Issue 2 (2010-2011)

Devil’s Advocate December 2010

STANTON & TEA PARTY POLITICS How the grassroots movement has found a place at Stanton.

By ELLIOTT BEALE

Devil’s Advocate

10 Sports

Intense Practice

Official Publication of Stanton College Preparatory School

Many Stanton students have experienced the long hours and extreme weather conditions during athletic practices. In “Intense Practice” the issue of practicing too long is examined and debated.

[December 2010] twitter.com/SCPDevAdvocate

devilsadvocatepaper.blogspot.com stantondevilsadvocate.tumblr.com

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Campus Affairs

8

Arts & Entertainment

thedevilsadvocate.tk

Now Showing Stanton teachers are always showing movies in their classes. The Devil’s Advocate searched the school in order to give you an inside look at which movies are being shown around campus.

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Features

19

Opinions

Staying at Stanton Though the school may already seem overcrowded the classic winter break dropout rate will is bound to decrease. New policies have been set in place to help prevent the large drop out rates that Stanton typically witnesses after the holiday season.

Issue of the Issue The Devil’s Advocate answers the question of whether religious affiliation may have any influence on political views. Stanton students speak up concerning the issue with their own opinions.

22 Script

20 Things We Don’t Care About

TV: Now & Then Television has changed through the years, acting as an unconscious reflection of the world. The Devil’s Advocate shows the evolution of television from what it once was to what it is today.

Teenagers are generally carefree, so it was easy enough to compile a list of 20 topics. Check out the list, if you care.

11 Cover Story

Stanton and the Tea Party Politics photo by Akeem Edwards

Taking a closer look at the Tea Party movement, reporter Elliott Beale reveals the movement’s impact on Stanton students and teachers alike; discussing the pros and cons of a major change, the piece represents both sides of the argument in the fight for a better America.

Please Recycle

Production Staff Adviser Larry Knight

Editor-In-Chief Jazelle Handoush Managing Editor Morgan Donnelly

Section Editors Greg Todaro (Campus Affairs) Missy Major (Arts & Entertainment) Katie Raymond (Features) Ana Hagins (Opinions) Ethan Brady (Sports) Betsy Dailo (Script)

Letter From the Editor The school year is already half way over, proving how quickly time flies. While the mid-term elections have passed, the Tea Party Movement is still making its stand in politics.

In this issue of the Devil’s Advocate explored the movement, not only in general politics, but around the Stanton campus as well. We’re also excited for the holidays (as we’re sure many students are), and so you may notice some winterthemed treats throughout the issues. Don’t forget to visit our websites (listed at the top of the page) to let us know what you think about the paper. We love hearing your feedback, and we’re always willing to take suggestions for upcoming issues.

Have a fun holiday break, and see you in the new year!

Reporters Yasmin Ali Elliott Beale Kia Cooper Nicole Delos Reyes Bryeon Jones

Mason Miller Alexandra Morgante Morsal Osmani Leah Quisenberry Liz Sabatino

Photography Akeem Edwards Business Manager Morgan Donnelly Art Rio LaVigne

Corrections, Clarifications, & Mistakes •

Nicole Delos Reyes’ name is missing from the staff members list. Sorry Nicole!

•

Morsal Osmani’s last name is missing from the Staff Playlist piece. Sorry Morsal!

•

Akeem Edwards’ photo credit is missing from the ‘Issue of the Issue’ piece. Sorry Akeem!

Contributing Advocates The Devil’s Advocate is searching for contributing writers, photographers, and artists. Please submit your work via email to stantondevilsadvocate@gmail.com, contact Mr. Knight in room 204, or Jazelle Handoush at jazhandoush@gmail.com.

MONDAY

3

JANUARY 2011

TUESDAY

A B B A A B A A 4

5

WEDNESDAY

Science

10

11

24

31

25

Report Cards Go Home

Fair 12

No 18 Martin School Exams: Luther 9:45- Math King Day 1:10- Science 17

A ¸ B B ¸ B

THURSDAY

6

Early Release

19

13

B A A A

14

Elective Exams

20

FRIDAY

7

A B

Elective Exams

21

10a.m.

Exams: Senior Assembly 9:45- English 1:10- Social Studies Pep Rally 1:35p.m. Teacher Planning 26

Early Release

27

28

B

8

SAT/SUN

9 15

16 22

23 29

New Year’s Resolution: ______________________

Rumor Control _ _ _

By MASON MILLER, reporter

Rumor

In a school as small as Stanton, it’s easy for rumors to get out of hand. In order to keep the facts straight, the Devil’s Advocate consulted Mrs. Cheryl Dorety, student services clerk.

Truth

photo by Akeem Edwards

photo by Nicole Delos Reyes

Students at Stanton have done a substantial amount of gossiping lately and a rumor has circulated that the replacement scrubs are not washed after every use. As we all know, students are given a pair of scrubs to wear when they violate the dress code. One might wonder about the level of cleanliness of the last person to wear the scrubs (if in fact they were not washed after every use). This is a relatively new policy instituted by the school administration.

Mrs. Dorety washes the scrubs after every use.

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Even though this rumor has reached a few ears, it is not true. When asked if the scrubs are washed after every use student services clerk Cheryl Dorety replied, “Yes. As a matter of fact, I am the one who washes them.”

Assistant principal Sonya Gaiter claimed to have a few memories of her own with the scrubs. “I used to wash them and I actually used All detergent,” said Mrs. Gaiter.

“I even remember one time when one student asked me if she could borrow the scrubs to take to her job after school. The funny thing is, some of the scrubs are too big for a lot of the students.”

Mrs. Gaiter also made note of the recurring pattern in the number of dress code violations. The summer brings hot weather with an overabundance of dress code violations while the winter brings harsh low temperatures that result in more clothing on bodies and less dress code violations. Then, as one might predict, the dress code violations start to reoccur once spring rolls around.

Many students shared the same response when they found out the news. “ I’m just glad to know that we are not wearing dirty scrubs,” replied sophomore Tina Lee.

Stanton students will be relieved to hear that the school scrubs are washed.

Campus Affairs | Devil’s Advocate

3

Now Showing...

Citizen Kane is currently being watched in Introduction to Film, taught by Dr. Joel Adams. The class is constantly viewing films and analyzing the different aspects that go into the film as part of its curriculum. The film, released in 1941, is directed by Orson Wells and is considered to be “the masterpiece of films.” This esteemed title is why Dr. Adams shows the movie in his class every year; students can agree or disagree if they too believe it is “the best film ever produced.”

Citizen Kane (1941) According to Dr. Adams, one of the reasons it is held with such high regard is because it transformed Hollywood by introducing new techniques of making films. For example, it introduced the genre of film noir, which are films that see the universe in darkness and with more complexity; a new concept to Hollywood at the time.

By MORSAL OSMANI, reporter

photo by Laureen Burke

photo from the internet

One trait all students share is their love for movies. One of the reasons for this is probably because there are so many genres everyone can choose and identify as their favorite. Some of these include comedy, horror, and drama. Movies though are not just viewed outside of school, teachers are constantly showing movies in their classes, whether it’s to teach students about Genghis Khan or to learn about the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Films that teachers are currently showing in their classes include Citizen Kane, Puntos De Partido, Amistad, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Amistad (1997)

Mr. Alan Mowbray’s AP United States History class is currently viewing a film, although they are not watching the film to its entirety.

“Showing a film can be a waste of time, unless a teacher can incorporate it into their lesson plans, if it’s done successfully the student can actually learn from the film,” said Mr. Mowbray.

He is selecting specific parts of Amistad (1997) and Glory (1989) for his students to view.

“I show parts of Amistad to dramatize slavery before the Civil War and bits and pieces of Glory to dramatize the certain battles of the war,” said Mr. Mowbray.

Puntos De Partido (2009)

Language teachers are also showing films in their classes. Ms. Laureen Burke, Spanish teacher, is currently showing Puntos De Partido (2009), which is a Spanish film that correlates to the new accelerated Spanish Pre-IB course books.

It follows the lives of four Spanish students.

Students watching this film will be able to see the Spanish language being used in real life situations and at the same time be immersed in the Hispanic culture. According to Mrs. Burke, they will also be able to see the differences and similarities between American and Hispanic culture.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (1973)

The English II classes of Mrs. Matilda Bagby are currently viewing Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (1973). This film is based on the story in the 10th grade English Literature textbook.

Instead of making her students read the story from their textbook, Mrs. Bagby chose to allow them to watch the film, in order to better understand and appreciate the story. The film focuses on the adventures of Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur’s Round Table, after he accepts a challenge from a mysterious warrior who is completely green.

According to Mrs. Bagby, the main purpose of watching the film is for her students to have a familiarity with the story.

Morning Access Passes Still Met with Mixed Feelings

By KIA’ COOPER, reporter

“They love it, I haven’t gotten any complaints,” said Mrs. Gaiter. “I definitely see kids using them [the passes]…they are able to produce their passes, and that is beneficial to them and the teachers.”

Although the morning passes seem to be a success, there are some non beneficial effects to the passes. In previous years, when students were allowed to come into the building, they would line the hallways with last minute cramming and study sessions before tests. Now, students seem to be more social, and there aren’t as many of those last minute study sessions. Fortunately this seems to only be a minor

Students can get morning passes from their teachers to attend morning tutoring sessions.

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Devil’s Advocate | Campus Affairs

effect of the morning passes, because most students seem unaffected by the passes.

“It seems like they don’t really check them, so I don’t see how effective they are,” said senior Monique Bautista.

Another flaw is the credibility of the passes when they are lost of forgotten. Some students believe that the morning passes are awful because of the credibility needed to use the passes in the morning, because some students have had mishaps with the passes multiple times.

“I hate them,” stated sophomore Ryan Marcovsty. “One time I happened to forget my pass, but I needed to go to tutoring. The teacher didn’t even believe me!”

