SNN February 2011 by JourneysIn Journalism

Lakewood High School - Feb. 9, 2011

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Photo Illustration by ALANDRA PRYOR | SNN

iPod = iStudy Does listening to music help you focus?

... page 5

Getting real about sex ... pages 8-9 Lakewood: A love/hate relationship ... page 6

the hub

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Spartan News Network Code of Ethics As journalists for the Spartan News Network, we work together as a community with respect, professionalism, accuracy and curiosity. We collect information and dig deep to get to the bottom of the most current events to produce and distribute hard-hitting and honest news to the Lakewood community in a timely manner. SNN is an open forum that strives to accurately report a balanced and truthful depiction of the news while remaining objective. Our main goal at SNN is to build and maintain trust with the people, to give a voice to the voiceless and to succeed at not just painting the picture, but telling the story behind the art.

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DAVID ZIMMERMAN | SNN Sophomore Andrew Pink constructs a model of molecules for Chemistry I Honors in Andrea Carvill’s classroom on Jan. 6.

A word from

By TAYLOR LAPUMA SNN Editor in Chief

This one’s for all the kids who were sick for a week, the ones who had to leave school early because they had a doctor’s appointment and the ones who took college days to help them make a life-altering decision. This one’s for the good kids. Being a senior, I know that senioritis is very real, but we all know (although we don’t like to admit it) that it is not an excuse for skipping. It’s just selfish to complain about the exam exemption policy if you’re absent at your leisure, which is why I didn’t kick and scream when I had to take all of my midterms. But now it’s second semester, and I’m fuming. I’ve narrowed my college choices down to two: the University of South Florida or the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. These two schools are on opposite ends of the college spectrum, and to make my decision

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I needed to go to Ohio and take a tour, marinate in the atmosphere. One problem with that, though, is the Pinellas County School Board says you can only use two “college days” a semester. Naturally I’ll need more than that to allow time to fly up. It’s not like in the long run college days are excused this year anyway… so the four school-days I spent at OU in early February was out of pure defiance, and I’ve already botched my chances of exempting my finals. I’m at a fork in the road. I, too, need to make a life-altering decision, and if that means I’ll have to take all of my finals my senior year, then so be it. I’d rather spend my last week of high school sitting through exams than possibly missing out on a great college experience because they wouldn’t excuse my absences. There comes a point when you have to fight against the system, even though it’s comparable to an ant attacking a golden retriever. Some students, though, are trying to form an army of ants (check out page 3 for more info) to fight this current absentee policy.

Did you know… -- 42.5 percent of LHS students said their parents make sure they do all of their homework. -- About 35 percent of students prefer to eat at Chick-fil-a. -- Almost 40 percent of LHS students spend three or more hours on the computer a day. This information comes from surveys conducted by Andrea Carvill’s AP Statistics classes. I understand that the non-existent policy last year allowed more students than preferred to “slip through the cracks” and exempt all of their exams, but years before when there was more leniency to the amount of absences it was a lot more civil than the new one. This policy is unfair. I say, if you can maintain a B average in a class, then you should be able to exempt the exam; it’s obvious that you know your stuff. This year, it feels like the only way you can exempt is if you’re dead, and sometimes it feels like we had more senior privileges during our junior year.

Editor-in-Chief: Taylor LaPuma Design/Copy Chief: Spencer Blevins Multimedia Editors: Katie Atkisson, Madeline Glassman Opinions Editor: Sofia Damos Sports Editor: Julia Pohlmann Graphic Designer: Kristen Hardy Online Editors: Molinseai Elcius, Jessica Thornton Chief Photographer: Tyler Holcombe Video Editor: Morgan McCabe Ad Managers: Keyata Seymour, Kamdon Martin SNN is produced by the students of Lakewood High School. 1400 54th Ave. S St. Petersburg, FL (727) 893-2916, ext. 2163 SNN is printed by Lakewood’s business partner, the St. Petersburg Times.

For more news, go to the SNN web site:

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news

Solving the dead catfish mystery

By KAYLA GARCIA and CHRIS DIESTER SNN Staff Writers

When science teacher James Kostka walked into his classroom the Monday morning after winter break he was met with a bad smell and total silence. “That’s how I knew something was wrong; it was quiet,” he said. The automatic fish feeder that feeds the catfish in his tanks apparently malfunctioned and dumped all the food at once, said Kostka, who heads up the Academy for Marine Science and Environmental Technology. “The catfish ate all the food because they don’t know when to stop,” principal Bob Vicari said, and the overeating caused the fish to die. The catfish were gone and the tanks were unplugged, and at first Kostka had no idea what happened. When Kostka cleaned the tanks out after school he found no bones or fish, which made it even more a mystery. There were 30 catfish ranging from four to six inches in the tank the last time he checked on them, Dec. 21. He set up an automatic fish feeder to feed the fish once a day. Kostka emailed administration, which found out that a maintenance man noticed the dead catfish and disposed of them. The man unplugged the tanks during the break, leaving the algae and feces to build up a smell and a light tan color to the water. “It was like a disgusting odor you can’t get rid of, like a bunch of dead bodies,” said sophomore Ikeiés Smith, who has Kostka’s class second period. The smell was so strong that the home economics class to the left of Kostka’s classroom had to be relocated to the library on Monday, Vicari said. Most of Kostka’s second period helped him clean out the tank. The students dumped most of tanks’ contents down the sink, roughly 200 gallons. The rest was dumped down the storm drain in the bus circle. “It smelled really foul when you walked

KASEY DILLARD | SNN

Before winter break, AMSET coordinator James Kostka’s class lost their catfish due to a feeding malfunction. New fish have been added and other projects continue. ish. He has already created one tank that in the room. … I just manned up and very “distraught” about the fish dying. contains a mix of pinfish and mangrove cleaned the tanks,” said Trevon Mercer, “It sucks (that) we lost the fish,” said snappers. Kostka’s fifth-period teaching assistant. Kostka. However, now he can move on The catfish were raised last year to Before he found out what happened, Merwith further plans, like rearranging his cer thought the fish had been stolen. back room to better organize it, and replac- sell and make money for AMSET. Kostka chose catfish because they’re easier to After two days, the smell was gone. ing the fish. breed and can tolerate more stress than “After the smell was gone it was deKostka plans to replace the catfish with other fish. lightful,” said Mercer. He also said he felt three tanks of mangrove snappers - one freshwater, one saltwater and one brack-

