Lakewood High School - Oct. 20, 2010
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Spartan News Network
Homemade
Halloween
From gypsies to Kanye, Taylor Swift to Pepper Potts, SNN staffers model a low-budget Halloween. For more on costumes, see page 7.
Halloween guide Where to go and what to wear ... pages 6-7
MADDIE GLASSMAN | SNN
Homecoming: What’s really going on? ... page 3 Glamazons, skaterboys and Glee... OH, MY!
... page 8
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.
SNN Staff DANNY HERNANDEZ | SNN
A SERIOUS BUSINESS: Members of Lakewood’s JV football team listen to their coaches after a victory over
Northeast High School on Oct. 7. Lakewood won 44-0, and with its win Oct. 13 over Osceola High, remains undefeated in the season. For more images from this game, go to snntoday.snn.pcsb.org and click on multimedia.
A word from
By TAYLOR LAPUMA SNN Editor in Chief
Whether it be a straight-news issue about change or a light-hearted issue about Halloween, we’re not only here to fill you in, but to entertain you as well. As a paper, we take pride in our professionalism, but it’s nice to break suit and deliver not only informational news but news to take your mind off school, at least for a few pages. Our pages aren’t merely just recycled newspaper with boring information smeared across them; everything we do is done with purpose, and that purpose is not to bore you, but to make sure you’re just as in the loop as we are. We want you to confide in us, we want you to take us seriously. But we also want you to have fun with us. At the beginning of the year, we had to jump right into our first issue and work hard to produce it in time for our deadline.
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Since we were all hit with the huge changes within our school, we had a lot to write about, and not enough time to focus on the small stuff, which is why our last issue was only eight pages. In this issue, though, we’re going to give you more on our Hollywood Holla page, which is making its second-year debut with more reviews and entertainment plus we’ve added an extra page of sports. We will be working our way up to the 16-page issues you know and love from last school year. One of the most important things for a newspaper, in our opinion, is to touch base with the readers on every level. As long as you have us, you’ll never be lost (or bored) and we will fulfill that promise throughout the year. If you have any suggestions, we encourage you to send us a Letter to the Editor. You can email them to tobink@pcsb.org, or deliver them to room C-100.
Did you know… • The world record for the fastest carved pumpkin was by Jerry Ayers of Ohio in 37 seconds. • “Halloween” the movie was originally made in only 21 days in 1978 on a very limited budget. • Black cats were once believed to protect witches’ powers. • Halloween candy sales average about 2 billion dollars annually in the United States. • Jack o’ Lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts. - TAYLOR LAPUMA AND DEONNA MIMS
Source: www.halloween-website.com/trivia.htm
Editor-in-Chief: Taylor LaPuma Design/Copy Chief: Spencer Blevins Multimedia Editors: Katie Atkisson, Madeline Glassman Opinions Editor: Sofia Damos Sports Editor: Julia Pohlmman Graphic Designers: Chris Deister, Kristen Hardy Online Editor: Molinseai Elcius Ad Managers: Keyata Seymour, Kamdon Martin, Aaron Parry SNN is produced by the students of Lakewood High School. 1400 54th Ave. S St. Petersburg, FL (727) 893-2916 SNN is printed by Lakewood’s business partner, the St. Petersburg Times.
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Bump and grind - and you’ll end party time
Homecoming Week: Day-by-day, how to play Monday, Nov. 8: Celebrity Day Ever been told you look like a famous person? Well here’s your chance to take advantage of that.
By KATIE BLEVINS and DARIAN SYLVESTER SNN Staff Writers
This year at homecoming, you better keep your body friction to yourself. The homecoming dance set for Nov. 13 is turning into a huge controversy over rules for dancing and who you can and cannot bring. The administration has forbidden “dirty dancing” and said that students from other schools will not be allowed to attend. “We’re all going to recognize that it’s a school, not a night club,” said principal Bob Vicari. “It’s not going to be a grind fest.” In early October students began hearing that they would have to dance “face-toface with space.” “We are promoting clean, face-to-face dancing at the event,” Student Government Association sponsor Ivana McIntosh said. Vicari said he is concerned that angry parents would call and complain about the “dirty dancing” if it were allowed. “Would I be concerned if there was a 17-year-old grinding on my 14-year-old daughter? It has to be respectful. People know what’s right and what’s wrong, and they know what’s respectful and what’s disrespectful,” he said. Many students are upset about these new dance rules. “I highly doubt that (they are going to enforce these rules) unless they are going to kick everyone out,” said senior Syreyna Galloway-Shields. Vicari said that during most of the dance the lights will be dimmed, but it
Scholars honored
Ten Lakewood High School seniors qualified for National Merit and National Achievement awards this year. Seniors Jake Bray, Kolby Clark and Alexander Tasi all qualified as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for the 2009-2010 PSAT. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic scholarship competition for both academic recognition and college scholarships. Seniors Yahn Effiom and Eric
news
Tuesday, Nov. 9: Twin Day Today’s the day to be completely matching with your “bestie.”
