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Vol. 19 Issue 3 | December 15, 2023 | Hagerty High School | Oviedo, Florida
A slice of the life of Antonio Pizza
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Game on Modeling and Simulation develops interactive game
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The gray area The Israel-Palestine conflict impacts local students
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Crossing the line Student-athletes push their limits with injuries
GAME ON
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Mod and Sim students create Hagerty-based adventure video game
said. “You have to go around and stop Minga from “I do some of the animations for [the destroying the world.” characters], so I can use these animations in the rainstorming for his Modeling and Simulation Hoping to incorporate teachers and game to make [Frasca] do certain things like run, capstone project, senior Mason Kretzschmar administration into the game, Kretzschmar and attack jump, all sorts of things,” Maxwell said. “I think had one clear idea: a video game. his classmates met with principal Robert Frasca the most enjoyable part is making the characters.” “The whole point of Modeling and Simulation IV to receive approval for the game. After creating Modeling and Simulation, the school’s program is that you do your own assignment because it’s a permission slips for teachers and staff, the students of emphasis, teaches students the basics of big capstone that you can put in your portfolio when were able to get over 17 teachers on board to computer modeling and image referencing. you do this for your career,” become characters in the Learning software programs like Maya and Unreal Kretzschmar said. “I love game. With some teachers Engine, which are used to produce animated video games, so it was one being created as non-playable movies and power popular games such as of the first things I thought of, I love video games, so it characters, or background Fortnite, students in the program can develop skills and it kind of just expanded characters known as NPCs, necessary for success in modeling and simulation was one of the first things I from there.” careers. thought of and it kind of just and others becoming playable While the four-year characters, such as Ramsey The team hopes to have a running version of expanded from there. program is in the program or Frasca and Modeling and the game up by the second semester, dividing the - Mason Kretzschmar, of emphasis, the course has Simulation teacher Adam project’s responsibilities between class time and now been incorporated under Hayden, the group looks the weekends. According to Kretzschmar, the game Modeling and Simulation IV the Academy of Advanced forward to how the game will be should shine a positive light on the possibilities student Learning Technology. Through received students can achieve through the new academy, students can choose one of by other students, who will Modeling and Simulation, three routes: Modeling and Simulation, Artificial eventually be able to access and should encourage more I think this project Intelligence or Computer Programming. While each the finished game through incoming students to join the highlights a lot of skills of these paths comes with its own focuses and the Hagerty student shared program. you use in AI or Computer requirements, the knowledge gained in each can drive. “Throughout my time in Programming using Unreal Modeling and Simulation, we’ve transfer into other areas of software. “Kids can still be playing “I think this project highlights a lot of skills you something Hagerty-related, had four different teachers, Engine—there’s a huge use in AI or Computer Programming using Unreal educational. It sucks being programming element to it. so it’s been a shaky program Engine—there’s a huge programming element to stuck in class with nothing so far, but with Mrs. Ramsey, - Laura Ramsey, Modeling it,” Modeling and Simulation teacher Laura Ramsey to do, so having a game she’s been a solid rock, and Mr. and Simulation teacher said. would make it more fun,” Hayden coming in last year has After Kretzschmar introduced the idea to the Kretzschmar said. broadened the program, and program’s level four class, the students began to During their class time, the six collaborators having an actual functioning game will get kids draft ideas for the storyline of the game, deciding divide the work between creating assets, interested in the Modeling and Simulation program,” to model the plot after “The Terminator,” having programming, drafting models and blocking out Kretzschmar said. “Kids will talk to their little siblings the school’s new Minga application take over the the game’s scenery. For lead programmer Nicholas and get them interested in it when they get to high school. Maxwell, the game serves as an opportunity school, so that way Hagerty’s magnet program can “The storyline we have as of right now is that to explore the creative elements in computer be an actual magnet program rather than just a fun we all think Minga is a silly concept,” Kretzschmar programming. computer class that is an easy A.”
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Nadia Knoblauch | Editor-in-Chief
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LOCKED IN Senior Nicholas Maxwell works on principal Robert Frasca’s character. Modeling and Simulation IV students have designed numerous teachers and staff members for their game. Photo | Nadia Knoblauch
TECH TEAM (Top) Senior Andrew Wilson practices designing characters In Modeling and Simulation. (Bottom) Senior Carter Raymond develops the setting for the game in the program Maya. Photos | Nadia Knoblauch
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Key Club stocking stuffer party spreads cheer “There’s just a need for the community and we keep adding police departments to it so that it’s a n a festive event to help bring the good outreach to help police officers, community together and spread so they are not always the bad guy,” the spirit of giving, the Key Club Carthon said. hosted its 18th annual stocking Carthon expressed her favorite stuffing party at the Oviedo Mall. part of the event is seeing the joy on Over 100 students attended on Dec. the faces of the children that attend 3, making it the largest gathering in and the families that she helps. the event’s history. “I organize this every year simply Head organizer Kim Carthon has because it’s the been the driving right thing to do,” force behind this event for the I love seeing all the kids that Carthon said. past 15 years. participate and knowing we “I love seeing all the kids that She wanted to are doing a good thing. participate and emphasize the core motivation - Kim Carthon, head organizer knowing we are doing a good behind this thing.” event and highlight the essential Sophomore Lavinia Waschkies role it plays in fostering a connected helped spread holiday cheer at the community. party. Throughout the event, she took The event featured groups from time to help write Christmas cards different schools and Girl Scout and fill stockings with presents. troops filling stockings with toys, “I think this will really help candy, notebooks and toiletries. A [families] during Christmas to not feel total of 360 stockings were donated so alone and have more fun during to the police departments in Oviedo, the holidays,” Waschkies said. “This Sanford, and Casselberry, 110 event really helps other people that stockings were donated to Mathew’s work hard for our community to show Hope family homeless shelter, and our appreciation. It’s really nice to 120 stockings were donated to a know that I am helping people by Veterans nursing home in South doing this.” Carolina. Gabriella Navarro | Features Editor
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NEWS BRIEFS Raiders win state competition Jolin Alcindor | Staff Reporter his past weekend, the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program competed in the State Raiders competition at Hudson High School. The boys team placed first in their tier, first overall, and ranked highly in separate events such as the tire JROTC Raiders huddle flip, kettlebell relay, together as a team. cross country rescue, three mile run, and rope Photo | Andrew Lane bridge. The team took home two first place trophies, two second place trophies, and one third place trophy. “This year, we were able to compete with a full male team,” Battalion XO captain Andrew Lane said. “And we were also able to get a lot of practice. We were able to come in on the weekend a couple times, and we didn’t really have any conflicts this year with our weekly practices.” Army instructor Master Sergeant Daniel Weber attributes the success to his colleague, senior army instructor, Major Martin Johnson. “Major Johnson took it upon himself to make sure they got enough practice and enough preparation to be successful,” Weber said. “The cadets competing this year did extremely well compared to the previous years.”
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ALL HANDS ON DECK Juniors Michelle Pu and Arianna Maboudou-Tchao prepare boxes for notebooks and toiletries. With over 100 students attending, this year’s event was the largest in the club’s history. Photo | Gabriella Navarro
Film club holds first meeting
Grace Hilton | Staff Reporter ombining passions for filmography, acting, editing and more, the film club held their first meeting of the year, as well as the first since 2017. The club provides students with a “utility box” of resources to enable their passons. Junior Eastin Mathies has led the charge in reviving the club, leveraging his experience from the school’s news show, WOOF TV, and his personal film endeavors. “There is really something for everyone in the film industry, and I want everyone to know that the same applies to the club,” Mathies said. Junior Antonio Pizza was swift to bring his ideas to the club, recruiting a cast and crew for a holiday movie. Planning for the film has been ongoing since last school year, but with a finished Senior Lauren script and auditions held on Dec. Verstrate talks 14, he is now moving into the about her ideas for production phase. film club. Photo | “[I felt] a mixture of emotional Grace Hilton stress…[and] nervousness because anything you do in life up to this scale is going to be noticed,” Pizza said. “But, I’m also excited to make a full length feature film. It’s gonna be fun.” After the small turnout of the first meeting, social media manager Jahmari Abbott took initiative by creating posters, promos and Instagram posts to spread the word about the club’s return. “I’m trying to reach people, but also for people to see what the club really is and what exactly we do,” Abbott said.