Student fights against exemption policy through Facebook By DEONNA MIMS and TAYLOR LAPUMA SNN Staff Writers

This year’s Pinellas County exam exemption policy is a lot tougher than previous years. One Pinellas County student, though, is taking matters into his own hands. Lakewood High School senior Cameron Hoylman created a Facebook page called “Change the exam exemption policy” so students can let off their steam. “We will be going to a Pinellas County School meeting and calling on board members and letting them hear our stories in

hopes that it will change,” said Hoylman. The new policy says that students can have no more than five absences per semester in any class or they will have to take the final exams in all classes. Hoylman was prompted to take a stand after he missed more than five days of school and was forced to take his exams. His absences weren’t just because he was sick; he had legitimate reasons. He was absent for medical appointments for having

his wisdom teeth removed and was subpoenaed to court because he had an item stolen from him at school. Even principal Bob Vicari said he thinks the policy is a little too harsh. He said the policy is “like a pendulum.” Last year, with the H1N1 virus going around, no one needed an excuse to stay home. This year, it’s almost impossible to exempt. “(As a parent) I think it needs to rest somewhere in the middle,” said Vicari.

Hoylman said he will take the students’ stories to the school board in an effort to change the policy. As of Feb. 3, the group had 133 members. “This policy is atrocious,” he posted on Facebook, “ … I am working right now on getting the exam exemption policy changed so that no one has to take exams for (having) excused absences.”

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news

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Dungeons, Dragons and Owlbears, oh my! By KATIE DICKINSON and LAUREN HASTINGS SNN Staff Writers

Are you ready to jump into a makebelieve world and hunt down your inner geek-dom? Well jump, and jump now because for the first time in Lakewood history the school has a Dungeons and Dragons club. The table-top role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons was first published in 1974. The club will be using the third edition of the game. Players create character sheets with the stats for their character. The Dungeon Master, who does not play, directs the campaign. The franchise is one of the most successful table-top games and has often been referred to in popular culture. “If you like theatrics, this is your club. If you like role-playing, this is your club. If you like dragons, this is your club. If you like dungeons, you probably have a problem, but this is your club,” said founder and president of the club, junior AJ Valdes. The other members seem to be excited about getting to play. “I guess I wanted to play D and D for a long time. It’s one of my deep down nerdier secrets,” said junior Bernard Marger, one of the new club members. Sponsored by math teacher Phillip Morgan, with assistance from fellow teacher Joshua Plant, this club will meet to play Dungeons and Dragons every Friday in B-202, Morgan’s classroom. Morgan could

be considered an “expert” on Dungeons and Dragons. He has three basic books, and several PDF files about the game. Morgan has played the game since he first learned how in 2006. “I realized how fun it really is,” said Morgan. The club will run for two or three hours after school, longer when they begin playing the game. The first few meetings will be for discussing the advertising and direction of the club, as well as learning how to play the game and building a character. Owlbear, a character from the game, is the club’s mascot. Valdes will be playing the role of Dungeon Master for at least the first campaign. “I think the first campaign is going to be a lot of fun,” said Morgan. In addition to Dungeons and Dragons, the club will also play other board games and table-top role-playing games each month, although the main motivation of the club is to play Dungeons and Dragons. “I want to bring Dungeons and Dragons back, man,” said Valdes.

SCOTTY SCHENCK | SNN

Dungeon Master AJ Valdes writes the basic classes for character selection in the new Dungeons and Dragons club at Lakewood High School.

Lakewood girls take charge By NATE PLAINES SNN Staff Writer

Look out Lakewood, there is a new club and the girls are in charge. The Girl’s Service League is being overseen by biology teacher Kathy Zavadil and is headed by the president of the club, junior Taryn Schlather. The club’s purpose is to do service projects around Lakewood High School, rather than outside community service similar to that of KEY Club. Upcoming events for the club include planning a fundraiser, which would allow the girls to start their first project of beautifying the gardens between A-wing and T-wing. “There are some areas that could use some TLC,” said Zavadil. The club currently has a little more than 40 members and meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. Dues are due by Friday (Feb. 11), so girls who are interested in joining this first-year club at Lakewood should see Zavadil in room A207 as soon as possible.

Illustration by Phillip Morgan

Lakewood High newspaper receives gold-medal rating

By TAYLOR LAPUMA SNN Editor in Chief

Lakewood High School’s newspaper, the Spartan News Network, received a gold medal rating from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association at Columbia University. There are 1,507 members of the CSPA, from high school and college yearbooks, to magazines and newspapers. The association says that among the yearly number of applicants, about 13-15 percent receive the gold medal title, which is the highest rating. “This rating is like a 5-star rating for a hotel or restaurant,”

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said Jaye Ann Terry who works in program development for the Journeys in Journalism program. Helen F. Smith, a CSPA judge, wrote a 15page critique about SNN. “You guys take your responsibly very seriously and it shows. An amazing array of topics – many controversial and sensitive – and you seem to understand that you may make people mad but that these topics need to be addressed,” Smith wrote, “and I loved that you had the courage to admit your mistakes.”

Among the praise, the association had some constructive criticisms as well. Smith gave SNN comments and suggestions for improvements on sports and breaking news coverage, editorials and design. “(The rating) proves what we already know,” said Terry. “We have a great group of staff and students consistently producing a quality product.”

