The Lion's Tale - Volume 51, Issue 1

LION’STALE OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 • VOLUME 51 • ISSUE 1

22 of every 100 students received a schedule change

SCHOOL RACES TO COMPLY WITH

CLASS SIZE AMENDMENT

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features

Blogging becomes new form of expression for teens. 12

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diversions

page 4

Check out which comedy shows are worth the watch this fall season. 25

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sports See why sophomore Chelsey Spradlin pratices yoga. 31

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( news sports )

THE LION’S TALE

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SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

School eliminates exams

THE SCOOP

There will no longer be semester exams or exam exemptions. All students must take nine-weeks exams. Students will no longer have the option of taking a week off at the end of the semester for exam exemptions.

Faculty members felt this would provide more time for learning and will help them to cover more material.

Graduation requirements change Freshman and sophomores need 26 credits to graduate, whereas juniors and seniors only need 24. This is due to the change to a seven period day.

Students must have three credits in social studies and science, and four credits in math and English. One credit in physical education and performing arts is also required, along with 10 elective credits.

Electrical costs decline in 2010

Oviedo High was number one among Seminole County high schools for saving money on electricity for the 2009-2010 school year, and is striving to exceed the amount saved and become even better this year.

In order to save the money, classrooms are kept at regulation temperature (77 degrees) and lights are turned off.The money saved goes toward facility improvements and general maintenance around campus.

Graduation fees must be paid

Senior graduation fees must be paid in order to attend the special events that Oviedo High has planned for this school year. If paid before Feb. 1, the amount due is $40, but after this date the price increases to $50.

Turn in money to Anna Hollis-Childress. at the earliest possible convenience.

Dance Team Hosts Clinic

The Mane Attraction dance team’s fall clinic is being held at OHS on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The clinic is open to grades 1-12. If students pre register online at ManeAttractionDance.com , the cost will be $15, and it will be $20 at the door.

Arts unleashed wants student artwork and writing

Editors of Arts Unleashed Literary Magazine ask students to submit their own artwork and writing in order to be published in the 2011 magazine.

Students who would like to be published need to submit their pieces to room 5-020 or send them online to artsunleashed.org.

FUTURE SCIENTISTS. Daniel Hammack and Caydin Lawn perform a lab in science teacher Kathy Savages biotech class.

photo/CARSON BAILEY

Award goes to biotech head Kathy Savage

by Harry Traber

living organisms or their derivatives to make early 4:30 p.m. It has been a long day or modify products or processes for a specific of work teaching AP chemistry to high use. school students. A tired Kathy Savage “My favorite industrial example [of opens her email. She expected anything in the biotechnology] is the enzyme extracted from whole world except the announcement that she an extremophile in Lake Bogoria, Kenya. had won the Prism Award for Central Florida This enzyme is used to give our jeans a softer science and math teachers. feel and a stonewashed look without actually “The truth is, I didn’t even know about it beating them in washing machines with pumice until I got the email. I would say that I am really stones like they did once upon a time,” Savage thrilled that it would be either P.J. (Krealing), said.

Amy Demins, or I,” Savage said.

Savage herself spent four weeks at the Local business, government and school University of Florida during the summer taking leaders comprise the Prism Project, a committee a course for the biotech class. who rewards teachers in Central Florida who “It’s also high tech in that we are using the show excellence and innovation in the fields of same equipment that we used in our classes mathematics and science. over the summer,” Savage said.

Savage has been teaching at OHS since Over the summer Savage learned the skill 1993. For the majority of that time she taught of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which is chemistry. used to amplify DNA However, she samples. She is still Her manner of teaching is to finds time to play the taking classes and going allow you to explore it on your occasional practical to workshops now. jokes.

“I am taking two own and form your own ideas “Not anymore. courses right now about something.

There isn’t a teacher myself,” Savage said.

Benjamin Bazata, ‘12 that can take the Those courses are heat, plus I think we Biotechnology I at were responsible for SSC and Biomedical the “no livestock” rule when we brought the Explorations at University of Florida. chickens with mohawks into Mrs. Jacob’s AP Junior Benjamin Bazata enjoys the teaching calculus room,” Savage said. style of Savage.

Savage works as the head of the biotech “Her manner of teaching is to allow you program. to explore it on your own, and form your own “It’s state of the art in terms of the ideas about something,” Bazata said. techniques in terms of scientific problems. We Savage takes time out from her day for the use the same techniques as Sanford Burnham chemistry classes she teaches as well.

Medical Research Institute at Lake Nona,” According to junior Garrett Urban, Savage Savage said. works with students until they understand the Biotechnology serves as the study of any material. application that uses biological systems, “She always tries to help her students by

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staying after school or before school to help,” Urban said.

Kreahling believes Savage always stays one step ahead.

“She was involved in writing a grant that Kathy Savage will get us laptops and a gel docking system,” PJ Kreahling said.

Savage also sponsors the National Science Honors Society.

“She is really an integral part of the SNHS. She lets us use her room, facilitates the meetings, makes sure we have supplies and serves as a liaison between students and administration,” junior Neel Patel said.

Nominated by Principal Robert Lundquist, she won the $500 prize that comes along with being picked as a Prism Award winner.

Principal Lundquist personally put together her portfolio and explains why.

“Primarily because of her innovative way of teaching, her connection with students, her knowledge in the field,” Lundquist said.

The nomination process for a teacher works by having their portfolios sent to the committee in charge of picking the year’s winners.

The committee looks at letters of recommendation, lesson plans, examples of students work, and any clubs or extracurricular activities the teachers participate in.

Winners of the Prism Award are then invited to go to a workshop to present what they do to other teachers in Central Florida.

“I think there is not one single thing you could point to. I think it is her day to day with students who come back to her who are doing tremendous work in the world,” Lundquist said. harryt@thelionstale.com

ONE - ON ONE

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

5 step proposal: • Impose state fines on private companies that knowingly hire undocumented workers.

• Require business owners to validate a worker’s legal status.

• Require all state agencies to verify the legal status when hiring state employees.

• Require all companies doing business with Florida to certify that the legal status of their employees has been verified before they can get any work from Florida.

• Require state agencies to verify the legal status of any applicant for taxpayer-funded public assistance programs who claims to be a legal immigrant.

• Will work to reduce energy consumption, expand our energy resources, and create new energy-related jobs for Florida.

• Implement smart grid technology. which would allow utility customers to monitor and manage their electric usage via internet.

• Promote current policies like PACE, property assessed clean energy program.

• Increase Federal investments in Florida’s clean energy economy • Develop new energy economy with solar, bio-fuel and nuclear industries.

ENVIRONMENT

EDUCATION

Compiled by Carson Bailey • Grade schools based on many measures of improvement.

• Expand family involvement in schools • Launch a statewide Florida Fit campaign to promote healthier student lifestyles.

• Improve technology opportunities in the classroom.

• Enforce the placement of bachelor-degreed teachers in every pre-k classroom.

• Create a system to track students at risk of dropping out.

• Supports specialized high school diplomas for students with technical skills and certifications for careers

news

Florida governor candidates Alex Sink and Rick Scott face off on three election topics.

IMMIGRATION

Alex Sink

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carsonb@thelionstale.com

• Believes in school choice, including vouchers and charter schools.

• Supports merit pay.

• Supports eliminating teacher tenure for new teachers.

• Supports homeschooling for parents who feel this is the best option for their children.

• Believes in accountability in education

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THE LION’S TALE

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Rick Scott • Supports a constitutional amendment to modify the state’s class-size law.

“In order for Florida to attract business, compete effectively in the global economy, and create 21st century jobs we must have an educated workforce.

I am committed to improving education and putting Florida back to work.” – Rick Scott

• Believes border security is an economic and national security issue.

• Opposed to amnesty and will fight amnesty for lawbreakers.

• Supports measures like the Arizona law that allow enforcement of already existing law.

• Believes those who immigrate to America must come here legally, play by the rules and respect our laws.

• Will require all Florida employers to use the free e-verify system to ensure that their workers are legal.

• Will fight to ensure that any future offshore drilling does not negatively impact Florida’s beaches.

• Energy independence is essential to America’s economic vitality.

• Supports expansion of nuclear power, use of alternative fuels and off-shore drilling.

• Believes it is a bit ridiculous that foreign countries can drill for oil a few miles off Florida’s shores while citizens are getting hammered by high gasoline prices.

//check out the next issue of The Lion’s Tale for more election information.

Merit pay disguised as Race to the Top

by Nirvani Khan

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s a winner in the latest round of Race to the Top, Florida schools will be required to rework the way Florida teachers are paid. Race to the Top is part of President Obama’s $800 billion stimulus plan.

This essentially means that Florida will receive a $700 million educational grant over a period of four years for use toward public school improvement. Each of the 65 school districts in the state will receive a portion of that money.

The main purpose for the implementation of this plan is to encourage states to bring about changes to improve schools.

Florida is required to devise a plan as to how the 167,000 teachers are going to be paid. District plans must be submitted to the Florida Department of Education by Nov. 9. By Nov. 22, a state plan is due to the U.S. Department of Education.

Director of Employee Relations for Seminole County Public Schools Boyd Karnes said, “We are at the very preliminary steps right now. We are meeting with various work groups and we are currently putting together a written plan as to how the

redistribution of teacher salary in the county will come about. We have a committee that will include teachers and administrators, to help decide how we should even approach such a difficult task.

We, as a county, have to devise a plan by Oct. 12.”

One thing is for certain. These plans must base at least 50 percent of a teacher’s evaluation on student learning gains on tests.

Thus, student performance will become an important factor.

“Currently, teacher salary in Seminole County is based on the number of years of experience that a teacher has, as well as their level of degree. With this stimulus, it is to be expected that student performance will also become a part of teacher salary,” principal Robert Lundquist said.

Florida wishes to create plans that will use this money to boost students’ scores on standardized tests, to lessen achievement gap between minority and white students, as well as to have an increase in the number of high school graduates.

The state also hopes to reward good teachers.

The whole concept of the merit pay system, where teachers are paid largely based upon student test performance, has brought

intense criticism.

“There has yet to be created a reasonable and valid test which measures student achievement for every subject. There is no conclusive evidence that merit pay increases student achievement [and] there are no examples of funding merit pay plans for a sustained period of time,” SEA executive director Tony E. Gentile said.

“Our teachers already perform outstanding work without a merit pay plan. Using any measuring stick, SCPS students score are at or near the top statewide at all levels and in all subject areas,” she added.

As of press time, the Lion’s Tale found no evidence that the Seminole Education Association is actively working on a meritbased pay plan.

Principal Robert Lundquist finds it tremendously difficulty to determining exactly how teachers will be paid with this system.

“My personal opinion is that teachers deserve as much money as possible. It would be extremely difficult to determine how

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THE LION’S TALE

| news | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

Core classes enrollment at 25 Adminstrators hire additional teachers to meet mandate required by state

by Jordan Branch

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Students voice their opinion on class size

n August 16, 2,214 students showed up for school. One Undecided hundred and thirty more than expected.

If it had been an ordinary year, it wouldn’t have 14.5% mattered. But with the new class size mandate in place, No administrators scrambled to hire new core teachers and Seminole County schools struggled to pay for it.

35.5% The class size amendment states that for every one teacher there must only be 25 students in core classes. Superintendent Bill Vogel asked all schools to be in compliance by the October deadline set by the Department of Education Yes “The state said if we weren’t in compliance we would be 50% fined per student per class. That is a significant amount of money.

Furthermore, if we are in compliance we could receive money for being in compliance. Our goal is to fully comply with the new amendment,” Principal Robert Lundquist said.

Guidance counselors went to work to achieve Lundquist’s goal.

200 students surveyed at OHS on Sept. 29, 2010 “The problem with the class size amendment is that we did not have the funding at the beginning of the year from the state to hire enough teachers,” Guidance Administrator Nicola Williams said. counselors from changing elective classes on the new permanent “The elective classes are not governed by the class size “Oviedo ended up being at least 130 students over what we had schedules. amendment they are still really full right now, because of the fact projected, so we had to show them we had all these new students.

As freshman adapted to their new environment at Oviedo High, that with 25 students to each core class students end up spilling And after showing them that, they gave us the allocations we they relaxed into their classes. They experienced schedule changes over into the elective classes. So we have to monitor those elective needed to hire new teachers.” along with upperclassmen. classes as well, because across the board we want to make sure all According to Williams, additional enrollment (for the 2010 – “I was used to my first schedule. When my schedule changed, of the classes are safe. If you are in a cooking class, we can’t have 2011 school year) exceeded last years estimate. According to FTE I was confused where my classes were. I ended up lost and walked 40 kids in that class,” Williams said. clerk Kathy Mikula, 2,214 students currently attend OHS. in the wrong classroom,” freshman Trevor Toribio said.

LaWarre teaches many different levels of art. He needs “Once we had new teachers we had to assign students to them After schedule change took affect, students saw the value of equipment to produce pieces his students make. and that’s what caused all the schedule changes,” Williams said. the new system.

“With the number of students in my classes, I was concerned After a 10-day-count, Seminole County permitted Oviedo High “I think it’s helpful, like some of my classes from the previous we would run out of materials. When the kilns are getting more the allocations or teachers needed to be in compliance. Oviedo years we have had 27 or more kids in core classes. It was too much use, they are more likely to wear faster,” LaWarre said.

High received three teacher allocations to even out science, history, to get to all of the questions sometimes and I think it’s hard for Creative programs in the school use different materials and and English classes. teachers to try and deal with that many students,” junior Lisa May supplies in class. Pope’s class requires a dark room to develop On Sept. 7, the plan to even out class loads went into action. said. film of pictures her students take and photo paper to develop the Although five or six classes still hovered over 25, Oviedo High’s Core Classes pictures on. compliance rose from 56 percent to 97 percent.

The class size amendment only focuses on core classes.

“It takes a long time to do anything in my classes. In the dark In October, records Seminole County defines a core class as mathematics, room, I have seven enlargers. So, if you figure I have 39 kids. It must be submitted to the I feel 25 students to a class social studies, and all language classes. The new changes takes six days for all of my students to develop their photos,” Pope county. left teachers uncertain of who would be in their class after said.

The new legislation is best, because I have time the 10-day-count.

The school store ordered photo paper for students in came with mixed However, Spanish teacher Alida Eldridge likes the photography to purchase. to walk up and down the legislation. Eldridge believes the amendment will be better reactions from parents, “The school store ran out of supplies so some students faculty and the student for her classes as a whole. She enjoys spending time with don’t have supplies. Also, usually I lend out some film cameras, rows in my classroom. body. each student to help them better learn the material. because some students cannot find them. This year I don’t have Alida Eldridge Schedule changes “I feel 25 students to a class is best, because then I have enough. Many kids did not know they were going to be in my When students time to walk up and down the rows in my classroom. If I class,” Pope said. arrived at school for schedule pick up on Aug. 11, they received don’t, they won’t ask questions and I won’t be able to help each LaWarre and Pope both also find it hard to address every student their schedules. Students lined up for schedule changes that they student individually,” Eldridge said. in their classes, especially those who may be having trouble and thought would be permanent. However, schedules were subject to Verna Whaley experienced mixed feelings about the legislation. need the extra help. change once OHS received its additional teacher allocations.

She believes it could potentially assist lower level students LaWarre’s classes consist of levels from beginning to advanced.

“I feel like they should have worked on it before school even “At lower levels, I think it is productive to have a smaller His AP students are dispersed among his classes, because he does started, because it’s disappointing now to me and other kids. We class. Sometimes lower skilled kids need more help. However, for not have room for a separate class of his 12 AP students. LaWarre are used to our classes and I love mine,” freshman Teanna Lahens the upper classes, I don’t think it is that important. They tend to finds himself staying after school to make sure they receive the said. be self-motivated which is why they are in the higher classes,” information and knowledge they need to pass the end of the year However, administration and guidance could not even Whaley said. exam. out classes until they received the teachers to do so. Principal However, she thinks the legislation came at a hard economic “I have two AP students in seventh period. It is hard enough Lundquist’s hands were tied until Sept. 7 when new schedules time. Florida did not distribute extra funds to the counties to to keep on top of my whole class, let alone my two APs. Peer were to be redistributed. execute the plan. interaction is really important, I think, so it does make it harder.

“We realize it will be disruptive. You have been in your classes “I think it is causing a hardship on the schools. Right now I But I am determined to keep the AP program building. This year it for three weeks and have grown comfortable with your teachers think it is hard on the county and schools to gather the money doubled,” LaWarre said. and classes,” Lundquist said. needed to higher the new teachers,” Whaley said.

According to Williams, guidance began addressing Pope’s Anticipation for Sept. 7 grew as the day approached. Students Elective Classes oversized classes and hopes to lighten LaWarre’s loads along with hoped their schedule would not be changed.

Elective classes are not regulated by the class size other elective classes for the second semester.

“I really don’t want my schedule to change. I love my classes amendment. But the overflow from core classes ended up with In November, voters have the option of changing the class size and the people in them. I hope on Tuesday my schedule doesn’t the elective teachers. Art teacher Robert LaWarre’s topped out at requirements by voting yes on Amendment 8. A yes vote will allow change. If it does, I am going to be really mad,” junior Omar 186 students and photography teacher Alicia Pope’s student count schools to figure core classroom enrollment according to school Mulero said. totals 192 students. LaWarre and Pope both find it hard to address averages.

Approximately 500 students found their schedules changed. every student in their classes, especially those who may be having According to Williams, administration prohibited guidance trouble and need the extra help. jordanb@thelionstale.com

Do you believe that having 25 students per class helps you learn?

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SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

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School cancels prom Supreme Court rules school denied teen’s civil rights

by Steph O’Sullivan

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s the countdown to the homecoming dance winds down, junior Ryan Connors-Trompeter goes over his mental checklist of what to do before the Nov. 6 dance. Find a nice shirt? Check.

Shoes? Check. Find a date? Not yet. But Connors-Trompeter smiles, knowing that at an Oviedo High School event, he can bring whoever he wants.

Other teens are not so lucky. Constance McMillen tried to bring her girlfriend as her date to senior prom. Instead of denying a prom ticket to McMillen over her choice of a same sex date, Itawamba Agricultural High School in Mississippi cancelled the entire prom.

“I think it’s narrow sighted and a shame on the school to cancel the entire prom over one person,” Connors-Trompeter said.

Junior Michael Moorhead agrees.

“I don’t think they should have cancelled the whole prom.

They do have a right to be in a relationship, whether you agree or not, that’s up to you. I think they should have just denied a ticket to her, not cancel the prom,” Moorhead said.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a claim on McMillen’s behalf.

According to the USA Today, ACLU attorney Christine Sun filed the claim because “the ban on same-sex dates is a violation of McMillen’s constitutional rights.”

McMillen’s school district, Ittawamba County, agreed to pay McMillen $35,000 plus legal fees.

The decision split students’ opinion.

