Tornado Times May 2014

Tornado times •May 2014 1

Volume 5, Issue 3

Taking the times by storm

600 NE 13 Ave.

May 2014

Pompano Beach High School

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

IT’S ELEMENTARY

Service projects focus on grade school neighbor

College Board revamps SAT

By Michaela Garretson, Opinion Editor

By Shreya Aggarwal, News Editor; Ashley Voet, Managing Editor

Earning an “F” grade last year, Pompano Beach Elementary School is struggling in academics. So PBHS students and clubs go across the street during the day to help PBES students.

Principal Thomas nominated Ms. Perlowski for 2011 Arts Teacher of the Year for her work with high school reading students. “Ms. Per-

Mrs. Zambrano and the Chemistry Club go to PBES after school to teach students about science. “We have demonstrations with household items. For example, Pepto Bismol and vinegar show acid levels,” Mrs. Zambrano said.

the student helps, so we talk to them and learn about their personal lives,” Kelley said.

Sophomore Emily Rodrigues, also a part of Teen Trendsetters, said, “It has definitely helped their confidence in reading. The first week, most of the kids wouldn’t read to us at all.”

Senior Ashlynne Nichols helps Ms. Davey at Pompano Elementary by developing the students’ reading skills. “The teacher had someone who tracked the kid’s progress, but she only came in every three weeks, so I took over,” Nichols said. “I track the progress of five kids in the class in their high-frequency reading levels.”

In addition, Sophomore Colleen Smith reads to a Pompano Beach Elementary School student. the Chemistry The high school mentors mainly focus on elementary reading skills.

Club visits the Photo Courtesy of Ms. Perlowski elementary lowski enables 78-83% of her reading school during the day to do science students to pass their FCAT each year experiments with a single class. on average,” wrote Mr. Thomas.

Theater and English teacher Ms. Perlowski is the advisor for Teen Trendsetters, a program designed to help low-performing elementary students practice their reading skills with the mentoring of teenagers.

Senior Evelyn Kelley participates in this program during her drama class.

“We mainly focus on reading with them and helping them with their homework. Forming a bond with

Eliza Hurst developed a Silver Knights project called Kids in Harmony in which she and a few students teach music at the elementary school for an hour every Friday afternoon.

Coming from “a Title One school, the students are not likely to have access to music lessons outside of school,” Hurst said. The music program was cut three years ago due to budget cuts.

“The program starts with very basic music theory and progresses to a performance-ready ensemble by the end of the school year. All in all, I hope to enrich the lives of the elementary students through exposure to music,” Hurst said.

College Board announced some major changes to the SAT that will be offered in Spring 2016. The nonprofit college preparation company claims test takers will “encounter an SAT that is more focused and useful than ever before.”

“I don’t think the SAT will be easier after these changes are made,” junior Dani Buccalo said. “But I think if it is easier, colleges will make it harder to get accepted.”

One new aspect is that the test will be offered on the computer in some locations. However, the test will revert to past years, since the scoring will be based on the old 1,600 point scale instead of the current 2,400 point scale.

Wrong questions will not be penalized as an effort to promote intelligent guessing. Vocabulary questions will focus on relevant words that inspire deeper meaning, rather than having students memorize words they will forget.

The essay will be optional, similar to the ACT; however, most colleges will still require an essay score.

Students will be given 50 minutes to complete an essay explaining how an author builds his argument in a passage. CollegeBoard made this change in order to more closely reflect college writing assignments.

In some math sections, a calculator will not be allowed.

News by the numbers: 0.15

10

70

difference in grade point average between the top ranked and the 10thranked freshman

STEPS IN “HOW TO TELL IF THIS IS A PBHS BATHROOM”

feet under water SENIOR JEFFREY ZIMMERMAN PLACED HIS PROM PROPOSAL

ATHLETES PROGRESSING TO THE STATE LEVEL FOR TRACK AND FIELD

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RACING TO THE TOP

Students compete, clamor for bonus-point classes

By Shreya Aggarwal, News Editor

proach toward the rank race. According to Ms. Raymond, this year’s senior class is not strategizing and adjusting their schedule to catch up or improve their class ranking as last year’s seniors did. “But the juniors this year are feisty, and the competition in their class is similar to last year’s senior class,” Ms. Raymond said.

Competition for class rank can be described by one word: intense. Students grab any class that can provide bonus quality points: honors, dual enrollment and Advanced Placement classes.

“Competition for GPA and rank is pretty strong here compared to other schools,” Ms. Raymond, guidance counselor said.

Junior Silvia Moreno said that the junior class might be more competitive because they were “able to take more AP classes with the seven-period schedule” sophomore year. With the block schedule that the seniors had for two years, the most AP classes you could have taken was four without considering your required classes.

Seniors looking to maintain or reach a high class rank have full schedules, and some of them are even taking extra classes at Broward College.

“Students are definitely doing what they can to stay up there, and they are trying to take as rigorous courses as possible,” Lau-

“Students are definitely doing what they can to stay up there, and they are trying to take as rigorous courses as possible” – Lauren Pomerantz ren Pomerantz, senior prospective valedictorian said.

“The senior class isn’t as stressed out, but I think they are smarter as a whole. Colleges really take a look at your junior year,” junior Jessika Ruman, who transferred last summer from Deerfield High, said. “At my other school, it was a friendly rivalry, but it’s much more competitive here.”

graphic by elise anello

“Competition is pretty intense (among sophomores), especially in the top 25. A few students are already taking online classes,” Dylan Pinard, sophomore, said.

Although the competition is intense every year, each group de-

termines the intensity of the competition. “Competition within the senior class has subsided this year. The top 10 percent seems a little more relaxed,” Ms. Fish, guidance counselor said. “They do what they have to do.”

Each year’s class has its own ap-

College deferrals terrorize senior class

By Jon Gardner, Graphic Design Editor

Senior William Costello checked his email inbox on his iPhone during some free time at work back in December 2013. At the top of his inbox, he saw an email from the University of Central Florida Admissions with the subject “Your Application Status Has Been Updated.”

His heart racing, Costello followed the link on the email and hastily typed in the complicated username and password he created when he applied months before. After he excruciatingly waited for the web page to load, Costello read his fate.

“I was deferred,” Costello said. “I was confused; I couldn’t believe it. I refreshed the page a few times because I thought it was a mistake.”

Unfortunately for Costello, there was no mistake. UCF had deferred the decision on his admission. To make matters worse, UCF admissions operates on a rolling basis, so there was no date at which they were required to notify him about his status.

Costello wasn’t the only senior deferred from a university or the only one facing difficulties in the college admission process this year.

Senior Dalvin Barrow was also deferred from UCF. Now, he plans to attend the University of South Florida instead. “The deferral drastically changed my plans because I really wanted to go there,” Barrow said.

