Volume 19, Issue 1

the

BLUEPRINT Vol. 19 Issue 1 | October 6, 2023 | Hagerty High School | Oviedo, Florida

8

Parental Rights laws restrict student activities and involvement Photo Illustration | Nadia Knoblauch

Naomi Bailey, 12

2

AP Psych banned Abrupt ban leaves students in disbelief

12

Will’s World Junior Will Seavers doesn’t let his disability stop him

16

Volleyball win streak Girls varsity volleyball dominates competition

bp

the

news

2

PSYCHED OUT

AP Psychology banned then reinstated in first two weeks of school

Aug. 3, when College Board released an official statement announcing Florida’s restrictions on gender hen she received her school identity and sexuality education schedule on Aug. 1, junior “effectively banned” the AP Macy Drewry was ecstatic Psychology course. Negotiations with to see AP Psychology listed as her the Florida Department of Education, fourth period, a class she had been which had started waiting to take back in June, since middle school. Two days It’s a pity…school is supposed ultimately failed to produce a later, news broke to prepare us for the real mutual solution. In that Florida world, and in the real world no accordance with school districts recently passed were no longer one is there to censor us laws like the allowed to offer from different topics.

“Parental Rights AP Psychology for college credit, - Haarini Karthik Avayambal, 12 in Education” bill, the FLDOE leaving Drewry requested College Board to remove confused and scrambling to find any parts of their course pertaining another class. to sexual education, a move College “My brain couldn’t comprehend Board viewed as an attack on the AP how a class could literally be taken label. away after already having my “To be frank, I had prepared for schedule in Skyward,” Drewry said. [the ban] all summer,” AP Psychology “It’s difficult for me to not regret teacher Heather Douglas said. “While taking the course last year when the certainly hoping it didn’t happen, I class was still available.” had a feeling it was going to take that After multiple anxious direction considering the political correspondences with her counselor, climate and the other choices that Drewry managed to fill the hole in her they were making during legislation.” schedule, disappointed in the ban but The AP Psychology ban was optimistic about her new classes. only the latest casualty in a recent Then, four days into the school series of confrontations between the year, AP Psychology was back. An FLDOE and College Board, triggered update from Florida Commissioner

by Florida legislature’s increasing of Education Manny Diaz Jr. clarified restrictions on education. Earlier that the district could teach the class, this year, the FLDOE rejected the albeit with more county involvement College Board’s curriculum for their and revised teacher training. pilot-phase AP African American For Drewry though, it was too Studies course, citing lessons on late. The uncertainty surrounding the course made her wary, and she chose intersectionality, critical race theory and Black queer studies as violating to stick with her current schedule.

“I’m definitely glad that the course state law. The College Board released a modified course framework a month is back,” Drewry said. “But now it’s very overwhelming and stressful since later, noticeably removing the specific controversial topics Desantis and his this whole time I’ve been getting administration targeted. Nationwide situated in a different class, and I only criticism from Black leaders and had a [few] days to make a decision.” activists blasted the College Board for The controversy started on

Josephine Lim | News Editor

W

“

Illustration | Josephine Lim

from his fights with Disney and “giving in to Republican interests.” controversial bills. Schools are left to However, unlike the AP African American Studies class, which was still take the brunt of his political prowess, navigating new rules on gender, in testing, the FLDOE was trampling bathrooms, books and pronouns. well-worn paths by banning AP “Frustrating, I know that’s kind of Psychology, which has been taught in a word I’ve used quite a bit,” principal Florida for the last 30 years.

Robert Frasca said. “As a principal, a Junior Jessica Sekunna, who took lot of times decisions are mine, and a AP Psychology last year, struggled to lot of times they’re not. But even when see the reasoning behind the ban. they’re not my decisions, I still have to “I thought the ban was very dumb manage the implementation. We’ve all on Florida’s part,” Sekunna said. “It [just] been waiting for answers.” enforced censorship in education and Although the FLDOE has stated I honestly feel bad for everyone who AP Psychology could be offered missed the opportunity to take the without violating state law since class.”

Aug. 9, a clear state-wide plan of For senior Haarini Karthik Avayambal, who signed up to take the action has not been established. The letter Diaz sent, despite its many class this year, the ban was especially reassurances, failed to provide a bittersweet because this is her last strategy, leaving school districts to year at Hagerty. decide the future of AP Psychology “I was really shocked [at the ban]. themselves.

I thought it was a joke or something, On Aug. 15, Seminole County but after I found out it was real I decided to officially reinstate the was both sad and angry,” Karthik class. Despite the frustrations of Avayambal said. “It’s a pity—school is her ever-changing class schedule, supposed to prepare us for the real which has consisted of everything world, and in the real world no one from yoga classes to AP Seminar is there to censor or coddle us from with a psychology focus, Douglas is different topics.” overjoyed that Like she can continue Drewry, Karthik Avayambal I believe that students should to teach AP this has decided have a right to choose what Psychology year just as she not to re-enroll they want to learn. Anything has for the last 16 in the course. years.

Regardless, that kids desire to learn is For assistant she hopes the worth the effort. principal Angel situation will - Angel Rocha, Rocha, Hagerty’s serve as a lesson reinstatement about the role of assistant principal despite other public opinion in districts’ delay of the course speaks government decisions, encouraging volumes. other students to speak about the “The purpose of education is issues affecting them. just to be a well rounded individual,” The ban has pushed many Rocha said. “I believe that students opponents to voice their criticism should have a right to choose what of Desantis for his forceful push into they want to learn. Anything that kids “culture wars.” In recent years, the desire to learn is worth the effort.” governor has gained prominence

“

A timeline of

FLDOE

VS COLLEGE BOARD

June

Aug. 3

Aug. 9

Aug. 15

FLDOE asks College Board to revise the AP Psychology curriculum

AP Psychology pulled from school catalogs, ‘effectively banned’ by FLDOE

FLDOE clarifies that AP Psychology can continue to be taught— but no clear plan

Seminole County reinstates AP Psychology despite scheduling challenges

bp

the

news

3

Lockwood construction, sewage repairs near completion

eventually reached a point where sewer fund.

“I drive a truck through, it’s even the cameras could not pass “It’s taken longer than we pretty narrow so I have to pay close through. Because of this, the county originally anticipated and the attention to not hit any barricades,” he road blockage and ongoing had to hire a private contractor that contractor anticipated,” Westrick Hearn said. work on Lockwood Boulevard had the proper equipment to dig that said. “It’s unfortunate that the sewer While many residents are upset has left many wondering, deep. main is a travel lane, it’s usually or at the least inconvenienced by the “What’s the cause?” “What’s taking Another main issue is dewatering placed in the median.” blockage, there are no other options. so long?” and “When will this end?” the area so the sewer can be properly Junior Preston Hearn finds it “We have to follow Department The problem stems from an repaired. difficult to merge into the narrow lane, of Transportation guidelines.” issue with a section gravity sanitary “One of the challenges in Florida surrounded by construction cones. maintenance traffic,” Westrick said. sewer that collects the water from when you do excavations, regardless the Carillon subdivision and sends of what you’re it south to a excavating for, is wastewater water,” Westrick pump station.

It’s taken longer than we said.

One of the The main issues is originally anticipated and the water must be that the sewer contractor anticipated. continuously is abnormally - Dennis Westrick, Seminole pumped out or the deep, making it much more County Environmental Services area will refill. An issue with one of challenging to senior engineer the pumps resulted work on. in some lost progress, pushing back According to Dennis Westrick, the finish date. Dewatering is also a senior engineer for the Seminole needed to install a new manhole.

County Environmental Services The repair will be made through a Department, the gravity sewer process called pipe bursting, in which is around 30 feet deep, which is a same size or slightly larger pipe is unusual because they are commonly inserted into the damaged pipe. Once found at depths of eight to 10 feet the two new manholes are installed, underground. workers can pull the new pipe through The eight-inch diameter PVC and begin the restoration process. pipes had collapsed, causing The repairs are expected to finish sections of the system to become 12 weeks behind schedule and cost clogged. Robotic cameras were WARNING SIGNS A sign warns drivers of the narrowing road ahead. Construction on about $1.5 million from the water and used to inspect the sewer, but it Lockwood Blvd. has made it difficult for students to drive to school. Photo | Isaiah Macri Isaiah Macri | Staff Reporter

T

“

NEWS BRIEFS Minga hall passes required

O

Grace Hilton | Staff Reporter

ne of the biggest changes this year has been the use of Minga to monitor students with digital IDs and hall passes, bringing a great deal of discourse among parents, students and staff during the first Teachers use Minga to assign students digital hall passes. weeks of school. This new protocol, however, Photo | Grace Hilton is not a surprise, as the app was loosely used last year for students with lost IDs. The changes have been challenging to enforce and get used to, calling for everyone to help normalize the new procedures.

For this school year, the app is now the main form of identification, with certain exceptions for those without a phone. All students are in this system with their ID, passes and location. This transition has been upsetting to some students, who were content with the physical IDs. Similar concerns have been brought forward: teachers having to stop class, forgetting to stop student timers and trouble communicating with other teachers.

Administration is hoping that over time, the opinion on Minga will grow to be more positive and understanding.

“Whenever you’re piloting something new, there’s always going to be backlash,” Maitland said.

“We’re not being unreasonable.”

Campus faces overcrowding

New bells bring questions

T

I

Jolin Alcindor | Staff Reporter

he sheer volume of students is unprecedented at Hagerty. Out of the set district limit of 2,662, Hagerty has 2,580 students—only 82 students away from capacity.

Oviedo, which used to be a small town in central Florida, has seen exponential growth in the past few years. People have been moving to this area in droves, so the school has seen incredible growth as well.

School traffic is at an all time high as well. Junior Addyson Laisch gets stressed getting to school on time.

“I’m always afraid I’m going to be late,” Laisch said. “You can never anticipate how much time it’s going to take.”

