Red & Black, August 2015

An ERA begins

Back to school in photos | pg. 3

With new administration comes new vision, goals, challenges | pgs. 8-9

& black

Florida’s first high school newspaper Hillsborough High School 5000 N. Central Ave. Tampa, FL 33603 August 2015 hhstoday.com @HHSTodayOnline Volume 117, No. 1

What’s being done to increase graduation rate | pg. 5

EDITORIAL: Students need school board representation | pg. 6

Fall sports update pgs. 14-16

Prior to asking teachers and staff to illustrate their goals for the new school year, Principal Gary Brady shares his own “vision poster” at the Aug. 17 back-to-school faculty meeting. | Photo by Dana Dinh

2 August 2015

world

Red & Black

INTERSTATE Demolishing history?

Su in mm Re e vie r w

FLORIDA

275

Despite the criticism of Tampa citizens, the expansion of Interstate 275 has been placed on the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s list of funding priorities for the next five years.

In order to go through with the expansion, the Tampa Heights Community Center will be demolished. The FDOT has promised to provide land for a community garden in response to outrage.

The expansion, also called the Tampa Bay Express project (TBX) would create tolled express lanes from the St. Petersburg Gateway area to Bearss Avenue in Tampa and cost a total of $3.3 billion.

-Annie Aguiar

Flag feud

Williams Middle School teacher Diane McKee, second from left, receives $10,000 from the Macy’s Foundation after being named the Florida Teacher of the Year. To her right is Florida Gov. Rick Scott. | Photo courtesy Florida Department of Education

Familiar teacher takes title Yesha Shukla @yeshaa42 Teacher of the Year is an understatement.

Diane McKee, an English teacher at Williams Middle School, was chosen out of more than 190,000 Florida educators to receive the Florida 2016 Teacher of the Year title.

She has taught for 14 years and has impacted the lives of many students, including some who now attend HHS.

Although senior Hugh Nguyen didn’t have McKee as a teacher, he remembers lessons from her writing sessions.

“The sessions really helped us overcome the fear of writing,” he said, “because of the way she specifically informed us how to construct each paragraph.”

McKee is driven to be the best in more than just academics. Senior Rishi Parikh recalls that “every time [he] walked into class, she was always happy

to see her students.”

As Teacher of the Year, she was rewarded with a total of $10,000 and an all-expense paid trip to New York City.

She will also represent the Florida Department of Education by speaking at events around the state.

She attributes her success to her fellow teachers.

“It truly takes a village. And it takes all of us to make that happen,” she told the Tampa Bay Times.

U.S. Supreme Court approves gay marriage Flags, homemade signs and even company logos donned rainbows on June 26, celebrating an historic day.

That morning, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states as a conclusion to the case Obergefell vs. Hodges. Overcome with emotion, supporters gathered outside of the Supreme Court building, cheering, hugging and crying along with thousands of others across the country.

Associate Justice Antonin Scalia declared the ruling, a 5-4 decision, was a “threat to American democracy,” and while some Americans agreed with his views on the matter, it was clear that most of the nation supported the idea that samesex couples had the right to marry.

Headlines called it a “landmark victory for gay rights,” and a huge step forward in the fight for equality.

-Shreya Patel

Nine people were killed at an African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina. The shooter, Dylann Roof, had a symbol with him that has recently caused an uproar: the Confederate flag.

A month later, the flag was taken down from the South Carolina Capitol grounds after 54 years. However, this was not the end of the discussion over the Confederate flag.

There have been at least 173 pro-confederate rallies and protests all across America, claiming to be about the representation of Southern pride and heritage although others disagree saying that the flag is a symbol of white supremacy and racism. There are still roughly 20 more rallies planned for the rest of the year.

-Sarvika Bommakanti

Probing Pluto A decade after NASA launched the New Horizons space probe on a mission to take pictures of Pluto, the tiny, mysterious ex-planet 3 billion miles from Earth, the probe awakened from its sleep in July and finally arrived at its destination; a planet never before explored nor seen from such a close distance. New Horizons took pictures of the planet that allowed scientists at NASA to map and measure Pluto and its moons more accurately than ever before.

-Varun Puri

Greek bailout Greece left the acceptance of a controversial bailout from the European Union to a referendum vote. The bailout came as a result of the nation’s inability to repay loans taken during the Greek Recession beginning in 2009. The proposal from the EU would have provided much needed financial support, but also placed austerity measures upon them, limiting the spending of the government. Opponents of the bailout claimed that the measures would put more undue stress upon the fragile economy, while proponents cited the worsening recession as reason to accept it.

-John Veliz

hhstoday.com

snapshot

August 2015

3

Back to the

dog house A look across campus as students and teachers prepare to face a new school year 1 Students jump off the bus and onto the school grounds as their bus arrives after 8 a.m. | Photo by Julissa Machado

1

2 Students and parents file out of the auditorium following an open house assembly welcoming incoming freshmen. | Photo by Amber Shemesh

3 PE teacher Jean Wiser watches on as new AP Jackie Eisenhauer signs her name on a bowling pin as part a staff bonding activity. The staff presented the pins to Principal Gary Brady.

4 French teacher Richard Shelburne takes a group selfie with his team at the faculty bowling event. Three school buses of faculty and staff went to Pin Chasers on their second day of pre-planning. | Photos by Maddie Dhondt

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2 3

Students gather on the H Patio during C Lunch on Tuesday, Aug. 25 to socialize following a long summer. | Photo by Laurie Rodriguez

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4 August 2015

campus

Suspension policy changes The district slashes 10-day suspensions to try to keep students in classrooms [of suspension]. We can’t operate a school where we have [vioMonisha Pillai lent] activity,” said Principal Gary Brady. @monishakyungsoo “That is awesome,” junior Tiras Singletary said regarding One missed school day brings eight hours of unheard information, eight hours of undone classwork and nearly the same the OSS reform. “If I get in trouble, that’s [less missed class] for me.” amount of homework.

“Out of school suspension isn’t a cure. It’s just a way of dealNow multiply that by 10.

This was the potential workload of a student given out-of- ing with certain circumstances that need to be dealt with,” said Assistant Principal for Student Affairs Larry Fulkroad. “As for school suspension. the old discipline scheme, I always wanted The coming school year brings new changes to discipline programs Out of school suspension to be consistent with it. The new one has more intervention, extra steps put into in Hillsborough County. This sumisn’t a cure. It’s just a way of place to make sure that kids have more mer, the school board faced questions concerning the impact of out of school dealing with certain circum- chances to correct [themselves] without ” suspension (OSS) on students and the stances that need to be dealt suspension.

