Predator - April 2013 by Wharton High School - Predator Newspaper

PREDATOR PAUL R. WHARTON HIGH SCHOOL

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facebook.com/WHSThePredator

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647

Apr. 11, 2013

Volume 16 Issue 4

INSIDE

Taste of New Tampa 3. 1.

Variety is the spice of life in local restaurants

1. Chase Litton, junior, and senior CJ McGill take a break after reffing the first quarter.

HEALTH

2. D’marcus Loya, sophomore, attempts to woo the crowd with an intricate dance routine during halftime.

Pages 10 & 11

3. Assistant Principal Kedric Harris prepares to take a free throw

OPINION

Photos by • terry sollazzo SCHOOL SHOWDOWN - 4. Seniors Kelsey Taveras, Nick Rogers, Naresh Parwani and Nick Siciliano strategize as they await to check in the game. 5. Juniors Scott Sollazzo and Thomas Tonelli coach the student team into a 22-7 lead in the first quarter as junior Alex Montgomery keeps players hydrated. 6. Seniors Chase Beale, Stewart Simms, and Brant Wickersham entertain the crowd by cheering on the student players.

Teachers school students once again By nikki morse

co-sports editor

Are hipsters too mainstream? Page 12

AUTOMOTIVE

Keeping responsibility high to keep insurance rates low. Page 17

SPORTS

Senior Britainy Smith leaps to victory. Page 20

What started out as a friendly student-faculty basketball game turned into a blood bath of sorts tipped in the teachers’ favor, Friday, March 8. With what some consider an unfair referee and the game ending with senior Devon Mitchell’s torn lateral collateral ligament, the game resulted in another teacher victory, 44-41, and some unsettled students. At 1:28 pm the student body, who had purchased March Madness bracelets from SGA, filed into the gym for the festivities. The crowd’s energy bounced off the walls as students and faculty took their seats in the bleachers while the opposing teams warmed up. Ashlee Cappucci, HOPE coach and one of the three women playing for the faculty, looked around as the gym filled to almost capacity with about 2000 people in attendance. “I was thinking, ‘They’re big. It’s going to be tough. We’re probably going to lose.’ I thought they would be tough competition and they were,” Cappucci said. “And it was fun being a girl on the team. At least we got a lot of playing time.” Nick Siciliano, junior guard, sank the opening 3-pointer for the students. Minutes later, Kedric Harris, AP of student affairs, returned with the first bas-

ket for teachers. Nick Rogers, senior guard, was a powerhouse player for the students, firing off three 3 pointers and two lay-ups in the first quarter alone. Harris scored the next two baskets for the teachers. With the first quarter ending 22-7 and the students ahead, the game looked promising for the students. However, many fans felt the teachers threw elbows and the referees seemingly turned a blind eye. Student fans complained that the student players were called for even t h e smallest infract i o n . M a n y students noticed this and were upset. “[The r e f ’ s calls] were garbage. I didn’t know what he was doing. We were getting hacked and kids were getting hurt so I think he should’ve called against the teachers a little more. Somebody who knew how to ref would’ve been better. The main ref, the old guy, told Chase (Litton) and CJ (McGill) to just follow his lead so basically any call they gave he would just overturn. He was definitely calling for the teachers,” Siciliano said. The second quarter began

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with Ronnie Outen, a regular substitute teacher on campus, making the first 3 pointer for the teachers. The students hit a minor roadblock, missing every attempted shot at the net. The teachers sank basket after basket, catching the students in a lack of focus and rolled into half time with a tie at 22-22. Meagan Bell, sophomore, said, “I thought the game was pretty funny. The crowd was going wild and the teachers would trip and fall. I honestly thought the faculty would w i n . Going i n t o halftime I was just thinki n g -Gabriel Agelan a b o u t the stusenior d e n t s a n d teachers running around looking crazy.” As the third quarter played out, Gabriel Agelan, senior, scored a 3-pointer and Tommy Tonelli, guidance counselor and varsity basketball coach, responded with a 3-pointer, bringing the teachers to lead 27-25. When Tonelli scored his second 3-pointer, Agelan again reciprocated, bringing the score to 34-30. The teachers were still in the lead. Before the start of the fourth

In the beginning we were laughing but at the end they showed us.

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Sharing not caring: How genrosity can be gross Page 9

and final quarter with minutes on the clock, the students were trailing by 5. Agelan said, “I was just confident. We were down so I wanted us to step up and get the win. All of us were just trying to get pumped up and win the gamethe teachers really good. In the beginning we were laughing but at the end they showed us.” The buzzer sounded and the crowd roared, cheering the students on to strive for a win in the final quarter. As the minutes ticked off, the students proved to be cracking under the pressure. Guard Vernon Hargreaves made yet another botched attempt at a dunk and Sicilano got pummeled into the court as Alex Harris, field event track coach, jumped over him to dunk the ball, sending the crowd into frenzy. In the final moments, Mitchell made a break down court and suddenly collapsed where remained on the ground with a minor torn LCL as 3 p.m. rolled around and students headed for the doors. Teachers and faculty members assisted Mitchell to the locker room while the bleachers cleared. In the end, the teachers held off the students’ attempts at a comeback. The game ended with a teacher victory, 44-41 (leaving their record at 15 wins and 1 loss), a rolled ankle for Rogers and an injured Mitchell, who stayed out of commission for approximately two weeks.

news

Apr. 11, 2013

Predator

Boy Scouts postpone, reschedule decision to accept openly homosexual members By haley gonzalez online editor-in-chief/news editor

n January, the Boy Scouts of America announced that they were reconsidering the ban on openly homosexual membership. Homosexuals had previously not been permitted due to their inability to abide by the Scout Law. “He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion,” the Scout Oath, written in 1911, states. The previous discrimination against homosexual membership was tried in the Supreme Court in 2000 in the Boy Scouts of America v. Dale case. The court ruled that the Boy Scouts of America, alike all private organizations, has the constitutional right under the First Amendment to set membership standards. Membership standards and written laws have been edited since the first draft in 1911. The new scout oath states, “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, to obey the Scout Law, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and

illustration by • carin coursey morally straight.” On Jan. 30, 2013, the Boy Scouts of America stated that they were postponing their final decision on the controversial issue until May 2013.

Many are opposed to the change due to the constant role of religion in the organization. More than 70 percent of the scout units across the country are sponsored by religious orga-

nizations. People also believe that a policy intact for over 100 years should not be changed due to the recent desire of homosexuals to join the organization. However, in a recent survey conducted by Boy Scouts of America, only 8 percent of Boy Scouts and parents w h o t o o k t h e surv e y s a i d t h a t the gay ban negatively affected their customer loyalty to Boy Scouts. Only a few hundred explicitly showed support for the gay ban. “That’s the problem with folks who are intervening on the other side of this issue. [The ban on gay Boy Scouts] isn’t about scouting to them. This is about their problem with gay people,” said Zach Whals, Eagle Scout, in an interview with Mother Jones. People open to the change explain that there is a decline in new Boy Scouts and that young boys should be taught to be tol-

erant, friendly and polite to all. “As a youth in scouting, I sat in tents during the night after lights out with my Catholic friends and my Protestant friends, and kids who were Armenian Orthodox or Greek Orthodox, and we would tell each other what it meant to us to be a member of our religious grouping and what t h e principles w e r e and what we were taught,” Jay L. Lenrow said in an interview with the New York Times. “What that led to is, first of all, an understanding of what made my friends tick, and second of all, an appreciation for their feelings and their religious beliefs.” As stated in the fourth Scout Law, “A scout is friendly: He is a friend to all and a brother to every other scout.“ Despite the opposing and controversial viewpoints, Scouts continue to strive for what they believe is right.

news

Predator

Apr. 11, 2013

No more Pony Express on Saturdays By Madison giarrizzo Staff Writer

Photo Illustration • Alex MOntgomery You got mail - The U.S. Postal service has officially announced that, starting Aug. 5, there will be no letter mail service on Saturdays. Though this may be an inconvience to many, it will save the USPS about $2 billion annually.

Forms of Mail Service Carrier pigeons were used during war time as means of communication during WW I and WW II. They can carry up tp 75g of weight.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced Feb. 6, that it will no longer deliver mail on Saturdays, but continue to deliver packages six days a week. This will go into effect on Aug. 5 of this year and is estimated to save the USPS $2 billion annually. Last year alone the USPS had $15.9 billion in financial losses. With mostly everything online now, the need to mail constantly is becoming obsolete. While package delivery is up 14 percent since 2010, letter delivery has dropped 20 percent. “I don’t like the cuts, and I wish they would keep delivery,” said Terry Roberts, math teacher. “But I understand why with all the budget cuts, we just don’t have the money we used to.” The USPS has been cutting losses over the past few years due to the extreme debt. All hours were dramatically cut, workers were laid-off and deliveries contracted out to private companies. “I’d heard about the changes, and I suppose they will force a shift on people’s usual customs and might be an inconvenience

from certain points of view,” said Laura Matos, senior. The decision to stop letter delivery on Saturdays has drawn criticism from postal unions and private citizens alike. “It would suck. Say my grandma wants to send me a birthday card and my birthday lands on a Saturday,” said Aaliyah Haynes, junior. “I wouldn’t get it ‘til Monday and that would make me feel forgotten.” Even though the proposed stop of delivery would seem to upset most, the USPS is in desperate need of a break. In 2008, the net loss (in billions) was $2.8 and the loss has increased significantly to $15.9 in 2012. The revenue was down to $65.2 in 2012, compared to 2008 where the revenue was $74.9. To gain some of the revenue back, the USPS along with the proposed cuts, raised the cost of the stamp to 46 cents. Despite local protests to the cuts, in a poll put out last year by the New York Times/CBS News, seven out of 10 Americans favor the change in order to help the USPS deal with the billions of dollars of debt. “I am sure there are reasons for proposing such changes and I don’t want to condemn it just yet,” said Matos.

This was the fastest mode of communication from St. Joseph, Mo. to Sacremento, Calif. It took 10 days to cross the trail during the summer. Approximatley 400 horses were used. SOURCE: Wikipedia.com

Infographic by Manal Benyamine

Colleges consider allowing pets in dorms By Cathy Pahl Staff Writer Everything’s packed to go. Bed sheets, clothes, books, and the much needed toiletry items. But the one thing you really want to bring, your beloved pet cat or dog, must stay home. But what if there were a way the pet could also make its way into college life? Well for some colleges across the nation pet acceptance is becoming a norm. “I think bringing pets should be allowed, it would make the move away from home easier,” Kiana Outen, junior, said. Pet-friendly dorm rooms have been recently created in many colleges and universities all over the United States. The first of the many newly developed dorms was at St. Pete’s Eckerd College. “I would bring a small pet, like a hamster,” Outen said. The dorms at Eckerd College allow any pet ranging from dogs forty pounds and under, all the way to rats, fish and non-venomous snakes. All you have to do is have a pet one year or older and register your pet with the Eckerd College Pet Council. The pet will even receive an Eckerd College ID

tag. “ID tags are smart because they help track the pet back to the owner,” Natalie Santoro, junior, said. “It could really help if a pet got lost or went missing.” In Florida there are two wellknown colleges that allow pets in their dorm rooms, Stetson University and Eckerd College. Unlike Eckerd College; Stetson students must keep their animals under 30 pounds, but this university offers other things for pets of students including an on-campus dog park. These pet-friendly colleges are not just limited to Florida either; prestigious technological schools are also allowing their students to bring pets. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as well as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) began allowing animals as well, but their policies are a little different. They are “cat friendly” institutions, only allowing cats to be housed by students. At MIT, as long as your roommates, suitemates, and the residential board approve, you are good to go. Each owner is allowed one cat that is updated with vaccines

and has proper identification. At Caltech there are quite a few precautionary measures before being able to invite the cat to live with you. These restrictions include necessity to spay or neuter the cats living in the dorm, there may only be two cats per dorm room and cats are restricted to only their dorms and alleys. “They are acceptable [rules] since it keeps issues to a minimal,” Carlos Bautista, junior, said. Many of the pet-friendly colleges have even come up with clubs for their pet-loving attendees. At Caltech they created a club called CAT, or The Caltech Animal Team. This club gets involved by devoting time to homeless or abandoned animals. “Pets would make students feel less lonely,” Outen said. “It increases responsibility and makes them happier.” If a college you are considering does not allow pets, there steps that you can take to keep your pet separation anxiety to a minimum including skyping your pet or calling them. “I’ll be upset to leave, but I know on vacation or breaks I’ll see them again,” Bautista said.

