Devil's Advocate (Volume 37, Number 5, May 2021-Senior Issue)

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE STANTON COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

MAY 2021

photo by Kayla Legaspi

Aileen Rajaei signs a Brown University pennant during signing activity in Mr. Mackay’s room.

photo by Kayla Legaspi

Eleven seniors who plan to attend the University of Florida show their new school pride.

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VOL. XXXVII, NO. 5

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

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VOL. XXXVII, NO. 5

Which Teacher are You? TAKE THE QUIZ BELOW TO FIND OUT 1. What is your dream vacation?

4. What is your favorite movie?

7. What is your biggest fear?

IIIIIA. Antarctica

IIIIIA. Guardians of the Galaxy

IIIIIA. Failing others

IIIIIB. The Grand Canyon

IIIIIB. Star Wars Ep. 4

IIIIIB. Drowning

IIIIIC. A resort on the beach

IIIIIC. Good Will Hunting

IIIIIC. Insects and rodents

IIIIID. India to see family

IIIIID. Lagaan

IIIIID. Accidentally driving on the iiiiiiiiiiwrong side of the road

2. What is your favorite place iiiiin Jacksonville?

5. What is a new skill you iiii would like to learn?

8. What would be your iiiisuperpower?

IIIIIA. Kazu Sushi Burrito

IIIIIA. Learn more languages

IIIIIA. Teleportation

IIIIIB. Hanna Park

IIIIIB. Making furniture

IIIIIB. Speaking all languages

IIIIIC. The beach

IIIIIC. Drawing

IIIIIC. Read minds

IIIIID. The Jacksonville Zoo

IIIIID. Singing

IIIIID. Invisibility 9. What is your guilty pleasure?

iiiicharacter would you live?

6. If you could, which fashion iiiitrend would you bring back?

IIIIIA. Gatsby

IIIIIA. Victorian fashion

IIIIIB. Sherlock Holmes

IIIIIB. Puffy Shirts

IIIIIC. Belisa Crespulario

IIIIIC. Flapper dresses

IIIIID. Arjuna

IIIIID. Bell bottom jeans

Mostly A

photo by Gavin Grady

You are: Ms. Wilson MAY 2021

Mostly B

photo by Gavin Grady

You are: Mr. Heggood

IIIII IIIIIB. Ice cream IIIIIC. Sweets IIIIID. Watching late night iiiiiiiiiicricket games

Mostly C

You are: Mrs. CrespoLowery

photo by Gavin Grady

Mostly D

photo by Gavin Grady

You are: Dr. Raj DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 7

“

memories... in the words of !"!#$!#%!&!#$'"

-

I feel like I grew up when I realized that school was about a lot more than the grades you made.

—Trisha Mutha

in the words of +%,%!+&!-,!*%-

in the words of !"(!&)*!$!"%

friends...

-

As the seniors say goodbye to Stanton, they

in the words of )!,#'"&3,%++

in the words of #!,!*&)'/.-!"0 -

in the words of ,*%!""'"&*!"-'"

-

in the words of $,%#*!&+1$*! in the words of -.!*&)*,%#$%.

gether and it ended up being a

By ELLA JANSON, Videographer

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in the words of !"$'"%'&012',0

-

“

These last four years have made me realize the beauty in individuality.

—Emily Blizzard DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 11

“

memories... in the words of !"!#$!#%!&!#$'"

-

I feel like I grew up when I realized that school was about a lot more than the grades you made.

—Trisha Mutha

in the words of +%,%!+&!-,!*%-

in the words of !"(!&)*!$!"%

friends...

-

As the seniors say goodbye to Stanton, they

in the words of )!,#'"&3,%++

in the words of #!,!*&)'/.-!"0 -

in the words of ,*%!""'"&*!"-'"

-

in the words of $,%#*!&+1$*! in the words of -.!*&)*,%#$%.

gether and it ended up being a

By ELLA JANSON, Videographer

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in the words of !"$'"%'&012',0

-

“

These last four years have made me realize the beauty in individuality.

