Red & Black, November 2012

Red & Black

Florida’s first high school newspaper  Hillsborough High School  5000 N. Central Ave. Tampa, Fla. 33603  Volume 113, No. 2  November 2012

It all comes down to us Tampa is a key battleground in the 2012 election -Pages 6-7 Hear what students have to say about the campaign -R&B magazine

R&B Students decide What young voters are saying about the 2012 election

Check out the first issue of R&B, which focuses on student opinions on the 2012 election

President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have made multiple visits to the Bay area during the campaign to secure the swing vote. (Photos by Gabriella McIntyre and Aleesha Mundra)

Possible eligibility issue may threaten district title Jefferson may have a player who is academically ineligible, which could cause a three-way tie at the top of the district. -Page 12

www.hhstoday.com

Players celebrate after beating King.

(Photo

by Jimmy Herd-Bond)

News Dr. Orr shares his history

By Kristine Lee Life Editor

After 35 years in the school system, Principal Dr. William Orr is preparing to retire in June.

As he prepares to “graduate” with the Class of 2013, Orr reflected on this job and others from his career.

Starting in junior high then through college Orr had the typical jobs of a teenager. He worked at McDonald’s, a grocery store, and then in college Orr made his way through in many different bands.

Orr’s first band was called Paragons. After the Paragons ended he was in the Fabulous Rogues, then the Glades.

He ended his music career

with the Dixie Hobo Band, before moving on to be an insurance investigator for three years after college.

Orr started off his school career at Tampa Bay Technical High School then moved on to Chamberlain, where he taught English.

He then became assistant principal at Armwood High School for 20 years.

Orr’s children have followed in his footsteps, all teaching in Hillsborough County.

All of his children attended University of South Florida and now teach at high schools around the county.

His oldest son teaches at Armwood, his daughter at East Bay and his son in his first year of

teaching at Steinbrenner High School.

After Orr retires he is interested in teaching at the university level.

Orr also has other projects he plans to work on.

“I have some writing projects I’m interested in doing such as a book on my experience in the school system for 35 years. I’m also interested in writing a cookbook, a book on philosophy and a book on religion” Orr said.

Orr is interested in creating a Cajun cookbook and hopes to get his books published. “I also want to travel to places such as the Grand Canyon, Scotland and Ireland,” Orr said.

November 2012

Principal William Orr makes school announcements. He makes sure to sign off with “Have a great day and Go Big Red!” (Photo

by Rachel Mowat)

History of Hillsborough reveals hidden facts about campus

By Kristine Lee and Gabriella McIntryre Life Editor and Staff Writer

H Patio’s history In 1963, the school added the H Patio and bandshell.

Originally, the H Patio and band shell were used for dances and music performances after football games. Before the English hall and media center were built directly behind the band shell and patio in 1995, the area had been a small parking lot for seniors.

There was even a bench located there with a red square around it, acting as the dedicated place on campus for students to smoke.

The Gerber Baby became a teacher Ann Turner Cook, the Gerber baby, taught literature and creative writing at Hillsborough in 1966.

Students described her as “a teacher who really communicates with the students” and who, “without any complaints,” “has stayed late, worked nights and with quiet efficiency supported her staff in their monumental task” in the 1972 Hilsborean school yearbook dedicated to Cook, who sponsored the book.

UT originated at Hillsborough The University of Tampa originated at the Hillsborough campus. UT gained its colors of red black and gold from Hillsborough and Plant high schools.

Positive Park started in 1992

Principals stick around for awhile

Positive Park was used as a spot for seniors to eat lunch. There used to be a fish pond, but because it was deemed hazardous, faculty had it removed.

One of the amazing facts about Hillsborough is that there have only been 12 principals since its official establishment in 1885, according to No. 12, Dr. William Orr. That number will hit 13 in 2013.

Hillsborough JROTC has a rifle range that Tampa Police Department previously used for target practice. Now, students including sophomore Gerrardo Sastre, utilize it. (Photo by Gabriella McIntyre)

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News

November 2012

Seminole Heights library closed until late next year

By Nikki Ferrera Life Editor Walking into the Seminole Heights Library on an average weekday afternoon, one might see a librarian sitting at her desk as she checks out books to people.

Or a young Seminole Heightsdwelling woman, searching through the close-together aisles of the fiction section for a Dan Brown novel.

Or a father and his son, browsing Internet pages in one of the two rows of the library’s computer section.

Or maybe students, some solitarily sectioned off, others quietly chatting with friends as they flip through a Freshmen Giannina Leon and Melissa Leslie study at Seminole magazine at one of the several square Heights library. “I think the renovations will be helpful,” Leon tables. said. “I think they’ll make it bigger so they’ll probably have Until this week. more books and more variety.” (Photo by Nikki Ferrera) On Oct. 31, the library shut down

to begin a $6.9 million project designed to renovate and expand the building originally constructed in 1965. It is expected to be finished by late 2013.