“I don’t think that she intended to win money. I think she was just trying to prove her point. I think it’s good that she got it [$35,000] for standing up for herself. But honestly, I think that’s a little much. I mean, $35,000 is a lot of money,” junior Ellie Weinbel said.

Freshman Kiara Chico agrees with the $35,000 settlement.

“I think that it’s good she was given $35,000, because she is fighting for what she believes in. That isn’t often

seen. I would have done it too.

I feel like people judge people who are gay too harshly, just because they are different.

Which is wrong because we are all people,” Chico said.

Connors-Trompeter agrees.

“I think that it takes initiative like what she did to make a difference. I’m glad she didn’t back down and is bringing attention to this issue,” Connors-Trompeter said.

According to Principal Robert Lundquist, OHS does not have a policy on samesex couples at school events.

Students at OHS are allowed to bring a same-sex date.

Not all students agree with this.

“I don’t want to be the person who starts something, or who says they can’t come to homecoming together.

Whether gay or straight, there are inappropriate and appropriate actions. If it were to come to a vote, I would vote against bringing gays to prom,” sophomore Brett Blanchfield said.

Weinbel disagrees.

“I would accept them. I think that same-sex couples could comfortably attend homecoming or prom together.

Sadly, I think that there would be some ridicule, because there are some mean people in this world, but I still think they could attend a school dance together,” Weinbel said.

Connors-Trompteter has experienced this firsthand.

“I took my boyfriend to the homecoming dance last year.

Sure I got some weird looks, and saw some people talking back and forth to each other, but nobody confronted us,” Connors-Trompteter said.

This happens to Chico in class.

“I’ve had a few people who are rude to me in class, but I don’t care. This school is really open to accepting same-sex couples, minus a few people,” Chico said.

“People usually conform to other people’s ideas. They freak out because they don’t know what is going on, and can’t understand why I am the way I am,” Connors-Trompter said.

Blanchfield prefers to keep his opinions to himself.

THE LION’S TALE

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Counting the numbers

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PERCENT OF hate crimes were anti-homosexual.

www.dallasvoice.com

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RATIO OF states that allow same-sex marriage. www.stateline.org

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PERCENT OF students reported hearing homophobic terms used regularly in school. www.youthprideri.org

56

NUMBER OF Democratic votes for the repeal of the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” law. www.lgbtpov.com

52

PERCENT OF Americans agree that the Federal Government should give legal recognition to gay marriages. www.americanindependent.com

“For me, everything is totally different. Because of my religion, I think being gay is wrong. But I don’t like to judge.

I’m not perfect. But I am not saying that being gay is right in any way, it’s wrong. I have my own problems to worry about,” Blanchfield said.

Weinbel objects.

“As the founding fathers said, ‘All men are created equal’. People should not be denied their national rights. If you love somebody, whatever gender that may be, you should be treated like a boy-girl couple and allowed to go places with them,” Weinbel said.

stepho@thelionstale.com

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THE LION’S TALE

| news | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

New dress code now in full force

by Wesley Wynne

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hen senior Lisa-Marie Clarke gets ready in the morning, she selects an outfit that she feels represents her taste and personal style. Expecting a great day, she walks out the door with a smile. When she gets to school she realizes, to her surprise, her outfit doesn’t meet the dress code.

“Apparently the holes in my skirt were at the bottom and Ms. Presley said they were too high up my leg and she gave me a warning,” Clarke said.

Rips and tears on jeans or skirts up too high on the thigh do not comply with the new dress code.

This year’s dress code changed from previous years. These tweaks and changes made by Seminole County, along with the strict guidelines, have many students feeling upset about the new dress code.

Along with the modifications in wardrobe rules, the disciplinary action taken when students break the dress code adds to the issue.

“I think it’s a little harsh,” freshman Lauren Smiarowski said. “You should get a warning and then work your way up the dress code violation ladder.”

The disciplinary action for violators has changed since last year.

“Before I would give a warning and ask the student why they were breaking the dress code,” geometry teacher Tina Near said. “Now I would have to write a referral.”

But teachers think that the new rules help the students for the better.

“I feel like when teachers and students dress a little more professional, they act more professional,” Near said.

They also think it improves focus.

“It keeps kids focused on learning an education instead of who’s wearing something inappropriate,” AP chemistry teacher Scott Waisanen said.

Principal Robert Lundquist thinks the students are taking dress code well.

“So far so good,” Lundquist said. “Everybody is still learning interpretations of the rules.

Students have complied to the dress code.”

On Sept. 29, Lundquist asked all second period teachers to send students guilty of dress code to Dean Harold Hitt. This could mean that students still need to adjust to the new dress code.

Hitt gets a first hand look at the frequency of dress code violations.

“I’d say I’ve seen 45 to 50 students for dress code,’ Hitt said. “About sixty percent tops, forty percent shorts, two percent ripped jeans, and no

shoes.”

At the peak of controversy, a new problem occured. The cheerleaders found out right before the first pep rally, their uniforms that they believed they weren’t able to wear were permitted on game days to promote school spirit. The outfits don’t meet the guidelines of the county’s new dress code, which is why many were surprised to see the cheerleaders wearing them that Friday.

“I feel like it’s unfair because if they’re allowed to break dress code with school spirit, then people who wear shorts that say ‘Oviedo’ that break the dress code shouldn’t get in trouble for it,” said Smiarowski.

However, other students accepted the cheerleader’s wearing their uniforms.

“I think it’s okay,” sophomore Amrita Patram said. “And on spirit day everyone should be able to wear what they want to.”

Annie Futato, a Mane Attraction dancer says, “ I think they should be allowed to [wear uniforms], but since they are allowed to, everyone should wear what they want to.”

Dancers don’t like wearing their uniforms due to the discomfort, so they save it for pep rally days.

The administration also sees nothing wrong with the uniforms.

“If you look at their uniforms, it’s pretty darn close to dress code,” Lundquist said. “I’d say it’s close to mid-thigh. We want our students dressed up in spirited clothing.”

The administration has considered the possibility of uniforms as well as the county’s school board.

“I think I’m going to have to gather the data.

We also have to keep in mind how the students feel about it,” Hitt said Smiarowski feels uniforms might benefit.

“I kind of like the idea, actually,” Smiarowski said. “In the morning, it will make your routine a lot easier.”

Other students feel their self-expression is better than uniforms.

“I like wearing my own clothes,” Clarke said.

“I know if we had uniforms it would be awful.”

Teachers feel that the dress code already allows self-expression “I think it [the dress code] establishes boundries and guidelines for students,” Waisanen said. “But still allows them to express their individuality.”

With the idea of uniforms still in question and the new dress code being put into action, no one is quite sure what will come of the new rule changes.

“I think uniforms takes the question mark out of everything addressing dress code,” Hitt said.

Can you dress Lauren for school?

The clothes in this activity follow the Seminole County dress code.

wesleyw@thelionstale.com

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teachers are going to be compensated and rewarded,” Lundquist said.

“If it was up to me, I would base raises in salaries upon schoolwide accomplishments. I’m not too sure if a test can determine the effectiveness of a teacher. I think student learning gains should be calculated into the formula as to how teachers should be paid,” he added.

Biology intern Christine Clark agrees.

“It is not effective because we’re basing this on test scores.

We’re basing teacher raises on a test students do on one day for a year. Maybe students are bad test-takers, or maybe they are having

a bad week,” Clark said.

Clark also believes that future new teachers, such as herself, will not receive the benefits that experienced teachers receive.

“New teachers tend to get those students who struggle. Teachers who have been in the school system for a long time will have the benefits of getting more dedicated students. Merit pay is not fair to new teachers,” Clark said.

“I do think teachers should promote progressive, positive, creative teaching climates, but I don’t think merit pay is going to do that,” she added.

Though the prospect of $700 million seems like a good deal,

some find it to be a difficult task to follow through with.

According to orlandosentinel.com, “I’m not so optimistic that we can really reach an agreement,” Andrew Spar, president of the Volusia Teacher Organization said.

Despite the difficulties of creating a specific salary redistribution plan, some students look forward to more improvements and renovations to their schools.

“I hope the money will be used for teachers’ salaries, better equipment for classes, and funding for extracurricular activities,” senior Alex Hoover said.

nirvanik@thelionstale.com

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

Classrooms leave behind

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THE LION’S TALE

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PAST

photos/CARSON BAILEY

TECHNOLOGY VERSUS TEXTBOOK. Sophomore Jessica Morton reads over a digital textbook on her Kindle while junior Andres Bohorquez studies hard with the classic paper book.

Kindles replace textbooks at Clearwater High T

by Brandon Koller

here was once the sound of pages rustling, of paper moving against paper, of the crude scratching of notes being written in margins. Now, classrooms at Clearwater High School fill with the sounds of fingers tapping on selection buttons and the cold silence of e-ink.

Clearwater High School took a leap forward with the implementation of textbooks on Amazon Kindles for the 20102011 and future school years. The change to e-books draws its funding from money allocated for the next six years’ technology and class materials, a total of about $600,000.

Kindles currently sell at $190 each, and with 2,100 students attending Clearwater High, the numbers quickly add up. The Kindles leave Clearwater High with little money to spare for additional technology.

Physical textbooks typically cost from $60 to $90 while digital texts tend to cost much less, allowing the devices to pay for

themselves in time.

OHS educational technology facilitator Art Woodruff doubts the benefits of such a huge transition.

“People have different levels of adaptability to technology. I’m a big fan of bringing things like this in stages, one department at a time, one class at a time,” Woodruff said.

Students at Clearwater High have different opinions.

“I do like the Kindle. Not only does it have our reading material loaded in there, but there are also many other features. It has textto-speech, allowing hands free book reading, you can surf the web, and you can even put music on it. I would much rather have a Kindle than a textbook,” Clearwater High sophomore Michael Yebba Jr. said.

Not all Clearwater High students share the same views as Yebba. “[Some] others seem to like it, but others seem to hate it.

It depends on the person and how they look at it. I look at the

Technology in Education Kahn Academy

The good: A not-for-profit website with videos explaining various mathematical and scientific concepts. Finance and SAT preparation sections exist as well.

Facebook or Google accounts link to the site to develop a personal learning plan. A question area beneath videos replicates a traditional student-teacher relationship.

The bad: The history section lacks information and does not helps users.

The bottom line: The site costs nothing, and does a great job for an educational site. Between Kahn Academy and SparkNotes, physical schools could start losing out to their web counterparts.

5.0 (out of 5)

The breakdown What: Free website that hosts educational videos on various topics How much: Free Web: khanacademy.org

Livescribe Pen

The good: The Livescribe Pen is a lot of technology in a small package. An infrared camera tracks writing, and the microphone records voices as well. It weighs little at 1.3 oz, and an OLED screen occupies the top of the pen. When uploaded to a computer, handwriting becomes searchable.

The bad: The price varies from $130 to $200, depending on model. The pen requires its own unique paper, either bought or printed. Printed paper disables the recording feature, so only one option makes sense if you want to use the pen to its full capabilities.

The bottom line: If you can stomach the huge price tag, you will find no better pen.

4.5 (out of 5)

The breakdown What: Portable pen that records everything said in class and replays How much: $130 - $200 Web: livescribe.com

situation as we all got a free Kindle that is replacing our textbooks and it’s just one more thing to add to more arsenal of gadgets,” Yebba said.

For those against the switch, textbooks still exist in their traditional physical forms in classrooms.

However, the Kindle, with its low-glare, 6” screen that displays text in e-ink, should allow for a similar experience to reading a normal book. It also features a text-to-speech capability for those not so fond of the written word.

Assistant Principal Anna McCarthy hesitates to make such a move.

“I just don’t know how we’d pay for it. Our technology funding isn’t even close to that, and broken screens would be an issue,” McCarthy said. “But they can do text coding, and you can write and take notes on the books, so I’d love it if we could pay for it.

It’s definitely interesting.”

Unless students purchase a $30 warranty, the school holds all students responsible for any damage incurred while in possession of the device.

If students damage or misplace their Kindles multiple times, the students return to using textbooks.

Even if McCarthy doubts a change at the current time, she was positive about the possibility of a total switch in the future.

“As e-book readers become more affordable, people will gravitate to their use,” McCarthy said.

Yebba agreed, supporting schools’ use of Kindles in the future.

“If it came down to one choice, then I would suggest getting a Kindle for the other schools, but if it were free choice, there are many devices similar and maybe even better than the Kindle, and so searching around for the right one might be an even better idea,” Yebba said.

The Kindle felt like a natural change for Yebba.

“Not much has changed because of the Kindle. We still do our work and we still read the questions off of some sort of textbook, Kindle or not, but the simple fact that our textbooks are now digital amazes me,” Yebba said.

brandonk@thelionstale.com

Amazon Kindle 3

The good: Free 3G connectivity on the pricier model means books almost anywhere. The e-ink screen works well, even in the sun, and over 500,000 books are available for purchase. Limited .mp3 playing and web-browsing abilities provide a fun factor. Its long battery life of one month without or one week with Wi-Fi means no interruptions.

The bad: On the cheaper model, only Wi-Fi is available, and will often reject legitimate networks. Loading tends towards slow and irritating at times.

The bottom line: If you plan to buy e-book reader and not an iPad, the Amazon Kindle does an excellent job.

4.0 (out of 5)

The breakdown What: E-book reader from Amazon to replace physical books How much: $140 - $190 Web: amazon.com

(opinion sports ) HOMOPHOBIC 08

THE LION’S TALE

OUR WORD

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SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

“ I’m a great believer in luc k, and I find the harder I work the more I have.”

- Thomas Jefferson

PROM

Teenage same-sex couples deserve same rights

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events with a same-sex date is violated, this goes against the First e onThe Lion’s Tale staff feel that homosexual teen Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The First Amendment to the couples deserve the same respect and rights that straight couples receive.

U.S. Constitution states that all citizens have the right to freedom of We are fortunate to attend a school that supports and recognizes expression. We feel that, to love another, is to express oneself, and homosexual teenagers should have the right to express this love in the rights of all teens.

All of mankind, whether gay or straight, has the capacity to any manner they choose to, socially accepted, or not.

According to www.countryday.net, in the United States, 97% of love another. After all, we fervently feel that you can’t help with whom you fall in love. It simply happens. If a boy happens to fall in students report hearing anti-gay terms used in public high schools love with a boy, then so be it. We can make decisions for ourselves, regularly, from their peers, and 53% of students report hearing homophobic remarks made by school staff. whether our peers accept our decisions, or not.

This percentage is unbelievably high and it gives the staff reason Why fuss over a matter that doesn’t physically or psychologically impact society in a negative way? Really take a to believe that there could be some sort of relationship between derogatory terms being used in schools, and hate crimes. moment to think about it.

For example, according to 2008 FBI hate crime We have many more critical statistics, 28% of hate crimes were anti-homosexual. global issues to combat, such as We are fortunate to attend In fact, in the year of 2008, 1,617 crime offences poverty, global warming, and a school that supports and were reported against sexual orientation.

AIDS. Moreover, 45% of gay males and 20% Instead, we spend a great recognizes the rights of all of lesbians report having experienced verbal deal of time and effort trying to teens. harassment and/or physical violence because of combat and defeat the love that their sexual orientation during high school. we are uncomfortable with.

These statistics are ridiculous. Teenagers, gay or straight, This was shown when Constance McMillen of Fulton, Mississippi was denied a prom ticket to the Itawamba Agricultural should not have to be surrounded by such hateful and negative remarks, just because they are bold enough to show the world who High School prom.

But, according to gayrights.change.org, denying same-sex they really are.

Since the ACLU attorney Christine Sun filed a claim against couples the right to attend social events is, in fact, against the law.

“Schools that discriminate against lesbian, gay, and bisexual Itawamba, the school district agreed to pay McMillen $35,000, in students who want to bring same-sex dates to school dances need addition to legal fees. The Lion’s Tale staff rejoices. We are confident to know that by doing so they’re violating established federal law, that the results of this case opens doors for more acceptance of gays and we will call them on it,” said American Civil Liberties Union and lesbians at schools.

Admittedly, we realize that not everyone has to agree upon attorney Christine Sun. Our staff passionately feels that all high schools should permit same-sex couples’ decisions. But, we do feel that they deserve the same-sex couples, across the nation, to attend homecoming and/ same amount of respect as straight couples tend to receive.

We hope that if teenagers notice their peers attending or prom together. Homecoming and prom are events that all high school students should be allowed to experience, gay or straight. homecoming and prom dances with same-sex dates, they will not McMillen was not only denied a right, but she was additionally be critical. Instead, we hope this generation of students learns to accept love in all its forms. denied the right to be her true self.

Not to mention, when a teenager’s right to attend these school

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Classroom supply list of the future illustration/ WESLEY WYNNE

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LION’STALE

OV I E D O H I G H SC H OO L • 6 01 KING S T R EET • OV IEDO, FL - S E PTEM B ER 29, 2010 - VO L U M E 51• I SSUE 1

Editors-In-Chief

Features Editor

Advertising Editor

Carson Bailey Julia Throncroft

Hallie Lavery

Amanda Ferguson

Diversion Editors

Copy Editor

Stephanie O’Sullivan

Angiee Carey Kaitlyn Loughlin

Photographers

News Editor

Sports Editors

Daniel Condly

Jordan Branch

Connor Bailey Lindsay Knox

Staff Artists

Junior Editor

Opinion Editor

Nirvani Khan

Jake Smith

Taylor Schwarz Wesley Wynne

Staff Reporters

Leigha Bennett Olivia Davila-Finch Andrea Dobo Jessica Flachner Carly Ford Hafsa Hussain Brandon Koller Zoe Lyon-Goldman

Eric Mooney Arianna Ray Harry Traber Jessica Whitacre Janie Wiliams

Faculty Advisor

Deborah Jespon Admin Advisor

Anna McCarthy Oviedo High School

601 King Street Oviedo, FL 32765 Phone: 407-320-32765 Fax: 407-320-4213

Online

The Lion’s Tale is accesible through the OHS website.

The Lion’s Tale reserves the right to refuse ads. The views of the staff do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, staff, or faculty of Oviedo High School.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

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opinion

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THE LION’S TALE

09

STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT JESSICA FLACHNER STAFF REPORTER STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT Family must come first hroughout our lives we experience a handful of incidents STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT and events, and with those situations often come the that can be learned from them.

STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT Theylessons are sometimes thrown at our faces, or slipped through STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT the crevices of our skin, sometimes not noticed until we need them. But they’re there, just waiting for us to distinguish them, so STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT we can apply them to the rest of our lives.

And then comes the listening and understanding of the STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT lessons, so we don’t make the same mistake twice.

I, truthfully, have made many mistakes in my life and have STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT witnessed many make their own, but have also learned so many valuable lessons through them.

STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT STRESSING OUT For instance, when I was in third grade, about 8 years old, my

T

older brother, 16 at the time, walked out on my family and I. He had gotten himself involved in ‘the wrong crowd’, the photo illustration/JULIA THORNCROFT kind of people that can only have a negative effect on you, the STRESSING OUT. In this photo illustration, junior Nirvani Khan dramatizes how anxiety can show up in the classroom. Teens who suffer from kind of people you never want to become. out of control negative feelings and stress should seek professional help.

But he became just like them.

Drugs, alcohol, sex; he closely familiarized himself with partying and that became more important to him than his family that loved him.

After engrossing himself in this lifestyle, it began to occupy

by Nirvani Khan his entire life. He gave up his close, encouraging friends for those ones go through mental anxiety than it is to bear witness to y grandmother laid in bed with a horrified, nervous who enjoyed entertaining their lives as he did. He threw away his physical harm. To me, physical harm can be easily relieved expression repeatedly chanting, “I’m going to be left money on needless, harmful drugs and alcohol. either naturally, or with medicine. But, when it comes down to alone. Everyone is going to leave me.”

And then he trashed the rest of his life with that of it, there is not much you can do to relieve your loved ones of Specifically, my grandmother had a profound fear and mental anxiety. Even when my grandmother took medicine for meaningless sex and anything else concerned in the partying anxiety of being left alone and of heights. Although physically scene; things that ruined his health, his character; things that her anxiety, her worry and tension failed to subside. able to walk and do basic functions, she chose to lie in bed made him lose his desire for religion, education, and anything Not only do elderly people suffer from anxiety, but all day. I think her fears and tension eventually controlled her else constructive or beneficial. teenagers do as well. whole life, to the point where she simply gave up and gave in.

The day he walked out, I remember as if it was yesterday, According to teenhelp.com, approximately 8-10 percent When I look back upon my grandmother’s death, I and it still feels like it was. Jumping out of bed on a cold, clear of teenagers deal with anxiety disorders. Some common attribute it not to old age, nor to poor physical condition.

October night. Hearing yelling from the hallway and slowly symptoms in teens are anger, depression, mood swings, Rather, I strongly believe that it was her profound anxiety making my way to my bedroom door to see what the ruckus was compulsive/obsessive behavior, and changes in sleeping disorder that contributed to her death. about. habits.

I feel that anxiety, currently the largest mental health And then, dreadfully seeing my brother walk out the front In fact, about 80 percent of teens today are on some kind problem in the United States, is a rising concern that is not door, over the threshold, with a backpack slung over his shoulder. of anti-anxiety medication, states troubledteen101.com. adequately understood, or efficiently addressed.

I haven’t seen him since, and have barely talked to him either, According to www.medicinenet.com, common symptoms Anxiety, as defined by medterms.com, is “a feeling of even though I want nothing more than for him to be in my life; of GAD are tremendous tension, restlessness, lack of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms for him to be my big brother again. concentration, muscle tension, heart palpitations, stomach such as palpitations, sweating, and feelings of stress. “ From what I’ve heard, his life is at least stable, though he will pains, excessive sweating, irritability, nausea, tiredness, According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in never live to his full potential because he never gave himself a shivering and trembling, sleep issues and being easily the United States, approximately 18% of the adult population chance to. He was too weak and fell too easily. His life will never frightened. has some sort of an anxiety disorder. be what it was or what it could be.

However, those with GAD often have other disorders too, The brief, short-lived moments of anxiety that come along There are many lessons that can be taken out of this, and as such as panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well with, say, presenting a project in front of the class, are very cliché as they may be, they are the honest truth. as drug and alcohol abuse. much different from life-inhibiting anxiety disorders.

I didn’t understand how important family was until I lost a Anxiety disorders can become severely life-endangering, Anxiety disorders are chronic and, if left untreated, can member of my own, and will never again take them for granted. if left untreated. High blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, essentially make it difficult to complete necessary tasks to live Whenever your brother or sister teases you or gets on your diabetes, immune deficiencies, obesity, and thyroid problems and carry out normal, everyday functions. last nerve, appreciate it. can result.

In addition, anxiety disorders can essentially inhibit Unfortunately, my family is no stranger to anxiety Whenever your mother cooks a homemade meal for you and people from living life and can shut them out from the rest of disorders. My late maternal grandmother suffered from your family, appreciate it. the world.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which, according to When you father leaves for work to help pay the bills, Not only do anxiety disorders bring unrest, but there are www.nimh.nih.gov, is “characterized by chronic anxiety, appreciate it. also high financial costs involved, especially if left untreated. exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or Even when your parents ground you for something you did In America, health costs associated with anxiety are nothing to provoke it.” She was in good physical condition, wrong, appreciate it. approximately $42 billion, as stated in The Journal of Clinical but with age, her GAD left her bed-ridden.

In addition, never take for granted your full potential, and Psychiatry.

Back then, as a young child, I didn’t quite comprehend her if you don’t know what that is, try your hardest to figure it out, If you are experiencing any form of anxiety, know that actions. They made absolutely no sense to me. Now that I am but please, do not turn to what my brother turned to because you are not alone. Don’t be ashamed to speak out, and get better informed about anxiety and its effects, I have a better help.

Contact a local psychologist or councelor. understanding of the trauma that my grandmother experienced.

In my opinion, it’s much more difficult to witness loved jessicaf@thelionstale.com

Untreated anxiety turns into disaster affecting young and old alike

M

nirvanik@thelionstale.com

10

THE LION’S TALE

| opinion | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

Message for juniors:

DON’T MESS JESSI WHITACRE STAFF REPORTER Making marijuana legal: Helping or hurting America?

C

heers for legalization comes from marijuana advocates. A number of others who are not marijuana smokers, and have the interest of the country in mind support the proposition.

Legalization of cannabis isn’t about being able to be high all the time, but is about improving upon our country.

If marijuana were legalized, it would save the government and taxpayers money, and help to keep it out of the hands of adolescents. If we aren’t in danger, why waste resources?

A regulated market of marijuana would save taxpayers $40 billion per year, according to drugpolicy.org. The money spent on prohibition doesn’t have any effect on our citizens. If a person has enough bravado to break the law to smoke marijuana, they are apt to do it whether or not it’s legal.

Wouldn’t the money be better spent on feeding the hungry, educating the poor or controlling criminal activity than trying to control the free-time habits of our citizens?

So many alternatives for spending exist, yet we continue to waste our resources on prohibition laws. Laws have banned marijuana for years, but it doesn’t stop the domestic use and production of the drug.

We are practically pushing marijuana into the hands of adolescents. The illegality of marijuana increases its price value, making sellers more than willing to let underage people buy. They want to make fast and easy money, which is possible with marijuana’s increased price value due to the fact that it’s illegal.

Legalization would decrease the prices, eliminating the “quick and easy” money.

With excessive profits from sale eliminated, it would help to keep it out of the hands of teens.

Americans are not in any immediate danger from the use of marijuana. In fact, responsible marijuana users pose no more of a threat to America or its children than responsible alcohol or tobacco users do.

Marijuana is directly responsible for 0 deaths per year in the U.S, but alcohol alone is the cause of 85,000 deaths per year (according to drugwarfacts.org).

Many marijuana smokers are people who love and support their families, have jobs, and pay taxes. Why should they be treated like criminals? Legalization and decriminalization of cannabis would help our nation more than hurt it.

jessiw@thelionstale.com

with the

SENIORS photo/JULIA THORNCROFT

STICK IT TO THEM. The juniors’ efforts to win the spirit stick stood no chance against the class of 2011 during the pep rally on Sept. 24. In addition to losing the stick, Principal Lundquist stripped all underclassmen of their senior priveleges until further notice. photo/JULIA THORNCROFT

JULIA THORNCROFT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Senior brings humor to junior-senior rivalry

S

eniors, congratulations on making it to the final 180 or so days left of your high school career. It’s bittersweet, I know. Not because it’s almost over and you don’t want it to end, rather because we all want this to end so we can turn that tassel and move on to greener pastures: college.

Before you pack your bags to move all the way to the University of Central Florida, I have advice for you seniors and guidelines for the underclassmen to follow. Really, this column is about seniors, so any underclassmen should stop reading now (1).

(1) They’ll keep reading. They feel left out now. Plus, they’re curious about their guidelines. If anyone stops reading this, it’ll be a senior.

I’ll begin by debunking a cliche: these are not the best years of your life, and if they are, then I feel sorry for you. Peaking at 17 must burn. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

How can these be the best years anyway?

We complain about dress code, we stress out over SAT’s and AP exams, we put up with the annoying underclassmen, will kill ourselves over college applications (2). In the last ten minutes before lunch, every senior gives their fourth period teacher that look like they’re going to wet themselves if they don’t get let out five minutes early.

(2) Seriously, that essay prompt for the University of Florida - What event in my life is more significant than Tebow playing for the Broncos?

So do you admit it yet? These aren’t the best years of your life? That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. Now, we get all the privileges we spent three years in agonizing pain for. We get let out five minutes early for lunch and at the end of the day. (3) We get to leave campus for lunch every now and then. Least important of the senior privileges, we have the senior post (4).

(3) Wait, we get let out five minutes early to go to lunch? I was wrong, these are the best years of my life.

(4) Post or pole, call it whatever you want.

It’s the giant decorated support system in the commons. Who cares, right?

Usually, I wouldn’t rant about something as insignificant as a post, but there’s an issue that needs to be brought up: juniors sitting at the senior post.

It’s one thing if you’re the token junior (5) but the clumps of six or eight juniors huddling around the senior pole pretending they’re cool for sitting there need to get lost.

There are no “cool” spots in the lunchroom (6). I’m a senior and I don’t think its cool to sit there. I don’t care where I sit, it’s just a seat. You’re still sitting at a table covered in disinfectant (7), and it’s not like we’re forcing you to move to the back of the bus. Wait 365 days and then you can belittle next year’s juniors all you want. For now, just go sit in a corner, drinking your monster energy drinks and pretending to be what you’re not: cool.

(5) Meaning you have no friends in your own grade.

(6) It’s a high school cafeteria, for God’s sake.

(7) I doubt that’s true. I just wanted to paint a picture for you.

Speaking of how lame juniors are, let’s talk about junior-senior wars. This might be a little premature to talk about this, since the wars don’t begin for another month, but I digress.

My advice: don’t stoop to the immature level of juniors. That was sooo eleven months ago.

Even rolling sounds like something that only a junior would do. If you feel you have to cover someone’s house in toilet paper or Saran-wrap their car to fill some hole in your life, then you probably lead the most pathetic life I’ve ever heard of.

Really seniors, we just have to rise above it. On the first pep rally, I saw juniors sporting “junior crowns.” I saw a junior buy a senior class shirt. I’ve seen juniors pose as seniors in class so that they can receive our privileges.

Now, I don’t have an abundance of school spirit, but this is a line that juniors have crossed.

Of all my years at this school, I have never stolen privileges from the senior class. These juniors obviously want to upstage us.

Here’s how we rise above it: we crush them.

Put your tube socks on, ladies. Because come powderpuff, we will crush them to oblivion (8).

(8) Really, the class of 2012 should have their senior privileges permanently revoked next year after all these absurdities, but I don’t enforce the rules. At least Lundquist temporarily stripped them of their privileges.

Seriously, do these children know who they’re dealing with? We are the class of 2011.

For those of you who don’t have first lunch, there were senior girls wearing shirts that spelt out S-E-N-I-O-R-S-2-0-1-1. The back of the shirts said, “We run this.” Now I don’t who runs this or what this is, but the point is that WE run THIS. As long as that doesn’t include juniors, I’m cool with it.

juliat@thelionstale.com

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

//// THE GREAT DEBATE:

PRO JAKE SMITH

I

|

opinion

Are political commercials vital for local campaigns?

COPY EDITOR

believe that the local Florida campaign ads are very important and entirely necessary. Sure, the ads can get annoying with the constant streams of insults towards each other and how often they are shown, but this minor annoyance is crucial to our everyday lives.

Why wouldn’t you want to know every little detail about the person who is going to be in charge of your government? If a possible governor’s past is plagued with decisions not in the interest of the people, but instead in the interest of his or herself, what’s to say that they wouldn’t repeat those same selfish actions once elected?

Candidates attack one another on personal levels to expose their opponent’s true character, and a person’s character reflects in their decisions.

The decisions they make while in office will come directly from their personal character. So, if their personal character is in the least bit questionable (most candidates in their verbal onslaughts against each other will gladly point this out), it should make you rethink your vote if you planned on voting for them originally.

Otherwise, your vote for the opposition should be strengthened.

Our nation is generally not as well informed about the world of politics that surrounds us as we should be. Over the decades, our political knowledge has begun to slowly dwindle. As the U.S. becomes overly obsessive with pop culture, political culture remains the elephant in the room that nobody cares to have extensive knowledge of or even discuss.

According to people-press.org, in 1989, 74 percent of Americans could name the current vice president and their state’s governor, 47 percent named the president of Russia, and 81 percent knew that America has a trade deficit. Now, fastforward to 2007. Americans were given the same poll and it showed that 69 percent could name the current vice president, 66 percent knew their state’s governor, 36 percent could identify the president of Russia, and 68 percent had knowledge of our trade deficit.

The percentages of political knowledge regarding both foreign and domestic affairs, as shown by this poll, decreases in the U.S. with each passing year.

Our increasing want to turn a blind eye to politics and keep a close watch on which celebrities are dating or who won what award at the VMAs causes this decline.

My primary contention is this: while you are busy watching Jersey Shore, take time to actually inhale a deep breath of political enlightenment when that commercial for Alex Sink or Rick Scott comes on, and actually see the necessity in taking that knowledge in.

It appears as just a battle between two people, both desperately fighting for a six-figure salary. But, in retrospect, it is a battle for the people, not among people. We live in a democratic republic, which means that we, the people, have the right to choose those who choose for us.

Even if you cannot vote right now, you will be able to soon.

Keep that in mind, because your vote matters, and in turn so do these commercials.

42%

of OHS’ stud ents UNDECID are ED

37%

rt

po ts sup studen TT ’ S H of O CK SCO RI

21%

of OHS’ students suppor t ALEX SINK

A

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THE LION’S TALE

11

CON JORDAN BRANCH

NEWS EDITOR

30 second clip defines a candidate for the average ignorant TV viewer. These viewers know the clips as the annoying political advertisements that appear before, during, and after their favorite sitcom, The Simpsons. This political information may be the only information these citizens receive during the entire election.

Politicians cloud the issues and provide their audience with fallacious arguments that leave voters no more informed than 30 seconds earlier.

Instead of attempting to tackle the real issues, politicians dodge them as knowledgeable onlookers watch in dismay.

The issues still matter. They distinguish one politician from the next. Views and how the candidate plans on changing society, laws, and America for the better matters.

Ad hominem, an argument attacking the character of their opposition fills the speakers of most televisions now-a-days, emitting useless information. Politicians use attack on character to shape their loose arguments. These arguments tend to be irrational and nonsensical.

What I would like to hear stems from major issues in the United States. Where do you stand on healthcare, unemployment, and education?

Politicians divert attention from their positions through focusing on their opposition.

Classical fallacies of Ad hominem or straw man distract.

These fallacies attack the character not the beliefs or magnify the most insignificant part of an argument.

Whether they magnify a miniscule issue in their opponents campaign or allude to their character, they do not support their own values. They leave out all of the values they stood so strongly for to begin with, which hopefully are the reasons they entered the arena of politics.

In the current election, candidates Alex Sink and Rick Scott broadcast commercials on local channels.

Rick Scott ran a commercial associating Alex Sink with Obama instead of running ads dealing with the issues.

Politicians make the same fallacious arguments that college language classes frown upon. Why is this? Speaking is their ammunition in campaigns. They spend hours speaking to the public yet they extract legitimacy from their arguments with false analogies. They lack logical support.

Politicians need to return to the fundamentals of politics and embrace the original policy debate with proof for their reasoning, the kind of proof that bolsters their argument.

Lackluster television commercials are the reason approximately 42 percent of the United States voted in the last presidential election.

Now move to state politics. The amount of voters greatly decreases because they believe state politicians have less power.

If politicians ran their own campaigns stronger, the polls would have a better turn out.

So, why do our politicians lead voters to believe fallacies designed for the ignorant masses?

Honestly, I’m not sure. Maybe they believe it will raise their votes, but I don’t. Maybe they believe that the ignorant masses are more likely to vote over the informed minority, but I don’t.

Running a proper campaign would be more affective.

The public takes informed politicians more seriously than a hodgepodge of insignificant babble.

Times have changed so vastly we are wrapped up in the sly shots thrown during a campaign not the legitimate debates.

Politicians must make a logical and persuasive argument in 30 seconds that will make an impression on voters until the polls are closed.

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Connect with others through net

by Jessica Flachner

J

unior Simone James may appear like a calm and collected high school student. Smart and composed, speaking out in class only when necessary, keeping her more complex thoughts to herself. However, when she sits down at her computer at the end of each day, her emotions pour out on the screen, spilling every detail, every thought and idea.

Blogging gives students such as James the opportunity to express their individuality.

Through ranting about politics, discussing new music, posting interesting photography, or just chatting about day to day life, the Internet provides the chance for unheard voices to speak up.

For James, blogging offers a way for her to vent about her personal life.

“It’s a way you can talk about things you can’t usually talk about to other people,” James said. “If I have a bad day or get in a fight with someone I can just vent what I’m feeling.”

Though not many people read her blog, she updates it at least a few times every week, keeping it thriving with conversation about her life, new fictional stories she writes and her original photography.

“Blogging is important because it helps kids express themselves who can’t do it in person,”

James says, and not only does it provide a way for self expression. “It can also help raise awareness for issues around the world.”

“Different issues could be people who are missing or if there are people who need money and or help it can help bring attention to it,” James said.

There are also blogs for thousands of causes and charities around the world, helping to increase knowledge of their motives and goals, and ways people can get involved to help out.

For senior Josh Bibiloni, blogging gives him an opportunity to spread the word about music and to share his opinions about the bands or artists he comes across.

His page consists of music genres such as indie, folk, club, and dance.

“Music most people know very little about,” Bibiloni said.

Bibiloni’s blogging hobby began around three months ago, something meant to only keep him busy during the summer, but turned into something he really enjoys doing.

“It gives a bit of an incentive to go explore new music and photography. You also get to meet some really cool people that share a common interest,” Bibiloni said.

Meeting new people can either be something that is available or not, depending on your reason

Posted 1 day ago Tagged: Blogging, The Lion’s Tale, Online, Blogs, Students, High School, Tumblr

for blogging.

“When I post something on my blog, someone will comment on it, and then I will reply back, starting up a good conversation over something we both enjoy,” Bibiloni said.

Junior Jessica Valdes, a student whose blog includes photography she finds online that strikes her attention, said, “It has helped me express my thoughts and ideas by showing what my interests are through pictures, art, and fashion. Blogging lets me get my ideas and thoughts out to people who can also relate.”

However, blogging can also create a possibility of revenue.

With the help of advertisement companies such as Google Ads, a small income can be earned depending on how many readers you have.

