Devil's Advocate (Issue 2 | 2012-2013)

devil’s advocate stanton college preparatory school

your stories. your school. your voice.

THE CHEATING CULTURE The truth about academic integrity and how Stanton administrators, teachers, and students feel about it.

By MANYA GOLDSTEIN

no. 2 | january 2013 devilsadvocatepaper.blogspot.com

devil’s advocate

Production Staff Adviser Larry Knight

Official Publication of Stanton College Preparatory School | no. 2 | january 2013

Behind the Scenes

PAGE 04

Procrastination Horror Stories As if life at Stanton isn’t hard enough, many of the students procrastinate and learn the hard way that hindsight is 20/20.

Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Morgante

There is more to Stanton’s drama program than acting.

The behind the scenes work is what makes the program successful.

Managing Editor Leah Quisenberry Section Editors Alexis Brown (Opinions) Kia’ Cooper (Features) Taylor Galloway (Sports) Laura Gerbec (Student Life) Kathryn McMullen (Photography) Reporters Sanaa Belkaich Auvion Bradshaw Ryan Carter Samantha Foss Manya Goldstein Emily Iseley Savannah Mika Kyle Sanchez

PAGE 05 More than a Jersey

PAGE 06

Being an athlete demands more than just performing well on the field. Balancing school work and representing your school is essential.

PAGE 08

Cover Story: The Cheating Culture

Column X

PAGE 13

Teachers have strong opinions just like teens. Read our first anonymous teacher column of the year!

In this issue of the paper, we included a “battle of the sexes” on the topic of love and relationships.

This issue of the Devil’s Advocate is focused on a well known epidemic affecting Stanton: cheating.

While some of us are sheltered from this phenomenon, or possibly denying that it happens... it is undeniably an issue that we are surrounded with almost every day, whether we know it or not. At Stanton, we take a variety of tests and are often faced with the stress of having more tests in one day than classes (yes, it happens). Students then feel like they are forced to cheat to be able to get by. In this issue, we focus on the problem and narrow down some solutions.

In addition to the cover story, we have included a variety of stories such as a behind the scenes of the upcoming Stanton musical in Features and the redesigned Boy vs. Girl columns in our Opinions section. We also have included an anonymous column written by a Stanton teacher (check it out in our Opinions sections).

Don’t forget to continue to tweet things that happen #OnlyAtStanton, your tweet will be featured in our next issue!

Contributing Advocates: The Devil’s Advocate is searching for contributing writers, photographers, and artists. Contact Alexandra Morgante at aleemorgante@gmail.com.

He Said, She Said:

Relationships

Editor’s Note photo by Kathryn McMullen

Although Stanton is the top school in the county, many of its students still resort to cheating. This story looks at the academic dishonesty occurring at our school and takes an in depth look at why students cheat.

Contributing Writers Jonathan Kemp Elliott Beale Hank Bachara E.J. McKnight

PAGE 14

devilsadvocatepaper.blogspot.com

Ads and Sponsorships: The Devil’s Advocate is dependant on our advetisers and our sponsors. When you purchase an ad with us, it reaches a diverse student population that can help your business. We can also design your ads. Our prices are: $25 (1/4 page), $50 (1/2 page), $75 (insert), $100 (full page b/w), or $150 (back page color). Contact Leah Quisenberry at leahquiz@gmail.com, or Mr. Knight at knightl1@ duvalschools.org.

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Please Recycle this Newspaper

Procrastination Horror Stories When people dread something, it is natural to avoid confronting it until it is completely necessary.

However, when avoidance leads to an entire night doing your science fair project, you begin to realize that just getting it done last week would have been a lot easier.

By SAMANTHA FOSS, Student Life Reporter

@OnlyAtStanton do kids bring notes to study during fall fest

4 / devil’s advocate / student life

“Limiting yourself from distractions is the only way to overcome procrastination.”

According to the APA, procrastination can also take a toll on a student’s mental health and well being. When homework and assignments pile up and students have little amount of time to finish everything, they are more likely to stress and stay up late. This type of behavior ultimately leads to a lack of sleep and could possibly illness.

“The latest I have stayed up this year is one in the morning,” said Stanton freshman Rachel Herriff, whose late night occurred because she misleadingly felt she had enough time to finish a portfolio assignment for her Advanced Placement World History class. Then, when she realized it was due the next day she felt the stress.

“I thought I had enough time, putting it off to do what I thought was more important, then it was due the next day and I was rushing to finish it,” said Herriff, who admits to procrastinating every time a portfolio assignment is due.

This cycle is quite common; distractions lead to procrastination which can then lead to stress. Avoiding procrastination might seem impossible but with time management and eliminating distractions that lead to procrastinating, it is possible to avoid stress that is caused from procrastinating.

Stanton sophomore Riley Bean experienced this cycle of procrastination and stress during his freshman year.

“The night that comes to mind was last year, the night before the Biology end of course exam, I had so much math, English and even biology homework,” said Bean. Knowing the large amount of work he had, Bean started around 7 p.m.

“As I was working on homework I realized I needed my Biology textbook, which earlier I had loaned to my friend.” This caused Bean to drive over to his friend’s house and get his textbook in order to finish all of the assignments he needed to get done, an inconvenience that caused even more stress for Bean. Before he knew it, it was 8:15 p.m., and he still had homework to finish, on top of needing study for his EOC exam.

Bean was unable to go to bed until 3 in the morning due to his procrastination.

Procrastination never leads to a good thing, but students still make the choice to procrastinate over and over again. Most do not know why, they have just developed a bad habit and it becomes extremely hard to break. At Stanton many students are guilty of procrastination. Fixing this problem is not simple, but it can be done. Students should focus on how they manage their time, and prioritize their time effectively to benefit them the best way possible.

A huge trend at Stanton and among people in general is the tendency to procrastinate, or put unwanted tasks off until the last minute. As a wise man once said, “Our pleasure is our priority.” While this is true in most cases, I am actually less stressed and more successful when I don’t procrastinate.

The key to weakening procrastination is placing yourself in the right mindset about each task. Rather than focusing on the task itself, focus on the beneficial consequence of completing the task. For example, one of the most common areas of procrastination is homework. Students will put assignments off until the last minute, viewing them as unnecessary and forced tasks. If they change their mindset, then the work becomes less daunting. Instead of thinking, “This project is stupid and I’ll never use it in the future,” they could focus on the long-term benefit and think, “If I space out my time and do a good job on this one project, I’ll get a better grade in the class. If I get a good grade in the class, my grade point average will increase and I’ll be able to get into my dream college.” By looking at each homework assignment as a small contribution toward the larger reward of college acceptance, the task becomes less undesirable.

Another way that I’m able to motivate myself to space out my studies is by imagining how I would feel being overwhelmed with homework the night before it is due. I’ll also do the reverse--imagining how good it will feel to have no homework on a night when everybody else is cramming to finish the assignment. Personally, I have trouble enjoying myself when there is unresolved conflict or a tremendous amount of work left to do. When I have piles of homework to complete and I know that I have fun weekend plans, I’ll finish as much of it as I can on Thursday night so that I can enjoy my weekend without having to worry about the work.

There are many other advantages to avoiding procrastination.

In terms of studying, the material will be retained longer rather than information crammed into your short-term memory.Your stress level should be reduced as academic confidence is increased. Not to mention, you have more time to seek help from peers or the teacher if something on the assignment is unclear.You are able to enjoy yourself without the burden of mounds of pushed-aside homework. Overall, you are more prone to success. photos by Kathryn McMullen

Procrastinating is a real part of being a high school student.

Phrases such as, “I will just finish that tomorrow,” “after this TV show,” and “later tonight I will definitely get started on it,” are common excuses students make that lead to procrastinating.

Many students want to avoid stress and therefore make excuses so they do not have to deal with assignments right at that moment, but the real stress comes from making excuses and then having little time to accomplish the work.

Continuing this pattern has consequences and everything students put off will eventually come back to haunt them; for example when it is time to annotate a poem, finish 30 math problems, and write an essay, they then realize that time is of the essence. When there is such a small time limit, students are stressed and they tend to rush through things, thus producing bad work. Avoiding making excuses should be something students should work on and strive for to avoid the long and stressful nights.

