December 2018

po’p

the

pep o’ plant december 28, 2018 Volume 92 Issue 3 H.B. Plant High School 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629

health issue

vape nation E-cigarette use rises among teens Read more; pages 20 & 21

EFFECTS OF using DRUGs

mental health resources

SEX EDUCATION CURRICULUM

page 17

page 19

page 23

2 | Table of contents | PO’p August 2018

Cover design – natalie kerr cover Photo – alea jennings

Table of contents 05 07 10 14 17

News briefs madrigals show alan bell retires best buddies club drug abuse

19 20 23 26 27

mental health vape nation sex ed staff editorial pro con

30 31 33 34 37 39

holiday drink review taco dirty signing day fall sports wrapup state qualifiers winter sports

SEE PAGE 39

SEE PAGES 10, 11

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3 | Staff | PO’p december 2018

Page design – natalie kerr

Policies Mission: The Pep O’ Plant is a student-run newsmagazine serving the community of H.B. Plant High School. The mission of the Pep O’ Plant is to provide an open forum for the free exchange of ideas.

Code of Ethics: Students are expected to adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. Consequences for knowingly or unintentionally violating this code include, but are not limited to, probationary status on staff, zero credit for the assignment and removal from leadership positions.

Editorial Policy: The editorial board will make all decisions for the publication. Editorial board members will discuss controversial issues and consider the advice of the adviser before making decisions regarding coverage.

Unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the editorial board. Signed opinion columns and reviews do not reflect the views of the entire staff, adviser, faculty or administrators of Plant High School.

Letters to the Editor Policy: Letters to the editor can be emailed to pepoplantnews@gmail.com.

Letters may be no more than 250 words for publishing purposes.

The editorial board reserves the right to edit for length, clarity and grammar in order to meet Associated Press style guidelines. Letters may be rejected in cases of obscene, threatening or libelous language.

Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published.

Obituary Policy: Any current student, staff or faculty member who dies during the year will be recognized with a 300-word obituary and one yearbook-style photo. The editorial board may decide to cover the deaths of alumni or former staff/faculty members when appropriate.

Advertising Policy: The Pep O’ Plant has advertising space available in print and online for members of the school and local community. See the Advertising tab on PHSnews.com for pricing information. Advertisements which promote services or products that are illegal or harmful for anyone under 18 will not be considered. The editorial board has final approval over all advertisement content and design.

Corrections policy: Errors printed and brought to the attention of the staff will be remedied in the “Corrections” box of the next printed issue. Errors found online will be fixed and accompanied by a note from the editor detailing the correction, as well as tagged to identify it has been corrected.

Affiliations:

The Pep O’ Plant has achieved All-American status with the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Gold status with the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA), All-Southern with the Southern Interregional Press Association (SIPA) and is a Gold Medalist with Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). The Pep O’ Plant is also a member of the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society.

PO’P

Staff PEP O’ PLANT | phsnews.com

Print EICs

Video Managers

design Adviser

Natalie Kerr Isabella Ank

Caton Gonzalez Madison White

Christina porcelli

Online EIC

videographer

Thompson Draper

chad mendez

Managing EIC

staff artist

Jake Criser

Maggie hayes

Copy EIC

Designers

Dean Criser

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Photo EIC Alea jennings

Photographers News Editor Alexis Perno

Features Editor Chloe-Amelie Aikman

tegan fannin Avery Franks Emily malone vendela busbee paola laborda Maizie Tremblay

Opinions Editor Graham Hill

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Sports Manager chris pisciotti

Writers Addie Robey Ariana Cimino Ava Nelson Carol Kornworcel Clio Bruno Gracen Rivera Jessica Larringa Katie Valenti Avery Franks Maizie Tremblay Hartley Hill Kate Caranante

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This Issue’s Contributors sabrina paredes harlan merhige PO’P is a member of Quill and Scroll, National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia University Press Association, Florida Scholastic Press Association and Southeast Interscholastic Press Association.

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PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | news | 5

Theater troupe performs “Chicago”

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“Chicago” ensemble performers dance during their opening show Nov. 1 in the auditorium. The cast had 27 performers and ran four times from Nov. 1 through Nov. 4.

Photo used with permission by Harlan Merhige.

JROTC team places 3rd in rifle competition

J

unior ROTC rookie team finished in 3rd place in a tri-county rifle competition at Newsome high school on Saturday, Nov. 24.

How it works is there is a primary round, where twelve teams of four shoot three times to qualify for the next

round. They shoot ten shots at ten targets, and there are three positions required to shoot from: prone, or laying down, standing, and kneeling.

“We really try to emphasize accuracy when we’re training,” JROTC instructor Calvin Mason said. “In my experience that’s the most important factor when it comes to these competitions.”

In the final round, it comes down to six teams. The team’s first year shooters competed well enough in the competition, and they get to continue on to the rookie state championship on Saturday, Dec. 8 in Jacksonville, where five of their shooters will compete for the championship.

The senior JROTC instructor is Calvin Mason, who was in the air force himself for 23 years. He originally came to Plant eleven years ago as a physics teacher, then four years ago he was offered this position.

“This is a great accomplishment for these kids,” Mason said. “Being their coach is such a rewarding experience, and espeKneeling on the ground, sophomore Eduardo Lastra looks at his hand while he practices properly holding the rifle. ROTC practices multiple cially since they are all first-year kids.” times a week and has competitions throughout the year. “It is a fun hobby and sometimes it’s hard and stressful whether you can do it right or not. It’s a lot of practice but I like it,” Lastra said. – EMILY HINES

he Plant Theatre Company put on four performances of the Broadway musical “Chicago” Nov. 1-3. “Chicago” is a musical about life in the 1920s, based on the real-life 1924 murder trials of two women.

Junior Katherine Edgar played one of the leading roles as Roxie Hart, an extravagant criminal accused of murdering Fred Casely, whom she is cheating on her husband with.

“It was really crazy, but it was so much fun,” Edgar said. “It was a good bonding experience, and I got so much out of it. I made so many friends as well.”

Junior Jason Calzon played Billy Flynn, a manipulative lawyer who turns criminals into celebrities to put them at an advantage in court.

“Being a main role in such a big production has honestly changed me as an actor,” Calzon said. “Playing such an important character has helped me get better and learn how to play a strong role like this.”

Theater director Dan Franke found mold caused by an old air conditioner in his office, the auditorium and the prop storage room in August. The clean-up of the mold set their rehearsal schedule back for Chicago, as they could not use their props, lights or costumes.

“It was at the same time one of the more intense and difficult productions we’ve done here, and the kids did an unbelievable job working through lots of adversity,” Franke said. “The kids did a stellar job, and I’m so proud of their hard work.” – ADDIE ROBEY

Plant’s JROTC rifle team has eight members, and they are all rookies, meaning this is their first year competing.

One member is junior Keisha Howels.

“On the team, Keisha is the person that I mostly have in charge,” Mason said. “I’m so proud of her. This is only her first year, and she is one of the leaders on the team.”

Even though they are just a rookie team, they will be competing against schools with programs that have earned nation JROTC ranking.

“It was a really great experience and I’m really proud of our team,” Howels said. “We’re moving on to the championship, so that’s a really big deal for us.”

To prepare for competitions, the team practices after school in the cafeteria on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

On weeks when they have an upcoming competition, they also practice on Friday after school.

The key with marksmanship like this is precision shooting, according to Mason. The most important thing is repetition to develop technique.

“I am so incredibly proud of these kids,” Mason said.

