February 2014 red and black

& black

Florida’s first high school newspaper Hillsborough High School 5000 N. Central Ave. Tampa, FL 33603 February 2014 hhstoday.com @hhstodayonline Volume 114, No. 5

H U MA N S OF T HE B O R OU G H

pg. 7

Boys soccer team wins district title See hhstoday.com

Popping the question: Prom proposals pg. 14

Why we need Dual Enrollment pg. 12

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hhstoday.com | February 2014

& How Hillsborough got an A black HHS scored very well in this category, compared to schools in the district.

-Ben Muschol and Kourtney Melendi

Editors-in-Chief Nikki Ferrera Ellie Rodriguez

News Editors

Entertainment Editors

Ivy Bennett-Ford Maria Roberts Kathy Xie

Vijata Patel Shelby Shoup

Opinion Editors

Life Editors

Dana Dinh Cade McCurdy

Holly Schroeder Kimberly Rampersad

Sports Editors

Photo Editors

Samantha Votzke Daniel Hamilton

Katie Frost Aleesha Mundra

Compared to other high schools in the FCAT and EOC test county, this was one performance of the lower scores.

476/800

participation and performance in advanced classes

college readiness in reading and math

overall and at-risk students’ graduation rates

Graphics Editor total:

1079/1600

Staff Writers

minimum for an A

1050/1600

The students scored toward the higher end in reading with 76 points and earned 62 points for reading, about average for the district.

Adviser Principal Johan von Ancken

Ralph Underwood teaches his students culinary arts in his class. He is running for the District 6 seat.

briefly

www.hhstoday.com

points from the second 800-point group,” said IB Assistant Principal Trisha Fitzgerald. “The graduation rates were decent.”

Culinary teacher cooks up school board campaign

Joe Humphrey, MJE

The 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 to Room 506 or to the Red & Black, 5000 N. Central Ave., Tampa, Fla. 33603.

Advertising content is subject to approval of the editorial board. The 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 HHSToday.com, All-Florida, 2012-13

213/300 “I think we scored the most

138/200

John Veliz

Vincent Bencomo David Blanchard Sarvika Bommakanti Clayton Callison Josie Chappell Sophia Diaz-Carraway Daniel Dolford Valean Hawkins Kenni Holland Jose Leon Kourtney Melendi Monisha Pillai Vishwa Shah

252/300

Aleesha Mundra Photo Editor Culinary Arts teacher Ralph Underwood will run for the District 6 seat in this year’s Hillsborough County School Board elections. There are nine other candidates running against him.

Concerning his chances of winning, Underwood said that he has “positive spirits.”

If he wins the District 6 seat, he will have the opportunity to voice the opinions of other teachers. Underwood wants to reflect

his love for Tampa by running for the position, with priority mainly residing on the students. Underwood wants to use his teaching experience throughout this process.

He has been thinking of running for the school board for a while. Underwood said “there is no time like the present to put my ideas out there.”

The primary and general elections for the District seat will be held this fall.

HELM hosts coffeehouse Feb. 28 The Hillsborough Esthetic Literary Magazine staff will be hosting their “Coffeehouse” event in the auditorium from 6-8 p.m, Feb 28.

There will be performances from the speech and debate team, the improv troupe and individual student musi-

cians. Coffee and sweet treats will be “I hope this event is a success available for free with the purchase of a because it’s an important fun$5 ticket. draiser and a great way to Proceeds will go towards the publica- support artistic spirit tion process of HELM’s yearly magazine. across the school.”

-Sophia Diaz-Carraway –Aaren Zhu, 12 HELM editor-in-chief

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Club Updates Vijata Patel Entertainment Editor

February 2014| hhstoday.com

Whether they’re walking for just causes or competing in math competitions, Hillsborough’s clubs are very busy this month.

On Feb. 10, members of Key Club created Valentine’s Day cards for the elderly in assisted living homes.

The members volunteered at Feeding America on Feb. 15. Key Club has been volunteering at Feeding America for three years and plans on continuing.

Key Club is also holding a canned food drive; people can give two cans to senior history teacher Tom Paloumpis and receive one service hour.

Members of Ophelia Club are participating in the fourth annual National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Walk on April 6 at Al Lopez Park.

NEDA is a non-profit organization that works to support families and others who have been affected by eating disorders. They use their funds to increase research on eating disorders. They also develop different programs to help those that need it.

Graphics by Ivy Bennett-Ford and Vijata Patel

International cultures on parade Right: Showing off his best moves, senior Jose Diaz rocks the dance floor, complete with a Captain America onesie for his representation of the US. Below: Seniors Narmin Jivani and Bella Junejo sit at the ready, waiting for the cue to begin their traditional dance. (Photos by Katie Frost)

Mu Alpha Theta is heading to a state convention and competition on April 11 and 12.

Last month, Mu Alpha Theta won second place for their Calculus and Pre-Calculus team at a competition at King High School. They are heading to regionals on March 1 and states on March 15.

Members of Mu Alpha Theta practice weekly and members tutor students every Monday and Wednesday after school with different kinds of math.

Middle-of-the week SAT hopes to pull in big turnout for juniors

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*for free

Vishwa Shah Staff Writer This year, students will take the SAT for free on a Wednesday due to a partnership Hillsborough County Schools has adopted with the College Board.

As part of an initiative to increase the number of students taking advantage of the free SAT, all juniors will be taking it during the school day on Feb. 26.

In previous years, the test was still offered for free, but it was administered on

a Saturday, like the regular SAT. Usually, students pay $51 to take the exam.

“I think I’m going to do pretty well,” said junior Steve Moradiellos. “I like that it’s during school.”

Students will be taking the SAT in their classrooms. There will be an adjusted bell schedule to accomodate the test.

“I think it’s good, because I don’t have to take it on a Saturday. It saves money,” said junior Sarah Lucker. “It’s also in a more comfortable environment.”

College counselor Vivan Fiallo emphasized the importance of the SAT in college admissions.“More people will take it if it is during the school day,” said Fiallo. There is less of a chance of people being absent if they have to take the exam during the week.

Fee waivers for the regular SAT are also available. See Fiallo for details.

Dancerettes will showcase talents with Feb. 21 show The Dancerette showcase will be held on Feb. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the gym.

The showcase will feature the Dancerettes showing off their competition dance routines. There will also be performances from the drum line, Break the Beat, the

improv troupe and other individual acts.

