Red & Black, May 2015

& black

Florida’s first high school newspaper Hillsborough High School 5000 N. Central Ave. Tampa, FL 33603 May 2015 hhstoday.com @hhstodayonline Volume 116, No. 7

Seniors bounce

Students participate in a bouncy ball race at senior sendoff on May 22. For more senior coverage, see pgs. 7-10 News report brings attention to student drug use // pg. 2 Editorial: Violent protests are product of societal injustice // pg. 6 Two terriers are track state champions // pg. 15 (Photo by Amber Shemesh)

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2campus hhstoday.com | May 2015

& TV exposé sparks attention black Editor-in-Chief

Ellie Rodriguez

Associate Editor

Samantha Votzke

News Editors

Ivy Bennett-Ford Maria Roberts Kathy Xie

Sports Editors

Dana Dinh Daniel Hamilton Matt Lutton

Opinion Editors

Annie Aguiar Bianca Cegatte

Entertainment Editors

Vijata Patel Monisha Pillai Shelby Shoup

Life Editors

Sarvika Bommakanti Alyssa Ierna

Photo Editors

Katie Frost Aleesha Mundra

Graphics Editor

John Veliz

Online Editor

Amber Shemesh

Staff Writers

Aliece Brown Kacey Johnson Denzel Pierre Toni Skraastad Tegan Smith

Adviser

Joe Humphrey, MJE

Principal

Johan von Ancken

Monisha Pillai and Shelby Shoup Entertainment Editors The corner of Violet and Branch was once a morning hot spot. Students would congregate on the sidewalk, chatting enthusiastically.

Every few seconds, a wisp of smoke would dissipate from the ends of their fingers.

Now, however, the street is quiet.

Last month, ABC Action News aired a video depicting several teenagers allegedly smoking marijuana just off school campus.

There is controversy over whether this is a concern of Hillsborough administrators. While the adjacent cement wall is school property, the sidewalk itself is not.

Since the video’s release, the early morning throngs have thinned out.

“There [are] more [administrators], more officers [out there],” said an affronted student, who felt the incident was not a problem specifically associated with Hillsborough.

“Others schools [have students who]

smoke, too.”

School board member Cindy Stuart told the TV station there was no conclusive evidence that students on the sidewalk partook in illegal substance use.

Still, some students feel justice is necessary, regardless of whether illegal substances were used.

“I think it’s about time someone got caught smoking,” said freshman Casey Pope.

However, questions were raised about administration and their dedication to stopping this activity.

Some feel since the smoking occurs off campus, administrators didn’t care until ABC brought light Above: Screenshot of the ABC Action News report on April 28 depicting students smoking at the intersection of Violet and Branch. to the activity.

“If [the school] really cared, Affairs Quasar Givens said students consequences for the school.

He said, “[ABC] addresses the they’d do something about it,” said could have spent their time more junior Mariana Diaz. “Since they productively than smoking outside concerns of the community … I the school. “Maybe next time, stu- wish they had let us know beforearen’t, ABC news took interest.”

The Red & Black also published dents will be a little more intelli- hand what they were doing.” a story about the isssue last month, gent,” Givens said.

Still, he is sympathetically worbefore the ABC story aired.

Assistant Principal for Student ries about their reputation and the

Hillsborough excels nationally in academics HHS is the most challenging school in Hillsborough County, according to The Washington Post’s annual rankings. Schools’ level of challenge is determined using a formula, shown below.

“Challenge index” =

HHSToday.com

Number of AP, IB, college-level tests divided by

Number of graduating seniors

briefly

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

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

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

HHS is ranked

55th

of 2,369 schools nationwide

with an index of

State cancels math EOC results Unverified math End of Course exam results will no longer count toward students’ final grade calculations.

Final grades will be calculated using the highest grade from one of three options: the average of third and fourth quarter grades;

this average plus the student’s highest previous EOC score weighted at 30 percent of the final grade; or the grade attained on an optional paper and pencil exam, weighted as 30 percent of the final grade.

—Kathy Xie

7.218

Graphic by Kathy Xie

[The state] should have made this an implementation year so we wouldn’t have to worry about technological [issues].

—Elizabeth Funk,

math teacher

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Exiting educators

May 2015 | hhstoday.com

PRINCIPAL SEARCH Pete Rumore Top Terrier expected on June 9

Pete Rumore, the welding teacher, is retiring after 35 years of teaching at public schools.

He taught at Hillsborough for “19 or 20” years.

“I can’t remember,” he said.

Rumore isn’t sad about retiring; “I can’t wait,” he said.

Rumore lives in Plant City and owns a big ranch, where he plans to spend most of his time after retiring.

One of the many things he’s looking forward to is that he doesn’t have to

come to work and wake up early anymore, particularly at 4:30 a.m. He doesn’t plan on returning to Hillsborough— or even to Tampa.

“I will probably never come into Tampa again.

I will never travel west of Highway 301 again,” he said.

However, despite his overwhelming excitement, he’ll still miss his students.

“I’ve grown kind of fond of them. I don’t know why.”

—Amber Shemesh

Louis Rowland Louis Rowland, who has been teaching English for 44 years, has decided to retire.

When he first began teaching, Rowland questioned his credibility as an authority figure, but overcame his uncertainty and developed a profound love for teaching.

Shortly after starting his career, he realized there is no profession in existence that affects

the human experience more than teachers do.

After years of teaching at Hillsborough, Rowland has come to appreciate “the close-knit faculty and the diverse student body.”

After retiring, he will spend his time traveling, working in the garden, waking up only when he pleases and finally being able to read the whole newspaper in the morning.

—Kacey Johnson

Tee Solomon has been an Assistant Principal for Student Affairs for 11 years, ever since her grandson was born.

Her goal is to spend some more time with him after 39 years of working in schools across the county.

“I should’ve retired before now because most people go 30 years,” she said.

Retirement has been staring her in the face for quite a while. This year, Solomon took the bait.

Without a full time job, she can devote all her time to “a little bit of traveling,” to places like Italy, Spain and hopefully Hawaii.

