Predator - November 2013

PREDATOR PAUL R.

@ WHSPredator

WHARTON HIGH SCHOOL

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Nov. 8, 2013

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647

Volume 17 Issue 2

New high-tech track to reduce risk of injury among athletes, allow hosting large events

Photo By • Scott Sollazzo New day for Wharton track - The sun rises over the soon-to-be rubberized track. After years of fundraising and other means of financial assistance, nearly $150,000 has been raised to complete the project which is scheduled to begin after Thanksgiving Break.

Rubberized track paves way for enhanced athlete training

By Yvonne bertovich Co-Managing editor ybertovichpredator@gmail.com

L

WHAT’S INSIDE

ike the burning, deep ache of shin splints or the pounding of battered knees of some dedicated runners, enduring the race for a new track is almost complete.

“When the school opened, the track was asphalt, which basically meant it was like running on Bruce B. Downs,” said Wes Newton, former girls track coach and chemistry teacher.

For Newton and his teams, the low-tech track was arguably more costly than the benefits gained from training on it in many aspects.

The hard surface caused shocks in the legs of runners with every step, leading to injuries and even denying Wharton as a host for big events.

“We’ve redesigned the track

in effort to host big meets, like finish line. our district meet this year and “We realized that since our others, and “we want to get a school has the best track team, lot of teams we wanted here and a showcase rubberized “As tracks improved, we realized t r a c k . ” t h e Wharton training on asphalt led to more N e w t o n t r a c k injuries to the legs, even creating said. “We t e a m , ” finally fractures and broken bones.”

Newton r a i s e d said. enough When Wes Newton money to Newton get it done, former girls track coach / and we and others in the track chemistry Teacher signed all community the papers decided to and the undertake county is this project five years ago, they behind us. Construction is going knew it would be worth the to start between Thanksgiving work. and Christmas after the football It took $100,000 worth of season is over.” fundraising money, with The injuries endured may help from the booster club, never fade from memory, but through events such as working perhaps the new track may help Gasparilla and having golf soothe away some soreness. tournaments at Heritage Isles.

“At the time, in ‘96, across the Hillsborough County also country they all were asphalt, added $50,000 to help get the so really we didn’t know any project collectively over the better,” Newton said. “Then

School News

10 Hart receives Google Grant, qualifies for AP Scholar Award

slowly, rubberized tracks or it’s gonna help us become even synthetic surfaced tracks began better than what we are.” to pop up around the state. As Runners are also eagerly tracks improved, we realized anticipating the track’s training on completion, asphalt led to such as Kiana more injuries Outen, a to the legs, senior and even creating second year fractures track patron. and broken “We bones.” hopefully Coach won’t get Anthony shin splints Triana, the anymore, girls track and we’ll be coach and able to run cross country faster and coach, said train for how Photo By • Scott Sollazzo our races are that the r u b b e r i z e d Softer soles - Rubberized track will actually going track truly improve the performance of Wildcat to be,” Outen lends hope to athletes. said. the already For the successful track squad. track community, it has been a “Well hopefully with the long, painful race to be able to rubberized track, it doesn’t drop complete a rubberized track. athletes out and we can create a Now that they’re crossing the bigger team, and have a better finish line of this monumental environment for everyone,” project, the victory is arguably Triana said. “We’re excited, and very sweet.

Hot Spot

Sports

11 Review: Taco Bus brings Mexican cuisine to the Bay area

15 Varsity basketball team shoots for fifth straight district title

wildcatnews 2

Nov. 8, 2013

Predator

Common Core bill standardizes education

By Brandon Goldman online editor-in-chief bgoldmanpredator@gmail.com

I

n 2010, government leaders introduced a new academic system that allowed students across the nation to be taught the same topics in school to help prepare students for college readiness.

This system, known as the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), aims to provide a steady, clear understanding of

what students are expected to learn using real-world applications to prepare students for their future. In part, this system was adopted to boost America’s academic stance in the global education race.

“When you look at the Florida Comprehension Assessment Test (FCAT), it’s all about basic foundations and skills, but when you look at it now, we want to prepare our kids for the future,” said Kathleen Haughey, an English teacher and department head. “We need to

have good, competitive adults with China and other countries that are now taking over educationally, and we have to figure out how to make our kids more competitive, and that’s where Common Core comes in.”

The system, which is targeted to be applied in every state in the United States, has generated a lot of attention from parents, teachers and government officials. Currently, the only states that haven’t voted to adopt the system are Texas, Alaska, Minnesota and Nebraska.

Photo by • Scott Sollazzo Writing to perfection - Halle Derrico, a freshman, works diligently on an essay to be graded on the Common Core scale. In the past, students focused solely on being graded on the FCAT rubric.

In Florida, the CCSS system have joined together to voice was adopted in July 2010 with out their opposition to Comprojected plans to be imple- mon Core. One such group, the mented into the state’s public Florida Parents Against Comschool system starting with the mon Core, hopes to abolish the 2014-15 academic year. academic standard altogether.

For the 2013-14 school year, Their mission statement reads, CCSS was implemented com- “We are a rapidly organizing pletely to students in kinder- body of parents to serve one garten through second grade purpose, and that is to stop as well as being slowly moved Common Core State Standards into grades three through 12 in from entering into our chila modified way to students. dren’s public, charter, private For Halle Derrico, a freshman, and home schoolers classroom Common Core has been intro- curriculum before the 2014-15 duced in her English I honors school year.” class.

Additionally, the bill would “At first I was thinking about require Florida to pull out of the how I didn’t understand why Partnership for Assessment of we had to learn this (Common Readiness for College and CaCore), but now I understand reers (PARCC), a program that how important it is, and I have was pioneered to replace stana new perspective when I’m dardized tests like the FCAT. learning new things in English,” “Common Core will help preDerrico said. pare me more for However, State “It’s changed our learn- college because Rep, Debbie it wouldn’t be ing a lot.”

Mayfield R-Vero good if we used Beach, has reFCAT style cently introduced writing for colFlorida House lege,” said JaJasirah Williams sirah Williams, Bill 25 (H.B. 25) entitled Public Freshman a freshman. “It’s School Curricuchanged our lar Standards and learning a lot, Assessments. This bill, if placed and I have to get out of thinking into action, would put the enact- in FCAT style.” ment of the Common Core State While opinions remain mixed, Standards on hold until the the question remains as to how Florida Board of Education can effective the CCSS will be on determine how much the new college-bound students and education standards will cost whether such programs can be the Florida government. adequately funded by the state “It’s never too much money of Florida. when you’re talking to teachers “I think the very basic founabout good teaching and when dation of Common Core is good it comes to students under- teaching with good learning,” standing the concepts,” Haugh- Haughey said. “I think the botey said. tom line is that it will be the Outside of the classroom envi- same foundation that students ronment, groups across the state are used to today.”

Florida’s texting while driving law in effect that,” said Hannah Olson, a junior. “If it was like $500, their staff writer parents would probably have to xdoipredator@gmail.com pay it for them so the low fine makes it more effective.” n Oct. 1, a new law In the future, the severity of went into affect that this offense may increase, folcould greatly alter lowing the trend set by other the way teenagers in states.

