August 2017

PEP O’ PLANT | phsnews.com

BACK TO SCHOOL

First day creates expectations for school year pgs. 12-13

August 17, 2017 | Volume 91 | Issue 1 H.B. Plant High School | 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629

Contents News

04 What You Missed 08 Bush’s Big Plans Features

22 10 I’m With the Band 14-15 Traveling Abroad 16 New Teachers on the Block

Spotlight

12-13 Bright & Early Opinions

18 Club Catastrophe 19 Face Off Sports

20 Big Shoes to Fill 22 Summer Highlights 10 2 Table of Contents

12 Page Designed by Savannah Lowry

Staff

PO’P

Cover

PEP O’ PLANT | phsnews.com

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Information 3

MISSED

News brief breakdown of international, national and local news International

North Korea threatens Guam

Following ceaseless threats from North Korea against the United States, President Trump issued a warning saying they would be met with “fire and fury.” North Korea has responded by saying that they will be able to attack Guam, an island holding a U.S. military base, by mid-August.

“I would like to see China have just a little bit more time and impose more sanctions on them. On the flip side, you cannot give a rogue nation like this an opportunity to develop nuclear weapons,” Coach Bo Puckett said.

Amongst the barrage of threats, experts now believe North Korea is capable of miniaturizing a nuclear warhead in order to transport it.

@PHSAdmin

“

This year, club days will take place on Mondays with a completely modified meeting schedule, during periods one, two, three and seven.

See editorial on pg.7

4 News

National

Opioids declared a national emergency

The opioid epidemic has been declared a national emergency by President Donald Trump. About 2.1 million Americans are affected by opioid addiction, with about 142 Americans dying daily from overdose.

“People get addicted, and it might kill them,” freshman Seth Brafford said.

Prior to this, a White House commission led by Governor Chris Christie investigated the crisis and concluded that it needed more resources and time dedicated to stopping it.

“It will probably take a long while… but I do believe that the government has the power and ability to stop this crisis,” sophomore Anai Peterson said.

‘21

@PHSCO2021

“

The new freshman class began their high school career on Aug.10, and descriptions ranged from “strange” to “great.”

Read more at phsnews.com

Local

“Art of the Brick” entertains, amazes

A LEGO based art exhibit has arrived in Tampa and will continue until Sept.

4. This exhibit was created by Nathan Sawaya, who uses LEGOs as a medium for his works.

“I would definitely recommend visiting the exhibit to others because it shows that you can use any material to make art, and that anyone can be an artist, which could inspire many people to make art themselves,” junior Ben Davis said.

The exhibit is located at 802 East Whiting Street and is free of charge.

Briefs by Isabella Ank

#10 87

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Theatre began the year with their 2017 preview, @PlantHSTheatre labeled as a free mini-camp, open to new and returning students.

See more pictures at phsnews.com

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everything you need to know in one convenient place!

go to

yearbookforever.com then search for H.B. Plant High School

back to school sale extended!

buy on or before 8/19

$65+

buy on or before 9/31

$75+

buy on or before 4/1

$85+

buy after 4/1

$95+

$130

buy once on campus

Freshmen-Sophomores-Juniors Picture Day - August 23 Retakes - September 27

Still haven’t taken your senior portrait?

Here are your options:

order online www.leonards.com access code: C412444

make an appointment at the Leonard’s studio www.leonards.com (800) 215-4852 *must take photo by 9/30 to be included

or

Leonard’s will be on campus 9/6 to take yearbook pose and cap & gown pose appointments will be scheduled at the end of August (link will be posted on Edsby)

senior tribute

www.tinyurl.com/2018seniorad (or you can use the form located on the next page)

Form and payment due by 9/8 to guarantee space

business ad

www.tinyurl.com/2018businessad Form and payment due by 11/1 to guarantee space

Family.

Friends.

Community.

