Knight Writers Vol. 60 Issue 1 | Oct. 2019

www.rhstoday.com | @RobinsonKnights| @RobinsonSports_

Robinson High School 6311 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33616

Volume 60, Issue 1 |Oct, 2019

Feature

What’s inside Leran about the risks of vaping

Opinion

pg 2 Stop making fun of VSCO and egirls

news

PG 3 meet the new homecoming court

sports

learn about this years cross country stars

pg 6

A&E

King Josh Hall-Gomez and Queen Ann Nicole Merto were crowned during halftime of the Oct. 4 Homecoming game versus Newsome.

By Nicole Perdigon Print Managing Editor

I

t’s Friday night. The night of the homecoming game, the anticipation and tension in the air is felt by everyone in the stands and on the field. Who will be king, who will be queen. Will it be the underdog, or the veteran homecoming court winner, whose name will be on the sword.

After trial and failure from all three finalists Joshua Hall-Gomez pulls the sword and reads Ann Nicole Merto’s name from its silver blade. Gomez presents the sword

before Merto and the crowd cheers for their 2019-2020 homecoming king and queen.

This years prom king came as no surprise to many, as this is his third year winning homecoming court. Joshua Hall-Gomez a senior a Robinson has run for a position in the homecoming court every year he has been here.

The reason behind his running “why not”.

“I ran because I’ve run every year and honestly why not try senior year,” Gomez said. Continue on page 5.

Photo by Jules Whitaker

pg 4

pg 8

crowned

Costumes you shouldn’t do for halloween

SAVE THE DATE Oct 11

Last day of nine weeks, Football game against Jesuit

Oct 12

Homecoming dance

Oct 31

Halloween

Nov 1

Football game against Plant

Nov 12

Veterans day, No school

Nov 25

First day of Thanksgiving break

Troupe #2660 presents ‘Broadway Knights’

By Kenzie Krelic Staff Writer Robinson’s very own Troupe #2660 kicked off the school year with their sixth annual ‘Broadway Knights’ performance. The show features an abundance of singing, dancing and monologues from popular classics or original plays.

This production was highly anticipated for the Troupe.

“I was very excited for the event and I believe everyone else was too,” IB Vice President Charles Davidson (‘21) said.

The program consists of 12 performances including a dramatic duet from Pillowman featuring Charles Davidson and Elias Fermin (‘21) about a private investigator interrogating a man named ‘Katurian Katurian Katurian’.

“I loved performing my duet with Charles, it was so cool because I had to transform into someone that I’m not,” Fermin said.

While the cast performed onstage, the crew was preparing backstage.

Stage Manager for ‘Broadway Knights’, Kayla Miles (‘21) is a part of crew and works backstage.

“Even though managing can be stressful at times, we always put on a great show and have so much fun together, I’m so proud of my crew.”

The big performance at the end was a strong conclusion to the show.

From Legally Blonde: The Musical, the cast performed “Bend and Snap”.

The scene felt like the audience was in the actual movie. It was placed in a salon, and Elle Woods, portrayed by Hunter Patterson (‘22) was teaching Paulette, played by Caila Rodriguez (‘21) how to “bend and snap” in front of the man she likes, Kyle played by Elias Fermin. Paulette ends up hitting Kyle in the face with her snap, ending with the audience in fits of laughter and smiles.

Theatre will be holding auditions on Oct. 10 3:30-5:30 p.m. for their next play, an original called Dystopia: A Teen Parody, a play created by Charles Davidson (‘21).

THE LASTING EFFECTS OF VAPING ON THE LUNGS The CDC confirms 805 cases across the US and links them to the use of e-cigarettes and vapes

By Jules Whitaker Feature Editor fter the initial vaping trend that began in 2015 with the introduction of Juul, vapes and other e-cigarettes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were unsure of how this would affect its users as time progressed.

Recently several cases have popped up around the United States with a reported 12 deaths across 10 states.

Developments have established that this has most likely come from non-nicotine smoking devices as well as flavored pods.

According to the CDC, as of September 24, 2019, 805 confirmed and probable patient cases of lung injury associated with e-cigarette

A

product use, or vaping, were reported by 46 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Health care providers are skeptical that there may be more cases that have gone unreported since the initial recognition of this epidemic.

At this point, no specific product or substance has been linked to the lung injury cases that have exponentially increased in the last year. More information is needed to expose what is responsible for the outbreak of vape-related cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as medical professionals urge smokers to refrain from using various e-cigarettes and Juuls during this time and if they used these smoking devices to quit smoking and to not go back to smoking cigarettes.

As we are the generation at the forefront of these resources, we will be the first to experience its repercussions. Developing research shows alternatives to cigarettes still hold negative and life-threatening results.

According to the CDC, about 69 percent of the vape related case patients are male and 62 percent of patients are 18 to 34 years old. 16 percent of these patients are

under the age of 16. More cases are added as this epidemic of addiction claims more victims.

Florida, along with several other states in the United States, has drafted and proposed a bill before Congress to change the laws that allow any person over the age of 18 to buy nicotine products to the age of 21.

