Red & Black, June 2014

& black

Florida’s first high school newspaper Hillsborough High School 5000 N. Central Ave. Tampa, FL 33603 June 2014 hhstoday.com @hhstodayonline Volume 114, No. 8

Musicians wanted

Orchestra recruits new members pg. 2

#HashtagsNotHelpful

Why we need to demand action, not retweets for the Nigerian schoolgirls pg. 4

Accomplished Athletes

Senior sports stars get their own trading cards pg. 16

Illustration by Ben Muschol

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hhstoday.com | June 2014

& Tallying up the bills black E-Cigarettes Warning Shots 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

Graphics Editor John Veliz

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

Adviser Joe Humphrey, MJE

Principal Johan von Ancken

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, 2013-14

www.hhstoday.com

Here are some bills passed by the state Legislature this spring. The bills are not law unless Gov. Rick Scott signs them.



-Cade McCurdy and Maria Roberts

Pop-Tart Guns

What it means: This law makes it so that students cannot be punished for simulated weapons. This includes finger guns and PopTarts eaten into the shape of a gun.

How it affects you: If a student creates something like this in class now, he or she cannot receive any form of suspension. It is still allowed for teachers to verbally reprimand or suspend students Can become a weapon for disrupting class.

Commentary, page 5

Danger

What it means: The sale of electronic cigarettes to minors is now illegal. The local government can restrict the sale of such devices as well.

How it affects you: Students under the age of 18 are not able to buy e-cigarettes legally.

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Abortion Limit

What it means: An abortion cannot occur after a doctor determines a fetus is viable. It also narrows the state’s definition of health issues that allow an abortion to take place in the third trimester.

How it affects you: It is now much more difficult for Florida women to get an abortion

Orchestra opportunities open up Annie Aguiar Correspondent Starting next fall, Room 178 will become a hotspot after school. At least that’s what orchestra teacher Kim Mieder wants to accomplish with her new Orchestra Open House.

Orchestra Open House will provide practice opportunities on Wednesdays for students willing to play in the orchestra but are unable to take the class. The orchestra program has suffered from low numbers and scheduling restrictions and Mieder hopes the after school practices will help people sign up for the class.

“There are 200 kids walking in these halls that play an orchestra instrument but don’t sign up,” Mieder said. “Their scheduling needs aren’t met.”

Hillsborough’s orchestra students are all in one class, creating problems that Mieder didn’t initially know how to solve. With orchestra

class, she said, “every level of ability is in the room. It’s like taking kids who are in Algebra 1 and putting them in the same room with kids taking trigonometry.”

Other music programs at Hillsborough don’t have the same problems, Mieder says. “When kids take freshman band they get a chance to grow and develop.

Orchestra doesn’t have that. It’s a catch-22 and it never gets better.”

Mieder said the problem isn’t exclusively inside the school.

Hillsborough’s primary feeder school, Memorial Middle School, doesn’t have an orchestra program. “The only orchestra kids are IB, and the program isn’t given a chance to grow,” she said.

Recruiting has been a

What it means: The Stand Your Ground law, which gives you legal reason to use deadly force to defend yourself, can now be granted to anyone with a gun who fires a warning shot before shooting to kill.

How it affects you: It gives gun-holding citizens further ability to utilize the Stand Your Ground law, and justify use of their weapons.

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Medical Marijuana

What it means: Doctors can give patients a prescription for a strain of non-euphoric marijuana for legitimate medical purposes such as seizures, muscle spasms and cancer.

How it affects you: This is the first step towards legalization of medicinal or recreational marijuana usage in Florida.

Graphics by John Veliz and Maria Roberts major issue for orchestra, but the Orchestra Open House aims to entice students to sign up for the class. Mieder says that “[she’ll] give them CAS hours. But you can only do it for one year, and then you have to sign up for the class.”

Students will have to sign up for the class for the following year to receive the CAS hours, Mieder said.

Despite the teacher’s belief that more will sign up, the students aren’t so sure.

“I’m not sure it’ll work,” freshman Anthony Suarez said. “She’s making it so that a year after going to the Wednesday practices you have to sign up for the class. I think people will be like ‘Oh, I’ll just come for a year’ and then leave.”

Mieder, meanwhile, is hopeful the plan will succeed. “The kids, the core orchestra students, are wonderful,” she said. “But I should have 50 more kids.”

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June 2014 | hhstoday.com

A sine the times are changing

As the school year wanes, Hillsborough’s students say goodbye to two staff members: math teacher Dean Oppegaard and American Sign Language instructor Desiree Serrano. The two are alike in that they can sign and sine.

Farewell to Oppegaard Kathy Xie and Katie Frost News Editor and Photo Editor After 15 years at Hillsborough, IB math teacher Dean Oppegaard is saying farewell to the Big Red. He isn’t retiring; the veteran instructor has secured a position in Naples at a community school.

Though Oppegaard originally planned to teach college, he stuck with the primary education circuit.

After moving to Tampa, he applied for an open position at Hillsborough.

Oppegaard said that the process of accepting the position “ended up working really well.”

The math teacher recalled a few embarrassing moments that occurred over his years teaching at Hillsborough. “Thankfully, I’ve forgotten most of the embarrassing things, because I remember there was a ‘most embarrassing moment’ that replaced the previous ‘most embarrassing moment’ but thankfully, I don’t remember what it was now!”

Oppegaard has had many students over his career, but a particular few have stood out over the years.

“Some of the students I’ve had were really, really bright and really excelled - for example, now people know about Sam Russell, and

he just works hard, and he does everything well, and everything comes fairly easy for him, but he still works hard and does even more than he would have accomplished just by brains alone.”

The entire time he’s taught, Oppegaard has been the adviser of Mu Alpha Theta (MAO), which is a national math honor society. This club allowed him to grow closer with his students during school and create lasting bonds with many of them. He remembered one former student who stood out above the rest. “Anthony Tortitello - even though he wasn’t officially president of Mu Alpha Theta, he acted like he was president of MAO in place of the person who was, and we would talk about what we wanted for the club.”

As a final word of advice to all students, Oppegaard advises that “what you learn in high school, really does make a difference. It gets you further along in life.”