“It hurt my feelings.”

BRACE advisor Ms. McFadden has noticed a change in the college application process this year.

“Colleges and scholarships have raised their standards since last year,” she said. “They are accounting for all kinds of grade point averages, including university and state calculated.”

A deferral from a university is especially excruciating because it isn’t a definite yes or no – it’s a maybe.

Most times, institutions don’t provide specific reasons for the delay of a decision. In an email to an FSU admissions officer, Ms. McFadden asked what exactly about a student’s application gets them deferred.

The admissions officer told her it was a “hard question.” Regarding seniors’ schedules, the officer told Ms.

McFadden that FSU characteristically “accepts students with A’s and B’s,” but the officer never addressed how the difficulty of these classes impacted the decision. In the same email, however, the admissions officer said that FSU has accepted students with C’s in Advanced Placement courses.

Amidst all this confusion, Ms. McFadden provided advice on how to get a “yes” from a school after a deferral.

“It’s important for students to up-play how well-rounded they are.

Not just that they were in clubs and involved in community service, but that they took leadership in those organizations,” Ms. McFadden said.

Ms. McFadden said her advice also applied to juniors who will soon begin the college search.

“We’re seeing that universities have begun doing away with recommendation letters now,” she said. She also added that students must start speaking for themselves when it comes to college applications.

Junior Kaylla Taborda feels panicked by this year’s influx of deferrals.

“It worries me because my GPA isn’t amazing. I know it’s good enough to get me into a college but not good

enough to make me stand out,” she said.

Deferrals aren’t just common with in-state universities, either. Senior Phelan Kenyon-Jones was deferred from Dartmouth University, an Ivy League school in New Hampshire.

“It really stopped me in my tracks initially, but other people keep telling me that getting deferred led them to a school they love,” Kenyon-Jones said.

Kenyon-Jones ended up committing to Florida State University, where he will study starting in the fall. “I’m just taking it all in stride,” he said.

As for Costello, after applying to other universities as backup, he received an admissions status update in early March. “I was so relieved. The wait was killing me,” said Costello. It was an acceptance.

Tornado times •May 2014 3

4 Tornado times May 2014

affairs turn international Seniors keep eye on Ukraine, Mr. Garcia and Mr. Cledet trade in exchange program

Venezuela

By Max Orellana, Staff Writer

sources – have annexed the Crimean peninsula and are threatening to annex eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine and Venezuela may be miles away on a map, but recent events have two seniors checking on their families as often as possible.

Senior Iryna Tytyk was born in Ukraine. Most of her family still lives there, and she says she keeps up with events via news programs or articles almost daily.

In Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, protests began last year as a reaction to President Yanukovych and his cabinet disregarding an agreement that would have given the country closer ties with the European Union. Instead, his cabinet sought to have closer cooperation with Russia, which angered the Ukrainian public.

Protests grew larger, with 100,000 attending a demonstration in Kiev. Police started launching raids on protesters and arresting them, but protests continued until Yanukovych fled to Russia, where he was welcomed

by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Tytyk says her family has been impacted politically and economically due to the protests in Kiev.

Prices have been going up for her family; people have become polarized between pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian groups.

Since Yanokovych’s departure, pro-Russian paramilitary groups – assisted by the Russian military according to U. S. and European

Tytyk is particularly upset about Putin’s involvement, calling him “a power hungry, egotistical man whose only motivation is his own ego.”

Still Tytyk does not want western nations to get involved: “This is something the Ukraine needs to do by itself.”

Like Tytyk, senior Alexandra Richter keeps one eye on problems back home.

In Venezuela, protests started in February with students in the border city of San Cristobal objecting to the lack of security that led to a sexual assault at a local university. When five students were arrested and jailed, solidarity protests sprouted nationwide.

The Venezuelan government responded by restricting the media and encouraging paramilitary groups to inflict violence on protesters.

Richter, whose mother is from Maracaibo, Venezuela, said her grandfather, grandmother and cousins are living in fear. They must stay in doors and are scared to go outside. Richter is concerned about hter family’s longterm health.

Unlike Tytyk, Richter hopes for foreign intervention in Venezuela: “I think things will get worse if no one steps in to help the Venezuelan people as the people alone can’t fight against the government oppression.”

Vote Orellana

Thanks for the GOLDen memories!

Class of 2014 staff Lifetime Press Pass

Good luck and stay connected, Dr. Shipe

By Shreya Aggarwal, News Editor

French teacher Mr. Garcia replaced Mr. Cledet at the beginning of this year by implementing the Jules Vernes program. According to the Consulate General of France in Houston, this program “allows fully trained and certified elementary and secondary school teachers from France to live and teach outside of France for a full school year.”

Mr. Garcia hails from Montpellier, France, where he lived and studied.

He also worked in northern France and Spain. He will stay until June 10; then, he will work in another country other than France, but he does not exactly know which one.

Mr. Garcia compared France to the U.S., stating, “The thing I appreciate here, at school and in the U.S. in general, is that life seems easier, stress-less and with more possibilities of doing things.”

The school board in France sent him an email saying that they needed a teacher urgently to He added, “I participate in the really enjoy being exchange. “After Mr. Garcia introduced himself to the school in front of young getting my visa, I left faculty when he joined the staff. New adults and having teachers are encouraged to briefly describe my position – and I themselves at the start of each new year. very interesting was happy because Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Carlson discussions about I was in a very bad culture, society, cosmiddle school – and tumes and people flew to Florida,” said Mr. Garcia. with a majority of my students.”

Tornado times •May 2014 5

Help others, reap greater benefits Volunteering opens doors to new experiences and new opportunities, and it provides room to grow in our understanding. As a result, aiding others aids ourselves. We could safely say this action is reciprocated.

We hear almost daily how fortunate we are to attend the prestigious Pompano Beach High School. From the fancy buildings to the quality AP classes, we are indeed fortunate to attend this school. However, how often do we really appreciate all that this school has offered us? What about the push for students to volunteer or give back to the community? Are we eager to serve others or would we rather spend time on our own pursuits?

Senior Emily Tran has been helping a young boy study vocabulary words over the past few weeks.

“It’s kind of weird to say but (this class) has helped me learn how kids think or how they are,” Tran said.

“Like when I have a connection with the kids, it’s fun.”

Mrs. Raymond, school counseling director, and Mrs. Carlson, assistant principal, recently implemented a new elective class that allows sophomores, juniors or seniors to choose to be teacher aids for elementary school teachers. These students will go over to the elementary school next door to help the teachers with classroom duties or tutoring the children. Recently, Pompano Beach Elementary School was labeled an “F” school.

graphic by nicolas gallardo

are looking for a new opportunity to help the elementary students,” Mrs. Carlson said.

“We started this program to fill a need for our students and because we

There are thousands of local op-

portunities to help others. By volunteering our time, we can learn more about the world, humanity and even ourselves.