The library is a frequent afterschool stop for students from both Memorial Middle and HHS. Several Hillsborough students go to the library daily to hang out with their friends or find a quiet environment to do homework in before they head home for the afternoon.

Senior Terriveo George said, “I come here every day. I usually come to the library to wait on my little sibling and hang out with my friends.”

While several students are still unsure of what they’ll do after school once the Seminole Heights Library closes, others have an idea.

“I try to come here to get work done. I was thinking about going to Starbucks because that’s where I went before I started coming [to the library],” said freshman Giannina Leon.

Library officials are recommending those who need to get to a library during the Seminole Heights renovation period visit surrounding libraries, including John F. Germany Public Library downtown.

The library is next to the school’s junior parking lot. Assistant Principal Derryl Givens was unsure this week if construction would impact parking.

Changes to the library will include adding a second story to the building, a community room, an expanded computer section, more study rooms, sections dedicated to children and teens and a larger area for parking.

Volunteer Spotlight: Alexis Robiner

By Kimmy Rampersad Life Editor Junior Alexis Robiner loves being involved with the club Best Buddies.

She joined the club at the beginning of ninth grade, and has volunteered her time there ever since. “I’ve always loved working with kids with special needs, so when I heard about the club I didn’t hesitate to join,” Robiner said. This year, her best buddy is Chauntcie Grace. He’s 19 and has moderate-severe autism.

“Chauntcie is semi-verbal but he definitely gets his point across. He’s very social, unlike a lot of people with autism. He’s a really amazing young man and so much fun to be paired with,” Robiner said.

Robiner said she really enjoys spending time with Grace. She sees him at least three times a week, sometimes helping him at his desk with whatever he’s working on, or playing a game with him. And some days

she sits and talks with him at lunch.

Robiner said being in the club is “really rewarding” and that the buddies are all such “amazing and sweet people.” She has much more experience working with special needs kids than just the club, though.

“I have an 11 year old brother with Down Syndrome. He’s my best friend and the reason I started getting involved with all of these things,” Robiner said. She also volunteers at Special Olympics events, plays “Buddy Baseball,” and has a job at the Y working with kids with special needs.

“Kids with special needs are just very loving, happy, funny, sweet, and interesting people,” Robiner said. “They tend not to ever judge people. Basically if you’re nice to them, they’ll be nice to you. Unlike most people.”

Robiner hopes to continue working with special needs kids in the future. She’s thinking of a career somewhere along the lines

Alexis Robiner and Chauntcie Grace are paired together through Best Buddies and enjoy a lunch together. (Photo by Kimmy Rampersad) of an occupational or physical therapist for kids with special needs.

“Working with people with special needs

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definitely teaches you patience. It’s also taught me not to worry about things and to be happy, just like them,” Robiner said.

Opinion Red & Black Editors-in-Chief Jacob Gagne Brittany Valencic Section Editors Roksana Borzouei Nikki Ferrera Chrissy Geshel Jimmy Herd-Bond Kristine Lee Kimberly Rampersad Ellie Rodriguez Jennifer Travis Kellen Yent Staff Writers Ivy Bennett-Ford David Blanchard Emilie Brooks Jodeja Chisolm Daniel Dolford Nadiya Fakhar Imraan Rafi Gabriella McIntyre Kourtney Melendi Aleesha Mundra Kyle Rosenthal Holly Schroeder Samantha Votzke

November 2012

EDITORIAL This reflects the viewpoint of the Red & Black staff

Don’t take education for granted If she lived here, Malala Yousafzai would probably be a freshman in high school.

But she lives in Pakistan, where on Oct. 9 she was shot in the head and back by Taliban members.

She was 15, boarding a school van and unknowingly risking her life for the right to equal education for women.

Later, according to CBS News, members of the Taliban said that, if they would had a second chance to shoot and kill Yousafzai, they would take it.

Yousafzai was initially targeted because she was “promoting secularism,” specifically advocating for women’s rights.

Meanwhile, here, almost 8,000 miles away, students are skipping school and falling asleep in their classes. Teenagers are doing drugs in bathrooms and treating school

(Illustration by Sydney Seekford) as a fashion show rather than a place for learning. Yousafzai had her life on the line for the very thing many take for granted.

Having the right to a free education, regardless of gender or race, should be appreciated.

It’s understandable that students may have problems with

certain parts of school, but we can’t give up on our education and we cannot treat it as if it doesn’t matter.

Although Pakistan may seem far away, it must be remembered that not too long ago this country was fighting for the right to equal education too.

Yousafzai is heralded as a hero throughout the world, she represents a struggle that has been too long overlooked.

Yousafzai was a voice that cried out for justice for herself and those like her. She was the change she wanted to see in the world.

School is difficult and frustrating. But not even attempting to succeed or make the most of it is disrespectful to those like her who fight for such a basic right.

To give up on school is to give up on her.