The event’s primary purpose is to serve as a fundraiser for the Dancerettes’ competition season.

All money raised will go towards the purchase of competition attire and contribute to the fees required in order to

participate in the competitions.

Along with raising money for the team, the showcase provides an opportunity for the girls to practice in a competition-like “I’m really excited for the showcase, because last year it was setting.

Tickets are $5. really fun.”

-Sophia Diaz-Carraway –Alexis Boback, 12

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l a c lo

Fair disruptances, student killed On Feb. 7, youths engaging in violent behavior at the Florida State Fair resulted in authorities closing the fair early and the death of a student thrown out for disorderly conduct — hit by a vehicle as he tried to cross Interstate 4. Authorities are considering possible changes in policy, including limiting the hours when students are admitted “I think a way to solve this situation is free to the fair on Stuto have multiple [Student Days] dent Day.

so the fair won’t be overcrowded. The [student that was killed] could have been one of my friends, and I would never want that to happen.”

–Karina Alvarez, 11

Voting rights under fire

e

“Everyone should have the chance to express their opinions. Even though [these individuals’] judgement might not have been the best when they committed the crime, they should still be able to vote in the future.”

–Sabrina Brijbassi, 12

O captain, my captain

Muslim ‘exodus’ in Africa

Shortstop Derek Jeter, entering his 20th season with the Yankees, announced on his official Facebook page that 2014 would be his final year playing professional baseball. He New York has won five World Series rings and was the Series’ most valuable player against the Mets in 2000. Jeter, who turns 40 in June, will enter the 2014 season with a .312 “[Derek Jeter] has been a career batting avvery good player for a long erage.

n o i t na

stat

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has urged Florida government officials to restore voting rights to former prison inmates. Florida is one of 11 states that restrict voting rights after a person has served a prison sentence and is no longer on probation or parole. Across the country, approximately 6 million Americans are prohibited from voting because of current or previous felony convictions.

time, but all players’ careers, good or bad, have to come to an end, and now’s the time for his career to come to an end as well.”

–Tim Elko, 9

Attempts to purge Muslims from the Central African Republic have prompted “a Muslim exodus of historic proportions,” according to human rights groups. The country’s Muslim population is being targeted in a wave of violence that is forcing entire communities to leave the country. The Central African Republic has been engulfed in chaos since last year, after a coalition of mostly Muslim rebels launched “Developed nations such as the an attack on PresiU.S. should help these countries dent Francois dealing with conflict. These Bozize.

minorities shouldn’t be wrongly persecuted and we should help them seek safety.”

–Parth Patel, 10

wor

ld -Kathy Xie

Speech and Debate team prepares for Chicago competition

The Speech and Debate team is currently preparing for the National Catholic Forensic League Grand Finals.

The local competition, which takes place on Feb. 21-22 at King High School, is used to select competitors for the national tournament.

According to Speech and Debate copresident Taylor Flores, only the best six debaters per event are able to move on to Nationals, so the team has upped their number of weekly practices from one to three in order to best prepare.

Last year, nine students qualified for the-

national tournament. This year, the team is aiming to send more.

This year’s national tournament will be held in Chicago, Ill. -Nikki Ferrera

“We’re expecting to have more people qualify this year than last year.”

–Taylor Flores, 12

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February 2014 | hhstoday.com

Teachers locked out of lock-in make sure the school isn’t liable for injuthat, it will run as normal.”

Cade McCurdy IB teachers, who have traditionally run ries that might occur on the trip – whethOpinion Editor Rumors have been swirling across the the lock-in, are now being “strongly dis- er it involves a student or a teacher.

However, there are already measures school that the annual IB senior lock-in, couraged” from taking part in the event. which is now in its 17th year, is going to von Ancken further “It was cool to have the teachers in place to distance the school from the said the lock-in will be be cancelled. there [and] get to know them event. Students must The lock-in is an event for each year’s run by parent volunoutside of school.” sign a waiver that resenior IB class. Students are locked in to teers, although exactly –Kevin Stephens leases the school from La Fleurs’ Gymnastics and given an entire how it will operate is Former HHS student liability issues, and no yet night to spend time toone over the age of 22 (pertaining to pargether while using the Teachers are now being strongly to be seen.

According to Kev- ents and teachers) is allowed on the gymvarious pieces of gym- discouraged from taking part in Stephens, a mem- nastics equipment. nastics equipment. in the senior lock-in.

According to history teacher Tom ber of last year’s senior The rumors, however, are false. There are changes to the class, teachers were integral to the experi- Paloumpis, who would have been in charge of this year’s lock-in, “No one’s ever ence. lock-in, but it is not cancelled.

“It was cool to have the teachers there,” been seriously injured, as far as I can reAccording to Principal Johan von Ancken, “Hillsborough County, more he said. “[It was] a lot of fun to get to member. There have been a few sprained ankles, but nothing more than that. We’ve specifically Hillsborough High School, know them outside of school.”

Many believe the new rules are to always been very careful.” will not be helping run the event. Besides

Novel renovations to Seminole Heights library Kenni Holland Staff Writer “We’re open, come inside.”

After closing its doors since Oct. 31, 2012, the Seminole Heights library has been undergoing reconstruction to “meet the needs of the community.”

The new library reopened Feb. 12. It includes a community room, meeting and study rooms, additional computers for the public use, a computer lab, a children’s department, a teen room and additional parking spaces.

The once single-story library is now a two-story building, soon to be affixed with stained glass windows to compliment Hillsborough High School’s archi-

tecture, since the two buildings are in close proximity to each other.

This expansion is one of many in different branches of the county, including the Bloomingdale, Jimmie B. Keel and Upper Tampa Bay branches due to new funding from property taxes.

According to the Hill- The Seminole Heights Branch Library reopened to the sborough County website, public on Feb. 12. Various interior and exterior renthe project’s cost totaled ap- novations were made to the building. (Photo by Kenni Holland) proximately $4 million and was meant to be completed late last year. Noel. “It may help keep the kids on track, “I think it’s really good that the new get them off the streets and learn more library is opening,” says junior Vrosie about their interests after school.”

Test review schedules Sarvika Bommakanti Staff Writer May: The wonderful month that brings tulips, roses, sunshine ... and exams galore.

Consequently, teachers are offering Saturday tutoring sessions in upcoming weeks and students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. *

based on their performance. A “superior” ranking is the highest, and a “good” ranking is the lowest.

