April 2015 Red & Black

& black

Florida’s first high school newspaper Hillsborough High School 5000 N. Central Ave. Tampa, FL 33603 April 2015 hhstoday.com @hhstodayonline Volume 116, No. 6

Hillsborough River

Old Seminole H Heights

Gun violence in Tampa: not a minor problem With seven teenage shootings in March alone, city officials tackle the issue pgs. 8-9

Loitering instead of learning? what’s happening behind the school? pg. 2 I-275

(Illustration by Ellie Rodriguez)

Editorial: FSA presents more problems than solutions pg. 6

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2campus hhstoday.com | April 2015

& black Editor-in-Chief

Ellie Rodriguez

Associate Editor

Samantha Votzke

News Editors

Ivy Bennett-Ford Maria Roberts Kathy Xie

Sports Editors

Dana Dinh Daniel Hamilton Matt Lutton

Opinion Editors

Annie Aguiar Bianca Cegatte

Entertainment Editors

Vijata Patel Monisha Pillai Shelby Shoup

Life Editors

Sarvika Bommakanti Alyssa Ierna

Photo Editors

Katie Frost Aleesha Mundra

Graphics Editor

John Veliz

Online Editor

Amber Shemesh

Staff Writers

Aliece Brown Kacey Johnson Denzel Pierre Toni Skraastad Tegan Smith

Adviser

Joe Humphrey, MJE

Principal

Johan von Ancken

Red & Black belongs to the Florida and National Scholastic press associations. The paper is subject to prior review by school administration. The staff editiorial reflects the view of student editors and the columns represent the viewpoints of their authors. The R&B welcomes letters from students, teachers and members of the Hillsborough community. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity, and should be submitted via email or delivered to Room 506 or by mail to Red & Black, 5000 N. Central Ave., Tampa, Fla. 33603.

Advertising content is subject to approval of the editorial board. Red & Black is printed in partnership with The Tampa Tribune. This newspaper includes content from the MCT Campus wire service.

Phone (813) 276-5620; Fax (813) 276-5629; e-mail hhstoday@gmail.com Red & Black: All-Florida, FSPA; First Class, NSPA; Four 2014-15 NSPA Best of Show awards

HHSToday.com

The kids who walk a w a y Every morning, students spend time before the bell rings behind the school -- technically off campus. It is a place where rules can only be enforced if students linger on the fine dividing line between school and the street.

Samantha Votzke Associate Editor It is easy to see the kids who congregate behind the school every morning. It is easy to dismiss them as suspicious, loitering in tight groups, intimidating to anyone walking by on their way to class.

After spending a morning behind school, it is also easy to see why anyone could choose to hang out here. It’s beautiful.

The trees dapple the light on the ground and turn the already sweltering morning cool and breezy. The street is quiet, before most neighbors start their cars for the commute to work.

Most of the groups aren’t smoking; some are simply sharing stories and complaints under the shade of the trees.

“I like to hang out here because it’s quiet,” said one student, who asked not to be named. “I don’t smoke, I’m just hanging out.”

But that’s not the case for everyone.

On one recent day, a few students smoked cigarettes.

Across the street -- off the campus that ends at the base of the brick wall -- a blue-gray puff of smoke rises from the mouth of a girl with what looks like a joint between her fingers.

Another girl, a sophomore, sits on the wall that separates the school campus from Violet Street. She doesn’t hesitate to admit the reason why she hangs out behind the 500 Hall each morning with a few friends: “I like to get high out here.”

The sound of the bell can be heard out here and, on this particular day, not long after it rings, Assistant Principal Quasar Givens walks down to the terrace above the wall and gives the order to go to class, then stands sentinel as kids move into the building or down the street towards Wilder.

Some of the students said they are heading to their first-period class.

Some are heading away from school. People in cars turn their heads to look at the kids walking away, wondering where they’re going.

Today, the girl on the wall was headed to class, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes she skips her first period: “Once in a while,” she said. “I know I can always make up” the work.

No good solution The matter of students lingering becomes a problem when those same students simply walk away from class.

Principal Johan von Ancken said, “There’s simply no good solution.”

Most of these students may simply be using the space behind to school as a place to relax before the bell.

“A select few create a problem for the majority,” Givens said. “Our biggest concern is when they do leave campus.”

The first student -- the one who said she just hangs out -- said she sometimes sees administrators out by the wall.

They “yell at us, ‘Who’s got weed?’ sometimes. Meanwhile, somebody is probably smoking in the bathroom.”

Increased enforcement Sometimes it is difficult to tell if the kids smoking are 18 and smoking

tobacco cigarettes, which is perfectly legal, or 16 and smoking pot. von Ancken said that if it is legal, the school can’t force them to stop when they are off campus.

There are consequences for skipping class: days of out of school suspension or, as tardies or truancies build up, letters to parents are sent and the school social worker is involved.

For kids who leave campus to skip school, more serious consequences can arise. Givens said. “As a result, those kids are picked up by the police for being truant.”

Both von Ancken and Givens said that the goal is to get kids into the building. von Ancken said. “If they’re not on campus, we can’t enforce [the rules.]”

In recent weeks, there has been an increased police and administrative presence behind the school.

Three administrators, for example, responded to a report of smoking in the senior lot on Tuesday.

“To be honest,” von Ancken said, “we’ve been patrolling all year but more so recently because it’s been one of the things where enough people have expressed concerns. We just want people to know we’re addressing it.”

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April 2015 | hhstoday.com

Eakins in as Hillsborough superintendent Kathy Xie News Editor The School Board’s conference room was buzzing with excitement at the April 21 meeting. There was only standing room as students, parents and educators awaited a decision: Would Jeff Eakins become the next superintendent?

Eakins was named the acting superintendent after MaryEllen Elia’s contract was terminated on March 5, and served as Deputy Superintendent prior to that.

As acting superintendent, Eakins said his priorities include improving work climate of district officials and educators, having state standards guide teachers rather than restrict them and most of all, increase the graduation rate.

“We must make increasing graduation rates the top priority,” Eakins told the Tampa Bay Times in February, “There are so many barriers preventing students from graduating. We need to break down those barriers, build strong relationships and support systems with and for students.”