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features

Should you study to the beat? By DRE WALKER SNN Staff Writer

When final exams roll around, students need to get prepared. A teacher gives a class a study guide to work on for the test. One of the students, senior De’Vontae Harrington, dreads the feeling of having to do more work and tries to find an escape to feel more relaxed while working. He pulls out his iPod and starts listening to his favorite music artist, Trey Songz. He begins his work while the music blasts in his ears. A lot of students listen to music while doing their homework or schoolwork. Students say the music relaxes them and makes them less anxious about doing work. “It helps me focus and study,” Harrington said. Harrington, the marching band’s drum major, said he likes listening to rhythm and blues. He said it puts him in the “zone” for work. Senior Kathryn Harville feels the same way. Rap music helps her while she works. “It helps me focus and concentrate more,” Harville said. But does music really help with focus and concentration? Work that is accompanied by quiet, soothing music helps listeners think, analyze and work faster and more efficiently, researchers Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons said in a September interview on National Public Radio. Chabris and Simons, authors of The Invisible Gorilla, a book about how people focus, said that it is easy for us to keep music in the background when we focus on something else. But when something in the background forces itself into your conscious mind then you can get distracted. According to other scientists, listening to loud music can interfere with concentration. But the type of work that is being done is a factor in whether the music is a distraction. When you are doing work such as math, which requires using your mind more, listening to music can have a negative effect on your concentration and how much knowledge you take in, Chabris and Simons said. When you are doing physical work such as painting, then music actually can have a positive effect because you’re using less of your mind, the authors said. Many students believe that listening to music helps them relax and focus on their work. For example, sophomore Hosea Durant said he likes to listen to rap music while

Photos by TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN

Freshman De’Sean Williams listens to his headphones while working on an assignment on Jan. 12. studying. “It makes me concentrate. When I don’t listen to music, I talk,” he said. But parents, teachers and school administrators see it differently. Listening to music or use of most other electronic devices while school is in session is prohibited under school board policy. “Think of jobs that would let you (listen to music) at work,” principal Bob Vicari said. At a real work place you couldn’t pull out your electronics and listen to music because it could become a distraction, Vicari said. And it’s the same case for a school environment. Schools should be preparing students for a work place, Vicari said. If you can’t do it in a real work environment then you shouldn’t be able to do it at school. “My hope as a principal is that the teachers’ work is so dynamic that students really shouldn’t have to listen to music,” Vicari said.

Sophomore Matt Pendergast listens to music in class on a smart phone.

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Lakewood: It’s a love/hate kinda thing By CHELSEA GADBOIS and TAYLOR LAPUMA Photos by MOLINSEAI ELCIUS and HANNAH GOLIGHTLY SNN Staff

is the season for love. It’s all through the air at Lakewood. Apart from the blossoming love of young couples, though, there are other feelings encircling us. We hit the halls to get the details on some students’ love/hate relationships with Lakewood.

Takira Black, 12th grade Loves: “I would have to say (I love) our school spirit.” Hates: “How strict they got on everything. We have to have a certain pass for everything.”

Zack Davis, 12th grade Loves: “(Lakewood’s) fun…kind of lame at the same time though.” Hates: “There needs to be a longer break. You get out of line, you take a bite of your food and then the bell is ringing.”

Eddy Mojica, 10th grade Loves: “I love all the people and diversity … best school in the universe.” Hates: “How bad everyone thinks it is. Lakewood has a bad reputation in Pinellas and it’s not true.”

Kevon Mayers, 10th grade Loves: “I love how some of the teachers make class funny, it makes it less boring” Hates: “I don’t like the rules for exam exemption.”

Marcus Hawkins, 9th grade Loves: “The rich diversity of the school.” Hates: “I hate the smelly bathroom in the hub, and the trash everywhere, french fries everywhere... bottles.”

Alex Linton & Rebecca Halfast, 10th grade They love: “The people here, there’s some real characters.” They hate: “The bathrooms, there’s never soap or toilet paper, they’re always dirty.”

It’s almost time to...

JOIN THE SNN TEAM! Write stories, take pictures, make videos! See Ms.Tobin in Room C-100 to sign up for next year!

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features

Illustration by AARON PERRY | SNN

Lakewood’s love classifieds Dear Mommy and Daddy, I love you sooo so so much! Happy Valentine’s Day! Love, Kitten Branden, What can I say? I love you and cherish the moments that we share. I will always love you. Happy V-Day! Jessica To Jessica Larue, You’re amazing in every way. I’m so glad you’re in my life! -AJ Valdes P.S. I love reading and discussing books with you.

Rebekah, You are the Envy of every girl and your beauty makes the guys Misty- eyed. You are a Rei of sunshine in my life and I just can’t help but think about you. Rosetta. -YSA Dear Blondie and Midget, I love you girlies. <3 You are my sunshine on a cloudy day. Happy V-Day! -Anonymous Dear Keyata, You are like a goddess that came down from heaven. Will you be my shawty? -Your secret admirer :)

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JOE CRUZ | SNN

The Get Real club offers various brochures to students on the subjects of abstinence and sexually transmitted diseases.

Thinking of sex? Get Real! By KATIE BLEVINS, JOE CRUZ, TJ PERRY and DARIAN SYLVESTER SNN Staff Writers

It’s time to get real. When was the last time you thought about the consequences of having sex, such as getting sexually transmitted diseases or getting pregnant? Get Real is a club at Lakewood High School that promotes both abstinence and safe sex. “It’s getting real with life,” said senior Rae’vin Graham, a member of the club. “If you are one of those teens that are tired of seeing ninth graders and everybody else pregnant, you should join.” The group was founded by Tammy Heyward, senior Brandon Heyward’s mother. “It made me want to get involved, and not goof off or anything like that,” said Brandon Heyward. Get Real is open to anyone at Lakewood and currently 10 students take part in the club. There is no set schedule of when the group meets, but when they do, it takes place in math teacher Maurice Herring’s room. “We were able to reach students that we wouldn’t normally have,” Tammy Heyward said. The club is planning community service projects and has had guest speakers, including a woman who was diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS. The club collects HIV/AIDS statistics and last year the club arranged so anyone at Lakewood could take a free HIV test. In addition, they raised awareness by marching in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in downtown St. Petersburg. Graham, who has been in Get Real for two years, said the club changed her outlook on sex. “I think sex is overrated now. (The club) really does open your eyes to a lot,” she said. “We’re not trying to tell anyone how to live their lives; we just want them to think again.” Members agree that getting the word out about the risk of having sex at a young age is most important to them. “It’s informational and it’s good to know what’s going on around you,” senior Khadijah Gland said. In January, SNN randomly surveyed 305 students at Lakewood High about how sexually active they are. Of those surveyed, 52.1 percent reported having had sexual intercourse. Nationally, 46 percent of all high school students reported having sexual intercourse in 2009, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control. Another national survey found that teenagers in abstinence programs are no more likely to delay sexual activity than teenagers not in an abstinence program, according to the Guttmacher Institute. This figure does not bother Heyward though. “The approach we’re taking will make a difference,” she said. “I believe (the students are) making better decisions on whether or not to have sex (based) on the information we give them,” Heyward said.

