The Lion's Tale - Volume 51, Issue 2

LION’STALE OVIEDO HIGH SCHOOL • 601 KING STREET • OVIEDO, FL • NOVEMBER 5, 2010 • VOLUME 51 • ISSUE 2

The rise of synthetic marijuana. page 4

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features

Cyberbullies stalk unsuspecting teens using social networking sites. 16-17

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diversions

Teens reveal special meanings behind tattoos. 25

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sports

Girls bowling team establishes new record. 28

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( news sports )

THE LION’S TALE

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NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Thomas sculpts to first place

THE SCOOP

The Maitland Rotary Art Festival occured on Oct. 1-3. Three students from Oviedo took home awards for their work: Karen Thomas for first place in sculpture, and both Michael Melli and Buck Buchaussatto received merit awards for their sculptures.

Republicans

TAKE midterm elections

Tryouts move to round two

Round one of the chorus All-State tryouts occurred on Oct. 9 at Oviedo High School. Several students from Oviedo’s chorus moved on to round two, to be held Nov. 13.These students include seniors Claire Cook and Dana Rozier, Morgan Casey, juniors Drew Freeburn, Rachel Garcia, and sophomore Jordan Alexander.

by Harry Traber illustration/CARSON BAILEY

Team schedules performances The Oviedo dance team, the Mane Attraction, will perform at upcoming Great Day in the Country on Nov. 13 and at Arts Alive on Dec. 3.

The team had to audition in order to participate in Arts Alive. The drama department will also be performing at the fundraising event. Money from Arts Alive goes to supporting the arts in Seminole County Schools.

New clubs sprout

New clubs started this year include SciFi Club sponsored by Charles Williams, Knitting Club sponsored by science teacher Kevin Wainscott, Technology Club sponsored by Charles Williams, Tumbling sponsored by Carol Hollander, Justice Club sponsored by Jennifer Beraduce.

Also, look out for the possibility of a scrapbooking club. Talk to assistant principal Marcia Haskel for more details on upcoming clubs.

Band scores tops at regionals The Marching Lions had a competition almost every week through all of October.

The band performed at the Echoes of Excellence Super Regional Competition at Middleburg High School, Oct. 10 and received first place. The Marching Lions performed at the Timber Creek Marching Arts Festival and received third place on Oct. 16.

Scott sinks opponent

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epublican candidate Rick Scott won the election for governor Wednesday afternoon when his competitor Alex Sink conceded from the race. Scott had a victory of 49% over his opponent Alex Sink, who had 48% of votes.

Rick Scott ran as a political conservative supporting lower taxes and bringing accountability by forcing bureaucrats to justify the projects they chose to use tax dollars, which he believes will eliminate wasteful spending and eliminate ineffective programs.

Scott supports several changes in the school system, including merit pay and the elimination of tenure for new teachers. He also supports the option of homeschooling and the amendment to modify the state’s class size law. Among the issues that arise with the challenge of creating

Half-cent tax fails to sell

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he half-cent sales tax was a proposed tax to be added onto of the regular sixcent sales tax that Florida already has.

Seminole County already has a seven-cent sales tax but that extra penny added to the tax is set to expire December 2011.

The half-cent sales tax had a projected potential generate approximately $26 million dollars annually. The revenue generated from this half-cent sales tax would have only been spent on capital improvement and technology.

OHS would have gained over $2 million.

The bill failed to pass.

energy independence, Scott supports offshore drilling; however, he wants those companies that do drill to be American companies and believes they should be held to the highest standers of maintenance and cleanliness. Scott supports expansion of nuclear power and alternative fuels.

Rick Scott does not support gay marriage and is opposed to abortion. With the experience he has from running Columbia Hospital, Scott believes that he will be able to help overturn President Obama’s government-run public health care option. Scott has plans for improving Florida’s legal system that include fixing the medical malpractice rates in Florida, specifically South Florida. Rick Scott believes he will influence the creation of jobs by keeping low taxes and limiting job-killing regulations.

Calderone wins board position

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r. Tina Calderone won the Seminole County School Board, basing her campaign off of her business experience.

Calderone has a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Calderone and has held positions in mall businesses and national corporations. She currently owns her own small business and jointly owns a dental practice. In light of the current economic situation, she believes that with this business experience she will bring the leadership needed to meet the new challenges brought by an economic downturn. Tina Calderone

has five years experience working for The Foundation for Seminole Count Public Schools where she worked with students, teachers and administrators to raise over four million dollars for Seminole County schools. Calderone has also chaired for the School Advisory Council (SAC) for five different Seminole County Public Schools. Calderone also serves as a member of the Dividend program inside of Seminole County classrooms. Tina Calderone won the seat over Becky Erwin by an 11.06 percent margin.

Tina Calderone

harryt@thelionstale.com

Degrees of success and failure Amendment 2 grants additional

MARCH ON. Band Color Guard performs at their first game of the season.

property tax exemption for military personnel who have served in active duty outside the continental United States. This amendment passed with 78 percent of the vote.

PASS

Amendment 8 proposed an

amendment to current Florida class size standards that would of allowed a small amount of extra students to each class. This amendment did not pass with 58.4 percent of the vote.

FAIL

Amendment 5 prevents legislative

districts or district plans from being drawn to favor or disfavor any candidate or political party. This amendment passed with 62 percent of the vote.

PASS

NOVEMBER 5, 2010

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THE LION’S TALE

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Opinions vary over loss of exams

by Jessica Flachner

didn’t have to worry about failing it,” Castrillon said.

Sophomore Jennifer Laffick once raised her grade taking the enior Stevie Kuhn sits at her desk in her bedroom, trying to cram for her semester exams. She becomes extremely semesters.

“Last year in English, I had a borderline A. After taking the agitated as she tries to recall everything from the past 18 semester I had an A. I felt comfortable taking the exam knowing weeks of school for not only one class, but seven.

This year, however, Kuhn, along with the rest of the student the fact that had I failed it my teacher wouldn’t have counted it,” body, will not need to worry about semester exams because Laffick said.

Although several wish for semester exams to be reinstated, administration cut them from the 2010-2011 school year.

According to assistant principal Marcia Haskel, semester many students now enjoy not dealing with the stress involved with exams were cut because of the many other tests students endure them.

“I think it’s good. I get really bad test anxiety, and knowing during the year, especially around the spring.

For example, FCAT, FAIR, AP course exams, CPT for juniors, that the test [quarter exam] won’t count as much as the semesters and the end of course exam for Algebra I all overwhelm students’ would, really helps. You have less material on the test, which usually keeps the tests schedules. Semester exams only added onto the list.

We didn’t want to overload students shorter. I hate having a 200 question test because “We didn’t want to overload students with with testing. We thought semester by the end of the test, my testing,” Haskel said. “We thought semester brain is fried,” senior Sara exams were too much.” exams were too much.

Owens said.

Now that semester exams are cut, and nineMarcia Haskel Kuhn also enjoys not week exams will be worth twenty-five percent of having to deal with the exams. a student’s grade.

“I think it takes a lot of stress away from students not having Semester grades will be based only on the average of both to cram all of the 9 weeks stuff in one week and then all of the quarter grades.

Opinions vary on whether semester exams should be reinstated semester exams the next. It just makes life a lot less stressful,” Kuhn said. next year.

For some students semester exams harmed their grades rather “I would actually prefer to have semester exams again, along with the possibility of exemption. I’d like to have the option of than helped.

“Now I actually have good grades without the semester exams taking a semester exam to have another chance to improve my being averaged in,” junior James Torres said. grade,” junior Jacob Garrett said.

Some teachers feel conflicted over the policy.

Senior Paola Castrillon agrees.

“I have taught at OHS for over 20 years and I am both relieved “I like semesters because it gave students that are close to a higher grade a chance to raise it. Plus if they were exempt, they and worried about the lack of semester exams. On one hand, I

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understand our students face many exams. On the other hand, I know that the semester exam can raise student’s grades an entire grade level. So I guess we wait and see how grades add up at the end of the semester and go from there,” debate teacher Deb Jepson said.

For others, semester exams stood as a way to boost a low grade to a higher one, but now that they are cut, teachers are finding other ways to keep their students’ grades high.

Some teachers find themselves using extra credit to raise grades.

Spanish teacher Cyndy Miericke gives her students that option.

For example, at the end of the year, she allows her students to create colorful piñatas to showcase Spanish culture and also increase their grade.

Some teachers do not agree with giving their students extra credit.

“Students should know the material I teach in class and should be able to pass without needing extra credit. I would have rather gotten rid of nine weeks exams and kept semester exams though,” Italian teacher Marzia Vitali said.

After the end of the first quarter, many students emptied their binders.

“Our teachers told us that if we wanted we could keep the material from the first quarter, but most students just threw the stuff away. We knew we wouldn’t need it for anything else,” freshman William Lindner said.

Administration looks forward to seeing how this year progresses without semester exams.

“We are going to see how things go this year. We will review semester exam policy at the end of the year,” Anna McCarthy said.

jessicaf@thelionstale.com

jessicaf@thelionstale.com

Apply Now! • 5 New Bachelor’s Degrees • University Pre-Majors • Associate in Arts Degree • Associate in Science Degrees • Certificate Programs • DirectConnect to UCF 407.708.2050 seminolestate.edu

My Choice. My Future. My Place.

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THE LION’S TALE

| news | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Synthetic Marijuana Local stores still offer ‘Spice’ despite risks

by Lindsay Knox

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t looks like marijuana. Gets users high like marijuana. Sells at close to the same price as marijuana—except it’s legal.

K2 is a legal, herbal spice concoction that delivers the same cannabinoid effect to users as marijuana does.

Already illegal in Britain, Germany, Poland, and France, the trend of making this substance illegal in the United States has begun its sweep across the nation.

As a completely legal substitute for marijuana, K2, commonly known as ‘Spice’, is becoming increasingly popular.

“Since marijuana is illegal, K2 is easier to get,” senior Robby Zoosk* said. “Many of my friends were using it so I figured it was safe.”

The unintended chemical compound of synthetic cannabinoids was created by Clemson University organic chemistry professor Dr. John Huffman while he was researching the effects of cannabinoids on the brain.

Huffman’s research resulted in a 1995 paper containing the method and ingredients used to make the compound. Huffman did not intend for the drugs to reach the hands of marijuana users.

Although the drug purports to be a completely natural blend of herbs and plants, the marijuana-type high that users experience with Spice comes from a synthetic cannabinoid known as JWH018 that is about 10 times more powerful than THC, the key psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. JWH-018 is named for the creator Dr. John W. Huffman.

“I experienced effects similar to marijuana,” Zoosk said. “I had a euphoric high, muscular relaxation, and heightened sensory perception; but K2 gave a more ‘trippy’ hallucinogenic high.”

Although the high from K2 is different from that of illegal marijuana, it does benefit the drug users who have jobs that drugtest during the hiring process. K2 marijuana is undetected by the standard drug test.

“I get drug-tested for work, so smoking K2 is my way of passing,” senior Karly Tank* said. “Even though the effects are way harsher when I use it, I still get that high feeling without being penalized at work.”

K2 has been sold as incense or potpourri since 2006, and can be purchased from magazines, the Internet, small gas stations, and inside local headshops.

The substance is sold in brightly colored packages containing three grams for a price ranging from $15-$30.

Manufacturers exploit a legal loophole allowing sale with warning labels that state that the substance is not intended for human consumption. Since the packages sport that label, they are not required to list the contents or ingredient amounts.

The packages contain dried plant materials that are sprayed

with different chemicals. Producers are able to manipulate the ingredients of the synthetic cannabinoids by adding additional chemicals, some of which could cause harm to users.

K2 is available in more than a dozen different aromas including grape, strawberry, and orange. But a sweet after taste is not the only effect of consuming this product.

Spice users experience agitation, anxiety, rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nausea and/or confusion. University of Florida Pharmacologist Dr. Tonia Werner told the Orlando Sentinel that the synthetic cannabinoid chemicals found in K2 have “psychotropic effects which can cause motor impairment and changes in their cognition.”

According to OrlandoSentinel.com, 11 states have chosen to ban synthetic marijuana products thus far, but Florida has yet to

Marijuanavs Spice(K2) Cannabis • Distorted perception • Problems with short term memory • Loss of coadunation • Trouble with thinking and problem solving • Increases heart rate and drop blood pressure

Synthetic Cannabis • 10 times more active • Normally causes reduced blood pressure •May elevate blood pressure and heart rate • Possibility of being agitated • Causes hallucinations in high concentrations

Prolonged effects • Coughing and phlegm production to increase • An increase in acute chest illness • An increased risk of lung infection

join the bandwagon.

Recently, Polk County law-enforcement agencies are cracking down on the selling of synthetic marijuana substances.

Since Florida Legislature has failed to ban the products, Polk County authorities have taken action and are using an existing state statute that makes it illegal to sell “imitation” controlled substances.

Assistant State Attorney Chip Thullberry in Bartow told the Orlando Sentinel that at this time authorities will only target individuals who are selling the products, not the drug abusers.

Individuals who are caught selling the substance in their gas station or other retail store in Polk County will be arrested and charged with a third degree felony, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

“I think that it should remain legal,” Zoosk said. “People should have the right to decide what goes into their bodies.”

While the attention is only being placed on the individual sellers of K2 at the moment, people who smoke the synthetic marijuana experience side effects ranging from slight tremors to blackouts and seizures.

“It definitely had a stronger effect on me than regular marijuana,” junior Patrick Lowman* said. “Having smoked both, K2 just seems more dangerous.”

In 2010 alone, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that there have been more than 1500 calls to U.S. Poison Control Centers in the United States due to synthetic cannabinoids. Last year, there were only 13 calls traced back to the K2 substance.

“I don’t like the feeling that it gives me at all,” Lowman said. “[K2] made it hard to function and I could barely remember anything that had happened the night that I smoked it.”

Users interpret K2 as the safe way of getting high, but when asked, many users said that they would not recommend it to others.

“The feeling you get when you smoke [K2] is dangerous, it’s like you have no control,” Lowman said. “Anybody who continually uses that stuff is going to end up with a lot of problems in their life.

Recently in California there was a bill to allow the legalization of cannabis. Despite the fact it did not pass the millions of votes it did get speaks quite a bit about the changing opinion towards it in other parts of the country. The bill called Proposition 19 would of allowed California citizens over the age of 21 to posses certain amounts of the drug for recreational use. The bill failed to pass and currently the recreational use of cannabis in all 50 states. *names withheld

lindsayk@thelionstale.com

NOVEMBER 5, 2010

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THE LION’S TALE

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Students affected by policy change Due to mix ups, backpacks no longer welcome in gym locker rooms byTaylor Schwarz

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ix-ups and confusion led to a decision impacting all physical education students- backpacks are no longer permitted in the locker room.

“The lockers in the locker room are too small to fit backpacks,” Assistant Principal Marcia Haskel said. “Students would lock their backpacks in large bins in the locker rooms. But when there are 75 kids in the locker room and 50 black backpacks, backpacks get mixed up. All we’ve asked them to do is to put their backpacks in their big lockers and keep their gym clothes in their gym lockers.”

Although the administration sees this as effective and efficient, numerous students enrolled in physical education classes find that there is not enough time between classes to put their backpacks in lockers between classes.

“I’m in Building 8 before my class, and my locker is in Building 12, so I have to run from 8 to 12 to the locker room,” freshman Willow Mason said. “They give us tardies if we’re late, and I’ve been late every day. I’m one tardy away from a detention.”

Mason finds that if she keeps her backpack in her locker as she is instructed to, making it to her physical education class on time will continue to be impossible.

Due to the hassle that students have “I’m fine with the policy,” Evan Summer said. experienced in placing their backpacks in their “I worked it out with my sixth period teacher, Mr. lockers prior to going into locker rooms, some Valle, and I leave my backpack in his room until found alternative places to keep their bags during after team sports.” their physical education classes.

This change in the location of students’ “I keep my backpack in Mr. LaWarre’s class backpacks during gym class affects not only during team sports,” junior Stephanie Furtivo students who use the locker room, but students said. “When I tried putting my backpack in my who are considering taking physical education locker before class, I was late about four times.” classes in the Junior John future.

Manchino, like “I definitely They give us tardies if we’re late, Furtivo and other don’t want to take and I’ve been late every day. I‘m students, leaves other gym classes one tardy away from a detention. his backpack in in the future,” the auto classroom sophomore Gavin Willow Mason, ‘14 before weightlifting Ahlers said. class. When the “That’s just too policy began being much work. If you lock your valuables in the enforced, he attempted to leave his backpack in locker room lockers and leave your backpack on his locker, but found that even when he sprinted the floor, you’re fine.” to class he was late.

Ahlers, a current wrestling student, feels glad “My friends were late, too; they tried leaving that his class does not require dressing out in their backpacks in my locker to make it on time, locker rooms, because he views the change as an but that didn’t help, even though my locker is inconvenience, and because he sees the effects of closer,” Manchino said. “But I can make it to the changes on his peers. class on time now that I’ve started keeping my “A kid in my AP World History has to backpack in the auto room.” have a friend take two of his binders before Sophomore Evan Summer sees no problem gym class, so he can make it on time,” Ahlers with the policy being enforced. said.