FILE PHOTO | SNN
Students dance in a line during last year’s 1980s-themed homecoming dance on Oct. 3, 2009. This is an example of how you are NOT allowed to dance at this year’s homecoming. won’t be pitch black. This is another issue that is angering students. “No one is going to dance in dimmed lights,” said junior Ernest Clayton. Along with the rules against “dirty dancing” and the dimmed lights, many students are upset over the new rule that students from other schools will not be allowed at homecoming. “The administration and planning team decided that this event is exclusively for LHS students,” said Vicari. “That is just so aggravating,” said Clayton. In response to the rule changes, a group of seniors have created an alternative to homecoming, coining it Homecoming II: The Revival. Sarwar Hossain, Sean Kendrick and Trevor Sasserath have been planning the event since they heard about the strict homecoming policies. “We don’t want rules holding us back. It’s our senior year, and we’re living it up,” said Hossain.
Walker have both qualified as National Achievement Semifinalists for their excellence in the 2009-2010 PSAT. The National Achievement Scholarship Program honors African-American students who excel on the PSAT. Seniors Sean Bittner, Cameron Morrow, Neal Patel, Kyle Randolph and Eric Walker were all students commended in the National Merit Scholarship program.
The event on Dec. 3 is first-come firstserve, and those attending must pay $20 in advance for a standard ticket and $30 for VIP. “Dress to impress; jeans and dress pants are okay and tuxedos are a go,” said Kendrick. “It’s our own homecoming with anything goes and no adults to tell us what we can and can’t do,” said Hossain, who is DJing the event as DJ StarWarz. “We didn’t want any ‘face to face’ or stuff like that. It ticked us off our senior year.” As for Lakewood’s dance, administrators are not saying they don’t want kids to have fun. They just want students to have fun in the right way. “High school is really a special time. This should be a time you remember forever. We want everyone to enjoy themselves in an appropriate way,” Vicari said. -SNN Staff Writers Shante’ Shedrick and Spencer Blevins contributed to this story.
Parents, get involved! A parent involvement dinner meeting will be held Oct. 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Lakewood High School. Lakewood qualified for Title I federal funding through the percent of students at Lakewood who received free and reduced lunch. One of the requirements to receive the funding is to increase parental involvement. This meeting will be to promote student achievement on all levels for students who are struggling and
Wednesday, Nov. 10: Harry Potter Day Come dressed in your Harry Potter House colors. Here’s a hint: Seniors are in Gryffindor (red), juniors are in Slytherin (green), sophomores are in Ravenclaw (blue), and freshmen are in Hufflepuff (yellow). Thursday, Nov. 11: Sports Spirit Day Today’s the day to rep your favorite team. There is also a Homecoming Court assembly during school. Friday, Nov. 12: School Spirit/ Black and Gold Day It’s time to get your spirit on! Make sure to wear your Lakewood colors! Football game (Lakewood vs. Northeast) starts on Spartan Field at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13: Homecoming Dance Theme for this year’s dance is “A Night in Paris, San Tropez.” Tickets cost $20 and will be sold after school every Wednesday and Friday starting Oct. 20Nov. 3, and on Nov. 3- Nov. 5 they will be sold before and after school. -Compiled by Katie Blevins and Darian Sylvester, SNN Staff Writers
for students who are ahead and want to take it to “the next level.” “The goal of the program is to increase student achievement for everyone at Lakewood,” said Rita Tomaselli, Title I curriculum specialist. - News briefs by Kayla Garcia and Sherrish Gaines, SNN Staff Writers
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Moo Moo meals By SHANTE’ SHEDRICK SNN Staff Writer
From a mile away you can hear the chopped and screwed version of Barney’s Do Your Ears Hang Low. Up close you see a cow, but dairy isn’t the only thing being sold. “As soon as the bell rings I go straight to the Moo Moo truck,” said senior Naquan Reese. Corbett Truck manager Donnie Corbett said it was his daughter’s idea to sell food after school for students. “It was also her idea to paint the truck like a cow and call it the Moo Moo,” he said. From candy to sodas, flips, rib dogs and boiled peanuts, students have the opportunity to indulge in affordable hot meals and snacks each day as Corbett parks his truck in front of Lakewood High. “It’s way better then cafeteria food… it’s like home cooking on wheels,” said Reese. “I run a small profitable business with low prices for students,” said Corbett who
says he sets his prices lower than any other ice cream truck. “I’d rather sell affordable stuff for a greater volume than high-priced stuff with few students buying,” said Corbett. Aside from his merchandise, Corbett’s charitable work takes him above and beyond the average ice cream truck, donating some of his earnings to Lakewood sports teams. “Last school year we donated 500 water bottles for football players to hand out at graduation,” he said. He said he also donates to the community in the summer by covering swim fees and teen council meetings for students. Corbett says the Lakewood students who buy from his truck are nothing but nice. “They stand nicely organized and act polite when ordering.” Principal Bob Vicari said he thinks the truck is a “win-win” situation for the school. “Kids love it, and it’s no harm,” he said. He stood in line himself at the Moo Moo. “I bought a Choco-Taco from there,” he said.