Once students get to school, the crowding issues are far from over. Getting from class to class is a challenge with all of the students in the halls, leaving many uncomfortable and aggravated.

“The amount of students is out of control...it creates unnecessary crowds,” senior Jenna Lopez said.

This year brought a record number of students enrolled in Hagerty. Photo | Arielle Medina

Holly Smyers | Staff Reporter

n the morning, it’s the dreaded sound telling you it’s time for class. In the afternoon, it’s the anticipated sound of freedom. Mostly though, bells are just part of student life. Students often don’t truly notice something until it changes, so many were surprised when the bell was suddenly different.

Many rumors spread about why exactly the sound of the bell changed, but in reality, no one knows the exact reason why it broke.

“One of the system boards broke two weeks before school started,” network specialist Jenifer Zizzo said. “We had to get used parts, which is why we can’t get our old bells back.”

Principal Robert Frasca and other administrators tested their options during teacher pre-planning.

“We went with the best of the worst,” Frasca Students walk to class said. “We had limited as the warning bell rings. options, and some of Photo | Holly Smyers them sounded like you were taking a hearing test.”

The sound of the bell is not the only thing that changed this year, but the timing of it too. Minutes were added to the first and second periods to make the block periods more equal in length.

“There’s always more than somebody just deciding to change something,” Frasca said, “I think once everybody gets used to things it will just become commonplace.”

bp

the

news

4

Oviedo Library holds Teen Book Tasting Lia Miller | Staff Reporter

“[The Book Tasting] allows everybody to kind of get a feel for things that they like, [instead of all] n Sept. 12, the Oviedo branch reading the same book.” Viviani said. of the Seminole County Viviani worked with high school Public Library was home to volunteers to generate a list of their a miniature café. Instead of food, favorite lesser-known books, and then however, books were on the menu. added some of her own.

Students could browse the “[Viviani] came out with a selection of little legal pad,” displayed sophomore Sofia books, and Azevedo, a summer discuss them I always love to share my love volunteer at the with others. of reading— I think its fun to library, said. “She They were encouraged discuss books, especially with basically told us to list our favorite to try teens. It’s something that I books of different samples genres—so a bunch am able to relate to. of many of the volunteers different - Sarah Viviani, librarian put down graphic genres, novels, historical especially fi ction, dystopian and other things like those that they do not usually read. realistic fiction, which was pretty cool.”

This was the first event of its kind; Once the list was complete, Viviani the East Branch has held teen book began the long process of reserving clubs before, but most of their other all of the books and having them sent activities are aimed towards younger to the Oviedo Branch. The only thing children. It was also far more open and less rigidly structured than typical left was decorating: she designed graphics reminiscent of Starbucks, book clubs, allowing attendees to mill printed handouts for attendees to about and talk in small groups.

Librarian Sarah Viviani organized and keep track of which books caught their eye, and set up a snack table. supervised the Book Tasting, and has Viviani also remained present during run the book club programs in the the event—which was held in the past. She prefers this type of event library’s meeting room—in order to over book clubs.

O

“

TASTE TEST Sophomore Sofia Azevedo reads “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” which she checked out at the Teen Book Tasting. The Oviedo Library holds teen events for high schoolers to discuss and read books. Photo | Lia Miller

offer suggestions and chat about books with the students.

“I always love to share my love of reading,” Viviani said. “I think it’s fun to discuss books, especially with teens.

It’s something that I’m able to relate to.”

Azevedo attended the Book Tasting, along with several other students from nearby high schools.

She picked out three new books.

“I am kind of in a reading slump right now,” Azevedo said, “So I needed some new ideas to read.”

This will not be the last event of its kind. There are two more teen programs that are scheduled for the next two months: on Oct. 24, teenagers can participate in a Pumpkin Paint-Off, and on Nov. 14, they can join Studio Ghibli Fandom Night.

Cafeteria remodel expected by January Greta Carrasco | Online Editor

Fashion Club Grace Hilton | Staff Reporter In episode 1 of Keeping Up with the Clubs, join Grace as she learns how to upcycle and create new clothing from old outfits.

Senior Arianna Medina Photo | Sebastian Regaolado

See the video here! <<<<

A

s students entered the cafeteria after a long summer break, they encountered newly remodeled floors and a mysterious—unfinished—coffee bar. This “coffee shop” is not an abandoned improvement project, but the beginning of the cafeteria’s longawaited remodel.

“The [Red Apple Dining] team is very passionate about supporting education and the district. Because of this, we give the maximum funding allowable to support district and campus initiatives within the federal guidelines,” Seminole County RAD director Jamie DeVivo said.

The cafeteria’s renovation is a micro-restaurant from RAD and their corporate partner Barnie’s, and a local coffee and tea company, called Filtered. The remodeling process started at the end of the last school year and was meant to be completed before school started. However, in late June the school was notified that the counters for the micro-restaurant would not be received due to a supply issue on the manufacturer’s end. Still, the shop is set to open in January.

“I was initially super confused about the [renovation], but I ended up ignoring it because I figured it was

in a food court style, they will still be included in the new school policies,” the first to try the food from Filtered senior Grace Dean said. “Now, I’m without needing the full renovation. pretty excited to know it will be a Since the school wanted the coffee shop. I’m glad that Hagerty seating capacity to stay as it was, is taking what students want into engineers concluded that the left account.” corner of the cafeteria was the best RAD is one of a few departments in Seminole County Public Schools not area to use.

The micro-restaurant is set to funded by the state. Their budgets are determined by the funds collected feature a variety of food, such as salads, sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, from student meals. With the hummus boxes and fruits, all of which partnership of the federal National will be sold at the price of $3.75.

School Lunch Program, they are Filtered will also able to provide sell beverages that the meals be accessed to students I was initially super confused can both in the morning who have about the [renovation]. and during lunch, meal benefits.

Because of this, Now, I’m pretty excited to including hot iced tea and the funds are know it will be a coffee shop coffee, lemonade for $1.75, restricted on - Grace Dean, 12 hot chocolate for how they can be $2.50, nitrous cold used.

All funds for the dining renovation brew for $2.95 and hot lattes and espresso-based beverages for $3.25. come directly from RAD, but their They will also offer a selection of initiatives do not stop there. Since sugar-free flavors that can be added 2016, RAD has funded different to cold or hot drinks for an additional elementary, middle and high schools 50¢ and seasonal offers for both food across the county that have been and drinks. upgraded with dining facilities and All meals and drinks will be other installments. Now, this initiative managed through Myschoolbucks. has reached Hagerty.

Although Hagerty will not be able Students who receive meal benefits to get the full renovation that includes will also have access to all food and drink selections at Filtered. the five micro-restaurants laid out

“

bp

the

opinions

5

PragerU—a threat to history study controversial topics in order to ensure that something like this will never happen again.

Belittling and undermining the impacts of slavery is eing kept as a slave is better than being a move in the wrong direction. killed, no?

Within these videos, the historical subjects Slavery was part of life all over the world. It use language that is politically charged, rather was America that began the conversation to end it. than providing viewers with factual information.

Feminists, celebrities and politicians spreading In another viral clip, a fictional Fredrick Douglass, a wage gap “myth.” known leader of the abolitionist movement, These statements are taken directly from describes how radical abolitionists rioted because the PragerU, an approved educational vendor in of slavery and “lit things on fire,” to which Leo and Florida, digital platform. An educational channel Layla replied, “sounds familiar.” It doesn’t take much hosted by and named after conservative author critical thinking to connect this comment to the Dennis Prager, PragerU specifically creates Black Lives Matter protests and riots, demonized media that pushes a right-wing agenda. Contrary by conservative media outlets, that occurred in to popular belief, PragerU is not an accredited 2020 after the death of George Floyd. university like its name suggests—rather, Also within this video, Douglass welcomes Leo PragerU’s content is solely designed to “share the and Layla to conservative 1852 and says: perspective” and “There was no combat “woke real movement agendas” that anywhere in the are “infiltrating” world to abolish classrooms and slavery before culture, according the American to their website. founding.

Along with Slavery was other shows, the part of life all station also has over the world. a kids section It was America that creates that began the content geared conversation toward children to end it.” This to combat information “dominant leftis inaccurate, wing education.” as the video These videos were approved Illustration | Josephine Lim ignores that Denmark, Britain in July by the and France had already outlawed the trading of Florida Department of Education to be shown slaves; it’s a poor attempt to make U.S. history look in classrooms and to teach students inaccurate more favorable. information.

One bit of good news–Florida approved Florida is the first state to approve PragerU PragerU to be shown in the classroom, but school as an educational vendor, with 10 more states boards were left with the decision as to whether or potentially following. This means that the not this content would be shown in their individual supplemental curriculum meets state standards public school districts. and can be purchased with state funding.

While these videos are The fact that PragerU not being integrated into shares a conservative Seminole County Public viewpoint is not an issue.

National pride is not a bad Schools curriculum currently, In fact, students should thing, but teaching ignorance the fact that these videos learn from multiple were even approved by perspectives in order to of our past faults is. the Florida Department of get a true understanding Education is appalling, as this brings a level of of certain topics. However, PragerU goes esteem and legitimacy to the organization, which beyond a conservative agenda; the site spreads otherwise would have just been ignored for its lack misinformation that is dangerous. of accredited information.