Other students are well adjusted to the morning passes and find it helpful.

“I think it’s fine because it keeps the school in order,” added freshman Rashann Rambaran. “I think the morning passes are good!”

Of course, each student is going to have their own opinion on this issue, but with few complaints the morning passes are here to stay. It is good that teachers find the passes useful and helpful, but students have not seem to come to a mutual agreement on them. The willingness of the majority of students who have accepted the passes shows that some have become used to them and accept them as a new school policy this year. photo by Akeem Edwards

Stanton students entered the 2010-2011 school year with some new school rules, ones that returning students were not accustomed to. A part of these changes include Stanton’s morning access passes.

These passes are designed to give students access to the building for test corrections, tutoring, and other school related issues in the morning without disturbing the teachers’ planning periods and faculty meetings.

They were introduced to student body in August, and according to Mrs. Cheryl Doherty, Student Services Clerk, students seemed to have “warmed up” to the new policy with one quarter already completed. At the beginning of the school year many students, especially returning students, were reluctant and unwilling to use the new passes and did not quite see the need of them.

Unpredictably, the morning passes have been a good contribution to the once crowded halls in the buildings.

Students no longer seem to pack the halls, over crowd the stairwells, or roam around the building anymore (at least until 8:10). However, students who do need access to the building in the morning for tutoring, test corrections, and club meetings are still allowed access with a pass. Students are also permitted to go into the library in the mornings, from the back entrance of the school without a pass. According to Mrs. Sonya Gaiter, Assistant Principal, teachers seem to have no problems with the passes.

“A small investment in education can provide tremendous return for our children.�

-Charles D. Hyman

Building Quality Relationships for Investment Excellence Charles D. Hyman & Company Investment Counsel 224 Ponte Vedra Park Drive, Suite 200 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Entertainment Calendar

December

January

Movies

Movies

12.10

01.07 01.14

12.17 12.22 12.31

·

The Tourist (PG-13) The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG) TRON: Legacy (PG) The Tempest (PG-13) Yogi Bear (PG) Little Fockers (PG-13) True Grit (PG-13) Gulliver’s Travels (PG) Blue Valentine (NC-17)

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01.21 01.28

Album Releases 12.07

12.14

12.07 12.12 12.17

01.04 01.11

Wonders of the Younger Strip Me No Mercy Endless Basic Instinct TM 103 Michael

01.18 01.25 01.31

Ä

Jake Shimabukuro Cake Rye Rye The Decemberists The Script Yo Gotti The Go! Team

Game Releases 01.04 01.11 01.18

TRON: Evolution (PS3, XBox 360, Wii, PSP, DS,PC) World of Warcraft: Catackysm (PC) Super Mario All-Stars (Wii) Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (PC)

The Beginning of the End of a Magical Era

01.25

Rating:  Cast: Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ronald Wesely, and Emma Watson as Hermoine Granger MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images) Length: 146 minutes

photos from the Internet

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Two Worlds II (PS3, XBox 360, PC) Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (Nintendo DS) LittleBigPlanet 2 (PS3) Plants vs. Zombies (Nintendo DS) Dead Space 2 (PS3, XBox 360, PC) Mass Effect 2 (PS3)

May the Force Be With You

By BRYEON JONES, reporter Rating: Consoles: PS3, XBox 360, Wii, PC, Nintendo DS Approx. Cost: $59.99 EPA Rating: Teen for Violence & Mild Blood Graphics:  Fans of the Star Wars movies and action video games alike will be able to unleash the force like never before in “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II.” The sequel to “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed”, the game reintroduces Starkiller, Darth Vader’s apprentice, as he continues his intergalactic quest to find his long-lost love Juno.

In the game, Starkiller has access to a vast arsenal of powers using the Force, an esoteric power that enhances physical and mental abilities. Some of the usable powers in the game include, the Force Push, Force Lightning, and Mind Trick. Starkiller also has the ability to wield two Key lightsabers.

- Horrible  The graphics of “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II” - Okay  are absolutely amazing; everything from the environments - Good  to the characters’ facial features looks astonishingly re - Great alistic. But not only are the environments sights for sore  - Exceptional eyes, the character animations are beautifully rendered.

The only problem is repetitiveness. As good-looking as the level designs are, they are overused and redundant.

The game is pretty easy even on hard mode. On normal mode, the ending of the game is easily attainable within four to six hours. The game offers a Challenge Mode, but it is nothing more than combat practice that becomes stale very quickly, and a distraction from the main story. Overall, “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II”, is more of a worthy rental than a worthy buy.

Video Games

The recent release of the first Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows film represents the beginning of the end for this eight film, seven book saga, and has fans of all ages flooding theaters worldwide to participate in the end of a magical era. The Devil’s Advocate got a chance to see the film on its premiere night, where fans adorned in wizard hats and wielding wands stood in line to see the highly anticipated film.

Based on the series by British author J.K. Rowling, Deathly Hallows concludes the adventures of teenage wizard Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe). Destined with the task of defeating Lord Voldemort, the dark wizard who is rising in power over both the wizarding and the Muggle (non-wizard) world, Harry must travel with his friends Ron Weasley (Rubert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) in preparation for the epic battle.

Ten days after the Deathly Hallows release the film Key has profited $606 million worldwide, approximately $35 - Horrible  million of this profiting after only the opening night. The - Okay  film ends before Harry can decide between Hallows or - Good  Horcruxes, which is where the second Deathly Hallows  - Great will begin. The second film will be release July 15, 2011,  - Exceptional when the magical saga will finally come to an end.

6 Devil’s Advocate | Arts & Entertainment

Peace Love Ukulele Showroom of Compassion Go! Pop! Bang!

The King Is Dead Science & Faith Live From The Kitchen Rolling Blackouts

Reviews

By JAZELLE HANDOUSH, Editor-in-Chief

Movies

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Album Releases

Plain White T’s Natasha Bedingfield T.I. Duffy Ciara Young Jeezy Michael Jackson

Game Releases

·

Season of the Witch (PG-13) The Green Hornet (N/A) The Dilemma (PG-13) Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (R) No Strings Attached (N/A) The Rite (N/A) From Prada to Nada (PG-13) The Mechanic (R)

The Artist’s Corner

About the Artist: Kaitlyn Hamby

photo by Akeem Edwards

I first became interested in photography when I was in 7th grade. I got a little 7 megapixel for my birthday. I would look through magazines for pictures that I really liked and try to re-create them. I taught myself how to use each setting and when it should be used. I became even more passionate when I got a canon rebel for my 15th birthday. I tried to find the simplest things and make them extraordinary with lighting, angles and composure.

Photography is special to me because it is what sets me apart from my family. Everyone in my family is a musician, but I have no musical talent whatsoever. When I picked up photography, my friends and family really supported and inspired me. My brother Jimmy encouraged me by having me do photo shoots of his band, Ark Harbour. I think that’s why people are my favorite subjects to take pictures of. People are so complex; a slight movement of an eye or the curl of a mouth can send a totally different message than had it not been there.

I love challenging myself to capturing the mood of a setting at the same time as I’m capturing someone’s beauty and making sure that the two are complimentary during editing.

After high school, I plan on going to the College of Motion Picture Arts at Florida State University. As much as I love photography, I don’t think that I would be able to be happy in a career where I take pictures to make the customer happy instead of what makes me happy. When I grow up, I can’t see myself doing anything besides film production. Regardless, I will always use photography as a way to express myself.

²

²THE Playlist 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Song of the Issue:

Name

Don’t Cha Airplanes Heaven Slave to the Grind New Low Bang Bang Coming to America Stuck Like Glue (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction Honey Sweet Home Alabama California Gurls Lucky Ships with Holes Will Sink Cheeseburger in Paradise The Lonesome Death of H...

Tu recuerdo

Paradise Circus

Time

4:32 3:57 3:41 3:31 4:16 3:06 4:19 4:07 3:44 5:21 4:45 3:02 3:10 3:22 2:51 5:58 4:47 4:57

#2 / Teacher Playlist Artist

The Pussycat Dolls Local Natives Talking Heads Skid Row Middle Class Rut K’naan Neil Diamond Sugarland Rolling Stones Erykah Badu Lynyrd Skynard Kidz Bop Jason Mraz We Were Promised Jetpa...

Jimmy Buffett Bob Dylan Marc Anthony Massive Attack

Album

PCD Gorilla Manor Stop Making Sense

Genre

Pop Indie Rock New Wave Heavy Metal Slave to the Grind No Name, No Color Alternative Rock Hip-Hop Troubador The Jazz Singer Soundtrack Soundtrack The Incredible Machine Country Out of Our Heads Rock New Amerykah Part One... Neo Soul Southern Rock Second Helping Kidz Bop 18 Children’s Music We Sing, We Dance, We S... Pop/Rock Indie Rock These Four Walls Rock Son of a Son of a Sailor The Times They Are a-Cha... Rock Todo a Su Tiempo Salsa Heligoland Electronic

Tea Party by KerliïW

Teacher

Mrs. Hawley (English I & AP Lit) Mr. Heggood (AP Euro, TOK I, & AP Micro) Dr. Adams (IB Film & TOK I and II) Mr. Burleigh (Pre-IB English II) Ms. Shepard (AP Euro) Mrs. Krieger (AP Psych & AP World) Mr. Holcombe (AP Euro) Mrs. Feierstein (Pre-Calculus) Mr. Howard (AP Euro) Ms. Simmons (Biology I & AP Bio) Mrs. Hornilla (IB Biology & Anatomy) Mr. Wooten (Physics I) Ms. Tate (IB Chemistry) Mr. Sims (AP Statistics) Coach Fleming (Hope and PE) Mr. Peterson (Geometry & Algebra II)

Ms. Crespo-Lowery (IB Spanish) Mr. Knight (Pre-IB English)

To listen to this song visit our website: www.devilsadvocate.tk

Arts & Entertainment | Devil’s Advocate

7

By LEAH QUISENBERRY, reporter

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TV — Then & Now

Whenever readers open up a fashion magazine they frequently come across pictures of celebrities, and the fashion critiques that follow, The Devil’s Advocate thought we would create our own version of fashion face-off, comparing the looks around the school and choosing who wore it better.