Bibiloni receives about seven to eight dollars a day for his blog, with about 300 readers, and only spends approximately 10 minutes each day updating it.

With sites available such as Tumblr and Wordpress, choosing a blog can be easy, but finding a place to start can be difficult.

Senior Carol Crosby said, “Don’t give up.

It’s really confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really interesting.”

jessicaf@thelionstale.com 7 notes • 23 comments

6

steps to becoming a blogger

a subject to blog about 1 Choose The subject that you chose for your blog should be a consistent theme that you carry out through every blog post you make. Your choice of subject should reflect your passion and knowledge on the subject.

host or not to host 2 To When it comes to blogging, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is weather or not to host the blog yourself, or find a blogging web site to use to publish your blog.

a reputation 3 Develop After you have your blog physically set up, you need to work on developing a reputation and “personality”. Customize your web page with themes and fonts that reflect the subject and work on developing a writing voice that’s unique to you.

more knowledge 4 Gain Like many established bloggers will say, you have never learned everything. You should always be looking at other blogs for ideas and techniques. Never be afraid to contact other bloggers for help and to share tips.

readership 5 Increase This can be done by posting links to your blog on social networking sites, or keeping lists of your most recent posts in easily accessible places. You want your blog to be known, and the goal is to increase awareness of your blog.

it up 6 Keep Perseverance is a major factor in being a successful blogger. Keep working and always remember that every idea and plan can always be improved and modified. Accept constructive criticism and don’t give up.

+ Follow these bloggers Josh Bibiloni www.indielighthouse.com

Carol Crosby www.lightsbright.tumblr.com

Jessica Valdes

www.georgiawestwood.tumblr.com

From catching

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

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KIDS photo/STEPHANIE O’SULLIVAN

AN EXPERT SPEAKS. U.S. history teacher Jennifer Beraduce lectures her AP American History class about the Sixth Amendment. Her previous background enables her to be very familiar with criminal rights.

Crime analyst finds true passion in teaching

by Hafsa Hussain

J

ennifer Beraduce used to be a writer. Not the type of writer you would think of, like Nicholas Sparks or J.K. Rowling.

Beraduce wrote biographies on criminals for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

“I don’t know how I became a crime analyst. I wanted to be a lawyer. I thought I should have knowledge about law and crime.

Eventually I got my criminology degree. There were only a limited amount of things I could do with it. I didn’t want to be a cop, so I decided to become a crime analyst for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,” Beraduce said.

A crime analyst for the FDLE’s main job is to write biographies about suspected criminals an agent is trying to find.

An analyst writes biographies by using the federal system, which has information on multiple suspects. Beraduce also said that MySpace is used to find information on younger suspects, and occasionally Facebook.

The analyst must include a variety of topics in biographies, such as people associated with the suspect and activities suspects are involved with.

Beraduce did biographies on all kinds of people from burglars to murderers.

A daily routine for Beraduce would be to get to work, go to her cubicle, and work on an assignment given by an agent.

Most of the assignments include writing biographies about criminals, but sometimes Beraduce did have to put together press conferences for agents.

Beraduce did this for about two and a half years, when she realized what she really wanted to do was teach.

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. When I was five years old I used to play school with my grandpa. Teaching is what I’ve

Getting to

KNOW the newbies

A quick Q&A with some of the new teachers on campus

always wanted to do. I just took a different path before I realized Students were not the only ones astonished when they figured it. History has always been my favorite subject, so that’s why I this out. Some of Beraduce’s old teachers never really saw this became a history teacher,” Beraduce said. coming.

Even with the infuriating economy Beraduce decided to About 10 years ago, Jennifer Beraduce sat in the same classes, become a part-time analyst while she went back to school to get and had some of the same teachers as students do now. her masters degree in teaching.

“I graduated from Oviedo High “It was a risk with the economy but I’m School in 2004, and most of my teachers When I found out that really glad I did it,” said Beraduce. are still here,” Beraduce said.

There really isn’t too much Beraduce One of whom includes Civil War Ms. Beraduce was a crime misses about her previous job, other than teacher Mary Woods. intelligence analyst I thought it the people she worked with.

“She [Beraduce] was a good student, was really cool, but she really “I had a good relationship with the did all her work, and made good grades,” people I worked with. I miss them the most.

Woods said. “She was also kind of quiet doesn’t seem like she would We were all close friends,” Beraduce said. and seemed sort of shy. I would have be one. She’s too kind.

Nonetheless, Beraduce loves her never thought that one day she’d become teaching job. a crime analyst,” Woods said.

Alberta Chaj, ‘12 “I love the interaction, the students When Beraduce finally became a ask me questions and talk to me about teacher, she immediately applied her everything. Every day is different. At my old job, my routines were analyst skills in her AP U.S. history class. usually the same.”

“My previous knowledge helps with AP essays and DBQ’s. I The students’ reactions ranged from shock to awe when they can help my students look at things analytically. It helps them with discovered that their U.S. history teacher used to fight crime CIA- their writing skills,” Beraduce said. style for a living.

Though Beraduce loves teaching, her students love learning “When I found out that Ms. Beraduce was a crime intelligence from her just as much. analyst I thought it was really cool,” junior Alberta Chaj said. “But “She has great notes and explains stuff well,” McMichael she really doesn’t seem like she would be one. She’s too kind.” said.

Chaj wasn’t the only student surprised by this discovery.

Students also love her personality and interactions with them.

“I was surprised to find that Ms. Beraduce was a crime “She’s young and understands our problems and what today’s investigator because she doesn’t seem mean and aggressive enough students go through,” junior Stephen Mackrides said. to take down criminals,” junior Benjamin McMichael said. hafsah@thelionstale.com

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an Finneg y l r e b Kim and 1V English 1

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Q: Why did you become a teacher?

A: I used to teach swimming lessons. I thought it was amazing when kids came back after lessons and say, “look what I did.” I loved that they learned something. So, I went back and got a degree in teaching.

Q: What do you like best about teaching?

A: The thing I love is learning something new everyday. The things that the kids teach me has me seeing history through a new perspective.

No matter how much you know, you don’t know unless you see it from a different point of view.

Q: Did you have a job before you became a teacher?

A: I worked at Sea World eight years ago. I helped build the coral tank and cleaned the turtle tanks. I also dove with sharks and helped with the manatee and turtle rescue.

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THE LION’S TALE

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LIVING for TWO

Difficulties arise for teen mothers-to-be

by Hallie Lavery

S

enior Cheyanne Holmes stops for the third time to catch her breath as small beads of sweat dot her brow. She has only climbed eight stairs on the staircase outside building 13 on the way to her fifth period class. What seemed effortless to Holmes seven months ago is now a tiring and difficult task; she is now eight months pregnant and carrying an extra 20 pounds.

According to www.pregnancy-info.net, in 2000 the total number of teen pregnancies in the United States was 821,810 (84 pregnancies per 1,000 teens). This number is much higher than the rest of the westernized world.

“The hardest part [about being pregnant] is walking up and down the stairs. I asked for an elevator key, but School Secretary Patty Blake told me walking was good for labor. I have to take a break every two stairs,” Holmes said.

Senior Abby Arvelo, who is currently eight months pregnant and is quickly nearing her due date of Sept. 28, experiences similar struggles as a pregnant teen.

“Its hard getting to class on time, and people always bump into you. When you walk into class everybody stares at you like you’re an alien every single day,” Arvelo said.

About taking the stairs, Blake appears to be right. Women’s Healthcare Topics says that walking while pregnant is one of the simplest and best ways for a fast and easy labor.

Holmes even occasionally had contractions in class.

“I was getting bad contractions, sometimes they really hurt, but I just had to endure them,” Holmes said.

As well as contractions, Holmes experienced morning sickness throughout her pregnancy.

According to www.americanpregnancy.org, half of women experience morning sickness, which can also be accompanied by vomiting.

“Morning sickness was awful. Also, when I recently got sick the doctors wouldn’t even give me medicine to help,” Holmes said.

Another challenging part of being pregnant is the exhaustion, doctors’ appointments, and parenting classes.

“I’m always tired. Sometimes I’d come to fifth period and fall asleep, but I would never skip school

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boyfriend’s mom might care for the baby while I go to school. If not when he gets old enough I’ll put him in day care,” Holmes said.

Arvelo plans to shorten her leave of absence.

“I want to stay out three weeks instead of the whole six. Then when he/she is old enough I’ll take him/her to daycare and keep going to school,” Arvelo said.

The three teens conscientious efforts and strong support systems are a plus because according to www.pregnancy-info.net, teen mothers are more likely to not finish high school or college, and according to organization March of Dimes, only 40 percent of teens who have children before age 18 go on to graduate from high school.

“I’m not leaving school early [to prepare for having the baby], I’ll just go to school up until.

The emergency plan for if my water breaks or I go into labor at school is to call Officer Michalann Thompson and she’ll take me to the hospital.

Then I’ll have the baby, stay out four weeks and come back to school,” LoTempio said If all goes well, LoTempio will leave school around her due date of Sept. 24 to deliver the baby. After the delivery she plans to have her boyfriend’s mom watch the baby while attending school during the day.

“I plan to finish school, graduate, and go from there,” LoTempio said.

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halliel@thelionstale.com

Editor’s Note *Holmes delivered a 6 lb. 9 ounce healthy baby boy on Sept. 13, 2010. *LoTempio delivered a 7 lb. 3 ounce healthy baby boy on Sept. 26, 2010.

THE LION’S TALE

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Pregnant teen, Abby Arvelo, runs on a different schedule than most 18 year olds.

DAY to DAY

and just stay home. I’ve also had a lot of and last minute complications. doctors’ appointments and I’ve been going to “Oh yeah, my teachers helped me out. They parenting classes. The parenting classes helped a would call or e-mail me sometimes to see how I lot, they teach you so much stuff. My boyfriend was doing or let me turn in work late,” LoTempio has been really supportive too. He’s paid for said. everything and taken me to all my appointments,” Holmes had the same helpful treatment from Holmes said. teachers as LoTempio.

Senior Brittany LoTempio is also pregnant “They were really supportive. They were and experiences many always asking how of the same struggles as I was feeling and It didn’t really hit me until I Holmes and Arvelo. would check up on “When I found out started getting a belly. me,” Holmes said.

I was pregnant I was But even with all Abby Arvelo, ‘11 definitely shocked. My the support, Holmes dad and boyfriend’s mom still got some curious did not like it at all, but then they got used to it. stares and rude encounters from peers.

My friends all loved it too, they were all really “I would get weird looks when I started happy,” LoTempio said. showing around seven months. But the worst part Arvelo had a somewhat different response. was that people would run into me when I was “It didn’t really hit me until I started getting a walking in the halls. Once a kid almost pushed belly,” Arvelo said. me into a wall, it makes me so upset,” Holmes As well as support from her boyfriend said.

Kaishon Knox, Holmes also gained help from To add a little more stress to the teens’ friends. Crisispregnancy.com agrees that facing situations, it’s their senior year and they have to an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult and do their senior project. emotional, so the extra support is needed.

“Senior project is hard to do, and there’s a lot “When my friends found out [I was pregnant] of activities I won’t be able to do once I have my they were shocked and disappointed, but baby. But I’m gonna finish school, that’s a must,” supportive too,” Holmes said.

Holmes said.

Arvelo’s support system of friends answered LoTempio also views senior project as a in a similar way. challenge.

“At first they were shocked and couldn’t “It’s definitely hard to handle with senior believe it, then they started getting excited,” project,” LoTempio said.

Arvelo said.

But all their diligence and hard work will As well as support from friends and family, hopefully pay off. the girls’ teachers also helped by letting them “I’m staying out for four weeks, coming back turn in work a little late because of appointments to school and picking up where I left off. My

6:00 a.m.

Wakes up and gets ready for school, taking prenatal vitamins to help with pregnancy

7:15 - 2:20 p.m.

Attends school and works on homework between classes.

Arvelo says the worst is, “people bumping into me and getting to class on time.”

3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Goes to work at Burger King.

6:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Works more on her homework during her break and eats dinner.

6:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Returns to work

10:30 p.m.

Gets home and finishes homework, then goes to sleep.

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THE LION’S TALE

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Wall Grahpics

Decals are patterns that can be moved onto another surface upon contact. They are easy to make yourself and easy to alter. Follow the simple steps to the right to make your own.

photos/ ARIANNA RAY

CONCENTRATE ON PAINT. Junior Brandon Mordecai

and sophomore Mia Cozart focus on their design as they carefully paint within the lines.

Materials Needed: • Scissors • Contact Paper • Pencil • Design of your choice compiled from WWW.JACKSONVILLE.COM/ AMANDA

Pencils , paint turn drab rooms into art

by Andrea Dobo

T

he melody of Coldplay’s “Shiver” fills the room while junior Brandon Mordecai sweeps his hand over the wall, creating an abstract painting, making nothing definite, just creating an opportunity for more inspiration inside his music room.

“My art comes from my music because it’s on the blank wall of my music room,” Mordecai said.

Sketching his original design since last October, Mordecai finds it a perfect fit for his music room.

“I thought it would just add a good vibe to the room because that’s where all my instruments are and where I hang out in the house most of the day,” Mordecai said, “I wanted it to be a room where I can relax and be inspired.”

Starting with a sketch on paper, Mordecai transferred his own abstract design onto Photoshop, and enlarged the design .

“I drew over charcoal paper, with a pen, and it left a mark for me to trace. On top of the charcoal trace I started with the darker colors and then the lighter greys and blues,” Mordecai said.

Mordecai’s design began as a heart. As his imagination flowed and lines developed into swirls, then swirls into leaves.

“If I had to recreate something like this, I wouldn’t be able to do anything like it. I just kept thinking out of the box, and this is what I got,” Mordecai said

Junior Jon Poweski started sketching with pencil on his wall after he broke his leg due to a football accident. He was cooped up in his room and tired of looking at his ‘dirty and white’ walls.

Drawing on paper didn’t keep Poweski occupied.

He wanted something bigger.

“If I draw on a piece of paper my creativity feels limited. A wall is an enormous canvas, it is easier to let my imagination flow,” Poweski said, “I taped pieces of paper together and drew on that. But I wanted to draw on something bigger, so I drew on my wall.”

With freshly sharpened pencils in his hand, his imagination forms a picture, his hand flows, and the next minute, a new edition of his imagination covers another spot on his wall.

“I draw when I feel overwhelmed. Sometimes that is often, sometimes not so much. It’s something that can’t be predicted or rushed,” Poweski said After the pencil sketching Poweski plans to use paint, and fill the empty spaces, to add color on his wall of art.

“After I finished sketching, my next plan is to paint the wall. I’ll use vibrant colors like red, orange and yellow. I wake up and I used to look at my wall and say this sucks. But now, it looks like Jon Poweski’s brain was thrown at it,” Poweski said.

Sophomore Mia Cozart covers her walls in her bedroom with the technique of fingerpainting.

STEP 1- Choose a design and print it out from the computer.

“I use my fingers because it’s entertaining relaxing and fun,” Cozart said. “I use brushes for the specifics and details.”

Wanting to make a boring room more entertaining, Cozart finger-paints a scene of a beach, “I sometimes just wing it, as a child I took an art class, and painted flowers, now I plan to finish the beach with a wave, boat and people.

Just making it a regular beach,” Cozart said.

Vibrant colors of red, green and yellow make up the scenic beach view, inspired by Cozart’s random ideas and a friend’s artistic talent. Starting off with a car and palm tree, Cozart’s idea developed with her dream to make something big.

“My friend, Kristin Darlin and I, wanted to paint a big picture of the beach so we did it on my wall, I guess, why not?” Cozart said.

Adjacent to the scenic beach, Cozart has an array of overlapping colors that make up a door covered with handprints.

“People who come over put their handprint on my door. It’s just whoever is over, and then they sign their name so I can remember them,” Cozart said.

With the finishing touches being done on the scene, Cozart still has inspiration to do more. “I wanted my room to look cool, after the beach, I want to make a mural, or something,” Cozart said.

andread@thelionstale.com

STEP 2-Cut the printed design out of the piece of the paper.

STEP 3-Trace the design onto the back of a sheet of contact paper, and cut it out.

STEP 4- Peel off the back, and stick the design wherever you want to. illustrations/WESLEY WYNNE

Marching SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

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on PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Senior Maggi Gotter

RHAPSODY IN BLUE. Trumpets section perform some of the pieces

practices the daily ritual of playing her clarinet in the band room durin sixth period.

from this year’s band show, Rhapsody in Blue.

Dedicated flautist considers career in musical performance photo/CARSON BAILEY

by Carly Ford

T

he soft melody of the flute rises in the air, followed by the gradual crescendo of the deeper and richer sounding saxophone. Not long after, the haunting echo of the clarinet and the low-pitched resonance of the trombone make their voices heard throughout the band room. This harmony is music to senior Maggi Gotter’s ears.

“Maggi is an amazing clarinet player and she’s a really good friend too! I think something that would be ‘interesting’ about her is that she’s a musical genius and a total perfectionist,” sophomore Ayrn Radke said.

Gotter became a part of the band during her freshman year and can play several instruments.

“I’ve been playing clarinet for about six years. I play sax, flute, oboe, and violin too,” Gotter said.

Gotter currently has her eyes set on a potential career in musical performance and that goal will hopefully become a reality through the many steps she’s taking. She teaches violin lessons and is already preparing for her upcoming college auditions. She plans on majoring in music education and then continuing on to get her masters degree in music performance.

Although only 17 years old and a senior in high school, Gotter made all-state band and received a scholarship to a competitive music summer camp. On top of all this, she won the award of first chair in the competition All-County.

When asked her favorite part about the band Gotter said, “When everyone hits a chord just right it gives me goosebumps.

It’s the best feeling in the world. It’s really difficult because it takes every single person, but that’s also why it’s so rewarding.”

Gotter’s hard work inspires the other students she performs with.

Well-known for her dedication to the band, Danielle Hugh Sam said, “She always strives to be the best she can but is fun and totally silly sometimes. Whenever I think of ‘Don’t practice until it’s perfect, practice until you can’t get it wrong,’ I immediately think of Maggi.”

Gotter, along with the rest of the band, practices regularly every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-8 p.m. to prepare for their upcoming performances. They play their pieces during the halftime show at most of the home football games but also participate in competitions on Saturdays throughout the month of October.

In an effort to improve, the band has focused on a different type of music.

The music will debut with a new theme, the Rhapsodies. The opener, “Rhapsody in Blue”, was written by George Gershwin and focuses on a rather challenging clarinet solo played by Gotter. “Paganini”, a ballad, follows afterwards. The more recent and popular song written by Queen, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, will act as their closing piece.

The theme for the upcoming performances has changed drastically from the previous school year. Written for marching band and centered on the percussion section, Speed of Sound acted as the basis for last year’s music.

Essentially a one-movement song, a rhapsody demonstrates

June

Students begin to practice and memorize their pieces once they receive them.

