SNN April 2012

The year of the boys ... Page 8

Two-Time Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist

Best burgers in the 窶話urg... Page 12-13

Vol. 3, No. 5

Lakewood High School -April 11, 2012

snntoday.pcsb.org

the hub

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

A word from

SNN

By SOFIA DAMOS SNN Editor in Chief

A typical teenager’s life revolves around a few key things: school, friends, relationships, social networking and cell phones. Reports about important issues and worldly matters tend to not reach us, especially ones that involve places we don’t venture into much.

The KONY 2012 invasion of YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, however, has become a new topic of discussion for the younger generation. And students have both negative and positive things to say.

I can say I had never heard of the Lord’s Resistance Army or Joseph Kony and his trail of corpses through the Ugandan country.

The video that captured the world’s attention was intricately woven, flashing the pictures of marred children that simultaneously touched and jarred the soul.

How could we, as a generation, not know this was happening? How could we not know that those children were being transformed into soldiers and being used as sex slaves?

But now we know, and the Invisible Children Foundation’s aim is to help end Kony’s reign of terror.

Some people say that this “joining the band-wagon” that people are doing is stepping on the toes of those who have known about the LRA and Kony longer than we have. It has been said that we’re “followers” for not knowing about it sooner, only paying attention after it was blasted across our computer screens.

But here’s the truth: Without people knowing, nothing will ever get done. It isn’t about us, anymore; it’s about those people who need help. Do you think they care where the help comes from? Or how long that person has known about it?

Publicity is the key to ending this. In our society, if we know, we care.

I will do whatever I can to help, even if people think I’m latching my wagon on to the rest of them.

2

SNN

LATERIAN LATIMER | SNN

Care and prevention teacher Erika Miller, center, assists juniors Kerim Karic, right, and Sarah Donnelly perform a knee test on March 13. The class is meant to help kids who plan on becoming athletic trainers. “Since I like sports but don’t play them anymore it is a way for me to still at least become an athletic trainer and be around sports,” said Karic.

On the web...

Check out the following multimedia stories on the Spartan News Network’s web site. Go to snntoday.pcsb.org and click on multimedia. * A closer look at physics teacher Ryan Frewin. By Aaron Graham and Scotty Schenck * Get to know the Lakewood vals and sals.

By Zubin Kapadia and Zack Miller. * Body modification: What do teachers and students say about piercings and tattoos?

By Caprice Alfred and Devin Daviau * Are you smarter than a sixth grader?

By Sarah-Kay West and Victoria Bischoff

* Charles Musgrove: On the trombone. By Marsela Sulku and Nastassja Sielchan * Lakewood comedians. By Melissa Dones, Krystal Ivy and Sha’Kiera Williams * Year-round swimmers. By Naudia McDaniel and Niqueria Harris * Vershayla’s Decision. By Caroline Dunning and Dominique McRae.

Page 1 photo by Sherice Johnson: From left, junior Josh Krantz, sophomores Bradley Fanning and Nick Levy and junior Exavier Jones walk back to guitar teacher Jacob Merritt’s classroom on March 21. Students in Merritt’s beginning guitar class put on small performances for students and staff to practice their guitar skills. “Mr. Merritt goes over everything a beginning guitarist needs to know. I started the class in August, and it’s been my passion ever since,” said Krantz.

Corrections Freshman Kellee Weston’s last name was spelled incorrectly in a caption published in the February edition of SNN. Art teacher Jayce Ganchou’s name was incorrect in a caption in the February edition of SNN. Also, Ganchou came to Florida because the school district in Ohio where he worked started cutting the budget and laying off people. Though he was not laid off, he feared he could be and wanted to make a change. Finally, Ganchou’s dog, Remy, is named after Jerry Remy of the Boston Red Sox, not the Boston Bruins.

The Drama Club is paying $500 to rent the set for its production of Rumors from Clearwater High School.

Clearwater students built the set for $2,500.

Meetings of the Video Game Design Club end at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

news

Who’s in the halls?

After a glitch, Lakewood’s electronic hall pass system successfully launches.

By BEN EFFIOM SNN Staff Writer

What started as just a couple lines of code during March of last year is complete.

The virtual hall pass system, created by assistants in network administrator Lou Zulli’s class, will allow teachers and campus monitors to track how many students are in the hall and how long they’ve been there, as well as how many times a student has used a pass.

“We’ll be able to know the date and time of every hall pass issued to better monitor the campus,” said Zulli.

The system was launched on March 19 and faced some road bumps in the first couple of days that were mainly caused by a server overload of the LHSNet webpage.

“The load on the server is astronomical right now,” Zulli said in an e-mail to the Lakewood staff the week before Spring Break. “I severely underestimated the processing traffic.”

By the week after Spring Break, though, the system was successfully working.

“I like it for the accountability so we know where the students are and it’s easier to see,” said science teacher Kathy Zavadil.

The system uses iPad apps, swipe devices for each teacher, and special cards for different students, including regular passes, press passes for SNN and CATCOM staff and passes for Zulli’s programmers. Zulli said his students, Louis Hofer, Lindsay

Hofer, Kyla Kolb and Zack Shea should be given a lot of credit toward creating the system.

Teachers access the program using the LHSNet or Catnip websites. The administrators, teachers and students have different views in these sites. Administrators can see the entire student body, but the teachers can only view the students in their classes.

Teachers can only send a student in their class out on a pass, and teachers can only receive students sent to their class.

Students are given five minutes to go to the bathroom, and extra time is given to students in the portables and 700 wing.

When the pass is swiped, the student’s picture pops up on the page on LHSNet. A bar under the picture turns green indicating the student is out but still in the allotted time.

If the bar turns red, the student has been out of class for too long.

Students say they are not very happy about the time limits.

“It’s too controlling ... a hassle,” said junior Amanda Dodge. “The whole system seems like too much trouble.”

Campus monitors have iPads with apps that show the students who are out, where they should be and how long they should be out for. When the students come back into their class they simply swipe the card again, which stops the time and indicates

MOLINSEAI ELCIUS| SNN

Sophomore Ashley McGowan swipes her student ID in chemistry teacher Dana Jarvis’ class on March 22. The new hall pass system started across the Lakewood campus on March 19. the student is not in the halls. If teachers how many times students have gone to the want to send a student somewhere other bathroom or used their pass. They can sort than the bathroom, there is a destination in various ways, including grades (9-12), drop-down box for places such as the assis- ID numbers and names. tant principals’ offices, the front office, the Teachers can’t deny students permission gym, their locker or a teacher’s room. to go to the bathroom even if they don’t When you select “teacher’s room” there have their pass. Instead, they must write is an option with the teacher’s name and a paper pass, but they do not have to let a room number. There is also an option that student leave for any other reason. Those will read “Destination: on assignment,” students who don’t have an ID will need to and the teacher can select how much time a see English teacher Barbara Palmer to have student can be out for. an ID made.

Teachers can pull up a report to see

High-cost pool rental may sink swim team

By KIMBERLEY KOAGEL and KATIE DICKINSON SNN Staff Writers

The Lakewood High School swim and dive team may not be able to hold swim practice at the Lake Vista pool next season because it will cost about $7,800 to rent, athletic director Deb Fabrizio said.

Frabrizio said she talked with a representative from the city of St. Petersburg and Mayor Bill Foster, but so far has not been able to get the pool at a lower cost.

“I need to come to a compromise with St. Pete to leasing that pool,” said Fabrizio.

Lake Vista pool is closed during the school year to everyone. “Therefore, the cost to use our pool is substantially higher,” said city official Lori Matway.

There are two other options for the swim team next year if Lakewood is unable to get Lake Vista at a lower cost. They are to swim at Northeast High School, with another high school at the same time, at night. Or to swim at the Skyview Pool in Pinellas Park, for $1,500, which is an even farther drive for students and parents.

Being able to use the Lake Vista pool next year instead of going back to Northeast High School, where the team has practiced in the past, would mean a lot to swim team coach James Kostka as well as his swimmers. Lake Vista pool is within walking distance from Lakewood, which allows athletes without cars a way to get to practice.

“If the fees were more reasonable, it would make it much easier for me to recruit and help keep my athletes healthy,” said Kostka. “The closer pool allows time for the athletes to get their work done and some time to sleep and rest.”

Kostka also said that having the pool closer to Lakewood gives kids who don’t live in the area the ability to participate.

Sophomore Sebastian Digeronimo agrees. He said he wouldn’t be able to travel to any

other pool due to “transportation issues.”

“I would be sad because then I can’t be in anything (swim-related),” said Digeronimo.

If the swim team were to move to Northeast or Skyview next year it would require driving from Lakewood High School.

“Using Vista means we can walk to practice and also that more kids can be on the team since they don’t have to travel to practice,” said Kostka. “I think walking is a safer option than jumping on 275 at the start of rush hour.”

Practice at Northeast or Skyview would be in the evening, whereas practice at Lake Vista would be right after school every day from 3 to 6 p.m., allowing swimmers homework time afterward.

An additional drawback to using Northeast is that the pool is used by multiple swim teams for practice. In the past Lakewood would share the pool with Gibbs. If they swim there again not only will they see Kostka’s coaching style and the swimmers skills, but it will also be a crowded space with six lanes and 80 swimmers. Putting about 13 kids in a lane doesn’t allow swimmers to get a thorough workout, he said.

If the pool cannot be used next season due to the high cost, Kostka said he will find another pool and “make it work.”

“The Marines have a saying: ‘adapt and overcome.’ I practice what I preach, so this team will adapt and overcome,” Kostka said. “I bleed black and gold, and my team represents Lakewood.”

SNN

3

news W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

Lakewood’s best

Senior Tahrell Jones, right, discusses his group’s project with senior Ashley Seay.

Both students are a part of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (A.V.I.D.) program at Lakewood.

By HUNTER STEWART and ALEXANDRA BUENO SNN Staff Writers

The most prestigious honor any high school student could obtain is to be named valedictorian or salutatorian. The academic race this year at Lakewood High School was one for the record books, with all of the students being separated by only fractions of a point in grade point average. The class of 2012 valedictorians are Aaron Teetor (Center for Advanced Technologies) and Tahrell Jones. Close behind were the salutatorians, Steven Doyle (Center for Advanced Technologies) and Janelle Bygraves.

Aaron Teetor

Senior Aaron Teetor, the wrestling team captain, earned the valedictorian title of 2012 for the Center for Advanced Technologies. His GPA came in at a grandiose 4.755.

In his free time, Teetor likes to program, play videogames and wrestle. Teetor said he will pursue computer programming at the University of Central Florida.

“I never had a need to be valedictorian; it just kind of happened,” said Teetor, “If the two smartest people in the world were at the same school, only one would be valedictorian but both would deserve a title.”