Returning home, there will be no rest and relaxation. Solomon plans to throw herself into the community work she has been neglecting, supporting organizations such as the National Council of Negro Women (ncnw.org). A friend asked for her help, reviving the service group for her church as the president.

Though she is leaving Hillsborough, retirement is still years away for Solomon.

—Alyssa Ierna

Tee Solomon

Annie Aguiar Opinion Editor Hillsborough’s new principal will be announced June 9 and current Principal Johan von Ancken will remain principal and maintain all of his responsibilities until then.

In an email sent May 8 to the HHS faculty and staff, Hillsborough County School Board Superintendent Jeff Eakins confirmed this date as the appointment of the new principal.

Eakins then came to campus May 12 to speak to faculty about the appointment.

“Now that we have additional time, we have an opportunity to seek additional input from key stakeholders who can assist us in the process of naming the very best leader for the students, parents, staff and the entire Hillsborough High School community,” he wrote in his email.

The school board was expected to announce the new principal at its May 5 meeting, but instead removed the appointment from the meeting’s agenda minutes before.

ABC Action News reported this month that before the May 5 meeting was supposed to take place, district staff recommended current Walker Middle School principal Anthony Jones for the job.

But right before the meeting, board member and Hillsborough parent Cindy Stuart emailed Eakins. “I feel I would not be doing

my duty as a school board member if I did not respectfully ask for you to withdraw this appointment for consideration,” Stuart said in her email.

Eakins told the TV station the decision to withdraw the appointment was made prior to Stuart’s email.

On May 6, district spokesman Stephen Hegarty said it’s not unsusual for agenda items to get pulled.

“For perspective,” he wrote via email, “let me point out that we withdraw agenda items — and sometimes we add agenda items — right up until the board meeting.

Clearly this one was withdrawn at the 11th hour, but it’s not unusual for an item to be withdrawn for want of a signature or something.”

Asked then whether a school board member had played a role in tabling the appointment, he wrote, “I’m not aware of any board members influencing the decision to withdraw.”

According to ABC Action News, Stuart sent Eakins petitions signed by 76 Hillsborough faculty members asking for current Assistant Principal for Magnet Curriculum Trisha Fitzgerald to get the position.

A panel of 30 Hillsborough faculty, staff, students and community members interviewed Jones, Fitzgerald and other candidates on May 20.

Speech and debate return from nationals The speech and debate team sent 13 students to a national tournament at Nova Southeastern University on May 22.

The team had a successful season, even though club adviser Kaki Griffin was absent due to health complications for more than a semester.

Griffin lamented not being able to take charge in the affairs

of the club, but complimented senior club members for stepping up.

“I’d have loved to have been there, to be a part of that, but they did brilliantly on their own,” she said. Griffin stated that they were well prepared and ready for the competition. Sophomore Meghana Bhimreddy will be participating in the national

tournament.

“It’s an awesome time to meet people that you normally wouldn’t,” Bhimreddy said.

—Denzel Pierre

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hhstoday.com | May 2015

Earthquake in Nepal devastates country

Denzel Pierre Staff Writer It was 4 a.m. when senior Aastha Rajbhandary and her family first heard of the earthquake in Nepal.

Two earthquakes of 7.8 and 7.3 magnitude hit Nepal, crumbling architecture, trapping people, and destroying supplies. The earthquakes have claimed over 8,500 lives so far, with the second earthquake forcing Nepalese citizens to handle rebuilding and supply gathering themselves.

Although Rajbhandary lives in the United States, a large portion of her family lives in Nepal. “The first few days after the earthquake was the most nerve-wracking since we couldn’t get a hold of family on my dad’s side, and they lived in a super crowded part of the city,” said Rajbhandary. “But a few days later, he got call from from them assuring they were safe. Luckily, both sides of my family are safe and unscathed but there’s so much damage.”

Widespread devastation has also caused water and electricity issues where her family lives.

Even though the situation seems dire, Rajb-

Bulldozer cleans up wreckage in Nepal. (Photo by Tribune News Service) handary’s family members try to handle it the best way they can. When Rajbhandary asked her grandmother how things were, she sarcastically responded, “everything is great here,” in

Nepali.

As happy as Rajbhandary is that her kin are safe, she is upset about the deaths of thousands of people and the destruction of ancient Nepal-

ese architecture.

Buildings like the Boudunath, one of Rajbhandary’s favorite monuments, were destroyed by the earthquake. “It’s kind of disheartening to know all these buildings I awed over are no more than rubble now,” she said.

The road to recovery for Nepal won’t be simple. With the death toll steadily increasing, more and more people find themselves without the necessary resources inside the country.

“Donating is the best way [to help]. Sending people and supplies is ineffective because of the lack of organization,” said Rajbhandary.

Media coverage of the event may have drawn funds at the beginning, but the country will continue to struggle, even when the earthquake becomes a dated issue.

While Rajbhandary is thankful that she hasn’t been directly affected by the natural disaster, she hopes for a swift recovery, even if she doesn’t expect it.

“Nepal’s government is really problematic so recovery will unfortunately, most likely, take a while,” she said.

Graduate Eric Ward becomes new Tampa Chief of Police

“I liked [Hillsborough]; that’s probably one of the reasons I Annie Aguiar was so involved in ROTC,” said Ward. “The mentorship provided Opinion Editor Eric Ward has held many titles. A police officer on patrol in by that program was instrumental and prepared me for my cathe city he was raised in, a K-9 supervisor, a hostage negotiator reer in law enforcement.”

The day that Ward turned 21, he applied to be a Tampa police and a member of both the Selective Enforcement Bureau and the officer. Now, he’s been on the force for almost 27 years. Before Tampa Police SWAT team. being appointed to his new position by Mayor Bob Buckhorn, And now, he’s the new Tampa Chief of Police.

Ward acted as the Assistant Chief of OperaBut before all that, he was a Terrier.

Growing up in East Tampa, Ward attended “The mentorship provided by tions.