Florida drive.

“I think it is a good starting “The driver of a vehicle cannot point, however, I think it will utilize a phone while driving to probably evolve over the years check emails or text messages,” to become more strict,” Miller said Michael Miller, school re- said. “Florida is actually kind of source officer, who noted that behind the times when it comes “nothing that to the law beuses the keycause a lot of board” can other states be operated “The driver of a vehicle can- have anti-cellby the driver phone laws not utilize a phone while while the car driving to check emails or where it is a is in motion. primary oftext messages.”

The law is a fense.” secondary ofSome stufense, meandents feel Michael Miller ing that drivthat the new School Resource Officer l e g i s l a t i o n ers can’t be pulled over is infringing solely for texon their freeting. It will doms. count as a nonmoving violation, “I don’t agree with it,” said so points won’t be added to the Cristian Gonzalez, a junior. “It driver’s license. is not appropriate for Florida “It’s basically like a seatbelt citizens because we didn’t agree ticket,” Miller said. with this. We should have the The cost of a ticket from such right for that and all we got was an offense is $30. While not very just this law.” hefty, this price will probably Additionally, certain problems help to discourage texting while arise for future legislation perdriving for teenagers. taining to distracted driving due “Students don’t want to pay to the difficulty of defining what

By xella Doi

O

Photo by • Scott Sollazzo multitasking - A student daringly texts and drives simultaneously. This action has become not only a risk to the safety of the driver, but also to the wallet of the driver. is and isn’t allowed.

“There are a lot of other distracting things you could do while driving,” Miller said. “Are they going to make eating while driving illegal?”

Another issue with the current law is figuring out how the officer will prove that a suspected

offender is texting or just using their phone for GPS, changing music or some other activity which is allowed.

“The person who pulls you over is probably going to be able to say you used your phone; you’ll have to prove what you are using it for,” Miller said. “At

that point it becomes gray; that’s why it’s a secondary offense rather than primary.”

For now, all citizens can do is wait and see how this law actually pans out.

“Don’t text and drive,” Miller said. “Save it for the traffic light.”

wildcatnews

Predator

Nov. 8, 2013

3

Hart earns google global impact award BRANDON GOLDMAN

ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BGOLDMANPREDATOR@GMAIL.COM Walk into Christopher Hart’s classroom and one will instantly notice the addition of three computers, multiple shop tools and countless other technologyrelated accessories.

Hart, astronomy, engineering and physics teacher, was chosen as a representative for the Advanced Placement (AP) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Access Program.

“It (the AP STEM Access Grant) wasn’t something I applied for,” Hart said. “Last year our school district reached out to me and informed me that I was selected for the grant and that I had to fill out some paperwork to get started.”

The AP STEM Access Program was created by the College Board to recognize schools across the nation that cater STEM courses and extracurricular clubs to a large number of female and minority students who are less likely to study math and science in college or pursue careers in the technological field than the mainstream student population.

DonorsChoose.org, a nonprofit organization that provides a way for people to donate direct-

ly to specific projects at public schools, used the data gathered from the College Board and an $8 million donation from the Google Global Impact Award to distribute STEM funding to nearly 800 public high schools around the country with grants ranging from $1,200 to $9,000.

“Google provided the grant money because they feel that there should be more students interested in STEM classes and that the new equipment schools could buy could spark interest in more students wanting to take physics and engineering classes,” Hart said.

Hart received one of the top awards of $8,000, the amount set aside for AP physics B teachers, to purchase a list of goods that would benefit his science classes and the Robotics and Engineering club.

“When I was making the list of items to purchase, I thought about the kind of stuff that would make sure my students had no limitations on their ideas and their interests,” Hart said.

“I wanted to expand what we do in the classroom beyond the theory and pure lab set-up to allow my students to pursue any given aspect of physics and engineering.”

Hart plans to use the computers purchased from the grant to

Photo ILLUSTRATION by • alex montgomery sparks fly - Josh Acierno, a senior, works with technology which was purchased with the award recieved by Christopher Hart, physics teacher.

With the new items bought with the grant, hands-on-learning will become common in Hart’s classes including engineering and physics. allow students to work on computer-based homework as well as to use Internet resources to help students better understand concepts.

Other items, including the dozen tools that Hart purchased, will be used to instruct Hart’s

engineering 1 and 2 students proper mechanical techniques, such as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and other basic shop skills.

“One of the biggest goals I have is to teach beyond the curriculum, and welding is a skill

that I want to teach my students because my engineering students can help weld lab material for my physics students, which is cheaper than buying new equipment, and at the same time, the students learn real-life welding skills,” Hart said.

Hart will also be among the first teachers in the county to own a 3-D printer, a blooming technology that will allow students to create templates for projects and spare parts for Hart’s Electrathon Club, a club that is in the process of building an electric go-kart-style vehicle.

“The 3-D printer will allow our club to use a computer program to fabricate anything we need, like form fitting parts for our robot that would normally be really expensive to buy,” said Aditya Chelikani, a senior and president of the Engineering and Robotics club.

This year, Hart’s AP physics B students will have the opportunity to earn a $100 DonorsChoose.org gift card if he or she earn a three, four or five on the AP final exam in May. “I think by receiving this grant, it’s going to make my class just that much better, and hopefully it makes it that much more exciting and more students decide to take physics class in high school,” Hart said.

Cafeteria implements new dining procedures XELLA DOI

STAFF WRITER XDOIPREDATOR@GMAIL.COM Up until recently, school lunches have been notoriously mysterious, but now the school lunch staff is working to take the mystery out of their mystery meat.

“We post the calories and nutrient values of all our foods and are implementing the ‘Pick 3, 4 or 5’ system to help students get the fruits and veggies needed,” said Carol Scott, lunch room manager.

The foods are now labeled with cards above the food on the sneeze guard. These placards include the food name, calorie count and the amount of protein, carbohydrates and fat in each dish. “(For) National School Lunch Week, we will have new lunch trays giving information about what (foods) you need to meet nutrient guidelines,” said Scott.

Also, the lunch staff will start using a new menu format. That will categorize the types of foods available into the different food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. These changes are taking place across

Photo by • alex montgomery “pick 3, 4, or 5” - Student waits in the newly developed lunch line to get his school lunch. The new system allows the student to pick three, four, or five items to get them the fruits and vegetables they need to stay healthy. the country to help the health of the students.

“USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) regulations (started this program) so that kids can eat healthier, make the right decisions and fight obesity,” said Scott.

More new things in the lunch line include sandwiches and salads made custom to order.

According to Scott, the students enjoy these changes because they can pick out what they want and it is fresh.

“We implemented the new

make-your-own sandwich bar, it’s going great. You get to make your own sandwich. The servers actually make it but you pick the ingredients--the kids really like it,” said Scott.

The general sentiment of the lunch room workers is similar

YOUR AD GOES HERE!

to Scott’s, and they think it will help the health of the students.

Students seem to think that the new choices are delicious.

“The sandwiches are like a mini Subway,” said Tyler Coringrato, a junior.

The students also like the other food options now available, such as salads, and like being able to make choices about what they eat.

