December 2019

MASTERY LEARNING EFFECTIVENESS

HOLIDAY SPECIAL

[ OPINION, page 3

[ REVIEW, page 8

LOVE LEAVES FOR BROADWAY

View the best holiday gifts, music and movies this season

Mastery learning positively impacts students

hilights

Theater director leaves for New York City [ FEATURE, page 7

for students, by students

William R. Boone High School ß1000 E. Kaley St. ßOrlando, FL 32806 Friday, December 13, 2019 ß boonepubs.com

Volume 68 ß Issue 1

Barcott captures the win in media competition Student wins statewide competition for animated short film

By TIFFANY STEWART Grace Barcott worked toward winning the Jim Harbin Student Media festival animation contest for over two months.

The Jim Harbin Student Media Festival, a statewide competition, that provides K-12 students the

[ Barcott, page 7

opportunity to show and receive a critique by a panel of experienced judges. Each year, the Florida Association for Media in Education recognizes the winners at the annual conference in Orlando.

Using Adobe Animate, Barcott created a two minute long animation in

4

2 PET POWERS. The girl shows the nature related powers she has, whether she knows it or not.

SWIMMING IN STYLE. Confusion and amazement blend as she sees another spirit.

3

1 SPIRIT OF CURIOSITY. The girl demonstrates her curiosity with the animals, showing she isn’t aware of the things she can do herself.

FLY LIKE A BIRD. As the spirit of the bird shines through, the girls powers are left up to interpretation.

5 SPIRIT STAY. The animals decide to stick around the girl, even though they are free.

School year moves forward as veteran teacher moves to Dubai After 35 years, Fincham retires

diverse students to her desks, teaching for 35

By TIFFANY STEWART years taught Fincham lessons over time. Growing Lisa Fincham taught for experience, her various subjects for the past students have taught 35 years, but her dedication her the core values to helping students extends of understanding and outside of classroom walls. patience.

Over the course of three “Everyone has decades, Fincham taught a different story everything from science and different life. to physical education.

You don’t know Although her main area of what they’re going expertise included teaching, through,” Fincham Fincham also coached said. track, gymnastics, golf and Travel is the bowling throughout her fueling force behind career.

Fincham’s retitement, With memories spanning as she plans to move over 35 years, returning with her husband and students stick out. take time to travel “Having students come across the world. back to me after many years “[I plan to] move and [tell] me how much to Dubai, then move they’ve learned [is very to a beach home in photo/CATHERINE MCARTHY memorable],” Fincham said.

Ormond Beach,” PERIOD. Chemistry teacher Lisa Fincham lectures With every year bringing Fincham said. about elements on the periodic table. design by Chelsi Peter

ßrandomfact The first product to have a bar code was Juicy Fruit gum.

INDEX opinion special local

2 4 6

feature entertainment

7 8

GET INVOLVED Check us out on facebook follow us on Twitter @boonepubs

SEE AND HEAR MORE go to boonepubs.com for photo galleries, soundslides featuring students and weekly sports’ beats

2

Friday, December 13, 2019 boonepubs.com

insight with

Chelsi

Chelsi Peter, column

Processed foods wreck havoc on the human body The term “processed” encompasses a significant value in meals around the U.S. Not to mention, processed foods are a complete detriment to citizens’ health. Medical officials recognize any item chemically processed and created exclusively from artificial ingredients and substances as a processed item.

Meals and ingredients that companies such as McDonald’s, or Wendy’s push people to buy and eat contain processed items and unnatural ingredients. Processed foods remain extremely bad for your health, and leave no positive effects on your body.

The driving forces of processed foods begin with high sugar and highfructose corn syrup. Sugar does not provide any basic nutrients; essentially, they are “empty” calories that greatly increase energy. According to pubmed. gov, three recent clinical studies researching the effects of consuming large amounts of sucrose or high fructose corn syrup disclosed evidence that consumption of these sugars increases risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

In the U.S., the large consumption of these artificial sugars and processed foods correlates with some of the leading causes of death, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer.