Ward said his experience in the deHillsborough High School and graduated [JROTC] prepared me for my partment will help him as the new chief: in 1984. During his time at Hillsborough, career in law enforcement.” “I think [my experience in multiple areas] Ward became a part of JROTC as a member makes me a well-rounded individual,” he of both their rifle team (which no longer exists) and their drill team, in addition to being on the color guard. said. “There’s budget issues, there’s manpower issues that I’ve “I was very heavily involved in ROTC. That involvement kept dealt with going up through the ladder, which makes the process me busy and out of trouble as a kid,” said Ward. Ward refers to easier.”

“Within the department, Eric is known as a quiet force, and one of the instructors, Col. Thomas McInnes, as being very influhis methodical demeanor and certitude will serve him, the deential in his life and like a parent to him.

“When I was in school, he made sure that I was focused on partment and our city,” Buckhorn said in a press release.

As chief, Ward intends to focus on training police officers doing the right thing at the right time,” he said. The two still talk and improving the department’s community outreach in order occasionally.

“to be a more professional organization.”

“I think being in law enforcement, I have a different perspective and a different view,” said Ward. “Being raised on the east side of town has given me a better view because I understand the issues within the community.”

He replaces Jane Castor, who retired after more than 30 years at TPD.

Left: Eric Ward, senior year, dressed in his JROTC uniform.

Right: Eric Ward is Tampa’s new police chief.

(Photo courtesy of Tampa Police Department)

Opportunity for marriage

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Orientation orientation

The debate over marriage equality reaches the Supreme Court John Veliz and Sarvika Bommakanti Graphics Editor and Life Editor After decades of debate over the legality of gay marriage, the Supreme Court is set to make a decision in June.

Same-sex marriage legalized This month, the SuSame-sex marriage bill waiting further action preme Court heard arguNo same-sex marriage bill pending ments from four families Same-sex marriage banned in the case Obergefell vs.

Hodges.

The case comes from the state of Ohio, Sixth where James Obergefell’s terminally ill husband John Arthur sought to add him as Circuit, the couthe surviving spouse in case of his death. ple brought the case to the The state of Ohio refused to add Obergefell attention of the Supreme Court The Supreme Court’s decision in to the death certificate, despite their legal marriage in the state of Maryland. Arthur Obergefell vs. Hodges will decide whether and his spouse sued the state of Ohio for states will be required to license same-sex the lack of recognition of their marriage marriages and recognize legal out-of-state in another jurisdiction. After repeal by the same-sex marriages.

“I don’t care [about whether they’re allowed to marry]. It doesn’t really affect me. You love who you love. If you were born that way, I can’t say no. I can’t hate on you.”

—Mervin Aponte, 11

When speaking about the LGBTQ+ community, terminology such “genderqueer” or “pansexual” are mentioned often. For most, these words have never been encountered and may be confusing. Here’s a guide to help better understand LGBTQ+ topics.

LGBTQ+ stands for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender, Queer+.” “Queer,” in this case, stands for any individuals not covered by the four prior categories. The “+” represents other unlisted sexual orientations, including A for Asexual or P for Pansexual.

Sex is the series of biological factors, (ex. chromosomes, hormones, reproductive organs), that classify an individual as male or female.

Gender is a series of societal characteristics that are upon individuals of a certain sex. These features are how a given culture defines what is expected of males or females, representing how close one is to being a “man” or “woman.”

Gender Identity is the extent to which an individual feels Source: freedomtomarry.org that they fall into a certain gender.

This decision will end the legislative Gender Expression is how one outwardly acts within the battle the LGBTQ+ community has led for role of a certain gender. Its is possible for a biological male over 45 years. to identify as a woman, yet due to a number of factors not express herself with “feminine” characteristics.

Transgender refers to any individual whose gender identity does not align with the gender assigned to them at birth.

Nonbinary refers to an individual whose gender identity “People should be with the does not align with the binary genders (male or female). people they love. No Bisexual refers to a person that is attracted to individuals of two or more genders. matter what gender Pansexual refers to an individual that does not take gender they are, they have the identity into consideration when considering a relationship right.” with another individual.

—John Veliz —Yuleisy Pages, 10

Speaking up about coming out

Alyssa Ierna Life Editor It’s dark.

It’s lonely.

There are figurative clothes. Yes, the closet.

We don’t know who’s in there and we don’t know why. As told by an anonymous student at Hillsborough. *** I’m out to some of my friends, yeah. But I

news5

May 2015 | hhstoday.com

don’t know why my family needs to know who I’m poking. It’s not any of their business.

Coming out is difficult. There are so many possibilities. Will I be accepted? Will I lose friends? I mean, it is easier to come out to your friends because yeah, it will suck if they want to drop you— but with family, it’s so much harder.

What if they don’t accept the person you are? What if they want to kick you out of the house? And the worst: what if they try to “fix”

Anonymous student explains why they’re waiting to take the plunge you? In my head, the bad outweighs the good.

It’s completely unnerving not to know the kind of response I might get.

The new law in Indiana dictating that storeowners can turn away homosexual customers has been all over every media. What is that about? How are cashiers supposed to know I’m gay? It’s not like I’m going to announce to McDonald’s that I’m a flaming homosexual. It’s ridiculous, but at the same time, it’s all the way

in Indiana so it doesn’t directly affect me.

I most likely won’t come out until I bring a boy home. They won’t need to know until it matters. I don’t think anyone’s parents can force them to “straighten out” and if you think they might try it, just don’t come out until you are out of their house. Then, they can’t tell you who you can poke.

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6opinion hhstoday.com | May 2015

editorial

#AllLivesMatter a call for change The death of Frederick Gray of Baltimore weeks ago was a tragic one. Upon his death, in the back of a police wagon, unrestrained by proper safety belts and without proper police procedure attributed, Gray was practically martyred, like many other recent police-related fatalities.

With the national uproar, American forums rang with fresh accusations of police brutality, corruption, over-militarization and the rise of racism, that plague steeped in modernity, unoriginal as sin.

Yet, subsequent protest following Gray’s death and funeral services in Baltimore cast a pall on anti-police brutality campaigns.

Protestors turned to violence and looting after the circumstances of Gray’s death hit the media. The city was later locked down by the National Guard, as called for by the governor.