Eakins’ appointment was met with enthusiastic support from board members, who lauded his leadership skills and interest towards improving students’ education experience.

“We have identified a leader who will take us forward with the things we have yet to accomplish,” board member Doretha Edgecomb said at the meeting. Edgecomb is especially looking forward to Eakins’ attitude of “looking at [the district’s] challenges rather than running away from them.”

Board member April Griffin emphasized her interest getting students more interested in their learning. She stated part of Eakins’ goal of boosting graduation rates will stem from making school more enjoyable, thereby increasing students’ enthusiasm.

Even board member Melissa Snively, who was previously “skeptical at best” with the prospect of appointing Eakins as su-

Jeff Eakins, surrounded by board members and family, signs the contract Tuesday appointing him as superintendent. (Photo by Kathy Xie) perintendent, was “overwhelmed” with the positive feedback Eakins has received in his recent weeks as acting superintendent.

“I am beyond ecstatic that this board has come together and agreed that we have a leader who will put students first and put fun back into the classroom,” she said.

After board members offered their (“premature,” as Griffin stated) congratulations to Eakins, they voted on approving his contract. Then, with a unanimous vote, the contract was approved. The entire boardroom burst into cheers.

Eakins’ contract will be in effect for two years, ending in June 2017. The school board will evaluate the superintendent prior to May 1 of each year, then vote during the first June meeting on whether to extend his contract for an additional period not to

exceed three years.

The contract grants Eakins an annual salary of $225,000.

Eakins took the mic after the applause died down and thanked his wife, colleagues and parents for supporting him through his journey to superintendent. He then stated again his interest in redirecting focus to make a beneficial impact on the lives and educational experience of the district’s students.

Board members are optimistic about the future of the school district under Eakins’ leadership. Before adjourning the meeting, Chairwoman Susan Valdes summed up the school board’s sentiments.

Eakins “has been appointed as superintendent,” she said, “but the students are the real winners today.”

Speaking of leadership...

Principal Johan von Ancken is leaving Hillsborough for a district position. He will remain principal until a replacement is announced. Current Assistant Principal for Administration Melvin Williams will serve as acting principal when von Ancken is not on campus, an arrangement in effect since von Ancken’s arrival at HHS. Additionally, von Ancken will continue to aid the school through the transition. According to Williams, students will experience no changes in day-to-day school operations until a new principal is officially appointed. This week, the district re-opened the application process until April 29.

Go to HHSToday.com to see updates on who has applied for the position so far.

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4campus hhstoday.com | April 2015

Swedish Invasion 2

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Monisha Pillai Staff Writer Forty Swedish students arrived on campus April 8 during their annual visit to Tampa.

The visiting students docked their boat in Channelside and met with their IB senior hosts. Both the Swedes and their hosts are in their final year of high school. The norm for Swedish students is to take a gap year and return to college later.

The Swedes spent the weekend with their hosts travelling around Tampa and sightseeing. Five days later, they shadowed their hosts around school in order to experience day in the life of an American high school student.

The Swedes and the Hillsborough students spent the week after their arrival going to the beach, to the mall and participating in many other activities students who live in Tampa enjoy such as laser tag and karaoking.

Many of the Swedes and hosts plan to remain in touch.

1. Senior Aleesha Mundra poses with Swedish students at the terrier statue. 2. HHS IB Class of 2015 and their Swedish shadows take a group picture during lunch. 3. Seniors Aastha Rajbhandary, Alex Wang, Brittani Trimble, Ivy Bennett-Ford and Erin Strickland visit the Swedish students on their boat. 4. Swedish students Olle Lyrfors, Nils Evheden and Calle Ericson enjoy time at International Mall with Kelly Kaladeen and Connie Li. (Photos by Aleesha Mundra, Ivy Bennett-Ford and Monisha Pillai)

Relay’s not far away Monisha Pillai Staff Writers The Seminole Heights 2015 Relay for Life is rapidly approaching.

With the official date is set for May 1, and participants have only around two weeks left to raise money. Organized by the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is a community fundraiser to raise money and awareness for those affected by cancer.

The money doesn’t only go to those with cancer, but also survivors and caretakers as well. The

main recipients are researchers trying to find a cure for cancer.

Hillsborough has been hosting the event for those in the Seminole Heights area for more than a decade.

“People should be aware that this event is really helpful … Most people know someone affected by cancer,” said Shelby Shoup, copresident of the HHS Relay for Life club.

She was inspired by Relay for Life at King and this led to her “taking on elevated positions in the future.”

This year, the monetary goal has been set at $50,000. Unfortunately, just a little over $6,000 has been raised thus far.

Participation and enthusiasm this year have been at a low point due to scheduling difficulties for the date of the actual event.

However, everyone capable is encouraged to donate and, or to show up and take part in the event. “[Relay for Life] is about having fun and helping people,” Shoup said. “It’s never too late to sign up.”

RELAY FOR LIFE American Cancer Society

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briefly5

April 2015 | hhstoday.com

Upcoming Testing

Advanced Placement testing begins next month.

Here are the AP testing dates.

may

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#BBFL 2015

The Best Buddies club and association held its Friendship Walk on April 18 and raised more than $1,000 to benefit the chapter and help raise awareness for education for special needs children internationally. The members and their “buddies” walked a total of three laps around Gadson Park on MacDill Air Force Base while enjoying snowcones, popcorn and bonding games. More photos from the event at HHSToday.com. (Photo by Cameron Fishback)

walk the

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Riverwalk

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Extending 2.6 miles, the Tampa Riverwalk allows people to continuously walk along the waters of the Hillsborough River. (Photo by Amber Shemesh)

To watch a time-lapse video showing what it’s like to walk along the river, go to HHSToday.com.

Locked-in

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JROTC annual awards JROTC celebrated its annual award ceremony this month.

