September 2018

po’p

the

pep o’ plant september 28, 2018 Volume 92 Issue 1 H.B. Plant High School 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629

changes issue

new senior class

school makeover

fall sports begin

pages 12 & 13

pages 19 - 22

pages 38 & 39

2 | TABLE OF CONTENTS | PO’p SEPTEMBER 2018

designer – nATALIE KERR

Table of contents School news briefs october events important dates timeline SEnior class EVENTS school tests water CONTENTS FOR LEAD 19 school-wide Makeover

5 6 11 12 15

20 everything that has

31 teacher runs marathons 33 SPORTS TRADITIONS 35 baseball players go to

changed this year 22 student parking lot problems state competitions 37 sports update 27 best thing I ever ate 29 q & a with senior class PResident

see page 5

see page 33

see page 12

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designer – natalie kerr

Policies

Mission: The Pep O’ Plant is a student-run news magazine 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.

An administrator reviews the content in each print edition prior to publishing. 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Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published.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 and awards: 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 SEPTEMBER 2018 | MASTHEAD |

PO’P

Staff PEP O’ PLANT | phsnews.com

Print EICs

editor

Isabella ank natalie kerr

Riley Schofner

Online EIC

Social Media Manager

Thompson Draper

Alissa Mellman

Managing EIC

Video Managers

Jake Criser

Caton Gonzalez Madison White

Copy EIC Dean Criser

Addie Robey Ariana Cimino nicole prus Ava Nelson Carol Kornworcel Clio Bruno Jessie Larringa Katie Valenti Avery Franks Hartley Hill Kate Caranante

videographer chad mendez

Faculty Adviser

Photo EIC Alea jennings

Designers

Chloe-Amelie Aikman

Alexis Alvarez Carter Hamlin Laura Alvarez natalie kerr maizie tremblay isabella ank

Opinions Editor

Photographers

Graham Hill

tegan fannin Avery Franks Emily malone gracen rivera vendela busbee paola laborda Maizie Tremblay Hartley Hill

News Editor Alexis Perno

Features Editor

Sports Editor Katy Kasper

Sports Manager chris pisciotti

Webmaster/ Expressions

Writers

Louisa Avery

This Issue’s Contributors erin moffit emily VARSALONA sabrina paredes taylor harahan KIT LONGSHORE abby turner GABI FRYE

Plant High School

2,500+ students 143 faculty & staff 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa FL, 33629 (813) 272-3033 Contribute your own work: phsnews.com/Expressions Free distribution 1000 copies printed

COVER PHOTOS – KIT LONGSHORE & alea jennings photo illustration – NATALIE KERR

4 | advertisements | PO’p september 2018

designer – natalie kerr

PO’p september 2018 | news | 5

Girls lacrosse team honors 9/11 victims

school news briefs G

irls lacrosse organized a Sept. 11, 2001 remembrance memorial with the help of JROTC and the football, golf and cheer teams.

The group placed miniature American flags on the grass surrounding the flagpole at the front of the school, with each flag representing a life lost in the attacks.

“I put out lots of flags with my teammates and it felt really good to be able to do something to help people that I couldn’t have helped at the time of the tragedy,” junior lacrosse player Heather McGeachy said. “The most meaningful part to me was that most of the people putting out flags were not alive or incredibly young when 9/11 happened but they still showed up because of how tragic and impactful 9/11 was and I think that speaks to people’s humanity in this day and age, where we don’t see a lot of love all the time.”

The Pink Panthers a cappella group performed the national anthem along with Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at the ceremony.

Lacrosse team member freshman Sarah Hill places flags in the front lawn to represent and honor victims of Sept. 11, 2001. The Girls lacrosse team partnered with JROTC, boys football, boys golf, and cheerleading for “When we, the Pink Panthers, their memorial.. – GABI FRYE heard that we were supposed to sing during the 9/11 ceremony, we were

NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS ANNOUNCED

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN TOP CHEF COMPETITION

U

T

he 2019 National Merit Semifinalists include nine Plant seniors who scored the highest SAT scores in the state.

Seniors Zachary Brown, Dean Criser, Raelyn Hoskinson, Alyssa Nagle, Amy Pham, Aidan Reilly, Anna Williams, and Calvin Yang have qualified, granting them eligibility for one of several National Merit Scholarships.

The National Merit Scholarship Program grants recognition and scholarships to those who score high enough on the PSAT, and has been doing so since 1955.

As they advance to the Finalist round, students’ academic records, extracurriculars, recommendations and personal essay are reviewed when determining winners.

“We’re very very proud of those students,” Principal Johnny Bush said. “We encourage all kids to take the PSAT seriously because you have to know the implications of it, and they’re huge. These students come very well-equipped and a lot of kids were very close... we’re holding our own here and those kids made us proud.” – ALEXIS PERNO

right in the middle of preparing for our Disney performance, but we stopped the next day and started working on our set for the ceremony, because it was so important for us to pay our respects to all the people we lost on that awful day,” senior Elizabeth Bato said. “It was so powerful to sing on that day because it made not only us but the students coming into school take a second to reflect and just realize how grateful we all are to be here today.”

Football coach and teacher Robert Weiner lost a loved one in the attacks and brought the football team to assist with the memorial.

“It’s an important day for me to pass along the message to my players the best I possibly can,” Weiner said. “But then also to support our girls lacrosse team and all the sports coming together to do something that was purposeful together. I thought it was a really good initiative by girls lacrosse and something that made a great statement on behalf of Plant High School. I thought that it was really important that we be a small part in it and support them the best we could in something that was an important effort.”