Fulkroad said the impact of OSS dedisparities between school discipline with. pends on the student punished, as some for black students and white students.

-Larry Fulkroad, AP for take the responsibility to make up the As a response to these statistics, the school board has decided to completely Student Affairs work, while others don’t. However, more often than not, the effect on the student’s reform suspension policies.

The number of days students can receive OSS has been academic record is negative.

Brady agreed, saying a 10-day OSS would render a student shortened from 10 to five. This reform is an attempt to reduce the amount of make-up work students face when returning practically incapable of making up the work missed, marring the student’s academic record. from the missed instruction.

“I’m not saying that suspension is a bad thing [by] itself, but However, the school still has the option to hand out 10-day if I miss five days of work it would take me weeks to recover, suspensions.

“If [the student’s offense] doesn’t impact safety, we want to just emails alone, so I can’t imagine what a kid that misses 35 look at alternatives, but if someone walks up to someone and classes is going to have to do,” he said. “They’re probably going punches him in the face, they’re probably going to get 10 days to feel completely hopeless.”

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HHS student suspension, 2014-15

briefly

Graphic by Shelby Shoup, Sarvika Bommakanti and Monisha Pillai

2016-17 school year might start sooner The school board is discussing changing the student calendar for the 2016-17 school year.

With the new calendar, the school year would start on Aug. 10 and end on May 26. This year began Aug. 25 and ends June 10.

One notable proposed change is ending the first semester before winter break. In recent years, the first semester ended after winter

Red & Black

“Well, I think it’s better. They wouldn’t miss as much class.”

Ayah Bensaid, 9

“I think it’s better because students can come back and get their education sooner.”

Erica Mack, 10

“I’m not really sure. Ten days they’d have more free time, five days they have to be back in school faster.”

Gerardo Orduna, 9

“I see why they’re doing that because they want to keep kids in school.”

Nadia Uthayahumar, 11

break, in mid-January.

The school board’s calendar committee recommended the above changes in its proposed 2016-17 calendar after meeting on April 30 to discuss options. The school board is expected to vote on the calendar in a few weeks.

-Annie Aguiar

2015-16 upcoming dates Oct. 26 — End of first quarter Nov. 23-27 — Thanksgiving Break Dec. 21-Jan. 3 — Winter Break Jan. 15 — Last day of second quarter March 14-18 — Spring Break April 1 — Last day of third quarter June 10 — Last day of school

campus

hhstoday.com

August 2015

5

Administration tackles graduation rate

After his appointment in June, Principal Gary Brady said that graduation rate is among his long-term goals for Hillsborough, calling it “a huge concern.” (See pages 8-9 for more about the new administration’s plans for the school year.)

It “has to be specifically targeted, it can’t be ‘let’s cross our fingers and hope,’ because then you’re going to go up, down, up, down, up, up, up, down, down, down, and then it’s like throwing darts at a board,” Brady said. “But all of our

72%

2014-2015 Certificates of Completion* by school

Not just statistics This school year, students will be monitored from the first day of ninth grade, according to the district.

The focus, Brady said, will be on students who meet indicators of potential problems further down the line (multiple suspensions, excessive absences, a GPA of 2.0 or below).

“If you have a kid [with a GPA of] 1.5 with three suspensions and 20 absences, you can do the math,” Brady said. “You’re talking like a 15, 20 percent chance [of graduating].”

For English teacher Suzanne Cooks, Hillsborough’s graduation rate is personal. Even though she didn’t teach seniors in the past school years, she has been involved with students in the last four years only to be hurt when they don’t cross the stage.

“Seeing seniors not graduate — It crushed my heart. I asked myself if there’s anything else I could’ve done to help them,” Cooks said. “Did I mess up?”

A lot of little things Deputy Superintendent Van Ayres can

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sympathize, having been a teacher himself. He taught science at Blake High School for seven years starting in 1997, before becoming an AP until 2010, when he became the principal of Jefferson.

“When I was at Jefferson, everything was about getting students across that stage. We had a huge jump. It went from 75 to 84 [percent],” Ayres said. “[Improving graduation rate] isn’t one thing, it’s a lot of things. It’s a lot of little things.”

One of those things is mentoring. The district’s goal is to have an advocate for every child, Ayres said.

He works with programs like the Hillsborough Education Foundation and Million Women Mentors to provide these mentorships within the district.

The effect of cultural strategies won’t be apparent until later in the process. All the district has right now is statistics.

“When you look at graduation rates, that’s the stuff that punches you in the gut. We have disparities in our schools, we do,” Ayres said.

“We have to always keep that in the front of our

*Given, in place of a diploma, to students who have the credits and GPA necessary to graduate but don’t have the required standardized test scores Certificate of Completion

Certificate of Completion

Certificate of Completion

Certificate of Completion who has completed the requirements for

If your first REPORT CARD semester your ninthchances of grade GPA graduating is or below, drop below 50%.

2.0

Graphics by Annie Aguiar and Amber Shemesh Source: Florida Department of Education mind in every decision we make.”

For Ayres, a graduation rate above 80 percent is realistic for Hillsborough High. Brady views it differently.

“Our goal should be 100 percent. I know there’s a goal of 90 percent, that’s probably realistic, but obviously, the goal of the Bucs is to win the Super Bowl,” Brady said.

“As realistic as that may be, who knows, but 99 percent means three or four kids didn’t get a diploma, and that’s not acceptable, but we can’t just say it.”

Knowledge and Extended Essay papers has also helped the pass rate increase.

Out of the four IB schools in the district, Hillsborough tied King for the second-best pass rate, behind Robinson, which had a 99 percent rate.

Strawberry Crest had a 94 percent pass rate.

“We want to reach 100 percent,” said IB secretary Vivian Hernandez.

-Denzel Pierre

97%

Hillsborough

99%

Last school year, IB seniors had a 97 percent pass rate, 4 percentage points higher than the year before.

“I’m really proud of the students and teachers. They worked really hard,” AP of Magnet Curriculum Trisha Fitzgerald said. Fitzgerald credits the rise to new practices such as selecting classes, and predicting grades and allowing students to know where they need to work harder. Looking more closely at Theory of

Certificate of Completion

Robinson

Class of 2015 scores 97 percent IB pass rate

Certificate of Completion

King

A huge concern

efforts may not increase graduation rate In 2014, this year.