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Fundraiser benefits ESE Greta Carrasco | Online Editor o welcome the holiday season, school officials announced they were partnering with Teddy Gram Direct for a fundraiser that would give 15% of sales to in support Exceptional Student Education on campus. Founded in the fall of 2020, Teddy Gram Direct was created by Seminole County Public Schools to help students Teddy Grams with disabilities acquire skills needed to maintain employment. offer a variety of “By having a district-based product options. enterprise at Teddy Gram Direct, Photo | Teddy Grams Direct the SCPS Transition Team is able to target skills needed individually for students,” Transition Services Area Administrator Felicia Naidu said. Teddy Gram Direct contacted assistant principal Erin Mandell to set up a fundraiser that would allow students in the ESE program to interact and simulate a business on campus. “We wanted ESE students to be able to interact with their peers and be part of events that are going around the community while learning skills they would later need in the workplace,” Mandell said. At the end of the fundraiser, Teddy Gram Direct will send the stuffed animals that were purchased by students, staff and the community. Then, ESE students will be able to count, sort, package and distribute the stuffed animals on campus. For the holiday fundraiser, one 16 inch stuffed animal will cost $18 or two will cost $30 while an 8 inch stuffed animal will cost $12 or two for $20.
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Juniors Richard Lindahl and Kris Lanman rush to finish their gingerbread house before the end of the lunch period. On Dec. 8, leadership hosted a gingerbread house decorating contest outside both lunches. It was the first event of its kind, so leadership limited participation to only five teams of four. Spots filled up quickly as students vied for a secret prize. Administration was in charge of judging the results of the competition. The contest was one of multiple events student government hosted to promote school spirit during Winter Week. Throughout the week, leadership hosted dress-up days, with themes ranging from Sweater Weather to Snowed-In. Students who dressed up were able to receive giveaways at lunch, including cake pops and Crumbl cookies. Photo | Levi Cal-Rivera
Language students take annual field trip to Epcot Ava Strzalko | Staff Reporter
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anguage students have spent all year studying culture, but on Dec. 6, they were given the opportunity to explore them in person. French, Spanish and Chinese language students traveled to Epcot, chaperoned by French teacher Pamela Lynch and Chinese teacher Zhengzhen Zhang. Everyone was free to roam around as they pleased, stopping into shops and riding all the rides the park had to offer. As long as they stayed in the park, they could go off on their own schedules, so many were able to get passes to get into popular rides. “We went on rides such as Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, but we mostly just walked around and enjoyed everything,” sophomore Kayla Castaneda said. Epcot has 11 pavilions each dedicated to a country, so there was a lot to explore. “A lot of kids don’t have the opportunity to travel abroad,” Lynch said. “Having the countries
represented a little bit gives them the However, students with passes chance.” to the park were able to use that to Not everything is country-based their advantage, only paying for the though—there were rides based on bus trip. popular Disney movies, as well as “[My parents] didn’t care [about rides like Test Track and Mission: the cost, since] we already have an SPACE that focus on a futuristic annual pass, so I just used my own theme. money for food,” Castaneda said. Lynch first set up the Epcot trip Epcot provided the experience back when the school first opened, for students to be able to immerse after she found out that there was a themselves with the culture they have student discount for tickets if it been studying, and have fun while was a field trip. doing it. Spanish “I think III student Juliana they learn a Alvarez was able I loved being with my friends, to do just that in little bit about and hanging around the park. a group with her other cultures that maybe - Juliana Alvarez, Spanish III friends. they wouldn’t,” “I loved being student Lynch said. with my friends, and “Maybe they’ll never be exposed to hanging around the park.” Alvarez the places. Maybe they’ll never leave said. Florida.” The trip happened to be Disney parks are expensive, and scheduled at a perfect time, due to planning a field trip can cost a lot. The Epcot’s International Festival of the tickets for the trip were $115, which Holidays. The park was decorated for included the $15 bus transport to the different holidays across the globe, park. Typically, Epcot tickets can cost and each pavilion featured a holiday as much as $159, but Disney’s student show, in which a cast member dressed group program cut costs to $100 per up as an icon from their specific person. holiday, and would tell a story and
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NIGHT OUT Epcot’s lights shine against the night sky. On Dec. 6, French, Spanish, and Chinese students traveled to Epcot to experience replications of different countries. Photo | Holly Smyers
interact with guests. There were also themed dishes and desserts, so everyone had to opportunity to enjoy holiday food from different countries. After eleven hours at the park, students boarded buses home.
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Missing my holiday shopping magic
FIRED UP
Gabriella Navarro | Features Editor
convenience of the virtual marketplace. However, in our quest for efficiency, we have sacrificed a bit of nce upon a time, holiday shopping was a the enchantment that made holiday shopping an grand adventure that required strategic experience in itself. planning and spirit. Shoppers would walk Some of what made holiday shopping so through crowded malls, armed with shopping lists special was how people used to make a day out of and the optimism to find the perfect gifts. it. It used to be a long day out with your friends and But technology advanced and change flew family as you painfully scoured stores for a Furbie through the shopping aisles, carrying with it the or a Tickle Me Elmo. You would spend eight hours at craze of online deals and the distant sound of the mall and come home with a truckload of filled Amazon trucks. Now, the magic of in-store holiday bags. You would feel like you earned all the holiday shopping has run away like a sugar-high toddler in joy knowing you gave the best gifts by putting effort a candy store—whimsical and elusive. It seems the into it. You felt like your pain was worth it. But now, Grinch has taken the form of convenient shipping. it feels almost meaningless. You find everything you Before online shopping, you would wake up want to buy on Amazon in less than 10 minutes and early, put on your favorite festive clothing, and it arrives at your door the next day. I mean, you can venture out to the mall. The joy of finding the even pay Amazon to pre-wrap the gifts for you. perfect gift was like finding a rare treasure hidden In its heart, holiday shopping is all about the among the mobs of other eager shoppers. But thought—that’s what really counts: knowing that the now, with the click of a mouse, you can have that treasure delivered to your doorstep in a day without gifts you gave and received had effort and thought put into its purchase. It was knowing that your loved ever needing to leave the comfort of your bed, one thought of you for hours for the holidays. which takes away what makes holiday shopping so When I was younger, my parents would take special. me and my two older sisters to Target or Five Picture Black Friday: people standing in Below and set us off each with lines overnight, fighting for a cart to find whatever we expensive items more than think everyone would like. We 50% off, and stealing from Is it really a meaningful gift if would go up and down the other people’s carts. Black you aren’t even willing to spend store avoiding each other and Friday, once the champion running away when we went more than an hour thinking of retail madness, has now down the same aisles. When become a month-long about what to get them? we were done, we would have “holiday” of discount deals to wait for our parents to check that stay longer than glitter out by ourselves and hide the presents in our rooms in your car, and the only midnight activity involves to individually wrap—no matter how many times my cozy pajamas, not camping outside stores. In the age of online shopping, the thrill of finding sister yelled at me for being awful at wrapping gifts. Now we just make a list of Etsy or Amazon links of unexpected treasures is replaced by algorithmwhat we want to buy and wait for them to arrive generated suggestions. The only lines found are within the week without a second thought. in stores’ online shopping carts, and the only thing If “Jingle All the Way,” was remade today, it people are battling for their gifts is their slow would be a 15 minute short film featuring Arnold internet connection. Schwarzenegger on Amazon Prime. While the I used to love waking up and seeing the crazy convenience of online shopping is amazing— lines and packed stores as people fought for because who doesn’t love shopping in their insane deals and stuff they didn’t even need to pajamas—this season, break free from your digital buy because of how ridiculous it was. But now I see cocoons for just one day. Sure, the thrill of unboxing stores empty, as if it’s any other day, with deals a delivered package is like a mini-Christmas in saying that prices dropped, when in reality the itself, but why not add some adventure into your stores just raised their prices a few weeks prior. shopping? Look for that special something to make Some argue that the loss of in-person your loved one’s season more special. shopping’s charm is a small price to pay for the
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DEALBREAKER Target promotes its holiday shopping discounts on festive items. While once, shoppers would flock to stores for gifts, online stores have taken over the holidays. Photo | Gabriella Navarro
HITTING THE SHOPS Popular stores are celebrating the holidays by decorating with banners and signs. Some of the festive spirit is fading as people migrate to online shops. Photo | Gabriella Navarro
Nadia Knoblauch | Editor-in-chief
Santos shows what is wrong with politics
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otox keeps you young, fillers keep you plump.” “Live, laugh, love, and let the haters hate.” “There is no such thing as diva down, ok, it’s always diva up!” While these phrases sounds like they were plucked from an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race, they were recorded by former congressman George Santos—some of his many viral Cameo sound bites. After Santos was voted out of Congress on Dec. 1 for his 23 felony counts of fraud, he turned to the app Cameo, a platform where users can purchase scripted videos from celebrities. According to Vanity Fair, Santos currently earns an average of $400 per video. A ridiculous transition from Congress to Cameo, the Santos scandal has brought to the surface an important and noteworthy question: how have we selected such lunatics to be our nation’s leaders? Representing the third district of New York, Santos was elected by the people to act as a leader and aid for public outcry—not to fabricate familial ties to the Holocaust, falsely claim to have graduated from Baruch College in New York or state his mother was present at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, also proven to be untrue. A campaign built on lies and a term of little progress and productivity, Santos is a true icon…of fraud. The main concern isn’t that a “diva” was elected into Congress, but a lying one. How can one falsify information on not only their ancestry and finances, but also their college education and still make it into Congress? Ultimately, people can vote for whomever they want—that is the whole point of democracy—but there should still be basic requirements for one to land on the ballot for a Congressional race. For starters, a request of official transcripts from Santos’ “alma mater” would have quickly debunked his claim of graduation. Even a basic personality test would have revealed his compulsive lying and lack of interest in actually achieving anything in Congress. Yes, voters should have the competence to research whom they vote for rather than casting a blind eye, but the federal government should also propose a solution to preserve the validity and trustworthiness of the House. How can one have full faith in their elected officials if they could be unknowingly laced with scandal and incompetence? In order to restore and maintain the establishment of the House of Representatives, both the government and voters must increase their awareness of candidates’ backgrounds and plans for action. To have a productive Congress, we have to elect productive people. High-stake decisions regarding federal policies and security lay in the hands of our representatives, and we must choose wisely whom we hand that power to. While scandals can be entertaining and amusing, they need to be kept out of Congress. Hopefully, the United States’ next diva will land on reality television, not in the capital.