“I like the way (lunch) is now better because they offer more food,” said Coringrato, “(There is) a lot of variety; it tastes better and is better for you.”

While many students are excited about the new changes, others are still looking for things to change. Some like the healthy choices, but wish that some things were cheaper.

“I’d appreciate it if they dropped the price of water,” said Chase Siers, a junior. “It’s like a whole dollar right now just to get a bottle of water.”

Nevertheless, the lunchroom staff looks forward to serving students the new food and invites anybody who hasn’t tried the new options to try them.

“Everything is fresh, made to order,” said Scott “Come and join us (for lunch).”

Would you like to place an ad in this award winning paper?

Contact us at (813) 631-4710, ext 264 Fax: (813) 631-4722 kyle.lojacono@sdhc.k12.fl.us

health 4

Nov. 8, 2013

Predator

Best water fountains revealed By nikki morse social media correspondent nmorsepredator@gmail.com What constitutes a quality water fountain?

The iciness of the water? The most convenient location? The clarity of the liquid?

Too many honorable hydrating wells – aka water fountainshave been rejected and ignored because of the distinct taste of pennies and awful odor of the campus bathrooms.

Luckily for the student population, the search is over! The top five water fountains at school have been tracked down and measured based on location, taste and temperature.

Number five on our list rings in at 77 degrees, luke-warm and is located in the downstairs 200 building right next to the vending machines. While this fountain is probably the most convenient on our list seeing as it is right in the middle of school, the distinct smell of sewer wafts out of the girls bathroom which is about three feet away. Somehow, luke-warm water and the smell of fresh pee just doesn’t seem worth the stop.

Number four on the list is a bit more out of the way for some students. Next time you are headed to the Media Center or to say hey to Mr. Zayas, stop by the pair of water fountains right inside the upstairs 400 build-

Photo by • alex montgomery drink up - Students frequently take drink stops at water fountains around the school’s campus. The coldest water fountain can be found at the dugout, cafeteria and 500 hall. ing’s double doors. The taste of blood and iron kind of overpower the 75.9 degree water, but for some, it’s the only chance for refreshment before class.

Number three on the list seems likes a different world compared to the last competitor.

The 500 hall is home to this top notch fountain, rolling in at 66.4

degrees. The hallway is almost as cold as the fountain itself and, although out of the way, is worth every drop.

Students may only visit the first runner-up on this list if they have filled out a wish-tosee form or have gotten dress code. So pull down your short shorts and hike into the front of-

fice to taste this water fountain, which measured at 58.8 degrees.

The cold water is so refreshing, it could cure the sagging pants and too-short skirts epidemic.

Finally, the long-awaited moment has finally arrived. Ponder no more, fair student; the best water fountain in the whole school is in… the cafeteria! This

building is central to freshmen and seniors alike, seeing as all students have a lunch period.

The water is a cooling 46.2 degrees and is available all schoolday long.

So there it is students – the top five water fountains in school have been presented on a silver platter. Do with it what you will.

Women strive to achieve beauty By amanda kidd entertainment editor amandakpredator@gmail.com Beauty— the one thing that women spend hundreds of dollars on. Being tucked, snipped, sliced, implanted and stretched just to have the perfect body.

However, most of the time, these women end up looking more plastic than beautiful.

“Women go to drastic lengths just to feel what they think is beautiful,” said Hannah Olson, a junior. “Nothing is worth causing harm to your body.”

Wanting to feel beautiful is completely OK, but how far is too far? Going under the knife is not necessarily a pleasing term, yet this does not stop thousands of women each year completing procedures that will change their bodies permanently.

“If a procedure requires a woman to be put under anesthesia for beauty, she is putting her life at risk just to feel beautiful,” Savannah Hammel, a senior, said. “That’s insane that a woman would want to put herself in danger.”

Based off a story that ran in Glamour magazine‘s July 2010 issue about cosmetic foot surgery, a procedure that has recently become popular is the Cinderella Procedure.

This surgery removes the skin off the sides of a woman’s foot so that she can fit more easily into high heels. It also includes cutting off the tips of toes so

Photo by • keegan mckay Beauty is pain - Kelsey Eggsware, a sophomore, puts on mascara. The history of mascara can be traced back to ancient Egypt. a woman does not have that squished feeling whenever she puts on her favorite couture pumps.

Included is the injection of fat from a woman’s abdomen into her heel so that she does not have pain after walking around all day in 6-inch heels.

“It’s a choice to wear high heels. They aren’t a requirement,” Hammel said. “There is no need to disfigure your body

just so that it is easier to wear shoes that aren’t healthy for your body anyways.”

Although many women go to plastic surgeons to change their bodies, many also attend botox parties and inject themselves with concoctions that contain materials that sculpt the butt.

However, many of these injections contain inorganic materials that can cause infections and disastrous reactions.

“Women do not need to change their bodies permanently just because they see something that they do not like. They were born that way and they need to learn to accept that,” Olson said.

However, some actions women take for beauty do not require injections or cutting open their bodies.

A procedure that has become quite common is sitting in bath full of leeches. Supposedly, the

leeches are intended to clean the blood and give women a younger and healthier look.

Bleaching teeth is another treatment being used. People take this to a whole other level, using harsh chemicals to have a shiny white glow because they are unhappy with the results of regular whitening strips or treatments.

In reality, using bleach on teeth completely destroys the enamel and can lead to gum diseases and a higher chance of teeth rotting.

“Women need to learn what natural beauty is,” Hammel said.

Weight loss or body sculpting is typically what most women try to achieve when scheduling a surgery at the plastic surgeon’s office. If a woman feels as though she could lose some weight, she could try exercising and eating right before settling with surgery such as liposuction for a solution.

“Surgery is like cheating or taking the easy way out,” Olson said. “If a woman isn’t happy with the way her body looks, then she should work-out and actually put energy and effort into losing weight rather than having the fat sucked out of her.”

Hammel added, “Beauty is more than what is on the outside. Looks don’t control what people think of a person. What truly counts is what is on the inside, and no amount of surgery or procedures can change that.”

college

Predator

Destressing the college application

Nov. 8, 2013

5

Clubs bring volunteer opportunities By will kingsley staff writer wkingsleypredator@gmail.com

By Madison Giarrizzo College Editor The stress of college applications bare down on seniors as deadlines approach. While some colleges have specific applications for their school, more than 500 schools use The Common Application.

The Common Application was created in 1975 with only 15 members, and during the past 38 years has grown to 517 members.

The goal of The Common Application is to provide reliable services that promote equity, access, and integrity in the college application process. It also provides applications that students and school officials can submit to any of the member’s schools.

Students can create an account for The Common Application at www.commonapp.org.

Working a regular job for money is something many high school students do. However, few participate in one activity that really helps the local families that cannot afford many things – community service.

This uplifting deed that students can participate in touches families across the community and there are so many different opportunities to take part in.

Senior Laura Johnson, the vice president of National Honors Society, helps out with the many areas the club gives back to.

“I help with Metropolitan Ministries, which is an organization that reaches out to needy families and homeless individuals. We host a can drive for them every year,” Johnson said. “We also do Toys for Tots, which is big around Christmas time.”