– ALEXIS PERNO

nified Championship Schools, which aims to connect those with and without disabilities through sports, hosted the first annual “Top Chef ” competition in Mary Beth Radigan’s room from Sept. 4 to Sept 7.

Five teams of two partnered students cooked one day that week with dishes ranging from tacos to brownies.

During the competition, students partnered with Unified judged the dishes, crowning senior Addie Lennon and junior Stephen Smith as the winners after their arugula salad and pizza scored a 9.5 out of 10.

“After graduation, many of our students are able to find employment in the food industry,” Radigan said. “Food preparation is ideal practice for future careers.” – ALEXIS PERNO

Senior Dylan Mirasola chops vegetables in the first “Top Chef” competition. He and partner Carson Comstock prepared a salad.

Photo courtesy of Mary Beth Radigan

6 | news | PO’p september 2018

What’s up

designer – nATALIE KERR

One stop shop for school events happening in October

plant?

Panther prowl

Act

Panther Prowl is on Oct. 24 from 7 p.m. to 9p.m. at Dad’s Stadium.

This homecoming tradition includes creative performances from clubs and faculty members, as well as a fire in the shape of the letters “PHS.” “I’m performing with Anchor,” Senior Sarah Johnson said “ we have four Danceros in the club so we have to choreograph and hold practices every monday to prepare.”

The Homecoming game against Wiregrass and senior night, a recognition of seniors involved in Danceros, cheer leading, band and football, are on Oct. 26 from 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

ACT testing will be administered during school on Tuesday Oct. 2.

“It’s important because it can give you a golden ticket for college, they really look at your scores, so it’s important,” junior Rontaevius Thomas said.

For those wanting to prepare for the test, ACT practice can be located on ACT.org.

02 Oct. .

24 Oct. N.o.p.e

Chorus Fall concert

There will be a Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education (N.O.P.E) presentation for all sophomores on Oct. 8. It will be led by a representative of N.O.P.E during a 30-minute homeroom right after first period in the auditorium.

“There is a lot of speakers that are going to be there and a lot of ladies that are hear have lost a child through drug abuse and that’s what makes the speech so powerful,” said School Officer Mark Holloway

Tuesday Oct. 2, chorus will be having their annual Fall Concert in the school auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and curtains rise at 7 p.m. for a show lasting until 8:30.

Tickets will be for sale at the door for $5. For any further questions, see Bruce Yost in Room 531.

08 Oct.

picture day retakes For those who missed yearbook picture day or wish to replace their initial photo, underclassmen picture retakes will be held in Room 103 during the school day on Oct. 9.

09 Oct.

02 Oct.

designer – NATALIE KERR

PO’p september 2018 | news | 7

club photos

SCHOOL-WIDE TESTING

29 Oct.

PSAT testing for freshmen through juniors and SAT testing for seniors will be administered on Oct. 10th in homeroom classes.

“I’m a little nervous because when I took it my freshman year I was a little flustered but I think with a little practice I’ll do really well,” said sophomore Caroline Kellyman.

Review the PSAT information and complete the practice test that was distributed in homeroom to prepare for testing procedures and material.

Club pictures for the yearbook will take place throughout the school day on Oct. 29 in Dad’s Stadium.

“A couple yearbookers are chosen and we go out all day under a tent and each period a couple clubs come by and it’s really fun.”

See teacher club sponsors for what time specific clubs are assigned to take their photo.

first quarter ends This year, the first quarter grading period ends on Oct. 12. Grades will be finalized by teachers the following week, and first quarter report cards will be available online starting Oct. 31.

10 Oct.

12 Oct. Homecoming dance The Homecoming celebration will continue Saturday, Oct. 27 with an “Under the Big Top” dance for all students at Raymond James Stadium from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Tickets are available at the front office during lunch periods for $50 beginning Oct. 15, and will be $60 to purchase at the door. “I’m very excited, this is my first Plant homecoming, so I’m excited to

27 Oct.

see what its gonna be like at Raymond James,” said senior Olivia Van Ore. Those hoping to bring a date who is not a Plant student must fill out the guest form available on Edsby and in the Student Affairs office.

The event is sponsored and organized by the student Executive Board headed

by Teresa Cozzi, who can be found in Room 162.

Orchestra fall concert Orchestra’s annual Fall Concert will take place on Thursday, Oct. 4 in the auditorium from 7 to9 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5.

“I’m really excited for the fall concert as it’s our debut for the year,” junior and orchestra president Brenna Anderson said. “All the classes have been working extremely hard on their music. It’s gonna be an amazing concert.”

See Steven Bossert in Room 538 for more information.

04 Oct.

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PO’p september 2018 | advertisements | 9

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designer – natalie kerr

PO’p september 2018 | news | 11

WHere the time goes

AT-a-glance timeline for important school dates each month

October

November

1-3 – Theater fall concert “Chicago” in the auditorium7 p.m.

7 – Blood drive 11 – Veterans Day, no school 15 – Great American Teach In 17 – Florida Marching Band Competition at Dad’s Stadium 17-26 – Fall break

January

8 – Winter break ends 21 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no school 25 – Faculty idol in the auditorium 3 p.m.