Illustration • CArin Coursey

Apr. 11, 2013

school news

Predator

Administration pitches cellphone use cause we don’t have access to a dictionary. We can also use it as a calculator if we forgot ours,” Monica Moore, junior, said. “It’s t the beginning of the another tool.” If used educationally, this year, administrators proposed permitting amazing piece of technology classroom cell phone could help students broaden usage to Area Director George their knowledge and better their Gaffney as means to help en- educational career. “We use [cell phones] for onhance learning. It is still being determined as to whether or not the-spot research all the time, all the time. The technology we the proposal will go into effect. Kevin Stephenson, assistant have to use in classrooms now is principal for curriculum, said, clunky, outdated. What we own “I saw a Spanish teacher from is fast, available and should be another school, and the students used,” Jodi D’Agostino, English went out in the hall with their teacher, said. In some classes, information cell phones and took pictures. They had to write captions for can be researched on a computer for the the pictures assignments at in Spanish, so the cell “We can find definitions of hand. Howevphones were words we might not know er, if the computer starts a good tool because we don’t have to have probfor that.” lems and does Instructors access to a dictionary.” not work, or if and adminthere are not istrators felt monica moore enough comphone usage could be more junior puters for each student, then a or less benefiproblem starts cial in certain classes. In an English class, for to arise; who gets a computer example, being able to look up and who does not? Nowadays, larger vocabulary or to research many cell phones have Internet an essay topic is a plus. Students access. A substitute computer could further their knowledge – a cell phone – could be beneficial to those students without in a positive way. “We can find definitions of computer access in the classwords we might not know be- room.

By allie boucher Staff Writer

Photo ILLUSTRATION • Scott sollazzo Technological advantage - Seniors Micah Warren and Jack Lange and junior Thomas Tonelli use the Internet and other research sources on their phones for assistance with their classwork. At the beginning of the school year, the allowance of cellphones in class for research was addressed to Area Director George Gaffney.

Francie Roderick, assistant teacher of technology, said, “If there aren’t enough computers in a class, or any computers at all, cell phones could be the biggest benefit of all for learning.” It’s up to the teachers to enforce the educational importance of cell phones in class; students must respect the rule and

the possible punishments that could come with abusing the use of cell phones. Though it has the possibility of being a distraction, many believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. “Teachers could be flexible with technology in the classroom. It’s up to each teacher, and how they see fit,” Stephen-

son said. One thing is for certain: Technology of this age is far too advanced to not use it to our advantage. And as useful as it is now, techonology still has the chance of growing. “You don’t fight technology in a technological world,” D’Agostino said.

Dual enrollment offers promising future rollment. I think that it’s a great opportunity to get free college credit,” Urban said. “It’s also a good way to sort of get a look into what going to college will be like.” There are a variety of classes to take through the dual enrollment program. “I took college algebra and English 2 last semester. This semester I am taking statistics and introduction to philosophy,” Urban said. Many students are not aware that dual enrolling exists or exactly what it entails. Some have even heard about what a pain it can be or that it is only for “smart people.” “I know a lot of people that take advantage of the dual en-

an AP class and dual-enrolling. “Unlike AP, you will be guarStaff Writer anteed college credit if you pass the course,” Assistant Principal ual enrollment has for Curriculum Kevin Stephenrecently been on son said. “The downside is that the tip of everyone’s if you don’t have a good grade, tongues, but so many it will follow you on your colare ill-informed or confused as lege transcript.” to what dual enrollment is. “Having an extra class may In a dual enrollment class, take up your time for extra-curstudents come to high school ricular activities, or it may simas they normally would, but ple be too stressful for you. The also go to college to take college grades you earn in these classes credit classes or they can also are very important. choose to take a dual enrollment “Before you decide to to class on Wharton’s campus. take dual enrollment class“Yes, I have heard of dual es, make sure you have preenrollment. It is where a high pared yourself for a college school student takes college class as much as possible,” classes at an actual college, like Jessica Wagner, senior, said. USF or HCC,” Kelly Urban, seWhether you want to particinior, said. pate in dual enrollment This is a comfor time-management, Requirements for Dual Enrollment mon misconcepfree college credit(s), bettion. ter teachers, or simply “On campus, for the experience, you • 3.0 Unweighted GPA we offer college should take into considalgebra, calculus eration all of the benefits • 440 SAT Critical Reading for business and and drawbacks of the proScore constitutional law. gram. Other dual enroll“It can be hard. The ment would be teachers aren’t going to • 500+ SAT Math Score done at an HCC coddle you like they do in campus,” Cindy high school. Driving back Rogers, guidance and forth to and from department head, campus takes a lot of gas said. and time as well,” Urban The dual enrollment program rollment program—they seem said. has become popular for high to like their courses and can “You have an opportunity to acknowledge that it is cost-effi- get a head start on your college school seniors. They can decide to take fun cient and speeds up their college courses, and universities love classes at high school and the careers so they can start their to see dual enrollment on tranlast remaining academic cred- lives faster than someone who scripts,” Taylor said. its that they need to graduate doesn’t take dual enrollment “There are many benefits to at a local college such as Hills- classes,” Jennifer Taylor, senior, taking dual enrollment classes. borough Community College said. “I’m dual enrolled, and I It gives you a head start and (HCC) or USF (University of think it is smart to do it. There’s helps prepare you for college. It South Florida) that supports the no reason not to.” is definitely a good idea for anyMany students wonder what one. It can also help you get colprogram. “I am currently doing dual en- the difference is between taking lege credits,” Wagner said.

By paige roderick

Photo by • peter andrew bosch /miami herald /mct double the knowledge - Senior Tiffany Pineda takes a class in Italian at Miami Dade College. Pineda, who is still in high school, is one of the many students who take college courses before graduation. Passing a dual enrollment course to earn college credit does not depend on earning a specific score on a test at the end of the year . However, Advanced Placement students must earn a specific score to earn college credit.

SCHOOL news

Predator

Apr. 11, 2013

Business Leaders bring home gold By Haley Gonzalez & Manal Benyamine Online Editor-in-Chief / News editor & Club Editor Sixty-three members, 50 competitors, 29 district winners, and the title of the top third chapter in Hillsborough County. These are the bragging rights of the Future Business Leaders of America. “The thing I find a success about FBLA is the level of involvement each student puts in and the sheer size to which we have grown,” senior Harold Shaw, FBLA president, said. This year 29 students are eligible to compete at the state convention in April. “It was really exciting and a lot of fun to see the students excited,” FBLA sponsor Annette Ficarrota said. “I was very proud of them because over 50 percent of those who participated placed.” To place in an FBLA competition, one must take a subjectbased test judged on speed and accuracy or a verbal competition in front of judges. These tests range in subjects from economics to public speaking to computer applications. On Jan. 29 students were FBLA District 8 winners. These winners include: seniors Anthony Mazzola, Kyle Brackman, Tyler Ulich, Hannah Hedriana, Jackson Fuchs and Harold Shaw;

Photo ILLUSTRATION by • Mariah henderson Getting the Gold - (Top Row) Kyle Brackman and Anthony Mazzola, seniors; (Bottom Row) Lily Tang, sophomore; Abdullah Arshad, junior; Tyler Ulich, senior; and Ali Gardezi, sophomore, show off their FBLA trophy from the most recent competition. juniors Abdullah Arshad, Sai Chelikano, Tori Maxwell and Edward Przybylko; and sophomores Lily Tang, Kennedy McCann, Daniel Matos and Ali Gardezi. These students placed

in the top three of each of their categories. “I feel really proud [that I did well], but, of course, there is always room for improvement,” McCann said. “Joining the club

early gives me the upper hand of learning the ropes and using it to my advantage for years to come.” Some students believe that preparation is key to success.

Brackman has tips about how to choose a subject and what to do to prepare before competing. “First, take a class that is in your subject. I’m taking economics so I chose to compete in the economics area. I’m also doing practice tests online,” Brackman said. Ficarrotta puts in lots of time and effort to help her members excel and develop skills for various business outlets. “Our sponsor puts a lot of time into the club and our futures,” Anthony Russian, senior FBLA member, said. Ficarrotta teaches her students basic business skills such as accounting and computer techniques. States will occur on Apr. 25-28 in Orlando where students will compete and participate in convention activities. In addition to the club being a fun, competitive way into the business world, it also helps prepare students for what is to come if they desire to pursue a career in business or use any of the skills applicable. “The benefit is right in the name ‘Future Business Leaders of America,’” McCann said. “How many opportunities in high school does the average student get to suit up and perform a speech about a highly complex political topic in front of experienced adults? It definitely gives me a taste of what my future holds.”

A family of winners...

Forensics finishes with five national qualifiers Marina Jankovic Staff Writer “Public speaking is a big deal in life. It really means a lot,” Kennedy McCann, sophomore, said. Just like public speaking is a big deal, so is the Forensics team, boasting five national qualifiers: Kayla Talebi, sophomore, Lincoln-Douglas Debate; Judelande Jeune, senior, Lincoln-Douglas Debate; Tyler Uhlich, senior, Duo Interpretation; Jake LoBianco, senior, Duo Interpretation; McCann, Oratorical Declamation, as well as a state semi-finalist, Ali Gardezi, sophomore, in Humorous Interpretation. Seven state runners-up in group interpretation (McCann, LoBianco, Uhlich, Alex Johncola, junior, Kyle Stanton, senior, Julian Baron-Clarke, senior, Sam Goetz, freshman) are also on the team. This year, the team has received the National Forensic League’s Leading Chapter Award for earning the most degrees in the district last year and has placed third in the district overall this year. There are three categories in which members Forensics members can compete: speech, debate and acting. Other events branch off from each category. In speech events, competitors write their own speech and present it or recite someone else’s. Debate events are held in

Photo Courtesy of • Jennifer Bell Speak your script - (Left to right) Alex Johncola, junior, Julian Baron-Clarke, senior, Kennedy McCann, sophomore, and Kyle Stanton, senior, perform “Scooby Doo: That’s Snow Ghost,” at a performance showcase. This team took second place at the Florida Forensics League Varsity State competition on March 2. either a student congress fashion, one-on-one, or two-on-two. There are numerous acting events, ranging from solo events to partner events to in a group. The club is coached by English teacher Jennifer Bell, who has been their sponsor for 12 years. “It’s honestly the best part of my job,” Bell said.

The Forensics team goes to 1518 competitions a year. The team spends lots of time together and start to form bonds. Being a part of the Forensics team gives a sense of family to many, which is an important factor for many teens. “People who don’t necessarily have a place to fit in, they fit in

with us,” Bell said. Being part of the Forensics team has many benefits. In addition to the family aspect, Forensics is a great extracurricular activity to put on applications and helps boost confidence and public speaking skills. “When people leave our program, regardless of how well

they may have done in competition, they will leave being able to speak in front of people,” Bell said. Over the Memorial Day weekend, Talebi, Jeune, Uhlich, LoBianco and McCann will go to Philadelphia to compete and represent the Florida Gulf Coast Region in their categories.

COLLEGE

Apr. 11, 2013

My Two Cents

Predator

Studying abroad broadens horizons BY Joseph paredes Staff Writer

W Olivia Mahanor

College Editor

Taking time off after high school might pay off Some high school graduates might not be buying items for their college dorms nor going directly to a university. Instead, they will be electing to take a “gap year.” Gap year originated in England and is now becoming increasingly popular for students just graduating high school in the US. Many high school graduates can benefit from taking a year off once they leave high school. Normally gap years are used to travel and to gain new experiences and grow as a person before entering college. Not all high school graduates choose to become globe trotters for their gap year. There are a wide variety of things to do if you choose to take a gap year. Some include working a full-time job to earn money to pay for college tuition, computers and textbooks that are required for classes at the college level. Taking a gap year to figure out what you want to do with your life, what you want to major in, and the career you want is another way to spend a gap year. Gap year options involve signing up with all kinds of programs to do volunteer work in America and in other countries worldwide. If you're interested in taking a gap year, there is a program to fit your needs. One of the programs offered is the AmeriCorps, a 10-month program where a group of people service inner-city schools. Another program called World Wide Organic Farmers in America offers housing and free meals in return for work. Whether you're interested in traveling to different countries to gain world experiences and trying out different cultures, helping out your fellow Americans, or working to earn money to go to school, a gap year can be very rewarding and beneficial to those students who aren’t quite ready for college immediately following high school.

hile many graduating individuals take an interest in a particular college in the US, others find an attraction to studying abroad. “There is so much to learn beyond the horizons of the US,” Ben Hwang, senior, said. “So many more opportunities await for us overseas.” If one is interested in studying abroad, information can be found via one’s guidance counselor or by visiting the college office of study abroad such as Pomona to find more details on the application process and material on what is expected as a transfer student. “Studying abroad is like a luxury,” Farhana Rahman, Wharton alumni, said. “Not only do you get to go off and experience the environment of a different country but you’re also being introduced into a new culture, which can broaden your perspective.” Studying abroad is said to be the future of education as many have realized that several of our society’s aspects such as politics and economics are affected on an international scale. “People don’t consider how what’s beyond the United States affects us,” Risa Brudney, senior, said. “We are mov-

PhotO By • Gigi Jackson WHERE IN THE WORLD IS...? - Sophomore Christian Gonzalez searches the globe for his dream “study abroad” location. High school guidance counselors can provide students with the necessary program information and if the colllege of their choice offers a travel program for credit. ing towards a more globalized future and being able to study abroad immerses us within a larger educational understanding about other countries apart from ours.” In recent times, America has been criticized as being one of the “dumber” countries in the world in terms of education, particularly in the fields of science and mathematics. So is studying abroad the answer to our problems? “I don’t think it’s the ultimate

answer but it will definitely help,” Tatiana Mermolia, senior, said. “Going overseas will let us gain knowledge on certain things we are curious about such as other religions and it can teach us things we couldn’t learn here.” While some look at this opportunity on a larger scale, others see it as a fun learning experience. “Being able to go to Europe and staying there for a couple of months is on everyone’s to-

do list,” Lillian Bufano, senior, said. “Yeah, you have to learn while you’re there but you also get to visit places you’ve always dreamed of going to, plus it looks good on a resume.” Whether one decides to study abroad in order to widen one’s knowledge for future opportunities and for the better of America or to perhaps visit a desired vacation spot and pick up a new language, it’s the privilege to experience a semester overseas that counts.