Adviser Joe Humphrey, MJE Principal Dr. William Orr Jr. The Red & Black belongs to the Florida and National Scholastic press associations. This newspaper considers itself an open forum for student expression; however, 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.

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 joseph.humphrey@sdhc.k12.fl.us.

www.hhstoday.com

Principal disagrees with staff ’s view on Advanced Placement Editor: I have read your recent editorial regarding the placement of students in Advanced Placement courses.

I believe that while this is stated as opinion, some discussion of the facts surrounding the placement of students is warranted in order to enable readers to reach informed conclusions.

Your first sentence, “Advanced Placement (AP) courses do not necessarily benefit all students” is true as far as I can tell.

However, it should be noted that no teacher or administrator has asserted that AP classes do benefit all students.

You state: “There are students who may not be able to handle the workload. It can be a detriment to student’s GPA since AP classes weigh more than traditional classes.”

This is partially true.

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The honors points for success in these courses are weighted higher. In cases of non-success, there is no difference.

The editorial states clearly that it “reflects the viewpoint of the Red & Black staff.”

If this is true, I lament this fact, since the tone of the editorial hints at elitism and shows no attempt to obtain factual information.

From 2005 to 2009, the number of honor graduates in the traditional program averaged between 28 and 32.

In 2010, we had 46. In 2011,we had 49.

In 2012, we had 67.

The difference has been the academic rigor of their AP courses that many took without actively choosing them.

William T. Orr, Jr. , Principal

November 2012

Briefly

@HHSToday.com Updates from this week's club meetings

Seminole Heights Market brings business to Hillsborough Food trucks, a produce stand, art vendors and small businesses come to sell their products every second Sunday of the month on the front lawn at the Seminole Heights Market.

“It’s a good time for the whole family,” said Sophia Diaz-Carraway, a freshman and repeated patron of the market. “There are chickens and the drama teacher’s band even plays.”

Hillsborough receives a portion of the profits for providing the marketplace venue.

The next market will be held Sunday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

-Josie Chappell

Bottle caps for cancer Students and teachers are being asked to keep their plastic bottle caps and donate them to the JROTC program.

The caps will be donated to a Tampa Bay area family that is dealing with cancer.

The caps will be taken to a local company who will supply the family with funds to help pay for the care of the mother who is very ill.

-Jodeja Chisolm

Student journalists place at FSPA Hillsborough media students won 10 awards Friday, Oct. 5 at the Florida Scholastic Press Association District 4 meeting, more than any other school in attendance.

More than 40 students from the Red & Black, Hilsborean yearbook and HELM literary magazine attended the workshop.

Junior Liz Tsourakis was elected to the FSPA student board.

Journalism teacher Joe Humphrey said, “It’s an honor to advise such talented students, and a pleasure to outscore some of our neighboring schools!”

First place: Alex Lutton (candid photo), Aaren Zhu (hand-drawn illustration), Roksana Borzouei, Jodeja Chisolm (point-counterpoint opinion page)

Joe Goldthorp cheers on the team at the Armwood game. (Photo by Hannah Baade)

Band receives superior rating at Lion's Pride competition The Big Red Band was recently awarded superior at the Lion’s Pride on Oct. 20. They scored a 1 out of 5 in all categories, with 1 being the highest possible score received.

Not only was there an overall band competition, there was also a drum

battle between schools.

For the past two years, Hillsborough’s drum line has placed first. This year however, they were eliminated in the first round.

Blake ultimately won the battle. This came as a disappointing blow to band members.

Second place: Brittany Valencic, Jake Gagne (news anchor) Third Place: Kaitlin Fosse (poetry), Ellie Rodriguez (deadline news story), Kaeley Starling (short story) Honorable mentions: Kaitlin Fosse, Nicholas Serale, John Veliz (literary magazine cover), Roksana Borzouei (review writing), Ellie Rodriguez (short story) -Jodeja Chisolm

Nonetheless the band is confident they will do well at the next competition. Band members Kelly Cochran and Mark Hernandez predict they will receive superior again at their next competition on Nov. 3.

- Ellie Rodriguez

Debate team succeeds at Blue Key The debate team took home four trophies Oct. 27 at Blue Key, the largest college sponsored debate tournament in the nation with over 1,200 high school participants.

Four competitors from HHS placed. Junior Caleb Hall and sophomore Lucy Gutierrez placed in duo interpretation, junior Anna Pennington placed in original oratory and senior Brittany Valencic also placed in the same category.

-Jodeja Chisholm

Thespians win five superiors At the District 9 Thespians Individual Events, Thespians received five straight superiors and four excellents out of 10.

Caroline Hamby, Kelsey Leggett and Tani Pittard received superiors in solo musicals, monologues and small group musical.

They will compete at Thespian State Festival in March.

-Jodeja Chisolm

New freshman class president just wants 'to be heard' Newly elected freshmen president Hugh Nguyen said he hopes to unite the school as well as implement new fundraisers.