There were around 60 cadets, 20 parents and approximetly 15 award presenters. The event, which lasted about 3 1/2 hours was “very memorable” and almost every member received an achievment or award. (Photo courtesy of JROTC)

CHEMISTRY PSYCHOLOGY ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CALCULUS AB ENGLISH LITERATURE PHYSICS 1 SPANISH COMPUTER SCIENCE U.S. HISTORY EUROPEAN HISTORY ART 2D/3D BIOLOGY U.S. GOVERNMENT

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMP STATISTICS WORLD HISTORY MACROECONOMICS HUMAN GEOGRAPHY MICROECONOMICS Make-up test dates are May 20-29 for IB students whose AP test dates conflict with IB exams.

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Board OKs 2015-16 academic calendar

IB seniors participate in the annual senior lock in at Lafleurs Gymnasium on April 28 from 9 p.m. Friday, April 17 until 6 a.m. the following day. The night consisted of bonding activities such as playing music and cards. For more pictures of the lock-in, go to HHSToday.com. (Photo by Aleesha Mundra)

Alhough the Legislature gave school districts permission to return as early as Aug. 10, Hillsborough County Public Schools announced this week that it is sticking with the planned 2015-16 start date of Tuesday, Aug. 25. Semester exams will still be held in January and the year will extend until June 10, 2016. Spring Break is scheduled for March 14-18.

Find the full calendar at HHSToday.com.

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6opinion

editorial

hhstoday.com | April 2015

Are you FSA-ing kidding me?

Eight months. Eight months is how long dents who did not pass the exam will have to students may have to wait in anticipation for start a new reading class.

Starting a new class halfway through the their FSA results not knowing whether they failed or what potential consequences could be. year would put students at risk of not completFlorida Standards Assessments, or FSA, is ing material or rushing through material with being taken for the first time, replacing FCAT; little understanding of it, both of which only it is a computerized test that assesses students detract from a student’s learning.

Standardized testing is meant to evaluate in math, reading and writing.

Though the state originally planned to use students’ abilities on certain subjects.

Teachers are supposed to be able to use that FSA results as a graduation requirement, extraneous factors including but not limited to the information to assess the areas where their sturecent technological problem such as a cyber- dents are failing or not doing well. With the delay in test results, attack, and being unable to submit ...it would be ridiculous to use the test teachers won’t be to create lessections of the as a graduation requirement, and thus able son plans that adtest, have led the state to reconsider should have no impact on students who dress those subject areas since they its original intent. took the tests this year. won’t know where Gov. Rick Scott signed a law on April 14, requiring a validation those learning gaps are until three months after the school year starts. That’s three whole of the FSA by an outside third party.

This validation could cause an eight-month months of wasted time.

Since the FSA results are being delayed delay in test results, meaning schools and students wouldn’t receive the scores until Decem- eight months, it would be ridiculous to use ber. The government claims a delay would al- the test as a graduation requirement and thus, low the state more time to verify the accuracy should have no impact on the students who took the tests this year. of the test.

At this point, it is too late to regain the Although a delay could allow for more accurate results, eight whole months is an un- money and wasted time but at the very least, reasonably long period during which teachers these results should be used as a trial to verify don’t have means with which they can assess the FSA’s accuracy and fix any issues that arose their students, and students are left painstak- while testing including technological problems. ingly unaware of their results.

After the test is fully verified, the state

By December, students will already have advanced to a higher grade level and will al- should then reinstate it as a graduation requirement so students currently in school will ready have been placed in classes.

If used as a graduation requirement, stu- not be affected by this delay.

Dollars and sense Why it’s time for women to be on our money A recent movement has caught the attention of the American public, one seeking to remove Andrew Jackson’s visage from the face of the $20 bill and place a female historic figure there instead. The question remains though, who could replace Jackson? We went out to discover what legendary ladies you wanted on our currency.

-John Veliz

Harriet Tubman

“...[Tubman] has a hand in saving a whole race of people whilst [Jackson] has a hand in condemning an entire race.”

-Ricardo Rodriguez, 11

Abigail Adams

“She kinda told the founding fathers to consider the women” -Jenni Valdivieso, 11

Rosa Parks

“She did a lot to contribute to gaining Afircan American rights, and the Civil Rights Movement in general.”

-Tyler Smith, 10

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opinion7 April 2015 | hhstoday.com

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Do apathetic students deserve academic attention?

If you don’t want to be here, it’s not your fault. It’s just poor planning.

Hillsborough County schools make allowances for students on the extreme sides of the academic spectrum, but what about kids in the middle, who fall into a category of apathy?

Students labeled as “slackers” haven’t had the opportunity to take part in their education.

They haven’t been encouraged to take part in developing a curriculum for themselves.

The education requirements for students are very low, as they do not have the ability to deviate from certain set courses. Still, the school’s academic budget shouldn’t stop the state or even the federal government from investing in an overhaul of the system. And students should take part in making that change.

YES

Instead, teachers are presented with too little time to make a difference, their lectures may not be relatable for the student, and there isn’t any money to create alternative learning systems in public schools for a wide variety of students.

This isn’t the teachers’ fault. But that’s the problem: so few options exist.

Hillsborough County students have the option to take the On-the-Job Training (OJT) elective. Students can leave campus for a job.

This seems like a good alternative to normal school; the same can be said for Career-Based Training (CBT) for the ESE unit; extraordinary people are able to accquire real-world training.

Education is a right. You can argue that students also have the right to refuse and to walk away. But the district, the state, and the nation do not have the right to deny education based on an assumption: they are more willing to quit difficult cases if it means getting close to the student, and finding something that works.

We can maybe blame it on an inherent laziness of our modern adult “role models.” Yet, maybe it’s just because there isn’t any money to go around. Everyone deserves the chance to find something they can be excited about. Whether that comes from a classroom, nature walk, store or office, school should be an informative, and above all, flexible environment .

-Ivy Bennett-Ford Illustrations by Shelby Shoup

If you don’t want to be here, leave.

Every school has students who refuse to try, pay attention or even show up. There are some with less than a 1.0 GPA due entirely to apathy.

Yes, apathy is not always the students’ fault. Family issues or poor experiences with teachers can lead students to become “slackers.” These students may have been denied the opportunity to become invested in their education, and likewise have never given schoolwork a second thought.

But why hold these students at school, when they would rather be anywhere else?

Why pack classes with students who refuse to apply themselves? A classroom environment will not remain positive as long as half the class is thinking about where they would rather be.