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Chadwick Long feels that the physical education department works with students having trouble making it to class on time as much as possible, but students still are to blame for some of their tardies.

“We are working constantly in our department to make the students’ priorities as easy as possible so they can concentrate on the academics, athletics, and arts of our school,” Long said. “But there are responsibilities and time management issues that the students need to improve.”

Despite the negative response of some students, Lundquist feels that the change is positive, and that students need not react negatively.“I’ve heard weird things about students hiding their backpacks in bushes, locked in bathroom stalls, or behind vending machines, and the administration does not advocate this behavior,” Lundquist said.

“There was more theft of personal items before this change took place, and now there is less.”

Lundquist feels that after some time transpires students will begin to adjust to keeping their backpacks in lockers while making it to physical education classes on time.

taylors@thelionstale.com

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THE LION’S TALE

| news | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

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TOP TURF FUND RAISERS 1 Football 2 Band 3 NJROTC

$49,538.25 $27,036.50 $5,160.00

4 Pop Warner $8,000.00 5 Girls Lacrosse $6,350.33 photo/COURTESY OF CHRIS TAYLOR

Band drops thousands of acorns to raise money for new turf on John Courier Field

by Jordan Branch

“The event really got everyone to work when they learned they completed the task in s the acorn chances for a $5,000 prize together in accomplishing our goal of raising under a minute. They were so excited,” Weinbel fell to the ground, everyone at the Acorn money for the turf field. It was really nice because said.

Drop looked up in quiet anticipation. we all wanted to help contribute in some way and According to Jaye, the dunk tank also turned The helicopter attracted an audience as cars support the band program as much as we could. out successful. pulled over on the side of the road.

The band members got to work shifts with each “I tried to pick people that all of the kids “There were a lot of people pulling over on other at different stations, and it was all a great would want to dunk,” Jaye said. the side of the road and honking their car horns,” team effort,” Bass said.

Assistant Principal Greg Register took part in senior Chris Taylor said.

Students sent the message out. the dunking.

Band director Dennis Line thought it was the “The event was such a success, because it “The Band Booster Club asked me to duty of the band to support their school. was a huge team project. Many people both participate and I said ‘Certainly, anything to help “I just think it is the school’s responsibility inside and outside the band helped promote the raise funds for our kids.’First of all, I came loaded and we want to be a part of that. We have a big event by getting the word out there putting up with four squirt guns. It’s not just a one-way group of people and willing parents. We use the posters, making announcements on WROR TV, street. So I came with my ammunition and had field for marching band season. So I thought it and passing the word along to family members some fun. I also had about six water balloons,” was our responsibility to help out with that,” and friends,” said Bass.

Register said.

Line said.

Although the band students and On Sept. 25, the band united to The event really got everyone to work together parents were in charge of multiple throw together a lucrative event. Their in accomplishing our goal of raising money for the booths and prizes, they still found time profits reached approximately $15,000. for fun. The event featured the Oviedo turf field.

Each winner received a basket full of Idol, a singing contest among students Malinda Bass, ‘12 prizes, and those who participated in based on the popular TV show, the game booths received a smaller American Idol. prize.

One of the most popular booths at the event “I had a blast. I did the Oviedo Idol. It was “We appreciate all of the organizations was the “Minute to Win It” booth from the me, Jordan Pugsley, Ilene Jaye, Tyler Howell and that helped create the baskets. We had local popular TV show Minute to Win It. Students we sang ‘Love Shack’ by the B52s,” Taylor said. restaurants and sports teams donate gift cards and raced to perform various tasks under the time Sophomore Michelle Bateman won the autographed items,” Band Booster Club member limit of one minute. Members of the band student Oviedo Idol contest.

Ilene Jaye said. leadership led the games.

Line believes the event could be an annual According to Jaye, not one of the baskets “The Minute to Win It booth truly was a fundraiser. turned out to be worth less than $200 and the success. It was run by our band’s leadership group “This could be an annual thing if we had individual prizes for the game booths consisted and every single one of us contributed. The games more clubs on board, because we could’ve made of bakery goods that the kids loved. Roy Pugsley were actually from the TV show Minute to Win $100,000,” said Line. won the grand prize of $5,000.

It, so everyone who wanted to participate in the According to athletic secretary Linda The band students put a lot of time into games already had a background of the games, Lougee, the entire school raised $107,000. The making the Acorn Drop a success. which was a major plus. Some of the games were total amount OHS still owes on the field equals “The students helped by selling tickets, really silly,” junior Ellie Weinbel said. $571,000. OHS spent $600,000 on the turf grass, stuffing acorns, and running different booths Weinbel shares one of the highlights of a drainage system, and new goal posts. This like in the games section. They hung up posters student leadership’s booth. leaves OHS one-sixth of the way there. around the community to advertise. Pretty much “In one particular game called Elephant Administration asked all clubs who use the their job was to sell tickets and to promote it in March, participants had to put a panty hose leg field to collect $5,000 each year for the next four the community,” Line said. with a ball on their head and try to knock down years.

Junior Malinda Bass believes the project empty soda bottles. It was very funny to watch. It Athletic director Wes Allen believes the field united members in the effort. was rewarding seeing the look on the kid’s faces to be worth the cost.

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“Our kids are fresher for games, because they’re not practicing on grass. I used to go home from practice and my knees would hurt, my back would hurt, my ankles would hurt, but on the turf field with the cushion it has with the rubber fill in it, I don’t hurt anymore. So I know the kids feel better, and I’ve got a lot of feedback from them saying they do feel better,” Allen said.

Students agree that playing on the turf beats other fields.

“Playing on the turf is great, especially compared to the field we had last year. It’s nice to have grass to play on instead of dirt, “ junior and soccer player Megan Heil said.

According to Allen, the turf features greater advantages than grass. Allen sees positives such as grass stains no longer mark up uniforms and equipment, the cushion in the field makes for a safer game and practice, the field no longer needs to be striped, and it cannot be flooded out.

On Sept. 24, OHS played Timber Creek. If grass still comprised the field, rain would have flooded out the varsity football game. OHS won with a final score of 22 to 20.

Many different organizations who do not usually use the field contribute funds to the field.

“Some programs on campus don’t use the field. For example, baseball has made a donation to the field just because they know ‘Hey, this is for Oviedo.’ It is not just for football or lacrosse.

It is for the school. Boy’s volleyball has donated money to the field even though they aren’t going to use it. And I really do appreciate that and everyone is more than welcome to use that field for practice. That’s what it’s there for to get out and play on,” Allen said.

Allen feels a sense of pride when he thinks of the turf.

“It gives you a since of pride. I mean you look out there at that field and that’s our field.

It’s the best looking field in the state of Florida,” said Allen.

jordanb@thelionstale.com

(opinion sports )

NOVEMBER 5, 2010

THE LION’S TALE 07

“Do not forget small kindn esses and do not remember small faults.”

- Chinese Proverb

THE BACKPACK OUR WORD

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DILEMMA

Policy changes needed concerning gym lockers

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e on The Lion’s Tale newspaper staff believe that implemented policy. But, teachers do not have the time and students enrolled in gym classes should be permitted patience to keep on eye on these backpacks at all times. They to keep their backpacks in the gym locker room have a job to do. Is it really safer for students’ backpacks instead of having to place their backpacks into their personal to be left unattended in an open classroom than it is for the lockers before gym class. backpacks to be locked in locker rooms? No, we do not think Realistically, with only five minutes of passing time between so. classes, there is not enough time for many students to go to their And sometimes, friends of students enrolled in gym lockers and make it to gym class without being tardy. classes keep their belongings. What happens if said friends After interviewing various students, The Lion’s Tale detected misplace these items? Theft could also be an issue, once a rise in stress among students enrolled in gym classes. again.

One of the main reasons why the administration is not We believe that because of the new policy, there could permitting students to keep their backpacks in the gym locker potentially be a rise in theft, as backpacks are said to be room is because students have picked up backpacks that are not placed in ridiculous locations, such as in bathroom stalls and theirs. behind bushes and vending machines.

We believe there is a simple Finally, passing time solution to this problem. between classes could A solution would be to increase the Gym teachers should allow be increased from five students into the locker rooms three minutes to six minutes. passing time between classes from minutes earlier so students will have If one of these five minutes to six minutes. enough time to gather their belongings solutions is not adopted, and ensure that the backpack they grab we believe tardies to gym is their own. class will continue. It is Sure, this will take three minutes of class time from gym inevitable. classes, but currently, many students are a few minutes late to This would not only solve the issue of tardies to gym their next class anyway. So, it will all even out in the long run. class, but it would also reduce stress and panic for students We think the fact that students are having to worry about how rushing to get into their respective classrooms before the they will go to their lockers in time causes more confusion than bell rings. the confusion of which backpack belongs to which student.

In addition, it has been brought to our attention that Administration has also said that theft is a reason why students are more reluctant to take gym classes due to the backpacks are not allowed to be kept in the locker rooms. hassle of finding a place to keep their backpacks before To reduce the possibility of theft, students originally kept class. their backpacks inside large bins, but these bins are not big As a reminder, gym classes are, in fact, classes that enough to store all students’ backpacks. students much take in order to graduate.

We think another solution to this problem would be to All in all, The Lion’s Tale passionately believes that purchase larger bins, or to expand the size of gym lockers to students taking gym classes should be permitted to keep accommodate backpacks for safekeeping. their backpacks and personal items in the gym locker room.

Administration should be aware that many students are Without changes, this new policy will inevitably cause leaving their backpacks in teachers’ classrooms due to this newly more theft, tardies, confusion, and stress.

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LION’STALE Editors-In-Chief

Features Editor

Advertising Editor

Wesley Wynne

Carson Bailey Julia Thorncroft

Hallie Lavery

Amanda Ferguson

Staff Reporters

Diversion Editors

Copy Editors

Stephanie O’Sullivan

Angiee Carey Kaitlyn Loughlin

Brandon Koller Jake Smith

News Editor

Sports Editors

Photographer

Jordan Branch

Lindsay Knox Janie Williams

Opinion Editor

Nirvani Khan

Daniel Condly Staff Artists

Taylor Schwarz

Letter to the editors Dear editors,

Our behavior at the mock DUI offended my siblings and I. You see, when my twin sister and I were ten years old, my younger brother was nine and my younger sister was eight, my father was killed by a drunk driver.

He was not drinking, He was not even in a car. He was working road construction.

I remember when the cops came to my house like it was yesterday. I could write a five-page paper on that roller coaster of a day. But I want to focus on the Mock DUI. I want everyone to imagine if it was your best friend, your younger sibling, or your parents.

How would you feel? I heard some comments about “Just drink because you’ll die anyway,” Well, news flash-you are not normally the one to die. Normally the one who dies is the innocent bystander, another person in the car or even the driver’s date.

Now the person is dead. You have changed the lives of everyone who knew her. I urge you not to drink and drive.

If you have to drink, have someone designated to drive. It will keep everyone safe.

You don’t want to be the person who kills someone and then has to live the rest of your life with that knowledge.

The point of the Mock DUI was to realize what could havenot just to get out of class and chill with your buddies or even compete with Hagerty.

Realize what the point was. It was to save lives.

The pledge might seem cheesy but I want you take it and live by it.

Sincerely, Traci Hill ‘11, Marilyn Hill ‘11, Cathy Hill ‘13, Timothy Hill ‘13

submit letters to Deb Jepson’s room 05-020 or via email to the writers of the stories

OV I E D O H I G H SC H OO L • 6 01 KING S T R EET • OV IEDO, FL - N OVEM B ER 5, 2010 - VO L U M E 51• I SSUE 2

Junior Editor

illustration/ WESLEY WYNNE

Connor Bailey Leigha Bennett Olivia Davila-Finch Andrea Dobo Jessica Flachner Carly Ford Hafsa Hussain

Zoe Lyon-Goldman Eric Mooney Arianna Ray Harry Traber Jessica Whitacre

Faculty Advisor

Deborah Jepson Admin Advisor

Anna McCarthy Oviedo High School

601 King Street Oviedo, FL 32765 Phone: 407-320- 4199 Fax: 407-320-4213

Online

The Lion’s Tale is accessible 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.

08

THE LION’S TALE

JESSICA FLACHNER

| opinion | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

STAFF REPORTER

Personal hero sparks inspiration

E

veryone has a past.

Even for those of us who prefer not to show it to others, keeping it hidden down in the depths of our lives so that no one can see it, it is still there, and it can never escape us.

However, our pasts are not always our own fault. Sometimes, we are born into bad situations or we are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

For junior Nikki Barrowclough that is exactly how it was.

Born in San Diego, Nikki’s parents abused drugs, leaving a bad influence on her and her younger siblings, Christina and Christian.

Her mother left when she was five years old, leaving her to live with her schizophrenic father and grandmother. Her mother was later arrested for dealing and use of illegal substances.

Five years later, things failed to improve when her father died in 2004, and became even worse when her grandmother passed away in 2006 of illness and old age, leaving the three siblings without a home.

However, their aunt, April, generously took them in, but only for two or three weeks until she made the decision that she could not take care of them and placed them in foster care.

Christian was separated from his two sisters and put into a foster home for boys. Nikki and Christina moved in with a woman named Patricia.

Patricia was not the kindest of people. Barely able to understand her with her harsh Hispanic accent, the girls did not enjoy living with her.

While living with Patricia, the drive to and from school every day was very lengthy and after a while, their foster mother began getting tired of driving them.

Their school councilors introduced them to a woman named Judy who volunteered to drive the kids to and from school every day, making less of a hassle for Patricia.

Eventually, Judy and her husband decided to let them move in. Nikki and Christina were finally reunited with their brother and hoping they would never be separated from each other again.

Even though living with Judy was not difficult or boring, the kids did not feel like a family.

After about six months, their Aunt Kelli traveled to California to visit them from Florida.

After much thought and consideration, she decided to officially adopt all three of them.

So Nikki, Christina and Christian packed their bags and headed across the country.

Since then, the family of four has been living contentedly in Oviedo. They have made longlasting friendships through church and school and could not be happier.

Their mother will be released in May, and has kept contact with her children from jail in California by writing letters.

“I’ve become a stronger person through everything and I’ve learned to be thankful for what I have.” Nikki said.

She is an inspiration to her peers.

jessicaf@thelionstale.com

photo/CARSON BAILEY

UNDER THE INFLUENCE. Firefighters carry senior April Sullivan to an ambulance truck during the mock DUI on Oct. 27, 2010. Sullivan posed as the truck driver who was struck by a drunk driver. Senior Bella Celluci played the student airlifted in the helicopter and junior Ali Hartwig portrayed the girl who was killed.

Columnist suggests mock DUI needs improvment

NIRVANI KHAN

O

OPINION EDITOR

verall, the mock DUI program held at Hagerty High School on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010 touched lives and changed students’ perceptions of drunk driving, including my own.

However, I think there are some improvements that should be made to make the experience more real for the next time it is shown to students.

First of all, the sound system should have been checked more thoroughly before the program was started. Because of the faulty speakers, I was unable to hear the first part of the program, which was, in fact, the most important part because it gave a summary of what was going on throughout the presentation.

Although I was able to get the gist of what was occurring, the presentation would have impacted the students, including myself, if we were able to hear what was going on and what the actors were actually saying.

This defeated the purpose of the actors practicing and working hard to memorize lines because most of us couldn’t hear what on earth they had to say.

The problem with the sound was the biggest issue with the Mock DUI presentation, and I believe it was preventable. Early on, the faulty sound system lost the attention of many students who would have been more eager to listen to the content of the show had the sound system worked more efficiently. When this presentation is shown again in two years,

planners should be ensured that the speakers most crucial part of the production, and the function properly and clearly. actor should have asked a photographer to take Furthermore, although many students pictures instead. couldn’t hear this part due to the sound system, Despite my criticisms, I should mention the father of the main actress in the play said to what I admired about the program. his daughter’s date something along the lines of The sound effect of the car crashing was “Great game last night,” alluding to Hagerty’s intense and it sounded so real. This surely drew varsity football win over Oviedo’s football team. the attention of the crowd.

I saw anger in the faces of many Oviedo Overall, the actors’ hard work and effort students sitting around me, and it was clearly really shined through. evident that this simple, but hurtful line Also, I was fond of the work of the police destroyed the attention of many Oviedo units and the firefighters. They realistically students. demonstrated how long it would actually take to Yes, the Hagerty football team won against transport victims of drunk driving accidents to Oviedo, but why bring up something that hospitals. happened in the past? More than that, the The narrator was also helpful in my actors shouldn’t understanding of have gloated over the presentation, CRUNCHING the NUMBERS and I liked that he Hagerty’s win, because the program gave real statistics wasn’t about of teenage drunk In 2006, more than of drivers Hagerty at all. This driving and its ages 16 to 20 who died in motor vehicle comment definitely consequences. crashes had been drinking alcohol. made much of the I would have to Oviedo audience say that the most SOURCE: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/810801.PDF bitter and made meaningful part of their experience less the presentation was meaningful than it hearing real stories should have been. about drunk driving incidents and victims.