But if we have a culture established where kids feel a certain way, it will of HHS seniors happen over time.” graduated, a 5% According to the the 2013-14 drop from 2013.

School Climate and Perception Survey results, only 40 percent of students feel safe at Hillsborough. Forty-two percent of Hillsbor- Hillsborough ough teachers feel that they aren’t recognized as TB Tech educational experts.

“If kids don’t feel safe, or they don’t feel King valued, or the teachers don’t feel valued, then Chamberlain those things don’t happen,” Brady said.

97%

Annie Aguiar @annieinfinitely Four years of work lead up to that moment.

Seniors in caps and gowns wait off to the side of the stage, shuffling nervously as they prepare to receive their high school diplomas. One by one, they will walk in front of parents as loved ones scramble to capture pictures of their graduation.

Some names don’t get called.

In 2014, 72 percent of Hillsborough High students graduated, a 5 percent drop from the previous year.

In a homeroom of 25, seven wouldn’t graduate. With at-risk students (formerly defined as students who scored a 2 or below on both their FCAT mathematics and reading in eighth grade), over 13 wouldn’t receive their diplomas.

The other 28 percent of students in 2014 either remained enrolled to repeat their senior year, dropped out or received GEDs/GEDbased diplomas, special diplomas or certificates of completion.

Now, administrations at both the school and district are trying to increase graduation rate and get more students across the stage with diplomas in hand.

Strawberry Crest

94%

6 August 2015

opinion

Red & Black

Student representation on the school board

& WE DEMAND A VOICE black

ABOUT Content decisions are made by student editors.

Red & Black belongs to the Florida and National Scholastic press associations.

2014-15 FSPA All-Florida 2014-15 NSPA All-American 2014-15 NSPA Best of Show recipient The paper is printed in partnership with The Tampa Tribune.

EDITORIAL The staff editorial reflects the view of student editors and can be found in each issue’s opinion section.

COLUMNS The bylined columns located throughout each issue represent the viewpoints of their authors.

LETTERS Red & Black 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, FL 33603.

ADS Advertising content is subject to approval of the editorial board.

ONLINE Each issue of Red & Black is available online at HHSToday.com.

CONTACT Phone (813) 276-5620; Fax (813) 276-5629; E-mail hhstoday@gmail.com

In the course of a student’s academic career, there’s a lot we don’t have control over. From core classes to what school we go to, students have very little freedom of choice. Most of these decisions are made by a board comprised of seven individuals, who many students inside the county have never met, let alone agreed to determine aspects of how we’re educated.

Through no fault of their own, school board members are not able to experience firsthand a student’s realistic day in Hillsborough County. Whenever they come to schools, administrators and teachers make sure everything is perfect for the esteemed visitors.

At a school board meeting on July 14, an agenda item introduced the idea of having a student representative on the school board. It was introduced after district officials contacted multiple school boards on how they represent their students on the board.

Hillsborough County must implement stu-

editorial

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 1 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Dana Dinh, Kathy Xie DESIGN EDITOR John Veliz WEB EDITOR Daniel Hamilton PAGE EDITORS Annie Aguiar, Sarvika Bommakanti, Bianca Cegatte, Alyssa Ierna, Matt Lutton, Denzel Pierre, Monisha Pillai, Amber Shemesh, Shelby Shoup, Tegan Smith STAFF WRITERS Julissa Machado, Alex Morrison, Suparna Narayan, Shreya Patel, Varun Puri, Laurie Rodriguez, Yesha Shukla ADVISER Joe Humphrey, MJE PRINCIPAL Gary Brady

dent representatives on the school board. Otherwise, the school board doesn’t have a way for the district’s student body to communicate their questions, concerns and needs.

One could make the argument that we as students aren’t old enough to be able to decide what’s best for ourselves. However, some of us are able to vote. Some of us have to choose what we want to do for the rest of our lives in mere months. All of us must decide whether or not we want to go to college. Thus, we should be knowledgeable enough to provide input into the school board’s decisions.

“

We should be knowledgable enough to provide input into the school board’s decision.

This position should be filled by a carefully chosen student in the district. The student should be a high school senior who has gone through an application process. Part of the criteria should be

a GPA requirement of at least 3.0, with no Ds or Fs in the applicant’s last year of high school.

The applications should go into the principal of the applying student’s school, who will then choose that school’s top three students to submit to the board for approval. Each applicant should then be interviewed by a district official, after which the board will have an application and interview from each finalist to make a reasoned decision.

This process should be repeated every year to choose a new student representative.

True, there are plenty of instances in which what we want as students isn’t what is truly best for us. But in these cases, it’s all the more important for students to be able to voice their wishes.

That way, we can learn why what we want isn’t the best and the reasoning behind what the board ultimately decides.

Mandatory Spanish classes foster community understanding Sarvika Bommakanti @HHSTodayOnline Walking down the hallways, students hear many different conversations. Just by going from one class to another, we walk past

Graphic by John Veliz

discussions of other students’ lives – what they did this weekend, what teacher’s homework they forgot to do, what they had for lunch.

However, not many non-native Spanish speakers can understand these exchanges. Even less can converse in Spanish themselves.

The solution to this lack of understanding is simple: Make Spanish classes mandatory.

In July, the University of Florida polled the public about whether Spanish classes should be mandatory in Flor-

ida schools. 67 percent of citizens agreed. Although this is not a large majority, passing an amendment making Spanish classes mandatory would only require 60 percent of voters.

Mandatory Spanish would lessen the barrier between those who speak primarily Spanish and those who speak primarily English. These classes would allow those who understand both languages to help native Spanish speakers in classroom or social situations.

Having Spanish as a mandatory class would give students more job opportunities as well. Many businesses require employees to travel to countries where Spanish is the

primary language spoken.

Since Florida students will have had Spanish lessons since elementary school, by the time they look for jobs, they will be proficient in the language. That will make them prime candidates to hire compared to those who only speak English.

The greatest benefit is within the global community, and especially in Tampa. The increase of people who can understand both English and Spanish can drastically improve the understanding of cultures on both parts. It also has the potential to improve the economy and relations within our city and state.

opinion

hhstoday.com

August 2015

7

It’s not skin-deep In the fight for equality, we are shunning some crucial allies

Bianca Cegatte @BeaLovesYou2 We’ve been calling for help. From dynamic speeches to emotional marches, we have strived to shine the spotlight onto two ignored offenses in America — racism and white privilege.

But now that we’ve finally opened people’s eyes to the issue, we’re pushing them away. Many of us have allowed the pain and the hatred of what has been done to American people of color blind us of what really matters: unity and equality.

