The Red & Black

THE

RED & BLACK

Florida’s first high school newspaper

Hillsborough High School • 5000 N. Central Ave. • Tampa, Fla. 33603 • Volume 112, No. 5 • March 2012

Community rallies for Trayvon Martin pages 2-3

(Photo by Jake Gagne)

2

News

March 2012

I AM Trayvon Left: Three protesters lead the chant of “I am Trayvon” prior to the members of Real Talk Real Answers and 94.1 DJ Orlando addressing the crowd. Middle left: Tampa resident Carlos Diaz rallies against the Sanford Chief of Police taking a paid vacation in this time of impending crisis. Top: The crowd gathers before the march from Al Lopez Park to MLK Boulevard and Dale Mabry Highway. Above: Senior Nathalie Bazelais speaks out against Trayvon Martin’s death. (Photos by Jake Gagne)

March 2012

News

3

NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE The Tampa Bay area responds to Trayvon Martin’s death

By Elizabeth Gwilt News Editor

“I am Trayvon Martin.”

The crowd starts to chant as they huddle together.

Among them is Millie Pelt, who clutches a bag of Skittles and an iced tea while she looks straight ahead and stands tall—like a soldier.

“I am Trayvon Martin.”

Pelt’s voice starts to crack ever so slightly, and her eyes turn red.

“I am Trayvon Martin.”

Hundreds of people just like Pelt gathered at Al Lopez Park on Saturday, in order to memorialize a loss of life and demand justice.

Trayvon Martin was 17 when he was shot just over a month ago in Sanford, northeast of Orlando. Outrage sparked over the circumstances surrounding his death. Martin was walking home from a convenience store after buying a bag of Skittles and an iced tea while on the phone with his girlfriend. His killer, George Zimmerman, claims he shot the African-American teen in self-defense.

Dozens of rallies have taken place across the country, and Tampa’s protest on Saturday drew crowds of over 1,000 people.

Protesters were encouraged to wear hoodies and carry Skittles, just like Martin was at the time of his murder. The march started at 10:30 with an opening prayer, and proceeded to Dale Mabry.

The rally was planned by the Facebook group Real Talk Real Answers, which is a forum for discussing world issues.

“We contacted the local press and reached out via social media. We just started talking about this rally Wednesday night so it shows how quickly you can mobilize people for a good cause,” Jean Vixamar said.

Martin’s case brings Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law into question.

According to the law, anyone can use deadly force if they are attacked. The U.S. Justice Department opened a civil rights case, and a grand jury is to meet on April 10.

“I’m here today because I have two sons, and I don’t want this to happen to my children or any other child,” Pelt said. “My heart goes out to that family.”

Pelt said that she has been a victim of racial profiling

herself. “Racism isn’t hidden; it’s alive and well. But it needs to be stopped before something like this happens again.”

Some HHS students and teachers participated in the rally. Reading teacher Keisha Pickett even worked behind the scenes.

“I helped Real Talk Real Answers get the media attention needed to put on this event. I was more on the PR side of things,” Pickett said.

“The march was organized so quickly; we were just talking about in on Wednesday night and look what it grew into,” she said.

“As a society we need to come together. It’s not a race issue; it’s a right versus wrong issue,” she said. “Everyone deserves a fair shot in life, and now this kid won’t get a chance to live because a person decided to play a cop.”

Pickett is also a sponsor of YAAMAD, Young African Americans Making A Difference.

“I wish all of my students were out here today. High school is full of bullies, but this event shows how you have to stand up for what is right,” she said.

Pickett urges students to get more involved in positive things in their communities. “Learn more about the things going on in the world. The students are our future. We’re doomed if they don’t have a positive mindset.”

Senior and YAAMAD President Nathalie Bazelais joined Pickett at the march.

“If I lost my brother or cousin I would want my city to fight with me. There is power in unity, and I’m glad we’re doing this in a peaceful way,” Bazelais said.

The YAAMAD president is glad she joined in the protest, and that she took as many photos as possible so she could spread the word.

“I feel like this case is being looked into because we are out here getting attention. We have Obama, CNN and the government weighing in on this now,” she said.

Fellow senior YAAMAD member Julius Griffin first found out about Trayvon through a text message.

“It touched my heart. I was just destroyed and tore apart when I heard about him,” Griffin said.

“Getting shot for having a hoodie on? It hurts me not because I’m an African American, but because I don’t want to live in a society where this type of injustice happens,” he said.

“I was destroyed from the inside out.”

Senior Julius Griffin reiterates President Obama’s message during his protest of the shooting. (Photo by Jake Gagne)

News

4

March 2012

University tuition even higher next year Designed and written by Zack Wright

Due to the minor budget cuts that occurred the past five years, colleges increase tuition each year to make up for the loss. Last summer, the Florida House proposed a budget cut of 250 million dollars to 500 million dollars.

This will have major effects on incoming freshmen next year. University of South Florida originally faced a 68 percent cut in February until the house agreed on a 26 percent cut.

The graph shows the growth in tuition costs since 2010. Tuition costs for each coming year are not factored out until the summer before, however the four major Florida universities have all announced tuition will rise 15 percent.

Growth of Tuition in the Past 2 Years

$

$

$

$

+44% +26%

+25%

+19%

+29%

$

+11%

+4%

+10%

$

Source: www.flsenate.gov

ObamaCare constitutionality reviewed in Supreme Court

By Adam Godbey Staff Writer

ObamaCare, or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, is a comprehensive healthcare reform law that passed Congress in 2010. This month, the U.S. Supreme Court will review whether the provisions in ObamaCare are constitutional.

What you said

Individual mandates will require everyone to purchase health care coverage or pay a fine.