ex. It’s one of those controversial high school topics tha ing. At SNN we decided to explore the topic, writing ab abstinence and a woman who chose to wait and passe daughter. In addition, four of our reporters gathered st Lakewood teens and sexual activity. Take a look at what we dis

Get Real club director Tammy Heyward speaks during a meeting on Thursday, Feb Lakewood High School to discuss ways to practice abstinence.

Waiting for a kiss Lakewood’s volunteer coordinator passes on her moral values to her daughter. By NIA CUMBERLANDER SNN Staff Writer

Illustration by DARIAN SYLVESTER | SNN

at has everyone’s ears buzzbout a club that promotes ed that value on to her tatistics, finding out about scovered.

Lakewood’s volunteer coordinator Julia Settles became Julia Rogers on Nov. 5 when she married Darrin Rogers. But what many don’t know is that she did not even kiss her husband until she was married – and it’s a lesson she’s passed on to her teenage daughter. Rogers met her husband while teaching Sunday school. “We knew each other for two and a half years and dated for six months,” she said. The day he asked her to marry him was “so sweet,” she said. “He proposed at the beach at sunset and he had bride and groom Build-a-Bears. When I pushed the hand it asked, ‘Will you marry me?’ Then he asked me again, got on one knee and gave me the ring,” she said. “It was just beautiful, it was so special.” But the kiss everyone expects the woman to give her new fiancée after she becomes engaged didn’t happen. Instead, the two decided to wait until they were married. Settles said

they wanted to “be best friends first.” The wedding was to be held on Jan. 1., but the date was moved earlier to November because they saw no need for a “big wedding with all the invitations and expense.” Rogers said her actions set an example for her 16-year-old daughter from a previous marriage.

“There’s so much more to do as a teenager that doesn’t have to include sex.” -- Gabrielle Settles, 16 Gabrielle Settles, who goes to school and lives in Michigan, said she sees no reason to engage in sexual activity before she is married. “I have plans before I do that. While I’m in school I want to get good grades, get involved in sports, and have fun with my friends. I plan on going to college first and getting the job that I want. I don’t plan on

The Survey:

We randomly surveyed 305 students at Lakewood High about how sexually active they are. Students anonymously answered six questions ranging from their use of contraceptives to whether they’ve had intercourse. Students were given the option to not participate. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percent. This is how the numbers tally up:

Courtesy Photo Julia Rogers, with her daughter, Gabrielle, 16, encouraged her daughter to remain abstinent until she gets married.

getting married until I’m 25,” she said. “There’s so much more to do as a teenager that doesn’t have to include sex.” Settles has plans for how to discuss her beliefs with a boyfriend. “I would tell the person up front what my standards are, what I believe in and that I’m waiting until I get married and they would have to accept me for that,” she said. Settles offers advice to other teens who are abstinent: “Talk to someone who knows, like your parents. Talk to someone you can trust.” If a boyfriend were to pressure her too much, she said, “I would have to let a person go if they couldn’t wait. I would know they weren’t the person for me.”

How often do you have sex?* These items are an excerpt from the pamphlet “101 Ways to Make Love Without Actually Doin’ It,” offered by the Get Real club 1) Have fun together 2) Choose a special, favorite song 3) Go for a moonlit walk 4) Give each other sexy looks 5) Do things for each other without being asked 6) Go to a concert 7) Rent a movie 8) Cook each other’s favorite food 9) Share an ice cream cone 10) Take pictures together 11) Play footsie 12) Read a book and discuss it 13) Flirt with each other 14)Throw a party together 15) Be best friends 16) Give diamonds 17) Dedicate a song on the radio 18) Do homework together 19) Hold hands 20) Make a mixtape

JOE CRUZ | SNN

b. 20. The club meets on Thursdays at

Graphs by SPENCER BLEVINS | SNN

* We understand you do most of the items with your friends, but don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you have sex with them every time you laugh or listen to music.

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H o L L Y W o o D HoLlA’ Your page for reviews of the latest movies, books, fashion and music.

Lakewood’s got (hidden) talent

Clockwork Angel

By KRISTEN HARDY

By TIFFANY BROWNING

SNN Staff Writer

Tessa thought she was an ordinary human girl until everything changed. When she was sent to England to live with her older brother, Nathaniel, she had no idea something terrifying was waiting. When she is kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, she learns about a whole new world she was completely unaware of around her. She learns of the Pandemonium Club, and that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability. Clockwork Angel, by Cassandra Clare, is a thrilling tale in which Tessa becomes hunted by the Magister, who is the leader of the Pandemonium Club, and is taken into the safety of the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who promise to help find her brother. She is torn between two boys: Jem, a fellow who hides a secret beneath his fragile beauty, and, Will, whose attitude keeps people away. Tessa realizes that she has to choose between saving her brother and helping the Shadowhunters save the world… and that love itself can be more dangerous than she thought. Cassandra Clare is one of the authors I enjoy reading. She is the author of the bestselling Mortal Instruments series. I am a big fan of her and her work. When I saw her new book, Clockwork Angel, I just had to read it. I’d say this book would be appropriate for high school students, and perhaps for kids as young as 12. I would recommend this to those who enjoy books such as Twilight, for instance. You will jump into a world of beautiful fantasy.

