TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND PLANT | phsnews.com TAKING A STAND TAKINGPEP A O’ STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING TAKING A STAND A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING PAGES A STAND TAKING A STAND 16 &17 TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND2017 TAKING A STAND December | Volume 91TAKING | IssueA3STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND A STAND| 2415 TAKING STAND TAKING A STAND H.B. PlantTAKING High School S.AHimes Ave. Tampa, FLTAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND TAKING A STAND
Contents News 04 What You Missed 06 Angel Tree 08 Marching to First 10 When the Bell Rings Features 17 12-13 Odd One Out of
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the Herd Call of the Wild Turkey
14 18-19 Strength through Culture
Spotlight 16-17 Taking a Stand Opinions 22 The United States of Gun Control The Naked Truth Holiday Film Season
23 24 Sports 26-27 The Voice of 30-31
Football Sports Spotlight
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30 2 Table of Contents | PO’P December 2017
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Staff
PEP O’ PLANT | phsnews.com Editors-in-Chief
Savannah Lowry Jacob Robinson
Copy Editors Jake Criser Natalie Kerr Holding a homemade sign, Spanish teacher Alberto Rivera participates in the downtown Tampa protest on Nov.14, in support of teachers. “If you want something done you have to do it yourself,” Rivera said.
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PO’P
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PO’P December 2017 | Information
3
Brief breakdown of local, state, national and international news
Local Police apprehend serial killer suspect The hunt for the murderer who terrorized Seminole Heights may have come to an end. Howell Emmanuel Donaldson III is suspected of committing four homicides between Oct. 9 and Nov. 14. Donaldson was arrested on Nov. 29 after bringing a gun to an Ybor City McDonald’s, his place of employment. He handed a bag containing a gun to his coworker and allegedly said he planned on leaving the state. “It obviously seems a lot safer in the streets now around Seminole Heights,” freshman Preston Urso said. “All the families can be at rest.” Donaldson is currently being held without bail. If convicted, Donaldson could face the death penalty. Briefs By Isabella Ank
State
Bill defies daylight savings time
A bill has been proposed that would eliminate Daylight Savings Time in Florida. Senator Greg Steube authored SB 858, which would end the practice of moving an hour forward in March and an hour back in November. While some may find this measure appealing, others have expressed concern. “I like having that one extra hour of sleep one day a year,” senior Emma Duff said. “It also separates the year into two distinct entities which makes me remember the seasons.” If this bill passes through legislature and gains Governor Rick Scott’s signature, Florida will join Hawaii and Arizona in their rejection of the bi-yearly time change. However, if passed, the bill won’t go into effect until Jan. 1, 2019.
Giving each other a pre-game pep talk, juniors Evan Passath and Fuller Saunders, get ready for the semi final game. Varsity football lost to Bartram Trail High School, ending their playoff run. Photo by Alea Jennings.
International
National
Free internet faces threat
Policies protecting net neutrality may be repealed under the jurisdiction of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Ajit Pai. Back in May, the FCC voted to advance Pai’s plan and the final vote to ratify this policy will take place on Dec. 14. “Basically, if the FCC repeals U.S. net neutrality, people lose access to a ton of information just because they can’t afford it,” junior Regan Borucke said. “The internet...allows us to share ideas and opinions about practically everything with people from all different perspectives.” Pai’s policy will cost Americans more money, as they will have to pay for different packages of websites. It could also hinder small business owners who use the Internet to grow their establishment.
PHOTOS of the QUARTER
United States Embassy gets new home
The Tel Aviv located United States embassy has been relocated to Jerusalem. President Trump announced his decision to move the embassy on Dec. 6. This action validates Israel’s claim to Jerusalem as a whole, despite Palestinians claiming the eastern sector of the city. Officials have warned that this action may damage any peace negotiations concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “Tensions will rise between both of the states throughout the PalestinianJerusalem area,” sophomore Trey Carlson said. Many fear that this change could spark even more violence to a region already at war. Despite the negative implications, the overall goal is promote the fostering of peace in the area.
4 News | PO’P December 2017
Teachers stand outside near the flagpole to protest the district school board. They stood outside the school for the last week of November and walked in at 7:10 a.m. to demonstrate they will not work outside of their contract hours. Photo by Alea Jennings.
Singing Hallelujah, the Pink Panthers A Capella group participate in the annual madrigals concert St. Mary’s Episcopal. All levels and branches of the chorus program performed. Photo Courtesy of Chorus.
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Project encourages staff and student organizations to present gifts to those in need
Hanging decorations, E-Board members Alyssa Stern and Kinley Larson, seniors and Peyton Purdy, junior, prepare the Angel Tree for the holiday season. Organizers of the Angel Tree program have asked that staff, clubs and sports purchase a gift for one or more of the adopted students or Angels from Madison Middle School and Tampa Bay Elementary. Photo by Madison White.