Jim Cornwell, Agent 4305 Bay To Bay Blvd Tampa, FL 33629 Bus: 813-835-8892 www.jimcornwell.com

Specializing in sports Injuries

Proud supporters of Plant Panthers

We’re all in this together.

State Farm has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support Plant High School. ®

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New principal sets goals for increased student, school success, recognition

Q: A:

When did you realize that you wanted to go into education or do something that helps kids?

I always worked with kids. I was driving home from work after graduating from college, and I stopped by the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine.

They made me a House Parent for 10th grade boys, and we had a blast.

I started coaching football out there; we had a great time. Believe it or not, there was a deaf football team.

Q:

So from a young age you wanted to help out children with needs?

A:

I’ve always had a passion for working with people who are less fortunate than I am.

I grew up one of seven kids to a single mom, but my mom always taught us that there was somebody who was less fortunate than we were.

Q: A:

While you were at Brandon High School, did you take charge of any clubs or sports there?

I did the A.S.L. club, which is American Sign Language, but I think my most proud club that I ever started was

8 News

a Surfing Club. It kind of grew into a Skateboard Club. It was pretty neat.

Q:

The schedule has gone under some changes the past few years with last year getting rid of homeroom and this year having lunch as its separate period. Do you see any additional changes in the upcoming years such as making school start 15 minutes earlier?

A:

[With lunch as its separate period], there is going to be time for tutoring sessions for kids, and kids will hopefully use that time to get their homework done and stay ahead of things and get with buddies and things like that.

But as far as the time change for next year, we are going to do what is best for kids and do the best we can with what we have to work with.

Q: A:

Where do you see the school in 5-10 years?

Do you see a reason why this school shouldn’t be the number one school in the nation? It has to be a goal to shoot for.

I just want to continue to be a school that is looked at as an amazing institution, which you guys have built out here.

Article by Jake Criser Read more of this Q & A online at

phsnews.com

Administrator Played college soccer for four years at USF “It was challenging, but worth it.”

Erin Mellnick, Assistant principal Is half Japanese and half German.

“I was the only Asian in the town I grew up in.”

Kimi Hellenberg, Assistant principal

Spoke Spanish before she spoke English.

“I don’t remember any of it.”

Lauren Otero, Assistant principal

Has a degree in deaf education.

“I was a confident high schooler who was paired with a deaf lab partner.”

Johnny Bush, Principal Has been a scuba diving instructor for over 35 years.

“Everyone should be in scuba diving.”

David Webb, Assistant principal Performed Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” in his fourth grade talent show.

“Everyone thought I was Michael Jackson.”

Napoleon Wade, Assistant principal Graphic designed by Brandon Lovinger

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Welcome Back!

Hope you all have a great year!

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BlueWaveOrtho.com/Plant

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Proud supporters of the Plant Panthers!

I’M WITH THE BAND

Camp prepares band members

What is band camp?

Band camp is a time for marching band members to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Specifically, new formations are created for the Friday night football games and freshmen are trained in the fundamentals of marching.

During camp days, practice begins at 2 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. The day begins with all the different music groups practicing their instruments separately for the first three hours, followed by a dinner break and the day is finished with three hours back on the field for basics and drill practice.

Not only is the band practicing for football games, but also the four competitions they participate in throughout the year.

Compiled by Madison White

10 Features

Top: Marching band, led by the tuba section, practices for the upcoming season.

Middle: The band stands at attention as they prepare for their next instruction.

Bottom: Multiple instrument group practice maintaining perfect formation. Photos by Natalie Kerr

“[Drum major is] the link between the director and the band. I stay in band because all of my friends are in band and it’s really fun. ” “I go to band camp because it’s important for everyone to learn what they need to, so we can perform at halftime at the football games.”

“The importance [of Band Camp] is to front load our work so we can have a really good basis for improving during the year. ”

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introducing

High school students receive a 10/% discount with this ad

First day creates expectations for school year As students enter school on the first day, teachers stand in the front of the school and cheer for their return. The clap-in was arranged right outside the bus drop off to welcome the early arrivers. Photo by Lauren Workman

BRIGHT &

EARLY

B

oth the half-asleep and wide awake entered for the first day back at school.