Typical PragerU Kids’ content shows two The state’s political climate is clearly being fictional children, Leo and Layla, having a conversation with a historical figure from the past to reflected in FLDOE statements and legislation, learn more about U.S. history. In a now-viral clip, Leo as the approval of PragerU directly correlates with Gov. Ron Desantis’s House Bill 7 (Individual and Layla have a conversation with Christopher Freedom bill). This bill specifically targets so-called Columbus, an Italian explorer who voyaged to and “woke indoctrination,” which has targeted black colonized America. Animated Columbus describes history and other minority and LGBTQ+ education what life was like in the 15th century, including programs, which PragerU claims to combat. slavery. The kids discuss the immorality of slavery, It is essential that students consume knowledge only to have Columbus refute it with “Being a slave and factual information that is as unbiased as is better than being killed, no?” possible. Curriculum materials used in classrooms Combined with the new Florida black history should only be based on fact, whether they are curriculum that emphasizes how “slaves developed historical or scientific facts, as any deviation from skills” that could be used for “personal benefit,” the fact results in the loss of integrity of historical state’s stance on history is clear: lessons need to show U.S. in a positive light no matter what. National events. It is important that American history isn’t “sugar-coated” to push a political agenda, no pride is not a bad thing, but teaching ignorance matter what side the information comes from, and of our past faults is. The horrors of slavery will this includes prohibiting PragerU as a supplemental always be part of U.S. history, and it is important educational tool within schools. that we as a society acknowledge and properly

B

FIRED UP

Kailey Calvo | Print Editor

“

Nadia Knoblauch | Editor-in chief

DeSantis’ communist label of Park Maitland—another political power play

I

magine you’ve attended one school your entire life. As a K-12 program, you’ve grown a love and appreciation for your school and community—a sense of pride. Now imagine the school you hold so near and dear has been accused of having ties to the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP. This was the reality that students of Park Maitland, a private school run in Orlando, faced on Sept. 27, when Governor Ron DeSantis pulled state-funded scholarships for Park Maitland, among four targeted schools, over suspicion of communist ties. In his press conference, DeSantis stated “The Chinese Communist Party is not welcome in the state of Florida,” supporting his anti-communist campaigns.

The governor’s reasoning for these alleged ties lies in the fact that Park Maitland is owned by the Spring Education Group, which is run by Primavera Holdings Limited, an investment firm with operations in Hong Kong and Singapore.

As the group owns 220 schools across 19 U.S. states, administrators and families of Park Maitland were shocked and appalled by the governor’s accusations.

While DeSantis claims this decision was made to protect Florida taxpayers and citizens from CCP corruption, the reality of his decision is simple—less families will want to send their children to Park Maitland.

An attempt to amp up his presidential campaign, DeSantis clearly does not care about the ramifications of his decision. Besides taking away state-funded scholarships, his accusations have tarnished the prestigious reputation Park Maitland previously held—a reputation that drew families to enroll students. Now with warped perspectives on the school and less available financial aid, it will not be a surprise if Park Maitland sees a sudden drop in enrollment.

Just because the school has affiliations with a company based in China does not automatically make them a product of the CCP. Does DeSantis plan to next remove Spotify, AMC or General Motors—all American companies owned by Chinese investors? Will we have to say “zài jian” to Target, KFC and Samsung—all companies that produce and invest in China? The motivation for DeSantis’ rash decision is unclear, but one thing is crystal— students are being harmed.

If DeSantis truly believed there were communist ties at Park Maitland, he would not only remove state scholarship—he would try to shut them down. This “plan” to build resistance against the CCP is instead building a new obstacle for families and students to face, especially those who cannot afford private school tuition. Instead of taking away proper funding and financial aid for Florida families, DeSantis needs to rebuild the public school system—a system currently facing new challenges and bills each month.

Florida now faces a self-made CCP threat— corruption, chaos and privatization.

bp

the

opinions

BLUEPRINT OUR TAKE: Parent forms a waste

the

6

Hagerty High School 3225 Lockwood Blvd.

Oviedo, FL 32765 hagertyjourn@gmail.com Phone: (407) 871-0750

EDITORIAL POLICY The BluePrint is a studentproduced newspaper in which the student editors make all content decisions. The newspaper belongs to the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association and the Florida Scholastic Press Association.

Opinions expressed within the newspaper do not represent the staff’s views as a whole, the views of Seminole County Public Schools’ or Hagerty High School’s administration and staff.

STAFF Editor-in-Chief Nadia Knoblauch Print Editor Kailey Calvo Online Editor Greta Carrasco-Garcia News Editor Josephine Lim Features Editor Kailey Calvo Opinions Editor Greta Carrasco-Garcia Sports Editor Ava West Staff Reporters Jolin Alcindor, Grace Hilton, Isaiah Macri, Lia Miller, Gabriella Navarro, Lillie Overton, Holly Smyers, Ava Strzalko Adviser Brit Taylor Principal Robert Frasca

A

BluePrint staff

n average student fills out three permission slips for a week’s worth of after-school activities. The next week the same student has four more forms to fill out, with one of them being the outdated permission form from last week.

The student, without an updated permission slip, is turned away from the meeting because of a missed online parent signature.

During the first weeks of school, club sponsors and club board members had to wait two weeks to figure out the best way to follow the new Florida bill School-Sponsored Events and Activities. The bill did not clearly define how schools should carry out the new requirements, so Seminole County Public School created online permission forms that need to be filled out for every after-school activity: tutoring, club meetings, or field trips.

These permission slips, however, are a major inconvenience. They can accumulate and become confusing, they are not very efficient, and they restrict students’ participation in their community. For many students, the permission forms themselves are hard to find, plus every student already has 30 plus forms to manage, an unnecessary addition to all the other responsibilities they have to juggle.

On top of this, many parents do not care to fill the forms out themselves. Students, with or without their parents’ knowledge, can easily forge the digital signature. There is no way to trace the authenticity of forms being filled out by a parent, and although parents are sent an email to inform them that the forms were filled out in their name, a student can simply

Illustration | Josephine Lim

add their personal email to be sent that notification instead. It is absurd to rely on inefficient online forms. If the true goal of the permission slips is to give back rights to the parents, shouldn’t there be permission forms that only parents can access?

The concept of permission slips is contradictory to the thought that high school is a transition to adulthood.

How are students expected to act like grown-ups, but at the same time, have parents fill out a permission form so that they can participate in an after-school activity? How are we expected to transition to a life that is nurtured by community if we are restricted from participating in it by online forms that rarely even work?

Sure, this bill wants to give rights to parents, but it seems to be taking away student rights in the process.

Students who have participated in a school club like GSA for three years can now be denied from attending

a meeting because of their parents’ beliefs, which can often be twisted by rumors and extremist opinions. With these new restrictions we are not allowing students to transition into adulthood, we are hiding them from it.

The county needs to take a closer look at making this process better. We could simply have a form that allows students to participate in a certain club, we could have permission slips that can be filled out every semester, or have a schoolwide form that says students are able to participate in school activities with opt-out forms available for each event. That way, the minority who do not want to attend the event do not have to.

Seminole County has one of the strictest interpretations of the law in the state. And despite how anyone feels about the law, nobody can believe that our current model is how the law was intended. The district needs to find a better solution, one that is simplified and meaningful.

Anticipated flag football team tackles clichés Lia Miller | Staff Reporter

N

Illustration | Josephine Lim

othing is more American than football. Think about it: there truly is no activity that embodies the spirit of the United States more than watching huge, sweaty men tackle each other in pursuit of an ultimately meaningless goal—a ball. Yet, there is still something to be said about the thrill of competition and the unity it brings. So why are women excluded from such an important cultural tradition?

The typical role of girls at a football game is as cheerleaders.

However, male cheerleaders are not unheard of, so why does the concept of female football players seem so absurd? Everything about cheerleading emphasizes unity over individuality, so a great cheerleader would never get the recognition that the star quarterback might.

And certainly, some female cheerleaders enjoy it, but not every girl wants to watch the action from outside. Luckily, they no longer have to.

In creating its first-ever girls’ flag football team, with practices beginning January 29, the school will finally begin the long process towards putting aside some of the antiquated gender roles that have existed in high schools since the beginning of time.

According to the FHSAA, there were 277 Florida high school teams that competed last year, including Seminole, East River and Timber Creek. Some have had their teams for decades, but it seems that Hagerty is just now catching on to the trend.

However, it is not time to pat ourselves on the back quite yet.

Creating a girls football team right now is like watering a dead plant—the effort is admirable, but it may be too late.

The social norms from the long history of boys playing football and girls cheerleading are already deeply cemented in high school society. It will take a lot more work than quietly adding “Flag Football” to the list of sports offerings to rid ourselves of these stereotypes.

It is likely that flag football will go on unnoticed and forgotten unless staff and students make a joint effort to give the new team the appreciation it deserves. Pep rallies should be held before home games, and the student section could coordinate dress-up themes. (However, since there has never been a pep rally for any girls team, the chances of this are incredibly low.)

Above all, go see a few games this spring and cheer on the team; this shows support for the program and provides funds for it to continue.

It’s time to leave gender stereotypes on the sidelines.

bp

7

the

entertainment

Artificial Intelligence is not real music Lillie Overton | Staff Reporter

A

s you scroll through new music choices, a name catches your eye: Noonoouri. Intrigued, you click on her music, seeing a song with a German DJ by the name of Alle Farben. After you listen, you decide to learn a little bit more about the artist.

But you soon discover that it is not a human musician, but rather an AIgenerated artist.

Noonoouri is the first AI artist released by Warner Brothers Central Europe and has been a digital entity since 2018. Created

by German graphic designer Joerg Zuber, Noonoouri was conceived as a 19-year-old metaverse avatar, as reported by Interesting Engineering.

Noonoouri’s debut song, “Dominoes,” may have amassed 168k views in the initial weeks, but her traction is slowing down. The entire idea of the AI pop artist seems to sexualize a young girl, who was dressed in a revealing outfit. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail with her bangs hanging in her face.

Along with the cover and music video, the music isn’t anything better than average. Listeners can hear how fake it is, and overall, the lyrics

don’t make sense. The title, Dominoes, seems to be the main word in the song. The lyrics which include “Watch them fall / like domi-dominoes domidominoes. “ The singer herself has a bit of a raspy tone, but it’s a bit of giveaway that her voice has been AI-generated.

Her voice is a little high pitched, but not overly plastic, or fake, as some X users believe. Her lyrics in the prechorus “You ain’t stopping my wave / Pick ’em up again knock ’em down / Until they all get gassed out,” could relate to younger people, like the Gen Z when they attempt to find love.