This problem is found in most of our American high schools; however, procrastination is a daily struggle for many Stanton students. Due to Stanton’s rigorous course requirements, classes are expected to be challenging and students always expect to be drowning in homework at the end of everyday.

“I am one of those people who says I will just do it tomorrow,” said sophomore Aishu Nallapilli, a Stanton student in the pre International Baccalaureate Program, since the actual IB program does not start until junior year. For students like Nallapilli, procrastination stems from a lack of motivation to finish homework or study, and leads to waiting last minute to do anything.

“The best way not to procrastinate and stay up all night is if you finish your A-day homework the day it is assigned and same with your B-day homework,” said Nallapilli.

The American Psychological Association has studied procrastination and found that the main reason students will procrastinate is poor time management; they may feel the task is too time consuming at the moment and then end up putting it off, usually until the last minute. According to the APA procrastination is not a disease that can be cured, it is a choice that students are faced with. Waiting until the last minute to write a five page essay, or finishing math homework the morning it is due is a choice that leads to additional stress.

In addition to making excuses, teenagers distract themselves with social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Freshman Wilhelm Willie, a pre-IB student, struggles with the online distractions.

“I procrastinate a lot, I am not very organized with my work and I get on Twitter too much,” said Willie.

By KYLE SANCHEZ, Opinions Reporter

How to Avoid Procrastination

By A Four Year Stanton Survivor

We have the planner for a reason, it is very helpful for not only homework, but organizing and helping remember what is due.

Reward yourself with breaks, like after reading three pages, or doing the first half of the project- studies show it’s actually more efficient if you take breaks because you feel more relaxed.

When the teacher says it can’t be done in one night, it’s not a challenge, it’s a warning. Getting it done early makes you feel accomplished and less stressed.

How defensive people get during Hamlet debates @OnlyAtStanton

#OnlyAtStanton do you skip school to do homework

photo by Kathryn McMullen

At rehearsals, the cast of the musical piece “Revolting Children” unleash their childish sides in order to truly become the characters of English school children.

Behind the Scenes:

The Curtain Lifted on a Drama Production

By RYAN CARTER, Student Life Reporter The drama department at Stanton is one that is recognized throughout the state and county as one of the best, but the work that goes on behind the curtains is what truly make it extraordinary. The drama program is always awarded the highest marks of superior ratings at district, regional and state thespian festivals which solidifies them as being one of the best drama departments in Florida.

The most recent example of the Stanton drama department’s achievements were early in the month of November at the district performances. At districts, Stanton achieved nothing less than a superior rating on their performances, which is the highest rating that can be achieved; this success allowed the performers to move on to the regional competition in early December.

“The play I directed went very well, of course in the early stages it didn’t seem like it was going anywhere, but the end product was awesome and that’s why we got to move on,” said senior and Stanton student district director William Tiner.

Tiner has worked stage crew, acting, and directing for Stanton drama and can be considered a jack-of-all-trades for the program.

However, the constant work that he and his fellow thespians do goes on behind the scenes of the actual performance is something that often goes unrecognized.

Doing behind the scenes work, such as operating lights, managing set changes, and controlling the curtain for the drama productions is just as important as having a great lead and supporting cast of actors, because without the tech crew there are no scene changes and the effortless appearance of the show will be lost. Stage managers are some of the most important people behind the scenes. The stage managers organize all of the jobs and make sure the shows are as flawless as possible and head the stage crews of Stanton productions.

“At times being a stage manager can be very stressful, but in general it’s a job I always enjoy,” said Stanton stage manager Torii Nolen.

Nolen, a senior, has been part of the stage crew for Stanton for four years and takes great pride in her ability as a crew member.

One of many special occasions that allow students to become

directors is Stanton’s Night of One Acts. This year the series of four plays is held Feb. 28 - Mar. 2 and lets students involved in the drama department get the opportunity to either act, direct, or write a play for the night of plays.

“Being a student director was one of the best experiences I’ve had with Stanton drama. Getting to work with the cast and my fellow director for one acts was great, “ said senior and former student director Katie Drell.

The Night of One Acts allows for many people to get involved because of the various jobs that need to be done and can sometimes be the spark that gets someone fully involved in Stanton’s drama program.

The rigorous rehearsal schedule involved with the program is something that the students have to balance with their school work during the time that plays are being put on. There is usually a tight timeline with each production and the play’s release date cannot be pushed back, meaning that student actors must work hard and make many sacrifices in their personal lives during the period of time in which the play is rehearsed.

“Theatre is like a race. Everyone wants to get ahead regardless of their speed, so people train and try to improve their ability, but when it all comes down to it, the only thing that matters is nerve. If you believe in the production, director, cast, and crew then you will always have a good end product,” said senior actor Bo Phelan.

The long hours of the rehearsal schedules are put in place by the directors during the main season of plays, those are fall, winter, and spring, these director responsibilities are split between Mrs. Shirley Sacks and Mr. Jeff Grove. It is their duty to make the production as glamorous as they possibly can within the short time that they have to do so.

The first job of Mr. Grove and Mrs. Sacks is to pick the play that they want to direct, the second job that they have is to cast roles for the play that was chosen.

After the casting process is finished, the rehearsal schedule is discussed with the selected actors and there is usually a quick read through of the play. The read through is done so each actor can get a feel for what the director expects them to do for their

@OnlyAtStanton do you procrastinate homework with other homework

given role. The director can ask the actor to research a personality for the role they are given or other times just to figure out how to portray the attitude and mindset of the role.

These are the just the first few steps of the process that will hopefully lead to a near perfect production. After these steps are done the rehearsals begin and the mental stamina and toughness of the actors and actresses is tested.

Of course the actors and actresses involved the production would not be there if they did not enjoy what they were doing; they understand that in order to get the best end result they must first trek through the rehearsals or else the production would be a complete disaster.

“I love acting because I get to be in front of large audiences, singing isn’t my favorite thing, but acting in general makes me happy,” said senior actor Nathan Whisman.

Once the play gets closer to opening night, the stage crew begins to be assembled and responsibilities begin to be handed out among them. The tech crew begins their jobs almost immediately after they have been assembled in order to ensure that they themselves are on cue with the actors and that the harmony of the play is not compromised from mistakes.

“The first week of tech call is crazy, the crew is running in all directions trying to put the last touches on the play that they need to and it can become very hectic very fast,” said junior stage crew member Matthew Ubl. The stage crew is in charge of things such as lighting, set setup, makeup, costumes, and control over the curtain. Though these jobs seem like they are insignificant at first glance, the play cannot happen without them.

“In theater, makeup, hair, and costumes complete the transformation of an actor into his or her character. The way an actor feels in the character they are impersonating relies largely on their appearance,” said senior crew member Kali Blais.

Throughout a production many things can go wrong, but nothing can happen at all without all of the elements and the hard work that is put on display behind the scenes of the drama productions.

#OnlyAtStanton do kids yell “assess me!” when they have a test

I got mad because I got an 85 on my DBQ. #OnlyAtStanton

student life / january 2013 / 5

Most Injured Body Parts

By EMILY ISELEY, Sports Reporter

Sports injuries are not uncommon in high school athletics. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control an estimated two million high school athletes are injured every year. This results in excruciating pain, frequent doctor visits, multiple bills, and maybe the hardest for the athlete, not being able to play for their own team.

While most high school sports have no shortage of injured players, the injuries inflicted on the athletes can differ. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons organizes sport injuries into two categories: acute and overuse. Acute injuries are caused by a sudden trauma. High contact sports that frequently involve collisions between players and other obstacles on the field consist of the athletes that are more susceptible to acute injuries. However, overuse injuries are not caused by a single fall, twist, or collision. They happen gradually when an athlete isn’t given enough time to heal between injuries.

While both minor and catastrophic injuries can happen to anyone, where these injuries occur on the body seems to be following a pattern that is a direct correlation to the sport and the body part’s vulnerability.

SHOULDER HEAD TYPES OF INJURIES: Concussion, migraines, fractured skull, facial fractures, nosebleed, swimmer’s ear EXPERIENCE: “It took me two weeks to recover from my concussion. I got ADD symptoms and couldn’t focus in my classes and had no intellectual stamina,” said junior football player Jack Story.