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BLUEPRINT OUR TAKE: Online course abuse too much 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 Gabriella Navarro Opinions Editor Lia Miller Sports Editor Ava West Staff Reporters Jolin Alcindor, Grace Hilton, Isaiah Macri, Lillie Overton, Holly Smyers, Ava Strzalko Adviser Brit Taylor Principal Robert Frasca
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:20 a.m. For many, this time marks the beginning of every school day. For others, school doesn’t start for another two hours. Seminole County Virtual School, the district’s preferred online education platform, opens up a variety of academic opportunities. Commonly used by seniors and juniors, SCVS classes can replace multiple traditional class periods, and many choose this to either sleep in or leave earlier in the school day. The temptations of extra rest are desirable to many students, especially seniors, but this can do more harm than good. The effects of having a shorter in-person schedule cannot be blamed on the student—if given the choice, logically, many will opt out of traditional classes. The problem lies within SCVS’ lack of restriction on the number of classes a student can take. While a bit of extra rest is beneficial, overdoing it in SCVS classes can be detrimental. Being able and willing to wake up early and go home late is necessary for any student to be successful in the future, whether it be in college or for a job. Not everything in the future will be easily adjusted to fit your needs or comfort. In addition to making unrealistic schedules, online courses can reinforce poor educational habits, such as rushing through lessons, brushing over topics and finding answers online. Cheating can be found in any classroom, but online, the risks of this increase greatly. Not only is this a practice that can lead to severe consequences, but one
Illustration | Josephine Lim
that brings no benefit to the student. How can high school really prepare students for the real-world if they spend the majority of it at home? While there are definitely rigorous courses on SCVS, a higher proportion of these are less rigorous when compared to the in-person class. Online platforms were created to give demanding academic opportunities to those whose schools may not offer them. However, at a school that is number one in the county for academics—a school with plenty of funding for AP classes—online courses are not a newfound opportunity for students to learn, but more often a chance to get out of the difficult classes that are already offered. With highly qualified teachers and a wide range of courses that students at other schools would not have access to, you would think students would take advantage of the great education they can receive in-person, not avoid it and stay at home.
The theoretical abuses of online courses are endless, but these platforms are not going away any time soon. Taking away access to online learning would ultimately have more negatives than benefits, as students who may not be able to attend in-person school due to health complications or mental illness would no longer have an equitable education. However, a few changes would make large impacts in the readiness of students. For starters, online classes could be capped to students who are not in desperate need of taking courses virtually, with the cap adjusting according to the student’s grade. Grounded reasoning for taking online courses could be required from students in order to register in the class, this way a student with a health issue is given priority over those who just wish to sleep in. Struggles cannot always be ignored and there will not always be an “easy-way out” in real life.
Club requirements need to change
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Illustration | Ava Strzalko
Lia Miller | Opinions Editor
f a student wants to join a school club, there is no shortage of options. If they want to take a leadership position, the election process for most clubs—as well as the steps to create a new organization—is relatively straightforward. But once the year starts, the task of actually running a club becomes anything but clear. New club presidents are cast into the wilderness of extracurricular authority and have to figure out how to manage their organization, often without much guidance. While this could end up being a helpful lesson in independence, all of the requirements to simply keep the club alive and functioning ensure that such selfsufficiency usually just diminishes the club’s overall potential by making it unnecessarily stressful. The Interclub Council was created
to help with some of these issues, and has certainly made a lot of progress, but when it comes to getting guidance from more experienced students, the monthly half-hour meetings simply do not cut it. The environment does not really foster meaningful interactions between leaders, or conversations about the everyday activities of individual clubs. If they need advice or have questions outside of the meeting time, there are no directions for a convenient way to get help. To be fair, there have been improvements lately. Administration recently revised the formation process to make it clearer for students and allow the school more knowledge of each club’s purpose. The fact that the ICC even exists is also a step in the right direction. Efforts have been made to improve relations between organizations and provide some level of structure.
This includes a system that designates clubs as black, blue, or silver, depending upon student attendance and the scale of their influence. This idea had some great potential, but still needs adjustment. Administration and school leaders need to understand that not every club is an honor society with a focus on community service. Sometimes students just want a group of people with similar interests to interact with. Sometimes a club is just for fun. If required projects keep piling up, it just adds to the crushing stress that most high schoolers already face. Clubs whose only purpose is to have fun should be allowed to do just that— especially when they barely have enough members to complete any sort of volunteer work. ICC is a great first step to better club communication and involvement, but it is a rough draft, and leaders need to keep editing.
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In the Moment: “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”
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Ava Strzalko | Staff Reporter
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he dystopian genre—stories where the characters live in seemingly perfect societies with a dark side—has fallen from its peak in the late 2010s. Of course, dystopian books, especially young adult books, are still written today, but nothing compares to its earlier success. However, with the release of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” in May of 2020, a prequel to the The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, many fans are returning to the ever-beloved genre, as well as the series. The Hunger Games is by no means a new franchise, the final book having been released in 2010, just two years before the first movie would hit theaters. The movie franchise made over $3.10 billion worldwide, with the debut ranking third-best in North America box office opening history at the time. It’s no surprise that the prequel book would get a film as well. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” released Nov. 17, follows the villainous president of the original trilogy, Coriolanus Snow, as a young adult, and what events led him down his vicious and diabolical path. It is a villain origin story, showing a particular time in his life that helped nudge him in the right direction. Or rather, the wrong one. The lead actors are Tom Blyth as Snow, and Rachel Zegler as Snow’s female tribute and eventual love interest, Lucy Gray Baird. Both really brought their characters to life, with Zegler’s singing performances in the movie shining a hopeful light on an otherwise dark and bloody story. It was a difficult story to tell, but the cinematography and camera work was spectacular at doing just that, not shying away from the grim details of the horrible situation the characters are in. Anyone familiar with the original trilogy and the movies that follow them knows that the costumes for the rich Capitol civilians are wild and elaborate, with bright, dramatic outfits for every occasion, and many of the fits in the film replicate that sentiment wonderfully. In one scene, the students are all wearing vibrant red uniforms, which was a visual delight. The movie was overall a nod to the dystopian genre’s glory days, bringing fans new and old to the powerful story. The genre may not be as prevalent as it was in 2010, but many online have been enjoying reminiscing their former obsessions with the series, with review for the film commenting on how happy their younger selves would have been watching the movie, which in itself is a beautiful reaction. Fans have also returned to previous
movies and books in the franchise as well, to get more from the story, and find little details they hadn’t noticed before. However, the film itself raises many questions. Was it just a get-rich-quick scheme on Collins’ part? What did it even add to the franchise, other than to further confirm that Snow is the villain? Arguably, it can be a lot more disturbing when a villain character does horrifying, unexplainable acts without a designated reason. People are scared of what they don’t know. Nitpicky questions aside, the movie was a fun watch, especially for old fans. While I may not have liked the overall direction of the story, fans will surely be thrilled with the adaptation. The resurgence of the series is wonderful to witness, because the original story is something so important to fans and the world today. While not based on real life, dystopian books can often educate people about difficult events, helping us examine real fears from a safe distance. Sometimes, a dystopian movie is really all you need to escape the hardships of real life, and “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” certainly fits.