“We’re going to give it our best at the championship, and I have high hopes for this group.” – ADDIE ROBEY

6 | Advertisements | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

Barnie and Carlene Walker

designer - Natalie kerr

PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | news | 7

Following the song for “For the First Time in Forever,” juniors Katie Vincent, Matthew VanWert and Parker Shaw perform the coronation scene from Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen” Nov. 29 in the St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School auditorium. Vincent played the character of Elsa, VanWert played the narrator and Shaw played the page. – MADISON WHITE

24TH ANNUAL MADRIGALS Choral department hosts THEATER DINNER

E

ach year, Chorus director Bruce Yost directs a Madrigals. This year, the show was at St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School, and was a form of dinner theatre where the show involved audience participation and was decorated seasonally for winter.

“I decided to participate in Madrigals this year because last year I had so much fun singing and I love chorus and all my friends there,” sophomore Abby Samel said. “My favorite part of being in it was the fun times with all my friends and just being with them all weekend and singing our favorite songs.”

The performance consisted of a production of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen.” All of the members in chorus had roles in the show, as well as help from some students in theater that helped with stage production and technical aspects.

“I loved that it was so collaborative with all the different groups in school,” parent Dori Jones said. “It was an amazing performance. I graduated from Plant in 1987 and I still remember the Madrigal performances being there.”

There was a brief intermission during the performance when audience members were able to leave the auditorium and get food – various cakes, cheese and crackers, and platters of fruit – which were donated to the show by Barksdale catering.

“There are a lot of moving parts,” chorus director Bruce Yost said. “It’s a lot of people doing a lot of different things

to come together in the end.”

“The Snow Queen,” was used by Disney to create the film “Frozen.” The seasonal part of the show was demonstrated by a large stage with two side curtains decorated with Christmas trees and bright lights shining across the ceiling, which were timed to go along with the songs.

“I think the ‘Frozen’ theme translated well into the show,” parent Chuck Ernst said. “I thought the production was really well put together.”

The theme for the show switches every year, and there are four different productions that they choose from, this being the second time they’ve used “The Snow Queen.”

“There’s a handful of shows that we do that fit the Madrigal theme,” Bruce Yost said. “It was ‘Frozen’s turn to come up again, and next year we’ll be doing ‘Shrek.’”

The decorations are done by the parents who volunteer to help with the show. This was the 24th anniversary of Madrigals, and the Sunday show was sold out to parents and students who attended.

“One of my favorite things is when I walk into the hall for the first time after it’s been totally decorated,” Bruce Yost said. “A lot of times I go in and help build the set, then I take off and all the moms come in and they put all the garland on, all the tinsel and they put the trees up and get the lights all strung on everything and put the tables out and decorate everything – and then I come back in the next day, and to see that transformation is amazing for me every

time. It’s one of my favorite things.”

The different characters in the “Frozen” performance were auditioned for and played by the students. Junior Jason Calzon played the role of Olaf the snowman.

“I decided to participate in Madrigals this year because I’ve been in chorus for three years now and I’ve been doing Madrigals since freshman year,” junior Jason Calzon said.

“It’s also one of my favorite performance opportunities for chorus because of the holiday spirit it provides.

The students who participated were from all grade levels, and after the initial performance of “Frozen,” four different choirs sang separately.

“I think it brings back everything about Christmas and how involved Plant is with choir,” said parent Cruz Dodson.

“My favorite part was when the choir sang in Spanish – the boys. That really touched my heart and I wasn’t expecting that at all.”

The end of the show included audience members and all of the chorus students together. Everyone was asked to sing the song “Silent Night.”

“Every show ends with a real special, quiet ending,” Bruce Yost said. “We walk out and sing with the audience.

It ends so peacefully and quietly, and you know you usually end with something very big and loud that gets everybody jumping up and down, but this leaves everyone thoughtful and gives everyone a very special feeling that goes with the holidays.” – JESSIE LARRINAGA

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10 | features | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

Final Bell

The

after nearly four decades in plant community, Teacher alan Bell retires this month

1975 Alan Bell graduates from Plant High School.

1983 He started teaching boys physical education at Plant High School.

1986 Bell doubled as a football coach and teacher.

1987 Bell directed the Panther defense. He coached football until 1997.

1989

He met his wife in 1985 – in the Plant High School parking lot.

1992 Working extra hours, Bell coached boys track and field for 21 years.

A

designer - alea jennings

PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | Features | 11

A

Alan Bell’s wall is a self-curated yearbook come to life.

Glossy black-and-white, sepia and colored photos paper the space, each carefully tacked in a mosaic spanning generations of students.

Some hold the faces of his days playing high school football. Most are from his days coaching it, bright with the gloss of helmets and full of the printed numbers worn by the players on his field.

“It was my whole world, high school football.” Bell said. “I wanted to do it, and I felt like I knew what I was doing, and I felt like I could be good at this. Everything just kind of fell into place.”

In his time at Plant, Bell would coach football, track and boy’s PE and teach Driver’s Ed. “He influenced every student that he ever taught, all the way back for 35 years,” said Rick Ferlita, friend of 28 years and math teacher.

“He’s sincere. He has given his heart and soul to Plant High School.”

Fresh from Kentucky, Bell was only 7 years old when he first set eyes on Plant from a little Sunday School class tucked in the second floor of the church across the street. He grew up in the shadow of the old brick gym, built after World War II and no longer standing today, where the boys basketball team would practice. When it was his turn to attend Plant, Bell would play as a defensive back on the football team junior year, and by the time he graduated in 1975, he knew he had found something worth staying for.

“I wanted to do it right,” Bell said. “That’s my deal with football.”

At the suggestion of the head coach, Bell

2005

He stopped coaching track and field in 2004.

studied at the University of South Florida so he could coach junior varsity football out of class – something he would do for five seasons and would lead to his eventual hiring as the boys track coach, boys PE teacher and the assistant football coach.

“Coach Bell was a player’s coach,” said Greg Meyer, former defensive linebacker under Bell and current Broadcast teacher. “[He] was a guy who had a very high football acumen, but his strongest attribute was his ability to relate to players and make them feel welcome.”

Bell coached defense in a variety of positions, but his most memorable times are alongside Plant legend Roland Acosta, the coach for whom the field house is named and a record-holder in Hillsborough County football.

A player on Acosta’s team when he claimed his first win and a coach during Acosta’s last in 1994, Bell would continue coaching in his absence until 1997.

“I was there for his first win, his last win, and everything all the way up through it I was able to have a part in,” Bell said. “I’m most thankful for being able to be here with all of his 22 years he was here.”

In the late 1990s, Bell would also become certified in Driver’s Ed and soon find himself teaching the subject.

“He cares about how well the students do,” Driver’s Ed student and sophomore Shelby Davis said. “Especially with Driver’s Ed, if you have a teacher that doesn’t really engage, that doesn’t really care, you’re not going to learn well. He makes it fun in a way that other teachers wouldn’t.”

The number of his students that would grow

to become teachers alongside him are counted in the dozens. Former student and current English teacher Jenise Gorman can still vividly recall moments from his class, including when he tapped on her car window on the course one day, stopping to motivate her to try again after getting a cone caught underneath the wheels of her car.

“I needed that pressure, I needed someone to push me, and he did that,” Gorman said. “He did it for everyone. He probably doesn’t think about those small moments, but I just remember, still to this day when I back up into the space, I’m thinking about that cone.”

Bell’s career not only spanned more than 35 years, but each day was full. As a coach, late Friday night games, Saturday morning film reviews, evening Sunday staff meetings and all-day track meets were par for the course, so much so that he couldn’t even vote in his first election, as he was deep in football season and didn’t have the opportunity to leave school grounds.