A
new addition to the Main Office is more than just idle decoration. Pinned to its walls are rows of green angel cutouts, each with a child’s holiday wish written on it, waiting to be picked up. Just outside the doors, a fully decorated Christmas tree – aptly named the Angel Tree – stands at attention. This year, instead of the “PLANTing the Seeds” project, clubs have been given the opportunity to choose from and provide the items on these slips as part of a seasonal charity. “It’s very important to me that NEHS be involved in service events that will benefit the community at large,” senior Mia Jackson said. “The Angel Tree project will allow over 30 middle and elementary schoolers to have a special and fulfilled holiday, and I’m excited that NEHS will be able to help make that happen.” Jackson is the president of NEHS and will be helping take care of eight of the angels, each one coming from a student attending Madison Middle School or Tampa Bay Elementary. Children involved in this program were selected on an individual basis and
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identified to be someone with the greatest potential to benefit from participating in an opportunity like this. “Everyone should get something on Christmas,” senior It brings and president of Hunter tears to my E-Board Owens said. “I eyes when I think it’s greatsee our kids that feeling you get making other looking at from people happy. these angels Hopefully, that and really appeals to people picking the and encourages them to do it.” gifts they This charitable want to give.” project is a result of collaboration -Eileen the of the bookkeeper Peleaz, Eileen Pelaez and bookkeeper the social worker Leland Schardt, who proposed this project to Principal Johnny Bush in hopes of alternating to it with the PLANTing the Seeds event in the future. “I want our students to be aware of what’s out in the community,” Pelaez
“
News | PO’P December 2017
said. “It brings tears to my eyes when I see our kids looking at these angels and really picking the gifts that they want to give.” Each child benefiting from the project was allowed to write down four wishes, amounting to about 140-150 angel cutouts in total. “Some kids wanted things as simple as a teddy bear, or chocolate – or slippers,” Schardt said. “Those are the things that really touch you to see, that these kids just want basic things that we all take for granted.” Clubs who have adopted angels are to deliver their presents to the office no later than the morning of Dec. 18, and gifts will be delivered to their recipients throughout that week. “I think we’re instilling in them at this age, as they go through life, to give – and it’s going to follow them through the rest of their lives,” Pelaez said. As winter break approaches, projects like these continue to not only foster compassion and generosity in youth, but also ensure that the holiday season is just a little bit brighter for everyone involved. Article By Chloe-Amelie Aikman
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Band obtains high rankings
During the football game on Friday Aug. 18, junior Liz Rosa directs the marching band. Rosa stood as Drum Major last year as well. Photo by Tegan Fannin.
M
arching band returned home from the Newsome Invitational Marching Competition with a number of awards Saturday, Oct. 28. Band received awards for Best Music, Best General Effect Music, Best Visual and Best Percussion, Despite the inclement weather marching band stayed focused on the event. “We had to play in the gym and not march it because of the rain, so it was really loud and it was pretty intense,” sophomore J.D. Dibbs said. Band director Brian Dell accompanied them as they performed for certified judges. “I think the best thing that happened in the competition was the way our kids were able to deal with the weather and the changes that happened,” Dell said. “They handled the adversity of the competition very well.”
Not only were the students focused, but so were the judges, paying close attention to key aspects of the performance. “The judges were looking for visual effects, musical performance and technique,” freshman Tristan Metz said. “It was important to be in the right mindset, to stay focused at all times, because one mistake could be costly.” Marching band students prepared with practices and rehearsals after and during school for the competition. The competing high schools came from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Leesburg counties. “I wasn’t too nervous because I knew that we got this, and I was very confident in our program,” senior Racquel Carly said. “I was actually surprised in our results. Sometimes practices can be tough, and I was confident in us, but I was still surprised and relieved.”
8 News | PO’P December 2017
The invitational provided feedback to take with them to their district marching MPA (music performance assessment) on Nov.4 at Gaither. “[The competition] prepares us for our MPA, or Musical Performance Assessment,” junior Karissa Hamilton said. “We can’t joke around; it’s not a joke. It’s serious, and we have to be prepared.” At the district assessment band was able to obtain straight superiors rankings. “We had a lot of energy on the field and I think the show came together quite nicely,” senior and Drum Captain Ethan Kramer said. Despite competitive success, marching band does not just limit themselves to the field. Band took to the streets of Ybor City on Dec. 9 to participate in the 2017 Snow on Seventh Parade. Article By Alexis Perno
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H
illsborough County School District is attempting to solve the bell schedule for the 20182019 school year has been changed in attempt to better the Hillsborough County School District as a whole. The high school start time will be changed from 7:33 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and the end time changed from 3 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. The school times have changed for all high schools, middle schools and elementary schools. “I like the later start time; it gives me more sleep time,” sophomore Andrea Beaty said. Hillsborough county launched a survey with different options of school start times for all grades and types of schools. The community voted for the best fitting option to for each individual’s different needs, and the county came up with a final consensus. “It gives me a chance to wake up at the same time and have breakfast and get ready in a reasonable time,” freshman Nicole Philipp said. Approximately 57,000 people responded to the survey. The new schedule is the outcome from student, parent and staff voters. The reason that the district is changing the times revolves around the fact that buses are getting students to school late. The school start times are relatively close to bus times, and the buses are rushing to pick up the students on top of some buses already catering to two schools that have close start times. “I don’t really like those times; good thing I won’t be here next year,” senior Eva Wetherington said. These new school start times should open up lee-way to bus drivers and give them time to pick up the students, as well as getting them to school on time. “It’s good that they are thinking about the bus situation but the times could have been better” World History teacher Shawn Lockes said. The new school times are a general plan for schools next year, but depending on each school’s individual needs, the times can vary from school to school; either way, some students are with the changes and some are against. “I’m for it because I don’t like to wake up early, so it will be helpful for me to be able to sleep in a little,” junior Lauren Rose said. Article by Gavin Figueruelo
Survey of 35 faculty/staff members conducted online on Nov. 2, 2017
Survey of 1,130 students in homeroom on Nov. 2, 2017
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ODD ONE OUT OF THE
HERD
Goat yoga raises money for charity
F