Next, I have a complaint about the These stories touched many hearts and brought audience’s behavior at the Mock DUI. Many tears to many eyes. students laughed and displayed disrespect at Although there are some things that serious parts during the presentation. Students should have been addressed at the end of the also chatted with their friends. This defeated presentation, I realized how serious drunk the purpose of the program and distracted many driving really is, and that is why I will never from the intended message. drink and drive, or get into a vehicle where the I think next time, students should be more driver is impaired. serious and show more consideration, or I know that even though there were some disciplinary action should follow. issues, time, money, and energy were dedicated In addition, when the helicopter flew to the cause. Thank you to all who participated in, one actor took pictures.This was a very in sending a vital message to high school unprofessional action, and shouldn’t have been students. done. For me, the helicopter flying in was the nirvanik@thelionstale.com

19%

NOVEMBER 5, 2010

|

opinion

|

THE LION’S TALE

JESSI WHITACRE

09

STAFF REPORTER

Freshman recalls first day

T

illustration/JULIA THORNCROFT

Four tips to make homecoming experience out of this world

JULIA THORNCROFT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

T

he first quarter is behind us, along with October and Halloween. Which means only one thing: homecoming is about to rear its ugly head.

Instead of rambling endlessly about juniorsenior wars, let’s just cover the homecoming dance. I know this is a big night for students (1), so it’s important that you do homecoming right. I have some tips to make sure this year’s homecoming is out of this world. It should be out of this world, the theme is “space” after all (2).

(1) Because who doesn’t love spending four hours in a high school cafeteria? It’s definitely the highlight of my life.

(2) I am aware that joke isn’t funny, but I had to go for it. You can laugh later.

Tip: Have before and after plans. This is important, because nobody wants to end up at Steak ‘n Shake after the dance (3). This part should be rather simple: meet at a friend’s house,

take pictures, go to dance, party after dance.

Boom, now you just had the time of your life.

(3) That is where all the little children hang out, right? Why not just go to Chuckie Cheese’s?

It’s the same terrible food with annoying small children.

Tip: Don’t eat beforehand. Studies have shown that every one in five teenagers will spill food on themselves during dinner (4). There’s always that one moron in the group who orders spaghetti at Olive Garden before the dance.

You know what happens to that kid? He gets marinara all over his pants (5).

(4) That is a made up statistic, but it sounds plausible.

(5) “When you’re here, you’re family.”

Please, more like, “When you’re here, you eat greasy food and ruin your dry-clean only clothing.”

Tip: Wear a belt, fellas. It’s bad enough when the whole school has to see your boxers hanging out, and the ever so clever idea of wearing basketball shorts under your jeans to hide your underwear is even more mockable.

But please, clean up for the dance. No one needs to know whether you wear Hollister or American Eagle boxers (6).

(6) Or if you like Homer Simpson, SpiderMan or Stewie Griffin. Having cartoon characters on your underwear is childish. But it’s way cooler than Abercrombie & Fitch.

Tip: Ladies, please wear booty shorts. Be honest, we all plan on defying any dress code toward homecoming. If you want to dress like a stripper, go ahead (7). All I ask is that you cover up your lady parts. I’m not going to check to see if your dress is mid-thigh (8). But that doesn’t mean I want to find out whether you’re going commando or not (9).

(7) It’s embarrassing enough when you resemble a contestant on Rock of Love.

(8) I have better ways to spend my Saturday night.

(9) And please, don’t go commando.

Another thing girls, don’t spend hours looking for shoes. I understand, homecoming is a big high school dance which may mean a lot to you. Regardless, there’s no point in spending hundreds of dollars on shoes that you’ll be taking off within the first five minutes of walking into the commons. And don’t cry if a girl has the same dress as you (10). Life moves on, grow a pair and get over it.

(10) As if pictures of you will show up on the cover of US Weekly asking “who wore it best?”

All in all, this night is supposed to be about enjoying time with your friends. For seniors, that fun may end in a few months, so we all better embrace our final homecoming dance.

juliat@thelionstale.com

he last period of the day and everyone falls silent. In a quiet voice, someone in the back, near the door counts backwards from three “three...two…one”. The bell rings, and everyone jumps up, leaving the classroom. People shout, jump, laugh, smile. People cry, hug, say goodbye.

It didn’t occur to me, or many other eighth grade students that I was no longer a middle schooler that day. It didn’t hit me until several weeks later when I was at the school picking up my schedule. It was strange, seeing the familiar faces of my friends from JHMS in a very unfamiliar place. It was even stranger to notice the absence of many of my friends who would be going to Hagerty.

As a soon-to-be student at Oviedo High School, I had two main concerns. Naturally, no one wants to get lost, and everyone wants to fit in at least a little.

No one wants to be too low on the totem pole, so to speak.

I was sure that navigation was going to be a nightmare. I just knew I was going to be lost, forced to wander around campus endlessly because no one would stop to help me. I thought my classes would be impossible to find, hidden in the deepest recesses of the campus, in places hardly anyone knew about; in scary, dimly light hallways.

The reality was, however, after walking through my schedule a few times at orientation, I had the basic concept of where my classes were before school even started. Sure, the first few days I had to occasionally pull out my schedule and remind myself of the room number of my next class, but so did most other freshmen. Despite what I originally thought, I was neither lost nor alone.

Fitting in was my next biggest concern. Many of my close friendships from last year carried over, but I wanted to make new friends. I wouldn’t have been worried as much if I had a normal schedule, but I have two classes unusual for a freshman. First, I became the only freshman on staff for The Lions Tale this year. Second, I am the only freshman in AP Psychology. The rest of my classes were AP or honors classes, and this year I have a huge weight of performing well on my shoulders.A weight I think I’m doing well with.

For me, ninth grade isn’t scary, lonely, or terrible. It’s more work than middle school, though.

My days of not studying and making ‘easy A’s’ are over, but so are many other people’s. When my teachers first warned me that gliding through the year on autopilot wouldn’t be possible, I didn’t believe them, but I do now. School still isn’t difficult, but I’m working on learning new study habits that I’ve never needed before.

It’s the second quarter now and I think I’ve adjusted fairly well. Ninth grade is a year you find out who your real friends are, and where you fit in the jigsaw puzzle of the high school hierarchy.

I’ve made many new friends, and am fitting in and enjoying my classes. I’ve made it to the point where I’ve found that click. The click that says “this is your life now. You can do this.”

jessiw@thelionstale.com

10 THE LION’S TALE

f

| opinion | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

//// THE GREAT DEBATE:

PRO JAKE SMITH

A

COPY EDITOR

Should school administrators penalize students for cyberbullying?

ccording to a poll done by the Cyberbullying Research Center in February, earlier this year, nearly 20 percent of kids age 11-18 have been on the receiving end of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying, according to olweus.org, is “bullying through email, instant messaging (IMing), chat room exchanges, Web site posts, or digital messages or images sent to a cellular phone or personal digital assistant (PDA).”

Most often, cyberbullying originates from social interactions in school and should be enforceable by the school system. Cyberbullying can cause depression among students and, in some cases, suicide.

Depressed students’ performance in school declines. With performance declining, grades will soon follow. Lower grades translate to lower chances of getting into college or even graduating high school, and could, quite possibly, give students a less fulfilling life.

Some argue that when a school interferes with a student’s right to free speech, they are violating the First Amendment (but, of course, this is a nearly irrelevant argument because there was no internet, no Facebook, and no cyberbullying 300 years ago when the Constitution was written).

This may be so, but if lives are being ruined because of this “free speech” in cyberbullying, then maybe it is time for change. For example, in the case of Tinker v. Des Moines (1965), students were sent home from school for wearing black armbands to protest the Vietnam War. The students’ parents then sued the school district, and the lawsuit went all the way to the Supreme Court. The end decision was that students should be allowed to express their political ideals, but only if it does not “intrude upon the work of the schools or the rights of other students.”

Cyberbullying falls under the category of intruding upon the work of schools, because it carries over into a student’s school day.

Crude comments or threats made on the internet don’t stop at the internet; they continue to spread in school, affecting the learning experience for all students involved in a negative way.

This revolutionary case, in regards to students’ free speech, demonstrates that sometimes the status quo is wrong, and that a change needs to be made.

I believe that the federal government should enact a law stating that cyberbullying does, in fact, interfere with school and that it should be a crime, because psychological harm can be just as bad as, or sometimes even worse than, physical harm. This would give schools additional muscle to deal with cyberbullying cases that arise among students.

“Students simply cannot learn if they feel threatened, harassed or in fear,” said Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education.

He is absolutely right.

The fear, harassment, or depression takes hold of most cyberbullied youth. With all of that on their minds, no wonder it’s so hard for them to learn, and if students aren’t learning, the school system has a big problem.

So, to help stop this problem and even save lives, schools should be allowed to punish cyberbullying, even if it isn’t on school grounds or school time.

Why should this technicality limit how schools are allowed to help students in deep need of it?

jakes@thelionstale.com

What do YOU think?

Social Networking: Open to administration?

192

out of 200 students

said NO

Poll taken on 11/1/10

C

CON JORDAN BRANCH

NEWS EDITOR

yberbullying plagues the Internet. Teens harass each other through the mask of the World Wide Web. Every school writes their own policy for bullying, with guidelines from the Seminole County School Board. Currently, Seminole County Schools hand over all cyberbullying incidents that occur outside of school to law enforcement.

Teenage life revolves around controversy. School administration need not monitor the online misconduct of students. These incidents happen outside of school where students access the Internet from personal computers.

I agree with the status quo. Schools should not have the right to penalize students for out-of-school incidents.

Cyberbullying proves to be a major problem within Internet forums. This year in Massachusetts, authorities indicted nine teenagers for this offense.

The nine students resented Phoebe Prince for dating an older football player. The victim committed suicide as a result of the extensive bullying.

The highest penalty a school system may enforce is expulsion. Out-of-school suspension presents another possibility.

These miniscule punishments do not compare to those of state or federal law. A slap on the wrist will only ignite a bully’s temper.

I believe students should be able to feel independent from school when not on school grounds.

Just like every other resident of America, students need to be subject to the harsh penalties of the United States justice system. Schools do not punish for out of school underage drinking, smoking, or driving. So why should schools monitor cyberbullying?

Teens constantly fight for the right to privacy. Students realize, for the most part, that at school they must abide to the rules. However, when students leave the perimeters of the school, they have a certain freedom. Students then face the law. Criminal charges may be a worse penalty, but it is nonetheless necessary to enforce the law. Furthermore, cyberbullying does not limit itself to teens. Now adults participate in this vicious activity.

The first major case of an adult online bully appeared when Lori Drew, a mother, bullied a 13-year-old who, as a result, committed suicide. According to CBS News, federal courts only convicted Drew of three lesser offenses consisting of a $100,000 fine and one year for each conviction. Drew narrowly avoided a potential 20-year sentence.

Cyberbullying is widespread and a much more serious issue than a school can deal with.

Law enforcement needs to recognize the problem and take preemptive measures so children and adults can be held responsible in a court of law.

Although cyberbullying happens across different age groups, the trend is seen most often among teenagers. The Center for Disease Control found suicide to be the third highest cause of teen death. Many teens experience depression throughout their adolescence, which greatly increases when their peers reject them.

It is important that teens understand the consequences of their actions. A fight at school may result in a week-long suspension, but an offense that could lead to death must take a no-nonsense approach.

Our society becomes more and more computer-based everyday. This issue requires the attention of law enforcement where prosecutors convict criminals through our justice system daily.

jordanb@thelionstale.com

(features sports ) N O M R MO rnings

NOVEMBER 5, 2010

|

THE LION’S TALE

11

CELEBRATE YOUR FAITH. Clockwise from top right, senior Chelsea Stroyan, sophomore Natlalie Hudson, junior Natalie Shepherd, senior Sarah Dimmick, and senior Natali Dawson carve a pumpkin for Halloween at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints on Wednesday, Oct. 27. The Mormon religious community enjoys spending time with one another.

mo

t e e m s n ld e e t s u Religiroe school, ho befo thly dances mon

photo/COURTESY OF CHELSEA STROYAN

by Kaitlyn Loughlin

A

bout a dozen students gather in guidance counselor Ellen Roberts’ room before school for a social session before the bell rings to report to class.

To passers-by, it looks just like an ordinary line of curious students seeking answers to school-related issues. But in reality, this giant group is the Mormon youth community simply enjoying the company of their fellow church member, Ellen Roberts.

“I thrive on their energy and happiness every morning,” Roberts said. “It really allows me to see them in a different light because I get to see the real them while they’re at school, and not just who they are every Sunday. I watch them incorporate their Sunday faith into everyday life and I absolutely love it.”

Sunday is not the only holy day in the lives of Mormon youth. These teens have an extensive church schedule to work around for many years of their adolescent life.

“We have Seminary every morning before school, a Wednesday night activity, and church on Sunday,” senior Chelsea Stroyan said.

“Sometimes it can be a pain, because I have to wake up at least an hour earlier then most

people every morning, but I really enjoy going annual events that have a great influence the faith to Seminary because it makes my whole day of Mormon kids. better.”

“There is a week long retreat during the As a former Seminary instructor herself, summer called Especially For Youth (EFY) Roberts strongly agrees that the lessons taught which I went to two years ago,” Stroyan said. daily at church leave a lasting impression on the “They put us into groups and you meet a lot of lives of these kids. new friends from all over the United States. We “Seminary is immensely impactful. The have talent shows, guest speakers, and each day dedication that they’re all there every school we have a lesson and it’s really fun.” morning at six o’clock, and then again on With so many opportunities to get involved Wednesday night and Sunday, to study the in the Mormon faith, it’s almost impossible to Scriptures, is just amazing.” not feel united with fellow However, the church members.

Church of Jesus Christ “I really enjoy the We do so much together that of Latter-day Saints is community aspect. I know we’re like one big family. not only centered on the that I could call any of the Chelsea Stroyan, ‘11 study of the Scriptures.

200 people in my ward They incorporate many and they would help me exciting events and activities to bring together in a heartbeat,” Stroyan said. “We do so much the Mormon youth community too. together that we’re like one big family. Plus, we “We have dances once a month, which are have all the same standards so we can relate to for kids from 14-18 years old,” Stroyan said. one another very well.”

“We also do service projects, go on beach and Roberts believes that with any group of a camping trips, throw pool parties, have ‘firesides’ common faith or belief, a lot of time spent around and much more.” the community only strengthens them more.

In addition to the numerous activities that the “The youth is definitely the focus of our church frequently organizes, there are several church--just strengthening them as individuals.

Come

Together

Take at look at two non-denominational religious youth organizations for Christianity and Judaism.

“

”

It’s absolutely crucial to keep in touch with your faith because it provides a scaffolding strength and focus to get you through each day and be a better person tomorrow than you were yesterday,” Roberts said.

Stroyan, along with many other Mormon kids, accepts this idea as true too.

“I have a strong faith in God and Jesus, which only helps me realize the importance of family and being a good person. Everyone has their own beliefs and standards, and I’m very open to that.

I love that my church allows me to bring nonMormon friends to some of our activities so they can have fun, while also learning what my faith is truly about,” Stroyan says.

“We are Christian, but for some reason, a lot of people don’t think we are. I think the main difference is that we believe in the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible.”

But regardless of what others think, Stroyan states that the endless activities only add to her contentment of being Mormon.

“We do a lot of fun activities together, but the highlight of my faith is that it really focuses on the importance of family, and I am genuinely happy every time I go to church,” Stroyan said.

kaitlynl@thelionstale.com

YOUNG LIFE

BBYO

WHAT: Young Life is a Christian ministry dedicated to reaching out to middle school, high school, and college-aged kids.

WHAT: B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) is a Jewish youth community catering to teens. Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) is for boys while B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG) is for girls.

WHEN: “It’s held every week on Monday night, at different student’s houses, starting at 7:57. It starts at 7:57 because that way more people want to be on time, since it’s so random,” junior Cayman Woods said.

WHEN: “I am actually the president of my chapter. I get together with the rest of my chapter board once a month and we plan upcoming chapter events, meetings, and community service projects,” senior Alli Poweski said. compiled from/BBYO.ORG, WWW.YOUNGLIFE.ORG

Lend a Hand

12

THE LION’S TALE

| features | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Participants craft bowls to help feed the homeless

by Hallie Lavery

J

unior Karen Thomas slowly shapes the clay with her hands to form the basic outline of a bowl. After delicately refining the rough spots and perfecting the shape and size, she picks up a sharp tool and digs into the cold thick clay, creating a fine line around the lip of her creation.