So long, Serrano John Veliz Graphics Editor Former American Sign Language teacher is about to sign her last good morning at Hillsborough. She is taking a new job; new career involves training new teachers to create an effect classroom environment for their students. Serrano worked at Hillsborough as the ASL instructor for four years.

As the ASL teacher, her communication skills will hopefully serve her well in this new field.

What was the biggest influence in your decision to move on from Hillsborough?

My family, especially my 1-year-old son. I work the day shift and my husband works the night shift, so the times are not working very well. Moving on lets me have more flexibility.

What does it mean that you mentor brand new teachers?

This job entails that I mentor teachers who graduate from college and come work in high school classrooms. I will help them get their classrooms set up, interact better with students and give them new ideas.

What is the most important thing you learned from your time teaching at Hillsborough?

I think the most important thing I’ve learned here is to make connections with your students, because you don’t realize the lives that you are able to touch just by being yourself every day and smiling and saying hi. You have no idea the impact it makes.

Teens take the risk and take to the road Josie Chappell Staff Writer Adjust the seat. Angle the mirrors. Secure the seatbelt. Put the key in the ignition. Then change gears and speed off down the highway.

Through driving is a freeing experience for many students, it also poses a risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers.

“I used to use my phone while I drove, but it kind of stopped after I almost rear-ended someone at a red light,” said sophomore Achile Joseph.

To an insurance agent, teens are the riskiest to insure because of their inexperience and their ability to become easily distracted.

Some students, such as junior RJ Murphree, are concerned about the safety of teens crossing the road. Murphree says that he approached the county about putting in a crosswalk to the other side of Central Avenue.

“Kids [parking in] the church lot have to run across Central, and a lot of the time it’s busy, with students getting dropped off and picked up,” Murphree said.

To some, driving is second nature. To others, like sophomore Kathleen Tan, it is anything but. Even though she practiced quite a bit, parking still poses an issue for her.

Tan is looking forward to not having to constantly ask for rides, a major burden of the unlicensed teens unfortunately accompanied by working parents with busy schedules.

“I think [Driver’s Ed] really helped me and it also made my parents comfortable with me driving,” Tan said.

Above: Dean Oppegaard stands outside his classroom to talk about his history at Hillsborough.

Upper right: Serrano signs “I love you.”(Photos by Katie Frost)

Debaters compete at nationals in Chicago Students participated in national competition in Chicago this past Memorial Day weekend. The excited debaters left Friday, competed Saturday and returned Monday. Coincidentally, all six qualifiers competed in interpretive events.

The qualifiers were Rianna Alex (Declamation), Meghana Bhimreddy (Declamation), Lucy Gutierrez (Dramatic Performance), Beth Hanson and

Emma Rodriguez (Duo Interpretation) and Sarah Lucker (Oral Interpretation). Gutierrez, a senior, said, “I have been to nationals three times. I’m in a new event this time and my event from last year really helped me grow.” My experience from nationals in past has helped me learn about what to do and what I could do, so I’ve improved a lot. I wanted to do the best that I could and hoped for the best. I’d like to break into the final round.”

-Sarvika Bommakanti

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4 opinion hhstoday.com | June 2014

Remember the blue letter from homeroom?

It explained that Monday, June 2 is a study/tutoring session day. In case you couldn’t “read between the lines,” what officials are trying to tell us is this: It’s a good opportunity to stay home and study. Good luck on exams. -The Editors

editorial

#BringBackOurGirls isn’t enough They were sleeping.

The next morning they should’ve been on their way to class, preparing for their finals. Instead, they were ripped from their beds at gunpoint, from a school they believed to be safe.

Nigerian schoolgirls, an estimated 276 of them, were abducted by terrorist group Boko Haram in retaliation to the existence of westernized education in Nigeria.

That was more than a month ago.

Less than a week later, Boko Haram struck again, allegedly kidnapping nearly a dozen girls from a nearby town.

Yet there has been no prominent search committee, no SWAT breaking down the terrorists’ door. The only overwhelming response is not one of government action, but one of fear that organizations like Boko Haram and others like it have won.

Slacktivism won’t help anyone Since then, Nigerian government officials have taken little action and have only gone so far as to admit they need help. Outcry has erupted among social media platforms, as hashtags like #BringBackOurGirls pervade the Twittersphere in place of affirmative legislative action on behalf of international governments. Meanwhile, the girls have probably been separated and transported to various countries.

If girls’ education is so threatening and potentially powerful that militant terrorist groups feel compelled to destroy it, why is no one openly fighting to protect it?

After Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani schoolgirl and girls’ education activist, was shot while on a school bus, the issue of girls’ education escalated to the forefront of global news and attention. She and thousands of other girls signed The Girl Declaration, imploring the United Nations and governments worldwide to help give nearly 250 million impoverished girls an education.

The impact of increased and improved girls’ education on a country’s overall welfare is enormous and undeniable. Worldwide, children born to educated mothers are two times more likely to survive past the age of five.

A country’s per capita income growth rate increases by 0.3 percent with every 1 percent increase in educated women. Educated women are three times more likely to be politically active.

Still, it’s difficult for girls to attend school without support. In order to pursue an education, they have to abandon all household duties, including caring for

younger siblings, in addition to the cost of uniforms and supplies. Even so, this is only possible if the girl can find transportation to and from school, even if that means walking 17 miles both ways every day.

Here, a student worries about whether or not he or she will be “dress-coded.” There, the primary concern is if the student will not have the uniform required to receive an education.

Here, students have the luxury of a free lunch and provided busing. We complain if we have to walk more than three minutes from one class to another, while a girl the same age living in a third-world country walks 17 miles to pursue an education. These girls want to go to school enough to risk their lives. Terrorists kidnap and murder to prevent education, while we discard it like trash.

Our disregard allows governments to justify their lack of action. The horrors experienced by Nigerian girls don’t resonate the way they should. Every person should demand action from their governments.

These girls are not going to be brought home via twitter.

No one can “hashtag” them home. Real government action is necessary or we are allowing terrorists to steal these girls with fewer penalties then a criminal who steals a car. If no one acts, they will be lost.

