The Pony Express

THE PONY EXPRESS

GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL - 16200 N. DALE MABRY HWY - TAMPA, FL - 33618

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

VOL. 31

ISSUE 1

Sports –

Entertainment –

Unconquered Cowboys

Another year, another fear

JV. Football team finishes season without a single loss.

Read more p.2

Online –

Check out more news, sports, and features stories on our website.

Howl–O–Scream dishes out their annual dose of fear even better than before Read more on p.7

www.ghsponyexpress.com

Administration implements new cell phone policy New BYOD policy officially put into practice. Cell-phones allowed under certain circumstances

Michael Alpuin/ Pony Express

Shania Perez

staff writer The “BYOD”, otherwise known as bring your own device, has become a new policy in Hillsborough. Last year, there wasn’t a policy allowing students to bring their electronic devices to school, but this year it’s different. The new policy has recently been enforced and is hoping to make a difference in this upcoming year’s curriculum.

This year there is a brand new policy which allows students to bring their own devices such as laptops, iPads, cell phones, or any other type of electronic

device for instructional use in the classroom.

“The main purpose is to help students with curriculum, learning, and it’s a resource to allow them to use it in the classroom,” said Principal Thomas Morrill.

BYOD is meant to help students with their studies inside the classroom while under direct supervision. Students are not allowed to be on their devices unless it is for educational purposes. This restricts students from being distracted during class.

“We know students today are growing up with technology and it’s a part of your life. So, in navigating the Internet which

has a lot of useful information to help you with your studies, I think it’ll be a great thing,” said Morrill.

Although the BYOD policy is meant to further enhance students’ studies and be used as a helpful resource, some students think otherwise.

“It distracts us,” said senior Lauren Campbell. “I think we shouldn’t be allowed to have them out in class, but we should be allowed to have them out in the hallways and in the cafeteria because we have things we need to tell our friends about.”

Seeing thatthe policy is new, everyone has various outlooks about the subject.

“It doesn’t distract us. It’s for a good use, like if you need it for any subjects.

Using our phones and stuff makes it faster and easier. We can also get more time to review if anything because it’ll take up less time to do our work. It’ll make students actually want to do their work, too.

I know I’m that way,” said freshman Selena Santiago.

Now that the BYOD is in progress, the students are expected to determine how it works out in the future with their behavior with BYOD in progress. Adding the electronic devices to the students work is expected to advance students with their curricular work positively.

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THE PONY EXPRESS

calendar

news&sports

OCTOBER 2014

J.V. FOOTBALL DEFEATS PLANT GOING UNDEFEATED

October - November Nov. 4 - Nov. 7 • Club Week Thursday, Nov. 20 • Great American Teach-In Nov. 24 - Nov. 28 • Thanksgiving Holiday

David Mozembite

Sports

Staff Writer

calendar

October - November Friday, Oct. 31 - Varsity football game Tuesday, Nov. 11 - Varsity boys basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 12 - Varsity girls basketball game Friday, Nov. 14 - Varsity girls basketball game Monday, Nov. 17 - Varsity boys/girls basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 19 - Varsity boys/girls basketball game Friday, Nov. 21 - Varsity boys/girls basketball game

Happy Birthday to our staff members!

Michael Alpuin - Oct. 1 Sabrina Olivier - Oct. 4 Sabrina Tam - Oct. 26

Darrin Davis/Pony Express

J.V. Football breaks for the last time after defeating Plant. The team was very emotional as their coach gave a moving victory speech after completing his long-time goal since he began coaching.

David Mozambite STAFF WRITER

This year the team has played six games and have won every one of them.

With victories against Plant, Freedom, and other schools, the Junior Varsity team has accomplished something that hasn’t been done in over a decade.

The last Junior Varsity team to be undefeated was 13 years ago. That smudge was wiped clean this year when players like Timothy ‘TJ’ Williams, Sven Taillac,

proud for the things they’ve accomplished. For instance, Center Sven Taillac says that their victory comes “from the hard work and all the blood, sweat, and tears we’ve put into it.” without these, their winning streak wouldn’t have been possible.

The team has also formed a familylike bond among the players. To Matt Wood, one of the best moments he’s had while he was the team and the bonds they created.

Key Club penalized for bad behavior

After difficulties the club is walking on glass in hopes of reopening Nicole Mason

staff writer Key Club is on probation after the inappropriate behavior of the new and past members. The School Board has taken action to ensure this does not happen in other school activities or clubs.