Processed foods will remain bad for the human body but with the easy access to them in stores, many people will succumb to them. People need to realize that eating processed foods should never be an alternative when healthy options such as cooking food for yourself is an option.

A study performed by researchers at the University of Chapel-Hill found that more than 60% of the food purchased annually in America are processed. The concern with processed foods lies within the products. These are some well known foods that consist of processed items, frozen ready-made meals, soda, canned goods, chips, candy, beef jerky, bacon, hot dogs and more. This list of processed foods does not stop there and only continues to grow in size.

With the help of additives and preservatives, foods are chemically processed to improve the taste, flavor and lengthen the shelf life of food.

Foods made purposely to last long on shelves should be the number one warning sign. Today, some grocery stores sell healthy non-GMO snacks and foods that are easily accessible, restaurants as well.

In any scenario, choosing processed foods over healthier options will influence the health of citizens greatly. However, if one plays their cards correctly and works around a non-processed food diet, gaining the nutrients and vitamins one’s body needs to sustain their mood and health from healthy foods will make a positive impact and result in their lifestyle.

The ability to focus on one thing for extended periods of time goes out the window, making learning especially difficult for younger students.

Our View, staff editorial

Social media ruins attention spans Social media changes the way brains work and shortens attention spans, even when one isn’t scrolling through Instagram or checking their Twitter feed.

Research proves that the constant urge to check every notification targets short term memory, breaking up the way brains recall information. This affects minds even when social media isn’t a factor.

Constant distractions from rapid fire news stories, social media updates and mobile games make focusing on one long task, such as a book or project, daunting.

Many students even scoff at the idea of being able to sit through a whole book.

“The last time I read a full [non school mandated] book was probably back in fourth grade,” sophomore Madison Perine said.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information found that the average human attention span dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2013.

National Health surveys also showed an increase in attention deficit orders. As attention spans decrease, people continue to reach for the short term satisfaction social media provides, which in turn worsens the attention span issue, creating a cycle that proves difficult for most people to break. “[When I have free time] I check my

viewpoint

Chit Chat -

hilights

Social media rewires brains then proves addictive for people of all ages.

phone,” sophomore Abigail Warticki said.

People often make the argument that despite negative consequences, cell phones revolutionized technology and we should continue to encourage their use. They provide a world of information at everyone’s fingertips, making them a beneficial educational resource. However, phones and other technology no longer prove helpful learning tools when students can easily tap away to a mobile game or social media platform.

As students reach for cell phones in lieu of more focus oriented tasks, study habits also deteriorate. The ability to focus on one thing for extended periods of time flies out the window, making learning difficult.

This could have a greater effect on future generations, as kids get access to smartphones and their subsequent distractions at younger and younger ages. This could detrimentally cripple younger generations’ learning abilities. As future kids grow up consuming all media in quick, bite sized pieces, focusing on a long book could prove alarmingly difficult. Kids could also struggle to communicate more

complex ideas through words after consuming easy and digestible content for most of their lives.

As frightening as this loss of attention span may seem, the problem can still be avoided. Parents can remove phones from the equation as students work on homework or read, encouraging them to focus on one task.

As for now, attention spans are in jeopardy as long as social media continues to cause a distraction.

#fastfigures

23

hours a week of which young kids spend on smartphones

9 hours per day teens spend looking at screens

71 percent of teenagers use more than one social media

45

percent of teens say they are online ’almost constantly’ sources: TELEGRAPH, WASHINGTON POST, PEW REASEARCH CENTER & POST GAZATTE

cartoon/AJA FISCHER

s

Friday, December 13, 2019 boonepubs.com

hilights insight

DO YOU THINK MASTERY LEARNING IS EFFECTIVE?

CHORUS CONCERT

I think mastery learning is good because it gives us the opportunity to correct our mistakes.

Rylie Abbuhl, sophomore

Chorus students will perform a concert on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

THINKING OUTSIDE

#fastfigures

400 Fast fashion industry lacks ethics, hurts the planet percent more clothing is consumed today than 20 years ago.

40

The fashion industry exploits workers and pollutes the Earth

By HAYLEE PATRICK After oil, the second largest polluter is the fast fashion percent of clothing industry. The fast fashion industry refers to mass produced is made from cotton, which uses clothing that companies sell for inexpensive prices. The a lot of water to fashion industry needs to change to increase ethical and grow. environmental standards.