Baltimore is home to a large community of politically active black Americans. The mayor is black, the police commissioner is, city council members are. Yet critics say the week-long investigation into Gray’s death was a ruse, rather than an investigation to prove, without a shadow of

doubt, what really happened.

While that circumstance was undoubtedly corrupted, and worthy of censure, it begs the question of how much any one person, civilian or police, may stand.

Theoretically, our society can be broken into two groups: those who enforce the law and those who are to follow it.

Who are we to judge what drives any one person to the edge of reason?

The task force enlisted to constantly manage, to be ever-vigilant are both feared and loved as a result; the binary relationship between those who obey and those who enforce breeds anxiety.

Our society is very good at exacerbating that anxiety. It is fed by racism, not inherent, but inbred within past generations. Law enforcement doles out justice with threats; there is only ever the threat and the act of violence for such a situation.

And while this carrot-and-stick system is generally ef-

fective on the surface, civilians below writhe in a constant state of fear. This society has upheld this 50-year-old hierarchy which helps the wealthy and keeps the poor living in tiresome destitution. Therefore, it permits policemen to wander the streets with military-grade gear, to treat lower classes as incapable of policing themselves.

So it is really only natural that a group of people, exasperated by the inevitability of injustice, would try to seek a more immediate solution. It’s only natural that people would take the opportunity, unmonitored by police, to loot the very streets upon which they lived. After all, what else would they have to live up to? It’s not as if their society trusts the lower classes with any kind of respect.

What happened in Baltimore was, in all honesty, a mess. Protests got out of hand, violence took place. The momentum of accusation lent power to the war-like atmosphere.

Yes, civilians were in the wrong; they participated in acts which are illegal. But those civilians would not have been dragged to such lengths, had the existing system been more forgiving of poverty and skin color.

Burning Baltimore Katie Frost Commentary Fires ablaze. Broken glass. Ransacked stores.

That’s what the world has seen of Baltimore in newspapers and online. It’s a tragically morphed picture of what the city actually is and how I remember it.

Baltimore, and the areas surrounding it, is where I feel most at home. It’s where a majority of my family lives and the place that fills me with joy whenever we visit.

It’s my dad telling my sisters and me for the 100th time about his anger over the Baltimore Colts leaving and where I get the best crab cakes and Berger cookies in the world. These are my images of Baltimore, not the burning city that it’s become known for.

Following the suspicious death of Freddie Gray, who died in police custody, protestors took to the streets, angry over the police discrimination of black men. Coming on the heels of protests in Ferguson, the somewhat peaceful demonstrations turned violent, with looters and rioters taking over.

Breaking into liquor and CVS stores. Smash-

ing cars into each other and setting them on fire.

Throwing rocks at police officers. Baltimore was in total chaos. Anger and sadness filled my heart at the thought of people destroying the city that I love.

An estimated $9 million later, the damage was done. Small business owners’ entire livelihood was taken away from them; everything they had built and worked for was gone. The Baltimore Orioles, had to host a baseball game with no audience for the first time in history.

The details of Gray’s murder are still coming to light and six officers have been charged with his death, awaiting trial. The majority of the violent riots have died down but the sentiment behind them has not.

Injustice is something that needs to be fought against and yes, it needs to be talked about. However, the anarchy that took place in Baltimore is not the way to do it.

There is a fine line between protesting and rioting. Once the line is crossed and one descends into madness and chaos, like protestors did in Baltimore, it is no longer fighting against injustice; it’s just destroying a town for the hell of it.

Kwame Rose, holding a megaphone, is surrounded by supporters as a group of several hundred march down Pennsylvania Avenue towards Baltimore City Hall for a rally on Saturday, May 2 as protests continue in the wake of the death of Freddie Gray. (Photo by Tribune News Service)

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seniors7 May 2015 | hhstoday.com

Top of the class As graduation approaches, the Class of 2015’s valedictorians and salutatorians eagerly anticipate going to college Niritta Patel IB Valedictorian “It was 1997, in the womb,” senior Niritta Patel said, with a giggle, of when she began aspiring to be valedictorian of the IB graduating class. “Just kidding. I guess since middle school, that’s when I decided I was going to try.”

Patel was surrounded by high-achieving cousins and friends, and she wanted to the same kind of success. So she started taking FLVS classes in middle school, and would dualenroll in classes at HCC when she reached high school.

During her sophomore year, Patel took one AP class, two electives, and two dual enrollment classes, along with six classes at school. She said all the work was worth it.

Patel took classes that were tailored to her future career goals in the field of neuroscience and neurosurgery, such as AP Psychology, AP Physiology and biology. “I’ve always been interested in neurosurgery and I’d say it’s the one I definitely want to study further.” she said. Patel will attend Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in the fall.

—Samantha Votzke

Kate Jones IB Salutatorian Until January, senior Kate Jones didn’t know where she stood in the class rankings. The salutatorian spot had shifted several times since the beginning of her junior year, and she was almost sure that she wouldn’t get the title of salutatorian.

“I didn’t even consider the possibility [of being salutatorian] until sophomore year,” Jones said. “I had some extra time and took AP Human Geography online. I also took AP Psychology because I ‘double-scienced’ [with chemistry and physics IB classes] and I liked the subject.”

During her four years of high school, Jones was an active member of the debate team, an experience which she said helped her in writing the speech she will give at graduation. “I’m fully aware that not everyone will listen, but… I want to try and say something meaningful,” she said.

Jones will be attending George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in the fall.

—Samantha Votzke

Chayla Vazquez Traditional Valedictorian Chayla Vazquez will be attending Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, but doesn’t know anybody living in the city or attending the university. “I hope to make new friends and to do as well there as I did in high school,” said Vazquez. She’s this year’s traditional valedictorian.

Vazquez is graduating with an unweighted GPA of 3.8 and a weighted GPA of 6.2. She is the captain of the Robotics team and has worked all year to achieve her goal of passing all of her AP exams, especially AP Calculus. To help her stay on top of her schoolwork and extracurricular activities, Vazquez received help from her “great teachers and supportive family.” She feels she has made them proud and will be thanking them in her speech at graduation for all they have done to help guide her through high school.