There are drives during the holidays that help out less fortunate families provide toys for their children on Christmas. The food drives help bring cans of food to the families for Thanksgiving. However, there are opportunities that are not during the holidays, too.

“NHS members can volunteer at Turner Elementary for functions and events happening,” Johnson said.

Other chances to help are available through Beta Club. They can help with charities ranging from tutoring at school to doing food drives.

“At the beginning of the year,

Photo illustration by • mariah henderson making the community beta- Laura Johnson, a senior, sorts cans for the BETA can drive. NHS and BETA Club work to help better the community through the multiple outreach programs that students participate in. we try to do can food drives taken care of.” and baskets,” said Georgie ColCollins said she likes the tulins, Beta toring, which starts sponsor. during the second “At any nine weeks, the best “Metropolitan Ministries due to the fact kids time of the day, is great because you get to are asking their kids can help a lot of people in need” peers to help them go volget better grades. unteer at Also because it is Metroa way to give back politan laura johnson without spending Minisextra time at school. senior “Beta does Special tries, and that way Olympics as well the kids can have almost all of and Challenger Baseball to help. their points, to stay in the club, There is also a nurse drive for

more first-aid supplies, due to the budget being cut this year.

Things such as band-aids and hand sanitizer is what we could bring in,” Collins said.

No matter what opportunity someone takes part in, they are all equally rewarding.

These experiences aren’t just amazing to the families and children, they are also to the students.

“Metropolitan Ministries is great because you get to help a lot of people in need,” Johnson said. “It is a very rewarding experience.”

Lighthouses: Guiding the way to success

By Madison Giarrizzo college editor mgiarrizzopredator@gmail.com Lighthouses were created to guide sailors in the maritime era, and the new Lighthouse Guidance Systems: Connect (LGS) will do just that for students—guiding them through the treacherous waters that are their high school academic career.

According to their official webPhoto by • keegan mckay site, LGS provides students, parents and school administration guiding the way - Guidance counselor Sherry Ware helps a student track with real tools to help navigate their progress. The new Lighthouse program will allow students and the ever-changing educational counselors to track the progress better and easier than previously able. climate. The program was creeighth graders will be with their ated by William Farragut, a the kinks on the beta tester.

“They’re currently going counselor and they will develop former student and graduate of through training all different and create their system which Sickles High.

“What it’s designed to do is to levels of counselors,” said Ware. will roll with you.”

“What The program is still in the testhelp students h i g h ing phase, so most administrabe a more acschool tion. tive part of “What it’s designed to do is to Teachers and assistant princitheir educahelp students be a more active c o u n s e l o r s pals haven’t been trained for it. tion and able part of their education.” won’t “Us APC’s haven’t been to track their be do- trained in it; I haven’t even seen courses, their i n g it yet,” said Kevin Stephenson, GPA, their colSherry ware t h a t assistant principal of curriculege stuff, and guidance counselor middle lum. also a planning school The connect portion of LGS is tool. It helps c o u n - a huge and integral part of the you plan out s e l o r s system. your time in Text message infrastructure high school,” said, Sherry Ware, will be doing is creating the academic plan. So, choosing will allow parents, students and guidance counselor.

This program is still in the your path if you’re going to be administration: to track progtesting phase, and hasn’t been college prep, standard diploma, ress, allow parents to keep in rolled out quite yet. Counselors career and college, and creat- contact with the school and alare still testing and working out ing your four year plan, where low the administration to send

messages not only to say a specific grade level but to a specific student, all via text.

“When students log in, they’ll put contact information in and parents will put contact information in. So, it’s another way for us to increase communication with students and parents,” Ware said.

The program offers many ways for guidance counselors to help students who are struggling by giving them more attention and focus to help them succeed.

“We will be able to look at data, for example, GPAs. We could pull a list of students who have GPAs of 1.5 and 2.0 so that we could sit down and work with them to help them try and get their GPA up,” Ware said.

Not only will the guidance counselors be able to track students, the program will allow them better access to track their own progression.

“You will be able to see your full academic profile as a student. So you can go in and see all the courses that you’ve taken, the grades you’ve gotten for those courses, your test scores, your college board scores--all will be filtered in there,” Ware said.

Like the guidance of a true lighthouse, the Lighthouse Guidance System creates a developmental way for students to be up to date on what needs to be done to prepare for life after high school.

Upcoming Test and Registration Dates

ACT Test Date: Dec. 4, 2013 Deadline to register: Nov. 8, 2013

SAT Test Date: Dec. 7, 2013 Deadline to register: Nov. 8, 2013

opinion 6

Nov. 8, 2013

Predator

Lunch: It’s what you’re made of EDITORIAL

By Yvonne Bertovich Co-Managing Editor ybertovichpredator@gmail.com

T

ROVING REPORTER

here is an incredible oddity that is occurring across the country, and much of it is attributed to not only ignorance, but also a lack of correct information.

Now, this may apply to a staggering variety of concepts, yet few are as severe.

Food is serious business.

This phenomenon, in which we all are literally what we eat, has created a dangerous combination of readily available food designed for profit, not for consumer health.

Across this country, people constantly chow down on food without having the slightest clue of the ingredients. High school students vacuum nearly everything in sight on a daily basis without a second thought as to what exactly is disappearing down their gullet.

To counter this troubling trend is the new idea of having meal descriptions listed on menus in the cafeteria, which is incredibly beneficial, as students will have the obvious perk of having the necessary information of exactly what they are eating disclosed.

There’s also the fact that students should simply care what they, or their parents, are buying.

School lunches in general are

illustration by • Yvonne Bertovich often shown in a bad light— dingy, impersonal and albeit smelly—but menu descriptions add some worth and personalization for sure.

These changes will be especially helpful for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may get their sole meal each day from our school’s cafeteria. Having a more health-

ful or satisfying lunches in the cafeteria can also ensure that students will most likely be more attentive in their classes for the remainder of the school day.

It is also beneficial for those students who suffer from allergies or are simply picky eaters.

A more detailed menu can also aid in the speed of processing

through the entire lunch line in a shorter amount of time.

Most students come to school for an education, and this can now extend to the lunch line.

Students can now learn the components of a variety of specially-crafted sandwiches and salads as if they were at an actual restaurant.

Small changes can truly impact

the quality of the whole high school experience. Maybe now instead of human vacuums noisily roaming around campus, our school will have a populous of food connoisseurs and healthy habited individuals.

As some say, “You are what you eat,” and now some students will actually know what they are.

What would you serve if you ran the cafeteria?

DANNY HANUMAN

“Rice and beans, mac and cheese, and hamburgers.”

freshman

PAUL R. WHARTON HIGH SCHOOL

DEZTINY THEIRSE

“Tacos with a make-yourown taco bar.”

sophomore

MANNY RAMOS

SEYQUON KING

junior

senior

“Real Spanish food, not like fake stuff.”