Photo | lionsgatepublicity.com
Lia Miller Opinions Editor Holly Smyers Staff Reporter
Kailey Calvo Print Editor
In this episode, Kailey discusses Spotify Wrapped and its new features.
Tune in to hear Holly and Lia discuss the fun and not-sofun things about the holidays. Jolin Alcindor Staff Reporter
Jolin explores Margo Gueryan and aims to expand his listeners’ music taste.
Lillie Overton Staff Reporter In this edition of This or That, students vote on their favorite holiday traditions.
“Good Girls Guide to Murder”
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Gabriella Navarro | Features Editor
rom the outside, Fairview looks like the perfect, quiet town to settle down in. But for its residents, it’s a place haunted by the murder of Andie Bell, a perfect high school senior who was killed by Sal Singh, her boyfriend, before he killed himself. This book was an amazing mystery novel that kept me on the edge of my seat. It has tension and twists as the complex mystery unravels that I didn’t even see coming. I loved how intricate the plot was from how clues and evidence were found to the actual details of the murder itself. Whenever new information about Andie and Sal’s death that the public didn’t know appeared, I felt as surprised as the main characters. Five years have passed since Andie’s death, and now a senior herself, Pippa FitzAmobi decides to reopen the case for her final capstone project. As she conducts her own research, with the help of Ravi Singh, she begins to find inconsistencies in the story and evidence to prove Sal’s innocence. The actual formatting of the book was so immersive—it’s like nothing that I have read before. Besides the usual narration, the book is written through the reports, articles, interviews, and evidence Pippa finds. It makes it feel as if you are solving the murder with Pippa and Ravi. I’m excited for the TV show, currently in production, and to see how they transfer these details onto the screen. But as Pippa arrives closer to uncovering the truth, the more dangerous her project becomes. Someone in Fairview wants to keep the truth buried and will stop at nothing to keep it that way. With her and her loved one’s life in jeopardy, Pippa must choose how far she would go to get an A grade. I loved the plot twists the book put me through and the idea that the killer could be someone close to Pippa made the story all the more exciting. I also loved the dynamic between Ravi and Pippa. Ravi’s easygoingness and charismatic charm balances out Pippa’s technical thinking and daringness. I enjoyed their balance, and of course the banter we got to see between their interactions. From emotions to mystery, this book was a whirlpool where you would lose yourself in its pages. Mystery books are not typically my go-to genre but after reading this series I will definitely be delving into murder mystery books more. I loved how there was always more than what it seemed. The attention to detail in this book is astonishing. Every small piece of information that was thrown at the reader retains a degree of significance the book mentions again later on. The amount of thought and planning that went into this book combined with its captivating writing makes this book all the more impressive. Overall, this was an outstanding read that was very fulfilling. It met and surpassed my expectations. The story is beautifully woven together with intricacy that won’t let you go until you flip the last page. With its many twists and interactive writing, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” should be the next book you read.
SLEEP TIGHT 8
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Getting decent sleep is harder than expected Kailey Calvo | Print Editor Greta Carrasco| Online Editor
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unior Caitlyn Kapsimalopoulos wakes up drowsy. Getting home from practice and staying up studying for an exam forced her to sleep later than usual. During her test, she was not able to focus, causing her to do worse than she had expected. Kapsimalopoulos is not the only one. High schoolers all over the nation struggle to get enough sleep with 72.7% reporting insufficient sleep according to the CDC. The same is true here, as 68% of Hagerty students reported struggling to fall asleep. Research has shown that inconsistent sleep schedules decrease learning ability and daytime functioning—a trend that poses a threat to struggling high school students.
Why not just go to bed?
Sophomore Eva Kavaja has trouble sleeping two to five days a week. In addition to her daily wrestling practices, Kavaja takes a courseload of mainly AP and honors courses, all of which can pile up. “I always have a lot of homework. It can cause a lot of stress and worry, but I try my best to work really hard [and] be a good student,” Kavaja said. Freshman Sofia McLaughlin has a similar experience, as she often struggles to sleep due to the stress of school. Averaging five to seven hours of sleep, she has had problems falling asleep most nights since the beginning of the year. “I feel like I have a lot of thoughts going and I’m not really able to quickly fall asleep. One time, I was tired and slept through my entire biology class and I couldn’t understand the material for the rest of the quarter,” McLaughlin said. Freshman Makayla Nelson has struggled to get the hang of a high
school schedule. During her first exam, she became overly stressed and had a restless night leading to the test. She was not able to focus, affecting her performance. “It was just a lot because I had never taken an exam before, and it affected my work in some of my harder classes. I feel like I could’ve done better if I slept more the days leading up to it,” Nelson said. Screen time from cell phones also plays a large role as to why students can’t sleep. “I think I would get better sleep if I limited my screen time. I might be more focused and complete my homework earlier so I can go to bed earlier,” junior Emiaj Jaime said. Jaime also noticed a decrease in her sleep due to an injury. After fracturing her collarbone and having surgery, she noticed a discomfort that does not let her sleep. While her injury has affected her sleep, as the injury heals she is returning to a regular sleep schedule. Kapsimalopoulos’s situation is a bit different. Averaging three to six hours of sleep on a weekday and seven to 10 hours on weekends, she finds herself in a cycle of exhaustion. However, her sleep issues are not stress-related. In the eighth grade, Kapsimalopoulos suffered a back injury during a dance practice. Overlooking the pain, she never had the injury checked, which has led her pain to grow and impact her sleep. “My back pain is a contributing factor to why I can’t go to sleep at times. Recently, I’ve been having on and off, horrible back issues,” Kapsimalopoulos said.
sound machine.” Nelson takes advantage of listening to music as well, “I start my pre-sleep routine by putting my phone away because it easily distracts me. I listen to music or white noise while reading to really help me relax before bed, and that usually works and helps me sleep every night,” Nelson said. For those who like to sleep in quiet How do students deal with it? environments, sleepy teas are a great A common way sleep-deprived method to try. Herbal teas have been teenagers deal with sleep issues is proven to reduce fatigue and induce using naps to get extra rest; however, relaxation and sleep. Popular types of this ends up backfiring, as it causes them to not feel tired when it’s time for tea such as chamomile and lemongrass are shown to be a holistic way to bed. improve sleep quality and overall well“After a rough night, I go to school being, Senior Rylee Bader frequently and I’m really tired. Then I take a uses tea when she is unable to fall two-hour nap, and I can’t fall asleep asleep. a few hours later. “I drink chamomile tea when I’m It starts a cycle,” feeling extra tired and find it difficult to junior Hyatt Hitt fall asleep. It usually helps me fall asleep said. in a few minutes, as opposed to laying in According to bed for hours,” Bader said. Harvard Health, Some students may resort to napping can be taking supplemental melatonin as a a large source last resort. According to the Mayo of restlessness Clinic, melatonin is a naturally occurring at night. This disrupts one’s sleep schedule and ends up causing a vicious hormone in the body that plays a role in sleep. Melatonin supplements increase cycle of low-quality sleep. feelings of drowsiness A more beneficial method to within about an hour combat sleep issues is listening to of taking them. music or calming sounds as a way to “It takes me half relax. Sounds such as ASMR or white the amount of time noise are popular forms of this method. to fall asleep when Many frequent users feel calmer once they listen to them, helping them to get I take a melatonin supplement as more sleep. opposed to when “I have a sound machine in my I don’t, and I sleep room and it’s absolutely improved my much longer. It has quality of sleep. I’ve struggled with been so helpful in being able to fall asleep in a silent improving my sleep room since I was a kid,” junior Tracelyn quality,” Kapsimalopoulos said. Witsell said. “Instead of leaving the TV While melatonin on, which I’ve heard can disturb REM sleep patterns, I looked into getting this supplements may seem With this pain, it takes her about two hours to go to sleep. Although she is able to catch up on sleep, it is still not enough. “I have to schedule naps throughout my day because if I don’t I won’t be able to function after 4 p.m. and I work and do extracurricular activities,” Kapsimalopoulos said.
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How students improve their sleeping schedule Melatonin
Junior Caitlyn Kapsimalopoulos typically sleeps between three to six hours a night on school nights and seven to ten hours on weekends. She uses melatonin and pain reliever to help her sleep despite her back injury. “Recently, I’ve been having on and off, horrible back issues. My melatonin supplement helps me fall asleep way quicker,” Kapsimalopoulos said.