“That’s why these guys, all these coaches out here, they’re the same,” Bell said. “They love it like I did, but they’re sacrificing so much.”

As a teammate, a coach and a mentor, football has always been a big part of Bell’s life.

Since leaving the field, Bell still remembers his players fondly, and he frequently tells their stories in class to his students.

“They were very important to me,” Bell said. “It’s thrilling for me to see these guys when I run into them so many years later and see that they’ve landed on their feet. That to me is the most rewarding thing.” – CHLOE-AMELIE AIKMAN See full article online at PHSNEWS.com

2018 Standing in front of his wall of photos dedicated to students he coached, Bell helps former Driver’s Education student sophomore Veronica Dominguez look for a form needed to earn her license.

Bell said– TEGAN FANNIN

Photos courtesy of Panther Yearbook

SEE a farewell video AT PHSNEWS.COM

12 | Advertisements | PO’P december 2018

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15 | feature | PO’p December 2018

designer – natalie kerr

YOU’VE GOT A Students form long-lasting friendships with disabled children THROUGH ‘BEST BUDDIES’ CLUB

W

alking into Room 503, there is a down in Miami,” said Medina. “We went warm, inviting feeling and students to college together, and so when I got into are met with smiles and friendly faces education, I started working with kids with of kids like juniors and seniors Arushi Pratap, disabilities. I realized there were really no clubs Dara Mizell, Jade Connor and Bryan Lopez. here at Plant for kids with disabilities.”

Photos pinned up on the walls tell stories Medina has managed the Best Buddies club from many of the dances and events held by for 11 years since she first brought the program Best Buddies. They picture kids dancing, eating on campus in 2007. food, and laughing and smiling at events like “I started it because I wanted these kids to the Best Buddy Ball and the Friendship Walk. have something to look forward to,” Medina “The idea behind Best Buddies is to make said. “I wanted more inclusion. I wanted people all of these kids with disabilities feel included,” to get to know these kids, to know that they’re club sponsor Caroline Medina said. “It’s almost funny, they like to go out, they like to shop, or as if the students become a big brother or sister they like to see movies, just like you guys do.” to these kids, but they really become friends.

There are 120 students in the club and 30 I’ve seen it really take off where the kids are still special needs kids. When students apply for the friends to this day – it’s beautiful.” club, they sign up to Best Buddies, a non-profit organization, be a “peer buddy.” pairs kids with intellectual and developmental Usually, there are disabilities (IDD) with fellow students to form three to four students meaningful friendships by sharing interests and per buddy. They sit experiences throughout the year. with them at lunch, Many students remain friends with their and they can come in buddy and participate in Best Buddies long after they leave.

“Even after I left Plant, I’ve still been involved in Best Buddies in any way I can,” Plant alumnus of two years Riley Bryan said. “This program does so many great things for these kids, and I love being a part of it.”

Best Buddies was started in 1989 by Anthony Shriver, whose uncle was former President John F. Kennedy.

He was inspired to start the program by his Aunt Rosemary Kennedy.

“I have a friend Joking with senior Ari Weisman in the cafeteria, who is the vice his sister junior Rayna Weisman and their friend president of Best Carly Woolard talk together before the Best Buddies Buddies that works meeting Sept. 26. The main focus of the club is to pair up students to form friendships. – VENDELA BUSBEE

during class to say hi to them.

“I’m so glad I joined Best Buddies,” freshman Zoe Zacharias said. “So far it’s been a really great experience. I love doing all of the fun activities and meeting new people – I always go in to say hi for a few minutes between my classes.”

The level of disability amongst participants ranges from kids that may have limited speech to those like Arushi Pratap, who makes her own clothes.

“I love seeing all of the kids in Best Buddies like Arushi,” said sophomore Elyse Howard.

“She always says hi to me, and she’s so funny.”

Throughout the year, Best Buddies hosts a variety of events to raise funds and spread awareness every month. The first event is

PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | features | 15

designer – naTALIE KERR

FRIEND IN ME “It’s almost as if the students become

big brother or sister to these kids, but they really become friends. I’ve seen it really take off where the kids are still friends to this day – it’s beautiful.”

– CAROLINE MEDINA a Halloween party in late October. It is at Kate Jackson Park, where the buddy pairs get matched and introduced to each other.

“The kids all dress up, and it’s really fun,” said club president junior Lily Bonbrest. “It gives the buddies and the students an opportunity to

meet and get to know each other.”

Then in November, Best Buddies hosts a Thanksgiving picnic. Everyone in the club goes to a park and brings something to eat, like turkey, mashed potatoes and other traditional Thanksgiving foods. There is also a Thanksgiving potluck after school, where all the members bring a dish to share.

“We all have a picnic and play games, and just hang out and be thankful for each other,” said Medina. “It’s like a big Thanksgiving feast.”

In December, the club holds a cookie and gingerbread decorating party. It is hosted by Bonbrest this year.

“We celebrate the holidays with fun foods and treats and games,” said Bonbrest. “It’s fun to organize the event and even more fun to watch it all come together.”

From January to May, there are many other events, including a Friendship Ball and a Friendship Walk.

“By that time, most people have

already begun to form friendships on their own,” said Medina. “They exchange their phone numbers with each other and form their own friendships, and it just takes off from there.

They’ll go shopping, to the movies or just hang out.”

All or most of the kids in Best Buddies do Special Olympics. Special Olympics is another way to get both kids with and without disabilities involved. It is the largest sports organization for people with disabilities.

“One of my favorite events all year is Special Olympics,” senior Troy Burkhart said. “This is my fourth year in Best Buddies, and it has been such a great experience.”

To everyone involved, Best Buddies is not just a club. Students become real friends with their buddies and get to know all of their unique personalities.

“Their happiness just makes my day,” Medina said. “Arushi’s contagious laugh, or Bryan saying the weirdest craziest things, or Nathan running around calling me a millionaire, is what makes this job so worth it. If it weren’t for them, I probably wouldn’t be teaching.”

– ADDIE ROBEY

Above: Seeing her friend sophomore Hunter Clanton at a nearby cafeteria table, sophomore Sarajeanne Russell greets him ahead of the Best Buddies meeting Sept.

26. Each student was assigned a Buddy for the year, who they meet up with for lunch and visit during classes. – VENDELA BUSBEE Left: Reaching out to sophomore Lauren Webster, freshman Chiara Melcher greets her during the Best Buddies club meeting Sept. 26 in the cafeteria. The club was originally founded by Anthony Shriver who was inspired by his Aunt Rosemary Kennedy . – VENDELA BUSBEE

16 | Advertisements | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

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PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | spotlight | 17

the health issue

A note from the editor

T

his edition of the Pep O’ Plant discusses topics related to health issues and developmental challenges teenagers may face. These subjects – drug abuse, use of e-cigarettes, sexual health and mental health – often carry a stigma that can lead to them being ignored, even though education and awareness of such things is vital to adolescent well-being. We’ve spoken to health professionals and school officials to identify how these issues fit in to the local community, and what is being done about them. Read more on pages 17-23. – NATALIE KERR

Drug abuse

A

s more people become aware of teen drug usage, administrators and school officials want students to be aware of ways they can seek help.

“We definitely try to be a liaison with whatever the treatment options or if they need counseling or rehab, depending on the severity of the situation,” said Leland Schardt school social worker. “We are here to support.”

Assistant Principal Napolean Wade said that the school’s approach to drug-related issues has changed since student Katie Golden passed away of heroin overdose in 2017.