You can have similar experiences like Tran even if you are not in this program. Our school offers numerous clubs that require or participate in recreational activities that help others and can even give you service hours. However, don’t let the need for service hours to fulfill a graduation requirement limit how much you volunteer. Get involved. Get active.

Contact the office, teachers, or look online for ways to help others. And in the end, you might just realize that you helped yourself even more.

Time, time, time: Teens do more than meets the eye

By Emily Solley, Features Editor

Being involved in drama for the past six months has taught me that teenagers aren’t as lazy as popular opinion perpetuates. Full rehearsals from 3:30 to 6:00 on a Thursday afternoon have had 95 percent attendance. Leads stay until 5:30 most days out of the week. They might complain, but they show up.

Let’s take a look at how a Drama club leader spends

his Monday through Friday week: •

33 hours at school

•

13 hours at rehearsal

• 4 hours working on drama at home • 6 hours working on homework That comes to a grand total of 56 hours, leaving 64 hours for everything else. To put that into perspective, if a person following this schedule wanted to get a fair eight hours of sleep, he would have 4.8 hours a day to go to work, eat, watch TV, do chores, talk to parents, go to other clubs, etc.

There won’t be many years after high school where I can handle such a demanding schedule. But for now, juggling seven extracurriculars, a job, and a full schedule at school doesn’t seem like too heavy a load.

Students involved in SGA, yearbook, newspaper, JROTC or sports follow similar schedules. It’s amazing that any human being could handle such a full schedule and still have membership in other clubs and hold a parttime job.

But a lot of us manage that and more. High school might seem like four years meant

for napping and watching every episode of every show on Netflix, but most students find an extracurricular that takes up most of their time and energy.

So how is a person who has little to no free time to handle the stress? Here are some tips and tricks for the busiest of our students: 1. Take 20 minutes to read a book for fun. There’s really nothing else that takes enough focus to distract you from your responsibilities (without feeling sinful).

2. Skip a meeting to take a nap.

free hours on the weekend.

Don’t make any plans. Stay home and see if they’ve put the newest season of Sherlock on Netflix yet.

4. Have other interests.

When everything else falls apart around you, you need something to remind you that the universe’s main goal isn’t to ruin your life.

5. Love what you do. If you hate it, don’t spend 30 hours a week doing it.

6. Stick it out. You’re young, full of vitality, and probably look better than you will for the rest of your life.

It’ll get worse.

3. Give yourself at least two

FLVS cannot replace in-class room teaching

By Marissa Lamberti, Student Life Editor

Florida Virtual School, commonly referred to as FLVS, is a cornerstone of many students’ curriculum.

Students graduating after this year are required to take at least one online class before they graduate. Seniors this year took one either to

raise their GPA or to retake classes they failed.

already rigorous course load we take on.

When I think of FLVS, I am just reminded of how much I appreciate our school.

Here, the teachers are real, not virtual, the assignments are handwritten, and the due dates vary beyond every Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

For some kids, the fact that FLVS is online creates a lot of distractions. You can access sites like Forever 21, Ebay or Amazon as easily as you access FLVS.

We have heavy workloads on our hands, and FLVS is equivalent to an online, timeconsuming pain in the butt. It adds unnecessary stress to the

Junior Adriana Sanchez, who is taking three classes online to graduate early, said, “I usually get so distracted while I am trying to work on my online classes. One minute I am writing an academic

critique for my English 4 FLVS class, and the next I’m online shopping. Unless you are very disciplined, online classes are not worth the time and stress.”.

As a senior, I have to balance ending strong in my classes and final exams, while also finalizing college, prom, and graduation plans.

Senior Amanda Abbruzzese, who is taking English 4 Honors online, said, “FLVS adds more stress to my

already crazy life. I am trying to just end my high school years on a good note, and FLVS is making that nearly impossible.”

If I had the choice to take classes online or in a classroom setting, I would without a doubt choose the classroom setting. Online classes, especially through FLVS, are just not worth the hassle.

6 Tornado times May 2014

Computers: Friend or foe?

FOE: Computers destroy teens’ lives

By Sydney VanDreason, Managing Editor

Most students are familiar with the computer and its many advantages. However, this piece of technology, no matter how useful it may be, is being overused and is poisoning teenagers.

Teenage students use the computer for a variety of reasons. Whether for homework aid or social purposes, the computer may be becoming too interwoven in students’ daily lives, making it difficult to categorize it as an asset or a hindrance to a student’s success.

The computer is home to the Internet and many games that teenagers constantly use to pass time.

Teenagers are too familiar with the term procrastination, which is often

coupled with spending hours playing games or socializing on websites like Twitter.

With this increase in time spent staring at a computer screen, grades decrease. Students, especially teenagers, are still learning how to sort out their priorities, and schoolwork is not often at the top of that list. Teenagers would much rather do the things they want to do, including spend time on the computer.

The computer is not only a procrastination tool, but also a center of nonstop information. As helpful as this may be to most students, it can also be dangerous. With today’s technology, one can simply type a word or phrase into Google and get an answer to their question. Sometimes, the entire packet or worksheet that is being worked on can pop up with all of the answers, and some students take the easy way out and copy it. Not only is this a form of cheating, but it is also

a good way to trick one’s mind into thinking it has learned something when it has not, which can hinder one’s success later on.

Besides academic problems, using the computer too much can also generate personal consequences, such as living an unhealthy lifestyle, spending less time with family and experiencing cyberbullying – both as a victim and a perpetrator.

By sitting in front of a computer for hours on end, a person isn’t getting the exercise he needs in order to live a healthy lifestyle. Doctors recommend an hour to an hour and a half of intense exercise every day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, that goal may seem hard to achieve to those who spend so much time on the computer.

When one is distracted by technology like the computer, they tend to eat quick snacks with few nutrients like chips and candy to satisfy their hunger.

Teenagers who spend excess time on the computer often seem distant from their friends and family. While they may stay connected to them through websites like Twitter or Facebook, the exact opposite connection may be happening offline.

Family is forever, so it’s important that children, especially teenagers, connect to their parents and siblings instead of wasting away their time together by using the computer all day.

Those who fail to spend time with family and friends during the earlier years of their lives may experience loneliness or regret for misusing their time in the future.

With limited time spent on the computer, students and teenagers can improve their lives and make choices that can help them succeed in the future while also freeing their minds and exposing themselves to new opportunities.

FRIEND: Computers save teenagers’ lives

By Sabrina Conza, Assistant Opinion Editor

Without computers, life would be much harder and we wouldn’t be able to work as efficiently.

As a teenager, I use the computer between five and eight hours per day on school days, and usually over 10 hours per day on weekends. This may seem excessive, but with homework, social media websites, gaming websites, video chatting, checking grades

and watching Netflix, time on the computer can pass by very quickly.