Students take different path to college By amanda kidd

Staff Writer

Whether it’s sprinting through the desert, machine gun ready or treating hair that is extremely dead, the number of career choices that do not require a college education are endless. “If you don’t think that college is for you, you don’t have to go,” Megan D’Aurora, sophomore, said. Lately, the tuition to most in state schools is close to $8,00010,000, and many students can’t afford these prices. However, they shouldn’t think that just because they do not attend a university that they will not have an actual career. There are so many different trade schools available that offer the opportunity to end up with a well-paying job. These trade schools do not cost nearly as much as a university, and do not take years to develop the skills and experience needed to apply for a decent job. “Once I graduate from a 10-month beauty school, I will receive my cosmetology license,” D’Aurora said. “The

Test Days May 4 Jun. 1

photo by • mariah henderson anchors away - Cadet Lieutenant Commandeer Lorenzo Armstrong, senior, will be attending the United States Naval Academy in the fall. Armstrong was one of 1,186 students out of 20,601 applicants selected for the Academy this year. Students not as fortunate as Armstrong often opt to enter the military directly after graduating from high school. school will help me land a job at a salon.” However, doing hair is not for everyone. Some choose a more heroic option. “It has always been my dream to serve in the military,” Tim Blickle, junior, said. Spending days or even months away from their loved ones,

those in the military fight for their country day in and day out. They spend hours in the beating sun. They are the people to thank for the protection of the country. “In the military, I would serve my country and protect America’s freedoms,” Blickle said. These fighters get to save lives

and feel a level of accomplishment that those who spend their hours of daylight in a cubicle do not get to experience. “The military offers me a way to see the world while gaining experience,” Blickle said. Another career choice that does not require a college education is being in the Coast Guard. “As a coast guard I would be on border patrol, and I would complete drug busts and ship rescues,” John Colon, sophomore, said. The requirements to enlist in the Coast Guard are minimal. A person has to complete a 12-minute swim test, an agility test, a stretching test and a helicopter rescue test. No college education is necessary. “I personally don’t feel like universities are for me,” Colon said. “Universities don’t offer the kind of knowledge and experience that I need for the job I want.” “Even if you don’t go to college, you can still be successful,” D’Aurora said.

2013 SAT DATES

Registration Apr. 5 May 2

Late Registration Apr. 19 May 17

U GE IE

Paul R. Wharton High School

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, Fl 33647

Volume 16 Issue 4

DD OO UU BB LL EE

VISION Photo illustration by • Scott Sollazzo Double Trouble - Seniors Ashley and Alex Sullivan are identical twins. They tried to trade places once, but the teacher caught them because she knew the Sullivan family well, and their mother punished them so badly that they’ve never tried again.

And then there were two By Kelly peretz Feature editor A wise man once said, “You’ve got a friend in me.” Being a twin, junior Laura Arose knows exactly what he means. “It’s nice to always have someone your age around, because they can relate to you and understand what you’re going through,” Arose said. Having someone to relate to is a major advantage, especially in high school. However, automatically having someone you know everywhere you go can make transitions a little smoother and a little less frightening. “You always have someone to know in new places,” Lauren Ebert, senior twin, said. “You can also always have someone to relate to and have tons of in-

side jokes.” “It’s really like having yourself to talk to all the time, only the parts of you that you like,” senior twin Ashley Sullivan said. Being so closely related, can a twin be more than just a friend or companion? Furthermore, do all twins feel this way? “We’re closer than regular sisters,” Sullivan said. “I can always count on Alex. I don’t have any problems trusting her to always have my back because whenever I need support, she’s there first.” The Sullivan twins are identical, in more than just looks provided by birth. They share the same curly black hair and Jamaican features as well as the opinionated speech and geeky obsessions. “We like the same stuff, we have our own language, we ob-

sessively read books and watch movies and we’ll speak in movie and book quotes,” the twins said finishing each other’s thoughts. However, despite the good times and advantages, being identical twins can have some negative moments. “People are always mixing you up, even though you go through pains to look different,” Ashley Sullivan said. “My dad has never been able to tell us apart, but, surprisingly, our little sister has never had problems telling us apart.” The Sullivans have tried, over the years to look different from each other. Alex, with purpletipped hair and gauges; the rebel. Ashley, with glasses and a quieter demeanor. Fraternal twins, on the other hand, don’t seem to have this problem.

“Joey and I are very different people, not just by looks. Joey is the quiet, nerdy guy while I am the loud, outgoing girl. We seem to balance each other out with our personalities,” Arose said. “A negative of having a twin is that we sometimes come as a package deal, which I believe can be annoying because I do enjoy my freedom and spare time away from him.” College can be the Arose twins’ chance to finally get that spare time they’ve been looking for, as they plan to attend different colleges, but still keep in touch. Though for the Sullivan twins, attending separate colleges, no matter the proximity, is not an option. They plan to attend Stetson University in the fall. “We have to go together, because I can’t imagine being without Ashley,” Alex Sullivan

said. “She grounds me. She makes me think.” “I think it would make settling in a lot more easily, because she pulls me out of my shell.” Ashley Sullivan said. “She makes friends easier, whereas I’m quieter and less socially aware.” “I compare myself to her a lot, in terms of looks, and in terms of attitude, like I always think I could be better if I was more like her,” Alex Sullivan said. In the end, each twin is like half of a classic, timeless duo. Like peanut butter and jelly, like macaroni and cheese, like a cool drink on a summer day. Each are original individuals, yet work seamlessly together. Inseparable. “We’re halves of each other,” Ashley Sullivan said. “If we were one person, we’d pretty much be perfect.”

FEATURE

Apr. 11, 2013

Predator

Wealth can mean more than just cash By olivia mahanor

COLLEGE EDITOR

Is money really the motive? Is being rich measured by how fat your wallet is, or by the newest Micheal Kors spring collection you’re wearing, or by driving the hottest cars off of the dealership lots? Does being rich mean you have to have a bank account that's a bottomless pit and you can have or buy anything you want whenever you want? There are over 500,000 words in the English dictionary each with a definition, but can you really define rich as having money? Could being rich just mean that you have a roof over your head, food in your stomach and clothes on your back and you're happy with what you have and not what people think you should have? Has society shaped us into thinking being rich is all about money and anything materialistic? "Yes, I do think there is a definition of the word ‘rich.’ To me, you can be rich in your qualities.

ILLUSTRATION BY • CARIN COURSEY I think it depends on the person you are and your outlook," Sarah Moll, junior, said. There are many ways you can be rich. You can have money and be rich, you can be rich in happiness, or you can be rich in the way of your thinking. "Personally, I don't think having money is everything. It is

good to be secure with finances, but, to me, my happiness is the most important thing in my life," Gysel Calderon, junior, said. Lauren Greenfield is an American artist, documentary photographer, and documentary filmmaker. Greenfield conducted a short documentary called “Kids and Money.”

The documentary briefly follows teenagers living in Los Angeles and what they do to keep up with their lifestyle. Some of the teenagers in LA have unlimited credit cards, while other kids put their families in debt to keep up with the high demands of being rich and attending Harvard-Westlake, a private school

that costs over $25,000 in tuition a year. "Having an unlimited credit card as a teenager is crazy. You're spending an unlimited amount of money that belongs to your parents, not you," Kallie Golicher, junior, said. Society has shaped us into thinking in a way that when you hear the word “riches,” it's automatically associated with money. In Greenfield’s film some of the girls had no problem spending thousands of dollars on something they were just going to wear to school. "I normally wear jeans and a t-shirt to school, but I do believe people do judge others on what they're wearing to school, and it really sucks that you're judged by someone before you even have a chance to talk to them," Calderon said. "I don't spend all my time shopping or keeping up with trends, and money isn't my motive, Moll said. “I know I'm rich in many ways, some people are too ignorant to see that but it doesn't matter to me.”

Woolley tirelessly promotes school spirit By paige roderick

staff writer

Teachers. Some we can’t stand and some we adore. However, one thing is for certain, they are never really appreciated. Most students never take the time to recognize all that these teachers do for them and the school. A teacher who goes above and beyond should be celebrated. Barbara Woolley, French and leadership class teacher, is one of those teachers. “I’m just a very humble person. I don’t like to brag and I’m okay with being a wallflower. I’m the type of person that doesn’t really want nor need the recognition for what I do. I’m just doing what I love,” Woolley said. Woolley was born in New York and was raised in Dallas, Texas. When she got a scholarship to the University of South Florida (USF), she chose to come to Florida for her college experience. “I was accepted to USF and many other schools, but I felt like Florida would be exciting and the scholarship offered me the most financial incentive,”

Woolley said. When she was just 17 in high school, Woolley had the opportunity to go to Paris. “In Texas, they have these French competitions and my brother, who was only 15 at the time, wanted to enter. One of the categories was photography and we just figured, ‘Hey, why not go to Paris and take pictures there?’ My dad worked for an airline so it wasn’t financially expensive, but the real trick was convincing my mom to let us go by ourselves. I don’t know how I did it to this day and neither does she, but she agreed and we went. It was intimidating, but so incredibly fun at the same time,” Woolley said. So what made her decide to settle down in Florida and become a teacher? “I had great teachers in high school and I just think they had great influences on me,” she said. “When I was little, I liked to play school. Did I think that I was going to become a French teacher? Not always. I was good in French and I really liked it. My favorite teachers that I had who inspired me to teach were my French teachers.”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY • MARIAH HENDERSON clubs unite - Barbra Woolley, French teacher, talks to members of her clubs about upcoming events. Woolley shows her spirit with her involvement in 13 school-related activities, while also teaching French. Woolley currently tackles 13 activities at school throughout the year. She helps with new student orientation and organizes numerous teacher breakfasts, tailgates, pep rallies, homecoming, CATS, Winterfest, Faculty vs. Student basketball game, March Madness, kickball vs. Freedom, graduation, prom and Grad Bash. She is also the

department head. Does she ever wish she was not so involved? Not for a second. “Doing all of what I do lets me work with students I wouldn’t normally get to teach. I get a lot of self-satisfaction from doing what I do. For me, it’s giving someone else what they want and them having a good time,”

Woolley said. “I can’t imagine not doing so much. Do I enjoy it every second? Of course not, but I do enjoy it a lot.” Woolley displays constant drive, passion and love for Wharton. “I deeply care about people,” she said. “I really love what I do, and I want people to know that.”

Prom Preparedness 101 The Do’s and Dont’s of Prom

Do bring a camera! Pictures can help you remember the awesome night you had.

Don’t worry about having a date! Hanging out with your friends instead can be just as fun.

Do practice your dance moves! The Sprinkler isn’t always okay.

Don’t forget to buy your ticket! Being able to attend is important.

Do make appointments and reservations in advance! Waiting until the last minute can cost you.