COMMON INJURIES: subacromial bursitis, shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tear, dislocated shoulder, AC joint sprain FACT: According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, shoulder injuries are frequently caused by athletic activities that include excessive repetitive, overhead motion, such as swimming, tennis, baseball, and weightlifting.

WRIST AND HAND

BACK

TYPES OF INJURIES: broken wrist, wrist sprain, finger sprain, finger fracture, RSI (repetitive strain injury)

TYPES OF INJURIES: Lumbar strain, cervical spine injuries, herniated disk, sciatica, coxodymia, fractured vertebrae

EXPERIENCE: “I have a fracture and a stressed growth plate in my wrist from playing tennis and growing too fast,” said senior tennis player Mitchell McCauley.

FACT: Most back injuries are sprains of the ligament or strains in the muscle. According to the North American Spine Society they can be caused by overuse, improper body mechanics and technique, lack of proper conditioning, insufficient stretching and trauma.

LOWER LEG KNEE

TYPES OF INJURIES: Shin splint, anterior compartment syndrome, fibula fracture, calf strain, tibia fracture, deep vein thrombosis

TYPES OF INJURIES: ACL tear (anterior cruciate ligament), MCL tear (medial collateral ligament), medial meniscus injury, patella tendonitis

EXPERIENCE: “I was running 40 miles per week before running camp and then I went to 70. As an effect, I had to go to physical therapy for a month for a stress fracture and had a bad start to my season,” said junior cross country runner Breck Peterson.

EXPERIENCE: “I tore both my ACL and MCL playing soccer. Recovery took six months and I had to do rehab and have surgery,” said sophomore soccer player Hayley Tuten.

FOOT

ANKLE

TYPES OF INJURIES: Plantar fisciitis, heels spur, bruised heal, achilles tendinopathy, broken toe, metatarsal fracture, extensor tendonitis, navicular stress fracture

TYPES OF INJURIES: Ankle sprain, footballer’s ankle, peroneal tendonitis, medial malleolus stress fracture

FACT: According to FootCare Direct, each foot holds 26 bones, more than 150 ligaments, and an intricate network of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

6 / devil’s advocate / sports

EXPERIENCE: “I was attacking the goal in a soccer game, a girl pushed me and my foot went in a hole,” said freshman soccer player Erica Griffenkranz.

“My ankle was sprained and it took a couple weeks to recover.”

More Than A Jersey

SIDELINES:

Being an athlete means more than performing well on the field; to Stanton students good academics and behavior on and off the court is a requirement.

Bowl Season Blues

By JONATHAN KEMP, Contributing Writer With the Christmas and New Year’s season comes not only festivities and family time; but, the inevitable slew of NCAA football bowl games. The tradition which originally began with the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Cal. has now expanded to 35 bowl games amongst 70 of the nation’s top teams.

Since the conception of the bowl game it has been seen as something of honor by football programs and fans alike. Every team strived to reach the national championship game; but, if that was not attainable then another bowl game was almost just as good. However, bowl season has now gotten out of hand.

Bowl games should be for the nation’s most elite teams - at the most the top 20. Not the top 70. The original bowl games were played to show who the best teams in the nation were and to see how they stacked up against other great teams. What did the University of Louisiana Lafayette prove by beating the University of East Carolina in this year’s R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl?

The NCAA has long talked about creating a playoff system much like every sport in the world where four teams would play in a bracket-style playoff to determine the best in the nation. Finally, after years of discussing it, this will go into effect in 2014. Even though this will ultimately be better for proving who the best in the nation is; it still does not lessen the amount of bowl games. In fact, it increases the amount.

From a business perspective, the NCAA is smart.

They know the more games which are played on the television the more money they get. So, what is the best way to get a game on television? Invent some new bowl game, put two random teams together, and then sell it to ESPN and some random sponsor like Taxslayer.com - host of this year’s Gator Bowl.

The NCAA, however, does not realize the damage this does to the sport. They are over-saturating the market and diluting how much a bowl game is worth. It is like when your relatives come to visit. Three or four is good.

Thirty-five is too many. I do not want 35 of my relatives in my house; because, I will quickly get tired of them. In the same way, I do not want 35 bowl games because, I get tired of all the games and I definitely get tired of all the useless games like the R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

The solution is simple. Get rid of 20 to 25 bowl games. Getting to a bowl game will become much more sacred and much less like the NCAA basketball’s NIT tournament. It is almost like the NCAA is saying, “Oh, you could not make it to the Rose Bowl? Well, we are just going to go ahead and create a new bowl game for you to make you feel better and so we can get more money.” That is essentially what the NIT tournament is.

Those who could not make it to the Big Dance get a shot to still play in something close to it. It is the same with games like the R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. The University of Louisiana Lafayette and the University of East Carolina could not make it to the real bowl game; so, they get to play in a fake one created to make them feel better about their season. So, NCAA, I plead with you.

Please cut out all the extraneous bowl games and return the sacredness of the bowl game.

ACADEMICS

LEADERSHIP

photo by Kathryn McMullen

SERVICE

Being on a sports team comes with many responsibilities.

Some people do not recognize being an athlete comes with more than just being a good player. Individuals represent the entire team with everything they do. Even actions seemingly unrelated to sports represent the team in some way.

Both negative and positive actions of players affect perceptions of the sports team. Players have to make sure they are doing the right thing since they are representatives of their team and school.

“As an athlete you have to represent your team and school by doing well in sports, grades and also by playing with good sportsmanship,” said sophomore soccer player Hadley McLaren.

With responsibilities to the team and school, athletes are seen as leaders. Being part of a team puts players in a position where they have to represent their whole school through how they conduct themselves. This means their actions come with consequences.

Freshman football and baseball player Keenan Bell believes “playing sports is a privilege.” This privilege is something they have earned and can be revoked if warranted. If a player does something that reflects negatively on the team, coaches are able to punish the player. Sophomore basketball player Wilshem Pennick feels the same way.

“You have to set an example for the other teammates,” said Pennick. To use his skills for things other than his own team, Pennick helps kids in his neighborhood learn to play basketball.

He does this because he “wants kids who don’t have the opportunity to learn from a coach to be the best player that they could be.”

Like Pennick, many players do things in the community to help others. Actions like these create well-rounded teams and good reputation is important to maintain respect from the school and other teams. Players can get involved with programs that help create a good reputation. Stanton soccer players are familiar with these types of extracurricular activities.

The TOPSoccer program allows the players to teach disabled kids to play soccer. Each Stanton player acts as a coach to teach their disabled “buddy” the basic fundamentals of soccer.

TOPSoccer aims to “foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America’s youth through the sport of soccer.”

Senior soccer player Ben Gross has done this program all three years of high school and is participating again at the end of this month.

“TOPSoccer is the best. It provides everyone involved with a learning experience that is matched with no other.You don’t just meet new friends, you meet new family members,” said Gross.

The performance of athletes is represented through academics. Duval County Public School’s grade policy requires 2.0 or higher GPA to play sports. Depending on the coach, if the student is not performing well in school, they could be dismissed from the team or forced to sit the bench instead of playing.

To meet the GPA requirement, athletes have to keep up with schoolwork while participating on a team.

Freshman lacrosse player Rachel Herriff understands sports takes time away from focusing on school work.

“Playing sports adds more responsibility because you have less time for homework. However, you still need to keep up your grades so you can stay on the team and provide support,” said Herriff.

Good academic performance as well as physical performance on the field, reflects a well-rounded team. The way athletes act in school has to be a representation of how they are on the field. They have to be responsible and respectful while they are in practice, a game, and school. Athletes are expected to stay out of trouble and respect fellow students while on the field and in the classroom.

“I always try to make the underclassmen feel welcome around the school,” says junior lacrosse player Sammy Spencer. If athletes around the school are being vulgar it could cause other students to stereotype the whole team due to actions of a few.

Junior football and track team member, Andrew Berlin likes the chance to represent his school through sports.

“It’s a good opportunity to show other people a different image of Stanton students aside from what they are accustomed to, we are not just nerds with glasses and calculators. We are just as talented athletically as we are academically,” said Berlin.