The computer is very important for students who are doing schoolwork at home. From the computer, a student can access his teacher’s website, Edmodo, USA Testprep and other websites on which teachers assign homework. Not only that, but students can access their textbooks online on BEEP. Google and other search engines help students to check their answers and learn new information about school related topics they’re interested in.

After a long day at school and

multiple hours of homework, downtime is very important for a teenager to have. Some teenagers enjoy playing sports as their free time, but others would rather spend their time on Tumblr, Netflix or Skype with their friends.

Some parents might argue that their teenagers spend too much time on the Internet or the computer in general and not enough with the family; but after eight hours and 15 minutes of school, not to mention how early they had to wake up to get to school before seven o’clock, most teenagers need a little bit of time lying in bed with their laptops and

relaxing. With all the stress from school work, family and, in some cases, work, relaxation is very important for a student to keep his sanity.

Also, on the computer there are different websites that students can use to communicate with their friends. Having a social life is very important, because when students need to talk, they can just go to their friends. They can meet people their age all over the world on social media websites and have people to help them navigate through the teenage years, some of the hardest in their lives.

What to do when you don’t know what to do

By Sydney VanDreason, Managing Editor

Every child faces the same question at various times during his life. It is a question that may have one answer, infinite answers or no answer at all.

It is a question that stresses teenagers out, especially those who are going through high school. This taxing question is none other than the infamous “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Students face this question so many times in their life that they most likely do not even remember the first answer they ever gave. For high school students, this question remains an essential factor in their

ever so close future.

However, as many of us have seen, especially over the recent course selection cards present among us, this question still remains unanswerable, particularly among freshmen and sophomores.

These two groups of students are still in their early phases of high school. They are still learning who they want to be as individuals, and most are still trying to figure out how to balance out school and social lives.

It is not really fair to expect them to know what they want to do with the rest of their lives compared to the juniors and seniors, who have had three or four years of high school and rigorous classes already tucked under their belt.

When students first start off

in high school as freshmen, their primary academic concern is to get through their classes with decent grades all year and establish a foundation for themselves at school. They are not exactly haunted by the choice of what they want to do in the future like the juniors and seniors, who, for the most part, have ideas of what they want and are looking and applying to colleges.

Likewise, in sophomore year, many students are just figuring out how to deal with AP classes, sports and clubs at the same time. Some are just starting to take AP classes and are mainly focused on passing them with good grades. Many do not think ahead to the future at this point; they are too concerned about today.

When 100 freshmen were asked

if they knew what they wanted to do with their lives in the future, 78 of them said that they did not have any clue. Similarly, when 100 sophomores were asked the same question, 63 of them said that they were still undecided or confused about their decisions concerning the future.

Despite the pressure and advice from teachers and parents, it is ultimately the students’ responsibility to figure out who they are and what they want to do. For others, the decision may take longer. Every person is different, and each deserves his own time to find out what he wants to do.

But, students should be constantly thinking about their future.

Tornado times •May 2014 7

Mia Gettenberg Editor in Chief

Dedicated teachers, focused students make for fantastic school

By Mia Gettenberg, Editor-in-Chief

Ashley Voet Managing Editor Sydney VanDreason Managing Editor Shreya Aggarwal News Editor Michaela Garretson Opinion Editor Sabrina Conza Asst. Opinion Editor Emily Solley Features Editor Jesse Baker Asst. Features Editor Marissa Lamberti Student Life Editor Matthew Wilson Sports Editor Tyler Byrd Asst. Student Life and Sports Editor Jon Gardner Graphic Design Editor Nicolas Gallardo Asst. Graphic Design Editor Elise Anello Photo Editor Tucker Storer Asst. Photo Editor Mitchell Horlick Business Manager Daniella Theodosiou Asst. Business Manager Amy Goldman Website Editor Julianne Gross Asst. Website Editor Dr. Andrew Shipe Adviser

We attend a fantastic institution.

To support this, I’ve compiled a bit of a data dump on the excellence that is our high school. Here it goes: U.S. News and World Report awarded our school a gold medal based on academic excellence; according to their national and state level lists, we are #230 in the entire country and #17 in the state of Florida.

GreatSchools.org rated our school 10 points out of 10.

PBHS boasts over a dozen different Advanced Placement courses, and we have been an A school for 11 of the past 12 years.

We are both a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a National Magnet School of Distinction.

So, noting all of these honors, what can we conclude goes into the recipe for a prestigious high school like ours? Is it a plethora of county funding? Or perhaps small classroom sizes and plenty of school computers?

No, it can’t be that – we have neither.

So, my friends, I have a different theory. I think it all comes down to the teacher-student relationship, and

Max Orellana, Staff Writer Christian Perez, Office Assistant Tornado Times is produced by: Pompano Beach High School 600 NE 13 Ave. Phone: (754) 322-2000 Email: pbhsnewspaper@gmail.com Website: thetornadotimes.org Twitter: @TornadoTimes Issues in the 2013-2014 school year were published in October, December, and May. Tornado Times welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be signed. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for poor taste, libel and space.

teacher!”

“I think we have more dedicated teachers than other schools,” senior Stephanie Smith said, “and most of my peers are focused.”

Sophomores Melanie Trump and Delaney Stuart agreed that Ms. Magnetta is one of the most hardworking teachers in terms of time per individual student.

Senior Julia Schulte agreed. “It’s like a continual cycle. The teachers care, so the students care, and when the teachers see this, they are that much more motivated,” she said.

Take science teacher Mrs. Dupre, for example.

“I love teaching AP Environmental Science because I’m a naturalist, and I think it’s important that all students are knowledgeable about changes that are occurring in the environment,” she said. “They can learn how they can, as individuals, make a difference in the world.”

Our own Teacher of the Year, English and journalism teacher Dr. Shipe, also inspires students to work harder and pushes them in the right direction. “He’s well-organized and creates an open-minded environment for students to collaborate and share,” said senior Michael Abraham.

Technology teacher Mr. R. Holley also works hard at his job. “He has the best personality,” said junior Troielle Bailey, “and he’s a great

You know it’s a school restroom when...

Robert Barclay, Staff Artist

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

in this belief I am not alone.

By Jon Gardner, Graphic Design Editor

A group of poopflinging monkeys from the local zoo and some students from Pompano Beach High school walk into a bathroom.

Who leaves it cleaner?

The joke’s on you, because that’s a trick question!

You still may be wondering how the bathrooms on campus here differ from the ordinary public restroom, so I have taken it upon myself to create “The Pompano Beach High School Bathroom Checklist.”

When in doubt, refer to this list to categorize a restroom as “normal” or “PBHS influenced.”

Tornado Times is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association and was rated Gold in 2013-14.

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Advertising which promotes illegal products under Florida law, includes false statements or is written in bad taste will not be accepted.