If the dropout age were lowered, every student would still be extended the right to a public education. If they refuse the right to a free public education, it was still extended to them and no one’s time needs to be wasted.

Teachers can often be another problem. It can be argued that it is the teachers’ responsibility to ensure that every student is engaged and in class. However, sometimes a student just doesn’t want to listen.

That isn’t a comment on a teacher’s ability to teach his or her students well. Schools should be filled with students eager to learn and teachers eager to teach. What is the benefit of keeping extremely disinterested students in school? Their interests won’t turn from the

window and to the board.

Each morning, one can walk down the bus ramp and watch students disembark the buses and take a left into the neighborhood avoiding the school altogether. This lowers attendance every day. Our school is granted money based on enrollment, so keeping these students is costly and unnecessary.

Our current student retention methods are ineffective as they should be. This problem has persisted and will continue to do so as long as students are forced to remain in school when their effort (or lack of) shows they want to be elsewhere.

If the problem has not been corrected so far why do people believe it can change now?

Education is a right and whether or not teenagers exercise this right should be their decision.

-Maria Roberts

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hhstoday.com | April 2015

April 2015 | hhstoday.com

Tampa teens face gun violence

In recent months, Tampa has had a surge in shootings; an alarming amount involve young people

The officer proceeded to pull the student out of class and search his bag, finding the gun and ammunition and arresting the student, who made no injuries or threats.

“We got a tip that a student was in possession of a firearm from a reliable The day freshman Raekwon Lyles was shot, he hopped to safety on one source and we acted upon it and found that the student was in possession of foot.

Lyles thought that he had stepped on a rock at first but after removing his a firearm and ammunition,” Noel said. “I can’t prevent a kid from bringing a right shoe, he saw blood. He had to “get to [his] auntie’s house,” which wasn’t gun to school. I can only catch them when they get here. Once they’re here, far away from the basketball court at Avon and E. Lake avenues in Robles it’s up to the student body. Y’all need to speak up.”

“We need to be vigilant in our own school. That’s Park where he was shot.

“If you see something, say the only way to ensure the safety of our students and He was one of three teenagers shot at that basketball court on March 8, the first Monday of spring something. Everyone needs teachers,” von Ancken said. “It’s obviously bigger than our school. I don’t know what fuels it.” break. The other two injured were former and current to take responsibility and not justInstances Hillsborough students Michael Johnson and Tyrell of gun violence in Tampa (January Scott. In a subsequent media release, the Tampa Police rely on someone else saying through March) have increased by 143 percent in the Department urged anyone with information to speak last year. An increasing number of both shooters and something.” up. Lyles says he did not see the shooter. victims are high school age and younger.

-Jane Castor, Tampa Police Chief Tampa police have documented 235 instances of Less than a week later 16-year-old Jamylin Turner was shot to death while playing basketball at Taylor gun violence this year as compared to 164 last year in Park in Tampa Heights. the same time period. There were 14 shootings in March alone.

Fourteen shootings took place in Tampa in March alone and seven vicIt’s been a challenging 2015 for the Tampa Police Department. tims of these shootings were 18 year old or younger. In the first three months In the last year, the numbers of homicides since the beginning of the year of 2015, there were 48 “aggravated batteries with a gun,” said the TPD. Many has doubled. The amount of guns in circulation has “increased dramaticalof these shootings, like Lyles’, have not yet resulted in arrests. ly” as well, with the majority coming from burglaries of homes and cars.

Hillsborough had a gun incident of its own in late March; on March 30, “The individuals don’t hesitate to use guns to settle disputes,” Police a student was arrested for bringing a gun to school. The student, who Red & Chief Jane Castor said in an interview.

Black is not naming, was overheard talking about having a gun in his bag by Tampa Police have been utilizing a violence reduction initiative to some a teacher, according to the official arrest report. The teacher notified princi- success. The initiative goes after people known to be involved in crimes but pal Johan von Ancken, who contacted School Resource Officer Frank Noel. who can’t actually be charged due to a lack of evidence. “If we can remove Annie Aguiar and Dana Dinh Opinion Editor and Sports Editor

individuals from the street, we can quell this violence,” Castor said. “We have had homicides, but not the ones that have caused the increase -- the ones based on territory.”

A large portion of these recent shootings have been labeled as “territorial disputes” by the TPD. These incidents don’t meet the exact definition of gang violence as outlined in Florida law, but are, as Castor said, “territorial groups fighting other territorial groups.”

One trend that has re-emerged in recent months is drive-by shooting.

Multiple shootings in March were drive-by shootings, including Lyles’ and Turner’s. “[Drive-bys are] a trend I saw in the late ’80s with crack cocaine.

We really haven’t seen those since the heyday of the crack epidemic,” Castor said. “I’ve given clear instructions to our police that we’re not going to have that in our city.”

Castor emphasizes the importance of reporting any suspicious activity; “If you see something, say something. Everyone needs to take responsibility and not rely on someone else saying something.” von Ancken echoed this sentiment: “[We] need everyone’s assistance to make this stop. We need a collective effort, reporting any suspicions or concerns.”

On or off campus, gun violence is a reality for Tampa teens.

After the shooting, Lyles had to keep his foot wrapped up for 2 1/2 weeks. He’ll visit an orthopedic doctor in late April to see if the wound has fully healed.

Lyles said despite being shot, he isn’t scared, only more cognizant of his surroundings. “The city is getting out of hand,” he said. “People my age have to be more aware.”

He returns to the court on Avon and Lake almost every week after school to play basketball with his friends.

Graphic by Annie Aguiar

you said it:

gun violence Students and administrators share thoughts on the recent surge in gun violence and how to prevent it

“You can’t really stop what goes on outside of school. I know a couple of [students who have guns], and they’re never going to give up their guns.”

“I think the behaviors students are exhibiting are social media driven behaviors. Until we as educators understand it, we are going to have these problems. We are disconnected from our students.

“To me, there really is no way to prevent it because people are going to do what they want to do. I really don’t think there’s a way to prevent it.”

-Jose Leon, 11

-Kysha Herald, AP of curriculum

-Goldie Mingo, 11

“Guns are a waste of time and metal.”