Even with Teetor’s nonchalant approach to academics, he was able to reach valedictorian by one 100th of a point.

AVID: Not just an elective class

Tahrell Jones

BY KIARA ALLEN AND ANIA COOPER SNN Staff Writers

University.

Senior Tahrell Jones, a star football player and track athlete, earned the valedictorian title of 2012 for the traditional side of the school. Jones is a very motivated and well determined student-athlete, who said he “wasn’t shooting for valedictorian.”

Jones, who has a 4.3 weighted GPA, said he has always made an effort to get straight A’s and when he achieved his goal, he decided it was best to just keep it up. Jones was accepted to University of Central Florida, and his application is pending at Florida Atlantic

Steven Doyle

Senior Steven Doyle earned the salutatorian title of 2012 for the CAT program. Doyle is a hardworking, but laid-back type of student.

Doyle said he had really no idea he would be so close to the top and said he never expected to be honored for any academic achievements. Doyle’s GPA came in at 4.74, making this year’s race one of the closest in history.

Although Doyle missed out on the top honor, he was barely behind and said, “I guess it’s an honor, but at the same time I feel bad for the people who tried just as hard as me who didn’t get recognized.” Doyle has been accepted to Notre Dame, and said he is leaning toward going there though he has not made an official decision.

Janelle Bygraves

Senior Janelle Bygraves earned the salutatorian title of 2012 for the traditional program. Bygraves said she never expected to win the salutatorian title. In fact, a week before the award was given she was in fifth place for over-all GPA. Bygraves said she worked hard and came up to second place to clinch the salutatorian title.

Bygraves carries a GPA of 4.2. She is currently looking at University of Central Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University, but says she will choose whichever one helps her the most.

Bygraves said achieving the salutatorian status has shown her that hard work actually does pay off.

“I’ve never felt so successful,” she said.

4

SNN

ZUBIN KAPADIA | SNN

Senior Tahrell Jones, this year’s valedictorian for traditional Lakewood, has a 4.3 weighted grade point average and next year will be headed to either Florida Atlantic University or University of Central Florida. Senior Janelle Bygraves, this year’s salutatorian, has a 4.204 grade point average. Though she’s unsure yet where she’s going, she wants to study hospitality management and travel transportation.

What do they both say was a key to their success at Lakewood? The AVID program.

We all hear about the different programs in Lakewood, but the program not everyone knows about is Advancement Via Individual Determination also known as AVID, a yearlong elective class for students at all grade levels. In the program, students learn organizational skills, study skills and critical thinking and questioning techniques.

AVID coordinator Tara Fowler said she is very excited about the things AVID is accomplishing.

“With this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian being AVID students I can say AVID is doing its job,” said Fowler. “I am very proud of my AVID babies.”

Not everyone can get into AVID. There is an application process; students must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and must have room in their schedule to have the elective class.

The students participate in tutorials where they get in small groups and work out different questions that the students bring to class on a tutorial request form. The students also read books and sometimes watch movies on everyday life challenges. While watching the movies the students are required to write notes in Cornell style. The students discuss the material in a Socratic seminar or philosophical chairs, which are ways for students to express their knowledge of a particular subject or books that have been read through higher thinking and questioning.

Jones has been in AVID for three years and says the program has been a huge help to him.

“AVID benefited me through improving my organizational skills and also helping me push through life situations,” said Jones.

The AVID program has trained teachers heading the program. In addition to Fowler, Chantella Moore and Linda Santiago are the AVID teachers.

Junior Krystal Ivy says her AVID class is “like a small family.”

“Everyone knows each other and we look out for each other,” said Ivy. AVID isn’t just an elective class. It is also a club with officers who meet during lunch to plan different things the students can do. One thing the AVID club does is plan college trips. This year the students have been to Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College. In April, they plan to visit the University of Central Florida and Valencia Community College.

“AVID means to me to push through no matter what, to be organized and (it means) I will always have a support system,” said Jones.

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

news

Shortened Wednesdays will come to an end

By KAYLA GARCIA SNN Staff Writer

In the 2013-14 school year, a new schedule will come to all of Pinellas County. This is the year the shorter day on Wednesday will disappear.

The lengthened day means the elimination of a long planning and training period for teachers.

“I see the benefits of it (the short Wednesdays) for teachers,” said principal Bob Vicari. He said the teachers need that time to come together and get creative; however, he understands why the change is being made.

Teachers have mixed feelings about the loss of this time.

“Whatever works best for my students is what I want to do,” said English teacher Ruth Barrens.

History teacher Jessica Heiser isn’t completely sure how she feels and won’t be sure until it plays out.

“I like having the huge chunk (planning period). I’m not going to lie,” she said. “I get a lot more work done without a bunch of students sitting in front of me.”

Vicari said this change was superintendent Dr. John A. Stewart’s idea because many schools that are not on block schedules end up with 35-minute classes on Wednesdays and they would have “no great instruction.” However, even schools that are on a block schedule will also lose the shortened Wednesday.

“Early dismissal is an issue that is debated in every school district that implements it,” Stewart wrote in an email to SNN. While Wednesday will get longer, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday will get shorter for Lakewood, and students will get out at the same time each day.

News Brief PHYSICAL NIGHT: All Florida Orthopedics will be conducting physicals on April 25 for the 2012-2013 school year for all current students and incoming freshman who are interested in participating in sports. The physicals cost $15 and will be held in the Lakewood gymnasium from 5:30-7:30 p.m. There will be a notary on site to complete the parent consent form, so parents need to present a valid driver’s license. All students are welcome to the event.

- Owen Dyches | SNN

Students and teachers have to meet together a certain amount of time each week. According to Patricia Schley and Vicari, Lakewood is currently over the required 1,500 contact minutes because of the state’s involvement in the school.

Regardless of the Wednesday change, Vicari is going to work to keep the block schedule.

“As long as the block schedule is an efficient schedule, I’m going to try to keep consistent,” he said.

He also said it seems like a majority of people like the schedule: students because they have an extra day for homework and an extra block for electives and teachers because they get 90 minutes of planning.

While Vicari and the teachers say they have mixed feelings about the change, students are not in favor of it.

Freshman Jermerious Moore is concerned about this change. He uses his short Wednesday to spend more time with his family.

“I spend time with my momma and my little baby sister,” he said. “We watch movies and tell jokes.”

Other students are also concerned about losing this time.

Sophomore Dazia Brown said the short day is “a help for extra hours of work.”

Brown works a part-time job at Publix. She believes it will “mess up” other people’s schedules, too, because many people are used to the shortened day.

Sophomore Sarah Gray agrees and said it would be tough on people when it’s taken away. She uses the extra time to go to the beach.

“I don’t like it at all,” Gray said. “I look forward to Wednesdays.”

DONNELL MIDDLETON | SNN

About 500 athletes came to Lakewood High School on March 10 for the 40th annual Special Olympics. This was the 14th year it was held at Lakewood.

Lakewood hosts Special Olympics

By JAKOB W. BARKER SNN Staff Writer

The morning of March 10 was warm and bright. A large crowd gathered at the Lakewood track/football field and the bleachers surrounding it. They had come to watch and participate in the 40th annual regional Special Olympics, which for the 14th year running was hosted right here at Lakewood.

“I’ve been doing this for about 25 years and I just love working with this population,” said David Haines, county coordinator for Pinellas County. “I appreciate the challenges they face and the bravery they have to overcome their challenges.”

The Special Olympics is a regional event for children 8 years old and older who have intellectual disabilities. They host track and field, soccer, tennis, bocce and volleyball at the school’s various sports facilities.

In addition to these events, they also have a section called Olympic Village. It contains carnival-style games, various art projects, a DJ and a photo booth. They also have a section called Healthy Athletes, where several dentists and podiatrists give free teeth and feet screenings to all of the athletes.

The details of the event were planned back in November, but they only started setting up the event area on March 9. The event itself started at 9 a.m. on March 10 and ended at 3 p.m. on the same day.

Approximately 500 athletes attended, along with 200 volunteers and 60 staff members.

All of the athletes are from Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus, Sumter and Hernando counties. The event was free for all attendees.

“This is one (event) I’ll never miss. The kids are too special,” said trumpet player Way Banoy, who plays with the St. Petersburg Community Band, which performed at the event.

Save your recyclables for AMSET regatta

By KAYLA GARCIA SNN Staff Writer

Lakewood students are collecting recyclable items through Friday for use in the Recycling Regatta.

Students are looking for people in the community to donate items such as large plastic barrels, scrap lumber, tree limbs and other similar items. They also are in need of plastic bottles and jugs.

The regatta is a race “to get students to focus on different and creative ways they can recycle ‘waste’ to help the environment,” said Kostka in an email.

The race will be at North Shore Park on Saturday. Lakewood has two teams competing in the race, each with four to five students. For the race students must construct a boat, and 70 percent

of it must be made from recyclable materials. Thirty percent can be made of new things such as tape and nails.

The boat does not have a size limit but it must be raced 50 yards.

“The goal is to go fast so streamline, weight, method of propulsion (paddle or sail) and length are important considerations,” said Kostka. He thinks the students’ participation is a great way for them to “think on their own and get creative.”

If someone wants to contribute, they should contact AMSET coordinator and science teacher James Kostka.

SNN

5

news

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

School goes virtual Many students are choosing to take their classes online instead of in person.

By KAYLA GARCIA SNN Staff Writer

Many students are looking for an alternative to waking up early each morning and going to school. One alternative to this is virtual school.

Virtual school is when a student takes online classes to acquire high school credits. A student may enroll to make up several credits, to obtain extra credits or to avoid physically going to school.

But is virtual school for everyone?

Lakewood guidance counselor Meredith Jones said the recommendation is case by case. “For a student to be full time, they have to be a self-motivated student.”

If students attend virtual school, they must complete their work on their own time. For a student to be full time, he or she must take six classes each semester over four years to obtain the required 24 credits to graduate. Part-time Pinellas Virtual School students can take a maximum of three classes per year online and at least four regular classes in their zoned school, according to director of academic computing Patricia Lusher.

A student may enroll in Florida Virtual School or Pinellas County Virtual School.

The difference between the two is simple.

PVS is made up of teachers from Pinellas County, while FLVS is made up of teachers in other cities such as Miami and Jacksonville. In Florida, virtual school is free for students, unlike some other states, such as Texas, which charges $325-350 per course per semester. In grades six through 12, there are 184 students in Pinellas County enrolled in part time virtual school. For full time virtual school, there are 297 students.

Students who participate in Pinellas Virtual School communicate with their teachers during office hours by phone, using district Skype numbers, online webinar and email, said Lusher.