Students line up at the Moo Moo truck to get snacks after school. The truck has been operating for three years.
Photos by RAE’VIN GRAHAM | Special to SNN
A student buys a flip from the Moo Moo truck outside Lakewood.
Kids who commute: Going the distance By CHRISTOPHER DEISTER SNN Staff Writer
Sophomore Brian Giddens wakes up at 4:40 each morning. He showers, gets his lunch and goes to the bus stop. He gets on bus 422 at 5:50 a.m. - and promptly goes to sleep for nearly an hour, arriving at Lakewood at 6:45 a.m. “I don’t have a problem with it - once I get used to it,” said Giddens, who lives in Clearwater and comes to Lakewood for the Center for Advanced Technologies. “I love technology and I want a job in computers like Bill Gates not the Geek
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Squad,” he said. Giddens isn’t the only student who travels far to get to Lakewood. Many students travel from far and wide, but why? The choice program, which allowed students to be able to choose what school they attend, was eliminated several years ago. Now students must go to the school they are zoned for. The only way for a student to go to a school he or she is not zoned for is to join a magnet program. And often this involves longer commutes. “It’s worth it to come to CAT,” said sophomore Bailey Kay. “It’s a great
program and it will be good for college.” Kay travels an hour from Clearwater every morning, and gets dropped off at Lakewood by her parents at 6:45 a.m. Al Depeire, one of the bus drivers with an early route, said he feels the students’ pain. Giddens is on his bus. “I got to feel sorry (for them) because it’s such a long bus ride, but I understand why, because they’re looking for a particular program,” he said. “(When they first get on the bus) they get comfortable and go to sleep, because (some of them are) going to be on the bus for two hours.”
CAT students aren’t the only ones who come a long distance to get to Lakewood. When the choice program was abolished, students who already were attending a school were given the option of staying. One student who chose to stay is senior Sebastian Ackroyd. He attends the traditional program at Lakewood, lives in Largo and wakes up at 4:45 to come to Lakewood at 6:45. “I used to live a reasonable distance from Lakewood and moved but didn’t want to change schools,” said Ackroyd. “It doesn’t bother me, but it sure sucks.”
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Scrubs rub students the wrong way By KIMBERLY MCENTEGART SNN Staff Writer
Some students think it’s funny. Some students think it’s outright stupid. What is it? This year students are being forced to wear scrubs when they are violating the dress code. While teachers and administrators might like the new policy, so far this new rule has many girls upset because they have to cover up their stylish clothes. “They make you feel tacky and unfashionable,” said senior Yolanda Green. She was sent during second period to the assistant principal’s office at the beginning of the year because her Bermuda shorts were too short. “They are tacky, big and ugly,” said freshmen Jannell Martin, who so far has had to wear scrubs seven times since the beginning of the year. “After school I crumple them up and give them back to them.” If you come to school and you are in violation of the dress code, then you are sent to the AP’s office. Next, you check out the scrubs and the person in charge tells you to bring them back during seventh pe-
riod, said assistant principal Harriet Davis. Teachers over the summer got together to talk about an alternative for girls who violated dress code, said Davis. “They wanted another choice instead of sitting in IC or going home,” Davis said. The point of scrubs is to give you another choice. Instead of sitting in the Intervention Center all day or going home, you’re able to sit in class and learn without being a distraction. The scrubs are donated to the school by parents who work at hospitals, Davis said. English teacher Latonya Holcombe said that she hasn’t had to send anyone out, but that she sees a lot of girls wearing these scrubs. “I think it’s a good idea, because they are able to stay in school and keep up with their academics,” she said. “Also the girls think they look cute but they won’t break the dress code if they have to wear scrubs all the time.” -SNN Staff Writer June Flowers contributed to this story.