Don’t overspend if you can’t afford it! Remember, you can always rent or buy on sale. Infographic by Madison Giarrizzo and Cathy Pahl

HEALTH

Predator

Apr. 11, 2013

Sharing is not always caring By Cathy Pahl staff writer

It starts as a cough, then a fever, and at last a sore throat and you can trace it all back to that one drink you shared with your best friend. Yes, sicknesses can be spread through the sharing of food and drinks, but what some people are unaware of is the types of sicknesses that can and can’t be spread through sharing food and beverages. “I don’t like sharing bottles,” Allie Donlan, junior, said. “I can share straw drinks, and I’m okay with sharing food. The biggest thing is drinks.” Uninformed people will say that sharing their meals can cause HIV/AIDS, herpes and hepatitis. What they don’t know is that HIV/AIDS and hepatitis are unable to be transmitted through saliva. As for the types of herpes that can be transmitted through saliva (HSV-1 and HSV-2), your risk chances are slight and avoidable. Although those specific diseases are incapable or unlikely to be transmitted, skeptics of sharing food and drinks have other reasons to fear. Mononucleosis and cold and flu viruses have been known to be transferred though sharing meals.

Photo illustration by • sCOTT sOLLAZZO rISKY bUSINESS - Seniors Ashley Cahill and Nick Siciliano share a beverage. They run the risk of contracting diseases like mono and the flu. “Knowing that illnesses such as mono and flu can be spread through sharing food and drinks worries me,” Natalie Santoro, junior, said. “My friends and I share drinks and food all the time, and it is scary to think I could potentially be putting myself at risk for getting sick.” Mononucleosis, mono, or also known as “the kissing disease” is an illness that can leave you feeling tired and weak for weeks or even months. This sickness, unlike HIV or herpes, is actually spread by saliva, mucus from the nose and

throat and sometimes tears. You also take the risk of contracting the flu as well as the common cold when you share food and drinks. These viruses are also contagious and can be spread through the sharing of spit and other body fluids. Something that is occasionally overlooked when thinking of sharing your food and drinks is other people’s allergies. It is more common than not that a person has allergies, and when you share a drink you could be transmitting toxins to the other person you did not know about.

“I personally feel uncomfortable sharing food and drinks because of how severe my allergies are to milk,” Alexa Garrett, junior, said. One way to prevent problems involving sharing meals with people with allergies is to make sure that the person that you are sharing with is free of allergies. You can do this by asking the person if they have any allergies before sharing. “It is very dangerous sharing or even coming into contact with others who have had milk products and it could be fatal for me if not treated right away,” Garrett said. Believe it or not, there is an upside to sharing your soda or hotdog. Exposure to such viruses can actually work to boost your immune system. Your immune system can become more resistant if it is exposed to bacteria and viruses and help you to not get sick in the future. “Sharing food and drinks can benefit me because me and my friends can save money by sharing our meals,” Santoro said. Preventative measures can be taken to avoid these illnesses such as making sure the person you are sharing with isn’t sick, and making sure you only share with family and close friends.

Changes lead to healthier future BY Amanda kidd club editor

ookie Monster, Porky Pig, Pooh Bear, Scooby, Shaggy and Garfield. All of these characters build the mindset of it being okay to stuff your face for as long as you want. While these characters don’t seem to face life-threatening outcomes such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, many people who follow this same lifestyle do. A country known for its fast food chains and deep fried specialties, America is home to many citizens suffering from poor health and obesity. Much of the products made in the US contain high amounts of sodium, cholesterol and sugar. These substances, if taken in large amounts, are known to cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and clogged arteries. If a person suffers from these effects of poor choices of eating, there is a high chance he or she may suffer from cardiovascular disease, strokes and even heart attacks. However, with the right choices in meals and the right amount of exercise, a lifestyle that is sure to end in devastation can transform into one that leads the path to a better, healthier, more promising future. “Having a healthy lifestyle is so important,” Savannah Hammel, junior, said. “Your body is what allows you to live your life, why take it for granted?” A simple way to change one’s health is to join a program that sets out the number of workouts that should be completed and the amount of calories per day a person is allowed to have.

“With the health program run by Zacharias Ganey Health Institute, each member is given a calorie restricted diet and a workout plan to follow,” Arthur Coleman, member of the health program, said. This program, located in Richmond, VA, has its members follow three basic tasks: balanced diet, strength training and cardio. “The purpose behind the Main Three is to keep your intake levels healthy and normal while building muscle in order to burn the fat,” Coleman said. Diet is extremely important. The energy a person uses comes from the food they digest, and if a person makes poor food choices, their body will not be supplemented with enough energy to complete daily tasks, let alone a workout. Items to stay away from? Sugary drinks (such as soda, juices, and sports drinks); white potatoes (once they are cooked they are nothing but sugar); white bread (if a person must have bread they should stick to wheat or something with many grains); and, of course, all processed foods. They tend to have little to no nutritional value. “Drinks that contain a lot of sugar, like soda, are terrible for you,” Hammel said. “They spike your sugar levels and have way too many carbohydrates.” The key idea to remember is to eat small proportions and to take everything in moderation. Instead of going out three to five times a week for food, try cooking at home using fresh ingredients. Cooking food themselves helps people maintain the amount of salt, fat and carbohydrates they eat. Although having the right diet is crucial, working out is what

Photo illustration by • GiGi Jackson wHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER - Students, like freshman Scott McGuire, maintain their health by exercising. Strength training helps build muscle and burn fat. allows someone to change his or her body for the better a lot faster. Cardio burns the calories that you intake from your food sources. Doing around an hour of cardio every two days is fantastic for the body. Strength training is another key factor in a workout routine. It builds the muscle that is needed to burn fat that has formed. “If you don’t like to work out, try doing entertaining exercises such as jazzercise, Zumba, or spinning class,” Hammel said. “The music that goes on throughout the class keeps you pumped and makes you want to

keep working out.” If people don’t have the time to go to the gym three to four times a week, they can still stay active by going outside for a walk or a jog. Even cleaning the house burns calories. Changing a lifestyle is not an easy or simple process. It takes hard work and dedication. People have to be determined to change their life for the better and accept all the challenges they are faced with. “If working out was easy they wouldn’t call it work,” Coleman said. “In order to see a positive outcome, there needs to be a complete change in your life.”

Heart beat

BY MARIELLE GOMEZ health editor

Always choose soap There’s no soap in the bathroom, the faucets are broken, and there are no paper towels. What do you do now? Most of us would turn to hand sanitizer. Let’s say that there is soap in the bathrooms, all the faucets are working, and there are paper towels. Now you have a choice: hand sanitizer or soap and water? Soap. Whenever you can, always choose to wash your hands with soap and water over using hand sanitizer. Soap and water cleanses hands from viruses and bacteria more effectively than hand sanitizer. The alcohol in hand sanitizer can dry out your hands, and not only does it kill the bad bacteria, it kills the good ones, as well. Hand sanitizer isn’t really meant to replace washing your hands. If there is no other choice, of course, hand sanitizer is a much better alternative to not cleaning your hands at all. You finish washing your hands (which should take 20 seconds), you close the faucet with your now clean hands and you walk out the door. The faucet and door you just touched after washing your hands was covered in the bacteria that you just cleaned. What was the point of washing your hands if you’re just going to grab those germs right after? When you’re done washing your hands, take a paper towel and close the faucet with it. When opening the door, use the paper towel to open the door knob. Hand sanitizer is not something you need to stop using. Hand sanitizer is okay; just make sure it contains 60 percent alcohol for it to clean your hands properly. Getting into the habit of frequently cleaning your hands will help prevent you from getting really sick. Whether it’s washing your hands or using hand sanitizer, always make sure to clean your hands, especially if there is visible dirt or you touched an object that comes in contact with many other people like a door knob or a light switch. Keeping your hands as clean as possible is one of the best ways to stay as healthy as possible.

cENTERS

Apr. 11, 2013

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Burger Monger, Burger 21 battle for best burger on Bruce B. Downs title Burger 21 or $4.99 at Burger Monger. Let’s talk about the menu. At Burger 21 the selection ranges far and wide: from seafood burgers like the Po’Boy Shrimp or The Ahi Tuna to Are you willing to sacrifice affordability and taste chicken burgers like the Chicken Parmesan, Chicken for quick, friendly service and customizable burgers? Marsala, or Buffalo Chicken, the choices continue What about giving up posh décor and a bigger menu with veggie burgers, gourmet hot dogs, chicken tenders variety for practically basket, fresh salads and paying with an arm and sundaes. a leg for a basket of chiliAt its competitor there is cheese fries? The Battle a strict food choice of four of Best Burger on Bruce B. burgers varying in sizes, one Downs proves Burger 21 the chicken sandwich, one monger clear supremacist over rival, salad and one hot dog. Burger Monger. In addition, the largest-sized Where’s the beef? Many burgers served at Burger Monger customers find themselves are eight ounces. asking the same thing while At Burger 21, it’s 12 ounces. making the comparison Besides the pricing variations and between these two eateries. menu quality, Burger 21 is much The beef can be found more stylish inside. It takes on a stacking up between the new age retro look with cushion-y buns of the choices of Burger booths, a bar-like area where 21 and lacking at Burger they make the milkshakes and a Photo illustration by • ALEX MONTGOMERY new hand washer that involves Monger. Or, there could be a separate “beef” due to the FEAST YOUR EYES - Julian Baron-Clarke, senior, chows down on two spinning arm holes and streams fact that Burger Monger burgers from Burger Monger and Burger 21. Burger Monger and of water charges far less than they Burger 21 are rivals on Bruce B. Downs and are located less than a Burger Monger feels actually dish out. Take minute away from each other. very sectioned off with a the normal 6-ounce miniature wall running burger (named the “Burger 101” at Burger 21 and “The through the middle, less open space and a shady look Burger Monger” at its obvious establishment). The as the sun never hits it just right. It also lacks an former is a stack of beef, lettuce and tomato, on a outdoor eating patio, which Burger 21 does have. toasted brioche bun for $5.99. The latter is a plain At the end of the day while Burger 21 may not Akaushi Kobe beef patty on a garlic buttered have the fastest or friendliest service, they challah bun for $6.99. make up for it in taste, pricing and variety. This doesn’t even include fries. Looking The Battle of Best Burger on Bruce B. for a shake? Downs was never really a battle to Drink a chocolate, vanilla, or begin with as the newbie Burger strawberry flavored malt for 21 dominated from the $3.99 at beginning.

By NIKKI MORSE CO-SPORTS EDITOR

Whe during t summer mo some sort of replenish your s But sometimes around Tampa the parlors to test to fin cream.

iC The owners of iCream (Co have brought new, innovat with nitrogen. iCream lets c cream in a futuristic way; b type of milk, sugar, toppings cream to make it unique to th Along with ice cream and sells hot pudding that’s steam order with any flavor (or two) shakes that are made from scra any two flavors or fruit of your iCream’s flavor list consists chocolate, vanilla, and mint. H exotic kick to your shake, ice c

SPREAD

Apr. 11, 2013

Pizza venues stretch their cheese across New Tampa By Brandon goldman CO -EDITOR IN CHEIF Friday rolls around. Your stomach begs for food. You look in the fridge only to find leftovers from last night’s meal – nothing that fills your stomach’s request. It’s been decided: It’s pizza night. Draw a 10 mile circle around Wharton High School and you will find yourself choosing between 16 pizza shops including five national chains like Pizza Photo by • Ashley benjamin Hut, Dominos and Marcos Pizza, and 11 family-owned pizzerias. cheese, pepperoni, sausage galore! - One of Marco’s So you narrow down your search to three pizzas fresh out of the oven. Marco’s Pizza is one of local Cross Creek contenders: Biagio’s II Pizza many pizza parlors in New Tampa. N’ Pasta, Hawkeye’s Pizza and Joe’s Pizza Kitchen. All three are local favorites, but which will hand-tossed pizza from Joe’s Pizza Kitchen reign supreme after being put through three had soggy dough and undercooked cheese. rigorous rounds to test the taste, service and They are the only pizzeria to offer four overall value of each pizzeria? flavored crust options, like parmesan butter and that may have been one reason for the Round 1: Taste soggy dough. Biagio’s boasts traditional New Jersey Biagios II Pizza N’ Pasta is the clear winner style pizza. Their dough is thick enough to for taste, as their pizza slices far exceeded the handle any topping you throw at it (from competition. which you have 18 to choose), their sauce is flavorful with just the right amount of Round 2: Service and Atmosphere spice, and they top it with enough cheese Both Biagio’s and Joe’s Pizza Kitchen are to maintain a near perfect cheese-tocramped if one chooses to dine inside. sauce-to-dough ratio. Biagio’s is often crowded and the confined Hawkeye’s offers New York style space between the cashier and the dining pizza and the largest pizza slices tables make dine-in experiences awkward available in New Tampa. Although when individuals come in to pick up their their pizza was cooked to nearorders. Similarly, Joe’s Pizza Kitchen offers perfection (with a perfect limited dine-in space and the bland wall amount of crisp), each graphics give off the impression that the slice came light on both dining area was a second thought when the sauce and cheese, so pizzeria opened. Both restaurants took nearly the toppings tend to 15 minutes to serve up a single slice of pizza, overpower the thin which is unacceptable when one is looking to crust, sauce and grab a quick bite to eat. cheese. Hawkeye’s Pizza takes the award for best The service and atmosphere with their large dining area

that welcomes people to sit down and eat rather than take it home to dine. Additionally, Hawkeye’s was the only restaurant tested where, even when busy, the owner made an effort to ask how the meal was and made sure his food went beyond one’s expectations. Plus, it only took five minutes to cook up a slice of their giant 28” pizza. Round 3: Value By the slice, Biagio’s is the least expensive at $1.75 for a large slice and an additional 60 cents per topping, per slice Hawkeye’s is the most expensive at $2.75 per slice, but the extra cost is justified for a large slice that struggles to fit on a plate. Joe’s Pizza Kitchen charges a comparable $2.50 per slice. For large, full-size pizzas, Joe’s Pizza Kitchen offers the least expensive price at an appealing $8.99 for a large cheese pizza (with a surplus of $1 per topping) blowing away Biagio’s and Hawkeye’s that charge $11.25 and $11.99 (and $2 per topping), respectively. Unfortunately, Joe’s Pizza Kitchen large-sized pizzas are the size equivalent to Biagio’s and Hawkeye’s medium pizzas; so in order to have an equivalent pizza, one must order an extralarge pizza from Joe’s Pizza Kitchen. At $10.99, you’re closer to the price of Biagio’s or Hawkeye’s. The Results Considering most people take their pizza orders to go, Biagio’s II Pizza N’ Pasta reigns supreme with inexpensive pizza slices and comparably-priced large pizzas while boasting phenomenal taste that leaves competition far behind.