Calming tea
Freshman Makayla Nelson, struggles to get good sleep whenever she’s stressed about an exam or school work. She drinks tea to help her relax when she is feeling restless. “A couple times a week if I’m really stressed and can’t fall asleep I’ll drink chamomile tea. It helps me relax and get around seven to eight hours of sleep which is in my target range,” Nelson said.
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like the easy route to take, there are some drawbacks. For starters, excessive use can lead to headaches, nausea and extreme fatigue. Also, regular, long-term usage can limit the effectiveness of the supplement and could end up impacting natural melatonin production. “I’ve heard about all of the side effects [of melatonin] and I’ve just thought it better to stay away from it,” Nelson said. “I don’t want to become dependent on the supplement, or have it potentially prohibit me from being able to sleep every night.” While sleep is an important factor for any student, the benefits continue through adulthood. Anatomy and yoga teacher Brandi Malkovich takes her sleep routine seriously and knows the importance of getting good sleep. “Quality sleep is absolutely essential to maintaining physical and mental health and is the most important thing anyone can do for their body,” Malkovich said. “Students who don’t get enough sleep are often dysregulated from too much blue light and phones, too much sugar, a late athletic game, staying up to do homework, or don’t get enough exercise.” Students who get ample sleep can have improved learning, an easier time making decisions, better emotional wellbeing, boosted
moods, lower risk of diseases, better immune function and increased performance compared to those with sleep deficiencies, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. “I stay off the phone in the evening, stop eating when it gets dark, and try to limit my intake of processed sugar. I sometimes read or sit with my kids and read or draw with them, then I go to bed at 9 p.m.,” Malkovich said. While skipping out on some sleep to finish one last homework assignment may sound like a promising idea to teens, this can form a harmful pattern that can affect one’s overall health. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the way one feels while awake partially depends on their sleep quality. During sleep, the body is working
to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. “When I sleep fewer hours, I can feel the importance of proper rest. It really impacts my mood and my focus in class,” Nelson said.
Illustrations | Marcela Carrasco
Sound machine
Junior Tracelyn Witsell, who has used a sound machine for over five years, has found that it really improves the amount of sleep she gets. Overall, she feels more rested in the morning and has seen improvements in her sleep. “I have a sound machine in my room and it’s absolutely improved my quality of sleep. It’s really solved my problem of feeling restless at night,” Witsell said.
Meditation
Senior Emily McAdam, who used to average eight hours of sleep a night, notices an improvement in her overall sleep when she utilizes meditation music before bed. Calming the senses, meditation can greatly improve sleep. “I used to have trouble falling asleep, but meditating before bed has really helped me and now I average 12 hours a night,” McAdam said.
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GRAY AREA Students struggle to untangle the Israel-Palestine conflict amidst misinformation.
Josephine Lim | News Editor
“It’s just disappointing to see that this is the youth of America and this is mericans remember Sept. 11, the country that we’re going toward,” 2001 as a day of smoke, sirens, Desooki said. and fear. People were especially upset For Middle Easterners, Oct. 7 now when Eye on Palestine, a proholds the same place in their memory. Palestinian social media account, At 6:30 a.m. Hamas, an Islamic was banned on multiple platforms. militant group, attacked Israel, killing Although Meta clarified the ban more than 1000 people and breaking was due to security issues, many an already-fragile ceasefire between criticized the tech giant for taking a Israel and Palestine. Immediately side. Both sides have struggled with after, the Israeli government launched exaggerated stories such as these airstrikes on Gaza, hoping to flush and the quick judgements people out Hamas members hiding among make based on them. civilians. These tactics led to more “If you’re misinformed and you than 17,700 reported deaths, many of start talking about it, other people them children. will be misinformed and it will just In the past few weeks, kind of pile up and create this really Americans’ anti-whoevereyes have you’re-biasedbeen glued to against,” junior War is war. It’s harmful for their screens, Hannah Rugar everyone…there’s no good focused on a said. “The region more aspects. I hope that there can be situation is just than 6,000 not good.” some sort of compromise, and miles away. A few For senior everyone finds peace some way weeks after Danielle or another. Israel’s Kaminsky, declaration - Danielle Kaminsky, 12 though, the of war, attack hit close to home. Her family Desooki, along with senior is from Israel and lives near the site Zahra Ateeq, joined a proof the music festival where Hamas Palestine rally initially attacked. in Orlando. “I started texting my family on As with WhatsApp in Israel, and they said, any highly ‘We’re getting attacked right now,’” controversial Kaminsky said. “It was really scary. topic, these My mom was crying and my dad was freaking out.” The constant media coverage of the surprise attack’s aftermath brought support flooding for Israel, as well as backlash against Palestine. Many even took their outrage at Hamas and broadened it to include all Muslims and Middle Easterners. Senior Doaa Desooki has experienced these effects firsthand. As an Arab Muslim, she has noticed the uptick in aggressive remarks and comments online.
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protests have faced widespread both try to establish territorial and backlash, but nothing can deter religious dominance. Multiple wars Desooki from exercising her First displaced hundreds of thousands Amendment rights. of civilians—Palestinians, a nation “[The without official protests] were borders, were very uplifting. It and still are I don’t necessarily have any wasn’t violent— especially people were [bad] perception of the people. vulnerable. just walking There’s good and bad people on grewAteeq peacefully with up both sides, anywhere you go. signs,” Desooki hearing said. “As future about Israel- Doaa Desooki, 12 constituents, Palestine we just want to raise awareness and tensions from her sisters and friends. call on our representatives for a The older she has become, the more ceasefire.” passionate she has become. With their families living in such “I have had friends who were close proximity, both Kaminsky and Palestinian and had to flee or face Rugar also felt compelled to make a oppression,” Ateeq said. “I have taken difference. Tzofim, their Israeli scouts it upon myself to be aware of the group, organized a drive to donate oppression they have been facing for supplies to Israeli soldiers. Since the decades, and to speak up, especially organization’s headquarters is far now, when it is so mainstream.” from Oviedo, they put up fliers around Despite the two extremes the school to promote donations and media often portrays, Desooki tries support. to find a middle ground. The Israeli “My family [and everyone there] government’s actions upset her, had to stop their lives and put it on but she recognizes the distinction hold to try and just keep themselves between the government and its safe,” Kaminsky said. “We’re people. trying to bring [the drive] closer “I don’t necessarily have any [bad] to Hagerty so people actually perception of the people. There’s care.” good and bad people on both sides, Although the Israelanywhere you go,” Desooki said. “So Palestine conflict has only I’m not going to collectively assume recently made the that everyone there hates us and top of headlines, wants everyone to die in Gaza. I’m not the problem has saying kick out the [Israelis] from all of been ruminating the land, I’m saying live equally.” for decades. Kaminsky echoes similar Since Israel’s sentiments and hopes to see a creation in 1948, permanent end to the violence. the two sides “War is war. It’s harmful for have clashed as everyone…there’s no good aspects,” Kaminsky said. “I hope that there can be some sort of compromise, and everyone finds peace some way or another.”
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TING UP SHOP Theater set crew not only builds structures, but lasting bonds
Holly Smyers | Staff Reporter
“There are a lot of challenges that happen. Sometimes our designs ehold the lights and the flashy don’t work. We have to scrap them colors, dramatic acting and an and start over with new wood and entire team of people working materials and try doing it a different to make a show happen. Drama way,” "Clue" set coordinator Katana prodution, where the very essence of Henderson said. a story is carved from raw materials The department spent $1,400 on and built from wood and nails, not just wood and screws for the set, so it is the set that is vital that nothing being built, but goes to waste. relationships Measurements The set is going to be one and lifelong need to be exact of the best sets on the Hagerty for things to work skills too. The set stage. [My crew is] all working properly, and crew works so hard, and I'm just so excited everyone needs for almost as be very careful for all the hard work to pay off. to long as the with what they do - Makenzie Roberts, cast on each and when. show, building “Before I do backgrounds and structures for every anything, I triple-check with Solomon, play. Each day begins with a meeting, our theater director,” senior Makenzie where the crew goes over the day’s Roberts said. “I like to triple-check goals and sorts people into groups, everything that I do so that I don't anything from painting to building, make mistakes and so it could be up or even cleaning up. There are many to his standards as well.” moving pieces, and not everything Not everything works out, goes according to plan, just like actors, however, and to be successful, the sometimes the crew has to improvise. coordinators need to learn to think on their feet and listen when things are not working. “You have to work well with your crew and be able to problem solve on the spot. You need to be able to listen to other people's ideas to fix mistakes,” Henderson said. The process of getting all the materials and working to get things done can be chaotic and stressful, especially with shipping delays and a very strict deadline. The average crew member spends around 50 hours working on the set in the two months they have to get everything done. “My biggest challenge was time SET FOR SUCCESS Freshman Makenzie Wilde management. You just have so much paints a door for the set of "Clue." The "Clue" stuff to do in such a short period set will be the larget set Purebred Productions has ever built. Photo | Holly Smyers of time.” said Roberts. “I want the
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MAKING THE CUT Junior Hannah Ruger guides freshman Corrine Bennett when using the electric saw. After school, the set crew works to create pieces for the upcoming show. Photo | Holly Smyers
'Clue' [set] to be the best set that we've ever put on the Hagerty stage. There's a very short amount of time we have to make that happen.” Everyone in theater displays a large devotion to their craft. They all try to encourage each other as well, especially those in leadership roles, as they know the underclassmen are the future of the department, and hope to inspire them as much as the upperclassmen inspired them. “My coordinators were amazing. Every single day they would just know about everything we had to do. [I hope to] inspire other people the way they inspired me,” Roberts said. Being in the theater department, and specifically set, the students develop both technical skills and their character, while working on something they are truly passionate about with people they grow close to. “[If I could start over from
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freshman year] I would enjoy it all the time because it's like it just flashed by so quickly. I was so focused on being set coordinator and should have enjoyed it all a little bit more,” Roberts said. By far, one of the best parts of working on a set is the big moment when everything these students have been working on gets displayed on the stage at opening night. “Seeing all your hard work paying off on opening night, it’s my favorite part,” sophomore Olivia Ahlqvist said. The set crew works very hard every show to make it work. The upcoming show, "Clue," will be performed on Jan.18-20. The story is both a comedy and a murder mystery surrounding a mysterious dinner party. “I think that the set is going to be one of the best sets on the Hagerty stage. I'm just so excited for all the hard work to pay off,” Roberts said.