Even with extra pressure and responsibilities, people are still willing to accept the privilege to be part of a team. Despite the responsibilities, students consider it an honor to represent their school through athletic abilities.

photo by kathryn mcmullen

photo by Kathryn McMullen

By SAVANNAH MIKA, Sports Reporter

sports / january 2013 / 7

Culture English teacher Ms. Erin Crider. Having caught students who cheated using the website, she thinks it is so important to be able to protect integrity.

“Students who work hard deserve appropriate credit and

Why Students Cheat There are numerous reasons why students cheat. The Devil’s Advocate survey found that 60 percent of students believe stress is the main cause of cheating, followed by lack of effort.

Mr. Turba explained that pressure from parents as well as the pressure students put on themselves adds to the problem of cheating. According to Mr. Turba, some students “don’t have

photos by Kathryn McMullen

and so they are driven to cheat.

One student epitomized what many strongly believe is at the root of cheating by saying, “I think just about everyone

DISCLAIMER: The names of some students in this

*

story have been changed to protect their privacy.

Cheating is a troubling problem in our world today. From cheating in politics and relationships to cheating in the classroom, it is clear that dishonesty has permeated our society. Academic cheating has increased dramatically in recent years, enticing students in even the most prestigious high schools and colleges.

Trying to counter this lack of integrity is a daily struggle for the teachers and administrators at Stanton College Preparatory School. The Honor Code and strict integrity policy were implemented to try to emphasize the importance of achievement through individual work.

Even though it is one of the best high schools in the country, cheating continues to be a major issue at our school.

A recent survey conducted by the Devil’s Advocate found that 68 percent of Stanton students admitted to cheating at least once during high school. Moreover, 47 percent of students admitted to cheating 20 or more times.

These statistics back up what many already know: there is a cheating problem at Stanton. One individual who realizes the extent of this issue is guidance counselor Mr. Bob Turba.

Turba. “Honesty is an important human value that should be students when they resort to cheating. Dishonesty has become a way of life for many as students throughout our school enter the cheating culture.

Students Confess With only 32 percent of students claiming they have never

8 / devil’s advocate / features

cheated, it seems evident that cheaters can be found in Stanton classrooms at any given time.

However, those who will admit to it are much harder to come across. One student who confessed is sophomore Amelia Smith. legs, put it in your sunglasses, put it under your foot or put it in She went on to say, “You have to analyze the teacher and strategize [how to cheat] depending on where you sit in the Smith explained that she feels cheating is necessary in order

IB student Adam George shares Smith’s views on cheating.

“Students who had the class before me tell me the answers to George continued, “During tests, I compare answers with A student who has a different perspective on the topic is sophomore Nick Daniels. While he thinks cheating is wrong, there was a time when he gave in to its temptation. and he was desperate to get his desired grade in the class so he resorted to cheating.

“I was afraid of what my parents would do to me if I got a During the last test of the quarter, he noticed that the student next to him had his Scantron ideally positioned on the left side of his desk. To him, it just seemed like the perfect opportunity.

“Even though I was able to get my desired grade in the

statistics, most notably of the Stanton Junior Class. According to the Devil’s Advocate survey, 64 percent of juniors admitted to cheating 20 or more times.

One theory for such a high percentage lies in the commonly held belief that junior year is the most strenuous year of high school and the most important in regard to college acceptance. The combination of stress and pressure to succeed that students are burdened with causes the amount of cheating to increase.

In all classes however, when hours of homework each night combine with high stress levels, many students feel that cheating offers a good solution to pass a quiz or test. Since Stanton offers Honors, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate courses, students are constantly pressured to excel in the strenuous curriculum that they sometimes feel that cheating is their only choice.

The Non-Cheaters Even though the evidence points to a high number of cheaters at Stanton, many students hold honesty in high regard and are aggravated by their classmates who seem not to value integrity as much as they do. that cheaters often manage to get higher grades than those who do not cheat. halls to contrast with students plotting their next cheating endeavors. ment. They don’t want to turn in the people who cheat, fearing they would be looked down upon by their peers. However, they are bothered by the unfairness in cheating so they occasionally resort to taking matters into their own hands.

“Last year, during the Biology End-of-Course exam, this girl next to me kept looking at my screen so I put all the wrong answers until she turned it in, and then I changed my mous student.

Clearly, students who don’t cheat can still manage to do well in school. This serves as proof that even with the tremendous stress and large workload of Stanton, students can obtain top grades without resorting to dishonesty. Along with this, they gain the satisfaction of knowing that they did so with hard work and determination.

one of the reasons for this is the ease students can get answers with technology.

According to Mr. Turba, many students use technology to their advantage for cheating. And he is right. Just one Google search reveals thousands of ways to cheat from the traditional approach of answers in a sleeve to the more creative method of electronically changing the nutritional facts of a soda to test answers.

Cell phones have become the number one tool for cheating due to their ability to instantly send and receive answers as well as save information in pictures and texts.

Smart phones make cheating even easier since they provide students with instant access to the Internet. Easily concealable, these devices make it nearly effortless to look up an answer during a test, especially when the teacher doesn’t closely monitor the class.

Daniels recounted an instance when a classmate sitting next to him took out his phone during an exam to look up the answers. According to Daniels, the student scored well on the test and was never caught.

Technology does not only add to the cheating problem; coincidentally, it can also help counter it. Numerous websites have been developed to repress a growing type of cheating, plagiarism. Stanton teachers commonly require students to submit their assignments to turnitin.com, a website that scans documents in search of plagiarism. Not only does this alert teachers of students who plagiarized, it also helps prevent cheating in the were to be caught.

One of the many teachers who utilizes this resource is

Why do Students Cheat?

Stress Peer Pressure

32%

60% 8%

Lack of effort

For the students who do dig themselves into the “hole teachers take more precautions than others to prevent cheating in their classrooms. While some sit back in their desks during an exam, others take preventative measures such as separating desks and pacing up and down the aisles to ensure that no cheating occurs.

Chemistry teacher Mrs. Jessica Justice said she watches students during tests and makes sure the desks are two tiles apart to try to prevent cheating. In addition, she signs off on the data during labs so the students don’t make it up at home.

Another teacher who tries to inhibit cheating is math teacher Mr. Clay Peterson, who said he makes more than one version of tests and quizzes. “If a person copies off their Mr. Peterson went on to say that he doesn’t give multiple choice tests so it is much harder to cheat since students have to write out the problem step-by-step. Test security is another tactic he uses.

“I keep the tests in the room so they are not circulating Many teachers, however, don’t do anything to try to prevent cheating, making it seem like they don’t care about this major problem. One student explained that in a certain class, a classmate “practically screams out the answers during tests “Teachers who don’t pay attention are part of the prob-

grades, they only need to look to their peers or elders for guidance.

“Just manage your time wisely, plan accordingly, prioritize, and organize yourself so you aren’t stressed out and get yourgoma Majova-Seane.

Technology and Cheating While Smith, George, and Daniels did not use technology in their cheating activities, countless students do. “Cheating has

Teacher’s Talk

they can get away with cheating.”

Still, there is only so much teachers can do to try to prevent cheating. “Teachers can prevent cheating in the classroom, but outside arises a larger problem,” said an anonymous student.

D.A. Survey Results : How Many Times Have You Cheated?

Amount of Times Cheated

Number of Students

Percentage

Once

9

7%

2-5 incidents

27

20 %

6 -10 incidents

21

16 %

14

11 %

62

47 %

11-20 incidents

+20 incidents

features / january 2013 / 9

Culture English teacher Ms. Erin Crider. Having caught students who cheated using the website, she thinks it is so important to be able to protect integrity.

“Students who work hard deserve appropriate credit and

Why Students Cheat There are numerous reasons why students cheat. The Devil’s Advocate survey found that 60 percent of students believe stress is the main cause of cheating, followed by lack of effort.

Mr. Turba explained that pressure from parents as well as the pressure students put on themselves adds to the problem of cheating. According to Mr. Turba, some students “don’t have

photos by Kathryn McMullen

and so they are driven to cheat.

One student epitomized what many strongly believe is at the root of cheating by saying, “I think just about everyone

DISCLAIMER: The names of some students in this

*

story have been changed to protect their privacy.