We need to fight for girls’ education Why aren’t we striving to make changes to ensure that every girl receives the education she is entitled to? That she receives the best education to help her grow and become an impactful member of society? In the US, universities have developed to foster girls in STEM programming, yet no noticeable efforts have been made to spread these ideals to the rest of the world. Why are we so afraid to jump start these changes?

As part of his

2008 campaign, Obama promised to create a $2 billion global program to foster education. Thus far, a program has not been created. If we want to see global and domestic change as a society, we must demand it as a society.

Why are we so afraid of the possibility of powerful girls? If girls are properly educated, the likelihood of the same girls pursuing more prestigious and impactful jobs like those in the fields of medicine and law increases; more importantly, these women will demand a voice in state affairs. Powerful female politicians are a terrifying possibility as it’s conceivable that they will annihilate the conventional cultural parameters that have fenced them in for so long.

Instead of saying “behind every great man is a great woman,” it is high time to say “beside every great man is a great woman.” This begins with education, a basic human right that in this day and age, we still have to fight to preserve.

Graphic by Ellie Rodriguez

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opinion5 June 2014 | hhstoday.com

A fate worse than death the lethal drugs.

This is evidently not a onetime occurrence. As long as we have the death penalty it should be carried out correctly. Americans are proud of their country that stands for justice when no one else will. Our Statue of Liberty holds a poem that asks for the lowliest people to come and seek shelter here. We stood for justice during the first and second world wars. And now we allow convicted citizens to be tortured like we live in the middle ages. ?

The citizens that insist that the man deserved to be go as planned.

After 43 minutes of writhing tortured do not truly stand for justice, the way all Ameriaround in pain, Lockett finally died cans used to. The point of the death penalty is to remove to society and to provide justice of a heart attack.

“The death of Lockett was threats for the victims of horrific crimes. It could The execution ? supposed to be justice also be considered a deterrent which went from a necessary and for his actions, but the would fall under the category of removing threats. The one thing that America is just practice to mishap has catapulted not supposed to be stand for is revenge. a trip back to medieval times the death penalty into The Constitution outlaws cruel and un? usual punishment. Our supreme law of when the rack the spotlight.” the land seems to be saying that this law was legal.

The cause of the botched ex- doesn’t extend to rapists- which goes directly against evecution remains unclear, but the ery right that our Founding Fathers were trying to protecprimary cause of the agony experienced twhent they wrote the Constition.

America is supposed to be the one that stands for jusby Lockett was the explosion of his vein tice when no one else will. We can’t honestly stand for this where the injection occurred.

The state was using a new three drug con- if we are exploding the veins of convicts during humane coction for the execution that led to the hor- executions.

We have the technology and the education available to rific death. The blame seems to be rooted in the negligence of the state officials, who failed prevent these occurrences, yet they seem to be continuing to test the drug combination beforehand, fail- at an alarming rate. If executions were carried out by fully ing in their duties to ensure that the death licensed doctors, then this could bring an end to some of the careless mistakes that we constantly see in these penalty was executed justly and humanely. cases. More imporThe death of Lockett was originally meant “The public should not tantly, if inmates on to be justice for his actions, but the mishap has catapulted the death penalty into the be arguing over how just death row were not treated like guinea spotlight. Many people are calling for a the death penalty is, but pigs for new lethal complete repeal of executions, while others argue that the suffering of should instead focus on drug combinations, entire situation Lockett is no more severe than that of reforming the system this could be prevented. the girl he raped and buried alive. that doles it out.”

Americans need The public should not be arguing to stop squabbling over how just the death penalty is, but should instead focus on reforming the system that doles over whether we should eliminate the death penalty and it out. If America is going to keep the death penalty (and focus more on reforming the practices we have. The acthe fact that 32 states have it says we will) then it needs to tions of Lockett cannot be justified or condoned. What be carried out humanely. Reform of the system giving out he did was horrific and unforgivable, but we cannot justly the lethal injections is long overdue. Early this year anoth- torture anyone. We live in the 21st century, not the 12th. er convict experienced a botched execution that caused him to writhe violently for ten minutes before dying from

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Maria Roberts Commentary Clayton Lockett, a man convicted of rape and murder, was scheduled to die on May 2 in Oklahoma, but his death did not

Frosted firearms

waste time

Cade McCurdy Commentary Florida is known for many things - its beautiful beaches, championship winning basketball team, horrible football teams, palm trees, permanent

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summerand its astoundingly idiotic state legislature.

Recently, the Florida Legislature passed HB 7029, which basically states that students cannot be suspended for creating or wielding “simulated weaponry,” such as a Pop-Tart bitten into a gun shape, hence the name of the law.

We’ve got so many problems in today’s world that you would think that our state congressman wouldn’t get a break until they leave office -- but instead, it seems like all they do is take breaks and put off problems to the next session, plus debate stupid laws that aren’t going to fix anything, such as the Pop-Tart law.

Why do we even paying these people? They sit around and debate until it’s time to go home, but do they ever actually fix anything?

It seems that whenever you think the Legislature can’t get any more disappointing, they go ahead and do something like this, setting the bar even lower. A law regulating the shapes kids bite into their Pop-Tarts is probably the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of. Wast-

ing days at a time to talk about or debate over it is even dumber, especially when it passed unanimously.

Shouldn’t our lawmakers be worrying about more important issues than whether or not students are allowed to fashion makeshift weaponry out of their breakfast pastries?

The economy is in shambles and it is becoming increasingly tough for Floridians to vote or register to vote, so lawmakers should turn their attention to the bigger issues all around us.

I’ve heard recreational marijuana and gay marriage are hot topics across the nation. Florida lawmakers should take a look into the pros and cons of the legalization of marijuana, or into the costs and benefits of allowing gay marriage rather than worry about things like Pop-Tart art.

Another thing that our incredible legislature could be focusing on is the amount of homeless people and unemployed people in Florida. We could be trying to create more jobs, new social welfare policies or community housing, but instead we have decided that today’s kids must be protected from their worst nightmare- Pop Tart weaponry.

Florida has seemingly given up on improving schools, where the state ranks 33rd in high school graduate rate and 31st in percentage of students that finish school with bachelor degrees. Why don’t we try and get Florida students to finish school, rather than focus on the shape of their Pop Tarts?