Ice cream venus cool down New Tampa

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Located directly across the street from school, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream has more than 140 ice cream flavors to soothe your taste buds after school or any other time you’re in the mood for ice cream. Not only does Bruster’s Real Ice Cream sell ice cream they also sell shakes, smoothies, sherbets, cakes and pies. Every day Bruster’s Real Ice Cream alternates between 24 ice cream flavors to serve. When arriving at Bruster’s you’re greeted with 24 flavors to choose, which change daily so you can get something new every day. Their prices are moderate with small waffle cones starting at $3.60, sundaes at $4.80, shakes at $3.75 and banana splits at $4.96.When you order you’re asked if you want a single scoop or double, a single scoop being more than enough. The wait for your ice cream can be quite lengthy with a long line ahead, depending on their orders. But if you’re the only one there then your order will come promptly. With all venues taken into account, each has their own pros and cons that can cool you down on any summer day, rain or shine.

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Twistee Treat Driving down Bruce B. Downs or coming out of Cross Creek, New Tampa-ers notice a new strange building. Is it a bird? A plane? No, it’s a giant ice cream cone. In the coming weeks, Twistee Treat will be New Tampa’s newest ice cream venue that serves ice cream, shaved ices and sundaes all for a low price with nothing on their menu going over $5 (without any extras). Their unique building attracts customers of all ages to try their ice cream which is made from scratch, daily and sure to make your taste buds happy. Twistee Treat’s ice cream is smooth, creamy, and irresistible. At the moment their ice cream hits your mouth it instantly melts, and their light cones taste just as good. The employees are kind and willing to serve and the

atmosphere (depending on the weather) is perfect for eating ice cream outdoors.

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en living in Florida, especially the scorching spring and onths, it’s imperative to have iced treat in your freezer to sweet tooth. s that isn’t available. Luckily ere are plenty of ice cream nd your perfect blend of ice

pudding you can try cayenne, curry, or even anise. Their first store opened in Chicago, IL, and gained popular attention from local news stations and the Food Network. A small cup is $3 , a medium $3.50 and a large goes for $4. After one topping, every additional topping is 99 cents. Since your ice cream is being made completely from scratch when you order, the wait is painfully long but is made up when white nitrogen gas engulfs your personalize sweet treat. Even though the restaurant is quite expensive, and their ice cream doesn’t have the complete texture of churned ice cream, the crisp ingenious 21st century atmosphere pays off.

Pho to b y

By ashley benjamin centerspread editor

OPINION

12 Apr. 11, 2013 PREDATOR

Predator

Lawmakers soon to battle for better borders...

Immigration reform issue on horizon EDITORIAL

BRANDONGOLDMAN MARLENEMIRANDA Editors-in-chief YVONNEBERTOVICH Managing editor / Editorial editor KELLYPERETZ Feature editor HALEYGONZALEZ Online Editor-in-chief / News editor ASHLEYBENJAMIN Centerspread editor WILLBARNES Entertainment editor NICKROGERS NIKKIMORSE co-sports editors ALYDAMMINGER Music editor OLIVIAMAHANOR College editor MANALBENYAMINE Club editor

f only it were as easy as grasping a salvaged twig and drawing a line in the sand. Unfortunately, the successful safeguarding of territory cannot be executed as it could have been by the wobbly hands of a child. Nor is the issue of illegal immigration anywhere near a game. It must be understood as well that the solutions are so much more than division or seizure of suspect citizens. Immigration is a notion rooted incredibly deep in the soil of our society, and it simply cannot be corrected with the flick of the wrist. Quite obviously, anything with the term “illegal” in the name will bring a looming air of detriment, but not always, as in many cases of illegal residency. They are often referred to as “aliens,” but the more bitter of those on the issue seem to forget that America’s ancestors were one in the same. Many of the first Americans originally came about from Europe and were usually unwelcome by natives (reasons why are a whole other issue) but were simply pursuing a chance at economic prosperity and or self-improvement. What is the difference between many current immigrants coming from south of the border?

Illustration by • Carin coursey Unfortunately for them, they are doing so in a very different day and age. Unfortunately it is a growing fact, too, that the human character is becoming more scrutinized and doubted in its capacity of goodness. Reasons such as the smuggling of artillery, drugs, and people of unnamed professions are just a few as to why everyone cannot become a citizen on a whim. The country too, simply does not currently have the

money or the organization of proper funds to allow an influx of who knows how many new citizens. Sure it can be argued that illegal immigrants entering the country are stealing jobs that our own citizens need, but often such immigrants are taking jobs that many Americans feel are beneath them. Janitorial jobs, farming and many others are increasingly being completed by the hands of those who recently

grasped the fence or thorny prongs of concealing shrubbery south of the Rio Grande. A balance must be found, somewhere in between, teetering on the tops of the massive fence that divides side ‘A’ and side ‘B.’ Leeway must be given to those who are in America for America. Some sort of more advanced screening process or some other entity that can aid the allowance of citizenship to those seeking education or a modest career must be created or enacted. Increased aggression to combat illegal substances entering the country must also be put in place, somehow, someway. Border security must not necessarily heighten their numbers but heighten the sophistication of their defensive and offensive tactics. Although it is unlikely that solutions will be achieved any time soon as there are plenty of more pressing problems within our borders, such as the economy and gun violence, American citizens must keep the issue in mind and have reached a consensus when action is attainable. The ties and roots of immigration have a hold on the very soil and earth and being of our nation, as many other current issues do. If the notion is not acted on soon, however, or correctly, and the roots are wielded and yanked about, the very core of our society will surely crumble too.

JOSHACIERNO Automotive editor MARIELLEGOMEZ Health editor CARINCOURSEY Illustrator

A few typical

Hipster accessories

GEOFFREYSTEINER Finance manager

Staff writers JESSIESAVEDGE JOSEPHPAREDES MADISONGIARRIZZO CJPOTTER AMANDAKIDD CATHYPAHL PAIGERODERICK MARINAJANKOVIC Photography co-editors SCOTTSOLLAZZO ALEXMONTGOMERY

Adviser TERRYSOLLAZZO Phone Number (813) 631-4710 ext. 264 Check out our website! whspredator.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter! @WHSpredator

Are hipsters too mainstream? JOSEPH PAREDeS

STAff WRIter

n recent times a trend known as hipster has risen in this generation’s teenage population. By definition a hipster is someone who tends to pull away from things that are too “mainstream” such as popular clothing brands, and “overly played” songs on the radio. Ironically, this trend to express one’s individualism has become mainstream. Have you ever found yourself wearing plaid because you think it’s stylish? Or, perhaps, wearing glasses instead of contacts in an effort to make a certain fashion statement? Even complaining about your favorite song being in a certain television commer-

ALLIEBOUCHER Copy editor

Photographers MARIAHHENDERSON GIGIJACKSON

CUP OF JOE

cial officially classifies you as a hipster. Walking down a school hallway you turn a corner and it seems that every other person is wearing something “original” in order to make themselves “hip.” In addition, every other person in a social networking site has decided to become overly obsessed and amazed by an underrated artist who eventually he or she will start to hate when he or she sees the performer’s name on iTunes because, you know, it’s too mainstream. Sadly, those reading who consider themselves hipsters will somehow turn this into a written verbal attack to hipsters everywhere.

To me, this trend originated from a popular blogging website known as tumblr where people “reblog” things that they find of interest or think apply to them. Several of these posts include the “rare” hipster fashion being worn. Yet, this very rare trend dominates at least three-fourths of tumblr accounts. The look itself is unexplainable but when you see it, you see it. Hipsters everywhere find themselves to be a rare species of some sort, but, in reality, they are not. Their worst nightmare has come true and hipsters are now everywhere. Realistically, there’s probably one in the room right now.

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he newspaper informs students about events, influences its readers through responsible editorials, entertains through features, and brings buyer and seller closer together. As an established open forum for the student body, truth will be the staff’s major goal. These goals are achieved

through thorough and responsible reporting. Editorials reflect views of the staff and do not represent views of the school board, administrators, faculty, or the student body of Wharton High School. All by-lined articles and artwork reflect the opinions of the writers and artists. Predator encourages letters

which constitute a constructive avenue for all opinions. These letters must be signed. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for poor taste, space, libel, and grammar. These changes will not affect the content or meaning behind the story. Ad rates are available by calling (813)631-4710 ext. 264. Advertising which promotes

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OPINION

Apr. 11, 2013

Courses provide valueless lessons tiveness in the subject which could potentially lead to better Co-editor-in-chief overall grades and test scores. Granted, schools offer stuWhen are we ever going to use dents the ability to take electives such as senior survival, family this in life? Many students have a hard dynamics, as well as personal time understanding how do- and family finance that are dediing daily tasks like “finding the cated to showing students how measure of an angle on the Em- to live on their own and how to pire State Building” or defining manage a family. The problem the “rhetoric of literature written is that not enough students enwhen the dinosaurs roamed the roll in these courses. Even though most students Earth” will be useful in the “real are undeworld.” cided on Instead of asking, Instead of asking, “When are we what to do after high “When are we going going to use this in life,” students s c h o o l , should consider the question of, they need to use this in life,” “How can I use this material later to realize that coursstudents in life or to make myself a more es like should math and prepared adult in the future? consider science the queswill help tion of, “How can I use this material them whether going to college later in life or to make myself a or into a vocation. Take interior design, for exammore prepared adult in the fuple. Although most might think ture?” If schools chose to introduce this job wouldn’t take advantage students to more electives that of book knowledge, geometry is focused not only on their inter- a prerequisite for understandests, but also subjects that will ing the shapes and angles which give them a practical experience may relate to the placement of to learn to live on their own, furniture and home accessories. What about other careers like many might show more atten-

BY BRANDON GOLDMAN

illustration by • carin coursey auto mechanics? It’s not like they need to know how to find angles or what color flames a chemical will produce, right? Maybe not, but auto mechanics must be fluent in the study of physics to understand how to use the proper tools (using concepts of torque) and how to wire electrical components of a car (using currents and power consumption).

Perhaps, schools like Wharton could adopt work study programs to allow students to get a first-hand experience in a field of interest similar to the programs offered at some Hillsborough County schools like Bowers-Whitley Career Center that provide an accelerated approach to a high school diploma while focusing on getting the students into the working

environment as soon as possible. Time and time again, students will always ask the question of, “When are we ever going to use this in life out of school,” but in most cases, the class you’re sitting in has a practical purpose, even if it is as simple as learning how to cooperate and collaborate with others—a skill that will stick with you forever.

Inferiority brought upon by double standard...