P REDATOR 2013-2014

ASHLEY BENJAMIN Print Editor-in-Chief

MARIELLE GOMEZ Co-managing editor

MARINA JANKOVIC Copy editor

Adviser KYLE LOJACONO

BRANDON GOLDMAN Online Editor-in-Chief

MADISON GIARRIZZO College editor

Phone Number (813) 631-4710 ext. 237

AMANDA KIDD Entertainment editor

CATHY PAHL Club editor

WILL KINGSLEY XELLA DOI Staff writers

NIKKI MORSE Social Media Correspondent

GIOVANNI ORABONA Sports editor

YVONNE BERTOVICH Co-managing editor

OLIVIA MAHANOR Finance manager

SCOTT SOLLAZZO ALEX MONTGOMERY Photography co-editors MARIAH HENDERSON KEEGAN MCKAY Photographers

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“I would serve better chicken, pizza, and seafood.”

STAFF MEMBERS & EDITORIAL/ ADVERTISING POLICY

T

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.

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Paul R. Wharton High School

U G E IE

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, Fl 33647

Volume 17 Issue 2

Photo by • Brandon Goldman Living in paradise - Residents and tourists alike travel great distances to enjoy Florida’s beautiful beaches like Fort Lauderdale beach. However, contrary to popular belief, not all residents find themselves traveling to the beach and pool every day.

Everything is not what it seems...

Residents bust Florida stereotype myths these stereotypes about Sunshine State residents and more.

Co-Managing editor “I’m originally from Virginia, mgomezpredator@gmail.com but I had always heard that Florida is always hot and sunny,” said Kenya Wright, a senior. lorida—what a place to “They also say that everyone in Florida is skinny and healthy.” live.

When visitors come to Florida, Everyone gets to spend their weekends either they either go to the fantastic treading the vast number of beaches engulfing the peninamusement parks present, or sula or they head to the heart of of the they get state for to lounge the amuseabout at the beach “(Everyone) assumes we’re either m e n t p a r k s . and work always at the pool, beach or There’s on their Disney World.”

Disney tans. There World, is the fact Sea World, to consider Garthat everyKenya Wright Busch den and one here Senior Universal is old and Studios, retired, to name a dogs can drive better than the people and few. “(Everyone) assumes we’re eiwhoever is going to either visit or reside here better be careful ther always at the pool, beach or Disney World,” Wright said. because everyone’s a criminal.

Of course, everyone who lives Whether you live in Florida or not, people have come across here has a much easier access

By MArielle Gomez

F

to these commodities, but that doesn’t mean Floridians have the time and money to go every single weekend.

It also seems like everyone in Florida is old and retired.

“The one stereotype that happens to be accurate is that Florida has a ton of retired old people,” Wright said.

Many retired people tend to come down here, especially from the north, to enjoy the state’s generally pleasant weather.

Not only are there stereotypes of how people act and who lives here, but there are also stereotypes of what people look like.

“We’re all blonde and fit and tan at the beach,” said Gloria Truongcao, a senior.

Jocelynn Benton, a senior, added, “Not all people are tanning at the beach.”

Whether you’re from Florida, New York or California, everyone is going to come across stereotypes, most of which are either not true or overly exaggerated. Not everything you hear is true.

Photo Illustration by • Mariah Henderson It’s a beautiful day - Florida residents like Lexi Oeth, a senior, get to enjoy many bright sunny days. However, these days come with hot, humid and uncomfortable weather.

centerspread 8

Nov. 8, 2013

Grade book blues

Stu

By M

Students, teachers become frustrated over Hillsborough County’s new grade book format

copy MJAN

After grade-ch Public S new site Chang on Edsb body.

Edsby like a s site, oft a Faceb and tea are able with through and m publicly “Com Edsby,” “I reall message about an Sean (Edsby) the app Edline, to stud interfac network While aspect is and tea share th Conve “I feel l less like to be in want to Edsby didn’t p

Edsby pushes Edline out for new HCPS grade bo By ashley benjamin

was chosen as the best option for HCPS. print editor-in-chief Edsby was created by CoreFour abenjaminpredator@gmail.com Inc., the same company that assisted in the creation of FirstClass, a For the past five years, students messaging and collaboration product who go to a public school in used by teachers and administration Hillsborough County were able to in Hillsborough County. access their grades, classwork and It allows students, parents, school calendars on Edline. teachers and administrators to In the spring of 2013, a committee communicate with each other on an of more than 20 Hillsborough innovative Web 2.0-style website.

County Public School (HCPS) With calendars, chat access with administrators, educators and other teachers and classmates and parents evaluated multiple grade grade book access, Edsby has more book platforms for the district to functionality than Edline. see which one would be the best.

Edsby runs with cloud, so “Our there are no district constant updates has really needed and it stringent Edsby allows students, parents, teachers a u t o m a t i c a l l y criteria for backs up grades and administrators to communicate choosing so they can easily with each other products, be recovered in and one of case they are lost. the criteria It can be used that they on any device that have is that anyone that is going connects to the internet, and there are to be effected by that product Edsby apps that can be downloaded change must be represented by on iPhones or Android phones. that committee that chooses the Edsby normally caters to small product,” said James Stewart, school districts. chemistry teacher and Edsby HCPS is the biggest school district teacher champion. out of 25 others that Edsby has After days of deliberation, Edsby supported since it officially launched

in 2010. “(The cost of Edsby) was one of the more heavily weighted categories that were deliberated.

Edsby was costing the district less than what we were paying for Edline,” Stewart said.

Originally, Edsby’s pricing was at a penny per student, teacher and administrator per day for a year, which sums up to almost $800,000 per year.

However, Edsby has granted HCPS a $179,000 contract yearly for five years along with an $80,000 cost to implement the product in HCPS’ system and for training. Edline cost the district a substantilly larger amount of money than Edsby over the past few years.

HCPS has a five-year agreement that began on June 1, 2013 and will end on June 1, 2018.

After it was decided that HCPS would use Edsby, teacher had to be trained on how to use Edsby’s program along with its features.

“Since I was on the committee choosing the product, Mr. Woods came to me and said that since I already knew so much about the product, I should be that person to train the teachers at Wharton,” Stewart said.

he’s here to help - Magda Rodriquez, college and career counselor, uses Edsby Edline for Hillsborough County Public Schools’ gradebook format.

Teachers were trained for about an hour in groups of 20 at a time in the Media Center.

I haven’t used Edsby much,” Magda Rodriguez, College and Career Counselor, said. “It took me a while to perfect Edline when it comes to designing my pages and now I have to relearn everything

again.”

There were initially som problems with Edsby in its first few weeks of operation. Teachers wer not able to put the same thing t multiple classes.

“Edsby is a product that is a littl immature at this point. I thin there is a reason why we got it a

centerspread Nov. 8, 2013

9

udents voice Edsby opinions

a calendar feed combining classes, posting capabilities, the creation of groups and y editor formation of a personal profile.

MJANKOVICPREDATORgmail.com “It provides a higher functionality (than Edline), adding functions like groups which can be used to organize clubs,” Bixler said. r years of using Edline as the online Lazarevic added, “I like the calendar. It hecking system, Hillsborough County gives me a really good overview of what’s Schools has made the transition to a coming up for me and what I need to study e—Edsby. for or do.” ge sparks many opinions, and opinions At the same time, complaints arise about by are quite mixed through the student Edsby’s user-friendliness.