-Anthony Banderford, 11

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10life

hhstoday.com | April 2015

A long way from

there

Hillsborough students come from all over the city, all over the county, to attend school. But some hail from parts beyond the confines of our familiar streets. But life in Nigeria and Haiti wasn’t so different as it is now for these two sophomores.

Ivy Bennett-Ford News Editor You wake up one morning. Then you’re on a plane. Then you’re surrounded by people who do not speak your native language, whom you do not know, and you need to find your parent.

Laissez le bon temps rouler For sophomore Jean Andre, the whole experience is a little blurry. He left Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 2009 to join his mother and father in Tampa. He was met by some cousins and the promise of more family in New York City.

He says that when he left, his family did not pause to say goodbye to his grandmother, that it would have been too emotional.

He says his parents are pretty lame, so he spends more running around with his cousins and friends.

“I’m having way too much fun to feel at home,” Andre said.

“In Haiti, I was much skinnier, and a lot faster, because I only played soccer,” Andre said, “and would eat really late at night.”

Andre says he doesn’t really know why he had to leave Haiti.

But he does know it doesn’t help adjusting if you don’t know how to speak the language.

“I didn’t know how to speak English,” Andre said.

He arrived in Tampa in fifth grade.

According to Andre, elementary school was hard, because the only phrases he knew were curse words, and he like to talk all the time. But by the time he entered middle school at Stuart Middle Magnet, his English had improved drastically. As a 10th grader now, he’s left with an accent.

Andre says many people seem to correlate being Haitian Creole with Voodoo, the folk religion associated with the worship of spirits called Loa and kinds of magic. While this may be true for some in the Tampa area, Andre and his family “go to church every Sunday.”

It’s here, said Andre, and with other Creole students at Hillsborough, with which he found a community. He says that the food reminds him of home, since it’s all Creole dishes.

“I still practice [Creole],” said Andre of spending time with other Haitian students. “I practice my French, but it’s not as good.”

Andre says that when he speaks with other Creole students, they transition back and forth, sometimes using English, sometimes using the mix of French and native dialects which make up the largest language group in Haiti.

“If I talk in Creole, I’m in control,” he said.

A whole new world If sophomore Deborah Adepiti had stayed in Nigeria, she would be in college by now. She would have had a comfortable life, and more family surrounding her. Here, she doesn’t have many other people, other than her mom, with whom to speak Yoruba, her native language. Yet here she is.

“I would already have been out in the real world,” said Adepiti.

For Adepiti, life in Tampa is different from Nigeria. Here, she was faced with a new way to dress, to act.

She says people from her home are more respectful; they’re different. But not as different as most students seemed to think when she first got here.

“People ask me, ‘Did you swim here? Did you go to school?

Did you ride to school on an elephant and live in the jungle?’” said Adepiti of her time in Nigeria. “And that’s all wrong, I tell them no, we have cars and cities, too.”

If Adepiti had stayed in Nigeria in 2011, she would have been going to college by now. She says she wouldn’t have had to work so much, since her family was pretty stable. She learned to speak English in class when she lived there, but for most of her life, she spoke Yoruba, the indigenous language.

She had to move here in order to be with her mom and cousins, who were already living in Tampa, when Adepiti entered Sligh Middle School as a sixth grader.

For her, coming here was a bit of a culture shock.

“People here are different,” Adepiti said. She recalls how on her first day of class in the sixth grade, she asked for directions of another girl, who said not to follow, and ended their interac-

tion with a violent expletive.

But it’s not all bad. Now that she’s in high school, Adepiti has friends. She goes to class. Now she’s found people who are friendly and accepting. And people have stopped asking ludicrous questions.

Though both Adepiti came to America later in life than Andre, both of them must take some classes through “English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). This does separate them from others, but they don’t seem to mind.

Unlike Andre, Adepiti does not have anyone else to pass the time with in Yoruba, unless she’s home with her mom.

“I would already have been out in the real world.”

-Deborah Adepiti, 10

“If I talk in Creole, I’m in control.”

- Jean Andre, 10

Shelby Shoup Entertainment Editor With avant-garde costumes, glow sticks and a potential fog machine, the DECA Fashion Show sounds more like a Cirque du Soleil performance than a school fundraiser.

The April 30 Fashion Show will be hosted by DECA, a marketing club dedicated to perfecting student business skills. Students will have the opportunity to flaunt their unique styles while adhering to the four main themes.

Student models will display clothing from the urban fashion scene, the business scene, the avant-garde scene and formal wear. The various styles are inspired by the major fashion capitals of the world: Los Angeles, New York, Milan and Paris.

“Each scene should tell a story. I want the avant-garde to be the big one,” said Andrea Ellis, club sponsor and director of the show.

At the April 13 meeting, she rummaged through a rack of dresses, proudly presenting Gothic-inspired gowns, infused with red, black and purple lace.

“You might think those dresses are ugly. That’s kind of what we’re going for,” Ellis reassured the semi-skeptical models. “It’s a spooky kind of look. If you think, ‘I wouldn’t wear that on the street,’ well, I hope not.”

The embellishment will not stop at the clothing. Ellis and the members of DECA want to ensure that the show will be nothing less of a spectacle. If all goes according to plan,

the show will be adorned with lights and balloons, and the floor littered with monopoly money after the models “make it rain.” The intermissions will feature performances from both the Step Team and the drum line.

The fun and excitement of the Fashion Show is juxtaposed by DECA’s more serious intentions. “We want to get DECA known around the school. It’s fun, but we want to promote DECA because this is our first year having it,” said DECA secretary Nesliean Cruz, a sophomore.

The business skills that DECA members hone during competitions are being put to the test while advertising the Fashion Show. “I help out with all the graphics and making all the PowerPoints,” said DECA member junior Adriana Guanche, while showing the models the PowerPoint for the show. It features intricate backdrops and background music from artists such as Flo Rida and MIA. “I’m helping a lot with DECA this year to promote it, so people know what DECA is.”

As the show draws nearer, the DECA members and models are teaming up to ensure success. Despite the gaudy decorations and plans, the show is still short on male models.