A lot of music lovers really just like feeling the human connection, myself included. The feeling that brings us joy and to have lyrics that connect with us is great, although the video execution was poor.

Noonoouri will not be the last AI-generated artist, but hopefully this trend will come and go quickly. The use of AI within the music industry is not a good idea. It would be as if you mixed Lil’ Yachty and kid-friendly shows like Spongebob or Peppa Pig. It wouldn’t make sense. It really isn’t worth the time, as it could be hard to understand the meaning behind the song. Could it have a hidden meaning?

BookTalk: The Brothers Hawthorne Gabriella Navarro | Staff Reporter Illustration | Josephine Lim

No one really knows.

But let’s imagine that Noonoouri gets some traction, generates a fan base, and then, like all up-and-coming musicians, goes on tour. Would it be cool? A bust?

It would be hard to project a generated AI onto a stage if it could just be put on a screen. Few fans would go crazy to see the first generated artist is in their city for her first tour.

Another problem would be the sound. Does her creator make changes to her voice to get a more ‘authentic’ concert experience? Would fans care?

In the end, AI is no substitute for a real music artist, and while the technology might get closer one day, Noonoouri proves it isn’t there yet.

In the Moment: A Swift rise to the top Ava Strazalko | Staff Reporter

W

hether it’s about the highestgrossing tour ever, or the re-releases of her previous albums that become celebrated dates for fans, there’s no denying that Taylor Swift is on practically everyone’s mind.

In November of last year, Swift announced her sixth concert tour, dubbed ‘The Eras Tour’, which would be her first concert in five years. The tour is a creatively crafted blend of all of Swift’s albums, some of which had never been performed live.

Not only did she break the internet with this news, but her ticket sales broke Ticketmaster. Millions of fans around the world pulled out their electronics in the middle of work or class, scrambling to type in their credit card number as the brutal fight for tickets began.

Those who were lucky enough to get tickets made it a whole spectacle—dressing up in glittery, multicolored outfits inspired by different albums in Swift’s

Check us out online >>>>

discography, making beaded friendship bracelets with lyrics to trade with other fans, and posing for photos with their friends to post on Instagram with a Taylor Swift reference in the captions. In some states, pre-concert parties were very reminiscent of themed conventions that went on for hours before the show. It wasn’t just a concert anymore—it was a worldwide celebration of Swift’s talent and a three-hour one at that.

The constant stream of media coverage and content has led to everyone claiming to be a Swiftie, bringing stans new and old back to her music. Fans even began swarming around NYC’s Electric Lady Studios to try and catch a glimpse of her— going as far to crowd her at singer Jack Antonoff’s wedding, where she was attending. While this isn’t a new thing by any means for any celebrity, the resurgence has made some act irrationally, for better or for worse.

On Aug. 31, Swift made a surprise announcement that she would be releasing a concert film of the Eras

Tour on Oct. 13, proceeding the conclusion of the first U.S. leg of the tour.

Already, many news sites are speculating that the movie could make $100 million in its first weekend, which is about $50 million more than DC Comics’s The Flash, which came out in June. The announcement alone prompted BlumHouse Studios to move the premiere of The Exorcist: Believer up a week to October 6th.

If you thought the movie was scary, just imagine trying to compete for attention with Taylor—the horror.

It might seem cheesy, but the love Swifties have for their icon and each other is real. It’s her fans and her amazing discography that will make her relevant in pop culture’s eyes for generations. Someday, far out into the future, you might not remember how to solve for imaginary numbers, but you’ll probably remember buying your ticket for Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. The power of Taylor Swift will live on, changing the course of future concerts and fan-bases to come, and that’s the beauty of her music.

Lia Miller & Holly Smyers Staff Reporters

Jolin Alcindor Staff Reporter In this episode, Jolin discusses underground artist Beth McCarthy

In this episode, Lia and Holly (along with a few guests) discuss what NOT to do in school hallways.

The newest installment to author Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ bestselling “Inheritance Games” series, “The Brothers Hawthorne” follows Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne on separate adventures tied to their different fathers, since they are halfbrothers. The storyline building upon support characters is a major shift from the original trilogy’s storyline, which follows everyday girl, Avery Grambs, as she tries to answer the question: Why did she inherit all of Tobias Hawthorne’s assets?

Months after the trilogy’s events and his father’s death, Grayson crosses the country to help his half-sisters when one of them is arrested, all while keeping his true identity as their older brother and their father’s murder a secret. Along the way, he also grapples with love, abandonment, and family.

Jameson, after meeting his father, faces a dangerous mission: infiltrating the secretive highsociety gambling club, The Devil’s Mercy, to reclaim the land his father lost. Partnered with Avery, they navigate a new web of politics, high-stakes games, and mysteries, forcing Jameson to confront his complex family history and his inner desires.

Something I loved in the book was getting to see how Jameson and Grayson naturally analyze their surroundings, tackle puzzles and obstacles and assess other characters because it gave readers insight on how being raised with constant competition and puzzles really affected them.

I am a sucker for the comedic relief that came from Grayson’s interactions with Nash and especially Xander’s humorous side plots. It reminded me of how my sisters and I act with each other and made all the characters feel more realistic and well-written.

My final verdict: “The Brothers Hawthorne” was an amazing addition to the series with its incredible twists, mysteries, puzzles, and character relationships. The ending is also open enough to welcome the next book in the series, “The Grandest Game.” I recommend picking this book up if you love thought-provoking themes, lovable characters and compelling plotlines.

b

the

8

TRAPPED Parental Rights Laws restrict student activities and involvement

Photo Illu

Florida House targets transgender students in new parent Nadia Knoblauch | Editor-in-Chief restroom, despite how far along they

O

n the first day of school, teachers greet their incoming students with cheerful welcomes and hellos, but now a simple saying of “Good morning, Rob” could get a Florida teacher’s license revoked.

On July 1, new state legislation under Florida House Bill 1557, popularly known as the “Don’t Say Gay Law” but formally addressed as the Parental Rights in Education Act, ruled that no teachers may address students by anything other than their legal name without parent permission. The bill states that the Florida Department of Education must “reinforce the fundamental right of parents to make decisions regarding the upbringing and control of their children in a specific manner.” Applicable to students who go by common nicknames such as Rob for Robert or Jenn for Jennifer, the interpretation of this act led Seminole County Public Schools to develop a nickname form for parents to fill out before the first week of school. Sent via email, parents can permit teachers to refer to their child by their preferred nickname, allowing the school to abide by state protocol. However, a percentage of parents showed their disapproval by submitting a variety of nicknames for their children— many of which were satirical. These demonstrations of annoyance and complaint have emphasized the upset shared between teachers, parents and students.

“I’ve been called CJ for the entirety of my school career,” senior Christie Hosea Knowles IV, who got the permission form signed, said. “Parents are supposed to be building their children into young adults, and part of that is letting them come into their own individuality—nicknames are a part of that process.”

In addition to HB 1557, transgender students may no longer use the bathrooms which correspond with their gender identity. For example, a transgender male student may not use the men’s bathroom, but they are permitted to enter the women’s

are in their transition. This development was instituted in May by Florida Senate Bill 1674, also known as the Safety in Private Spaces Act. The bill states that “females and males should be provided restrooms and changing facilities for their exclusive use in order to maintain public safety, decency, and decorum.”

“

The form was really weird— just served as another stress.

-Luca Huff, 11

The bill further provides its own definition of the terms sex, male and female, making transgender individuals a clear target. In contrast to the name of the act, this ruling puts transgender students in danger through invalidation, discomfort and potential harassment from classmates.

Informed two weeks before the start of the school year, principal Robert Frasca anticipated feedback from all affected by the legislation.

However, to comply with state law, no other alternative solutions besides the forms could be proposed.

“My job as principal first and foremost is to make sure that we’re following the law, school board policy and all those types of things,” Frasca said. “I have to make sure that what we’re doing on campus follows that.”

At their Aug. 4 back-to-school meeting, Frasca notified staff of the laws and their potential repercussions.

According to Frasca, if a parent were to file a complaint against a teacher for calling their child by a name other than their legal one, the district’s Human Resources department would investigate the incident, where if seen as “guilty,” the teacher could potentially have their teaching certificate revoked.

To prevent this hypothetical, Frasca advised teachers to refer to students by their legal last name if it felt more comfortable for the individual, giving teachers an option that follows state law while also respecting their students’ wishes.

“Finding ways to be respectful of kids while making sure that we are in compliance with the law I think is important for us as educators,” Frasca said. “I want our kids to know that we care about them and support them as human beings.”

While all students who go by nicknames have felt the effects of HB 1557, the biggest weight has been placed on LGBTQ+ students, specifically non-binary or transgender individuals who may go by a different name than they were given at birth.

Despite the ease of filling out the form, not all parents may approve of their child’s identity or chosen name, forcing these students to be called by a name they may not be comfortable with. For Gay-Straight Alliance president Levi Cal-Rivera, who was informed of the law on the first day of school, this passing has brought him great concern for Florida’s LGBTQ+ youth.

“Honestly, in that moment I kind of felt my heart sink because I knew how many students were losing their safe space outside of home,” Cal-Rivera said. “A lot of kids had a more accepting and safer environment in school before the law was passed—it was a place they could feel comfortable as themselves within a community of friends and teachers.”

A similar feeling developed for English teacher and GSA sponsor Cameron Curran, who prefers to go by Ms. Rose to her students. After hearing

that the law had been passed, Curran felt not only worry for the security of teachers’ jobs but the well-being of her students.

“I think your initial go-to is for the students who do want to go by an entirely different name, how that resource may no longer be available to them and how hurtful a message that is, essentially, saying that your autonomy and your indication are no longer valid,” Curran said. “It is absolutely silly, silly—that’s the best word I can come up with.”