“I liked Edline a lot y’s set-up is much better. It was really easy social networking to navigate and I could “(Edsby) provides all of the apparent ten described as see all of my grades functionality of its predecessor, Edline, book for students easily,” Cassisa said. “It and even more.” achers. Students (Edsby) is annoying, and e to communicate Edline was more usersean bixler friendly.” their teachers senior h posts, groups Lazarevic added, messages, both “Edsby crashes way too y and privately. much, and there are a lot mmunication is what I like best about of little bugs throughout the site as well as the ” said Konstantin Lazarevic, a junior. mobile version.” ly like being able to easily send a A difference of opinion is also seen e to a teacher if I have a question concerning the primary function of Edsby— nything that’s going on in class.” checking grades.

Bixler, a senior, added, “I feel that it While Edline provided a detailed list of each ) is a good thing, as it provides all of assignment and the points earned for each, parent functionality of its predecessor, Edsby sticks to rounded grades and doesn’t and even more. It can feel relatable show the percentage grade for each activity. dents due to the format of the user “It was a lot easier with Edline to see exactly ce being reminiscent of a social what my grades were. Now, I actually have king site.” to figure out my own percentages,” Cassisa some think that the social networking said. “I also want to know my exact grade s an advancement in communications with the decimals so that when my grades are acher/student relations, others don’t borderline I know exactly how much I need he same enthusiasm. to bring it up.” ersely, Frankie Cassisa, a junior, said, While Edsby may lack some familiar like it can be improved by making it elements of its predecessor, Bixler doesn’t see e a social networking site. I don’t want the website as a hindrance. n all of these groups and stuff; I just Bixler added, “It adequately provides its o check my grades, and that’s it.” function of allowing students and parents to y includes many features that Edline view grades, and that’s mostly what we need provide. For example, the inclusion of it for.”

Marina jankovic

by the numbers Over 16 school counties use Edsby as their grade book platform.

15%

of surveyed students had positive views toward Edsby

33%

of surveyed students had neutral views toward Edsby

ook format

52% of

surveyed students had negative views toward Edsby

“It’s confusing and hard for my parents and I to use.”

“It is an effective way to see grades and turn in assignments, but it is buggy and teachers are having trouble posting grades.”

Photo by • scott sollazzo

y in her office. Edsby was chosen to replace

me w re to

le nk at

the price that we did as a county, “said Stewart. It has a lot more functionality that Edline, but right now we’re going through growing pains with Edsby.”

Edsby is hoped to go beyond Edline, and it is geared to better the students of Hillsborough County, and he’s here to help.

“It really helps me stay on top of my grades and I’m able to ask my teachers questions when I need to.” *A confidential survey was taken of 100 students at Wharton High School expressing their views toward Edsby.

Designed by Ashley Benjamin

hotspot 10

Nov. 8, 2013

Predator

Photo courtesy • nikki morse broken english, perfectly spoken - The Taco Bus St. Pete location, along with its other locations, offers meat dishes as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free selections. Taco Bus has locations in Tampa, St. Pete, Downtown Tampa, USF and Brandon.

Finally, the only school bus kids don’t despise By nikki morse social media editor nmorsepredator@gmail.com

A

sk any food fanatic in New Tampa and one fact will become clear; this area is painfully devoid of authentic Mexican restaurants.

Look up and down Bruce B. Downs and what are your options?

Chipot l e , Moe’s, Tijuana Flats and, if need be, Taco Bell.

But in the middle of an outcry of citizens looking for some real Mexican cuisine, Taco Bus is here to save the day.

The story of the local establishment story starts on the streets of Tampa, where a converted school bus began delivering unforgettable, true-to-Mexicotasting tacos, burritos and quesadillas prepared daily with fresh ingredients in a custom kitchen.

This was nearly 20 years before the food truck phenomenon came along. Three main areas stood out about taco bus.

Category one- menu options.

When stepping up to the counter of the bus, (yes, they actually they take orders and cook each meal in the bus, the first step in the Mexican food experience is ordering, where the options vary among the typical taco and burrito, as well as the not-socommon tostada and el plato.

Step two- fillings. Choose from seafood like swai fish and shrimp, meats like braised beef and shredded pork, as well as vegetarian options.

Step three- taco veggies. Verify the pre-established vegetables: tomatoes, onions, cabbage and cilantro.

The last step may be the most

important of them all-- eat and enjoy!

Category two- locations.

With its original start at one small bus on the streets of Tampa, this franchise has extended to five locations.

The first is a

quick fifteen minute drive from the Wharton campus, found on 2320 E. Fletcher Ave., near the University of South Florida, and is open Sunday to Tuesday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m.

The second is in St. Petersberg on 2324 Central Ave. and is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday to Wednesday and 24 hours on Thursday to Sunday.

The third location is downtown on 505 Franklin St., making it convenient for University of Tampa students, and is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 11

a.m. to 3 a.m.

The fourth location is on 913 E. Hillsborough Ave. and is open for 24 hours, a feature many locals find convenient.

The final location is the newest, located on 301 S. Falkenburg Rd. in Brandon and is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and for 24 hours from Thursday to Saturday.

The last category can only be summed up as “the little things”.

Taco Bus offers online ordering on its website to save the customer time, rather than having them sit and starve through the 30-minute wait for their meal.

This Mexican establishment also has many catering options such as pickup for 25 or more people, delivery and set-up for 50 or more people and even the Taco Bus Experience for 100 people or more where they bring the bus to you!

Concerning health facts-- red and green salsas are 100 percent vegan, as is the guacamole, ve g a n t a male, Mexic a n rice and refried beans. The following fillings are all vegan when ordered without cheese: grilled tofu, vegan steak strips, tempeh and butternut squash.

At the end of the day, this upand-coming food star is giving places like Chipotle and Moes a run for their money.

Twitter: @tacobustampa Out of 5 : Atmosphere: Service: Food: Overall:

MENU TACO..........................$2.99 One soft corn or flour tortilla with your choice of filling and taco veggies. (add cheese + $0.30) BURRITO ......................$7.48 Your choice of filling, taco veggies and cheese wrapped in an X-large flour tortilla.

BURRITO PREÑADO.......$7.48 X-large flour tortilla stuffed with your choice of filling, Mexican rice, refried beans, taco veggies and cheese. Sour cream on the side.

QUESADILLA ..............$6.99 Large flour tortilla folded, filled with your choice of filling, taco veggies and cheese, then grilled.

TOSTADA ...................$3.69 Crunchy flat tortilla smothered with pinto beans, topped with your choice of filling, taco veggies and cheese.

PAPOS PLATO .............. $8.89 Your choice of filling over Mexican rice, taco veggies and cheese. Served with crispy tostadas.

EL PLATO .....................$8.99 Your choice of filling, Mexican rice, refried beans, taco veggies and a side of tortillas all served up on a plate.

(Add $2 for SHRIMP, TEMPEH or VEGAN STEAK STRIPS)

wildcatclubs

Predator

Nov. 8, 2013

11

Environmental club goes green WILL KINGSLEY

STAFF WRITER WKINGSLEYPREDATOR@GMAIL.COM Around 50 billion water bottles are bought each year worldwide. Even with recycling becoming more and more popular, a stunning 80 percent of these plastic containers still end up in landfills.