Raised age requirements for health care dependents will allow you to stay on your parent’s health care plan until you turn 26. By 2014, insurance companies will not be allowed to

“No matter how much you make or how poor you are, you will need health care” Debbie Ferro, sophomore “I support it, because you never know when you will get into an accident or will need health care” Kianna Elliot, sophomore “Although health insurance is something every person should have, the availability of coverage should be stressed, not requiring everyone to purchase it.”

Austin Foster, senior

deny you coverage if you have high-blood pressure, existing diseases, or a predisposition for certain diseases.

Health care cost subsidies will provide increased Medicaid assistance for lower-income individuals.

Why Republicans think you should care

Why Democrats think you should care

According to conservatives, these provisions would increase the costs of insurance for all families, especially the middle class.

Social conservatives criticize ObamaCare for requiring contraceptive coverage of employees, regardless of their religious beliefs.

For example, contraceptive use is forbidden to Catholics.

Also, Republicans believe that a provision requiring all individuals by law to purchase insurance coverage is unconstitutional, because the government cannot mandate the purchase of a product that individuals would not otherwise buy.

According to Democrats, these provisions would enable all individuals, regardless of wealth or medical history, to obtain health insurance they can afford.

They also believe that ObamaCare allows us to join other high-income nations that ensure healthcare to all citizens.

For example, Switzerland’s 20-year-old individual mandate and healthcare reform, similar to ObamaCare, now accounts for 11 percent of their GDP as reported by Time magazine while the US’ current GDP budget for healthcare without ObamaCare is 17 percent.

News

March 2012

The Price of Prom Dj + 40 gallons of drinks + 600 finger sandwiches + 400 shrimp + 500 empanadas + 500 chicken fingers + 4 fruit platters + 900 gifts + Las Vegas backdrop + 20 chaperone parking spaces + 6 security officers + 23% service charge + 7% tax + junior class fundraiser + venue =

5 Wondering why Prom costs so much? To the left is everything that goes into making the price, and below are the corresponding prices.

To follow the addition below and their objects, go down the first column, then the second.

$1000 $2000 $1350 $1100 $1125 $1175 $1300 +$3150

$1400 $100 $840 $4140 $1260 $1510 $8550

$30,000 / 400 people =

$75

-Compiled by Jake Gagne and Kristine Lee Illustration by Jake Gagne

Club spotlight: FCA, Soul Signers,YAAMAD who are interested in learning more, whether you know ASL or not,” club sponsor and HHS ASL teacher Desiree Tisci said (room 330).

“We have translated and learned songs in order to perform at both deaf and hearing community events, and we are hoping to do more volunteer work in the future with the Deaf Service Center in Tampa.”

By Kimberly Rampersad Staff Writer

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

Not only do the people in FCA worship God together, but they also do many service projects. They also play sports such as dodgeball when they get together. Sophomore Caroline Hamby, founder of FCA, said, “We go to each other’s youth groups and volunteer a lot. We actually started Bible study on Wednesday mornings, so it’s a good way for us to interact as a club together. God wants us to not only spread his word, but help others too, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.” For more information, visit Valerio Reynolds in room 524.

Sophmores Caroline Hamby and Brittany Young interact with senior citizens. (Photo Courtesy of Catherine Choe)

Soul Signers

Founded by seniors DJayy Jackson and Xavier German, Soul Signers is about exposing student to American Sign Language (ASL) and the deaf culture. “We accept any members

YAAMAD (Young African Americans Making a Difference)

meets on club days, and as often as possible outside of school. Visit Keisha Pickett in room 525 for more information.

Sophomore Chavonne James said, “YAAMAD is an African-American club, but it’s open to everyone. It’s about us getting together and doing good things for the community.” For example, they participate in events like Relay Members of YAAMAD pose during the Jingle for Life and the AIDS walk. They do several Bell Run. (Photo by Keisha Pickett) service projects to help others as well. The club

Opinion Our View

6 Volume 111 No. 5 Editor in Chief Samantha Matras News Editors Jacob Gagne Chrissy Geshel Elizabeth Gwilt Life Editors Nick Bennett Roksana Borzouei Brittany Valencic Sports Editors Katie Lutton Luke Votzke Kellen Yent Opinion Editor Nico Tavella Photo Editor Jimmy Herd-Bond Staff Writers Kristine Lee Fabio DeSousa Alex Rosendo Nadiya Fakhar Holly Schroeder Nikki Ferrera Jenn Travis Amanda Glenz Zachary Wright Adam Godbey Kimberly Rampersad Adviser Joe Humphrey, MJE Principal Dr. William T. Orr Jr.

Don’t make athletes pay Public school sports serve as an outlet for students to build communication skills, release built up energy and stay active in their day-to-day lives.

Both state and federal governments have, in recent years, taken a more involved approach towards the health of the nation’s younger generations.

Many underprivileged children are able to gain a formidable amount of success in life through their mastery of a sport, a journey which most likely started on a public school team.

A recent idea threatens to undermine this opportunity.

Over the past few days, the county has been mulling over a decision that could very well send the portal of opportunity that is public school sports plummeting into the ground: a pay-to-play sports policy.

What this policy entitles, in short, is that any students who want to play a sport sponsored by the school will have to pay a flat rate for each year they participate in their selected sport.

Some might consider this justified by the currently lacking sports budget, but we feel that possibly jeopardizing the futures of students is in no way an appropriate response.

It’s vital to consider the numerous students who, without sports, wouldn’t have the attention of such prestigious colleges

The Red & Black belongs to the Florida Scholastic (All-Florida, 2011) and the National Scholastic (All-American, 2011) press associations. The newspaper considers itself an open forum for student expression and decisions about content are made by student editors. However, the paper is subject to prior review by the school’s administrative staff. The staff editorial reflects the view of student editors and columns represent the viewpoints of their authors. The R&B welcomes letters from students, teachers and members of the Hillsborough community. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity, and should be submitted to Room 506 or to The Red & Black, 5000 N. Central Ave., Tampa FL 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.hhsredblack.com

March 2012

Christine Papy

and most definitely be nowhere near as successful.

