love doing shows, so to go from one to the other, it doesn’t bother me at all,” Fallon said at the time. “Once a show opens, I get to the first or second performance of the show and I’m ready to go on to the next one.”

This play is a sequel to the first “Sally Cotter” performance (“Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone”), and there is also a part three.

“I’m always looking for good material for middle school plays,” Fallon said. “We had so much fun doing it [last year]. I figured ‘Oh my gosh, there’s three years of shows right there.’”

The show experiences changes this year with new faces, new casting and more than 40 students participating. Previous eighth graders will not be returning to the show, as they are now in high school. Eighth-grader Adalynn Jacobson has landed the role of Sally.

“No one who was in the show last year, who is in the show this year, has the same role that they had,” Fallon said. “Everything got changed around. Last year [Sally Cotter] was Madison Mills, and I liked the personality. Adalynn personality is a little bit different. Sometimes when you look at the whole cast and you look at the other people that you’re casting, you want to make sure that that person is going to work well.”

Jacobson said she was surprised when the cast list was revealed.

“There was this whole mob of people around [the cast list],” Jacobson said. “But my friend Harry came out of the mob of people and he told me ‘Adalynn, you got Sally Cotter’. Later he told me that my face turned white and then red, and then I just sat down because I had no idea. I thought I was just going to get a background character or something, but I seriously had no idea. I sat down for a straight five minutes, and then I went and called my mother.”

Jacobson participated in the school’s previous performances of “The Music Man,” “Peter Pan Jr.,” “Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone,” and “Oliver.” This will be her first experience in a lead role, and will be met with some challenges.

“Well mostly I just got to be careful and make sure that I memorize all of my lines, that’s the big thing, and make sure

Photo: Sophia Bailly

Gearing Up Tech students work on the set in preparation for the show.

that I don’t get sick,” Jacobson said. “Another thing is that I’ve got to remember to always be acting, because there are only a couple of times where I don’t actually have lines that I’m saying, but I have to be acting on stage at the same time. So that will be a real challenge for me because I’m trying to figure out what my next line is, so I need to be able to just go with it.”

Jacobson, Fallon and the remainder of the cast two weeks to prepare for the show.

“The most I look forward to is probably just having fun and finding out how it is to have a lead role,” Jacobson said. “This is a great experience for me.”

In addition to “Sally Cotter,” middle-school theater production students also will be involved in an upcoming One Act performance for the District J. Thespian Festival. The production will be directed by sophomores Genevieve Archibald and Ethan Rebec.

“Ethan and I proposed the idea last year to run this,” Archibald said, “So we have been thinking about it for a while.”

This will be the first One Act directed by the duo.

“We really felt like we wanted to help Mrs. Fallon out and to give kids another opportunity to perform. This is another chance for middle school to get something.”

Seventh-grader Arabella Dias has been cast as the lead in the One Act, titled “Betty Lou Twinkle’s Tabloid Scandal.”

“Every time we see her in the hall she has the script open,” Rebec said. “She is incredible.”

This will be Dias’ first first lead role.

“Before coming to West Shore, I did something called Viera Studios,” Dias said. “And then I also had lines to memorize and sing in my [elementary] school’s chorus. I definitely love acting.”

December 2018

entertainment

Love it Hate it

Everything is not as it seems Composer collaborates with music class

By Cullen Capaldi Staff Writer

Members of the school’s first-ever symphony orchestra will perform a piece written by critically acclaimed composer Thomas Sleeper, in celebration of the school’s 20th anniversary.

The first rehearsal was originally scheduled for Oct. 27.

Thanksgiving However, Sleeper’s visit to “Sometimes "I always love the school had to be postponed having to deal eating huge meals after the former Frost School of with a lot of with my loved Music professor was injured in an family members ones.” isn’t fun.” accident.

—Scott Quigley, 11th —Mateo Villanueva, “We received an email that 8th [Sleeper] fell and broke his collarbone, which will put him out of commision for a while,” orchestra teacher Laura Pinfield said. “He offered to have his wife to drive him here to meet the students, but we rescheduled to Dec. 7 so that he has time to Trump x Kanye recover.”

“I think its an “Kanye isn’t a very Despite the setback, members interesting interaction serious individual of the symphony orchestra between two popular and when people remain optimistic about the figures, especially see him interact performance.

Kanye who’s been with the president “The combined band and really popular the whole situation recently.” seems childish.” orchestra is a great way for the —Hayde Nowak-Vansant, —Jack Purkerson, 10th music program at our school Compiled by Leighton Johnson

9th

“The show is super unique and actually refreshing to see.”

—Laith Rukab, 10th

Big Mouth

“The art style is kind of off putting and the show’s just not funny.”

—Evan Courtney, 12th

21

to grow,” senior violinist Ben Pinfield said. “It gives us the opportunity to learn a lot from one another.”

Pinfield expressed excitement for getting the chance to perform with an accomplished composer.

“I’ve been playing the violin for 14 years, but I’ve never worked with a modern composer,” he said. “It will be an enriching experience, especially since he will be focusing on the qualities that make our orchestra special.

I hope that Mr. Sleeper can help us improve the musicality of our pieces, and compose something memorable for West Shore’s 20th anniversary” The new class combines band and stringed instruments to form a full orchestra.

“The symphony orchestra class allows us to perform songs that we previously weren’t able to,” band director Christopher Houze said.

The song is set to premier at next year’s Spring Concert scheduled for May 2.

Photo: Valery Linkenhoker

Teaching Tempo Band teacher Christopher Houze plays a metronome over the speaker to direct band members on their pace.