Although some may say it was an all-too-short summer, the new year has just begun.

“My favorite thing about today was in JROTC,” freshman Sophie Stone said.

“Master ...I Think Sergeant said I I’m ready for was interesting the challenge because of my of junior response to an year, even activity we did.”

However, though it will Stone was probably be disappointed at pretty hard.” lunch. “[My least -Ben Davis, favorite] was junior the long lunch line which took 40 minutes to get some food,” Stone said.

Stone is also an aspiring artist and is excited for her Art class.

“I’m looking forward to participating in art class because art is something I treasure and love doing,” Stone said.

Electives also had an impact on

“

the day, often a stepping stone for future careers and college majors.

“My electives are Team Sports Two and Weight Training,” senior Mika Martin said. “Outside of school I am an MMA Fighter, and I also compete in power lifting competitions, so I needed those two electives to keep me in shape. I plan on being a nutritionist in the future, also combined with being a personal trainer, so that also goes with wellness and fitness.”

Changes in classes for the new school year aren’t all perceived as enjoyable.

“I’ve heard that the workload for classes, especially AP World [History], is more than last year,” sophomore Katherine Edgar said.

Teachers can also add an excitement to school year expectations made on the first day.

“With all the after school stuff it can get a little hectic, but hopefully it won’t be too bad,” Edgar said.

“I’m most looking forward to AP Art History because I’ve heard really good things about it. Every kid that I have talked to who has taken it has always had a super positive experience with [the class]. Also, I just got really good vibes from the teacher, especially today.”

Some students used today to catch

Senior Sunrise Dressed up seniors gather early in the lot

Top: dressed in NASA gear, seniors Will Jones, Brianna Ward, Olivia Brock and Zara Hedaya pose for a picture. Bottom Left:

wearing Infinity & Beyond themed fashions, senior girls gather for a group picture before starting the school day. Bottom Right: embraced in a first-day hug, seniors Olivia Epstein and Eva Wetherington celebrate the class of 2018’s theme. Photos by Tegan Fannin.

up with friends.

“Even though summer was super fun, it was nice to be back hanging out with [my friends] at school,” junior Ben Davis said. “My least favorite thing was finding out how much work was in my AP classes, and finding out that I have two quizzes on the second

ON PHSNEWS.COM

First Day Hairstyles

Hairstyles on first day cover wide range of style

Clap-In Welcome

day of school, but I think I’m ready for the challenge of junior year, even though it will probably be pretty hard.

However, a change in pace of academics can be attractive to some students.

“I’m kind of looking forward to being intimidated,” Davis said. “This is my first time taking more than one AP class, so I’m really excited to be challenged. I know that there’s going to be a large work load for those classes, but I think it’s all going to be really interesting.”

Article by Alexis Perno

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Photo by Lauren DeGeorge

raveling Abroad Photo by Lily Moran

Photo by Lily Moran

Photo by Lauren DeGeorge

14 Features

Photo by Lauren DeGeorge

Photo by Macie Lavender

Student travelers share first-hand accounts on traveling over seas

Peru

The main reason I chose to join the school trip to Peru, besides the beautiful sights, was the opportunity to help some people in need.

When I found out that the service we would be providing would be helping girls in need of education, of course I felt lucky to help Peruvian girls access something American girls take for granted.

Two days out of the six day trip, we visited a construction site where we would help to build a boarding house for girls who couldn’t access the school easily.

After the first day we were surprised with the opportunity to meet girls who lived in a boarding house much like the one we helped to build. They sang the Peruvian national anthem for us and we played volleyball together.

As beautiful as Machu Picchu was, my personal favorite sight was the happy look on those girls’ faces as we clapped after they sang.