Sixty percent of textiles are made from fossil fuels, meaning they can’t decay in landfills. To make matters worse, according to Global News, when compared to 20 years ago people consume 400 percent more clothing today and typically only wear items seven times. percent of clothing Resources like water, chemicals and cotton go into waste is making clothing items. Global News reported that in order incinerated or goes to make a pair of jeans, the industry uses 1,800 gallons of to landfills. water and up to 1,600 chemicals for dyeing processes. sources: GLOBAL NEWS The working conditions of fast fashion prove their & THE NEW YORK TIMES

85

E TH

unethical standards. A style writer named Dana Thomas reported that in Los Angeles the immigrant workers for fast fashion companies are exploited and not paid proper wages.

In 2013, 1,100 garment workers in Bangladesh died from an explosion at a Rana Plaza factory. Laborers in countries like Bangladesh, China and Vietnam face inhumane conditions for work and receive a small payment.

The fast fashion industry should be terminated. To do this, consumers must help. It is important to follow the R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, rent, repurpose and repair.

While buying from fast fashion stores may be more convenient, it is better for the environment to buy longer lasting pieces from more expensive stores like Reformation.

Other sustainable options cheaper options include local and thrift stores.

Buying from fast fashion stores keeps them in business.

Places to avoid include H&M, Forever 21, Romwe and Zara.

By avoiding the fast fashion industry, labor conditions and sustainability could only improve.

Mastery learning positively impacts students Individualized learning instruction improves understanding for all students

Do you think mastery learning is effective?

By ADLEY BOSTON Mastery learning is an instructional strategy and effective educational philosophy that began its journey in 1968 when Benjamin Bloom proposed it. When it was introduced, Bloom considered aspects of tutoring and individualized instruction to improve student learning, according to Thomas Gusky, an educational leadership writer.

This strategy proves effective because of the continuing work ethic it teaches students, and its ability to help students who do not perform well on assessments. The approach also focuses on helping students retain information in the long run.

Test-takers also benefit from this learning style as they don’t need the retake assessment cushion.

Although this concept isn’t new, the implementation which started in certain classrooms about four years ago, teachers are now able to analyze the effects over the past couple years. When compared to other teaching approaches, mastery learning commits more time, individualized instruction and appreciation to each student. “Mastery learning is a method of instruction where the focus is on the role of feedback in learning,” NYU assistant professor Vahid Motamedi said.

The basic concepts of mastery learning are that assignment grades, formative, do not work toward a students grade, while tests, summative, contribute the most on a grading scale of four, three, two or one.

However, there is a loophole. Students cannot retake the assessment unless they have completed all of the assignments that are not counted for their grade. This shows students a committed work ethic and showcases the need to put forth effort, so they can be prepared to work in the future.

Mastery is defined by earning a 90%or higher on an assessment.

This learning style helps students retain the information better.

Another benefit is students cannot leave the subject until they have fully reached mastery, which ensures full understanding of the concept.

The assignment that determines mastery is, a summative assessment.

Summative assessments helps students determine where they really are on the concept.

Because this concept was introduced four years ago, students are

hilightsnewspaper EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-In-Chief Chelsi Peter Junior Editor-In-Chief Samar Baig

STAFFERS Calla Curry, Adley Boston, Tiffany Stewart, Haylee Patrick, Aja Fischer

OTHER

Adviser Bridgette Norris

Principal Dusty Johns

3

52% Yes

48% No

With 171 responses collected on Oct. 24, 52% of students believe mastery learning is effective as opposed to the 48% who do not believe mastery learning is effective.

now extremely familiar with it. “Mastery learning is effective because this allows the student to not worry about how many points they get on an assignment but rather if they learned anything or not and if they understand what they got wrong and why. Mastery Learning also allow students to retake tests or redo assignments if their grade is not up to par with the mastery standards. This is a good because the student will be able to have a second chance to show the teacher what they know and that they have mastered the lesson and are ready to move on so they do not fall behind,” an anonymous student said in an online survey on Oct. 24. Looking back at mastery’s effects since it was added, its motives and purposes are clear and successful to better increase the student’s knowledge.