This action is in an attempt to correct the rampant addiction in teenagers as Juul targeted younger audiences with its early years in sales. After the initial spike in nicotine vaping among ages 16-21, several states moved to ban flavored pods and cartridges in an attempt to prohibit smoking in this younger generation. But by the time this had taken place, it was too late for many American teenagers as they had already developed nicotine addictions.

With the number of vape related cases in the United States expanding, health care professionals continue to work towards understanding the components causing this smoking problem and create a solution to help those affected by it.

Illustration by J. Whitaker

meet maddie frank meet lucy frank

Maddie Frank is optimistic about her future with the NJROTC program

Robinson’s own triple threat works on her first album

By Hanna Malone Staff Writer

M

adeline “maddie” Frank is a sophomore IB student at Robinson high school who is dedicated to her academic success and maintaining a well-rounded student career.

M. Frank is involved in numerous extra-curricular including her personal Musical interests in singing and piano, cheerleading for the varsity squad, creating vlogs on her YouTube channel, and her active participation as an officer in NJROTC. Though Maddie and twin sister Lucy Frank share some creative hobbies, Maddie Frank’s passion and commitment in school is to her NJROTC platoon. M. Frank is a PO3 and Public Affairs Officer in the NJROTC program, and currently holds the position as the Air Rifle Co-Captain.

The reserve officers training course has become a primary passion for M. Frank as she considers pursuing this beyond her high school career.

Since her start in the program as a freshman, M. Frank has worked to rise in the ranks.

“I hope to get a leadership position such as Commanding Officer when I am a senior,” M. Frank said.

Aside from her aspirations, M. Frank is recognized among her peers as an optimistic person who is full of hope for her future.

“Maddie is super nice, very caring and outgoing,” Sarah Watson (‘20), a Lieutenant Junior Grade said.”She has the type of personality that’s infectious. Shes like one of those super bright lamps that lights up the whole room.”

Looking towards her future, Maddie Frank’s goal is to attend the United States

Photo by J. Whitaker

Naval Academy in Maryland to pursue a future career in the Navy.

“I hope to attend the Naval Academy and get sent to medical school... I want to become a psychiatrist for the Navy,” M. Frank said.

Maddie Frank is her own person within the NJROTC, but her twin sister Lucy Frank is a huge part of her life.

The sisters share a close bond and spend a lot of their time together. Although they appear to be nearly identical, their family and close friends can tell them apart.

“With a twin, I always have a best friend! She gives me great advice when I need it, [she] is fun to be around and our bond is unbreakable,” M. Frank said.

Overall, Maddie Frank chooses to hold an optimistic outlook on life, and she desires to spread the joy of living to everyone she comes across.

“I just want to spread positivity and have fun,” M. Frank said. “I want to live my life the best I can.”

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feature

By Via Godinez Staff Writer

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obinson High School has a number of talented students, including Lucy Frank, a multi-talented IB Sophomore.

Lucy Frank is involved with several creative hobbies; cheering for the Robinson Varsity cheer squad, school theatre and singing.

Though cheer takes up a lot of her time, she chooses to spend her free time making music. Lucy plays a number of instruments, such as the violin, flute, ukulele and piano. She is also currently learning to play guitar. L. Frank identifies her genre of music as indie and “coffee house”.

When she was young, L. Frank always sang songs to herself around the house, but when her 4th grade teacher gave an assignment in which students had to write and present a song, things changed for her.

Her assignment became a performance where L. Frank received many compliments. After this, Frank decided it was something she really liked and wanted to do.

“My favorite thing [about writing music] is expressing and communicating messages in a way that you can’t with words. It brings the whole concept together,” L. Frank said.

She tends to draw inspiration from her own experiences and what she thinks will be relatable for others. This can be seen in her song “You’re Never Alone”, which tells the story of a struggling girl.

“It’s basically me looking back at my younger self and wishing that I could tell myself pieces of advice to help myself get through hard times,” L. Frank said.

Frank is an independently-produced musician who likes being able to connect with other people and knowing people relate to her work.

In February of 2019, Lucy Frank came out with her first EP titled “Lying Awake”.

Currently, she is working to create an album. She is still in the early stages of the new project; writing the song list, recording, and arranging the set list.

“I had a lot of songs put together that kind of intertwined already. I wanted to really make a debut and be more professional,” L. Frank said.

After high school, Lucy Frank plans on getting her accelerated MBA and major in music business to become a producer.

Currently Lucy Frank, in an attempt to appeal to a wider audience and expand her musical range, is changing up the sound for her next album by adding in a variety of instruments.

Lucy Frank wants to be remembered for “making people feel something, or just brightening their day.”

now

yearbooks are on sale

yearbookforever.com

Editor's Letter

By Morgan Brazier Editor-in-Chief

Editorial: VSCO girls and egirls just wanna have fun Being a vsco girl or an egirl isn’t a personality trait, following a trend doesn’t make you less of an individual

By The Robinson Journalism Staff

D I’ve been a part of Knight Writers for three years now, both as a staff writer and an editor and I can honestly say this is the best staff I’ve ever worked with.