-Lily Moran, sophomore

Photo by Lily Moran

Photo by Macie Lavender

Photo by Lauren DeGeorge

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England & Ireland

The U.K. and I got off to a bit of a rough start, the lack of air conditioning putting some strain on our relationship. However, our bond was quickly mended after my first glimpse of London, the city’s chaotic beauty overwhelming my jet-lagged mind. London is a perplexing gridlock of ancient limestone buildings and sharp steel skyscrapers, endlessly buzzing with activity. There’s a Dickens literary tour, outdoor market, Van Gogh’s sunflowers, an evensong performance at Westminster Abbey, and on, and on, and on…

The next stops, Oxford and Manchester, seemed idyllic havens in comparison. Oxford University is regal in its old world magnificence, the grounds pristinely manicured.

Picturing Hogwarts isn’t far off, as our slightly obsessed tour guide was quick to point out the many connections between Harry Potter and the school.

T hailand, Vietnam & Cambodia

The whole trip was surreal, a constant stream of people and places so different from what we see everyday and always feeling like we were moving too fast to truly process everything that we were experiencing.

Vietnam was our first stop, and by far my favorite. We ate breakfast on a balcony above the trees, looking down on the busy city which was filled with people and motorized scooters that never followed any sort of traffic laws.

We visited the war memorial, took a boat on a tour of the “floating city”, ventured in the caves underground and braved our way through the crowded markets as locals desperately bargained at us.

After three days, many flight delays and a scary ride across the border via propeller plane, we arrived in a place Page Designed by Savannah Lowry

Haworth is the definition of an English country village, quaintly nestled among giant rolling hills dotted with sheep. Our tour guide, Johnny, is a magnificent storyteller with such a kindly nature that he could double as a Bronte loving father Christmas.

Dublin is a big city but in a tolerable dose, retaining a bit of old fashioned charm with brick streets and an atmosphere of cheer, despite the soggy weather. There’s a remarkable adherence to Irish stereotypes; Irish jig music emanates from bars and street corners everywhere. The Irish really do it better.

After a week of running around the U.K. and Ireland, I returned to Tampa with sore legs and a heavy heart. The memories and friendships made on the trip are unforgettable, and I’m forever grateful to the Cowart’s for allowing me to have such a great experience.

- Macie Lavender, senior that could only have been described as picturesque, and met our new tour guide in Cambodia.

Angkor Wat was certainly the most memorable, and even after spending three hours in the hot sun walking around we all felt that we still hadn’t seen enough.

We all got blessed by the monks, took pictures with a monkey, rode elephants and then again too soon we boarded the bus and drove towards Thailand.

Halfway to the border we stopped and enjoyed an assortment of bugs, and most were a surprisingly appetizing taste. We went to dinner accompanied by a show, visited more temples and ate the best Pad Thai in existence.

Too soon we were home with only a small stack of mementos and a head full of dream-like memories to bring us back.

- Lauren DeGeorge, junior

TEACHER travelers

In order for students to be able to embark on the cross-cultural travels, there must be teachers willing to take groups of students thousands of miles away from home.

Peru

“It was amazing. This was the first service trip ever done at Plant. We helped Sacred Valley nonprofit, who build schools for girls who can’t normally go.”

Yohanis Carrera, Spanish teacher

England & Ireland “It was the perfect combination of overwhelming exposure and laid back relaxation, with people I adore.”

Shay Cowart, English teacher

T hailand, Vietnam & Cambodia “This trip was more like a vacation. There are certain things you feel like you need to do in Europe, you have to see this, you have to see that. I didn’t feel that there.”

Bill Renninger, AP Art History teacher

Features 15

Teachers

Physical Education

Educators added to multiple departments Quotes compiled by Riley Schofner & Chloe-Amelie Aikman

Foreign Language “My background is in education and it was in the D.C. area. My degree was in French and education, and then I taught, and then I went into business and now I’m coming back to it. I want the kids that come out, in French I and even French II, to feel comfortable with language because I think language is really hard for most kids – especially speaking. I want them to feel comfortable in my class, be able to speak and continue on because language is pretty amazing.”