Graphics by John Veliz

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hhstoday.com | June 2014

Avila house fire kills family of four

VA delays prove potentially deadly

l a c lo

A fire ripped through a million-dollar home in the Tampa community of Avila on May 7, killing a family of four. Detectives have since confirmed the fire was set to cover-up a murder-suicide. Although motives for the murders are still unclear, detectives are certain Darrin Campbell “systematically” shot his son, daughter and wife before setting their home ablaze, killing himself.

“This is crazy – it’s hard to imagine why someone would do that. That’s really messed up. He should not have killed his family.”

stat

An investigation in the Gainesville VA Medical Center on May 20 reported three members of the hospital’s staff on paid leave, which is dangerous due to recent claims of potentially deadly delays in facilities nationwide. For six months, CNN has reported delays in medical appointments suffered by veterans across the country, as well as veterans who were seriously injured or have died while waiting for appointments.

“[Staff members] shouldn’t be taking paid leaves, because they’re neglecting their patients.”

–Tatiana Griffin, 9

–Cameron Kocan, 11

NBA ousts Donald Sterling On May 19, the NBA charged Donald Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, with damaging the league’s reputation with racist remarks. Since the release of the recording in which he made the derogatory remarks, Sterling has been fined $2.5 million and banned from the NBA for life. The league has also summoned him to appear at a hearing on June 3 that will determine whether his ownership of Clippers should be terminated.

“He made a comment behind closed doors and the media blew it up. It was bad because he had black players on the team, but it won’t matter if he sells the team, because he’ll still be rich either way.”

–Ki’yania Caldwell, 9

n o i t na

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Chinese military faces hacking accusations Los Angeles, Calif.

China

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced on May 19 that members of the Chinese military have been hacking American businesses and entities. Operating in Pennsylvania, the alleged hackers have been charged with cybertheft against major American businesses. The China Foreign Ministry has denounced all actions against the Chinese army officers, and calls on the US to withdraw charges.

“We do the same thing. We [spy on other countries] but we just haven’t gotten caught. Every country does it, but no one cares until you get caught.”

–Kayla Childs, 10

wor

ld -Kathy Xie

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senior focus7

sending off SENIORS

June 2014 | hhstoday.com

Clockwise from top left: Demir Redzic goes through the obstacle during sendoff . Seniors look as one student spikes a volleyball over the net at the sendoff. Kelly Cochran gives an emotional goodbye to Maria Paula at the IB sendoff as Anna Pennington also wipes a tear away.

Mikera Berrien, Belay Reddick, Stranesha Thomas and Brianeshia Bebley show their enthusiasm for Class of 2014. Shirun Gazar and John Garza say goodbye to their homeroom teacher Ana Lejido at the IB sendoff. Hassan Farah hula hoops at the sendoff. (Photos by Dana Dinh)

hhstoday.com | June 2014

chelsie MURPHY traditional valedictorian Referred to as “that smart girl,” Chelsie Murphy is a helping hand to her peers. As of now, Murphy wants to continue lending a hand as part of her future profession.

Murphy said, “Right now, I want to be a math teacher or other teacher of some kind.”

Not only known for her helpfulness, she is also recognized for her intelligence. With a 6.03 GPA, she is ranked first in her class.

However, Murphy doesn’t want others to only see one side of her.

Murphy said that in addition to knitting, sewing, tie dying and paint-

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ing, she enjoys thrift shopping.

Murphy said, “I go thrifting at least once per month, and it honestly accounts for most of my wardrobe.”

Along with her passion for thrifting, Murphy has dedicated a large portion of her life to playing soccer.

Murphy said, “Soccer is my favorite sport, and I’m going to do an intramural in college. I’ve been playing since I was 8.”

Murphy’s inspiration for her academic achievements is her older sister who also ranked high in her class.

Murphy will be attending University of Florida.

-Sarvika Bommakanti

kourtney MELENDI traditional salutatorian

what’s next

Frequently seen running around the track with her golden hair billowing behind her, Kourtney Melendi known among other students as “the athletic one.”

However, she doesn’t let her commitment to sports hinder academic achievement. Melendi is graduating as Traditional Salutatorian with a 5.98 GPA. She attributes her academic success to having good time management skills. She said balancing numerous sports with her schoolwork taught her how to use her time efficiently.

“When I’m in class, I’m strictly doing work,” Melendi said. “I’m not trying to sleep now and wait until I get home to do my work.”

Seniors share their future plans

senior focus9 June 2014 | hhstoday.com

The other sides to the valedictorians and salutatorians

Alternative academics

sam RUSSELL ib valedictorian

Two students talk about their unconventional post-grad plans

Most see his baggy jeans, plain T-shirts and athletic shoes. They know him for his brilliance in math and 9.64 GPA. However, Sam Russell has a few tricks up his sleeves. Literally.

Russell, the IB Valedictorian, is an amateur magician.

He has been developing his skills for five years.

“I’ve been interested for a few years now, I think I started in eighth grade when I taught myself to juggle. I always thought that it was fascinating how particular tricks were performed, so I decided to learn and figure out how,” said Russell.

Out of all the tricks he has mastered, his favorite is rather unusual.

Russell said, “I have one trick where I choose a card, and then you pick it from the deck without looking. It’s a nice reversal of what you might expect.”

Though Russell enjoys performing magic tricks recreationally, it’s not going to be a major focus in college.

Russell plans to attend Princeton University, where he hopes to major in computer science .

-Sarvika Bommakanti

chindu MOHANAKUMAR ib salutatorian Nevertheless, she doesn’t underestimate the effectiveness of her most crucial study tactic: naps.

“I’m probably the biggest napper that I’ve ever met! If I could nap all day long, I would,” she joked.

After staying on top of her studies for four years, Melendi is satisfied with her results. “Graduating as salutatorian] feels amazing. I feel very accomplished and I know my parents are proud of me,” she said.

Melendi plans to attend the University of South Florida in the fall.

- Kathy Xie

“I am going to Florida Gulf Coast University to major in marine science and elementary education. I want to be a cheerleader for my school and I want to be involved.”

-Kendal Lee

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8 senior focus

Throughout high school, Chindu Mohanakumar has kept up a rigorous academic schedule to earn his place as IB Salutatorian. Along with regular classes, he dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College. “I went to school during the day and went to HCC at night, stayed there for three or four hours and then had to come home and finish my normal homework and study,” he said.