—Emily Blizzard DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 11

STUDENT FEATURESLIFE

future plans... in the words of !"#$%&'(%)*

these four years... in the words of 2"#$*-('3")*-('4#5

in the words of "%)+"'+"!,*-(

in the words of -$%7%"'(-$"(

-

-

in the words of %./0/(')+-1-$/

in the words of .#&(6"(')+"6&#

in the words of !"("))&+'8+%*& -

-

-

“

Your whole world view shifts when you come to Stanton.

—Antonio Duford

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VOL. 1 VOL XXXVII, NO. 5

moments of growth... in the words of ,-(.$%&+/",-0 “I feel like my life has become a lot better than it was when I was in middle school because of the people I’m around, the teachers that I’ve had, and the guidance counselor that I have.

Just the positive attitude, the culture, I don’t

in the words of ).-%&-01%!$"% “A moment that made me feel like I grew up was when I came out to my friends junior year. The experience helped me learn that I can forge my own path and not think about how I’m going to be judged by the world.”

in the words of -%'()2&3$0/"4 “Multi really helped me grow because of the people. It’s like a family there, so not only did I but I also just kind of put myself out there more than what I was like in middle school.”

“

When you learn to acknowledge your faults, you become someone who has the ability to grow.

—Kimberly Pino impactful teachers... in the words of !"##$%&'"()%*"++ “The most impactful teacher I had was Dr. Rod. class, and I appreciated him.”

in the words of .)("%$!-&6-4 “As someone who is confused 90 percent of the time, I have to commend the teachers who helped me understand the class material even if only for a little bit. Being able to do something correct every once in a while made me cry tears of joy inside.”

in the words of 3)%5-,$%&/)(()(-

photo obtained from Class of 20201 Twitter

MAY 2021 2020 SEPTEMBER

“Ms. Simmons was amazing as a teacher and as a person even more so. Her care and good nature let me feel tranquil and excited to learn every class. Much love to her and her next-level music taste.”

DEVIL’S DEVIL’SADVOCATE ADVOCATE| |13 5

R E A DY

COLLEGE PREPARATORY

Sarah Copeland Yale University Majors: Ethnicity, Race, & Migration and Political Science

photo by Denise Soriano

Lawin Villena University of California, Davis Major: Humanities

photo by Denise Soriano

Ashish Nalla Johns Hopkins University Major: Biomedical Engineering

photo by Denise Soriano

Joshua Diedrich University of Florida Majors: Biochemistry, Philosophy, and Health Science

photo by Denise Soriano

“MIRRORS” JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE (2013)

“ALL OF ME” JOHN LEGEND (2014)

“SEE YOU AGAIN” WIZ KHALIFA, CHARLIE PUTH (2015)

“SORRY” JUSTIN BIEBER (2016)

“HUMBLE” KENDRICK LAMAR (2017)

“ALL GIRLS ARE THE SAME” JUICE WRLD (2018)

“SUNFLOWER” POST MALONE, SWAE LEE (2019)

“BLINDING LIGHTS” THE WEEKND (2020)

SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS A PLAYLIST ON THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE SPOTIFY WITH ALL THESE SONGS!

THROWBACK BRACKET WHICH HIT SONG FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

“GOLD DIGGER” “HIPS DON’T LIE” “HEY THERE KANYE WEST SHAKIRA DELILAH” (2005) (2006) PLAIN WHITE T’S (2007)

MAY 2021

“FOREVER” CHRIS BROWN (2008)

“LOVE STORY” “HEY SOUL SISTER” “FIREWORK” TAYLOR SWIFT TRAIN KATY PERRY (2009) (2010) (2011)

“WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL” ONE DIRECTION (2012)