From beaches to streets, littering exists everywhere. Trash is always a part of society and may become an everyday part of nature if something is not done. That’s why the Environmental Club is trying to keep our Earth clean and make their cause known to others.

“The Environmental Club is about having an understanding that how we live impacts our environment, and we need to make conscious choices about what we do,” said Mary Johnson, Environment Club sponsor.

However, the club isn’t just about learning and gaining knowledge about the environment; it is about getting involved and being active to help save the environment.

“We were involved in one clean up at Reece’s Fish Camp in Thonotosassa,” Johnson said.

“This event was sponsored

Photo by • Keegan McKay GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK - Christan Gonzolez, a junior, gets his had dirty while picking up trash, helping to keep Tampa clean. Many new environmental clubs have been created in Tampa high schools to help raise awareness about being “green” and how important it is to maintain our society.

by Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.

They sponsored the recycling Regatta at Lowry Park Zoo, where our club raced our boats made out of recycled material.”

The club gets actively involved by making Regatta boats that they race down the Hillsborough river against other schools.

They even go to beaches and clean up litter other people have left.

“We go to beaches to clean up and we also do boat races that

are made up of recyclable material,” said Environmental Club vice president Cristian Gonzalez, a junior. “We even put out recycling bins for people at lunch.”

The club has even started a way to convince kids at school to get involved by putting recycling bins in the cafeteria during lunch. This way, they can help participate on a daily basis. Kids don’t know how important recycling and keeping the earth

clean is and club member Rocio Raggio, a junior, believes they should.

“One year, we found 30 or more tires at a beach called Courtney Campbell Causeway. We even found bottles, televisions and cans there too,” Raggio said. “I believe what we do will help in the future because we are helping keep the environment clean and preserved.”

In fact, keeping the earth preserved for the future is one of

their causes. That is why they are trying to make the cause known.

In the long run, if more schools begin to participate in Environmental Club, just like many Hillsborough County schools already do, littering incidences will surely lessen, according to Johnson. Spreading the word about saving the environment for now and the future is what Environmental Club does and wants to make known.

Taking your passion, making a club CATHY PAHL

CLUB EDITOR CPAHLPREDATOR@GMAIL.COM We all have our passions, and sometimes it’s all we can talk about. Occasionally we want to share our passion with the world. Well, it may take some time to reach the whole world, but for now, you can start the trend in your own school.

The Acro-Yoga founder Elvin Noriega, senior, set out to do just that.

Creating a club seems like a hard process, but the overall effect your club can have will make up for all the long hours spent planning and proposing ideas.

“I would expect the student who would want to start a club be a very hard worker, enthusiastic, respectful, have leadership skills, communication skills, be honest, punctual and have fun.” said Michella Lettiero, a social studies teacher.

Photo by • Keegan McKay club madness - Student brainstorms a new club constitution for his newly created club. Creating a new club is not too hard if you have a passion you are fully willing to peruse, as well as put some time into.

Starting a club seems like something you may want to do, there is a few things you need to know first. For example, a proposal must be sent in with everything from the period the

club will be held in, all the way to exactly how your clubs dues will be spent.

“To create the club, first I went to Ms. Riggins in the front office and she gave me all the in-

structions and she told me I had to make a proposal,” Noriega said.

Back to Chavon Riggins in the main office is your next stop, she is there to help look over your proposal before it’s sent in to be accepted, or denied.

Next your proposal is off to Kent Glover. Be careful though, if something is wrong you may have to redo your entire proposal.

“The first time it got declined because the (proposal) was missing stuff, the second time it was approved when I fixed it and gave it to Ms. Riggins and Mr. Glover signed it,” Noriega said.

With your proposal approved, a few questions are left to be answered, for one, who will sponsor your club? Well, that is something only you can answer.

“I went to all my teachers, and most of my teachers already sponsor a club, or they are too busy so I said, ‘Elvin, do you know any teachers that would sponsor the club, because we

need a sponsor,’” said vicepresident of Acro-Yoga, Tiana Weeks, “He went and found Mrs. Lettiero--I had never had her, he had her--so he found her.”

Grab your favorite teacher, or a relevant teacher available, and your club can be on its way.

“Elvin was so enthusiastic and dedicated to the club. It inspired me to become the sponsor,” Lettiero said Another question posed may be, where will you keep your money? For Acro-Yoga, this was not a difficult feat because there had already been a previous Yoga club, but for other brand new clubs it may be a bit more difficult.

To accomplish this task, you must set up an appointment to visit Alicia Nelson the school’s bookkeeper.

These are accomplishable tasks by anyone in this school, so if you’re willing to put in the hours, making a club for your passion may be worth looking into.

entertainment 12

Nov. 8, 2013

action!

Predator

Battle of cable vs. network By madison giarrizzo college editor mgiarrizzopredator@gmail.com

by amanda kidd ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR In a word, perfection.

Prism was everything I expected it to be. It was a big step in the right direction for Katy Perry.

We are all used to her typical up-beat, pop songs that have topped the charts. They have always been super fun, and, when listening to them, I can’t help myself from wanting to get up and dance. However, to my surprise, this CD was different.

Prism features more than just wild party songs that were found on Perry’s last album, Teenage Dream. The songs are full of deep sincerity.

Everyone is aware of Perry’s messy divorce, but no one really knew what she was going through until the release of Prism. Her songs confronted all the pain and struggle she dealt with because of love. She opened up in a way that left me in awe.

By the Grace of God, It Takes Two, Double Rainbow and Ghost impacted me immensely.

The lyrics were so relatable to events that have occurred in my life. They were more than just words written down.

They all have such extreme passion behind them.

Now, I’m not saying that Perry’s album only consists of songs based off of how she handled everything. A good majority of the songs are fun and are what any fan would expect from her. The fact that several of her songs from Prism are already on the charts just shows how successful it has been.

Each song is different from the next, ranging from fast to slow tempos. This allows the ability of appeal for numerous types of tastes.

Whether you are into slow, melodic songs or fast, intense beats, there is a song for you.

Overall, this album is a huge success. It is refreshing to see that even though it has been three years since the release of Teenage Dream, she’s still got it.

After listening to all of the songs, I was left wanting more. I wanted one more song because of how fantastic the CD was. I haven’t felt that way about an album in a long time.

So, if you haven’t bought Prism yet, then you most definitely should. I promise, you won’t be let down.

Are cable shows inherently better than broadcast network shows?

It may seem that way. Cable shows come off as glitzy and set a tone that most network shows can’t have.

The major broadcast network TV channels are NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox and The CW. From there, cable shows break up into two groups: basic cable channels, such as USA and Bravo and premium subscription channels, which the viewer has to pay extra for, such as HBO and Showtime. Along with other platforms that deliver programming, that have cable like attitudes, such as Netflix.

“Yeah, I have cable and Netflix, and truly enjoy having them,” said, Ilouisa Salazar, a senior.