I remember in past years, always having a few staff writers that didn’t complete their stories or just didn’t care about doing things well.

But this year I have been pleasantly surprised to see that all of our staff writers seem to genuinely care about creating content we can all be proud of - and creating a lot of it.

I strongly believe that journalism is something you have to be passionate about if you’re going to do it. If you’re not, the things you write will never be as strong as others pieces will be.

I see passion in all of our writers this year, whether its for photography, or review writing, or opinion pieces or just journalism itself.

As much work as editors do for the paper, without our staff writers it wouldn’t work. You need people who have time to focus and put a lot of effort into their stories, not just editors who are trying to do a million other things in addition to their stories.

I am beyond proud of the work this years staff has already done, only a quarter into the school year, and I am excited to see what we are able to accomplish as the year goes on.

The Knight Writers newspaper is published by the first period journalism II-V class at Robinson High School.

Editor-In-Chief Morgan Brazier Print Managing Editor Nicole Perdigon

on’t make fun of people for what they like. They’ve been teaching us this since we were in kindergarten and yet, we still haven’t managed to stop doing it.

It’s not like labeling others is a new thing, people have been doing that for years, what changes is just the names for the stereotypes we use. The latest categories we have compulsively divided people into are VSCO girls and egirls.

For those of you who don’t know, VSCO is a photography app that gained popularity within the past year among teenage girls. A VSCO girl has almost nothing to do with the actual app but is the term used for someone who typically wears over sized t-shirts, scrunchies, white slip on Vans or Birkenstocks or Crocs and has a Hydro Flask.

An egirl is basically the new version of emo or goth but with that internet flare. The wardrobe of choice for egirls is long sleeves layered under short sleeves and usually accesorise with vans, beanies or chains.

The term egirl surfaced after the rise of the social media app Tik Tok. Here’s the thing about VSCO girls and egirls— they have become stereotypes for a reason. All those accessories and outfits that make people VSCO and egirls are just popular; things become popular because a lot of people like them. Just because you like something that is popular does not mean you are someo less of your own person. Being a VSCO or egirl is also not a personality trait, what you wear does not determine your moral values or who you are as a person.

Aside from the fact that it’s simply toxic to split people into categories like this, its is also apparent that it is mostly just girls who get made

fun of and belittled for these things, and again, that’s nothing new.

In a way, calling someone a VSCO girl or egirl is just the new thing people are using to discredit girls’ interests. It doesn’t matter what it is that the majority of girls like at the time, they will always get picked on for it and told their interests are invalid.

The bottom line is, if you like scrunchies and Hydro Flasks or black jeans and drawing hearts under your eyes, keep doing what makes you happy. You do not need to justify it, just saying “this is what I like” is enough.

Trade College for a career Trade schools offer an alternative career path for students which shouldn’t be overlooked

By Morgan Brazier Editor-in-Chief

F

rom the time we enter kindergarten, kids are groomed for the college path. All incentives seem to focus on grades— kids who can sit still and be quiet are praised, while the ones who have more energy are scolded.

Everything feels like a stepping stone for higher education. We are told this is the best path for all of us, but the truth is, college isn’t for everyone and that’s okay.

Personally, college has always been the plan for me, but I have also always excelled in a classroom setting. Getting good grades has always been easy for me and the career I’m interested in would require a college degree. But that’s just how things have been for me.

A school environment is not easy for everyone because we all learn differently. So why should kids be told that college is the only way to have a career when there is no one way to learn.

There are numerous trade professions that pay the same as or even more than jobs requiring college degrees that do not require a traditional

college education.

According to usnews.com, mechanics make an average starting salary of $40,000 a year in the united states and plumbers make an average of about $50,000. Both professions require a trade school education, but not necessarily a college degree. For comparison, high school teachers make an average salary of about $60,000 and archaeologists make about 64,000, both jobs requiring a college degree.

Yes, jobs that require college degrees typically make more money, but college degrees cost more money. If one chooses to major in something that is not practical in terms of providing you with job opportunities, then going into a trade profession might be the better option especially for people who don’t want to go to college, cannot afford to go to college or feel like it’s not the right option.

Trade professions should not be seen as lesserthan other jobs simply because they don’t require a college education, these jobs provide necessary resources and .

sound off: How did you feel about this year’s spirit week?

Online Managing Editor Anna Woodward News Editor Ella Wertz Sports Editor Jack Kirk A&E Editor Multimdia Editor Amelia Foster

"My favorite day of spirit week was definetly Tik Tok day, I was a VSCO girl and wore like 11 scrunchies."

- Zach Whiteman ('20)

Features Editor Opinion Editor Jules Whitaker

Staff Ethan Adair Lindsey Chadwick Olivia Godinez Ava Hogan Mckenzie Krcelic Jennifer Le Hanna Malone Natalia McCalla

Jaylen Stasio Meena Vasquez Publications Adviser Nancy Oben Principal Robert Bhoolai Robinson High School 6311 S. Lois Ave Tampa, FL 33616

"It was very positive. I liked that everybody participated and everybody was very involved with the school.”