Pulitzer Prize-winning director Jose Antonio Vargas released “White People,” a documentary that focuses on the importance of including everyone in the movement against racism. Vargas brings in white people to interview and despite differences in age, gender and beliefs, almost everyone mentioned they don’t feel comfortable par-

ticipating in the movement or even talking about racism. “White People” displays an obstacle in the path of a racism-free future that America has been overlooking.

According to the documentary, many white people are passing through the movement unseen and unheard. They are uncomfortable joining, not because they’re racist, but because everyone else assumes they are. Although it’s true we all watch what we say in order to avoid offensive remarks, white people feel they have been placed in a position where they find it’s best to flee from the subject altogether.

And that’s where the problem lies.

This issue is not just about people of minorities, it’s about all of us.

That is something incredibly important, yet often forgotten. Often, people are so caught up in finding someone to vilify that we forget that hate is the issue, not the solution. This movement we’ve started isn’t “minority groups” against “white people,”

it’s about everyone against racism.

It’s understandable to have only minorities be spokespersons; those who have never been discriminated against can’t speak for those who have. There’s nothing wrong with placing the public’s attention on the ones who are suffering and are calling for help. But, there is a problem if we exclude others from joining the fight against hatred.

This movement will only succeed if we all stand together. It’s necessary to understand all sides of this issue because only then will we be able to make our voices heard too. Instead of standing up as part of a certain race, we should stand up unified, as revolutionaries and activists.

All races can discriminate and all races can stand up against discrimination.

If we continue to exclude people and take away their right to speak, an all-equal future will be unattainable.

Bonus system rooted in UNFAIRNESS Kathy Xie @kathyidk

For years, students have complained about the woes of standardized testing, namely the SAT and ACT. They’re not an accurate measure of academic potential. They put too much weight on one day of a student’s life. Some kids get crippling test anxiety. You name it, we’ve shouted it from the rooftops.

While these tests can be a deciding factor in the futures of their students, teachers have been unaffected by their shortcomings. But that’s all changing with the implementation of a $44 million item in Florida’s 2015-16 budget.

Florida’s Best and Brightest Teacher Scholarships passed in July, which offers up to $10,000 per year to each eligible teacher in the

state. To qualify for the scholarship, a teacher must receive a “highly effective” evaluation rating and have scored at or above the 80th percentile on the SAT or ACT they took in high school.

Yes, I said high school.

State Rep. Erik Fresen, who proposed the plan, states the salary bonus provides an incentive to keep the best teachers in the field, as well as motivation for top students to later become teachers. New teachers, for example, would qualify even before receiving an evaluation.

Let’s put this into perspective: Earning a National Board certification is often heralded as the “gold standard” for teachers. It requires extensive training and evaluations for those with already several years of experience under their belt. Along the way, the program makes them hone their teaching methods, resulting in

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yousaid it

Students share their thoughts on speaking out for equality

Q: How do you feel about white people discussing racism?

A: “It’s good [that they join the discussion]. But, sometimes they think they’re bigger than us [and] sometimes they speak as if they know what they’re saying, but they really don’t.”

-Ken Montgomery,10

Q: As a white person, do you feel comfortable discussing racism and joining the movement against it?

A: “No. I don’t engage in those conversations because it’s too controversial. I’d rather speak to people who I know won’t shut me up. But I wouldn’t say everyone’s like that. There are people who are willing to listen. Whatever they’re claiming to suffer through, it’s just as racist to shut me up because of what I look like.”

-Giselle Vazquez-Soto, 10

a truly proficient educator.

National Board certified teachers used to receive a 10 percent salary bonus and monetary aid training required to earn the certification.

However, when the economy tanked in 2007, lawmakers wanted to cut costs. They decided to defund the salary bonus.

In five years, the number of Florida teachers receiving the national certification dropped from 1,809 to 17, according to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Meanwhile, the SAT and ACT are tests that teachers took back when they were 17.

That could be five years ago for some teachers, 30 years for others, when they maybe weren’t even considering teaching as a profession. And state lawmakers want to provide a bonus for teachers based on that statistic?

The idea is appalling. And that’s not even

mentioning the fact that teaching proficiency and scores on a high-school level math, reading and writing test have limited correlation at best.

Additionally, there are hosts of teachers who started their higher-level education at community colleges, which don’t require entrance exams. Some career and technical teachers don’t even need bachelor degrees, and their courses are what could be argued to be the most practical. Now, a number of these educators are National Board certified. Where are their bonuses?

If the state wants a fairer, result-effective incentive system, National Board certification bonuses must be reinstated.

As for teachers who are eligible according to the new policy, I hope they take the opportunity with fervor. Money is money, and our educators deserve way more than they’re currently being offered.

8 August 2015

Red & Black | hhstoday.com

focus

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Brady’s bunch sets priorities Dana Dinh @byDanaDee The voices of 2,000 students echo throughout the building as students make their way to class, some with greater ease than others.

For seniors, the halls are as familiar as their own homes, as they chat with old friends and realize – somewhere in the back of their minds – that this is their last first week. For many freshmen, the old building is a daunting brick and stone labyrinth, high school unfamiliar in more ways than one. Some things never change.

But some things do.

This year, Hillsborough has three new administrators: Principal Gary Brady, Assistant Principal for Student Affairs Jackie Eisenhauer and Assistant Principal for Administration Mick Boddie. With three new administrators comes with three new goals for the school year: • Clear communication • Closer relationships between students, parents and faculty • Culture that promotes school pride

It takes a team Brady explained that, while improving academic performance is part of his “vision,” that cannot happen

“[My group] had a picture of a student, a teacher and without achieving these more immediate goals first.

“Maybe if you were at a school where everyone felt safe an administrator,” Eisenhauer said. “Above them was a and clean, you could focus on reading scores,” Brady speech bubble that said, ‘I’m happy to be here. I’m glad to said. “Performance is the most important part, but with- be part of the team.’”

According to Boddie, this desire for a more collabout the culture and the communication I don’t think that orative environment is shared by all of administration. will come.”

At a faculty meeting during pre-planning, Brady “We’re really going to focus on the team. We’ll see changes in the structure. We’re lookpointed out a few “key indicators” ing to enhance communication from the School Climate and Perception Survey, which students filled out If I just stay in my office, I up and down the chain of com” he said. last year. Only half of the surveyed don’t get to see you, and the mand, Faculty members will meet students agreed with the statement, most important thing here is monthly to discuss concerns re“Overall, my school is a good place to garding discipline and academwork and learn.” Even fewer felt that the kids. ics and share ideas for making “the faculty and leadership have a —Gary Brady, Principal the school run more smoothly. shared vison” or that they “take steps In addition, Brady hopes to to solve problems.”