Though mastery learning is effective in all subject areas, it does suit English and reading better because close reading assignments are appropriate formative assessments. While mastery learning caters to certain subject areas more than others, it is well-suited for all students who need more individualized instruction and struggle with test taking barriers.

Mastery learning is an effective learning strategy because of the positive benefits that it provides for students long term.

Editorial Policy POLICY STATEMENT

Hilights is a student publication of William R. Boone High School, 1000 E. Kaley Ave., Orlando, Florida, 32806. The ideas and views of the aforementioned students and faculty are not those of Boone or the Orange County School Board. Opinions expressed in unsigned editorials are those of the editorial board, who determine the content. Opinions expressed in columns are those of the authors.

Comments, letters, stories and ideas are welcome and encouraged under the following: 1. The material is not obscene or libelous 2. The material is signed The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, length, punctuation, accuracy, invasion of privacy and potential disruption of the school.

XT E T X BO

By Spencer Aramburu-Perkins

Beeeeep

Hey I know this is out of the blue but I wanted to know if you were alright I’ve noticed that when you smile its only half bright and its become more of a lip gesture of turning your mouth upright I’ve noticed that you don’t illuminate up the room like you used to.

You have become a single ember in an already dying fire Baby who stole your spark Who stole that light I have watched you for so long so I know there is something wrong Your eyes tell a story and the bags are the sequel you haven’t begun to write Look me in the eyes so I can read about those inner monster you must fight If I look close enough will I see the demons that kiss your irises goodnight I look in the mirror and I see you and I don’t know what happened We were happy Happy A word with the connotation of another life A world where my shoulders couldn’t feel the weight of their expectations Where my lungs didn’t feel like I was already buried six feet under Where I didn’t have to plaster on a brave face But instead I must smile with my lips turned upright I must laugh even though it feels as if someone is sucking all the air our of me Even if I am fingertips away from a tidal wave Even if I am not okay So when they asked if I’m alright I simply say I’m fine I’m okay I’m just tired I’m fine I’m fine I’m not fine Will we be alright Will we ever be alrBeeeepppp The person you have sent this too has a full mail box. Please try again later Beeeeepppp

SCHOLASTIC ASSOCIATIONS

Hilights is associated with Florida Scholastic, Columbia Scholastic and National Scholastic Press Associations and Quill and Scroll.

OUR MISSION

This paper is a quality product whose sole purpose is to pursue the truth, and to provide information and factual news pertaining to Boone and the community around it. Any questions or comments can be directed to 407-893-7200, extension 6012614 or Room 224, as well as by email to editor at boonepubs@gmail.com. If you find any errors, please call our offices or visit us.

SEE MORE

Check out boonepubs.com for up-to-date news and information.

4

Friday, December 13, 2019 boonepubs.com

hilights

specialfeatures

On Feb. 3 the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams. The Patriots won 13-3, making this the team’s sixth Super Bowl championship.

Friday, December 13, 2019 hilights.org

hilights featurestories WINTER BREAK BEGINS NEXT WEEK

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF 2019?

Winter break begins Dec. 23. There is a teacher planning day on Jan. 6, and students return to school on Jan. 7.

Homecoming. Just being there with the people I mess with and my girlfriend. It was my first homecoming.

Eliajah Adorno, senior

2019’s global rollercoaster ride

January

September

Design by SAMAR BAIG AND AJA FISCHER-CRAWFORD Content by SAMAR BAIG Photos by TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

November

May

March In 1949, four men, Ernest Thomas, Samuel Shepherd, Charles Greenlee and Walter Irvin, were wrongly convicted of the rape of Norma Padgett and assault of her husband in Lake County. After 70 years, on Jan. 11, the newly elected Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pardoned the African American men for the wrong conviction.