#7 Campfire Christmas Outside on the University of Carillon’s field (1395 Campus View Court, Oviedo), many families and friends gather around every year for a “Campfire Christmas.” There’s plenty to do—from free food and firepits to roast marshmallows with, to games and Christmas carol sing-alongs. All that attendees need is a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on. This event is free, and is scheduled for Dec. 22, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. The warm glow of the firepit is perfect for the cool, winter air, and there is a lot of holiday spirit to go around for those looking to celebrate.
HOLIDAY HOTSPOTS
Ava Strzalko | Staff Reporter
Read about all 10 local spots on our website >>> Photo | Campfire Christmas' Facebook
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A PIECE OF THE PIZZA
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Junior Antonio Pizza uses his colorful personality to impact campus for the better spread my heritage to people who may not know a lot about the culture.” With dyslexia and an IEP, learning hen you first see junior has not always been easy for Pizza, Antonio Pizza, you may notice the bright orange suit, but he tries his best to overcome the challenges. He puts 110% in or during the winter holiday, the fluffy white beard of Santa Claus. No matter everything he does, whether it be showing his cultural pride in the Italian what he is wearing, he is usually found Club or taking a stance in the Young busy. Whether it is Film Club, Student Republicans Club. Since freshman Government Association, Chess year, Pizza has run for president of Club, Italian Club or another campus organization, Pizza keeps his schedule student government and has lost each time, but he has not given up. stacked. “Losing is a part of life, but so is Juggling high school and personal life is not easy, but Pizza makes it look working to make the world better,” like a piece of cake… or pizza. Starting pizza said. “I am a simple man just trying to make a difference in our his day at 4 a.m., he spends an hour world even if it’s a small one.” doing homework, answering and While his fashion statements sending emails and ensuring that he is ready for the day. Once he gets ready and his colorful personality make him seem like he and heads enjoys the crazy to school, he things, Pizza also films and edits the sports Losing is a part of life, but so has big ambitions section of the is working to make the world after Hagerty. He WoofTV every better. I am a simple man just hopes to pursue morning with trying to make a difference in a law degree as well as a political sophomore our world even if it’s science degree. Jahmari a small one. Likewise, he Abbott. He -Antonio Pizza, 11 has dreams of spends the pursuing careers as a politician and a mornings and lunches in the TV room, constitutional lawyer. along with Abbott and Film Club “I really want to study onstitutional president Easton Mathies. In addition law because it fascinates me,” Pizza to filming sports, Pizza also films and said. “How does a document that edits club promos for the group. old still have such strong ties in our Pizza is also known for going all modern world?” out for school dress up days like a Pizza hopes to return to his Santa Claus outfit for Winter Week, home state of New Jersey after he an orange suit just because it is his graduates college. There, he wishes to favorite color and a green army man pursue his calling as a politician. costume to embrace the feeling of With ambitions this big, they do being someone else for a day on not go unnoticed by others. Halloween. “Pizza just has a bubbly If Pizza was only a dedicated TV personality,” Chess Club sponsor Production student who wore a lot of Jennifer Thomas said. “He has so crazy outfits, it would still be a story. many ambitions and is just making However, his most lasting legacy the most out of his high school might be the sheer number of clubs experience.” he leads and has started. Pizza has Thomas isn’t the only one who founded the Chess Club and the Italian Club; he serves in student government shares the idea of Pizza’s energy. Many students around Hagerty have as a senator; he also splits his time witnessed Pizza’s impact as he has between the Environmental and become a known name on campus. Shakespeare Clubs and multiple “I would say that Antonio is honor societies. hardworking, fun and creative,” “I started the clubs I founded for Abbott said. similar yet different reasons,” Pizza But where does Pizza get all of his said. “Chess was a metaphor for life, energy? and the Italian Club was a way to
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“I just know that if you don’t put “The end goal is to improve my everything that community,” you have into Pizza said. “I what’s going on love joining around you, you He has so many ambitions and new activities is just making the most out of because you won’t succeed. his high school experience. It really bothers only live once. me that everyone Every decision -Jennifer Thomas, says that our that we make Chess Club sponsor generation is can affect the going to be the leaders, but how are future, and I hope to make my future we gonna be leaders if all we do is sit better than the present.” around and be on our phones?” Pizza said. Despite all of the time, energy and commitments that Pizza pours into his campus and his life, his end goal is not just to better himself. He uses his energy to better his campus for the people around him so that those who see his energy can be inspired to make a change.