Brady’s first step to remedy that division was to ask keep teachers, students and parents informed through every faculty member, along with members of SGA, to frequent newsletters and messages via Remind, a group work with a group and share their visions for Hillsbor- texting service. There are specific accounts for faculty/ ough in three years in the form of posters, which were staff and each grade level. later hung in the halls.

Many faculty members envisioned higher graduation Building relationships rates (See page 5 for more about graduation rates). OthThough frequent messages allow for efficient comers simply wanted a more collaborative environment. munication, the administration also believes that face-

of students and faculty think that at Hillsborough, we take steps to solve problems

38%

yousaid it

Students share changes they want to see this year

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3 of 5

teachers don’t think faculty and leadership have a shared vision

41%

of students agree that administrators are visible to students and faculty throughout the day

to-face contact is crucial, especially with students.

“I don’t remember ever talking to my principal when I was a kid – I really don’t – I get it; that doesn’t really matter,” Brady said. “If I just stay in my office, I don’t get to see you, and the most important thing here is the kids.”

The emphasis on interaction with students is shared by other administrators. “We’re so hopeful that we make some kind of connection, that every kid has one connection to an adult that they can trust, so that they feel like they can bring their concerns,” Eisenhauer said.

Boddie, whose son Marquis graduated from Hillsborough in 2006, stressed the importance of empathizing with students and parents.

“We gotta realize that what makes this school tick,” he said, “is our connection” to the [parents and students.

Many teachers, including Christellyn Lora, who has taught at Hillsborough for 11 years, have expressed enthusiasm about the new administration.

“I love [their focus on building connections with students]. That’s how we get students to succeed, how we get teachers to succeed, how we get the school to succeed,” Lora said. “I’m excited about … being part of the Brady bunch. They seem really geared toward student success, and I appreciate that.”

{

Principal Brady’s plan to FIX IT:

“More school spirit in traditional because it’s dead in here.”

—Caled Youngelood, 11

12

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1 At a back-to-school faculty meeting, reading teacher Donna Tapia draws a diagram to illustrate her group’s vision for Hillsborough in three years.

2 At Principal Gary Brady’s request, SGA members John Lawrence, Amari Pyatt, Asia Mosley and Amber Pirson present their own vision for the school. Their list included more interaction between IB and traditional students and support for every single sports team.

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Create a strong culture based on support and safety between administrators, faculty, students and families.

Establish a communication plan aimed at reaching all of our students, parents and staff.

Continue to increase student performance in key areas.

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Assistant Principal for Student Affairs Jackie Eisenhauer works with her group on their vision poster. One of the administration’s goals for the year is greater collaboration between administation and teachers. | Photos by Dana Dinh

“In the school, I want them to have better air conditioning. That’s major!”

—Rafa Carrion, 10

“T’d definitely like to see less segregation between traditional and IB. I feel like we get these ideas about each other without really knowing each other.”

—Odessa Churchill, 11

10 August 2015

entertainment

Red & Black

MOVIE REVIEWS

The good, the bad and the ugly the GOOD: Inside Out Yesha Shukla @yeshaa42 If you’re one to cry with reckless abandon in a theatre filled with 5-year-olds and their parents, “Inside Out” is the perfect movie for you.

The movie follows 11-yearold Riley and her five main personified emotions; Joy, Sad-

ness, Fear, Anger and Disgust.

Riley’s problems begin when she is uprooted from her life in Missouri and suddenly thrust into the strange new world that is San Francisco.

Inside Out is unique in that it has its share of tear-jerking sad scenes, but like most children’s movies, in the end every-

one lives “happily ever after.”

Unlike animated movies about talking cars, “Inside Out” resonates with all audiences. It captures the flurry of emotions that surround a drastic change in one’s life.

While some people may be uninterested in the tribulations of a privileged teenage girl, the

innocent nature of Riley’s story allows even the most cynical viewers to empathize with her.

Pixar’s new movie shows us that, while childhood can’t last forever and sadness is inevitable, joy is never far behind.

Graphic by Shelby Shoup

the BAD: Jurassic World Alyssa Ierna @AlyssaIerna

Graphic by Alyssa Ierna

“Jurassic Park” was my first real horror movie; naturally, I was easily frightened as a kid.

With the release of “Jurassic World,” I felt that it was time to be re-scared.

It delivered.

“Jurassic World” brought a whole new meaning to CGI

animation; the velociraptors were terrifying with their weird chicken-neck-bob-thing. However, if the animation wasn’t so great, the movie would have flopped.

Here’s the plot: people think it’s a good idea to make dinosaurs AGAIN, and settle them the exact same island from the original movie. Scientists use

nifty technology to make a big ol’ dinosaur called Indominus Rex and what happens next?

You guessed it: our good friend Indominus escapes the facility.

Shocker.

There was more character development in one of the velociraptors, Blue, than the characters! I guess it worked judging by how much I cried for

the UGLY: Minions

Shelby Shoup @shell_shoup

If you’re looking for cheap clichés and lost brain cells, then look no further the misadventures of the wacky yellow tictacs.

Maybe minions were endearing in “Despicable Me” movie. However, the growing popularity of these pill-shaped

hell-spawn has gone too far. I mean, whose brilliant idea was it to create a spinoff film about beings that worship bananas?

The premise – a team of juvenile creatures journey in pursuit of the ultimate villain – was preposterous. The cruel irony of this movie lies in its talented cast. The expressive voices of Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm and

Michael Keaton were enhanced by the fact that they portrayed the only recurring characters who could speak English.

Sure, “Minions” was designed for a children. I can’t hold it to the same standards as “Forrest Gump”.

However, this cinematic amalgamation of bathroom jokes and regrets chalks its suc-

cess up to unalloyed stupidity.

I’m concerned for the children exposed to this movie. I’m even more concerned for the suburban mothers who love minion memes.

I beg of you: save yourself the hour and a half. Read a book, learn how to juggle – any activity would be more enriching than watching this movie.

Graphic by Shelby Shoup

Blue and my current desire to own a pet dinosaur.

Also, the romantic plot was rushed and sloppy. It’s a movie about dinosaurs; no one cares about hormones right now, okay? Hopefully, the sequel will be “Jurassic World 2: Just Dinosaurs.”