28 – Club day

9 – Picture day retakes room 103 12 – Flu shots 12 – End of first quarter 21-26 – Spirit week 27 – Homecoming dance 29 – Club picture day 29 – Orchestra chamber concert 6:30 p.m.

4 – Strawberry Festival Day, no school 15 – End of third quarter 15 – Spring Fling 16-26 – Spring break 30 – Pantherilla

May

6-17 – AP exams 24 – Graduation at the Florida State Fair Grounds 4 p.m.

27 – Memorial Day, no school 28-31 – Semester 2 final exams 31 – Last day of school

END OF QUARTER 1

17

december

1-2 – Chorus madrigals at St. Mary’s 7 p.m./2 p.m.

3 – Club day 11 – Music winter concert at First Baptist Church 6:30 p.m.

18-21 – Semester 1 final exams 21 – End of second quarter 22 – Winter break begins

february

March

How many days until...

8 – Florida State Fair Day, no school 12 – Blood drive 14-16 – Chorus Rick’s Cafe in the auditorium 6:30 p.m.

18 – Presidents Day, no school 25 – Club day

HOMECOMING DANCE

29 FALL BREAK

53 semester 1 final exams

April

4-5 Theater spring musical “Drowsy Chaperone” in the auditorium 6:30 p.m.

8 – No school 9 – SAT in school testing 24 – Senior awards ceremony 25 – Orchestra spring concert and Awards Ceremony in the auditorium 6:30 p.m.

84 Last day of school

244

designer – ALEA JENNINGS

12 | NEWS | PO’p SEPTEMBER 2018

SEN19RS

W

new Senior class participates in events and long-standing traditions

FOOTBALL GAMEs

hen students become seniors, they earn the social right to “paint up” for football games and stand closest to the field.

Students cover themselves in black and gold paint to show their school spirit and intimidate the opposing team.

“I go to a friend’s house before [the game] and we paint up and we help each other because sometimes it’s hard,” senior Lauren Rose, who participates in the painting, said. “[I paint up] because it’s more fun.

Before, I never went to football games, so I figured it’s either nothing or go all out.”

TOP: Cheering for the football players, students show their school spirit at the first home game of the season at Dad’s Stadium Aug. 25. Senior traditions while attending football games include being painted up and the spike squad. –ALEA JENNINGS RIGHT: Talking to all the seniors, Lauren Moseley discusses scholarships and class credits. She also spoke about colleges, and option that students have as they look int their future. – AVERY FRANKS FAR RIGHT: The auditorium was filled by students and parents waiting to hear about college scholarship opportunities and applications Aug. 23. The students heard speeches by collegiate representatives from high ranking Florida colleges, such as Florida State and University of South Florida. – AVERY FRANKS

T T

o help the college application process along, an information session is hosted for all seniors and their parents. his year’s Senior Night occurred Aug. 23 in the auditorium with college resource counselors and college admissions officers from several Florida universities attended. Counselors described how to complete processes for college, such as filling out resumes and applying for scholarships, along with college applications,

Senior Night

which most applications need to be completed within the first semester. “I wanted more information on colleges and how to apply to them,” senior Danny Fernandes, who felt as if the meeting helped him accomplish these things, said. “The student handbook was really important because it contained a lot of my grades and all my service hours.” Fernandes recommends going to the meeting for all upcoming seniors.

designer – ALEA JENNINGS

PO’p SEPTEMBER 2018 | section | 13

Sunrise

S

eniors traditionally meet early on the first day of school to celebrate the commencement of their final year of high school in an event called “senior sunrise.” Each graduating class has their own theme to dress up in costume according to, with this year’s class wearing “early 2000s” and “Disney character” themed attire. Characters from Disney Channel shows such as “Rugrats” and “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody” appeared, along with characters from, “The Cheetah Girls”, “Disney X-Games”, “Clueless”, and “Lilo and Stitch”. Seniors met a half hour before school in the student parking lot to compare costumes and meet with friends. “This is one of those things that I’ve been waiting for since I was a freshman,” senior Sophia Hitt, who went as Stacey Dillsen from “Zoey 101”, said. “It was really exciting.”

scavenger hunt

S

enior girls hosted their own event Saturday, Aug. 18 called “senior scavenger hunt” in which they divide into teams to complete tasks such as “grab an ice cream cone by the ice cream” and “paint a baseball player’s nails.” The team with the most challenges done within the time limit earned a cash prize funded by those participating. This year, about 70 seniors participated, split into ten teams. The girls started the all-day event in the morning on Davis Island, and in the end, Khami Shah’s group were the winners.

“It was a great way to spend time with all of my friends and see how well we worked together against competitors,” senior Khami Shah said.

– ALEXIS PERNO

TOP RIGHT: Dancing along to Miley Cyrus’s song “See You Again” seniors Karly Kallish and Abigale Kim are dressed as participants on the “Disney Channel Games.” Of all the students dressed up, the group of students who dressed as participants on “the Disney Channel Games” were of majority. –MADISON WHITE TOP LEFT: Preparing to pose for a picture, seniors Chloe Danner, Grace McClung, Cailey Clark and Ansley Sampson are sporting characters and styles from the late 90’s to early 2000s. The Senior Sunrise took place at 8:00 a.m., half an hour before school started. –MADISON WHITE BOTTOM: Announcing the rules, senior Executive Board member Lexi Ashby prepares participants for the start of the annual senior scavenger hunt on Saturday, Aug. 18. This event was not school sanctioned, resulting in necessity of student run rules and regulations to ensure a fair winner.