The band has been holding afterschool practices once a week where director Kim Mieder critiques and helps the performers.

“I’m looking forward to the event,” said sophomore Jeff Friedman. “It’s a great way to gain experience and confidence for the group members’ musical careers.”

-Kathy Xie

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Advanced Placement Exams Subject

Dates

Room

US History

4/19, 4/26, 5/10

325

Human Geography

4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10

4-206

Macroeconomics

4/26

Library

Microeconomics

4/19

4-206

IB Exams (Seniors) Subject

Dates

Room

IB Chemistry

2/22, 3/1, 3/22, 4/5, 4/12, 4/26, 5/17

230

IB Physics HL/SL

3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/26, 5/3

347

IB Math SL

4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10

321

IB Psychology HL/SL

4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3

313

End of Course Exams Subject

Dates

Room

U.S. History

3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/26

129

Algebra

3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/26

131

Geometry

3/29, 4/12, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10

126

Biology

3/29, 4/12, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10

128

FCAT Subject

Dates

Room

FCAT Reading

2/22, 3/1, 3/22, 3/29

137

ELL

2/22, 3/1, 3/22

Big Red Band competes in Solo & Ensemble Feb. 21-22 The Big Red Band will participate in its annual Solo & Ensemble competition on Feb. 21 and 22.

During the event, each student musician or musician group (“ensemble”) is assigned a time slot to perform in front of a judge and subsequently receive a score

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“It’s pretty nerve-wracking to play in front of a judge, but it’s also very helpful because the judges usually specialize in the instrument you play and can give you tips.”

–Nedi Ferekides, 10

107A

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hhstoday.com | February 2014

Signs, camera, action Kimberly Rampersad Life Editor Senior Jessica Harshbarger has been looking forward to Sign Language Idol all year.

American Sign Language (ASL) students are currently working on creating music videos in order to be chosen to perform in this year’s show.

Songs are performed using just using signs.

No words. Students start out the project by choosing any song they want to recreate, and then transform it into a sign language music

video.

“It’s basically just like the singing shows where you perform a song, but in sign language, and the audience votes on who should win,” Harshbarger said. “It’s the most fun experience to go on stage and sign a song that you enjoy signing.”

Once students complete their videos, they present them in class. Winners from each class are chosen to perform in the Sign Language Idol.

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iti ng f or you

Clay molds art students Dana Dinh Opinion Editor Caitlin Clay became the newest addition to Hillsborough’s faculty early Jan., when she took over for retired art teacher Peggy Watts.

“It’s different every time you take over for someone who has been teaching for years,” Clay said. “It takes some time for the students to adjust, but I’m looking forward to [teaching at Hillsborough].”

Clay transferred from Gaither, where she worked for four and a half years, but this is her first year teaching IB art.

Junior Elizabeth Shugart was “really nervous” when she heard that Watts was retiring because she was “worried that [Clay] would be uninformed about the requirements for IB art.”

However, Shugart added that Clay seems “up to date with the curriculum” and “more in-

According to senior Sienna Barrera, signing lyrics is a lot more than just signing a sentence.

“The songs have deeper meaning so you have to use more details, which makes it harder,” Barrera said.

“In the past, it went really well, and it’s not very competitive. Everyone is just happy to be there and support each other,” Harshbarger said. “The people who perform have a strong passion for the language. It’s more of an art form in my opinion.”

Other students outside of ASL are involved

b e en a W

me e ho m Co

Students make music videos using sign language in hopes of being chosen to perform for larger crowd

structional than Mrs. Watts.”

“I went through the [IB program] myself,” Clayy said. “It helps me understand what [my students] are going through, so that I can help them.”

Senior Tyler Kruse said that Clay has been using a lot of sculpting supplies that he “didn’t even know we had.” He added that he “would’ve loved the chance to work with [the sculpting supplies] last year.”

“Mrs. Watts gave us access to paints, but we never had access to really nice supplies like gouache and Prismacolor markers,” Shugart said. “Mrs. Clay broke those things out on the first day.”

o For s

in the process, too. SGA tallies the votes and drama students critique participants on their performances so that they can make them better.

This year, the show is to be held on April 17 in the Auditorium. Teachers can sign up to take their class during school hours.

“I would say all three levels are pretty excited about it. It’s a big project, and it’s a lot to do, but it’s a lot of fun,” Serrano said. “You get to create a music video, how often in your life does that happen?”

g lon Senior Jessica Harshbarger signs lyrics to the song “Come Home” by One Republic. Harshbarger plans to perform the song for her music video along with senior Amanda Diaz.

Best Buddies become best athletes Shelby Shoup Entertainment Editor When the Winter Olympics come to a close, the Special Olympics will be stealing the attention of students and their Best Buddies.

The Special Olympics is a program that allows for people with various disabilities to participate in sporting events when they normally could not.

“The type of teams we use is unified- we pair an individual who has an intellectual disability with an individual without a disability to compete on the same team,” said Shelbea Houston, sponsor of the Best Buddies club.

Houston said teams will be

playing Bocci, an Italian game in which the object is to get the two balls each team member is handed closer to the pallina or the center ball, than the balls from the other two teams.

“Best Buddies and Special Olympics are different organizations, but they go hand in hand,” Houston said. “Best Buddies are paired based on friendship qualities; in Special Olympics, teams are paired by sports ability.”

The Best Buddies club will gather at the All People’s Life Center on Feb. 22 to partake in the Olympics.

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hhstoday.com | February 2014

1 in 1,900

There are 1,900 of us and we see each other every day. In the halls, the cafeteria, on the bus ramp. We are part of the same community, and yet, there’s so much we don’t know about each other.

This section offers us a chance to see beyond people’s school personas, a chance to see individuals beyond what we know of them. We took a cue from Humans of New York and decided to

the NEW girl Allison Pico When Allison Pico enters her first period classroom, she doesn’t do it alone.

Pico is a student in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Three months ago, she came to Hillsborough after moving from Ecuador to the United States. In order to attend her classes in a school where she doesn’t speak the dominant language, Pico is accompanied by a tutor during her history and U.S. government periods.

“She helps me and explains. She helps me a lot,” Pico said of her translator, Monica Foret. “When the teacher finishes speaking, they give us time to write. This is when she explains what they say to me.”