This year, Nguyen hopes to introduce new fundraisers, like Treats for Troops (an organization that sends supplies to troops

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stationed overseas). Nguyen is also interested in planning a possible field day type activity for IB and traditional freshmen to “unite” the school.

He attributes his presidential win to the support of previous Williams students, “because they already knew me and my history.” Nguyen was the eighth-grade class president at Williams after being elected in seventh grade. By helping to plan school dances and fundraisers, he says that he has become “more mature.”

“I’m doing this all for me,” he says “I want to impress myself, not my parents.” Nguyen said he really wants to represent his school and change lives.

“I want to be heard just like anyone else.”

- Paige Hill

Administration offers new attendance incentives Assistant Principal Jeremy Klein has implemented new incentives in order to see more kids in school.

He says that "attendance has already increased from 94.7 percent to 96 percent."

For this grading period, homerooms with the best attendance will be awarded tickets at the end of the week along with gift certificates at the end of the quarter. With those tickets, kids can Jeremy Klein skip to the head of the lunch line.

“From what I heard at lunch, a lot of the kids really enjoyed skipping to the front of the line,” Klein said said of the incentives' effectiveness in the first week.

Students, however, don't seem sold.

Sophomore Eric Barker said incentives “don’t really make me want to go to school more.”

“The incentives aren’t going to do anything," said sophomore Sienna Barrera, "people will just skip the line anyway.”

-Ivy Bennett-Ford

Focus

Focus

November 2012

The battle that will win the war

By Roksana Borzouei Commentary It is simple logic.

Candidates win elections by winning swing states and swing states are won by winning swing counties. That makes Hillsborough County the most important county in this election.

Though swing states decide the election, not every county is a swing county.

In Florida, Miami-Dade County is a Democratic stronghold, so the direction Florida will swing is decided

by Hillsborough County.

Since Florida has more electoral votes than any other swing state, it makes Hillsborough County the most pivotal in the election.

Nationally, Hillsborough County is the largest swing county of the largest swing counties of swing states, with more than 1.2 million residents.

More than being the largest swing county, Hillsborough County is a small-scale template of the geopolitical dispersion of America.

The suburbs of Hillsborough County are generally Republican and the urban city center is firmly Democratic, with large populations of African-Americans and Hispanics.

Typically, rural areas turn out Republican, such as the

Midwestern states, and urban areas turn out Democrat, such as New York.

Due to the importance of this county, both the Obama and Romney campaigns have spent more in Florida than any other state.

As reported by a Washington Post analysis of public data, out of $133 million, Democrats spent $62 million and Republicans spent $71 million on ads in Florida.

That same analysis showed that $38 million was spent on 36,680 ads in the Tampa market. This was more than any other city in Florida and equal only to Charlotte, N.C. Besides the millions each side has pumped into Florida, both candidates have visited Tampa and the surrounding area at least three times each within the past several months. The city also hosted the Republican National Convention.

Obama has opened 77 field offices to challenge the Republican leaning state, while the Romney campaign opened 47 field offices.

A victory for Romney hinges on winning Florida, because without it he has to rely on winning the nine other swing states.

That makes Romney’s Plan B, winning without Florida, seem unlikely as re-

cent trends of various polls show Pres. Obama leading in Ohio and Pennsylvania, two of the swing states.

Obama has a higher chance of winning without Florida. In one scenario, reported by The New York Times, Obama could lose Ohio, Wisconsin and New Hamshire, win Iowa, Nevada, Colorado and Virginia, and win without Florida.

That is why the effects of the votes in Hillsborough County are seen more than those of votes in predominantly Democratic or Republican states.

Historically, the winner in Hillsborough County has been the winner in the county. A Republican candidate has not won the presidency without winning Florida since Calvin Coolidge in 1923.

There is still much uncertainty between the leads of each candidate in each swing state and there are still toss-ups like Virginia and Colorado, but polls have consistently showed that Romney’s chances of winning without Florida drastically drop to near nothing, while Obama can win in different scenarios without Florida’s 29 votes.

Borzouei, a senior and News Editor of the Red & Black, has volunteered for the Obama campaign.

Money spent on TV ads in swing states

Obama rallies in Seminole

Romney rallies in Land O’ Lakes

62 Florida 71 57 Ohio 58 26 Colorado 28 22 Iowa Republican candidate Mitt Romney addresses the crowd at Land O’ Lakes High School at a “Victory Rally” on Saturday, Oct. 27. He returned to Tampa a few days later. (Photo by Aleesha Mundra) Mitt Romney stopped in Land O’ Lakes on the campaign trail.

On Oct. 27, thousands of people crowded the stands of Land O’ Lakes High School’s football stadium.

Romney made his entrance via helicopter nearby the field at 8:07 p.m. to a crowd of enthusiastic supporters. Romney addressed many issues including education and unemployment.

Focusing on education, Romney said, “When you graduate you will be able to get a job.”