Many star athletes at public schools around Hillsborough County, and the nation for that matter, are offered large scholarships from respectable colleges for their adept skills, and more than a handful of these stars wouldn’t be able to afford the tuitions of universities like Notre Dame and Wake Forest without these sports scholarships.

By making students pay to be a part of public sports teams, the school district would be doing little more than inhibiting these students, some of whom might be the next Michael Oher or Venus Williams.

The school district has every right to be concerned about their sports budget: no budget means no sports.

However, such a decision is in no way a productive solution.

Rather, we suggest the school district look for more effective means of budget raising.

For example, perhaps Hillsborough’s athletic department could hold district-wide fundraisers to help raise revenue and rapport within the public school community.

We don’t see the productivity behind the contemplation of passing a policy that would take away the one thing that makes public school sports a window of opportunity for such a wide variety of students, and we hope the board finds another area to cut.

Nick Bennett Commentary

Give students say in teacher reviews For the past year, students and teachers have seen an expansion of the teacher evaluation system.

Two to eight times a year, the normal flow of class is disrupted for these assessments.

Though not reciting lines from Shakespeare, teachers are definitely on stage. Their words and actions are dissected by peer evaluators who are as meticulous as theatre critics.

60 percent of the rubric is decided upon one-time observations, which are not always reflections of day-to-day classroom activities. A teacher who frequently comes to class with no lesson plan can easily make one up for the day of the evaluation, then go back to his or her disinterested instruction once the observational curtain has closed.

If such a loophole exists, then it’s possible that everything invested in the evaluation system merely reflects how well a teacher can prepare for an observation.

Granted, some teacher evaluations are not known of in advance, but teachers know a certain time period for the observations.

One solution is to factor in student opinion. Students see how teachers perform every day. At the end of the year, students could be given a short quiz including questions about teacher preparedness and effectiveness. This data set would be a valuable resource for evaluators.

The importance of having a fair and accurate system for evaluating teachers cannot be understated. Without one, there’s the possibility that unmotivated teachers could deprive students of adequate instruction.

Opinion

March 2012

7

Calling for change: Student begs teachers to put down their phones Coming into high school, I knew there was a lot of things that I would need to adapt to, but at no point in my 12 years as a student did I expect what I’ve noticed as a growing epidemic in the staff of our school: in-class cell phone use. Not by the students, who have been doing that since cell phones were invented, but by the teachers. The difference is Nico Tavella that there are strict regulations Commentary against student use of cell phones in class, while teachers have no such regulation.

The hypocrisy of this system is of course the first thing

Science is our modern day security blanket..

Without which we feel lost and unable to claim too know much about our world. We keep trying to un-earth things to classify, to give us the false sensee of security that our lives are in order. Science iss our new religion, we look to it to explain almostt everything. We claim to understand our world, butt neither science nor religion can ever truly givee us that knowledge, since both are manufacturedd solely to be something we can claim to know.

Gabriella McIntyre, juniorr

that shocks me: how can the administration justify prohibiting students from using their cell phones in class when more than a handful of teachers regularly neglect their students to send a text or take a call? This school’s motto for electronic devices is clearly stated “We see it, we take it” but the problem is that this only applies to students, when it should actually be held for all staff members.

What I find most inconceivable is that teachers who use their cell phones in class on a regular basis are blatantly ignoring the needs of their students. These teachers are being paid to feed information to the minds of teenagers who need it, not to sit around texting or playing on an app while their class looks around awkwardly with brains pleading for some kind of education. So while teachers are favoring their personal technology over their class, the school is practically throwing away money, not to mention countless opportuni-

ent corne m m o r C

Everyone wants to be unique. No one wants to be called a sheep or follower. Everyone wants to be that cool kid that heard it, said it, posted it, or liked it first. But is it really so bad to be a follower every now and then? I don’t think so.

Take a look at the world and you will see the so-called “sheep” making a difference. It’s the masses, the followers that make movements happen. Sometimes, following what everyone else is doing doesn’t make you less of an individual; it makes you an individual that is part of something bigger.

- Marayna Martinez, sophomore

ties for students to actually learn something in a class where information is crucial for success.

It’s vital that the school solves this plague of the machine, starting with a policy that prohibits teachers from having their phones out during class time except in very important situations. Administration should also watch for such actions in evaluations or in passing, with the hope that even the presence of a rule will deter teachers from their phones.

I’m not supportive of teachers losing their phone privileges completely, but I entirely believe that during class time the teacher should put 100 percent of their effort towards instruction without any technological distractions. Teachers are supposed to be the adults that set an example for students during the eight-hour school day, and if teachers are using their phones freely in class then the example of paying attention is made much more difficult to follow.

You always dream about moving out. You always imagine. But what if you actually had the chance to move out when you turned 18? I just turned 18 recently, and I moved out almost immediately. You’d think moving in with your boyfriend at 18 will be all perfect, but it’s tougher than you think. How can I afford prom without a job? Is the one-hour trip to school every day really worth it?

-Hannah Goldberg, senior

We’re all raised differently. We all have different opinions on different things, but when it comes to treating a human being fairly, I don’t understand why it is such a difficult task. I don’t see why the way we treat them sometimes depends on their race. So what? Who cares if you’re black, white, Hispanic or Asian? Why should you care? We’re all the same; we’re all human beings. Yes we all look different, but we’re all unique in our own way. I know racism is going to be around forever, but it really doesn’t have to be that way, and it shouldn’t be. What if someone treated you differently because of your race? How’d you feel?