TV Productions “I came from Plant City High School, taught TV productions there for five years, was formerly the head football coach. I actually am a Plant Grad, graduated in ’95. I am very excited about being back where I consider to be home. The thing I’m probably looking forward to most is working with the kids that are so talented that I’ve gotten to compete against at Plant City Productions – so to be able to come and build on that is probably the most exciting part because there’s a great foundation that’s been built.”

English “I’m most excited to meet all my new ninth graders, get to know them and to teach critical thinking in reading and writing. This is my first time [teaching] other than last year; I taught a sophomore English class for the last semester and loved it.

Before that, I was in the hotel business and did event planning. I’m also a huge fan of the Plant band.”

16 Features

English “I’m excited for a new batch of kids coming in.

I’m teaching a new class called Critical Thinking that hasn’t been taught here before, so that’s kind of exciting. This is my alma mater, so I’m excited to come back and make a difference in all your lives.

I’m coming from Jefferson High School. I taught English to freshmen, I was the head cheer coach there, and I am the JV cheer coach here, and I also cheered at Plant so it’s kind of nostalgic just to be back in these stomping grounds.”

Social Studies “I’m a first year teacher here, teaching AP Gov and Florida history. I’m really excited to start at Plant because I know this is such a great school, I’ve heard so many great things. I know the students are really bright, I know the parents have high expectations, I know the administration has high expectations and I guess I’m just excited to try and meet everyone’s expectations and just be the best teacher I can be.”

English “I came from Wharton in New Tampa. I was teaching ninth grade there, and I’m teaching ninth grade here also, so that’s kind of the same, but I’m teaching honors gifted here so I’m excited to work with higher level students and kids who are excited about learning. I don’t have anything I’m worried about because I know this is the right fit, and I know I’m in the right place.”

“I’m excited for everything. This is a whole new experience for me – I’m not even from here. I’m from Kansas City. I came from Rockhurst High School in Missouri; it’s a Jesuit high school. Each moment here is going to be something new for me, I’m looking forward to football and track season.”

Science “I’m from a private school in Carrollwood, called Corbett Prep School. I’m looking forward to inspiring students to become, rather, look forward to becoming interested in science. That doesn’t mean I want a bunch of scientists, but I want kids to care about science. Creating passion in students, especially at such a nice school.”

Mathematics “In life, I am ready to run my Boston Marathon next year. It’s cool – I’m actually very excited to be in a new school, with a different student base and see what they can teach me. [I came from] Strawberry Crest High School. Definitely a different student base. Definitely I will have my challenges here; I guess the biggest thing I am worried about is being able to fulfill your needs. You need to be at the highest level that you can be. That’s really where I want to be.”

Physical Education “I’m excited to be at Plant; it’s the best high school in the county and ranked nationally - I’m excited to be part of the best. I’ve come from another school, I’m experienced, I’ve taught for 11 years.

I’m from Bloomingdale High School – taught there for eight years [and] at Lennard for three years.

Athletically, year in year out we’ll round up some terrific teams.”

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Maddie, Age 4, Leukemia

Club Catastrophe

New club day schedule promises dysfunction, exclusion The 2017-2018 school year escaped the implementation of an earlier start, but did not escape the impacts of a new Club Day schedule that is both dysfunctional and inconvenient to many.

The new Club Day schedule includes all interest clubs with the starting letter A-I being held during first period, all honor clubs meetings during second period, all service club meetings being held during third period and all interest clubs starting with the letter J-Z meeting during seventh period.

The most blaring issue with this schedule is the fact that the majority of the student body is involved in more than one interest club, in partnership with the many students who are also in multiple honor clubs.

This situation leaves students with the monthly imposition on which club’s meeting they attend.

Even more of a problem, is for those students who are a board member of more than one club.