No offense Chris Pratt, but you should take total offense.

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entertainment

hhstoday.com

August 2015

ALBUM REVIEW

No beef with Chief Keef Anthony Suarez @bentauxcord Chief Keef exploded into the mainstream three years ago with his “I Don’t Like” music video, which racked up millions of YouTube views.

As a result of his newfound national rec-

ognition, Sosa was offered and subsequently signed a $6 million deal with Interscope, only to be dropped by the label in October of last year.

Due to his loss of the advantages that come with being signed to a major label, many assumed that Chief Keef would simply fade into obscurity and be remembered as a one-hit wonder. Keef has not allowed that to happen, however, releasing three projects in the past year that have shown the evolution of his sound as well as his increased focus on lyrics.

On Bang 3, Chief Keef displays a lyricism that we have not seen from him before. He occasionally utilizes a multiple syllabic rhyme scheme as well as some bizarre metaphors that only serve to reinforce his uniqueness as

an artist.

Although the production on this album was generally repetitive, the consistency was refreshing after a slew of Chief Keef projects that were somewhat difficult to listen to because of their sporadic sound.

The three features on this album helped to create some of the project’s best tracks.

On “Superheroes”, a collaboration with A$AP Rocky first teased last year, Chief Keef sounds more intelligible than ever, spewing superhero and supervillain references before Rocky swoops in to deliver an excellent verse.

“I Just Wanna” shows the incredible chemistry that Keef and Mac Miller possess together, also serving as the album’s most completesounding track.

“Ain’t Missing You”, featuring Jenn Em, is dedicated to Keef ’s recently deceased cousin,

Big Glo. This track shows us a deeper, more personal side of Sosa, exuding the sadness and regret that he feels over his family member’s death.

It is also sonically divergent from Keef ’s usual drill style, sounding more like a pop hit than would have ever been expected from a track by him.

Even though he is still only 19 years old, it is obvious that Chief Keef is growing up, not only as a person but also as a musical artist. His lyricism and ear for production are evolving, and he is finally finding a unique sound that he can call his own.

Bang 3 is proof that Keef will not allow himself to be confined by the idea of his music that he has established with his previous works.

He will undoubtedly continue to improve, and may just surprise us all with what he does next.

BOOK REVIEW

It’s literature

Now that your summer reading is out of the way (hopefully), here are some books you can pick up in your leisure time “Made You Up” accurately portrays Schizophrenia and its effect on family and friends and exemplifies teenage insecurities, like being an “outcast” and the desire for friends with whom you “fit in.” Though the novel’s themes are serious, the narrator is witty and interesting, as are the rest of the characters.

-Dana Dinh

“Eleanor and Park” follows the titular characters, a pair of high school outcasts in 1986 small-town Nebraska who become friends after sitting together on the bus one day. Rowell beautifully captures what it’s like to be a teenager with characters that feel real and conflicts that tear at your heart.

(You might end up crying.)

“Noggin” starts arts out with a very predictable, altho although depressing plotline: otline: a boy with cancer. cancer However, However Noggin transforms into a realistic fiction story with interesting, well developed characters, a very realistic and powerful LGBT subplot and a story that both entrances its readers by being outright baffling and undeniably well written.

-Annie Aguiar

-Denzel Pierre

12 August 2015

life

Red & Black

Respect the old, embrace the new New band director honors tradition while striving for progress

Shelby Shoup @shell_shoup Some people believe change is good. Michael Lebrias thinks it’s necessary.

Lebrias is the new director of the Big Red Band. His responsibilities range from teaching new music to changing an entire culture: the culture embedded over 14 years under former director Kimberly Mieder.

The difference is tangible, recognized by his students. Many characterize his classroom with order, dedication and strength.

“He knows a lot about music.

He definitely knows what he’s doing,” said senior drum major Gia Jadick.

Lebrias’ own musical education began in the fifth grade, when his father brought home a guitar from a local pawn shop. In the seventh grade, he joined his middle school band, for which he played the euphonium. Once he joined the high school marching band, he was a musical wildfire, stopping for no one. He picked up the drums, several brass instruments and the woodwinds too.

In 2015, he graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in music education. His academic pursuits were strongly influenced by Greg Urban, his high school band director at Northeast High School.

“He kind of pulled me aside in my 10th grade year, [asking], ‘Have you ever considered being a band director?’ It had never crossed my mind, but as soon as he put the thought in my head, I said, ‘Yeah, I could probably be pretty good at this.’”

Lebrias hopes to enrich the lives of his students, not just through musical education, but by bettering their lives and preparing them to take on the world. “[I want to teach them] not just [music],

1980s themed half-time show

but life lessons: how to be a good person, a responsible adult and a functioning member of society.”

While upperclassmen have a predecessor to whom they can compare him, the freshmen possess a novel perspective. Without the

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We take pride in our program and we take pride in our school.

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-Michael Lebrias

plague of set expectations and preconceived notions, they are able to judge Lebrias based on his teaching style, and his teaching style alone.

“My main perspective is that he’s a pretty good band director. He gets along well with people … he’s very patient. He can teach kids the music,” said freshman Hanuar Medina.

Of course, a school’s transition to a new band director can always pose a challenge. The Big Red Band wants to maintain its record of Superior honors at the Music Performance Assessment competitions. A large part of their success can be attributed to the direction of Mieder. The entire team, Lebrias included, hope that his leadership can continue their history of success.

Both parties are committed to excellence; Lebrias and his students are already collaborating to develop a stronger connection.

“The main thing we’ve been working on is working with him as a team, not as two separate entities. We’re starting to work together a lot better as we get to know each other,” said a hopeful Jadick.

Similarly, Lebrias feels that the connection between him and his students has been forti-

This year’s football game halftime shows will feature the band’s performance of several songs from the 1980s. The song list includes “Take on Me”

by AHA, “Open Arms” by Journey and “Don’t You”

by Simple Minds. Band Director Michael Lebrias

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Visit hhstoday.com for a video feature about Lebrias and the Big Red Band

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Freshman Michelle Frost plays her trumpet, practicing for the open house event.

2 Juniors Kyle Allen, Henry Lanza and Courtney Boback wait for the cue to begin practicing their song.

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Seniors Nedi Ferekides and Lumiere Rostick laugh while collecting money to pay for the band’s lunch. | Photos by Amber Shemesh fied by their relatable communication and col- Big Red Band may be stronger than ever. Lebrias’ vision? laborative effort.