-Matias Marchi, sophomore (Photos by Nikki Ferrera and Kimberly Rampersad)

8

Special Report

9

Hope for Holman

Despite a serious motorcycle accident, science teacher Nicole Holman strives to return to her life without any setbacks, with the mentality that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything

By Samantha Matras • Editor in Chief

C

all work and tell them I can’t come in tomorrow.”

Those were the first words Nicole Holman spoke after several weeks of being verbally unresponsive.

Holman arrived at the hospital following a motorcycle accident on Feb. 20. She was unconscious with a concussion, paralyzed on the left side of her body. She had a traumatic brain injury, a broken knee, two broken arms (one that was completely cracked in two), a jaw fracture, a C2 fracture to the neck and lots of bruising.

A truck was making a left hand turn, Holman was going the opposite direction. He didn’t see her and she couldn’t slow down before she was struck.

•••

Holman was planning to get married St. Patrick’s Above: Nicole Holman strengthens her right leg in physical therapy. As consequence to the motorcycle accident, Holman’s left knee cap Day, just weeks after her accident. But instead of was cracked in two different places. (Photo by Rachel Mowat) Top Right: Holman dances to the Wii at school before the accident. (Photo flowers and wedding rings, she had a full day of

by Kaeley Starling) Bottom right: Holman and fellow swim coach Tom Paloumpis are full of spirit at City Relays learning after that HHS occupational and physical therapy. swim won the spirit award. (Photo by Danny Arnone) But despite her situation, the biology teacher and swimming coach still maintains high spirits. Holman shared that when she first came to, she herself wasn’t depressed, but instead felt for everyone else.

“I felt bad for everyone around me,” she said. Even her reha- fracture, high up on the neck very close to the brain, she was But Holman joked back, “Not for me ... because I can’t remember.”

The only thing Holman recalls from the day of the accident bilitation therapist expected some sort of depression from Holman, placed in intensive care for traumatic brain injury. As a result, was the morning before she left her house. She was on her way but she never showed any signs.

Holman displays lack of memory of her entire accident and other to an AP biology workshop class when she was hit.

What may have been the most worrisome part of Holman’s happenings throughout the day of, as well as the first couple of “The only thing I remember about that day is James calling damages were the effects that crash might have had on her weeks she was in the hospital.

James Walker, Holman’s fi ance, said, “It’s been a long month.” me from work and telling him that I was still sleeping,” she said. memory. Because she received a cervical spine fracture, or C2

Above left: “James, feel my leg muscle,” Nicole Holman asks of her fiance, James Walker, during one of her rehabilitation sessions at Tampa General Hospital. (Photo by Rachel Mowat).

Above right: English/reading teacher Suzanne Cooks says goodbye to Nicole Holman after visiting her at TGH. (Photo by Samantha Matras)

Over the course of her stay at Tampa General Hospital, she received countless visitors consisting of school staff members and students alike. For one student, visiting Holman meant as much to him as it did to her.

Senior Julius Griffin said, “She’s my inspiration. She shows that no matter how many broken bones, how many fractures, how many people get you down, you can get back up.”

Holman said that when Griffin visited, she felt truly rewarded to have affected a student in such a way. She explained, “He came by to visit and wrote on my mirror ‘I love you Ms. Holman, you’re my inspiration.’ He told me that he was going to write about me for his college essays.”

What Holman really wants to express to people is the notion that if you work hard enough, you can achieve anything.

“I wrote on her mirror so she can see that there is hope,” Griffin said. “That visit gave me a push and inspired me. [Ms. Holman] is a fighter and doesn’t give up. She just keeps on and keeps on: that’s what I love about her.”

••• For the first three days after her accident, Holman’s left side was paralyzed. Being heavily sedated, this caused problems with initial communication because the left side of her face was immobile as well. Walker explained that her left eye was swollen shut so she was only able to open her right eye initially.

“You could see all this expression in her eyes, or one eye.

That was really tough because you could see how much pain she was in. Seeing her in that position and not being able to do anything was hard,” Walker said.

Luckily, Holman was rather oblivious to the seriousness

How to help: Because Holman’s insurance will not cover all her expenses, Holman needs some financial relief. You can go to www.helphopelive.org to donate on Holman’s behalf. This fundraiser is done through a non-profit organization, so all proceeds will support her. Sale of $10 “Team Wholeman” T-shirts are expected to begin next week to benefit Holman. of her situation. And as for the pain, since she can’t remember -- the bad memories aren’t lasting. “I didn’t even realize my left side was paralyzed,” Holman said.

But soon, with lots of persistence, she progressed quickly and started to gain back movement in her former immobile parts. “At first I couldn’t lift [my left] foot up, and Edgar (Ladia, her physical therapist) had to put his foot under my leg and lift it up for me,” Holman said.

Despite the fact that her injuries could be classified as critical, there was no doubt of her recovery and fortitude.

“Even with the bruising, after the first day, I thought she was getting better, but I didn’t know if I was just being optimistic, but after the third day I thought she got better again,” Walker said.

For reading teacher Anna Robinson, the news about Holman’s accident came as a shock.

“Because she was diagnosed with TUI, traumatic brain injury, there was that fear, but she’s beating the odds,” Robinson said.

••• Holman’s last day at the hospital was Friday, March 24.

If she was all smiles before, it would have been nothing compared to that day.

With her was Walker, equally excited and thrilled for this day to come. Both were looking forward without a second glance back, ready for her to return home, ready for her return to her life.

Holman entered her last day of physical therapy eager to get up out of her wheelchair. She said that if there were ever any frustrating moments during her stay, it was not being able to do things on her own.