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As kids, the shows you watch will always stick with you and through the generations the shows just seem worse and worse to the previous generation. This trend tends to hold true now. These are two old shows compared to the most popular shows of today and a salute to those who have outlasted there time.

Kid Cartoons

Then: “Doug” was a Nickelodeon creation that swept the nation from 1991-1994. The show consisted of the everyday life of the cartoon protagonist Doug Funnie who lived an exciting double life, known by the alter ego of Quail Man. In 1994, the shows rights were sold to Disney, where the show continued to air until 1999. Unfortunately, Doug had reached his end; the show’s cancellation left a gap that was hard for any show to fill.

Alyssa is wearing a dark brown structured jacket along with a matching dark sweater and knee high boots. Her jeans are dark washed, which really meshes well with the outfits structured yet simple feel. Alyssa was our winner of the fashion face-off because of her use of structure while still staying simple and casual.

GIRLS

During the winter there seems to be a common look for many girls, a jacket and a pair of boots. Both these young ladies employed that style while adding their own flair. Victoria Gonzales and Alyssa Inciong both went for the casual winter look, a wool jacket, jeans, and knee high boots. While both girls certainly had their sense of style in check only one can win the esteemed position of fashion face-off winner. photos by Akeem Edwards

Alyssa Inciong

Victoria is wearing a neutral undershirt with a burgundy hoodie, jeans and tan furry boots. While Victoria’s look is put together and most certainly warm, it doesn’t have the polished style that Alyssa’s outfit does.

Victoria Gonzales

David definitely didn’t get a “T” for Troll, instead he got an “E” for Exceeds Expectaions and a better fit would have given him a more polished look.

B OY S

This year plaid has made a comeback and relaxed fit jean for guys is definitely the way to go during the winter. We found two male students during lunch, sophomores David Scott and Garrey Joseph Agustine, who both embraced these popular fall styles.

They both paired plaid shirts with jeans and a neutral sneaker. David paired his blue plaid shirt with relaxed fit jeans and black sneakers; Garrey paired his white plaid shirt with relaxed fit jeans and white Converse sneakers. Our winner of the fashion face-off was Garrey because of his attention to detail.

photos by Leah Quisenberry, reporter

David Scott

8 Devil’s Advocate | Arts & Entertainment

Now: “Wayside”, another Nickelodeon original, is based off of the fiction series “Wayside School” by author Louis Sachar. The show, like in the books, is haunted by the imaginary Miss Zarves on the imaginary 19th floor. The show is all about the new kid at school, Todd, and his adventures adapting to life as a student at the top floor of Wayside School. Though some argue that the show is great, some still wonder if it can ever replace the Cartoon classic Doug.

Then: Ending in 1997, MTV’s Beavis and Butthead was a show about two highly obnoxious and rude rock-loving teenage boys that swept the nation in a stream of vulgarity and dark humor. The two teenagers, who attended (most of the time anyway) high school in Highland, Texas brought humor to MTV with their unacceptable behavior and the struggles of teachers to control the two. In 1996, after three years of laughs Beavis and Butthead were featured in a full length movie called “Beavis and Butthead Do America”. Four years of comedy ensued as the show was meant to attract teenagers and young adults and still to this day is regarded as a great show.

Now: Arguably just as popular as MTV’s Beavis and Butthead, Family Guy has episodes airing on three networks including Fox, Cartoon Network, and TBS. This show is the epitome of modern cartoons, employing humor that borders on the line between hilarious and just plain vulgar. It features protagonist Peter Griffin in his daily adventures with his wife, Lois, and his quirky best friends. Set in the small town of Quahog, the show takes many risks in parodying issues ranging from politics to raising kids. Since 2005 the show has been raising controversy and daring to defy the FCC, staying popular to this very day.

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Garrey left his shirt open with a neutral undershirt that contrasted nicely with the plaid shirt; his rolled up sleeves really emphasized the outfit’s casual feel. His jeans were a nice neutral color, but his shoes really gave him an “O” for outstanding. His white Converse low-tops brought the whole outfit together with Garrey Joseph Agustine their red trim, pulling together the plaid and the sneakers.

By KATIE RAYMOND, Features Editor & LIZ SABATINO, reporter

photos from the Internet

Fashion Face Off

Through the Decades

SpongeBob SquarePants: Since May of 1999, SpongeBob has captured the hearts of children and adults alike. The bubbly sponge and his two best friends, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks, roam the deep blue sea in Bikini Bottom, having adventures and annoying his perpetually sullen neighbor. From t-shirts to toys, the craze is apparent in almost every home. The quirky cartoon characters have inspired several full length feature films, including the box office breaking SpongeBob SquarePants Movie in 2004. Unfortunately, the show has now met its end with the final episode having aired in late November 2010.

Television, since its humble beginnings, has always been a very influential and powerful means of communication. This idea is bolstered by the long lasting trends that are evident through the years, and even decades. Some shows are more suited for long runs, and some shows will forever be remembered.

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Intense Practice: How Much Is Too Much?

Athlete of the Issue: Eric Tallbacka

By BRYEON JONES, reporter

Eric Tallbacka is an extremely talented freshman cross-country prospect who has just finished his first season competing for the Stanton varsity team.

Photo By Akeem Edwards

Photo By Akeem Edwards

.............................

I

n the eyes of a high school coach, success is measured in sweat. As we all know, the amount of work and sweat put into practice throughout the week doesn’t always reflect the amount of points on the scoreboard at the end of a game. Still, the level of intensity that the players commit to at practice is the best indicator of their willingness to win on game night.

Our school’s sports teams are no strangers to this tradition. Football is perhaps the epitome of an intensive sport. Not only did they practice everyday after school during the fall and spring last year, but their practice schedule extended into summer break. A typical summer practice lasted six hours, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Although the practice times can be very beneficial to the players’ conditioning, they leave a wider margin for injury.

In addition to the extensive practice regimens, the players also have to deal with the sometimes stifling weather conditions. The sporadic Florida weather can be unbearably hot in the summer and bitterly cold in the fall and winter. Practice becomes somewhat of a hazard when players have to worry about staying hydrated or worry about staying warm.

Football practices typically start off with stretching followed by running 1000 yards for conditioning. Then, after a ten-minute water break, each of the offensive, defensive, and special teams units conduct their own practices, followed by individual player workouts. Break time in shaded areas is allowed in between drills in order to prevent exhaustion.

As practice carries on, the intensity level of the players builds up, especially between the offensive and defensive units during scrimmage. Spirit and guts is demonstrated by the excessive yelling as one unit tries to outdo the other and establish bragging rights. When asked if the football practice was too intense, varsity wide-receiver and

Football By The Numbers

By Mason Miller, reporter

10

Devil’s Advocate | Sports

cornerback Rickey Floyd said, “I feel like we could’ve been pushed even more. The more work you put into practice, the better the plays will be executed.”

Stanton boy’s basketball is also another example of Stanton’s more intensive sports. Basketball season is in full swing and with the addition of new coach Robert Esguerra and a new practice regimen, the boy’s basketball team seems to be more concentrated than ever before.

According to varsity player and co-captain, Bruce Bradley, “with Coach Esguerra, it’s constant drill after drill.” Rather than focusing on the whole array of basketball skills, players may focus on one particular skill, such as shooting, defense, or getting rebounds, for an entire practice. This is done in an effort to get players to successfully master each individual skill and thus improve their overall game.

The increased focus on conditioning contributes to the team’s performance on the court. “Last year, we would just go into games unconditioned. There’s definitely a change and you can see the results,” said Bruce Bradley.

Although some particular sports practices can be grueling, not all of Stanton’s sports conform to this pattern. Stanton boy’s soccer practices can be “sometimes more intensive than other times”, according to varsity player Dorian Maness. When asked if he would describe his practice as intensive, fellow varsity soccer team member, Ryan Baker, replied, “not at all. We usually just mess with the underclassmen. If the coach gets mad, we run a lot, but it’s tradition to mess with the underclassmen.” But despite their relatively laid-back practice routine, Stanton boy’s soccer is among the most successful sports here at Stanton.

For the past three years they have achieved strong records and have gone on to the district and state championships. It goes to show that intense practice is not always a necessary means to success, but it does have its benefits. It largely depends on the sport.

4

Upperclassmen starters on boys’ varsity basketball.

3

Upperclassmen starters on girls’ varsity basketball.

8

I

triggered my running career in March of 2009, where I ran my first mile race. If one looked at me back then, it could be easily assumed that I would have no future in running whatsoever.

At the time, my 5 feet 2 inch, 115 pound, short chub of a body could only go so fast, which was a 5:55 mile. I definitely didn’t look like a runner. Now I’m expected to do that pace for 6 miles consecutively.

I find running to be an amusing sport, especially if you’re a male. The shorts that cross country runners wear are almost short enough to receive a dress code violation. When I run down any street, I’m looked at with astonishment. I enjoy this though; I take pride in the fact that my attire consists of some flimsy running shorts and shoes that I’ve run 600 miles with.

Sometimes when I run past a group of kids, they try to run with me for a short period of time. Their short strides, hard breathing and heavy footsteps always makes me laugh.

Coming to Stanton first crossed my mind when I met my new, good friend David Emami, senior cross-country captain, at a local track meet. This was about three to four months after I began running when I was slow and still had the love handles.

So at the time I saw David I wasn’t exactly being heavily recruited by any schools, but he told me to keep at it.