Vazquez wants to pursue a career as a neurologist and aspires to “experience something new outside of [her] normal environment” while in college. She is ready for the independence that comes along with the new transition and is excited to pick her own courses and study what she’s interested in. Vazquez believes that in order to be successful, she has to work hard, have self-confidence and never doubt herself.

—Tegan Smith

Jada Roberson Traditional Salutatorian Jada Roberson’s coaches, teachers and teammates supported her in her journey to become traditional salutatorian. “Whenever I think about giving up, they encourage me to keep going,” said Roberson.

Roberson hasn’t decided what college she wants to attend, but she’s narrowed her search down to two colleges: Florida International University and the University of South Florida. She’s a track runner and is looking forward to running at the collegiate level.

Roberson’s nervous about moving. “Even if I am as close [to home] as USF, being out of my mom’s house is still pretty scary,” she said. While Roberson is apprehensive about the move, she likes the idea of being independent.

Although she does not know what college she wants to attend, Roberson is ready for graduation. “It feels unreal right now, but I’m very excited to get [high school] over with and begin the next stage of my life,” she said.

—Tegan Smith Graphic by Amber Shemesh

hhstoday.com | May 2015

k c a b h s a fl r a e y Four day Aug. 23: Seniors’ first

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May 2015 | hhstoday.com

Jan. 7

Sept. 18

of high school

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8seniors

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10seniors hhstoday.com | May 2015

Seniors sent off 12

Senior spend their last day at Hillsborough taking pictures, signing yearbooks and presenting awards

3 4

7 6

5 1. Senior Phillip Nguyen plays guitar during the presentation of Neal Mobley’s paper plate award at the IB sendoff.

2. Kerry Murphy stands up after being declared “most likely to hide her pet in her dorm.” Murphy said that she will not be bringing her pet to college because a dorm is not a “good environment” for it.

3. Seniors form a human pyramid against the advice of nearby teachers. The pyramid collapsed mere seconds after the picture was taken.

4. Ashley Buttner and others await instructions from Assistant Prin-

cipal Melvin Williams at graduation rehersal on May 26.

5. Cameron Kocan and Kacey Clark pose for one last selfie in the auditorium.

6. Michael Keaton and Miguel Salazar-Munoz enjoy watersports on the field.

7. Alex Perilla survives a silly string attack at the senior sendoff.

(Photos by Dana Dinh, Amber Shemesh, Alyssa Ierna and Ellie Rodriguez)

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opinion11

Forty years

Dana Dinh Commentary He still remembers how scared, confused and betrayed he felt that day.

He remembers the gunfire and the bombs in his hometown, the people running, seeking places to hide, and the packed concrete school building, where he, his parents and five of his eight siblings hid, panicking because his eldest sister was nowhere to be found.

The instant the southern government surrendered, the local militia, the supposed protectors of the city, began helping the North, and the Southern military members frantically shed their uniforms, afraid of being caught by the communists. Later that afternoon, the tanks arrived with Viet Cong soldiers celebrating their victory, proudly bearing their red flag with its yellow star.

Background: Vietnam War

WHO: North Vietnam vs. South Vietnam (and US allies) WHAT: Civil war in Vietnam WHERE: Vietnam; Southeast Asia WHEN: War began in 1955 and lasted for 20 years before the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Last month marked the 40-year anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

WHY: North Vietnam wanted a united communist nation, which South Vietnam strongly opposed. After the war, the two states reunited under communist regime.

May 2015 | hhstoday.com

40 years after the war, a Vietnamese-American student reflects upon the war’s impact My dad was eleven years old the day Saigon fell.

To most Americans, Vietnam is just a communist country that they failed to save. It is a lost war in terms of dead soldiers, defeat at the hands of the enemy and wounded American pride.

The 40th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon passed last month with little more than brief acknowledgement, even from Vietnam veterans and former refugees.

To me, Vietnam is a country with a rich culture, a heritage of which I’m proud, a piece of the family I cherish more than anything else in the world. In my family, the Vietnam War isn’t just a historical event; it’s a horrific nightmare that my family members will never forget.

Until a few years ago, I had never sat down with my parents and asked them about the war. I was too young, too innocent to fathom the horrors of war and the pain that my family experienced.

I still can’t. I will never fully be able to understand what my parents went through because, no matter how much research I Dana Dinh (right), then 6, poses with family members on Tet, do, I didn’t experience it firsthand. the Vietnamese New Year. (Photo courtesy Dana Dinh) It’s strange, but on the anniversary of this tragic occasion, I feel something other than sadness and anger. I feel thankful. I hardship. I have to remind myself every day that my parents went through this terrible war, but I will never have to. And if feel proud.

I feel selfish saying this, but I’m so grateful that all of my fam- the war had never happened, they would have never met and I ily, from my nearly 100-year-old grandfather to my dad’s baby would never have been born. brother (who now resides in Orlando with his wife and my two I’m proud to be a first generation Vietnamese-American becousins) are still alive when they could have easily died along cause I am living proof that no matter how horrible things are, with a million other men and women. life can always turn around.

I’m proud to be a part of a family that has overcome such

Athletes held to unfair standards Daniel Hamilton Commentary Odds are, if you follow sports, you have heard of the many scandals concerning the integrity of athletes. Whether it’s the Ray Rice domestic abuse case, the Tiger Woods adultery scandal or the Adrian Peterson child abuse case, athletes have been in the news— and these appearances have nothing to do with sports.

This problem isn’t unique to professional sports. College athletes, such as recent No. 1 draft pick and new Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jameis Winston, have also been accused of things that tarnish their reputation.

When you take a look at the sports industry as a whole, it’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of happenings in each league. This causes many people to disregard the players and

leagues that work to benefit the community.

The Tampa Bay Rays players, who are commonly seen in Bay area schools and contributing to community outreach activities, are an example of such beneficial athletes. The Rays, Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning have repeatedly donated money to the School District of Hillsborough County and were scheduled to be recognized at a recent school board meeting.