SPECIAL DELIVERY Antonio Pizza shows off his prized pizza box. When running for class senator, Pizza had peers sign his box to pledge their votes. Photo | Ava West
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Bassel’s golden paddle Junior Bassel Abualsamid wins gold at Special Olympics Florida
gold medal at the county, regional—which is seven Central Florida counties—and state levels. Bassel ince 1972, Special Olympics Florida has been has won gold in cycling and bowling, silver in standgiving opportunities for those with intellectual up paddleboarding, and most recently, gold and disabilities to compete in athletic events. For silver in pickleball, the event he enjoys the most “I think it’s amazing, it’s the best sport,” Bassel some it is just a way to stay active, for junior Bassel said. Abualsamid, it is a pathway to success. The Special Olympics provides a great Bassel and his sister Asia were born with a environment for those with disabilities to explore condition called Fragile X syndrome which causes their passion for sports, but it requires effort, intellectual challenges. Bassel’s father, Dr. Ahmad dedication and commitment from both the players Abualsamid, heard about the Special Olympics and the family. while living in Illinois and decided to take Bassel to “It’s a lot of work, for these participate. things you drive all over the “We went there for an place. It’s also all volunteer run,” event, and we didn’t realize It’s a whole family Abualsamid said. that it was a year-round commitment but it’s worth Abualsamid volunteered to program,” Abualsamid said. it, the kids are amazing, they coach pickleball and swimming, Bassel and his family all have their own gifts and as well as helping out with moved to Florida 10 years talents. cycling and bowling. ago, and after about a - Dr. Ahmad Abualsamid, “It’s a whole family year of being in the state, Bassel’s father commitment, but it’s worth it. they discovered the Florida The kids are amazing, they all have their own gifts Special Olympics. Abualsamid enrolled both of his and talents,” Abualsamid said, “They’re all special children into the year-round program in which they in their own way, it’s just amazing to see them excel move from one sport to the next after a training period. Over time, Bassel would get the opportunity and do things they couldn’t do otherwise. The Special Olympics is just amazing.” to participate in team sports like softball as well as Bassel appreciates his teammates, opponents, individual events like swimming. and the people who help to make the Special Eight years later, Bassel has found a lot of success in the Special Olympics program, winning a Olympics possible the same way they appreciate him. “Everyone did really well, and the coaches did an amazing job.” Bassel said. After winning in pickleball, Bassel and his father are moving on to training for the upcoming cycling event. Bassel and his sister are the two fastest Special Olympics cyclists in the state for their age group and division, and are striving to compete at the national level if all goes well. Hagerty does not allow them to practice on the track, so Bassel and his father travel to Lake Marry or Winter Park High School to train. When they do not feel like taking a timely drive, they practice in the parking lot between cars. “It would be amazing if the school would let a Special Olympics athlete and his sister practice on the track so he can cycle safely and keep excelling,” Abualsamid said. Perhaps the biggest benefit of participating in the Special Olympics is not winning medals, but the relationships that are created, and made stronger through the practices and competition. It provides an opportunity for those with disabilities to experience the emotions of victory and defeat in a structured environment, and see their hard work pay off. “It feels great. He’s happy, and if he’s happy, I’m happy,” Abualsamid said. Bassel’s determination and easygoing nature are evident even outside of sports. After transferring to Hagerty from a private school for those with disabilities in the second semester last school year, he fit right in with his peers. “He fit right in when he first came. He’s got great manners, he treats everyone with respect, and his classmates like him. He’d never been on a big campus like this and he adjusted easily.” Bassel’s teacher, Darlene Mellot said. Bassel does not plan on stopping his athletic career after he turns 18. The Special Olympics has divisions for children, teens and adults. Bassel plans GO FOR THE GOLD Bassel Abualsamid shows off his to continue participating, and winning for as long as Special Olympics gold metal. Bassel recently earned he can. gold for pickleball at the games. Photo | Dr. Ahmad
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Greta Carrasco | Online Editor
Chris Hale - hockey Sitting on the couch, watching the Toronto Maple Leafs with his mom, junior Chris Hale fell in love with hockey. After years of watching the sport from the sidelines, Hale decided to start lessons at Orlando Ice Den, an ice rink 40 minutes away. While the drives were long, Hale always anticipated the moment he stepped on the rink. “Skating on the ice is an experience like no other— it makes me feel free and takes away my stress,” Hale said, At first, he only played in the house league, a recreational division that was focused on fun and skill development. After mastering the basics, he decided to go into an advanced league where he bonded with his team and learned game strategy. When he turned 12, he joined the Central Florida Hockey Club, a 14U division where he learned different line-ups, strategies and teamwork. Hale and his team have won around 15 tournaments from his years during the 14U division through 16U. During his last season in the 16U division, Hale’s team was struggling to dominate in their games. After a devastating loss at the beginning of their season, his team came back refreshed for their championship. “During the season we were able to work on defense and turnoverss. we worked hard, gave it our all, and went home with a win that we wanted,” Hale said. While skating comes naturally to hockey players who live with ice and snow, as a Floridian, Hale first had to learn how to skate. After a year he was able to move swiftly through the ice rink. Then, he started learning how to pass and control the puck as well as how to handle the stick, something he still wishes to improve on. “Honestly, once you get the skating down it then becomes pretty easy. Stickhandling is another thing. I’ve played for a long time now and I’m still not the best, but spending more and more time practicing shows you the difference,” Hale said, Hale is still playing with CFHC Bears but has moved to the 18U division. Since joining the team, he has gone to practice three times a week While his passion for hockey continues to grow, he sometimes struggles with juggling hockey and school. “The drives are long, and it’s definitely a commitment. I’ve had to study and do homework during the drives or when I have time in the rink to keep up with school work,” Hale said. Still, Hale has a love for the game and wishes to continue playing for as long as he can. “I love hockey and everything about it, it is a beautiful and underrated game,” Hale said.
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Injured athletes push their limits and find it hard to stop playing
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Ava West | Sports Editor
printing across the field, varsity lacrosse midfielder Stacy Glover felt a pain shoot up her body. As a key player in the game against Vero Beach, she wanted to stay in the game, but she knew something was wrong and decided to come off the field. “I definitely wanted to keep playing since it was a big game, but I knew if I did not stop I would be in even more pain,” Glover said. “I knew I would be hurting the team if I kept playing.” Glover suffered an L5 and L6 fracture in her spine from another player cross-checking her in the back, which will never fully heal. She stretches and puts heat on her back regularly to combat the pain. Glover was able to play again during her sophomore year as long as she used her therapeutic techniques. However, it took Glover months to speak up about her injury to her club lacrosse coach. When she finally did, she was met with disregard rather than concern. “I felt pressured by my coach to keep playing even though it was only getting worse,” Glover said. “I was also scared to tell my parents because I did not know how they would react. They could have told me we need to go to a doctor or that I was just overreacting. It would have become real if I told them.” Junior Jaycee Vanhoozer competes in the 169 WRAP IT UP Athletic Trainer Megan Wilkens wraps varsity football player Bryson Bock’s ankle. Athletic trainers help students when pound weight class. During her sophomore year on they injure themselves, but sometimes athletes need to take a longer break if they push too far. Photo | Levi Cal-Rivera the team, she competed the entire season with a Miessau sees the majority of the student “They might think you are faking it, just tired or hip injury. After the season was over, she learned athletes who struggle with injuries like Glover’s, and overreacting. That’s why it can be scary to speak up she had to get surgery, where she is still recovering. a big part of his job is to rehabilitate students to sometimes,” Glover said. “There is a stigma about stopping in the middle make sure they can continue their athletic careers. When an athlete gets injured on the field, they of your season that I have heard: if you are strong He also focuses on informing coaches, players and have to make an immediate decision to either come enough to do your sport, you should be strong parents when an athlete cannot play any more. off and treat the injury, or keep playing and risk enough to push through your injury,” Vanhoozer “Parents don’t understand it. They don’t making the pain worse. Most will choose to stay on said. understand why their child just can’t play through it. the field and keep playing. The line is hard to draw. Athletes often want to keep participating I have had kids that would break “Most athletes have a very high pain tolerance even though they are in their arm and get it casted, and from the level we play at,” Vanhoozer said. “You pain because they do not parents do not understand why know something is wrong when the pain is repetitive. want to let their team down. I would have stopped earlier their kid cannot play with the Some things can fix themselves but if the pain never They pressure themselves if I knew it would have cast,” Miessau said. stops, that’s when you need to get help.” to keep going no matter made it worse in the long If a coach suspects an It can be difficult for athletes to watch their what because their pain is run. I would do anything to injury, they are required to teammates be able to play while they cannot, but temporary, even though it go back and tell myself to immediately inform the training Miesseau believes that they can still be a part of the might not be. stop playing because it just staff to have the studentteam. “Most athletes want to affected me for the worse. athlete checked out. The “They can still be a part of the team without continue going, even though Stacy Glover, athletic trainer will then either participating, they can be a cheerleader from the the injury does not allow them clear or bench an athlete sidelines and support any way they can,” Miessau varsity lacrosse midfielder to. The most frustrating part depending on their injury. With said. “It is important for athletes to remember that for us is when there’s a piece extreme injuries, they will refer the athlete to go to a their injury is just a moment and not forever.” of bone that’s been damaged, they have to allow doctor. Glover experienced being on the sidelines for a that healing to take place. Because if they do not, “The most important thing is to educate them. little over half a year and still came to every game it will make it worse and potentially lead to surgery, It is important to explain in the moment that it and practice she could to support the team. Even which is what we try to avoid at all costs,” athletic hurts not to play with your team, but it is about the though she has recovered now, Glover regrets not trainer Keith Miessau said. athlete being able to function in the future and still stopping sooner. According to John Hopkins Medicine, about play at the collegiate level,” Miessau said. “I would have stopped playing earlier if I knew 30 million kids and teens in the United States play Education is not always enough, however. Some it would have made it worse in the long run,” Glover sports, and about 3.5 million of them get injured student athletes are scared to talk about their said. “I would do anything to go back and tell myself each year, meaning over 10 percent of student injuries to their peers or coaches because of a fear to stop playing because it just affected me for the athletes get injured annually. that they will be judged for having their injury. worse.”