I secretly knew he wanted to be left alone at the time, for I was not exactly what he was looking for, but little did David know I would also become a gifted runner.

After meeting David, I realized I needed to step it up. I undertook the goal to be better than the average runner, so I commenced running some 50-mile weeks with a local track club. I kept at it, like David told me to.

When I saw him 7-8 months later, I gladly reformed his opinion of me. I was taken seriously this time, and asked if I wanted to train with him, or maybe even the team every once in a while. So, over the next 7 months I trained with the Stanton cross-country team, then I joined the team officially on the first day of school.

Now, I have completed my first cross-country season. I’ve met an abundance of people that I feel will be good friends of mine for years to come.

After three months of hard training this season, I got down to 16:24 in the 5k, which puts me ranked as the 3rd freshman in the state of Florida, and it puts me as one of the top freshman runners in the country. This took some 65-mile weeks, some blisters on my feet, and a lot of pain.

This year, we had a better girls and boys team than any other year in Stanton’s history. I encourage many people to come out for cross-country next year. I’ve never had so much fun while at the same time boosting my physical fitness level.

Hopefully others like me will take a chance and join crosscountry. I’d like to thank everyone on the team for the great season, and I’d like to thank Coach Smith on helping me get this far. GO BLUE DEVILS!

Stanton winter sports.

2

All-Area athletes on the Stanton varsity football team.

1

Academic All-Area athlete on Stanton varsity football team.

Dive In With Leslie Flanders

Photo by Nicole Delos-Reyes

By YASMIN ALI, reporter

Endurance, stamina, and dedication are all qualities needed to excel in sports. For some people these qualities are naturally present, but it is rare to find a person who possesses these qualities and is also a personable individual like Stanton’s sophomore Leslie Flanders. She has become a popular athletic figure on campus recently and hopes to leave her mark on the school long after her departure.

Swimming is one of Flanders’ many passions, but as a pre-IB sophomore balancing sports and academics can be difficult when trying to excel in sports.

“Knowing the rewarding feeling after I swim keeps me determined.

And swimming takes a lot of the stress of Stanton away for a few hours while I’m at practice,” said Flanders.

Not only does she swim for Stanton, Flanders also runs for the track team. Although she enjoys track, her true passion is swimming.

“I’ve been on the swim team since I was just three, and I just grew up in the water, so it’s what I love,” said Flanders. “Track is fun too but I just started it freshmen year.”

As an accomplished swim and track athlete, Flanders has received awards in track and swimming. In track she runs the 800m and has

recently attended the Regional competition. This year Flanders finished 14th in the FHSAA Swimming and Diving Finals in the 100 free and the 100 breast. Earlier this year she won at Regionals, and for the past two years she has competed in state.

Mr. Bob Fleming, Stanton’s swimming coach, recognizes Flanders’ hard work and dedication and realizes that her career in swimming could take her far.

“She is one of the best swimmers at Stanton, and she could get a swimming scholarship for college,” said Coach Fleming.

When she heard the praise Coach Fleming said she felt overwhelmed.

“That’s nice of him. That means a lot, because it’s definitely a sport you have to be good at; you can’t just have the natural ability to be the best swimmer,” said Flanders. Recently all of Flanders’ hard work was recognized when she was chosen for the Vystar Athletes Award. Each week, this award honors high school athletes who excel in academics and community service.

Flanders was honored to win the award and be recognized for her work.

“I feel really flattered,” said Flanders. “It’s a good feeling to know my hard work is being recognized. Since the Vystar Award recognizes my grades and community service as well, I feel like I am being awarded for more than just being an athlete.” In the end her main goal is just to have fun swimming, running, and enjoying life.

Stanton’s Game Faces Photos by AKEEM EDWARDS, Senior Photographer

Year in and year out, Stanton sports are known for their intense fans. With groups like the 12th Man Club, Stanton students intimidate rivals with their frightening game faces and school spirit.

* !

r!! e n n i W

The Good, Bad & Ugly

By LIZ SABATINO, reporter

The Good:

Stanton fans supporting their boys’ basketball team at their first home game by showing up in all white.

The Bad:

The Varsity Boys Soccer team’s 4-0 loss to Ponte Vedra.

unbearable heat and The Ugly: The humidity in the Gym during the first week of basketball games.

Sports | Devil’s Advocate 11

Stanton & Tea Party Politics How the grassroots movement has found a place at Stanton. By ELLIOTT BEALE, reporter

I

t is normal for teens to feel passionate about something, but in high school most of these passions exist only for fashion, schoolwork, sports, art, etc. Recently though, some teenagers are feeling the need to immerse themselves in politics, mainly, Tea Party politics.

What started as a 1773 rebellion led by Boston colonists, now known as the American Tea Party, has turned into another revolution that has rapidly spread across America and throughout Stanton. It’s a movement that happens to base itself on many of the same principles the colonists once did, though it exists 237 years later. The Tea Party, a grassroots movement, calls not only adults but the youth to support their cause and Stanton is only beginning to see the effects of the revolution.

The activists call themselves Tea Partiers, in which case “Tea” stands for Taxed Enough Already, and have no defined leader and a varying universal platform. Jonathan Rauch, contributing editor at the National Journal, said in a Sept. 15, 2010 NPR radio interview that “they’re trying to reeducate the whole country, change the way Americans think about their relationship to the government.” The Tea Party isn’t actually a government party, yet almost 17 million Americans define themselves as having some connection to the movement. It is estimated that there are over 4,000 tea party groups across the United States, including Jacksonville whose group is called First Coast Tea Party, but many Americans still remain confused about what the party stands for and what the groups are working towards.

While the beliefs tend to vary from tea party group to tea party group, according to the Tea Party Patriot’s official website, their core values are fiscal responsibility, a constitutionally limited government and free markets. This means the supporters do not want the American government to spend more than it makes, they believe the government should only have the powers stated directly in the Constitution and the government should not interfere in the direction of private businesses in America.

Along with the thousands of generally all adult Tea Party groups springing up around the country, there are also many teenage activists who have decided to take matters into their own hands. One of these groups calls itself the Tea Party Youth, or TPY.

“People don’t really expect much out of us. It blows people away when they see young people voicing their concerns, and working for things other than our own desires.”

-Tea Party Youth Advocates They have an official website, t-shirts, a Twitter account, and a Facebook page, everything that a political group in the modern day needs to make an impact and that, most importantly, is what the group does. Members of the TPY have spoken at numerous rallies, including one in St. Louis, Missouri on Sept. 12, 2010 for the November elections.

The group encourages teens to get involved in the Tea Party and to realize that not only adults and politicians can influence change. TPY also puts an emphasis on what they call a hidden advantage that teenagers have, saying on their website that often adults undermine teens ability.

In Jacksonville, high schoolers and college students who are concerned about the direction the government is headed are called to join “We the Future,” a youth movement supported by the local First Coast Tea Party.

This movement has also come to spread throughout Stanton with many students not only balancing a heavy academic workload but also advocating for political change.

“I feel like the Tea Party is an important conservative action,” says junior Aaron Badida, “it represents a necessary voice in an increasingly liberalized government. It does, however, undermine the solidity of the Republican Party which could prove interesting.”

Patrick Rickert, also a junior and the president of the Teenage Republicans, comes from a family of Independents but plans to register as a Republican when he turns eighteen. He is also a supporter of the Tea Party movement and believes people and the government should live within their means, something the Tea Party revolution is trying hard to encourage. Aaron Oswald, a senior, agrees with Rickert saying that he believes in “fiscal conservatism and lower taxes.”

While Rickert has not attended any Tea Party rallies, he did support both Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, two Tea Party candidates, in the 2010 elections, seeing both as the best option for Florida. He volunteered with the Republican Party to help get these candidates elected but considers his greatest support of the Tea Party as “talking to people and teaching them about the basic philosophy of fiscal conservatism.”

The current movement is dealing with what the activists refer to as a large government and an abundance of taxes, much like the colonists were dealing with over two hundred years ago, but instead of fighting for representation in legislature, the Tea Partiers are fighting for new representatives. Aligning itself with the Republican Party, the Tea Party achieved major wins in the November 2010 U.S. Senate, House, and Gubernatorial elections. Some of these major U.S. Senate victories include Marco Rubio from Florida, Rand Paul from Kentucky, and Ron Johnson from Wisconsin.

Rickert added, “By teaching people about the movement, I am able to dispel rumors such as that the party is a racist movement or other such nonsense.”

The Republicans also hold governorship in more than half of the states and now have the majority in the House of Representatives, with 239 seats, while the Democrats only have 196 seats.

Most of the Republican successes were achieved because of Tea Party support, especially in Florida. Rubio, soon to be a freshman U.S. Senator, is one of the leading faces for the movement; Florida’s newly elected governor Rick Scott was also backed by the Tea Party. Both of these recently elected officials plan to reduce government spending and taxes and increase job opportunities. Rubio refers to his ideas as “Reclaiming America,” and claims that some of his ideas are “so straightforward that it is amazing that Washington has refused to do them.”

Rickert is excited about Rubio’s win saying, “He won such an overwhelming victory that we know he has the support of the people and will be able to do great things.” He even feels that Rubio may be a possible candidate for the 2012 vice presidential election, but quickly clarifies that it is way too early to tell. While he was not as enthused with Scott’s success, Rickert felt his background in business will allow him to lead Florida in a time of economic hardship.

As for the Tea Party, Rickert believes they will be able to make a difference. He says, “I hope that they rein back Republicans to their conservative roots and free the party of the distorted name brought by candidates and congress people whose sole goals are reelection and their own wealth.” He does warn that if the movement becomes too extreme, it could lose its original ideals and ultimately become harmful to the American government.