HANNAH GOLIGHTLY | SNN
A student shows off her scrubs after being caught wearing shorts that were too short during the school day. The scrubs are part of a new policy to better enforce dress code.
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The Fear Factor: What’s your limit?
Are you excited for the 2010 Halloween holiday, but you don’t know what to do? Well, SNN presents this year’s local Halloween attractions that will scare the pants off of any elementary to high school kid. The Scare-O-Meter will give you all the information you need on what attractions are the biggest and the baddest from St. Petersburg to Orlando. With a range from “not so scary” to “need new pants,” you won’t have any trouble finding your comfort level this Halloween season. -Deonna Mims, SNN Staff Writer Boyd Hill: Some gasps, mostly giggles - 2/5 Six cabins all featuring a different haunted thriller, 12 minutes of agonizing, throat-aching nature park trail. TASCO’s haunted Field of Screams will be Oct. 28-Oct. 31 at the Boyd Hill Nature Park. “We have about four to eight people going in at a time and 40 to 50 demented actors concentrating on nothing but the scare factor,” said TASCO director Shawn Drouin. Although Boyd Hill seems like an interesting place for a haunted moment, the only somewhat scary event that takes place is the trail. You and your fellow “travelers” are huddled up together attempting to escape the screams around you and after what feels like forever (but is really only about 10 minutes) everything goes silent. You open your eyes and you realize that the trail and the horror are over. Here’s one advantage for a high school student, though – an opportunity to get some volunteer hours for your resume. Overall, Field of Screams receives a two on our Scare-o-Meter. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer actor for the haunted trail, contact Drouin at (727) 551-3100. Cost: opening day$5 for teens, $8 for adults. Oct. 2931- $7 for teens, $10 for adults. -Deonna Mims, SNN Staff Writer
Does the zoo scare you? 2/5 When you think zoo, you think of tall giraffes, ferocious lions and huge elephants. When you think haunted houses, you can practically see the terrifying actors in costumes popping out and hear the blood-curdling screams. Now, imagine something in between, and you end up with Lowry Park’s Zoo Boo. The zoo, which is covered in all sorts of Halloween decorum, features plenty of fun, Halloween-themed activities and five terrifying haunted houses from Oct. 15-17, 22-24 and 28-31. Knock-your-socks-off scary, right? Maybe if your age is around 2-12. The Zoo Boo receives a two on our Scare-O-Meter because,
Illustration by AARON PARRY | SNN
while the haunted houses are pretty scary, the kiddie music and activities take away from the overall feel of terror.Cost: $17 for adults, $14 for children from ages 3-11. -Katie Blevins, SNN Staff Writer
Howl-O-Weak - 3/5 This year, Busch Gardens’ HowlO-Scream features a fictional local Tampa Bay area band, My X from Sept. 30 - Oct. 31. The event features many new themes for haunted houses and some from years past with a new twist. The theme house, usually held in the sky ride building, was moved across the park due to renovations. Usually the best attraction in the park, this receives a score of a three. The haunted houses all scored low this year, granted they were better than
last year. The scare zones seemed to be the scariest part of Howl-OScream, because of the actors ability to move around from station to station. This event scores a three overall. -Spencer Blevins, SNN Design/ Copy Chief
we owned the place, certain that nothing was going to scare us. Until a guy casually strolled up next to us and revved up a chainsaw. If you’re looking to wait for lines to shorten, or for one of the many shows to start, you could always converse with characters roaming around. If you’re not into scare tactics, but you’re still looking for 20 years of fear - 4/5 a thrill, Universal Studios keeps its most famous rides such as The Chainsaws, evil clowns and dead cheerleaders. When we first walked Mummy, M.I.B. and the Simpson’s through the giant gates of Universal open after dark. Wait time in lines span anywhere from 20 minutes to Studios we were prepared to see an hour and a half. On the Scarea lot of scary things. The scariest O-Meter, we would rate Halloween one of all, being the lines. Halloween Horror Nights features eight Horror Nights a four out of five. haunted houses and a series of scare Cost: Sun-Thurs $39.99, Fridays $49.99. Saturdays $64.99. zones made to make you shake in your boots from Sept. 24, 25, 30 and weekends in October.Trying to - Sherrish Gaines and Kristen Hardy, SNN Staff Writers be big and bad, we walked in like
MADDIE GLASSMAN | SNN
Tyler Holcombe and Julia Pohlmann, dressed as Kanye West and Taylor Swift, reenact the incident at the MTV Video Music Awards. Holcombe used his own pants, shoes and necklace. His dad gave him the sweater, and the aviators were borrowed from a teacher. Total cost: $0. Pohlmann got her clothes from her closet, except for the wig. “The costume is made in the details like the headbands, so don’t forget the little things,” said Pohlmann. Total cost: about $10.