“Seniors have complained about this due to the fact that they lose chances for scholarships and opportunities for community service hours,” Key Club Sponsor Luke Gittens said.

Most of the students say that the actions of the Key Club do not affect them but the actions of the club members affected the club itself.

“We never did anything in that club.

We mostly just sat around and talked even though we were supposed to be a community club,” senior Amanda Moldovan, who was a past member of the club said.

THANK YOU TO OUR PONY EXPRESS PATRONS! Ashley Lowe

Melinda Ashley

Sigmund Freud

Catherine Paunov

Lisa Culberson

and Matt Wood took the stage. They were able to retake their undefeated streak and accomplish what hasn’t been done in years.

For the past 5 years, Coach Zach Sechrist has coached the JV team. As far as changes in the program for JV training, Coach Sechrist says that he “didn’t necessarily change anything.” But Coach Sechrist did promise no team would outwork them.

Of course everyone on the team feels

Olivier Family

Key Club is one of the largest and oldest clubs for high school students. Gittens was even a part of the club when he attended school. “Being part of the Key Club gives you a lot of opportunities and it’s great to be a part of it,” said Gittens.

Despite the bad reputation Key Club has, they have done a lot to help people.

“We participated in a lot of fundraisers and food drives to help the less fortunate kids,” Gittens said.

Money that is raised also goes toward helping the school pay for other community events like Relay For Life and The Special Olympics. Toward the end of last year, it was announced to the members that it would be coming to an end.

Key Club participated in events such as the Spaghetti Fundraiser, did a car wash event, Special Olympics, Metropolitan Administration, Hope Children’s Home, Paint Your Heart Out, Coastal Clean Up, and Relay For Life out of which they took part in even after the

club had been cancelled. “We raised so much money to the point where I don’t remember how much we raised but I know for a fact we partook in a lot of events,” Gittens said.

Many of the Gaither clubs participated in the Relay For Life event last year. The event was held at Hillsborough High School.

“The presidents of the club, Carly Jacksec, and Daniel Martin, did their jobs well,” Gittens said. “But some of the members would do things like put others on blast for embarrassing things.”

Key Club was created as an alternative to succeed in the future, allowing students to help others and themselves.

“It does not matter if you are dark skinned, light skinned, tall, short, it doesn’t matter how you look. You didn’t have to be cool or beautiful, you just had to want to help people,” Gittens said.

“Don’t want to help? Key Club isn’t for you. Slacking off? Key Club isn’t for you.

We’re here to help and do it voluntarily.”

THE PONY EXPRESS

opinions Students Leave Lunch With Bad Taste OCTOBER 2014

The Pony Express Staff 2014-2015

3

Drake Wikstrom...........................Editor-in-Chief

Macie Rodriguez

Sabrina Olivier.................News/Features Editor

Public Relations

Sabrina Tam.........................Centerspread Editor

Lunches leave bad taste in more ways than one As students can tell, lunches have changed this school year, because Michelle Obama is encouraging her Healthy Plate Act. She believes that students should portion their meals with fruit, vegetable, protein, grain, and dairy. The school lunches have changed drastically. They are much more healthy and not as good of quality as students would hope. Last year, the lunches were always fully

Kayla Mutunhu..................Entertainment Editor Darrin Davis......................................Sports Editor Diego Uy.........................................Opinions Editor Michael Alpuin.............................Graphics Editor Claudine Dareus...............................Copy Editor David Mozembite..............................Staff Writer Shania Perez......................................Staff Writer Kiani Walman.....................................Staff Writer Emily Bayron......................................Staff Writer

cooked, and nothing was questionable and there were many different options to choose from to satisfy everybody’s liking.

It seems that the biggest problem for most students are the new cookies. This year’s cookies are made without sugar as opposed to last year’s cookies that people have been comparing them with. So, it makes them seem even worse than they are. Last year, students liked the cookies more because the chocolate was more melted, and the cookie was gooey and usually warm. Students don’t like the cookies this year because the chocolate isn’t as good and the cookies are just dry and tasteless.

The new lunches come with less food

now, because of how Michelle Obama says they should be portioned. For example, certain foods that come with chips or a side last year do not come with anything this year, and this does not satisfy everyone’s hunger.

The Gatorade has also changed. They are smaller now, but they also added more drink options. The drink options are flavored water, Gatorade, Pure Leaf Tea, IZZE, and normal water.

The Gatorade is in smaller bottles.

So as students can tell, lunches have reduced in quality and quantity.