However, the idea that athletes are role models is flawed. Kids look up to athletes as much as they look up to people of other professions.

When an athlete is caught doing something frowned-upon, it makes national news. Compare this to when a teacher has sex with a student. Sure, you might hear about it on the local news, but it doesn’t garner nearly the same at-

tention as when a golf star cheats on his wife.

It’s the same for things like medical malpractice. Medical malpractice happens all the time, but you never hear about it. Each year, according to the Institute of Medicine, 98,000 people die from medical errors. Compare this to the 3,000 doctors that receive sanctions for their actions and you can conclude that many doctors are getting away with errors that end up killing people.

I would say that medical malpractice is a bigger problem in America than “corrupt” athletes, but I also never hear anything about medical malpractice being a big deal.

So why then, are athletes held to a standard that others in America aren’t?

It’s all tied back the perception of these athletes as “role models.” By signing a contract,

athletes somehow become a big brother or sister to children all over the world. Nowhere in this contract, however, does it distinguish this responsibility.

Athletes didn’t sign up to be role models.

They chose to be athletes, just as doctors chose to heal patients and teachers chose to educate.

It’s unfair for America to hold these athletes to standards that other professionals are not held to.

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12life

hhstoday.com | May 2015

Talent show winners

There were four categories at Hillsborough’s annual Talent Show, held on May 8. These students took home the gold.

Nehemiah Brisenau Nehemiah Brisenau stunned at Hillsborough’s talent show.

Winning “Best Solo Performance,” Brisenau performed a song he wrote himself, called “I Want to Love You.” Brisenau’s motivation for performing his own song stemmed from a desire to sing about something people didn’t know, but would enjoy.

Performing a self-written song was no easy feat. Although the song only took Brisenau three days to write, it took weeks to master.

Though Brisenau didn’t seem anxious on stage, he was nervous leading up to the moment. “Ask anyone at rehearsal; I was messing

Brayan Pichardo

up.” Brisenau said. “I’m not nervous when I sing… I was just nervous because it was a song I wrote, so it means more.”

Brisenau didn’t expect the win he received. He said, “Winning isn’t everything but it’s a good thing. It lets you know that you’ve achieved something. Winning wasn’t even what I had in mind. I just thought if I was able to do well on the show then that’d be great.”

As a freshman, the singer/songwriter has three more years of potential talent shows to participate in. While Brisenau isn’t sure whether he will participate next year, he does express the desire to sing with a partner next time. “I would like to [perform] with someone who enjoys what they’re doing.” said Brisneau.

-Monisha Pillai

HHS Drum Line

Talent Show in review

Playing a selection of several pieces, the Big Red drum line won Best Group Performance at the talent show.

“For me, it was just another competition,” said drum line member Robert Wood. “It’s a good chance to show off when Mieder’s not there.”

Students give their opinion on this year’s talent show.

A dancer all his life, Brayan Pichardo showcased his skill in the talent show. As a freshman, this was his first time performing at the talent show and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “I enjoyed it because people cheered.” said Pichardo.

Pichardo was encouraged by his peers to participate in the show. He said, “People were telling me to dance ... they were like, ‘Brayan, you should be in the talent show.’”

Performing to “Animation/Poppin,” Pichardo won the dance category. The win was an absolute shock to Pichardo. “I didn’t even know I won because I left. I found out Monday and I was like, ‘what?!’” he said. After receiving the news, Pichardo was very proud. Picardo said, “I felt good cause I’m a

ninth grader and there were a lot of good people there.

I’ve won stuff before, you know, but not too serious. I felt cool.”

Although Pichardo was a winner, he is always looking for ways to improve. “If anything,” Pichardo said, “I would improve my musicality. I would improve my footwork … and my looking at people in the eyes.”

Pichardo hopes to continue his passion for dance and perform at next year’s talent show as well.

-Sarvika Bommakanti

Pearl Uzoamaka and Marcos Coronado

The Big Red Band is a symbol of school unity and prestige. The win at the talent show only heightened the sense of pride the student body feels about their drum line.

“It was great to see the drum line [perform],” said junior Simi Himatsingani, “they bring so much tradition and pride to the school.”

-Monisha Pillai

Sophomore Pearl Uzoamaka was nervous about showing her talents on stage when she performed with junior Marcos Coronado. “I almost fell,” Uzoamaka said.

Singing “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, Pearl won an award with Coronado, who played the piano.

“I felt really honored that they thought I did that [well],” she said.

She also enjoyed the diverse talents performed at the event. She mentioned Brayan Pichardo, stating that while she had seen him dance before, she was

“It was really good.

People did a lot of great performances.”

-Melissa Sanabria, 10

impressed by his performance.

“I’d encourage anyone who has any kind of talent to come out and do it. It’s a lot of fun.” Uzoamaka said.

-Denzel Pierre

“The acts and stuff, that was nice. This year they had Bollywood and they didn’t have that last year.”

-Alyssa Nieves, 10

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entertainment13 May 2015 | hhstoday.com

Acca-average

Pitch Perfect 2 falls a little flat, but the jokes are still sharp Aliece Brown Movie Review The Barden Bellas return to the big screen in Pitch Perfect 2, bringing in more laughs than the first film.

After losing their spot on a national victory tour, the Bellas decide to compete in an international a capella championship to regain their title, mainly opposing the domineering European a capella champions Das Sound Machine.

However, Beca (played by Anna Kendrick) starts an internship at a nearby recording studio in hopes of sharpening her skills as a soon-to-be music producer, causing her to lose focus on the Bellas’ attempts to re-establish their reputation. Tensions rise and friendships are tested as the girls try to perfect their sound before competition and prepare for graduation.

Basically every dramatic, heart-felt, teen comedy ever.

I found myself more focused on the comedy in this movie than the actual music itself. To add to the comedic aspect of the film, many cameos were made, such as five of the Green Bay Packers as a singing group led by line-

backer Clay Matthews. Even Barack and Michelle Obama made appearances. There was no reason for the president or the Packers and yet there they were only appearing for one scene.