“By the end of the year, I want everyone to “They’re a great group of kids. They respond feel like we’re the Big Red family, we’re the Big to the [new atmosphere] really well.”

In this case, different may be a positive for Red Band; we take pride in our program and we the future of the band program. Together, the take pride in our school.”

didn’t choose the ’80s theme, but he agreed to the suggestion and arranged the first and last songs of the set.

Despite the fact that Lebrias wasn’t born in the ’80s, the music from that era “has so many similar

styles and instruments used ... that [he feels] comfortable teaching it.”

Junior Ezequiel Villagomez said the music set is “good for the freshmen ... It’s easy and fun to pick up.”

-Amber Shemesh

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life

hhstoday.com

August 2015

Keeping their

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Band Camp students try to stay cool in the summer sun 1

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Sophomore Theontae Walton stays hydrated on the march back to the band room from the driver’s ed course.

2 A swarm of water bottles and sunscreen crowd the fence behind the driver’s ed lot.

3 Drummer Patrick Lewicki, a freshman, keeps his water bottle a top his drum for easy access.

4 Junior Daniel Posada uses the shade of his sousaphone to hide from the sun. “It burns you at first,” the junior said of touching the hot metal.

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Boroughtag

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Hillsborough students update their stories with the school’s new geotag, made by John Veliz and Annie Aguiar.

On campus, Snapchats can be tagged as “Go Big Red” or “Seminole Heights.”

From left: Juniors Meghan McCarthy; Natalie Arias and Ashley Minano; Emmanuel Garcia and senior Amelia Castellanos; sophomore Julianna Althaus.

5 Junior Krista Tavera uses her shirt as her personal shade tree under the blistering sun. | Photos by Amber Semesh

14 August 2015

sports

Red & Black

12 1 Freshman Madeline Rawls and junior Fitz Rawls pose together at Miramar Lakes. They both placed within their division, Fitz age 13 and Madeline age 11. | Photo courtesy Johna and Thomas Rawls

2 Madeline practices her freestyle at a Hillsborough swim practice.

Photo by Suparna Narayan

3 Fitz and Madeline pose after their meet at the Long Center in Clearwater.

4 Madeline and Fitz pose before their swim around Lido Key in April.

Fitz took second individually and Madeline swam a relay. | Photos courtesy Johna Rawls and Thomas Rawls

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Swimming siblings Suparna Narayan @HHSTodaySports Tension was building as the swimmers prepared to take their marks. The crowd echoed with silence as the swimmers stood ready by the pool in anticipation. This was it, the meet that Fitzhugh and Madeline Rawls had been waiting for; the first meet of many.

From a young age, junior Fitzhugh Rawls and freshman Madeline Rawls have been swimming. After attending regular swim lessons in their early childhood, the siblings discovered their mutual love of the sport when they attended swim camp.

When Fitz entered high school and joined the swim team, the competition and intensity began. Madeline did not hesitate to do the same when she became a freshman this year.

Through the years, Fitz and Madeline Rawls’ shared love for swimming has forged a strong relationship

They now swim year-round, practicing six days dedication. “It is more than just swimming.

You meet lifelong friends, and it teaches you a a week.

This love of swimming did not begin with lot,” Fitz said.

Fitz’s dedication is recognized by other the two siblings; it traces back to their parents.

Both parents used to swim when they were members of the team. “He is really a hard working individual. His younger, and were ecdedication to the sport is static when the Rawls It is more than just evident from his actions,” siblings expressed swimming. You meet lifelong said senior captain Kayla interest in the sport. “[Our parents] defifriends, and it teaches you a Childs.

Anyone following nitely influenced us in lot. these footsteps would exour love of swimming,” Madeline said. “They -Fitz Rawls, 11 perience a considerable amount of pressure, yet are very supportive of Madeline remains unus.”

Throughout the years, swimming has be- swayed. She attributes these feelings to the come a big part of their lives. According to Fitz, healthy attitude she shares with her brother. it is a sport that requires a lot of hard work and “I don’t really feel any pressure because there

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aren’t any competitive feelings between the two of us,” she said.

The siblings both have their own goals in the sport and do not have to compete against each other either. “We support each other which is why doing the same sport definitely makes us closer,” Fitz said.

The Rawls’ supportive relationship has helped them both succeed in representing the school. Coach Tom Paloumpis regards them both as “a privilege to have on the team.”

They are both looking forward to the years to come on the swim team and their club team.

“Swimming is such a great sport — no matter what you do, there’s always something you can get out of it,” Fitz said.

hhstoday.com

15

sports

August 2015

Volleyball team faces new challenges

Sophmore Julianna Althaus leaps into the air to strike the incoming ball. Hillsborough defeated Middleton in three straight sets on Monday, Aug. 24. | Photo by Adrian Fernandez

Alex Morrison @magadon433 In a muggy, crowded gym, the varsity girls volleyball team practices its plays and drills with intensity and efficiency — despite the fact that the team has lost eight of last year’s senior players. Undeterred by this drawback, the team is quite optimistic about its chances in the upcoming season compared to their JV counterparts. Freshmen and seasoned players alike are comfortable with their skill level on the court.

Varsity players had a variety of reasons for this unexpected confidence. Senior Meghan Tindel described the group as a competitive team that is well prepared for the games ahead, noting that a lot of the girls have played together in previous seasons.

New players have joined to fill in the gaps left by the graduates. Freshman Kasey Priede described joining the varsity team as difficult and “different from middle school.” Some of the biggest changes for her have been the rotation of positions during matches, which are “more complex” than she is used to.

However, JV team members don’t feel like they’re on equal footing, feeling unprepared for

their upcoming season.

Sophomore Errdaisha Floyd said, “I think we’re pretty good,” but added that the newer players needed to “work on [the] fundamentals” of the game.

Sophomore India Green, another returning player, had a more cautious response. ”We have potential,” she said.

The gap between the effectiveness of the JV and varsity teams may seem vast, but Coach Yolanda Driscoll Whitehead had comments that echoed many of the players opinions from both groups. In regards to the varsity team’s confidence, she said, “I expect great things from this team.”

The main coach had a very different perspective on the JV team, however.

Driscoll said, “There are only two returners, India Green and Floyd, from the JV team.”

She discussed how this lack of player experience has created a need to work on “All the fundamentals,” but specifically the players’ ability to call their balls and sets.

Driscoll seems to empathize with the players despite this specific advice, and she said “Most of the girls are playing for the first time.”

Bad weather causes problems for golf teams Tegan Smith @HHSTodaySports Bad weather can be a problem for any sport.