Cookies are completely different and altogether, lunches have dropped in quality.

Jhonatan Da Silva............................Staff Writer Hanna Reasor....................................Staff Writer Nicole Mason.....................................Staff Writer Macie Rodriguez.......................Public Relations Ashley Lowe...............................................Advisor

Students debate about the obligation of Summer Reading assignment David Mozembite

The Pony Express is a student run newspaper published by the staff at Gaither High School, 16200 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL, 33618.

The opinions expressed in this publication are not those of the faculty or administration of Gaither High School, but of the newspaper staff and its editors.

Advertising rates are available upon request by calling (813) 9757340 ext. 254. Advertising which promotes illegal products under Florida law, opposes any religious views or is of any sensitive nature will not be tolerated.

The Pony Express welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to Gaither High School and its surrounding community. We also accept contributions from writers not associated or on the newspaper staff.

We reserve the right to edit all submissions for grammar, length, libelous statements and invasion of privacy. For any questions, comments or concerns, please contact Drake Wilkstrom in room 288.

Staff Writer

Students have a disdain for summer reading, and while students in AP/Honor English classes have to do it; students on the Regular level do not.

Every year, students enjoy the relaxing three months of summer. However, summer reading plagues their mind and ends their enjoyment as the new school year rolls into view. Students in Regular English were not required to do any reading, while students in the Honor and AP courses are required to. These are often books that not every student knows about, and the work assigned with the reading is something most students dread.

Freshmen had to read ‘Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie’, Sophomores ‘Fahrenheit 451’, for Juniors they read ‘The Things They Carried’ and three other books, and finally the Seniors had to read ‘How to Read Like a Professor’ and ‘Frankenstein’.

Many students tend to not like doing their summer homework, and because

of that, they often wait until the last minute to start and finish their assignment. One would imagine that there are often a lot of students that don’t even do it. According to English teacher Katherine Sinclair, “most students turn in the reading.”

That doesn’t mean all of them enjoy it. These books are not picked by how enjoyable they are, but for their relevance to the curriculum. For instance, the book ‘Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie’ deals with the idea of coming of age, something that is focused on during the entire year.

The sophomores had to read ‘Fahrenheit 451’, and a number of them thought the book was boring and uninteresting.

From sophomore Nicholas Armas, he said that he thought that the book was “so uninteresting, boring, and an antagonizing read”.

For those who are required to read the book for class and who want the good grade for their first quarter, the work associated with the book is fairly simple, and time consuming. There is

still the question, about why students in the Regular classes don’t have to do the simple work of summer reading like the students in AP/Honor classes.

There are two reasons why the students have to do the work, the first reason being that throughout the whole of the school’s history, Regular students never had to worry about summer reading books so no one has implemented Summer Reading books for Regular English, as of yet. The second reason is that it would require the cooperation of the school as a whole to make that decision as to whether or not to give Regular students Summer Reading. The current Department Head for English, Debra Dyal, has been trying to get all students in the school to start reading.

Of course not all students are on board with having Summer Reading. “I wouldn’t do it nor would I remember to do it,” said sophomore Diego Guzman.

This creates a new problem for teachers looking to make the reading universal throughout the school.

Student Perspectives How do students feel about being having to do the Summer Reading Assignment?

“Summer reading could be fun, but the books are boring. We shouldn’t be forced, but [to] sharpen our skills and [so] we have time over the break.”

Amy Lynch

Freshman

“The Summer reading is not fair because Summer is a time for living and we shouldn’t have any obligations. We find more students failing the first quarter because they are worth so many points and nobody is doing them.”

Tre Reynolds Sophomore

“Students shouldn’t be forced to do it because they don’t have the time for it. They are only set in place to keep students doing work.”

Claudia Torres Junior

“Summer reading assignments are a great way to get students back into the swing of things.

There are no down sides; they help students with learning for the new year. They prepare us for college.”

Lauren Campbell Senior

Compiled by Claudine Dareus

centerspread

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OCTOBER 2014

HALLOW Halloween brings out creativity in students and faculty

Every year Halloween comes and it’s a time for people to be someone other than themselves.

At the end of October, everyone’s creative side comes out and it results in ideas that they would have never thought of before. “[I would be] Pope Francis. He is one of the most recognizable figures in the world and I would be proud to imitate him,” said Assistant Principal Matthew Smith.

People all around the world get to express themselves in their own way. It’s the time of the year where most people look forward to dressing up.