July

On Nov. 14 a shooting at Saugus High School left three dead and three injured in Santa Clarita, Califonia. The gunman died and the school is in a state of recovery.

The CDC determined that there were 380 active cases that involved illnesses derived from vaping on Sept. 12,. New Jersey announced the state wants to become the next state to ban the sale of e-cigarettes.

On March 12, federal prosecutors charged Hollywood Stars, Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman and 50 others, in a college admissions scheme. The scam consisted of cheating on standardized tests and bribing admission administration for admission to the collge for their kids.

October

On May 13, a group of consumers sued Apple on the basis of potentially breaching antitrust laws. Apple v. Pepper disputes if the 30 percent commission fee placed on Apple customer by Apples only app store was legal. The Supreme Court decided consumers may therefore sue Apple for alleged monopolization.

Puerto Ricans took to the streets to protest against and criticize the governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rossello. The protest began on July 14 and ended July 29, with the governor announcing his resignation. Wanda Vazquez Garced became the new governor as next in line for the position.

August

On Oct. 8, Simon Biles received her 21st medal, breaking the record World Championships medals won by a woman. She also led her team to win their 5th consecutive title.

February April

December

June A gunman opened fire in a Walmart in El Paso, Texas leaving 20 people dead and 26 people were injured On Aug. 3. Thirteen hours later, on Aug. 4 a gunman opened fire at a bar leaving nine dead and 27 people injured in Dayton, Ohio.

On Feb. 3 the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams. The Patriots won 13-3, making this the team’s sixth Super Bowl championship.

On April 22, the CDC reported 71 cases of measles across the country, making this the second worst outbreak in 20 years. On April 9. an outbreak of measles caused the City of New York to declare a public health emergency and caused unvaccinated people to either get vaccinated or face a fine.

President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to visit North Korea on June 30. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed the demilitarized zone on the border of South Korea and North Korea with President Trump.

5

On Dec. 5, Speacher of the House, Nancy Pelosi, announced that the house would move forward on drafting the articles to impeach President Donald Trump. As she was leaving the press conference, a news reporter accused her of hating the president.

6

Friday, December 13, 2019 boonepubs.com

featurestories

hilights [Marching] has given me leadership experience and taught me to not make excuses,” Nickolas Jimenez junior

Music classes improves students’ lives, provide winter concerts for community Music inspires chorus and band students

By HAYLEE PATRICK Researchers proved that music makes human brains happy. When people hear music, their brains release the neurotransmitter dopamine.

According to researchers at Ashford University, music helps brain growth. By learning to play an instrument, memory and auditory processes all face improvement.

Students feel the effects of music by participating in programs on campus. For example, by adding music into her life and performing, sophomore Alyssa Vetter’s life changed.

Vetter, a Soprano 1, joined chorus her freshman year.

Vetter’s grandfather inspired her to join chorus because he was in his church’s choir when Vetter was a child. Singing made a big impact on Vetter’s life.

“I used to be depressed in middle school. Choir has given me a family to go to,” A. Vetter said.

Vetter’s favorite part about chorus is working as a group. “[I love] when we do our circles and get to know each other,” Vetter said. “When we rehearse and our voices become one, the way our voices sound in unison sends shivers down my spine.”

These music programs also provide music for the community in their upcoming annual concerts Another student affected by music is sophomore Mason Phillips, who joined band to create an outlet for himself. “[Music] brought me success and happiness,” Phillips said.

Phillips plays multiple instruments, including tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, trumpet and bassoon. He feels

photo/EMMA THALASINOS

ALL ABOUT THAT BASS. Band students practice their half time performance. “[Marching] gives me a purpose and a reason to come [to school] every day,” senior Khyan Alvarez said. Their last half time performance was on Nov. 1 at the Battle of the Barrel. accomplished from performing at concerts. “[Performing feels] like I’m doing something right with my life,” Phillips said.

Similarly, junior Nickolas Jimenez feels those same benefits from music. Jimenez, section leader of clarinets and woodwinds, plays the clarinet and joined band to increase his musicianship.

“I love the musical and leadership experiences you get through band,” Jimenez said.