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Black Swan

For years now, we’ve always had the same tradition of Lip Sync. I’m not saying that tradition is bad; I’d just like to see some change. Lip Sync has always been groups of friends pretending to sing to the lyrics of a song or people dancing while someone takes the spotlight. Not to say the student body or I don’t enjoy it, but why can’t we have an additional talent show? I’d like to see the raw talent that my peers have or the quirky talents that make them different from everyone around them. I say it’s time for a change. It’s time to do things differently and bring something new to Lakewood. At Lip Sync you are only able to sing or rap along to the music playing or pretend to

strum a guitar. I’d like to see someone also sing and actually hear the guitar playing. Maybe someone could do a little magic or do a dance other than hip hop. I’d like to see a bit of classical dancing, like ballet. I feel that having an actual talent show will let everyone see the talents of the people they go to school with. Who knows if that kid you sit next to in math class is actually a contortionist who can bend his body in amazing ways. In addition, if we added another type of show, more people might be interested in coming, and the school might make some more money. I think that the students here have lost an interest in school spirit because it’s the same things occurring over and over again, but if we had a talent show for people to showcase what they can do, it’ll bring people together. I’m not saying to get rid of Lip Sync at all. I’d just like to see both.

By SPENCER BLEVINS

Not all have talent, but all can dance

The timeless tale of Swan Lake gets revamped in Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan. Starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, the movie takes a contemporary turn. The story follows ballet dancer Nina Sayers, played by Portman, who strives for perfection in her technique. After the company’s star dancer is forced to retire, Nina is chosen to dance her role in the new season’s opening production as the Swan Queen. The Swan Queen is required to dance the delicate and innocent role of the White Swan as well as the seductive and wicked role of the Black Swan. Nina begins to feel threatened when the company’s new dancer, Lily, played by Kunis, begins to impress the artistic directors. Nina slowly begins to lose her mind and starts to transform into the role of the Black Swan. The film was shocking but brilliant. Portman excellently portrayed her character while keeping the role believable. The movie was rather graphic at times but the suspense of the film had me sitting on the edge of my seat. This movie is rated R due to its adult themes.

By TYLER HOLCOMBE

SNN Staff Writer

Some people are starting to say that we should replace Lip Sync with a regular talent show. I disagree. First of all, Lip Sync sells because of its high entertainment value. When Lakewood students think of Lip Sync, we think of fun, a darkened auditorium with students performing on the stage to popular music. We think of a great night out with our friends. Why would anyone give all that up just to see some kid who can play the violin like a pro or has an abnormally large tongue or who can handstand for five minutes? Who would care? I wouldn’t. The point of Lip Sync is to sell tickets and give money to the school and, in exchange, we get entertainment. People give up their Friday nights to

attend Lip Sync with their friends. Who’s going to pay good, parent-begged-for (or hard-earned) money to basically waste a Friday evening sitting in an audience, staring blankly at the guy on stage who’s quadruple jointed in his left arm, hoping that the next act isn’t nearly as disgusting or boring? The point is nobody would. So why change? Why mess with tradition? Lip Sync has been going on for 29 years. Why replace it with something lame like a talent show? Picking a talent show over Lip Sync is a bad decision, and sure to gain disfavor. Lakewood already barely has any money; we don’t need any more going to waste on a program that’s even less accessible than Lip Sync. Anyone can dance. Not everyone has a talent that’s worth mentioning.

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fashion

New year means new gear By SHANTE’ SHEDRICK SNN Staff Writer

Forget prince charming and fall in love with these leading-edge trends of the New Year. Clear away your traditional pieces from last season’s wardrobe, and make way for this season’s. With the cold weather almost gone we can now start counting down the days until spring, which means a time of transitional fashion. What to wear on a sunny day with a bit of chill in the air? Pull together two of your favorite pieces for a new formula.

COMBAT BOOTS

KATIE ATKISSON | SNN

Though combat boots remain a military must have, they don’t just stop there. Say goodbye to the days when the only time a pair of laced-up leather combat boots were worn on soldiers. The rising trend went from battlefield to the runway and is now hitting the halls of LHS. The militaryinspired shoe is being worn by both male and female for a fashion forward look while staying warm. Its also one way civilians can show their quiet support for men and women who fought for our country.

LEON TOMLINSON | SNN

CARGO PANTS

Cargo is taking on a whole new meaning for girls this season. Yes, cargo as in the baggy pants your brother and dad probably wear only less baggy and a little more skinny. It may sound like a contradiction, but cargo pants are no longer a style reserved for the baggy. The large bulky pocket pants set at mid thigh are opening the eyes of fashion mavens because they allow for advantages in uber-stylish outfits. One of the best things about skinny cargo pants is that they can be easily incorporated into your existing wardrobe no matter the season. The assortment of nature colors such as olive, khaki dark and light grey look fabulous and flattering on pretty much any body type.

BERETS

Beret is the French word for hat. It is defined as “a shaped covering for the head.” The classic beret, also known as a beanie, is a cross between a head band and hat. Several girls use the beret for multipurposes, whether it is as a fashion statement, winter essential or simply hide a bad hair day. Either way it’s something that’s constantly being worn. But be careful, it is against Pinellas County School Board policy. KATIE ATKISSON | SNN

BYRON BOYKINS | SNN

From the Big Apple, to the Sunshine State By BYRON BOYKINS SNN Staff Writer

In this edition I’ve decided to explore something other than just clothing. I have a student who is from New York that has something to say about his Jamaica, Queens, swagger. Senior Dylan Jean-Aimee is a light-skinned, blue-eyed 18-yearold who grew up on the south side of Jamaica, a neighborhood in Queens. He was raised by black family members and friends all his life before he moved down to St. Petersburg in August. The dress codes in New York and St. Petersburg are quite similar. When it comes to clothes and kicks, Jean-Aimee says he looks for more exclusive items and he tries to wear them the best. “Coming from New York, you got to go hard or don’t come at all, it’s the fashion capital. When you come in with the popular crew you have to maintain your dress game,” he said. “But I mostly do it for the girls.” Just like most teens in St. Petersburg, Jean-Aimee sports Jordans, Timberlands, Polo, Hollister and whatever is popular. “But it’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it,” said Jean-Amiee.