rom the outside, Hat Trick Ranch in Thonotosassa, Florida seems like a typical rural settlement: cattle are raised, goods are sold and the Hat Trick Ranch Equestrian Center was just recently established. However, the difference lies in the bleating calls of the goats, spread around on the hay laid out in a small, separated section of pasture. People of all ages are scattered on brightly colored yoga mats, and the yoga instructor can just be heard over the laughs from participants. “We like to say that we didn’t invent goat yoga, but we perfected it,” Co-owner of Hat Trick Ranch and a founder of the Grady Goat Foundation Debbie Canton said. “The original goat yoga began in Oregon and has spread throughout the country with farms and private individuals alike using this unique type of yoga class as an additional revenue source. We are different in that our event Grady Goat Yoga is the only one we know of that is run
1 as a non-profit foundation, with proceeds going to charity.” Grady Goat Yoga wasn’t just an idea that sprouted out of the blue. In fact, the concept, along with the foundation started in its name, was inspired after the birth of Grady, a goat born without the typical muscular strength and control goats are known for. “While other kids are typically up and walking and nursing from their mothers within minutes, Grady could neither stand, nor hold his head up,” Canton said. In order to ensure his survival, Canton took it upon herself to give Grady regular
12 Features | PO’P December 2017
massage therapy, supplements and bottlefed him the first few days of his life. “Shortly before Grady started walking, I had already began to notice a cloudiness in Grady’s eyes,” Canton said. “However, it wasn’t until he was strong enough to walk on his own that I realized he was blind. This poor kid not only had trouble walking, but he couldn’t see where he was going.” Then, Canton discovered another challenge for the young goat. “Just when we thought life couldn’t get any more challenging for Grady, we started to notice he would often remain sleeping when all the other babies were up and playing,” Canton said. “At first I just figured he was tired from his struggles to walk. But when we would pet him or pick him up, he was just as playful and full of energy as everyone else.” As it turns out, Grady was deaf- yet another disability life had thrown at him. But this didn’t stop him from taking life head on. “Despite his muscular, vision and hearing disabilities, Grady quickly became our most loving, affectionate and joyful of all the babies born at Hat Trick Ranch,” Canton said. “It was his perseverance and
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3 zest for life despite his physical challenges that inspired [me] to create a foundation in Grady’s name in hopes of providing a way to support animals and inspire children facing their own physical, mental or economic adversity.” Grady Goat Yoga was created to raise funds to support local charities who also believed in this mission, such as the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, The Centre 4 Girls, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, Paws for Patriots, High Risk Hope and A Kid’s Place Tampa Bay. “Our Saturday yoga classes are open to the general public, as are some of our Sunday classes,” Canton said. “However, Sunday is quickly becoming the day of the week that we host groups and special events—many of which serve as fundraisers for other charities.”
Despite the drive, students made their way out to the ranch for the experience. “I was expecting people to be very obnoxious about the goats,” sophomore Brenna Anderson. “[I thought] the goats would be wild and wouldn’t interact much with us but everyone was very calm and quiet around the goats. The goats were very friendly and sweet.” Anderson’s experience with the staff was pleasant. “The instructors were very knowledgeable,” Anderson said. “It was a great way to reduce stress and anxiety and made me feel so happy at the end. Everyone was so kind... and no one was judgmental. The best thing of it all was knowing I was supporting a great cause while having a blast.” Payton Covelli, sophomore, also was initially reserved about the goats. “Goat yoga was a very interesting experience,” Covelli said. “I was very excited for it at first but immediately was nervous about the prospect of having a goat placed on my back. At first having a small goat hop on your back is slightly terrifying, but it makes for a great picture and an even better story.”
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1:At Grady Goat Yoga, sophomore Payton Covelli smiles as two goats approach. They continued to flock around her during the event, jumping on her back and crowding her mat. Photo by Alexis Perno. 2: Bending in the “Downward Dog” position, sophomores Payton Covelli, Alexis Perno and Brenna Anderson take part in a Saturday yoga class. The class is can be attended by all levels of yogis. Photo courtesy of Jenine Perno. 3: At Hat Trick Ranch, a goat approaches with curiosity before wandering off. Similar to dogs, goats can be sociable creatures and often approach attendees. Photo by Alexis Perno. 4: Cuddling a goat to her chest, sophomore Brenna Anderson takes a break from class on her yoga mat. This was Anderson’s first time attending a class at Hat Trick Ranch. Photo by Alexis Perno.
Although Grady passed away on Sept. 11, it is clear to see how his ability to conquer the challenges he faced and the inspiration he continues to provide to others will live on. Article by Alexis Perno
2 Page Designed by Dylan Pitts
PO’P December 2017 | Features 13
Teacher expresses life-long pursuit
S
ome may recognize this scene: four walls, an army of forward-facing desks and the solemn reflection of a clean whiteboard. But in this particular classroom – turkey feathers perch above a chalkboard, camouflage dots the class perimeter and a variety of hunting, fishing and outdoorsman tokens adorn the space that is Rick Ferlita’s work place. An outdoor enthusiast and Pre-Calculus teacher, Ferlita has been engaged in the hunting and fishing world since childhood – one of his most loved activities being turkey hunting. He and his father have leased a swatch of land in Georgia for the past 34 years to pursue their shared interest, and the appeal of being in the woods calls to Ferlita about 20 to 25 times a year in
the trips he makes to seek an experience without compare. “Being in the woods before sunrise, and all of a sudden the sun comes up and the woods become alive, the birds, the squirrels, the chipmunks…the woods is like my church,” Ferlita said. “That’s where I go to be who I am.” Hunting itself is only the beginning. For the past twenty years, Ferlita has channeled his love for his pastime through the creation of handmade turkey calls; each starting as a solid block of wood, then meticulously hollowed out and carefully constructed to harness the sound of the wild turkey. Calls lie at the center of turkey hunting, and Ferlita has been recognized at regional and national levels for his craft – earning fifth place nationally in a scratch box making competition as well as taking third and fourth places regionally. If there’s one thing Ferlita’s famous for though, at
14 Features | PO’P December 2017
least amongst the students, it’s the longawaited Turkey Day held on the Friday before Spring Break. On this day, during the lull of pre-Break anticipation, Ferlita uses this opportunity to offer another unique educational experience to students. Bringing feathers, calls and the history of the North American wild turkey with him, he offers an instructional point of view on a subject many are not exposed to. “My students love it,” Ferlita said. The non-hunters and even the anti-hunters – I’ve had many of them say, ‘My whole life I’ve been totally against hunting, and at least now I can understand a little bit more about why you’re so passionate about what you do.’ You’re not trying to change anybody’s opinion, you’re just trying to show them the other side of things.” It is in this spirit that Ferlita maintains his tradition of wearing camo every Friday. “My room is decorated with all hunting and camouflage and fishing stuff, and I wear camo every Friday because it just shows my personality as an outdoorsman, as a person – not just as a teacher,” said Ferlita. Article By Chloe-Amelie Aikman Page Designed by Dylan Pitts
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Protesting in favor of teachers benefits, a group of protesters hold up a sign in support of educators at the Downtown Tampa demonstration on Nov.14. The lack of promised bonuses for teachers was the main cause of protest. Photo by Alea Jennings.