Speaking on unemployment, a prominent issue in the 2012 election, Romney said, “23 million Americans are out of work looking for a job,

15 million more than when [Obama] started being president.” Romney outlined his plan to create jobs in manufacturing and supplying energy through natural resources.

Romney hit a patriotic note by telling a story about a Boy Scout troop who created an American flag for NASA to fly in the space shuttle Challenger that survived the explosion in perfect condition.

At the end of the “Victory Rally” the crowd chanted “10 more days” until Election Day when Republicans hope there will be a change in the executive office.

-Chrissy Geshel

During a visit to the Seminole campus of St. Petersburg College, President Barack Obama discussed education, jobs and health care. He was also in Ybor City last week. (Photo by Gabriella McIntyre) President Obama stopped in nearby Seminole on Sept. 8 to kick off his bus tour through I-4 Corridor, his campaign’s first stop after the Democratic National Convention.

Obama spoke to a crowd of 11,000 at St. Petersburg College. He focused on jobs, health care, the military and new energy. These issues are pressing to Floridians with a high unemployment rate, high number of senior citizens and MacDill Air Force Base.

Referring to ObamaCare, Obama said, “By the way I do care. So I like the term ObamaCare.

Mr. Romney says he’s going to repeal it, which means his plan is ‘Romney don’t care.’”

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Speaking on education Obama said, “I don’t believe that firing teachers or taking students off of financial aid, students who go right here to this institution… [is] going to help our economy.”

Obama made explicit requests for Floridian votes. He said, “I’m asking for your help, so Florida, can you make some phone calls for me? Can you knock on some doors for me?

“Will you tell your friends and neighbors about what’s at stake in this election? Will you register? Will you vote? Because if you do we will win this county, we will win Florida and we’ll finish what we’ve started,” he said.

-Roksana Borzouei

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= $10 million

One money bag represents $10 million spent on television ads. The red money bags represent Republican spending and the blue money bags represent Democratic spending.

Graphic by Chrissy Geshel; Source: Washington Post

Life

@HHSToday.com REVIEW: Call her, maybe?

Carly Rae Jepsen’s new album

R&B REVIEWS

VIDEO GAME: NBA 2K13

ALBUM: Taylor Swift, Red

By Jimmy Herd-Bond Review Taylor Swift needs to stop. Taylor Swift has a very well defined style. That style is country, maybe even country pop.

The new album “Red,” is most definitely not in that genre. It has been anything but impressive overall.

These new songs are just not Taylor Swift. They do not personify the style that has made Taylor Swift famous.

The biggest difference is the lack of personality in these new songs; they all sound insincere. There is a logical answer for this discrepancy. The difference is in the writing of the new album. Where her previous albums have been singular en-

By David Blanchard Review The newest installment of the video game series, NBA 2K13, provides basketball fans with great graphics and realistic gameplay.

NBA 2K13 feels like a real basketball game. The game look fantastic and players are given control of their team in every way possible.

deavors, this new one features songs that have been written in collaboration with other artists.

The best collaborations, “The Last Time (feat. Gary Lightbody)” and “Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran),” are some of the strongest titles on the new album. Both songs are a departure from the usual style, but they’re done well. Both songs create a sound that is reminiscent of a country ballad or indie music.

Ironically, some of her other experimental songs, including “I Knew You Were Trouble,” did not produce the same reaction. They were attempts to imitate the bland clichéd pop songs popular with the youth.

NBA 2K13 is the most realistic basketball game out there. Players react to their surroundings the way they should, all of the sounds like fans cheering or the basketball being dribbled on the court sound like they do in real life.

When simply playing a game gets old, NBA 2K13 contains many different modes to keep you interested. Whether you take the role of a general manager or become a hall of famer, the level of detail found in the game is outstanding.

CONCERT: Streetlight Manifesto at The Plaza Live

By Emilie Brooks Review A venue full of hyped-up ska fans fill the venue with loud trumpet solos, fast guitar riffs and raspy vocals. Pull all those factors together and you’ve got an insanely good show on your hands.

The vibes are upbeat and you can feel the rush of people dancing along to the angsty lyrics echoing off the walls.

Lead singer Tomas Kalnoky has created a strong connection with the crowd, as people chant and cheer along to

MOVIE: Looper

By Gabriella McIntyre Review Time travel has almost always been a tough subject for movies to cover. Fortunately, this is no problem for Looper, as the topic is cleverly used as a backdrop rather than a focal point.

Circa 2074, time travel is invented. However, this story takes place 30 years before, in 2044. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Joe in this action packed movie. Joe is a Looper, someone who has to kill those sent back in time by criminals of the future. A status quo is set up; there’s a lot of partying, weird new drugs and “vintage” cars. For Joe, this status quo is shattered when he is faced with having to kill his future self.

November 2012

The bulk of the plot begins when Bruce Willis, who plays Joe’s future self, escapes from his own death in attempt to fix the future. This young Joe determines he must kill his future self in order to preserve his present, while future Joe has a mission of his own.