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reviews

‘Titans’ DC TV Show

Review by Rosellen Rodriguez Staff Writer After waiting since early last year, comic fans have been finally rewarded with the first episode of “Titans.”

The bulk of the pilot focuses on Dick Grayson, Batman’s former sidekick, and Rachel Roth, better known as Raven. Titans does well embodying DC’s dark and grimy theme, not hesitating to show bloody visuals as reinforcement, but at some points in the show, it’s borderline distasteful. If you think you’ll be seeing Boy Scout Boy Wonder in this adaptation, then you’re in for a rude awakening. Throughout the first episode, it is continuously implied where the Dark Knight and Robin stand with one another, and it is not on good terms. In a way of striking out against his mentor, Robin unleashes his anger on criminals, however, he tends to go too far. The casting is average for a show with the resources it has available. No actor lacks enough talent to drag the show down. The same cannot be said of the script. Despite that, the show’s weakest area is it’s CGI. At times as Raven’s powers manifest, it comes off, in simple terms, just plain awkward. Furthermore, in a way to add on to the show’s dark demeanor, the show attempts to incorporate more blood into fight scenes, but it just goes to show the CGI is subpar and they’re trying way too hard to make it gritty.

Focus

Photo: Creative Commons

New Grading System

Review by Leighton Johnson Staff Writer As soon as you log in, all grades are there in the form of letter grade and numerical values with each teacher’s email address for easy communication.

Also found on the home page is a GPA calculator, calendar and an alert system. Unlike Edline, the semester average for each year a student has been in the school is available with just a click away showing that getting grades to students is very important.

With a little digging, all standardized test scores (EOC and FSA) can be found. Even with a slow start, Focus appears to show how it could become even better than Edline.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ Review by Shawn Humphrey Staff Writer Eight years after Rockstar Games’ “Red Dead Redemption” rode its way to critical acclaim, the public is finally seeing a follow-up to the previous title.

An open-world, action-adventure game, both are set in the era of outlaws, cowboys and six-shooters.

“Red Dead Redemption 2”, is set in 1899, 12 years before its predecessor. With the success of the first game, many had one question. Will “Red Dead Redemption 2” live up to the hype? The short answer is yes.

The game is a living, breathing experience, with non-playable characters bringing small towns to life. Riding on horseback allows players to take in the surreal landscape, with mountains, rivers and plains in view while various animals populate each area. The main character, Arthur Morgan, is a part of the infamous Van Der Linde gang from the previous game, which means players must help provide for the gang’s camp, bringing back food and money from various escapades.

Having played the previous game, I have seen various tasks, such as hunting, become a bit more complex, making them more enjoyable for the player. It is no longer just shoot the animal,

then skin the animal, then sell the animal. Players must take the weapons they are using into account, as they can destroy the quality of pelt you take from a certain animal. They also must take their actions into account.

“The game is a living, breathing experience, with non-playable characters bringing small towns to life.”

Bad deeds in a given town can ruin the reputation with the townsfolk. All of these small moving parts in the game make it an excellent experience for any avid video gamer. However, for fans of the series, the story itself is more than satisfying. Rockstar does an excellent job of tying in the previous protagonist, John Marston, without allowing him to dominate the story line. The game also does a fantastic job of building the character of Arthur Morgan, who is as complex as any in the game. Overall, “Red Dead Redemption 2” not only meets, but exceeds the expectations that held coming into the year. Rockstar Games’ “Red Dead Redemption 2” is a bonafide masterpiece.

December 2018

reviews

Artist Spotlight: Metro Boomin Review by Madhav Pamidimukkala Sports Editor After a weekend of highly anticipated releases from artists including Takeoff, Vince Staples and Jay Critch, “retired” Metro Boomin’s “NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES” takes the crown. I would say something cliche like “this album fortified his position at the top of the producer game,” but his debut album merely affirmed what he secured back in 2015 with his role in “What a Time To Be Alive.” Since then he has been an iconic member of the hip-hop community with his tag line hyping up millions of listeners worldwide.

The album doesn’t display one cohesive theme like many other projects, but this makes sense since, as a producer, Metro uses this opportunity to showcase a plethora of production styles. However, his use of echoing bass and unsettling ad-libs allow him to maintain an ominous tone throughout the album to match the spooky Halloween time his release fell under.

To elaborate on his production styles, Metro jumps from a relaxed and mellow vibe with tracks such as “Dreamcatcher” and “Borrowed Love,” to the hardhitting hype factor he’s known for with “Don’t Come Out the House” and “10

23

By the Numbers Photo: Creative Commons

Freaky Girls,” to even a funky, latin beat, something that’s unusual for him, in “Only You.” After two months of lackluster and overhyped projects from other artists, I didn’t go into this album with high hopes, but Metro truly shines on this album and makes the hip-hop community view him from a different side. Metro’s known for his ability to create a hyped track but now he’s gained respect for his R&B abilities as those tracks from the album are dominating the charts right now.

In addition to showing his own ability, Metro uses this project to bring out the full potential of the artists he features. In the R&B tracks, he makes excellent use of Swae Lee melodic and relaxing voice that has garnered him so much fame, while on the more hype tracks he brings out 21 Savage’s aggressive and energizing flow, along with Gunna’s Atlanta vibe. To be honest, 21’s recent features on albums such as “QUAVO HUNCHO” haven’t been anything special but, paired with Metro’s expert production, he has earned back his spot amongst my leading hype rappers.

With Metro’s variety of styles and clever usage of featured artists, he saves the hiphop community from a drought of good albums.

99 1 125.3 5 Thousand equivalent album sales

Debut ranking on Billboard Top 200 albums

Million on-demand audio streams

Thousand pure album sales

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