MTV’s ‘Made’ coming to Lakewood MTV’s reality TV show Made, which transforms you into whatever you want to be, will be visiting Lakewood on Friday. Principal Bob Vicari said he got a text message from MTV last week, asking if the show could come to Lakewood. He said he emailed the producer back to make sure it wasn’t a scam, and then he approved the idea. “We’re living up to our name – Hollywood High,” he said. Students had to submit a one-page description, selling themselves to Vicari by Tuesday. Those who are chosen will go through the interview process on Friday. The interviews will take place in the conference room in the front office. “I think it’s awesome that they’re coming to Lakewood to do a casting call … like MTV in ST. Pete?” said senior Kachira Irby. She said if she is chosen she would ask to be transformed into a singer, “because I’m always afraid about singing in front of a large group.” - SHERICE JOHNSON and KC SHELTON/SNN

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opinion W e d n e s d a y, F e b . 9 , 2 0 11 Editorial

Put a limit on your love ... in the hallways Valentine’s Day, the celebration of St. Valentine being dragged through the Roman courtyards and beaten to death in public as a statement of intolerance of the Christian faith. So, naturally, it’s celebrated by romancing the opposite (or same) sex with candy hearts, cards, and making out in the hallways. This is the day of PDA. But what is PDA? The terms are ever-changing but the premise stays the same. Public Displays of Affection are practically the official school pastime here at Hollywood High. Depending on your personal limits, PDA can range from hand-holding to serious tonsil-hockey. Don’t do that though, because at school there’s only so much allowed. When in view of the administrators, some students become pious virgins, but once among their peers the “virgins” become overly hormonal harlots. This is honestly a problem, but it’s a natural occurrence in high school. The line is drawn at “hot-n-heavy make out sessions,” says principal Bob Vicari, but hand holding and a quick peck are fine according to him. When it comes down to it, if you are interested in just expressing your love…do it in an appropriate way. Some students don’t enjoy seeing lip-locked teens, doing things that would make their mothers blush. So let’s use some common sense before swapping epic amounts of saliva. Cartoon by AARON PARRY

Letters A GED is a diploma Dear Editor, As the Lakewood Community School In-school GED teacher, I would like to commend your reporters for a very well written story about our program. There are a couple of items, however, that I would like to clarify. The article refers to the GED diploma as a “certificate” which it is not. The GED diploma is just that, a Florida State High School Diploma which is spelled out clearly on the document. Also, the diploma does come with a transcript of sorts – the testers’ scores for the five subtests that make up the entire GED test. Other than these minor points, the article was very informative and well written. Thank you for taking the time to highlight this option for some students to earn their diplomas and move on to college, technical school or whatever their future goals are. - Patrick E. Timmel, GED Teacher, Lakewood Community School

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Dear Editor, Ugh! We eat the same thing every day. I wish that Lakewood had more of a variety of food choices. Pizza, chicken and fries at the food carts can drive you crazy. Our school needs a healthier food choice menu, such as: grilled cheese sandwiches, baked fries, fruits and ziti. There were a few times when I would consistently buy fries, and then realize later that was the reason for my stomach aches. Never again! But if I don’t buy that food, what else is there for me? Please get rid of the unhealthy, highcalorie foods and give us better choices. - Jakeya Allen, 10th grade

Anthony Snead, my track coach, also helped me realize that this school was showing heavy interest in me and that I should consider them. My father, Leroy Funderburk, also helped me look into other schools and consider different options. When signing day came on Feb. 2, I was confident about choosing the University of Memphis. I also would like to thank Deb Fabrizio, athletic director, for setting up my signing party and the entire faculty who came to support or congratulate me. To the track team, I hope my senior season will be full of memories and next year you all continue to work hard and go further than before. - Kala Funderburk, 10th grade

Athlete thanks supporters

Hats hurt no one

Dear Editor, I would like to thank all the people who helped me come to the decision about which college to attend. Peter Oberg, program director for the Center for Advanced Technologies, was very supportive in helping me with this decision.

Dear Editor, Are you tired of administrators telling you to take off your hat? Why is it that we are not allowed to wear hats in school? Who or what are we hurting or offending? Oh yeah, that’s right, NO ONE! Seriously, what is the reason why we can’t wear head

We need healthier snacks

coverings? All we are doing is trying to express ourselves and add to our fashion statement. At times it even helps us out. We all have those bad hair days and sometimes we need a haircut. Hats will hold us down for a couple of days. Students even get referrals and suspensions for something as simple as a hat. I believe that this is a very unnecessary rule and should be taken away. - TJ Perry, 12th grade

Tunes help you study Dear Editor, I am the kind of student who likes to listen to music while I do my work. Teachers are always saying “stop talking” or “stop being so loud.” If they let us use our iPods then, it would be a lot quieter in the classrooms. You should think about it. When we listen to music while doing work, it makes us want to keep doing that work. I know it shuts me up and makes me get my work done. - Jessica Thornton, 10th grade

W e d n e s d a y, F e b . 9 , 2 0 11

opinion

Columns

Let’s move forward and drop the extra baggage By CHANTEL BUXTON SNN Staff Writer

Imagine yourself in a state of fear all the time. Wanting to say or do something but fearing the consequences of being whipped, beaten and mistreated. Whoever thought that 360 years of oppression could be resurrected with one word? “Nigger,” a derogatory term used to degrade blacks is now used among blacks as a term of endearment. Why is a word with such a past still used today? Is it that blacks today don’t care or are they unappreciative of the struggle? Or is it that they just don’t know what that word means, how even today it

still hurts? Slavery in America started 400 years ago in 1610. Men, women and children were ordered to do as they were told no matter how horrible. Times went from days of sweat and tears ending in bloody whippings to “southern trees bearing strange fruits.” When slavery ended, the crow began to caw. Until the 1970’s, blacks weren’t allowed to eat, sit, drink or be in certain places. In those days the word was used to put blacks down and attempt to make them even more inferior to whites. Nowadays the terminology is different. Young people use it as a term of love. Most say that it stands for family. Some even come up with their own acronym. For example, Tupac’s definition of a N.I.G.G.A

is Never Ignorant Getting Goals Accomplished. Another reason why the terminology is so different is because of the different eras. The older people come from a time of hate while people now come from a rebellious time and feel that they are taking the word and making it their own. I feel that the word should be banned. There are good points coming from both sides, but you can’t change where the word came from. People say that by banning the word we are setting it on a pedestal. The truth is though that by continuing to use the word, the people who created the word and used it first still win. We should not continue using it knowing that people have been hurt by that word and have even died

with that word. After interviewing people of different races, genders and ages, I’ve learned that most people who use it are ignorant about the background of the word. They are also ignorant to how using it affects those who’ve lived through it. I believe that some people re-live the past when they hear the word. It is also curious that when black people call each other the N-Word we don’t take offense, but when someone from a different race does, it becomes a problem. We should just put an end to this double standard and get rid of the N-word forever. I think it’s time to bury that word along with those 360 years of oppression and injustice.