Teachers protest against School Board’s failure to deliver “A deal is a deal!” Chants and posters filled the street as teachers gathered on Nov. 14 to protest the salary crisis affecting Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) teachers. The protest took place outside of 901 E Kennedy Blvd. where a meeting among school board officials was taking place. Those in attendance included both current and former teachers, some of whom are involved with the Classroom Teachers Association (CTA). “We believe that the money is being misspent, it’s been misallocated, mismanaged,” CTA member Lindsey Blankenbaker said. Four years ago, a pay roll plan was adopted in which teachers would receive a $4000 step increase after three years instead of small increases every year. When the time came to give the increase, however, the School Board of HCPS claimed that there was no money to give. “Unfortunately everyone’s feeling like this is a disrespect to the schoolteachers by
not honoring what [HCPS school board] said they would and their promise,” Davis Elementary teacher Lance Otto said. Many teachers work more than just eight hours a day: preparing their classes on their own time to run the course smoothly and efficiently. “This a public institution and we are working for the benefit of not just children, but society in general,” Spanish Teacher Alberto Rivera said. Parents of students have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the School Board’s actions, or lack thereof. “I just think teachers havee the most important job in the world,” parent Leslie Farrell said. “It’s infuriating that they’re not getting support.” Besides the protest, teachers also planned another way for the School Board to hear their voice. Following Thanksgiving Break, they “worked to the contract”. This means participating teacher arrived at school exactly when it began, leave exactly when it ended and
did not work on their own time. “We would like [the School Board] to reconsider their priorities and put employees first,” CTA executive director Stephanie Baxter-Jenkins said. “We hope that they will come back to the bargaining table and bargain in good faith.” Overall, teachers are hoping that the School Board will recognize the need to address these issues to ensure a brighter future. “It feels like finally people are getting together and standing up and not letting them step on us,” Spanish teacher Yohanis Carrera said. As of Dec. 11 there has been no complete resolution to the lack of bonuses, but the latest offer from the school board has been $1.8 million, which breaks down to $92 per teacher. Article by Isabella Ank & Graham Hill
See a video of the teacher protest online phsnews.com
16 Spotlight | PO’P December 2017
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1
JUNE 29
NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN IN REGARDS TO THE STEP INCREASES
SEPT. 12
SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES BUDGET WITHOUT INCLUSION OF STEP INCREASES
OCT. 23
DISTRICT ANNOUNCES THERE IS NO MONEY FOR STEP INCREASES
NOV. 4
FIRST PROTEST TAKES PLACE IN DOWNTOWN TAMPA
2 1: ABC action news films the protest amongst other news crews. They covered this event in addition to all other news surrounding this contractual debate. 2: Many protesters gather to display handmade posters to show anger with the Hillsborough County School Board. They took a few hours out of their day to exhibit their upset with the injustice. 3: A Mitchell Elementary student came out to show support for his teachers. He was one of many children to attend the downtown teacher protest on Nov. 14. Photos by Alea Jennings
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NOV. 7-9
10 HIGH SCHOOLS STAGE STUDENT WALK OUTS
NOV. 27DEC. 1
TEACHERS PARTICIPATE IN A WORK TO CONTRACT WEEK
DEC. 4
DISTRICTS OFFERS $1.8 MILLION TO TEACHERS
DEC. 5
SECOND PROTEST AT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Source: Tampa Bay Times
PO’P December 2017 | Spotlight 17
Students practice a variety of holiday traditions
Along with variations of Christmas, some religions, like North and West Indian Hinduism, have already celebrated their biggest holidays. “My parents were raised in Hindu households, with Muslim friends and going to Catholic school, leading them to celebrate many holidays,” sophomore Karishma Rana said. “I celebrate almost all Hindu holidays.” North and West Hinduism celebrates
18 Features | PO’P December 2017
two large holidays, Holi and Diwali, with the latter having just ended. “Holi is the festival of colors, and it celebrates the victory of good over evil,” Rana said. “It’s two days long with a bonfire done the night before the second day. On the second day it’s a fun celebration where people cover each other in colored powder and play around with water guns that are filled with tinted water. It’s filled with delicious food, such as Dahi Vada [Dahi translating to yogurt and Vadas being a deep-fried dish made of potatoes and chickpeas] and Thandai, a sweet milk-based drink that is filled with spices.” Diwali changes every year due to the Hindu calendar and is done in many different ways, but usually falls between mid-October to mid-November. “[Diwali] is the Festival of Lights, and another holiday that celebrates light over darkness, good over evil,” Rana said. “The celebration begins with Dusshera, which is around two and a half weeks before the beginning of the five days of Diwali. Each day celebrates different relationships and has different prayers, foods and celebrations. My family doesn’t celebrate all five days, only the main day of Diwali and sometimes chhoti Diwali (small Diwali).” Diwali begins with cleaning similar to spring cleaning as other cultural traditions take place. “[We] make rangolis, a piece of art made by hand using different colored sands, light diyas [clay lamps] and line
HINDU HOLIDAYS
ISLAM HOLIDAYS
Islam dosen’t celebrate Christmas, but other holidays throughout the year. “In the Middle East, it’s mostly Muslims, but there are still different types of religion,” freshman Leen Alfawaz, a practicing Muslim, said. “We don’t have Christmas, but we do sometimes have Halloween and stuff like that but it’s not really part of our culture or religion- it’s just like something that came in.” Similar to how Hinduism has already celebrated very large holidays such as Holi and Diwali, Islam has done the same with Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, or small Eid and big Eid, respectively. “For example, we have two holidays called Eid... by the end of Ramadan,” Alfawaz said. “In that holiday it’s where you get to visit relatives... men usually, like your uncles... give out money to you. For women, they mostly give out candy.” The two Eid celebrations aren’t just about family relations, however. “For [small Eid], we give to charity, dress good, we get new clothes- it’s like getting presents at Christmas,” junior Mohammed Hassan said. “In the bigger Eid, which is like by the end of the year...