The opinions in this publication are not necessarily those of advertisers, Pompano Beach High School or Broward County Public Schools.

Graphic by Jon Gardner

“Even when students are out, she makes sure they understand the lessons,” said Trump.

Said Stuart, “She is very caring when kids miss class for real reasons and is always willing to help out.”

When it comes down to it, a Broward County high school could always use more funding. However, money can only fix technical issues; it can buy more computers for a lacking media center, fix a broken Promethean board, and stock a class with enough textbooks to supply a classroom set.

But in the end, no amount of money can make a teacher genuinely care about the subject he or she instructs. This sincere passion is what inspires the students to want to learn, and this makes the school a better learning environment.

This school has provided me with a safe, encouraging atmosphere in which to grow and learn, whether that knowledge has pertained to colleges, careers, friends, subjects, or even about myself.

8 Tornado times May 2014

Head

in

l o c ud e th

By Jesse Baker, Asst. Features Editor

You see them in class, pass by them in the hallway and chat with them every day. They s normal, but they are actually hiding a big sec They are addicts.

There are apps that we just cannot stop pla ing, but at some point most people have the ability to put the phone down. There are som students though, like juniors Kjirstin Laventu Robin Pham, German Hincapie, Nathan Spa row, Leonie Murphey and sophomores Steph Young and Matthew Weisfeld, who just can’t the phones away.

Some apps that these students are obsessed with are trending at the moment, such as Cla of Clans, Don’t Step the White Tile, Subway Surfers and 2048. Other apps have been part trends, but are not as popular now, for examp Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Cut the Rope an Temple Run. And then there are some that h gotten a large sum of attention, but have nev reached their full potential, such as Dots, Du and Sims Free Play.

No matter what their apps of choice are, th students are pros at playing them. Some stud have even broken a record in a game at some point, like Laventure: “I was so surprised whe I figured out I passed the school’s record for Flappy Bird. I don’t know how long I held th record, but it was cool while it lasted.”

Game addicts have different reasons for playing. Some enjoy the apps just because the are fun. Hincapie said, “I like playing games b cause they help me pass the time and I just fi

Tornado times •May 2014 9

ds,

es ey

on t h e

It is not just the students who are addicted, teachers are too. Two teachers that may be glued to their phones as often as students are tech teacher Mr. Holley and English teacher Ms. Avery. Mr. Holley sponsors for the Electronic Sports Club, based around the passion for gaming. Ms. Avery, on the other hand, can hide her love to play apps more than you think. The app that she cannot put down at the moment is 2048; she has even won the game before.

Mr. Holley agrees that the games serve a social hese function. “The games are fun, but being able dents to connect with other is really why we play the e games,” he said. “We love the social interaction.” en Although people admit that they do love to play games, not all like to admit that they are adhe dicts. Sparrow said, “I am not an addict and I am not obsessed. Yes, I do play games 24/7 and can’t ever put down my phone, but that doesn’t make ey me addicted.” beAnd then he went back to his game. ind

een

seem Some students like the apps for their intelcret: ligence factor. Young said, “Some of these games really make you have to think. It makes it pretty ayentertaining.” And some students just like the apps for the interaction with others. Pham said, me “I like being able to compete with others.” ure, Weisfeld admits his apps don’t always follow arthe crowd: “I do prefer video games, but I like hanie games on my phone too, like Tentacle Wars and t put Duet.”

d ash y ts of ple, nd have ver uet

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them enjoyable.”

10 Tornado times May 2014

‘PROM?’

Seniors pop the question in dramatic fashion

By Mia Gettenberg, Editor-in-Chief When Mayah Knight, senior, walked into her fourth period class, she thought it was just another average day at school. She had a hunch that her boyfriend, fellow senior Henry Brown, might ask her to prom soon, but she certainly did not expect the excitement that was coming her way in the form of a spectacular prom proposal.

way!’ and then I thought, ‘Wait, is Javon asking me?’ I was really surprised,” she said.

Finally, seniors Alex Charles and Carlton Joseph carried in Varice with flowers.

“I actually thought it was a note in a bottle, so when I found out it was for me and he had somehow placed it 70 feet down, I was so surprised I didn’t even know what to say,” said Spardy.

By Marissa Lamberti, Student Life Editor

Prom can feel like something you have to take part in.

The ritual began as a college knock-off of the debutante balls for rich, Northeastern young women. Around the 1940s, the practice trickled down to high schools to become an annual rite of passage.

According to Wall Street Journal reporter Miriam Jordan, proms dipped in popularity in the 1980s as angst-ridden, grungy Generation X saw its Baby Boomer parents as passé. But now, prom has brought back bling.

Knight sat down at her desk, noting the balloons tied to each desk, but not quite processing that they might be for her. It was only when Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” began blaring on the classroom speakers and Brown burst through the door that she realized.

“I was extremely shocked,” she said. “I knew it was coming, but I didn’t know it was going to be that extravagant.”

Keep prom stress free

Many teens look at prom night with rose-colored excitement throughout high school, but prom requires a lot of decisions.

Everyone has to find the perfect date, a jaw dropping look and all the other little things that serve to make prom night go off without a hitch.

A week before prom, most of these decisions have been made: dress, date, ride, and so on (and so on). Here’s what you can do between now and next Friday to eliminate stress and make your prom truly memorable.

Senior, Jeff Zimmerman got creative with his promposal for girlfriend, Sarah Spardy. Spardy got quite the surprise when in the middle of a dive trip she came across a message in a bottle planted by Zimmerman earlier in the day.

Requests for dates are becoming more elaborate as students try to outdo each other in creativity.

Brown sang and danced along with his friends to a choreographed number while his classmates held up letters spelling out “prom” in glittery cardboard. As his friends took to Twitter to congratulate him on this proposal, other seniors busied themselves planning their own.

Senior Toraneau Varice also used his friends to facilitate a unique proposal for senior Rodnicka PierreJerome. First, senior Julian Deese delivered a card to her classroom that read, “I have a question for you.”

Then, senior Javon James brought her balloons.

At this point, Pierre-Jerome still did not know who was actually asking her. “It was so funny because at first I thought, ‘Is Julian asking me? No

Photo courtesy of Sarah Spardy

“I wanted her to be a little perplexed,” said Varice.

Charles and Joseph huddled around Varice, allowing him to unbutton his dress shirt, revealing a custom-ordered t-shirt that read “Will you go to prom with me?” PierreJerome said yes.

Senior DaShawn Watson used his talented vocals to prom-propose to senior Aja Bear. Walking into her classroom singing, Watson recruited senior Alex Lamarche to play guitar while Deese played background music.

Bear is now attending the dance with him. “I was surprised by how much effort he actually put into the ‘ask’,” said Bear. “I knew it was coming, but I didn’t know it was going to be all that. It was really nice.”