Not only has the Tea Party movement spread throughout the student body, but many teachers have also become supporters. Mr. David Howard, AP European History teacher, refers to the movement as a “refreshing popular phenomenon with people who care about our Constitution and are not swayed by political correctness.” He hopes that it will reduce the role of the American government and end careless spending. As for the recent elections, Mr. Howard was happy with the results but he still remains doubtful in Rubio and Scott.

To Mr. Allen Gandell, AP and Honors Physics teacher, the Tea Party was once a silent movement that no longer remains quiet due to the seriousness of the current economic and social problems in the United States. He believes that it is “hard to disagree with their principles of smaller government and balanced budgets,” saying that the Tea Partiers “are only telling us that government cannot continue to disobey the laws of common sense without serious negative repercussions.” Mr. Gandell has supported the movement by voting for Tea Party candidates in recent elections and has even written numerous letters to his government representatives.

Support for the Tea Party movement is not the only thing sweeping across Stanton though, as there are just as many teachers and students that oppose the group’s ideals.

Mr. Clay Peterson, Geometry and Algebra II teacher, believes that “the impact of the Tea Party is overstated and with or without the movement, the November election results would have turned out more or less the same.” Sophomore Thomas Hunt disagrees with the economic and social policies of the Tea Party saying, “the movement does not support equal rights for gays or immigrants and the gap between the rich and the poor has been growing in America for the past 30 years, yet the Tea Party wants to lower taxes for the rich.” Mr. Kevin Sharpe, AP U.S. History teacher, agrees, mentioning, “everyone knows a $14 trillion debt is not healthy, we now must come up with practical solutions to solve the problems.” He says the Tea Party activists “seem to have good ideas, but stop far short of offering any practical solutions.”

Features | Devil’s Advocate 13

Mr. E.J. McKnight, AP English Literature and African American History teacher, does not align himself with the Tea Party movement, but does recognize that the activists have “succeeded with scaring the heck out of Washington and causing the American government to see, once again, that the voice of the people is important.” He believes the Tea Party revolution will have a significant impact on America, saying “the movement will change the direction of politics forever.” Mr. McKnight does prefer that the Tea Party never becomes an actual political party but mentions, “it is a movement that cannot be ignored.”

While some say it may be entirely too early to tell what kind of impact the Tea Party will have, most supporters have high hopes for the movement. But as to whether or not it will become an actual government party, right now it is impossible to tell.

Stanton Political Views

By KATIE RAYMOND, Features Editor

Since the beginning of the 2010 political season media has surrounded students with political propaganda. However, changes are being made to the political spectrum because of the new movement known as the Tea Party. This is what students at Stanton have to say.

Political Party Identification

Ms. Amy Johns, Pre-IB English I teacher, says “I don’t know what effect the movement will have, but I hope that it will move right wing politics away from religion and more towards economics.”

Lenny Curry, head of the Duval County Republican Party, compared the Tea Party to the Reform Party of the 1990s. The Reform Party was a movement that many Republicans claim helped then Gov. Bill Clinton get elected president in 1992. While the party still exists, it doesn’t play a large role on the modern political scene. He does not know whether or not this will happen with the Tea Party movement though, saying, “only time will tell.”

As for Rickert, he warns that if the movement becomes too radical then the Tea Party could end up hurting the United States, instead of helping it. Mr. Howard just hopes the movement can stop the government from having too much power and put an end to reckless spending. Both will continue to support the movement though, as long as it does not lean too far into extremism.

So far, the movement seems to have made a large impact on people across the nation and at Stanton, but whether or not it will remain strong is unpredictable. Sophomore Maria Walts says “whether you’re for it or against it, it’s still important because it’s a step forward in making a difference.” But for right now Mr. Curry’s words are true, “only time will tell.”

Democrat 19%

Republican 39%

Students who relate to the tea party.

Relate 38%

Do Not Relate 62%

Independent 42%

Is the tea party important?

Yes 32%

No 68%

* polls based on 125 students

Is the Tea Party important?

“I think the Tea Party movement inspires new ideas of reform and also shows how much some people oppose the policies of the Obama administration.” –James Driscoll, 10th “It definitely gives a lot of people a say in politics today, even to show opposition to the Democratic policies.” – Taylor Bliss, 9th “I think it is a very well thought political movement and it is about time that we had some type of change.” –Michael Zakikhani, 10th “Every generation has a political movement like this. It’s nothing new.” –Carley Taylor, 10th “I feel that the Tea Party is not really appropriate because healthcare might help. But we won’t know until it takes effect.” –Jonathan Hood, 9th “I feel it is stupid. Just let everything be the way it is and wait for the next presidential election.” –Jamal McBroom, 9th “I think it is important because we are in dire need of something to bring us out of debt, and the Tea Party movement may be the answer” –Chris Geisler, 10th

14 Devil’s Advocate | Features

“I see the positives because big budget would allow internal improvement. But changing things to much could do more harm then anything. –Kaylee Bean, 11th “I feel it will effect our government in small ways but I do not think it will not make it irreparable.” –Lawson Nuland, 10th “I agree with the movement because I think that if you want things to happen, the best way to accomplish change is to go for it yourself.” –Bo Phelan, 10th “I feel it is great because people are speaking out but sometimes they get carried away” –Jeremy Shaffer, 11th “I feel like they are misunderstood because the Tea Party has a negative connotation due to the radicals that are in the group” –William Tiner, 10th “I think that they are people who express what is right in their opinion even if it defers from what others think.” –Rico Feliciano, 12th “I feel it is good because people should speak out for what they believe in.

-Jany Nguyen, 10th

photo by Akeem Edwards, Senior Photographer

Staying at Stanton

By NICOLE DELOS REYES, reporter

In past years, Stanton students have experienced a population decrease throughout the course of their high school career. Their peers leave Stanton due to many reasons—it may be the rigorous curriculum, or it may be that the environment at Stanton is not a place where they feel comfortable. Whatever the case, students left, which made way for a population shrink per grade, particularly during freshman year.

This year, however, the population of Stanton might be more stable because leaving is not as simple as it once was. There are currently 1,608 students enrolled at Stanton, with a gain of 100 students, and a small loss of 20. But why it that the case? This population “boom” has been caused by the increased assistance the school is offering for students who may be falling behind. They are being helped out to obtain adequate grades, and are being encouraged to stay at Stanton, thus, contributing to a stable population per class, rather than a shrinking class each year.

Although these plans may contribute to overcrowding, students are receiving a higher quality of education.

In past years, all students could do in

order to improve a failing grade was to go through a process called grade recovery. According to the Stanton website, this recovery policy depended upon the teacher’s choice if a student is eligible and included a mastery of skills and content in whatever curriculum or class it is being sought. However, it is not guaranteed that the grade previously received will go up. Nonetheless, this is an opportunity most students take advantage of and most teachers provide for their students after report cards have been sent out.

Now, there are more safety nets in store to ensure that students are getting as much help as possible. Learning recovery, which is now a part of the Duval County School Student Progression Plan, is similar to grade recovery. It requires a “D” or an “F” as a quarter grade, and the highest grade earned is a “C.” Students are given the opportunity to make up work they have missed, and they must also complete the learning recovery program approved by the district prior to the end of the grading period (the principal is allowed to give an extension). If at any point in the fourth quarter a student is making less than satisfactory progress, they must begin immediate recovery and complete

the process before the end of the school year, unless the principal sees an extension to be needed. All of these aids aim towards progress and proficiency of all students at Stanton.

Stanton is also trying to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress. Established in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, sets goals for schools that receive Title I funds, targeting the whole school’s population as well as its demographic subgroups.

According to GreatSchools.org, a website that provides over 200,000 listings of public and private schools, the goal of this act is for all students to reach a proficiency level in reading and in mathematics by the 2013-2014 school year.

Last year, according to Stanton principal Mrs. Nongongoma Majova-Seane, two subgroups—African-Americans and economically challenged—did not meet the 72 percent expectation. As a result, the whole school did not meet the AYP goals of the last academic year.

In order to meet AYP goals this year, teachers are working with students to ensure that Stanton reachesit’s objectives.

“All teachers have to include individual development plans and the instructional strate-

gies to use with students in the AYP subgroups,” said Mrs. Julie Dupries, Stanton assistant principal and curriculum coordinator.

The administration, teachers, and staff are doing their best to keep the students here at Stanton. It may be causing crowds to build up in the halls and in the classrooms, but these issues can be easily overlooked if the education and academic experience here is not altered due to the overcrowd. There are many opportunities for help and keeping grades satisfactory. According to Mrs. Majova, Stanton students are “self-driven learners.” It will not just take self-motivation, but also help from teachers, other students, and parents. With that, Stanton might never see the trend of a shrinking class size, but instead, have a stable environment where peers will be with each other throughout their entire high school career.

Features | Devil’s Advocate 15

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School Politics

Jazelle Handoush, Editor-in-Chief Morgan Donnelly, Managing Editor Missy Major, Arts & Entertainment Editor Betsy Dailo, Script Editor Ana-Alesia Hagins, Opinions Editor Greg Todaro, Campus Affairs Editor Katie Raymond, Features Editor Ethan Brady, Sports Editor

Most high school students will recognize the fact that school elections are merely a popularity contest, and even parents and teachers will remember the fact that the charismatic, attractive athletes usually won most school elections and contests. If this is such a common stereotype, then why is nothing being done to reverse the trend, especially in a school such as Stanton where students pride themselves on surpassing typical high school tendencies?

It is a rare occurrence to overhear someone running for class office to discuss all the great things they are hoping to do for the school. It is even rarer for those people to actually fulfill their promises once they are elected. In fact, most officers are simply figureheads for their class, occasionally giving a cameo appearance on the morning news to remind everyone to pay their dues. Sometimes, if the school is lucky, the junior class officers will throw a prom that isn’t a complete disaster and people might actually be able to recall the name of the freshman president.