Although some people don’t dress up as a character or figure anymore, they do when it comes to an event that they have to dress-up for. Trick-or-treating and costume parties require people to think about what they would want to be ahead of time.

“Possibly dressing up like a skeleton in one of my favorite music videos,” said sophomore Nicole Mason.

The most popular costumes of last year according to 247wallst. com are vampires, princesses, and witches because they are the most traditional costumes. With these costumes in mind, most people try to make it their own style.

“I would be Static Shock, grow muscles, and I would find someone to make me the suit, make sure I fit in it, and relearn my back flip,” said math teacher Luke Gittens.

Some people decide to just add a little spice to their costume in an effort to not deface the character. “[I would be a] Power Ranger. Add some of my flavor to it, different colors, jewelry, I’m going to make it like a thug Power Ranger,” said Junior Raheem Wilson.

One aspect people have in common is that they were not all prepared for Halloween. For most people they don’t start thinking about costumes until the week before. “[I would] Either be Jasmine or some type of witch. Generally I’m always a witch and I haven’t done a princess yet,”said Junior Adriana Formby-Fernandez.

Halloween comes around once a year and people like to take advantage of it.

Many people decide to be some of the same figures or characters, but they still include aspects pertaining to their own personality, in a way that doesn’t strip away the essence of the character.

Each year somehow people continue to conjure up new costume ideas for their annual party or event.

Story by Sheila-Alice Tayie

High School Students have mixed feelings on Tr

The transition into high school can be defining for how students decide to celebrate Halloween.

Halloween is around the corner and many students are celebrating in different ways. Parties, watching scary movies and other teenage activities are all a part of the holidays. Some also chose to go trick-or-treating.

Some students feel that they can never outgrow the tradition of trick-or-treating. ”The best part about Halloween is trick-or-treating and I will never be too old for it.” said freshman Ryan Nyugen.

This even pertains to upperclassmen.

“I will watch my favorite Halloween specials, carve pumpkins, and of course go trick-or-treating,”

said senior Melita Stutsman.

Students transitioning into high changed the way they celebrate Ha On the other hand, some stu they have outgrown the Halloween or treating and have moved on to th crowd. ”I plan on going to a Hallowe since Halloween is on a Friday. And trick-or-treating just isn’t as fun an more Kerstin Lee. The fun of Halloween does not one doesn’t go trick-or-treating, rat enced in a new, exciting way.

THE PONY EXPRESS

centerspread

WEEN 101 Halloween brings out the phobias in students, teachers Phobias are irrational fears that humans create in their minds and aren’t rationalized.

Different phobias, such as social phobias and specific phobias, can affect people in different ways. Social fears include anxiety or embarrassment over something public, and specific phobias are fears that are explicit, or straightforward.

It may not be every day that people realize their fears, but when they do, it can be overwhelming. Illogical fears can consume the brain and cause paranoia over almost anything.

Some people fear spiders, others fear heights. For Chemistry teacher Catherine Lee, it’s a little bit of both.

“I don’t like spiders and I don’t like heights. Spiders are creepy and have too many legs.

I just get [this weird] feeling in my tummy,” said Lee. Although spiders and heights are seemingly two of the most common phobias, there’s always that one phobia that is very rare.

Senior Austin George has one of those rare phobias. “[I’m afraid] of alligators because they’re dinosaurs that are still alive,” said George.

Phobias tend to have long names that are difficult to pronounce, but one fear that is the easiest to remember is claustrophobia, the fear of being in small, tight spaces.

“I don’t like being in tight spaces because it makes me feel queasy,” said Assistant Principal Rory Beauford.

Claustrophobia is among many of the most well-known

Photo Courtesy of www.123rf.com

Compiled by Sabrina Tam, Michael Alpuin and Diego Uy

rick-or-Treating

h school haven’t alloween. udents feel that festivities of trick hings for the older

een party especially d now that I’m older nymore,” said sopho-

have to be lost when ther, it can be experi-

For the students that have ditched trick or treating alternatives are events such as Howl-O-Scream.

Some teens in high school feel they are too old to be trick-or-treating. When the people passing out candy are intimidated just by the mere size of the trick-or-treaters, they feel that it’s time to take off the costume and call it a night. They feel that no longer at the age when going door-to-door is acceptable. The only time some high school students feel they should handle candy is if they have younger siblings they take out or if they want to pass it out at their homes.

While others don’t participate in any activities for Halloween. ” I won’t be doing anything, I just don’t see the big deal about Halloween.” said junior Isiah Thomas.