Respect the pledge ... or at least stop talking Share Your

By JALON EDWARDS SNN Staff Writer

“I pledge allegiance…” We have all heard this, but how many of us actually say it? Most students seem not to care anymore about our nation’s pledge. Don’t they know that people fought and died for our freedom? I think that we should at least show our respect to those people who gave their lives for us. In my first period class, however, this is

what happens: Students sit around talking or reading their text messages before the bell rings for the next period. This angers me to see a class showing no respect for the pledge. All they have to do is stop talking for 10 seconds. It’s just that simple. Of course, I realize it is our constitutional right to sit or stand if we please. In 1943, in the case of West Virginia State School Board vs. Barnette, the court said that the Free Speech Clause of the first amendment to the United States protected students from being forced to salute the American flag and say the Pledge of Al-

legiance in school. “I can’t force anybody, it’s their constitutional right,” said Lakewood principal Robert Vicari. But even if it is our constitutional right, we should show our respect by being quiet when the pledge is being read. Instead of teachers turning up the TV, they should just tell the students to be quiet. Let the students who want to recite it, recite it without any interruptions. Let’s do it “with liberty and justice for all.”

Opinions Letters to the editor should be sent to tobink@pcsb.org. They should concern an opinion on a featured editorial or news story. They must be signed, accurate and at most 150 words. Letters may be edited for taste, length and grammar.

Inside the parent-teacher conference from hell By SYMONE BROWN SNN Staff Writer

Here I am, sitting in a chair in the school office reception area, waiting for the first parentteacher conference of my high school career. My hands are shaking. My face is flushed like I have a fever. The conference is running 10 minutes behind schedule. It’s the longest 10 minutes of my life. But this is different from middle school, when mom was all sweetness, giving candy and gift certificates to the teachers to thank them for teaching me.

There is something not so sweet in the room today. I don’t know if it’s my fear or the awkwardness. I am terrified - but not about my grades or my behavior in class. My mom is about to meet my English teacher, who is also the mother of my boyfriend, Tyler - and I’m not supposed to be dating. The guidance counselor’s door finally opens and she motions us in. I file in behind my fuming mother, her usual gentle Bambi eyes now on fire. I take the seat closest to the door; the idea of a quick escape is somehow a little comforting. As the teachers come in one by one, I’m sitting there in agony waiting for my English teacher to arrive. My heart

dares to jump out of my chest with its heavy pounding. Since I’m a straight A student with no behavior problems, all my teachers give good reports. But it is the upcoming disaster that makes my palms sweat and my heart beat a mile a minute. Finally, my English teacher, Latonya Holcombe, comes into the room and has a seat right across from my mother. My heart sinks. The conference proceeds like a regular conference but there is a huge elephant in the room, and it is looking dead at me. After the conference, my other teachers walk out except Holcombe. It’s me, my mom, Holcombe and the guidance counselor in the stuffy office. “We all know why we’re really here,”

the guidance counselor says. Having her in on this makes things even more awkward. My mom and Holcombe talk about the situation. The counselor watches quietly and only intervenes to vouch for Tyler. My mom is completely against teenagers dating, so Holcombe simply respects my mom’s beliefs. In the end, a decision is made: I’m allowed to “date” Tyler in school, but we are not allowed to see each other after school. Even the parent-teacher conference from hell couldn’t separate Tyler and me.

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sports

W e d n e s d a y, F e b . 9 , 2 0 11

DONE WITH ‘THE DUNGEON’ By KALA FUNDERBURK SNN Staff Writer

To most Lakewood students and faculty, the thought of going inside Lakewood’s weight room never sparked much interest. But for other Lakewood students, the weight room helps build them physically to prepare for athletic competition. However, for many years the equipment has been out of date and not as helpful to the athletes. “The equipment is the same from back when I was here at Lakewood,” said Coach Cory Moore. Thanks to state funds given to make improvements around Lakewood, the school will be receiving a brand new weight room. “The equipment will be state of the art and fit for all users,” said physical education teacher Chantella Moore. “We spent $50,000 on equipment alone.” Ms. Moore is coordinating the new weight room construction, and it began on Dec. 17, 2010. It should have been completed on Jan. 3. However, some problems with the flooring caused delays, athletic director Deborah Fabrizio said. The floor got too wet over winter break and set the contractors back seven to 10 days. The weather is still not warm enough to heat the floor; therefore, there is no set date as to when the room will be completed. Coach Moore uses the weight room heavily for Lakewood’s football program. Building muscle is a huge priority for most sports and gives an athlete that physical advantage over their competition. Moore nicknamed the weight room “The Dungeon” in order to create a different mentality about weightlifting to associate it with football. Until the new weight room is complete, Coach Moore and some football players relocated the weight equipment to room 800, his old classroom behind the football locker room, and equipment is still available to be used by everyone. Coach Moore believes the new weight room will allow the football team to get on the same page as other schools and will create a greater interest for athletes, students and faculty around Lakewood. Students are also looking forward to the new room. Senior Jacquell Phillip lifts weights to help him with football and track. “(It) makes me stronger, more powerful and explosive and gives me confidence,” said Phillip. The weight room is also easy access for faculty who can’t get to a gym every day. “The new room will look better, be better for athletes and will be more sanitary,” said Fabrizio. “When the room is complete it will be like walking into a new gym.”