MADDIE GLASSMAN | SNN
Spencer Blevins spent a week painting stripes on a suit for his Beetlejuice costume. “I got the stuff from, like, 10 different thrift stores around St. Pete,” said Blevins. Total cost: $12.
Everything Taylor LaPuma is using to make her gypsy costume is on loan. The coin belt is borrowed from a friend, the t-shirt is also borrowed from a friend, and the jewelry was borrowed from a friend’s mom. Total cost: $0. MADDIE GLASSMAN | SNN
Closet Costumes
MADDIE GLASSMAN | SNN
Katie Atkisson dresses as Pepper Potts from the movie Iron Man. Atkisson used formal clothes from a previous Future Business Leaders of America competition and the Iron Man doll was borrowed from a friend. Total cost: $0.
Buying a new Halloween costume every year can get expensive as the prices add up. As teenagers, most of us are running low on funds (even if we have a job), and costumes just don’t fit our budgets right now. The days of buying elaborate costumes from Party City are over, and costumes aren’t that big of a necessity now that we’re getting older. But if you’re still looking to keep up the Halloween spirit, we’re here to help keep you within your budget. SNN presents several options for making your Halloween costume a huge hit with only the things you find inside your closet (or in a thrift store). This year, make it a do-ityourself Halloween, and maybe you’ll have some extra change for lunch. - Taylor LaPuma and Deonna Mims, SNN Staff
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Gleeks rejoice: ‘Glee’ is finally back By DEONNA MIMS SNN Staff Writer
Welcome, fellow gleeks! Another season of Glee has arrived, with the last season leaving dedicated fans hanging off a cliff. The first episode started exactly where the last one left off - with excitement and disappointment. In the last season, New Directions suffered a devastating blow at regionals, while also celebrating the life of Quinn Fabray’s baby. The dynamic singing club decided
to try again, but whenever something good happens, something bad lurks around the corner. Principal Figgins brings in a new football coach to help his losing team, but as soon as you think this will be a benefit, he also announces that he will be cutting both the Cheerios and New Directions budget by 10 percent. In a battle to save their prized possessions, arch rivals Sue Sylvester and Will Shuester team up to make the new female football leader, Coach Beist’s , life a nightmare. Those two aren’t the only ones getting a dose of competition. Rachel meets a fellow classmate, Sunshine, whose vocal abilities promise to be a real problem to Rachel’s “one woman show.” She takes the matter into her own hands by
giving Sunshine a personal invitation to auditions while really sending her to a nearby crack house. Artie loses his girlfriend, Tina, to the dancing Mike Chang. Desperately wanting to win her back, he asks Finn to help him become a member of the football team, which of course is considered a joke resulting in Finn being kicked off the team and once again being publicly humiliated in front of his fellow teammates. As usual, Glee Club isn’t something everyone wants to join, and New Directions is frustrated with its pathetic popularity. Trying to rouse the crowd with songs like Empire State of Mind by Jay Z and Alicia Keys, the group realizes that maybe they aren’t as cool as they thought they were. Glee is a comedic drama about everyday high school problems, but with a slight twist. The songs that are performed are original takes of the hottest music today. This show is contagious; Once you start you won’t be able to stop. Dedicating episodes to famous artists who have made an impact on culture worldwide, like Brittany Spears, Glee’s season two will be another must watch of the year.
Welcome to the world of glamazons
By SYMONE BROWN SNN Staff Writer
The painted sign in the Hub that declares the corner of “Hollywood” and “Vine” only foreshadowed the fabulosity ahead. When I came out of homeroom on the first day of school, there were tons of fashionistas strutting down the hallway, sky-high heels clacking on the floor and freshly done hair flowing behind them. I ignored my mom’s heads-up: “Lakewood was known for its fashion even when I was in high school,” she told me a couple weeks before school started. “We used to call it Hollywood High.” Even though she graduated from St. Petersburg High, Lakewood’s style reputation spread across the county. But I was not expecting this degree of fierce coming from high school girls. Now I under-
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Skater boy’s got style By CEDRENEA BULLARD
Fox Television
SAM DELONAY | SNN
stand why Lakewood was dubbed “Hollywood High.” Being a wide-eyed freshman, a wave of insecurity came over me. I was at the bottom of the food chain in a jungle of Glamazons. I was used to teenagers decked out in denim and stereotypical styles from alternative to ghetto. After being at Lakewood for a while, I’ve grown accustomed to the daily fashion show. There are quite a few individuals here at Hollywood High including my personal favorite, a near-LadyGaga looking girl, the fair skinned trendsetter with show-stopping style and long blonde hair to go with it. She’s the queen of the Glamazons. Her style is theatrical and eye catching. A daily topic of conversation is what she was wearing that day. My goal is to reach Glamazon status before I leave Hollywood High, but since I’m still a freshman, I have a long way to go, andplenty of time to practice.