American democracy is based on representation of its constituents; in fact, democracy in general is founded on a government created with the main purpose of representing the people. Although class officers are fairly elected by the members of their class to represent them, they rarely take into consideration their opinion. However, in their defense, the school hardly even permits them to make changes, improvement, or anything that would allow them to leave the slightest imprint on Stanton. In fact, student government is such a lost cause, the only plausible reason for its existence is to look nice on college applications.

Every year the student body faces school elections that are marked by colorful posters lining the breezeway, campaign paraphernalia, and cries of “You better vote for me;” sadly, this is all just a guise for a popularity contest or a clever way of putting one’s face all over the school.

The Devil’s Advocate serves as the official newspaper of Stanton College Preparatory School. It is produced monthly by members of the Journalism class. The editors reserve the right to edit any material submitted to the paper for content, grammar, length, and accuracy.

The Devil’s Advocate is a public forum for student expression, which encourages free exchanges of opinions concerning controversial and non-controversial community and school related issues. The ideas and advertisements expressed within the newspaper are not necessarily those of the newspaper adviser, school administration, or the Duval County Public School Board.

The Devil’s Advocate accepts advertisements from all businesses in the Stanton community. The ad format can be given to the staff or the adviser, Mr. Larry Knight.

Students, faculty, and parents may contact the staff and adviser at (904)-630-6760 ext. 143 or at knightl1@duvalschools.org.

Grade “A” Education Stanton’s reputation has earned it much praise in its years as a public magnet school.

Known as one of the top academic schools in the nation, expectations placed on its students are rigorous and stress inducing, to say the least. But Stanton has thus far successfully met and even surpassed what is required of it as a public institution since its first senior class graduated in 1984. For nearly a decade, Stanton has received as school grade of “A” every school year. Only once, in 1999, has our academic haven earned a less than satisfactory grade of “C.” Stanton students should feel privileged in their ability to attend a school with as prestigious a reputation as this. We owe debts of gratitude to our faculty, those who have set the standards that seem impossible to reach and those who have pushed us and encouraged us to exceed them. Under the supervision of knowledgeable guidance counselors and an incredible teaching and administration staff, we should feel cushioned and confident in the abilities of our school, and by extension, ourselves.

This being said, students should always bear in mind the responsibilities given to them as scholars. Our school has not earned a grade of “A” for 9 consecutive years based solely on its faculty and staff or its status. Students are the heart and soul of Stanton’s able body; we give life and take knowledge in a relationship of symbiosis. The rank and prestige of the school are based on the continued care and improvement in regards to not only test scores and standards, but learning as a whole. It is important for students to remember that they do not simply attend an “A” school… they make an “A” school. We should not rest on reputation; we should instead fight diligently to climb toward higher and higher standards and elevate our school to the highest possible stature.

It is apparent, unfortunately, that some students do not see the importance of their individual performance at Stanton. Some students understand FCAT as a joke, a mockery and an excuse to catch up on some well deserved sleep. What they don’t understand is that this comprehensive test is a major factor in determining a school’s grade, and that every individual plays a pivotal role in the outcome. The underperformance of a student body whose potential is almost immeasurable can, and will, lead to a devastation of the admiration and praise Stanton has labored for through the years.

Of course, teachers and staff are fully aware and familiar with the emphasis placed on test scores and the success of the student body. It is their duty as mentors, resources, and educators to encourage their students to make a serious effort in all that they do. Our staff has also become accustomed to the high praise showering Stanton, but they cannot forget their obligation to rally the student body into affirmative action, reminding us of the meaning, prominence, and promise of our labors. Administrators, guidance counselors, advisors and teachers: this is your call to action. Keep us in line; make us aware of the weight we bear as Stanton students, and help us tolerate the burden when we feel that it is too much to bear.

We know the importance of our performance in school when it comes to our own grades, but we must always keep in mind the importance of our efforts in determining the school’s grade. We can not coast on the accomplishments of those before us, but strive to better our school and pave a path for those who will follow. After all, Stanton is our home and deserves the very care and accommodations it has provided for us.

How Much Is Too Much?

We’ve all heard the cliché, “there’s a time and place for everything,” but in today’s society it appears that “everything” can be done anywhere. The fact that immodesty is accepted erases all boundaries, and brings forth the question: how much is too much?

In recent years the things that were once seen as shameful have become a social norm.

For example, “grinding” is a form of dancing when two people, basically, rub their private parts against one another. It’s praised in music, and has made its way into America’s entertainment industry. People perform the dances in these songs and they are lauded by the majority. If we were to take those dances, or even those songs, back 30-40 years ago it would be almost unheard of, and the people who did conduct themselves in such a manner did it secretly because it was frowned upon back then.

Clearly times have changed and so has the paradigms of society, but does that make it alright to conduct one’s self in a way that was once frowned upon? If so, then either the line for immodesty is short and thin or there is no line at all. If a blind eye is turned to what was once condemned, then it opens doors to the approval of bawdy behavior, and erases all boundaries; thus making modesty only a figment of the imagination.

A way to prevent such social failures is by living above society’s standards. It is an internal solution that has the potential to affect everyone overall. With people being ignorant of the lowly common standards, it makes it hard for them to see the need for a change.

If immodesty is a figment of the imagination and nothing more, then there are no social standards. The lack of change or the lack of understanding of why a change is needed shows the complacency of our society. There are no limits to vanity, and we are fine with that. Though this may seem as minor problem, it can lead to other social dilemmas. Soon morality and values will only be a fool’s paradise, and materialism will be the thread that keeps this country knitted together, but that’s if we don’t find some antidote for this civil virus now.

We have to determine how much is too much and make sure we don’t overflow with carelessness.

Halos

Pitchforks

We crown Mrs. O’Connor and her staff with a halo for their diverse selection of talent for the 2010-2011 Fall Fest, and we crown the performers for their outstanding achievements.

We give a pitchfork to the new Coke products with a pitchfork because of their lack of variety. Not only are they all diet, but they have decreased in bottle size and increased in prices.

We crown the administration with a halo for their crack down on dress code violations. If they don’t like wearing the scrubs then maybe they should wear something a little longer.

We are definitely awarding the decal prices this year with a pitchfork since they pricked our pockets for an extra $15. We pay more to park further away from the school, what a concept!

Opinions | Devil’s Advocate 17

If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my short life it is that some people are going to talk about you. It doesn’t matter how much you socialize with them or if you even know them. It’s just one of those things in life that we can’t control, and the only thing we can do is accept it.

To begin, people seem to have egos so big that they think they are entitled to retaliate whenever someone says something that contradicts or degrades the idea they have of themselves. Author and illustrator Diana Black said, “Big egos are big shields for lots of empty space.” These kinds of people feel that they have something to guard from others, which only goes to show how fragile they really are. When they feel that “shield” is being attacked they react to show that they possess some type of power whether it is physical or mental.

It just seems like the idea of being the “bigger person” has flown out of the window, and it’s all about having respect or having people fear them. Somehow being loud and displaying physical brutality is the way to show strength when you’re angry. Abraham Lincoln said, “We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it.” One’s strength doesn’t necessarily lie in their physical ability, but in self discipline. If you can manage a presentable level of integrity and decency in times of trials or in the midst of verbal conflict, then what’s not to respect?

Because people have built up their egos and persuaded themselves to be above any and everybody else, it’s hard for them to maintain a sense of self control because you’re attacking the “shield” they use to protect their insecurities. Even when people say things about them that aren’t true, they react, and it’s pointless because their reaction doesn’t take back what was said nor does it prove their accusation to be false. Their insecurities make them sensitive to everything and it weighs them down, internally, until it truly becomes a chip on their soldier.

The main conclusion that I’ve come to is that petty people get angry and worked up over petty things. Winston Churchill said, “A man is about as big as the things that make him angry.” That simply means if you get angry over the small things people say that’s only because you’re a person who doesn’t have a backbone. Honestly, I feel bad for those people who truly believe that they won’t have to cross the line if people know their limits. Whenever I hear that I say to myself, “who are you that we should beware your tolerance level? Maybe you should get a clue and realize that life isn’t about you, and that your internal insecurities do not involve us. Maybe you should see a therapist or save it for Oprah because that clearly sounds like a personal problem.” Insecurities are meant to be handled personally, but if it is belittling to be the bigger person, then it’s best that one not associate with others until those insecurities are stable enough to handle criticism.

By ANA-ALESIA HAGINS, Opinions Editor

Our Stanton Family

We all know who our friends are. No matter how open and friendly we claim to be, there are certain status quos and limitations that we fall victim to; using conflicting interests and divisive perceptions to build walls that we contentedly stand behind, quietly observing those outside our comfort zone.

Arguably, it is simply human nature that causes us to select the few and the privileged that we want to call our friends. But we have veered so far from our origins that natural selection is no longer a feasible argument for the formation of cliques, which in themselves are equated to impenetrable fortresses. Why, then, do we find ourselves labeled and lumped in with a generalized group? It is undeniable- we are marked. Most high schools are characterized by severe delineations that separate classmates into cliques and former friends into forever enemies.

From the tables at which we eat lunch to the people we greet in the hallway, our labels are perpetuated daily. But Stanton students, compared to most high schools, are exceptionally open in the people they interact with. Stanton’s cliques, while still evident, are notably less pronounced and exclusive than those on the typical high school scene. Our groups of friends are not set in stone nor are they limited; instead they are constantly changing and growing to welcome people of all dynamics. It is not uncommon to see a jock seeking advice from a brain brawler, an honors student sharing with an I.B. kid, or an artsy type cracking jokes with a popular girl. It probably has something to do with the fact that Stanton students come from a multitude of different backgrounds. We come from different feeder schools, sides of town, cultural influences, moral upbringings, ethnicities, customs, and beliefs.

Diversity is a facet of life that has not only been accepted at Stanton, but has grown to be embraced.