Cheating is a troubling problem in our world today. From cheating in politics and relationships to cheating in the classroom, it is clear that dishonesty has permeated our society. Academic cheating has increased dramatically in recent years, enticing students in even the most prestigious high schools and colleges.

Trying to counter this lack of integrity is a daily struggle for the teachers and administrators at Stanton College Preparatory School. The Honor Code and strict integrity policy were implemented to try to emphasize the importance of achievement through individual work.

Even though it is one of the best high schools in the country, cheating continues to be a major issue at our school.

A recent survey conducted by the Devil’s Advocate found that 68 percent of Stanton students admitted to cheating at least once during high school. Moreover, 47 percent of students admitted to cheating 20 or more times.

These statistics back up what many already know: there is a cheating problem at Stanton. One individual who realizes the extent of this issue is guidance counselor Mr. Bob Turba.

Turba. “Honesty is an important human value that should be students when they resort to cheating. Dishonesty has become a way of life for many as students throughout our school enter the cheating culture.

Students Confess With only 32 percent of students claiming they have never

8 / devil’s advocate / features

cheated, it seems evident that cheaters can be found in Stanton classrooms at any given time.

However, those who will admit to it are much harder to come across. One student who confessed is sophomore Amelia Smith. legs, put it in your sunglasses, put it under your foot or put it in She went on to say, “You have to analyze the teacher and strategize [how to cheat] depending on where you sit in the Smith explained that she feels cheating is necessary in order

IB student Adam George shares Smith’s views on cheating.

“Students who had the class before me tell me the answers to George continued, “During tests, I compare answers with A student who has a different perspective on the topic is sophomore Nick Daniels. While he thinks cheating is wrong, there was a time when he gave in to its temptation. and he was desperate to get his desired grade in the class so he resorted to cheating.

“I was afraid of what my parents would do to me if I got a During the last test of the quarter, he noticed that the student next to him had his Scantron ideally positioned on the left side of his desk. To him, it just seemed like the perfect opportunity.

“Even though I was able to get my desired grade in the

statistics, most notably of the Stanton Junior Class. According to the Devil’s Advocate survey, 64 percent of juniors admitted to cheating 20 or more times.

One theory for such a high percentage lies in the commonly held belief that junior year is the most strenuous year of high school and the most important in regard to college acceptance. The combination of stress and pressure to succeed that students are burdened with causes the amount of cheating to increase.

In all classes however, when hours of homework each night combine with high stress levels, many students feel that cheating offers a good solution to pass a quiz or test. Since Stanton offers Honors, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate courses, students are constantly pressured to excel in the strenuous curriculum that they sometimes feel that cheating is their only choice.

The Non-Cheaters Even though the evidence points to a high number of cheaters at Stanton, many students hold honesty in high regard and are aggravated by their classmates who seem not to value integrity as much as they do. that cheaters often manage to get higher grades than those who do not cheat. halls to contrast with students plotting their next cheating endeavors. ment. They don’t want to turn in the people who cheat, fearing they would be looked down upon by their peers. However, they are bothered by the unfairness in cheating so they occasionally resort to taking matters into their own hands.

“Last year, during the Biology End-of-Course exam, this girl next to me kept looking at my screen so I put all the wrong answers until she turned it in, and then I changed my mous student.

Clearly, students who don’t cheat can still manage to do well in school. This serves as proof that even with the tremendous stress and large workload of Stanton, students can obtain top grades without resorting to dishonesty. Along with this, they gain the satisfaction of knowing that they did so with hard work and determination.

one of the reasons for this is the ease students can get answers with technology.

According to Mr. Turba, many students use technology to their advantage for cheating. And he is right. Just one Google search reveals thousands of ways to cheat from the traditional approach of answers in a sleeve to the more creative method of electronically changing the nutritional facts of a soda to test answers.

Cell phones have become the number one tool for cheating due to their ability to instantly send and receive answers as well as save information in pictures and texts.

Smart phones make cheating even easier since they provide students with instant access to the Internet. Easily concealable, these devices make it nearly effortless to look up an answer during a test, especially when the teacher doesn’t closely monitor the class.

Daniels recounted an instance when a classmate sitting next to him took out his phone during an exam to look up the answers. According to Daniels, the student scored well on the test and was never caught.

Technology does not only add to the cheating problem; coincidentally, it can also help counter it. Numerous websites have been developed to repress a growing type of cheating, plagiarism. Stanton teachers commonly require students to submit their assignments to turnitin.com, a website that scans documents in search of plagiarism. Not only does this alert teachers of students who plagiarized, it also helps prevent cheating in the were to be caught.

One of the many teachers who utilizes this resource is

Why do Students Cheat?

Stress Peer Pressure

32%

60% 8%

Lack of effort

For the students who do dig themselves into the “hole teachers take more precautions than others to prevent cheating in their classrooms. While some sit back in their desks during an exam, others take preventative measures such as separating desks and pacing up and down the aisles to ensure that no cheating occurs.

Chemistry teacher Mrs. Jessica Justice said she watches students during tests and makes sure the desks are two tiles apart to try to prevent cheating. In addition, she signs off on the data during labs so the students don’t make it up at home.

Another teacher who tries to inhibit cheating is math teacher Mr. Clay Peterson, who said he makes more than one version of tests and quizzes. “If a person copies off their Mr. Peterson went on to say that he doesn’t give multiple choice tests so it is much harder to cheat since students have to write out the problem step-by-step. Test security is another tactic he uses.

“I keep the tests in the room so they are not circulating Many teachers, however, don’t do anything to try to prevent cheating, making it seem like they don’t care about this major problem. One student explained that in a certain class, a classmate “practically screams out the answers during tests “Teachers who don’t pay attention are part of the prob-

grades, they only need to look to their peers or elders for guidance.

“Just manage your time wisely, plan accordingly, prioritize, and organize yourself so you aren’t stressed out and get yourgoma Majova-Seane.

Technology and Cheating While Smith, George, and Daniels did not use technology in their cheating activities, countless students do. “Cheating has

Teacher’s Talk

they can get away with cheating.”

Still, there is only so much teachers can do to try to prevent cheating. “Teachers can prevent cheating in the classroom, but outside arises a larger problem,” said an anonymous student.

D.A. Survey Results : How Many Times Have You Cheated?

Amount of Times Cheated

Number of Students

Percentage

Once

9

7%

2-5 incidents

27

20 %

6 -10 incidents

21

16 %

14

11 %

62

47 %

11-20 incidents

+20 incidents

features / january 2013 / 9

phtotos by Kathryn McMullen

Cheating is ingrained in the human experience. It is certainly not our most flattering trait, but to deny its existence would be impossible. As flawed individuals, we have all found ways to cut corners in our quest to travel the road of least resistance. In our haste to appease the self serving element of our lives we cheat on taxes, spouses, speed limits, athletic and friendly competitions, and job applications.

Of course we will often go to great extent to find ways to justify each of these activities.

Our intellects are so developed

By E.J. MCKNIGHT, that we can rationalize just about Contributing Writer anything. We can use expediency, survival, or lack of onfidence as reason for our less than admirable behavior.

I certainly believe that the degree to which we each exhibit unethical behavior varies; however, to profess a life that transcends cheating is incredibly suspicious. But before those few individuals who CAN make that claim scurry to defend their virtue, let me firmly state that I am NOT indicting everyone, just most.

I cheated in high school, copying homework, taking a brief look at Fred Bath’s test paper, and plagiarizing an occasional writing assignment, but EACH time I was petrified to do it, as were most others who engaged in the same behavior. But there were two major differences in the attitude toward cheating back in 1965 and today. Today’s students are NOT petrified when they cheat, and when they DO cheat and get caught, they are NOT prepared to face the consequences.

Please know that my heart has always known that cheating is wrong, and I do not condone it either in my life or anyone else’s. But I was always willing to take the consequences for my actions. It might be appropriate to note that I WAS found guilty of using several of Sir Douglas Campbell’s ideas in a college Shakespeare paper. I was not allowed to finish the class, had to withdraw from the course, and was placed on academic probation. It definitely got my attention. But the college’s punishment was not as severe as my Dad’s wrath when he received the official notification from the Dean. !!!!!!