“This is not a pause or stop in life, just a slight detour,” Walker said.

Walker watched as she did her exercise routine: 30 leg lifts on one side, 30 leg lifts on the other, then on to the bicycle.

Holman’s face lit up with a wide smile. “I was jealous of the people who got to ride the bicycles,” she said. Because of her broken knee, she can’t put any weight on her left leg. This caused difficulties with Holman’s desire to use the bicycle because it required the use of both legs. But with the help of her therapist, the bicycle instrument became very doable.

Holman’s motivation shined through when it came to both her occupational therapy (to strengthen memory) and her physical therapy. “When you have a good attitude, half your body is already working,” Ladia said.

With the promise of going home, both Holman and Walker discussed the next steps to take in their lives. She hopes to return to the classroom by August. And, after the long wedding setback, Holman said she is most looking forward to “walking down the aisle.”

Walker interjected, “With emphasis on the walking.”

Life

10 TURN OFF VIBRATE: In order for your phone to vibrate, it consumes a lot of energy.

DIM THE SCREEN: Reduce the brightness to half or as low comfortably manageable.

March 2012

SAVE YOUR SMARTPHONE TURN OFF LOCATION SERVICES: The GPS functionality is useful, but turning location services off is one of the best quick-fixes.

DISABLE UNNECESSARY WI-FI CONNECTIONS: Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This way, your phone stops using energy to look for signals.

KEEP YOUR PHONE BATTERY COOL: Avoid having your phone in direct sunlight, keep it out of the heat. This can help improve your battery’s long-term performance.

AUTOLOCK YOUR PHONE: Locking your phone when not in use is an easy way to conserve battery life.

QUIT ANY APPS YOU ARE NOT USING: It’s convenient to just leave apps running in the background, but it not necessary to keep Temple Run or Angry Birds running when you’re not playing them.

GO EASY ON GRAPHICS: Phone screens use a lot of energy to display animated wallpapers.Turn these off and use a darker wallpaper.

DISABLE PUSH NOTIFICATIONS: Many phones use these instant notifications so you can instantly see when you have a new message or alert, however, they are battery consumers.

CHARGE FREQUENTLY: When you let your phone battery run out completely, it shortens the life expectancy of the lithium-ion batteries in smartphones. However, if you have an iPhone, don’t charge your phone unless it’s less than 20 percent.

Text by Nadiya Fakhar Graphic by Fabio DeSousa

ROWLING RETURNS: Author reveals a new novel

By Nikki Ferrera Staff Writer

Potterheads: Rejoice. Eight long months after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 premiered in theaters, author J.K. Rowling has announced plans to publish a new book under Little, Brown publishing company.

Virtually nothing is known about Rowling’s upcoming tale other than that it’s an adult novel. Rowling also noted that her new book “will be very different to the Harry Potter series.”

Further information, including a title, release date and plot details, are set to be released later this year.

Until then, fans of the Potter series will just have to settle with speculation. Several students gave their thoughts and hopes for the novel.

“It’s for adults, so it will probably be less wizard-y and magic than people expect it to be. People of all ages like Harry Potter, but if Rowling is making a book specifically for an adult reading public, it’s probably going to lack that magical element. I just hope it isn’t any kind of political book.”

– Riyza Jose, sophomore “I’m expecting it to be along the magical, fantasyworld type of story, mostly fiction, because that’s the style that [Rowling] is so well known for.”

– Elizabeth Mobley, senior

“I just hope it’s not vampires. J.K. Rowling might end up writing about vampires just to redeem what Stephanie Meyer messed up with Twilight, but I don’t want her to write about vampires.”

– Amanda Thurman, senior “I doubt it will have magic, but I just hope it will be as addicting as Harry Potter was, because those books were so good.”

- Andres Valdivieso, senior “If it’s J.K. Rowling, it will be a good book. No question about it.”

– Jasmine Seales, junior

Life

March 2012

11

Artistic student ventures towards fame

By Roksana Borzouei Life Editor

“In the future I want to learn to work with watercolors and need to learn to draw landscapes,” noted Lissy Lopez. (Photo by Roksana Borzouei)

Lissy Lopez, a student in teacher Sandra Marra’s class, has been an artist from age 5.

Lopez recounted, “One day I walked into my brother’s room and saw his drawings. They were so unbelievable and so life-like … Every day I took his drawings and tried to imitate them. One “Art is my life day I asked myself, ‘What if I can be an artist too?’”

Currently, Lopez takes an art class with at teacher Peggy Watts.

In Marra’s class, Lopez frequently draws using How to Draw books, learning techniques. She draws anime cartoons and sketches, but her main medium is through Microsoft Paint, coupled with Windows Movie Maker.

“I put those pictures together in Windows Movie Maker and add music accompaniment, then upload

to YouTube,” Lopez said.

Lopez’s channel, 890HT, has 211 subscribers and a total of 581,198 video views from 49 uploaded videos.

Her prized video is a Sonic adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera. Sonic the Hedgehog is her favorite cartoon to draw and Lopez has even created her and my gift.” own characters.

“It took me 4 months to complete … there are about 120 pictures total,” Lopez said.

Lopez took care in the making of the video to add life like motion. The video adaptation has scenes which include Eli, the Phantom Cat, taking off his mask.

“I made one picture, then copied it, and made a small change to it, and another,” she said, until the motion was complete.

In addition to her increasingly popular YouTube channel, Lopez seeks to expand her artistic avenues.

Gas station wieners: Tampa’s hottest dogs

By Jacob Gagne and Samantha Matras News Editor and Editor in Chief

Citgo

Citgo:

4.5/5 Citgo’s Oscar Meyer hotdog was true to its name, unlike Rally’s. The dog had a good flavor and tasted fresh and there were no faults with the bun although it was a generic and unoriginal.