Junior Ethan Clemente takes four classes through FLVS and also comes to school a full day.

“It’s a lot of stress, but I manage it,” he said. Clemente said he is doing it to earn extra credits and he has been participating in it since last year. He also likes the variety of classes offered.

NovaNET is credit recovery for classes that students receive a “D” or “F” in. The system is set up in modules and for

6

SNN

ALEXANDRA BUENO | SNN

Seniors Kaivon Williams, Katy Lally and Jana Sewell work on their Florida Virtual School classes on Feb. 15. Williams did not have room in his schedule and had to take the class online. “It’s very tedious and inconvenient. I would rather be in class with a teacher,” said Williams. each module the students can take a test to see if they pass the section. If they do they move on to the next level.

Lakewood offers a critical thinking class to do NovaNET on campus during school hours. There are about 210 spots for students to participate in this, said Jones.

However, if students need to make up an honors course, they need to enroll in FLVS. Lakewood has five students currently taking a STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) course called Computer Applications in Science Engineering, said Lusher. These students take the course as their first or last A-day class and do it from home. This allows them to come late or leave early.

“We hope to offer STEM again next year for any 9-12 student, and we are adding another online class, economics,” said Lusher.

Students at Lakewood taking other courses may also get to leave early.

Junior Avni Agrawal participates in an American history honors FLVS class and leaves a period early every B-day. On those days she goes to tennis practice at Bardmoor Academy for four hours and does her virtual school later in the evening.

She said she will probably take American government honors online next year, too.

“It’s a lot easier,” she said. “You can do it on your own time; plus I get to play more

tennis.”

Some students are required to do some form of virtual school.

All incoming classes starting with the class of 2015 must complete half a credit of school online sometime during their four years in high school. If a student completes half a credit on NovaNET, an online credit recovery program, that counts, too.

Junior Sheridan Bishop has been in FLVS since the eighth grade. This year she is enrolled in three classes online in addition to coming to school a full day.

“Sometimes I just like to get ahead,” she said. “I love it; I really wish I had time to take more classes. I like to learn.”

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

features

‘Now it’s just me and Mommy’

By ADRIANA SHAKESPEARE SNN Staff Writer

Yana, Skinny Girl, Sister and my favorite: Tinker Bell.

These are just a few of the nicknames I hear on a daily basis when my mother calls on me for help. You see, my mom has multiple sclerosis, so she depends on me for simple tasks that the average person could complete in just a few seconds.

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. MS is caused by damage to the protective coat of nerve cells called the myelin sheath.

When this is damaged it causes nerve signals to slow down or stop. In simpler terms, think of the nerve signal as a text message. My mom’s brain is trying to send this text to her legs, but for some reason they cannot receive it, or it comes in late. I know we all hate those texts.

The cells that are damaged in my mother’s nervous system are the ones that send signals to her legs. She feels pain in her legs when sitting for too long, standing for too long, when they get hot and sometimes just because. She can’t run, jump, skip, dance and has trouble just walking from her bedroom to the kitchen. As the only other adult in the house, besides my father who is rarely home, I take on the household responsibilities. I cook the meals, clean the house and run back and forth to fetch whatever it is that my mom needs. She tries her best to do everything that she can on her own, but my response is always, “Why didn’t you just tell me to do it, Mommy?”

Once you’re diagnosed with MS there is no turning back. However, there is stabilizing medicine, and if you catch it early enough, then you can possibly live an “average” life. My mom was not so lucky. She was diagnosed before I even became an elementary student, but at that time it was not as severe. She took medicine, but it didn’t seem to make much of a difference and her symptoms just became worse. After a few years she started seeing different doctors and received a prescription for something stronger. The sad thing about MS is you can’t get cured.

You can take medicine to keep it from getting worse, but it will never get better.

She did as much as she could while I was still young, but once I got old enough my mom started to teach me how to cook and clean things properly. I started doing it on my own in middle school. I had help from my sister, Domenique who is 19, but when she became a senior I did it all pretty much alone. She became very busy and left for college right after she graduated, so now it’s just me and “Mommy.”

My mom tries not to let her illness affect my social life.

She loves meeting my friends and having them over. This is because she doesn’t like being home alone for too long, so she would rather have my friends come to my house then me go to their houses. She knows how it feels to be a teenager, so she still lets me go out and have my own time

with my girls. I just don’t do it as often as other kids my age.

Her illness has had an impact on major decisions in my life, like what I am going to do after high school.

I’ve decided to stay close to home and go ADRIANA SHAKESPEARE | SNN to St. Petersburg College because I cannot handle being far from her, and I know no one will be here to take care of her. She wanted me to go off to college like everybody else my age can, but it doesn’t bother me at all to stay here. I will be getting my education regardless. Plus, I’m not fully ready to leave the nest. This choice is also easier on my pockets.

Many other kids my age would feel burdened with such responsibility, but I don’t mind at all. This woman gave me life so why wouldn’t I do everything for her that I possibly can? She did it for me when I was a child, and now that she needs help I’m the one who’s going to give it to her.

With some tattoos, memories are forever

By BROOKE SKINNER and DEM’E DAVIS SNN Staff Writers

Tattoos come in different shapes, sizes and colors.

Some people get tattoos for fashion reasons, but some students look past the trendiness. Yes, the ink may be on the surface, but the reasons behind why some students at Lakewood High School have tattoos goes much deeper.

Sophomore Gaby Moore often thinks about her grandmother, Rosie E. Rose, who died four years ago of cancer. Because Rose was someone who was near and dear to Moore’s heart, she got a series of rose tattoos on her hip in mid-January, a reminder of her grandmother’s passing.

“It was an exact replica that I got online; it caught my eye because of the roses,” said Moore, who says she won’t regret the tattoo later on in life.

Senior Wit Cannon commemorates the death of his father by more than just placing flowers on his grave. On Sept. 29, 2011, he got his first tattoo along his ribcage. “Live for today, tomorrow may never come,” it says, because the death of his father was unexpected.

“Live everyday as if it was your last,” said Cannon. His second tattoo is a snook on his back with the date “12.13.08,” the date his father passed.

“Me and my dad loved fishing. The last fish we caught together was a tarpon and a snook, (and) my dad caught the snook,” said Cannon, who designed both of the tattoos himself.

Senior Kelvin Roberson has six tattoos. But the one of his grandmother’s name, Andresa, on the inside of his arm is the most important, he says.

“I have six tattoos, but this one is more important because she died of cancer,” said Roberson, who got the tattoo in November. As soon as he had it done, he had his mind made up that there would be no regrets.

March 17, 1998, is one of the most important dates in senior Daniel Rouson’s life. So important that he has it tattooed on his chest in green with fourleaf clovers around it. The day his dad got clean from drugs is something Rouson wears proudly.

“I’m glad he got clean, because if he didn’t I wouldn’t be living with him right now,” says Rouson flashing his tat.

Of all the miracles in life, birth is the most universal. However, not all are as blessed as others.

Senior Leonard Rose’s sister, Jailya, was stillborn.

Every time Rose looks at his inner arm he’ll always be reminded of her.

Getting the tattoo was “like an aggravation, (but) it didn’t really hurt,” said Rose.

His tattoo says his sister’s name with a halo right above the J. Rose got the tattoo when he was 17 and he also designed it himself.

“I can always remember her,” said Rose.

DEM’E DAVIS | SNN

Above, senior Daniel Rouson proudly shows off his tattoo he got a year ago in honor of his father.

At left, senior Leonard Rose shows off the tattoo he got in memory of his stillborn sister.

BROOKE SKINNER | SNN

SNN

7

features

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

Prom Season: Now Open

By MARILYN PARKER and TEVIN MCCULLOUGH SNN Staff Writers

Marilyn’s Advice: As you may know, girls love compliments! We love to be treated like queens, especially on one of the most important nights of a teenage girl’s life. This approach is the key to scoring your date.

When you have your eye on a date for prom, show confidence in yourself and interest in her.

Guys shouldn’t make the mistake, however, of coming on too strong. If a female realizes that you’re interested, she would like for you to be yourself.

It’s important for a guy to look into the girl’s eyes at the beginning of the approach.

Don’t worry about what your friends think, because this is who you are going to be with at prom. Get to the point quickly. We will try to understand that you’re nervous.

It’s also important that you don’t underestimate her. Don’t expect for her to jump into your arms and run off with you. She’s going to be a little wary. In fact, trust that females will not hesitate to go on backgroundcheck. com, and have their fathers frisk you at the door! If you are serious, she’ll take you seriously.

It’s prom season, and Hollywood High will be taken over by the City of Lights. It’s time to get your tuxedos and dresses, transportation and corsages, and most importantly, A DATE! So SNN is here to offer some guidance on scoring your 2012 prom date.

GUYS: How did you/would you ask a date to the prom?

Tyler Bentley: My approach depends on the girl. I approach with confidence, swagger. You know, I just do my thing. Grab low and reach for the stars.

Tevin’s Advice: Prom is a night that many dream of and wish to remember for a life time. Yes, we all want the perfect date, but you have to understand certain things in order to achieve what is the perfect date. Most importantly, you cannot justify a perfect date by how that person looks.

I believe it is crucial for a young lady expecting a special someone’s invitation to be open. Narrowmindedness could cheat her out of a good evening. While you have a guy that you consider a dream guy, you’re not the only one who considers him that way. Any girl who’s beautiful and attractive, and any man who girls consider sexy or handsome, is usually considered that way by the masses. People are more than what they look like. I know a lot of good-looking people who are very ugly, and there are others who are maybe not what we would consider attractive who are very beautiful people.

Girls can be kind of unrealistic.

They’re not perfect, so they can’t expect a perfect guy.

SHANA-KAY SURAGDEEN| SNN

Prom 411 When: April 27 Where: The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Time: 8 p.m. - midnight

Matt Saunders: I opened a fortune cookie (and) replaced the given message with my prom question.

George Jourdenais: I’d do something fancy, romantic, like a trail of sticky notes.

Who can go: Seniors and juniors and dates Cost: $50. Tickets will go on sale the week before prom at the bookkeeper’s window during break and after school.

Dress Code: Formal

Justin Lincoln: I took her to a nice lunch. We ordered pizza and on top it said: Prom?

8

SNN

GIRLS: How would you liked to be asked to the prom? Would you be comfortable asking him to prom?

Alexandria Bruwell: I think it’s hard to approach a guy, but if he brought me a big Publix vanilla cake with purple icing that had “Prom?” written on it, he would definitley be my date.

Kiara Allen: I mean no (I wouldn’t be comfortable asking a guy), but I’ll hint! ... I would like for a guy to walk into my fourth period AVID class and sing his question to me, but if he can’t sing, he is getting rejected.