Women face criticisms not applicable to men violates these standards set by society, the more her “worth” STAFF WRITER decreases until she withers into nothing. What do you call a girl who In contrast, men have been has sex or dresses promiscu- encouraged and praised when ously? they have sexual relations. The answer is simple—her There are no social standards name. regulating how a man behaves Calling her anything other sexually. than her name—for instance, a There are barely any deroga“slut” or a “whore”—is an ex- tory terms when comes to inample of slut-shaming. sulting a man due to his sexual Slut-shaming is the act of de- habits, and the ones that do exist grading a woman because she don’t come close to the offense chooses to excarried in terpress her sexuminology used ality in a way against women. Society has society deems Likewise, expectations of how unacceptable. men don’t sufThis includes fer a fraction people should act, calling a womof the bullying especially women. an derogatory that women are terms, bullying put through for her or shaming expressing the her. same freedom. Examples of slut-shaming can Furthermore, a man is often be found in everyday life—from praised when he has multiple the acts of people or those in the partners and this makes him media. “Easy A”, a 2010 teen considered to be even more of a comedy, is a prime example of man. On the other hand, when a the bullying that comes with ex- woman expresses this freedom, pressing sexuality. it makes her less of a woman. Society has expectations of Why is it okay to degrade a how people should act, es- woman and not a man? It’s not. pecially women. There have It’s not okay to degrade anyone been standards for women all for expressing himself or herthroughout history to not have self. sex until they’re married. In this As human beings, we should day and age, however, society all be able to enjoy the same says it’s okay for a woman to freedoms and not be judged and have sex before she’s married, bullied as a result. but only if she’s in love and only Perhaps we’ll never be able if she’s out of high school. to fully extinguish hate and bulWhen a woman violates these lying, but we can take a step social standards, she is sudden- by realizing why it’s wrong to ly viewed as an object without degrade others for simply beany worth of whom anyone can ing themselves and make a contake advantage. She is no longer scious effort to accept people for a person. The more a woman who they are.

BY MARINA JANKOVIC

illustration by • carin coursey

entertainment

14 Apr. 11, 2013

Predator

Sleeping with Sirens mystifies audience, shows potential for upcoming record BY WILL BARNES

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

“If You Can’t Hang” don’t attend a Sleeping with Sirens Concert. The Orlando natives are on the “Take it or Leave It Tour” with Lions Lions, Dangerkids and Conditions. On March 16, the bands made a stop at the State Theatre in St. Petersburg where they rocked the house. Before the doors were even opened, there was a line that wrapped around the entire building filled with teenagers wearing their favorite Sleeping with Sirens apparel. After the herd of wide-eyed fans was corralled into the venue, Lions Lions took the stage. For an opening act, they captivated the audience with guitar flips and throws. Meanwhile on the floor, mosh pits and crowd surfers ensued. After their short set, Dangerkids, (a brand new band that just signed with Rise Records), performed their oddly awesome combination of rap and posthardcore music that drove the crowd crazy. The penultimate band to perform was Condi-

tions, who psyched up the kids for the main event. By the time Sleeping with Sirens was set up, the crowd went wild when they stepped on stage. The band opened with “These Things I’ve Done,” a brand new song from their upcoming album that drops in June. With that momentum, the band played their more heavy songs, including “A Trophy Father’s Trophy Son,” that lead singer Kellin Quinn introduced by asking the crowd “Who here has been abandoned by a parent? Who here has had to raise a sibling because one of their parents wasn’t there for them?” Now with an emotional connection to the crowd, Quinn and lead guitarist Jesse Lawson slowed things down with “Don’t Fall Asleep at the Helm” from their debut album, and fan favorite “Roger Rabbit” from their latest release “If You Were a Movie This Would be Your Soundtrack.” Once the rest of the band rejoined them on stage, they sped things up with two more songs until the “so-called end.” During the song they claimed to be their last (“If I’m James Dean You’re Audrey Hep-

Photo courtesy of • Lindsey Byrnes let’s cheers to this - Sleeping with Sirens are on the road with three other rock bands for the “Take It or Leave It Tour.” They made a stop at the State Theatre in St. Petersburg on March 16. burn”), there was a surge in crowdsurfers. In fact, so many fans reached the stage attempting to give Quinn a hug, that Lawson eventually walked off the stage and into the crowd, where he proceeded to rock out amongst a circle of screaming fans until he returned to the stage so they could walk off together. After 30 seconds of confusion

that seemed like an eternity, the crowd finally started to cheer “One more song!” After about a minute of hearing their name cheered over and over, Sleeping with Sirens returned to play two more songs (“Do It Now, Remember It Later” and “If You Can’t Hang”). On the last song, Quinn requested that the crowd storm the stage and join them in their

final song. The crowd surged forward; so many fans were on stage that some band members had to climb on top of amplifiers so that they would not be consumed by the sea of teens that did not stop until the final note was sung. If the concert is any indication of the upcoming record, Sleeping with Sirens will continue to please.

Pop culture negatively distorts truth about school BY Marielle Gomez

HEALTH EDITOR

Photo courtesy of • Fox Network Reality, not tv - Shows like “Glee” portray students being left alone in classrooms without a teacher. This doesn’t actually happen in real life.

Jump IT !

People in high school don’t break out in random song. We can’t just randomly walk out of class without consequence. No one’s getting shoved into a trash can. Cheerleaders don’t walk around school wearing their uniforms. Hollywood has lied to us. Hollywood has put this image in our heads of what high school should be; an image that is often far from reality. Don’t think that everything seen in movies and shows like “Mean Girls,” “Glee”and “Awkward” is what really happens in the school hallways. High school is portrayed as a time where everyone has

NBC: Thursday Nights

this incredible amount of freedom and an unlimited amount of time. How in the world can these characters find the time to do all their extracurricular activities, hang out with friends afterwards and still get home at a decent hour? Not to mention all the homework they have to complete afterwards (which we don’t even get to see). Hollywood has imposed so many stereotypes that students might interpret high school to be a time and place to worry about everything but academic success. Of course, the point of these movies and TV shows is to emphasize on the drama in these characters lives, but it seems like either the characters have absolutely no schoolwork or homework whatsoever or they just magically can’t fail.

Talent Shows

A lot of times they sporadically put emphasis on schoolwork, like if the character is about to fail and it’ll have an effect on all the other drama going on, or there’s a random unreasonably huge project due soon. In some films and shows, the characters attend school every once in a while and no teacher or administrator shows any concern for their absence or lack of work. There are instances where there aren’t even any teachers present in the hallways or in the classrooms. Students should be aware that almost everything they watch on TV isn’t real. Some of the situations might be based on some reality, but for the most part, high school is not what you would expect from watching TV and movies.

Pretty Little Liars

BY WILL BARNES

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

On Sept 20, 1977, the world of television changed when the leather jacket clad Fonzie jumped over a shark using water skis, marking “Happy Days” officially running out of plot ideas. Now, “Jumping the Shark” is an infamous phrase for the end of quality for a television show. in fact, if you go to tvguide.com/jumptheshark you will find a collection of articles that show which programs have crumbled or are sinking fast. Here are a few that are in the process of turning into shark bait.

Let’s face it; the second Michael Scott quit Dunder-Mifflin, “The Office” started sinking, and although the show runners decided to end the “mockumentary” rather than let it get cancelled, it was only a matter of time. The same could be said for NBC’s other humorous programs. The constant starting and stopping of “Community,” the recent demise of “30 Rock” and, honestly, “Parks and Rec” hasn’t been good since season two.

Can we just stop with the constant reality shows about singing, dancing and talents? “American Idol” was a good idea, but here we are 12 seasons later (with only one original judge still on, mind you), and the show has all but drowned. Same goes for the shows such as “The Voice” and “X Factor” trying to bottomfeed off “Idol’s” past success. “Dancing with the Stars”? When was the last time there was a legitimate star on the series?

VERDICT: SINKING FAST

VERDICT: SHARK BAIT

This show never really stood a chance of surviving the treacherous waters of cable television. From the horrible acting, to the stereotypical characters, to beating a dead horse in terms of plot over and over, this show must be particularly hated by broadcasting’s natural selection. VERDICT: DEAD IN THE WATER

ENTERTAINMENT

Predator

Apr. 11, 2013

Upcoming band’s struggle pays off in six months and promoting at over 170 different shows, Alex Wiese, bass player of Jocelyn, MUSIC EDITOR said in an exclusive interview with Predator. It’s never easy to make a name “Breaking into the music infor one’s self in the music indus- dustry feels like a lot of work. try. Most of the time it doesn’t even With so many upcoming art- feel like you’re in any sort of ‘inists-in-the-making, the majority dustry’… It just feels like you’re of music hopefuls have taken to trying to make a name for yourthe Internet and the power of self through music. It’s not like the 21st Century to be heard. we’re surrounded by musicians Just look at Justin Bieber, Kar- every day or label representamin, or Conor Maynard, all of tives. whom have been discovered “Most of the time it’s just us through the power of YouTube. and our guitars, and fans when Colbie Caillat, The Arctic Mon- we’re at shows.” keys, and Panic! at the Disco It may not sound like a huge have all struggle. made an apSome may pearance on “Living life on tour... It’s living think that it’s MySpace beeasy to have for six weeks with just the fore getting clothes that fit in a backpack. people jump signed. It’s sleeping in a Honda Civic on your bandSo what is for nights on end. It’s wash- wagon, drive one to do in ing your hair in a Starbucks’ to a few venthis day and ues where bathroom...” age when local artists media outare playing, alex wiese hand out a lets like these are becom- few demos to bassist ing less relisome teenagable in terms ers and watch of being recognized? your fan base grow. But there’s a Allow us to introduce you to lot more to it than that. Jocelyn; a band from Iowa City, Countless have tried the same Iowa, who did just that. They procedure in order to have their began making a name for them- voices heard, but it seems only selves the old-fashioned way. the most dedicated have made “Our band released our first it. EP in June of 2012. Landen, “Living life on tour while trySteve, and I finished up school ing to promote our band is like the previous fall and wanted to nothing I’ve ever experienced really try at reaching a national before. It’s living for six weeks audience. with just the clothes that fit in a “We immediately hit the road backpack. It’s sleeping in a Honat tours of similar genre, cover- da Civic for nights on end. It’s ing approximately 60,000 miles washing your hair in a Starbucks

BY ALY DAMMINGER

BY: Aly Damminger

Photo by • GIGI JACKSON listen to this - A student checks out Jocelyn’s website (weareJocelyn. com). The website allows visitors to check out the band’s latest news, their upcoming tour dates and stream their music for free. bathroom. But you get to see the entire country while making memories, it’s great,” Wiese said. Jocelyn recently released their new EP, Storyline. One track off of it, “A Little Too Late” is available for streaming on their website. The tune channels a fun sound that exploits a summery vibe. “Most importantly,” Wiese said, “remember that you’re

BY nick rogers

more than an artist… Your craft is your business and you have to address every aspect of your business if you want to make it anywhere. Don’t just focus on being a good musician—be presentable, be frugal with your money, be kind, and always be making connections, he said. “You never know when that one connection might just pay off.”

UPCOMING SHOWS:

co-sports editor

SCALE OF ROCK

~ ZAC BROWN BAND ~ 4/18 • AUSTIN 360 AMPHITHEATRE • AUSTIN, TX

4/19 • GEXA ENERGY PAVILLION • DALLAS, TX 4/27 • THE CHELSEA @ THE COSMOPOLITAIN OF LAS VEGAS • LAS VEGAS, NV

5/4 • WILLIAMS BRICE STADIUM • COLUMBIA, SC

Photo by • SCOTT SHARPE/RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER/MCT CAMPUS) prepare to be entertained - Zac Brown plucks away at his guitar in front of a roaring crowd in North Carolina last May while promoting his thennewly-released album, Uncaged. Zac Brown is currently touring the US through the end of the summer. collaborating with rapper, Massif, on-stage. Brown executed his wellknown songs tremendously. Mid-concert, he played some of his classics: “Colder Weath-

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

IT’S A LONG WAY TO THE TOP

PLUGGED IN

SEXY HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK

ZBB: They got whatever ‘it’ is The rain and chill couldn’t affect the atmosphere provided by the Zac Brown Band on Feb. 22. Although the muddy lawn had every inch covered by chairs, blankets and bags provided by the fans, there were no complaints about the lack of space. The opening act, Blackberry Smoke, performed well, though there was a clear indication of what the people wanted to see. As they ended their set and the lights darkened, it was clear that the crowd was on the edge of their seats. When the first note of “Keep Me in Mind” was played, a roar erupted and everyone instantly rose to their feet. The air was soon filled with thousands of voices singing along with Zac Brown. Differentiating from other acts, Brown is not the sole performer on tour. He is sure to put the other members of his band in the spotlight, incorporating solo performances from his guitarists, his drummer and his fiddler. He also played songs from other artists including Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion” before

er,” “Toes” and “Knee Deep.” After a momentary delay, Zac Brown Band gave the folks what they wanted: “Chicken Fried” and left them counting the days until their return.