“We’ve extended it to the guidance counselors, the teachers and the administrative staff to be more open and accepting to students coming

school officials duscuss teen drug use

to them, and then talking to the students about this whole snitching police, because that’s what kids are abiding by these days,” Wade said.

Golden’s mother Dawn also shared her story at this year’s Narcoticas Overdose and Prevention Education presentation given to sophomores to teach consequences of drug usage.

Principal Johnny Bush said that it is difficult to completely crack down on drug use in schools.

“What we are relying on is for people be good role models,” Bush said. “I think the most powerful tool that we have is the tool of kids doing the right thing.”

Joseph Perno, a pediatric emergency medicine phycisian at All Children’s Hospital, noted

some problems with the current state of care for teen drug abuse.

“There’s probably more that could be done,” Perno said. “I don’t feel comfortable from that aspect of finding appropriate resources for people because they’re just not out there.”

Perno said he sees kids come into the emergency room for drug related issues that are typically not a chronic substance abuse problem, but rather related to recreational use.

“You always run the risk of overdose with drug use, and especially problems resulting from decreased awareness in a drugged state.”

Perno said. –GRAHAM HILL Ava Nelson and Hartley Hill contributed to this report.

Health Effects of Substance Use on Teens Drug users displayed deficiency in memory and difficulty learning and processing information.

Cognitive impairments due to drug abuse can limit academic success

Percent of Florida teens who used the following drugs in a 30 day-period

Marijuana use can lead to high school and college dropout and severe mental health problems

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Binge Dri

Nicotine addiction can increase the risk of addiction to other drugs Using drugs may cause hallucinations, amnesia, depression and anxiety Long-term use can damage the brain and may lead to long-lasting anxiety and depression.

Heavy drinking can cause lliver disease, which can

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21.2%

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ountOver-The-C .8% -1 gs u Dr er

Source – Center for Disease Control

tion Pain Prescrip -1.4% Relievers

racke or C Cocain 0.5%

Heroine0.1% LSD, PCP and Mushrooms1.1% Methamphetamine0.4%

Cigarettes 3.5%

Graphic by Alexis Alvarez Source – 2018 Florida Youth Subtance Abuse Survey

18 | Advertisements | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

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PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | spotlight | 19

designer - Natalie kerr

mental health Administrators, professionals share mental health resources

D

espite stigma that students struggling with mental health issues have no one to turn to, resources are available for student health both at the school and professional level.

At the school level, social worker Leland Schardt and school psychologist Jim Landers are on-campus, free resources for all students.

Along with in person support, students can seek help anonymously and over the phone by calling 211, a referral service that can be used during immediate crisis or to find more information.

“Sometimes kids come to us, sometimes parents come to us, sometimes friends come to us and say we are really concerned about someone,” Landers said. “Often times though, kids come to us with one problem, like schoolwork or feeling stressed out, and then these other pieces of the puzzle come into play. As we look at how we can help this piece, we learn about other pieces of the puzzle, so we try to help them with all those pieces to settle the lines back down to let them have a little more control.”

Professionally, according to the medical director of psychiatry at John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Mark Cavitt, there are many different types of support for adolescents. Cavitt recommends considering only evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, most appropriate for anx-

in 2017, there were an estimated 1.3 million suicide attempts

iety disorders, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, used for mood regulation, and Interpersonal therapy, proven to treat depression.

Along with therapies, FDA-approved psychotropic medicines are available to be used in conjunction with therapies. Despite stigmas, medicines and counseling are typically on time-limited models that aim to stabilize symptoms of the disorder, Cavitt said.

“I think the other myth about psychotropic meds is that they somehow fundamentally change the people on, what their personalities are like,” Cavitt said. “The medications don’t make you somebody else. I would argue that they simply help you be yourself without anxiety, without depression, without psychosis.

They don’t change one’s fundamental personality or being.”

Cavitt recommends seeking help if symptoms are repeatedly interfering with life functions, such as maintaining friendships, in different settings.

“We all have anxiety, we should all have anxiety because that’s functional and normal,” Cavitt said. “But when you have too much anxiety that it interferes with function, then that may be the key sign that it’s time to get some help.” – ALEXIS PERNO

Jessie Larrinaga and Hartley Hill contributed to this report.

WHite Males accounted for 7 of 10 suicides in 2016

in 2017 47,173 Americans died by suicide

Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2017

Suicide rates in america ON average, there are 129 suicides per day.

Source – Center for Disease Control

who to talk to »»JIM LANDERS – School Psychologist, Located in the Guidance Office

»»LEILAND SHARDT – Social Worker, located in the Guidance Office

»»CONNECT MENTORING PROGRAM – 50 adult mentors available for one on one aid for teenagers.

Students must be recommended for the program by a guidance counselor, social worker, school psychologist or teachers

»»NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE – Call 1-800-273-8255 to be connected with a center for emotional support and crisis services

»»THERAPISTS – available upon paid appointment that can be covered by insurance in some cases

20 | spotlight | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

designer - laura alvarez

E-cigarette use rises among teens, school officials discuss initiatives, consequences

S

chool vaping incidents have increased ‘tremendously’, resource officer Mark Holloway says, but studies reveal that vaping isn’t just a local problem.

Nationally, the Food and Drug Administration reports that e-cigarette use has increased 78 percent in high schools from 2017 to 2018, and 48 percent among middle schools for the same time range.

“A lot of the middle schoolers are getting involved, which carries over into high school,” Holloway said. “It’s not just Plant, it’s everywhere. Not just in this city. It’s everywhere.”

The Food and Drug Administration is now working to regulate the use of vapes and e-liquids, which is the fluid found in vapes that often contains nicotine. The FDA has now implemented a national advertisement campaign designed to influence teens to avoid e-cigarettes by using social media-based tactics, such as YouTube ads aimed at adolescents aged 12 to 17.

The FDA is also trying to prevent companies like JUUL from marketing their products to teens via use of “kid-friendly” flavors, such as mango and bubblegum.

Warning letters and penalty fines were distributed in Sept. to companies who illegally sold vape products to minors.

“The vaping product hasn’t been very well controlled, so one of the main dangers is that we don’t know what’s in all of these solutions and things that are sold,” Reese said. “So even now that the FDA is trying to control that more ... they’ve been finding particles in the liquid that when inhaled it can go to different parts of your lungs

and cause breathing problems long-term. Other cancer-causing substances are being found, and they can’t be seen directly in the liquid.”

SCHOOL RESPONSE Assistant principal Napoleon Wade said that the administration is doing everything it can to prevent vaping, such as having teachers go into student bathrooms, and that teachers are also trying to be more conscious of what students are doing in class.

“The kids become more and more ... clever to try and hide things,” Wade said. “You can have kids going into bathroom stalls together ... just to get a buzz off of something. They’re willing to risk their whole reputation just to get a buzz that lasts maybe an hour.”

Wade also noted that, in his experience, he’s seen that students who vape with nicotine products are more likely to try different, harder substances.

“Now students have gone from vaping, using tobacco and nicotine products,” Wade said. “They’re now, most times, trying other drugs like marijuana and then prescription drugs.”

Wade also said that he believes students should try to consider the effect that their actions have on the people around them.

“Kids need to understand that they shouldn’t cause stress to people, and that’s what they’re doing,” Wade said. “We have more things to do than run into the bathrooms all day long.”

CONSEQUENCES The legal consequences of vaping vary based upon the number of

offenses and the contents the vape contains.