Rebecca Schnell: I would like it if a guy took me to the top of a skyscraper, and told me to look down, and I see “PROM?” written out in flowers.

Theme: City of Lights Adrianna Swinton: My guy should get a helicopter that says “Prom?” hanging off the back.

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

features

Feet, thunder, odd numbers, oh my!

By JULIE SMITH-FRAZER and CARLOLEE BRYAN SNN Staff Writers

Senior Duquincesia Jackson is terrified of feet.

This is actually a legitimate phobia called podophobia.

Jackson isn’t the only Lakewood student who has a strange phobia.

A phobia is an irrational and excessive fear of an object or situation. Phobias usually involve a sense of endangerment. They often occur during childhood, but they can occur at any point in someone’s life - especially if adult life is stressful. Social phobias mainly occur between 5 to 20 years of age.

Jackson’s phobia started when her nephew was born and she always would see his feet. When she sees feet or if someone’s feet touch her, she said she gets sick to her stomach and her heart rate accelerates. But after about 20 minutes, she’s okay and her heart rate goes back to normal. She said the worst reaction she has had was when her brother thought it would be funny to put his feet on her pillow, which resulted in her throwing up.

“I started screaming and tried to run away,” said Jackson.

Junior Kayla Garcia has astraphobia, which is the fear of thunder and lightning. Garcia’s phobia didn’t develop until she got older. She said when a bad storm occurs, she has anxiety attacks and loses the feeling in her hands. To help control it, she has someone sit and talk to her so she will calm down. Her grandmother is scared of thunder and lightning as well, she said.

“I hope I’ll get over it as I get older,” said Garcia.

Freshman Kimberlee Bryant’s phobia is so unusual it doesn’t even have a name. Bryant said she is terrified of odd numbers. Three years ago she started to feel like something bad was going to happen when she would see odd numbers. The first time this occurred was when she was in the car and the radio volume was on an odd number.

Bryant said she felt like her car was going to crash.

Her mom is also scared of odd numbers. Some people may wonder how Bryant does math, but she says she finds a way to make the numbers even.

“If it’s the volume on the TV, I change it,” says Bryant.

How do people overcome phobias? According to helpguide.org, facing your fears is one of the best ways to solve your phobia. In the short term, it may feel right to hide from them, but that doesn’t help you realize that your fear may not be as scary as you think it is.

Here are some other ways to help with your phobia: • Make a list of the frightening situations related to your phobia.

• Build a fear ladder, which is arranging items on a list from least scary to most scary and then work your way up the ladder. Practice this regularly.

• Do simple deep breathing exercises: sit or stand comfortably with your back straight; take a slow breath in through your nose, counting to four; hold your breath for a count of seven and exhale through your mouth to a count of eight, pushing out as much air as you can.

DEVIN DAVIAU | SNN

SNN

9

features

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

Music to their ears There are many different cultures at Lakewood. This means a lot of different music is being listened to. SNN checked out some students’ playlists to discover their favored tracks.

- Compiled by Ariel Lovett and Kelsha McClendon

Haley Michalski, junior Listens to: iPod/ Phone Favorite Artist: Lil Wayne- “I love his creativity.”

Most played songs: 1. Lay It Down - Lil Wayne 2. Good Night- Roscoe Dash 3. You Don’t Know ‘Bout It- Travis Porter What does your playlist say about you? “I love hip-hop and rap.”

Kaylee Polk, sophomore Listens to: DJ System Favorite artist: Bob Marley – “He’s so chill.”

Most played songs: 1. Glad You Came – The Wanted 2. Better Together - Jack Johnson 3. Pop It – Tyga What does your playlist say about you?

“I’m a laid-back, chill person.”

Luis Mojica, sophomore Listens to: iPhone Favorite Artist: Taylor Swift - “She’s hot.”

Most played songs: 1. You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift 2. Yonkers- Tyler the Creator 3. Trust Issues- Drake What does your music say about you? “I like all types of music.”

Brandon Whobrey, senior Listens to: iPod Favorite artist: Brian McKnight, “He’s a great singer, and writes good music.”

Most played songs: 1. Back at One –Brian McKnight 2. Thinking About You – Frank Ocean 3. Take Care – Drake What does your playlist say about you? “I’m a ‘90s baby with ‘80s taste.”

T’anna Harris, sophomore Listens to: Phone Favorite Artist: Drake- “I can relate to his music; he can rap and I love his music.”

Most played songs: 1. Another Round - Fat Joe ft. Chris Brown 2. Complicated - Nivea 3. We Ain’t Going Steady- Rocco What does your music say about you? “I’m a laid-back person.”

Zamarie Johnson, junior Listens to: iPod Favorite Artist: Drake - “He’s lyrical and versatile.”

Most played songs: 1. Underground Kings- Drake 2. Real is Back- Jeezy 3. Sleep- Webbie What does your playlist say about you?

“I’m a person who lives outside the box and is driven.”

Craig Saldanha, junior Listens to: iPod/ phone Favorite Artist: MGK- “He gets me pumped.”

Most played songs: 1. Wild Boy- MGK 2. Rollin- Lil Wayne 3. Snapbacks- Tyga What does your playlist say about you? “I love music that gets me pumped.”

Sculptures turn heads

By NANCY BUTTIGIEG and HARLEY WALLER SNN Staff Writers

RACHAD GRAY | SNN

Seniors Stacey Francis, front, and Alexis Asberry, work on zombie and vampire sculptures during Jayce Ganchou’s third-period sculpting class on March 22. “I like the class because you get to express yourself in a positive way,” said Francis.

10

SNN

Super heroes, villains, characters from video games and movies, or a mash-up of whatever you like. Art students taught by Jayce Ganchou are making head sculptures. The head sculpture project started on March 15 and should be finished by the end of this six weeks.

Students in Ganchou’s classes take a photograph or drawing and turn it into a three-dimensional sculpture.

“Once the facial anatomy and proportions are correct, they begin to give the form the individual characteristics and features using a multitude of techniques,” said Ganchou.

The students take Styrofoam wig heads, add a layer of clay,and turn it into a masterpiece.

“The clay can only be roughly one inch thick and have no air pockets or it will explode in the kiln when heated,” said Ganchou.

It will take three to four weeks to sculpt the clay into the picture of their choice. When they’re almost done sculpting students remove the Styrofoam head by taking the whole sculpture off the base. Then the students flip it upside down and run a knife through the mold into two

parts. This allows them to take out the Styrofoam.

Ganchou puts the clay in the kiln, and with the heat the two pieces become one. After eight hours of heating, Ganchou takes the sculptures out of the kiln and the students paint them with acrylic paint.

Ganchou was an illustration major at Columbus College of Art and Design. In his illustration course, he got to work with Industrial Lights and Magic, which is the special effects team from the Star Wars movies. This is when he first did head sculptures, he said.

Senior Dillion Buffon thinks the sculpture class is fun and creative. “I love art. Ever since I saw what he (Ganchou) can do, I wanted to take the course,” said Buffon.

Ganchou said the students will benefit from the project because it teaches them about problem solving.

“Problem solving helps in every aspect of life and it assists in other courses. The ability to try something, have it not work, redevelop a new approach and try again is priceless. Creative problem solving is vital in life,” said Ganchou.

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

features

German student now calls Florida home

Physics teacher Ryan Frewin reviews gravity with his students on March 5. “(I’m) just trying to reach out and meet the students on their level,” said Frewin.

By ATIERA HOPKINS SNN Staff Writer

Sophomore Edris Neiro, 16, isn’t your typical Floridian. He’s lived in Germany all his AREIL WARD | SNN life until now.

Neiro talked about his life in an interview with SNN. Q: What was life like in Germany?

A: It was good, but the school system is very hard.

Q: Why did you move to Florida?

A: My parents are starting a new restaurant in downtown called “Doones“ and we also wanted a better life.

Q: What school did you attend in Germany?

A: I attended Sophie-und-Hans SchollSchule.

Q: How do you like Lakewood? What do you like or not like about it?

A: It has more opportunities for my future to attend a good college. I like the clubs and sports and especially soccer.

Q: What made you join the Center for Advanced Technologies program? Do you like it? Why? A: I joined the CAT program because it has more opportunities. I like the CAT program because I can improve my English while getting a good education.

Q: What does it feel like to be in a new school and being in a different country?

A: I’m used to it because I switched schools four times in two years.

Q. Do you miss your old friends?

A: Yes, of course. Who doesn’t miss their friends when they go away?

Q. How would you compare your old school with Lakewood?

A: Lakewood has about 1,400 students but my old school has less than 800. The curriculum is very different because in Germany the testing system is harder. For example, you have to participate and it’s 60 percent of your grade.

Q. How did you learn English?

A: I’ve been learning English since first grade.

Q. What do you think is the oddest/ strangest thing about Lakewood?

A: I would say the A/B schedule.

SCOTTY SCHENCK | SNN

The Frewin, the proud

By SCOTTY SCHENCK SNN Staff Writer

In the world of advanced placement physics, one man stands alone. Ryan Frewin, 39, is the only AP physics teacher here at Lakewood High School. He said he was interested in physics in high school, because his teacher was able to make the subject interesting to him.

“The same way I get my students interested … lots of hands-on lab activities,” said Frewin. “(It) allows for a lot of ‘aha’ moments to sink in.”

Frewin got into teaching freshmen how to solve physics problems while in his last years of college, because other students enjoyed asking him for help. He was going to get his degree in physics when he realized he would rather teach than do research projects.

After going to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, Frewin received his master’s degree in secondary science education and physics. He was hired by the Center for Advanced Technologies in 2001 and has been teaching here ever since.

Frewin says he tries “just being enthusiastic about the subject,” to excite the students. He believes that the most important aspect of teaching is to know your subject and be enthusiastic about it.

He tries to reach out and meet students on their level. He said he also tries to put a little bit of humor and quirkiness into his teaching as well. “I’ll try to slip in a test question about popular culture,” he said.

Senior Nicholas Hughes said physics is his favorite class.

Hughes enjoys the concept questions at the end of the class the most because the students will have discussions. Afterward, Frewin shows them how to get the correct answers.

“He fits it (physics) well with the type of student he has,” said Hughes.

Frewin says he enjoys teaching, and he would rather teach physics than anything else. “It’s a talent I have,” said Frewin. He wants to have students who will go farther than he has. He said he enjoys teaching CAT students because they are motivated and have better study skills than other students - students such as those

at Frewin’s side job, teaching at a college in Bradenton called the State College of Florida. “(They’re) a different caliber student,” said Frewin.

He also says it’s interesting to see the friendships his students have built over the years, rather than teaching a room of complete strangers. Frewin says the study of light and optics are his favorite sections, while the study of electricity and magnetism are the hardest to learn.