She carefully continues to decorate and define the bowl that will be donated to an organization geared toward feeding the homeless and hungry in the Orlando area.

Bowls for Hunger is an organization created for feeding the hungry. Willing participants craft ceramic bowls that are then filled with food, sold, and distributed at Empty Bowls Luncheons to those in need.

Art teacher Rob LaWarre brought the mission to his art classes two to three years ago and students have been helping the cause ever since.

“When I was in college at UCF, people

asked some friends and if we wanted to donate or make some bowls for the organization. My friends really got me into it,” LaWarre said.

Coalitions like this take place across the country, from schools to arts and crafts societies, as the fight for hunger sweeps the nation.

“I make it a project for my students. They have to make a bowl for the cause, but if they make a bowl they really like I give them the option to make another bowl for the project.

Some students make two or three bowls just because they want to help out,” LaWarre said.

The delicate process of making the bowls takes plenty of energy.

“The bowls are made out of clay. First we use a regular plastic bowl as a mold. You spread out the clay and put Saran wrap over it. Then you flip it into the bowl so it is the shape you want, the Saran wrap is used to keep the clay from sticking to the bowl. After you let the

clay sit in the bowl overnight, it’s hardened and ready to carve and smooth out. Once you finish designing you put the bowl in the kiln. Finally, you can apply glaze with a paintbrush and put it back in the kiln to finish,” Thomas said.

Although the production is strict, making the bowls doesn’t take very long.

“A bowl takes about a day or two to make, then another day to dry and another dy to glaze.

It takes about a week in all,” junior Brandi Beaver said.

After the bowls are complete, the delivery process becomes easier for LaWarre.

“We usually make 125-200 bowls each year. In previous years The Art Studio of Lake Mary-School of Art used to supply us with clay, but because of the budget this year we have to use our own, “ LaWarre said.

This annual event began more than 20 years ago in 1989, created by the Second Harvest Food

Banks. The get together has been a huge success in past years, accumulating over $20,000 last year alone.

“After the bowls are made, I box them up and take them to the Lake Mary School of Art. Then Stella Tagliavore, the owner of The Art Studio of Lake Mary, delivers them to be sold,” LaWarre said.

All the bowls LaWarre’s students make, as well as hundreds of others from participants in the area, go to the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. They are then sold at an auction, redistributed at the Empty Bowls Symbolic Soup Kitchen Luncheon and filled with a meal at a small cost of 64 cents per meal. Last year the project fed 300,000 meals in all.

“I like making bowls for the homeless, it feels good knowing I can give them something,” junior Danielle Brunson said.

halliel@thelionstale.com

photo/COURTESY OF KRISTINA BORDULIS

GO, FIGHT, WIN. Senior Danielle Deforest and senior Kodee Mann stunt challenger cheerleader Sydney Davis.

photo/HALLIE LAVERY

ADMIRE YOUR WORK. Junior Danielle Brunson examines her DOWN, SET, HIKE. Varsity football players and challenger kids faceoff and prepre for the start of the game. finished product.

photo/COURTESY OFCORA CAMBELL

NOVEMBER 5, 2010

|

features

|

THE LION’S TALE

13

photo/HALLIE LAVERY

HELP THE HUNGRY. Junior Brandi Beaver crafts the basic shape of her bowl that will be used to feed the hungry and homeless.

photo/HALLIE LAVERY photo/COURTESY OF KRISTINA BORDULIS HARD AT WORK. Junior Cheyenne Center uses a

A HALFTIME BREAK. Former OHS varsity football player Michael Leto (in the white shirt) volunteers his time coaching the Challenger kids.

carving tool to smooth the edges of her bowl.

Athletes serve as role models for challenged youth

by Carly Ford

T

he sky begins to darken and the fluorescent lights flicker on, illuminating the field with a steady glow. The bleachers are packed with restless fans scanning the field with eager anticipation. At last, the moment they have been waiting for arrives, as massive football players walk onto the field. But the team, including senior Mac Metcalf and senior John Boston, are not alone. Each player is accompanied by a special needs child, ready to play.

Jill Woodard runs a program called the Challenger League, which is a volunteer organization that allows disabled kids to get out and learn the game everyone knows and loves: football.

Every Wednesday since five years ago, these disabled kids practice and they even participate in games on Saturday mornings. Each child is partnered with a ‘buddy’, one of the football players from Oviedo High School.

Oviedo is not the only high school involved with these kids though; many other schools around Seminole County and Florida participate in this particular cause. There are several divisions similar to the one Oviedo is involved with, but hardly any of them organize a game quite like the Challenger competition.

Practices for the weekly games occur every Wednesday for the disabled kids.

These football players take the time every

week to encourage and mentor their ‘buddies’ to give them a chance at playing a game most people take for granted. They coach their buddies on how to catch a ball, the rules of the game, and even running plays. These players make an effort to help these students participate in something they might otherwise never have the option to do.

Senior Mac Metcalf has been active in the Challenger program for three years now and his buddy is a boy named Sebastian. Sebastian often goes by the nickname Seabass and Metcalf practices with him weekly.

“Sebastian is full of energy and loves the cheerleaders and other girls. My motivation is the funny stuff some of them do, and seeing their faces when they score or do something good,” Metcalf said.

Three years ago a tradition began.

Woodard started the Challenger game with Oviedo High School in conjunction with Pop Warner several years ago. She was already running the program that allowed the special needs kids to learn football and play in games, but this took the experience a step further.

The Challenger game occurs once a year on the John Courier Field at Oviedo High School.

During this time the special needs students gear up to play a real game, on an actual field, cheered on by excited fans. They play the game alongside

their varsity ‘buddies’, who are responsible for helping them throughout the four quarters.

“The goal behind it is really for the Challenger kids to get a chance to come out under the lights to play with the varsity kids who are their buddies on Saturdays, and to have fun and play against them on a Monday night under the lights,” Allen said.

The Challenger game gives disabled kids a chance to forget their physical handicaps for a while and just enjoy the game.

On Oct. 4, these kids took the field for the third time alongside their ‘buddies’. As was tradition, the varsity players let their opponents win. At the end of the game the scoreboard read 28-21. The fans left the stands satisfied with the outcome.

To the students at Oviedo High, this game is just another time to socialize with friends, watch some football, and spend some time supporting the school. But to these unique players, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience what the varsity players do every week.

Many people would wonder why the varsity players are willing to take the time out of their schedules to get involved with this program.

“I think a lot of them do it just out of the goodness of their heart to try to help the kids. A lot of them are doing it in conjunction with senior project. But a lot of them, especially our younger

football players and younger cheerleaders, do it just because maybe they know someone with a disability and they want to help everybody they can, and some of them are just good kids,” Allen said.

One varsity cheerleader, Kodee Mann, participated in the Challenger Game this year, and had her own motives for wanting to get involved.

“I do Challengers every Wednesday and every Saturday that there is a Pop Warner home game. That Monday game was just another day for me to be with the girls. I love doing the Monday Nights Lights game especially though, the girls are so excited because our band and a huge crowd is out there to cheer them on. I love that I get to help girls that are less fortunate to do something I take for granted everyday and love: cheerleading,” Kodee said.

Whatever their reason may be, these varsity players and cheerleaders are making the effort to help out the community.

“I think it’s great. It gives the Challenger kids a chance to get out and have a good time and a chance for the varsity football players and the varsity cheerleaders to see how blessed they are to have a body and no disabilities, so that they can participate,” Allen said.

carlyf@thelionstale.com

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THE LION’S TALE

| features | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Cast of 19 prepares to open ‘Almost, Maine’ on Nov. 12 in auditorium

by Andrea Dobo

S

ix months of preparation. 168 rehearsals.

19 cast members. The cast and crew of Almost, Maine prepare themselves for the three days of performances until the curtain falls for the final time on Nov. 14.

“We’ve been working on Almost, Maine since summer, it’s a very long and continuous process,” junior student director Nakisa Behi said.

The fall play Almost, Maine includes a cast, crew, and two student directors, all who have worked to make sure this year’s play is a success, and try to get to Mainstage. Working alongside Behi is junior Devin Smith.

The cast of 19 people have been working on line memorization, partner chemistry and blocking under the direction of Smith and Behi.

The play opens on Friday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. and runs through Nov. 14. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults. Tickets can be photo/ARIANNA RAY purchased at the door of the Gerald Cassanova LIGHTS, CAMERA, TREE. Senior Erik Performing Arts Center, or in advance by Landstedt and sophomore Eric Martinez assist drama director Jennifer Devine with the decoration of the speaking to Jenn Devine.

Almost, Maine is a play that includes 11 trees for the stage. scenes that all take place on a Friday night.

Each scene consists of a couple breaking up, In order to get Mainstage, you have to be best in acting, sets, and tech,” drama teacher Jenn losing hope, or falling in love.

“I love seeing it all together, feeling Devine said.

Local high schools have been applying to accomplished and having a sense of love for the show. The techs weren’t going to be under the Mainstage for approximately 20 years, and the set change time, but they’re seemingly getting competition is full of magnet theatre schools that specialize in the different aspects of theatre. better,” Behi said.

“We’ll be going against theatre giants of Afterschool rehearsals include tedious work on lines and emotions. The tech crew has the high school year. Our biggest competition prepared the show by painting sets and learning is West Orange and the schools that are theatre how to move all the set pieces in under 25 magnets. The judges will be here for opening night. The night where everything goes wrong. seconds.

As an added pressure to pleasing the local On top of that we’ll be adjudicated by Cappies,” crowds, the play will be seen by a group of Devine said.

Cappies (Critics and Awards Program) is a judges and evaluated to see if the play fits the program for high school playwrights, actors and Mainstage Criteria.

Mainstage, a competition between high aspiring journalism students. The Cappies come schools, is a chance for each school to showcase from area high schools, and each high school is made up of a Cappies their play or team of three to nine, each musical. After I would be so excited if we writing a critique and the judges pick get into Mainstage. It would be formal review. the plays, each “I thought the Mainstage will give two cool seeing something I direct productions that I saw were performances on that stage. extremely entertaining and at the Florida Nakisa Behi, ‘12 extravagant. I saw Alice in State Thespian Wonderland and Hair last Festival in Tampa. Each show will have about 2,500 state competition,” senior Kyle Lyon said.

While the plays usually picked are musicals, viewers from all over the state of Florida.

“I would be so excited if we get into there is at least one comedy, and that’s what Mainstage. It would be cool seeing something Almost, Maine is aiming for.

“We could get there if our acting is natural I direct on that stage,” Behi said.

Mainstage judges are picked from the and our comedic timing is good,” Lyon said. “If Florida State Thespian Board. Two of the judges we get to Mainstage, it will be more work, but will be selected to watch the show, and each will 10 times worth it. It means we did our job well. be critiquing on the following: quality, variety, It shows that we’re dedicated, and that we beat innovation, and appropriateness to the Florida other people,” Lyon said.

State Thespian Festival.

“Mainstage is brand new to Oviedo drama. andread@thelionstale.

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NOVEMBER 5, 2010

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THE LION’S TALE

15

photos/COURTESY OF AUTUMN FISHER

MOMMY AND ME. Junior Autumn Fisher enjoys the time she spends with her daughter Madeline Brooke. Fisher (left) spent time with Maddie and her adopted parents at Chili’s for one of their visits. Fisher spent her first Mother’s Day in the Sanlando Park with Maddie, Jay Bickford, and Maddie’s adoped parents.

Open Adoption The birth mother and the new adopted family know

other and maintain some degree of contact after r each the child is born.

Before the child is born the potential adopted family and

Teen gives up baby for open adoption

mother come to terms on the amount of contact r the she will have with the child after the birth.

by Stephanie O’Sullivan

the adopted family is allowed to witness the r Sometimes birth of the child to share in the experience.

but I could tell they really wanted a child,” Fisher said.

Madeline will be taught as she grows up that she has two sets unior Autumn Fisher stops writing for a moment to look at the calendar hanging on the wall. A date circled in red with of parents.

“I obviously love my daughter very much. And her father, Jay the words “Maddie, 11 a.m.” warms her heart, and Fisher continues writing in the journal that’s filled with her fears and Bickford, loves her very much. He doesn’t have the same kind of relationship with her that I do. I got very close to her because I cravings for the 15 months.

Fisher plans on giving Madeline Brooke, her daughter, this carried her for nine months. He has the same rights that I do. He journal when Madeline is older. But until then, Fisher looks forward loves her as much as a father can for only knowing his daughter to seeing her daughter three times a month. When Madeline was for two days. But she’ll be taught that she has two sets of parents, double the love, growing up,” Fisher said. two days old, she went home with her adopted parents.

Maddie’s adopted parents are now a part of Fisher’s family.

“During my pregnancy, I was really open to adoption. That’s “I’m really close to Maddie’s adopted parents. They’ve become what I always wanted to do. I wanted to have an open adoption, because I wanted an open and good relationship with my daughter. part of my family. They told me that instead of losing a family I get to visit Madeline three times a month, by contract, but member, I would be gaining three. Well four, actually, because sometimes I see her more for special occasions, like Mother’s Maddie’s adopted mother just had a baby. So now I have four family members plus my parents and my sister,” Fisher said.

Day,” Fisher said.

English teacher Didi Gibbs did not have the same experience During the pregnancy, Maddie’s future didn’t include growing up, despite being adopted. adoption.

“I never met my birth mother until after I had my son, Dylan.

“Maddie wasn’t up for adoption yet when I met [the adopted parents. I had considered adoption, but I didn’t want to go through We had never talked to each other before. After I had my son, I an agency. It just seemed cold and impersonal. I had given up on wanted to make sure that there was nothing in the family medical the thought of adoption, because I wanted the kind of adoption that history that could affect him. So I went to www.adoption.com, which is a huge database for was open and would allow me kids looking for their birth to be involved in Maddie’s life,” I’m really close to Maddie’s adopted parents and vice versa. I tracked Fisher said. her down through that and we That changed when Fisher’s parents. They’ve become part of my met up once in 2006, but that grandmothers boss met someone family.They told me that instead of losing was the only time,” Gibbs said. at a party. a family member, I would be gaining Gibbs has grown very close “My grandmother had to her adopted mother. told her boss about me and my three.

“I never ever think of her Autumn Fisher, ‘12 pregnancy, because her boss had as not being my mom. I talk to gone through the same thing as a teenager. She had been pregnant too. My grandmother’s boss met her almost every single day. We have an excellent relationship,” [Maddie’s adopted fathers] boss at a Pampered Chef party. She Gibbs said.

Senior Kristin Bennett has a simila relationship with her overheard his boss talking about how they had decided to adopt a child. They all talked about me and adoption, and then we all brother.

“My birth brother and I were adopted together when I was five. starting e-mailing each other. They seemed very happy together,

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r

In some cases the new parents send pictures, letters, and e-mails to the birth mother to keep her up to date on the baby’s progress.

families organize scheduled visits where the birth r Some mother spends time with the child. an adoption agency acts as a go-between for r Sometimes the new adopted family and the birth mother.

Info from: http://glossary.adoption.com/open-adoption.html http://adoption.about.com/cs/wantingtoadopt/g/openadoption.htm I’m very close to my brother from my adopted family. In some ways, I’m more like him than I am my birth brother,” Bennett said.

The journey to this family was not always easy for Bennett.

“My parents passed away when I was two, and I was in foster care for three years before I was adopted when I was five. But for those three years, my brother and I were constantly moving between foster families. We got separated once, but by the time I made it to the next foster home, he was already there,” Bennett said.

Fisher wants people to know that she is still a normal teenager, even though she is also a mother.

“I’ve learned a lot about how the right thing to do isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Becoming a parent means putting your child first. Even though I had a baby, I chose to put her up for adoption, so that she could have all the care she needed. I’m still a regular teenager, but my daughter is the most important thing in my life,” Fisher said.

stepho@thelionstale.com

16

THE LION’S TALE

| news | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Q& A

with Dr. Sameer Hinduja Q: What advice would you give to students involved in cyberbullying?

A: Be real with yourselves.

Don’t be embarassed to keep evidence and logs of the cyberbullying incidents. If you are a bystander to cyberbullying, Dr. Sameer Hinduja be bold and step up, even if it means stepping out of the norm. If your friend is a victim of cyberbullying, you need to help them by being their voice.

R G E B N I Y C BULLY in p u d e l g n Ta

Q: Can websites really do anything about cyberbullying if you report it?

A: Typically, when you sign up for a social networking site you accept their privacy policies which says you can not harass others, etc. Website owners have an obligation legally to respond to a complaint reported. Don’t worry about someone finding out you reported them; they will never know. Keep the Internet clean by reporting violators.

Q: What can students do to prevent further cases of cyberbullying?

A: Older peers need to talk to and mentor younger kids to let them know what they should and should not do on the Internet. Students can also create posters or a public service announcement to inform others and shed light on the subject.

HOW TO: Take a screenshot

on/C ARSON

photo illustrati

BAILEY

Taking screenshots of the cyberbullying you have encountered will help improve your case when you report the incidents.