“I think when they say like, ‘Oh there’s going to be a fashion show,’ the predisposition is that fashion is for females. Even if males are interested in fashion or being fashionable at school they’re not going to want to participate in something that is going to be predominantly female,” said show model Jasmine Caya, a junior.

Everyone involved is hoping for high audience participation. Tickets to the show are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. “We can start selling tickets now,” said Ellis. “Bring your people!”

NEED TO KNOW WHO: DECA WHEN: April 30, 6 p.m.

WHERE: Auditorium COST: $5-$7 Sophomore DECA member Adrianna Guanche peruses a rack of gowns. The gowns will be modeled by students at the fashion show during the avant-garde scene. (By Shelby Shoup)

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Fashion Forward

life11

April 2015 | hhstoday.com

Online project aims to prevent suicide

Aliece Brown Commentary We join clubs and sports teams to build lasting bonds with others, deal with the daily pressures of life, and find our path.

Even with these forms of release, there are still people out there who struggle with anxiety, eating disorders, even self-harm.

Two years ago, in Pennsylvania, North Penn High Junior Gabby Frost created a program that was originally made to help prevent suicide, but now addresses several of these issues among teens around the world.

This program is known as the Buddy Project.

“I started it because I knew many people personally from school and on Twitter that were going through mental health problems,” Frost said.

Through the use of Twitter, the Buddy Project works by pairing people as, “buddies,” based on interests and age. Even if you don’t have these problems yourself, you can still sign up and help those who do. The Buddy Project has not only attracted attention from people around the globe, but from celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Luke Hemmings, Austin Mahone and more who follow @ProjectBuddy on Twitter.

Since its creation in 2013, the Buddy Project has obtained more than 97,000 members. “It’s so surreal that a program I started when I was a freshman is still around and growing every single day,” Frost said. “It’s honestly so cool that I’m reaching people thousands of miles away from me and I can’t believe my initiative has impacted people I’ve never even met or spoken to before.”

I’ve been a member of this program for over three weeks now and I have two buddies of my own, one who R&B is keeping anonymous, but self-harms. And the other, Alice, a girl from England who, like me, wanted to help others overcome their problems. “I joined because I might help someone,” Alice said, “but also because I need to be comfortable actually talking to new people.”

Ever since I’ve joined, I have become friends with these two girls and I talk to them every other day. Whether one of us has had a bad day, or we’re celebrating the release of a new song from our favorite band, we’re always there to support each other.

Joining this program is a great way to make new friends who share the same interests, while helping people make their way through life.

Sign up for a buddy https:// buddy-project. wikispaces.com/

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12entertainment

Go to HHSToday.com to read more about Unbreakable, The Daily Show, and for full app reviews.

hhstoday.com | April 2015

What Disney film do you want to see?

Students weigh in on which upcoming live-action Disney film they’re excited about Aliece Brown Staff Writer

“I liked Mulan animated, so maybe the remake won’t be so bad.”

-Suchitha Nemani, 10

“Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie, I absolutely love Belle.”

-Sabrina Madrid, 12

Unbreakable b r e a k s expectations New dawn for The Daily Show Denzel Pierre TV Review

John Veliz Design Editor The world of satirical news casting will never be the same.

Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” has entertained millions of viewers for over 15 years. The show provides a humorous take on national and global events. It never fails to raise a chuckle from viewers, whether through monologue presented by the host, or a sketch presented by correspondents.

With such success under the program’s belt, it came as a shock to fans when Stewart announced his retirement February this year.

Speculation ran rampant immediately over which among the most popular correspondents would step up as the future host of the show. On March 30, the show producers finally announced the future host: South African correspondent Trevor Noah.

The announcement drew controversy from some viewers. People

The new Netflix show “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” has a seemingly ordinary premise: girl travels to The Big

criticized the comedian’s tweets, denouncing jokes Noah made on the social media platform as antiSemitic and sexist.

Comedy Central executives contested these claims, saying “Like many comedians, Trevor Noah pushes boundaries... To judge him or his comedy based on a handful of jokes is unfair.”

APP-reciation Amber Shemesh, online editor, reviews popular apps, including Snapchat and Dubsmash.

“Dubsmash” allows you to record yourself lip syncing to lines from movies, songs, YouTube videos, etc. After the first “Dubsmash” video I made, I was hysterical. My only complaint about “Dubsmash” is that after continually using the app, you start to get tired of the sounds the app has, and begin wishing for more sounds.

Dubsmash Dictator Outbreak

“[Mulan] was the first Disney movie I ever watched, so I grew up loving that movie.”

-Alejandro Hernandez, 9

Apple to discover her dreams.

Girl meets roommate and they go on adventures around New York.

However, Unbreakable takes this format and revamps it, adding a main character that has been trapped in a doomsday bunker since middle school.

The show manages to create hilarity out of this dark and twisted situation. The show has numerous flashbacks to the bunker, such as one where Schmidt is shown fighting over an imaginary paddle ball with one of her fellow bunkmates.

While Unbreakable is the tale of a woman who escaped from a bunker, writer/producer Tina Fey’s objective is clear: Unbreakable is a TV show about female empowerment. Fey may only treat us to surface critiques of inequalities, but her story still tells a compelling tale about a women reclaiming her freedom.

In “Dictator: Outbreak,” you’re the dictator of a democratic republic, and you’re in charge of three factions: the police, the oligarchs and the people. At first, I found “Dictator: Outbreak” to be extremely confusing and frustrating; after the initial confusion, I started liking oppressing fictional oligarchs and people a lot more.

Snapchat Recently, “Snapchat” updated its app; it now has something called “Discover,” which allows you to see daily articles written by networks and magazines. However, this defeats the purpose of “Snapchat,” which is to quickly communicate using pictures. I admit it is nice to be able to read a quick “CNN” article on my way to school.

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entertainment13 April 2015 | hhstoday.com

Bullstock rocks student audience

Belting out the familiar sound of “Mind Over Matter,” Young the Giant lead singer Sameer Gadhia sings along with the crowd as the band plays one of its most well-known songs. Young the Giant, Andy Grammer and American Authors sung at the Bullstock music festival on April 10. Inset: Playing “Fine by Me,” vocalist Andy Grammer surprises the crowd with his signature trumpet solo. Grammer released the tune in 2011 as a single from his self-titled debut album, “Andy Grammer.” (Photos by Katie Frost)

Heading in a new Direction Annie Aguiar Opinion Editor Loss is a difficult thing to cope with. Whether it’s a beloved pet or the hottest member of your favorite British boy band, it’s hard.