Officer Mark Holloway said that students who are seen vaping on campus are required to fulfill a smoking program that costs $30 and another class that is $15 if the vape contains tobacco only. In the courses, students learn about the effects of tobacco, and the offense does not go on their permanent record.

If the student commits a second offense with a tobacco vape, consequences escalate to fines and possible license suspension according to Holloway.

If the vape is found to contain THC, the student is required to complete the juvenile avoidance program and is charged with a misdemeanor. If the program is completed, they do not have to appear in court. For the second offense, the student will be arrested.

Although not a school policy, some coaches have implemented rules removing athletes who vape under the legal age limit.

“Students being kicked off is not a rule that the school had,” principal Johnny Bush said. “The coach controls the team, and if the coach makes it known upfront that that will not be accepted and will not be tolerated, I don’t tell the coach how to coach their team or run their team.”

School punishments for vaping range from two days of in-school suspension to up to 10 days of EPIC. “All we can do is try to prevent them from getting onto campus,” Holloway said. “It’s just up to the students to govern themselves accordingly and show some respect.”

– JESSIE LARINAGA

HEALTH EFFECTS According to adolescent health specialist Jasmine Reese, the receptors in a developing adolescent’s brain handle nicotine and tobacco products in harmful ways.

“One of the things nicotine does is that it looks very similar to your brain’s natural chemicals and it can bind to the receptors ... and make your brain want more of that unnatural substance,” Reese said.

Reese also discussed the fact that many teens believe that vaping has none of the same health risks as smoking traditional cigarettes.

“We are learning now that there are a lot of similarities,” Reese said. “We don’t know what’s in each of these vapes, but in a lot of them we’ve been finding substances that are very harmful to health.”

Reese said that along with cancer-causing substances being discovered in vapes, metals such as nickel and tin are present in refined particles that can travel to lungs and cause long-term breathing problems.

Along with respiratory issues, the American Heart Association reported in a 2017 medical journal that e-cigarette use is connected to the development of cardiovascular disease, although effects are less pronounced than traditional cigarettes.

“The vaping product hasn’t been very well controlled, so one of the main dangers is that we don’t know what’s in all of these solutions and things that are sold,” Reese said. – JESSIE LARINAGA Alexis Perno, Kate Caranante and Graham Hill contributed to these reports.

designer - laura alvarez

PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | spotlight | 21

VAPE MUCH? Youth in 2015 who used an e-cigarette in the past 30 days who also used another tobacco product in the same time frame

63%

60%

of Juul users did not know it contains nicotine

25.3%

65.2%

Teens who incorrectly reported e-cigarettes as being compromised of mostly flavoring

Middle & high school students that tried e-cigarettes because of appealing flavors

use of e-cigarettes in middle & high school

5.9%

11.7% 2017

Source – truthinitiative.org

Mouth: soreness, dryness and tongue inflammation Throat: dryness and irritation

Heart & Circulation: chest pain, breathing problems, increased heart rate

3.3% 0.6%

of all e-cigarettes sold at convienence stores & similar outlets contain nicotine

vaping side effects 2011

MIDDLE SCHOOL

98.7%

43%

High school students in 2015 who used any form of a tobacco product

High school students in 2015 who used e-cigarettes exclusively

PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS

rez

1.5%

Stomach: nausea

HIGH SCHOOL graphics by laura alvarez Source – vapingdaily.com

22 | Advertisements | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

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designer - laura alvarez

PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | spotlight | 23

sex education More Health visits HOPE classes to discuss sexual health

A

representative from More Health visited Dec. 3 to discuss sexual health with HOPE

classes.

Hillsborough is one of 15 counties that has adopted a health policy that includes a comprehensive reproductive and sexual health education curriculum, according to the Florida Department of Education.

Although it is abstinence-based, the curriculum includes discussion of prevention methods but focuses on promoting abstinence as the only complete guarantee to avoid STDs and pregnancy.

According to More Health representative Jeanne Rowe, the safest form of sex involves dual protection, typically in the form of a condom and birth control.

“What I think happens is if parent hears ‘safe sex’, and I know I’ve felt the same way as a parent, what they think is we’re saying it’s okay, and that’s not what we’re saying,” Rowe, who has been working at More Health for 17 years, said. “We’re saying abstinence is the only 100 percent guarantee but if some-

one is not gonna wait, then we need to look at safe sex.”

According to HOPE instructor and sex education county committee member Carrie Mahon said that Hillsborough county has the highest increasing number of HIV cases statewide.

“So that’s a little bit alarming,” Mahon said. “It’s one of those deals where I think most teenagers feel like it’s a subcategory that won’t affect them, but actually teenagers that are contracting HIV is really on the rise.”

Among teens, the most common STD is chlamydia, which causes infertility but is curable with an antibiotic.

70 percent of people with chlamydia don’t experience any symptoms, Rowe said.

“Someone that has sexual activity, they need to be tested once a year because they might not have symptoms,” Rowe said. “It’s very possible they could have an STD if they’ve been sexually active.”

– ALEXIS PERNO Addie Robey and Kate Caranante contributed to this report.

STD Rates 8% 21%

Increase of HIV diagnoses in 2014 to 2016 among people of all ages statewide (Florida Department of Health)

People ages 13 to 24 in the United States who were diagnosed with HIV in 2016. (Florida Department of Health) Cases of chlamydia among a population of 100,000 15 to 19-year-olds in 2016.

1,929 STDs reported each 10 million New year that were among (cdc.gov)

young people ages 15 to 24.

(cdc.gov)

Sex Ed comparison Florida

California

– Abstinence as the only certain way to avoid pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS – The consequences of teenage pregnancy – The health benefits and side effects of contraception and condoms – Responsible decision-making, communication, and relationship skills – The importance of family-child communication

– Protect sexual and reproductive health from HIV and other STIs and from unintended pregnancy – Develop healthy attitudes concerning adolescent growth and development, body image, gender, sexual orientation, relationships, marriage, and family – Have healthy, positive, and safe relationships and behaviors – Promote understanding of sexuality as a normal part of human development

Source – fldoe.org

Source – cde.ca.gov

24 | Advertisements | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

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PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | Advertisements | 25

LESSONS

designer - isabella ank

26 | opinions | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

Treat Yourself Teens should pay attention to their health, seek out assistance

Staff Editorial

U

ndoubtedly, one of the most important aspects of a person’s life is their health – be it mental or physical. While perfect health is ideal, this is not the case for many. For countless individuals, professional care is required to deal with the issue, and teenagers should not feel ashamed to seek this help.

One of the most stigmatized aspects of a person’s well-being is their mental health.

For years, those who suffered from mental health problems received lackadaisical care.

Thankfully, due to the work of countless charities and campaigns, this subject is not as taboo as it once was.

As reported by the World Health Organization, one out of four people will suffer from a type of mental disorder in their life.

Because problems pertaining to mental health are very common, people who are in need of assistance should not feel ashamed to seek it. Besides, there are millions who are in the same boat.

It is important to realize, however, that with treatments regarding mental health one size does not fit all. A treatment that works for one person may not work for

another. For example, going to a therapist such as HIV. From 2007 to 2016, there has could possibly help a patient deal with been a 23 percent increase in HIV diagnoses their anxiety, while someone else may find in Hillsborough County, according to the speaking to a therapist to be completely Tampa Bay Times. ineffective.

