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December 2013 | hhstoday.com
Once an artist, always an artist Art teacher Peggy Watts retiring in the new year after 42 years of teaching
change over time and “become betDana Dinh ter people.” Now, after 42 years, 16 of Staff Writer those at Hillsborough, Watts is retirEvery morning, Peggy Watts’ ing. She made the decision to retire alarm goes off at exactly 5 a.m. She because her husband Ralph, also an leaves home 45 minutes later and art teacher, retired in June and they stops at Starbucks for tea or cofwanted “some quality years together” fee before entering her classroom at before they “get too old.” 6:15 and getting all of her “ducks in “You always think about retirea row.” For her entire life Watts has ment when you’re working, but it alwoken up with a “preset purpose” to ways seems so far away. Right now it her day: to teach students art. seems so surreal, almost like a dream, Even before she became an art but I’m excited to venture forth in this teacher, Watts has loved art, espenew time in my life,” Watts said. cially drawing and painting. After retiring, Watts plans to spend “I like seeing the new, creative a lot of time volunteering at her grandways that people think about art and children’s school. She has two grandexpress it on canvas or paper. I like children, Raleigh and Aiden. how we can all look at the same obShe will also be spending time ject and see it differently,” Watts said. pursuing her many creative hobbies, However, Watts’ initial career including painting, scrapbooking and plan involved a different kind of art. “I was originally going to become “Mrs. Watts taught us the basic principles [of designing children’s clothing. Watts may be getting ready to seta graphic designer, but I knew that I art] and gave us the freedom to express ourwould have to move to a bigger city selves, which is the true essence of art,” senior tle into quieter life, but her departure from Hillsborough definitely won’t be and put in more hours … I wouldn’t Aaren Zhu said. (Portrait by Aaren Zhu) quiet and unnoticed. have time for family,” Watts said. “I Junior Ferriss Thomsen said that decided to become a teacher because he’ll miss Watts, but he’s glad that she is “moving to less stressful I liked the work schedule and I’ve always loved kids.” According to Watts, teaching has been a gratifying experi- life.” According to senior Stranesha Thomas, Watts is a “wonderful ence. The best part was the friends she made and the students she taught. Her favorite part about working with students is art teacher, a great person to talk to and a caring person with a watching them overcome their struggles and frustrations, good heart.’
Psychology students get altruistic Aleesha Mundra Photo Editor IB psychology seniors plan to donate goods to underprivileged families in the coming weeks. The project was created after students learned about altruism or selflessness in the IB psychology class. The students receive service hours for helping the families; however they
do not receive either extra credit or a grade. IB psychology teacher Nicole Richardson said “I started the project when I was at Armwood, it is important for students to help someone else.” Psychology Club president Yanet Cordova has been coordinating the project. The project allows students to apply what they learn in class in the real world.
After-school eateries Josie Chappell Staff Writer To stay in competition with big corporations and chains, small businesses have to bring a lot to the table These are three examples of restaurants only minutes from the school.
The Refinery is one local restaurant. The Refinery wants to promote the community by buying fresh and in-season ingredients from local vendors. The combinations of components may seem strange the flavors always combine perfectly.4 stars. 5137 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
From the street view of Cappy’s, one might assume it’s just another drab pizzeria, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Large booths and arcade game classics line the walls. The menus are printed onto old record sleeves and a small motorized train circles the restaurant, creating a vintage ambiance. You can watch the pizzas being freshly made through the view of the open kitchen which adds to the ambience. Cappy’s is a great place to take a group of friends.Due to the unique atmosphere and the fact that they only sell pizzas by the whole. 5 stars. 4910 N Florida Ave Tampa, FL 33603
Mikey’s Café and Bakery Co. is a small local restaurant that offers a great casual dining experience with a variety menu options. The décor features pieces from the Seminole Heights history throughout the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. Mikey’s is great for lunch or in between meals because it offers a variety of foods such as soups and pastries. 4 stars. 6114 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33604