Senior Henry Brown rallied up friends to serenade his girlfriend, Mayah Knight. Promposals continue to grow more elaborate each year.

Photo courtesy of Henry Brown

Senior Jeffrey Zimmerman decided to take his prom proposal outside of the classroom and under the water. In order to ask his girlfriend, senior Sarah Spardy, to be his date, the scuba-certified student wrote a message on parchment, sealed it in a glass bottle, and placed the bottle 70 feet underwater.

When the couple went diving together, Spardy discovered the small bottle tucked within a crater.

At first, Spardy thought she had discovered some kind of artifact lost at sea.

Joseph Pellecchia, senior, decided to travel to Tijuana Flats during a Cinco de Mayo party to ask senior Caitlin Poer, an employee, to prom.

Pellecchia brought flowers and a poster proposing, “Prom?” in big letters. Poer said yes.

To execute his master plan, senior Elias Selimos whisked senior Briana Blankhorst to the Diamonds and Doggies puppy store in Fort Lauderdale. He surprised her by putting an Australian Shepherd puppy into a playing cubby, posting a sign on the wall that read, “Throw me a bone… Prom?” Blankhorst agreed.

• Confirm your appointments this weekend.

• Set your prom items aside now so you don’t have to search for them Friday afternoon.

• Pack your purse with small items you might need: mints, hairpins, safety pins, make-up, etc.

• Be clear with your group about pre- and post-prom plans. Be on time.

• Keep your phone charged as much as possible the day of prom. You wouldn’t want your battery to die out and miss some prime selfies.

Tornado times •May 2014 11

‘Gossip Girl’ takes over campus life

by Amy Goldman, Website Editor

‘Divergent’ captivates audience By: Sydney Van Dreason, Managing Editor

As the popular first book of the thrilling trilogy written by Veronica Ross, “Divergent” had a lot of expectations to live up to.

“Divergent” is jam-packed with action, romance and a struggle for power that leaves no one untouched.

In the movie version, society is divided into five factions: Abnegation, the selfless; Candor, the honest; Amity, the peaceful; Erudite, the intelligent; and Dauntless, the brave.

At the age of 16, children in the society are forced to choose a faction to live in for the rest of their lives based on the results of an aptitude test they took the day before. But for Beatrice “Tris” Prior, problems occur, introducing her to the term Divergent and forcing her to rely on herself if she wants to survive.

Fans of the book will be pleased that the movie follows the book accurately and will be sitting on the edge of their seats, anxiously awaiting the next scene. Those who haven’t read the books will be relieved to see that the movie is pretty

easy to follow and will also be entranced by all of the action, bravery and budding romance.

Whether one has read the book or not, the movie allows the audience to connect with Tris on many levels as she engages in her adventure, and teenage girls may find themselves crushing on Tris’s love interest, Dauntless Initiate Instructor Tobias, more often known as Four.

“Divergent” solidly introduces the characters, including their growing relationships and unique personalities that make them who they are.

The movie manages to keep the audience captivated at every moment with intense fighting scenes, a budding romance and a particular tear-jerking scene. With everything happening in “Divergent,” the movie successfully establishes its intense theme and captivates the audience, and it does not plan to let them go.

Check the Netflix queues of girls around campus, and you will probably discover that they’ve been watching the show “Gossip Girl,” a six-season TV series packed with drama about teenage Upper East Siders in New York City.

“I’m addicted to it,” senior Ilaria Berni said. “There’s something new happening every episode, and I love the romances featured in it.”

“Gossip Girl” follows the glamorous lives of four billionaire teenagers: “It girl” Serena VanderWoodsen, Chuck Bass, Nate Archibald, and “Queen B” Blair Waldorf.

See ‘Other Woman’ with other girls

By Elise Anello, Photo Editor

When Carly Whitten (Cameron Diaz) discovers her boyfriend has a wife (Leslie Mann) and accidentally meets her, the two become friends bent on ruining the life of the cheating husband. When yet another mistress, Amber (Kate Upton), is revealed, the three women team up and plot revenge.

This movie proves perfect for a “girls night out” and serves its ultimate purpose: a cheesy, girlpower-type chick flick. In the film, Carly works as a successful and wealthy lawyer in a firm made up of only women; the wife, Kate, is an emotional roller coaster, and Amber serves as the ditsy comic relief. Ste-

The outsider, Dan Humphrey, lives in Brooklyn and is trying to find his way into “their world.” The show starts during their junior years at Constance Billard School for Girls and St. Jude’s School for Boys and continues through their college lives.

Adding to the usual drama of billionaire teens, an unknown blogger known as Gossip Girl, exposes all of their scandals and secrets on a website for everyone to see. So who is this Gossip Girl? That’s one secret I’ll never tell. Viewers will not discover the true identity of the blogger until the very last episode of the show.

reotypical to its core, “The Other Woman” fulfills all expectations of a rom com, and further emphasizes true sisterhood, love and the phrase “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

Technically, this movie was not award-winning, and at times utilized low comedy to get a cheap laugh. Over all, the film was shallow and at times extremely predictable, but for the female viewer (or male with a chick-flick guilty pleasure) empowering and comic.

If the movie you are searching for is something merely satisfying and charming for only 109 minutes of run-time, this is the movie for you.

Macbeth takes home 6 Cappies nominations

By Emily Solley, Features Editor The drama department’s production of “Macbeth” was reviewed by the South Florida Cappies, an organization devoted to recognizing high school theater. The critics nominated the performance in six categories: marketing and publicity, creativity, featured actor, supporting actor and lead actor.

Featured Actor in his role as the Porter. Cerrito is remembered for his iconic “hell-gate” monologued.

The marketing and publicity category and the creativity category had competition from more than 20 schools; the acting categories had competition from seven other plays.

DaShawn Watson was nominated for Supporting Actor in his role as Banquo. Watson’s role was expanded beyond his lines in the original script, with his appearances as a ghost after his death.

Robert Cerrito was nominated for

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“It was fun to be the Porter,” said Cerrito. “I feel like it was a role that was easy for me to get because there were so many opportunities to use comedy and other emotions.

I was pretty happy to be nominated because I put a lot of time in.”

Jeremy Wershoven was nominated for Lead Actor in his role as Macbeth. Reviews called Wershoven’s performance dynamic, captivating, intense, professional, masterful and effortless.

“When I heard, I thought it was pretty cool,” said Wershoven. “As lead actor, I had to interact with all the other actors and the crew. I’m hoping to win the Cappie, but I doubt that I will.”

Phelan Kenyon-Jones was nominated for creativity and for marketing and publicity for his leadership on each crew. Creativity refers to

the effort that Kenyon-Jones took with the team to translate each piece of the original script of Macbeth to the modern setting.