The surplus of new characters overwhelmed. I was too busy laughing at the Packers being included in a sing-off to notice the plot. As far as the storyline goes, it was just as cliché as any sequel could be, with an overly sappy ending to top it all off.

And the music — just a collection of catchy pop songs with flashy choreography and costumes. In other words, nothing that different from the first movie.

However, the the disgustingly perfect amount of acapella-related puns were included to keep me satistifed.

Pitch Perfect 2 brought the same light-hearted attitude as the first. I would still consider the forerunner as my favorite out of the entire franchise.

For a musical comedy, Pitch Perfect 2 seems to be lacking the “musical” aspect, but is still a good watch overall.

Graphic by John Veliz and Annie Aguiar

vengers: Age of Dull-tron Aleesha Mundra Movie Review As far as sequels go, The Avengers: Age of Ultron was a mimic of the first Avengers movie. The only difference between the two movies was a slight change in plot.

The Avengers, which consists of Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Thor, The Incredible Hulk and Hawkeye, reassemble because of Ultron.

Ultron, the villain in the movie, is adamant on ensuring human extinction (what else is new?) in the film.

Throughout the almost twoand-a-half-hour film, there was always one problem to solve after the next. There was not a significant amount of consideration to produce an in-depth storyline, as

I expected.

In many action movies, there is a fallible storyline that tends to be shadowed by the actions in the movie.

Although the movie appears to follow the same formula as the first film, there were two new characters: Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. The addition improves the movie by making the story line more concrete.

Overall, the movie was visually pleasing. The intricate shots and angles taken alongside of digital animation made the scenes appear as if they could happen in real life.

I would only recommend watching Avengers: Age of Ultron in theatres if you are a fan of the franchise: if not, waiting for it on Netflix is not a bad option.

High hopes for Paper Towns Vijata Patel Entertainment Editor High expectations.

Reading a novel before it becomes a movie is a daring move.

I already have an idea of how the characters act and how they should portray every significant scene, which can lead to a lot of disappointment.

Paper Towns will hopefully deliver the same experience. The casting for the movie made me hesitant because as much I like Cara Delevingne, I wasn’t sure about her playing the female lead. I know her as a model, not an actress.

Casting Nat Wolff as the male lead, however, was a smart move. Personally, I believe he’s made for these roles, where he’s a love sick, awkward teenage boy.

But, the trailer for Paper Towns reveals everything I wanted to see from the novel. Again, John Green has seemingly created a movie that makes his novel real. While I know some scenes will be left out, I can expect to see the same plot, same characters and the same emotion-packed moments.

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14entertainment hhstoday.com | May 2015

Enjoy the FESTivities

Summer music festivals Put those tips to good use at any of these music festivals. Music artists of almost all genres will be performing in the Tampa Bay area. Here are a few of the upcoming performances.

MidFlorida Ampitheatre’s Summer Concert Series* June 6: Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson July 12: Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery and RaeLynn July 25: Slipknot, Lamb of God and Bullet For My Valentine Aug. 16: J. Cole, Big Sean, YG and Jeremih Vinoy Park July 3: Vans Warped Tour July 26: Slightly Stoopid

Music fests: the breeding ground for young people to live, thrive and explore the best contemporary music. Here are some essentials to survive your next festival weekend.

Shelby Shoup Entertainment Editor As all festival veterans know: music fests are exhausting.

The constant blaring music, beating sun and endless standing are enough to weather down even the most resilient fans. However, there are a few protips that every fest newbie should know to make the best of their experience.

BRING MONEY, NOT BOTTLES Many venues will not allow concert-goers to bring their own water bottles, for fear of smuggling alcohol into the event. Bring enough money to buy at least two meals, multiple snacks, and several bottles of water. Combatting dehydration will be one of your major tasks.

BALANCE COMFORT AND STYLE No matter how great your aesthetic is, you need to keep comfort and safety in mind. Sure, your strappy sandals look great with your high-waisted shorts, but your toes will be trampled by the end of the night. Hats, sunglasses and closed toed shoes (Vans style being most preferable) are absolute necessities.

Although short sleeves and shorts are your best bet for summer festivals, bringing a light jacket is never a bad idea for when the evenings get a little chilly.

*For the entire summer concert series, go to visittampabay.com

THE ESSENTIALS:

TOWELS ARE YOUR BEST FRIEND There will be acts that you would die without experiencing, and there will be acts that you could not care less about seeing. During the acts that aren’t really your jam, take a break from standing near the stage, to prevent serious backaches the next day.

Bring a towel or old blanket to sit on; the grass can be wet and itchy. You can converse with your friends while listening to the music.

KEEP TABS ON YOUR PHONE It’s far too easy to lose your phone at a music festival, especially in the throngs of people near the stage. Keep your phone in a front pocket or even a fanny pack (which are actually coming back in style). Just to be sure, double check that it’s still in your possession every ten minutes. If you have an iPhone, turn on the “Find My iPhone” feature prior to arrival, so in case you lose it, you can easily retrieve it.

In our own Backyard Bianca Cegatte Opinion Editor

AWOLNATION, Panic! At The Disco, Robert DeLong, Vinyl Theater, Night Riots, In The Valley Below, Denim Blue and Save The Radio all visited Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg on May 23 for the 97X radio station’s annual Backyard Barbecue.

“I [went] because I was born to be a goth baby... There [were] a lot of awesome bands and every concert has a mosh pit.”

—Alisha Miller, 12

“[I went] because my fiancé [took] me and I love rock music. [Rock music] makes me feel like I can express myself.”

—Jazmin Gibbs, 10

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sports15

May 2015 | hhstoday.com

Two Terriers take state track title

From left: Coach Jesse Tate, Rachel Nieland, Madison Forbis, Gillian Boyce, Caroline Suddath, Allie Snow and coach Alex Thome pose for a picture after the FSRA Sweep States. (Photo courtesy Caroline Suddath)

Crew skips out on nationals

Amber Shemesh Online Editor Only the top three scholastic boats in Florida qualified for nationals. Hillsborough’s Junior Women’s Four was one of them.