we take a sheep [or cow] and sacrifice it to charity. Our traditions in our culture always represent respect: not being rude to other people, being kind... we can’t curse, we have to pray five times a day for our religion. I can’t drink, I don’t eat pork, I don’t smoke- you can’t do any of these, and it’s not because my family says any of these.” Another important Muslim holiday, Ramadan, has already passed. “I like Ramadan,” Hassan said. “In Ramadan we give back to the poor and we give to charity. In Ramadan we fast from [sunrise to sunset] for a certain amount of time and there is a reason for it: the reason is that we want to feel what the charity feels like and we give back to them.”
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long ago. The first night is probably my favorite because it’s the start of it all... all of my family gets together and we play dreidel poker.” One of the most widely-known holidays for its traditions is Hanukkah. “My mom has a collection of menorahs from all over the world,” junior Summer Felson said. “My siblings and I even have our own menorahs shaped out of our names. We always look forward to lighting them together, [and] also every year we make homemade latkes from scratch.” Like Christmas, families and friends gather to celebrate the holidays. “[Hanukkah] is special because when both of my siblings are away at college I rarely get to see them, but every year on Hanukkah it’s assured I can spend it with them. The last night is my favorite day because that’s when the whole menorah is lit up,” Perfit said.
HANUKKAH HOLIDAY
PORTUGESE CHRISTMAS
“We usually have a sweet that’s called them up outside (diyas are clay lamps), put up Christmas lights and do lots of Bolo Do Rei, which [translates to] King cooking in preparation for the big day of Cake,” Faustino said. “[My favorite is] Rabanadas, which are Diwali,” Rana said. “My mom is Gujarati almost a type of French and my dad is from Northern India, so Toast. We take slices of we cook dishes from both parts of India. bread and soak them in Many, many desserts are made and a wine reduction and ordered- what we call mithai- of various cinnamon, it’s really good colors and shapes.” and sweet.” Similar to the festive streets here that are decorated extensively with lights, Portugese cities don decorations of the same caliber. “We have really big lights that we put up, and they’re everywhere around the city,” Faustino, who visits Portugal for Christmas, said. “They go across buildings, and they vary from bells “I was born in Portugal in the city Porto, to trees to angels. A lot of places have which is on the coast,” sophomore Carlota different variations of Christmas treesFaustino said. “I lived there for a year and there’s one huge one by the sea.” a half, then moved to Miami. We celebrate Christmas, but we have some special traditions. Something that’s specific to us is at night, on Christmas Eve, we put out a shoe for each of us, and in the morning, we come and there’s presents. Just like how people put presents under the Christmas tree, this is how we do it.” Some of those in the Portuguese culture The holiday season also brings an also believe in the legend of Santa Claus. “Some families do [believe], but it really important time for practicing Jewish just depends,” Faustino said. “Instead of it people. “Being Jewish is like being in a big being Santa, it’s usually Jesus that comes family really,” senior Hillary Perfit said. and brings the gifts.” The food typically eaten on Christmas, “[What’s special is] probably the fact that referred to as Natal in Portugal, also your family comes together and spends time with one another to celebrate and differs from a Western Christmas night. remember something that happened so
Article by Alexis Perno
PO’P December 2017 | Features 19
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PRO
Gun control policies will aim to help, but fail to work
G
un control is an issue that is very prevalent in modern society. Recently, there has been a spike in terrorist attacks worldwide, bringing attention to this problem. While this problem is very immense and widespread, it is not the guns at fault. The main problem with society is the people within it. While guns are the weapon of choice by these terrorists, the guns are not at fault for the deaths of these individuals. In addition, a large amount of the weapons used by these killers are illegal, as a result, increasing gun control would have no effect on this issue. Legal guns are almost never the cause of these killings, as most people who own guns legally use them for defense or hunting. Increasing gun control laws would only upset the individuals who use guns for their own safety, or for fun. These killings are a major issue, that is a fact. Guns are
the leading cause of these killings, that is a fact. But it is not the guns that are at fault, it is the individuals who abuse these weapons that are at fault. The most recent and important scenario on this case is the shooting in Las Vegas. The weapons used by this killer were capable of rapid fire, something that is not legal for average citizens to have. Guns are not the problem in today’s world, the people are. There are multiple occurrences that can drive someone to insanity, causing them to take such violent actions. These are the problems with society, not the availability of firearms. Guns are not objects that should be treated lightly, as they have the capability to kill and cause havoc, but that does not make them at fault. Guns don’t kill people, people kill people. Column By Thompson Draper
CON
Despite continued mass shootings, Congress remains stagnant
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merica has seen two back to back mass shootings - with another attack in between - in just over one month. Besides this disturbing fact, it’s repulsive to watch how others have responded to witnessing hatred; more hatred has only spread from it. Despite the temporary peace that comes after a hateful event, it has been evident that this unity doesn’t prevail long enough for us to enact change. What is the use of saying we’ll change if we never do? American society has experienced many chances that could’ve been the wakeup call to politicians and citizens alike. We continue to send “thoughts and prayers,” becoming desensitized to the America we’re living in, but it won’t help. Those who are adamant about the preservation of the Second Amendment need to