Regardless of his extra classes, Mohanakumar still had time for personal interests.

When it comes to free time, he admits to being a diehard anime fan.

“Last summer, I watched about a thou-

“I am currently enlisted in the Marine Corps. I will be in the Marine Corps for four years while I go to college.

After college I want to start my own security company.”

-Michael Williams

sand episodes. When I calculated it, it came out to 29 straight days of anime,” Mohanakumar confessed. “So that’s like, an entire month of no eating, no sleeping, that I dedicated to watching anime.”

Mohanakumar remains humble about his achievements despite his place at the top of the class. “To be honest, I’m mildly disappointed that I’m not valedictorian. Other than that, I’m happy. I mean, I’ve got second place!” he said.

But after some more thought, “No, I’m not. I’m very sad about it. But it’s OK.” Mohanakumar will be attending the University of Florida Honors.

-Kathy Xie

“I want to go to a technical school to be a skin care specialist. After that I want to transfer to a university, but I’m not sure for what yet.”

-Maria Exposito-Gomez Photos by Josh Alvior

Vijata Patel and Valean Hawkins Entertainment Editor and Staff Writer Many students never consider going anywhere besides into the work force or college immediately after graduating high school; however, Jeremy Gardner and Grace Montgomery decided to put higher education on hold and pursue other dreams first.

Montgomery’s dreams include spending a gap year studying abroad in Brazil.

She said, “I [want] a break from rigorous school before [starting] an even more rigorous education in college … and a gap year is the perfect time because I don’t need to worry about fulfilling credits.”

Unlike Gardner, Montgomery had to put more prep before leaving by “buying a lot of books and using online resources to teach [herself] Portuguese.”

She takes classes with a Brazilian exchange student from King High School for extra practice. When she’s not learning the

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language, Montgomery spends some of her time speaking on Facebook with Brazilians from the area she will be in.

Unlike Montgomery’s plan to take a respite from demanding classes, Gardner is joining the Marine Corps Reserves.

He made this decision because “college is being paid for, and [he] gets to travel.” He doesn’t want to be in debt immediately after graduating from a college or university, so he believes this is his best option. He says it is also his main motivation.

Not only did Gardner say that becoming a Marine be beneficial for his future, but he also said he’s already “physically fit” in preparation for the intense 12 week training program.

If asked to convince someone to become a Marine as well, Gardner says he wouldn’t because, “people have their own path they have to take.”

315 seniors attended prom

Class of 2014 116

Students

Tr a IB

d itio n al

Highest

GPA 9.6 8.1

6.0 5.9

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SENIOR PACKAGES

-John Veliz

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10 senior focus hhstoday.com | June 2014

Trust me, you haven’t heard of it While many seniors are bound for HCC, UF, FSU or USF, some have chosen to attend colleges lesser-known to Florida students

hannah BAADE university of portland

Rising in the ranks

This fall, senior Hannah Baade will be heading to Oregon where she will be attending the University of Portland.

The University of Portland was one of the first colleges to send an acceptance letter to Baade, but she kept the news “low key” because she “really didn’t think [she] was going to go there.”

“I chose it because the people and the school were so genuine when I visited. Even though I wasn’t so keen on it before I visited it, seeing it in person totally convinced me,” Baade said.

Baade is most excited about experiencing the diverse culture of Portland.

“The people [in Portland] are all different types, but they all mesh really well,” Baade said. “The culture there is just very interesting and, although my school is more vanilla, it’s still in Portland with so many types of people and things that keep it pretty weird.”

According to Baade, she also has something in common with the Portland locals: a love of soccer, food and the outdoors.

Baade plans on double majoring in communications and another still undetermined topic. Baade served as photo editor of the Hilsborean yearbook.

Juniors tell what excites them most about senior year

kelsea SWAFFORD kendall GRIBBLE murray state university

For many students, going out of state for college means being far away from family.

For Kelsea Swafford, going to college in Kentucky means being closer to her family.

Swafford will be attending Murray State, where she will be paying in-state tuition because her mother lives in Kentucky.

Most of the maternal side of Swafford’s family lives there, including her grandfather, who is an employee at Murray State University.

Although Swafford’s desire to be closer to her family is the primary reason she chose Murray, she also desires a friendlier social environment.

“I don’t like Florida. I know not everyone is like this, but there are so many stuck up people here,” Swafford said. “People [in Kentucky] are so much more homey and inviting.”

Though Swafford has not decided on a major, she knows that she wants to become an ultrasound technician. She may transfer to a different college next year if Murray does not offer a major that suits her intended career choice.

“ I look forward to von Ancken putting ATMs in our school and graduating in a white cap and gown.”

-Jakiya Powell

otterbein university

Kendall Gribble wants to make her grandparents proud.

That’s why she was “thrilled” when she was accepted to Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, the alma mater of her grandparents.

“Going to the same college that my grandparents went to is a little nerve wracking, but I know I can handle it,” Gribble said.

Though Gribble applied to Otterbein because of her grandparents, she tried not to let that be the deciding factor when deciding between the colleges that accepted her.

“My grandparents never pressured me [to go to Otterbein]. It’s also been so long since they attended that many people don’t know I’m a legacy. The biggest feeling I have towards it is that I want to make them proud at their alma mater. [My favorite thing about Otterbein is] how welcoming and friendly everyone has already been to me,” Gribble said. “My counselor and academic adviser sends me post cards regularly, regarding how excited they are to have me and to congratulate me on graduation and things like that.

They’re always offering their help and support first, which is unique for a college.”

-Dana Dinh

“I look forward to graduating in white, as long as von Ancken does not reject the idea. I also look forward to having fun with my friends.”

-Melissa Santiago

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senior focu focus11

If I could do it

June 2014 | hhstoday.com

DON’T slack off senior year because colleges will rescind applications.

DO have a balance between extracurriculars and school.

again

DO take everything a bit more seriously, like instead of fooling around I would focus on my work. armaun RICHARDSON

DO join as many clubs as you can. DO turn the laptop screen facing away from Mr. P if watching movies in his JA. DO leave your JA to get snacks from the vending machine.