With the start of the concert season, Jimenez feels excited to share his talents, as this is his favorite part of band.

“People get to see the hard work you have given and dedication to your instrument,” Jimenez said.

Band and orchestra hosted their winter concerts this week. The chorus concert is Dec. 17 in the PAC.

quoteme I enjoyed music as a kid and and band was a really good outlet for me.

Mason Phillips, sophomore

Businesses use AirDrop as a new marketing tool AirDrop becomes an innovative way to market to crowds of people

By SAMAR BAIG Marketing to mass amounts of people continues to revolutionize through the use of Apple’s AirDrop. As phones become a significant part of peoples day-to-day lives, the use of AirDrop to market products becomes a more common phenomenon.

Apple released AirDrop to users in 2011, marketing it as an innovative way to transfer files between iOS 7 or higher devices on WiFi or Bluetooth. Anyone nearby could receive photos, videos and files from another. Users can customize who they accept AirDrops from by picking their preference between: receiving off, contacts only or anyone.

“I typically keep my AirDrop to everyone. I have never really had an incident where someone sent me something I didn’t like. If I get something from someone I don’t know, I usually just decline it,” Yearbook Photo and Index Editor Marni Stein said.

Recently companies began to AirDrop pictures of products and events to distribute to hundreds of people at a one time creating a marketing phenomenon. Consumers gravitate to look at their phone once they receive an AirDrop notification. In turn this helps the company expose their products knowing people will see it. It has become a tool one can forget they have until a notification comes from someone trying to send them a file.

In 2018, ESPN used AirDrop to promote the NBA finals. Users unknowingly enabled and set to receive pictures from everyone on their AirDrop settings. ESPN officials AirDropped personalized messages to bystanders in New York City with the intent to get them to watch the finals instead of doing something else.

“I think it can be a little touchy with some people because they don’t know how to use the technology or they might get a little insecure on their technology end and feel

like it’s a little intrusive,” senior intern for art education Emily Lopota said.

For small business owners and people who don’t have access to mass printing, AirDrop becomes a tool that gives access to potentially thousands of people at a time.

However, the amount of people one can reach is limited when not everyone has an iPhone. According to statista. com in 2018, 101.9 million people in the U.S. use iPhones but that is only on third of the population of the U.S. “[AirDrop is] just a matter of being exclusive or inclusive to iPhone users. It just the idea of that not everyone is going to be a fan of iPhones and if your only using that or don’t ever bring business cards then if

someone doesn’t have an iPhone they might not try too find you,” Lopota said.

AirDrop is a tool not only used for sending information between apple devices, it’s used in all different fields providing quick communication of files between individuals.

AirDrop can potentially be used to market to mass amounts of people around the world. Companies are already using the phenomenon to market their own agenda into society.

“I thought about using AirDrop at pride parade because I did have a few people who saw me with a camera and they were interested in getting photos and contacting me for them. I did run out of business cards and didn’t prepare for that, so I thought about using AirDrop potentially,” Lopota said.

photo illustration/SAMAR BAIG

Friday, December 13, 2019 boonepubs.com

hilights featurestories POETRY OUT LOUD TAKES PLACE DECEMBER 20

HOW HAS MRS. LOVE IMPACTED YOU?

The Poetry Out Loud slam takes place December 20 in the Boone Performing Arts Center from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Tune in to BoonePubs on youtube to watch a livestream of the slam or come watch in person to kick off Christmas break poetically.

7

She has given everyone the opportunity to see their full potential and giving everyone that freedom is a wonderful thing.

Jenna Meyer, junior

Love leaves theater legacy Theater director ends 10 year teaching career

By CALLA CURRY After five years of inspiring students and raising the bar for theater on campus, Nadine Love ends her 10th and final year as a high school theater director today.

Love plans to leave for New York to work on technical theater professionally with her husband and former teacher on campus, Brac Love.

Throughout her years teaching theater on campus, N. Love gave students a variety of classes, competitions and lessons to cultivate their skills, pushing them to new heights and encouraging some to pursue theater after high school. “[The most important part of preparing students for a career in theater is teaching them to] hold themselves to extremely high expectations and accept nothing but the best from themselves,” N. Love said.