Looper definitely keeps the gears in one’s mind turning and is hard to classify genre-wise.

Time travel movies are often associated with predictable endings, but director Rian Johnson proves with Looper that he is not one for such faux pas. The casting is spectacular and the movie is sure to keep your focus and keep you guessing about what could possibly happen next.

“Here’s To Life,” a fast-tempo fan favorite.

It’s not every day you get to see such a large group of people on one stage, creating a cacophony of brilliantly combined instruments. Simple stage settings help create an intimate, raw feel.

It was when the soothing guitar chords to “A Better Place, A Better Time” began that I could feel a real connection to the band and the crowded venue.

“The Big Sleep” closes the show, giving one last beat of the drum and bow of the horn before saying goodnight.

CONCERT: Imagine Dragons/AWOLNATION at the Ritz Ybor

By Vinny Ruia Review The concert opened with ZEALE, a new hip-hop/indie, electric dance band. I myself didn’t like the hip-hop/rap aspect of their music but I enjoyed the heavy drums and the DJs. The main reason I went to this show was because of Imagine Dragons. I enjoyed them at 97X’s Backyard Barbeque a few months ago when they were still “underground.” Last night, they seemed more mature, not matching the same level of energy but balancing their with

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more powerful music. The jumping, screaming and surfing crowd was unbelievable.

Everything the bands gave, the crowd gave back. Ruia with Dan ReynAWOLNATION olds of Imagine Dragwas the headlining ons. (Photo courtesy band of the night of Ruia) with well-known hits like “Sail.” It featured heavy bass and guitars but also had feelgood songs.

Life

November 2012

Something’s Cooking

By Nadiya Fakhar and Imraan Rafi

When Halloween creeps around, there is almost always leftover candy lying around the house. Here are a few simple recipes using Halloween candies, that require minimal steps and cooking skills. They use Snickers, Reese’s, M&M’s and Sweet Tarts/gummies.

Sweet treats made from leftover Halloween candy

Reese’s Crumbles

Snickers Cookies Ingredients Cookie Dough Snickers

Instructions Slice snickers and place on top of portioned pieces of cookie dough. Bake cookie dough according to directions on packaging.

Ingredients Cookie dough

Ingredients

Brownie mix

for brownie mix

Reese’s cups

Muffin pan

Instructions Fill one-third of the muffin cup with cookie dough, place reeses cup face down on top of it. Prepare brownie mix according to package and then place the prepared mix in the tray until it is two-thirds full, bake for 15 minutes.

Comments Junior Arpan Parekh said, “Nice texture.

Crunchy on the bottom and soft on top.

Good balance of flavor.”

Comments “It’s so chocolaty and delicious. There’s peanut butter in there too, it’s just too good,” said senior Sandy Tran.

Sophomore Emily Rodriguez said, “It’s chewy and chocolaty. I’d definitely consider making it.”

“Chocolaty, rich, chewy. Has the ideal balance of crisp to chewy,” said senior Evan Metzier.

Quick bites for students around Seminole Heights

By Holly Schroeder Staff Writer

I 275

Map by Holly Schroeder

Wilder Ave

HHS

Osborne Ave

MLK Blvd

Central Ave

Hillsborough Ave

Florida Ave

The Seminole Heights area is full of quick and cheap places for Hillsborough students to grab a bite, including a diverse range of foods.

The festive environment of Taco Bus, a traveling Mexican restaurant, serves a variety of Mexican food such as tacos, burritos and quesadillas. The convenient Nebraska Avenue location is a mere six-tenths of a mile away from school.

Mauricio Faedo’s bakery, adjacent to Hillsborough High School on Florida Avenue, is a tasty way for students to start their mornings. While the local business specializes in Cuban breads, they are not limited in their assortments of fresh baked goods.

Starbucks proves not only to be a national favorite with just under 20,000 locations, but also a personal favorite of students, with the closest one being just three-tenths of a miles away from campus.

The Starbucks is on the corner of Hillsborough and Central avenues.

There is a location of another nation favorite within walking distance from the school, McDonald’s. This McDonald’s location is located on Central Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and is seven-tenths miles away from school. It’s one of the cheaper and faster options.

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Sports

November 2012

One second short: Team of six girls lose to eight girls by a second

Rowers prepare for Head of the Hooch

By Emma Sargent Correspondent The varsity rowing team will be traveling to Chattanooga, Tenn., for the Head of the Hooch this weekend.

Only the fastest boats, consisting of 14 boys and three girls, will be racing at this prestigious regatta.

“There will be about 2,000 boats in all,” said Coach Helen Collins, known as Coach Call to her rowers. “Hooch is the biggest head race in the Southeast area.”

Collins explained that her rowers never know the conditions of the weather or the water, so they must be prepared for any situation that might arise, such as choppy water.

“We’ll be doing a lot of mileage and high intensity workouts to get ready,” Collins said.

The coach has very high standards for both novice and varsity rowers: “They need to put all they have into it. I don’t want just pretty form, I want heart and soul.”