Some students would agree that for them Halloween is just another day of the year.

Story by Claudine Dareus

fears. According to www.minnesota.cbslocal.com, about 12 percent of the American population is claustrophobic. Some people are born fearful, and when that’s combined with small spaces, it can create a lifelong fear.

In modern day, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with the constant rapid updates on technology. A survey on dailymail.co.uk shows that the biggest fear in the world as of 2012 was nomophobia—the fear of being without one’s cellphone. Young adults appear to be the main group having a problem putting their phone down, and the percentage has only increased over the years.

Ten of the most common phobias consist of spiders, snakes, heights, lightning, needles and social situations. As humans, it is completely normal to be embarrassed, but it doesn’t seem as normal to some people who have social phobias.

“I’m scared of embarrassing myself in front of the school and failing my classes,” said freshman Tatianna Rosario.

Like most high school students, embarrassing oneself among many others is insanely dreadful.

Over time, new, stranger phobias find their way into the mainstream and more people find something to be worried about.

Phobias link back to psychology. It’s what is in one’s mind that causes one to fear something. One terrifying experience can lead to a life long irrational fear. People should remember that sometimes, something isn’t as bad as one’s mind makes it out to be.

Story by Kayla Mutunhu

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arts & entertainment

OCTOBER 2014

TV Shows

Walking Dead comes back with a bang One of TV’s most popular fictional shows returns to AMC just in time for Halloween Kayla Mutunhu

Entertainment Editor Season 4 of The Walking Dead was highly anticipated by many fans, and did not disappoint.

Since the first episode of the season, viewers have been attached to their TV screen, clawing for more.

Some may say that the season passed by slow—little action, too much emotion. But in reality, season 4 was the epitome of what a zombie apocalypse would be like, especially in the season finale.

The premiere episode, “30 Days Without an Accident,” spread suspense all over the country. The whole episode focuses on how the main characters cope with the insanity of an apocalypse.

After the governor was reintroduced in the mid-season finale, excitement rushed through the minds of the viewers as Michonne struck her blade through his guts.

When the show returned Feb. 9, many supporters of the show gathered around their televisions and paid close attention to every last detail. In the premiere, Rick’s weary, bloody face exhibited the struggle of the war against the Governor.

Episode 14, “The Grove”, brought

on major emotions. Reintroduced character Carol tries to explain to a young child, Lizzie, that the ‘walkers’ are no longer humans—just rotting flesh. Lizzie can’t quite comprehend and tries to prove that walkers are humans too.

Lizzie does something completely inconceivable, which leads Carol and Tyreese to make a hard choice. Carol takes Lizzie out to a field and tells her to ‘look at the flowers’ while she puts Lizzie to rest, and only for a good reason.

At this point, all main characters have seen the signs and they’re all heading in one direction—Terminus.

Terminus is promised to be a safe haven, where kids can run free, and adults can sit back and relax.

Rick bites the offenders’ throat, ripping it out until the blood and veins come out, shocking the audience.

They head to Terminus, expecting it to be everything promised, and it almost is. Then things start to take a turn for the worse when Rick sees one of the guys holding a watch that used to belong to Herschel.

Things get bad, and a fight breaks out. Daryl, Rick, Michonne and Carl are sent into a dark trailer where they meet up with Glenn and Maggie. The episode ends with Rick looking tired and upset.

The show returned Oct. 12th and

left viewers gasping for more. After many months off air, television’s number one show came in swinging.

Viewers took to social media to talk about the action packed episode. Season 5 seems promising, considering there may be a cure to the zombie disease.

The show is televised every Sunday night at 9 p.m., followed by ‘Talking Dead’, a show that talks about the previous episode, and also includes scenes from the next episode.

If there’s anything viewers learn from the show, it’s that The Walking Dead has definitely made a point that things get worse before they get better.

The most anxious part of the finale was when Rick and Michonne were held at gunpoint and Carl was being beaten up by a group of guys Daryl joined. When Daryl tries to convince his group by saying that ‘they’re good people’, the fight begins.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Rick is being punched and kicked by the ringleader of the group while Michonne is trying to fight another guy and Carl is being beaten up by another.

That’s when Rick has the last straw.

The guy destroying Rick pulls him in close and asks him if he’s had enough, and that’s when Rick does the unthinkable.