–ABBY TURNER

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PO’p september 2018 | news | 15

What’s in the

water?

District tests school water for lead Hillsborough County schools began testing water for levels of the neurotoxin lead in 2017 but have just recently been disclosing the results, which show that several schools had a high concentration of lead in their supply.

Plant is one of the schools tested that was found to have levels below the legal limit — which is 15 parts per billion as set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

But according to the Tampa Bay Times, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the EPA say that any amount can still be detrimental to children and teens, who are most at risk to its effects.

“This is a very important matter because it has been known that children’s brains and bodies are very vulnerable to lead,” junior Sofia Cardenas said. “When the county

says that they are making schools safer by adding guards and physical safety, they still need to pay attention to other things like the stream of lead infested water being allowed to enter the school becoming the silent killer.”

80 percent of schools in the county have yet to be tested for lead.

“I think that all the schools need to be tested as soon as possible,” sophomore Kerry Tankersley said. “I think for now I’m just going to keep drinking the water unless I hear more about the dangers.”

Many students feel reassured by the fact that the water has been tested. Some students plan to continue drinking the water until more information is released, while other students are staying away from it altogether.

“I think that students should probably try to avoid the

water fountains for now,” said freshman Jack Lambert. “I personally think they taste fine but who knows what’s really in it?”

Students are advising their peers to try to get water from other places.

“I don’t drink out of the water fountains personally; I’d rather bring a water bottle,” said senior Koreiyale Johnson.

Despite the concern, assistant principal Lauren Otero has assured students that the water is safe to drink. However, many students believe that the new water filters installed in the cafeteria and gym were related to lead testing, but this is false. Otero said that they were a senior parting gift to the school, intended to reduce plastic.

The county will be done testing the water in all schools

by December. – JESSIE LARRINGA

Effects of lead on the brain Cerebrum: dulled

Frontal lobe: Learning and

sensory perception

behavioral problems

Medulla: Slowed

Temporal lobes: Hearing loss, lower IQ and learning disabilities

growth and development

Brain stem: seizures, unconsciousness and comas W

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PO’p september 2018 | advertisements | 17

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designer – natalie kerr

PO’p september 2018 | spotlight | 19

akeover

school undergoes changes across campus

A Year painted with change

Get up to date with everything that took place within the school over the summer break. From a new mural decorating South Hall to new faculty members, this year is marked with changes. Pages 20-21

parking problems Leader of the pack The Pep O’ Plant staff details problems with the current student parking lot situation, hoping to encourage changes from drivers and administration to improve the lot’s functioning. Page 22

Senior class president Ben Davis took over the head of student council this year. He answers questions on campaigning, hopes for his term and shares personal fun facts. Page 24

20 | Spotlight | PO’p september 2018

designer – Alexis alvarez

Start Times shift Gate raised for Mural decorates student safety south hall Starting this year, a new bell schedule has been implemented across Hillsborough County schools changing the start time from 7:33 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and the end time from 3 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.

The new start time will decrease time spent at school but allow extra time at home in the morning for students.

“I like it because I can sleep in later, and I have longer to get ready in the morning,” freshman Pearson Heim said. “I just do not feel as rushed.”

This change in times is also projected to save the county $2.5 million per year depending on bus schedules according to the district website’s section on school times.

pots ornament campus Before school recommenced, art students came to campus to paint plant pots that ornament the school. Each student painted something different based on their interpretation of “plant a seed watch it grow.”

Senior Ansley Melendi paints a hand with plants floating above it using acrylics and spray paint. The plants coming off the hand are meant to show growth coming from life– MAIZIE TREMBLAY Using acrylic paint, seniors Rebecca sierra and Amanda Phillips paint a transformation of hands into flowers, the hands representing the planting of roots. – ALEA JENNINGS Following a design of classicism, senior Zain Khan paints a sibyl surrounded by leaves. The student artists came in to start working on the pots one week before open-house.

– MAIZIE TREMBLAY

In response to the emphasis on school safety, a new gate has been constructed around the front of the school.

The gate’s goal is to help monitor any suspicious characters trying to gain access to the school. The fence will replace previous safety precautions that were implemented last year that called for all class doors to be locked.

“I believe that it’s necessary to ensure our campus is secure,” junior Eve Larkin said. “However, our school has too many students to have a single entrance and exit. Fencing off the front of the school, I believe, will simply create a more unwelcoming environment, and possibly prompt more people to climb the fence, resulting not only in injury but defying the purpose the fence is meant to uphold in the first place.”

Gate entrances will be locked following the first bell and anyone seeking to enter the campus after that will have to go through the office to be allowed in.

A new mural has been painted along the entrance of South Hall nearest the vending machines.

National Honor Society faculty sponsor Tamara Phillips helped brainstorm the idea while the NHS board of 201718 authorized the funding. The postcard style painting of the mural depicts students participating in clubs, sports and extracurricular activities.

While students weren’t involved in the actual painting of the mural, Phillips commissioned Heather Walton from Tampa Murals to construct the finished piece.

“I’ve always thought South Hall needed some color,” Phillips said. “The hall seemed sad before and now it looks happy. The hall was beige on beige with an accent of beige; it needed color. I didn’t like walking that hallway before and now I look forward to it.” – AVA NELSON

d

po’p September 2018 | spotlight | 21

designer – aleXis alvarez

New faculty members join staff

Yamel Arronte is a new guidance counselor, and she has a masters’ degree in psychology and counseling.