Varsity member Anna Paz promises plenty of both at the regatta. “It’s the passion that keeps me going, I can’t even explain it!” the junior said.

Hooch will affect juniors and seniors immensely. Performing well at this regatta will put these competitors high on the list for college recruiting and scholarships.

Collins has never raced a novice boat at Hooch, because “it’s too intimidating for them. I don’t want them to be too nervous.”

However, this year’s novices could potentially be racing next fall at the Head of the Hooch as varsity rowers.

“It’s just really exciting, because I know that with coach’s help we can do it. We’re going to be amazing!” said freshman novice Paige Hill. “It’s like an addiction, we can’t stop.”

Collins is happy to have eager freshman like Hill on the team. “I’m going to have them for four years. It’s great,” she said.

Choosing the lineups for Hooch is

By Malvika Bapna Correspondent

The crew team prepares for the upcoming Head of the Hooch regatta.

(Photos

by Ellie Rodriguez)

based on which boats have the fastest 5K times.

“I’m only racing the best of the best,” Collins said. “We definitely want to finish in at least the top half.”

The race will take place from Nov. 2-4.

As of now, the varsity rowers will have to give it their all in order to be selected to compete in Hooch.

“You want to know that you have the best race in you,” Collins said. “That’s what really matters.”

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Racing with only six girls to Academy of the Holy Names’ eight, the Hillsborough girls crew team lost by only a second at a recent regatta.

The regatta started at the Tampa General docks and ended at Davis Island Yacht Club Oct. 6. The girls started before Academy.

“We did not start off too well,” said freshman Brianna Maxey, a coxswain.

Some of the girls were having trouble rowing at the beginning of the regatta. There were two speedboats that passed the girls’ boat and they made a wake.

“The speedboat’s wake slowed us down,” freshman Ahava Jernigan said.

Academy caught up to the girls’ boat after the speedboats passed.

“It was very close the entire time,” Maxey said. “It was pretty even. But since they started after we did, they ended up with a better time than us.”

Even though the girls lost, they were very proud of themselves. The girls came back with silver medals for coming in second place at the regatta.

“I think all the girls did really good. We were so close to winning,” said freshman Simi Himatsingani.

“I feel very proud that my girls lost by one second to an eight seater,” Maxey said.

To improve for their next regatta, the girls had a couple of goals.

“We are going to work and train harder,” Jernigan said. “We will try to fix our flaws from before.”

Sports

November 2012

Swimmers, diver advance to regionals

By Kourtney Melendi Staff Writer A third of the swimmers and divers who competed for HHS at districts last weekend are headed to regionals.

The girls team placing sixth at the meet, and will send one relay team, one individual and one diver to regionals.

The boys placing third, sending all of their relay teams and four individuals.

Senior captain Mark Leslie said, “The captains and swimmers gave it their all this season and we have a mammoth amount of swimmers participating in regionals.”

Even though 12 of the 36 swimmers who competed are going to regionals, some races didn’t go over well or at all.

The women’s 4x100 meter relay was disqualified due to leaving the starting block too early.

Some individual races were disqualified when swimmers did not show up to the block on time.

In previous years, districts took place in two parts: preliminary races and finals races that determined which swimmers moved on to regionals.

This year due to Hurricane Sandy, the races were “timed finals,” where swimmers only had to swim one good race and place in the top eight to advance to regionals.

This may have posed a problem for some of the swimmers who were used to swimming two races.

Girls swim coach Nicole Holman was very proud of how the team performed.

“Only having timed finals affected relays and individual races,” she said. “Quite a few of my girls came in ninth and I think that if they had known they would have pushed a little bit harder.”

However some swimmers enjoyed that the meet moved at a quicker pace because the cold weather and windy day made for harsh swimming conditions.

Nine golfers, both teams advance to regionals

William Clarke practices his putt on the 8th hole against Sickles (Photo by Sarah Ravitz)

Event Girls 200 yard medley relay Boys 200 yard medley relay

Nirja Patel, Kayla Childs, Kristine Lee, Daniela Perez Garrett Reidy, Ryan Lavoy, Phillip Hurkey, Andreas Paloumpis

100 yard butterfly, 100 yard backstroke

Garrett Reidy

200 yard freestyle, 100 yard butterfly

Andreas Paloumpis

200 yard Freestyle, 100 yard freestyle

Phillip Hurley

100 yard butterfly, 50 yard freestyle

Jose Diaz

200 yard freestyle relay 200 yard individual medley. 100 yard breaststroke 1 meter diving Boys 400 yard freestyle relay

By Kellen Yent Sports Editor For the first time in recent history, both golf teams advanced to regionals.

Seniors Raahil Patel, William Clarke and Matthew Szabo, and juniors Chris Flaherty and Doug McGuire competed from districts on the boy’s side. The girls who advanced were junior Nina Phan, sophomores Aleesha Mundra and Jessica Thornton and freshman Sarvika Bommakanti.