- Jordan Stephens (‘21)

Phone: 813-272-3006 School hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

Population: 1536 Students, 150 Staff Mission Statement The role and goal of all RHS Media is to inform, interpret and entertain their viewers through accurate and factual reports, and be accurate, fair and impartial in its coverage of issues that affect the school community. The staff of

"I feel like it was very different than past years and some of the days were hard to participate in.

-Lizzy Corona (‘20)

RHS Media will strive to report all issues in a legal, objective, accurate and ethical manner, according to the Society for Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics

Publication Memberships

opinion

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ROBINSON LOSE BIG TO NEWSOME IN HOMECOMING GAME Robinson takes a hard 41-7 loss to Newsome for their homecoming game

By Jack Kirk Sports Editor

O

n a night where Robinson celebrated their homecoming court, the football Knights did not have much to celebrate about their game with Newsome.

From the opening drive, Newsome had control of the game, leading 20-0 at one point. Near the end of the first half, the two teams traded interceptions, with Newsome picking off Robinson quarterback Rickeem Parks (‘22) before defensive back Luis Rosario (‘21) intercepted a Newsome pass. This allowed the Knights put together their only scoring drive of the night at the end of the first half, putting the score at 20-7 heading into the second half.

The second half saw much of the same, with Newsome scoring 21 points while denying the Knights from scoring. As time expired, the scoreboard read 41-7 in favor of the Wolves.

Even before the opening whistle, the Knights knew that this game would not be an easy task.

“We knew this would be one of our steepest challenges of the season,” Head Coach Craig Everhart said.

Despite the loss, the players kept fighting and did not stop playing hard until the final buzzer.

“This was a tough one for them,” Everhart said. “but they did respond mentally and the effort was there for all four quarters”.

After this loss, the team is looking forward to their next game and not getting stuck in this loss.

“I think it’s more hats off to Newsome and what do we need to do now to prepare for a good Jesuit team.” Everhart said The next game for the Knights is a home game against the Jesuit Tigers on Friday, October 11. (6311 S Lois Ave, Tampa, FL 33616).

Far left: The offense lines up on the line of scrimmage to begin a play.

Top left: Quarterback Rickeem Parks ('22) runs the ball.

Near left: Wide receiver Louis Kirchgessner ('20) moves the ball down the field.

Photos by Cady Studios

Left: Starlet captain Victoria Moore ('20) stands at ease while waiting to perform the national anthem.

Right: Drum majors wait at attention before marching on the field for pregame.

The cheerleading squad leads the sideline in a cheer during the first quarter of the game.

Spirit week timeline Tik Tok Tuesday

By Ella Wertz News Editor

Lindsey Chadwick Staff Writer

Will Swanson ('21) "Jocks rule nerds drool."

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news

Wanna Be Wednesday

obinson's 2019-2020 homecoming spirit week was filled with fun days that showcased both school spirit and student creativity. The week started with Mathlete vs. Athlete Monday, followed by Tik Tok Tuesday, with Wanna Be Wednesday next.

Then Out of this World Thursday and finally, Class Colors on Friday before the homecoming pep rally and game against Newsome.

Mathletes vs. Athletes

R

Amy Tran (‘21)

Kenneth Klink ('20) Justin Seo ('21) "And I oop."

KING AND QUEEN Continued from the front page...

"I was like why not run for the last year lets see what happens."

With this "why not" mentality, Gomez has been able to win three out of the four years he has run. Gomez believes his winning comes from his activity in school, ranging from playing sports to being in honor societies.

"It was nerve racking and surprising like I really didn't know I was going to win,"Â Ann Nicole Merto said after reading her name from the sword.

Unlike, Gomez this is Merto's first year running for any type of court at Robinson High school.

"I've always wanted to be a homecoming queen and ever since I was a kid I've always did pageants so I thought it would be fun to do," Merto said.

Like Gomez, Merto is also involved in student government as well as many other activities around the school.

"I'm a manager for multiple sports, I'm in student government. I'm very involved in other stuff," Merto said.

Merto explained that running and then winning

homecoming queen gave her a lot of confidence, especially after thinking she wasn't going to win.

"I honestly would recommend for people to run because it's for the experience not for the winning or losing," Merto said.

The homecoming dance will be held at the Double Tree

by Hilton Westshore on Saturday Oct. 12 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Photo by Cady Studios

The Court

Photo by J. Whitaker

By Jules Whitaker Feature and Opinion Editor

The votes are in for Robinson High school's 2019-2020 Homecoming court. The Knight Writers staff asked them about their experience on Homecoming court.

Junior Prince and Princess Prince, Henry Bui "I thought it was fun when I ran last year. I didnt think I was going to win to be honest. [After winning] there was a video of me and the first thing I did was look around to make sure my name was actually called."

Photo by J. Whitaker

Princess, Allesandra Nathan "[Running for Princess] seemed really fun and my friends ran last year and they seemed like they had a good time. I felt very confident in running. I was really happy that I won. I was kinda shocked."