Teenagers should ask trusted adults or However, if a certain treatment does not doctors about questions regarding sexual seem to be helping, other options can be health. Being informed will help prevent explored. sexually transmitted diseases There are countless (STD’s) unplanned pregtreatments available to those nancies and more. who need them; therapy is ...people who As seen with both the just the tip of the iceberg. cases of mental and sexuBesides seeing a therapist are in need of al health, the taboo sur(which can also be costrounding it is a common, ly), there are also support assistance should persistent problem. Stigma, groups, 24-hour hotlines, according to the Center for and doctor-prescribed med- not feel ashamed Disease Control and Preications. vention, will result in disIn addition to mental to seek it. crimination and ineffective health, sexual health plays a or limited treatment options great role in one’s wellbeing for those who need it. and is also somewhat of a There are actions that taboo topic. Despite this, it everyone can take to reduce remains an important area for people – both stigma. For example, instead of shunning young and old – to be educated in. someone for having a certain condition, take It is especially imperative for teenagers the time to understand that person’s feelto be aware of the risk of contracting STD’s, ings. Countless possible circumstances may

be responsible for a person’s health issues.

It is everyone’s responsibility to try to avoid discounting people’s health concerns as much as possible. These issues are not just limited to a minor group of people; they affect many.

Moreover, it is dangerous to minimize the problems a person may be experiencing.

What may seem like a meager issue may develop into something worse.

Taking the first steps to learning more about or improving one’s health could be awkward or unpleasant. In the end, however, it is worth taking these first steps.

Additionally, it is important to note that recovery is not an overnight event, but rather a process that also requires the effort of the person trying to get better.

Students should take advantage of the resources they have available to improve their health, no matter what kind of problem they are having. They should avoid minimizing their problems, instead realizing that every problem needs to be dealth with, no matter how small they think it may be.

So are you sure everything is alright?

Yes, um...I’m fine.

Chloe-Amelie Aikman

PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | opinions | 27

designer - carter hamlin

Art by Ariana Cimino

Who should regulate E Cigarettes? s cigarettes and other smoking devices are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so should e-cigarettes.

FDA regulations can only make e-cigarettes safer for those wanting to quit smoking, which is their intended use.

The FDA has the power to regulate what products are sold to minors, like alcohol. People under 18 cannot buy cigarettes, and e-cigs should not be in their hands either, which qualifies for intervention of government regulations.

With proper marketing and regulations, the government can reinforce the stoppage of cigarette use for a nicotine-free generation.

To contest the monumental youth involvement with vaporizers, the FDA can hinder adolescent-geared advertising, make them expensive, like cigarettes, and alter the sale and display of e-cigs.

Nicotine in e-cigarettes can increase one’s heart rate and affect the development of the prefrontal cortex, causing attention disorder and lack of impulse control. The chemicals found in flavored e-cigsare associated with lung diseases. Other components in them, like propylene and glycerol, can form into formaldehyde when heated by a vaporizer, as determined from the Harvard health department.

The government calls for regulation of cigarettes and not e-cigs because of the disease and death rates from tobacco. E-cigarettes have no morbid reports like regular cigarettes, which doesn’t necessarily provoke government involvement. t Although e-cigarettes are a better option over cigarettes, the government should be involved to assure they meet safety standards. The FDA can ensure handling e-cigs safely and require warning labels.

It is only in consumers’ best interest to have government regulation for quality control and safe consumption. With this, manufacturers will have to provide the FDA with the ingredients in the vaporizers and approve new products to ensure that everything is safe. – KATIE VALENTI

FDA should not regulate e-cigarette companies

E

-cigarette companies should not be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. These regulations will cause negative effects on people who work in this industry, and they are unnecessary if consumers use common sense.

The FDA requires that all tobacco products that meet their requirements, including all electronic nicotine delivering systems, to display a nicotine warning, so the consumer is responsible for evaluating the consequences of e-cigarettes.

The FDA’s regulations will reduce the chances of current smokers to quit by limiting the number of products on the market. A study by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine on current versus former smokers found that the largest demographic of e-cigarette users is former smokers.

These regulations on e-cigarette companies will cause many people in small businesses to lose their jobs. The president of the American Vaping Association, Gregory Conley, confirmed that small businesses will face unemployment while larger tobacco companies will gain a greater hold on the market.

The FDA’s regulation of e-cigarettes will largely affect former smokers. According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the percentage of use of e-cigarettes was the highest in 45-64 year-olds who quit in the past 1-3 years.

However, e-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals and cause detrimental effects to the body’s health. Although this may be true, studies by the BioMed Central show that e-cigarettes do less damage, especially to the lungs, than traditional cigarette smoke.

E-cigarettes have proven to be significantly less harmful than smoking traditional combustible cigarettes. A study by the BMC has shown that they are much less toxic to surfactant, an important protein in the lungs, compared to regular cigarettes. –ADDIE ROBEY

con

Pro

A

FDA should regulate e-cigarettes

28 | Advertisements | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

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designer - laura alvarez

30 | opinions | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

Starbucks Releases

HH liday Drinks oliday season has arrived which means America’s popular coffee brand has come out with their festive drinks. The three featured drinks on the Starbucks website for this holiday season are caramel brulée latte, peppermint mocha and toasted white chocolate mocha. Let’s find out whether these drinks are worth the 5 dollars.

Every year Starbucks creates new designs used for their holiday cups. Red, green and white were some colors featured.

The designs were very plain, and the detailing was not impressive. Previous year cups have had animals drawn on them and they had far more detailing. The cups are not very cheerful.

PEPPERMINT MOCHA FRAPPUCCINO The peppermint mocha frappuccino. The name says it all. The peppermint mocha flavor was present and delicious.

Chocolate mint candy tastes exactly like the drink.

The drink is a great drink to order to cool off from the hot Florida weather. According to Starbucks, the drink is a holiday classic made with their signature espresso, steamed milk, sweet mocha sauce and peppermint-flavored syrup.

It’s all topped off with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls. The dark chocolate curls are a nice added touch to spruce up the whipped cream.

Starbucks did not lie about the drink description. The drink is a perfect match for chocoholics.

Rating: 5/ 5

PEPPERMINT WHITE CHOCOLATE MOCHA Similar to the peppermint mocha frappuccino is the peppermint white mocha latte. This drink is very well-balanced with the coffee and peppermint flavor. There is not too much of either flavor. The drink tastes like the white chocolate peppermint bark that grandma would bake in the kitchen. Sweetness is not an overpowering factor in the latte.

According to Starbucks, it is a holiday classic made with espresso, steamed milk, sweet mocha sauce and peppermint white chocolate-flavored syrup. Everything listed was true.

The latte is a creamy drink that can be used to spread holiday cheer.

Rating: 4/ 5

CARAMEL BRULéE LATTE

The caramel brulée latte has a creamy taste and a subtle caramel flavor. If a roasted fire was a drink, it would be this one. The drink has a bittersweet taste.

Starbucks says that the caramel brulée latte is luxuriously silky and sweet. They are right about the part of the drink being silky but, as for the sweet part, not so much. Starbucks is also right about mentioning that sipping the latte feels like a big, warm hug. This drink also left a bitter aftertaste.

Rating: 3/ 5

EGGNOG LATTE

The eggnog latte has a strong coffee flavor that overpowers the eggnog taste, although there are hints of milk present in the latte.

This drink is great for coffee lovers, but for hardcore eggnog fans this drink may be a letdown.

According to Starbucks, there is a sprinkle of nutmeg on top of the drink. That statement is certainly true.

The sprinkle of nutmeg is minimal. Nearby there was a look of disgust on a person who ordered the same drink. Their facial expression says it all.

Rating: 2/ 5

GINGERBREAD Latte The gingerbread latte is not sweet but also not bitter. It is somewhere in between. The gingerbread taste was not very strong. After taste of the drink is not satisfactory.