Before Plant, she worked at a technical college, but she said her reason for switching to high school is because she feels that she can make a bigger difference in the lives of students who are younger and more impressionable so that they can receive the guidance they need before they become adults.

Craig Frank teaches credit recovery and helps students retake courses that they failed.

“This year my goal is to get as many students, especially 12th graders, to the finish line,” Frank said. “That’s the bottom line.

Graduate, and realize how important that piece of paper is. For these kids, there’s a lot of people who know how important it is, but for some, it’s the enjoyment of seeing them reach and get that diploma.”

Diane Loiselle came from Jefferson High School where she taught for 20 years to teach AP Language and English 2 at Plant.

Before teaching she worked at a newspaper in New Hampshire.

“I want as many of my sophomores to pass the FSA as possible,” Loiselle said. “I really want to be a good AP Lang teacher — be challenging, be interesting, have the kids involved, engaged.”

Michael Massey teaches P.E. at Plant, but previously he was a social studies teacher for 22 years. He said that his reason for switching was because he got bored and wanted to try something new.

One thing he enjoys about P.E..... is that he gets to be outside and stay active throughout the day. He will be coaching track for Plant this year and one of his goals is to take students to the state championships.

Brian Taylor is the new art teacher. Before teaching he worked as a scenic artist and did projects for places such as Busch Gardens and Universal Studios.

He has enjoyed seeing his former students from Wilson Middle School, where he taught before coming to Plant. The thing he likes the most about his job is seeing his students grow as artists.

John Watkins came from Wharton High School and teaches math.

“I saw the need for math, for kids to be successful in it,” Watkins said. “I knew that it was an area where I could definitely help. That’s an area where kids struggle, so I thought they’d make the most use out of it. Plus, I was always good at math, so it’s a natural fit.”

Before becoming a World History teacher at Plant, Peter Nonnenkamp was a principal and superintendent at an international school in Ecuador.

He started teaching because he enjoys helping kids learn things that they find difficult, and he hopes this year to help his students score as high as possible on their semester exam. – JESSIE LARRINGA

Mark Elliot is a chemistry teacher. His original degree was in biology, but he enjoys chemistry more. He taught as a substitute for Plant 10 years ago.

His main goal for the year is to give his students the ability to score over the county average on their semester exams.

designer – natalie kerr

22 | opinions | PO’p september 2018

MAGGIE HAYES

PARKING PROBLEMS Staff editorial parents and students need to be conscious of how and where they are driving on campus

W

ith limited space and a congestion of cars, arriving and leaving school has become a time-consuming struggle for student drivers. What should be a simple, quick commute from parking lot to street is now difficult and troublesome. The parking lot will not expand anytime soon, so instead, actions can be taken to efficiently drive to and from school.

During the morning, both parents and students can enter through the Dale Mabry Highway entrance. While parents are instructed to continue driving so they drop off their children at the drivers’ range lot, some choose to drop off their children in the student parking lot. This causes an unnecessary build-up of cars in a lot with already limited space as well as Dale Mabry Highway.

According to Assistant Principal Wade, this not only affects drivers coming in and out of the parking lot, but also drivers commuting to and fro through Dale Mabry.

The inevitable overcrowding is especially detrimental to students who may be late to class because of it.

Besides the issue of efficiency, too many cars in the parking lot present a safety problem. Unregulated traffic puts crossing pedestrians at risk; it only takes one careless driver to seriously injure or kill someone.

Yet another problem with the student parking lot is the parking spaces themselves. In the dirt spaces, lines are faded beyond visibility or simply don’t exist. Moreover, these spaces become muddy after storms, motivating some students to park horizontally so they can avoid getting dirty. As a

result, the next spot over is unable to be used due to a lack of enough space for another car.

On the bright side, administration is already taking action to resolve issues with the dirt spaces. These spaces will soon be paved with seashells to avoid the messiness of mud after frequent storms.

Assistant Principal Wade also added that there is no room for expanding the parking lot due to the location in which the school is situated; instead of creating more space, the parking lot must be adapted to the needs of the student body and staff.

More actions, however can be taken: parking spaces should be properly marked in areas without lines. Any kind of marking will give student drivers an indication of where to park and when they are taking up two spaces.

Parents need to be aware that they should drop off their children at the drivers’ range rather than near the gymnasium. In addition to this, they should also consider dropping off or picking up their students from the other two entrances of the school.

These entrances include the front gated one on Himes Avenue or the entrance off San Miguel Street at Sterling Avenue. Additionally, traffic around and inside the student parking lot needs to be regulated more efficiently to avoid possible collisions with either other cars or pedestrians.

By taking the aforementioned actions, the student parking lot will run much more smoothly, allowing students and parents to come and go with minimal troubles.

designer – naTALIE KERR

PO’p september 2018 | opinions | 23

keep up with school news @ PHSNEWS.COM

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The

PO’p September 2018 | opinions | 27

BESTthing

I EVER ATE Writers reflect on culinary experiences

S

auntering through the doors of Starbucks, I know what I need.

My eyes scan frantically for the sacred treasure, gazing deeply through the bakery glass — there she lies, the best thing I’ve ever eaten: a standard cheese danish, just waiting to be gently warmed by the loving barista, full of buttery dough and delicious magic.