At times, the change can be difficult for Pico. In some of the classes she goes to without her tutor, she often relies on the students around her for help understanding what goes on. In others, she isn’t so lucky.

“During second period I suffer because I don’t have any help so I have to do it myself,” Pico said. “I try to do a lot of things; I always try to do it. They almost never talk to me because I’m new and the only one who knows Spanish but not English. You know, it’s quite a mess.”

Despite her situation, Pico plans to improve her English to make the transition easier.

“I need to learn English, I will do it.”

profile people we notice but don’t know.

Hillsborough is colorful. We’re a group of individuals with specific talents and interests. Together, we’re the Big Red. Here are our stories.

la chica NUEVA Allison Pico Cuando Allison Pico entra el cuarto de su primer periodo, no lo hace solo.

Pico es un estudiante en la programa de “English for Speakers of Other Languages” (ESOL). Hace tres meses que vino aquí a Hillsborough después de moviendo desde Ecuador a los Estados Unidos. Para ir a sus clases en un escuela donde ella no habla la idioma dominante, Pico esta acompañado de un tutor durante sus clases de historia y gobierno de los Estados Unidos.

“Ella me explica, ella me traduce,” Pico dijo de su traslador Monica Foret, “Cuando el profesor termine de hablar, nos da tiempo para escribir y ella me explica allí.”

Muchas veces, el cambio puede hacer difícil para Pico. En algunas de sus clases que ella va sin su tutor, ella depende a los estudiantes alrededor para entender que está pasando. En otros, no tiene tanta suerte.

“Luego en el segundo periodo sufro porque no tengo ayuda, entonces tengo que arreglármela,” dijo Pico, “Trato de hacer muchas cosas, trato siempre de hacerlo. Casi no me hablan porque soy nueva y la única que me habla sabe español pero no sabe Ingles. Tú sabe, es un enredo.”

A pesar de su situación, Pico planea de mejorar su Inglés para hacer su transición más fácil.

“Tengo que aprender Inglés y lo lograre.”

- John Veliz and Nikki Ferrera

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February 2014 | hhstoday.com

hhstoday.com | February 2014

the kid behind the Juan FROCortes

the boy with the BINDER Nathan Hamilton It’s an unassuming white binder that blends in with the variety of other school supplies on Nathan Hamilton’s desk. One would never guess that every day it is passed between the hands of him and his friends as they fill it with sketches and drawings.

Hamilton’s eyes brightened and he stood a little straighter when he was asked about the binder as he left the in-school suspension classroom to be interviewed.

“I draw something in it, [then] someone else draws something [to add] to it,” said the sophomore who specifically enjoys drawing anime.

Fellow sophomore Devante Lockette also adds to the book, usually “when [he’s] bored.” He draws mainly for fun but especially likes when the friends have drawing competitions in the book, although Hamilton usually wins.

Neither Hamilton nor Lockette are in any art classes at the school, both draw to ease their minds and

for the fun of it. Hamilton has considered becoming a tattoo artist.

Drawing has provided stability for Hamilton who has kept an art book much like the one they pass around now for every school he’s been to, including Middleton which he attended before coming to Hillsborough. The art books helped him adjust to new schools and meet new people. He explained that every book has a distinctly different style because every school has a different environment.

Richard Forbes, a sophomore and another contributor to the art book, and Lockette were inspired to draw from a young age. Lockette watched YouTube tutorials when he first got into drawing while Forbes was inspired by cartoons he watched as a kid. “I love animation. I still [watch cartoons] because I love all the art styles I see and I love the shows they’re from,” he explained.

-Ellie Rodriguez

the VOICE of the morning Emilee Smith She’s one of the first people you hear when you walk into class at 7:35.

Emilee Smith has been making the morning announcements since her junior year. The senior became the voice of the morning after being asked by her friend, Kelsea Swafford, to help with the daily intercom broadcasts.

Every morning, first thing, Smith enters the main office to read off of papers given to her.

“It seems easy,” she said, “but we are constantly keeping track of several announcements and constantly tweaking announcements that are worded weird.”

According to Smith, the office is normally distractions while

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she’s announcing, and that adds to the difficulty of the job. Regardless of the fact that she’s always “about 10 minutes late” to her first period class in the morning, Smith enjoys what she does.

“A lot of people don’t really listen to it, but I like the feeling of speaking among all of Hillsborough High School,” Smith said.

Outside of the main office, Smith is an avid dancer. She’s been at Tampa Gym and Dance for 10 years and even danced at this year’s Gasparilla Parade. Smith is particularly fond of lyrical dancing because “it’s very powerful.”

-Vijata Patel

On more than one occasion, Juan Cortes has been called “fluffy.”

The freshman, who is known for his flowing ‘fro, has been growing his hair out since last summer.

“It doesn’t take any time to get my hair ready in the morning. It’s just like this. It’s been like this since I was little.”

Cortes cuts his hair short once a year before he lets it grow again.

“I don’t know,” Cortes said when asked when he plans to cut his hair next.

“I’ll see.”

-John Veliz

the man with the MUTTON chops Henry Lay He’s a quiet kid.

Henry Lay doesn’t get excited about much. He’s reserved, calm, detached and largely keeps to himself.

You’d never guess that beneath his tranquil exterior, Lay’s got a lot more going on.

You’d never guess that instead of preparing for the adjustment from private school to public school, Lay was preparing to say goodbye to his father.

Lay’s father had prostate cancer.

But that wasn’t what killed him.

The cancer spread and severely weakened his immune system, which is why when he caught pneumonia, a normally nonlethal disease, he couldn’t fight it.

In the summer of 2012, he died.

The death of his father was “really rough” on Lay’s family, especially in the first year. Lay turned to crew and robotics to help keep his mind off of his dad, but dropped crew to focus on robotics full time.

While most of the other members build the robot, while Lay, a programmer, uses a program called RobotC to tell the robot what to do.

Lay is soft spoken, but he lights up when he talks about possibly teaching history in the future. The avid history lover intends to join History Bowl next year.

-Cade McCurdy

the DESIGNER dude Vince Gyongyosi When people look at junior Vince Gyongyosi, they see someone who tries too hard. Or, at least that’s what he believes they see. For him, style’s “not so much trying as [it is] buying clothes that look like you try every day.”

Describing his style as casual, yet modern, Gyongyosi can identify each article of clothing by name and brand without missing a beat. “I tend to be a little too materialistic,” a fact Gyongyosi recognized and said he is not proud of. His inspiration comes from his summers visiting family in Europe.