“We were one of the top three teams in the district, so we qualified for regionals,” Flaherty said. Last year, Clarke was able to play his way to regionals, being one of the top three individuals in the district.

Regionals had overall harder competition and teams that take golf way more seriously, so they did not advance any further, according to McGuire. “We were really just grateful to move on [to regionals].”

The top five who competed at districts

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Regional Qualifier(s)

Ryan Lavoy, Jose Diaz, Chandler Maas, Zachary Wolf Nirja Patel Gabriella Stong Phillip Hurley, Jose Diaz, Andreas Paloumpis, Garrett Reidy are supposed to move up but one girl could not go.

“So since four scores count [out of five players], all of our scores counted at regionals,” Phan explained. “There was no room to mess up.”

The girls’ golf team is a pretty young team, so going to regionals was definitely unexpected for them, according to Phan.

“Freshman year, we barely had a team.

I would have never guessed then that we would have placed at districts, much rather go to regionals. We are the first women’s golf team to do so. [This] is still quite an accomplishment even though we didn’t do as well as we would have liked.”

The girls played the tournament in Orlando at Windermere Golf and Country Club; the boys competed in Temple Terrace.

Mundra explained, “After going and playing these 18 holes, I know what I have to do next year to improve.”

Sports FALL SPORTS UPDATE Varsity Football Notable: Win against Armwood and King may give the Terriers the title of district champion (story, right)

November 2012

Jefferson eligibility issue puts Terriers’ title at risk

By Holly Schroeder and Jake Gagne Staff Writer and Editor-in-Chief The Hillsborough Terriers thought they had secured the Class 6A, District 8 championship with a 46-7 win against King on Friday.

It was then found out that a possible eligibility issue with one of Jefferson’s players may send the leaderboard into a three-way tie between Hillsborough, Sickles and Armwood.

The players and coaches have mixed feelings about this situation.

“We’re a brotherhood, a family, we just kept working hard together to get here,” Senior Jeremiah Green said after the Hillsborough domination of King.

However, coach Earl Garcia said that his players were disappointed about the possible ineligibility of Jefferson’s player and the situation it puts HHS in.

Although Garcia knew about the eligibility fiasco the day before they played King, he kept it from his coaching staff and players because they still had a game to win. “I didn’t want them going into the game down,” he said.

Overcoming a sluggish start and scoreless first quarter the Terriers were inspired by two-way player Nigel Harris’ second quarter, fourth down, 55-yard scoring run. The Terriers went on to score 21 more points in second quarter and never looked back on their way to a convincing win.

Jeremiah Green added a two more TDs and Kenneth Gunn added another during brief but impressive appearance in the third quarter.

Coming off a 3-0 win against Armwood the previous week, Garcia said the championship tasted even sweeter.

Women’s Soccer Season opener: Nov. 1, away vs Robinson Men’s Soccer Season opener: Nov. 6, home vs. Jefferson Girls Basketball Season opener: Nov. 13, home vs Sickles Boys Basketball Season opener: Nov. 28, home vs Spoto Girls Varsity Volleyball Results: Season ended with loss in second round of district tournament Cross Country Upcoming: Districts Nov. 2 at Lake Park Golf Results: Both teams advanced to regionals (story, page 11) Swim & Dive Results: Boys finished 3rd at districts; girls finished 6th (story, page 11) Wrestling Season opener: Nov. 17, away vs Lennard Crew Upcoming: Regatta this weekend (story, page 10)

(Above) Senior running backs Jeremiah Green and Ben George celebrate a touchdown against King.

(Right) Terriers congratulating each other after the King win. (Photos by Jimmy HerdBond)

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“It’s great to beat Armwood anytime you play them,” he said after the game.

Hillsborough’s only points against the Hawks came off a 22yard field goal by senior Chris Sato.

When asked about possibly losing the district title to them, Garcia said that it’s not the opponent you play on the field.

“We have to look at our own mistakes, play against our own shortcomings and not self-destruct.”

If the Florida High School Athletic Association rules that that player was ineligible, Jefferson would forfeit two district wins, including a victory against Sickles.

If both Armwood and Sickles proceed to win their final district games as they are expected to do, they will improve to 5-1.

Since Sickles beat HHS; and HHS beat Armwood; and Armwood beat Sickles, it would create a three-way tie. In that case, there will be a tiebreaker on Monday, Nov. 5 between the schools, with Hillsborough hosting because of its 8-1 overall record.

This tiebreaker would be played with Sickles and Armwood for a quarter, with the winner playing Hillsborough.

If HHS loses its quarter, the Terriers would then face the loser of the first game for the final playoff spot.

Despite the outcome of this possible problem, the team maintain they are the champions.

“We won on the field, regardless of what happens off the field,” Garcia said.

The FHSAA has 10 days to rule on the Jefferson case, but was expected to make the ruling before next Monday’s possible playoff.

No decision had been announced as of Tuesday, Oct. 30.