May

New music is picked by Mr.Line at the end of the school year with input from the students.

July

A two week “band camp” begins during the summer where the students practice their music and technique.

photo/HALLIE LAVERY

a central theme through several broken up parts. It sounds slightly improvised which gives the piece an air of carelessness.

Compiling three different rhapsodies, the band combined modern pieces with some traditional ones to keep a balance of old and new songs.

Although Gotter and the band still practice rigorously and often to perfect these various works, preparation began even before the school year started.

Band president Dan Robertson said, “For the last two weeks of summer, the band has a ‘band camp’ where we come to school for about eight hours a day and begin learning our show so it’s ready for the beginning of the season.”

This practice schedule helps the 160 members of the band to prepare for their upcoming competitions.

The first competition will be held at Middleburg High School. During the month of November, the Florida Marching Band Championship takes place in St. Petersburg at the Tropicana Dome where the Rays play.

Gotters’s hard work inspires the other students she performs with.

Gotter said, “At the end of the day, it’s really everyone in the ensemble that has to push each other to improve. I’m lucky to be in a band like the one at Oviedo. We’ve got a bunch of good players, and tons of really motivated people.”

carlyf@thelionstale.com

Months of Marching

August

From August to November, the band practices from 5-8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

September

During football season the band performs at all of Oviedo’s games during half-time.

October

The first competition for the band will be held in October at MIddleburg High School.

November

The band travels to St. Petersburg to participate in the Florida Marching Band Championship.

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R U O Y W O SH

THE LION’S TALE

| features | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

T I R I P S 3.

1.

2.

all photos/TYSZKOWSKI, BAILEY, THORNCROFT

YELL AND SCREAM. 1. Juniors Ali Hartwig, Courtney Jensen, Durall Medlock scream at the top of their lungs in an attempt to win the spirit stick at the pep rally on Friday Sept. 24. 2. Seniors Tessa France and Andrea Marquinez compete aganist the juniors in a battle to show the most spirit. 3. Senior Sean Moskal sits on senior Max Castrillon’s shoulders after seniors won the spirit stick.

How are you reigniting the spark?

“

I wear lots of orange and black, and I wear my jersey when I can. It shows off my school spirit .

”

Ryan Selph, ‘14

“

I’m performing with the band on color guard. Being on color guard has really bumped up my spirit.

”

Danielle Turk, ‘13

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THE LION’S TALE

‘Reignite the Spark’ sets new tone for school year

by Julia Thorncroft

complacent,” said Lundquist. enior girls danced on tables near the senior poll during lunch To prevent such complacency in the school, Lundquist created miming the Gigalo while the whole cafeteria sang, “We got a theme for this year: ‘Reignite the Spark.’ our hands up high, our feet down low,” at the top of their “‘Reignite the Spark’ was thought of in that we need to get back lungs. that excitement of wanting to come to school with everyone. Not Sounds of cheers overwhelmed the commons as drumline just our students but also with our teachers and faculty. ‘Reignite members made their entrance. Students clad in orange and black the Spark’ is for everyone, our whole community and our whole surrounded the entire campus on a hot and muggy morning school to get back that excitement of being an Oviedo Lion,” said anticipating the first pep rally of the school year on Friday, Sept. Lundquist.

3.

Hollis-Childress interprets the theme as academic motivation Such a level of enthusiasm left an impression on Principal for students.

Robert Lundquist and reminded him of the campus spirit before “I think it’s supposed to motivate students to take on the reconstruction. responsibility. Most students don’t take on responsibility. It’s to “It brought back fond memories of the old commons in which improve personal self and to do the best you can. School spirit is a our students were so excited for the pep rally and the game day,” reward,” said Hollis-Childress. said Lundquist. “But it’s not just about football. I think it’s about Another theme for the school year is M.O.R.E: Motivated Onhaving that school spirit, the pride of being an Oviedo Lion. I was time Respectful and Engaged. Posters advertising M.O.R.E were so pleased to see that spark of enthusiasm and spirit come back to placed around campus and inside classrooms with the goal of our school. The pep rally was one of the best pep rallies we’ve ever grabbing student’s attention. experienced.” “‘M.O.R.E.’ was done through our response to Intervention Spirit resurfaces with ‘Reignite the Spark’ Team, which is to bring back the good deeds and bring back the Before the first pep rally, some students and faculty felt a loss responsible, mature attitude towards all that you [the student body] of school spirit. Senior Brittany Skeels, the Student Government do. Respect each other’s values, respect each other’s space and do things for others as you would certainly want them done to you.

Association (SGA) President, is one of those students.

“I do feel like school spirit has dwindled a bit. Our senior class That common theme with M.O.R.E. has helped,” said Lundquist.

Another new tradition created by administration that is this year did a good job bringing it back on Friday,” said Skeels. “I associated with the M.O.R.E. theme is the wooden nickel, feel like it’s not pushed enough or encouraged enough.”

In Skeels’s opinion, lack of encouragement is the cause of also referred to as “Lion Loot.” Students can receive wooden dwindling school spirit. However, Anna Hollis-Childress, senior nickels from teachers when they go ‘above and beyond’ in class class advisor and algebra II teacher, says it all depends on the participation and schoolwork. According to Lundquist, students who received wooden nickels had the opportunity to cash them in students’ attitudes.

“If I look over the past 20 years, from when I was a student on Wednesdays.

“The idea is to reignite all and motivate all to continue to reach here then yes, school spirit has [gone down],” said HollisChildress. “When students would rather be on the phone texting or for high standards,” said Lundquist. “It’s just trying to not become on Facebook instead of spending time with friends, it’s no wonder complacent and try to reach even further than we’ve already been.” why there’s little spirit.”

While for different reasons, both Hollis-Childress and Skeels SGA making traditions, improvements see a loss of spirit. Lundquist, however, disagrees.

Skeels said that SGA is currently working to make minor “I think it’s not been so much a loss of school spirit. There’s improvements around the school. Their goal: to make the school a been a little bit of complacency I think. We have a rich tradition of more enjoyable environment and to start traditions. academic excellence and excellence with our extracurricular “For the events that we do, we’re trying to make sure activities. I think that over a period of time you keep that there is something everyone is going to enjoy,” said doing so well each year and you keep accomplishing so Skeels. “An example being spirit week for homecoming: much each year then you have a tendency to become

S

“

having the talent show and possibly an O-glow [like day glow] or a Flick on the Field. Also, we’re thinking of other things we can do throughout the school year, like a Sadie-Hawkins dance or something along those lines.”

Other traditions Skeels suggested include spirit contests at pep rallies, singing the alma mater with the football team after every game and singing the fight song before the team runs out at pep rallies and games.

Pep rallies and other activities are generally planned by the leadership class. Leadership is during fifth period and the class includes SGA members, usually seniors, taught by Brenda Holmes.

According to Skeels, the leadership class’s plans to reinstate the Gigalo Team are ‘in the works.’

Hollis-Childress hopes that the leadership class brings back the Gigalo team, because of its tradition with the school.

“Last year the tryouts never happened. Team Gigalo is something that’s been around since I was in school, and I would hate to see it fall by the wayside,” said Hollis-Childress.

According to Hollis-Childress, the leadership class both creates the team and holds tryouts. Seniors are usually selected because of their enthusiasm and underclassmen are rarely selected.

As of now, there are no specific dates or locations for tryouts.

Skeels shared what kinds of skills the leadership class might look for in a Gigalo Teammate.

“We’d probably hold them as soon as we can, considering football and pep rally season doesn’t last forever. I’m not sure where it’d be held yet, someplace where they can move though.

We’d definitely want all kinds of talents, that are appropriate.

Whether it’s different kinds of dancing or being able to do flips.

Anything to get the crowd going works,” said Skeels.

Despite some students’ rise and fall of spirit, Lundquist remains proud of their accomplishments and looks forward to the new traditions. Additionally, he has advice for the students- live these years to their fullest.

“If you have pride in your school and if you take this opportunity of four years in high school and live it to its fullest, to immerse yourself into activities, to not have any regrets when you graduate from high school and remember that these are the best four years of your life, take advantage of it. If you understand that concept, then you’re going to be the spark and so the spark will be reignited,” said Lundquist.

juliat@thelionstale.com

“ My friends and I made awesome headbands that we wear on pep rally days.

”

Savanah Lacey, ‘12

“

I yell and scream a lot at pep rallies and wear my school colors whenever I can.

”

Logan Howard, ‘11

I try to encourage school spirit by recogninzing students who are full of it.

I lend out my spirit stick.

Before every class we say welcome to OHS home of scholars and champions.

”

Rafale Valle, history teacher

19

20

THE LION’S TALE

| features | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

No camels in Galvaston, Texas

Jenny Atkinson helps the less fortunate, coaches local soccer leagues and swims for the OHS swim team.

sports ) ///////////(DIDYOUKNOW?

Q: How many animal shapes do Animal Cracker cookies come in?

A: There are 18 different animal shapes in the Animal Crackers cookie zoo.

Q: Where is it illegal to have a camel in the street?

A: In Galveston, Texas, it is illegal to have a camel run loose in the street.

Q: How many dogs are currently residing in the U.S.?

A: There are over 58 million dogs in the U.S.

Q: How many pounds of chocolate do Americans eat?

A: Every second, Americans col-

lectively eat one hundred pounds of chocolate.

Helping Hand

photo/JULIA THORNCROFT

Teen dedicates life to helping others, grows stronger

by Jake Smith

T

he vagabonds line up single-file to receive their food. They are greeted with warm and welcoming smiles.

Home Sweet Homeless members, who meet every second Saturday of every month in Lake Eola, generously serve the wanderers, the nomadic, the homeless.

Among these benevolent citizens, there is a girl, who, for no reward but the warmth received from gratitude, spends her own time working to create a better world for others.

The 17-year old senior, Jenny Atkinson, stands behind her food dish, serving food to all that line up before her.

A woman approaches closer to her as the line progresses. The woman’s eyes glance down at the canteen water bottle clasped firmly in Jenny’s

palm.

“Where did you get that water bottle,” she said. “Are they passing them out?”

“No, they aren’t, but you can have mine,” Atkinson said. Atkinson lets a smile form upon her mouth as she hands the woman the water bottle.

“It was nice to see how happy it made her.

She really appreciated it more than I could have.

It reminds me of how we all take so many things for granted in life,” Atkinson said.

When she is not coasting through the waters of the Oviedo Aquatic Center for the swim team, her time is spent helping kindergartners and first graders improve their kick in soccer, their swing in t-ball or their shot in basketball.

For Atkinson, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons are full of coaching soccer, inspiring

Q: When does a fetus get fingerprints?

A: A fetus develops fingerprints at 18 weeks.

Q: How many gallons of fuel does a Boeing 747 airliner hold?

A: A Boeing 747 airliner holds 57, 285 gallons of jet fuel.

youth and hearing the joyous laughter of children.

Wednesdays after school are spent at the First Baptist Church of Oviedo’s youth group.

Despite a father who has been partially absent in attending the majority of her life, Atkinson has an encompassing love for her family, and a strong dedication to being a Christian.

Atkinson’s relationship with God is the fuel for the burning ember that is her passion for helping others.

Q: How many times can you fold a square piece of paper?

A: A square piece of paper cannot be folded in half more than seven times.

Editor’s Note One by One features a selected student, whose story is told in only 300 words.

*If you have questions that you would like The Lions Tale to answer please submit them to: dyk@thelionstale.com

jakes@thelionstale.com

Freshman Franny: by Taylor Schwartz

COMIC

courtesy/www.strangefacts.com

(diversions sport s )

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

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THE LION’S TALE

21

the

Meet band Lead Vocals Guitar “I started playing guitar when I was 12. I only started singing when the band formed. ”

Chris Ganoudis, ‘11 Guitar Vocals Keyboard “Playing guitar excited me because I could interpret it anyway I wanted to.” photos/STEPHANIE O’SULLIVAN

Adam Sliger, ‘11

LEAVING A LEGACY. Band members Chris Ganoudis, Nick Davila, Adam Sliger, and David Whitmore during a practice at Chris’ house. The band practices for four hours every Friday. Their first album, By the Light, is available on iTunes and their newest album is a work in progress, but should be out by the end of this year.

Band hits big time at House of Blues

by Steph O’Sullivan

S

enior Chris Ganoudis’ fingers tremble from exhaustion as they quickly strum the strings of his guitar, exhaustion quickly taking control of his body as the clock strikes 1 a.m.

His voice strains to sing another song as his ears ring from hours of practicing in the small room tucked in the corner of his house.

Determined to finish the practice successfully, Ganoudis, lead singer and guitarist for his band 7 Months Later, forces himself to practice for another hour.

While Ganoudis sings, his mind wanders to the assignments he was assigned for homework over the weekend.

“It’s kind of tough sometimes to find the balance between schoolwork and the band. Sometimes we have to choose between practicing and school. I’m taking three AP classes right now, so it can be tough to manage,” Ganoudis said.

Freshman Nick Davila shares a similar thought.

“Balancing school and the band can be tricky. I also have to practice with two drum teachers a week, so usually the other guys just ask me what day is good for me. We all try to work around each others schedules,” Davila said.

The band has to cut down their performances during the school year to allow the members enough time to practice and succeed academically. Adam Sliger attends Masters Academy, and the other band members attend Oviedo High School.

“During the school year, we try to perform about once a month.

During the summer we usually perform every two to three weeks.

We practice together once a week at Chris’ house, usually on the weekends for about four hours. Individually we practice a few hours a day. It depends on how much homework we have,” senior David Whitmore said.

The band members remain unsure of how the band will change after this year.

“The only person in the band who isn’t a senior is our drummer, Nick. Adam, Chris and I are all seniors, so this could be our last year around here. We want to keep the band going, but it depends on where we all go to college. It’s still up in the air,” Whitmore said.

Ganoudis agrees.

“We’re all wondering how the band will change after we graduate. We have nine months left, so we’re going to make the best of what time we have left. We’ll do whatever it takes to make it,” Ganoudis said.

The band has performed at multiple venues around Orlando.

“So far we’ve performed at Lyrics, The Social, during the Lake Eola fireworks, at Relay for Life, the Hard Rock twice, and the House of Blues. My favorite performance was probably the last one. We performed at the House of Blues on August 20. At first my adrenaline was going ballistic, the whole crowd was screaming.

The crowd and the sound inside there was amazing. It made me feel like we were famous,” Davila said.

For some of the members of the band, becoming more famous is their goal.

“I really want to play on a tour during the summer. I want to play at all the venues and arenas. I want to get to get to that point in my life where I can call myself a professional,” Davila said.

Ganoudis shares the dream of touring.

“I just want to get the experience of touring, and signing a record deal with a label. I would love to get our music out to other people,” Ganoudis said.

Ganoudis, however, does not see himself still performing in 10 years.

“I want to be in the music industry, but more on the business side of things. I would really like to be an A&R- they’re the people

Bass Vocals Keyboard “I like music, so I decided to start with the bass when I was 14.”

David Whitmore, ‘11

Drums

Nick Davila, ‘14

“One day my mom asked me if I wanted to play for my middle school band. It sounded interesting, and ever since then, I’ve been playing.”

that go out and find the ‘next big things’ for record labels. It’s almost like helping other peoples’ dreams come true,” Ganoudis said.

Ganoudis does not believe in playing music he does not love.

“Definitely go with music that you really love, because if you don’t love it, you’re just faking it and it doesn’t work at all. Do what you love in life,” Ganoudis said.

stepho@thelionstale.com

////Reviewed 22

THE LION’S TALE

| diversions | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

Music, movies, books & more

VERY GOOD

GOOD

RUBBISH

The Suburbs Arcade Fire Rock

Wake Up! John Legend & The Roots R&B

Croweology The Black Crowes Rock

You Get What You Give Zac Brown Band Country

by Taylor Schwarz

by Julia Thorncroft

by Julia Thorncroft

by Julia Thorncroft

DOWNLOAD THIS >> Deep Blue

DOWNLOAD THIS >> Hard Times

A

rcade Fire released their latest and highly anticipated album, The Suburbs, in August 2010, satisfying the hunger of starved Arcade Fire fans around the world.

Rated a four-out-of-five stars by Rolling Stone Magazine, and a four and a halfout-of-five stars by Spin Magazine, The Suburbs has received the top spot on the US Billboard 200 Chart, along with the UK, Irish, and Canadian Album charts.

This album of 63 minutes and 54 seconds begins with the slower, melancholy anthem of “The Suburbs,” followed by the more upbeat “Ready to Start”.

From there, the album gradually becomes more abstract and dark with works such as “Empty Room” and “City With No Children”.

Despite the overall darkness of the lyrics, this album could be used as both easy listening and thought provoking work, depending on how receptive to the intended meaning of the compositions one might be.

Although some titles, such as “Sprawl I (Flatland)” and “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)” could appear to be intimidating to the average listener, all of the songs are equally listener-friendly and digestible.

With pre-apocalyptic themes and unusual, detailed arrangements, The Suburbs is an album worth listening to twice in a row; first to experience the wonder, and second to understand it.

taylors@thelionstale.com

T

he Roots broadened their fan base featuring their skills as the band on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.

Now, the boys from Philly team up with singer John Legend for a cover album.

Cover albums rarely receive critical acclaim, which is understandable, because the artists are ripping off other musicians. In most cases, listening to a cover album is like watching reality trash like “American Idol,” only Simon Cowell isn’t there to offer humor on a CD. However, John Legend and the Roots prove this theory wrong as they cover songs

by Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and many other trailblazing soul singers.

The Roots manage to make every song new and fresh while Legend’s smooth voice keeps the integrity of the original song intact.

The major themes in these songs still apply to our nation today. Resurrecting soul songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s, Legend and the Roots illustrate that these wartime, workingclass narratives haven’t gone out of style.

The second best song on the album is their cover of Johnny Bristol’s “Hang On In There.” The song showcases Legend’s vocals in seven minutes in this protest song.

The best song on the album though, is their rendition of Hathaway’s “Little Ghetto Boy.” For a change of pace, the song begins with a verse from Black Thought, fusing together rap and Legend’s old school R&B vocals together.

juliat@thelionstale.com

B

efore The Crowes take their indefinite hiatus, they reassure upset fans with this two-disc acoustic rendition of 20 of their most popular songs.

Instead of creating a dreaded “Greatest Hits” album only accounting for talent they once had, The Black Crowes rerecorded their most popular songs, proving that after 20 years, they’ve still got what it takes.

The Crowes seem to approach this release with the notion that nothing is sacred. There is always room for improvement, change, and growth.

Most of the selections are from Shake Your Moneymaker to Three Snakes and One Charm era, and out of the 20 tracks offered, only a couple get a well deserved overhaul.

Disc one begins strongly with “Jealous Again,” followed up by “Share The Ride.” Disc two begins slowly with “She Talks To Angels,” but Chris Robinson’s voice is clearly dominant..