“We sat down and talked about what would make sense,” said Kenyon-Jones. “It wasn’t easy. Emily (Solley) and I pretty much did it all.

The small details are very important.”

The nominees will attend the Cappies Gala on May 19, an event similar to the Tony Awards, to find out if they have been selected from the nominees.

12 Tornado times May 2014

‘I spy with my little eye’:

Debate over personality vs. physical appearance continues

By Sydney Van Dreason, Staff Intern

English, math and science are necessary aspects of high school, but so is social studies. Every day males and females try to get others to notice them.

For some, getting noticed may not seem like much of a challenge. But for others, spending half an hour in the bathroom on a school morning perfecting one’s appearance may seem like a necessity.

“People who are attractive with their looks definitely get noticed,” sophomore Lauren Thompson said. “But sometimes their personalities ruin it. A good personality and nice looks should go hand in hand, and together they make a person one hundred times more noticeable and desirable.”

Having the courage to actually talk to other people, whether it be the other gender or not, catches people’s attention.

Melanie Trump, sophomore, agrees that looks are a reason to get noticed by others. “Usually humans notice things with their eyes. A person’s

looks are what most people tend to see, and therefore notice, first,” Trump said.

Even though a person’s features may catch someone’s eye, they are not the only way to put one in the spotlight. One can become noticeable without spending 20 minutes picking out the perfect outfit or shifting through their hair and acting like only one certain style will win the grand prize.

“I think a guy having a good sense of humor helps (with getting noticed) too,” freshman Julia Suarez said.

Indeed, witty jokes and a carefree attitude catch the attention of many.

Teenagers are pulled towards those who can have fun.

For sophomore Nicole Romer, a sense of humor most definitely caught her attention. “After my friend pointed out Tyler (Nemeth) in class, I began to take notice of him more. He was cute, funny, and I loved that he had the courage to talk to me,” said Romer. Nemeth has been Romer’s boyfriend for about 14 months.

Having the courage to actually talk to other people, whether it be the other gender or not, catches people’s attention, especially those who are being talked to.

“Be a friend,” said Trump. “Talk to

them. That’s usually a good start.”

Romer agrees with Trump’s strategy of straightforward friendliness.

“If you like someone or want to get to know them better, make an effort to talk to them.

Find out their name and say hi to them whenever you see them,” said Romer.

Kindness is an easy way to be noticed. It takes little to no effort to be kind to someone at least once a day.

“Not only is kindness noticeable, but it is memorable too,” sophomore Michelle Velez said. “Someone could perform an act of kindness and not give a second thought about it. But another person may remember that act forever.”

Being kind to someone else could be the beginning of a friendship that lasts forever, and may even lead to something more. “A boy came over every day after work for a week just because I was staying home alone, and he knew I was getting pretty lonely,” senior Erin Sundook said.

“Even though it was late, and he literally came to say ‘Hi’ and ‘Bye,’ it was

Graphic by Jon Gardner

extremely thoughtful thing to do, and I started to notice him more.”

Catching someone’s attention may seem impossible, but it is actually easier than it appears to be. And yet, someone could have every perfect characteristic imaginable: attractiveness, intelligence, kindness, courage, a sense of humor. But none of that matters if you leave out possibly the morest important technique to getting noticed.

“Just be yourself,” said Thompson.

“Nothing else matters if you act like something you’re not.”

Velez agreed, “Being yourself is the key to being unique, which in turn allows you to grab attention left and right.”

Tornado times •May 2014 13

14 Tornado times May 2014

Back on track: Boys team makes states for first time since 2004

By Matthew Wilson, Sports Editor

Four members of the boys track team went to states at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville on May 2. The team consisted of juniors John “Colton” Collier, Jayson Francois, Andrew Reising, and senior Marcson Frais.

Three of the four placed at the meet. Marcson Frais placed fifth overall in shot put, throwing for 50 feet and 4 inches. Colton Collier placed seventh overall in 110 meter hurdles, finishing in 15.2 seconds. Jayson Francois placed thirteenth overall in the 300 meter hurdles in 42.8 seconds.

“I felt very proud (that) I made states this year. It was a goal of mine to make it and I was very proud (because) everybody showed up to practice and worked hard and we sent four boys to states which hasn’t been done in a very long time,” said Collier, co-captain.

As for next season: “we have three state qualifiers returning and we should all be top three, and hopefully we can add a few more with relays.”

be surrounded by teammates and coaches that were just as ambitious as I was. That’s why, I believe, we were very successful this season and we will be even more successful next year.”

Junior pole vaulter Andrew Reising was also proud of his performance and was looking forward to next year.

Reising transferred from Westminster Academy after making it to the 1A state championship last season placing sixth overall, vaulting 13 feet, 6 inches.

Junior John Collier leaps a hurdle at the St. Thomas Aquinas track meet during the 110 meter hurdles.

Collier finished seventh at the events at states.

Photo by Matthew Wilson

This was a very special meet for Frais, co-captain, because it was his last high school meet and he was pleased with his performance. “It’s been a great season working hard with everybody. Making it to states this year showed me that good things do happen when you grind” said Frais, who also won the district meet for shot put and placed second at regionals.

Francois, co-captain, said he was happy he made it to states and wants to improve next year. Francois had won the regional meet for the 300-meter hurdles.

Francois said, “Track is a way of life. If you’re willing to put the work and dedication, it will not only reward you but also force your opponents to respect you.

“I was fortunate enough to

The girls team struggled this year after two girls going to states last year. This season, only sophomore Alexis Kerr made it to regionals “At first our girls team was small and our future didn’t look bright, but we made it through the season and improved every meet,” Kerr said. “I was happy with how I did at regionals and this whole season in general.”

Kerr stated her goals for next year are to make states and place in the top eight in both shot put and discus.”

“Although it was a lot of work this season, I’m glad I stayed because I have improved as an athlete and made a ton of new friends,” said junior Tierra George.

Softball plays in Big 8

Athletes make grades on, off field

By Marissa Lamberti, Student Life Editor

By Matthew Wilson, Sports Editor

The girls softball team earned an invitation to the first Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA) Big 8 softball tournament at Silver Lakes Park in Pembroke Pines. Games started on April 8 and continued until April 11.

The top eight ranked BCAA softball teams were selected to play.

Coach John McGuire said, “It was an honor for Pompano to be chosen in this inaugural tournament. Other schools will now recognize our team as a force to be reckoned with.”

Athletic Director Mr. Frey agreed with McGuire. “Being chosen for this tournament is a big deal. Our girls are really creating a name for themselves.”

The team played two games in the tournament, losing the first 6-0 to St. Thomas Aquinas, which eventually

went on to win the whole tournament. This loss eliminated the team from a chance at the championship, but it would play one more game, defeating Fort Lauderdale 16-6.