N. Love’s former students went on to major in a variety of theater related careers after learning from honors courses in acting, technical and stage management. These classes broadened students’ horizons, helping them to better understand the many moving parts of live theater.

“She taught us how to work at a professional level. She held us to the same standards we would be held to at a professional level so when we

photo/Calla Curry

CHEAT OUT. Theater director Nadine Love adjusts students’ blocking in one act Death of a Salesman. “I love every one act I’ve done.

They’re my favorite,” Love said. Love and her team accomplished the show in four weeks.

2017 The Children’s Hour wins best play at Southeastern Theatre Conference

2017 Troupe wins 10 Best in Show awards at district competition

got to that level we would have this work ethic and ability to succeed,” 2019 graduate Bella Fatigati said.

Love also offered many different leadership opportunities which allowed students to grow. Her tradition of letting a junior or senior direct an underclassmen play each year allowed students to learn about directing first hand. She also put students in charge of every different tech crew for shows, further preparing them for theater related careers. “[The most beneficial opportunity N. Love gave me was] giving me Little Shop as a show [to stage manage]. She let me make mistakes and learn how to do things on my own, which prepared me for the real world,” Fatigati said.

Love’s expectations for students allowed them to receive numerous accolades, ranging from district to national level in scale. In 2017, student 2018 Bridget Doherty wins Critic’s choice for costume construction at state competition

Sofia Deler went on to win the Best Actress award at the nationally presented Jimmy awards while under N. Love’s direction. N. Love also received the Jimmy’s Inspiring Teacher Award in 2018.

N. Love brought reflection to every show by gathering with students for circle time before. Every time she reminded students to take a moment to breathe, appreciate the moment.

“Theater is life changing for students. They discover passions for life, whether or not they do theater after they graduate,” N. Love said.

N. Love taught 10 years of students, instilling a passion for theater in every class. “[The most rewarding part has been] mentoring the students over four years and having them grow to be the best people they can be. I’ll miss them,” Love said.

2019 Brady Foley wins Applause Award and becomes Jimmy Award nominee

Timeline of awards under Love’s direction 2016 Troupe presents Songs for a New World as a Mainstage production at states competition

2017 Sofia Deler wins Jimmy Award for best actress

2018 Collected stories wins best play at Southeastern Theatre Conference

2018 Love receives Jimmy’s Inspiring Teacher Award

2019 Catch Me if You Can receives Outstanding Musical at the Applause Awards

BARCOTT [ from, page 1

Howard Middle School media class.

After already winning for the district, Barcott heard she won for the State of Florida. Barcott felt thrown off guard, and surprised by the news, as she did not expect to exceed the district competition.

Barcott enjoyed drawing ever since as a child, but working with the teachers in Howard Middle Schools’ art program rekindled her passion for drawing. She applied for the award through the schools’ Ranger Television club last year.

“I wasn’t planning on winning,” Barcott said.

Despite her surprise, Barcott dedicated over 1,000 hours while working on the animation competition.

Barcott worked on the animation portion of the competition using Adobe Animate to create her project. The film, titled Spirit Child, was inspired by a variety of sources. “[I was inspired by] a lot of things, like movies and video games. Studio Ghibli with Spirited Away, Legend of Zelda,” Barcott said.

Grace Barcott The animation tells Freshman the story of a girl who can see the spirit of animals

It took me, I would say two months of just working on it.

that have passed away. It begins with the unknown girls discovery of the spirit of a bird killed by hunters, and as Barcott leaves the origin of the girls ability to see spirits is up to the viewers interpretation.

“Maybe the ghosts of these animals are just in her head to continue to entertain her, or maybe it’s the real spirit of the animals coming back to her through her powers. I have received some questions wondering why the hunters are killing all of these animals, I didn’t mean to make it seem that way, most of these animals ‘died’ due to natural causes and some because of hunters but not all,” Barcott said.

Working tirelessly on the project, Barcott did not finish the film without complications. As a major program problem forced her to redo the drawings and animation halfway through.