According to Starbucks, the drink is warm, steamed milk infused with the sweet spiciness of gingerbread flavors, whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg.

The nutmeg taste was there but it was not that noticeable. Starbucks is right about having a sweet spiciness of gingerbread in the drink. The latte is not bad; it is simply mediocre.

Rating: 2/ 5

– NICOLE PRUS

The three featured drinks on the Starbucks website for this holiday season are caramel brulée latte, peppermint mocha and toasted white chocolate mocha. These drinks have been available since Nov. 1 – NICOLE PRUS

Graphics by Caton Gonzalez

PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | opinions | 31

designer - laura alvarez

Taco Dirty keeps it clean New restaurant Taco Dirty hits all the marks

T

aco Dirty is the newest addition of the Ciccio Restaurant Group, and so far, it’s been a big success.

Walking in, I was struck by the buzzing atmosphere. Loud music and neon pink lights on the ceiling, avocado sculptures on the walls, and a big neon sign that says, “Tacos, yes. You, maybe,” are the most noticeable features.

The menu includes both vegan and gluten-free options yet is very complicated because it has so many different choices. The line to get food was up to the door, but that gives you enough time to fully go over the menu and have an order prepared.

The restaurant’s concept is similar to that of Fresh Kitchen – where you go through and pick a base, a veggie, a protein, two add-ons and a sauce – which makes sense because they are part of the same group.

The food itself was very flavorful. The avocado rice is definitely a popular choice, and for good reason. The grilled lime chicken was seasoned well, and the green poblano sauce was refreshing with hints of basil and cilantro.

The only food item that wasn’t up to par was the sweet potato hash, which I found to have an unpleasant texture.

People in the restaurant were friendly, and there is one long table in the center of the dining area with enough barstools to sit multiple groups. This allowed strangers to start up conversations, giving off an overall family-friendly and welcoming environment.

I would recommend Taco Dirty to anyone who enjoys Mexican cuisine and a fun vibe that is a nice break from the stress of daily life.

– JESSIE LARRINAGA

Food Guide 1. Avocado Rice: Avocado mixed in with white rice that has a blend of complimentary flavors.

Rating: 5/5 2. Grilled Lime Chicken: Grilled pieces of chicken with lime and spices that taste not overwhelming but flavorful.

Rating: 5/5 3. Green Poblano Sauce: Green sauce with basil and cilantro, a bit spicy but overall fresh tasting.

Rating: 4/5 4. Sweet Potato Hash: Kind of mushy sweet potatoes cooked to be like hash browns that would be better if they were more crispy.

Rating 3/5

Displaying choices of protein or vegetables in neon colors, Taco Dirty’s menu includes everything from vegan to gluten free options. The ordering area was created with a similar setup to Fresh Kitchen, as it is owned by the same Ciccio Restaurant Group. – VENDELA BUSBEE

32 | Advertisements | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

B E C O M E

A

C A M P U S

R E P

A p p l y a t w w w. d o r m - d e c o r. c o m

NATIONALLY COMMITTED TO YOU 17 students sign letters of intent

Right after assistant principal Lauren Otero declares the 2019 athletes, the 17 students sign their National Letter of Intent to pursue their academic and athletic career at a collegiate level Nov. 14 in the media center. A reception was held afterwards in celebration of the athletes.– PAOLA LABORDA

F

ollowing an introduction by their coaches, each of the 17 seniors signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at their respective universities Nov. 14.

“It’s a great feeling to know all the hard work has paid off,” Logan Morrissey, who will be attending the Air Force Academy for basketball, said.

The students were set up at a table in the Media Center in front of their family, coaches, teammates and friends.

Each student gave a speech thanking those that have helped them along their journey.

“It’s such a relief,” Anna Williams said. “There is so much pressure taken off, knowing where I’m going, what I’m doing and who I’m going to be with.”

Williams, Kathleen Rice and Sydney Urban all signed scholarships for crew. Williams will be attending the University of North Carolina, Rice will continue her career at the University of Tennesse and Urban will be moving on to

the University of Central Florida.

“It’s such a big relief because I finally know where I’m going and to know that all my hard work is coming to an actual goal,” Rebecca Gibson said.

Six lacrosse players, including Gibson who will be attending Florida Southern College, signed their letters of intent. Daniel Schouler will be playing collegiate lacrosse at the University of Montevallo, and teammates Drew Mayts and Charley Brannan will play at Mercer University and Grove City College, respectively.

Lexi Ashby will be continuing her path with lacrosse at the University of Florida, while teammate Kristina Longo will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

“It honestly means the world to me, you really just want to see that end result,” Jack Casey said. “I know the journey is stressful, but you want to make sure that when you’re putting all this time and effort into something. You see it really come to life. Going to such a great school and being

able to really show my talent is awesome.”

Casey will be playing soccer next year at Dartmouth College and Ansley Melendi will be playing soccer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

A trio of baseball players, Gabe Rincones, JD Urso and Leo Oshinski, will be heading to St. Petersburg College, and volleyball player Camryn Vogler will be attending Florida Atlantic University.

“I’m just happy that I’ve managed to maintain my passion for it because a couple of years ago I wasn’t even thinking I was going to continue swimming, much less continue into college,” senior Alyssa Nagle, who will be attending the Naval Academy, said. “That’s my greatest personal achievement, just continuing to keep my love up for the sport, and I’m beyond grateful to continue it at such an amazing school as the Naval Academy.” – KATE CARANANTE

FOR more PICTURES AND A FULL LIST OF who signed where, VISIT Phsnews.com

designer - natalie kerr

34 | sports | PO’P DECEMBER 2018

SPORTS UPDATE

RECAP OF FALL SPORTS SEASON BEFORE WINTER SPORTS COMMENCE

Senior running back Walter Wilbon III runs the ball at Viera High School Nov. 16, resulting in a first down for the varsity team. Varsity football made it to the regional final this season, where they lost to Lakeland High School.

– MAIZIE TREMBLAY

FOOTBALL Varsity football finished the season with a 11-2 record, won the district championship, and made it to the regional final.

“The biggest accomplishment always just to play to the best of your abilities, and I felt like we did that often, and I feel like we did that overall,” head coach Robert Weiner Although their season ended before the team could make it to Orlando for the State Championship game, they are left with the memories and bonds formed during the season.

“The thing that I love the most is how close we all got with each other even though the team was based on transfers,” senior running back Walter Wilbon III said.

– KATE CARANANTE

After the game ended, junior linebacker Dorian Ice celebrates the win 39-18 at Viera High School Nov. 16. Winning this game allowed the varsity team to advance to the Regional Finals against Lakeland High School. – MAIZIE TREMBLAY

DANCEROS

Besides being in the stands every Friday night for the football games, the Danceros team also competed alongside the marching band at the Lion’s Pride Invitational where they received a Superior from the judges.

“We all really quickly and smoothly transition onto the field,” senior Abigail Kim said.

“Then, we do our routine. Awards are right after, and every time Plant gets an award, we do a

fun chant. It was a great way to end the year off.”

On Thanksgiving Day, the seniors on the team had the opportunity to perform live at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.54 “It was fun,” Kim said. “At the time, it was awful we were all shivering couldn’t feel our faces, but it’s fun looking back on it now.”

– KATE CARNANTE

Performing during halftime, senior Abby Boe dances alongside her Dancero teammates Oct. 5. The Danceros danced to the song “Go Girl” by Pitbull at Dad’s Stadium. – MADISON WHITE

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PO’P DECEMBER 2018 | sports | 35

Boys golf finished their season undefeated, going 13-0 in the regular season.