NOVEMBER 5, 2010

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THE LION’S TALE

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Bullies roam Internet spreading fear C

by Carson Bailey

“He still harassed me by following everything I commented on licks of the keyboard fill freshman Laura Smith’s* silent and commenting on it after me, still calling me horrible names. He room as she chats with friends via Facebook. Focused would threaten to tell everyone my deepest secrets and ‘ruin me’. solely on the multiple conversations she is juggling, It got so bad that I was afraid to log on every day to see what new Smith is caught by surprise when a notification alerts her of a things he had said, I wanted to just delete my account,” Warner said.

“He sent me friend requests for a week straight, sometimes with new post made to her profile.

Smith quickly reads the new post sent from one of her peers’ creepy messages attached or winky faces; after I kept receiving all of the friend requests I decided it was time to just block him.” mothers that stuns her.

Warner went on to explain that if she had not blocked him, “Don’t worry I won’t beat around the bush, I’ll just come right out and say it, you deserve to be hated, you’ll be friendless in no the bullying might have gotten to the point of filing a restraining order. time.”

“Ever since I blocked him and his number, I have escaped the And that was only the start of an almost six-month cyber battle bullying completely. He’ll still talk about me to other people but taking place on Facebook.

“This mother almost in her 40’s told people not to be my friend for the most part none of it comes back to me,” Warner said. “I and wrote other slanderous things. We tried to ignore it, but the don’t have to worry about him anymore.”

Text messaging and cell phones both add on to the ways in comments got pretty bad,” Smith said. “She even brought my which cyberbullying occurs. soon-to-be 11-year old brother into it.”

“A very good friend of mine was mad at me and started to Cases like these are appearing all over the United States, with about 20 percent of students ages 11-18 admitting to online abusive harass me on the phone. She would keep calling me with people on the other line, recording me and laughing at what I had to say,” behavior, according to cyberbullying.us.

“A month or two went by, and the bullying went into a standstill. sophomore Ashley Johnson said. “I would then receive texts from Nothing happened, and I had almost forgotten about what had been her that were meant to hurt me, like saying the world would be a done. But just recently, she started posting the comments again,” better place without me, and how nobody likes me.”

Some students are targeted because of specific qualities such as Smith said.

The slanderous and hurtful comments Smith continues to race, popularity, and sexual orientation.

“I have experienced cyberbullying on many occasions because receive can be classified as a form of cyberbullying.

Given the name cyberbullying for its virtual nature, I am gay,” sophomore Adam Clark said. “I find that cyberbullying cyberbullying is defined as willful and repeated harm inflicted is the perfect excuse for anyone to shoot their mouth off just through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic because it can be done anonymously.”

Responding to Cyberbullying devices, according to Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing For 10 years now, Dr. Sameer Hinduja, a former graduate and Responding to Cyberbullying.

“Her comments got more and more hurtful, until she even of Seminole County Public Schools and Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, has suggested that my friends and I drown Ever since I blocked him and been studying cyberbullying and its ourselves in a lake. It really hurt all of effects on students. our feelings,” Smith said. “No one knew his number, I have escaped “Cyberbullying isn’t an epidemic, what to do anymore. I blocked her on but something needs to be done about bullying completely.

Facebook and reported her as well, I have it – it affects students every day,” Dr. yet to get any more nasty comments from Jackie Warner*, ‘11 Hinduja said. “A vast majority of her.”

Facebook also played a role in senior Jackie Warner’s fight students are using the Internet correctly and those who are not should be encouraged to get on board.” against cyberbullying.

Telling students to ‘just turn off the computer’ in regards to After dating for a little over a year and a half, Warner ended her relationship with her boyfriend but still wanted to salvage a dealing with cyberbullying is something Dr. Hinduja advocates does not help prevent cyberbullying. friendship with him.

“Telling students to ‘just turn off the computer’ is flippant and As a few weeks went by from the day of the break up, she started to receive hateful messages through Facebook and even dismissive. Turning off your computer doesn’t stop cyberbullying,” Dr. Hinduja said. “We do a disservice when we say the Internet is text.

“My ex-boyfriend was calling me horrible names through text just a part of life, when it is their lives.”

Instead, Dr. Hinduja suggests schools, parents, and the messages and blowing up my Facebook wall with so many disgusting comments that I didn’t have time to delete community get involved as much as possible.

“Schools have a responsibility to teach students how to be them all before people could see,” Warner said.

“People started asking me about the comments responsible online. This can be done through setting up a better where he would call me horrible names or tell code of conduct,” Dr. Hinduja said. “When dealing with a victim, validate the experience with them. Get their perspective and they me I was worthless, but I didn’t have any answers.”

As the hateful comments kept pouring in Warner decided the might even have a great solution to the bullying. I am not a fan of harassment and bullying needed to stop. She then deleted her ex- zero tolerance. Different situations call for different outcomes.”

Parents must also help to keep their child safe from boyfriend as her Facebook friend, but that did not stop him.

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cyberbullying. According to Dr. Hinduja, lack of supervision on the parent’s part leads to a disconnect between child and parent.

“When parents allow their kids to have computers in their rooms it makes a disconnect between what parent’s know is going on. Therefore it’s not easy for kids to bring up issues that concern them, such as cyberbullying.” Dr. Hinduja said.

And while there may be a disconnect for some parents with their children, the administration wants students to know they always have a place to talk about their cyberbullying issues at school.

“Students should be informed that this behavior is a crime that will involve not only the discipline office, but possibly law enforcement as well. If a student is dealing with this problem, they can come to the guidance office for counseling and also go to Mr. Hitt, who is responsible for discipline at Oviedo High,” guidance counselor Marcia Lightsey said. “We would like to make students aware that this behavior is a serious mistake; not only is it wrong, but it often has a more serious detrimental effect on the victim than intended.”

Currently, if a student is found cyberbullying on school property, as stated in the Seminole County Public Schools Code of Conduct Book, the student will be given discipline action that ranges from behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion.

Reported cyberbullying that is found to take place outside of school property will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation.

This policy was put in place two years ago when the Florida Legislature passed the “Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act.” This stated that all forms of bullying at schools, including cyberbullying, are illegal and must be quickly dealt with by school officials.

Although administration can not provide disciplinary action for out-of-school cyberbullying, some students feel that should change.

“Administration should punish people who cyberbully even if it doesn’t happen on campus,” senior Morgan Cassel said. “Bullying is bullying and when it’s on the Internet it’s there forever. I think that anyone who cyberbullies should be punished just as much as a kid at school who gets written up for verbal bullying.”

Senior Dan Robertson disagrees with Cassel, explaining that sometimes the violator doesn’t even attend the same school or live in the same state.

“Since its creation, the Internet has become a major entity in itself, one that has proven to be very hard to control,” Robertson said. “I don’t believe the administration has the authority to punish out-of-school cyberbullying. The sheer size of the internet is a far cry from our modest campus of about 2000.”

Regardless of school policy, it remains true for a majority of students that cyberbullying is a serious problem and measures need to be taken to help prevent it.

“Cyberbullying is a significant issue among teens because unlike harassment faced at school or other places, you can’t escape cyberbullying, after being bullied at school, kids can just come home to their safe haven, which is home. Cyberbullying is experienced at home, so there is no virtually safe place to hide from it,” Warner said. *names withheld

carsonb@thelionstale.com

Mac

Have the content you wish to screenshot open on your computer screen. Then, press the highlighted keys as shown. The picture will save to your desktop.

Apple (command) key + shift + 3

PC First, make sure the content you wish to screenshot is open on your computer screen. Then, press the highligted key as shown.

The placement of the print screen button varies on different PC keyboards.

Print Screen

*You will have to

paste your picture into a program such as Microsoft Word to save it.

18 THE LION’S TALE

| features | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Teen volunteers in court

Illustration/Wesley Wynne

by Julia Thorncroft

performing their sanctions, required penalties or senior Kristen Knutson, Tuesday decided by the jury, on time. Juveniles also benefit nights are consumed with juvenile by having no formal charges on their record.

Teenage students who don’t commit crimes misdemeanors. No, she doesn’t shoplift or vandalize property. She serves as a jury member can also benefit from participating in Teen Court.

Mikel said volunteers gain community service at Seminole County’s Teen Court.

Knutson cites being a member of teen court hours for Bright Futures and develop public as a crucial experience for when she becomes a speaking skills.

“Teen Court promotes self confidence and lawyer.

“I want to be a lawyer because of the rush I the opportunity to network with adults in the get when I win an argument. I took debate and field and students from other schools who share I’m really good at arguing. It’s the competitive a common interest. It is also an excellent activity to add to your college application or resume,” side of me,” Knutson said.

Knutson wants to be a lawyer. She currently Mikel said.

Mikel said the numbers of available volunteers enrolled in law studies. She hopes to attend is usually 60-70 people Harvard Law School. including adult jury After law school, she monitors, adult judges, wants to work in either I think it leaves a positive youth explorers from work criminal law or impact [on teenagers] because the sheriff’s office, family law, citing her jury members and teen parents’ divorce as the teens are being punished attorneys. inspiration for a career and it gives them a dose of For Knutson, Teen in family law and her reality.

Court is more than fascination with criminal community service law.

Kristen Knutson, ‘11 for scholarships and For now, Knutson resumes. She gets an sits as a jury member in opportunity to see how Teen Court, where she’ll decide along with the other jury members the court proceedings work.

“Volunteering will help me to become more appropriate sanction for the defendant.

“The first day [of Teen Court] was cool comfortable in the court room for when I will because we didn’t know what we were going to have actual cases when I get older,” Knutson see,” Knutson said. “We had to observe and fill said.

While Knutson joined to see how the legal out paperwork, but it was exciting when we got system worked, her friend Christine Schuler to see the judge and how the court worked.”

According to the official Seminole County cited her law studies class as motivation to join.

Teen Court website, Teen Court is an alternative Unlike Knutson, Schuler does not wish to pursue to formal court proceedings. Meaning that instead a career in law.

“I find the law system interesting and I of going to an actual court, juveniles attend a thought it would be interesting to be in a real judicial setting for minors.

Teen Court takes place on Tuesday evenings jury,” Schuler said.

Knutson believes the overall impact of Teen at the Juvenile Justice Center in Sanford. Teen Court coordinator Allison Mikel said there are Court is an important privilege for the youth in approximately 300 cases a year in Teen Court her community.

“I think it leaves a positive impact [on and anywhere from four to 12 cases can appear teenagers] because the teens are being punished in one night.

“Teen Court offers juveniles who commit and it gives them a dose of reality, but at the same crimes the opportunity for a second chance,” time it won’t follow them for the rest of their Mikel said. “Once they complete the program lives,” Knutson said.

According to Mikel, anyone who is interested they have no formal charges filed against them and no conviction record. They are also welcome in Teen Court can find applications to volunteer on the Seminole County Teen Court official back to join Teen Court as a volunteer.”

Juveniles who commit crimes benefit by website. For more information, students can go

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to http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov:80/comsrvs/ pay/teencourt.aspx or contact Beth Painter at 407665-5363 or epainter@seminolecountyfl.gov.

juliat@thelionstale.com

What is a sanction?

A sanction is a penalty for breaking a law. The goal of a sanction is to provide incentive to obey local and national laws.

COMMON SANCTIONS for TEEN COURT defendants TEEN COURT JURY DUTY All juveniles are required to serve as a juror at Teen Court or watch a Teen Court proceeding and write an essay about the experience.

LAW AWARENESS CLASS Taught by Seminole County Corrections, the class teaches juveniles of the impact crime has on society and how to prevent crimes. A video is shown about life in prison.

JAIL TOUR Defendents may take a tour of the John E. Polk Correctional Facility to see what life is like inside the jail and discuss topics such as jail beatings and rape.

ADOPT-A-ROAD The P.A.Y. program adopted two roads where they send juveniles to pick up litter for up to four hours on Saturdays.

PROJECT REFOCUS Delinquents must complete a fourweek program of group counseling that focuses on issues for teens including peer pressure, self esteem, anger issues and other problems. compiled from: seminolecountyfl.gov

Death at a young age NOVEMBER 5, 2010

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THE LION’S TALE

19

Teens cope with loss of parents

by Zoe Lyon-Goldman

together and was there for each other,” Petersen he fell to the floor, tears streaming said. uncontrollably down her face. Confused Even though her family situation grew more and in utter shock, she couldn’t believe the difficult and her father’s death was a struggle, words coming from her trembling mother, who Petersen keeps the memories of him close to her had news that would permanently alter her life. heart.

In that brief moment, everything she knew as “He always called me honey bee and we reality was taken away from her. always used to play airplane,” she said.

“I didn’t have a warning. I didn’t even know Unlike Petersen, who had no warning of her he had heart problems,” junior Emily Petersen father’s heart problems, freshman Cora Ouellette said. had watched her Her father James passed mom struggle with My mom won’t be able to away at the age of 46 due to colon cancer her see me grow up and progress entire life. Ouellette a heart attack. Petersen only through school. visited her dad on holidays and was just 9 years old Cora Ouellette, ‘14 during the summer. in the fourth grade Like most people dealing when she found out with losses, Petersen carried guilt with her after her mother passed away at the age of 36. her father passed away.

The death of her mother had a major effect on “I treated him badly, so I would want to say, Ouellette at a young age.

‘I’m sorry for the things I said, and I love you, “My mom wouldn’t be able to see me grow you’re a really good dad’,” Petersen said. up and progress through school,” she said.

In order to move on and better deal with the Growing up without her mother, Ouellette emptiness of losing her father, Petersen coped by struggled with the simple necessities of being a spending time with her friends and keeping busy teenager. every night to keep her mind occupied.

“It was confusing when I started wearing But along with that, she grew closer to her makeup ‘cause I didn’t really know how to put family and other relatives she didn’t talk to very it on, and it was hard to tell what clothes looked often. good on me ‘cause I didn’t have a mom to say “When he died, the whole family came what looked good and what didn’t,” she said.

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For support, Ouellette turned to a church program with other children who lost their parents. It helped her outlook on her situation and she realized that she wasn’t alone and that others had to deal with losses, just as she had.

Oviedo psychologist Dr. Joann Alexander said, “Being a part of a support group is very important, with at least one or more caring adults they can talk to.”

Dr. Alexander says the loss of a parent isn’t very common in her practice, but for those who have had losses, she recommends they come to her once a week. For those who may be suicidal because of a parent’s death, she says more than once a week is necessary.

When it comes to overcoming and moving forward after such a catastrophic loss, the amount of time until there is some sort of stability is hard to measure.

“There is no timeline on grief,” she said.

According to rainbows.org, 1.2 million children will lose a parent before the age of 15. Whether losing a parent at as a child or as a teenager, there are be many challenges to face and steps to take in order to move forward in life.

“Remember who they were, but don’t let it affect who you are and how you act around people,” Ouellette said.

zoel@thelionstale.com

photo/COURTESY OF EMILY PETERSON

NOT FORGOTTEN. Emily Peterson, now age 16, coped by spending time with her friends and other family.

The Coping Method Tips for coping with a sudden death v Stay together. For the first few days and nights try to stay with your other parent,sibling,or close relative. v Some teenagers try to protect their own feelings.Don’t wait for permission to express what you think and feel. v Choose something from your deceased parent that you can keep that will have meaning to you. v If you feel you are not able to cope with grief,please seek professional help or talk with other family,counselors at school,coaches or teachers. courtesy/www.livestrong.com

THE LION’S TALE

| features | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Drake Dickerson CEO Stock trader Business owner

‘E’ is the most used letter Q: How old is the world’s oldest piece of chewing gum?

A: The world’s oldest piece of chewing gum is over 9000 years old.

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

20

Q: What is the average life span of a major league baseball?

A: The average life span of a major league baseball is 5-7 pitches Q: What was the first product to have a bar code?

A: The first product to have a barcode was Wrigley’s gum

Q: How much soda do Americans drink?

A: The average American/Canadian drinks about 600 sodas per year.

photo/DANIEL CONDLY

Sophomore trades stocks, establishes small business

by Jake Smith

H

is hand clenches the mouse and his eyes lock on to the monitor. His curiosity heightens. The program on the computer catches his attention and interest, foreshadowing a unique hobby and future.

“About two years ago, I got Microsoft Works.

I was just going on it one day and checked out the stocks. I started just watching it and putting in company names,” sophomore Drake Dickerson said.

Mesmerized by the ever-changing numbers and abbreviated corporations that are the stock market, Drake asked his father if he could invest in a stock.

“If you want, I can put money into Air-Tran for you,” his father said.

This would be his first plunge into the world of commerce, economics, and stocks. There are

many opportunities to make money in the stock market.

“On March 5, 2009, I bought $1,000 of Ford stock at $1.44. Two weeks later, I sold out at a 44% profit gain. After that, I was hooked,” Dickerson said.