Source: www.seriesubthai.com

American Horror Story gets “freaky” Horror show makes a huge come back, levels up on weird, draws viewers into its creepy web

Event Calendar • Nov. 1 - Wiz Khalifa, USF Sun Dome, 7 p.m.

•Nov. 16 - Real Friends at the Orpheum, 7 p.m.

•Dec. 4 - Hot Topic Presents Black Veil Brides, 6 p.m.

•Dec. 11 - Issues at State Theater, 6:30 p.m.

• Dec. 13 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Amalie Arena, 3 p.m.

• Dec. 14 - Usher, Amalie Arena, 7:30 p.m.

• Dec. 22 - 93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball, Amalie Arena, 7:30 p.m.

Hannah Reasor

Staff Writer It’s October, which means it’s time for the biggest fear-fest show on television: American Horror Story.

In the past season, American Horror Story: Coven, viewers found themselves in the heart of the Louisiana voodoo country where viewers followed the characters through bat-crazy witches, boarding schools for children who are witches, and even more witches.

But what made this past season so interesting was that each witch had a different power in which they could harm people with. Zoe, played

by Taissa Farmiga, had the power to cause certain death to people, while her friend Madison, played by Emma Roberts, could move things with her mind, thus using that to hurt people.

As always, the show starts off with things being fine and wonderful, but with the right suspicions, things start to fall apart. This past season had the right balance between flashbacks and present to keep one intrigued enough to still watch every Wednesday, and it sure didn’t lack great acting.

This past season, however, was still missing the right plot push to

keep things in line. The show is meant to be off-kilter but there seemed to be a lack of flair in the story of Coven. Viewers are anticipating that flair will come back in Freak Show.

People responded immediately to American Horror Story: Murder House (season one of the show) with a huge interest and fan base. The concept of the show was so new and intriguing that people latched onto the characters and followed them through. With Violet, played by Farmiga and Tate, played by Evan Peters, their forbidden love for each other and all the weird events that happened to their families and friends, people couldn’t stop watching.

That interest was only at its peak when American Horror Story: Asylum was released a year later as the second season to the show. The season centered on a mental institution in the 1960s in which religion was predominant in the cure of mental illness. A whole new set of characters played by the same people from season one, people began to form a new set of ideas and thoughts for this season as well.

What was really great to see come back in the third season for viewers that hadn’t been there in the second season was the Romeo and Juliet type love story. In the first season, Murder House, there was Violet and Tate,

while in Coven, there is Zoe and Kyle, played by Peters.

“After watching all the last three seasons on Netflix over the summer, I’m so excited for the upcoming one.

I really have no idea what to expect, but I hope it’s a lot more scary and suspenseful,” said senior Laura Jaramillo.

This season will be set in Jupiter, FL in 1952. The season will focus on one of the only remaining freak shows left at that time and how each of the members fight to preserve it against the evil forces around them.

Among those evil forces will be, power-hungry outsiders creeping into the “freak show” tent for their own freak shows.

This upcoming season will fittingly be called “Freak Show”.

Almost all of the actors from the previous season will be returning for the fourth season. The biggest loss this upcoming season will be that of Farmiga. Considering she was one of the biggest characters for both the first and third season.

Despite it’s loss in some characters, the show is making a huge comeback and gaining many new fans. The show made it’s way back to television on Wednesday Oct. 8th, leaving viewers clawing for more.

THE PONY EXPRESS

arts & entertainment

Festivities

7

Howl-O-Scream comes back with twice the fright Howl-O-Scream returns, bringing horror back into the bay area, becoming a huge attraction Sabrina Olivier

Features Editor Celebrating their fifteenth year anniversary, Busch Gardens’ HowlO-Scream has begun again with a brand new theme, new houses and more to keep people on their toes in fear of what’s to come from the moment they enter the attraction.

houses, but mostly the Zombie Containment Unit one because that’s what everybody keeps talking about.”

This year at Howl-O-Scream there will be 8 haunted houses located throughout Busch Gardens. Zombie Containment Unit 15 and Dead Fall are

both brand new houses that guests will be allowed to experience this year.

In Zombie Containment Unit 15, guests are allowed to be a part of the action where they’ll be handed a gun and are supposed to shoot the savage zombies that escaped their ‘contain-

One of many masterminds behind Howl-O-Scream is creative director Scott Swenson who has been a part of the event since the very beginning and hopes to exceed people’s expectations each year.

“We start planning these things an entire year in advance so there is a lot that goes into what we do and we really hope, and expect, to get people leaving scared and overall satisfied with their time here,” said Swenson.