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU

5/8-5/10 • RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE • MORRISON, CO 5/25 - 5/26 • LSU TIGER STADIUM • BATON ROUGE, LA 6/8 • ALPINE VALLEY MUSIC THEATRE • ELKHORN, WI

I WANNA ROCK

HELLA GOOD

That’s right. Justin Timberlake has finally taken a break from filming on movie sets and has returned to the studio. The iconic singer made his comeback official this past January. He posted, “I think I’M READY” on Twitter and later sent out a link to a video of himself in the studio where he discussed his six-year hiatus. JT released his first single, “Suit & Tie” on Jan. 14. The song starts out pretty slowly before gradually breaking out into a 40s brass-band sound. At first listen, I didn’t really enjoy it. Timberlake’s previous album, Futuresex/ Lovesounds, was extremely successful. Three singles (“Sexyback,” “My Love” and “What Goes Around… Comes Around”) were all number one US hit singles, the album ranked number 46 on the Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of 2000 chart, and it also went certified multi-platinum in a ton of countries while selling over 10 million copies. So, after setting a track record like that, I was expecting a major comeback song that would sell me within the first 30 seconds… However, after hearing it on the radio about a thousand times, it began to grow on me. It really showcases JT’s vocal range as he executes run after run after run perfectly. Timberlake later teased fans on his Twitter account claiming that a surprise would occur after his performance at the Grammys. His second single, “Mirrors” was released the next day, Feb. 10. The track serves as a nice popballad with smooth sounds as he croons about how he’s “looking at the other half of me” and how “it was easy”/”comin’ back to you once I figured it out.” All in all, the way Timberlake is going about this whole process is clever. The man had a victorious solocareer. Millions of ladies wanted to be with him, millions of guys wanted to be him… So he took a break and set his sights toward dominating the film industry. Six years later, the man returns and has everyone— both men and women bowing down to him. His first two singles are already taking over the world in the blink of an eye. Very nice. Timberlake’s new album, “The 20/20 Experience,” was released on March 15, and, believe me, this is an album you don’t want to miss.

FEATURE

16 Apr. 11, 2013

Predator

When words fail, her art will speak BY marlene miranda

Co-Editor-in-chief

Thank you predator patrons

f an artist needed to depict the image of the world’s next Van Gogh, she would carefully paint strands of goldenrod and dandelion into signature bangs. She would sketch out a floral, vintage styled dress, and pair it with opaque-colored stockings tucked into leather oxfords. And she would have to draw a small cat next to her. After stepping back and looking at her work, she could only name the painting one thing: Sandy Roy. Senior Sandy Roy has been surrounded by art for what she believes is forever. “Drawing was a hobby as a kid and I was really into the neopets, 90’s cutesy cartoon characters. My elementary school art teacher entered me into an art contest and one of my paintings won best in show. At that point I started realizing, ‘Oh wow, I’m pretty good at this,’” she said. Over her high school career, Roy has taken nine art classes including drawing I–III, photography, ceramics I–II and AP drawing and 2-D. “Now I’m in my senior year, I’m finally starting to do things where I’m taking my work to professionals and people are looking at my art telling me, ‘Wow, you have a unique style.’

It is something I’ve never heard. I’m happy I’m at that point where I’ve found myself.” Roy is from Quebec, Canada. After high school, she plans on attending art school there. “When I first said I was majoring in art, it was like…coming out of the closet. They were like, ‘Oh my God. No, no, no no, no!’ and told me, ‘It’s a phase, you’re going to find something you want to do.’” After her parents’ initial reaction, Roy entered and attended art shows. She ended up winning multiple awards. In addition, she would go to portfolio interviews and would receive many art school offers. “People would be throwing themselves at me. After my parents realized, ‘Wow, Sandy’s actually good at art. A career in art is actually possible for her.’ Now, they’re completely supportive.” Roy is no stranger to negative reactions toward art students. Many of her peers are under the impression that art students are on the road to ending up in severe debt with no career. “People automatically assume that if you pursue art, you’re going to be a starving artist. People aren’t aware of all the careers available in art. It’s not just being a studio artist and showing in galleries. Everything that you

Photo illustration by • gigi jackson a picture’s worth a thousand words - Senior Sandy Roy works on her newest masterpiece in her AP Art class. She developed her love for drawing when she was just a kid and has decided to attend art school in Canada.

could think of --- the computer on your desk, a book --- an artist plays a role in it; everything. An artist plays a role in everything. “Ideally, I’d want to have a career for concept art involving movies, anything really. I just want to be a concept artist.” Concept artists illustrate in order to represent a design or mood for a building, video game, animation, film or comic before it is produced. “If you’ve ever watched a

behind the scenes in a movie, you’ll see sketches of characters and plot lines. You have to design characters, you have design what they’ll wear, you have to design the environments. “For a long time, I was looking at animation. But I would go to the colleges and show them my portfolio and they would all tell me that I drew like an illustrator.” After viewing animation classes in college, Roy decided to

pursue concept art and illustration. “Animation is just too strict for me. All the illustration classes are up my alley. Illustration looks at a concept –- a whole picture, not just the moving parts. “I just want people to like my art. I don’t need to be in the history books. I don’t need to be super famous. All I want is someone to open a book, see my work, and say, ‘I like it.’”

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AUTOMOTIVE

Predator

Apr. 11, 2013

what affects your car insurance 3% 18% 35%

Photo by • mariah henderson

25%

Driving Record and Claim History

Lower your costs - Darren Glover, driver’s education teacher, enforces safe driving in driver’s education. Students who have taken Driver’s Education are eligible for lowered insurance rates while obtaining more knowledge for the road.

Keep safety high, costs low By josh acierno

automotive editor

Driving is expensive, there’s no doubt about it. But why is it so expensive? Well, cars are expensive machines that require a lot to maintain and to replace. Replacing a car with your own money would kill your pocket. That’s why there’s insurance. By paying a car insurance company every month, you get coverage. Depending on how much you want to spend on insurance every month, though, different plans can cover for more expensive incidents. For example, one driver may have a $10,000 plan which means his or her insurance company will cover damages up $10,000 while another may have a $25,000 plan so, in turn, that driver’s insurance company would pay any expenses up to $25,000. Insurance rates are high, especially for young drivers. There are a few ways to save a bit of cash when it comes to insurance, many of which almost anyone can

do. One of the easiest ways to lower your insurance rate is by taking a driver’s education class. Most schools offer these courses which allow you to learn the road rules and to get some hands-on experience behind the wheel. Upon completion of the course, your insurance rates will decline. “Drivers-Ed was literally one of the easiest classes I’ve ever taken, yet it benefits me on the road and in the wallet,” said senior Cameron Poole. Another school-related way to keep your insurance costs low is by making the good student discount requirements. This means that a driver must have at least a 3.0 GPA and provide proof of that GPA to his or her insurance company to get the insurance cut. There are other ways to lower your insurance outside of school as well. Some of these options include being a safe driver for a certain amount of time (usually 3-5 years) or even having a birthday. Those turning 21 or 25 will see insurance cuts. Also, the type of car you drive is a factor in insurance. If you drive a nice sports

car, insurance rates will obviously be higher than someone who drives a rundown sedan. Some insurers even offer a CD-Rombased class that covers things like defensive driving maneuvers and tests your knowledge of road rules. If you complete it, they’ll give you a break in your insurance costs. Another way to lower your rates, believe it or not, is by getting married. Some insurers find married drivers to be less of a risk to insure because of the fact that they may have a spouse or possibly kids in the car with them. Another seemingly odd way is by moving. Depending on where you move to, your insurance could either go up, or it could go down. Someone living in New York City will have higher rates than those living and driving in the open fields of Iowa or Kentucky. Keep in mind that traffic violations, accidents and bad grades may raise your rates, so if you’re one of the many drivers trying to lower those rates as much as possible, avoid collisions and violations and take the incentive to drive safely.

Location

Car Make and Model

Occupation

Credit

Age, Marrital Status and Gender Insurance Carrier and Policy Options SOURCE: www.carinsurancelist.com

I got into a car accident....

Ramona...

now what?

prom? yes

1. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Glove Compartment. Drivers should carry a cell phone, as well as pen and paper for taking notes, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. 2. Keep Safety First. Drivers involved in minor accidents with no serious injuries should move cars to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. Leaving cars parked in the middle of the road or busy intersection can result in additional accidents and injuries. If a car cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the cars with seatbelts fastened for everyone’s safety until help arrives. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares or warning triangles if possible. 3. Exchange Information. After the accident, exchange the following information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver’s name is different from the name of the insured, establish what the relationship is and take down the name and address for each individual. Also make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color — and the exact location of the collision and how it happened.

yes all of the above - Will

4. Photograph and Document the Accident. Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident so that you can make your case to a claims adjuster. If there were witnesses, try to get their contact information; they may be able to help you if the other drivers dispute your version of what happened. 5. File An Accident Report. Law enforcement officers in many locations may not respond to accidents unless there are injuries, drivers should file a state vehicle accident report, which is available at police stations and often on the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site as a downloadable file. A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process. SOURCE: www.edmunds.com

SPORTS

18 Apr. 11, 2013

Predator

Hoffman, more than just a coach By Reed Gray Journalism I student

ROGERS’ RUNDOWN

By NICK ROGERS

‘Well, he was my favorite player’ “That used to be my favorite player until he got caught using performance enhancing drugs.” This is said too often when referring to sports figures who are supposed to be role models to young sports enthusiasts all over the world. They give children hope that they can be just like their favorite players when they grow up. However, many kids now get the idea that they cannot be successful without using these drugs. When you see players who are at the top of their respected sports get in trouble for using steroids or other enhancers you question everyone. With the 2012 MLB AllStar game MVP (Melky Cabrera); the greatest cyclist of all time (Lance Armstrong); and the best homerun hitter of all time (Barry Bonds) all being linked to performance enhancing drugs, it makes you wonder who to look up to. With nearly every team in every sport having an athlete linked to some kind of banned substance it’s hard to cheer for a “clean” team. The raise in the use of PED’s has trickled down all the way to the high school level. Drug testing isn’t so rare in high school anymore; back in the 80s and 90s there was no testing in high school sports and the only tests in college involved looking for marijuana and other narcotics. It was rare to hear of a player taking steroids or any type of human growth hormone. Now it’s rare to hear of a star player not using these drugs. All professional sports leagues in America have hard stances against the drugs but you wonder if these leagues could completely eliminate the performance enhancers. Eliminating these drugs is essential; kids need to know the dangers of these supplements at a young age. No longer in today’s age do we see the kid who came from a no-name town in the United States make it into the sports limelight through hard work and determination. We now know of the champion athletes who have become prosperous beyond belief only to become noteworthy due to their off field cheating. Athletes can be successful without Steroids. Success is based on how hard you work not on the supplements you take. You must be able to outwork your opponent, not out dope them.

“Ever since I was 5 years old, baseball has been a part of my life. I played all throughout my childhood and have coached for 22 years now,” said Wharton baseball coach Scott Hoffman. “I like to think I have taught my players a lot, but they also have taught me a lot, too. The game has changed over the years, but I don’t have any intentions to stop coaching.” Much like most baseball players, the game was first introduced to Hoffman by his father. Hoffman grew up playing Little League in North Tampa and continued his playing days at Gaither High School. While playing at Gaither, Hoffman was introduced to legendary coach, Frank Permuiy. Upon interviewing Hoffman, he began reminiscing about his playing days. “We were dominant; nobody could beat us. It was a lot of fun,” he said. Today, Hoffman remains in the game through coaching. He coached at Chamberlain for two years, Gaither for seven, and Leto for two, before finding his niche at Wharton where he has spent his last 11 leading the Wildcats. “In my time, coaching has changed a lot. Players aren’t as hard-nosed today as they were back when I played. You have to adapt to your players from year to year.” While lending his knowledge

Photo by • Alex Montgomery Coach, Mentor, Role Model - Coaches Joey Fernandez, Wade Boggs, Scott Hoffman and Minor League White Sox pitcher Andrew Virgili watch Wharton warm up. The Wildcats are fifth in their district. to his players, they have also lent him theirs. Hoffman has had to learn how different players react to different methods of coaching. “Motivation is a big key in the game. Players today are more sensitive. You have to know how each player will respond in order to maximize his potential.” Last season, Hoffman and his fully accredited staff, made up of Hall of Famer, Wade Boggs, and former All-SEC player and former Armwood baseball head coach, Joey Fernandez, led their team to Wharton’s best season in

school history. Wharton won its first ever district championship and made it to the regional finals; one game short of the state finals. They were even ranked first in the nation at one point, according to the MaxPreps.com poll. Hoffman admitted that last year’s team was his favorite team he has coached thus far in his early career. “Our team chemistry was incredible. It was a lot of fun to be around those guys every day. We played the game the way it should be played, hard, plus we won a lot so that was fun too.”