Very few schools actually offer AP physics. In fact, only 357 students take advanced placement physics in Pinellas County. As of last year, the AP physics B class – which covers the most material - had a passing rate of 27 percent, while the passing rate in the physics C class – which doesn’t cover as much material - was 32 percent. The Pinellas County passing rate for physics B was 29 percent and C was 34 percent.

Center for Advanced Technologies program coordinator Peter Oberg said Frewin is a valuable faculty member.

“Originally when Mr. Frewin was brought on board… he taught algebra and honors physics,” said Oberg. Frewin is multicertified and can teach math, physics and astronomy, so he’s very versatile, Oberg said.

“He’s another resource for students that may not have him as a teacher, but need him for tutoring,” said Oberg.

Frewin, however, isn’t always working. When he’s not at school, Frewin enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He has three boys: Bryce, 3, Jacob, 5, and Kyle, 10. He also enjoys hanging out with friends, reading science fiction and fantasy books and playing video games. Frewin is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon. He lives in Manatee County which is a 20-minute drive from school.

He moved there after his parents offered to split up land they owned there among their children. Frewin and his wife were the only ones to accept. So, they built their house in 2006 and have lived there ever since.

SNN

11

It may be fast, but is it food?

Best Burger in When presented with the question of what the best burgers in St. Petersburg are, SNN took to the challenge. These joints are examples of what a good hearty burger really is. They may not be the healthiest, but they are the tastiest!

When you walk into McDonalds, Burger King or Wendy’s

and the aroma of burgers and fries hits your nose, you may think that consuming just one hamburger would be harmless. After doing a double take on these joints we looked at the nutritional values and this is what you’re really getting.

Burger King This burger on a sesame seed bun comes covered in ketchup, mustard and pickles. These simple ingredients call for calories that most wouldn’t think a little burger could contain.

If the greasy wrapper sticking to the burger is no indication of what you get, the burger itself should be. Just this burger standing alone contains 260 calories. Plus watch out for that sodium at a

Chattaway

high of 490mg. That’s almost a quarter of your daily value. With BK’s burgers you

When we pulled up to Chattaway, we were awe-

definitely can have it your way if your way is a greasy burger patty on carbs with

struck by its originality. The seating arrangement

an extra side of sodium.

allows customers to sit inside, which is decorated in a British theme, or outside in view of the gar-

McDonalds At McDonalds, a hamburger comes on a plain bun with ketchup, mustard and pickles, much like the BK burger. However calling it a ham “burger” would be a stretch, considering that the seedless bun seems to consume the burger, hiding it from your sight. One would almost think that all they were getting was a wrapped up bundle of carbs. In fact 10 percent of the burger is

den. The entrance to the restaurant is an archway over a pond of Koi fish. Customers can take a seat at a picnic bench or small table and look at their menu. Chattaway has its own signature burger, the “Chattaburger.” The burger is seven ounces of meat dressed to the max.The burger comes standard with ketchup, mayo, mustard, American or Swiss cheese, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce and onions. The taste is far superior to a McDonald’s burger, but we’ve had better. The burger just didn’t blend together as one. In just one bite we could taste the warm burger, but we couldn’t differentiate the taste of the fresh

purely carbs. But those carbs have nothing

lettuce and tomato. Good job Chattaway, but you’ll need to improve your burger to

on the 520mg of sodium, which accounts

get a 10.

for 22 percent of this greasy monstrosity. Imagine that sodium count rising if you

Located @ 358 22nd Ave. S.

order even the smallest size fries. Oily burger meets salty fry is not a war you want going on in your tummy.

Wendy’s Generally considered healthier than McDonald’s and Burger King, it is still a place to watch when it comes to health. If you order a simple, one patty burger, you’re looking at a general calorie count of about 400 or 500, which is safe for a meal.

El

El Cap is a g

However, once you move up to adding patties in the ½ and ¾ pound burger,

twist to a ve

you’ve moved into calorie counts of 700

While I thin

to 1,000. In addition, just one burger can

the prices ar

be almost half of your sodium for the

cooked gets

day (1000 mg average out of 2,300mg).

pickles, onio

It’s not just the burger, either. These

to your stom

meals come with fries and sugary drinks, which make even the small burgers into unhealthy, calorie filled meals.

Story and photos by SABRINA SCHMIDT and LAUREN HASTINGS

My only com

burger sogg

Loc

rs n the ‘Burg!

Story and Photos By KC SHELTON, KAYLA GARCIA and KIMBERLY McENTEGART

Dairy Inn Dairy Inn is a small restaurant with great food. At first glance you’d probably think that it is a questionable place, but it is actually unquestionably popular. There is always a line and you can ask any St. Pete local and they’ll tell you it’s the place to be.

At Dairy Inn, you can get anything from ice cream to Philly cheese steaks, but the best thing they serve there is their burger. The six-ounce burger includes American or cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, pickles, mustard, mayonnaise and ketchup on a warm Kaiser roll. When I took my first bite of the burger, I was filled with burger-satisfaction. The melted gooey cheese over the warm burger with all the toppings on the roll tasted exquisite. I think that the Kaiser roll gives it a little something extra. I give the “Almost Famous” burger 10 out of 10. Good job Dairy Inn!

Located on the corner of 12th Avenue N & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Boulevard

l Cap

great place to eat both indoors and outdoors. Its colorful tiled tables give off a cute

ery chill atmosphere. The servers are friendly and quick with your drinks and orders.

nk the menu could use an update, from paper to something with a little more style,

re at everyone’s liking; you won’t leave regretting the trip. The smell of the food being

s your taste buds buzzing. The burger itself is mouthwatering. It comes with lettuce,

ons, tomato and mayo. That first bite that you take is the yum factor and a blessing

mach. It’s enough to make me want to stay football fields away from fast food places.

mplaint about the food would be that some of the toppings made the bottom of my

gy, and that French fries were an extra order instead of coming with the meal. cated @ 3500 Fourth St N

Unexpectedly Unhealthy When

you think healthy snack or a light lunch some places that may come to mind are Planet Smoothie and Panera. You may think that a fruit drink or paninis and salads are healthy foods to consume - and in some cases you may be correct, but even they require careful consideration if you really want to be healthy. After visiting these places we are ready to unveil the truth. They’re not always healthier than fast food joints.

Panera Bread Panera bread offers cold and hot sandwiches, in addition to salads and soups. It also offers a myriad of bakery treats, which are obviously not good for you. The breads they sell are also high in calories and carbohydrates. The Italian combo sandwich is a whopping 980 calories, and none of the rest of their sandwiches are below 400 calories. If you want to be healthier, you could get a salad, but the dressings, cheese, and croutons all add to that, making the right salad difficult to choose. Their salads are typically around 500 calories, but range from 200 to 700. Their soups, however, are relatively low in calories, and most are below 300. Despite the high calorie count from the bread in the sandwiches and the salads, Panera does offer ways to make your meal healthier. You can order an apple instead of bread or chips as a side, and you can order half of a salad, soup, or sandwich.

Planet Smoothie A drink that contains a fruity cocktail may appear completely healthy and even be promoted by some, but don’t be fooled by the fruity mask. In addition to the natural sugars that fruit already contains, these smoothies contain added sugars which add to the calorie counts. If you don’t plan to eat after you drink one of these smoothies, then getting one could be acceptable. But keep in mind that if you have a smoothie, you potentially have eaten a small meal. Also, to the smoothie lovers out there, be careful when you’re choosing a smoothie because some contain more calories and sugars than others.

These illusive smoothies include the PBJ which contains 670 calories and the Planet- Pro Strawberry/Banana which contains 540 calories.

Story and photos by SABRINA SCHMIDT and LAUREN HASTINGS

opinion

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

Editorial

Activism: Go beyond the click Many of us have seen the Kony 2012 video meant to raise awareness and make Joseph Kony “famous.” If you haven’t seen the video yet, we suggest you jump on the bandwagon fast. Watching the video is all fine and dandy, tweeting about the issue to celebrities helps [only in one aspect], blogging about it shares your opinion, and liking the post on Facebook just promotes the issue even more. But in reality how much was really done?

No children were saved; No African War Lords were caught; Not much happened; That’s the problem with students and activism these days – everyone cares, but not much is getting accomplished. Ev-

eryone wants to do something, but how much is really being done? SNN is making a call for action. We want students to stop sitting around and become part of movements by actually helping out.

We think students should stop pretending to be social activists by clicking “like” or “share” buttons on any social networking site. The actions you perform on the Internet do not help anyone but yourself in that you get an ego boost.

What does help is getting active, becoming a part of movements and organizations whose sole intention is to better the world for future generations – but getting active does not just include watching a 30 minute movie and buying a

wrist band.

We want students to start by thinking about something three to four times bigger than them. We want students to focus on issues close to home. Helping out children in Africa is great and all but there are problems back home as well.

From the local religious institutions to the end of your street, there exists an issue that could use your help. Do not act like you are some saint sent down from the heavens, “raising awareness” by clicking “like” and “share”. Actually go out and do something.

This editorial was written by Zubin Kapadia, SNN Opinions Editor.

Staff Editor-in-Chief: Sofia Damos Managing Editor: Julia Pohlmann Designers: Chris Deister, Katie Atkisson Multimedia Editors: Katie Atkisson, Madeline Glassman Entertainment Editor: Symone Brown Online Editors: Molinseai Elcius, Jessica Thornton Web Technician: Lauren Hastings Opinion Editor: Zubin Kapadia

Code of Ethics

Letter to the editor No teen would ‘willingly’ get pregnant Editor: When I first read Chelsea Helt’s column, I disagreed with her on several points.

First, I don’t think that girls are “willingly” getting pregnant.

The reason why I think this is because no one would actually want to have a baby while they are in high school. No offense to the teen moms here at Lakewood, but when you’re 16, do you really want to be taking care of another life when you can’t even take care of your own?

Secondly, I don’t think if you get pregnant at a young age it will necessarily ruin your life. Teen moms can get help from their families, their school or other organizations. Many still stay in

Spartan News Network

school and graduate even while raising a child, then go on to fulfill successful lives. But it will be harder.

One thing I do agree with in her column is that teens should be using contraception. Too many teens are, as Chelsea said, “throwing caution to the wind.” Contraception includes birth control pills and condoms, both of which are easily obtainable. Of course, one way to prevent pregnancy is to not to have sex at all.

Teens think having sex is the popular thing to do. They do it to fit in.

Why not wait until you get married and lose your virginity with someone you love?

- Cierra Champagne, 11th grade

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 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 Tampa Bay Times.

Share Your 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.