Sophomore Duke and Dutchess Duke, Malachi Hill "I thought it would be fun [to run]. It was like a sudden feel of relief because I was nervous going into it. I'm a well-known guy, I play baseball and I know a lot of people."

Dutchess, Ashley Conley "I thought it would be a fun time this year to ge involved with school... I was shocked, excited and shocked [to win]. "

Photo by J. Whitaker

Count, Kai Hill "I really wanted to [run for count] and I thought it would be fun. I felt so happy and emotional when I won... I think [I won because] I'm a very respectable person. " Countess, Alexis Vandiver "I thought it would be fun to run and it is my freshman year so why not? I know a lot of freshman so I think that helped with the votes."

Class Colors Friday

Out of This World Thursday

Photo by J. Whitaker

Freshman Count and Countess

Micheal Griesemer ('20)

Kaia Poisall ('21) "Spirit week was out of this world."

Molly Orlick ('20)

Sade Wallace ('21)

Kaitlyn Faulkner ('20) "Seniors have the best spirit." news

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Freshman Kana Kosaka is already breaking records

Even in her first season, Kana Kosaka (‘23) is proving to be an essential part of the Robinson Cross Country team

By Anna Woodward Online Managing editor obinson’s cross country team is known for having stand-out runners. This year, Kana Kosaka (‘23) has joined the team and has already seen success. Kosaka’s goal at the beginning of the season was to break 20 minutes in the 3.1 mile run. At her first meet, she achieved that goal, running a time of 19:55.

“I really love running and being active, and cross country was one of the sports I could do and I was like, maybe I should try this,” Kosaka said. “and then I went to one of the practices and everyone was really nice and they were really motivational, so I was like, okay, I’m gonna do this.”

As for her teammates, Kosaka says that she enjoys being a part of the team, thanks to their friendliness and encouragement during practice and meets.

“The Robinson cross country team is probably one of the nicest teams that I’ve ever met, they’re just really outgoing and even when we pass the boys, when you’re running...they’re like ‘you got this, you can do this’, so it’s a really nice team,” Kosaka said.

Speaking of teammates, Kosaka also looks up to Ethan Geiger, who happens to be the state champion for boy’s cross country.

“He’s the state champion, everybody says how hard he works, so as a figure, I think that he would be one of my [motivational

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figures],” Kosaka said.

Girl’s Cross Country Team Captain Sophia Crassas says that initially, Kosaka came off as quiet, but has quickly made a great and lasting impression on the team.

“She’s definitely an integral part of the team, she’s our number one runner right now and she’s really good at leading even though she’s a freshman,” Crassas said. “she just has that skill naturally and it comes really easily to her...”

Crassas described Kosaka not only as an important part of the team, but as someone with the skills to lead the team to success in the future.

“She just has that warm, bubbly personality, she’s really social with other people, she’s really positive,” Crassas said. “I think she has a lot of characteristics that would be good as a captain.”

Even after her first meet, Kosaka continues to achieve her goals and break records. On Sept 22nd, she ran 3.11 miles (a 5k) with a time of 19:01, breaking the school record by 30 seconds. She hopes to continue cross country in the future and improve her skills as a runner.

“She’s very determined, she wants to be the best...she’s pretty cool,” Crassas said.

Kana Kosaka (‘23) runs as she has ground on her closest opponent.

Photo by K. Patterson

Knights go through highs and lows In a season of ups and downs, the Knights sit at 3-3 with four games left By jack kirk sports editor

T

he Robinson Knights’ season was veering off course, with the team starting 0-2 after a devastating loss to Alonso that came down to the final seconds. But the team regrouped, won three straight games and, following a loss to Newsome, sit at 3-3 after their first six games.

The first two games were very different losses. The first game was a 45-6 loss to Hillsborough, where Robinson never really had control of the game from the opening whistle

to the closing seconds. Their loss to Alonso was much different, with the Knights jumping to a 15-0 lead at the half before the Ravens scored 18 straight to stun the Knights 18-15.

“They’re just growing up,” Head coach Craig Everhart said. “We’re more young than we are old.”

Their next game was against Freedom, which was pushed back three days due to Hurricane Dorian. Robinson secured their first win against Freedom 40-10 on Monday, Sept. 9, then beat Gibbs 25-0 later that week on Friday, Sept. 13. This put the Knights at 2-2 going into the bye week. Then came Booker, who lead 13-0 over the Knights in the first half before Robinson came back and won 22-20.

Newsome was the Knights’ next opponent for the Robinson homecoming game, and the Knights fell 41-7.

The Knights still have some very important games left in the season, including three district games. Jesuit was in Robinson’s district in years past, but Bayshore and Chamberlain are new district rivals. “...our season’s going to get harder before and after this week,” Captain defensive lineman Destin Tiburcio (‘20) said. “We have to stop the run for the rest of the season because other teams that we face this season are gonna have a good running back.”

But perhaps the most important game to the student body is the last game of the season, the rivalry game against the Plant Panthers.

With the highs and lows of the season so far, the coaching staff knows that the team is not done growing.