Cheating in one form or another has become an ACCEPTED way of life for many students. When caught, they and their parents (many who will lie for their children at every turn) will argue their innocence to their death, including the enlistment of legal representation. And the consequences have been reduced, in many cases, to a slap on the wrist. Stanton has positioned itself with a strong stance against cheating. It should be credited for that worthy endeavor; however, I am a firm believer that the “stick” has always held a greater influence than the “carrot.” I have handled cheating in a very private but tough way, which does not need to be revealed here.

As a teacher I have had to accept that cheating is very real, that we cannot be blind to its existence, and it still needs to be handled swiftly and deliberately. I have never believed the adult admonitions that cheating would weigh high on my conscience. I have lived an incredibly full and reasonably responsible life INSPITE of my academic indiscretions.

But I DO believe it is wrong, and if I do not confront it, do not look for it in my classroom, and do not enact a fair but “consequential “ punishment, then I am NOT being fair to those students who HAVE taken Stanton’s obligatory oath plus their own personal integrity seriously.

It would be nice to think that we can learn life’s lessons WITHOUT having to feel the sting of our mistakes. Unfortunately, we learned the concept of “hot, “not by taking the counsel of our parents, but by touching the stove. The reality, however, will always be that some people CAN easily see the light, but most people learn by having to feel the heat!!! But what do I know?????

10 / devil’s advocate / features

YOUR VIEWS Teachers “Students aren’t good at cheating, so why are they doing it? They [students] just need to assess what they are doing and learn the material.”

-Ms. T. Simmons “Cheating is bad and disrespectful to the rest of the students that actually have studied; it’s a lack of respect to your teachers who have worked hard to help you learn.”

-Ms.Vargas

“It is very unethical. For me, it’s like that person doesn’t have any self respect.

That person isnt confident to trust what they’ve learned.”

-Dr. Rodriguez-Reyes

Students “Cheating is a revolving act within our education sysyem because of the stress and workload Stanton puts on students as a whole. This forces students to compromise their integrity.”

-Malik Handoush, 11th “Cheating is wrong but needed because of Stanton’s workload.”

Tabitha Raskiewicz, 10th “I think cheating is unnecessary, especially when you study and do the work like you’re supposed to.”

-Jimel Bronson, 9th “Although cheating is morally wrong, it’s hard for for students to maintain their intergrity at a school like Stanton.”

-Rodneiyka Thornton, 12th

Copying assignments is one of many ways Stanton students cheat.

The Honor Code Another measure implemented to try to counter cheating is the Honor Code. Stanton has a strict integrity policy compared to other schools in Duval County. Students are required to write the Honor Code on all tests and assignments, pledging that they did not “give or receive unauthorized assistance.”

Principal Majova-Seane said the Honor Code is so important because “we want be able to say you were able to earn a Stanton diploma on your own, not with other’s work.”

The truth is that countless students are only able to earn a Stanton diploma by cheating their way through high school.

“There are students who would have dropped out years ago if it weren’t for cheating,” said senior Nathan Whisman.

This shows that along with all other efforts to prevent cheating, the Honor Code is only partially effective since this pledge of integrity seems to quickly lose its value. Forty-two percent of Stanton freshmen admitted to cheating while that number doubled to 84 percent in the Sophomore Class.

Many freshmen sources admitted to being scared out of cheating by the firm integrity policy. However, stress and mere indolence eventually cause students to realize that writing a statement on the back of a test does not have much meaning to them. When students gain this mindset, they decide to cheat despite the fact that they clearly know they are breaking the Honor Code.

“I brought a phone in class and used it when the teacher wasn’t looking. Would I do it again? Yes. Is it right? No,” said an anonymous student.

An additional factor that hinders the Honor Code’s effectiveness is that students are often unclear about what constitutes cheating.

“I ask people how the test was but I don’t think that counts as cheating,” said one student.

Another student admitted to occasionally copying homework which does not seem as severe as copying answers on a test or quiz and therefore, may not make students feel as guilty. According to Principal Majova-Seane, sharing work on any individual assignment is considered cheating.

Mr. Turba illustrated this with a rhetorical question. “Is 56 miles per hour still over the 50 mile per hour speed limit?”

He added by saying even if the assignment seems insignificant, cheating on it is still deemed an integrity violation.

“

dishonesty will never get you anywhere in life.

”

- Elsie Platzer, 9th Consequence

There are severe consequences for cheating in attempt to discourage students from taking part in it.

“I’ve caught people who cheat on my math tests and it never turns out good for them,” said Mr. Peterson.

According to Stanton policy, if students are caught cheating, they will be given an Integrity Referral by their teacher.

Upon receiving a second Integrity Referral, students must come before the Honor Review Board which consists of elected student leaders and three faculty advisors. During the

hearing, students must explain the reason for their violations and the board will make a recommendation to the Stanton administration concerning their proposed consequences.

Traditionally, consequences of integrity violations include exclusion from membership in any honor society or leadership position, inability to be recommended to a college, and possible counseling on choosing another high school.

“Students with integrity referrals or warnings are not allowed to apply to join National Honor Society. The only exception is if they get one in the 9th grade as we feel that is a learning experience,” said NHS advisor Mrs. Kathy Feierstein.

The consequences of cheating may also impact a student’s college aspirations. All colleges now require students to include any integrity violations on their applications. “[Cheating] can come back to haunt you,” said Mr. Turba.

“Why would a college want a dishonest person on campus?”

Like the NHS advisors, colleges may be able to look past one violation if it was early on in high school and there were no more issues since then. Even so, the habit of cheating can follow one to college and beyond the academic environment.

“For too many people, dishonesty is only wrong if you get caught,” said Mr. Turba. People with this attitude will use it throughout life. One example he gave was cheating on a spouse. When honesty is not valued, opportunities as well as relationships can be destroyed.

Some people are fortunate enough to realize this early on such as freshman Elsie Platzer who explained that “dishonesty will never get you anywhere in life.”

Unfortunately, most do not consider the possible adverse effects of their actions until the consequences that result are irreversible. With cheating infused in our society, its momentum cannot be reversed. In a world where integrity is incessantly losing its value, cheating continuously infects people through its deceptive nature. With its superficial short-term benefits that cloud an honest person’s judgment, cheating has become an uncontrollable problem.

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features / january 2013 / 11

Editorial Staff 2012-2013 Alexandra Morgante, Editor-in-Chief Leah Quisenberry, Managing Editor Alexis Brown, Opinions Editor Kia’ Cooper, Features Editor Taylor Galloway, Sports Editor Laura Gerbec, Student Life Editor Kathryn McMullen, Photography Editor 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.

The Pressure to Conform Teenagers at times think that since “everyone” is doing something they must join in to be part of the “cool crew.” According to survelum.com, public schools are more prone to peer pressure than private schools. Peer pressure cannot only mean that people feel the need to do something to fit in, it could also mean lying about something because you felt guilty. During high school, most teens are affected by peer pressure by friends trying to convince them to do drugs or cheat.

At times, teens feel like they have to do what they are told by their peers to be popular. Being put under pressure has some major risks. Some teens can get caught and feel bad because they know what they did was wrong. In the same survey, 36 percent of people that give into peer pressure feel less confident about themselves.

Everyone hears the quote, “Be a leader, not a follower,” but at times it can be hard for these words to sink in. However, the feeling of losing a friend can be even harder.

Surprisingly according to the survelum survey, 45 percent of teens said that at times, peer pressure is acceptable depending on what the person is asking you to do. If someone asks for homework help you should help him or her. This is an example of positive peer pressure. We don’t think that if someone is telling you to drink and do drugs those students should give in. Everyone has their own morals and they should follow what they believe is right and wrong. As in any situation, there are pros and cons.

The advantages to this would be an increase in confidence, adopting good habits, and having a feeling that something is being done right. The disadvantages to this are that wrong decisions can be made, your individuality is gone, bad habits can grow to be even worse, and this could lead to bullying. For example, when someone does not take the action that people choose for them to do and people pick on them as a consequence, that is bullying. While one person is feeling bad and guilty for everything they have ever done, the other person is taunting them and they will have a bad name on themselves.