14

SNN

For more news, go to the SNN web site:

snntoday.pcsb.org

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

opinion

Columns

In LHS hallways, 2012 is the new 1984

By TRISTAN SHULER SNN Staff Writer

You are being monitored. If you step out of line they will come for you.

Big Brother is watching from an iPad. You are probably aware by now, but for those of you who missed the newest totalitarian doctrine passed on us, let me be the first to warn you.

From the Zulli drones who run your Internet at our lovely academy of literacy, comes the latest product of scholarly perfection, Project MAGIKARP, the magical monitoring hall pass system.

The premise of the system is simple: swipe your student

I.D. into your teacher’s scanner and it becomes your hall pass. Take more than five minutes of your allotted time to use the restroom or run an errand and a hall monitor will hunt you down.

Seems like a good idea, right? Save trees and make it easy to keep track of the students who are skipping or taking 20-minute potty breaks. My problem is that this is going drastically overboard. I find it both perverse and creepy that someone knows when and how long it takes me to use the restroom.

A question can be posed: What if a student actually needs more than five minutes to use the restroom? Is there

a BM (bowel movement) option in the system? Or would the administrators really punish someone because they had one too many Dorito Loco Tacos the night before?

I understand that the administrators want us to be in class and not wandering the hallways like hippies at Bonnaroo. Admittedly, it would be nice to not have to wait 15 minutes because a girl needed to touch up her makeup, but this level of monitoring is wrong.

There is already an entire booklet dedicated to student behavior and appearance. Can we please not add a time limit to use the restroom?

Let’s have some more class in the hallways

By ELIZABETH WILLIAMS and KC SHELTON SNN Staff Writers

Walking through the halls of Lakewood High School can be problematic, at the least. You see a plethora of personalities that can be classified into four groups. There are obnoxiously loud people, the face-sucking couples, fast and slow walkers and the most disgusting of the bunch: the leftover leavers.

Keep it down: The most aggravating category is the aggressively noisy people. Here’s a tip for the boisterous teens in the hall: your friends are right next to you and we’re pretty sure they can hear you, but if they’re across the hall, you can just walk up to them and talk; try not to make us go deaf before we’re 18. “Loud people are so annoying; they try and bring attention to themselves,” said sophomore Asia Robinson Attention couples: There’s no need to make out right in front of us. If you’re that needy for a kiss from your boo, you can go in a corner or wait until you aren’t a nuisance to others. We understand your young love, but that does not mean we want to see it. Getting from one class to the next should not involve a parade of face-sucking. “It’s annoying seeing boys walking with girls caking. I mean I have nothing against it but pull it to the

side,’’ said senior Autionna Blockson.

Hey, grandma, get out the way. Extremely fast walkers nearly knock you down trying to speed walk from A-wing to C-wing. Attention we have five minutes in between classes, you can make it without that tardy, it’s not necessary to turn LHS’s hallways into a track. On the other hand those unbearably slow walkers are also lurking in our hallways.

“I’m tired of them crowding up the hallways” said freshman Britaney Buxton. When driving too slow you can be pulled over and ticketed for impeding the flow of traffic, but at Lakewood all you can do is hiss through your teeth and hope the slow pokes pick up their feet and get moving.

Some courtesy is needed: By far leftover leavers are the most disgusting students in the hallways. Lakewood already smells like mold. Let’s not add to the scent by leaving stale french-fries and greasy chicken bones everywhere. Clean up after yourselves. It’s common courtesy.

All in all, you have to share the hallways with everyone, so follow the golden rule— treat others as you would like to be treated. If you don’t like stepping on chip wrappers or standing behind slow-pokes, then pick up your garbage and pick up the pace.

It’d be grape to lettuce leave campus, peas!

By KATIE DICKINSON and KIM KOAGEL SNN Staff Writers

It’s 10:30 a.m. and you’re hungry. Stomach growling, mouth-watering, keys swinging in your hands.

It’s lunch time!

After that bell rings all you can think about is food. You do not want any of the food from the cafeteria; you want some good, substantial food that is only found outside the gates of high school.

Students should be allowed to leave during break to satisfy their hunger and quench their thirst. They are stuck

for seven hours and 10 minutes in the same place. Thirty minutes is plenty of time for students to get food and make it back in time for third block. Why are kids not allowed to leave?

“Because of safety issues … the schools have made a concerted effort for students to have lunch on campus,” said assistant principal Harriet Davis.

Yes, safety can be a problem but a part of us wants to leave the campus. Leaving school during the day is just as risky as us commuting to and from school. What is the difference? If anything, there are fewer people on the road since other schools are in session. School is supposed to

teach us responsibility. We should be responsible enough to go and get our own lunch and still make it to all of our classes.

If students are trusted enough to get a driver’s license, and are able to drive a car on their own, they should also be trusted enough to go get their own lunch.

There is a saying “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” If the worry is that students leaving for lunch during school will skip their classes, they will do that anyway.

SNN

15

features

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

By DEYSHA HENRY and HERBERT MOBLEY SNN Staff Writers

What’s in your bucket?

Ever had a crazy idea about something you’d like to do at school before you graduate? Many students here at Lakewood have a pregraduation bucket list – a list of things they’d like to do before they get their diplomas. Here is a sample: te, dua sed to a r g tu eI efor kid tha b n the erso te p r me as rade i r o be fav hg ne’s remem ers, 10t o y r to m ve be e people an Sum o t t t v –I an an “I w use I w smile.” a “Th bec e them Spo e thing mak

“I want to s from scho pend a whole day with my c ol, becaus lose frien again.” – e s o m e o ds Malia San f ders, 12th them I will never s ee grade

t night, uld be a l o o h o c eek at s e that and it w s o g d n an y hide- r class has do a l p o t “I want o other senio h grade 1t en se becaus riel Mayes, 1 cau ome e b A s y, fun.”llwa ring

of h ngebob I want -An is famo , becau to do m toni s u o M s Krab e he is ost bef iles,

by P so in ore I 9th a t grad tties.” erestin gradua t g an e d I we is me ant et one “I want to have a P roject X party at sc hoo something to the re member class of 20 l, because it’ll be 13 by.”

- Michael Wos, 11 th grade oing capable of d rs re o m m I’ t a administrato ow people th “I want to sh think I can, because the ey more than th rea Crowell, 11th grade lb A tries me.” –

“(I want to ) have a memorial for our se n we need somethin g to look back on an ior class, because d for Lakewood’.” Bria Fuller, 12th gr say ‘we did this ade

16

a ha5 will be f o d 1 e nsidss of 20 9th gra i e h , int t the cla Davis a p ’e d nt to ull an - Dem a w d “I are em.” theyor to th ays because I alw , n to y col ra D y on Kase n dunk.” nk ca “I want to du nd she doesn’t believe I a l, told her I wil , 11th grade n so n - Carl Joh

“I want to r don’t hav ent Adventure Isla e to wait in nd out fo ra – Ke’Von all of the long lines day, so that I Turner, 1 .”

1th grade

opping

on a huge sh o g to k r o Y to New “I want to go y Seay, 12th Grade hle spree.” – As

SNN

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

entertainment

Your page for reviews of the latest movies, books, fashion and music.

Fresh music this spring

By SYMONE BROWN SNN Staff Writer

Spring has brought on new weather, Daylight Saving’s Time and new fashion trends. SNN is bringing you new music to accompany spring’s new comings. Here’s some cool records that will help you through the long, hot days.

Careless World: Rise of the Last King (Tyga) This is Tyga’s first release since being under the Young Money label and his second studio album. The production of this record is impeccable. The beats are versatile, ranging from classical stings to bumping 808 drum machines. Tyga has the swag to deliver a hot record, but he lacks the lyrical skills to fuel his flow fire. However, the production makes up for it, so Careless World is a decent listen.

Born To Die (Lana Del Rey) At first, the indie artist comes off as monotone and melancholy in the opening track Born to Die. The beautiful lyrics sung with emotionless vocals will bore you to tears. But the rest of the album completely erases your first impression. This strawberry blonde has unpredictable urban swag. Born to Die switches between downhearted songs and upbeat tracks. Rey describes herself as a “self-styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra,” and I couldn’t think of a better way to put it.

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (Nicki Minaj) Nicki Minaj amps up the crazy with her latest release Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. Her eccentric style is surpassed by her even kookier alter ego, “Roman Zolanski.”

She unleashes her outrageous persona on tracks like Automatic, Roman Reloaded and many other songs. “Roman” spits laughable lines like “Quack quack to a duck and a chicken, too / Put the hyena in a freakin’ zoo!” in Roman Holiday. Lines, flows and style like that make her more of a clown than artist. There are a couple songs like Champion, featuring Nas, Drake and Young Jeezy, where she holds her own on a track with these renowned rappers. However, the few good songs can’t savage this album from being a joke. The orginial Pink Friday outshines its spin-off in every way.

Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection (Katy Perry) Katy Perry returns with a sweet treat: a re-release of her previous album Teenage Dream with seven new tracks. These additions are remixes, mash-ups, acoustic pieces and three new songs. “Part Of Me,” “Dressin’ Up,” and “Wide Awake” fit seamlessly into the album. Her repertoire continues to overflow with hit after hit. She never disappoints with dishing out the chart toppers. This little taste of what her next full album will be has got us craving more.

Scars and Stories (The Fray) This four-man band puts on their junior album. The saying “third times’ the charm,” definitely rings true for this musical quad. Lead singer Isaac Slade’s raspy voice with a rocker’s edge and slight country twang is enough to make this album a bestseller. The other group mates hold their own as well, providing great instrumentals for Slade to work his magic on. They all collaborate to create music that will make you want to dance or cry your eyes out.

Gorillaz swing back with style

By TRISTAN SHULER SNN Staff Writer

New SAT word for you all. Onomatopoeia.

Indeed the only thing that comes to mind when listening to the newest Gorillaz single is: “Whoooooooooo!” This slick new single, DoYaThing, comes to you as a wonderful collaboration between Chuck Taylor All-Star Converse and the insane men behind the world’s most popular cartoon band, the Gorillaz. The feel of this master track is nothing like the flop that was The Fall and sounds nothing like the most recent Gorillaz bestseller, Plastic Beach. If anything, this song sounds more like a lost cut from the Gorillaz first album. With James Murphy providing all the bleeps and bloops a Gorillaz fan could want while also singing with 2D on the chorus and the fabulous Andre 3000 delivering a brain-melting rap, this song rivals the band’s own epic bestselling single Clint Eastwood.

2D no longer sounds like a depressed diva, instead filling the song with his somehow upbeat-mournful never halting singing. Murphy whips out his synth to provide music and beats that would make drummer Russel Hobbs drool.