“There’s so many correctable things so we’re very happy and pleased that we can teach and continue to get better from a win,” Everhart said.

The coaching staff are not the only ones who recognize the potential that the team has.

“I feel like we are performing good,” Kicker Steven Verdisco (‘20) said. “but we still haven’t reached our full potential and if we do we will be a special team.”

Quarterback Rickeem Parks (‘22) looks for space as he runs the ball past Gibbs defenders Photo by J. Kirk.

Star Showcase

By Jack Kirk Sports Editor

Sports showcases highlights two "hot shots" of Robinson athletics. Each issue will feature a few standout athletes from the current sports season

Levi Mcaffee ('21) Kaleigh Mcfadden ('20) Mcaffee is a defensive back and receiver for the Robinson football team. He has five interceptions on the year, which is tied for fourth-most in the state. Mcaffee also has 355 receiving yards and 414 total all purpose yards “He probably has the best attitude.” Captain Destin Tiburcio (‘20). “When he’s on the field it’s like you know something that I’ve never seen before.”

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sports

Mcfadden is a swimmer for the Robinson swim team.

She is currently in her last season with Robinson and is a cocaptain of the team.

“I love pushing myself, swimming in meets, and having fun with everyone on the team.” Mcfadden said.

Mcfadden has benefitted from swimming outside of competitions as well.

“Swimming has helped me with time management.”

Mcfadden said.

Opinion: Robinson students win world series Best in the

By Amelia foster A&E editor business to Tampa’s Southeast team won the World Series in early Aug. Multimedia editor not in the hile the rest of Robinson prepared for the start of school in early Series, it’s only for the 12-14 age group, and five of the girls have aged

business

By Jaylen stasio Staff Writer Recently, there has been a certain football player who is stirring up a lot of conflict. Antonio Brown.

Maybe you’ve heard about his removal from two teams in the past six weeks or the sexual assault allegations toward him. Either way, I believe Brown sabotaged his own career.

Why would someone want to liquidate a 30 million dollar contract and destroy their endorsements? Possibly due to the arrogance that has escalated since Brown became the best receiver in the league. It’s interesting how quickly someone’s life who is so successful can go completely downhill.

Brown spent the first nine years of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then, he was traded to the Oakland Raiders. He was then cut

by Oakland after issues with the team, and signed

by New England soon after, only to be cut after one game with the team.

NFL is very particular about the punishments of a certain act- no matter how big. In this case, the punishment was Brown being cut from multiple teams, possibly permanently expelling him from the league. His failure to keep his temper and express humility is proof of the reason that he is out of a job.

I feel that the cause of his arrogance is the amount of praise he gets.

Usually when a playerwhether they are pro or not- receives a ton of glorification, it can go to their head. This causes them to act out in certain ways, in this case, the source of his removal.

Instead of returning to the league, Brown has decided to take a path that was unexpected. Brown is going back to college. In a way, it’s a wise decision, but with two rape accusations under his belt, who wants to go to class with a sexual predator?

I know I don’t.

From the best wide receiver in the league to the least respected man in the NFL, Antonio Brown seems to have screwed up his career because of his inability to maintain self-control. And now that his career is messed up, it closes the door to a lot of other possible opportunities.

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August, six students from Robinson were playing at the Little out, while two at Robinson are freshman and can still play. All five of the League World Series--and won. The team, officially known to the Junior winners are either on Robinson’s softball team or plan on trying out for League Softball World Series Championship as Southeast, beat the South- it. Softball has molded these girls lives’, and now they have to figure out west team on August 3. what to do next.

The World Series championship hosts teams from all over the world “It [softball] has given me my best friends, it’s made me choose this who compete against school, it made me each other in a bracket, make most of my deand the Southeast team cisions,” Cassidy Lund played seven games, (‘22) said. losing the first two. The In order to get to game was in Kirkland, where they are, the Washington, but they Southeast team held played two championa rigorous practice ships in Florida and schedule, ranging from regionals in North Carthem practicing the olina to be able to get morning of the World to the World Series.

Series to them regu“When I first started larly batting together. playing after I saw an The week they came older group of girls win back to school, former it [the World Series], it IB Assistant Princibecame my dream to pal Matthew Johnson win,” Jocelyn Campo shouted them out (‘22) said. “Winning during lunches. means that my hard “It was just amazwork paid off.” ing, it was like the best Although they’ve feeling in the world,” reached the World Lund said.

The Southeast team poses with their championship banner following their World Series victory. Photo courtesy of Southeast softball

Boys XC all set PRs, come in second at meet By jack kirk sports editor

Boy’s cross country sees individual success at the North Port XC Invitational despite a second place finish

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obinson’s boys cross country team saw great individual success at the North Port XC Invitational, with every member of the team breaking their personal records. As a whole, however, the team did not see the results they were hoping for, coming in second place to Plant.

“As a team if we all just like passed one more guy we could have easily won the meet, but individually we all had great performances.”

Wesley Anderson (‘20) said.

The team saw four members reach times under 17 minutes, and one member saw a time of under 16 minutes.