Aside from delving into the depths of markets such as the DOW Jones, NASDAQ, or S&P 500, he spends his time handing out business cards which read “Drake’s Pressure Washing: Driveways, Sidewalks, Pool decks & more.” He deems himself president and CEO of his business.

“In eighth grade, there was a field trip to Washington, D.C. that I wanted to go to. It cost $900 and my dad said he wanted me to save $400,” Dickerson said.

He sent flyers to every house in his

Freshman Franny: by Taylor Schwarz

neighborhood advertising his pressure washing services. After 10 jobs, he had his $400, but more and more neighbors still kept calling. The word began to spread of his pressure washing expertise and his business continued to grow. Three years later, his niche remains the same, and he employs two people.

Dickerson is proud of being only a 10th grader, but having a business and keeping a close eye on the stock market for his own financial gains and losses.

“I feel pretty good about it. I think it’s cool that I have money to buy things for myself. There aren’t many teens active in trading stocks,” he said.

jakes@thelionstale.com

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

Q: How long would it take to count to one trillion?

A: If you counted 24 hours a day, it would take 31,688 years to reach one trillion.

Q: What is the most used letter in the English alphabet?

A: The most used letter in the English alphabet is ‘E’.

Q: What was the original name for the butterfly?

A: The original name for the butterfly was ‘flutterby’

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

(diversions sport s )

old m ag az

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THE LION’S TALE 21

o bowls t n i s ine

arn e L

to ho w

transform

REDUCE REUSE RECYCE

STEP 1

First, gather lots of colorful magazines to tear pages from. The pages will be folded into strips. Therefore, you’re really only interested in the strip of color that will end up showing.

After ripping multiple pages out, start by folding each indvidual page so that the strips are about 1 1/2” wide. To ensure that the strip stays together, use a glue stick and glue down the outside edge. This will make the strip compact and easier to work with.

Compiled by Carson Bailey

In order to transform your old magazines into a colorful bowl, you will need glue, scotch tape, a stack of magazines, rubber bands, and ModPodge. All of these materials can be found at local craft stores such as Michaels.

STEP 2

After making several strips, start the foundation of the bowl by rolling your first strip into a coil. Use scotch tape to secure the coil you just made, then continue by attaching another strip to that first coil. You will continue to add strips, making a big coil until you have reached your desired bowl size.

STEP 3

Once you have finished your big coil, your bowl is ready to take form. To make your big coil into a 3-dimensional bowl, start by placing your thumb into the center of your big coil. Pull the sides of the coil upwards, which will start making the coils ‘telescope’.

Continue to pull the sides upwards until you have reached a desired shape for your bowl. You can tweak the look of your bowl by sliding your slats around.

STEP 4

To insure the shape of your bowl stays, apply two to three coats of ModPodge. Reinforce your bowl’s strength while it’s drying with a rubber band.

A Bag’s Life Seniors Brittany Skeels, Allison Tate-Cortese and Dhruv Patel placed second in a statewide video competition, A Bag’s Life, about reusing and recycling. Their video, “Meet the Baggins,” introduced viewers to a retro ‘50s family dressed head to toe in plastic bags. In addition to placing second, the team received a $500 prize. The students accepted their award on Oct. 12 alongside TV production teacher, Kyle Snavely. Check out their video and others at www.abagslife.com.

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THE LION’S TALE

| diversions | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Music, movies, books & more

VERY GOOD

OUTSTANDING

GOOD

RUBBISH

AWFUL

Speak Now Taylor Swift Country

Harmony Never Shout Never Indie

To The Sea Jack Johnson Acoustic

Write About Love Belle and Sebastian Alternative

by Kaitlyn Loughlin

by Leigha Bennett

s a multi-platinum artist after her two previous albums, Taylor Swift lives up to expectations and reveals all emotions and confessions in her highly anticipated album, Speak Now, released on Oct. 25.

The album begins with the popular, but seemingly studio enhanced, hit single “Mine,” and teases listeners to what awaits them.

Swift then returns to her original acoustic sound and pushes her voice to new heights in many tracks, including the deep set vocals in the apologetic “Back To December,” directed toward ex-boyfriend Taylor Lautner.

This country-pop star also feels no shame in her deliverance of jabbing ballads towards fellow musicians Kanye West and John Mayer, for taking advantage of her youth and humiliating her, through her songs “Innocent” and “Dear John.”

Each track expresses Swift’s ability to test many different song styles, and she does so successfully. In “Better Than Revenge,” Swift takes an edgy approach to balance her risky lyrics about a trampy home-wrecker that “underestimated just who she was stealing from.”

All of the songs on this album were written by Swift herself, which could be the reason for such a down-to-earth masterpiece.

Swift may want to “Never Grow Up,” as she expresses to her fans. However, this album proves just how mature Swift is. Her music and lyrics have improved greatly since her first hit record “Tim McGraw,” released back in 2006.

N

by Julia Thorncroft

ever Shout Never, a.k.a Christofer Drew released his first full length album, Harmony. Harmony is a wonderful album to recommend to a friend who is dealing with a broken heart, with songs like “Lousy Truth” and “Love Sick”. But it is also a nice album to tell that special someone how much you care with “First Dance”, “Piggy Bank”, “Trampoline”, and “Sweet Perfection”.

Listeners who have been following Drew over the past three years haven’t gotten to see the true side of what happens when a musician is signed to a label. But with exclusive DVD version, fans can get an inside look at the overwhelming adventure that begins when the industry tries to take over.

The album is full of upbeat songs that will have you singing along and tapping your toe, along with acoustic, soulful songs that touch your heart. Drew covers all topics, from being cheated on and having a shattered heart to remembering that first dance with that special someone. He has truly outdone himself with this album.

For long term fans, it’s shocking to hear a harmonica and a banjo in the background, as it’s a huge change for this indie-acoustic artist. For all fans, this album is a must-have.

The music Drew writes is meant to inspire other artists, telling them life isn’t about what someone looks like, but what their heart looks like and that a person can grow stronger from mistakes.

His music also inspires listeners to just sit back and take a break, and remember what fun is.

by Taylor Schwarz

n his usual laid-back fashion, Jack Johnson cranked out his easy-going fifth album, dripping with the syrupy sweetness of a beachside pina colada and as nature-loving as a tree-hugger (The album is literally packaged in recycled paper).

Filled with witty plays on words and childish, simple messages of friendship and cooperation, To The Sea has the peaceful island feel that Johnson has become known for worldwide.

The first single released from the album, “You and Your Heart”, has the edgier, funky tone that listeners have long craved; the thunderstorm to rock the lull of the soft, bobbing ocean of Johnson’s signature beach bum tunes.

“My Little Girl” is a butterfly-inducing testament to young love. It’s as if Johnson asked his college sweetheart wife to tell him all of the things that she would like to hear, and then proceeded to put them to music.

Throughout the album, there are moments that hint towards a rock direction, such as the beginning of “The Upsetter”, but then, as is demanded by the chilled-out nature of Johnson, the moments dissolve into head-bobbing rhythms and hummable melodies that have the capacity to relax even the most stressful of souls.

The crown jewel of the album is debatably “From the Clouds”, a song quite predictable in the art of wordplay, with a soft tune that sends the listener to the powder-white shores of Jamaica lamenting of the world: “We could watch it from the clouds; we can’t stop it anyhow.”

elle & Sebastian’s eighth studio album finally arrived for indie followers on Oct. 12, releasing retro ‘60s era songs.

Far different from their acoustic-based album, If You’re Feeling Sinister (1996), the album connects more with their 2006 album, The Life Pursuit.

Regardless, frontman Stuart Murdoch sticks to the traditional style he’s established with both Belle & Sebastian and God Help the Girl: schoolyard lyrics and upbeat melodies, most notably in the song “I’m Not Living in the Real World,” with techno in the background and lyrics of nostalgia. Belle & Sebastian connect with young fans through these true lyrics: “In my young life I get so hurt, will I make it in the real world?”

Write About Love proves that Belle & Sebastian don’t have to change their sound, and that they can remain consistent and predictable without fans growing tired.

First released as an LP, in “I Want The World to Stop” Murdoch repeats the chorus throughout the majority of the song. Redundancy won’t bother true fans, as the song still remains one of the best off the album.

The album ends with the bonus track “Suicide Girl,” a Morissey-influenced song implementing techno upbeat sound and dark lyrics (The song is called “Suicide Girl” for a reason).

Combining their multiple influences, Belle & Sebastian created a pleasant yet predictable album. Write About Love is worth every penny.

DOWNLOAD THIS >> Sparks Fly

DOWNLOAD THIS >> First Dance

DOWNLOAD THIS >> The Upsetter

DOWNLOAD THIS >> Come On Sister

A

kaitlynl@thelionstale.com

leighab@thelionstale.com

I

taylors@thelionstale.com

Upcoming Concerts

B

juliat@thelionstale.com

Justin Bieber Saturday, Dec.18 7:00 p.m.

American Airlines Arena All Time Low Elton John and Leon Russell Wednesday, Nov.17 Sunday, Nov. 21 7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

The Social photos courtesy/PUBLICITY WEB SITES Lakeland Center

Sevendust, 10 Years, Since October, Anew Revolution, Aranda Wednesday, Nov.10 7:00 p.m.

House of Blues

HEREAFWTAEITRS :US AFTER DEATH? NOVEMBER 5, 2010

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THE LION’S TALE

23

WHAT A

Matt Damon plays a psychic who can speak to dead people. Cécile De France plays a journalist who can see visions of where humans go after death, and Frankie McLaren plays a young boy with a troubled family, mourning the loss of his twin brother.

n fa d o o w st a E , n o m a D ts in o ‘Hereafter’ disapp van

by Stephanie O’Sulli

O

plot ne would think that a movie with a on Dam t Mat like stars and after Here like g. estin inter be appearing in it would on time the king chec elf Instead, I found mys “How is it my phone repeatedly and thinking, minutes 30 possible I’ve only suffered through and a hour an still of this movie? Why is there half left? Why?” in the There are three main characters a on), Dam tt (Ma movie, George Lonegan the to talk can who man native Los-Angeles and getting deceased by touching peoples hands members ly fami a “connection” to their deceased ased, dece the from s sage and tell the living mes ch Fren a ce), Fran De ile (Céc ay Marie LeL , 2004 of ami journalist who survives the tsun of ions “vis g seein from after which she suffers pressures the Hereafter” and struggles with the se, her cour from her job, relationships, and, of ), a aren McL nkie visions, and Marcus (Fra arnerbros.com

photo/COURTESY http://hereafter.w

the loss London schoolboy who is suffering his from n ratio sepa of his twin brother and the her brot his after tly shor er drug addicted moth and forth was killed. The movie switches back between s time om quite unsuccessfully at rand before tries coun rent diffe in the three characters at the tes minu two for ther toge all them bringing end of the movie. to put It took Clint Eastwood 126 minutes s. word 142 in ribed desc just I t into action wha use beca d, Maybe it was an off year for Eastwoo to the other this movie was nothing compared directed has d woo East that s wonderful work a fan are you If . ne?) anyo y Bab ar Doll (Million re a you’ if (Or ie. of Eastwood, don’t see the mov er). matt that for fan of good acting, called Hereafter should have been “Predictable”. only two I can honestly say that there were e: I got rienc expe ie mov my t abou good things

al Crown a free small popcorn (thank you Reg er and Pott Card), and the preview for Harry n. Too show was one the Deathly Hallows, part to sit had I re befo ened bad those both happ movie. tless poin a of tes minu long 126 through halfway I will admit, the first five minutes were who team g gnin desi hic grap decent, thanks to the .I 2004 of ami tsun the of e scen the reconstructed ie mov the of wish they would have done the rest box Red was ie mov the too, so I could at least say hers; don’t material. My advice to movie watc It will be a even think about renting this movie. too late It’s tion. loca waste of $1.07 at a Redbox movie, this h watc to 00 $10. for me, I already paid ey, mon e som Save fate! e sam the r don’t suffe me, eve Beli . .com look up the trailer on Youtube ent in this it shows every single important mom free. movie. For t seeing Hereafter, I will be very cautious abou . a Damon or Eastwood film

stepho@thelionstale.com

Types of

Psychics

Empaths- The most common among psychics, those that interpret emotions in order to analyze events.

Clairsentient-

These psychics “just knows things”, but can’t always tell you how.

Clairaudients- Their senses come in the form of sounds.

Psychometrists- Sense thoughts, feelings and relive events by handling personal items or touching others.

Mediums- Psychics that are sensitive to ghosts, spirits and angelic guides.

Hyper-Sensitives- Any kind of psychic with who cannot shut off nor control their abilities, which can make visions unclear, overwhelming, or even painful. compiled from/ http://www.psychicprotection.net

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THE LION’S TALE

| diversions | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Taste of Heaven caters to OHS with special student prices

by Janie Williams

W

photo/COURTESY OF PCMAG.COM

GET OUT THE WAY. Google’s new robotic concept car logged 140,000 miles with minimal human intervention and no accidents. Future cars could change the nature of driving and redefine America’s relationship to the automobile. The car relies on emotionless logic and lack of distractions when making driving decisions. Because state driving laws require humans to be in control of all motor vehicles, a person must be sitting in the driver’s seat and be able to take the wheel at any time.

Self-driving auto takes to winding roads with nearly instant response times

by Brandon Koller

N

uclear holocausts, glowing red eyes, a steel skeleton—this is what comes to mind for many when they think of artificial intelligence.

Fear, mixed with fascination, swirls inside the brain just imagining the terrifying possibilities of robots controlling our lives.

But what Google’s been up to isn’t the development of Skynet or the evolution of a Terminator. Rather than controlling the human population, this system’s going to control your car. And it’s not going to kill you—its goal is exactly the opposite.

While it may not reach “intelligent” levels yet, the self-driving car from Google is certainly trying. The current fleet is composed of six Toyota Prius hybrids and one Audi TT that depend on a system composed of four radars sensors, a video camera, a position estimator, and a “lidar”: a rotating sensor on the roof that creates a three-dimensional map of the car’s surroundings.

With this comprehensive view of the world around it, the Google car avoids crashes—and based on the data Google has provided, it does a good job.

The fleet has logged 140,000 miles requiring only occasional correction by a human driver and about 1,000 miles per car

without any human interference, with only a single crash during a red light when another car rear-ended Google’s creation.

Even so, a live operator always sits in the driver’s seat and is accompanied by a technician just in case a manual override is necessary or the software goes awry.

Everything else, though, is automatic.

Once a location is put in, the car plans out the route, taking into account traffic and speed limits. The car obeys traffic laws and should reduce energy costs.

Even Lombard Street, the winding San Francisco road known for its sharp turns and steepness, was no match for this machine.

This is all due to the programming of the system, coded as a joint effort by Google and Sebastian Thrun, a Stanford professor who has enjoyed great success at the DARPA Grand Challenges, competitions geared towards the development of cars like those of Google.

Immunity to distractions coupled with near-instant response times and the emotionless logic only a machine could maintain all boost the car far above the capabilities of any human driver.

All of these capabilities add up to one very impressive car, and there’s no doubt that once the finishing touches are added, Google will excel once again, this time in the field of

automobile navigation. Not to mention that considering other possibilities—self-driving boats, planes—anything is looking possible with the technology Google is currently developing.

“Grid” technology—that of linking all or most automobiles up to a wireless network that could control each one—would revolutionize both the speed and efficiency of travel, and Google’s definitely got the potential for such a bold move.

Google has stakes in a multitude of markets, including cell phone operating systems, internet statistics and their initial role as a search engine, and these new developments in mapping and driving software.

With such saturation of markets and a growing potential for control, one could, and perhaps should, wonder whether we’ll see a Google monopoly in the near future, but until then, just enjoy the progress.

The only disappointment thus far for the self-driving automotive exists in its implementation, as the shortest estimated time until retail would still mean eight years of development.

But until then, enjoy your control while you can, drivers, because you might be obsolete in a decade.

brandonk@thelionstale.com

elcoming atmosphere, tasty food, and good prices. Taste of Heaven draws people in and keeps them coming back for seconds and thirds.

Taste of Heaven’s menu overflows with plenty of classic Latin American dishes. The owners of Taste of Heaven have placed many American dishes on the menu with a surprising twist in some.

The scrumptious signature dishes served up range from the Cuban sandwich to el lechon, the roast pork. Currently in the process of making a menu for Oviedo High School students, Taste of Heaven wants to open its doors for all students.

With a flash of your Oviedo ID, students receive an Oviedo burger with fries for only three dollars or any other of the delicious items at a great price. The owner intends to have these prepared and ready for senior lunch which is helpful when you have only ten minutes to eat.

Taste of Heaven also offers Oviedo hour which takes place from 2:30 to 6:00 during the week. Just ask about the specials and savings.

Although it is great for lunch, Taste of Heaven sets up a small, intimate scene for a nice date night with great food on a high school student’s budget.

Willing to stop and listen and talk with any customer, Taste of Heaven’s owners Vanessa and Andre Reid define a small, sweet local restaurant.