DON’T procrastinate on Mr. P’s work. DON’T wear a hat in front of von Ancken. jong-min KIM

DO pay attention. DO stay on top of workload.

DO stay focused until the end. DO use your time wisely. DO give yourself free time. DO have homework breaks. DO sleep. DO remember you’re not alone. DON’T procrastinate. DON’T give up. DON’T be academically dishonest.

DON’T cut corners. DON’T complain. DON’T do anything stupid.

james HSUING

DON’T procrastinate. Once you get behind it’s so much harder to get back on track. DO get as much practice for exams as you can. The more exams you take, the easier it’ll be to continue because you’ll know the style of questions. sabrina BRIJIBASSI

seth WOOD DO forget your stress. People like to focus on the negatives even if the positives outweigh them.

DON’T follow that example. jean ARROYO

“ DO focus on the long term, there is time to relax later if you work hard now.” david KADIRI

“I am looking forward to fighting the dark lord, AKA he who shall not be named. #HarryPotterClub.”

-Gina Pamplona

“I am looking forward to more privileges for seniors such as pep rallies and parking spots.

I also can’t wait for GradBash and prom!”

-Yahaira Onofre

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12 senior focus hhstoday.com | June 2014

Connect Four-teen “When I look back, the football field comes to mind but mainly Matias Marchi. He and I are one person.

We came from middle school ... and now we’re going to UCF together.”

- Marcus Russo, 12

370 seniors have been linked together for four years as they’ve strolled the brick halls and rushed between classes, as a single body, as a whole. They are connected to each other and to every part of the school. When they look back, the first thing they’ll remember is...

“I was a sophomore my first year here and I sat on the H patio every single day. When I think of the H, I think of lunch and skipping class. It’s a staple at Hillsborough.”

- Jordyn Smith, 12

“The person I will remember most is (cosmetology teacher) Mrs. Peacock.

She was really there for me.”

- JeanRony JeanBaptiste “When I think of high school I think of the soccer field. It’s probably been where the best of my high school experiences were.

Lots of blood and tears were shed there.”

-Matias Marchi

Soccer field “Soccer was the biggest part of high school because I love soccer so much. It’s my life in my country, it’s my everything.”

-JeanRony JeanBaptiste

“I’ve been giving [JeanRony] that push. I’ve been someone he can talk to, a mentor. Darlene Rodriguez is the most influential student I know because she is everyone’s big sis.”

- Joan Peacock “I think of the H Patio because everyone is there. You meet people and make friends.”

- Darlene Rodriguez, 12

Graphic by Ben Muschol

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life13

June 2014 | hhstoday.com

Trades of the Terriers: Aaron Lee A closer look at one student’s job as a fitness instructor Being an athlete isn’t just natural talent, it takes hours of work and a lot of sweat, or at least that’s the mind set of senior Aaron Lee, who started a personal training business not long ago.

“I help people who want to become athletes or, are already athletes and want to get to that next level of fitness.” Lee said.

Every Saturday and Sunday for 2-3 hours you will find Lee training three students at Al Lopez, who strive to be in better shape.

“With most people I start out small

simple jumping jacks, running for two minutes, light stuff and then I’ll have them do arm training abs, and typical resistance drills to get their body ready for the next level which is incorporating all those things.”

Currently Lee charges $10 to train in the park; however, he has been working a deal with YOUFIT to let him train in their gym.

“Right now it’s just a weekend thing but during the summer I’ll do weekdays and make this my full time job.”

- Kourtney Melendi

TAKE 5 WITH A TERRIER Vince Bencomo Staff Writer

Garrett Anderson

1. What is your favorite HHS experience? “This weird conversation about life with some guy in the bathroom.”

2. What is your greatest regret? “Not joining the Swim Team in freshman year.”

3. What sets you apart from others? “I’m left handed; I like to think that’s pretty special.”

4. What is your ideal date? “It’d be on the beach with a girl and it’d be at sunset and we’d have food.”

5. What’s your current TV addiction? “I don’t really watch TV, I usually just watch movies on Netflix.”

Students showcase superior talent

Clockwise from left: Reprising their act for the third year in a row, juniors Valeria Rigobon and Vinny Ruia serenade the audience through guitar and vocals alike, winning the vocal duo category. Gracing the stage with her moves, senior Emilee Smith shows off her dancing prowess.

With matching outfits and dance moves, juniors Kassandra Rogers and Karina de los Santos and sophomore Jazmin Bevel, show off their best moves to songs “Nay Nay” and “It Won’t

Stop.” Performing like a pro, junior Lucy Gutierrez plays the piano and sings for the audience.

Belting out “Rolling in the Deep,” junior Sarah Lucker gives it her all, eventually emerging as the winner of the solo vocal category. Adding a bit of a twist to the normal drum line routine with a street-style performance, senior Mitchell Watson performs in the talent show for the final time.

The drum line won in the “alternative” category. (Photos by Alex Lutton)

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14 entertainment hhstoday.com | June 2014

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is just that Hungry forHannibal Amber Shemesh Movie review What do you get when you combine superb actors, a compelling plot and a latex spider-suit? The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

The movie portrays protagonist Peter Parker’s (played by Andrew Garfield, *swoon*) everincreasing struggle to balance romance with on-again-off-again girlfriend Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), deal with the loss of his parents and fulfill his responsibilities of being Spider-Man, which include: defeating evil villains (including some which may be closer to Parker than he realizes), protecting those he loves and saving the citizens of New York City.

If you’re asking which actor plays a better spider-man: Garfield or Tobey Maguire (who played the iconic role in the 2002 Marvel Spider-Man series), the

answer is crystal clear.

Garfield’s performance in the Amazing Spider-Man 2 leaves you

Illustration by Amber Shemesh

begging for more; his gorgeous looks, charming personality and comedic flair greatly add to the role of Peter Parker. Let’s be honest, Maguire was about as entertaining as a slab of meat.

The only complaint I have is Paul Giamatti’s role as Rhino. The majority of Giamatti’s lines were over exaggerated such to the point that whenever he was on the screen I could not enjoy the movie. Fortunately, his role, Rhino, was a minor character that was overshadowed by the rest of the amazing cast.