SNN Staff Writer
Sophomore Omar Scott is from Harrisburg, Pa., where he was a natural at the sport of snowboarding, sometimes even competing. But in 2008, he moved to St. Petersburg and went from the slopes to the streets. Without snow, Scott picked up skateboarding, and he has stuck with it for five years. Scott wears skateboard clothing. Above, he is wearing a colorful plaid shirt ($30), skinny jeans ($33) and black high top Converse ($45). “My clothes reflect my (interest in) skateboarding, because I like the way the skaters dress in California,” Scott said. He said he usually shops in Hot Topic in Tyrone Square Mall.
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When your other half is missing The homecoming dance is part of the high school experience, and Lakewood’s dance on Nov. 13 has been a hot topic lately, particularly for the “face-to-face” dancing rule. This has been enough for a lot of students I know to give it the NIA CUMBERLANDER “lame” rating and many aren’t going to go. But if this wasn’t enough, the dance also excludes anyone bringing a date from another school. I’m a freshman and I’ve been looking forward to such events as homecoming week, and the dance is the icing on the cake. Luckily, my date goes to Northeast High School where they allow students to bring dates from other schools. But thanks to Lakewood’s rule, I cannot bring him to my own school’s dance. Girls and guys spend a lot of money on clothes, shoes, make-up and accessories. If they’ve got a date, they probably want to at least be able to wear the outfit more than once. Plus this is a chance for students from
other schools to mingle and meet new people. Doesn’t the school want to promote diversity in the community? Perhaps my strongest argument is if the school wants kids to go to this event and spend their money, they should lighten up. If they can make extra money from another ticket from someone from another school, they should do it (with proper regulations). In the end, this dance is somewhat of a fundraiser, right? I mean, the dancing rule could be adjusted, but this one is double trouble. Sure some students are hooligans and might get into another school’s dance to cause trouble. I’m sure there’s some paperwork that could be done to ensure that these people that aren’t from Lakewood do actually attend Pinellas County schools and are eligible for such out-of-school functions. We’ve got less than a month left, so I’m asking those authorities up in front-office-land to cut us a break. Students do want to go to this dance, and they will go, if the rules are reasonable.
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Seriously, too serious Homecoming Dance 2010. Picture this: lights are dim, boys are posted up on the wall. Girls are WHITNEY THOMAS sitting around waiting for their dates. Your favorite song is playing. This is supposed to be the highlight of the dance - but instead everybody is just standing face to face. Where’s the fun in that? Administrators have come up with new homecoming dance rules this year: There will be no grinding and only face-to-face dancing. Instead of lights being all the way out, they will be dim. The dance will be held for only Lakewood students, and no one from other schools will be allowed in.
I feel like these rules are a little too strict. You can’t deprive students of things that they’ve been doing for years, things they’re accustomed to. For years we’ve been having dances with the lights out. Where did this new dim lights rule come from? What has changed from then to now? Nothing! Trends come and go, just like dances come and go out of style. In the ‘80s and ‘90s kids were doing the Tootsie Roll and the Sprinkler. Back then parents probably thought those dances were bad. Looking back you see that they were just a style of dance for that time period - and they weren’t so bad! It’s the same thing now. Schools are taking this dance thing too seriously. It’s just a style of dance, not the collapse of society. Illustration by AARON PARRY | SNN
Keep it innocent, with a side of cheese Homecoming, the time of year for alumni to come back to their old school and see the new A.J. VALDES bright breed of young minds experience their first awkward steps on the dance floor. Well, that’s what it used to be. Now those awkward steps have been cast aside in favor of over-sexed grinding. Sweaty bodies of teenagers rubbing against who knows what. Sexy right? I think it’s the farthest thing from sexy. I think it’s simply disgusting. I think it’s
a sad portrait of what our society has become. Through whatever you want to blame, be it television or music or movies, our general attitude is if it isn’t sexy or whorish it isn’t cool - which is a shame. I’m not going to stand here and tell you I’m an angel of purity because I’m not. I love the open love, but I feel like maybe for homecoming we should tune it down. I personally came to high school excited for that awkward corsage-ridden affair every high school movie from the ‘80s seemed to depict. I can still remember my feeling of disappointment when I saw that the awkward slow dances had morphed into a
sex caterpillar or conga line or whatever they’re calling it. The point of homecoming always seemed so innocent; it seemed like a chance to ask out that girl in geometry who kept flirting with you and live out one of the most beautiful cheesy moments high school had to offer. That’s dead now. Really dead. I’m also aware that the school is promoting that policy of face-to-face dancing and that the resilient kids are throwing a whole separate homecoming where everyone can grind to their heart’s (or other body parts) content. This as a
whole seems utterly silly. A homecoming dance that isn’t at home? Just call it a party. The logic is just odd and maybe I’m not cool enough to get it, but when you destroy a tradition enough that a policy has to be put in place to prevent further bastardization of said tradition then maybe it’s time to just slow it down a little. No one’s stopping you from meshing your parts on any other day, and maybe even the coolest kids would find something nice out of being able to drop the sexual pressure society has put upon us. Or maybe I’m just lame. Yeah, it’s probably that.