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Boys soccer finds their way kept them from scoring.” Senior Brett Beliech scored the first goal of the Dec. 6 game on a penalty ix games into the season, the kick, with striker Daniel Erazo scoring boys soccer team has had a two goals after. little bit of everything. From a Still, against top district teams season-opening tie against Oviedo, like Seminole, a 3-0 loss on Dec. to a frustrating loss against Seminole, 1, controlling the ball and finishing and even a 3-0 shutout of the Masters chances continues to be a priority. Academy, the team stands at 2-2-2. “The game against Seminole was “I think our team this year is very really difficult mainly because the similar to that of last year,” left back players in Seminole were really good Will Carr said. “Both years we have and they had really good movement had very slow starts, but I’m hoping of the ball,” midfielder Gabriel that much like Gonzalez said. last year, we pick “We found it really it up toward the hard to defend, While we definitely miss some and we did not end and start heavy hitters and big goal winning more. go into the game scorers, our season is bright. with the correct We really just This has been one of my need to score mindset.” favorite teams ever. more goals.” The team The defense played better - Carter Bruno, center back has been solid, against Lake with three shutouts in six games, but Brantley, another of the district’s top the offense at times has struggled. teams, but came up short with a 2-1 The team has scored seven goals in loss. Carr scored his first career goal six games, that includes three against for Hagerty, lifting the team’s spirits. Masters, the most dominant game of “I think that was our best team the season so far. performance so far,” Carr said. “We “I knew we were the better team passed the ball extremely well and going into it, but we still had to play everyone was on the same page.” at high intensity,” center back Carter The senior-heavy team will look to Bruno said. “We moved the ball and finish scoring chances and ultimately created many chances to score and win more games heading into the
Nadia Knoblauch | Editor-in-Chief Greta Carrasco | Online Editor
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RUN IT BACK Midfielder Gabriel Gonzalez runs the ball down the field. On Dec. 6, the team beat Masters 3-0, giving them a current standing of 2-2-2. Photo | Kayla Rrapi
heart of the season, trying to improve on last year’s 5-7-2 record. However, since last season started 0-4-1, the team feels ahead of where they were this time last year. “Our team has a lot more
chemistry and can play together better this season,” Bruno said. “While we definitely miss some heavy hitters and big goal scorers, our season is bright. This has been one of my favorite teams ever.”
SPORTS SHORTS
Stadium track gets updated
Boys wrestling places third
Ava West | Sports Editor
Faith Walsh | Journalism I
Girls weightlifting senior night
hen athletes return to Sam Momary stadium in January, an updated track surface will be in place. After 13 years, the plan for the updated track is finally happening. Sam Momary, the school’s original principal, led an effort to improve the track since 2010. “This was a part of Mr. Momary’s vision, a part of his long term to-do list, and now it is becoming a reality,” athletic director Jay Getty said. The total cost of the renovation is $236,000, but it will bring bigger events and extra revenue for the school. “Hosting big Sophomore Ava Howell track meets at our new runs on the old track. renovated stadium is a Photo | Chloe Sanna chance to bring in some serious money for the school,” Getty said. The new surface will be a higher teck rubberized surface allowing for the increased levels of track and field meets, which were not held here before because of the low quality surface. The expected date of the new track’s completion is currently Jan. 8, leaving plenty of time for runners to practice on their new surface. As long as weather allows, the track should be done on the expected date. “We are ahead on the project and hopefully it will be done on time. This will help profit the school and give us an environment where we can begin hosting,” Getty said.
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Jessica Johnson | Journalism I
irls weightlifting team competed at their senior night on Dec. 6, forging memories and solidarity. “Senior night was so fun. I didn’t have my best meet, but my teammates and coaches made it very memorable,” senior Bayley Basco said. On senior night, Basco completed a 145 snatch and 160 clean and jerk, a total of 305 pounds that helped her win her weight class. “This season has been going really well for me and my team. I have really seen everyone improving recently,” Basco said. The other members also enjoyed one of their last nights as a team. “My senior night was great, I loved seeing my girls compete at their last school meet and do a great job,” sophomore Mackenzie Ruping said.
Senior weightlifters pose for a picture. Photo | Emiaj Jaime
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he boys varsity wrestling team finished in third place at the Longhorn Duals held at Harmony High School on Dec. 3. Sophomore Nikolas Blake and freshman Hunter Jessee led the Huskies to a 3-2 record on the day, even though they faced some adversity with holes on the team. Holes are when people are missing from the lineup, so others had to move up weight classes to compensate for those missing people. “Even though the team had a couple holes, we were able to pull through and get third overall,” Blake said. The absence Freshman Ian Thornsbury takes of some key down his opponent. people could Photo | Meghan Shepp have been detrimental, but the Huskies used this to fuel themselves and do well. “We have a couple transfers and new kids joining the team,” Blake said. The team hopes to continue to grow and develop. The last tournament they competed in was the Danny Byron Invitational on Dec. 8, where they further worked on their skills.
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Girls basketball towers over competition Kits is a year younger than most of her classmates, but is ready for the next level. “I went a year ahead because I want to be he score was 65-7, at the half. prepared for college,” Kits said. “I get another year The girls varsity basketball team won big to prepare myself.” against Osceola, 85-18. A couple days later, Along withs Kits, De Alba has been getting used against Oviedo, it was 77-19. Then it was Lake to her new transition from Lake Mary. She had 28 Brantley, 60-24. points in the first three games and averages five With these early season blowouts, the girls are assists per game. well on their way to a record-breaking season. “I knew some of the girls that were already here “We were able to keep passing the ball and and that the school itself was good for education,” moving. It just came down to us executing as a De Alba said. team,” forward Kylee Kits said. “I was ready for a fresh start and I am glad I A big change from last year was the addition of two new transfers and a new coach, Whitney Tossie, came over here. We still have some work to do but it has been going well.” Kits and point guard Narelis De Even though the girls will Alba. continue to score as much as they Tossie grew up in Oviedo The team is off to a great can throughout a game, it is still playing basketball and played start. I am excited to not their main goal. at Appalachian State University see what we are able to “Scoring comes with how we from 2004-2008. Kits is a 6’4” accomplish as a team. play. We are able to figure out transfer center from Faith The girls can take care of how we play with each other and Christian Academy who is business. what we like and dislike,” De Alba committed to play at the - Whitney Tossie, coach said. University of Florida next year. De Hayes, Celine Merlin, Delaney Alba is a guard who transferred Siegmund, Brooke Leonard, Isabel Lindauer and from Lake Mary. Erin McCloud have all returned to the program this “Our transfers and coach have really helped us year, and even with the new transfers, everyone build our team,” shooting guard Ciara Hayes said. gets playing time because there are only eight girls “The team chemistry is great this year, and our skill on the team. is there too. We still struggle on some points but we “It’s a great thing because everyone is more are getting better.” involved in the team. Everyone gets their minutes Last year’s head coach, Josh Kohn, led the girls and we have bonded because of it,” Kits said. to a district title with a 51-50 win against Colonial, While the team has handled local teams with followed by a run to the regional semifinals, a 47ease, the biggest challenge came from an elite 39 rematch loss against Colonial. Tossie hopes to tournament last weekend, with losses to DME continue the program’s rise. Academy, a 10-0 team from Daytona Beach “We are looking to defend the district ranked #10 nationally, and Central Pointe Christian championship and beyond,” Tossie said. “We are Academy, the #3 ranked prep school in the nation. young and we will continue to grow and get better The team returned to the regular schedule this each game.” week with games against Spruce Creek and Jones, The difference between coaches has not gone and with regular season games running through the unnoticed, as they are still getting used to Tossie end of February, the team has plenty of time to see but have made significant progress. how much potential they have. “Coach [Tossie] is really quick to point out The team has hopes that they will go far this something compared to our old coach [Kohn]. season. Tossie believes that this team is something We are still getting used to how coach runs her special and that they will be able to go far this practices and how she prepares us,” Hayes said. season if they put in the effort. Kits has been the focal point of the offense “The team is off to a great start,” Tossie said. “I so far, and she scored 72 points in the first three am excited to see what we are able to accomplish games. She is averaging 23.3 points, 12.3 rebounds and 4.7 steals per game. In a 50-45 win against East as a team. The girls have been able to take care of business.” River, she scored 40 out of the 50 points.
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Ava West | Sports Editor
Athletes of the issue
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Center-back Skye Barnes Photo | Skye Barnes
SCORE MORE Senior transfer Kylee Kits shoots a three-pointer against Osceola, part of a 85-18 win. The team has been crushing district teams. Photo | Ava West
SKYE BARNES SOCCER
CADEN DOUGLAS BASKETBALL
Center-back Skye Barnes plays on the girls varsity soccer team. Barnes is committed to the university of Florida for her college career. During the team’s 7-3 win against Seminole, Barnes scored two of the goals. “The best thing about Hagerty soccer is the team. Our team is so bonded and it is fun to play with each other,” Barnes said. The team has a record of 6-0-1. “I expect our team to show up to every practice and every single game. Also I always expect that we put out our best effort and always try,” Barnes said.
Shooting guard Caden Douglas plays on the boys varsity basketball team and averages 13 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. “My favorite part of the game would obviously be winning, but also that I have teammates that will compete with me,” Douglas said. Douglas leads the team as a captain with a record of 3-1. Douglas believes this team will go far. “I expect our team to not only win out this year, but to try our hardest and compete in every game,” Douglas said.
Shooting guard Caden Douglas Photo | Caydee Claps