Overcoming social anxiety is easy when there’s the promise of the danish at the end of an awkward interaction, and as I finish ordering, the reality of the brutal waiting period hits me. Too full of anticipation to sit down, I stand strangely in the corner until finally, finally, the barista calls my name and everything falls into place.

Seconds later, I’ve stowed myself in another corner, cradling the precious treat close. The first bite is the best – full of tasty heaven – and in no time, the cheese danish has gone to a better place. – ALEXIS PERNO

E

ven imagining the delightful taste of a Woody’s grilled cheese sandwich makes me hungry. The sandwich is a perfect combination of everything a grilled cheese needs to be: warm, with bread that toes the delicate line between under-toasted and burnt, and, of course, perfectly gooey cheese.

That initial crunch when you bite into the bread instantly removes all your worries. On top of this, the environment of Woody’s is a friendly, welcoming and relaxing one.

It truly is one of the hidden gems of Tampa, and one of my favorite things to do with friends is to introduce them to my favorite restaurant.

My recommendation always has been and always will be the grilled cheese.

While I do not remember the first time I experienced the glory that is a Woody’s grilled cheese, I know that I will never forget the taste of that perfect and heavenly sandwich.

– GRAHAM HILL

S

nails, at first glance, are about as appetizing as life insurance.

Never before had I walked through a garden, semi-translucent shells in hand, with the intent to put them on a plate. Never before had I looked into the depths of their wispy, stalk-like eyes and contemplated the transformative abilities of butter, garlic and crisped bread.

Never before had the name “escargot” evoked any imagery in my mind, and, until one wintry Chicago evening, certainly not my taste buds. But, in the darkest corner of a dimly lit restaurant, I became the enlightened.

The grayish, glistening, coiled creatures sitting before me challenged all preconceptions, raised defiantly from the buttery pastry grounding them and encircled in whispered French. With their unique texture, ingredients and flavor, escargot is akin to consuming raw whimsy.

It’s a palette-changing food,an experience, as much as it is a delicacy. – CHLOE-AMELIE AIKMAN

T

he barbecue at Rendezvous, Memphis, Tennessee, is the meal I would beg for as my last request on death row.

The savory dry rub rack of ribs is so indescribable, I can only give extreme metaphors to replicate its pleasure. The meal is similar to that of birthing a child, winning every state lottery, and electrically stimulating the dopamine glands in one’s brain to feel maximum pleasure.

Juicy sauce and coleslaw served with sweet tea represent the divine southern craft of meat manipulation, refined for generations and more secretive than Pentagon documents.

To say you have not lived until you try this cascade of BBQ is an understatement; you have not died until this meal slaughters your taste buds, violates your soul and resurrects your very mind with its powerful aroma.

I must apologize for any mistakes in this piece, I’m salivating too hard on my keyboard.

– RILEY SCHOFNER

illustrationS – chloe amelie aikman

28 | advertisements | PO’p september 2018

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designer – Natalie kerr

29 | FEATURES | PO’p SEPTEMBER 2018

OF THE

LEADER PACK

class president discusses runninG for student government, pLANs.

Co-Head of Executive Board Ben Davis introduces other members of E-board Mia Fussel, Elliot Cash, Charles Hammond and Talaysha Hardy. He was elected president his first year running, after a campaign that focused on being friendly and positive with peers. – NATALIE KERR Photo courtesy of Sabrina Paredes

I

n his first year on high school student council, senior class president Ben Davis answers questions about his goals.

even though I have been here for four years — that are in my class. The main thing that I want to do is to make it more of a cohesive community as a school.

can get involved in. So, you really feel like you are a part of the dynamic of the school and you can get integrated really easily.

Why did you decide to run for senior class president?

In middle school I was part of the student government. I really liked being part of the school and being integrated in that manner. When I came here and saw how many clubs and different activities there were, I really wanted to be a part of it all, so my junior year I decided to run.

What was your campaigning process like?

I mainly just tried to go around, smile at people, shake their hands, and then I asked them to vote for me. I really was trying to be the positive fresh face of the campaign.

I wanted to spice up the election and spice up the school, make everyone laugh, make everyone happy, while also getting stuff done around the school.

What do you want to be remembered for?

The main thing I want to be remembered for is that I literally laugh at anything. Even if it’s not a joke I laugh at it. I want people to just remember me as the guy who’s always smiling in the hallways and laughing at dumb jokes and stuff. – NATALIE KERR & MADISON WHITE

What are the main tasks that accompany the role of being senior class president?

Because I’m the head of the senior committee and co-head of the executive board of my school, I have to help plan homecoming and prom and pep rallies. Basically anything that’s not academic I have to be a part of planning in making something that would be enjoyable for the student body to be a part of.

How do you plan to get students involved in the school and in school functions?

The main way I’m trying to get other students involved in activities at Plant is that I really want to make things more exciting for kids, so if we are having a meeting, instead of just having the meeting at the school, I want to have the meeting at a restaurant or at a sports club, something like that, so it will be more fun. We can play games and get to know each other, as well as get matters taken care of and get the word out there for what we need to get done.

What are some of your goals as senior class president?

My main goal is to get everyone to be more integrated into the school because even [I], while I’m walking around the school, see people every day that I haven’t recognized —

What’s your favorite thing about Plant?

My favorite thing about plant is probably the fact that we have so many clubs and sports and extracurriculars that you

Will you share some fun facts about yourself?