A house that was well-known last year for its uniqueness that has returned was one called The Experiment. Instead of the typical clowns and zombies, this house tests people’s mental fear, literally. Guests are allowed to get a hands-on experience with snakes, bugs, total darkness and more in eight different rooms with eight different tasks. To experience this house guests have to make a reservation Online prior to coming to Howl-O-Scream.

“I have a feeling that this year will be better than the ones in the past,” said senior Marcus Macias. “The song in the commercial just makes it seems so creepy, so I’m really excited and anxious to go this year.”

Scare zones, most of Busch Gardens’ rides and Howl-O-Scream’s show Fiends will all still be continued this year as well but, Nevermore and Ultimate Gamble: Reversal of Fortune, two of the haunted houses from last year, will not be part of this year’s event.

This year’s theme for the event is Cursed where visitors enter and hear a song and become cursed. After having heard this song, they’re faced with the challenge of having to survive the night to break the curse or do the opposite and spread the curse to others.

“I’ve never been before [to Howl-OScream] because I’m terrified of the ‘horror’ side of Halloween but I might go this year with a group of friends,” said sophomore Jeanelly Torres. “I’m really looking forward to the haunted

ment unit’ and are in search of flesh to feast on. Dead Fall is more of a paranormal story where the story is set in a Victorian house in New Orleans and ghosts are still lurking and looking to find permanent residents to become a part of their home.

Kiani Walman/ Pony Express

Howl-O-Scream will be open every Thursday through Saturday night in October and its last night will be Saturday, Nov. 1. The hours of operation are from 7:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. each night. Tickets and packages can be purchased online at seaworldparks.com/ Howl-O-Scream or at Busch Gardens.

student spotlight

8

OCTOBER 2014

Performer uses music as an emotional escape

Student turns inspiration into income

Senior Casey Little plays his meaningful music at local joints

Sophomore Eliza Stoney sings publicly and gets paid to do what she loves

Diego Uy

opinions editor Senior, Casey Little is a performing musician, faces the music industry by writing his experience driven music and having frequent performances at local joints; International House of Boba, Sam Ash, and even Sacred Grounds.

At local open-mic joints, one would most likely find Casey Little waiting to sing.

“Like Ed Sheeran and Passenger,” Little says, “Folk–pop like, sometimes some folk–punk.”

Little’s lyrics exist on wide spectrums that are based on his experiences, yet they are abundant with remorse and/or bad-fortune.

In his song, ‘Sticks and Stones’ he contradicts the idea of the well-known saying: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” by stating that sticks and stones don’t hurt him, yet the words people say stick in his head and tear him down. “I play guitar to inspire people to find outlets for their strong emotions,” Little said.

Little’s main performance is with Aaron Matos, a six–year cellist that is familiar with performing and has been for three years.

“We’ve been playing together for about one year.” Matos explains. “We perform together once every two to three months at Sacred Grounds.”

One could watch the duo perform at various locations locally.

“They seem to go somewhere out there, whenever they play together,” orchestra, guitar and Starette teacher Andrea Szarowicz said.

On any occasion, Little and Matos harmonize and work together with ease.

“Casey’s good at making music on the spot,” Szarowicz said.

Rather recently, Little and Matos performed in a concert that featured local artists in Ybor’s Orpheum.

His set consisted of a song called ‘Sand Castles’ he also has a song based on rainbows “I made this song during a sound-

check. They told me to sing about rainbows, but I hate rainbows.” Little explains. Then, a tribute song: ‘Punk Enough For You’ a song for a local artist that predominantly plays punk music.

Little frequently interacts with the audience, and slowly becomes comfortable into his playing as he initially was nervous, he admitted after his performances.

He also performs a song about a friend of his that is addicted to drugs.

“This song makes you cry,” Little told the audience before playing.

Little plans to continue his ways and wants to stay on this musical road.

“Being a sound engineer and a musician. Then when I retire, I want to have my own guitar shop.”

Little has been devoted to his music since he was 12.

Michael Alpuin/ Pony Express

Kayla Mutunhu

entertainment editor

For some teenagers, sports or art may be their after school hobbies, but for Sophomore Eliza Stoney, singing is everything.

At a young age, Stoney was inspired to start singing by her father. Coming from a very musically involved family, it’s no wonder the teenager adores singing.

“My dad inspires me [the most] because I’ve been around him [making] music since I was little,” said Stoney.