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Freshman Albert Laskett does well on the field and in the classroom By KALA FUNDERBURK and JOSEPH CRUZ SNN Staff Writers
Albert Laskett first entered the hallways of Lakewood High School as an eighthgrade student. In the shadows of junior Byronton Jackson, Laskett observed a day in the life of a high school student. At the end of the day Laskett decided that Lakewood had two great opportunities for him, the school’s Center for Advanced Technologies program and a prominent football team. Fast forward to a year later. Laskett is now a freshman in the CAT program and a star rookie on the varsity football team. He has an intense class schedule full of honors classes, including physics, algebra II, world history and English I. Laskett says math is his hardest subject because he has to remember so much. The CAT program requires students to take three years of science, four years of math and three years of computer science. Ranked as the 15th best school in the nation by Newsweek, the CAT program offers a rigorous learning experience. The Spartan football team has a strict program as well. The coaching staff has laid out sharp requirements for the players on the field and in the classrooms. If Laskett misses an assignment the obvious punishment is a drop in his grade. However, if any of the rules are broken in football, he faces physical consequences. Depending on the punishment, the athlete might be required to flip a huge truck tire down the field. Moore also makes students push 2x4s across the field. And there’s always the possibility of being benched. “We expect our players to be leaders by example,” said coach Antez Brinson. Players are expected to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, sit in the front row of class, be on time to class and stay out of the Intervention Center. The team has study hall every day before practice from 2:15-2:45 p.m. After study hall, the team heads to the locker room to prepare for practice, which is held four times a week from 3:15-5:50 p.m.
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Outside the classroom, every player is expected to give his best effort on the field. “Play hard, give 100 percent, and I’m satisfied,” said Brinson. With many high expectations, how does a freshman juggle the workload of school and practice? “(There’s) no pressure,” says Laskett. Teachers also have praise for Laskett. “It’s hard for any student to go from eighth grade to high school and juggle athletics, especially football, but he’s doing his work and has a solid B,” said Chris Borg, Laskett’s computer teacher. “He’s a good student who works hard, and that’s what I like.” He may come off as shy and timid, but Laskett is a force on the field. Wearing the black and gold number 12 he is the starting cornerback, who also plays backup quarterback and running back. In the game against Boca Ciega on Sept. 16, Laskett caught an interception that changed the flow of the game. His aggressive playing style contributed to the Spartans winning 14-13 over the Pirates. Besides being a decent student he is also a good teammate. “He’s a hard worker who’s very dedicated to the (football) program,” said teammate senior RJ Vilayvong.
BYRON BOYKINS | SNN
Freshman Albert Laskett sets up the offense during a football game against Gibbs High School.
DANNY HERNANDEZ | SNN
Freshman Albert Laskett works on class work in Chris Borg’s computer class on Oct. 8. Laskett also plays quarterback and cornerback on the varsity football team.