It is important to consider, however, that other schools may have less intercultural interactions because they simply draw from a lesser population; neighborhood schools’ lack of diversity is to be accredited to their locations, not blatant segregation. Stanton is different. We as a school are a mixture of passions and ideas, of environments and influences. Because we have been surrounded by these diversities for so long, we no longer see the discrepancies in our skin color, our interests, our states of mind.

Stanton students are not concerned by the norms and the expected. We are adept at seeking friendship in all facets of the student body; not only for own our well being but for the benefit of others. We further our educations and our morals alongside people we never thought we’d encounter. Stanton students grow to ignore the preconceived notions that some other schools base their existences upon. We learn to turn a blind eye to the shouldn’ts and the mustn’ts of social expectations. And we grow to love our peers, no matter how different we are. photos by Akeem Edwards

Big Egos Are For The Insecure

By LIZ SABATINO, reporter

The Grand Old Herring The Tea Party Movement is the AstroTurf of grassroots, founded on scapegoating, inaction and red herrings.

In a word, it is a pratfall; a very public, pseudo-political pratfall.

The movement is oft-touted as a populist movement, a people’s uprising against the elite, mirroring the adage, “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

With some of the biggest names in conservative media (Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Dick Armey, et al.) backing the movement since its very beginning in 2009, one could hardly consider it ‘grassroots.’ At its very core, the Tea Party is a manufactured amalgam of talking points and disdain for the current administration.

Motivated by nostalgia and patriotism, the Tea Partiers pine for the days when America was still throwing off the oppressive British rule - surely a surprise, given its name is

By BILLY VAUGHN, Contributing Writer

18

Devil’s Advocate | Opinions

homage to the 1773 incident in Boston. The emergence of the current ‘uprising’ was largely motivated by government claustrophobia, a fear of the invasion of the private sector by the Obama administration. From the ashes of bailed out banks rose the Tea Party Movement, rearing its head to save the country from the encroaching socialist regime and the death of America as we know it. A return to the glory days of 1776 was and is the only way to save our nation from its impending doom. Taking pages from the policies of the 18th century, the Tea Party formulated the following key platform concepts: reduction of government spending, the lowering of taxes, an originalist interpretation of the Constitution, and a reduction of the national debt and deficit while still managing to provide the government-funded programs that the average American has come to expect.

On paper, these ideas all appear dandy. As a general principle, people enjoy their taxes being lowered, and with the national debt approaching 14 trillion dollars, it seems wise to reduce government spending and attempt to chip away at this rather large figure. In practice, however, these theories cannot all work simultaneously as this would violate basic concepts taught in introductory economics courses.

The Tea Partiers are tenacious, enthusiastic, but horribly misinformed and laughably misguided. The Obama proposed tax cuts would reduce federal income taxes for 98 percent of all working families and individuals. So, the vast majority of citizens would receive the tax reduction that the Tea Party desires. In fact, their namesake implies that this issue is of the utmost import. If this crucial Tea Party stance is congruent with the actions of the Obama administration, why is there such opposition to it?

The answer is rather simple: the rich. The Tea Party Movement is composed entirely of red herrings and serves as a vehicle to not only market conservative ideals to those opposed to the people currently in Washington, but to also generate the opposition itself. It is a self-serving perpetual fear-machine operating under the guise of libertarian non-partisanship. Every Tea Party candidate caucused with Republicans during these past midterm elections. The Tea Party is almost exclusively composed of conservative individuals. It is not a movement. It is not a change. It is a party that exists solely to serve the top 2 percent income bracket, the Republican Party masquerading as something new to generate panic by twisting and veiling the truth. This fear mongering fiend is best called ‘The Grand Old Red Herring.’

Issue of the Issue:

Should Religious Views Influence Political Views?

By ALEXANDRA MORGANTE, reporter

I have a firm belief that not only should religious views influence political views, but it is inevitable that they do. It is simply impossible for anyone to keep their religious views completely detached from their political ones. That would be like attempting to make a cake without eggs – it would just collapse. Just as the eggs bind the ingredients of the cake together, religious views play a similar role, giving solidarity to the actions and aims of individuals. The topic is heavily debated, but the undeniable truth is that the majority of people find religion essential. It’s a core value that forms the basis of people’s thought processes and the manner in which they conduct their lives.

Unless a person claims no religious affiliation and rejects religion altogether, their religious views will always affect their political views to some degree. Since many peoples’ political beliefs are formed after their religious beliefs, I believe that they can be considered an offshoot of religious beliefs, as in my case. Naturally, my personal religious beliefs are an amalgam of my parents’. My mother is a Baptist and father is a Jehovah’s Witness. Even though I am by no means a poster boy for either religious denomination, there are some common central beliefs that I cling to, such as a strict interpretation of the Bible. Since my religious beliefs were formed first, they act as a pillar for my political beliefs. Although I consider myself a liberal Democrat in most aspects, a handful of my political beliefs, especially the ones concerning same-sex marriage and abortion, are more aligned with those of conservatives. Thus, my political views are the very consequence of my religious views.

To say that politicians don’t refer to religion at all when making political decisions would be a false statement. Some are stealthier than others in concealing their religious attitudes. It’s common practice for politicians to claim objectivity in the political stances they make, but our disposition as humans simply does not allow us to be fully impartial with our spiritual ideas.

People should come to realize that they cannot expect politicians to be “unbiased”. That is why I believe if people have the audacity to demand to know the religious affiliation of a politician, then they should align themselves with politicians who have similar religious and political beliefs before they choose them as their representative. Only then should they be expected to tolerate any decisions they choose to make. After all, you can’t expect someone to reject their own religious beliefs. For many religions, strength of conviction is an important component. So, it should come as no surprise that religion carries over into their political actions.

It must be difficult for a politician to make political decisions contrary to their religious beliefs, just as it would be difficult for any individual to behave contrary to what they believe in.

Behaving otherwise would be a betrayal of their beliefs and their very being. As long as a politician does not go so far as to impose their own beliefs upon others, I find it acceptable for them to voice political viewpoints based upon their religious beliefs. Above all else, the people deserve a representative who is sincere with the choices they make in office. photos by Akeem Edwards

The separation of the church from the state has been a subject of argumentation since America was founded.

Voting solely on a candidate’s religious views is wrong, when his political views are what we should be taking into consideration. Politics and religion are two completely different areas when it comes to ideas and affiliations. A person’s political views should not be based on what they believe in religiously. Sometimes the two overlap, such as belief in gay marriage and whether one is pro-life/pro-choice but overall the two are different and should remain that way.

In the McCain/Obama elections in 2008, some people argued that they wouldn’t vote for Barack Obama because he was considered a Muslim; however, shouldn’t we be looking at what our leaders are planning to do with our country rather than what they do on their Sunday mornings?

Family, school, friends, media and religion are all factors that go into a person’s choice of party in politics. When people asked me where I got my political affiliations and ideas from, my answer used to be my parents because I was raised in a Conservative household my entire life, but this changed when I was in eighth grade because my history teacher required his students to choose a side in the election and follow it closely. This included summaries of the debates and volunteer hours to be put in at your party’s headquarters. For those elections, I watched all the debates, read multiple articles about both sides and spent 30+ hours at my local Republican headquarters. I learned all the main beliefs and ideas of the Republicans and the Democrats, but I decided that I believed solely in the Conservative ideals.

I don’t consider myself as a ‘highly religious’ person; I don’t attend church every Sunday and I don’t read out of the Bible before I go to sleep. I do however, have a strong belief in God and I do consider myself a Christian. However, the beliefs that I express towards God don’t have any effect on the beliefs I express towards politics. Some people say if a person’s faith has no effect on their political views, then that person doesn’t believe very strongly towards their beliefs. This statement is false; my faith towards Jesus Christ is just as strong as anybody else’s faith in Him. I just have the self control to separate my religious beliefs from my political beliefs when I need to.

As for the other factors, teenagers get some of their ideas from their friends and that is when they have to decide things for themselves. Some of my friends and I have similar views when it comes to politics, while others completely disagree. For the people that I disagree with, we just agree to disagree and don’t bring up the topic. As for the media, I steer clear from the biased news stations such as FOX and MSNBC and try to rely on more balanced news stations such as CNN. If you were to rely on the biased news stations to get your information on politics, you’ll end up reading news that sometimes “stretches the truth” and doesn’t give you the full story.

Overall, if we allow our religious views to intertwine with our political views then nothing would remain solely on what our president plans on doing with our country, but moreover what he plans on doing in his free time. When it comes to beliefs and ideals, politics and religion are two totally different topics. They have been that way for a long time and should stay that way for the rest of America’s future.

By BRYEON JONES, reporter

Students Speak “Yes, because you have been brought up in that kind of society so you think people should be like you. - Daniya Sayed, 9th

“No, because not everyone believes what I believe so it should affect them.”

- CeCe Bailon, 12th

“No, because if they deserve to be whatever want to be then it shouldn’t matter what they believe in. - Jaleah Tutt, 9th

“Yes, because religion is a major part of someone’s belief system and those beliefs should transfer over to political views.”

- Monique Bautista, 12th

“No, because i feel there should be a separation between church and state.”

- Sherman Bentley, 10th “Yes, because some political views could conflict with your beliefs.” - Leo King, 10th

“Yes, because it’s what you believe in.”

- Kevin Shih, 9th No, because there are so many different religions, so when you have your own religion it makes you discriminate against others. - Dixon Stater, 10th

Opinions | Devil’s Advocate 19

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Movies We Wish We Never Saw

By NICOLE DELOS REYES, reporter

Splice (2009) Rated R, Starring Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chanéac

This is a remake of the 1981 film—that might explain why it falls flat on the expectations of movie-goers. Perseus, Zeus’s son, goes on a journey to stop the underworld from spreading evil onto the Earth, and into the Heavens. The journey itself was not too bad, with the usual obstacles, but all the trouble they went through in order to obtain something to kill the Kraken made me wish that they battled the Kraken, instead of letting it die the way it did. There was so much time spent building up the plot, and the climax failed to do justice. The movie was just alright. Perseus, played by Sam Worthington, could have done a better job. The cast is made up of experienced actors; it is just a bummer that the movie could not live out its full potential. You might enjoy watching Worthington play his part in Avatar instead.