Something that we can all agree on that can help increase the amount of peer pressure is technology. Technology has impacted everyone in the 21 century. Social networking sites can show students the good, the bad and the ugly. One thing that more teens are prone to now is a drug. According to a new study done by the Huffington Post, it showed that about 17 percent of students are smoking, drinking, or doing drugs during the school day. Along with technology helping to increase peer pressure rates, it can also decrease student’s self-esteem. Kids tend to go with the idea that what they say on the computer as the perfect model body is what they should have or they compare themselves to others and think less of themselves. Students all want to do the right thing but sometimes that seems impossible with the generation we live in today.

In the end, students should do what they think is right and they shouldn’t compare themselves to each other. They should be bold enough to stand out and say no to what they feel is wrong.Yes, there are things that are helping to increase peer pressure, but there are also so many ways that students can prevent it. Sometimes it is okay to be the outcast as long as you feel what you did was right.

School Diversity Stanton College Preparatory School is known not only for its academic excellence, but for its extremely diverse population. Individuals from different races, creeds, and cultures are able to interact and be a part of each others’ educational experience. In a world torn apart by racial differences, diversity in a school environment is profoundly important.

We, the Devil’s Advocate staff, believe it is crucial that students are taught during adolescence how to interact and get along with people who are different than them. Since the United States of America is one of the most diverse countries in the world, America’s youth will definitely interact with multiple races throughout their lifetime. According to the CensusScope, a useful tool for investigating U.S. demographic trends, there are thousands of different cultures living within the country. Raising individuals at a young age is crucial to create a new generation that is not prejudice. Diversity in the school environment provides a wide range of talents that, when working as a whole, can lead to success in a plethora of subject areas.

The majority would agree that Stanton is a good example of a well-balanced student environment. Because the community is already so diverse, students seem to believe that racial stereotyping is not a major issue at Stanton. “I think we’re more accepting of different races because we have so many in our school,” said senior Alexandra Clingan. “In turn, we are able to respect one another.” Many students feel the variety of different races has taught them how to respect different beliefs. Stanton’s rigorous curriculum and high academic expectations may also contribute to the diminishing of the issue. “I think that the fact that everyone is so academically focused eliminates racial stereotyping,” said junior Leighton Baruch. “The diversity at Stanton creates a really accepting atmosphere where people are too driven to succeed to point fingers each at another.”

In general, an environment like Stanton that requires academic excellence typically results in a more mature and open-minded student population. Senior Kaitlyn Hamby shares this assertion. “Especially after four years here, we all learn to appreciate everyone’s differences so if there’s any serious negative effects of racial stereotyping, I don’t see them very often,” said Hamby. It appears a significant majority of Stanton’s student body would agree Stanton is diverse, and racial stereotyping is not a problem; however, others may argue that it is not as diverse as it seems.

Classrooms may be filled with students of different races, but a walk through the courtyard during lunch shows people of the same race grouped together at different tables.

“I don’t think racism is an obvious problem,” said sophomore Nicole Toolan. “But there’s definitely a lot of quiet prejudice among students when they aren’t placed in the same room as people from other cultures.” Although Stanton has been able to establish an educational institution that is openly accepting of different races, it has yet to completely eliminate student prejudice. There is clearly still work to be done, but in comparison to other schools, Stanton’s diversity is a fair representation of the rest of the country.

Throughout American history, the issue of prejudice has been apparent in a large number of conflicts as people have defended their natural rights of equality and freedom. Although significant progress has been made and is still being made, racial stereotyping is still present.

America’s youth, and Stanton’s students in particular, need to learn that working together and respecting one another’s personal beliefs is the key to success. If they grow up with the notion that all people deserve to be treated equally, then there is hope for a next generation with less prejudice.

One way that Stanton may work toward complete elimination of racial stereotyping is by creating more clubs that allow students from all different demographics to work together and brainstorm different ways to promote racial equality. Although there are some clubs such as the Black History Club that appreciates the significance of African Americans throughout history or Multi Cultural Club which gives a variety of cultures the chance to express themselves, Stanton should continue to give appropriate recognition to the different cultures in its student body. Some students are under the impression that only people of their race can attend these clubs, but in reality both clubs encourage all

Halos & Pitchforks

We give a halo to the up and coming winter formal event. Homecoming was fun, but thanks to the administration for letting us have another night to dance the night away.

We give a pitchfork to the new semester exam policy. We know it is not Stanton’s policy, but nobody will ever appreciate this policy. Just let us have the old policy back! opinions / january 2013 / 12

Question: Would your life be better or worse if you knew the day that you were going to die?

“Better; while I would love to say that I live each day to the fullest, I know that is not true.

Probably if I knew when I was going to die, I would be better about letting everyone know how much I appreciate them.”

-Mrs. O’Connor

“It would have its advantage and disadvantages. I would be able to get everything in order and say my goodbyes, but at the same time it would be sad knowing my time was limited.”

-Jarrod Darrow, 10th

“It would be better if it wasn’tin the immediate future. I will know my days are limited, so it will give me a reason to get up and do something awesome.”

-Patricia Cruz, 12th

“Worse; as long as you already appreciate each day, and live it with a sense of “urgency”. I believe that is enough motivaton. Knowing the exact day would just be too odd especially in the last year or two.”

-Coach McCullough

Column X

Stanton Now vs. Future

“If you have something that you don’t want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place.”

That is what Google CEO Eric Schmidt said in 2009 when asked if his company would protect Americans’ private activity. The Internet is in the process of setting us back more than two centuries when it comes to privacy, but do not worry, because this is good--privacy as we know it is wrong.

Countless people have lost their jobs because of a comment or picture leaking onto the internet that was not intended to be public. As many or more people were never hired for the same reason. Over a third of divorce filings used Facebook for evidence in 2011. Tyler Clementi, a freshman at the University of Rutgers, ended his own life after being ‘outed’ by his roommate’s web camera. The suicide rate in the United States has gone up every year since 2005, a trend that may be explained by the simultaneous increase in worldwide (web) humiliation.

So how is the erosion of privacy a good thing? Simply put, when many people refer to their privacy, what they mean is the ability to lie to other people about who they are and what they have done. Clementi was deeply wronged, however he jumped off the George Washington Bridge because he preferred to die rather than admit to homosexual feelings (there are other societal problems with that, to be sure). Many Americans are haunted by the thought that they will have to admit to a past act in the face of irrefutable digital evidence. We must recognize that this means that many Americans are haunted by the thought of telling the truth.

For more than 99 percent of human history, most people were spread out and the isolated communities were small--the number of keepable secrets even smaller. Then came the industrial revolution and urbanization (movement to cities), and now most people seen everyday are nameless faces. Now a person can pull off being a different person at work, home, and other communities. It was Nathaniel Hawthorne who remarked at the beginning of this development, “No man...can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true.”

He wrote this over 350 years before the Limited Facebook Profile.

When we come to terms with the idea that who we are should be essentially the same to everyone we meet, we will be better people for it. The internet is forcing us to do that--not all steps back are bad.

The sleepless nights, countless essays, daily homework assignments, and excessive amounts of stress are normal for the average Stanton student. There isn’t a night that goes by where I am not occupied with the practices of Stanton’s intricate curriculum. Any student would most likely agree that the workload and expectations from Stanton are far too demanding. However, despite all the grade troubles seemingly impeding on their true intellectual capacity, students have no clue what’s to come once they enter the “real world.” This is often overlooked because we are so engaged in our present responsibilities that we cannot see this is all an asset to make life after high school much easier.

It’s easy to be a scholar and excel in just that, but to be a scholar and participate in extracurricular activities as well can prove to be a struggle for some. I have been struggling with prioritizing academics, and balancing them with sports, clubs, and activities. It’s stressful for me because I know colleges need something else to look at besides a GPA or SAT score. To be a basketball player, a football manager, a flag football player, and take on the role of a journalist is far much more to handle. I put the pressure on myself to partake in all these activities, but I understand how good it will look on transcripts and resumes.

Universities are looking to see what you can offer outside of academics. Several Stanton graduates can agree that the change from Stanton to college was smooth. For 2012 Stanton graduate Kabriel Moorehead, the transition to college was much easier because of the level of preparation Stanton had to offer. He is currently a freshman at the University of Central Florida majoring in Bio Med. Kabriel, who mastered the art of procrastination, understands the effects of his hard work after graduation.“After spending countless nights hurrying to paste together a last minute project or assignment during my four years at Stanton, I can honestly say that graduating from Stanton has had a significant impact on how my first semester in college has progressed,” Kabriel said. “ With all the distractions that college life can present, there is no better feeling than knowing you can handle the workload and a social life too.”