Gyongyosi said that the clothing he wears may seem different to others, but in the end, it’s what he’s most comfortable in.

-Maria Roberts

These selections for “Humans of the Borough” are part of a larger piece on HHS students and staff. For more profiles, see HHSToday.com. This project was inspired by the “Humans of New York” blog.

All graphics by John Veliz

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10entertainment hhstoday.com | February 2014

A Fair share of fun

It’s the Bomb-bay The Florida State Fair attracted visitors from far and wide with fried food and dare-devil rides.

Far left: The Fire Ball spins at intense levels, swinging attendees around.

Upper left: Midway serves as the home to almost all of the main attractions and food at the fair.

Lower left: The Sky-Flyer attributes its popularity among fair-goers due to creating the illusion that they are flying.

(Photos by Vince Bencomo)

Check out the full story at www.HHStoday.com

Heroin claims life of Hollywood giant However, as untimely deaths of celebrities occur every Danny Dolford so often, it’s important to not criticize the circumstances Commentary Academy Award-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoff- of the cause, or dwell on the different outcome that could have occurred; all we can do is celebrate the deceased’s man has passed away.

The news was released to the public on Feb. 2, the day career, which, in this case, is admirable.

In closing, all I can advise is to consider watching the of his death.

Hoffman, who was currently in the process of filming films Hoffman performed in (if you haven’t already). If “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay,” was found unrespon- you’ve seen these films, I’d recommend reviewing them sive in the bathroom of his Manhattan apartment. He suf- and enjoying the many iconic performances; they are among his final roles and are the best you’ll ever get to see fered from a drug overdose. of Hoffman again.

As a major appreciaIn an era of actors tor of the film industry, “I think you should be serious about what you do with pure talent and the Hoffman was a valued member of my personal because this is it. This is the only life you’ve got.” most resources readily –Philip Seymour Hoffman available to amplify this list of most talented actalent, a loss of one actors.

I admire his versatility in the roles he adapted, most tor is truly tragic.

“I think you should be serious about what you do benotably Lester Bangs in “Almost Famous” and Lancaster Dodd in “The Master.” These movies are both critically ac- cause this is it. This is the only life you’ve got,” Hoffman claimed, among the highest rated films in recent cinema, once said.

And now, more than ever, this quote’s stoic relevance only amplified by the roles Hoffman portrayed.

It’s a sad reality in Hollywood, the fact that potential shines through. roles he could’ve accepted will now belong to another actor.

Josie Chappell Album Review “So Long, See You Tomorrow” is, to put it simply, a terrific album.

Bombay Bicycle Club is known for its creative dabbling with genres and this album exemplifies that.

Some of its strongest songs are “Luna” and “Feel.” Frontman Jack Steadman’s voice is similar to that of Branndon Flowers, vocalist for The Killers.

Steadman’s echoing falsetto sounds as if his voice was enhanced by a piano’s damper pedal.

A variety of instruments besides the basics of a typical indie band are integrated throughout the album. In “Feel,” a synthesizer allows the influence go from Indian to reggaeton without losing the band’s definite sound.

Although some of the songs won’t initially grab one’s attention, “So Long, See You Tomorrow” is definitely a recommended listen.

Broken Bells album not a broken record Aleesha Mundra Album Review Broken Bells’ sophomore album “After the Disco” is a must-hear.

This album will make you think that you walked into a 80’s disco night club. Hello, “Saturday Night Fever.” Their new single “Holding on for Life” has the Bee Gees written all over it.

After a while, the songs started to blend together. However, the beats convinced me to dance in the middle of my living room. Vocalist James Mercer pushes his voice throughout the album, particularly in “After the Disco” and “Holding on for Life.” In all of the songs the lyrics are meaningful, written based on the band’s experiences.

“After the Disco” has ignited my love for the Broken Bells again.

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11 entertainment Anticipating the Academy Awards February 2014 | hhstoday.com

Daniel Dolford Commentary The Academy Awards have returned again, airing March 2, for its 86th year.

This year’s nominees for the more prominent categories are anything but disappointing, and may even be considered the most talented collection of filmmakers and their supporting crew as a whole in a considerable number of the Oscar’s past years.

Usually, many news networks and publications attempt to speculate upon for an official prediction they can publicize.

“My favorites from the list are probably ‘American Hustle’ and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ for sure,” said senior Ashley Ortega.

“The Wolf of Wall Street” was a favorite among those interviewed. “I think it’s definitely the best one out of all the other choices, but I’ve heard a lot of people say it was boring and too

“Great characters, awful plot.

My mom literally fell asleep in the movie theater.”

long. Maybe it will win because that’s usually what wins at the Oscar’s, right?” said senior Matias Marchi.

Despite the fact I’m actually pulling for DiCaprio, Chiwetel Ejiofor’s moving adaption of Solomon Northrup in “12 Years a Slave” is the likely choice for lead actor, assuming the taste of the Academy Awards remains consistent with previous decisions.

“Gravity was a waste of my time.”

–Julissa Machado, 10

–Liz Tsourakis, 12

Journalist Martin Sixsmith takes on a story about Philomena Lee’s search for her son.

During Antebellum United States, free black man Soloman Northup is abducted and sold into slavery Theodore Twombly falls in love with his new operating system.

“I’ve never heard any story told that way before.”

–Ashley Ortega, 12

11

Clay Callison Staff Writer “Have you ever considered what it might feel like to actually fly?”

These were the first words spoken by Busch Gardens president Jim Dean during the announcement of the creation of Falcon’s Fury in June. The new ride was said to be a 335-foot drop tower and will consist of a new first-of-its-kind element.

“The seats will rotate 90 degrees, leaving the riders dropping face first,” according to Dean, who entered the room by wire and harness, dropping down to the stage in a position mimicking that of the ride.

The ride is expected to open in the coming months, as declared by the tagline for the ad campaign: “Rising Spring 2014.”

Due to the renovations, the Caravan Carousel is closed, however the Scorpion, Sand Serpent, Phoenix, and Desert Grill remain open during the overhaul. Despite the construction zone, Busch Gardens has managed to only block off a small section of the park, leaving the experience of guests largely uninterrupted.

The completed addition to the park will surely leave guests entertained and thrill seekers coming back for more.

“I would probably be too scared to go on it.”

“Shout out to my baby Leonardo!”