To the background music of millions of teenage girls sobbing uncontrollably, Zayn Malik left One Direction in late March. Malik quit the tour for the band’s most recent album, “Four,” weeks before quitting the band.

The band, featuring Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Malik, started in 2010 after finishing third in the British version of “The X Factor.”

According to the group’s official statement, they will continue without Malik, finishing the tour and recording their fifth album, which will be released sometime in 2015.

Malik has confirmed that he is working on solo material after leaving the band. He’s collaborating with producer Naughty Boy, real name Shahid Khan, who released a sample of Malik’s first song a week after leaving One Direction.

Part of the mystery involving Malik’s departure is over the

cause; he cited stress as his reason for leaving after being accused of cheating on his fiancé, Perrie Edwards, a member of British girl group Little Mix. Pictures of Malik and another woman emerged from a trip to Thailand.

In response to the accusations, Malik tweeted: “I’m 22 years old ... I love a girl named Perrie Edwards. And there’s a lot of jealous f---- in this world I’m sorry for what it looks like x.”

When seniors Elizabeth Shugart and Kelly Kaladeen talk about One Direction, their faces light up. They can both trace back their love for the band to sometime in December of their freshman year.

“I first saw them on Tumblr. There was a picture of Zayn and Liam wrapping each other in wrapping paper,” said Shugart, who has 73 songs from One Direction on her iPod, more than any other artist.

Malik’s departure was an emotional experience for them both. Kaladeen first found out after a test in biology. Her friend and fellow fan, senior Valeria Rigobon, read aloud the band’s official statement. “I started crying,” said Kaladeen.

Shugart didn’t accept the change at first. She received a text

from her lunch table’s group chat informing her that Malik had left One Direction. “I was in denial for the first day,” she said. “When I got home, I cried. I’ve been a fan of them for four years and it doesn’t seem real.”

In the wake of fan reactions, people have criticized Directioners for their responses to Malik leaving. Shugart and Kaladeen reject these criticisms. For Shugart, it’s personal. “As cheesy and cliché as it sounds, they’re a part of our life. Me and my best friend are best friends because of One Direction.”

The two are going to college soon, Shugart with her pink One Direction blanket and Kaladeen with her two dolls of Malik.

“I hope the band can maybe come together again,” said Kaladeen.

Hillsborough’s got talent The talent show is quickly approaching; for more information, visit HHSToday.com

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14snapshot hhstoday.com | April 2015

At a glance: Guys and Dolls

The Hillsborough Thespians performed the iconic musical April 14-16

1

6

7 5

2

8

3

4 1. Forgive me: Begging for his sins to be forgiven, NicelyNicely Johnson, played by sophomore Rayne Mejia, attends a meeting of “one dozen sinners” at the Save-a-Soul Mission.

2. Take a bow: At curtain call, sophomores Brandi Martin and Jacquelina Martinez join hands and salute the audience.

3. Line please: Folded newspapers in hand, freshmen Nehemiah Brisneau and Mejia run through a scene in Act I with drama teacher Jeff Pittard at dress rehearsal.

4. Drunk in love: After a night filled with fun and “Cuban

milkshakes,” lovers Sarah Brown and Sky Masterson, played by seniors Gina Pamplona and Matthew Pancoast, enjoytime under the stars in Havana.

5. Roll of the dice: Getting emotional during a craps game in the sewers, Big Jule, played by Pittard, Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Sky Masterson sing in perfect harmony for their rendition of “Crapshooters Dance.”

6. What a doll: Adelaide, portrayed by senior Tani Pittard, and Sarah Brown (the “dolls”) vent to each other about mar-

rying their guys in the penultimate scene of the musical.

7. Letting loose: Becoming progressively tipsier, missionary Sarah Brown and gambler Sky Masterson enjoy a night filled with Cuban dancers and copious amounts of “Bacardi.”

8. Superior soloist: Belting out her version of “Take Back Your Mink,” Adelaide laments her crumbling relationship with Nathan Detroit at the Hot Box Club.

(Photos by Katie Frost)

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sports15

April 2015 | hhstoday.com

Crew takes second at Sculling States Tegan Smith Staff Writer Leading up to the FSRA State Sculling Championship, the men’s lightweight quad did a lot to prepare. They each worked on individualized training before beginning to row together in the same boat. For three hours a day almost every day, the group trained together in order to place in States and move on to Nationals. To prepare, they practiced on the channel in order to build strategies for the races, focusing on conserving energy for the final 250-meter sprint.

However, they placed second out of all of the other schools and fourth out of both schools and rowing clubs. They were runner-up to Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, who was one of their biggest competitors leading up to States. “[I was] disappointed, but I knew we gave it our all and I’m proud of our boat,” said senior Alex Wang.

The members of the quad haven’t always been in the same boat, but they each have some experience rowing with each other. Senior Max Hernandez has been rowing with Wang and senior Brandon Mahoney all four years he has been on the team.

“They are one of the closest group of friends I have. I wouldn’t say we know everything about each other, but we

on studying, which deprives them from the opportunity of competing together in states. Andy Whittaker is the only junior in the boat, but still has another year in crew and rows in a double with sophomore Jacob Kirchheimer.

The women’s lightweight double finished second scholastically and 10th. Had they rowed in the junior category, which the team’s other women’s double raced in, they would be going to Nationals with a first-place trophy. However, junior Gillian Boyce and sophomore Caroline Suddath were placed in the lightweight category, so they will not be going to Nationals.

“I’m only a sophomore, so I still have time to Top: The boys quad of Alex Wang, Brandon Mahoney, Max Hernandez make it to Nationals,” Suddath said. “I’m just really and Andy Whittaker race against Plant at the Sculling State championship. happy that I got to be in that boat.”