Every so often Converse releases a shoe that is a tribute to a great rock artist. Past tributes have included legends such as The Who, Pink Floyd, Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica.

The shoes are decorated with personal symbols of the band such as Pink Floyd’s color spectrum and Metallica’s electric chair. The shoes that accompany this collaboration of musical geniuses are so fly that birds get jealous.

Four different sets of classic Converse kicks were released along with three high-tops and one low-top, all in Gorillaz print.

The first is decorated in black and white sketches of various members of the Gorillaz. The low-top is decorated in color sketches of members of the Gorillaz. The second high-top is covered in the camo pattern seen on the Geep on the front of the Gorillaz first album. The last pair of high-tops is maroon in color with bars on the side and the Pazou statue from the Rock It music video.

These shoes have more style in a single aglet than a closetful of Ralph Lauren Polo.

SNN

17

entertainment

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

A Thousand Words - and none good

By SYMONE BROWN SNN Staff Writer

COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Funnyman Eddie Murphy hits the big screen with an eccentric comedy, A Thousand Words. But I could sum up this movie with only three words: waste of time.

Murphy plays Jack McCall, a successful, slick-talking, chatterbox agent for a book publishing company. His attempt to sign the next hot book commodity by Dr. Sinja (Cliff Curtis), a yoga master and self-help guru who pens an inspirational book on “finding the inner you,” went terribly wrong. Murphy ends up making the deal but he doesn’t get what he bargained for.

A tree mysteriously appears in his backyard after he makes the deal. A leaf falls off the tree with every word he speaks. When all the leaves fall off the tree, he dies. Throughout the movie he finds

clever ways to express himself, like using sign language to order at Starbucks. Ultimately, he must find the real him and learn to use his words wisely in order to reverse the tree’s curse.

The story line is the only unique thing in the entire movie. The film makers went for cliché dialogue, cheap laughs and predictable plot twists. They tried entirely too hard to be inspiring and comical.

It’s hard to see the deeper meaning through the mumbo-jumbo. With the right script and Murphy’s talent, this movie could have been a hit; instead it was forgettable. On the bright side, Murphy’s assistant Aaron Wiseberger (Clark Duke) kept you laughing through it all.

A Thousand Words left me speechless... and not in a good way.

WZRD successfully goes from hip-hop to rock

By QUINDON NOLTON and RODNEY NELSON SNN Staff Writers

COURTESY OF UNIVERSIAL REPUBLIC

Rapper Kid Cudi teamed up with Dot Da Genius to form a new group and to make a self-titled album WZRD. KiD CuDi was originally a rap artist. Then he and Dot Da Genius created a pop rock duo.The two have been great friends for a while and have been producing music since CuDi’s first mixtape named A Kid Named Cudi. WZRD debuted on Feb. 28 and was frowned upon by some people because CuDi is known as a hip-hop/rap artist and this is a rock album.

In November, CuDi announced on Twitter that the upcoming album will not contain any profanity, including the N-word, because he wanted to make it a “universal” album that everyone could enjoy.

When the record was released, WZRD quickly climbed up the Billboard charts at No. 3, selling 66,000 copies in the first week.

While working on WZRD, CuDi said he had writers block for five

months. He said his style changed because he listened to Electric Light Orchestra, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and Pink Floyd and they helped inspire the album.

Quindon says: Teleport to Me Jamie is the song he made for his lovely girlfriend, Jamie Baratta. They have been going out for almost a year. In the song, CuDi is talking about how he wants his girlfriend by his side. This song was the leading track on iTunes from the album. The song contains samples from the artist Desire’s Under Your Spell. This song is really great. I give it a five out five.

Rodney says: Dr. Pill is really one of the most impressive tracks on the album. It probably would have been able to be on either of CuDi’s hip-hop releases. Dr. Pill features a very electric sounding instrumental. This track really reminds me of something that could’ve also been on Man On The Moon 2 in the sense that is has some very psychedelic sounds, including guitar riffs .

Horror buffs and thrill-seekers will enjoy ‘Silent House’

By EPITHANYE SHERMAN SNN Staff Writer

COURTESY OF TAZORA FILMS

18

SNN

The horror movie Silent House, which came out in theaters on March 9, is the incarnation of confusion.

The main protagonist, a young woman named Sarah (Elizabeth Olsen) finds herself locked in her family’s Lakeside summer house with her father (Adam Trese). They’re in the house to fix it up, pack up and sell it. Next thing you know, her father is missing and Sarah is trying to find a way out of a house that is a maze of stairs and darkness - and the camera is not afraid to get up close and personal with her during her times of pure terror.

The only light that is available are flashlights and candles. Eventually, Sarah finds her father, wounded and bloody but alive, but she leaves him to find help. Sarah might have gotten the help she needed if she carried the key around with her, but no. Her father decided to

leave the key hanging by the front door where anyone could take and hide it. All the windows are boarded up, and the doors are deadbolted, with the exception of the front door.

After a while of running, dodging and close calls with a mysterious man, Sarah finally finds a way out just to wind up back in the house with her uncle (Eric Sheffer Stevens.) After searching for her father, Sarah and her uncle find only a trail of blood. Then the lights go out...

What I liked about this movie is all the plot twists that leave you wanting more. The part I hated with a passion was the ending, and you will know why if you watch it. Even though I disliked the ending, I would still recommend it for people who like scary movies and cliff hangers or people who are are simply thrill seekers.

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

entertainment

Hunger Games satisfies fans SNN Staff

SHAWNE RAWLS | SNN

Freshman Ryley Baker shows off her TOMS shoes in the hub on March 22.

Baker likes TOMS shoes because “they’re comfortable, they look like little slippers, and I like slippers, too.”

Shoes of Tomorrow TOMS: good eye candy, but looks can be deceiving

By SARA EDWARDS SNN Staff Writer

They’re comfortable, they come in a variety of styles, and they’re for a good cause. They’re TOMS shoes, based in Santa Monica, Calif.

In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a for-profit company. The company designs and sells lightweight shoes based on the Argentine alpargata design. One of the styles includes Classics, which are slip-on shoes that come in a range of styles, colors, textures and patterns. With every product sold, TOMS will donate a pair to a child in need. One for one.

TOMS is nice eye candy, especially if you buy a vibrant pair. These canvas or cotton fabric shoes are now manufactured in many styles including a Wrap Boot, Wedges, Stitchouts, Cordones and Botas.

The sole is constructed of rubber. TOMS also offers several vegan styles, which are footwear made without leather or any animal ingredients. TOMS also offers elegant wedding styles.

The company name is derived from the word “tomorrow” and evolved from the original concept, “Shoes for Tomorrow

Project.”

I support TOMS but prefer not to buy their shoes because they are expensive and have little quality. Unfortunately, they don’t last very long. Since I like the style and comfort, I buy look-alikes. The TOMS Classics original price is $44, but they may be higher in stores. At Rue21, the lookalikes are $16.99, but the store always marks down items weekly, so I got a pair marked down to $5, and another for $10.

The look-alikes have the same shoe comfort, and are also made of canvas, but have better quality. I’ve had them for about five months and they are still as good as new.

The other TOMS merchandise, including apparel, accessories and eyewear (the newest product), is very nice. If you consider purchasing eyewear, take my word.

They’re expensive, but are excellent quality, so if you buy them, take good care!

In 2006, company founder Mycoskie returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff and 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers.

Just four years later, in September 2010, TOMS gave away the millionth pair of shoes in Argentina.

Raving fans were counting down until March 23 for the release of the highly anticipated movie, The Hunger Games. Within the second week, the movie made $61.1 million at the box office, blowing past Wrath of the Titans and Mirror Mirror. Several viewers have compared this unforgettable series to other well-known films like Harry Potter and Twilight.

The Hunger Games is set in future North America, in a new nation called Panem, after a series of natural disasters almost destroyed the previous nation.

The main character is Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence. Katniss, a strong-willed girl from District 12, volunteers as tribute to take the place of her younger sister, Primrose, in the 74th annual Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games are an event enforced by the Capitol as a display of power over the districts, to remind the districts who is in control and that any effort of rebellion is futile. Twenty-four teenagAMANDA DODGE ers, a boy and a girl from each of 12 districts, fight to the death to gain glory for their district - and to survive, as only one teen can come out the victor.

Leaving her sister, mother and District 12 behind, Katniss is accompanied by fellow tribute Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson, a baker’s son who has been secretly in love with Katniss.

In this movie full of suspense and action, Katniss must decide between love, friendship and her own survival in the arena.

Fans were worried about the movie being a catastrophe compared to the book, but according to senior Amanda Dodge “it was the best adaption from a book to a movie I have ever seen.”

Senior A.J. Valdes agreed. “It was pretty true to the book,” he said.

Still, some students said they preferred the book over the movie.

“The movie was okay. I preferred reading the books because A.J. VALDES they were more detailed. The movie felt rushed,” said senior Megan McKenna.

Most fans felt that the actors in the movie were well chosen.

“They … were spot on. It was exactly what I pictured when I was reading the book,” said junior Brianna Ray. The next movie in the trilogy, Catching Fire, is set to be released on Nov. 22, 2013.

“It was so good. Everything but a few things was perfect, especially Gale. I can’t wait for the next one,” said junior Samantha Roberts.

SNN

19

sports

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

PHOTOS BY LEON TOMLINSON | SNN

Clockwise: Junior Shaquem Griffin competes in the triple jump. Junior Timothy Holmes jumps the 300 meter hurdle. Senior Tahrell Jones runs the 4x800 meter relay. Sophomore Devontae Persha runs the open mile. Persha runs the 4x800 meter.

The year of the boys

By BARBARA NEAL SNN Staff Writer

On your mark, get set, go! The Lakewood track team has always been known for doing a phenomenal job, but this year the boys are excelling more than ever. Coach Anthony Snead said he has been very pleased with this season so far.

“The season (has been) very good this year … also we have added key additions,” said track coach Anthony Snead. “They are ahead of pace as far as setting records.”

On April 4, the boys came in frist in the Pinellas County Athletic Conference track meet. And the boys have come out on top in the county when it comes to the 4x400 meter, Snead said. Snead listed some of the star runners on the team: Shaquem Griffin, Timothy Holmes, Devontae Pershay, Tahrell Jones and Jevaris Little. All of these young men have shown outstanding forthrightness on and off the track as any student athlete should, Snead said.

Griffin, a junior in AVID, runs the triple jump, high jump, 4x100 meter, 4x400 meter, and throw the discus. Griffin ranks number one in all five events in the county.

“My biggest weakness is not drinking enough water,” says Griffin. “To prepare for a track meet I chill, and visualize the meets before I actually go to them.”