One of the main highlights of the movie was Stone and Garfield’s on-screen chemistry. Their characters’ relationship was complex:“it’s complicated,” as Parker said in the movie. However when they were on-screen together you couldn’t help but say “aww.”

Even if you’re not a superhero fanatic, Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a must-see.

House’s horror is in the shock value Clayton Callison Movie review What can be said about this sequel to Haunted House that hasn’t already been said about the original?

A sickening mix of racial, sexual and toilet humor combine all at once to make you cringe from both disgust and laughter.

Without a doubt this film is an even darker and more profane adaptation of the Scary Movie franchise. It uses popular horror film characters from movies like Sinister and plot lines and camera work borrowed from the popular Paranormal Activity movies to accomplish a satirical montage of comedic mockery.

Along with the return of the main characters Malcolm, Keisha and the ever popular thug Cousin Ray-Ray, is comedian Gabriel

Iglesias who plays the next door neighbor.

Iglesias’ recent explosion in popularity has even led to his own stand up film which was advertised during the trailers before the movie played. He and his brand of comedy helped to add a familiar face to the cast.

Although the film is just as funny if not funnier than the first, it does pull a “Hangover Part II” where most of the major plot points are recycled from the first movie and used again in different context.

However, the familiarity, unlike in The Hangover Part II, added an element in which I remembered things from the first movie that I had forgotten and I laughed about them alongside the new jokes. Overall, a Haunted House 2 appeals to a very small demographic, but for those who it does tailor to, the laughter is so intense it brings tears.

Annie Aguiar TV review With ingredients on the table like superb acting and the smartest script in TV dramas today, NBC’s Hannibal is cooking up something fantastic.

The show follows the cat-and-mouse game between brilliant psychiatrist/cannibal Hannibal Lecter and damaged FBI teacher-turnedconsultant Will Graham. Writer and producer Bryan Fuller’s TV adaptation of Thomas Harris’s best-selling novels is something special on the small screen.

Hannibal touts an amazing cast with Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy in the two lead roles and and the strongest art direction anyone’s seen in a while on TV. Filled to the brim with symbolism and foreshadowing, this amazingly-shot show keeps the plot interesting without being needlessly convoluted.

The show is so popular that it recently beat out Game of Thrones for first place in a multi-round tournament style Hulu Poll for “Best in Show.” This win was due in no small part to the fans of the show, which have accrued relentlessly over the last year or so since the show began. With its own Twitter and Tumblr, the show livetweets/liveblogs itself every week, responds to fan questions, and even acknowledges pieces of fan art.

Sometimes the show feels more Barefoot Contessa than Psycho as you’d expect due to countless shots of Lecter preparing food that looks so delicious, you find yourself denying that it’s probably human he’s preparing.

Week to week, Hannibal and Will Graham psychologically evaluate and try to outdo each other as a new serial killer each week is hunted by the FBI in the background. Amazingly, this bad-guy-of-the-week shtick doesn’t get old, because it’s not the show’s main component.

In Season 2, no one is safe. Recurring characters are dying fairly quickly as the season continues. If you haven’t caught up already, here’s your chance, before your favorite character is the next course.

Darkly scripted and shot, Hannibal is a feast for the eyes.

NBC’s Hannibal stars Mads Mikkelsen in the hit show’s eponymous role.

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entertainment15 June 2014 | hhstoday.com

Coldplay’s new Shelby Shoup Album review Coldplay set out to make its new album hauntingly beautiful, but it ended up being scarily bad.

“Ghost Stories,” the latest attempt by Coldplay to create worthwhile music, has tanked even worse than “Mylo Xyloto” of 2011. Filled with empty synths, auto-tuned falsettos, and The xx-style beats, it’s everything you would expect from the newest softcore EDM artists, and nothing you would want from Coldplay.

From their 2000 breakthrough single “Shiver” to their 2008 anthemic chart-topper “Viva la Vida,” Coldplay had only grown as artists.

And yes, while “Mylo Xyloto” was definitely not as powerful lyrically or melodiously as its previous work, they still retained the classic Coldplay style of belting choruses with “Paradise” and intense ballads such as “Us Against the World.”

However, “Ghost Stories” doesn’t even sound like it was produced by the same artist. The LP

Straying from their Roots

HORROR STORY

Black and “Blue” Aleesha Mundra Album review

starts off with “Always in My Head,” weaves in between the melody like It’s back to basics for the rock and roll duo an electronic ballad that sounds a spider spinning its silky web.

The Black Keys. Vocalist/guitarist Dan AuerUnfortunately, “Oceans” is folsuspiciously like The Postal Serbach and drummer Patrick Carney’s eighth stuvice. Closely following are an array lowed by the Rihanna-style dance dio album “Turn Blue” implements blues and of tracks that sound like one long track “A Sky Full of Stars” and the vibes that makes you yearn for the 1960s. and tedious song. band’s weakest piano ballad yet, It is suspected that the hit “Fever” will reach “Ink” has nearly “O,” which give listeners a disapindie stations across the nation, however the identical beats to pointing ending to an even more rest of the album deserves more credit. Songs “Magic,” simply disappointing album. like the seven minute “Weight of Love” deliver “Ghost Stories” is a musical guil- gutsy and gripping guitar solos that will make you shiver. sped up a couple lotine, slicing down and severing notches.

Brothers may have been their breakout, but Turn Blue has transformed the any connections Coldplay had with Black Keys to one of the best artists of the decade.

The its judgment of good music. o n l y The album’s lack of diversisong even ty and final succumbing to w o r t h mainstream has deemed Aliece Brown listenColdplay as way Album review ing to on the past its album is “Oceans,” Lindsey Stirling isn’t your average violinprime. an acoustic ballad that ist. The fact that Stirling is able to successfulpays homage to Coldly combine the styles of classical, EDM, and play’s “Parachutes” era. hip hop is only one factor that’s brought out The tonal quality of in her sophomore album, “Shatter Me”. frontman Chris Mar“Beyond the Veil” a powerful, EDM-intin’s falsetto finally fluenced track starts off the album, dramatic sounds natural as it bass drops, incredible violin solos and beltaccompanies the light ing electronic notes galore. strumming of a guitar.