step back and broaden their thinking. Quite possibly one of the scariest facts is the realization that most of these guns were acquired legally. Between October 2016 and September 2017, the Vegas shooter, Stephen Paddock, purchased 33 guns legally because there is no federal law that requires a seller to alert the government when someone buys multiple rifles. A few days before the Orlando Pulse shooting, Omar Mateen legally purchased two guns. A total ban on guns would be ludicrous - and at the rate of America’s progress, currently impossible - but the time to take action against this brutal violence is long overdue. Donald Trump says it is “too soon” to discuss gun control. But I ask: how many more people need to die for America to realize we have a problem? Column By Alexis Perno
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22 Opinions | PO’P December 2017
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A ten second nude leads to a lifetime of consequences
There is no doubt that growing up during what some have termed a Technological Revolution has presented this generation with unique challenges. However, one ancient tradition lives on: Pornography. The invention of smartphones (what some researchers have deemed pocket porn studios) and prevalence of social media and the internet, have done more to benefit the pornography industry than anything in prior history, and people fail to recognize any consequences, The growth of sexting is an entirely new and dangerous aspect to an industry that already has plenty of problems.
released explicit celebrity pictures. While Snapchat supposedly stepped up security surrounding its database following this devastating breach, the interface is still at threat. This is not to mention the fact that “snaps” sent can be screenshotted, and while there is a message sent to the sender following such a screenshot, there is no way to get the image off the receiver’s phone afterwards. Other, outside party applications like “Snapsaved”, have profited off of being able to circumvent this screenshot process, and save images received in Snapchat without notifying the sender at all. The dangers of spreading private, explicit images are innumerable, not to OF SNAPCHAT mention the scary fact that 23 percent USERS ARE BETWEEN THE of Snapchat users are between the ages of 13-17, making them legal minors, and AGES 13-17 therefore at risk of criminal charges (child pornography) for sexting. One application that has garnered The amount of legal problems the the reputation of a sexting app would exchanging of explicit pictures between be Snapchat. In a day and age where teenagers has created is ridiculous, in “revenge porn”, or the leaking of explicit regards to the fact that said problems images sent by a former partner without reflect the lack of regard teens have to the their consent, is a daily reality, Snapchat’s consequences of their sending. unique interface limiting the amount of Depending on the state, both the sender time a user can view received photos often and the receiver can be charged with creates a sense of privacy. distribution of child pornography, a felony Unfortunately, it has become evident offense that, if convicted in Florida, can that the security Snapchat provides is garner anywhere from five to 15 years of really just a fallacy. prison time, and future registration as a Not only does Snapchat save all images sexual offender. sent in the application on a common Authorities don’t take these crimes database, but these images are accessible lightly, as exemplified by a few recent through hacking, as demonstrated in cases in Plainfield, Connecticut, Canon the 2015 “Snappening”, when hackers City, Colorado and Bridgewater, Nova accessed the Snapchat database and Scotia.
23%
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Art by Grace Summers The case in Canon City is perhaps the largest bust to date, involving hundreds of high school students who now all face criminal charges. This serves as a warning of not only the commonality of such explicit sharing
“rings,” (where girls are coerced into sending explicit content that is then sold to other students), but to the dangers of sending obscene photos/videos in the first place, especially as a minor. The serious nature of partaking in such explicit acts cannot be understated, as shown by the harsh consequences. It is incredibly important to take precautions to protect yourself in the digital age, and to remember that nothing put on the internet, can ever truly be erased. Column by Macie Lavender
PO’P December 2017 | Opinions 23
SEASON
December movies spark nostalgia
Merry Christmas,
Charlie Brown
Christmas isn’t the same without it. The end all, be all, to Christmas movies: nothing can beat the childlike nostalgia of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Despite its old age, it still packs a wallop of sentimental memories and timehonored humor. For those of you under a rock during childhood, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” follows the titular Charlie Brown, as he tries to overcome his disillusionment with the holiday season and discover the true meaning of Christmas. He is aided (and sometimes hindered) by the lively “Peanuts” gang, most importantly Lucy and Linus, who differ in their outlooks. This simple cartoon’s denouncement of our hyper commercialized Christmas rings truer than ever in the year 2017, where Christmas seems less a holiday and more a promotional stunt for corporations. As we begin to make our lengthy Christmas lists, it’s important to remember the words of Charlie Brown, and focus on the values beneath all of the shiny wrapping. Can be viewed at www.abc.go.tv. without purchase.
Reviews By Macie Lavender
HOLIDAYFILMS
IN
IN
It’s a
Wonderful Film
Coming in first on the American Film Institute’s list of the most inspirational films of all time, there is plenty of hype about this quintessential holiday favorite. Telling the tale of the unlucky George Bailey, who, after a series of seemingly bad decisions, is near the brink of suicide. “It’s a Wonderful Life” shows the hidden positives in daily life, as George is led by his guardian angel through a version of reality where he was never born. Although it’s in black and white, dating back to 1946, the hopeful optimism of this film allows it to resonate with audiences in the same way it did 71 years before. Can be viewed on Youtube, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Video and Vudu, with purchase.