This year, Wharton faces a tall task playing in one of the toughest districts in the nation. Some have even referred to it as the “district of death.” Hoffman expects to win the games they’re supposed to and he hopes to sneak up on teams and steal some games as well. “We just have to compete this year. Every guy has to give it all they have. Each player has a distinct role on this team and in order for us to be successful; they need to fulfill their role. We also have to avoid injuries; that is the last thing we need.” For Hoffman, seeing players figure out how to play the game right and maximize their potential is one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching. “I’ve played with and coached a lot of talented guys who have, and will go on to do some great things. But, coaching a guy who is already really good isn’t my favorite. Those players tend to be less coachable. I prefer the players with average talent, who are hardworking and coachable. It’s rewarding to see them refine their abilities and become good ball players.” There are a lot of positives that come with the job, but for Hoffman, the worst part about coaching is losing and not being able to affect the outcome of the game. “I don’t have any plans to stop coaching. Coach Permuiy, has coached now for 35 years. Maybe it is just the competitive side of me but I intend coaching longer than him. I love it.”

Softball surprises all with shocking start By Cj POtter Staff Writer “Our new word is ‘mollywopping,’ #mollywop. It’s a fighting gesture,” junior first baseman Nicole Dixon said. Wharton softball is on a hot streak. They’re “mollywopping” with a fast 7-1 (3-1) start, compared to their 7-3 (2-2) record at the same point last season. After a victory over then nationally fifth-ranked Chamberlain High, with a score of 2-1, this year’s softball team is out to Photo by • Alex Montgomery prove it is better than any other (even with a little adversity on Strike three - Makaleigh Dooley, sophomore, tosses a strike in a game their hands). They are playing against district rival Newome. The Wildcats lost the game 7-3 but are still in the shadow of other Wildcat in second place trailing only Durant in the 8A-7 district standings. teams’ success, such as football, boys basketball and girls volleyBut it takes a full team to get ing me up.” ball. far. A pitcher’s arm will only last The hype should be felt all “I want to win a banner,” Dix- for so long. over campus. As of March 4 the on said. “We are a good team, “I don’t feel that I have one softball team is ranked third in but we don’t have a banner up.” best player over all of my play- the entire nation, third in the With a great team set in place, ers. We have great strengths, our state and second in the 8A conthe team is led by the equally pitching is very strong, our de- ference, according to MaxPreps. great arm of sophomore fense is very strong, and com. pitcher, Makaleigh each girl does her job; “I honestly believe that we “I don’t feel Dooley, who led we are truly a team can win districts and possibly that I have one the team with a this year,” head states,” Dooley said. best player over all 2.70 Earned Run coach Ashlee Unlike some other teams in the of my players.” Average (ERA) Cappucci said. county, the Lady Wildcats have last season and “I agree. It’s what they say is the best chemAshlee Cappucci a team sport. I istry as a team there could poswho currently Head Coach have to be on sibly be. holds a .54 ERA so far this year when I’m pitching “This is like the closest we’ve (That goes with 71 and they [the team] ever been, out of any other year, strikeouts with only 52 have to be backing me and we’ve been through a lot so innings pitched). up, Dooley explained. we’re closer,” Dixon said. “Makaleigh is our best pitcher; “Usually I’m most dominant “We all get along so well, and she’s really good,” junior second when I’m angry or fired up, and we’re like one giant family,” baseman Nicole Keesee said. my team does a good job of hyp- Keesee said.

Key Players Makaleigh Dooley (P) ERA: 1.47 Strikeouts: 94

Erica Matich (C) Avg: .438 Home Runs: 3

Nikki Dixon (1B) Avg: .323 Hits:10

Meagan Bell (OF) Avg: .286 Runs: 10

Nikki Keesee (2B) Avg: .281 Runs: 9

“We bonded right from the start. We all love each other, and we’re all great friends. I don’t know where I’d be without these girls,” Dooley said. “If you go watch most teams, it’s like they have this one star player, and you know that, that star player is going to carry the whole team,” Cappucci said. “But our team is, any day someone will come and do the job.” Every team plays to win a state championship, and with a great pitcher and a team with amazing camaraderie, who knows how far this year’s softball team could go.

sports

Apr. 11, 2013

19 Double trouble: That’s what her friends call her Predator

by nikki morse

sophomore year, skipping junior year and finishing with her senior year. She started pole The left side of her brain mo- vaulting freshman year too, betivates the crowd in front of her. ing influenced by alumnae Lon“First and 10, do it again. Let’s don Enos. Now, to further her expertise go, Cats!” The energy courses through her veins as she stunts, in the sport, Smith attends a spetumbles and chants, all while cial pole vault camp in Orlando having a bow perched atop her with fellow senior and pole vaulter, Ashley Cahill. head. “They practice every day The right side of her brain focuses in on the runway ahead but we go up there Saturday morning and of her. The afcool, slick, “She’s gotten stronger each Monday silver pole year, and she’s learned real ter school to train with a rests in her well the technique of the coach who has hands as she pole vault.” trained state advances champions and towards the mat, ready wes newton people who have gotten full to launch chemistry teacher rides to differherself into ent universithe air and over the bar. Half cheerleader ties. We found him at the Lake and half pole vaulter, Britainy Brantley track meet last year, Smith is taking her senior year and he was helping us out and told us to come to see him in by storm. “I started competitive cheer- Orlando at Lyman High School leading when I was 8 at Florida and so we’ve been with him Wildcats and stopped my soph- ever since.” When asked which she preomore year. My friend in New Jersey did it so her mom con- ferred, cheer or pole vault, vinced my mom to get me into Smith replied with this: “If you asked me in middle school, I it,” she said. Smith has been a part of the wouldn’t even know what pole Lady Wildcats cheer team for vault was and I would have chothree years: freshman and sen cheerleading.

co-sports editor

Photo by • scott sollazzo

Thank you predator patrons

double trouble - Britainy Smith, senior, is a cheerleader in the winter and pole vaulter in the spring. She aspires to continue pole-vaulting in college at somewhere like the University of Central Florida.

Crystal Patrons Humberto and Kathy Gonzalez Rafael and Ana Gomez Ed and Aorina Coursey Judy and Doug Montgomery

“But now that I’ve done pole vaulting, I would choose it just because it takes a lot more hard work and dedication. You have to be fast and be strong. In cheerleading it does that too, but pole vaulting will take you places after college, if you’re good.” Smith has worked to improve her skill every single year. She says it helps her grow as an athlete by learning, listening and watching coaches and other athletes. She takes what they have said or done and puts it towards bettering herself. During Smith’s freshman year, her personal best was 8’6”; sophomore year it improved to 10’ and elevated to 11’ this year. “She’s gotten stronger each year, and she’s learned real well the technique of the pole vault. She will definitely be able to make it to the college level. She has a lot of strength, one of our strongest girls,” Coach Wes Newton said about Smith. This Texas native is considering the University of Alabama and University of Central Florida and aspires to be a physical therapist. Looking to pole vault in college with a personal record of 11’, Smith has a promising future ahead of her and is ready to impress in her final semester.

Platinum Patrons Douina Benkabbou Henderson Family Mahanor Family Tanya Alcocer Aylin Potter

Gold Patrons Goldman Family Bertovich Family Jay and Francie Roderick Sally Hammer Khadeeja Morse Charlene R. Suldovsky Adam and Ryan Sollazzo The Fab 5 Will Barnes

Silver Patrons Mrs. Louise Menta Damminger Family Razbro Corporation Claudia Solorzano Pahl Family The Damminger Family Cesar Apolo

Bronze Patrons James Birmingham Ryan Gilbreath Cathy Caples Carolyn Weld Barbara Woolley Debra Bixler Donna McGrew Tina Roberts Wharton Media Center Devin Guy

Harvey Keyes Wharton Culinary Thomas Tonelli Philip Morris Mrs. Dance Alicia Nelson Mr. Stephenson Sarah Theiss Brad Woods

“never give up! failure and rejection are only the first steps to succeeding.”

-jim valvano

game day

Apr. 11, 2013

Predator

Are you an LAX bro?

Boys varsity lacrosse prepping for new sanctioned season; shooting to repeat state championship win,” Henderson said. “To me varsity is much more serious and dedicated to the game, whereas JV, we all tend to mess around but we still manage to get work done even though we joke around some of the time,” Sepulveda said. “I’m really excited [for the sanctioned season] because lacrosse will be taken more seriously than it is now and it will give us a chance to face better teams, which can improve our abilities.” With matches coming up against undefeated (as of April 2) Wesley Chapel and their last game a rematch against Plant, the Wildcats have a lot of questions to answer, and even more people to prove wrong. With a sanctioned season meeting them head on for next school year, they could use all the momentum they can muster. A repeat as state champion, could answer those questions, gain all the momentum that they need and prove everyone wrong.

By cj potter staff writer

he definition of fluke according to dictionary.reference.com is, “an accidental advantage; stroke of good luck.” The boys lacrosse team is out to prove that last year’s perfect 17-0 undefeated season and state championship are anything but a fluke. A repeat state championship would definitely assure the rumor is put to bed. This year the team has compiled an 8-1 record, with wins over IMG Academy (12-11), an 18-7 win over conference 10th ranked Wiregrass Ranch, a 20-1 win over Forrest Ocala and with the only regular season schedule loss against Plant (9-8). “There were a lot of teams this year in our league that voted not to play us, so when we get the chance to play them in the playoffs I definitely want to beat up on them,” sophomore midfielder/attack man Nathan Bleckley said. “I want to beat Plant, because they barely beat us in the game we played them, and we played them in the state title game last year so when we play them again we’ll be ready but I really want to beat Plant,” Bleckley said. Against Plant (9-8 loss) attack men Zach Salazar and midfielder Jeffrey Keil had two goals apiece and attack man Chase Beale netted three goals. In the matchup against Oca-

Sunday

Photo Courtesy of • Mojo studios Eye on the prize - Midfielder Rocky Enos, senior, helps defend the Wildcat Varsity Lacrosse team and lead a 12-11 victory against IMG Academy. The boys varsity lacrosse team is looking to once again play at the state championship to further define their skill and dedication to their, now sanctioned, sport. la Forrest, Bleckley, Keil and Rocky Enos scored three goals each while Salazar had five. Sophomore goalie James Davidson had eight saves in the contest. Next season, the sport will be sanctioned and the underclass-

Monday

Tennis Districts (8 AM)

men have their eyes set on not only making a statement as a repeat state champ, but as well as making a name for themselves. Two players, midfielders Myles Henderson and Sebastian Sepulveda, both play for the junior varsity and varsity teams

April

Tuesday

Tennis Districts (12 PM) Track @ Jefferson (12 PM)

Wednesday

Softball/Baseball @ Bloomingdale

and are racking up valuable playing time. “The main difference would have to be that, JV is preparing players to be ready for varsity so the ball is on the ground more and they hardly ever run plays, but both teams still find a way to

Thursday

Friday

2012-2013 Boys Lacrosse Varsity March Stats

3/8 Palm Harbor Univ. (W, 20-7) 3/27 Robinson (W, 21-2) 3/28 at Freedom (W, 12-6)

Honor Court Breakfast Softball/Baseball @ Durant (8:30 AM) (7 PM) Flag Football @ Freedom (6:15 PM)

Saturday

(7 PM)

Flag Football @ Leto (6:15 PM)

Softball/Baseball @ Lenard Softball/Baseball @ Blake (7 PM) (7 PM)

Flag Football @ Stienbrenner

(6:15 PM)

FCAT Testing

Softball Districts @ Durant (4 PM)

Flag Football @ S.B. Crest (7 PM)

Baseball Districts @ Bloomingdale (4 PM)

Flag Football @ Alonso (6 PM)

Softball Districts @ Durant (12 AM)

CLUB DAY

Track @ Leto (12 PM)

Baseball @ Sickles (7 PM)

FCAT Testing

Baseball Districts @ Bloomingdale (4 PM)

Flag Football @ Alonso (12 PM)

Flag Football @ Alonso

(12 PM) Track @ Leto (12 PM)

Report Card Distribution Softball Districts @ Durant (7 PM) Flag Football @ King (7 PM)

Baseball Districts @ Bloomingdale

(7 PM)

FCAT Testing & EOC Testing

Grad Bash Baseball @ Chamberlain (7 PM)