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Photos by MOLINSEAI ELCIUS | SNN

ABOVE: Weights line the temporary weight room on Jan. 24. LEFT: The look of the current weight room: vacant. Thanks to state funding for school improvements, Lakewood is getting a new weight room. Construction began in December. A completion date has not been set. The new weight room will have $50,000 in state-of-the-art equipment and be fit for all users.

W e d n e s d a y, F e b . 9 , 2 0 11

sports

Hurdles on the track and off By MALCOLM ERVIN SNN Staff Writer

TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN

Lakewood basketball players surround Coach Dan Wright after the Senior Night game on Feb. 1. The Spartans beat Pinellas Park High School, 59-42. Wright will retire after this season after 35 years at Lakewood. “[I’m going to miss] relationships. Outside of relationships there isn’t anything else you would miss in sports. ... Relationships would be the number one thing I would most miss.” After the game, Wright was given an award for “35 years of dedicated service.” The team ended the season with 12 wins and 12 losses and was scheduled to go to the district tournament on Tuesday (Feb. 8) against Dixie Hollins at Lakewood.

Sports Briefs Girls’ Basketball

The Lakewood girls’ basketball team undefeated in the county - has had a good season so far, and the players are optimistic about the rest of the season, the team captains said.“I think the key is that we have a very talented team, and we all know how to work together,” sophomore captain Kasey Drayton said. Defense is the team’s one weakness, team captain senior Kayla Roberts said. The solution is to play team defense. “When we play team defense, can’t nobody beat us,” Roberts said. Coach Necole Tunsil is optimistic about the team.“We’re looking forward to a promising playoff run,” Tunsil said. “We need more consistency and learn to establish our post game.” The whole team is looking forward to working together, and making it to the state playoffs. “I think that the young ladies on the team have actually bought into the concept of playing for each other,” Tunsil said. -Chelsea Gadbois/ SNN Staff Writer

Baseball Coach Cory Scott said he thinks the baseball team will have a good season. “I expect it to go well,” he said. The first home game will be on Feb. 15 at Lakewood. Captain Chris Derby has been the starting catcher for four years. “I expect the season to go fairly well,” he said. The first season game will be against Dixie Hollins High School, and they plan to win, Derby said. The 2011 Lakewood High School baseball team was to play in a tournament at Northeast High School yesterday and today. - Shawndra Davis/SNN Staff Writer

Wrestling The Lakewood Spartans varsity wrestling team had an undefeated season, beating Pinellas Park and Osceola high schools in a dual meet. The Spartans ended up fifth out of 23 teams at the 17th Annual Jerry Mita Tournament. “We have done better than any other season,” said senior captain

Kenny Price. In dual meets, the Spartans are 6-0. -Kimberly McIntegart/SNN Staff Writer

Softball The Lakewood High School softball team started off the season with an 11-1 win on Feb. 2 against Largo at Northeast High School. “There were tons of improvements from our scrimmage games in Clearwater. Tougher competition will give us a better idea of the season to come,” said Coach Haley Forsyth. Senior Sherrish Gaines said the team did very well. “(We) got a chance to put in a lot of the younger players; we did what we needed to do,” she said. The softball team is practicing every day from 2:15-5 p.m. to prepare for the upcoming season. “This season looks promising and I’m expecting a winning season,” said Gaines. Although Forsyth helped coach last year, this is her first year as the head coach. “I think we’re going to do pretty well; I’m shooting for .500,” said Forsyth. - Jeremy Brown/SNN Staff Writer

Despite some promising athletes on this year’s team, Lakewood High School track coach Anthony Snead doesn’t expect the success he had last year. “It’s going to be very hard to top last year’s team,” Snead said. The girls and boys track teams have been conditioning since November, preparing for their first meet on Feb. 23. Although official practice started Jan. 24, few veteran athletes are showing up for practice, Snead said, leading him to conclude that this year’s students aren’t as focused as they were last year. Last year’s teams had a lot of talent. Both the girls and boys went to the state finals where the boys placed second in the 4x1 relay race and the girls came in third in the 4x4 relay. Individual athletes brought home numerous medals as well. But this year will be different unless the students show more dedication, Snead said, explaining that he holds this year’s athletes to last year’s standards to motivate and challenge them. “They feel as if there is no competition due to last year’s success,” Snead said. Besides motivation, the girls and boys teams have lost some key runners, Snead said. Brianna Ford and Shavonda Sturgis, who anchored the 4x100 relay, graduated. On the boy’s side, Jermiel Douse, Bernard Reedy and Andre Taylor, who were members of last year’s 4x1 relay, have graduated. This year’s boys’ captain, senior Christopher Brown, believes that the loss of athletes will greatly affect the team. “We’re going to be lacking in endurance because we have a lot of sprinters who can’t run a 400,” Brown said. He thinks if the boys work hard in practice they will be able to overcome their deficiencies and win a county championship. Other track team members agree. “We’re not last year’s team, and we’re going to have to step it up at practice and at track meets because we don’t have all the components we had last years,’’ said Kala Funderburk, a senior who runs the 400 and 800 meter race.

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Guess the apps and win two Lip Sync tickets! 1. Participate in the iSpy game by guessing what the apps are. (Hint: the apps are objects around the school.) 2. In the entry form below, write in what the apps are. 3. Clip the form and return the entry to the journalism room, C-100, by Feb. 21. Winners will be announced on CATCOM.

THE RULES

iSpy @ Lakewood High Contest Name ____________________________ 3rd Period________________________

A: Photo by ARIANNA CHEVER-HORSLEY/SNN iSpy ________________________

B: Photo by MAX THURIERE/SNN

iSpy ________________________

C: Photo by MARTIN HOOD/SNN

iSpy ________________________

D: Photo by ALEX BRACKX/SNN

iSpy ________________________

E: Photo by MARTIN HOOD/SNN

iSpy ________________________

F: Photo by ARIANNA CHEVER-HORSLEY/SNN iSpy ________________________

G: Photo by DAVID ZIMMERMAN/SNN

iSpy ________________________

H: Photo by MAX THURIERE/SNN

iSpy ________________________

I: Photo by TA’KEYA MONTGOMERY/SNN

iSpy ________________________