The owners offer the whole restaurant to sport teams after their games. Taste of Heaven has good, hearty food for students that should satisfy any after game hunger.

Although the taste satisfies any hunger, Taste of Heaven’s hours remain inconsistent.

Taste of Heaven deserves four stars because of the huge quantity of food you get for a great price and the warm open atmosphere. You can grab a good quality meal on the go or have a nice sit down dinner with family as Latin music softly plays in the background.

janiew@thelionstale.com

Menu

Oviedo Burger w/ Fries $3.50 Chicken Fingers w/ Fries $3.50 Oviedo Wings w/ Fries

$4.50

Personal Pizza (Pepperoni or Cheese)

$4.00

Steak & Cheese Sandwich w/ Fries

$4.50

Fries $2.00 Cheese Fries $2.00 Soft Drink $1.25 Hot Chocolate $1.00 Free beverage with purchase over $5.00 Oviedo Hour: 2:30-6:00 Free Wi-Fi available

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Tattoos hold deeper meanings

Teens’ tattoos represent family, more than just body ink

by Angiee Carey

F

rom the concept to the actual process, what’s hidden behind the simple word ‘tattoo’ is a lot more complex than most students

photo/ZOE LYON-GOLDMAN

A FAMILY AFFAIR. Like the rest of the men in his family, junior Ryan Dooley got this tattoo to represent his family name.

photo/ANGIEE CAREY

WE’LL NEVER FORGET. Seniors Colleen, Katie, and junior Meaghan O’Kennedy all got tattoos in memory of their dad.

think.

A body tattoo is made by injecting ink into the skin by using a machine with a sharp needle that can pierce the skin more than 3,000 times in a minute. Sound painful?

“If I had to rate the pain on a scale of 1-10, I would have to say that in some spots it was a ten and in others about a seven,” junior Ryan Dooley said.

Each and every one of these holes can be pierced as deep as 1/16 of an inch. With the escalating popularity of tattoos in just about every culture, getting a tattoo can put someone at even greater risk than ever.

“I was always aware of the dangers that tattoos can cause. But they opened the needles in front of me and I could tell they were clean. I just put my trust in the artists,” senior Chelsea Wilson said.

Getting a tattoo with proper tattoo equipment makes getting a tattoo very safe. However, the greatest risks occur after one has gotten a tattoo.

Improper healing and aftercare can lead to infection and long-standing skin conditions, not to mention damage to your new artwork.

“I think the problem is that a lot of teens aren’t responsible enough to keep up with the maintenance of tattoos. I wanted to make sure that none of my tattoos got infected, so I was really careful with them,” Wilson said.

Tattoos can transmit contagious diseases, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C. It’s even been said that they can pass on HIV if the right safety and sterilization procedures are not followed.

“The only problem I had was from scratching.

It itched pretty bad and when I scratched it, it ended up bleeding, which was really bad,” Dooley said.

It’s not a real addiction, but in reality people who already have a tattoo are more than likely to get another one or more. It is possible to get ‘hooked’ on the excitement of getting a tattoo or even just by the beauty of them. Both Wilson and Dooley plan on getting more tattoos.

“I plan on getting my second tattoo very soon.

It’s going to be something Irish like a Irish flag or clover,” Dooley said.

Tattoos that Matter

People get tattoos for many reasons, from wanting to impress others to religious reasons to simply wanting to express themselves in a form of beautiful artwork. On the other hand, the O’Kennedy sisters all have tattoos to remember an important event.

“I got my first tattoo when my dad passed away about a couple of months ago,” junior Meaghan O’Kennedy said. “I decided to get it behind my ear and of a peace dove since it symbolizes peace.”

Senior Katie O’Kennedy never thought she would end up getting a tattoo, but decided this was different, as there was a reason behind it.

“For remembrance of my dad I got a tattoo on my right foot, which is the foot I use when playing photo/ANGIEE CAREY soccer,” Katie said. “He was always my number FOR YOU, GRANDMA. Senior Chelsea Wilson one fan.”

Senior Colleen O’Kennedy has the same peace got this tattoo of a dove because it is her grandma’s favorite bird. dove tattoo on her wrist that her sister Meaghan has behind her ear.

“I wanted something permanent that I could always remember my dad by,” Colleen said. “I chose a dove, which signifies the loss of a loved one and peace. One day I hope to come to peace with the whole situation.”

Just like the O’Kennedys, twins Amy and Ana Welch are both getting tattoos in rememberance of the loss of their uncle, grandma and grandpa.

“In two months, when I turn 18, I plan to get a tattoo on my right calf in my uncle, grandma and grandpa’s memories,” senior Amy Welch said. “It will be of blue and monarch butterflies landing on either side of lilac flower.”

The blue butterfly will symbolize their Uncle Troy, while the monarch is her grandpa and the lilac is her grandma, who died a year and four months after her youngest son.

Since the Welchs are twins, they are both getting the same tattoo but on opposite legs.

“Next to my uncle lay his mother, and ironically between them is a lilac tree,” Amy said. “Although photo/ANGIIEE CAREY he is gone physically, he will never be forgotton.” LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER. Senior

angieec@thelionstale.com

Chealsea Wilson got her first tattoo a week before her sixteenth birthday. Her mother and sister have identical ones.

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THE LION’S TALE

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1.Taverna Opa B elly dancing atop a table, sitting beneath a confetti of napkins, or simply indulging in foreign cuisine. Step into the Greek cultural experience known as Taverna Opa. This restaurant is much more than an ordinary eatery. In fact, this regularly crowded spot acts almost as a Greek night club, with a live DJ playing the newest top hits as well as traditional Spanish and Greek tunes. Join in the Zorba, the customary line dance, and laugh along with fellow guests as countless pairs of feet attempt to keep up with the fast pace beat of the music.

Located on the second level of Pointe Orlando Plaza on International Drive, Taverna Opa offers quality entertainment and delectable Greek and Mediterranean dishes that will satisfy appetites of all sorts.

“My friends and I love going to Opa pretty often to celebrate birthday parties,” senior Paris Kinsey said. “The only thing I dislike about

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What to do in Central Florida

by Kaitlyn Loughlin

diversions

Looking for something fun to do in Central Florida?

Instead of the same old movie theater and the same old crowd, check out these locations that are sometimes overlooked.

THE LION’S TALE

Taverna Opa is the wait. If we go on a Friday or Saturday night, it usually takes an hour to get in to the restaurant, even if we have a reservation, because it’s so crowded and lively.”

Nevertheless, Kinsey declares that Taverna Opa is completely worth the wait and money.

“I usually spend about $25 on my meal,” Kinsey said. “But the pricing is really reasonable for the amount and quality of the food you get.”

Kinsey believes that this getaway is one which deserves the occasional splurge. So slip on that favorite semi-formal blouse, make a reservation, and remember to have the waiter validate the parking voucher, and enjoy the phenomenon that is Taverna Opa. *For more information ,visit www. opaorlando.com or call (407)-351-8660 9101 International Drive Orlando, Fla. 32819

2. Enzian Theater T ake a blast to the past by visiting the Enzian Theater. No, it’s no drive in movie lot, or some Shakespearean play center; though it is, in fact, a completely unique movie experience for all to embrace in classic films.

“I usually go see an intriguing Indie film that I can’t go see in a regular theater,” senior Allison Tate-Cortese said. “[The Enzian] plays independent films, foreign films, cult classics, local films, and always fantastic films.”

True, no recent box office buster, horror flicks are shown at this cinema on opening day, however, this theater has varied daily or weekly movie choices, as well as the atmosphere of one’s own living room.

“I adore the fact that I can sit in a giant comfy chair or couch while I watch a quality movie and eat real dinner meals, desserts, or popcorn; it’s so much more comfortable,” Tate-Cortese said.

“Inside, you also have a ton of posters from great Indie films and photos from classic films that I enjoy looking at.”

But the cozy seating area and home made dishes from the famous Eden Bar are not the only aspects attracting guest to The Enzian; The serene and beautiful landscape on the outside of this small establishment also catches the eyes of many passers-by.

“As soon as you get there, you walk past the

3. Wekiwa Springs S weat pours down the face of a nearby hiker as he sprints to the freezing water. Teeth chatter all around him as swimmers enjoy the refreshing, year-round 72 degree temperature of the Wekiwa Spring.

This state park is surrounded by miles of green lush scenery, flowing bodies of water and exciting wildlife along its approximate 7000 acres. With this much land available for public enjoyment, there is certainly never a moment of boredom.

“I love the springs so much. There’s so many things you can do,” senior Natali Dawson said.

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“You can swim or snorkel in the cold and crystalclear natural spring, go canoeing or camping, and there’s also so many trails that you can hike or bicycle on.”

Dawson is right. But in addition to these most popular areas of interest at Wekiwa Springs, other activities, such as horseback riding, fishing, picnicking and observing animals along the 13 miles of trails, are accessible there as well.

“It’s really nice in the summer because it only costs six dollars per car. So my friends and I can enjoy a whole day for super cheap,” Dawson said.

fountain and garden to get to the ticket booth and doors. It’s such a beautiful atmosphere,” TateCortese said.

Regardless of the relaxing setting of the theater, it is the overall quality movie experience that customers keep going back for.

“The films are so cool because they are different, and usually better than what most kids are used to watching,” Tate-Cortese said.

“You should expect to see films that will open your eyes to an entirely new world of cinemas: independent films.”

On top of the quality experience of watching these unfamiliar kinds of films, The Enzian also hosts numerous events throughout every month that are open to the public, such as the upcoming Florida Film Festival, a personal favorite event of Tate-Cortese, that premieres April 8- 17.

“You get to meet and talk to the people who made the film you just saw, which is such a neat experience. Plus, sometimes you can see films before they are released commercially, or even movies that are nominated for, or win, Oscars but aren’t played in regular theaters.” Tate-Cortese said. *For more information, visit http://www. enzian.org/ or call (407) 629-0054.

1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751

Although camping fees and canoe rentals differ from the general admission price, Wekiwa Springs provides quality fun at an unbeatable deal.

So come out and enjoy all of the festivities and natural entertainment that Wekiwa Springs has to offer. Its picturesque beauty and pleasurable recreation surely will not disappoint. *For more information, visit http://www. floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/default.cfm or call (407) 884-2008.

1800 Wekiwa Circle Apopka, Fla. 32712

kaitlynl@thelionstale.com

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NOVEMBER 5, 2010

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27

TAKING

ONE FOR

the team

Competitive cheerleaders face dangers while performing stunts, backhand springs, tucks

by Hafsa Hussain

some girl accidently punched me while running. hey know they risk serious injuries, some I got the wind knocked out of me. It was really so severe that they can result in broken scary because I had no idea what happened and I bones to paralyzation. They know that if was just trying to catch my breath.”

According to abcnews.com, a majority of they make one slight mistake on a stunt they’ll come tumbling down. They know all of the injuries are fractures and sprains.

“The worst injury I’ve ever gotten was dangers of the sport. Who are they? They are a fractured wrist from tumbling,” varsity cheerleaders.

According to livescience.com, high school cheerleader Darby Maniccia said.

Nonetheless, severe injuries do happen. cheerleading has accounted for 65.1% of all Varsity cheerleader Rebecca Johnson never serious female sports injuries in the United experienced an injury from cheerleading until States.

“Cheerleading is a really dangerous sport. this year.

“I got hurt twice. The first time, I fell on my You can get hurt pretty bad. You can get the wind knocked out of you, or fracture bones from back while doing a stunt. When I fell, I thought tumbling. People have actually died from it,” I was okay. I didn’t realize I was seriously hurt freshman cheerleader Arielle Montesdeoca said. until I went to my car and wasn’t able to get into It is estimated that 16,000 cheerleaders it. So I went back to the commons [where they are critically injured every year. Most of these practice] and laid down. Then I started to lose injuries are the results of stunts and tumbles, according to abcnews.com.

I’m a flyer but I’m not really scared of According to Brenda Shields, getting hurt. I have accidently punched research coordinator at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at people and stepped on their faces Columbus Children’s Hospital, when they were trying to catch me. cheerleading injuries have doubled Darby Maniccia, ‘13 during the 13-year period she has been studying them, she told abcnews. com.

The researchers have found that injuries feeling in my back. I had to go to the emergency are increasing because of the expectations to room and they told me that I had a contusion and possibly a fractured neck,” Johnson said. perform more difficult stunts.

The doctor told Johnson that she would Though severe injuries do not occur very be fine and able to cheer soon. She would be often, some cheerleaders do get minor injuries.

“One time I got my lip busted open from cheerleading as of now if it weren’t for the fact doing a stunt; it was really bloody,” Montesdeoca that she fell again, this time on her shoulder.

“The day I got cleared for my first injury I said. “The worst I’ve ever gotten hurt was when

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photo/COURTESY OF JANIS WILLIAMS

AT THE TOP. Flyer Rebecca Johnson demonstrates proper form for the torch stunt during the Oviedo versus Lake Mary football game.

fell on my shoulder and the doctor said I had stretched the muscles from my neck to shoulders.

I pushed myself out of the stunt. I was spinning and it’s kind of hard to stop yourself, and I fell.

I should have had more control with the stunt,” Johnson said.

In addition to getting injured from stunts, a majority of cheerleading injuries occur from cheerleaders accidently hitting each other.

“I’m a flyer (the person who’s in the air during a stunt) but I’m not really scared of getting hurt.

I have accidently punched people and stepped on their faces when they were trying to catch me,” Maniccia said.

As a result of all these injuries, coaches take greater precautions.

“I’m a base. When we drop someone and they get hurt, our coach has us do push-ups,” Montesdeoca said.

The use of this consequence is to ensure the cheerleaders are careful not to drop someone.

Varsity Cheer coach Brenda Holmes has her own way of preventing injuries.

“Our varsity level is pretty well-trained. I don’t worry that they’ll get hurt too bad. We do try to prevent injury by making sure the girls are trained in proper techniques, such as a base. They need to know how to read the flyer so they will be able to catch them if they are about to fall. A flier also has to learn how to fall properly so they don’t hit others,” Holmes said.

Holmes makes sure that all of her girls are

confident in a stunt or routine. If they are not, she has them do something less difficult.

“I try to make sure that all of the girls know what they are doing. If they don’t, they can get hurt pretty bad. The worst injury that happened was a broken neck. Things like that don’t happen often. We do get some sprained ankles.

Cheerleading is just like any other contact sport.

You have a chance of getting injured,” Holmes said.

“Despite what people say, cheerleading is a sport. We practice and compete in competition.

We also get hurt pretty badly. It takes a lot of hard work,” Maniccia said.

“What people need to know is there are two parts to cheerleading. One is when we’re cheering on the sidelines, which is something we do for the team we’re cheering for, not for ourselves. The second part is when we compete. Like all contact sports, we train and practice and work very hard.

We also get judged against other teams. That’s really what any sport is,” Holmes said.

hafsah@thelionstale.com Cheerleading Statistics In the U.S., cheerleading injuries consist of around 66% of all major sports injuries among high school and college students. compiled from/ww.zimbio.com/cheerleading

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THE LION’S TALE

| sports | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Girls capture conference title

Boys team becomes district champs week later

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photo/COURTESY OF SCOTT WAISANEN

POWER THROW. Senior Maegan Willis rolls her ball down the lane during a match. Willis’s strong scores during the season helped bring the final record to 15-1.

he girls bowling team won yet another game in their match against Hagerty high school on Oct. 22, making them conference champions for the third year in a row.

But the girls bowling team also had something else to be proud of after their first game with Hagerty--a new county record.

The team won the Seminole Single Game Award for the scores of freshman Amy Quick, senior Maegan Willis, junior Courtney Wright, freshman Ember Miksa, and junior Victoria Fairman for a total of 1046.

“We were all really excited because we were against Hagerty and we beat the ball into the ground,” Wright said.

The girls bowling team also won 13 games in a row and finished the regular season with a record of 15-1, which made them conference champions. The boys team also finished the season with a record of 10-6. They both went to the district tournament on Monday Nov. 1. The boys team won district and the girls came in fourth. The boys team will soon go to the state tournament.

The news of the new record made the girls very happy, but the fact that they achieved this so early in their high school careers also added

to the elation.

“It was my freshman year, so I felt really good [about the records],” Quick said.

Coach Paul Wilkie was also proud of the team’s achievement.

“I was excited for them,” Wilkie said. “They bowled a tremendous game.”

Despite a record-breaking game, the girls bowling team did not train to do anything of the sort.

“We all started off really good and we kept on getting really good,” Wright said. “This was the first time all of us bowled a 200 at the same time.”

Even though the broken record excited the team, the practices have not become more intense because of it.

“We train the same,” said Wilkie. “Our major focus is on spare shooting. We start out shooting and working spares, [and] we give them specific spares they have to shoot.”

Practices also involve practicing the Baker format, a new way of scoring in which each player has to bowl frames in a certain order. After that, the girls bowl a game or two using other shots and adjustments.

“Some people think [bowling] is just throwing a ball around, but it’s more than that,” Wilkie said.