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Where are they now? BY KALA FUNDERBURK SNN Staff Writer
Latesha Johnson, class of 2010, now attends the University of Florida on an Academic Scholarship studying Health Science Physical Therapy. Q: How is the transition from high school to college? A: The transition from high school to college is quite tough at first but after a while you find your comfort zone. Living in Gainesville is a challenge itself because it’s home to the Gators and that’s about it. Life outside of UF has very limited options and once you do everything a few times it gets old. That’s why it is really important to make friends and get involved on campus. Q: What is the biggest difference? A: The biggest difference between high school and college is the freedom and responsibility. In college you become an adult for the most part. You have to learn to balance your time between work and play. Then again, you have so much free time that you don’t know what to do with it but studying is usually the last thing on your mind. No one is there to make you do anything, it’s all up to you and how bad you want that degree. Q: Still playing sports? (If no, explain why?) A: I am not playing basketball anymore because I believe that in order to be a college athlete your heart must be in it 100 percent. If not, you will be miserable and unhappy. In college it is your job to perform well
and if you don’t, you’re out of there. Basketball was never the only option I had or the only means I had to go to college. On top of that, the fact that I didn’t get the offers I wanted and UF giving me a full scholarship led me to believe that it was time to give it up. Yet, I do miss playing and competing every now and then. Q: Favorite thing about college? A: My favorite thing about college so far is being forced to make new friends. In high school the campus was so small that my friends sort of fell upon me within the years. When I got to UF I didn’t really know anyone and I had to introduce myself to new people and find that group of “college friends.” I have met some amazing people and the ones that I have chosen to surround myself with have my best interest at heart. The people you meet in college are usually friends you will have for the rest of your life. Q: Any advice for current seniors? A: Make the most of your senior year. You don’t want to have any regrets about what you could or should have done in high school. It will be over before you know it and your chance to be a kid is coming to an end. Stay focused and don’t let anything prevent you from walking across that big stage at the end of the year.When choosing a college to attend make sure you do tons of research. Don’t choose a school based on where your friends are going because that school may not fit you well. College isn’t meant for everyone. Choosing whether or not to attend college will be your first adult decision and it shouldn’t be made because it is the trend. This does not in any way mean to doubt your capabilities or get discouraged nor does it mean it is okay to do anything illegal!
MORGAN MCCABE | SNN
Shaquem Griffin performs pushups during a portrait session on the football field. Shaquem was born with one hand but he has excelled in athletics at Lakewood.
‘I can do anything’
By KAYLA GARCIA SNN Staff Writer
Sophomore Shaquem Griffin doesn’t listen to those who say he can’t. Because he can. When he was born, doctors did a procedure to remove his left hand because he wouldn’t have use of his fingers. Despite the fact that this birth defect left him with a disability, he has been playing football since he was 4 years old. Griffin tried out for the Lakewood football team his freshman year and made junior varsity; this year he was bumped up to varsity and has started every game. “It wasn’t hard to make the team. (I) just did what I had to to earn my position…I can do anything anybody else can do,” said Griffin. Coach Corey Moore agrees. “He does everything we do; he works just as hard as everybody else,” Moore said.
Griffin and his twin brother and Spartan teammate, Shaquill Griffin, both feel they are treated with the same respect. “It’s a good experience to play with my brother, and when the team’s not with me I have him for support,” said sophomore Shaquill Griffin. When Shaquem Griffin graduates high school he hopes to continue playing football in college, either at the University of Miami or Florida State University. “My parents see something good in it and think I could go somewhere,” said Griffin. “(He could) absolutely (have a future in football), he works hard,” said Coach Moore. Check the video at snntoday.snn.pcsb.org and click on multimedia.
Sports updates Basketball
Girls basketball tryouts will be on Oct. 25 and 26 in the Lakewood High gym. Tryouts will start at 4 p.m. on Monday and at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. You do not need any experience to try out. All girls trying out need their Florida High School Athletic Association paperwork filled out and can get it from Coach Necole Tunsil in room B211. The girls should wear shorts, a tshirt and basketball shoes to the tryouts. - Kimberly Koagel
Volleyball
The Lakewood volleyball team has qualified for the PCAC after their win last week. The tournament will take place on Oct. 20 at Countryside High School. The volleyball team went to the finals last year but lost to Palm Harbor. “Our first game is against Palm Harbor, this should be a good game because they’re a northern county team… We are working hard on our weaknesses to defeat them,” said Berkley Whaley. - Kayla Garcia
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ALANDRA PRYOR | SNN
A student makes a plaster cast of his hand during Larry West’s art class on Oct. 1.
MOLINSEAI ELCIUS | SNN
From right, sophomores Muhammad Barrow, Ian van Stralen and Sebastian Baraybar work together in Jason Ness’ engineering class to put together a protobot on Sept. 30. Engineering is a new elective class at Lakewood this year.
DANNY HERNANDEZ | SNN
Senior Trevor Sasserath, left, works during yearbook class. “I like having the opportunity to work with other students to put together our school’s yearbook,” he said.
TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN
Students work out in the weight room on Sept. 27. Principal Bob Vicari is planning to invest $50,000 into the weight room.
Elect this... TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN
Students check their grades on Portal in Anthony Snead's web design class on Oct. 5.
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From building robots in engineering to using their creative sides in art, Lakewood High students show off various elective opportunities given at the school.