The expertly laid back southern sound on tracks such as “Remedy” or “Ballad in Urgency” suggest a rethink of this band beyond the rock clichés.

The key to The Crowes success is their ‘70s era southern rock sound that captivates listeners of all ages by the ears and doesn’t let go. The band could easily be compared to rock legends like Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones or living Florida legend Tom Petty.

While fans weep at the idea of a world without The Crowes, we now have the chance to reminisce over the past 20 years with Croweology. Let’s hope that the reminiscing won’t turn into depression.

DOWNLOAD THIS >>

Upcoming Concerts Carrie Underwood

Monday, Oct. 25 7:30 p.m.

St. Pete Times Forum

Ludacris

Saturday, Oct. 16 8:00 p.m.

UCF Arena photo/ http://www.pigeonsandplanes.com

Bob Dylan Sunday, Oct. 10 8:00 p.m.

UCF Arena

MGMT

Monday, Oct. 25 8:00 p.m.

Hard Rock Live

Remedy

AWFUL

J

ust eight months after the group won the Grammy for best new artist, Zac Brown Band released their fourth album, You Get What You Give.

The album begins with “Let it go,” a lighthearted melody with darker undertones. “It didn’t take too long to find the truth behind that bottle.”

The next track, “Knee Deep,” became a hit practically overnight, with a little help from Jimmy Buffet. The song’s all about sitting in a lawn chair, sipping a cold one while watching the tides roll in. The album itself has a dip your toes in the sand kind of vibe.

The latter of the album diverges into heartbreaking ballads like “Colder Weather,” proving that Brown is more than just the guy who wrote “Chicken Fried.”

What makes Brown’s music so brilliant is it surpasses all current country music. Where so much country today is really just pop with a little Tennessee twang, Brown’s music is country with a friendly nod toward rock.

Brown doesn’t sound like one of the interchangeable airbrushed country stars who take turns ruling the charts. He sounds more like a humble, easy-going guy with talent that rarely appears in mainstream music.

Another big factor into his success: Brown writes most of his songs. He rarely strays from the typical country themes - heartache, whiskey, the virtues of leading an unhurried life - but there’s a compelling sincerity and enthusiasm in the way he delivers such messages.

DOWNLOAD THIS >> Let It Go

Lady Gaga

Friday, April 15 8:00 p.m.

Amway Center

Act Fast

Get your tickets for Lady Gaga immediately before they sell out.

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com for purchase starting Oct. 2.

photo/ http://www.ladygaga.com

OUTSTANDING

0 0 5 ’ k r o w t e n l ia c o s e ‘th SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

million friends later...

of age story about ‘The Social Network’: A comingire some of the youngest billiona s

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diversions

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THE LION’S TALE

3 David Fincher

23

More movies by director Fight Club Rated R “How much can you know about yourself if you’ve never been in a fight?”

by Julia Thorncroft

best work since Fight Club. out making David Fincher’s with ds frien ion mill a great performance 500 to ou don’t get Even Justin Timberlake pumped out ered posters and cov an slog t would be anything Tha ance ies. orm perf enem t grea a few (but for Timberlake, a The ew. revi ie an mov any than er Guru). Honestly, Timberlake deserves describes the film bett y years of other than The Love earl and ding rity. foun integ the its ut ing abo ruin Social Network is a film award for starring in a film and not actors exceed their Facebook in 2004.

The whole film is well casted, and the ut abo y stor the he tells film Eisenberg’s movie. Never before has Brilliantly depicting an era, the over the potential, but this is r othe all each of with you s hell ince ugh conv thro He college students who go portrayed such a realistic character. age that comes to all of them his character. credit for Facebook and the dam insecurities and doubts percolating in starred in Zombieland, he n whe to it. of because Take a look back e, scen first very the plays a from ie, mov and pathetic teenage nerd. Now, he You fall in love with the ing with his playing a sappy talk is rg) nbe Eise se (Jes erg where Mark Zuckerb more realistic teenage nerd. ogues and excellent acting fill ks and Recreation”) girlfriend in a bar. Flawless dial Rashida Jones (“The Office,” “Par nt elle Exc its. cred ing end to ial role in the film, because she’s the the widescreen from the opening for the plays a small but cruc er answ ate ultim the up ds where he went wrong. buil storytelling gradually character that explains to Zuckerberg ?” ted crea ok de and the generation ebo deca Fac was past w question, “ho The film defines the ted adap was film the kin, Sor no surprise that young adults will Screenplay written by Aaron idental associated with it. It’s Acc The el nov on ficti non 9 from Ben Mezrich’s 200 ect with this film. ogue automatically entices conn ge the way people Billionaires. Sorkin’s rapid-fire dial What Zuckerberg did in reality was chan and the film depicts this as definitive you into “Sorkin territory.” that interact with one another, m clai itz kov Mos tin Dus der Zuckerberg and co-foun of a story. kerberg made a point to tell for Best Picture, Best the film is mostly fiction. Zuc An Oscar nod is clearly anticipated than the portrayal of ” king wor Actor. hard Lead re “mo Best for g he’s Oprah that Screenplay and Eisenber “dramatization of history.” a t Eisenberg’s career film ocke the skyr ed will call itz film kov the t, Mos . doub a him Without erg in a kerb Zuc icts dep film the s. that Critics pointed out and set the bar for future Fincher film will sympathize with him in d, this film will keep negative light, but most viewers Dramatic, enthralling and fast-pace ds. frien with bles trou the film- due to all the lawsuits and wide-eyed at the edge of your seat. y for someone who is one you Then again, it’s hard to feel sorr I smell Oscar gold. planet. of the youngest billionaires on the ders think, the film has Regardless of what the real life foun referred to as director g bein , aim gained plenty of critical accl

Y

Se7en Rated R “Earnest Hemingway once wrote, ‘The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.’ I believe the second part.”

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Rated Pg-13 “Life can only be understood backwards. It must be lived forward.”

All movies out on DVD

juliat@thelionstale.com

photos/COURTESY PUBLICITY WEBSITES

24

THE LION’S TALE

| diversions | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

Memoir describes love beween 70’s singer, controversial artist Just Kids Author: Patti Smith

by Julia Thorncroft

N

ever before in the history of literature or film has a single piece of work shown such an important vision of New York in the 1960s. Famed poet, singer and artist Patti Smith holds responsibility for such a vision, writing a salute to citizens of New York and a prelude to the fame and success of two beloved artists.

Her latest book, Just Kids, reminisces about Smith’s young adult life with former partner and longtime friend, artist Robert Mapplethorpe.

This evocative story begins with the godmother of punk rock’s childhood, telling trying tales of faith in God and describes her life as a struggling artist in New York City.

From having scarlet fever to learning about the “weight of sin,” to young Smith’s resentment towards the ideal ‘50s female, Smith retold stories and memories of her childhood with Mapplethorpe as they lived in squalor. They had little, but at least they had each other. That’s all either of them really needed.

Immersing herself in “the adolescent salvation of 1961” (rock ‘n roll, of course), Smith reminisces over her gawky “loser” years in high school and dancing with her siblings to James Brown, The Shirelles and Hank Ballard and The Midnighters. As a young adult, she dreamt of being Frida Kahlo, painter and wife of one of

If you’re already thrown off by some of these her favorite artists, Diego Rivera.

Most know Smith for her classic album names, it’s best that you look a couple of these “Horses” (album cover is Mapplethorpe’s artists up before you consider reading this book. If photography), but as a young adult in the summer not, you’ll be lost in a field of abstract expressionist of 1969, Smith made ends meet working in painters.

Smith and Mapplethorpe meet by chance, and bookstores and jewelry shops while spending as the fates have it, they became inseparable lovers her free time listening to Blonde on Blonde and and remained close friends until Mapplethorpe’s working on her sketches. Smith describes a pivotal death from AIDS. moment, sitting with Janis The two played off Joplin, Jimi Hendrix a “fake marriage” and Grace Slick in a bar A memoir is a piece of autobiographical for Mapplethorpe’s feeling “an inexplicable writing and is usually shorter in nature Catholic parents sense of kinship with and lived in squalor than a comprehensive autobiography. these people.” together for most Because this book of their young is about two struggling adult life.

The bond artists in New York, between Smith Check out this Memoir: it’s helpful to know a and Mapplethorpe little about art history.

Bumping into Geniuses remained intact If not, you’ll get thrown Danny Goldberg regardless of their off by the long lists of living situation, unfamiliar names. sexuality, or climb to Smith’s love of fame. It was on his art begins at age 12, death bed that Smith bickering with her father over who’s more influential of an artist - Picasso or promised to him that she’d write their story.

Just Kids begins as the story of two wide-eyed Dali. As an adult, Smith and Mapplethorpe would artists and ends with the death of one. The memoir often go to art museums with only enough money for one ticket. One would wait outside while accounts for more than just the romanticism of the other one went through the exhibit, telling their bohemian life, but for importance of a true the other what it was like afterward. Smith and friend, a real partner.

One day in the early autumn of 1967, Smith Mapplethorpe’s art collection included Dubuffet, and Mapplethorpe were spied on by a touristy Pollack and Blake.

What is a Memoir?

couple in Washington Square Park, who argued about whether they were worth a snapshot. The woman thought they looked like artists. The man disagreed, saying dismissively, “They’re just kids.”

juliat@thelionstale.com

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

diversions

The funny bunch

all photos/ COURTESY OF NETWORK AND PUBLICITY WEBSITES

4

favorite funny guys

|

on television

STEWIE GRIFFIN - FAMILY GUY This diabolical 1 year-old has the capability to make pop culture references way beyond his years, can fetch artillery weapons and yet he still carries the naivety of a baby. His sexuality may be ambiguous (let’s face it, he’s gay), but Stewie’s combination of aggression and innocence make him the most comedically endearing character on television.

“Hello, mother. I come bearing a gift. I’ll give you a hint. It’s in my diaper and it’s not a toaster.”

ABED NADIR - COMMUNITY Portrayed by Danny Pudi, Abed brings out the best in his circle of insecure and sometimes superficial friends. Because of his inability to relate to others, Abed connects with people through the characters he sees on film and television.

His talent as a filmmaker is debatable, but his pop culture references make for humorous scenes.

“Our first assignment is a documentary, they’re like real movies but with ugly people.”

CHARLIE KELLY - IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA Charlie (Charlie Day) is clearly the least intelligent of the sunny gang, and that says a lot. His illiteracy often causes problems for the gang, which makes him become prone to Pacinolike outbursts, the root of his hilarity.

Charlie clearly is the hardest worker of the gang and he’s the only member of the gang with a shred of decency, though its just a shred.

“Cannibalism? Racism? Dude, that’s not for us ... those decisions are better left to the suits in Washington. We’re just here to eat some dude!”

BARNEY STINSON - HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER The womanizer who’s never seen in anything other than a suit, Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) offers comedic relief for his friends in the search of long-term relationships.

“Every Halloween, I bring a spare costume, in case I strike out with the hottest girl at the party. That way, I have a second chance to make a first impression.”

Comedies, musicals rule teen DVRS

by Julia Thorncroft

T

elevision is a drug. It’s addictive, unhealthy and teenagers can’t put it down.

The only difference: television brings out humor, relatively speaking. From show choir madness to video clips to classic sketch comedy, television is finally terrible enough to enjoy. No vampires permitted.

UCF grad brings comedy to Comedy Central The headline says enough: any student who’s glued to Comedy Central on Wednesday nights know’s about the former Floridian. Daniel Tosh surprisingly sky-rocketed ratings for the network with his show, Tosh.0, providing sarcastic remarks on online video clips, society and celebrities.

So how did a rip off of The Soup get more viewers than Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart?

By making wisecracks at viral videos of puking, animals and grievous testicular injury.

The key to Tosh’s charm is his laid-back vibe. Tosh doesn’t take himself seriously and he doesn’t expect his audience to either. He delivers cheap jokes with a smug attitude and a likable smirk.

He follows the traditional TV formula for comedy: likable host plus people doing stupid tricks.

Tosh claimed his decision to work in comedy resulted from his upringing in Florida, which he considers “flat, hot and dumb.”

Tosh is especially in his element when he narrates videos. Most notably, footage of a parking-lot fight between a white guy and a Latin guy: “Normally, kicking Whitey is easy as uno dos tres, but Hector may have picked the wrong muchacho this time. Ooh, check out that formsomebody’s been watching ‘Walker, Texas Ranger!’”

Triumph of “Glee” brings Emmy gold Glee started as an annoyingly stereotypical concept with worse dialogue than From Justin to Kelly. After the show gained support from guest stars Kristin Chenoweth and Neil Patrick Harris, the show transformed into a lovable post-modern musical.

Jane Lynch’s caricature of the diabolical Sue Sylvester highlights the show and snagged the longtime comedian an Emmy.

Lynch steals the show and turned Sue Sylvester into one of the most irresistibly hilarious high school faculty freakazoids in history: “Even if your team has dropped their sequin-covered panties and urinated all over the stage like an elderly Carol Channing, they literally could not have done worse.”

Beyond Lynch’s character, the show gains confidence in it’s wide fan base. What fans are anticipating this season: the Britney Spears episode.

SNL begins season 36, MacGruber no more Former Saturday Night Live actress Amy Phoeler returns to Studio 8H as the host for the season 36 premier of SNL, with pop star Katy Perry as the musical guest.

Fans can anticipate all cast members returning, with the exception of MacGruber actor Will Forte. Forte announced in August that he’s leaving the show to pursue other acts.

Four new feature players were added. The Second City writers Tom Flanigan and Shelly Gossmand were added on to the writing staff, and Upright Citizens Brigade performer Heather Anne Campbell.

On Oct. 2, Bryan Cranston hosts SNL with musical guest Kanye West.

juliat@thelionstale.com

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THE LION’S TALE

most

anticipated

new fall shows

1. BOARDWALK EMPIRE (SUNDAYS ON HBO) Set in Atlantic City in the 1920s, the show takes place during a time of change for Americans. The Great War is over, women are getting the right to vote, and the sale of alcohol is illegal around the United States. Steve Buscemi (Reservoir Dogs, Fargo) plays the undisputed ruler of Atlantic City, Enoch “Nucky” Thompson. The show is created by “Sopranos” writer Terrance Winter and the pilot was directed by Martin Scorsese.

2. RUNNING WILDE (TUESDAYS AT 9:30 PM ON FOX) Prayers made by the few Arrested Development fans have finally been answered, Will Arnett stars in a sitcom again, playing a filthy rich playboy who attempts to buy the heart of his uber-liberal humanitarian childhood sweetheart played by Keri Russell.

Will opposites attract? Will this show last? One can only hope.

3. MY GENERATION (THURSDAYS AT 8 PM ON ABC) Since the success of The Office, mockumentary style has appeared in both film and television. My Generation brings a new spin to this style. The hour long dramedy follows a group of young adults ten years after graduating from high school. With their senior year of high school being filmed for a documentary, their hopes and aspirations were caught on film. What this eclectic group learns though, is that you don’t always get what you want in life.

4. THE EVENT (MONDAYS AT 9 PM ON NBC) You couldn’t get away with watching NBC for an hour without seeing at least three teaser trailers for The Event. The conspiracy thriller starring Jason Ritter begins with a young man looking for his fiance and ends up discovering one of the biggest political cover-ups in U.S. Will the show live up to its hype, or is this just another NBC failure?

5. $#*! MY DAD SAYS (THURSDAYS AT 8:30 PM ON CBS) Pronounced “Bleep My Dad Says,” the twitter sensation turned book phenomenon is now a sitcom. William Shanter plays Ed Goodson, the overopinionated father who’s notorious for making politically incorrect remarks to anyone within earshot. The show is all about father-son relationships.

While this kind of relationship might be difficult to explain, Ed could probably describe it with a couple of inappropriate words.

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THE LION’S TALE

| diversions | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

Pep rallies pop with creative crowns Learn trendy ways to make an entrance at next pep rally

1

First things first. Go to the local Burger King on Alafaya Trail and ask for a free crown. After picking up your crown, go to Michaels craft store and pick up regular craft paint in black, white or orange. Also, grab some spray paint, glue, tacky glue, and jewels or other small things you want to glue on the crown.

Follow these steps to create a crown and flaunt your superiority around campus.

2

Compiled by Angiee Carey

If the crown has particles of dust or other pieces of trash stuck to the exterior, it won’t look too hot.Your first step will be to make sure that you have a clean and clear space to paint or spray it on. Remember that when you put the crown on your head, people can see the brown on the inside of your crown, so you should paint the inside of it, too. Make sure you let the crown dry on each side for at least 10-15 minutes.

3

I recommend seniors use spray paint instead of paint and a brush, because not only is it quicker, but it also looks a lot smoother.

”

- Taylor Rolfe ‘11.

“

You can use different colors of paint, but keep in mind that if you write on top of the background paint, the paint you use for the words on the crown has to be a bright color.

”

- Tess Poleschuk ‘11.

“

CROWNS OF 2011. Seniors Lexi Combs, Nikki Interi,

4

Taylor Rolfe and Alex Earney

Take your time while decorating your crown, because this isn’t something that you can just erase and start over. If you’re done, let your crown dry for at least 1015 minutes more. If everything is dry, you can use the tacky glue to put on the jewels or other small objects you want to attach.

5

“

You can now decide if you want a pattern on your crown or if you just simply want your name and sayings written on it. To make your crown one-of-a kind, try going online or to a fabric store (Wal-Mart or Calico Corners) and choose a pattern that fits your personality.

photo/COURTESY TESS POLESCHUK

Make sure this crown is always in a safe spot where it won’t get ruined. Believe it or not, this is something you will want to keep forever and ever. There are plenty of ways to install distinctive fabrics or prints that you can get off your computer.

Get your materials from

If you are using a hot glue gun, try your hardest to glue things on to your crown in dots not long lines. If you do, when the glue dries it will make it hard to fold the crown.

- Alec Earney ‘11.

“ photo/COURTESY TESS POLESCHUK

”

The crown that I made this year is something that I always want to keep and remember eternally.

I’m going to definitely put it up somewhere where my dogs won’t get to it.

”

BEDAZELED CROWNS. Seniors Lexi Combs, Nikki Intrieri, Taylor Rolfe, Eric Hedberg, Alec Earney and Luke Pearson get together to decorate their senior crowns.

- Lexi Combs ‘11.

angieec@thelionstale.com

Morga

Kellan Register‘11

er ‘11

Erica Butl

el ‘11

Nicole De Leon ‘11

n Cass

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

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THE LION’S TALE

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28

(sports sports )

THE LION’S TALE

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SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

GET YOUR STICKER ON. As a reward for good grades, games won, or even a good tackle during a game, the varsity players receive stickers to be placed on their helmets. Varsity head coach Wes Allen awards the players with these stickers. They represent the hard work and effort the players put into both their life on and off the field.

photos/CARSON BAILEY

GET GOIN’ LIONS. During the varsity game against Timber Creek on Sept. 27, Coaches Tony Hartsfield, Ken Cain, and Steve Laurence shout out moves and plays for the teammates to follow while playing on the field.

