SENIOR EDITS 6 Great risks lead to greater things... May 2008 The Galleon
By ASHLEY MILLER ASSOCIATE EDITOR
“I’ve always taken risks, and never worried what the world might really think of me.” - Cher I’ve pretty much lived my life by that motto. On The Galleon, I’ve expressed opinions in articles that prompted students to key my car; I’ve designed graphic pages that made my own newspaper adviser cringe; I’ve shared secrets about myself in editorials that often left me feeling alienated around my fellow students. Outside my journalistic “career,” I’ve followed my heart and created an organization at school, much to the chagrin of several teachers; I’ve developed my own style, although it almost got me denied admission to Grad Nite (think shiny, gold headband and powerhungry security guard); I’ve refused to follow the crowd, even if I was the lone one out. Now, before I depart from the glorious, highly esteemed, even picturesque Spanish River High School, I’m about to take one last risk… Last Will and Testament (Take this as my way of thanking everyone, minus the sappiness. Remember, this is all in good fun!) Security- Automatic gates that actually open on
schedule so student’s no longer have to wait an entire period in their cars to go home. 8000 Building Bathrooms- Toilet paper supply to last a whole week; usable mirrors; 5 more stalls so girls aren’t late to class. Leadership- Students willing to participate in school events; a repeat of 1990’s pep rallies. Mr. Dybas- A lesson plan (we all know you ad-lib every class!); Construction workers who work on schedule for the Biotech building. Mr. Pascarella- A day off; a friend who is as passionate about trains and steak as you are; a bedroom in your classroom so you can perpetually live at school. Mrs. Stenner- An additional year to be in charge of LTM days; another mind to mold. Ms. Woodmore- A permanent spot at the Woodfield gym/pool/club to gossip with all of our Moms. Mr. McEnroe- A secretary to take your “extremely important” phone calls during a test; students that never miss class and always turn in their homework on time; a more convincing facade that makes you appear as if you don’t care. Mr. Yunker- Another 1st period class as intense as this year’s; a comeback to every one of McEnroe’s practical jokes; more videos related to you posted on Youtube. Mr. Lampman- A film appreciation class; an appearance on Saturday Night Live; the freedom to perform at any pep rally. Mr. Burkey- A real Libertarian club consisting of more
than one member; tests that make “cents;” the chance to be the next Ben Bernanke; A free lunch; An up-andrunning student credit union by the year 2012. Ms. Sanders- a new back; someone who enjoys your overly sarcastic humor as much as I do; one additional year of having the four of us as your Editorial Board. Mr. Sollod- longer announcements during the middle of class; an award for “Coolest Assistant Principal;” even greater success with the Honor Board. Mrs. Mitchell- A 28 hour day; a cap on the amount of college applications students are allowed to send out; an all-expenses-paid vacation to an exotic island to compensate for your overly stressful job. Abby, Jerry, Jenna- 10 more hours of hibernating in the back room together; another excursion to reminisce our childhood days; more time to tease each other and reveal our deepest, darkest secrets. Emily, Katiana, Nadine, Jessica- “Best Overall Newspaper” Award; My blessing. The Galleon Staff- The drive to craft the best possible articles; an investigative report on living in the Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center (hint, hint). My friends- a night of “going out” instead of dressing up and staying in a house just talking and laughing; the ability to teleport ourselves across the country (aka to Ann Arbor, Gainesville, and Providence); an agreement to never argue again; one last trip to Brendy’s for ice cream; Bridesmaid dresses for “whenever” I get married. Class of 2008- WORLD DOMINATION!!!
Shedding the “Jenna B” at college By JENNA BLECHMAN ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Although the by-line says that my name is Jenna, it seems like no one knows me by that anymore. To the world (and that’s not an exaggeration) I am “Jenna B.” There was a point in my life that I hated this nickname. Everyone knew “Jenna B” as the small, smart, weird girl. I always tried to show people that like everyone else, I have changed since freshman year (or even since Omni Middle), but it never seemed to work. And while, looking back on the past four years, I will concede that Spanish River life wasn’t too bad, I won’t hesitate to shout that I am ready for college- that I am ready start fresh and use just “Jenna” for once. And for my select friends that I will stay close to at the University of Florida, you can call me Jenna B, but try not to spread it around… To The Galleon staff: Emily, you were the best co-editor and are such a cool girl. Thanks for putting up with my senioritis and for opening my eyes to new music. I know that you, Katiana and the Editorial Board will continue the legacy of our paper. Eliana and Haley, we had some great talks and walks this year. You two are the best, enjoy senior year! To Ms. Sanders: You definitely win the prize of the teacher I spent the most time with. Lucky you! Galleon and Lacrosse would not have been the same without you, and of course, Kelsey. Thank you for putting up with us; they were some really entertaining, and great, times. To Ashley: It was once said that we are the most unlikely pair of friends. As true as that may be,
over the past two years you have become such a close friend of mine. Being associate editor with you was perfect- I’d say we made a great team! You are such a spunky go-getter and this year has been so much fun. Just remember that you knew me when we would spend seven-plus hours in the back room for editing, Ms. Hopefully-secondfemale-President. To Jerry: It all started way back in freshman year with journalism class. No words. You are actually the most genuine person I know and I appreciate all the times you were there for me. You’re the best talker and can always boost my confidence and keep me strong. I know you don’t like the sappy stuff, but Jerry, you are such an amazing guy and you are going to go so far in life. I will continue to drive-by-IM you next year…be ready. To Abby: Remember when our sisters brought us to Brendy’s before high school too meet? Who would have thought we’d become best friends in the next four years (and still go to Brendy’s…A LOT). I don’t really like using the term “best friend,” but you really are one of the few I’d consider calling that. You have such poise and are so wise, and not to mention so much fun. I can ensure you that I will keep in touch with you once we go to college, which says so much. To my true friends: Because I avoided the cliques (numbers aren’t my thing), it took longer to find most of you, but this is definitely not the end of our friendship. You guys are pretty cool and you mean so much to me. Whether you’re thousands of miles away, or just a few floors down, I know when we talk or get together it will be like we never left. Love you all. And, to my parents: You two are what every parent should strive to be like. I know I do. You have selflessly given me such a great life and I love you. Go Gators!