The overall taste and freshness of the hot-dog gives this dog the top rating of 4.5/5.

Racetrack

Racetrack:

3.75/5 Tasters were surprised by the efficient set-up of the hot-dogs at Racetrack gas station. The dogs were kept on a heating roller while the bun was kept warm with steam.

This was by far the best tasting dog, although the bun ended up falling short of expectations because of its crummy consistency.

Circle K Rally’s

Circle K:

3.5/5 And so the adventure started with a pit stop at Circle K. Circle K’s hot dog had a surprising twist. Instead of the typical hot dog bun, Circle K’s dog had corn dog-type breading that complemented the dog and gave it an overall good balance.

All ratings out of 5

Rally’s:

2/5 Although this hot-dog claimed to be a famous National, once tasted it was quite the contrary. The bread was mushy and stale on the outside and the dog was quite flavorless. This disappointing combination gave the dog a rating of 2/5.

Life

12

March 2012

What are you listening to?

“They’re a good band, I love the instrumental part.”

By Alex Rosendo Staff Writer

Ever wonder what kind of music people listen to during their day? For instance, when you see someone walking the halls with headphones in, or when you see someone at lunch, jamming out to their iPods? You may wonder if that person likes the same music as you. You may even wonder if someone is listening to the same exact song you are at that moment. We asked students what they were listening to: ••• Joseph Crews: Paul McCartney’s “Uncle Albert” “Being a huge Beatles fan, I love Paul McCartney and this song is so unique and catchy.”

Nicole Arias: Jennifer Hudson‘s “Act Like a Woman” “The lyrics and the message of the song is what I love about it.”

Jordan Angel: Wiz Khalifa’s “Oh My” “It has a beat that makes you want to get up and go.”

Emerald Little: Lil Wayne’s “How To Love” “It’s me and my boyfriend’s song.”

Cheyenne Trader-Malay: Click Five’s “Just the Girl “It’s catchy and a classic song from the early 2000’s.”

Thom Madera: Jovell & Randy’s “Ragga Dub” “I listen to a lot of Reggaeton, and this song just came on.”

Josh Macfarlane: Tool’s “10,000 Days”

Kei’anbra Walker: Lil Wayne’s “Throwed Off” “I’m just letting the music play...it’s an alright song.”

Matt Mongiovi: Louis Armstrong’s “Lazy River” “It mellows me out. I like it.”

Matias Marchi: Wolfmother’s “Woman” “It’s just a crazy song, it gets me pumped up.”

(Photos by Alex Rosendo)

Maven Piniella: Waka Flocka’s “Snake in the Grass” “Waka Flocka barks in this song, and God knows how much I love it when he barks.”

Clockwise from right: Sophomores Marcus Russo, Dmitri Martinez and Ashley Ortega. Russo was listening Mariah Vazquez: Earl Sweatshirt’s “Couch” “This is the song that actually got me into Odd Future, it’s to “Estoy Enamorado” by Wisin y Yandel because “it my favorite. They’re just different.” just came on,” Martinez was Giovanni Maiquez: Owl City’s “Super Honeymoon” listening to J Cole’s “Like a “It’s romantic and the beats are really cool.”

Star” because he was in the mood, Ortega was listening Quince Jones: Loverance’s “Up” to Two Door Cinema Club’s “The beats, the words. It makes me want to get up and “Something Good Can Work” start dancing.” because “it’s so catchy.”

Luis Clough: Boregore’s “Nympho” “He’s just boss. This song is crazy, I love it. It gets me pumped.”

Yasmany Avila: Vinny Virgo’s “Life Sucks” “His lyrics are really good and I can relate to him.”

Student turns passion for music into DJ career

By Holly Schroeder Staff Writer

Sophomore Nate Horvat

Landing a booking agent earlier this year, sophomore Nate Horvat explains how his love for electronic music has helped him excel this quickly in his music career. “I have always wanted to make music, but it wasn’t until I discovered electronic music that I knew what type.”

Horvat has been playing around with this genre of music since he first found his influences, major groups like Daft Punk and Justice two years ago.

“Their music is so different and intense.”

According to Horvat, it was this “uniqueness” of electronic music that first sparked his flame of interest in it. “There are a lot of techniques with this type of music. Basically I can control every

aspect of it with a click of a button,” Horvat said.

The basic equipment needed to start to create electronic music is a computer, a synthesizer and various computer programs which allow different sounds to be created. Starting off two years ago with a small microKORG synthesizer, Horvat has since learned the art of making electronic music. A microKORG, one of the first steps he took in learning to create this music, is a miniature synthesizer used to combine different sounds and make them more complex.

He used mainly the microKORG until last school year, when he felt ready to move on to more professional computer programs. With many different types of these programs out there, some of Horvat’s personal favorites are

Ableton Live Native Instruments and Massive and Native Instruments FM8. Horvat explained “It can be pretty frustrating, it takes time to learn the programs and, surprisingly write too.” Horvat can sometimes go throughout hundreds of ideas before finding one he really likes and can build a good song off of.

“Nate’s music is something you want to hear, it makes you want to dance” friend and fan of Horvat’s, sophomore Noemi Reyes said.

With performances coming up, the first date being Sunday May 6, at local venues like The Orpheum, Horvat is on his way to being HHS’s very own shining electronic star. Until then, his songs can be found on websites like Facebook, Sound Cloud and YouTube.

Life

March 2012

13

Drama unveils original production

By Elizabeth Gwilt News Editor

Sophomore Tabitha Tuliszewski, junior Kaeley Starling and Cassidy McDuffie rehearse the opening number. (Photo by Elizabeth Gwilt)

Drama teacher Jeff Pittard finally gets to see his vision brought to life on stage.