I take a hip-hop class every week, every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. I go there and bust a move. I like to make sushi a lot; I do that at least once or twice a week with my family. I like to longboard a lot; I go on Bayshore and I longboard up and down a big sidewalk that’s really calming and peaceful. Whenever I’m really stressed I try to do that.

What advice do you offer to stay on top of school work and studying?

My biggest advice to stay on top of classwork and stuff like that is to stay organized. So, even until now I have a journal where I write everything down that I need to accomplish for that day because sometimes if I don’t write something down then I just forget. – MADISON WHITE

30 | advertisements | PO’p september 2018

PO’p september 2018 | features | 31

designer – alexis alvarez

From

Math

to Marathon

teacher trains and coaches runners

I

t is not unusual for a teacher to have a hobby or interest that, at times, may shine through the lesson plans, homework assignments and classroom chatter. One teacher with such an interest is Nelson Rodriguez. A Statistics Honors and Pre-Calculus teacher here since 2016, Rodriguez has been teaching for the past eight years.

“Something that he does to make the class more interesting is he tries to get the students to bring real life examples into our lessons,” senior Morgan Shelton said. “He allows the students to bring in their personal perspectives.”

Beyond his teaching, something less known about him is that he has been running and training for the Boston Marathon since 2014.

“I feel that for anything you do, you have to have a big goal,” said Rodriguez. “You need to put a plan together, and if you dedicate time to execute the plan, you can accomplish anything in life.”

Rodriguez’s running career started when he was younger in Puerto Rico.

He ran for his high school, and at age 19, he moved to attend the University of Florida where he stopped running to focus on his engineering degree. In 2011, he You need began running again with his friends after to put a plan over 20 years.

“A main reason I began running and training again was because of medical rea- together, and if you sons,” Rodriguez said. “I had high cholesdedicate time to terol and knee pain, so I was told to begin a sport.” execute the plan, His first run was in 2014, and he now participates in larger runs like the Gasparyou can accomplish illa Distance Marathon. He has run in the anything in life.

Gasparilla Distance Classic Run for the past six years and has been titled the Grand ­- NELSON Master Champion three times. “[I was] surprised and encouraged to RODRIGUEZ continue setting new running goals,” Rodriguez said. “Finally, my training efforts showed great results.”

His overall marathon personal record is 3:14 in Detroit, and his half-marathon personal record is 1:29 in Celebration, Florida. This upcoming October, he will be running his 12th marathon in Chicago.

The Boston Marathon is one of the biggest marathons in the country.

Rodriguez has been training and practicing for it six days a week, running as early as at 3:30 a.m., only taking Fridays off. This has been his fourth time qualifying for the marathon and his fourth year attending.

“Success is the progressive realization of a worthwhile dream or goal,” Rodriguez said. “Any goal worthwhile pursuing takes time and effort, so have fun while you make it happen.”

To help him achieve his goals as a runner, Rodriguez had a coach. His mentor is retired Navy Capt. Steve Swift, and they have worked together since 2014. Now they both coach each other and are still very close.

Rodriguez is also his daughter’s coach in Chicago and wants to apply his life experiences and passion with his students here.

“My main goal right now is to coach my daughter and pace her so she can qualify for Boston in 2020,” Rodriguez said. “My goal is to make it happen for her.”

Something Rodriguez would like teachers, staff and parents to know about is Go365, a wellness and rewards program that helps employees make healthier decisions to guide them in their personal wellness journey.

“I am more than happy to help anybody that has some desire to either start, continue or have somebody to talk to as a mentor on the coach’s side.”

Rodriguez said.–CAROL KORNWORCEL

“

”

Math teacher Nelson Rodriguez teaches a lesson on the importance of keeping your data sample free from outside contamination. He has taught Statistics and Pre-Calculus since 2016 and has been a teacher for eight years. –SARA HERNANDEZ

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PO’p september 2018 | sports | 33

SPORTS TeamS through STRENGTH UNITYMAINTAIN TRADITIONS

VOLLEYBALL

Varsity Girl’s Volleyball has a tradition of bringing chopsticks to practices and games. Junior Birdie Frierson said the chopsticks unite them as a team, and show how hard it is to break them down when they’re all together. – ALEA JENNINGS

T

he girls varsity volleyball team has their own tradition that also seeks to demonstrate solidarity amongst the team.

At the beginning of the girls’ volleyball season, their coach, Vanja Todorovic, held up one chopstick and asked

B

efore the swim team lines up in their lanes, they all gather in two circles with arms interlocked. Feet away from the pool and clad in their school-issued swimsuits, there’s only thing left for them to do before they race. Seniors gather in a small inner-circle while the rest of the swimmers surround them, two seniors jumping into the middle to rally their team together before they jump in the water.

“It’s exciting to know that you are leading the team before the swim meet,” senior

Max Smith said. “It gets everyone excited and really brings us together.”

Following the pump-up speech, the swimmers begin to sway from side-to-side in opposite directions. They chant “PHS, PHS, PHS” over and over again, their volume mounting in intensity as time goes on.

This is one of the many traditions that unify varsity sports teams across campus.

“We feel close to each other, and we just get all excited for the meet,” junior Sophia Laratta said.

FOOtball Sophomore Baldwin Barnes is one of many players on the varsity football team that carry around a chain link with them everywhere they go. The links are earned from players who learned the mission statement and recited it in front of the whole team. – ALEA JENNINGS

the girls to break it. When they all broke the one chopstick he held up 14, one for every girl on the team, and told them to try again.