Hard Core
Christmas
This unconventional Christmas classic is the rare action-comedy with equal amounts of brains and bullets. A young, Bruce Willis stars, kills the performance and gives movie audiences the Christmas present of an underdog hero who’s relatable, witty and can shoot down villains like it’s nobody’s business. The every-day man protagonist allows “Die Hard” to avoid becoming a stale, over-hyped action film, despite coming out in 1988. While a bit explicit in language and violence, there is truly something to satisfy every kind of viewer in “Die Hard,” or at the very least, it would be in the Christmas spirit to throw your Dad a bone in the choice of family movies for one night. Can be viewed on Youtube, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Video and Vudu, with purchase.
A BAD MOM’S CHRISTMAS THE STAR THE STAR
This movie serves a more This comedy features a story of a few mothers who try to biblical It fight the stereotypical “Super Bowl for mothers:” Christmas. This As movie servesChristmas a more story. biblical follows runaway donkey the mothers try to make this Christmas very special for their story. Christmas It afollows a runaway on journey the journey children, they fail to make the movie watching experience donkey whowho goesgoes on the of a of aMary lifetime to helpescape Mary special for the moviegoers. lifetime to help and Joseph and Joseph escape trying from the from the grasps of soldiers to grasps of soldiers trying to prevent the birth of Jesus. prevent the birth of Jesus. “Daddy’s Home 2” follows two men, one a father and the other a step-father, clashing with each other. On top of that, READ MORE REVIEWS they had to deal with their fathers who came down to spend READ MOREONLINE OF THE ATREVIEWS PHSNEWS.COM Christmas with them. ONLINE AT PHSNEWS.COM
DADDY’S HOME 2
Compiled by Thompson Draper
24 Opinions | PO’P December 2017
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THE VOICE
OF FOOTBALL Football Announcer Harold Walker voices contributes to success of football program
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nother season comes to an end for the team. Another season of last-second victories and defeats. Another season for 92 varsity players, and 31 coaches. And while their season did not end the way that many players had hoped, it was still a significant season for the team. One man has quietly operated behind the scenes and is equally as important to the foundation and success of the team as those on the sidelines. And his story is unknown; he’s barely even been seen. Harold Walker is only known through his voice. Because for the past 11 seasons, he’s been the voice of the team. Since 2006, Walker has been the PA Announcer at home games at Dad’s Stadium. Before that, in 2004, he worked as a spotter. However, Walker was hooked even before then when, in 2002, Walker’s eldest son played football for the team. He was as passionate as the other parents in the stands that had been there since the ‘90s. But he knew something wasn’t right with this team. “I had a son who played ball here in Testing the speaker before a game, Harold Walker gets ready to announces all the big moments of the 2002,” Walker said. “The team finished upcoming game on Nov. 10. He has announced at the football games for 11 years and was inspired by at 1-9, just a season removed of a 2-8 his son’s football career. Photo by Alea Jennings
26 Sports | PO’P December 2017
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finish. In our last game of that season, we played Durant. There were 75 people in the stands, 25 dressed players, and three coaches on the sidelines. I knew the history of the program and this school, and I knew this wasn’t right.” So, he got to work. Walker gathered a group of parents to talk to the principal at that time, Eric Bergholm, and the former Athletic Director, Lauren Figueredo, and told them that it was time for a change. They had their doubts. “They asked me why I felt a change was necessary,” Walker said. “I showed them a photo I was given, a photo from the 1940’s and 1950’s at Plant High School, photos of people sitting on the fences because the stadium was filled to capacity. They ...the told me that was a most long time ago and important that things have thing is that changed since then. we have a I told them, ‘Well, group of we’ll have to see.’” The head coach kids who are humble in the resigned shortly school..” thereafter, and thus began a search for a new one. Bergholm -Robert and Figueredo Weiner, Head couldn’t get their choice, Jesuit Football first High School head Coach coach at the time Dominick Ciao, according to Walker. So, they had to settle for their second choice, the head coach for the Crystal River baseball team, Robert Weiner. Weiner took over for right after the Spring Training in 2003. They went 3-7 the first year under his leadership, then 9-3 the second year, then 15-0 the third year, and the rest is history. A history that has included four state championships. “In our third year, we had the Fire Marshal close the entrances to the stadium because there were too many people,” Walker said. “Don’t tell me that was a different time. I know the passion of South Tampa. You put a good product out there, and people will show up. It’s been an
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amazing run.” Weiner recognizes Walker’s impact on the school and football program. “We weren’t very good our first season,” Weiner said. “We didn’t have the players that we needed at that time, but we knew we were building towards something bigger. And Harold has to do with that. He helped me get the interview. People look at this team now and say ‘there is a coach here at Plant and this program that has always been successful. But it all comes back to Harold.’” However, Walker and Weiner stay humble in regards to the team’s success. “The goal then, and the goal even now isn’t so much about wins, the wins have been gravy, but it’s really been about changing young men’s lives from the time they’re in the ninth grade to the time that they graduate, and Coach Weiner has done that in an amazing way,” Walker said. These statements are reflected by Weiner as well. “I think for the most part, the most important thing is that we have a group of kids who are humble in the school, and that they are respectful to their administrators and to their peers,” Weiner said. “We always think that football is good enough, but we like to take care of character and education as well.” These aspects of the football team is what defines them both on and off the field. The important players to this team over the years have not selectively been the Division 1 athletes, according to Walker. They were not the big-name, flashy players. Some kids that have been of importance to this program have been those that were able to find some identity through the game of football. It takes away any fear of diversity, concerns about self-image and instills selfdiscipline. The reality of working towards a goal. And the kids that have been able to find this may not have played every snap. “What Weiner has built, is that if you can’t be a good person, a good citizen, a good friend, brother and son, there just isn’t really a place for you here,” Walker said. And while it is easy to get hung up on