Both Cal-Rivera and Curran’s concerns have shaped into a reality according to John*, a transgender male student. Although John has been out for almost three years to his friends and classmates, he has not come out to his family, leaving him unable to get the form signed by his parents. This has forced him to be dead named by his teachers and lose the once welcoming

“

Just an excuse to make transgender kids suffer.

-Ivy Browning, 12 environment he had at school.

“My mental health has been on a rapid decline since the first day when I heard my dead name called and I was unable to correct my teachers—I can’t just be who I am with no remarks anymore,” John said.

bp

9 New parent permission form required for all activities Gabriella Navarro | Staff Reporter necessary comfort and support that

A

ustration and Design | Nadia Knoblauch

tal rights bills

The beginning of these effects can already be seen on campus, ostracizing students impacted.

During class assemblies led by Frasca throughout the second week of school, clapping and cheers erupted across the auditorium when he notified students of SB 1674—a “celebration” of the new bathroom restrictions which worried both students and administration.

“I tried to dissuade that by telling students before even having a conversation that I know there is going to be a lot of personal opinions on this—asking them to be mature and to not react,” Frasca said. “I know there are students on both sides of this and whether they agree or not, that’s really not my business.

My business was to make sure that everybody understands this is the expectation.”

Despite the student reactions, administration hopes to foster a sense of security and safety, opening up the media center’s private bathrooms as an alternative for affected students. According to Frasca, even before SB 1674’s passing, annual school surveys reported that 50% of Hagerty students felt most unsafe in the bathrooms. With both this data and the recent legislation, administration felt it was important to make the private stalls available to all students.

“My message to all our students is that through any change, we’re here to support all of our students and make sure that they have opportunities to have a great experience at Hagerty High School,” Frasca said.

The loss of preferred names and bathroom usage for many has left affected students searching for belonging, acceptance and validation, something that may no longer be available in the classroom.

“We are still human. We’re still whoever you originally met, just a little different,” John said. “I am still me— I’ve always been me, and these laws won’t change that.” *name changed for privacy

new Florida bill, titled SchoolSponsored Events and Activities, is an addition to the Parental Rights in Education Act, and it requires a permission slip signed by parents to allow students to attend any schoolsponsored activities after school hours.

This includes clubs, field trips, sports games and any other program that the school district hosts. Parents must be fully informed of all the details of the event, requiring the permission form to clearly state the date and time for the activity, specific locations, the sponsors and guests attending, the nature of the event, the method of supervision and the number of chaperones.

“

[It’s] pointless and does nothing but harm.

-Aidan Priore, 12 Other specific details in the bill include that school districts are not allowed to admit a student to any “adult live performances” or authorize any leased buildings, property or district-owned areas with the intent of regulating such events. While the bill was not officially enacted in the state of Florida until Aug. 22, its effects have already been felt by students and staff.

This bill gives full control of event attendance to the parents. While these permission slips may only seem like a simple step for parents and students, several clubs are already feeling the negative effects of this new law. It prevents students from getting

distributed. They decided that each they may not get at home since they club will send out a digital Google form will not be able to join clubs with their for parents to sign, making it easier friends. If a parent does not agree for sponsors to see which students with what their student believes are permitted to participate. In order or participates in, they can isolate to make sure the forms include all the the student from relationships with necessary information, forms must list similar-minded peers by prohibiting the dates, events and guest speakers them from joining certain clubs. that the club has planned for the entire In response to the recent legislation, year. This also includes school-wide the Gay Straight Alliance club feels events, like pep rallies. The pep rally that fewer students may be allowed form was created and sent out by to attend, threatening their goal of assistant principal Christy Tybitts-Bryce safety and inclusion on campus. The during the first week of school, but Gay Straight Alliance club is a studentmany were confused and upset by this led group that meets every other adjustment.

Monday to share stories, experiences “I was surprised because I don’t and support for one another. The think that the people creating the bill club is open to all, regardless of their thought about implementation, and if affiliation to the LGBTQ+ community. they thought about implementation, I Occasionally, the school’s mental health wonder if chaos was the point,” Duncan counselor joins to offer assistance and said. advice for students in need, making this Staff and students are also a very active community on campus. concerned about why the Florida “[The parent permission slip bill] Department of Education enacted the will likely hurt GSA, simply because bill in the first place, especially with the that was in essence a sanctuary for other recent laws authorized within students to support other students in the past year. Questions have risen on an environment that maybe they don’t why they are limiting the openness of experience anywhere except for in students’ learning opportunities and school,” GSA sponsor Cameron Curran what they are specifically trying to said. “If [the students’] other worlds target. don’t sign that permission slip, then they’ve lost a chance to feel that same support that GSA would provide.”

This bill is also hindering other clubs from hosting their first meetings because of the lack of details. While school officials worked to interpret the bill and how it should be enforced, clubs have been postponing and rescheduling their first meetings for the past few weeks, like the Girl Up Club.

“The Girl Up Club is so motivated and ready to attack this school year and do great things. [Our members] have projects that we’re already working on, and we can’t have a meeting yet,” sponsor Julie Duncan said. “We’ve had to reschedule it three times—the state should have given us more time and more leeway.”

The bill’s vague wording left club It’s stupid. We’re in high school. sponsors and leaders with many -Callie Rowley, 9 questions about how to satisfy the legal requirements and how it would affect “What is the actual intention behind their club schedules. Because of this, this bill? What is the purpose of it? I club sponsors and administration met think that those are really important on Aug. 21 to discuss how the county questions to ask because I’m having will act in accordance with the new bill a hard time understanding its intent,” and how permission forms would be Curran said.

“

ON THE

I

features

FRONT LINES

Josephine Lim | News Editor

n 2012, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting shook the nation, a heartbreaking example of increasing threats to school safety.

It left an especially profound impact on former Seminole County Superintendent Walt Griffin, who in the spring of 2016 asked the sheriff’s office to directly supervise school safety.

The sheriff had the perfect candidate in mind: Richard Francis.

For almost a decade, Francis had worked diligently at the Sheriff’s Office; he planned on staying in traditional law enforcement roles until retirement, but a direct call from the Sheriff changed everything. “[Griffin] had the vision to say we’re educators, not school safety specialists. Let’s give the sheriff the opportunity to do this,” Francis said.

Locked classroom doors, extensive visitor screenings, code yellow drills, a safety officer at every campus in the county—Chief Francis transformed the safety team from a small, civilian-run operation into a state-recognized “golden standard.”

With 69 schools and tens of thousands of students and staff under his supervision, Francis is more aware

bp

the

10

Chief of School Safety Richard Francis recounts humble start

than ever of the growing prevalence of school shootings and other threats.

He draws on his extensive experience in law enforcement to look at safety from different perspectives, using his own kids as a “bouncing board” for ideas. Throughout his career, Francis has earned a multitude of awards and leadership roles, including but not limited to admission into the FBI National Academy and a position as an instructor for the National Tactical Officers Association.

But Francis’ life wasn’t always a poster child of success.

Military morale

At 20 years old, Francis’ future was not looking bright: no college degree in sight, just out of his father’s LINE OF DUTY Chief Richard Francis and his teammate participate in an honor guard house—and even more pressing, the event. Photo | Richard Francis grocery store he worked at abruptly closed due to the owner’s gambling said. “I just realized I wanted out and “My hair’s falling out. I’m not problems. the way I was going to get out was sleeping, just miserable,” Francis said.

“The store [closes] down and I’m military and education.”

“The tipping point for me was [when] like, ‘What now?’” Francis said. “At that Once Francis graduated, a chance we were asked to start laying off point, I knew I [had] to get serious. My encounter with an Army Reserve employees that were loyal…I refused dad, my grandfather all served, so I airman opened the door for work as to do it.” got into the military.” a flight medic. For the next four years, Although Francis originally Francis spent his weeks in the sky, At the Sheriff’s office envisioned himself as a member of the training and flying all around Florida.

After his resignation, Francis Air Force Para-rescue team, a slow “For me, flying was [just] gradually transitioned to his current timetable and amazing,” workplace at the Sheriff’s office. For a desire to find a Francis said. few years, Francis had the opportunity more civilian- I just realized I wanted out and the “Those pilots to investigate major crimes like oriented just took care homicides and sexual assault. job pushed way I was gonna get out was military of us. We “I learned a ton…but also you see and education. him into the were part of the side of society that’s not pretty,” medical field. - Richard Francis, SCPS Safety Chief the team.”

Francis said. “At the end of the day, I Under never could fulfill the void in a mom’s the curriculum of a basic EMT school, (Mis)Fortune 500 view because [solving the crime] Francis, a subpar student in high After his time as a flight medic, doesn’t bring her son back.” school, flourished, achieving top rank Francis transitioned into the financial Despite the horrors Francis has in his class. His teachers put him on world, eventually landing a spot as encountered in the nature of his work, an accelerated track and eventually the Vice President of Operations he still holds onto the hope that all his recommended him for paramedic for a Fortune 100 company. It was preparation and planning will make a school. a promising career with a sizable difference.

“I had a single dad that was salary, but the company’s “profit over “School safety and security is a working two, three jobs [to support] everything” mindset began taking a 24/7 job,” Francis said. “We plan each me, my brother and sister,” Francis toll on Francis. day for the worst-case scenario and pray for the best-case scenario.”

As chief, Francis and his team serve as the bridge between the sheriff’s office and Seminole County Public Schools. Although Francis is no longer working hands-on in the field or classroom, he prioritizes student opinions, incorporating student-led campaigns into his safety initiative.

His recent promotion to Chief of the Department of School Safety has only heightened his sense of duty to these students. “[My hope and desire is that] kids arrive for school and go home safe and feel safe while they’re in school,” Francis said. “I’m responsible for the most vulnerable and that is something that I’m very passionate about.”

COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM LEFT TOP Francis coaches his son’s football team. He smiles for his FBI National Academy graduation picture. He stands proudly in front of his helicopter. Photos | Richard Francis

“

bp

the

features

11

Lights, camera, smile THING? what’s your

Gabriella Navarro | Staff Reporter

M

any young girls dream of being a fashion model when they grow up. They practice strutting down the runway and posing for imaginary photos in the mirror. These dreams came true for juniors Addyson Laisch and Julia Spiess, who spend a free day once a month modeling for a local photographer with their friends, gaining new experiences and meeting new people.

While this may seem like you have to know somebody to get picked or have lots of previous experience, that’s not how either Laisch or Spiess started out. It all actually started from an ad on Facebook.

“I saw an ad for it online and then I had to fill out an application,” Laisch said. “About a week later I found out that I was accepted.”

However, unlike Laisch, Spiess spontaneously decided to sign up. She wasn’t looking for any modeling gigs or apprentice opportunities before she joined, but she is glad she took the leap and applied.

SAY CHEESE Hagerty photo ambassadors pose for the cam“I never intended on modeling,” Spiess said. “[My era to promote Karlie Marini’s photography. They love spending their free time modeling with their friends. Photo by Karlie Marini friend] was like ‘There’s one spot open, you should go apply with me,’ so I did and I messaged [the photographer], and now here we are.”

Once or twice a month, Laisch and Spiess get a group message from a poll asking for their availability to model for a photo shoot. They check their schedules to make sure shoot days align with their schedules and show up wherever the group decides to have the photo shoot.

“We did photos at Rollins College; it was really pretty and it was during the sunset, I loved doing it,” Laisch said.

And even though the photo shoot environments are very professional, the ambassadors still get to have fun too, often working with their classmates and local friends.

CAMERA READY A group of student photo ambassadors pose “My favorite memory is probably when we were on a wall. They spend their free time promoting a local photogin a candy shop and there was this life-size Batman rapher. Photo by Karlie Marini statue and we all took pictures of us giving him a kiss and stuff. It was too funny,” Spiess said. different people. They encourage everyone to sign Laisch and Spiess both help promote Karlie up if they can.

Marini’s photography. While they may not get paid “I think that everyone should experience or earn volunteer hours, they get a lot of other cool something like this to connect with other people,” benefits.

Laisch said. “I think it’s a great way to meet new “I get all the beautiful photos for free compared people and get great connections and experience.” to having to pay to get the photos back, which is Spiess is really grateful that she signed up to be definitely worth it,” Laisch said. a photo ambassador. If she had a choice, she would Karlie Marini is currently a student at Daytona do this as often as she can State College and has and she tries to sign up for any been passionate about photo shoot she’s available photography since she was I find such a deep passion in for.

10. She grew up taking photos helping cultivate a side of people “Honestly, [my favorite part of anything she could get is] the people and I think it’s that should be brought to light. a fun experience to get to go her hands on, especially the horses in her barn.

- Karlie Marini, photographer to different locations,” Spiess “I have a focus on bringing said. “Being around people life to the ideas that belong that want to be there and have similar interests to to the people around me,” Marini said. “To find joy in you is just really the best part.” big and small things, and to treasure the God-given Laisch and Spiess demonstrate through their details of living.” involvement with Marini’s photography that Marini has inspired her photo ambassadors to sometimes the most rewarding experiences arise view the world with that same optimistic attitude— from the true friendships and shared enthusiasm for an attitude that has left a positive impact on their capturing life’s little moments. lives.

“Everyone is there because they like BONUS CONTENT photography, because they like to model because they like Karlie’s message,” Spiess said.

SCAN HERE TO CHECK OUT This modeling opportunity has also helped the KARLIE MARINI’S OTHER WORK ambassador’s adventure and meet all sorts of

“

Greta Carrasco | Online Editor

Kaitlyn Das - horseback riding “Hey. Do you want to try horseback riding?”

This is not the way most competitive horseback riders get started, but freshman Kaitlyn Das’s newest hobby was adopted through a Facebook post that her mother found.

“My mom asked if I wanted to go to a [horseback riding] camp. I wasn’t doing anything at the time, so I did the camp over spring break and kept doing it,” Das said.

Since Das had never owned a horse, she joined a horseback riding school Cyr Point to further her technique. She learned the basics of trotting and directing the horse,or cantering, and eventually, she learned to jump.

Not having a horse of her own, Das had to face many challenges. She could not bond with the horse she was given, she had to pay extra fees to compete in competitions and even if she wanted to practice, she had to wait until her next class.

This, however, did not stop her from quickly advancing.

After learning the basics, Das began training with different types of horses.

“It’s not easy to build a relationship unless you own your horse or you are training one. It’s more than meeting a horse. You need to do the groundwork with them,” Das said. During her first year horseback riding, she encountered a horse that did not want to listen when it had to jump. No matter how much she tried, Das could not control it. After the trainer got on the horse, it buckled and stopped, refusing to listen to the trainer as well.

In horseback riding, there are three categories that a person can compete in: Equitation, Hunters and Jumpers. Equitation mainly focuses on the way the rider looks while riding, focusing on the rider’s technique and style. In hunters, the horse’s training and skills are the ones being judged. In Show Jumping, the event Das mainly competes in, the horse must jump through several obstacles in a certain time frame. Das previously competed in Hunters and Equitation. Although she can still ride in those disciplines, she has switched up her focus to Jumpers.

“The hardest part about riding in general is [that] it revolves a lot around money. Financially, if you don’t own or lease a horse, it’s really hard to keep advancing,” Das said.

Because of the added fees of competition, training, classes, and transportation, Das spends around $6,000- $9,000 per year. Still, finances have not deterred her away from competition.

She practices her horseback riding skills two to four times a week or whenever a horse is available.

“When I see other kids that are a level ahead I think, ‘That is really nice riding and I’d love to ride like that someday,’” Das said.

bp

the

features

12

WILL’S WORLD Will Seavers doesn’t let his disability stop him

His freshman year, he befriended a group of seniors whom he calls his “Will Brothers.”

“I honestly don’t remember [when Isaiah Macri | Staff Reporter we met]. He just came up and started talking to me one day,” Ethan Shaw, a ou are having a bad day— Hagerty alumni and Will Brother, said. maybe you just flunked a math This highlights the nature of test or had a falling out with a close friend. As you mope to your next Will’s personality—while some may class, you’re approached by a friendly be nervous to talk to new faces, Will face and can’t help but smile. This face simply sees someone, decides they are the newest edition to the “Will is junior Will Seavers.

Family” and connects with them.

Will is someone who’s never let “He wants everyone to be happy his disability stop him from putting a smile on others’ faces and living his life and he strives to make people happy.

He can sense people’s feelings. He to the fullest. From simply spreading knows no strangers,” Greg said. positivity to winning a gold medal High sociability and empathy are in the Special Olympics, Seavers is characteristics of those with Williams someone who enjoys life and has Syndrome— become a beloved however, the face around level to which Will campus.

He wants everyone to be reaches out to Will lives with happy and he strives to others stems from Williams Syndrome, a condition caused make people happy. He can his vibrant and by gene deletion sense people’s feelings. lovable personality.

“He’s very within chromosome He knows no strangers. positive.

He has an number 7 which - Greg Seavers, Will’s father energy about him affects learning that even people and physical health, specifically the heart. Some may think who are feeling down come and greet him and it can brighten up their day,” living with a disability is a constant White said. challenge, but Will shatters these When Will is not cheerfully assumptions. socializing with others he’s pursuing “He likes to work, he likes to do one of his biggest love’s, basketball. well,” Yenny White, Will’s aide who His interest began in middle school attends class with him, said. after experimenting with many Will is not someone to let his condition get in the way of enjoying his different sports, coming as a surprise to his father as his family members life—he can’t be anyone but himself. were not big basketball fans. Will “It has not affected William because this is all he has known,” Will’s would go on to make the Lawton Chiles Middle School team and get to father, Greg Seavers said. start every game.

He’s always making new “I started in seventh grade and friends—a lot of new friends. Will is a loved it. I played until Covid hit,” Will naturally social person who talks to said. anyone regardless of their age, race Once he reached high school, or gender, leading him to become a Will sought to compete at a higher familiar face to those on campus.

Y

“

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Will waits with friends at the car ramp waiting to be picked up.

IN THE ZONE Will Seavers in his Special Olympics jersey prior to competition. Despite his heart issues, Will was cleared to play by his doctors. Photos | Greg Seavers

GAME ON Will Seavers and friends after he received his medal at the Special Olympics. After discovering a love for basketball, Will began to compete for his middle school team and participate in the Special Olympics games. Photo | Greg Seavers

level. He and his father decided to became a certified coach and try the Special Olympics in Seminole became Will’s coach the next year,” County, and in spite of the heart issues Greg said. associated with Williams Syndrome, Between Special Olympics Will was cleared to play by his heart appearances, Will would serve as the doctor. manager for Hagerty’s freshman and “It never stopped me, and I just JV teams, getting the opportunity moved on because to learn new skills we have a good from the players and group of doctors head coach Josh It’s an amazing thing to Kohn. Will’s lovable and nurses that have friends around you and easy-going support us and they help me with that love you, and they demeanor makes my heart,” Will said. will be there for you no him someone people “It will never stop gravitate towards on matter what. me from being and off the court.

- Will Seavers, 11 myself and I feel like Just as people my heart will live on forever.” love Will, Will loves people—he is He immediately fell in love with his someone who is not judgmental and team and won district and regional tries his best to be kind to everyone. games, qualifying him for the state Positivity is a two-way street, and Will competition where he won the gold Seavers will always be traveling down medal in his first year. one of those lanes hoping someone “We have a great team and a lot will reciprocate. of my friends are my teammates. I like “They are all my friends and my it a lot because it’s so important to family because they all love me and have skills and it’s really fun,” Will said. respect me because of my disability,” This would not only be a great Will said. “It’s an amazing thing to experience for Will, but his father as have friends around you that love well. you and they will be there for you no “I enjoyed it so much that I matter what.”