–Jessica Thornton,

Falcon’s Fury

–Alex Rosendo, 12

“I’d go on it because I’ve never ridden anything like that before.”

–Chloe Jones, 10

Ron Woodroof helps AIDS patients get medication after he was diagnosed with the disease himself.

Students were asked their opinion on four Academy Award nominations and a short summary of the other five movies were given.

(Photo from oscars.go.org)

Woody Grant takes a trip to Nebraska with his son to claim a million dollar prize.

“I like thrill rides, I’d ride it.”

–Kaylina Muniz, 11

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12opinion hhstoday.com | February 2014

editorial

Hillsborough needs dual enrollment A: The letter all of Hillsborough has been talking about. The tiny letter that makes everyone smile when it appears stamped on a report card. It’s even better when that exciting vowel shows up on our school’s report card. Every student, parent, teacher, administrator, faculty member and board member has heard the brilliant news. As students of HHS, we are proud to be a part of such an important accomplishment and grateful to the adults who worked hard to make it possible.

It is surprising that an “A” school is denying the students a type of class that could be beneficial to their GPAs. Dual Enrollment could be the academic opportunity a lot of middle road students need. The classes give students extra credits without the stressful AP tests. Right now those students who are taking the intiative to take the extra courses have to trek out to Hillsborough Community College when they could be offered right here. The fact that these students are inconvenieced when they are taking intiative is disappointing.

The classes have a smaller workload than IB and

AP courses. Almost every subject is offered for dual enrollment and schools typically have their students dual enroll in core classes, but electives are offered as well. The only reason we don’t have dual enrollment is because our teachers aren’t certified. We take so much pride in being an “A” school, but students are denied this basic class option.

Understandably, the certification of teachers to teach college-level courses would take time and money, but the benefits the students would gain should outweigh these issues.

Our school has progressed a great deal, and in many ways we do deserve a big “A+” on our report card, but we have room to grow. There are opportunities all around us for improvement of our school, and if we wish to deserve our good grade, Hillsborough needs to put the students first in every way.

Each day, students need to be pushed and encouraged to pursue success, and only education can truly equip us for what awaits in the world.

The administration should take the steps necessary to make Dual Enrollment available on campus.

Hillsborough County PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Excellence in Education

ACADEMIC DUAL ENROLLMENT HANDBOOK General

According to the Hillsborough County Public Schools official website, Dual Enrollment is “college-credit courses available to qualifying high school students.”

Requirments In order to be eligible for dual enrollment a

student must have 3.0 unweighted GPA. The student must also have scored well on SAT, ACT or Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT).

Academic impact

Dual Enrollment receives the same points as AP courses. A student cannot earn more than 9 credit hours in extra courses in each semester of summer, spring and fall. This places a restriction on the number of dual enrollment courses a student can take each year.

Trying isn’t enough Participation awards are making our generation lazy AT

D IE

AST YOU T R LE

234th PLACE

Graphic by Monisha Pillai

Monisha Pillai Commentary There is always a winner, and there is always a loser.

This is a sentiment America has seem to forgotten in the past twenty years or so.

Nowadays, everyone is a winner, there are no losers and self-esteem is the presiding dictator.

This obsession with self-esteem is taking over America in a wave of cheap goldplated trophies all branded with the same words: participation.

Participation awards are prizes that are simply handed out to children for showing

up for an activity. Gone are first, second and third place. Everybody is a winner because everybody “tries.”

Participation awards, regarded to some as a beacon of self-worth, are simply turning America into a wasteland of entitled and lazy children. When awards are tossed out like Monopoly money, children are not taught the direct relation between hard work and results. Instead, they are deluded into thinking that merely participating will entitle them to stand among the same ranks as those who put in genuine effort.

America’s fear of failure is destroying the next generation. There is a certain value in failing that teaches a child that struggle and strife must occur in order to move past

obstacles and obtain results. Those that never fail will never be inspired to work hard.

If participation awards are continued, children will eventually begin to project the concept onto activities besides sports, such as academics.

In the real world, no one receives a trophy for simply showing up to the SAT. No one receives a gold plaque for coming to work on time every day. No one is going to be rewarded for failing a class because they “tried.”

America must get rid of participation awards in order to teach children one of the most important lessons of all: the importance of hard work.

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opinion13 February 2014 | hhstoday.com

Snowbody cares John Veliz Commentary Four years have passed since the paragons of fitness last conquered the frigid cold. The quarterly celebration of athletic potential known as the Winter Olympics soon approaches, and the world eagerly waits for its arrival. That is, if you don’t live in Florida, Egypt, the Caribbean or any tropical or arid region.

For a large portion of the world, this great event passes with no fanfare. They’re right, why would we care, especially if many of us haven’t even seen snow?

People are interested in sports that they’ve played. This is the reason that most Americans aren’t raving cricket enthusiasts or hardcore polo players. Quite frankly, the sports practiced within the Winter Olympics require a very specific climate, one where it actually snows. Many places in the world do not support this weather, and consequently, we can’t practice any of these sports. Gymnastics, wrestling and archery have no such requirements. You can play anywhere,

yousaid it

Students share their thoughts on the Winter Olympics.

“I don’t care about the Winter Olympics because it doesn’t apply to me. I’ve never seen snow.”

Marcella Tiller, 9

{ } “I’m mad. America should be in first place, not third.

We invented some of these sports, we should be winning them.”

Willie Mason, 9

anytime, anyplace. How am I, a Floridian, with no means of travel, going to get myself anywhere near enough snow to ski?

The issue lies beyond just climate. Winter sports are just too expensive for the average person.

The most basic of gear – snowboards and skis- cost more than $150 at retail price. That isn’t even taking into consideration the protective gear needed to play. Contrast that with $20 soccer balls, basketballs and footballs and you’ll see why many Americans choose not to participate in winter sports.

So now you have people living in locations where it doesn’t snow, but are too poor to play them. It seems like the Winter Olympics just can’t win.

Tampa residents, living in such a subtropical climate, tend to not care much for the bitter cold, nor any of the sports it brings. For most natives, the Winter Olympics pass without notice. “I don’t have time to watch it and I’m not into the sports,” said sophomore Melissa Lesile. “The only cool part is the ice skating,” said sophomore Adrian Fernandez. I, for one, couldn’t care less. This is merely a pimple on the sacred face of sports coverage in America.