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 15

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate

iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate

Changing With the World iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate

iiiii

iiiii

Letter from the Editor

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Devil’s Advocate

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Devil’s Advocate

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MAY 2021

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 17

OPINIONS

Wrongs of the American Education System

By SETH ABOUHALKAH, Contributing Writer iiiiiComing into Stanton College Preparatory School, I was an enthusiastic 14-yearold who was ready to take interesting and exciting classes that would further my love for learning. At that point, I already knew english and history was my thing. I had been writing short stories for years, and had also taken a keen interest in psychology. As a freshman I was interested in learning a wide variety of things, however as a senior, my desire to learn has diminished to almost nothing. What happened in these four years that caused my love for learning to go downhill? Isn’t school supposed to do the opposite? iiiiiIt is quite clear that the American education photo from Seth Abouhalkah

underpaid. We know many course requirements

meeting and coming in contact with school administration, and learning the ins and outs of Stanton, it has become clear the problem isn’t a way we look at education in general. iiiiiThe education system didn’t cultivate my passion for psychology or writing. Instead of taking classes that interested me, I was forced to take classes in subjects I both hated and was terrible at. Now as an incoming college freshman, I know little about my major and potential career. It leaves any rational person to wonder: what have the past four years been for? iiiii easy. Let’s teach kids things they’ll need in the real house or take out a loan? How do I write a good resume? Let’s not teach every kid the exact same thing the exact same way. That’s like giving every talents, learning styles, personalities, and passions, and yet we are taught the same thing the same way? This method manufactures every student curiosity during the process.

Looking Back

By ANISHA TEGULLA, Contributing Writer iiiiiLooking back, Stanton has given me some of my best memories. From all the pep rallies (GO CLASS OF 2021) to all the fun days in class. Although, at many times, it was stressful with all the homework and testing we had to go through, having gone through it with everyone else made it bearable. iiiiiStanton has taught me, in addition to all the academics, what it means to have a community of tight knit friends and being there for one another.

One of my favorite memories is from freshman year when my friends and I would sit outside in the courtyard and tell each other about our day and photo from Anisha Tegulla

best conversations have been at those tables. As it gets nearer and nearer to graduation, I’m starting all of the people here. As for me, I’m planning to go I’m thankful for all the memories Stanton has given me and can’t wait to make more in college!

My Blue Devil Experience

By MINIYA MCNAIR, Contributing Writer iiiiiThe transition to high school was already a big challenge for me to go through. Stanton’s reputation as an academically rigorous and challenging school only heightened my nervousness. Needless to say, I was lucky I attended the Summer Bridge Program. While I was there I was able to meet Mr. Galen Peters, and the school’s drumline, who convinced me to sign up for the school’s colorguard that performs with the marching band. iiiiiI’ve been dancing for a long time so I was interested in developing my talents during high school. It was one of the best decisions I made because I made some great friends that I could rely on. They guided me through the ins and outs

everything going on at school. Going to the many events held at the school including Winterfest, Multi, environments and a variety of people. The diversity we have at this school does not just apply to our demographics but to school involvement as well. I, along with most of my friends, have a long list of extracurriculars that we participate in after school.

University next fall. I can’t wait to take what I’ve gotten from my time here and apply it as I work my way through my degree and eventually my career.

Thanks to the administration, teachers, and friends I’ve had at Stanton, I know I will be successful in my chosen career because of the leadership, discipline and inclusivity principles learned at Stanton College Preparatory School!

p.m. I can’t complain too much because I enjoy staying busy as much as I enjoy taking breaks. I’m already getting a taste of what working from nine to

photo from Miniya McNair

came, I did not feel so nervous. Having a great set of friends truly got me through all the tough times that were not just typical high school problems, but challenges unique to Stanton as well. iiiiiWhile the academics were the main reason I involvement with colorguard led me to apply to the

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paid in experience. iiiiiIf I could sum up my time over the past four years with one word, it would be experience. There is nothing I honestly regret about anything I did at Stanton because there was always something I could take away. For example, all those essays writing college and scholarship essays. Or signing up for leadership during a pandemic when we had no idea how school would look, but learning great way. Unlike freshman year, I feel more excited to move on to the next stages of my life. College won’t be easy but I’m prepared for it. iiiii side of town, I’ll get to be on the other coast of Florida for college. I plan to major in the PGA Golf-Management program at Florida Gulf Coast

photo from Miniya McNair

Miniya McNair participating in the colorguard performance.

VOL. XXXVII, NO. 5

Does It Ever Drive You Crazy?