“We’re a pretty good team,” said junior Mac Suber. “We beat everyone all the time.”

The boys moved on and won districts with a score of 296 and then moved onto regionals where they won with a score of 308. When they got to states they placed tenth.

“We didn’t play very good at states,” sophomore Harrison Harper said. “But it was a lot of fun because I was with all my friends.”

Girls golf season came to an end

with a nearly perfect record of 7-1 with many improved scores from the team.

“The season was a fun season,” sophomore Annika Johnson said.

“As a team we grew and became closer this year.”

Coach Tom Feeney led the girls to a second place finish at districts and fourth place at regionals.

“My golf team succeeded in defeating most of our competitors this season, and we all scored very well,” sophomore Leila Ossi said. – HARTLEY HILL

TOP RIGHT: On the putting green, sophomore Elissa Tobin aims at the hole to finish the play at MacDill Airforce Base Monday, Sept. 24. The girls golf went nearly undefeated 7-1 this season under coach Tom Feeney. – PAOLA LABORDA BOTTOM RIGHT: After taking a shot, freshman Claudia Hofmeister places the club back into her bag at Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club Sept. 13.

The girls golf team are undefeated with a record of 3-0. – PAOLA LABORDA LEFT: During a match against Sickles on Sept. 7, junior Hunter Holloway watches the ball post-stroke. Boys golf went undefeated in the regular season this year, and placed tenth at state finals. – SABRINA PAREDES

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

The boys cross country team wrapped up their season with PRs from many runners and sub-17 times from the top seven. They became district runner ups while also grabbing fourth place at regionals and seventh at states.

Under coach Mike Boza, the team finished seventh at the FHSAA 4A State Championship with a score of 214. \ “We came together throughout the season, closing it down at districts and regionals and throwing down some fast times,” Thomas said.

Thomas led the team, coming in seventh with a PR of 16:10. Freshman Ryan Maney also got a PR (16:53), coming in 49th, with juniors William Carlson, Keith Gibson and Tristan Vanhorn and seniors Eric Romo and Aidan Reilly following. – HARTLEY HILL During the boys cross country meet, junior Mackey Jones works to pass opponents during the race Sept. 25. Boys cross country made it to state finals, and placed 11th as a team.

– ALEA JENNINGS

At the sound of the gun, the members of the boys cross country team dash through puddles at the start of the varsity race Sept. 25. The boys placed first at the meet with a score of 24. – ALEA JENNINGS

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Momma we made it

To STate

girls swim

The girls swim team both moved on from districts to regionals, and then were able to move on to states, where the girls placed fourth in the state.

“As the season when on we became closer and more of a team,” sophomore Kerry Tankersley said.

“It was better because we were able to motivate each other to do better.”

Fall Sports teams compete in state championships AS SEASONS FINISH

girls CROSS COUNTRY The team was able to send 13 athletes to the state meet, where they all swam in finals and scored points. Ella Bathurst placed first in the girls 100-yard breast and the girls 200-yard medley relay also placed first overall.

“Our biggest accomplishment was to move that many kids to states,” coach Gil Gonzalez said.

– KATE CARANANTE

For the 11th time in his coaching career, Roy Harrison led the girls cross-country team to a state title, with a score of 118 and the girls averaging 19:24.

“Our team was really young,” freshman Mary Ellen Eudaly said. “Coming out, everyone was really motivated to do their best because we were all hoping to win the state championship.”

During States, Eudaly lead the team by coming in eighth place with a time of 18:29.

Following her was freshman Arlie Rubin in 20th place, junior Olivia Manno in 22nd, sophomore Sarah Weber in 45th, sophomore Lily Fitzgerald in 62nd, sophomore Hartley Hill in 92nd and junior Alixandra Rubin in 103rd.

“It was really cool to see the whole team come out,” Eudaly said. “Everyone wasn’t working for a PR for themselves but was working for the team.” – KATE CARANANTE

Preparing to go underwater, sophomore Ella Marlow takes a breath.

Marlow finished seventh in the women’s 200-yard breaststroke at the Swimming County Championship Friday, Oct. 5. – PAOLA LABORDA

While navigating the swampy grounds at Al Lopez Park, senior Lainey Markman paces off freshman Sophia Fournier in the Western Hillsborough Invitational Sept. 25.

The two contributed to the junior varsity team’s score of 24, placing them first in the meet. – ALEA JENNINGS

VOLLEYBALL

Jumping in celebration, junior Birdie Frierson throws up her arms after the girls varsity team won the first set 19-25 in the gym Nov. 6. The girls finished their season as district champions and state runner ups. – VENDELA BUSBEE

The girls varsity volleyball team wrapped up their season with a second place finish in the 8A State Finals, a win at A District 8 and 8A Region 2 Finals, and a season record of 27-2.

The team travelled to Fort Myers Nov. 15 to face Fort Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas in the 8A FHSAA Girls Volleyball State Championship. They came up short with a match score of 3-1.

“I think going into it we were really prepared, and we had practiced and worked hard the weeks leading up, and it was just kind of getting over the mentality that the past few years hadn’t gone our way when we had played St. Thomas Aquinas in the finals,” junior Haile Gould said. – HARTLEY HILL

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WINTER SPORTS ARE COMING

teams prepare for competitive season.

Basketball

Boys and girls basketball hosted their tryouts beginning of November.

Girls varsity will compete in the Naples Holiday Shootout over winter break , while the boys varsity team plays in both the Nature Coast and Clearwater Central Classic tournaments.

This year Plant will be hosting the boys district tournament Feb. 11-15.

1: As her opponent attempts to block the ball, junior Honor Culpepper takes a jump shot Tuesday, Nov. 27 at Tampa Bay Tech. The girls varsity baskebtall team won the game 45-40. – PAOLA LABORDA 2: Fighting for possession of the ball, senior Logan Morrissey is being blocked by an opponent from Tampa Bay Tech High School Tuesday, Nov. 27. The varsity boys basketball team lost 55-56 with just two seconds left when Tampa Bay Tech got a free throw and earned an extra point. – TEGAN FANNIN

soccer

Both boys and girls soccer teams began their seasons in November.

Varsity boys soccer won their first game against Durant High School with a 7-0 final score.

Varsity girls soccer won against Leto High School 8-0 Dec. 5 making them 7-1 for the season so far.

The teams will resume games after winter break, though practices will continue throughout.

1

3: Eyeing an open path, junior Ciaran O’Rourke dribbles through the competitor defense Nov. 15 at Dad’s Stadium. The boys soccer team beat Robinson High School 6-0. – GRACEN RIVERA

Cheer

This upcoming semester, the cheer leading team will be having multiple competitions and performances.

They will host a competition at Plant on January 16 for the first time in four years, and said they hope to return to the Western Conference competition and advance to states.

This year they have been practicing Monday through Wednesday and before school at seven am as well. Their coaches are Mrs. Yergey and Mrs. Gorman.

2

4: Hitting an extension in her elite stunt, freshman Raegan Williams prepares to corkscrew down Dec. 6.

The team took seventh out of nine teams at their second competition of the season, led by coaches Louise Yergey and Jenise Gorman. – KATY KASPER

wrestling

Wrestling competes in a tournament at Armwood High School Dec. 21 and 22, after The district tournament will be hosted by Plant Jan. 7.

They have been having morning conditioning as well as practices every day after school.

Jeremy Carter is their head coach, and Joshua McGary and Sally Shuster are the assistant coaches.

– CAROL KORNWORCEL

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