1,2,3 HIKE. The Lions beat Timber Creek High School 22-20 in the fourth quarter improving their record to 4-1.

‘I would do anything for my brothers’-Austin Stone Football players, coaches operate as one big family on, off field

by Lindsay Knox

A

band of 46 brothers and eight coaches make up the varsity football family and lead the way through pep rallies and Friday night football games.

“Only a few guys can be an OHS varsity football player,” senior Thomas Range (49) said.

“You work hard for so long and then you earn that title. It feels great.”

But what gives the guys this “You can’t touch this” attitude is far from simply believing they’re the best.

“The coaches are constantly reminding us of how great it feels to win and how bad it feels to lose,” senior Johan Rueda (52) said. “The confidences they have in the team make us not want to disappoint them.”

Range also states that even when some players may not want to practice, the coaches are there to remind the players of what they are working toward, what has happened in the past and so far this season, and what has been said about the team.

“Our coaches give us so much support that it builds up our positive mentality,” Range said. “They always tell us to think about what has happened in the past, and what we can do to affect our future.

The mentality they give us carries on past practice and we bring it onto the field for games.”

Not only do the coaches support their players during practice and on the field, but they have also

position has a different coach, allowing for sole begun using technology as a way of motivation.

“The coaches text us to keep us focused on the focus in that area.

Flash-forward to 7:20 a.m., Friday morning: upcoming game,” senior Mac Metcalf (2) said. “It reminds us of what is the most important thing that It’s game day, and varsity players in Rob William’s ecology class come bursting through the door, we should be thinking about.”

Players on the varsity team agree that they dancing and singing along with some Lil’ Wayne attribute most of their success to the coaching freestyle mix. How can someone have that amount methods of varsity football head coach and of energy so early in the morning?

“It [the energy] comes from different things,” offensive coordinator Wes Allen.

Range said. “The team and coaches “I would thank Coach Allen for view Friday nights as payday. It’s just giving me the opportunity to show what like your job; you go in, do the job, and I’m capable of,” senior Austin Stone get your paycheck. We [the team] go out (36) said. “I’ve been given a great gift ready to get the win that we worked so and coach makes it possible for me to hard for during the week.” show it off.”

The players also receive rewards for While players may thank Allen for their hard work on the field. their abilities on the field, Allen gives “We take time to set goals as a all the credit to the players.

Thomas Range ‘11 team first and also individually for “I appreciate it but they’re the ones each player,” Allen said. “I give out that put all the work in as a player,” Allen said. “They’re the ones who go out on the helmet stickers to players with good grades or also whenever we win a game.” field every Friday night.”

Often being known as a “family”, the varsity Allen uses coaching tactics that are designed to push his players harder than they have ever been team finds ways to relate to each other both on and off the field. pushed before.

“On the field at practice, we all know that we “I don’t want the players to leave here and say that I didn’t work them hard enough,” Allen said. are there to do one thing: play football,” Rueda “I don’t want them to think back and say, ‘I wish he said. “But at the end of the day we are just one big family.” had pushed me harder.’ ” The team spends time outside of games and Along with Allen, fellow coaches aid in preparing the team for their weekly games. Each practices to discuss both football matters and

personal triumphs.

“Off the field we have different position meals,” Allen said. “The different coaches of each position takes their players out to eat and we talk about not only what’s going on in football but also about more personal things that are affecting them.”

Knowing that everyone on the team is working toward the same goal makes the guys have each other’s backs for anything.

“We’re ballers,” Stone said. “We ride or die together. I would do anything for my brothers on the team.”

Along with the support of coaches and fellow teammates, the players also find ways to motivate themselves on a daily basis. “[To motivate myself] I bump to really loud music,” Stone said. “Also, I’m constantly thinking about how I can represent Oviedo.”

Senior Juan Espinoza (51) and Rueda agree that they get their motivation from any people who doubt the skills and ability of their team.

“We know what we are capable of and we aren’t afraid to prove it to the crowd,” Espinoza said. “We never want to disappoint.”

Being a part of the OHS varsity football team is an experience the players may never encounter again in their lifetime.

“Nobody can ever know what it feels like to be an OHS player,” Rueda said. “The only way to know is to be a part of the family.”

lindsayk@thelionstale.com

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

Sophomore Eric Martinez found himself at LA Fitness five to six days a week all summer long.

Though some of his friends found this to be excessive and redundant, Martinez thought otherwise.

“I switched up my workout every time I went there. I’d spend one day working on my arms, or an area on my arms, and I’d spend the next day working on my abs or legs. It was the best way to go, because I could see myself improve in each different area, and I’d never get bored,” Martinez said.

Senior Kari Boggs also enjoys variety in her workout, using free-weights on some days and jogging on the treadmill on others. She finds that this method of varying her workout allows her to recover after spending time on one area of fitness by working on another.

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THE LION’S TALE

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Both Boggs and Martinez find that working out in a gym can act as a beneficial social activity.

“Working out with friends can be fun, as long as you’re actually working,” Boggs said. “Some people come to the gym with friends and don’t get anything done, but going with someone who is actually going to work out is nice.”

Martinez agrees with Bogg’s view saying, “I like going to the gym with friends because it adds some competition and motivation to the workout. When you’re working out with someone who’s pushing himself really hard, it makes you want to work harder too.”

Junior Andrew Luntz, who enjoys bench-pressing at home, finds working out at home to be a much more solitary activity than working out in a gym.

“When you’re working out alone, you spend a lot of time thinking about other things besides your workout. It can be good, but it’s definitely much quieter and less exciting than working out at the gym,” Luntz said.

FALSE

The Expert Says: According to experts on the Gold’s Gym website, variety in a workout is more beneficial than expanded focus on one area. They suggest intense, 20 minute intervals in one area, and then to switch to another area for 20 more minutes.

Time to get off

by Taylor Schwarz

sports

Working out in a gym

can be lonesome

Gym workouts leave no variation

RUMOR

|

FALSE

The Expert Says: Lynne Vaughan, Chief Innovation

mill

Officer of the YMCA said to Everyday Health Online, “Working out in a group provides support, accountability, and structure; people don’t want to let their buddy down, which is terrific in terms of adherence to an exercise routine.”

Find out what experts say about working out

Membership Costs For Teens

PUSH THE LIMIT. Junior Andrew Luntz does a push-up to prepare himself for an intense workout in his home gym.

Planet Fitness Monthly Rate: $10.00 Entry Fee: $29.00

photo/TAYLOR SC

HWARZ

LA Fitness Monthly Rate: $29.99 Entry Fee: $0.00

YMCA Monthly Rate: $31.00 Entry Fee: $0.00

Teenagers are too young to work out in a gym

“I used to work out at SNAP Fitness under the old management, but when there was a new manager, he said that I wasn’t old enough to work out there,” Martinez said. “Instead of quitting, I moved over to LA Fitness, where I’m old enough to work out.”

Martinez thinks that age limits at certain establishments should not stop students from working out in gyms, and that students simply need to do a little digging to find the right place to go.

Boggs, who has kept a busy schedule in her senior year, finds that the business associated with being a high school senior helps her workouts to be more relaxing.

“Some people think that workouts are stressful to students, but I think that they’re really good for relieving stress. I think that everyone should try it,” Boggs said.

Snap Fitness Monthy Rate $34.95 Entry Fee: $0.00

The Expert Says:

FALSE

According to experts at MedicalNet.com, working teenagers who workout often see a drastic increase in their grade point averages and in their endurance and level of engagement in everyday life. Therefore, working out in a gym not only helps students physically, but mentally.

taylors@thelionstale.com

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THE LION’S TALE

| sports | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

COMBAT CITY USA

FLY FOR THE FINISH. Senior Brittany Skeels competes in the butterfly event at the Oviedo Aquatics Center against Hagerty High School.

photo/DANIEL CONDLY

Swim team focuses on getting in shape

F

by Daniel Condly

or most of the 45 swimmers on the OHS swim team, swimming means struggling for improvement.

“Most of the time in swimming, you’re competing against yourself - striving for personal best times and breaking your own records. My goal is to give this season all my effort and hopefully drop time on all of my events. Mostly, I’m working on my 100 breaststroke time, and getting it to a competitive level,” junior Neel Patel said.

Senior Brittany Skeels agrees.

“I hope to improve my 500-yard freestyle.

I’m new at the event and I hope to get pretty good at it by learning how to pace and such.

Also, I’d like to hopefully beat my best time in the 25-yard freestyle,” Skeels said.

At the first swim meet, many swimmers found that they made personal progress.

“My personal goal was to break 30 seconds for the 50 free, but I just did that last swim meet. So my new goal is to break 29 seconds,” junior Katelyn Lechner said.

However, the swimmers felt that there were many aspects of the swim meet that they could have improved on.

“Personally, I feel that there’s definitely room for me to improve. I know I could have gotten faster times than I did, and I know I’ll achieve those times eventually with more training,” Patel said.

Skeels shares similar feelings.

“I definitely didn’t do as well as I would have liked to at the first swim meet, but like my coach said, I have only been in the water for a couple weeks and my body is still getting into shape,” Skeels said.

After the first swim meet, swimmers have a general sense of what their strengths and weaknesses are. No matter how they do, however, they enjoy their time at swim meets, and always support and motivate their fellow teammates.

“My favorite aspect of swim meets is the social element and atmosphere. There’s a great feeling of teamwork in the air, and you’re excited not just for your races, but for

watching your friends’ races, and seeing them improve their times as well,” Patel said.

Lechner agrees.

“The things I like most about swim meets are the satisfaction of breaking my own personal records, and hanging out with my friends in between swimming,” Lechner said.

Swim practices, held every day after school at the Oviedo Aquatic Center, are approximately two hours long. At practices, coach Charlie Rose and assistant coach Alice Roseum provide motivation and advice for their swimmers, and they see a bright future for the swim team.

“They are doing a great job. I am especially pleased with the newer swimmers.

We are a competitive team because we have some talent this year but we need to be better by way of hard work. I like to see athletes swim faster than they thought they could,” Rose said. “They grow as athletes and as people.”

The coaches also are aware of the obstacles that high school students are faced with.

“The hardest challenge of being a coach is dealing with the demands placed on kids.

High school students are pulled in many different directions; could be school, family, clubs, friends, church, and many other things.

I really expect honesty and effort. They may have other priorities but I still want a high level of dedication. They can all do it but the hardest part is convincing them and the parents that they can do it,” Rose said.

The expectations are enormously high for swimmers.

“I expect the swimmers to dedicate themselves to the team, make sacrifices for the team, and be willing to go the extra mile to improve. I also expect them to get good grades. I expect that performance would be a top three finish at conference, minimum,” Rose said.

danielc@thelionstale.com

OHS Swim Stats Boys

and

Girls

VS

Bishop Moore Boys 143-134

Girls 231-82

VS

Hagerty Boys 109-174

Girls 202-112

VS

Winter Springs Boys Girls 157-107 183-123

Upcoming meets Oct. 1 @ 4:00 p.m. vs. Seminole High School Oct. 6 @ 3:00 p.m. vs. Lake Brantley High School

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

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THE LION’S TALE 31

Yoga practitioners claim benefits

September celebrates National Yoga Month

by Arianna Ray

S

ophomore Chelsey Spradlin closes her eyes and inhales deeply, letting all of the refreshing air rush into her lungs and clear her mind. She opens her eyes and quietly examines the video in front of her. Mirroring the movements on the screen, her body contorts into the waterfall pose with her legs in a split and her upper body stretched over.

Spradlin practices yoga, like 15.8 million other Americans, according to YogaJournal.

“It’s really relaxing. I run first so it helps me calm down afterward,” Spradlin said, who jogs one mile each day.

Yearbook Advisor Alicia Pope began doing yoga in 1999.

“I did it when I was in college and I liked it. I liked the meditation aspect and the idea of finding internal peace,” Pope said, “The balance of mind, body, and spirit. It just suits my personality.

You’re not competing with other people. You only challenge yourself.”

Rather than do yoga in an organized class at the YMCA like Pope typically does, Spradlin opts to do it at home from a video.

“The gym is more awkward. I feel like at home you can branch out more,” Spradlin said.

Art teacher Tonia Letzo disagrees.

“I like the studio. They have it all set up and perfect. I like intermingling with other people too,” Letzo said.

She practices yoga at Guruv Yoga in Lake Mary, a business dedicated solely to teaching a variety of different types of yoga such as Asthanga and Vinyasa Flow Yoga as well as many others.

Sophomore Miranda Paine chooses an entirely different option to practice yoga. She practices yoga on the Wii Fit. Unlike Spradlin, she does not enjoy it. “[On the Wii Fit game] in order for it to grade

you to make sure you’re doing it right, it has to as more strength, and improved core muscles. measure your center of balance. So you have to She also sleeps better after the end of each yoga stand on the middle of the balance board and session.

Spradlin finds one of the mental reasons to keep your balance. If you move a lot,” Paine said, “you don’t get a very good score. In regular yoga continue doing yoga. it doesn’t matter if you shift your balance. On the “I enjoy yoga because it gives me peace. It calms me after stressful homework and helps Wii, you have to do it exactly right or you fail.”

Her complaints about yoga are not only my muscles become less tense after running,” limited to the difficulties of practicing it on a Spradlin said. video game.

Letzo sees a combination of health benefits, “The components of yoga are that it’s a calm, citing stronger muscles physically and an improved mood slow, and relaxing exercise. I don’t I enjoy yoga because it gives me peace. mentally.

J u n i o r like calm, slow, and It calms me after stressful homework relaxing exercises,” Rebecca Benton Paine said. has a similar and helps my muscles become less reaction to yoga.

Even for those tense after running.

“Its very who enjoy yoga, it Chelsey Spradlin, ‘13 relaxing, wasn’t always easy in the beginning. especially “At first it was a little hard because I wasn’t in a close-knit group of people. You get to used to it. I was all over the place. I probably do something fun with them that’s also very got more of a workout laughing at how horribly calming,” Benton said.

Spradlin began practicing yoga one year ago, I was doing versus the work I should’ve been and now tries to practice once per night. doing in yoga,” Spradlin said.

Many physical and mental benefits of doing “I started doing it because of my mother. yoga exist, according to yogamovement.com. She’s really the one who got me into it. About Yoga increases flexibility, strength, and helps two years ago, I came to her about how stressed maintain a balanced metabolism which serves out I was about the homework I had. She told me in controlling weight. In addition, yoga nullifies that I should give yoga a shot to see if it calmed stress and anxiety, and leaves the user feeling me like it calmed her,” Spradlin said.

Letzo began doing yoga in college as her P.E. energized.

Paine does see one of the physical benefits credit.

“I’ve always been somewhat active and of doing yoga, despite some of her personal yoga was one of the things from college that I objections to the practice.

“It helps me balance. To have good posture, remembered that brought me some peace,” Letzo you need to stand up straight. In order to stand said.

Spradlin has developed a strong affection correctly, your center of balance when you’re standing still needs to be right. Personally, when for yoga like many of her counterparts and only I stand I lean on my heel. Yoga has helped that,” expects it to continue to grow.

“The feeling of accomplishment is definitely Paine said.

Pope notices an improved balance as well the best part for me,” Spradlin said.

“

”

ariannar@thelionstale.com Che lsey

THE TREE POSE

dlin,

Spra ‘13

Balance your weight on your feet and bend the right knee with the heel resting against the left leg. Press your palms together in front of your chest.

Benefits: Increases balance, focus, and concentration.

ACCOMPLISHED POSE

Sit on the floor and cross your legs with each foot in the middle of your body touching the opposite ankle. Rest your hands on your knees with the palms facing up or down.

Benefits: Promotes inner serenity.

HISTORY

Yoga’s history dates back to approximately 300 B.C. with the writings of an Indian yogi named Patanjalian. He created stages known as yoga sutras. They consist of a defined set of ethical codes created through physical poses, breathing exercises, and mental practices. This is the most commonly taught method in the United States, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

CHILD POSE

Kneel on the floor and lower your torso across your thighs. Put your arms over your head with your palms on the floor, or keep your arms alongside the body with the palms faced up.

Benefits: Stretches the lower back.

all photos/ARIANNA RAY

32

THE LION’S TALE

| sports | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

Vigorous training workouts replace summer lounging

S

by Connor Bailey ummer concluded Aug16, but the girls’ volleyball team witnessed their summer vacation vanish a week early.

The annual Iron Woman competition began Aug 9 at 9 a. m., testing every player’s drive to be the best athlete possible.

“Iron Woman is our preseason conditioning camp paired with some ball handling for the coaches to assess the players before regular season play,” senior Charlotte Robinson said.

Each athlete arrived at the Robert W. Lundquist gym twice a day to endure a three-hour practice for an entire week.

“For the first couple of days we started in the pit in the back of the school and did hill sprints then ran stairs then went to the weight room and then finished off flipping tires down the practice field,” Robinson said. “In the pit we would start at one side in about five lines with five people in it, then sprint up the hill and jog back down doing three sets of five to

start off, then do pyramid hill sprints and we would go up to a high part of the hill each time. Then, in the weight room we do three sets of 10 on bench press, incline, squats and work out with dumbbells and run some more,” Robinson said.

Transitioning from daily summer lounging to vigorous workouts added another variable to the equation.

“The hardest part about it was dealing with the heat when we were outside and then the fatigue of all your muscles after chilling all summer,” Robinson said.

Continuously working out made the week seem almost impossible.

“Getting up every morning and being so incredibly sore really was hard. My legs always felt so heavy, like jello,” senior outside hitter Jackie Neff said.

However, when all is said and done, Iron Woman prepared the athletes for workouts in the future.

“You get in really good shape, and afterwards you just feel really good about yourself for what you’ve

accomplished. And next year when I go to college, I will have been put through the worst workout you could ever imagine so I’ll be ready for whatever my college coaches throw at me,” Neff said.

The girls currently stand with a record of 7-2 as well as the Trinity Prep Invitational champions sweeping Foundation Acadamey in the final.

connorb@thelionstale.com

THREE, TWO, ONE, LIFT. Senior Jackie Neff carries senior Shawna French for a workout during Iron Woman competition

IRON WOMAN TOP SCORES Players with the lowest number of points placed highest in this competition

Player

Points

1. Kayla Joyce

16

2. Julie Brown

52

3. Jessica Amador 53 4. Ashley Miller

56

photo/CONNOR BAILEY

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

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S T R O P FALL S S N O I T C I PRED GOLF Connor: The girls golf team will look dor to former state champion Dana Mag The ict. distr the ugh thro to lead them boys team is composed of inexperienced players but are eager to win.

Lindsay: Although the girls golf team has experienced a few downfalls in their r season so far, key players, including senio ing grow to ard forw look dor, Dana Mag . together as a team to wor k toward wins Joan Stone: The boys are doing well.

