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By the Grade 11th January 2013
Juniors gear up for the College Tour College Fair from Page 10... From January 21st to the 24th, fifty juniors will load a charter bus and explore the academic variety that campuses have to offer within the state of Florida. There will be four faculty chaperones, Ms. Ellis, Mr. Velasquez, Mrs. Calero, and Ms. Ravolo, to accompany the students on the trip. The universities that students have expressed the most interest in have been chosen, such as: Flagler College in St. Augustine, University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida State University in Tallahassee, University of Central Florida in Orlando, University of South Florida in Tampa, and Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers. The annual tour was previously ran by senior guidance counselor Mr. Greenbaum, and has now been taken over by senior English teacher and BRACE Advisor Mrs. Peacock. “Although this is my first year going on the trip, I know that actually College Tour: Last year, juniors visited the best colleges in Florida, including FSU. being on the college campus that you may have researched or have truly see if the vibe of the school matches making that big decision.” set to be your dream college does make their interests. There are certain things that The tours began the year the PPCHS first a huge difference in student’s eyes,” says students won't be able to test through a opened its doors, and with much success Mrs. Peacock. “On campus they have the computer screen such as the weather, the has continued over the years. “I’m excited ability to talk to administration on a one- size of the university, or how busy the cam- for this trip. Mrs. Peacock and I encourage on-one basis, interact with students, and pus may be which are important factors in all of the upcoming students to take advan-
tage of this opportunity when they come upon this time, and develop their own opinion about Florida universities. Choosing a college should be based off of your personal preference not the school football team, the colors or where all your friends are going,” stated Mr. Bayer. While traveling to different colleges can be a learning experience, there is no denying that the time spent is filled with good times. As whispers fill the halls with anticipation of the upcoming trip most juniors attending are sharing one emotion- excitement. “I honestly cannot wait to visit all the Florida colleges that I may end up going to and just have a great time. With the Bright Futures scholarship available for students staying in state, it’s good that I have the opportunity to see what all my options are,” stated Danny Meltzer. There’s no question that the juniors are on the path to deciding their future, and filling in the shoes of a senior in the upcoming months. The college tour will open the PPCHS juniors’ eyes to what to expect when sending out those ever important college applications.
Memories ensconced in a ring Aaliyah Pasols STAFF WRITER
Ring ceremony: Juniors’ wait to put a ring on it is over. Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez
On January 15th, 2014, the excitement was in the air at PPCHS. As students got home after school, they began to prepare for one of the most important days of their junior year. Girls put together their final outfits and got all dazzled up to strut onstage, while guys went out to purchase their classiest shirts and shoes to glide down the stage with. And after all the shopping and preparing was done, students were on their way to the River of Grass theatre to experience a once in a lifetime ceremony. The doors to the theatre opened at 7:00 P.M, and students’ hearts raced with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. The inside of the River of Grass theatre was decorated in glamorous red and white colors, with balloons and streamers adding the finishing touches. A big inflatable ring was attached to the right entrance to the stage, serving as a kind of arc for the students to walk through. In the middle of the stage, a table was placed with balloons that bared the school colors red and white on either side. Sitting at the table were class officers: Leon Morgan, Noah Levy, Sophia Vargas, and Alexis Tolentino. Also seated
at the table was class president Mollie Bayer and Principal Mr. Bayer. Parents, siblings and teachers alike all filed in with smiles on their faces, ready to prepare for the emotional whirlwind that was the ring ceremony. As the lights dimmed and people took their seats, the night was about to begin. Leysha Caraballo kicked off the night by singing the National Anthem. Up next was Mr. Bayer as he took center stage to make a speech that would stay with Charter students for a long time. He talked about his own class ring and how he’d gotten one 30 years ago exactly on that day. He discussed the meaning of the rings and how proud everyone should be that they are able to wear one. Mollie Bayer was next up to the mic as she talked about the class of 2015. “Our class of 2015 has come a long way. I think our class has the most school spirit, so I’m proud of all of you,” class president Mollie Bayer said onstage as the crowd clapped
Morgan took turns calling up the students. Once called, students had to walk up the stairs and under the inflatable ring arc, to receive their rings, among three other objects. Students were also handed a cap and gown box, a book for classmates to sign, and red and white flowers. “I was the first one to be called Ring ceremony: Juniors class President Molly Bayer gives a speech to her fellow after the class offi- classmates. Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez cers received their rings. It was pretty cool because they told tures with their rings and their friends, as us that when you walk under the inflatable well as going around trying to turn their ring with the ring in your hand, you au- rings. “At the end of the ceremony, it was tomatically transition from a lower class- said that there’s a tradition for class rings. man to an upper You’re supposed to go around and have classman, and 15 people turn your ring around on your become one of finger. The first 14 have to turn it towards the leaders of our your pinky finger, but the last one to turn school,” Eliza- your ring has to turn it towards your heart. beth Leal (’15) That 15th person has to be someone really said. And as stu- special to you so you can always have that dents walked onto memory attached to your ring. I chose my the stage and re- boyfriend,” junior Jessica Flores shared. After all of the rings were turned and the ceived their rings, something did memories made, students were on their seem to change. way home, with their rings hugging their There was a kind fingers tightly, and the pictures stored on of magic in the their cameras. “It was such a great night. air that everyone I was there with my parents, friends and could feel as par- girlfriend and being able to receive my ents cried, friends ring with such important people to me was laughed and a good experience. I had a lot of fun,” Reno Ring ceremony: Juniors Taylor Alfonso and Christian Puljos finally recieve their teachers congrat- Mannucci (’15). The ring serves as a capclass ring. Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez ulated students. sule of high school years. Now these stuand hollered. It was an event that was crucial to making dents will always be able to remember the After all of the speeches, stories and junior year a memorable one. lovely times they had at PPCHS. The class laughs, it was time for the rings to be given With the rings safely secured on each rings hold friends, teachers, events, kisses, out to the excited students. Ms. Ellis hand- student’s finger, it was time for cake and laughs, tears, and of course, that undenied out the rings to the class officers, and drinks. The refreshments were courtesy able Jaguar pride. The ring ceremony will then it was time for the officers to give the of Herff Jones and were much enjoyed by definitely be one memory at PPCHS that rings to the class. Mollie Bayer and Leon everyone. Students continued to snap pic- won’t fade away.