“

bp

the

features

13

Illustration | Ava Strzalko

The not-so-hidden world of

fanfiction Ava Strzalko | Staff Reporter

T

hey live among us, hiding behind usernames and colorful profile pictures. Scouring the depths of the internet for more content of their favorite universe. This is a tale of the dramatic and seldom discussed world of fanfiction, and those who write it.

Fanfiction is quite literally what it sounds like — fictional stories written by fans of a certain TV show, movie, or book series. It’s a hobby that is easily accessible for anyone who wants to do it, because all you need is an idea and some characters that you love, which makes the popularity of this craft spread.

Battling perceptions

Despite the seemingly large

following, fanfiction is something that not everyone likes to admit that they read or write. Like with any creative hobby, it can be nerve-racking to put your work out there, a fear that anonymous internet usernames fix.

Fanfiction also tends to get somewhat of a bad reputation, due to the fact that it isn’t written by “real” authors, and that it borrows pre-existing characters. Not to mention the stereotype of fanfiction only being cringe self-insert stories involving a relationship between the reader and a fictional or even real person, or inappropriate stories with no real plot, which isn’t the case. All of this adds up to create a harmful stigma around stories that are supposed to just be fun for fans, causing many to not want to admit to writing or even reading them.

“When most people think of

fanfiction they think of character shipping or inappropriate things, but not all fanfiction is that.” Jane* said.

“A lot of it is pretty good, well-written works. It just depends where you’re looking.”

Why we read it

chances are, there is an alternate universe for practically anything readers can think of.

“When I want two characters to meet, or I want to imagine what would happen if an event did or didn’t happen, I look to fanfiction,” Jane* said. “I’ll go find someone who actually wrote that thing, and I just end up getting really into it.”

However, there are still many reasons why fans would gravitate towards fanfiction, becoming almost addicted to the stories and fun Publishing the work alternate universes (AUs) that people Once something is written, the real create. Some want to show their fun begins, and people can upload appreciation for their favorite piece their story on one of the fanfiction of media, and others want to imagine websites. The most well-known a scenario sites are between Archive of characters Our Own When most people think of fanfiction, (Ao3), that never happened.

WattPad, they think of character shipping Universes and or inappropriate things, but not all that writers Fanfiction. fanfiction is that. A lot of it is pretty will put net, characters though the good, well-written works. in are more majority of It just depends where you’re looking. users tend than just the worlds to turn -Jane* they already to Ao3, come from, they can be anything— according to the user visit number per from putting Harry Potter and Draco month of 357.4 million to WattPad’s Malfoy in a coffee shop setting that 142.5 million. panders to the enemies-to-lovers “If I actually want to read decent trope, leaving readers anxiously things, I go to Ao3,” John* said. awaiting the next update, to the One thing about Ao3 is that unlike angst-filled stories between Steve other sites that host fics is that it Harrington and Eddie Munson was created by fans. It was originally from Stranger Things that can be an idea discussed in a LiveJournal emotionally devastating depending post in 2007, but by the next year, it on the ending, or even the more was created, and later opened as a absurd ones combining World War II beta site in 2009. The popularity only and the anime Haikyuu. skyrocketed from there, and currently, Writers and readers alike love to the website has around 11,770,000 mess around with different ideas, and works for over 60,260 fandoms.

“

Although considered taboo, fanfiction finds many fans at Hagerty Benefits

Writing these stories can also be great practice for writers growing their voice. In more recent years, it has become more common for new authors to publish their fiction and change the names of the characters, which is a process called “filling off the serial numbers.” Books such as The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood started out as Star Wars fanfiction for the ship between Rey and Kylo Ren..

A long history

Fanfiction has also been around for a lot longer than many may seem, but the actual term simply wasn’t coined in print until 1939. These early stories are dated as far back as the 1700s, beginning with Jonathan Swift’s book Gulliver’s Travels. Fans wrote poems based on the story, including a series

by Alexander Pope involving the relationship between Gulliver and his wife.

Through anything the internet may throw at it, fanfiction is a constant in our society that will live on. It gives millions of fans across the globe the ability to connect and bond over their shared fandom, as well as an outlet for their emotions through writing.

“I originally got into fanfiction as a way to release my hyperfixations onto something, rather than rereading the same book,” John* said.

Past its surface of surprisingly long stories often about two characters who didn’t end up together in their piece of media, it’s an expression of absolute love and devotion to someone else’s creations, which in itself can be beautiful. *names changed for privacy

HEAT

With excessive heat warnings in the first month, athletics programs are

feeling the

Flute player Rachel Cobb has had personal experience with this. rom 1995 to 2019, 47 high school football “My heart rate was really fast,” Cobb said. players across Florida died of the same cause: “Whenever I stood up, my legs shook really badly, heat illness. and my vision was yellow.”

Among them was Zachary Martin, a 16-yearCobb was experiencing symptoms of old from South Florida who collapsed during drills severe dehydration, coupled with extreme heat. and was hospitalized for Fortunately, she spoke up 11 days before he passed and was sent home early All of our coaches make sure that from practice. away. To ensure that his death was the last of this Other sports that our athletes are safe, whether it is by kind, Martin’s mother are not in season but are being prepared with cold water im- doing conditioning are formed the Zachary Martin Foundation and lobbied mersion tubs, a taco tarp, or under- required to follow the for legislation protecting standing heat illness prevention. same safety measures, student-athletes. as they are also at risk for - Jay Getty, athletic director Years later, she heat illness. succeeded in creating the Zachary Martin “After we’re done running, we go get some Act, which limits outdoor events and provides water breaks and just chill out for a little bit,” mandatory heat safety precautions. baseball player Koban Zeigler said.

Some of these come in the form of cooling Baseball players participate in long and short zones, where coaches are required to have cold distance running drills even though their season water, ice, a tarp, sponges and a large tub. In the does not begin until spring. event that an athlete is severely overheated, they To determine whether it is safe for students will either be immersed in the tub while it is full of ice to participate in athletic events at all, the athletic water, or a coach and three other athletes will hold trainers conduct a Wet Bulb Globe Test, which the corners of the tarp to make an “ice taco,” while measures the amount of heat stress that an athlete the athlete is surrounded by ice inside it. will feel standing in direct sunlight.

Both methods work to bring core temperature Athletic trainer Keith Miessau sets up the WBGT down as quickly as possible, keeping the athlete on a tripod stand every day, at a height of about stable while medical professionals are called. three feet, which is where the average football “All of our coaches make sure that our athletes player’s core would be during practice. are safe, whether it is by being prepared with cold “We constantly monitor the wet bulb readings water immersion, a taco tarp, or understanding to ensure that we’re staying within a zone,” Miessau heat illness prevention so that you can modify your said. “And if the zone goes too high, we have workouts to keep that from infringing on athletes’ to make modifications or restrictions to those performances,” athletics director Jay Getty said. practices.”

Marching band events can be a common place Some of those modifications include adding for heat illness to strike if students are not prepared. in more water breaks if the WBGT reaches 82 or

F

bp

sports

Lia Miller | Staff Reporter

“

ALL IN Band students use water guns to cool off at the end of band camp. Keeping plenty of water on hand can help to prevent heat illness in athletes. Photo | Levi Cal Rivera

the

14

5

signs of heat illness

1. Chills

An athlete may start complaining of chills during intense workouts if their body can no longer regulate their temperature normally.

2. Lower performance

Be on the lookout for teammates who perform significantly worse than the other athletes that they are usually similar to.

3. Disorientation

Extreme heat sometimes causes the brain to not function normally, so someone who is overheated might act confused and disoriented.

4. Pale or bright red skin Overexertion and heat illness can cause an athlete's face to appear unusually pale or bright red.

5. Stumbling

Stumbling and/or collapsing is a sign of severe heat illness, and teammates or coaches should seek medical attention immediately. higher, and requiring football players to remove their protective equipment at 90. When the WBGT gets to 92, or enters the “black zone,” practices must be canceled or rescheduled.

Temperatures during after-school practices have only reached the black zone twice this school year, but one- or two-hour maximums have been fairly common.

“The biggest thing that we recommend to anybody, athletes and/or others that are practicing or participating in outdoor activities in this extreme heat, is to hydrate,” Miessau said. “What happens before practice is what gets you through practice, and we like to have our athletes prepare a day before with their hydration rather than the day of.”

Changes in airflow from other parts of the country and building pressure over the state of Florida caused the heatwave that left Central Florida under an excessive heat warning every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the first week of school.

Because of this, cross country runners like senior Alena Pezzoli were told to practice on their own once it cooled down in the evenings.

“I’ve been practicing at home every single one of those days that we were canceled, but it definitely is a lot easier running with your teammates,” Pezzoli said. “So I hope that less practices get canceled, but I don’t believe that it will turn our season sour.”

Both coaches and athletes are mandated to participate in online heat safety courses prior to the start of the season. These courses go over basic signs of heatstroke and how to prevent dehydration and heat illness.

At practices, athletes need to stay hydrated, speak up and take breaks if they feel overheated, and be able to recognize warning signs if their teammates are experiencing heat illness. Some of these signs include complaining of chills, looking faint or weak, or not performing at their usual level.

“I know my teammates and I know the way that they struggle with feeling pain,” Pezzoli said. “So if I notice any sort of irregular behavior, or if they start getting tired when they shouldn’t have gotten tired that early, then I’ll definitely check up on them.”

bp

the

sports

15

Bleacher delays cause student confusion

A

JAM-PACKED WITH SPIRIT Bleachers at Sam Momary Stadium are currently under repair, and the top rows are blocked off. Photo | Levi Cal-Rivera

Kailey Calvo | Print Editor

rriving at the first home game of the season, students were confused to see that the student section bleachers were covered with caution tape. Yellow cones blocked off the top rows of all bleachers, limiting the home section capacity to 40% of what it usually is.