In the track “We Are Giants” the violin becomes more dominant and little to The echoing of guitarno vocals are sung, revealing the sensitivity of the piece. ist Jonny Buckland’s lead Overall, “Shatter Me” is a great album with an even greater sound. Stirling knows how to make listeners “Feel alive/ and shatter [them].”

Graphic by Shelby Shoup The Roots also implement sampled vocal performances to Ben Muschol accompany the hip-hop tracks.

Album review At times, this practice deviates too far from their hip-hop Just a quick glance at the album cover for The Roots’ latest release, and you have a good idea of what to expect: a dark, grimy sound. Tracks like the three-minute, singing-only “The Comamalgam of songs that, put together, form a whole image. “... ing” are the low points on the album as the whiny, distorted And Then You Shoot Your Cousin” is similar both thematically vocals contribute very little to the concept of the album. The and sonically to their last release, “Undun.” Both albums han- closing track has the same downfall; a verse or two would have dle themes of violence, religion, alcohol and life on the streets. definitely improved it.

Despite the variety of musical styles, the album maintains However, unlike “Undun,” the new album examines these topics from a different perspective in each song, which accounts for a its cohesiveness with powerful, lyrics from frontman Black Thought. Throughout the album, he delivers socially conscious more eclectic feel.

Unlike most hip-hop acts, The Roots use physical instru- lyrics that don’t sacrifice sincerity or feel contrived.

Overall, the album’s only pitfalls are the moments where the ments for their songs, which allows them to stray from traditional hip-hop instrumentation. The more somber songs like group abandons their hip-hop “roots” altogether. The album “The Unraveling” use piano medleys while the soulful tracks employs unique musical elements from outside of hip-hop that like “Black Rock” opt for an organ and guitar riffs.The group will appeal to music fans of any genre but still contribute to a achieves a more organic sound tailored to the tone of each track. focused, powerful message.

“Shattering” expectations

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16 sports

hhstoday.com | June 2014

alexisBOBACK

ashleySACCO

dance

#1

Position: Shooting Guard, Point Guard Years on team: 2

Sport: Softball Position: First base, Catcher Years on team: 3

Years as a dancerette: 2 “She dances more cleanly than all of the other girls. She’s been dancing since she was little and is really into that artsy stuff.” -Coach Linda Wilson

“I pretty much live for softball. To be on that team was a lot of work, but we became a family.” -Sacco

benMUSCHOL tennis

catieELKO

Plays singles and doubles Years on team: 3

Years on team: 3 Best time: 22:46.20

“Playing tennis is one of my favorite things to do so it’s great to have a chance to do that everyday and represent my school. This year in particular, it was great to be a part of the team.” -Muschol

“This year I got really close with some amazing people on the team. We had some crazy adventures and I know they’ll be lifelong friends.” -Elko

duaneDRISKELL basketball

chrisFIGUEREDO

cross country

christianFLORES

“He was our number one pitcher by his junior year, and I can’t remember him ever missing a practice. He will be missed when he graduates.”

-Coach Kenneth White

dougMCGUIRE

#52

jeremyGARDNER

ninaPHAN

Sport: Wrestling Years on team: 4

Captain Years on team: 4

“[I was happy] about the whole team part. I felt really loved by everyone, including coaches. I also love winning.” -Gardner

“She was the captain for four years. She basically created the team, and gave us a good foundation to succeed.” -Coach Kenneth White

chelsieMURPHY Sport: Soccer Years on team: 4

“[While on the team,] my skills grew and I made bonds with people. It was a lot of fun to hear people say you got Murph’d, especially my dad because I could feel how proud he was of me.” -Murphy

aejonaCHAMBERS basketball

“She was our captain, she was one of out leaders and best rebounders. She worked her tail off to get where she was. I’m glad she’s graduating, but we’re gonna miss her.” -Coach Babita Artabasy

danielLORENZO #14

golf

Position: Defense Years on the team: 4

“He was my second golfer, and played every match. He was part of the team that went to regionals. For not having a home court, he was at every practice and he was one of our best.” -Coach Bryan Burgess

“I wanted to prove last year wasn’t a fluke and that Hillsborough was capable of winning [another season.]”

-Lorenzo

caseyGONSALVES

golf

Position: Guard Years on team: 3 Captain

#4

Dwayne Lawson competed at the state championship in Jacksonville in early May. He was entered in the high and triple jump, and by the end of the weekend, he’d secured his place among the likes of Jeremiah Green and other Hillsborough athletes who had jumped before.

Lawson won the state title in triple jump with a jump of 47 feet, 6-3/4 inches.

Quarterback Lawson has entered into a verbal commitment to the University of Miami, ESPN reports.

He committed on May 15 after also receiving offers from Florida, Florida State, Indiana and Louisville, among other colleges. He was ranked in the top 20 at his position in the nation and 37th in the state at all positions. The commitment is non-binding.

-Daniel Hamilton

Years on team: 4

“I’m very proud of him for getting into Webber University.

He is an outstanding athelete and an oustanding person.”

-Coach Earl Garcia

contributed to the team and Strokes: Freestyle, everyone around him.”-Breaststroke Years on the team: 4 Coach Tom Paloumpis

#11

Sport: Baseball Position: Pitcher, Infielder Years on team: 4

Sport: Football Position: Center, Defensive End Years on team: 4 “He had a sense of play that ryanLAVOY swim made practices fun. He

“He provided leadership on and off the court. He led by example, and was always ready to work hard at practice. Duane will be missed.” -Coach Orlando Goodwin

QB takes state track title, commits to ‘The U’

swim

Sport: Volleyball Years on team: 4

SM emilee

“This year made me happy.

My fellow girls are amazing and every day of the season was filled with laughs and building lifelong relationships.” -Gonzalves

jaylnSTALLWORTH

frankCARTER

Sport: Cheerleading Years on squad: 4

Sports: Track, Football Signed with Jackson State for football

Stroke: Freestyle Years on team: 3 "She was one of the only traditionals on the team, and she came to practice ready everyday ready to swim.

She will be missed." -Coach Jasmina Irizarry

ITH

“We overcame many obstacles this year with many people quitting and illnesses taking people out. We all became close and were very committed to the team.”

-Stallworth

#77

“I was happy to be on the track team this year because I didn’t have football practice afterwards and I finally got to be a thrower.” -Carter