Emergency! Musical opens on April 17-19, with curtain at 7 p.m. Tickets are being sold for $5 in advance or $10 at the door.

Pittard wrote the show himself about five years ago, but has been waiting for the right time and cast to put on the production.

“It’s a rock comedy with a nice happy ending. It started out as a spoof of High School Musical, but it’s evolved into something completely different,” Pittard said. The audience can still expect elaborate musical numbers and High School Musical type dancing.

While Emergency! Musical features music from the 80s and 90s, Pittard estimates that about one third of the show has original music-- by his own band, Big Picture, which will be playing live during performances.

“Having the band is really cool since it’s not something we usually do,” junior Kelsey Leggett said. “It gives us a sense of professionalism since real Broadway productions work with live music.”

According to Leggett, who plays Thespian President Sally Peterson in the show, the plot of the spring musical is far from the ordinary.

“A drama class is putting on a musical when their three leads are kidnapped by a bitter ex-Thespian. The cast scrambles to save the show,” Leggett said.

However, putting on an original production doesn’t come without its hurdles.

“We have to come up with everything, all the props, costumes and choreography,” Pittard said. “But it’s more fun that way since the audience doesn’t know what to expect.”

Sophomore Caroline Hamby, who plays a drama student named Darla, said working on Emergency! Musical has been very different from the fall musical, Chicago.

“At first I had mixed emotions about doing an original show,” Hamby said. “But I’m still just as excited because it’s cool to think that we are the first-ever cast for this show.”

“It can be more challenging at times, since we don’t have anything to model after,” she said. “But at the same time we have more freedom to be creative.”

For the first time, the Thespians have collaborated with Chamberlain High School’s drama classes.

“Chamberlain’s budget is tight, so I offered them to work with us,” Pittard said.

A total of nine Chamberlain students are involved in the show, including stage crew and tech.

“We didn’t really know what was going to happen when we heard that kids from Chamberlain were going to be in our show, but I love it. We’re a big family now,” Hamby said.

Student comics host last On the Brink of year

By Ellie Rodriguez Correspondent

The sketch comedy troupe On the Brink is back at Skate Park of Tampa’s Transitions Gallery for the first time since last year.

Their spring show, “It’s Showbiz, Baby!” arrives on April 5 to much anticipation.

“It’s going to be a really great show,” said sophomore Noemi Reyes, one of the writers and performers. Junior Connor Rigsby adds, “You don’t want to miss this one. When people are quoting it every day you won’t have any idea what’s going on.

You’ll be out of the loop for months.”

This performance features a variety of skits ranging from acts about Narnia to musical numbers involving everyone singing and dancing.

Both performers agree that everyone has such

a great time writing and practicing, that it is difficult to focus because everyone is ridiculously goofy and outgoing.

At their most hysterical times, the cast has even been kicked out of a restaurant during one of their practices for being so loud and “creeping on the waitress,” joked Rigsby.

Both performers agree that this upcoming show will be better than their last one. It’s “better tailored to our audience and our age kids. This is one of those shows you won’t be able to forget,” Reyes said.

Rigsby concluded by saying, “I mean, this is what people wait for all year. This show is going to be awesome, everything you’ve wished for and more!”

The show runs on April 5-7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are being sold for $5 by all cast members.

Tampa Catholic senior Matt Kennedy, senior Zack Wright and sophomore Noemi Reyes perform at A Night of One Acts in February. On the Brink is back with a new show April 5-7. (Photo by Jimmy Herd-Bond)

14

Life

March 2012

Rebuilding and Remembering

On a trip to New York City for a journalism convention during spring break, students from the newspaper, yearbook and TV production programs visited the new national 9/11 Memorial and paid their respects to the unforgettable day when thousands lost their lives. The memorial is still under construction and will eventually include more than 400 swamp white oak trees and a museum. The visual highlight of the exhibit are two pools in the footprint of where the twin towers once stood. Around the pools, etched into bronze, are the names of 2,977 victims who died from those attacks, along with six others who died in a 1993 bombing at the site.

Clockwise from top: A lone flower left behind at the South Pool honors a victim.

Each pool includes a 30-foot waterfall. The design idea was chosen from 5,201 submissions in an international competition.

Senior Luke Votzke pauses to remember those who lost their lives.

(Photos by Jimmy Herd-Bond)

Sports

March 2012

15

Rowing Explained Why crew is so much different than people expect

By Kellen Yent Sports Editor

Something that most people don’t know about crew is the actual fundamentals, how the stroke is composed. They also don’t get all the components that go into every stroke of the boat. “The water is rocky and wavy, and there is wind, which all can upset your balance, like trying to balance on a tightrope with wind blowing,” said senior Michael Dangl. Here, seniors Quinn Pruitt and Ricky Garcia demonstrate how to row in four steps: Step 1: Start in a sitting position, legs straight. Reach with your arms first, the rest will follow. You are trying to extend so that you get more reach, so that your blade stays in the water longer, thereby propelling you farther.

Sophomore Jacob West pins his competition at an early match in the year.

Wrestlers place at states

By Nick Bennett Life Editor

Step 2: Next, lean your body over your legs. This all has to be done in a certain order so that you don’t create rush, which slows you down and could possibly make you flip. You don’t want to fight against the boat. Your legs will follow your back and arms.

This part will bring you all the way up to what crew calls the “catch.”

Step 3: Next, put your oar into the water, without dropping your hands from even height. You don’t want to upset the balance of the boat, which will make you flip.

(Photos by Kellen Yent)

Step 4: You now push down with your legs, lean back, hinging at the hips, and then pull your arms into your upper stomach. Now, repeat through Step 1.

Two common crew misconceptions #1- Rowers row only with their arms and back.