{ } “We don’t care because we’re from Florida, so we didn’t grow up with the sports, and we don’t get as excited.”

Kayla Childs, 10

“I don’t play any sports, so they don’t really apply to me.”

Demarcus Dorch, 12

Selfie crazed

Annie Aguiar Commentary Admit it. You’ve done it before. The temptation grew to be too great, or a friend invited you to do it with them. It’s OK, almost every high school student has done it least once. You extend you hand towards your face, waiting for that buzz — that rush — of likes on Instagram and Twitter vibrating your phone as people start seeing your newest, most ridiculous selfie to date.

“Selfie” was declared Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year, beating out “binge-watch” and “twerk” because of its skyrocketing popularity.

The first usage of the term was in an Australian online forum back in 2002 to describe a blurry photo of a busted lip (“Sorry about the focus, it was a selfie”), but the frequency of the word has since increased by over 17,000 percent.

These amateur self-portraits dominate Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram and the feeds of any social media site you can imagine.

According to an English poll of 18 to 24year olds earlier this year, they now account for 30 percent of photographs taken by this demographic.

“I think it’s an interesting way for people to ... document themselves?” junior Marina Klicker said. “People are allowed to take pictures of themselves.”

Others aren’t so supportive of the selfie trend, with hashtags like “#antiselfie” and “#antiselfieleague” springing up and making the rounds on Twitter and Instagram, filled with joke selfies of funny faces or exaggerations of popular selfie poses like the “duckface,” a

Top left: Finding herself with a free moment, freshman Annie Aguiar poses for a selfie in the hallway (Photo by Sam Votzke) Above: The final result of Aguiar’s selfietaking prowess. (Photo by Annie Aguiar) hellish combination of a pout and a pucker.

The backlash is understandable in reaction to some examples. For instance, selfies at funerals have become so popular that there’s an entire Tumblr blog dedicated to them (if you want to see selfishness at its peak, visit selfiesatfunerals.tumblr.com and then ask yourself about your life choices).

“Maybe [selfies are] a bit narcissistic, but it’s fun and fine,” Klicker concluded. “I personally don’t see anything positive or negative about selfies.”

Ultimately, selfies are a harmless way for social media users to have fun. They encourage people to be confident with who they are and how they look, and to make something for themselves.

Freshman Azra Korajcevic is pro-selfie, claiming that they’re a creative outlet. “You can, like, take pictures of yourself with a cucumber.

You’re taking it, so no one can judge you.”

If someone wants to take a picture of themselves, then who are we to say anything about it? Besides, if the inundation of selfies makes you seethe in anger, then maybe you should step away from the computer and take a walk.

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14 life

hhstoday.com | February 2014

Prom-posals How to ask your dream date to prom Kourtney Melendi and Holly Schroeder Staff Writer and Life Editor Prom is March 29 at the Mainsail Hotel, so it’s about time to ask your perfect date to prom -- in the perfect way. From just friends to serious relationships, here are some prom-posals that are sure not to disappoint.

For a serious somebody: Red roses rarely go wrong and jewelry is a girl’s best friend, this prom ask is sure to be a hit.

A dating duo: Show your date they’re special by getting creative and sweet.

Write a message using candy and a poster board.

Just friends: Go big with a banner, this is a prom ask that makes a big statement.

Should you put a ring on it?

Ellie Rodriguez Editor-in-Chief For some, a class ring represents years of tradition and school spirit. For others, class rings are theoretically sentimental but will inevitably end up shoved in a drawer at home. Students were able to purchase class rings in early February in the cafeteria during all lunches.

Chris Riegel, a senior, can’t imagine not being able to buy class rings. “It’d be killing a tradition,” he said as he remembered his 98 year old neighbor showing him her ring shortly after he bought his. A lot of Riegel’s friends bought rings at the same time, but he explained “not a lot of us wear them on a daily basis. I used to wear it every day but now it’s currently lost in the pit of despair that is my desk.”

Lisbeth Noelle thought there was no way she’d be getting a class ring.

She said class rings are a classic high school tradition that “symbolizes your whole high school experience.” The sophomore was “surprised, honored and blessed beyond belief ” to have won the drawing for a free class ring offered by Herff Jones for the Class of 2016 at the sophomore assembly. She explained had

Graphic by John Veliz

A closer look at one student’s job

Jade Reppenhagen

How serious is your relationship?

Graphic by Ellie Rodriguez

Trades of the Terriers

Keeping it casual: Play it safe by asking one of your good friends to prom by car tagging.

she not won the drawing she wouldn’t have gotten one because of their expense. She wishes that more students would get them and has trying to convince people to purchase one.

Brittany Young, also a senior, recommends buying a ring, although she stresses not to lose it. “I woke up one morning about a month ago and it just wasn’t on. I have no idea where it went,” Young explained. The senior had never taken her ring off; she felt “naked and exposed” without it. Young ordered one not nt celle x because e n is a in my ring r of the “My collecto sing a t s sentidu r, purcha uge h e m e nt a l dress ing was a y.” e r tradition class te of mon er s wa Schroed it represented, Holly but rather because customizing it was so “intense and exciting.”

Junior Jade Reppenhagen doesn’t have a typical job that any 16 year old might have; she works part-time on a farm.

Old McMickey’s farm, located in Odessa, offers an authentic farm experience centered around children’s education and is also used as an event venue for parties and weddings.

“It’s not boring like a lot of other jobs where you fold clothes all day,”

Reppenhagen said. She mainly gives tours and takes photographs for the farm.

Reppenhagen loves kids and animals, but isn’t sure if it’s the career path she wants to take.

Although it’s a somewhat strange job, Reppenhagen enjoys her work and, like most other working students, needs the gas money.

Reppenhagen washes a donkey while at work. (Photo courtesy of Kathy Porupski)

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sports15

February 2014 | hhstoday.com

Track team focuses on personal bests

Softball has high hopes for upcoming season

Samantha Votzke Sports Editor With smaller, younger and more inexperienced teams this year, boys and girls track has more than just physical hurdles to overcome this season. “The team is smaller, so everyone’s going to have to work harder and score more points, but we also have a lot more quality runners out here,” said girls coach Jean Wiser.

All the way back in December, runners began conditioning for the spring track season. Once true practice began in January, time trials were taken for each runner. With several novice runners from all grade levels going out for track, Wiser said that “We start them out slow, and set reasonable goals. We don’t want to scare them off !” The first track meet is going to be held on Feb. 18. “It’s all about personal best,” Wiser said.