The only period that does not pose a problem is third period, the host to all service club meetings, as students are only eligible to be in one service club.

In addition, students are not the only ones affected by this schedule change. Many teacher sponsors of clubs will no longer have the capability of being a part of meetings as there is no longer any regard to coordinating meetings to the sponsor’s conference period.

It is understandable that the administration wanted a change from the hectic club day schedule that has historically been in place, but their attempt at organization just impairs club involvement for the student body.

Also, the move of club days from Wednesdays to Mondays is smart as the one shortened day of the week tends to not have strong instruction in comparison to full length days.

However, a more functional solution would be to take advantage of multiple Mondays during the month for club meetings.

NEW

Interest Clubs A-I Alliance of Plant Republicans AFJROTC Art Honor Society Astronomy AVID Club Best Buddies BRANCHES Club Chai D.A.D.S. Ecology Executive Board FCA Film Analysis Club First Priority French Club Freshman Class FBLA GSA H.A.C. Ice Hockey Interact International Thespians

From the PO’P Staff

Club Day Schedule

2017-2018

18 Opinions

Graphic by Savannah Lowry

Art by Grace Summers

As a school that emphasizes extracurricular participation it’s quite contradicting to implement a club day schedule that makes students be selective of where they put their energy and interests.

In order to bring change to this dysfunctional schedule, students must take it upon themselves to make valid complaints to administration, requesting the much needed change.

1237 st

period

Honor Clubs Beta Honor French Honor Society Gold and Black Mu Alpha Theta National English Honor Society National Honor Society Social Studies Honor Society Spanish Honor Society Tri M Music Honor Society

nd

period

Service Clubs Anchor Service Club Delphi Service Club Key Club Kiwi Service Club La Sertoa Service Club Sertoma Service Club Zeta Service Club

rd

period

Interest Clubs J-Z Junior Class Latin Club Literary Club Marine Science Club P.O.A. Rowing Club SAC SADD Sailing Scholars II Senior Class Special Olympics Speech and Debate Sophomore Class Stand Up Tech Club Water Polo Welcome Wagon W.H.A.T. Club Why Define Us Youth In Government

th

period

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FaceOFF

Next year’s bell schedule impacts involvement in, out of classroom

As of next year, school will start earlier, but get out earlier. This situation will be ideal for certain people, who have busy afternoons, but pitiful for those who struggle to get to school on time on the current bell schedule.

What is to come Art by Grace Summers from the new schedule is looking to be a positive outcome for students and teachers both.

School is set to start at 7:15 a.m., opposed to the schedule used in the past, in which school starts at 7:33 a.m. Students will need to wake up earlier, so they can make it to school on time, something that will require adaption.

Although waking up slightly earlier may seem like a burden, once students get to school and start working, they will be awake and ready to go.

School gets released at 2 p.m., as opposed to the previous schedule, where it gets out at 3 p.m. This changes the amount of time spent in school, from over seven hours to six hours and 45 minutes.

This shorter amount of time is great for students who participate in sports or have jobs, who are looking to get more time to work harder on their schoolwork.

On top of the day being shorter, school is also being cut short two weeks, giving a longer summer going into the 2019-2020 school year.

The two weeks of school being cut are from review week, giving less time to study for exams, but still having enough time to prepare. Reviewing always seems to go by so slowly because it is so many weeks long.

With a new schedule coming into place during the 20182019 school year, students and teachers are preparing for the early mornings and exciting short days.

Readjusting to the school day from the liberties of summer break can be grueling, even with a familiar schedule. While preparing for a new school year, envisioning the implementation of a new schedule, one that will begin Art by Grace Summers earlier and reduce time in class, seems like a recipe for disaster.

With tardiness already an ever-present problem, pushing the first bell back to the stark hour of 7:15 a.m. seems very optimistic. Recent studies have also made it more common knowledge that teenagers do not perform their best during early morning hours, as energy levels peak later in the day (Scientific American: High School Should Start Later in the Morning).