“Not true,” notes Dangl. “Look at the size of our legs. Or let me kick you.” #2- Rowing is not a sport.

“Most everyone thinks that they can just get a boat out and row peacefully down the river. And have no realization of how intense it is. They think you can row, row, row your boat gently down the stream. No. It’s intense, intense, intense, down the stream you go,” Dangl said.

Before the match, he gets himself in the zone by listening to rap.

“Any song that gets me jumping,” Hill laughs.

According to Hill, states was the hardest tournament he’s ever been to. After losing his first match, Hill rebounded and won a string of matches. Next year, he wants to see himself on the podium — second place, perhaps. Maybe even first. He said it can happen.

Richards, who is home schooled, was able to compete at the level Hill aspired to at states this year. According to Patrick, no Hillsborough wrestler has ever won first place at state. Next year, they aim to change that.

The atmosphere at the 2012 FHSAA State Wrestling Championship was, in a word, “intense,” according to coach Mike Patrick. The annual showcase for Florida high school wrestling, which from Feb. 17-18 drew in top wrestlers from nearly 90 schools. “Everybody there is at a high level,” said Patrick, “and there is a lot of pressure to perform.”

Three wrestlers made it to state from Hillsborough’s team (sophomore Jacob West, junior Demetrius Hill and senior Ben Richards). Coach Patrick’s goal for the team was to place in the top 20. Hill and Richards placed fifth and second respectively, and as a team, Hillsborough placed 15th.

When West started wrestling freshman year, he won four matches. This year, he notched 29 wins. West notes about all he does is eat, work out and sleep, repeatedly.

He started out the year wrestling at a weight class a little higher than his usual 113 and actually managed to win two out of three matches. When he shed some pounds and went back to his old weight class, his success at wrestling bigger competition gave him the added confidence he needed. In his first time at state, he went 0 for 2.

Hill has been wrestling since freshman year, and his wins this season measured in the 40s. Hill realizes the importance of the mental component of wrestling, and every match he tests out his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses before deciding what to do. Hill takes on one of his competitors at a When wrestling, he isn’t mad. He’s focused. match before states. (Photos by Lifetouch)

Sports

16

March 2012

Green runs ‘a hundred miles an hour’

By Thomas Liu Correspondent

His teammate calls him “awesome.” His coach describes him as the “motor of the team.”

Only a junior in high school, track and football star Jeremiah Green stands 5-foot-9 inches and weighs 155 pounds. He is currently No. 1 in the nation in the triple jump, with a record of 50 feet 6 inches, and tied for No. 1 in the state for his long jump distance of 23 feet 7 inches.

Green was invited to the New Balance National Indoor Track Meet held in New York City March 9-11 to showcase his athletic ability and grabbed gold while he was there.

“When I heard about the news, I thought to myself, ’Damn, I’m going to compete with the best of the nation. I did it, I really did it. It’s always been my goal since freshman year to reach 50 feet,” Green said.

Track coach Joe Sipp says that the team rallies around Green, who always has a smile on his face, and has a great attitude.

Not only that, Green is a leader and “gets on other kids” if they do not try hard. At track practice, he

Green shows off a backpack he received at the New Balance Nationals track meet in New York City. (Photo courtesy of Hassan Wajd)

Eychner heads to Brandon for top coaching spot

By Amanda Glenz Staff Writer

Jeremiah Green with coach Joe Sipp in New York City. Green says of his nation-leading triple jump: “It’s all the technique. All it is is practice!” (Photo courtesy of Hassan Wajd)

brings a smile to everyone’s face and brings certain personalities to the team, according to Jennings, Green’s friend and track teammate.

“Jeremiah does whatever his coaches tell him to do. He comes out on the field and does his usual routine and goes a hundred miles an hour,” Sipp said.

Although many people believe that track is more of an individual type of sport, Green thinks differently.

He says that track is a team sport, not about yourself, and

not an individual thing. At every practice and meet, he always tells his teammates “good luck” or “good job.”

“What motivates me is seeing my track team win meets. I practice hard and I don’t waste my time going out there. We have a saying on our shirts that says ‘Finish, Finish, Finish: State Champs,’” Green said. ”The coaches are my models and I look up to them. Trust me, they make you want to do track, and they inspire me to do my best.” Green says his personal

motto is “hard work and dedication.”

Although he has a bright future ahead of him, Green still does not know whether he wants to compete in football or track in college.

Off the track, Green always has the same big smile on his face.

Green, who maintains a 3.5 grade point average, is described by his peers as laidback, cool and funny.

Said Jennings: “He’s my role model even though he’s younger than me. I look up to him.”

After 17 years at Hillsborough, football defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Dean Eychner is the new head coach at Brandon High School.

The team is sad to see him go, but proud of his accomplishment. “I’m excited for him. I’m also sad for our program,” said senior safety Brandon Walcott.

The rest of the team echoes Walcott’s sentiment. “You don’t want to see your coach leave, but he deserves a head coaching spot,” said sophomore Frank Carter, an offensive tackle.

“I will always be grateful to them for this,” Eychner says of his team’s support.

Former Hillsborough assistant coach Preston Jackson -- who runs the Big County Preps football website -- said the promotion is “well overdue” for Eychner.

“He will be a great head coach.”

Jackson also predicts HHS will be OK without Eychner.

“I think there will be a slightly new defensive theory. [The team] will be just fine.”

Eychner is excited for his new position, but says “I was also heavy-hearted for leaving all these great memories and people here. I’m looking forward for a new chapter, a new challenge in life.”

School

Hillsborough Brandon

School age (years)

127

98

2011 Record

9-3

5-6

Winning Pct., last 5 seasons

67%

51%

Statistics by Amanda Glenz from Maxpreps.com and school websites.