The bleachers broke last season, during the final home game of the season, when a severe structural fault was created under the walkway, making the bleachers unusable for the rest of the school year and forcing game attendees to watch from the away section.

The expectation was that the project would be completed over the summer, but the deadline was continuously postponed. The bleachers are now expected to be completed from Oct. 1 at the earliest to Nov. 1 at the latest.

“Insurance was involved with the district, which really caused the hold-up in completing the bleachers,” athletic director Jay Getty said. “The majority of the time has been us waiting for the insurance policy to be settled.”

Since Hagerty is still the newest high school in the district, funding for upgrades is not easy to come by, making it difficult for maintenance projects to be fulfilled. In conjunction with this, promised timelines and completion dates for several facilities projects around Hagerty continue to be broken and changed, upsetting sports families, coaches, athletes and fans.

“I wish that the necessary steps would be taken to fix the student section because football games are a big part of our senior year. It’s really hard to enjoy [the game] with everyone crammed next to each other,” senior Neha Kabir said.

Since the student section had to be moved to where the band normally sits, bleachers were

rented and placed behind the east end zone, inconveniencing all in the process.

“The [temporary] bleachers are a lot more unstable than the usual ones. With the band moving and dancing around so much, it’s hard to stop our music and water bottles from falling under the stands,” band senior Ivy Browning said.

Bleacher repairs are not the only stadium project that is delayed, as projects to replace the track surface and field turf have been impacted as well. These are part of the Sam Momary Stadium’s improvement plan and have been in development for about five years. The track surface has a projected completion date from the end of December to the middle of January.

“Lack of funding was really the major source of the delay. You can pick a target date, but if you don’t have the money to complete the project, you can’t move forward,” Getty said.

By not having this rubber track component, the school cannot host home track meets, which is a big loss of revenue for the athletics program.

“We have been told every year about the plans for the new track and are [repeatedly] told it’s coming soon, but there still has been zero progress.

It is aggravating,” track senior Casey Costa said.

While the repairs to the bleachers were unexpected, other upgrades have been in the works for years. Installing a new rubber surface to the track is now feasible, as money from the school and fundraising has reached a sufficient amount.

The next upgrade on the lineup is the turf itself, but it is still pending until necessary funds are raised. These projects’ timelines can vary greatly depending on the funding backing them and the necessity of the project’s completion. Major projects like these are first approved at the district level, then funds have to be raised in order for the project to even be on the books to be completed.

SPORTS SHORTS Cross country wins at Deland Flag football gets green light G Football falls to Winter Park W

The boys varsity football team faces off against Winter Park. Photo | Alexis Butler

T

Ava West | Sports Editor

he varsity football team lost to Winter Park 14-0 on Sept. 29. The team had 135 passing yards, 30 rushing yards and 135 receiving yards.

“Our defense played a great game with holding Winter Park to only 14 points,” Wide receiver Chance Bennet said.

“The offense needs to work on converting in the red zone when we get opportunities.”

The team now has a record of 3-2 after the loss, and the next game will be at home against Harmony on Oct. 6.

“We need to stop caring about who we play, “ quarterback Caden Mitchell said.

“It affects our play during the game, and only worry about what we can control.”

Holly Smyers | Staff Reporter hile most kids spent their summer on running across cruise ships or at the beach, the boys and girls cross country teams ran miles in the heat.

On Sept. 5, the boys cross country team took first place at the Deland Invitational, with a firstplace finish by senior Jonathan Leon (15:50). The girls placed fifth, with senior Alena Pezzoli finishing tenth (21:01).

Out of the 20 schools at the meet, Hagerty had four runners in the top 10. Senior Gabriel Abbate (16:24), junior Jacob Leon (16:43) and senior Alex Madruga (16:55) finished third, fifth and seventh respectively.

“I’m proud that my time was a personal record,” Jacob Leon said. “I think I could have maybe got fourth if I kicked a little more.”

For the girls team, after Pezzoli, junior Katherine Smith (22:24) and senior Kailyn David (22:48) scored 30th and 34th place.

Hurricane Idalia made prep work difficult, as it took away vital practice.

“The times overall with both groups were on par with where we are for this Senior runners Gabriel point in the season. So, Abbate and Johnathan [I’m] super happy with the Leon at the start of the finishes on both sides,” race. Photo | Holly Smyers coach Jay Getty said.

Grace Hilton | Staff Reporter

irls who wanted to play a team sport in the spring have always had two options: softball or lacrosse. Now, the Seminole Athletic Conference has opened the door for a new sport: girls flag football.

In January, the team will launch be under the guidance of coach David Attaway.

Senior Reagan “[We will] do as good Varvarigos in the 2022 as we can and try to have powderpuff game. some fun at the same time,” Photo | Shannon Hahn Attaway said.

In flag football, players wear belts with ‘flags’ hanging from them, which the opposing team pulls off to simulate a tackle. While it has less practice and is done for fun, powderpuff, the annual juniorsenior flag football game during homecoming week, has inspired by spectators and players alike. “[I’m playing] powderpuff to see how it goes. If I end up liking it, I would really like to join the team,” junior Elleigh Ackerman said.

Flag football is set to be a popular choice for girls. The sport is one of the fastest growing in the nation, with nearly 200 new teams in Florida in the last 10 years.

Dates for interest meetings and tryouts have not been set yet. Getty and Attaway will announce them closer to the spring season.

sports

the

bp

16

Varsity volleyball goes on win streak Camacho had 15 digs and blank serve receives, Mullen had 38 assists and Mas had 16 kills during the game. ied 2-2, the girls varsity volleyHagerty has had the upper hand ball team was in the fifth set of against Oviedo the past couple of their match against Osceola. seasons, and even close matches a The score was 14-11, game point year ago have turned into sweeps this for the girls. Libero Mayte Camacho year. threw the ball in the air for a jump “Beating Oviedo was definitely serve. Ace. Game over. our best win so far this season,” Osceola was one of the teams designated server Mina Stephens Hagerty beat on the way to state said. “With it being a rival game it was runner up. Like a lot of teams, they an important win for us and we had really wanted to beat Hagerty. the most energy during the game.”

“We realized what we had to But even with lose so we picked the 3-0 sweeps, the it up after losing the first set,” We realized what we had team is still looking improve and build designated server to lose so we picked it up to for the postseason.

Madelyn Schwartz after losing the first set. They won against said. “They wanted to beat us and They wanted to beat us and Seminole, 3-0. The girls were happy thought they thought they would, so it felt that they won the would, so it felt great winning against them. game, but were not great winning satisfied with their against them.”

- Madelyn Schwartz, DS performance.

Osceola came “We were able to pull the win off close, but in the end, could not pull the but it was way closer than it should upset. have been,” Camacho said.

They won the first and the fourth Their toughest test of the season sets(25-15, 25-23), and the girls won so far was in the Nike TOC tournament the second, third and fifth sets(28-26, where they went 4-2.

25-17, 15-11) on the Sept. 25 match.

The girls lost to Venice, 3-1, Outside hitters Abby Mas and last year in the state final so it was Jeness Orcutt led the team in important for them to win against kills(23,18). Setter Brielle Mullen had 57 assists and Camacho had 28 serve them this year.

During this tournament they had a receives. three set format, so the team had less One of the things the team has continued to do is beat county teams. time to play their games.

“Because it did not go as many Hagerty played Lake Mary and sets we had a lot more energy while won 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-17). we were playing,” Mullen said.

Mullen had 20 and Camacho had Despite all of the wins they had a 13 digs and 24 serve receives. couple of tough losses throughout the “Our biggest strength throughout earlier part of the season. the season is being player led,” coach They lost to Timber Creek in the Juanita Hitt said. “They always take Nike tournament and Winter Park, accountability.”

3-2, in the regular season.

The team has been on a winning They will see both of these teams streak since their 3-0 sweep against again on the road to the playoffs, on Oviedo(25-23, 25-20, 25-19).

Ava West | Sports Editor

T

“

BUMP IT UP Designated Server Madelyn Schwartz gets a serve receive. The girls varsity volleyball team lost to Deland 3-2. Photo | Alexis Butler

Nov. 11.

“We will be successful,” Hitt said.

“With both Winter Park and Timber Creek being in our district it will be a hard path, but I am hopeful we will make it as far as we did last year.”

To prepare for the playoffs Assists from setter Hagerty has faced some of the top Brielle Mullen teams in Florida and has beaten the majority of them.

On Oct. 4, they traveled to Kills from outside hitter Jenness Orcutt California where they will face some of Digs from libero the country’s top teams.

Mayte Camacho “It will be a great experience to play teams from different states and Serve receives from have more competition than we do in libero Mayte Camacho Orlando,” Schwartz said.

SEASON LEADERS

450

156 215

239

Athletes of the issue

MAYTE CAMACHO VOLLEYBALL

Libero Mayte Camacho Photo | Arielle Medina

Mayte Camacho is the libero for the girls varsity volleyball team and makes a huge impact on this team.

She has 215 digs and 239 serve receives in total this season so far.

In the 3-2 win against Osceola, Camacho had 28 serve receives and multiple assists.

She also recently hit a goal of 1000 high school career digs.

“Hitting 1000 digs has always been a career goal of mine and I could not have done it without my team and family,” Camacho said.

The girls varsity volleyball team will go on to compete in California against national ranked teams on Oct. 5 at the SoCal invitational.

JALON LEWIS FOOTBALL

Running back Jalon Lewis Photo | Levi Cal Rivera

Jalon Lewis is a running back for the boys varsity football team and facilitates most of the running plays.

This season Lewis has had 402 rushing yards and 174 receiving yards.

He has also had two touchdowns.

“My speed and vision on the field are the things that help me on the field,” Lewis said.

During their win against Timber Creek, Lewis had 28 rushing yards and 35 receiving yards.

“I expect us to have a stronger and better mindset to win and give every team all we got,” Lewis said.

The boys now have a season record of 3-2 and will face Harmony on Oct. 6.