Catcher Erin Sundook played a crucial role in the defeat against Fort Lauderdale, going two for three with two RBIs. Senior Sabrina Akrouk, cocaptain, said, “Although we did not win the tournament, it was great to be able to play in the company of the top teams in the county. I believe we really demonstrated how much we deserved to be apart of the inaugural tournament”.

The softball season ended on April 29 when it was eliminated from the regional semifinals by American Heritage. This was the third time the Tornadoes and Patriots have faced off this season, all with the same result.

Eight seniors attended the Broward County Athletic Association’s 27th annual Scholar Athlete Night on April 28.

Honored for both athletic and academic prowess were Lauren Pomerantz, tennis; Rashard Sahatoo, basketball; Marissa Lamberti softball; Julia Schulte, swimming and diving; Oniquca Wright, flag football and cheerleading; Alfred Lin, cross country and track; Matthew Wilson, football and track; and Phelan Kenyon-Jones, boys soccer.

my grades high,” Pomerantz said.

Some students attending the ceremony keep up their grades to find a way to play their sport in college.

Senior Rashard Sahatoo has offers to play basketball at several schools, including Penn State University in Abington and Valley City State University in North Dakota.

“It has been my dream to play college basketball since I was young and because of my education, this has allowed me to play at the next level,” Sahatoo said.

Lin won the Riddell All American Scholarship for $1,000.

“It was an honor, but I believe that everyone in my life deserved the award,” Lin said. “Sports has strengthened my mind and body and made my high school experience the best a guy can ask for.”

The event celebrates students who are going to college not just for the athletics but also for the academics.

Pomerantz, who is going to Johns Hopkins University, used sports to help her be ranked first in GPA coming into this semester..

Senior Erin Sundook (left) lays down a bunt against American Heritage in the district finals. Senior Noelle McGuire (right) slides into second base against Taravella in a pre-season game. The Tornadoes made it to the regional semifinals before losing to American Heritage.

Photos courtesy of Jessica Abramson

“While being a part of a sport definitely made school work difficult, it made me work harder, and through time management and prioritization, not only was I able to make nearly every match but I was able to keep

Senior Alfred Lin runs for the track team at the district meet. Lin was one of eight seniors acknowledged at BCAA’s Scholar Athlete Night.

Photo by Matthew Wilson

Tornado times •May 2014 15

In soccer, sophomore sets long-term goals

By Sydney Van Dreason, Managing Editor

While most teenagers have relationships and social lives as their first priorities in life, sophomore Alyson Richardson has always had a certain sport on her mind.

midfielder.

as she gets from the game.

“Alyson works well with our team, and she plays midfield well. She constantly assisted others with goals, which in turn helped us to win and

“Playing soccer makes me forget about all the bad things in my life and lets me just focus on my passion and love for the game,” she said. “Whenever I’m playing (soccer), I’m happy.”

Playing soccer not only makes her happy, but it has aided her in learning about herself. “Soccer has kept me fit, helped me meet new friends, challenged me, exposed me to new opportunities and has let me strive toward progress at something I love to do,” she said.

“I started playing recreation (soccer) when I was three-years-old and travel (soccer) when I was eightyears-old,” Richardson said. “I’ve played for about 13 years in total so far.”

Richardson has always enjoyed playing soccer. “My parents wanted me to play as a little girl to stay active, and I just grew to love it,” she said.

To Richardson, soccer is not just a hobby to help relieve stress and have fun. She hopes to have a future with the sport. “I’d like to play soccer in college and hopefully move on to the professional level,” she said. “But if I can’t do that, I’d always like to play (soccer), whether it be a pick-up game, coaching teams, or just playing with friends for fun.”

Richardson began playing on travel teams because she wanted to improve her skills in the sport and learn new strategies for the game.

She played for Coconut Creek Prowlers, South Florida Elite, Boca United and Coral Springs United.

In sixth grade, Richardson added school soccer to her resume when she made the team at Crystal Lake Middle. She continued playing during her seventh and eighth grade years, earning the title of team captain of the girls team in eighth grade. In freshman year, Richardson tried out and made PBHS’ varsity girls soccer team, continuing varsity this year as a sophomore.

Typically, Richardson plays center

Sophomore Alyson Richardson kicks the ball during a regular season match-up. Richardson usually plays center midfielder.

PHOTO BY MARISSA LAMBERTI

tie a lot of our games,” sophomore teammate Delaney Stuart said. “She is constantly on the ball, and always puts her best efforts in school, practice, and at games. Overall, she is a wonderful teammate.”

Richardson feels like her opportunities for making it to the professional levels are starting to grow. “We’ve had some recruiters at a few of our games,” she said. “They look for potential players for colleges.”

For the rest of the story, go to

www.thetornadotimes.org.

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Quick Hits Boys Baseball

The team finished 7-15, with a 3-6 district record. Catcher Christian Perez was selected for the Private vs.

Public All-Star game.

Boys Tennis No players advanced past districts.

The boys captain was Paulo Bazan.

Girls Tennis The girls reached districts, with senior Lauren Pomerantz reaching the second round, defeating Coral Springs Charter 6-1, 6-1. The team failed to make Regionals. The girls captain was senior Imani Mullings.

Football The team is practicing for the spring game against Pine Crest at 7 p.m. on Weds., May 21, at home.

Flag Football The team failed to reach the playoffs, managing to win two games.

Seniors Ja’lyn Rasbin and Destiny Williams made the BCAA North All-Star team.

16 Tornado times May 2014

16 ACROSS

10 ACROSS

9 ACROSS

14 DOWN

Across 1. Who was SGA President this year? (last name) 4. What country is foreign exchange student Rasmus Nielsen from?

7. Who won a superior for costume design at the Thespian State Competition? (last name) 9. What country did the principals who visited live in?

10. Who won Mr. Pompano? (last name) 11. What are the first three letters in the newspaper website?

13. Where was Grad Bash 2014?

15. What is the first word of the yearbook theme?

BONUS QUESTION What certificate in 2014 was the Tornado Times awarded from the Florida Scholastic Press Association?

Down 2. Who was the sophomore class president this year? (last name) 3. What dance was introduced to the school this year where girls asked boys? (first word) 5. Who wrote the “You know you’re in a school restroom when” column? (first name) 6. How many Cappies awards was Macbeth nominated for?

8. Who was the school’s Teacher of the Year?

9. Who was the 2013 homecoming duchess (last name)?

12. Who is the Ultimate Frisbee Club sponsor?

13. What was the first word of the title of the first student written play that was performed this year?

14. What country did a group of students and staff visit together over spring break?

LAYOUT BY ELISE ANELLO AND JON GARDNER CROSSWORD BY MAX ORELLANA PHOTOS BY JESSE BAKER, MICHEALA GARRETSON, AURORA BORGHI AND MS. NARUS

*All answers to the crossword puzzle and bonus question can be found at thetornadotimes.org*