None of the girls were able to break the chopsticks when they were all together.

“It was to show the strength between us, being together and united as a team, and how hard it is to break us down when were all together,” junior Birdie Frierson said.

swim

Seniors gather in a small inner-circle, the rest of the swimmers surround them, two seniors jumping into the middle to rally their team together. Swimmers sway side-to-side in opposite directions and chant “PHS, PHS, PHS.” – TAYLOR HARAHAN

O

n the field, one thing that connects the football team is their “links”.

Each player on the varsity football team carries around a chain link with them everywhere they go. To earn it, each player is required to learn the mission statement and recite it in front of the whole team.

“Once I said it, I felt like a Plant Panther,” junior Junah Norwood said.

Taking the idea of unity further, the coaches select a player each week who best exemplifies the mission of the team and present him with the “Link and Chain Award”. Before the game, the chosen player

is then entrusted to collect all the links and put them together, forming a chain, which is then given to one player to carry as they run out onto the field.

“It’s a tangible sign of how we are united and tied to one another,” head coach Robert Weiner said. “When something great happens to someone, we share in that celebration, and when something bad happens... we’re there to support them because we are linked to their difficult challenges as well, as it’s the ultimate sign of our unity.”

– KATE CARANANTE

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PO’p september 2018 | sports | 35

out the

stomping competition Seniors play baseball in state championship tournament

“ After winning the Florida State Championship hosted by Prospectwire, seniors JD Urso, Gabriel Rincones and Matthew Coker celebrate their victory late July. They won 7-3 in Sanford Florida, at the Boombah Sports Complex.

Photo Courtesy of JD Urso

T

his season did not end for seniors JD Urso, Matthew Coker and Gabe Rincones, as their summer was spent on the field with their baseball travel team Canes 2019 Prime.

“Summer ball is meant for player development rather than straight up trying to win every game,” Urso said. “We share playing time a lot because the goal is to get everyone to play at the next level.”

These students are now able to tell friends and family they won the Florida State Championship, hosted by Prospectwire, after putting in hours of training on their own time each week.

“It was both exciting and humbling to win such a big championship, especially since I haven’t won since I was 12,” Urso said.

“I decided to play summer ball because baseball has always been in my life, and I love the sport,” Coker said.

Technical skills, such as how to pitch against big pull hitters and keeping batters off balance, are further enhanced during summer ball to

prepare athletes for the high school baseball season. While some focused on pitching, others enhanced their skills at home plate by using wooden bats instead of aluminum.

“With multiple games in one day, the heat really affects your energy and it’s tough to stay hydrated,” Urso said. “We also have to rotate players more often.”

Although summer ball isn’t a requirement for those wanting to play in college or make the high school team, there are a few key traits Coker recommends coming to tryouts with. “[The best mentality is] to come out with a mindset that you will make the team and to give everything you have out on the field,” Coker said.

With summer over, these student athletes can look towards baseball season in the spring.

“I feel a greater confidence in my game,” Rincones said. “It has put a lot in perspective for me about myself and what’s expected of me this upcoming season. – KATY KASPER

What was your favorite part of this baseball season?

“I enjoyed getting better and stronger and preparing myself for this season.”

– Gabe Rincones

“My favorite part of the season is towards the end of the season.

It’s a race for a post-season spot and to move on to regionals every game counts. At the end of the regular season the teams who are the most consistent with scoring runs and throwing strikes are usually the teams to go deep in the post season.”

– Matthew Coker “It was great to hit a home run the first pitch of the championship game and winning the championship.”

– JD Urso

”

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38 | sports | PO’p september 2018

Sports update fall sports teams compete against other schools

Quarterback Tucker Gleason, junior, prepares to pass the ball to an open reciever in the first half of the Plant v Robinson game Friday, Aug 31. Moments after the play, the ball was caught for a first down at Robinson High School.

– MAIZIE TREMBLAY

About to swing at the ball, senior captain Madison Garrett, obtains a score of 26 out of 38 on Thursday, Sept. 13. The Girl’s Golf team won 127-150 against Chamberlain High School. – PAOLA LABORDA

During the meet against Robinson High School, sophomore Morgan Austrich takes a deep breath in between strokes at Bobby Hicks on Thursday, Aug. 30. Austrich competed in the butterfly leg portion in the Individual Medley.

– ALEA JENNINGS

Jumping as the ball nears, senior Camryn Vogler hits the ball on the first set wednesday August 15. The varsity volleyball team led the first set 25-22 and won 3-0 against Carrollwood Day School – PAOLA LABORDA

PO’p september 2018 | sports | 39

designer – natalie kerr

LEFT: Diving into the pool, sophomore Noah Halpern competes in the 50-yard freestyle at Bobby Hicks Pool Thursday, Aug. 30. Halpern contributed to help the boys swim team win 120-47 against Robinson High School. – ALEA JENNINGS BOTTOM LEFT: With the ball in reach, freshman Sterling O’Neal lunges to bump the oncoming ball to another teammate Sept. 17 in the gym. The JV girls volleyball team continued their winning streak by beating Wiregrass High School 2-1.The JV Volleyball team have won all their games so far this season. – ALEA JENNINGS BOTTOM RIGHT: During the first quarter of the game, sophomore Dominic D’ Alessandro tries to block a competitor Thursday, Aug. 30 at Jefferson High School. The JV Football team won their first game of the season against Jefferson 12-7. – AVERY FRANKS

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