The bowling team is positive about the season.

“I think I’ll have my highest game by the end of the matches,” Quick said.

Quick and Fairman, along with the boys team will, go to the state tournament on Nov. 9-10.

wesleyw@thelionstale.com

Bowling Stats

by Wesley Wynne

Crooms Academy Boys Girls 288-225 214-171 Lake Brantley Boys Girls 286-253 230-137 Hagerty Boys Girls 282-299 243-226

Lake Howell Boys Girls 283-223 222-169

4

It’s all about T

by Olivia Davila-Finch

he bright lights of the football stadium on his face. The hot Astroturf under his feet.

Excitement pumping through his veins, hyping him up with adrenaline as he jogs out onto the field. The crowd roaring all around him, the cheerleaders encouraging him on, and fans waving around signs with his name scribbled on them.

This is the experience that senior John Boston lives for.

“I’ve been playing football since I was seven. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing,” Boston said.

Known around the school as ‘Johnny Boston’, Boston started out playing games with friends and kids in his neighborhood just for fun. It was during one of these games he and his friends’ talents were discovered, when Coach Gary Smith asked Boston and his friends if they’d like to play on Pop Warner. At seven years old, he started playing on a team.

As he kept playing, Boston started to love the sport more and more. Now, as a senior, he has been on the varsity football team for three years, and hopes to continue playing football into his college career.

“I’d like to stay close to home, like UCF or FAU. But, if not, I would like to go to Middle Tennessee State,” Boston said. “I would like to continue playing football in college, and even hopefully get to the NFL. If football doesn’t work out, I’d like to go to school for criminal justice.”

On the football team, Boston plays safety, quarterback and wide receiver, and often manages to steal the show. In the game against Palm Coast on October 15, Boston saw the other team’s quarterback had taken the ball and was about to score the team their winning touchdown.

Boston took a chance and managed to strip the quarterback of the ball, preventing Palm Coast from getting a last touchdown, and winning the game for Oviedo. The end score was 23-13.

“The Oviedo-Palm Coast game was definitely the highlight of this year so far,” Boston says.

“Our defense defended strong and knew they had to steal the game.”

Boston never thinks of just himself, though.

He plays for the whole team, and they all work together to keep the team strong.

“The team this year is really close,” Boston said, “We’ve really helped each other step up our game this year. Team meals are one of the best parts of being on the team.”

Weekly team meals help keep the varsity players motivated, giving all the players a chance to bond and laugh together before games.

A traditional game is also played every Thursday at their practice. Every player grabs a partner and stands a certain distance apart. A ball is thrown back and forth between the partners, and every time it’s caught they step back. When someone drops the ball, their team is out.

“The catching game is one of my favorite parts of practice. Mac Metcalf and I are unde-

NOVEMBER 5, 2010

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Cross country provides stress relief to runner

by Leigha Bennett

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hite Nikes hit the pavement, switching back from left to right. Runners and surroundings become a blur and fade away.

Everything from earlier in the day melts from junior Natalie Shepherd’s mind as she hurries to the finish line.

Then, five AP classes worth of homework greet Shepherd when she returns home from her cross country meet.

On top of the school work, Shepherd takes piano lessons at UCF, runs for two hours everyday after school, and will soon be looking at a wonderful world of colleges.

“I really want to go to college out of state. I’m not positive where though,” Shepherd said. “I haven’t really looked into cross country scholarships, but maybe I’ll check them out later on. It’s really competitive, though.”

Running for OHS’ varsity cross country team for the second year in a row, Shepherd can take a two or three hour break from the stress of school.

“Usually [in cross country practice] we spend an hour or so running,” Shepherd said. “But it varies everyday.”

During practices, Shepherd gets to relax with her cross country family instead of worrying about earlier events of the day or the loads of homework waiting for her every night.

“Everyone on the team is so supportive.

All of them are great friends, even though cross country is a super competitive sport,” Shepherd said.

On top of controlling stress, running helps with weight control as well. With obesity a growing epidemic, Shepherd gives some healthy advice.

“Stay moving, have fun, and manage your time wisely,” Shepherd said. “When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, so you feel good and have a good attitude after.”

Shepherd uses cross-country running as a huge stress reliever. Plus she enjoys the

photo illustration/CONNOR BAILEY

READY FOR BATTLE.Senior John Boston prepares for the next play during the game against Hagerty High School. The Lions lost a nail-biter game 30-27.

feated at it,” Boston said.

Boston also plays a big part of keeping the team motivated and excited.

“I’ve known John since my freshman year,” senior Johan Rueda said. “He’s a great leader on the team, and he’s always there if you have any sort of problem, on or off the field. He’s a great example.”

In the recent varsity game against Hagerty, OHS was down 27-30. In the last two minutes of the game, quarterback Sean Long threw the ball to a team member who was ready in the end zone. Despite the teamwork, Hagerty intercepted

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it and Oviedo didn’t score. The end score was 27-30.

But regardless of this loss, the team remains excited, and even more motivated than before to play and prove themselves during the last district game.

The last game of the season will take place at Lyman High School on November 12 at 7:30 pm.

“My goal for this year is to win district title and get past the first round,” Boston said, “And I think we have a pretty good chance at it.”

oliviad@thelionstale.com

dynamics of the group.

“There is no cliques or drama in cross country. I’ve tried other sports, and nothing compares to cross country,” Shepherd said.

“Last year we went to states, which hasn’t been done in a really long time. So I hope people will see how fun cross country can be.”

On Oct. 27, the cross country team participated in the SAC championships.

Shepherd ranked fifth of the girls’ varsity runners.

leighab@thelionstale.com

30

THE LION’S TALE

| sports | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Riders bond with trusty steeds

by Arianna Ray

your horse and how easy you can make it look. trickle of sweat runs down sophomore Basically, how you can show off what you can Victoria Stonebreaker’s face as she do without making any mistakes.” Nowak said. gently guides her horse, JD, through the “You have to be a smart rider. You can’t just have trail class. She focuses her attention solely on her a horse that does everything for you. You have to riding, allowing no distractions to slip past her communicate with your horse and know exactly what you’re doing. You need to know the exact mental guard.

“When I’m riding [JD], it’s not a rider and position you have to be in to make it look easy.”

Nowak began riding at the age of six with horse relationship for me and him. We’re just one thing. It’s a feeling of unity with him. Riding him the encouragement of her mother, and gained is so easy because all you have to do is shift your experience that only grew as time passed.

“I’ve become pretty good. You never know weight just a little bit and he understands. The simplicity of everything is one of my favorite what’s really out there. For my age group, I’m probably one of the top riders. It depends on what things about riding,” Stonebreaker said.

She believes that the relationship between show you go to. You have to take it day by day,” the horse and rider is an integral part of Nowak said.

She derives joy from winning competitions equestrianism.

“For me it’s about a connection between the and knowing her hard work had a positive rider and the horse that you can establish really outcome.

“I love when the judge calls my number and easily. It’s so amazing when you get that. That’s not what comes to mind when people think says ‘first place’. You just walk out of the ring and about riding. It’s honestly a lot deeper than that,” you have this big smile on your face. You know you worked really hard for it,” Nowak said, “and Stonebreaker said.

Stonebreaker’s dedication to the sport you will never forget that moment. You’re doing sprouts in part from the feeling of comfort horses it because you love it. You’re working towards something.” provide.

Nowak rides every day and strives to achieve “Truthfully, [I continue to ride] because in high school there are people you can trust and her goals.

“My ultimate dream is going to the Olympics. there are people you cannot trust. For me, it feels like I don’t really have to second guess myself I’m working towards it. I’m getting close. Having when I go to JD for comfort,” Stonebreaker said. that drive to go to the Olympics spurs me on.

“He might be just a horse, but he is seriously one When I was maybe ten, I decided I wanted to go of the best comfort sources I have. Riding is a to the Olympics. It’s a lifetime goal. I watched blast. He would jump over the moon for me if I all the media when I was younger and I told my parents, ‘I want to do that’,” Nowak said. asked him.”

Equestrianism first appeared in the Summer Sophomore Ciara Nowak feels the same in regards to the importance of a bond between Olympics of 1900 and adheres to a standard set of rules set by the horse and rider.

Connecting with something Federation Equestre “Connecting with Internationale (FEI), something that isn’t human that isn’t human is amazing. according to horses. is amazing. Just knowing Ciara Nowak, ‘13 about.com. that one animal really Nowak credits her cares about you and wants to be with you because you care about them [is barn, Barrett Farm, with helping her accomplish her goals. amazing],” Nowak said.

“My barn is awesome. They’ll take me to the Stonebreaker encountered an event that strengthened her bond with JD last summer Olympics. They’ll take me to any height that I when they won a Florida 4-H horse show. The can possibly imagine.

“They’ll do anything for me and help me train two were announced Florida’s number one ranch my horse. The barn became part of my family,” horse and rider.

“I was so proud of JD when we won. There Nowak said.

Stonebreaker emphasizes the flexibility was no doubt when I won that class with him that something just clicked. It was so much fun. I’ve involved in riding horses.

“Its pretty much however often you want to been with JD for two or three years now, showing him. The fact that he and I can get that far so fast ride. It’s a personal decision. You can make it the center of your life or a once a week thing. It is just amazing to me,” Stonebreaker said.

Horse shows consist of a series of classes, honestly doesn’t matter. Some people go out and which comprise a group of horses with similar ride every morning, every night, before school, training or characteristics. Stonebreaker boasts and after school. Other people love horses but go maybe once every couple of months,” of her horse’s ability in trail classes.

“For showing, my favorite thing is the trail Stonebreaker said.

While Stonebreaker considers a career classes. JD fits perfectly with that. The trail classes are kind of like obstacle courses. Not involving horses, she remains partially jumping or anything, but going over bridges or undecided.

“I think, for me, having it as a hobby and poles or cantering around a barrel,” Stonebreaker being able to come off from a day of work doing said.

Nowak knows full well the many complexities something else to then come home to them is involved in showing; however, she prefers a probably better than having them 24/7,” she said. different type of riding than Stonebreaker.

Stonebreaker defends horseback riding as a “I’m a hunter/jumper/equitation rider.

You’re judged on how you communicate with sport, despite her reservations about choosing it

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photos/CARSON BAILEY

RIDE ‘EM, COWGIRL. (top) Sophomore Victoria Stonebreaker practices riding her horse JD during a training session at JD Stalls ranch. (bottom) Stonebreaker feeds JD apple & oat treats as a reward after riding.

as a career.

“Definitely, you can put anybody on a horse, that’s a given. You can make a horse walk, that’s a given. The real sport side of it comes from the real understanding of classes and the physical aspect of it. It seems like the horse is doing all the work,” Stonebreaker said.

But looks can be deceiving.

“If you don’t hold on and give the correct keys at the correct moment, no matter what horse you’re on, you can end up in the dirt. It’s a lot of concentration and a lot of physical abilities.

People who say it’s not a sport are totally wrong,” Stonebreaker said.

Stonebreaker remains attached to horseback riding and intends to continue for the rest of her life.

“Each person just has that one place that, no matter what happens during the day and life, you can go there and just be fine. For me, as long as I’m around my horses I’ll be fine. No matter what I do, they’ll love me unconditionally,” Stonebreaker said.

ariannar@thelionstale.com

Roar Board

NOVEMBER 5, 2010

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31

STEPHANIE O’SULLIVAN JUNIOR EDITOR

Time to attend more events

I

photos/JULIA THORNCROFT

SWEET, SWEET VICTORY. The senior powderpuff team celebrates their victory over the juniors in the middle of the field. After a rainy game, the scoreboard showed a 13 point win.

Volleyball team goes to semi-finals

The girls volleyball team played in the district championships last week.

On Wednesday, Oct. 27, the girls took on Lake Howell at Lake Brantley and won. That brought their record to 21-5. To prepare for the game, the girls worked on their defensive skills.

“Our practices have been based on blocking and forming our defense to terminate their big hitters,” junior Jill Loiars said.

This victory put the girls in the semi-finals on Thursday, Oct 28. The girls took on Lake Mary High School but came up short. The girls played five games. Lake Mary won three of those five.

“We got a slow start in the game and it just didn’t end well,” junior Julie Brown said.

The girls took on Boone High School Nov. 2, losing 19-25, 25-22, 19-25, and 28-30.

Golf season concludes with records broken

The boys golf team broke records this season, putting their record at 1-1-8. The girls season ended with their record at 1-5. As the golfers wait to start practicing again, Coach Salvatoriello strives to get the teams some golf course privileges at Twin Rivers Golf Course, such as free play after a certain hour and other deals in order to make golf slightly less expensive.

“We will probably start practicing when the weather gets colder,” junior Austin Gilbert said.

On the sidelines...

Swim team goes to regional championships The swimming team took off to district championships on Friday, Oct. 29 at Lake Brantley High School. The meet lasted almost all day and consisted of events including the 2x100 medley relay, 2x100 free swim, 100 fly, and 4x100 free relay. The girls’ record stood at 8-1, while the boys’ stood at 4-2.

“The team did pretty well. Two of the three relays made it to regionals, which is better than we did last year,” junior Cole Hensley said.

The regional championship was Thursday, Nov. 4 at the YMCA located on I-Drive.

Seniors Alex Freeburn and Josh Arroyo, juniors Andrew Bolen and Cole Hensley and freshman Michael Schilke represented the boys team. On the girls team, senior Paige Moorehead, juniors Olivia Sims and Mariah Oggeri, sophomores Sam Schilke and Louise Rudd, and freshmen Rachel Patterson, Shannon Kennedy and Leah Sims competed.

Interviewed before the meet, swimmers looked forward to the challenge.

“I’m pretty excited. I almost went last year, but the relay that I was in didn’t make it. It’ll be a cool experience,” said Mariah Oggeri.

Coach Charlie Rose and Assistant Coach Alice Roseum accompanied the team. Qualifying swimmers will go on to the state championships held in Fort Lauderdale later in the month.

With

Paige Mathews

1. Where do you want to be right now?

On the softball field.

2. What’s your favorite place in Florida?

Miami, because it is pretty and it is warmer down there. The beaches are nice.

3. What makes your day?

Seeing my friends at school and playing softball.

4. Publix or Subway?

Publix.

5.Where do you see yourself in four years?

In college, playing for a university.

photo/DANIEL CONDLY

AND YOU’RE OUT. Senior Paige Mathews pitches to Lake Howell High School in the game on Oct. 29.

’m a bit ashamed to admit that in my high school career so far, I have only attended a handful of football games, three lacrosse games, and one swim meet. But I’m determined to change that, starting now.

Thanks to Mr. Lundquist, I’m determined to spread more school spirit. I plan on going to as many school games and meets as possible.

Whatever the price to enter any sporting event is doesn’t add up to the amount of money these athletes deserve. These teens attend school for just as long as we do, and then practice for two or three hours after school. They deserve the same amount of support that the football team gets every single week at football games.

Don’t get me wrong. I love the football team. They’re incredible this year with accomplishments like Scott Harvey’s amazing field goal from 48 yards. We Lions have the right to be very proud of our football team.

An immense amount of time and effort goes into the production of each football game. For each game, the football team, cheerleaders, dancers, color guard, band, athletic trainers, and many others spend over 120 hours combined preparing for game time.

But why should our pride stop with our football team? How many of you were aware that the girls bowling team had a record breaking game this season? Or that our boys golf team had a record breaking season, and that our varsity cross country team is ranked sixth in the state?

Join me in my quest to expand school spirit by attending school sport games, such as water polo in the spring. This includes all the seasons of school sports. This winter, and spring, I’m determined to watch every determined athlete at this school shine. Stand up and cheer when the volleyball team wins a game or when the softball team strikes out the opponent. Don’t you want to be able to say 20 years from now that you saw some athlete hit their first home run ever? Or that you were there when a tennis player won their first set?

Rejoice with your friends when they tell you that they took a minute off of their time at the last track meet. Believe me, that’s a great accomplishment. Every second counts in every sport, and a win for a team is a win for the school. We are Lions, all of us, for every sport’s season.

Why do we have four pep rallies in the fall and one in the spring? What about our winter sport teams? The basketball, soccer, weightlifting, and wrestling teams go without recognition too often. But don’t worry, I’ll be there, athletes.

See you there, readers.

stepho@thelionstale.com

32 THE LION’S TALE

| features | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

all photos/CARSON BAILEY

HANDS UP.

(above) Teens danced to music while throwing paint in the old gym. The profit made off the event will be donated to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. (left)Senior Hali Baker balances on senior Ryan Baker’s shoulders during the event.

O-GLOW

Students participate in first O-Glow paint party in an effort to help raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

GLOW ALL OUT. (left) Senior Yanire Acra adds to the noise by blowing her whistle. (bottom left) Seniors Amanda Lopez and Areianna Castro laugh during the break between paint fights. (below) Senior Blaine Smith dances to the beat of the music. (right) Senior Ben Trabeck gets splashed with paint by his friends.