The girls seem that they need more ’ll people and are having a rough start. They er. bett h muc do to probably start

VOLLEYBALL Connor: This year’s team is wellrounded and can attack a ball from any position on the cour t. I think that it will be a five set dog fight in the district final y. either against Lake Howell or Lake Mar an Lindsay: Star ting off the season with a have s Lion Lady the rd, reco e essiv impr rs bright season ahead of them. Key playe the lead to look rs Loia Jill Jackie Neff and team to the district final.

Joan Stone: The volleyball team is g doing great. With the exception of losin to some schools, they’ve been quite impressive.

$75

onnor s editors C with sport nox and Lindsay K Bailey and chology sy ry and p to is h d rl wo an Stone teacher Jo

FOOTBALL

y Connor: Blake Bortles and Trevor Berr , team the on ct impa big a e mad g graduatin John but with leadership from seniors off Boston and Qamar Lewis the team is ict distr the take to s look and to a 4-1 start ship. pion cham Lindsay: With the goal of winning districts and proceeding to the playoffs, the varsity boys maintain a positive on. mentality on the remainder of the seas t, Joan Stone: Football is doing grea this hope I . team especially the varsity continues.

SWIMMING Connor: With returning senior Paige Moorehead, the girls swimming team and looks to be competitive in the district at pete com to s mer swim iple send mult Regionals and on to States.

Lindsay: This year’s swim team’s main goals are to improve their own personal records and improve on their overall fitness level. These swimmer s have a competitive edge and determination to be the best over other schools in the district.

Joan Stone: The swimming team this year seems very strong.

X-COUNTRY Connor: The girls cross country team look to underclassmen run through the district led by Danielle Turk and Ciara Nowak. Sophomore Justin Schanze and senior Scott Dangel look to take hold of the boys team and make another . appearance at the state championships Lindsay: The boys cross country team the has shown an excellent beginning to key e som of loss the r Afte on. new seas d seniors this year, the team has maintaine keep to drive their determination and the winning, offering a positive outlook on on. seas the of r inde rema

BOWLING Connor: After losing former state champion Julie Leonard to graduation the bowling team looks to new members to carry the team to yet another district championship and a berth at the state tournament.

Lindsay: Undergoing a rough start to the boys’ season, inexperienced player s are now looked upon to continue their practice and mentality towards the district the gain tournament.

Joan Stone: The bowling team seems to be doing well.

Substantial growing will continue.

photo/KEVIN VELOSO

Cole strives for majors

by Zoe Lyon-Goldman

A

.J. Cole prepares himself for his career by hurling the baseball at 96 miles per hour. He never ceases to amaze those watching him.

Not long ago, he was an Oviedo High School student with a passion for baseball.

Cole, who graduated last year, recently signed with the Washington Nationals, a major league team. Previously, he planned on attending the University of Miami to play, until the Nationals offered him $2 million to join their farm team. The team offered him first round money in hopes of making his decision easier.

Principal Robert Lundquist watched Cole play all four years.

“The one thing that stood out with A.J.: he had a major league physique. With that he had an athleticism that was conducive to becoming a major league pitcher,” Lundquist said.

After a few years of hard training and preparation, Cole aims to find himself a spot on the field with the Nationals and live the life he’s wanted ever since he can remember.

His dreams of playing in the major league started early in his childhood. “I just wanted to play baseball and nothing else,” Cole said.

“Since I was eight years old, I actually knew everything about where I was going.”

Teachers and coaches who knew Cole agree he has potential to achieve great success.

“It was exciting to watch all the scouts watching him,” senior Ryan Meyer, a former teammate, said.

Making it to the major league is one thing, staying is another.

“Whether or not he makes it in the major league depends on his mental attitude,” Lundquist said. zoel@thelionstale.com

34 THE LION’S TALE

| sports | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

Q&A HEAD COACH J.D. ROBBINS How do you prepare the wrestlers for Fargo?

Basically once high school season is over the boys have the option to join club wrestling which is Florida Jets Wrestling. Then they are encouraged to practice three days a week through the spring and to the end of July.

What did you take away from this years’ experience at the national championships?

It reinforced the fact that hard work pays off, and what we are doing at Oviedo is working.

Why have you stayed at Oviedo?

When you combine an A rated school, with the third best high school ranking in the country, and in the town of Oviedo which was just voted one of the top 100 places to live, the Oviedo wrestling team is a very desirable thing to be a part of. photo/COURTESY OF JOANNE JACKSON MEARS

FIGHTING FOR CHAMPIONSHIP. Doug Vollaro wrestles in the National Greco-Roman Wrestling Final, after waiting for two hours to wrestle last in the heavyweight division at 285 pounds.

Meeting the challenges

What are your predictions for the high school season?

Overall we are the third best high school in the United States.

1. Blair Academy in New Jersey 2. Apple Valley High School in Minnesota 3. OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL

Wrestlers face intense pressure at national championships

by Janie Williams

A

week long tournament dedicated to wrestling, bone breaking and sweat. The 15 wrestlers could feel the pressure and tension climb up their spines as they stepped off the plane into Fargo, North Dakota. People from all over the country filled the Fargo Dome on July 18-24 to watch the USA High School Wrestling National Championships.

“The competition is the best of the best in the country. Every college coach is there. There is no other tournament bigger in the country,” head coach J.D. Robbins said.

Doug Vollaro

wrestling in the three day long freestyle national championships.

He went undefeated in nine matches and founded himself in the national finals again, but in another close match, Vollaro finished second again in the finals. In all, Vollaro brought home the title of double national finalist and a double All American title.

“With the first loss I knew I had to put it behind me and wrestle the next style. The second loss was a little harder to overcome, but I knew it was over and I could not change what happened,” Vollaro said.

Many juniors in high school only dream of being in the national championships. Junior Doug Vollaro earned that opportunity not once, but twice this summer.

“I went to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado for a week. Then, I came back to Florida and did a couple days of light drilling and one live match to make sure I was at my peak for the tournament,” Vollaro said.

Vollaro knew what had to be done. He went undefeated in seven matches in the two day Greco-Roman wrestling championships.

Vollaro said, “My biggest challenge was battling with nerves from the anticipation and waiting to wrestle in the national finals.”

Vollaro lost by one point in the third round of the finals. After one day of rest, Vollaro began

Already nervous and under a lot of pressure, senior Jay Taylor could not predict how challenging the next few days would be. In Taylor’s seventh match of the day in the Greco-Roman Wrestling National Tournament, he fell on his left hand. He continued to wrestle one more match and then was whisked away to the emergency room.

Taylor said, “It was hard to know I had to wrestle the next day, but I learned even when it hurts you have to keep fighting, because that’s what champions do.”

Taylor fought through his injury and wrestled two more matches the next day, which resulted in him placing fifth in the Greco-Roman wrestling championships and earning an All American title.

Jay Taylor

Taylor’s hand is now healed and he said, “This is my senior year and I will do anything to defend my state title.”

Lee Wildes Senior Lee Wildes could feel the pressure on his shoulders as he stepped off the plane into Fargo, North Dakota. Wildes trained hard for the national championships by spending most his summer in the gym and attending DTS Speed and Strength, a speed and agility training center in Central Florida.

“My biggest challenge in Fargo this year was overcoming the nerves and knowing if I placed I would get into the college I wanted,” Wildes said.

Although Wildes struggled with nerves, he finds some comfort in his pre-warm up ritual, “Every time before I wrestle, I pull up my socks. I call it getting ‘socked and loaded’,” Wildes said.

Wildes put his nerves aside and placed fifth in the Greco-Roman wrestling championship and earned an All American title.

Tyler Metzler One hundred fifty-two was the only number running through junior Tyler Metzler’s head.

Pushed daily to remain under 152 pounds at the USA High School Wrestling National Championships.

“I had to do 100 sit-ups every night which

helped me lose two pounds,” Metzler said.

Metzler wrestled on the JV wrestling team the past year, worked hard during the Florida Jets club season and qualified for the national championships. Metzler worked to make weight and ended up placing fifth in the Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships and earned an All American title.

Geordan Speiller Junior Geordan Speiller walked into the Fargo Dome with a ripped tendon in his hand but nothing could prevent him from competing in the biggest wrestling high school tournament in the country. Speiller dedicated himself to preparing for the USA High School Wrestling National Championships.

“I would run with a snorkel and work on controlling my breathing,” Speiller said.

Speiller fought through the pain of his ripped tendon in his thumb and wrestled eight matches in two days. Speiller fought through the pain, and placed fifth in the Greco-Roman wrestling championships and earned an All American title.

“Losing isn’t always a bad thing, losing makes me want to work that much harder in practice and everyone loses not just in wrestling but in life,” Speiller said.

janiew@thelionstale.com

SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

Roar Board

|

sports

////// TEE

IT

UP.

Sophomore Mike Logan , junior Daniel Hammack, and junior Cory Woolbright tee off at their match at Rolling HIlls Golf Course against Lyman High School.

photos/COURTESY OF AUSTIN GILBERT

Harvey kicks winning field goal

Improved hitting goal for team

The football team took on the Timber Creek wolves Monday Sept. 27. The game opened with a running touchdown by junior A.J. Coney. Oviedo took home a 22-20 victory after senior Scott Harvey kicked a 47-yard field goal with 42 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter. The kick was the second longest field goal ever kicked in Central Florida, with the longest field goal kick at 50 yards held by Timber Creek.

The girls’ slow pitch softball team started their season with a 3-4 record. The upcoming game is at OHS Sept. 29, against Lake Howell and Winter Springs. “It should be a good match up. I think we could definitely win,” sophomore Phoebe Bell said. The girls practice Monday through Thursday 3-5 p.m. to prepare themselves for the game. “We are pretty good defensively, but our hitting could use a little work,” Bell said.

Golf team putts towards victory

Girls’ basketball holds open gym

After a disappointing season last year, the golf team is now looking into what they need to improve on. The boys and girls teams practice four days a week at Twin River Park. “We have been working hard and it is starting to show. I think we are going to do better this year than we did last year, hopefully,” junior Cory Woolbright said.

New coach brings new tactics The baseball teams’ new coach, Harold Hitt, has plans already laid out for the season ahead. He intends to teach the team how to finish off opponents and self-discipline. “Once you get an opponent into a position where you can win, you have got to finish them off,” Hitt said. As a former head coach at Winter Springs High School, he brings new tactics to the team. The fall league gives Hitt the opportunity to teach the team some preseason skills.

On the sidelines...

1. Where do you stand on the Gigalo situation?

Girls basketball team started practicing early. The team holds open gym for all those who wish to come on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday’ after school. The purpose of open gym is to give the girls time to work on the game and stay in shape. “You can’t stay in shape three months out of the year. You got to stay in shape all year,” Coach Zak Densberger said.

Cross country looks to SAC meet Cross country started the season with two great finishes. The girls placed second against Trinity Preparatory, with the boys’ taking third overall. They had another victory at the Astronaut High School Invitational with the girls taking fifth and boys placing sixth.

The upcoming meet is the SAC Conference on Aug. 27. “I think the cross country team is going to do so amazing at the SAC Conference because we have worked harder than ever before and are always pushing each other when we race,” sophomore Ciara Nowak said.

With

Scott Dangel

I love it! I’d be very upset if we weren’t allowed to sing it anymore.

2. What’s your favorite quote?

It’s a tie between “Spit blood” and “Don’t tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”

3.What is your best outdoor activity?

Well, besides being a three-time world champion butterfly-catcher, my best outdoor activity would probably be to run.

4.Do you like Bojangles?

Yes. Bo Berry Biscuits must have an addictive drug in the ingredients.

5.What is your favorite song?

I can’t pick just one. I like every single song on Eminem’s newest CD, Recovery. But I also listen to a lot of A Day to Remember and Parachute.

photo/ COURTESY OF SCOTT DANGEL

MAKE WAY. Senior Scott Dangel leads the way during a meet at the Astronaut High School Invitational.

|

THE LION’S TALE

35

LINDSAY KNOX SPORTS EDITOR

Take chances, get involved

F

inally! I’m here. I made it. That’s right, folks. This is the beginning of the end of my high school career: senior year.

As much as I could go on and on about how amazing it feels to be a senior, I chose to direct my first column of the year to all the underclassmen. And if you were wondering, yes, you should feel important.

Looking back on my last three years of high school, I can’t help but think, ‘What more could I have done to be involved?’

If you make it all the way to your senior year with these questions hanging over your head, then there is only one definite answer and that is yes, you missed something somewhere along the line.

For my freshman year, I attended New Smyrna Beach High School where I played junior varsity volleyball. I was captain, setter, and starting server of my team.

When I came to Oviedo, I had high hopes of being a part of the champion volleyball team that Coach Chad Long has led for many years. I attended the summer conditioning and advanced to the tryouts, where I got cut the first day. I was heartbroken, and since that day I haven’t stepped foot on a volleyball court.

I’m sure you all are thinking about what this could possibly have to do with each of you, but I promise I do have a point to make: Never let anything in the world stop you from doing what you love and don’t be afraid to step up toward something new.

Just because I didn’t make the Lady Lions volleyball team my first year trying out, I was the idiot who gave up on my passion. After being rejected by one sport.

I am urging you all right now, even if this is the only statement that you remember from this whole column about my pathetic life, get out there and get involved. OHS offers numerous sports and sports-related activities including athletic training and team management.

Luckily for me I found something that I love just as much as volleyball, if not more than, during sophomore year. Writing for the school newspaper has become what I want to do for the rest of my life.

I hope that you all are as fortunate as I am to have found something that I truly love doing. High school is all about taking chances and putting your whole self out there to be involved and get noticed.

You never know what you’re missing out on until you open your eyes to unfamiliar things; so, for my own sake, take in everything you can during your remaining years here at OHS and enjoy every second of the ride.

lindsayk@thelionstale.com

36

THE LION’S TALE

| diversions | SEPTEMBER 29, 2010

D L CO R A W

N BAILEY

photos/C ARSO

scoop in a

to ps go scoop o h s t r u g o y n treat Local frozen oolest froze c e th d n fi taste test to

I

iKiwi

mmediately after opening the doors of iKiwi, I’m hit by the neon colors and busy atmosphere. Various colored paint covers the walls and bright lights hang from the ceiling, abstract and bright.

The flavors, all of which change every two days, rest against the back wall, and vibrant booths and tables sit in the front of the store to enjoy them in.

The friendly and helpful service in iKiwi added to the appeal of the little shop. For atmosphere, iKiwi gets a 5/5.

Not to be outdone by their extravagant appearance, the flavors tasted good as well. The vanilla melted in my mouth with that natural, sweet vanilla taste, gooey and delicious.

Their signature kiwi flavor tasted incredibly tangy, and a little bit sour. You could definitely taste the kiwi and it was a unique flavor. iKiwi’s large variety of toppings, from Cap’n Crunch cereal to fresh strawberries, made for a good way to really personalize your frozen yogurt .

For taste, iKiwi gets a 4/5. As for money, iKiwi’s prices could be better. Being a selfserve yogurt bar, they weigh the final product, then price it by ounce. Per ounce, their yogurt is 42 cents. For price, iKiwi gets a 3/5.

Atmosphere: Taste: Price:

4250 Alafaya Trail, Oviedo 32765

by Olivia

Gurtzberry

B

lack and purple walls greet me as I walk into Gurtzberry, with complicated black chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and plastic, bright colored chairs sitting at all the tables.

Gurtzberry looks sophisticated yet fun, an excellent combination for a frozen yogurt shop, another good place to relax and eat some delicious froyo. For atmosphere, they get a 4/5.

As for taste, Gurtzberry distinguished itself using unique flavors different from the other four shops. Their frozen yogurt tasted a lot tangier, and separated itself from ice cream, being less milky and sweet.

Their original, simple, plain frozen yogurt still tasted incredibly good despite the fact that it wasn’t a crazy, complicated flavor.

Their most popular flavor, raspberry, tasted very tangy and was smooth and creamy.

For taste, Gurtzberry gets a 5/5. With good taste, though, comes more money.

The price came out to 72 cents per ounce, by far the most expensive.

For price, Gurtzberry gets a 2/5.

Atmosphere: Taste: Price: 124 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 32708

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TCBY

alking into TCBY, the first thing I notice is the dull atmosphere. White covers the tables and walls, and the cramped store doesn’t allow much breathing room.

However, on every table a colorful book contains the nutrition facts for all their serving sizes and flavors. Helpful if on a diet or just feel like eating healthier? Definitely.

For overall atmosphere, TCBY gets a 2/5. Despite that, their flavors and low prices make up for the claustrophobic environment.

Their frozen yogurt replicates the taste of regular ice cream, sweet and incredibly creamy. Their vanilla flavor created exactly that flavor - sugary, smooth, and thick.

Their most popular flavor, peanut butter, also tasted good and reminded me of a rich peanut butter shake. For taste, TCBY gets a 3/5. TCBY also scores high points on price.

Unlike many frozen yogurt places, TCBY treats come in set sizes and prices.

However, compared to most places, the prices here couldn’t get much better.

Per ounce, their frozen yogurt costs just 17 cents on average. For price, TCBY gets a 5/5, the cheapest out there.

Atmosphere: Taste: Price: 5938 Red Bug Lake Rd., Winter Springs, 32708

Yogurtopia

T

he most prominent thing I notice walking into Yogurtopia? The large mural of fruits being splashed into yogurt on the wall. The walls painted calm, pastel colors, this frozen yogurt shop creates a good atmosphere to go and relax.

The workers treated me pleasantly and nicely. On a shelf next to the cash register rests a big book filled with the nutrition facts of all their frozen yogurts and toppings.

For atmosphere, Yogurtopia gets a 4/5. Like TCBY, Yogurtopia’s flavors reminded me very much of ice cream. Their vanilla tasted sweet, thick, and creamy, and won the title of best vanilla flavor out of the four frozen yogurt shops.

Their most popular flavor, cake batter, also tasted delicious. It replicated the feeling of licking the batter off a mixing spoon.

For taste, Yogurtopia gets a 5/5. The price also could be a bit lower. They use the frozen yogurt buffet-type pricing, and it comes out to 44 cents per ounce.

This gives Yogurtopia a 3/5 for price.

Atmosphere: Taste: Price: 4498 North Alfaya Trail, Orlando, 32826

Results

So, who really deserves to be one of the best frozen yogurt places in Central Florida? For good atmosphere, a good place to sit down and be waited on by friendly service, iKiwi takes the crown.

With their calm setting and pleasant workers, it won the best overall atmosphere. For amazing taste, a frozen yogurt you just can’t get enough of, Yogurtopia or Gurtzberry would be your best bet.

Yogurtopia with its creamy, sweet ice cream-like flavors and Gurtzberry with its tangy, sharp flavors won the best out there for taste. Running low on cash but still craving this frozen treat? TCBY wins the price category by far, with delicious frozen yogurt for cheap. These four frozen yogurt shops easily are the best in Central Florida. oliviad@thelionstale.com