Holmes, also a junior, runs the 300 meter hurdles and 4x400 meter. Holmes ranks num-

20

SNN

ber one in the county for the 300 meter hurdles.

“My strengths are the 400 meter and 300 meter hurdles. It’s easier for me - it’s like I glide through them,” he said. To prepare for a track meet Holmes, who is undefeated in the 300 meter, makes sure he is well rested and well fed.

Sophomore Devontae Pershay runs the 4x800 meter, 800 meter, the mile run and the high jump. Pershay is ranked second in the county for his events. Pershay believes his strength is his speed.

“My weakness is my shin splints. I have shin splints because of running too much on the asphalt,” said Pershay.

Senior Jevaris Little runs the 100 meter and the 4x100 meter. He is ranked second in the county. His strengths are short distance sprints. Little believes that the reason he does so well in the meets is because of junior twins Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin. Little and the Griffins work out and “clown around” to prepare for track meets. This strategy eases their mind which makes it easier to clear their heads and focus on the meet, he said.

To see a photo slideshow of the boys and girls track team visit snntoday.pcsb.org

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

sports

Trading in a rattler for a seminole

By DRE WALKER SNN Staff Writer

Senior Vershayla Munnerlyn, one of the two Lakewood Marching Spartans drum majors, intended to go to Florida A&M University on a marching band scholarship.

But when news of the hazing scandal involving FAMU drum major Robert Champion broke, the marching band was suspended indefinitely – and Munnerlyn knew she needed another plan.

“It was a lot (to handle). It kind of brings you down because of the negativity. I was really going for band,” she said.

In early February, that second plan came along.

Munnerlyn was accepted to Florida State University with a Bright Futures scholarship. She also got scholarship offers from Jackson State University, Miles College and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) but decided to go with Florida State.

“I was very excited when I found out I got accepted (to FSU). I got a lot of welcomes from people who already go there,” she said.

Munnerlyn holds a 3.3 unweighted grade point average and scored a 24 on the ACT. She also has many volunteer hours. Munnerlyn plans to get involved in school activities at Florida State but is not so sure when and whether band will be part of it.

“Freshman year I want to stay focused. I want to get used to everything before I get involved,” she said.

Champion, 26, was a drum major for the FAMU marching band. According to a lawsuit regarding the case, Champion took part in hazing incidents on a bus in which band members slapped, hit and kicked him. Authorities said Champion died from blunt trauma and shock caused by severe bleeding, and FAMU’s marching band was suspended until further notice.

Munnerlyn said she said she is starting school in the summer after graduation. She plans to major in sign language/business.

“I feel that it is an awesome opportunity,” she said.

Lakewood band director Michael Kernodle said that Munnerlyn is a “driven student” who has developed into a role model.

CAROLINE DUNNING | SNN

Senior Vershayla Munnerlyn leads the band in the Illuminated Night Parade on March 22. She started as a clarinet player her freshman year and worked her way up to the drum major her senior year. Munnerlyn plans on going to Florida State University. “The reason why I chose marching band is because I’m really into music, and it’s something I really enjoy,” said Munnerlyn.

“I can see her as a business owner and being a leader,” he said.

Junior Kiara Flantroy plays the cymbals for the Lakewood marching band and says she admires Munnerlyn.

“I think that it’s really good not only being musically successful, but academically successful also,” she said. “It shows that if you make good grades, than you can do well and go to college.”

SNN

21

sports

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

7-on-7 is back in play

By AMY TRAN and ANTHONY LAWRENCE SNN Staff Writers

DANIELLE GADDDY | SNN

Junior Malcolm Ervin lifts weights on Feb. 7 in the weight room. Ervin has been practicing five days a week along with the rest of the football team to get ready for the fall football season.

Spartans prepare for battle against Lakeland

After the Spartans are done with the basketball and football season, Lakewood students are treated to the high octane 7-on-7 spring football season.

The 7-on-7 team includes junior quarterback Tracy Johnson, as well as tight ends and wide receivers. Corners and safeties play on defense. Neither offensive or defensive lineman play 7-on-7 football.

“We want to focus on the team, and build on that,” said head football coach and gym teacher Cory Moore.

The Spartans have been participating in 7-on-7 football for four years. It is designed to help football players get into shape for the upcoming spring football game on against Lakeland High School.

It is also designed to help with team chemistry, Moore said.

“Teamwork is key, because when we work together, we’re good. If we don’t we suck. Together we stand, together we fall,” said sophomore and wide receiver Tyrae Boykins.

By LYNDON FITZGIBBON SNN Staff Writer

The 2012 Lakewood Spartans football team ended the fall season losing its last four games. The team’s record was 6-4, which was not good enough to get into the playoffs.

The spring football game, however, will change everything, team members say. The big game will be at 7 p.m. at Lakeland High School on May 31.

“Lakeland is a nationally ranked team,” said football coach Cory Moore. Moore and the Lakewood football team have been working to make sure that the boys are ready for this game.

They’ve been practicing five days a week since winter break ended.

“We are working hard as a team and getting stronger by eating weights,” said Moore. “(This game is) like a measuring of where we are at.”

He wants to go into all games being optimistic, including this one.

22

SNN

“I love my team like my sons. Sometimes they’re on my good side and sometimes they’re on my bad side, but I am happy to see them mature and see that they have someone that can be there to help them,” said Moore.

Junior Robert Winfield, whose nickname is Polamalu, is a defensive end for the Lakewood Spartans. He says his team is capable of beating Lakeland.

“I am very confident we will beat Lakeland, because everyone works hard and pushes each other to the end,” said Winfield.

Freshman Trevon Kelly, who started playing football because he loved watching it on TV, is a center for Lakewood. He said he is very amped about playing because not a lot of freshmen get to play in the spring game. He plans on continuing the LakewoodLakeland rivalry.

“A rivalry will always be a rivalry, ” said Kelly.

NANCY BUTTIGIEG | SNN

Junior Rodney Adams plays in the 7x7 football game at St. Petersburg High School on March 21. The game helps the football players to get in shape for the upcoming spring football game against Lakeland High School.

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 11 , 2 0 1 2

sports

Season never ends for two spartan swimmers

By CLARISSA BRADFIELD AND TAMARRA WILLIAMS SNN Staff Writers

While other high school students are at the beach or at the mall, swimmers Rebecca Halfast and Noah Harasz are both training, on average, six days a week for three hours each day, and both compete year round.

Halfast, a junior, started swimming when she was 8 years old and started swimming competitively her freshman year at Lakewood High School. Harasz, a sophomore, started swimming when he was 6 and has been swimming competitively on and off since then, as well as doing gymnastics.

Their dedication has paid off; both swimmers are district and regional champs.

“I want to do it because I have a passion for it,” said Halfast.

She said she is more concerned with doing what she loves them being nationally ranked, although her love for swimming has taken her far. She was district and regional champ during this year’s high school season in the 100 backstroke with a time of 59.46 seconds - and she is still improving, with a current time of 58.46.

“Rebecca works hard at everything she does. …She has high standards and wants to do well,” said Lakewood swim coach James Kostka.

Halfast said she wants to go to Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, a division two school to swim at the NCAA level.

Halfast’s biggest accomplishment since being on the swim team is having the 100 backstroke record for Lakewood. She said she loves swimming for her school and loves her team, even though she says most people swim just to socialize.

On Feb. 25-28, Halfast and Harasz had Senior Champs in Orlando at the YMCA Aquatic Center. It was their biggest swim meet recently and the biggest one they’ll have for a while. Both made it into finals

NIQUERIA HARRIS | SNN

Junior Rebeca Halfast practices with her swim team, St. Pete Aquatics, at North Shore Pool in St. Petersburg on March 16. Halfast practices everyday after school, and plans on swimming in college. “I just love the feeling of the water,” said Halfast. and dropped time in the majority of their events.

Harasz’ biggest accomplishment is a 55.00 second 100 backstroke. He’s working toward becoming state champ in backstroke by next year.

Harasz says he swims because “it’s the sport I hate the least. … It’s become a really big part of my life.” He doesn’t plan on swimming in college unless he gets a swimming scholarship.

As advice to swimmers who want to become better Halfast would ask how bad they wanted it. Are they really doing all they can at practice?

“Focus on yourself and you’ll improve so much,” she said.

Harasz would tell students “if you really, really want it, train hard and set your mind to it.”

To view a multimedia video on Rebecca Halfast and Noah Harasz go to snntoday.pcsb.org

NIQUERIA HARRIS | SNN

Sophomore Noah Harasz practices the backstrokeswith his swim team, St. Pete Aquatics, on March 16. Harasz plans on going to college for engineering and will attempt to swim throughout college. “I don’t know, it might be hard to do swimming and college,” said Harasz.

SNN

23

Katie and Julie SmithFrazer’s mom likes that she has two identical daughters. “My mom always used to joke around and say if one of us gets hurt or dies, they always have a replacement,” said Julie. Like other twins they try to be different. They don’t like being called each other’s name and they went to different schools during fifth and sixth grade. But they also have a lot in common.

They both like the same band – One Direction - and enjoy eating Nutella. “Having a twin is different than having a regular sibling, because you have a special bond,” said Julie.

You would never know these two students in the Center for Advanced Technologies were twins, but when you see them together you can tell they are brother and sister.

Joanna Hood is an outgoing, sweet person, while Martin is more quiet and studious.

Martin describes his sister as aggravating as did Joanna about him. “(He’s) annoying, but sometimes pretty cool to talk to,” said Joanna.

LEIGH BUTTNER | SNN

SHERICE JOHNSON | SNN

You can tell them apart, just by their hair. Seniors Madalyn and Hannah Golightly, are fraternal – not identical – twins, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have twin telepathy. Maddie is the competitive one and Hannah is more laid back. But they both think alike. “We were raised in the same way, so we have the same values,” said Hannah.

A double take on Lakewood’s twins

By SHANIECE MATHEW, LEIGH BUTTNER, DEYSHA HENRY and MAE PEMBERTON, SNN Staff Writers

MAE PEMBERTON | SNN

LEIGH BUTTNER | SNN

These identical brothers, Dwight and Sebastian Quimbay, both love Star Wars, shop at Tilly’s, and their favorite food is Leguana, which is cow tongue. They don’t like to play sports, but love playing video games like League of Legends, World of War Craft and Star Craft 2. They agree that the biggest disadvantage of being identical twins is when people can’t tell them apart. They feel the biggest advantage of having a twin is always having someone to talk to.

24

SNN

SHERICE JOHNSON | SNN

Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin look identical and have similar interests.

They like action movies, spaghetti, enjoy playing football, running track and being in each other’s company. They started switching places in school in their freshman year and they have even switched spots a few times this year. “People think we’re the same person, but we’re different; we just look the same,” said Shaqueem.