“If someone’s personal best isn’t dropping from week to week, we need to step it up.”

Although track meets don’t draw as many spectators as football games, runners argue that meets are “way more exciting than football games,” said senior Cierra McAffee. “You go to a football game, you think “that team’s good, that team’s bad,” but at track meets there’s always someone who wins the race or pulls ahead at the last second,” said sophomore Amara Anderson.

know each other, so their words seem to Ivy Bennett-Ford knit themselves into one dialogue about the News Editor Pitch. Catch. Dash. A seemingly endless team.

“And if we play good defense and get rush towards something intangible until, flighty, like a ball loosed from the cage of a good hits,” added senior Sheila Safe. “We’ll glove, a most palpable win. And it’s only a be fine.”

With the decisiveness of one who knows practice. The softball team has pitched itself a little rocky in the past, but so far this sea- what she’s talking about, Safe said that “[the works well together.” son, they’ve emerged victori“We’re more like a team] “We’re going to have a chalous.

Some of the players would family this year.” lenge with Chamberlain,” said senior captain Ashley Sacco. bat their success away with -Tiana Spain, 12 But overall, hopes are high for modesty and mutters of “they this team that, according to coach Kristina weren’t that great a team anyway.”

On a windy afternoon in the middle of Ravenel, has “learned to bond.”

“It’s been fantastic,” said sophomore the dusty parking lot next to the softball field at Memorial Middle School, three senior catcher Lumiere Rostick. “Last year, we teammates scuffed around with nothing in didn’t do so well until halfway into the seaparticular to do. They were killing time be- son.”

According to junior Amanda Bachmann, fore practice started; the sky was an unreal hue of blue. The three discussed their hopes this season feels better than last year. She feels that the district is tough, but it could for the upcoming season.

“If we stay focused we’ll be fine…,” said make for a jolly challenge.

This season is Sacco’s last as a Terrier. She senior Mariah Vazquez. Her friends seemed to let her do the majority of the talking, said that since she joined the team as sophothen a burble of words, tumbling over one more, she has put “110 percent into every another. The three have played softball with practice, every game. I’ve put my heart on Hillsborough for at least three years; they that field.”

“Track is kind of both a team and individual sport,” said senior Cierra McAffee. Here, juniors Tanisia Esalomi and Khoi Wilson run stadium steps during a team practice. (Photo by Samantha Votzke)

A new season up to bat David Blanchard Staff Writer Following a disappointing end to the 2013 season, Terriers baseball is back in action for 2014. Last season, following 17 wins, the Terriers were defeated by Plant City 1-0 in districts.

Now, the Terriers want to get past what they couldn’t last season. ”I hope the offense has improved,” said junior pitcher Jared Jensen. “Sometimes we had issues scoring runs last season.”

Jensen also said this year he expects the leadership to improve. “Last year we had a couple of seniors that I would say were goofballs.

This year we are more serious I think, or at least we can be more serious. We have better leadership in my opinion.”

Fellow junior pitcher RJ Murphree agreed, he said that “the leadership is going to be much

better this year.”

The Terriers started the season with a loss, 11-1 at Tampa Catholic. They did, however, rebound in their second game with a 2-1 win at Robinson. “We have to keep rebounding like that this year,” Murphree said.

With the year still young, many have goals in mind on what to accomplish this season. “I want to become a No. 1 pitcher in the coaches’ eyes,” Jensen said. “I want to have good stats on MaxPreps for sure and stick out on there.”

Murphree has fewer personal goals than he does team goals.

“I just want to win. Last year’s ending was disappointing after we lost. This year we’re going to win.”

The first part of the Terriers season concludes in April. From there, they hope to win districts.

In addition to practicing on the field, baseball players often practice batting in Coach White’s Building 4 classroom.

Learn more about Hillsborough’s indoor batting cages at hhstoday.com. (Photos by Samantha Votzke and Katie Frost)

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16 sports

hhstoday.com | February 2014

National Signing Day Diamond Johnson, Christian Flores and Frank Carter all signed with colleges on Feb. 5. Johnson, a baseball player, joined football players Flores and Carter in the Auditorium Lobby. Surrounded by family and coaches, they inked scholarship deals to keep playing their sports in college. (Photos by Daniel Hamilton)

“[I’m looking forward to] the first practice the most. That’s where I will make my first impression on the field as a Titan.”

-Diamond Johnson, on what he is looking forward to while playing baseball at St. Petersburg College“It’s a nice college; it was like I was at home. It’s

very homey. I met the coaches and they accepted me.”

-Christian Flores, on why he signed to play football with Webber International

Mostly newcomers take to tennis court With its season in full swing, the girls tennis team has some major catching up to do.

Compromised of mostly brand new players this year, the Lady Terriers have a tough road ahead of them. Because the team was mostly seniors last year, only three players are returning, making it difficult for the team to put some wins into its record.

At the helm of the team this year is Sade Aquil, a junior, who has played the sport since the eighth grade.

She joined Hillsborough’s team in sophomore year and has been playing ever since. Being promoted to co-captain along with sophomore Dana Dinh, has given Aquil some new responsibilities.

“I have to teach all of the new players the skills, which makes

it difficult to get wins,” said Aquil of struggling between learning her own technique while also teaching the new girls the necessary skills. “[However], I see potential in every one of the girls and I know they have the ability to be great players in the future.”

-Katie Frost

Boys start season with three wins The boys’ tennis team is back in season with high hopes for the team this year. After starting the season with three match wins, they plan on going farther than last year, in which they placed third at districts.

The team has three straight wins which were against Leto, Jefferson and Armwood.

“It felt like it was the right place. It was the right distance and Jackson State will help me to succeed.”

-Frank Carter, on why he signed to play football for Jackson State

“This year, we are overall a better team than we were last year,” said sophomore Parth Patel. “I think we have a chance at regionals and we definitely have a chance at districts.”

Senior Ben Muschol believes that the team should be good enough to move onto regionals.

“We should be one of the top two teams in the districts and move onto regionals,” Muschol said. “Hopefully after that we’ll win through regionals and then win states.”

Chamberlain, who placed second in the district tournament last year, is no longer in the district. This another good sign for the team, according to Muschol.

The team still has 10 matches left in the season, with one of these matches against King High School, a team rival.

-Daniel Hamilton