Bottom: Kaylee Highsmith, Melissa Tempest, Haley Mueller and Madison At Sweepstates, Suddath will be racing in a Forbis are neck and neck with Stewarts Crew. (Photos by Gillian Boyce) quad with freshman Madison Forbis, Boyce and sophomore Allie Snow. Heading into Sweepstates know a lot,” Hernandez said.

The men’s lightweight quad will not be rowing together at they are working to unify as a boat and improve their sprints in their next meet, Sweepstates, in Sarasota on Saturday, April 25. order to achieve their goal of qualifying and performing as best The three seniors in the boat chose to prioritize and focus as they can.

Rough softball season ends in defeat Tonje Skraastad Staff Writer The pitcher throws the ball, landing it soundly in the glove of the catcher.

Strike 1.

The batter steps out of the batter’s box to take a moment to focus. Stepping back in, the pitcher throws the ball again. Strike 2. Another moment of silent pep-talk is followed up by another pitch.

The bat is swung, but narrowly misses the ball.

Strike 3 and the Lady Terriers are out. Their season ended like most of their games this year: with a loss.

For the softball team, losing has been a recurring event, as the team finished with a record of 3-10.

Still, they were hopeful heading into their game against Leto in the first round of Districts. “[The season has been] a little rough, but always fun,” said catcher Maddie Dhondt. The scoreboard read

onna Shank and Abigail Bicknell on the team, but what are you gonna do?”

Dhondt said. “You work with what you got.”

Although this season has not been a successful one on the scoreboards, the players have high hopes for next year.

“We played our best.

We did what we could.

We had a lot of new Senior Amanda Bachmann waits for a pitch against girls-- about half of our Leto in the first round of Districts. (Photo by Tonje team were people who Skraastad) hadn’t played before. I think we did OK [con11-0 in Leto’s favor after the fifth inning, ending the game, and ultimately sidering] the circumstances. I wish we could have done better,” Rostick said. their season, two innings early.

“I hope next year we will do better, Not only has the softball team had a rough season on the field: They also but it is what it is,” she continued. “This lost two players, including one who left year compared to last year was not as good, but next year, as compared to in a disagreement with the coach.

“I miss them a lot and I feel like this year, hopefully will be better.” we could have done better with Ari-

Sixth in state Wrestler Junior Connor Knauer, who recently placed sixth at the state level competition, helps other team members with moves during a practice. (Photo byAnnie Aguiar)

Junior Connor Knauer recently placed sixth at the Florida High School State Wrestling Championships. He finished the season with a 62-7 record.

Go to HHSToday.com for the full story

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16sports

hhstoday.com | April 2015

Small team wins big Matt Lutton Sports Editor Seven runners will represent the Terriers in the girls regional girls track and field meet on Thursday, April 23. The Lady Terriers won the district championship handily, thanks in large part to an outstanding team performance in the field events.

The team scored many of its 127 points in the field events, which is not new for this season’s squad. “Scoring all those points in the field events was a big deal,” said coach Jean Wiser.

“We had to because we don’t have any milers or two milers. We have to score extra well in the field events, which they did.”

The Lady Terriers had 10 top-five finishes, including freshman Jalyn Vance’s third in the high jump. Senior Chloe Jones won both the shot put and discus to give the Terriers the boost that they needed. “It takes a lot of work to get the technique just right for throwing shot and disc,” Jones said. “We really came through in Districts.”

Senior Jada Roberson led the team with 30 points, winning the 100, long jump and triple jump. Roberson is a part of a trio, along with sophomore Daneesha Davidson and Jones, which has consistently led the team in all the big meets. “Most of our points [in Districts] came between the three of them,” Wiser said. The three racked up a total of six first place finishes in Districts.

While some may be surprised by this year’s success for the

Jalyn Vance works on her high jump in preparation for the regional track meet on April 23. Vance placed third in the high jump at the district track meet (Photo by Matt Lutton).

Lady Terriers, the great season was not unexpected for those involved in the program. Wiser said that returning runners gave her high expectations coming into the year, and she still expects big things to come.

“We’re expecting good things at Regionals. I think we’re go-

Boys tennis duo reaches states Dana Dinh Sports Editor An orange cloud drifts over the court, clay kicked into the air by running feet and a slight breeze.

The sun shines relentlessly over Hillsborough Community College’s tennis facility, leaving players, coaches and parents sweaty and sunburned. And four athletes shake hands across a tightly hung net in a show of sportsmanship and tennis tradition.

After two days and a combined total of eight matches, junior Jake Kennard and senior Phillip Nguyen are done with districts. With a

6-0, 6-0 win against King, Kennard and Nguyen advanced to states.

The tennis season officially ended for both the girls and boys teams after losses to Lakeland High School in the first round of regionals (both teams placed second at districts). But for the No. 1 doubles team of Kennard and Nguyen, the season continued for one more week at the state tournament in Orlando.

Both Kennard and Nguyen have played varsity tennis since they were freshmen and have taken lessons for years. This is their second and final year playing doubles together.

According to Kennard, the amount of time

ing to do quite well,” Wiser said. “I think we’re definitely going to be in the top five.”

Go to HHSToday.com to read about the boy’s team taking second place at the District Championships

playing together gives them the advantage of familiarity with each other’s hitting styles and skills. “We know what the other is going to do, so all it comes down to is making the shots,” Kennard said.

Teammate Devan Adhia said “continuity” and a fun “team dynamic” have helped the team as a whole this year. For the first time in three years, the team had the same coach two years in a row. “We kinda knew what we were going into beginning the season so we just built on a foundation from last year,” Adhia said.

At states, Kennard and Nguyen made it to the quarterfinal round, placing in the top five.

However, Kennard said the top five “isn’t as good as [they] were capable of.” “We had our

last match won, but we let it slip away before we could finish it,” he said.

Nguyen, on the other hand, was happy to have an opportunity to go to states and play challenging opponents. “For me, it was a pretty cool experience to hit with a lot of guys who are some high level players, but probably the best thing was actually being able to play at states and to make it that far,” Nguyen said.

In just a few months, Nguyen will be going to UF and trading varsity competition for recreational tennis, possibly playing intramural.

Kennard, captain and singles No. 1, still has one more year ahead of him and is determined to lead his team to victory.

“I’m planning on going to states next year, and I’m taking the team with me,” he said.