“The competition we had to face was super competitive.” Ethan Geiger (‘20) said. “We were just very hyped for this race and we wanted to give it everything we had.”

Ethan Geiger (‘20) set a course record with a time of 15:15. This came after he set a course record the previous weekend at the George Whitmore Classic for the Holloway Park course. “...it’s surreal...” Ethan Geiger (‘20) said. “it feels so good to think that I was able to set something

huge after so many people have raced there for so many years.”

While each member had performances that they should be proud of, as a whole they were just barely edged out for first place, with Plant beating them by one point.

“Overall it’s more of a bittersweet meet...”

Matthew Hunter (‘20) said.

With every member setting personal records, it’s hard to point out one specific cause for the team’s loss.

“No one is personally to blame.” Anderson said.

“It’s gonna motivate us to do better next time and not let Plant beat us ever again.”

With the performance they had, the team will look to grow from this meet and aim to secure a first place finish at the next meet.

“We found our strengths and what our weaknesses are, we need to fix the weaknesses to make it into a strength for the next one.” Hunter said.

Ethan Geiger (‘20) competes at the George Whitmire Classic 2019.

Photo by K. Patterson

What’s trending on RHSToday?

Here is one of the hot sports stories from the past couple months. It is a recap of the Knights’ football game against Booker on Sept. 27.

Read about how the team won 22-20 after overcoming a 13-point first half deficit, and what some of the players had to say after the comeback victory that ended up being their third straight victory after starting the season 0-2 and gave them their first 3-2 start since 2015.

SAVE THE DATE Here are some exciting sporting events that are coming up on the calender for Robinson

Dates

What

Where

Times

Oct. 15 Swim Meet Boys & Girls v. Spoto

Bobby Hicks

7:30pm

Oct. 15 XC County Championships Boys & Girls

Idlewild

6:30pm

Nov. 1 Varsity Football v. Plant

Plant

7:30pm

sports

7

horror doesn’t equal halloween

By Amelia Foster A&E Editor Multimedia Editor

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very time I see a genuinely scary movie on a list of best Halloween movies, I cringe. Halloween movies are supposed to have a certain vibe to them that makes them a Halloween movie, not just any horror film. What is a Halloween movie if it isn’t set in fall, kind of cheesy, kind of funny and gives a good fright? It’s just horror.

The line between Halloween and horror is clearer than it seems. Each iconic horror movie has some common ground, such as the fact that they are all a little bad. If I’m going to write an analysis of a movie, I’m not choosing Hocus Pocus in any universe; still, I absolutely adore it. Just hearing the titles conjures images of changing leaves, hot chocolate and watching it in my pajamas with friends. Halloween movies don’t even have to be PG, slashers like Friday the 13th are instantly recognizable for the season, but they still evoke that cozy feel while I spill my popcorn from the fiftieth jump scare.

Despite all the do’s for Halloween films, there are plenty of don’ts. It can’t be too realistically violent on screen (slashers are fine), it can’t have boring characters and it can’t be completely serious the whole time.

Who wants to watch a film where there isn’t a single joke cracked? Not me.

I’m not saying that horror movies aren’t worth watching, it’s just that they’re suitable for any time of the year while Halloween movies evoke that specific coming feeling that can’t be

beat. Hereditary and Midsommar are some of my favorite films with their thoughtprovoking themes, but they also have vivid and gruesome decapitation scenes that I’d rather not watch when I’m munching on my fifth twix.

Horror Halloween movies are instantly recognizable. Friday the 13th.

Nightmare on Elm Street. Child’s Play.

Halloween. Those are the horror films you think of for Halloween, their main villains spawning countless costumes and bad remakes (we don’t talk about Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge).

In the end, despite all the technicalities, the only way to know if a horror movie is a halloween movie is if you feel it in your soul. It’s up for you to decide, just trust me when I say that if you choose anything by Ari Aster, you’re wrong.

The coziest movie poster possible, to the point where the Halloween spirit is practically tangible.

The perfect example of what not to do for a Halloween movie poster. There’s a person wailing on the cover, it’s terrifying.

the most memorable halloween films

By Ava Hogan Staff Writer

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hen I think of fall, I think of cold weather, warm smells and snuggling up in a blanket watching Halloween movies. Not just any Halloween movies though, the ones that bring you back to your childhood. Here are my top five most memorable throwback Halloween movies from when my bedtime was 9:30.

1. My favorite Halloween movie is It’s a Great Big Pumpkin Charlie Brown. This movies is a classic! My family has passed down the favoritism of all Charlie Brown movies and now we watch them every holiday. This movie incorporates it’s classic childish humor with Halloween spirit, and it’s the perfect example of a classic Halloween movie.

2. My second favorite Halloween movie is Twitches. In this fantasy film, the unification of two long-lost twin sisters causes their witch magic to spark, and they soon have to figure out how to work their newly-obtained powers while saving their world from the darkness. Twitches, despite being almost 15 years old, is prime comedy while conveying the themes of sisterhood and trust.