“I started doing it in a program [Adobe Animate], and at the very end it crashed so I had to restart. It took me, I would say two months of just working on it,” Barcott said.

Barcott overcame these obstacles with effort, using her motivations as a way to push forward and win the animation award.

“I just wanted to present something, since it was one of my first animations. I wanted to go get the feedback, so I kept pushing myself,” Barcott said.

Currently, Barcott is working on another

animation outside of school.

“I want to go to an art school and actually get into animation. Working at Disney, that’d be cool,” Barcott said.

“This award has given me more confidence to put myself out there and keep trying.

seehear To see Grace Barcotts animation, scan this QR code with your smartphone.

www.boonepubs.com

8

Friday, December 13, 2019 boonepubs.com

hilights

artsentertainment

Staff Picks: HOLIDAY THEME GOODIES

By CHELSI PETER

FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 9 INSTANT CAMERA. The Polaroid camera

is one of the most popular gifts teens are interested in buying.

Each polaroid varies in price due to the colors it comes in, prices begin at $45.

KYLIE SKIN SET. Since Kylie

Jenner’s makeup launch, Jenner released a multitude of skin care items. As presented, this is the set of all the products for a price of one. All the products listed are cruelty-free, gluten-free, sulfatefree, paraben-free, vegan and dermatologist tested. The Kylie Skin set is $125.

Top Holiday Albums INDINA MENZEL Christmas: A Season of Love. The “Let It Go

Singer” who got her fame through starring as Elsa in Frozen, released a new album which features a mix of her reindition of traditional holiday songs and collaborations. Ariana Grnade features on the album, as well.

Top Holiday Movies LAST CHRISTMAS

The new holiday movie stars Henry Goulding and (Emilia Clarke) Kate who seems to continuously make bad decisions, accepts a job as Santa’s elf at a department store.

Unexpectedly, she meets Tom at the store and her life takes an unexpected turn. For Kate it seems to good to be true.

iPHONE 11. In mid September, Apple released three new iPhones. The iPhone 11 (starting at $699), iPhone Pro (begins at $999) and the biggest phone released the iPhone 11 Pro Max, is priced at $1099.

CALL OF DUTY: MODERN. WARNING! This video game is for mature audiences only. On Oct. 25, the new Call of Duty game released. The new game reveals improved graphics, fast paced action and improved multiplayer mode.

The new video game is priced at $59.99.

AIRPODS PRO. On Oct. 28,

Apple revealed the Airpods Pro. The new earphones feature active noise cancellation, water and sweat resistant, over 24 hours of listening time and a whole new design and case body. $249

AIR FORCE 1. Originally released in 2007, these trendy shoes resurfaced in shops due to their extenisve popularity. The shoe is creeping its way back into current trends. Undoubtedly, the Air Force 1’s may be Nike’s most popular sneaker. The sneakers cost $90.

photo illustration/AJA FISCHER

PENTATONIX The Best of Pentatonix Christmas. The three-time

Grammy Award-winning acapella group’s new album features four new songs, in addition to the group’s hottest and bestselling Christmas songs and collaborations from previous albums.

A CHRISTMAS PRINCE: THE ROYAL BABY Queen Amber (Rose Mclver) and King Richard (Ben Lamb) prepare for the birth of their first royal child in Netflix’s third series release. The couple plans to take some time off ruling Aldovia, and focus on life with a child and the challenges that come with.

MARIAH CAREY ‘Merry Christmas’ 25th Anniversary Reissue.

Mariah Carey celebrates the 25th anniversary of her landmark holiday album Merry Christmas with a deluxe reissue out November 1. The album features her mega-hit song “All I Want for Christmas,” a selection of previously-unreleased live tracks and previously released songs.

RADIO CHRISTMAS

When her Philadelphia radio stattion is closed for repairs during the holidays, DJ Kara Porter (Keshia Knight Pulliam) is forced to broadcast from the small town of Bethlehem.

Kara then seeks to uncover the identity of the town’s Secret Santa who saved all of Bethlehem’s Christmas festivities. Along the way she discovers the true meaning of love, family and community.