“When we got to the finish line, we were neck and neck with this [other] boat. If we’d been one second slower, we wouldn’t have qualified. So we really had to fight for it,” sophomore rower Caroline Suddath said of the state competition that qualified the boat for nationals.

Rachel Nieland, the coxswain of the boat, said that she “never thought that something like that would happen” for her. Nationals are held in New Jersey in late May; however, the team won’t be attending.

The boat consists of junior Gillian Boyce, sophomore Allie Snow, freshman Madison Forbis and sophomores Nieland and Suddath. They’d practiced several times before racing in states; however, they were still a relatively new boat, so finding out that they qualified for nationals was “extra special,” said Snow. The initial excitement among the team turned to disappointment after the boat collectively agreed to not go to nationals.

“We were kinda a boat divided- half of us, Allie and Madison really wanted to go, along with our coxswain Rachel. Gillian and I were kinda apprehensive about it,” said Suddath, “We decided that we weren’t gonna go. It was really upsetting cause we all really wanted to, but financially it was really expensive, and we weren’t really prepared, and Allie was in-

jured. The negatives outweighed the positive, and we were just trying to be realists and understand that we would have another chance in another year.”

Unlike the rest of the rowers in the boat, this is Boyce’s second time qualifying for nationals. From her prior experience, she said that nationals is an “experience to appreciate,” and that the training leading up to the event is intense. As a junior, Boyce was also concerned with increasing amounts of schoolwork.

Another reason the boat is not to go to nationals is Snow’s injury. Snow was born with hip dysplasia, meaning her hip socket doesn’t fully cover her upper thighbone.

“My hip is deformed, so it hurts every time I move, so rowing is hard.”

First year rower Forbis is also upset about the decision not to go to nationals, and she thinks the team could’ve done well. “It was obviously nationals, so it would be a good way to show off what we could do,” she said, “[But] it would be in New Jersey, and if you don’t qualify for the next day, you can just get kicked out. Also, exams were coming up, so a lot of people in the boat had stuff to do.”

Nieland was extremely angry at first. She felt like she was being deprived of an experience that she should’ve had. Eventually, it turned into sadness, and she said gradually she’ll get over it.

“Next year, if we qualify for nationals,” Nieland said, “we’re definitely going.”

Matt Lutton Sports Editor Two Terriers took first place at the state meet — Dwayne Lawson in triple jump and Chloe Jones in shot put.

For Lawson, winning at the state level is nothing new, as he won the same event last year. “I was pretty confident going in,” Lawson said. “I knew I had a good chance to do something special.”

This year however, his title was threatened by a hamstring injury he suffered in the regional meet. “Everybody came into the meet in some pain,” said sophomore Duran Bell, a fifth-place finisher in the 400.

“Through all the pain we worked hard.

Dwayne went out there and did what he could.”

Lawson reinjured the hamstring in his third and final attempt at the triple jump, relying on the score from his first two for the win. “I was running on pure adrenaline and it was awesome,” Lawson said.

Jones relied on her consistency to take first.

She faced more experienced competition, but was able to throw a personal best to win. “A lot of the other competitors had higher throws coming in, but they weren’t able to consistently throw that,” Jones said. “I was consistent with my throwing.”

“She doesn’t get stressed out. She didn’t let her anxiety take over,” said coach Jean Wiser on Jones’ performance. “She was very consistent throughout the year.”

Despite having only three members advance to the state meet, the girls team finished fourth with a score of 27.

Jada Roberson and Daneesha Davidson added points to help the Terriers finish well. “If we had more members, we could have more people going to states and do better there,” Jones said.

“It doesn’t matter how big your team is,” Wiser said about the season. “As long as everyone works together as a team, you can be victorious in the end.”

Wiser and boys coach Joseph Sipp were both voted Coach of the Year by other area coaches.

Wiser credits the hard work and dedication of the runners for her accolades. “It’s all based on the performance of our team,” Wiser said. “And [with a fourth place finish in the state,] we did better than any other Hillsborough County team.”

Girls Basketball

Girls Track

District Champions 2015

District Champions 2015

Banners still blank Red & Black published an editorial in November about the blank banners in the gym. The editorial called for the school to acknowledge the victories of our teams. This year, both our girls basketball and track teams won district championship titles, but the banners remain blank. This needs to be fixed.

By fall, the school should celebrate our athletes by filling the banners and prepare to recognize the championships to come. If this isn’t done, the successes of our teams will become things of the past.

-Tegan Smith

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hhstoday.com | May 2015

“I developed a love for sports, despite all of the hard work I put into it. I just love what I get out of it.”

Dwayne Lawson|Football Photo by Katie Frost

“I love being out there with my teammates and being able to support them. The teammates are important and they help you learn a lot about yourself.”

“I enjoy being part of a team and working hard to achieve a goal. I like to win!”

Alex Lutton|Volleyball

Khoi Wilson|Basketball Photo by Ahava Jernigan

Photo by Gillian Boyce

Why I “Win or lose, (usually in cross country it’s lose because of how many and how fast other runners are) I get to just enjoy myself.”

Daniel Saltares|Cross Country

COMPETE By the time students reach their senior year, most of them find their niche in high school. From mathletes and debaters to Thespians and musicians, they slowly file into the subdivisions of the student body.

These are the students who run, who throw, who kick, who hit, who score, who dance, who play. These are the athletes. And this is why they complete.

—Tonje Skraastad and Annie Aguiar

Marco Alvarez|Baseball Photo courtesy Jake Kennard

Devan Adhia|Tennis Photo courtesy Jake Kennard

Photo by Jessica Thornton

“My dad was a baseball player and I want to take after him. And just going out there, just working hard, getting better. It makes everything so much, you know, fun.”

“I compete first of all for my school, for my team mates and then for myself. You’re going out there everyday and you’re testing yourself.”

“I also like staying active and it’s nice to be able to do that in ways that aren’t solely focused on working out.”

Hayley McAleese|Soccer Photo by Katie Frost

“I like competition and winning, but mostly I wanted to continue dancing throughout high school because it’s something I love.”

Rachel Chang|Dancerettes Photo by Katie Frost