3. Next comes Girl vs. Monster. I remember watching this movie as a go-to after a “long day” at school. In the movie, tween Skylar Lewis (played by Olivia Holt, whom I idolized) discovered that she is a line of monster hunters. Of course, the monsters actually want to stay alive, so they try and eliminate Skylar so their population can survive. Girl vs. Monster, while still being mysterious at times, keeps the scares playful and light.

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During this time of year, it is especially important to remain cautious of the effects that cultural appropriation has on others. Dressing up as Native Americans, Rastas, Geishas, G*psies, etc., is seriously offensive to the people who are a part of these societies and backgrounds. Even dressing up as “sugar skulls” can be considered as cultural appropriation as this kind of make-up and style of dress alludes to the Day of the Dead, a holiday celebrated by people of Mexican heritage.

What you may find a fun or exotic costume actually has a serious and harmful impact on society by unintentionally enforcing stereotypes. It also has the potential to inaccurately depict something other than the outfits traditional or historical significance because some cultural clothing pieces are symbolic with spiritual or ceremonial substance. To put it simply, it is wrong to steal another culture, especially when claiming it as your own for a night when you do not even understand the true history of the people you took it from.

Remember, Halloween is supposed to be fun for everyone, so keep in mind these words of advice while you are shopping for your costume. Also, please do not dress up as a clown, I hate those.

Examples of exactly not what to do for a halloween costume--unless you want to be the most offensive person there.

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The ideal Halloween movie.

halloween for teenagers

WHAT NOT TO WEAR ON HALLOWEEN

By Hanna Malone Staff Writer ith the holiday season approaching at a rapid pace, Halloween is the first one to knock-off the list. Although this spooky holiday gives people the freedom to dress up in silly costumes and “be whoever they want to be”, there are some costumes that are simply offensive or even downright inappropriate that you should stay clear of while planning on what to wear.

Strait-jackets should be entirely avoided as the holiday approaches. Costumes featuring strait-jackets are a mockery of the mentally ill, and they promote the already-present stigma against them. The reality of straitjackets aren’t kind, as they were a severely inhumane practice used in mental asylums. It isn’t edgy to wear them, just insensitive.

Although these costumes are less common, dressing up as a homeless person is still insensitive. It isn’t creative or clever to mock someone’s financial struggle, it’s just cruel.

Poverty is a serious issue and should be taken seriously since it is so widespread. It might be an easy costume to put together, but there are so many other options that are less offensive.

Cultural appropriation is, by definition, the inappropriate adoption of the customs and practice of a culture by members of another--and it is never okay.

4. Halloweentown, the Disney Channel classic, is one of the movies I would watch if the top three weren’t available. Marnie, the main character, and her younger siblings are the offspring of a generation of witches who sneak onto a bus with their grandmother and find themselves in another world, Halloweentown. It was OK, I enjoyed it, but the acting was worse than a Netflix original movie.

5. Coraline is the last on my list and deserves it. This movie is TERRIBLE. It scared me to death when I was a kid and still scares me now. To be fair, the animation is undeniably better than Halloweentown, and the story line is clever, but the nightmares aren’t worth it. I am aware that there are some odd people out there who like the idea of a hungry mother wanting to sew buttons on children’s eyes in another dimension in order to eat their soul, but for me, I would like to keep my soul and my peace of mind.

Photo by Party City

By Meena Vasquez Staff Writer

“I

t’s like we’re too old to trick-or-treat and too old to die.” A famous quote from Eric Forman on That 70’s Show stuck with me. Mostly because on Halloween, what are teenagers supposed to do? We’re too old to trick-ortreat and that’s basically the main event on Halloween So here’s a list of what to do on October 31st.

1. GO ON A GHOST TOUR. Many places in Tampa offer ghost tours on Halloween, especially Ybor and Downtown.

2. WATCH SCARY MOVIES. A basic idea but a fun one for horror fans. Baking Halloween themed treats or regular popcorn can go well with the movie marathon as well.

3. VISIT A HAUNTED HOUSE. Find your local haunted house and visit it, some popular ones are the Murder House in Ybor or the houses in Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens.

4. TRICK-OR-TREAT FOR THE NEEDY. UNICEF offers this service, instead of asking for candy you ask for donations.

5. CARVE PUMPKINS. Hyde Park has a pumpkin patch offering painted “Cinderella” pumpkins, and regular pumpkins galore.

6. HAND OUT CANDY. Not only does somebody have to do it, it gives you a free pass to dress up, and you get dibs on the left over candy. Not only that, but maybe even make your house the best house to trick or treat at.

7. VISIT AN AMUSEMENT PARK. Not exactly the best idea on Halloween but a fun idea on dates leading up to it. Events like Mickey’s Not-so-scary Halloween party and Howl-OScream are both fun for teenagers.

8. ARMATURE WORKS has an Orchestra Happy Hour on October 30th playing spooky music, and their amazing food to compliment the show.

9. HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS. This is sort of plain but hanging around Hyde Park, going to a restaurant, baking, or even just going to Target or Trader Joe’s with friends makes it more fun.