For the golf teams, however, bad weather led to the cancellation of half their games last year.

There are other factors that bad weather exacerbates. It is extremely difficult to find another date where the teams can play each other again. The regular season has to end before districts and regionals, so it can be a challenge to make up games within that time frame. The golfers would also miss school days, without any guarantee that the match would be cancelled for inclement weather.

Even for experienced golfers, the cancellations impact their development as players.

They golf independently, but it is not the same as playing an entire match with other competitors. The cancellations “limit my experience in matches,” sophomore Lauren Serra said.

Last season the lightning in the area made playing very dangerous, so several matches had to be cancelled.

“Last year was an anomaly. Some years we’ve played all 13 matches, but last year was tough,” said girls coach Kenneth White.

The players have to work around the weather constantly. Another issue is the need for

The golf season begins Thursday, Aug. 27 against Chamberlain enough players. The schedule is made a year in advance, so schools do not already have teams set. If they cannot acquire enough players, the match is cancelled.

The girls’ golf team currently only has three returning female golfers, which is not enough to compete as a team for districts.

“Finding girl golfers is hard at this age. The team needs bodies,” White said. They need at least one more player, or they will have to play as individuals to make districts.

Regionals are determined by the individu-

Visit our website for sports coverage, schedules and scores

al’s performance in districts, so the regular season matches do not have a large impact on how far into the post season a player can go.

Last year, four of the girls made it to regionals and this year hope “to move onto regionals once again,” junior McKenzie Gracyalny said.

However, no matter their hopes, the team has several undetermined factors that will impact whether or not they will achieve that goal.

Between the weather, potential opponents and their player acquisition, they do not know what the season will bring.

16 August 2015

sports

Red & Black

Life after Lawson The football team moves on after losing key players to graduation

Daniel Hamilton @Dham013 The 35-29 loss in the 6A playoffs last year did much more than eliminate the Terriers from the playoffs; it ended an era for Hillsborough football. The loss marked the final game for three year starting quarterback Dwayne Lawson.

Hillsborough also had to replace offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Max Warner, who left his job with the Terriers to follow Lawson to Virginia Tech as a quality control coach.

“First of all, we’ve changed offensive coordinators. That makes a profound difference in a team, even if you have a lot of returning players,” head coach Earl Garcia said. “No. 2, when you lose an All-American like Dwayne, it doesn’t matter who is taking his place, it’s going to be a difficult transition.”

Senior Lawrence Dawsey will be on the hot seat during the transition as the new starting quarterback. He started both halfs in Hillsborough’s half games against Armwood and East Bay. Hillsborough not only lost Lawson, but also key members of its defense, including Azeez Al-Shaair and Willie Lanier. Zach Carter and Nolan Johnson are tasked with filling the gaps in the defense. “[Zach] is going to be on the defensive line for sure for the next two year. We’ll build around him. The other end is

just as good as Zach, Nolan Johnson,” Garcia said. “Nolan is just as effective on defense as Zach is.”

Despite the replacements, Carter still says that the team has a decent chance to be pretty good this year and next year.

“As a team, we’re doing pretty good. We’re going to be strong this year,” Carter said.

Hillsborough had one win and one loss in the preseason football “jamboree” that occurred at East Bay High School on Aug. 21. The one win came against district foe Armwood. “[Dawsey] played very well in his first start,” Garcia said.

Dawsey passed for two touchdowns, one to CJ Williams against Armwood and another to Rudy Dawson in the game against East Bay. Hillsborough displayed its versatility in the wide receiver position, passing to five in total throughout the game. According to Garcia, there are seven or eight potential wide receivers that could be used through the season.

Hillsborough also had three players ranked by the Tampa Bay Times in the HomeTeam 100. Wide receiver/ running back Dawson ranked 93, Mike Hampton ranked 24 and Carter ranked 17.

The Terriers play at Durant Aug. 28 then visit Plant on Sept. 4, before Gaither comes to HHS on Sept. 11.

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Junior Ivan Amedes lines up at wide receiver during a 7-0 win over Armwood.

Photo by Cade McCurdy

2 The Hillsborough offensive line prepares to snap the ball in the 13-10 loss to East Bay.

3 Senior quarterback Lawrence Dawsey Jr. and sophomore running back Richard Guerrero confer during the second preseason game. Hillsborough played Armwood and East Bay for one half each. | Photos by Lydia Bicknell

State institutes mandatory concussion awareness class for athletes

Matt Lutton @Matt_lutt Beginning this year, the Florida High School Athletics Association will require all athletes to learn about concussion prevention, recognition and treatment.

While coaches and staff members have been given mandatory training to recognize and handle concussions for five years, this will be the first time student-athletes are required to receive formal concussion education.

The FHSAA passed the policy change in June, announcing all varsity and JV athletes of all sports must complete a free, online “Concussions in Sports” course provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

“The reason behind the move was student-

athlete safety,’’ Justin Harrison, the FHSAA’s associate executive director for athletic services, told the Tampa Bay Times. “Overall, all concerned parties felt it was imperative to continue to educate the student-athletes on concussions.’’

While some athletes may have taken the course before on their own, they are required to take it again before the season starts. Florida is the first state to mandate student-athlete concussion training.

The course is made up primarily of informational videos with brief lectures and graphics. First, participants take an 11 question test to assess background knowledge about head injuries. Then, a series of videos describe basic information about what concussions are, how they can occur and how common they actually are. Later videos discuss ways to prevent con-

cussion-causing impacts. The primary focus throughout the course, however, is recognizing that a concussion has occured by watching for signs and symptoms and taking the right steps in recovery-- particularly removing the player from the game or practice.

“It’s pretty good so they will understand why we take the precautions for the concussions,” said head JV coach Raymold Daniels. “They can also be mindful of themselves. If we can’t [recognize it in a game], they know the procedures and what to look for.”

Some players criticized the course for being too lengthy. “It was a long process to complete it. I was kinda upset cause it took so long,” said sophomore football player Ameir Anderson.

Most, however, admitted its clear benefits for player safety. “It was actually very

helpful. There was a lot I didnt know,” said sophomore Jonathon Wilson. “I knew some of the stuff on there coming in, but I learned a lot.”

Ensuring every player completes the course can be a difficult challenge for some coaches, especially of sports with bigger teams, like football. “Its been kinda hard but we got everybody to do it,” Daniels said. “We took time out and cut practice a little short to get them all in to take it.”

Graphic by Matt Lutton