Suboptimal classroom time does not seem like a very admirable goal. If class discussion quality deteriorates, overall time in class will become even more critical. Too bad that’s going to be cut as well.

The final bell would ring to release students at 2 p.m., reducing the net school day. Teachers will have to compensate for this time cut in the long and short run alike, so as to not be behind and stressed at the end of semesters.

Less time in class could lead to an increase of homework for students, as teachers could struggle to fit a lesson plan within time constraints. Trying to cover all the material before exams in a minimized time frame could lead to topics potentially being missed, taught less thoroughly, or having to be cut out of curriculum.

Sacrificing quality of education for a new schedule seems less than favorable, but there is confidence in the administration to take all factors under consideration, and make the best possible decision for students and faculty alike.

Column by Thompson Draper Column by Natalie Kerr

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Opinions 19

Shoes to Fill

Boys Track

Jay Burns

Boys Basketball

Joe Willis

Girls Volleyball

Vanja Todorovich

Boys Wrestling

Jeremy Carter

20 Sports

New coaches describe expectations, reasons for filling coaching spot Volleyball, boys track and field, boys basketball and wrestling will all be under new leadership for the 2017-18 school year.

These teams welcome Jay Burns (Boys Track), Jeremy Carter (Wrestling), Vanja Todorovic (Volleyball) and Joe Willis (Boys’ Basketball).

Burns, formerly a member of both the football and track coaching staff at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, hopes to create a larger interest in his sport among students.

“We’ve got to get some athletes out there,” Burns said. “Create an interest in track and field”.

Carter, a former Marine who coached wrestling in Michigan for eight years, comes ready to face the challenge of a new tournament structure that adds a team component to the sport.

“That takes a new kind of team,” Carter said. “It takes a team that’s solid and balanced and can go out there and perform for something more than themselves.”

Todorovic, who has coached volleyball for over 15 years for several club teams, is excited to be at the helm of such a storied team.

“The bar has been set high by Coach Margeaux,” Todorovic said. “[I plan to] create a sustainable program that

will produce hard workers on and off the court.”

Members of the team have nothing but praise for the new coach.

“I think he’s going to be a great coach, and he’s going to push us to our limit,” sophomore Eve Larkin said.

Willis brings eleven years of high school coaching experience, in addition to six years working as an assistant with college programs, to the basketball team.

Boys basketball won the county summer league, but Willis is sure to remind his athletes of their commitment to school.

“Behave and do well in your classes,” Willis said. “If you are dedicated to academics, you will show good focus and work ethic on the court.”

Already, some of the new coaches are pleased with the school environment.

“There’s a great energy… everyone is shaking hands, smiling,” Burns said.

There is also an established admiration of the school program.

“I always admired the Plant program, with its rich history and tradition,” Todorovic said.

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SUMMER SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

Members of the boys basketball team pose for a photo, moments after winning the SEBA Summer League Title. Under the new leadership of Joe Willis, the team also participated in two team camps over the summer. Photo courtesy of Boys Basketball.

Taking a shot, freshman Erin Morrissey participates in Coach Mahon’s basketball camp in mid-June. The team hopes to come back fresh off of a season in which they qualified to the Regional Semifinal game. Photo courtesy of Yearbook.

Keeping her eye on the ball, junior Camryn Volger serves during summer workouts for the volleyball team. During the summer they won first place at the UT Team Camp. Photo courtesy of Yearbook..

Reaching out to make a catch, senior Jason Xu, participates in summer workouts for the football team at Dad’s Stadium.

During the summer, the team won 7-on-7 tournaments at UCF and USF. Photo courtesy of Yearbook.

Nearing the dock, Austin Meyer, senior, Eli Rice, Bradley Blanton and Charlie Samartin, juniors, participate in the men’s junior 4x at Nationals in Camden, New Jersey. They finished second to end the past rowing year. Photo courtesy of Crew.

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