A young couple, both scientists, create a creature secretly in the company they work for. Oh yeah, it is groundbreaking alright.

Miraculous, even. Dren, as she is called, has a tail, awkward limbs, animalistic hands and feet, and no hair. As she ages, she begins to look more like a woman, has the desire to be beautiful, and longs to escape the farmhouse in which she is caged in. Those who saw the trailer might have thought this movie would have been scary—it is, but for the wrong reasons. The story line is realistic up to a point where bizarre and unnatural events occur.

The story would have been better if it took a different, more appropriate route.

photos from Internet

Clash of the Titans (2010) Rated PG-13, Starring Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson

Ghostrider (2007) Rated PG-13, Starring Nicolas Cage, Donal Logue, Brett Cullen

Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008) Rated PG, Starring Piper Perabo, George Lopez, Drew Barrymore

When Hollywood runs out of original ideas, they often base their movies on other things—plays, books, comics, or even past movies.

Some movies turn out alright, like The Dark Knight. Others flop.

Ghostrider doesn’t just flop, it trips and embraces the concrete with every crevice in its face. It seems as if the more and more movies Nicolas Cage makes, the more and more his acting skills decrease. It’s an inverse relationship. Johnny Blaze -how fittinggives up his soul and if he wants it returned, he must fight the son of the Devil, Blackheart. The computer generated skull burning and the failure of conveying the comic onto the screen without it looking corny makes the movie not worth watching.

There’s nothing better than a movie full of talking animals, right? Wrong.

Unless it is animated, movies that have real animals talking plus computer generated lips moving usually equal to something disastrous, and most often, corny. This movie is about a glamorous Chihuahua, Chloe, who finds herself lost during a vacation. Luckily, Papi, her love interest, searches for her. His master ends up falling for Chloe’s dogsitter, Papi and Chloe unite, blah blah blah, and they all lived happily ever after. This might entertain a little kid due to the talking animals and the typical happy ending, but for those who actually want to see a movie that has a point to it, go see something else. 50% Originality. 50% Failure in Execution. 100% Waste of Time.

Stanton’s Bucket List

By YASMIN ALI, reporter

By ETHAN BRADY, Sports Editor

Skydiving, taking part in a triathlon, and even robbing a bank are some of the things people want to do before they die. Although some of these things might sound fun, most of them are just inconceivable to most sane people. The Devil’s Advocate has composed a list of things that are not only achievable, but also “must do” before you enter into the real world, and leave the protective walls of Stanton for good.

1. Make a cameo appearance on Live on 5.

2. Convince Mr. Lewis to let you ride in the golf cart.

3. Get your own honor code stamp.

4. Become homecoming king/queen, senior class president, and SGA president, all at the same time.

5. Graduate without getting a dress code violation.

6. Hide behind a recycling bin and scare the 8th graders taking a tour of Stanton.

7. Take a ride on the train that always comes by during 4th period.

8. Buy a bean bag and use it as a desk.

9. Convince a freshman that there is a pool on the roof.

10. Play four square with Mrs. Majova.

11. Have your picture in all the club yearbook photos even though you are not a member.

12. Jump out of the bleachers during a pep rally and start dancing with the dance team.

13. Find out who the Blue Devils’ mascot is and steal their costume for a day.

14. Talk to Mrs. Majova about Call of Duty Black Ops in Click.

15. Read this Bucket List.

SCP A-Z

By JAZELLE HANDOUSH, Editor-In-Chief

22

Devil’s Advocate | Script

25 Things We Don’t Care About

E:

1. Paxon 2. Dress code. If you’ve got it flaunt it… with class.

3. Teacher’s food policy. I need food constantly.

4. Recycling. That recycle bin is just too far away.

5. Turning in readmits. I’m here. That should be enough.

6. Your weekend. Unless I’m involved or ask you about it.

7. The collective works of Shakespeare.

8. The video of the amazing Pokemon battle you had last night.

9. The Honor Code. (Just kidding.)

10. sin² Ө = 1 − cos² Ө.

11. FCAT. Really? I have to take this again?

12. 15th century Europe. Boring.

13. Freshmen.You’re what, 12?

14. Apathy.

15. That today is your Mom’s birthday. Cool?

16. Your relationship that ended months ago. For the sake of my sanity, I believe it is time to move on.

17. Hannah Montana.

18. Endless complaining about your B+. Be happy.

19. Your early-out due to a severe case of Bieber Fever.

20. Checking OnCourse.

21. Those lyrics as your Facebook status.

22. The amount of time it took you to finish a five page essay.

23. Your acceptance into Tulsa Welding School.

24. How cold you are in December. Everyone is cold.

25. Paxon...again.

Electives. Stanton has a wide selection of electives for students to select from, ranging from Film Studies to Stagecraft. Though we definitely miss Applied Communications and Home Economics. Brownies are always appreciated.

F:

Five Minute Fridays. Being able to leave five minutes before the bell and avoid the annoying underclassman crowd is definitely one of the better perks of being a senior.

Diary of a Freshman Dear Diary,

By MASON MILLER, reporter

Dino-of-the-Month

By BETSY DAILO, Script Editor

I’m a freshman. It’s been a long day and there is still more than a semester left to go. Before this summer, I was the big man on the middle school campus.

Now look at me…

Having experienced the first day of “freshman hood,” I found out what it is like to have a “bottom” locker. Let’s just say they should stop serving beans at lunch. Speaking of lunch, two things that mixed that are not ever supposed to mix… my green peas with mashed potatoes, and me with the seniors. I guess it’ll be two or three more years before I’m the big guy on campus. I took eighth grade for granted.

High school and middle school are quite different from each other, but one thing has not changed since middle school… teenage girl gossip. It’s funny, once these things get started they are impossible to stop. Rumors seem to take on a life of their own. Just the other day we established whom the smelly kid was in fourth period. Poor guy. He’ll never be able to live it down because apparently, he is afraid of hot showers.

Everything I just mentioned only scratches the surface. I’ve yet to bring up sports, clubs, and activities. The good thing about this is that there are so many to pick from. Looking on the bright side, I’m a well-rounded underclassman so I should be just fine. Plus, I’d like to become more active in my school.

High school’s great now but I wonder what it will be like when I’m driving.

Sincerely,

Xavier Reputation Wileyoustillcan

One of the largest animals to walk the Earth, the Giraffatitan, otherwise known as the giraffe titan, lived during the Jurassic Period in Tanzania. The sauropod, a four-legged, plant eating dinosaur, use their extremely long necks to reach food that other dinosaurs cannot.

pho

to fr om

Teacher Say What?!

“My colleg e roomma te stole ste down his p aks by sho ants…I wa ving them s humiliate d.”

- Mr. O’Co nnor lass!” haters c e b ’t n o “D lly “I want C - Ms. Ke indy Craw ford to ca Daddy, bu ll me Big t that just won’t hap pen.”

- Mr. Har d per iquitous chil “You sinful, in of Satan!”

“Your M om’s a B - Mr. Grove - Ms. Lew eowulf!”

is Smith, Bell rin ent: “I’m lost!” Mr. ud St gs. “Go u’re in “You’re not lost! Yo - Mr. G forth but don andell ’t multi ” ply.” room 234! in’.” Mr. Callahan, Student: “I was rush re American!”

“No your not, you’

SCP A-Z

G:

Guidance. If you ever have a question no one else seems to have an answer to, talking to one of Stanton’s guidance counselors will certainly help. Not only are they friendly, but they give candy!

rnet

N SAW U

By ETHAN BRADY, Sports Editor

Stanton’s teachers are known for their great success academically, but did you know Blue Devil teachers just happen to be comedians too?

Inte

Paleolithic Romance You: The super skinny lady with multi-colored hair.Your wide smile and dinosaur-covered clothing makes me wish we could be prehistoric lovers.

Me: That boy with the beanie and glasses, bouncing around trying to grasp your attention away from your boisterous friends. Will you be my cave woman?

Butterflies In My Tummy You: Swimmer with an Adonis-like physique butterfly stroking your way to victory.

Me: The blonde beauty at all your meets, cheering you on. Do you think you could swim your way to my heart?

Defend My Heart You: Light-haired senior soccer player, whose footwork surpasses even Ronaldo’s.

I can’t wait to see you in that World Cup jersey.

Me: Blonde sophomore, hypnotized by your fancy footwork. I wish I had a vuvuzela to steal your attention away from the forward you’re guarding.

U+Me=Love You: Freshman with the hot pink calculator, working on your AP Calculus homework. The way your dark hair frames your face makes me want to improve my math skills.

Me: Member of the Piano Club, working on a composition to steal your heart. Girl, you are my muse, the reason I make sure that the timing for this piece is perfect.

You’re My Man You: You’re still on stage in Drama I but with a new leading lady. This time making her giggle with your performance, but I think you are confused with who really possesses your heart.

Me: The cheerleading actress, ready to play the part of Viola to your Duke. Baby, you should really get rid of that Olivia.

Trying to Steal Your Heart You: Cutie in the outfield, awaiting those pop flies. The way you catch those balls reassures me that you can catch my heart.

Me: Short, brown-haired girl, squealing in the stands each time you make it home. Maybe you can teach me how to bat one day.

H:

Honor Code. Memorizing the honor code is one of many requirements as a freshmen, but by junior year you’ll learn that abbreviations are your best friend. Simply just don’t cheat; you’re signing a contract of ethics.

Script | Devil’s Advocate 23

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