By ELISABETH RODILLAS, Contributing Writer iiiiiSeniors were making us do the wobble in the courtyard, I felt completely lost, and I wanted nothing more than to go home: pretty much sums up how of Summer Bridge. I listened to the embeds warnings, advice, and wisdom...anxiously wondering if I even had a chance at surviving four years at Stanton. Four years...an eternity, right? iiiiiBetween my introversion and the overwhelming photo from Elisabeth Rodillas

dramatically cried over the idea of making B’s, the workload seemed endless, and I wondered if life outside of studying for merely two AP classes was even a possibility. Slowly, but surely, I recognized that I was bound to make mistakes, and that putting extreme pressure on myself was only detrimental. didn’t do it right.

remembered how outgoing and passionate my embeds were (shoutout to the Fruit Snaacs) in and out of the classroom. Even though I had no idea where I was going to start, I was determined to of community at Stanton. Long story short, I tried out for the Filipino Traditional Multi Group (despite my extremely limited dancing skills) and found the after my sophomore year, I decided to challenge myself and started attending summer conditioning for cross country as well.

Although the humid, grueling practices made me consider quitting more times than I’d care to admit, I can wholeheartedly admit that joining cross country and track was the best decision. Before I knew it, I crossed last meet and faced the daunting reality that I couldn’t make running a personality trait anymore. iiiiiStill, I knew that staying busy would only make the time

photo by Dinah Rodillas

during the 2021 Multi Performance.

photo by Dinah Rodillas

Elisabeth Rodillas as a sophomore (left) and as a senior (right) participating in Cross Country.

sports games, multi performances, and hectic runs to the chicken tender line seemed to get drowned

photo by Maya Larson

around the corner, it’s challenging to accept that four years didn’t truly feel like an eternity. Whether it’s the incredibly gifted people I grew close to this year, or the friendships I have kept since middle school and freshman year, I know that I will be leaving Stanton with much more than a diploma.

Thank you to my family, friends, teachers, and coaches for pushing me to grow as a student, athlete, and person. iiiiiTo the Class of 2021: whether you are a quick road trip or FaceTime call away, I have no doubt

senioritis over these past few months. Although our senior year was unique, to say the least, I’m glad that we learned to never take anything for granted.

While I may be relieved that graduation is right

you all will accomplish incredible things. See the sunrise, make up for four years of sleep deprivation, drive over the Acosta at night, and listen to Yellow Motif every once in a while before you start your next adventure. iiiiiOh, and Hey Siri, play “Night Changes” by One Direction.

Crossroads

By RYAN KRUEGER, Contributing Writer iiiiiIt is now that we stand before a crossroad, greeting us with a mysterious yet exciting future. Looking ahead, we begin to imagine our next steps in life: college, trade school, work, yet through the anticipation of what lies ahead, we see our friends going in

have faced late nights, unthinkably hard tests, and every challenge high school has thrown at us, and through it all we have surrounded ourselves with close groups of friends. Our friends always knew how to make us laugh, helped keep us on track, and inspired us to be the best people we can be. It is because of them that we are here.

recognizing our strengths and discovering our passions that we hope to continue into our our own successes, we must also recognize that of others. High school gave us the opportunity to reachoutside our comfort zones, try new things,

“Now, we begin to leave the nest and live for ourselves”

begin to leave the nest and live for ourselves… no more block scheduling or reminders for work, but we will always have our friends. iiiiiStaring ahead into the crossroads of our future, we must never forget the past that has brought us

iiiii it may not be everything that we anticipated, but it is certainly an adventure none of us will forget.

We have grown as people and as a community,

our own lives, we must always remember that we all took the same path to where we stand right now.

It never hurts to take one more look back down memory lane.

photo by Lifetouch Inc.

iiiiiWe have spent the last four years of high school forging relationships that we thought would carry our paths separate, but it gives us the opportunity

MAY 2021

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 19

Congratulations CONGRATULATIONS THE SENIORS toTOthe SeniorsOFof THE MULTICULTURAL Multicultural CLUB! Club!