She’s been singing for as long as she can remember, and she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Music today has become a large part of society. Whether it’s singing, making music or listening to music—teenagers everywhere are engaging in the phenomenon.

In fact, Stoney has considered music to be something that is very normal to her. In the future, she hopes to pursue her musical career and fulfill her dreams of becoming a professional singer. “[Singing has] always been something that I’ve enjoyed doing and it is something that comes very natural to me,” said Stoney.

Not only does she cover different songs, she also covers a variety of genres.

Stoney enjoys all genres of music, but opera is one she hasn’t become quite fond of yet.

Other than singing at school, Stoney has managed to expand her career outwards by performing live at clubs and restaurants. The teen is leaving her mark in many places, while also having a great time.

“I do paying shows at a couple different places in St. Pete, Harbor Island and Gibsinton,” said Stoney.

In the future, Stoney plans on taking on singing as a career.

Her support system includes many close family and friends. Stoney’s friends always have her back and calm her nerves whenever she goes live.

“I think it’s great that she does what she loves. I’ve been to most of [her shows].” said Sophomore Chelsey Was-

mund.

Through singing, Stoney hopes to make people happy and become more connected with music. Like a professional, the teen manages to balance her school work with singing. However, Stoney still does well in school along with doing something she loves.

Along with many other teenagers, Stoney has developed a strong love for music and it has changed her life in some of the greatest ways possible. “[Singing] makes me feel amazing because music is something that makes people feel so many different emotions.

It connects people from all around the world,” said Stoney.

Stoney’s passion and love for singing shows how much the form of musical art means to her.

Music is and always will be a huge part in Stoney’s life. Singing is her passion, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Photo courtesy of Eliza Stoney

Ten things to do on the day of a big game It’s Fall and the football season is well in stride. One thing that makes a high school career a lot of fun and builds school spirit is attending a football game. Every time the team has a home game, they expect a rowdy student section. These ten things will help one survive a trip into the stadium known as “Death Valley” **Fuel Up – During the football game, nobody wants to have to lose their spot in the school’s famous student section known as The Turn Up Squad; so save the walk to the concession stand and have some home-made sandwiches or snacks.

With the amount of fast food restaurants nearby, choices aren’t scarce, so stop on the way to the game and have a meal with some friends in the parking lot. **Hydrate – The Florida weather can be a killer during football season, so to

prevent any dehydration or even a heat stroke, get some fluids from the concession stand, or throw back a Gatorade during lunch.

**Dress Accordingly – Every home game has a theme when it comes to the dress code. Whether the theme is a pink out or a glow out, all possible clothing items should follow suit. Listen around and check Twitter for the theme of the game. **Be Ready For Loud Noise – Whether it be the traditional drum line march through the lunch room or the screaming fans late in the fourth quarter, prepare for the volume changes on Friday. **Know The Enemy – Be educated about the game. One needs to know who the team plays, what impact the game will have on the season, and the other team’s weak spots. All of this information will help create the right mentality going into the game. If the rivals are in town, a student’s goal is to let them know why teams

hate to play in Death Valley. Knowing their weaknesses will make it easier to know what to watch for from the team. A bad pass defense will lead to expectations of huge gains through the air. **Warm Up The Voice – As a student attending a football game, one is expected to be as loud as possible, so do whatever it takes to be ready to yell for touchdowns, field goals, sacks, or interceptions. **Learn The Chants – Ask someone who has attended multiple games to explain the chants. If a crowd member yells “GHS,” and the rest of the students respond with “what?” It is not because the students are hard–of–hearing, it is a catchy back and forth chant. **Bring A Phone With A Camera – Even though this sounds simple, it may be the most important. Pictures and videos create memories of the atmosphere. Also, pictures and videos that get posted on certain social media sites could help in-

crease the popularity of the school and it’s student section. So take as many pictures as possible and share away. **Be Early – Finding a spot in the student section can be difficult, considering that all of the loudest students try to squeeze into one section of the stadium.

Arrive early and get good seats. Even though most students will be standing the entire game, personal positioning in the crowd can lead to a whole new experience at the game. **COWBOY UP– Last but not least, “cowboy up” simply means to show as much spirit as one possibly can. This can be done by accepting the traditional body paint before going in the stadium, wearing clothing that represents the team or school, or buying a tattoo from a cheerleader and putting it somewhere visible. If all else fails, find a cowboy hat and some jeans to wear. The main goal is to show how much a student love being a Cowboy and supporting the team.

Compiled By Drake Wikstrom