Kabriel is able to attest to the fact that Stanton’s heavy workload forced him to become a better student. “If I had not attended Stanton, my transition to college would have been much more difficult because I would not have been as prepared for college level work and I would have lacked the time management skills towards getting my work done that are absolutely critical to college life,” said Kabriel.

What Stanton students need to understand is that the bickering and complaints will not get them anywhere, at least not to their benefit. By putting in the work now, everything will be easier once it is time to enter college, or get a job because the knowledge is there.

Coach Josh Westfall, who graduated from Stanton in 1999, attended UNF for four and a half years. “Stanton made college life much easier because I was so prepared,” Westfall said. He claims there were positives and negatives after graduating Stanton; in college the workload was easier to handle yet there was so much time on his hands.

Friends and colleagues who attended standard schools tend to suffer more from the drastic instructions by college educators. “It got to the point where my friends would begin writing an essay weeks in advance while I could finish it in one night,” Westfall said. He has been on staff at Stanton for seven years now after replacing a former teacher as a substitute; he is now a full-time PSFR (Personal, Social, and Family Relationships) teacher and gym coach.

Data from the College Admission Summary revealed 89 percent of Stanton graduates from last year enrolled in four year colleges while the remaining 11 percent enrolled in two year colleges. Over the course of 25 years, 69.7 percent of Stanton graduates attended universities in the state of Florida. The purpose of Stanton College Preparatory School is to prepare students for college by training them to comprehend and act on a collegiate level. Teenagers all over the school, myself included, do not truly appreciate the extreme pressure.Young and naive, we are more interested in the more entertaining happenings that suit our generation rather than the pressing direction of our future. We show high interest in the next Stanton/ Paxon game, but refuse to explore the writing workshops and tutoring sessions our teachers offer.

I often take many things for granted; I complain about the quantity of assignments given and continue to procrastinate. At least that is something I know I am good at. I will work hard to turn in quality work regardless of time constraints. It is hard to refrain from complaining about the work, however it is something to be thankful for because the various subjects that are introduced in high school are the foundation to the different concepts taught in college.

Stanton is here to enhance integrity, diligence, and character and when these elements are mastered, work on a collegiate level will be effortless. As long as priorities are set, students should look forward to a bright future because success is well within their reach.

By ANONYMOUS STANTON TEACHER

13 / devil’s advocate / opinions

By AUVION BRADSHAW, Opinions Reporter

Relationships are an excellent concept and connection, especially healthy ones. A healthy relationship defined as having a sense of “self” while still feeling harmonious together. While there are exceptions to every “rule” and “definition”, a healthy relationship to me is one in which both people are honest, selfless, caring, understanding, and forgiving. Both people must sacrifice and balance their time for the other and communicate to the best of their ability. If both people are putting forth their full effort toward each other, they will have positive results.

Although relationships have a reputation for ruining friendships and sacrificing one’s independence, the worst of these do not have to be true. In a strong relationship, both parties must understand that they are two separate people with two separate lives. One member of a couple has his or her own friends, and they are left almost competing for time with their friend in the relationship while the other may be longing for attention. It’s okay to hang out with friends on the weekend and go to social events, but as long as the other person completely trusts you. A bit of understanding from the significant other’s half and the friends’ half is necessary. When it comes to relationships, friends should always understand the word “no” when the other is in a relationship.

Often a reason many people find out which friends actually care for them and which friend just beg for someone’s attention is easily revealed in a relationship by seeing who sticks around and supports your relationship. Jealousy and envy should not be expressed, but the friend should be genuinely happy for you.

As humans, we were meant to live in a community with others whether they are like us or not. Some share similar interests and personalities, but also some compliment ours.

Therefore, there is no cookie cutter relationship. I prefer somebody to counteract my laziness and negativity to push me to work hard in school and to help me see the positives in life. Too often, I feel people search for compatibility in personalities, but not who will be able to off set your bad side.

It is important to invest a relationship into somebody who will help you grow as a person. It is always wise and rewarding to connect with somebody who pushes you to be the best person you can possibly be. Having that said, it is important to not lose sight of what is important in life: having fun and enjoying life. Do not let the idea of perfection cloud your mind, rather than the idea of living each moment with your significant other to the fullest, and learn lessons from them along the way. Growing together should always be a part of a healthy relationship.

Some women’s idea of a perfect relationship are skewed because of movies, books, and plays which creates expectations that are too high. Those who are obsessive over these will never realize the understanding of a true relationship. It takes work, effort, and sustainability to achieve just the half of these “perfect” relationship. What makes a relationship honest is nowhere near perfection. This isn’t to say men’s views are not skewed as well.

This doesn’t mean a guy will consider himself to have a “good” girlfriend if she makes him sandwiches and watches football all day on Saturday, football only lasts a few months of the year. Seasons change and so do relationships. Girls may appreciate making their boyfriend happy, but they’ll get bored and fed up eventually of their “servant” life style.

Therefore I believe that it takes two people to work towards a healthy and loving relationship. While we may fill our heads with some unreal beliefs, everybody’s relationship is different.

By HANK BACHARA, Contributing Writer photo by Kathryn McMullen

He Said

Brawl of the Sexes: Relationships

She Said

photo by Kathryn McMullen

What if I told you I didn’t believe in love? You would probably be shocked, begin to think of me as someone who has no soul, and lose a lot of respect for me. I ask you this: how can you believe in love when there is so much bad in this world?

Love is the emotion that is supposed to keep you from hurting people. People proclaim that they love a person so much and devote their lives to that person, but they still hurt them. They get in fights, they cheat on each other, they say mean things, etc. People apologize and forgive each other but it happens over and over again. It’s a never-ending cycle throughout which humans are fooling themselves into believing that the person who continuously hurts them actually loves them because they need some kind of hope to hold on to. Thus I have come to the conclusion that love between people does not exist. People can care a lot for each other but they cannot love each other.

If true love was real, it would be simple and kind but instead it causes people to do crazy things and is complicated. Love is presented as a feeling that leads only to positive outcomes but it is often ignored that just as many hardships and arguments spring forth from it. Individuals have their wants and desires and the person they love has theirs. Both people can’t have everything they want and thus sacrifices have to be made. I believe people are never truly happy because of this. They may come across as being happy and okay with everything but I believe some underlying anger will exist because it is hard for humans to accept that in order to sacrifice for their loved one, they must give up some of the things they desire.

Humans are too imperfect to achieve love. They make too many mistakes and are too selfish. As a Christian, I believe God does have the ability to love us and thus we are able to love Him. This also applies to all other religious gods that people believe in. To love is just one more thing the divine can do that human beings cannot do.

Maybe I’m wrong though. Maybe there are people out there who really love each other, are truly happy, and don’t hurt one another. If this is true, I believe they are adults.

I think it is impossible for teenagers to achieve this. We are not fully developed and we do not have nearly enough life experiences to be able to commit ourselves to another person. We can barely decide what clothes to wear to school everyday, How can we know that we are in love? It comes across as absurd to me when I hear my fellow classmates professing their undying love for one another. I just want to shout at them “Hello people, do you not realize that you have the rest of your lives for these kind of things?” Their high school years are being wasted away with the boy or girl who is just their future heartbreak. When they look back on their lives, I promise that they will be asking themselves what exactly it was they were doing investing their time in a “serious relationship.”

At this point in our lives, love is just an illusory feeling that serves as a distraction for us. It gives us someone to text and talk on the phone with and ensures that we will have plans on the weekends, as well as a date to the prom but it is nothing more. The idea of love, especially the way it is depicted in the movie, sets the teenage population up for high standards and thus disappoint. Ultimately, high school students are just wasting their precious time. We should be focusing on science fair and getting into college, not on falling in love because for all we know, love may not even exist. People should get their priorities straight and start establishing a foundation to build their future on, not trying to fast forward their lives to marriage.

By ELLIOTT BEALE, Contributing Writer

opinions / january 2013 / 14

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