the household names of the past, guys like Robert Marve, Aaron Murray and James Wilder, Walker likes to remember different players. “There’s been a lot of unsung guys. There’s James O’Connell, raised by a single mom, graduated and went to Vanderbilt University, student-body president, and now working for Jeff Vinnick as ...it’s an organizer in really the community, been about Walker said. “There’s Kevin changing McCarthy, who young men’s broke the county lives from the record for most time they’re sacks in a single in the ninth season, and won grade to the a scholarship to time they the University of during a graduate.” Florida heartbreaking year -Harold that saw his father Walker, pass away.” announcer We’ve had class presidents and valedictorians on our football team. We’re very proud of that. We’ll get some splash players every now and then, but our football players are Plant kids. Everyday kids. They start playing football in the ninth grade and by the time they get to be a senior, the process has been finalized. We’ve had guys come through that have made incredible and life-changing plays that haven’t been superstars.” These everyday kids won’t go on to play Division 1 college football. But they can say that they’ve played in high school, and made life-changing plays that won’t be forgotten. Even though he is not seen on the sidelines every Friday night, Walker has been just as involved in this team on a week-to-week basis as any other coach has during their time here, as credited by Weiner. “Harold is a trusted friend, who’s been around football for a very long time, so I love to hear from him and see what he thinks,” Weiner said.
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Article by Zach Robinson
PO’P December 2017 | Sports 27
The Perfect Gift
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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
Fall sports end, winter sports begin
Football
The 2017 season came to an end for the Football team, losing in the State Semifinals to Bartram Trail, 34-29. The J.V. football team finished the season 5-0, 3-0 in the conference, under head coach Cyril Brockmeier.
Swim & Dive
Swimming: Under Head Coach Gil Gonzalez, the girls team finished runnerups at State, thanks in part to strong performances from freshman swimmers, and while the boys team didn’t finish at the top, many swimmers set a lot of personal best times.
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Volleyball
The 2017 season came to an end for the Volleyball team, losing in the playoffs to Hagerty High School, 3-0. The Girls JV Volleyball team finished 4-1, losing only once in the district, under head coach Ali Markun.
Cross Country
Girls Cross County had a season filled with victories, including a successful performance at Regionals, the team made it once again to States, finishing as runnerups. After the return of coach Mike Boza, the Boys cross country team ended up claiming seventh at states.
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Golf
The boys team finished tied for sixth at the 3A state title, marking consecutive years of making it to states for the team. The girls team finished second in the district, and competed at regionals for the season.
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1: Celebrating victory, juniors Max Phillips and Nathan Patterson, hold their helmets in the air. Varsity Football defeated East River on Nov. 10 43-0. Photo by Kit Longshore. 2: Competing in the Butterfly stroke, junior Caroline Rossi races towards the wall during the districts meet. At the meet Girls swim was able to place first. Photo by Taylor Harahan. 3: At Temple Terrace Golf Club, junior Victoria Gonzalez focuses on putting. Varsity golf won against King on Oct.12. Photo by Kit Longshore. 4: Sprinting to the finish line, sophomore Alex Coffey finshes the race at AL Lopez Park. The boys were able to end the season at seventh at the State Championships. Photo by Chad Mendez. 5: Warming up, juniors Lainey Markman and Leslie Cordeo, and senior Stephannie Benner prepare for their race at Al Lopez park. Girls Cross Country was able to finish their season with a win at districts. Photo by Chad Mendez.
30 Sports | PO’P December 2017
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Boys Basketball
The boys basketball team opened up their season with a home win against Wharton, as they hope to have a successful first season under new head coach Joe Willis. The boys JV team looks to get their 2017 season off on the right foot under head coach Brian O’Neil.
Girls Basketball
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Another season under coach Carrie Mahon got off to a fast start on Dec.1, with a win against Wharton by a score of 66-26. The JV girls basketball team looks to have another impressive season this year under coach Mike Brady.
Boys Soccer
Through six games in the regular season, the boys varsity soccer team stands at 2-3-1 under head coach Janessa Taddei, with upcoming games against Durant, Alonso and Steinbrenner.
Girls Soccer
The Girls soccer team is undefeated through five games to start their 2017 season, and face Durant, Alonso and Steinbrenner over the next few weeks.
Wrestling
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The wrestling team has high expectations for their 2017 campaign, led by coach Jeremy Carter, as they prepare for the District Duals on Jan.4 at Southeastern University.
6: Dribbling the ball, junior J.R. King, passes the ball to avoid having it stolen from a Wiregrass player. Boys Soccer was defeated by Wiregrass 5-0. Photo by Taylor Harahan. 7: Blocking a shot, sophomore David Fitzgerald, prevents the Wharton player from making a basket. Varsity boys basketball beat Wharton 68-52. 8: Stealing the ball from a Wiregrass player, freshmen Ellyse Iller passes the ball to one of her teammates. The girls team prevailed against Wiregrass 2-0. Photo by Taylor Harahan. 9: At home, sophomore Mena Mueller reaches to get the ball over the net. JV Volleyball won against Wharton on Aug. 31. Photo by Alea Jennings. 10: Coming to his opponents hold, junior Gabe Givens over comes his competitor at the Dec. 5 match at Sickles. Givens held his opponent down long enough to win the match. Photo by GianMarco Cortez.
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