The opinion that cable is inherently better than broadcast network shows can be traced to cable shows sweeping awards shows. Especially at this year’s Primetime and Creative Arts Emmy awards. Comparing last year’s Emmy nominations to this year’s, every broadcast network decreased except for NBC, which only went up by 2.

While most cable channels also

Photo courtesy of• helen sloan/mct A GAME OF RATINGS- Shown above are cast members Emilia Clarke and Iain Glen of the HBO show Game of Thrones. Shows on HBO don’t have to deal with restrictions that shows on major broadcast networks have to. saw a dip in nominations, HBO jumped from 81 nominations in 2012 to a whopping 108 nominations, the most of any network, cable or not. Although this was Netlix’s first eligible year for the Emmy’s the internet based viewing platform acquired 14 nominations, only five less than Fox, which has been eligible for nominations since 1987.

“It’s cool that a platform like Netflix can break into an awards show like the Emmys,” said Kaylin Danzy, a senior. “But it

doesn’t make me want to watch a show more on Netflix just because it won awards.”

This increase in nominations may correlate to the networks available budget. While HBO only has five dramas it needs to promote, ABC has 12. In addition, subscription cable channels receive money specifically from viewers to get that programming, so they have more money to spend on promotion not only to the public, but also the academy voters who vote on

who wins the Emmy’s awards.

According to The Daily Beast, HBO paid the Academy $15,000 to send the entire 10 episode season of Game of Thrones to them in 2012.

Cable networks also don’t have to fight with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) restrictions that regular networks must battle.

Channels like HBO and TNT don’t have to answer to the FCC for content like the regular networks, so shows on HBO can have more mature content than those on ABC. This ability to be more mature also adds to the image that cable is better because they have this leeway. Often times while networks can get away with more mature content the later the timeslot of the show, it’s still very restricted and often seems to many people, childish, in their avoidance of more mature content for fear of the FCC. The awards, more available funds and leniency with the FCC are major reasons why cable shows appear better than their counterparts. However, to some people, none of that matters.

“To me, cable or network doesn’t matter. As long as the shows that they air are good then it really doesn’t matter to me,” said Salazar.

Lumineers illuminate stage

By Amanda Kidd entertainment editor amandakpredator@gmail.com

lead singer, thanked the crowd for being so supportive of the band and singing along to the songs. He gave a lot of gratitude to everyone believing in the band and allowing them to perform in large arenas.

The crowd breaks into a roar.

The familiar beat of Ain’t Nobody’s Problem moves throughThe Lumineers, consisting of out the stadium. members Shultz, Neyla Pekarek The Lumineers take the stage, on the cello and backup vocals, and the moments that follow are Jeremiah Fraites on the drums, sheer excellence.

Stelth Ulvang on the piano and Oct. 19, 2013, The Lumineers Ben Wahamaki on the bass, is a came to Tampa and performed folk-rock band that has had sevat the eral songs USF Sun on the top Dome. charts.

From start to finish, it was T h e i r Each remarkable. The crowd was so tour feaband memtured the engaged, and the band delivered a ber is exsongs off tremely flawless performance. of their talented. recent alTheir inbum, instrumental cluding hits like Ho Hey, Stub- abilities are remarkable— most born Love and Classy Girl. especially, Ulvang. His piano The set of the stage was breath- playing is outrageous. Throughtaking. Huge chandeliers hung out the concert, he would create from above, giving an ambiance these insane riffs on the piano, to the stage. The props reflected giving a real jazzy vibe to the the band: simple and classy. Not songs. At one point, he was even having huge props or distract- playing the piano with his foot! ing light schemes gave a betAs familiar songs would start, ter feel to the concert overall. It the crowd would go ballistic made the band seem more gen- and immediately start singuine and allowed the audience ing the lyrics before Shultz had to focus more on their voices a chance to open his mouth. and musical talent rather than Heads would bob and everyone an off-beat backup dancer. around was constantly clapping The connection between The and swaying. The crowd was Lumineers and their fans was extremely submerged within amazing. They set aside time the music. to actually go within the crowd There were two opening acts and perform closer to those who for The Lumineers; Nathaniel weren’t able to get seats close Rateliff and Dr. Dog. to the stage. This showed The Rateliff had a smooth tone Lumineer’s perspective on the to his voice and the beats to importance of their fans. the songs were really catchy.

Continuously, Wesley Schultz, I found that he had a similar

sound to that of The Lumineers, and he had an amazingly original sound to his voice.

While Rateliff was extremely enjoyable, Dr. Dog was not.

The songs were far-fetched and there was an odd quality to their music. Only a couple of their songs were decent, and the

crowd didn’t seem to love them that much either.

Overall, the concert was amazing. From start to finish, it was remarkable. The crowd was so engaged, and the band delivered a flawless performance.

Fans definitely got a perfmance worth their money.

Photo by • Scott sollazzo SHEER EXCELENCE - Wesley Shultz serenades his dedicated fans with one of the hits. After his performance, he thanked everyone for the support.

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Predator

Nov. 8, 2013

13

Holidays create stress rather than joy Long hours of shopping and slaving in the kitchen produce CLUB EDITOR a meal surely to be rememCPAHLPREDATOR@gmail.com bered—well, until that night when we must fight our way through craziness.

Opinion That’s right—Black Friday.

Credit card bills, holiday dinBlack Friday is the one time ner menus and family unity are of year in which you would just a few of the things that turn trample a person because of what are supposed to be happy $100 off a Play Station 3. holidays into a long And if the possistress-filled seability of death son. doesn’t stress Each year s o m e from Noone out vember enough, We put up with the stress of to Janthe long uary, planning parties, making dinner hours of w e wa i t i n g and giving gifts... for the image deal outside of holiday joy. with stores t h e surely stress will. of holiThe d a y s night conand put c l u d e s on a faand that çade of holiday should be the cheer. end, but what do you Why do we put up know? It’s December with the stress of planand Christmas is right ning parties, making around the corner. Parents dinner and giving gifts? ask their children for their Well, it could be because of t h e unwritten Christmas list, need for the image of holiday and friends throw each other joy. theirs.

The craziness starts t-minus Paychecks come and go quickone week before Thanksgiving. ly as gifts are purchased for evMothers fret about what their eryone and anyone, and there perfect dinner should consist is not even enough left to buy of, while fathers stress about the things for yourself. All that is Packers vs. Lions game. left for a remembrance of the

By cathy pahl

Photo ILLUSTRATION by • MARIAH HENDERSON MY JOLLY GEE! - Olivia Delashmutt, a senior, is overbeared by her large amount of things to do to please her friends and family for the holidays. People frequently have too much to do for the holidays. money once had is gifts for others and an empty wallet.

You wish you could go back to October where the stress of finding a Halloween costume was all you had to worry about.

Finally, Christmas Eve arrives and the stress shows itself greater than before. It shows up when thinking of two more perfect dinners, one for each of the two days of Christmas. Worries escape for the night and fade

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away in the day.

It’s over.

It’s finally finished.

Or so you think.

New Years is planning its sneak attack, and there is no one to kiss at midnight. For that matter, your New Years party isn’t even planned yet, either. More stress and more brain power are put into the creation of your unforgettable party as you gather your New Years date.

Midnight comes. That’s it.

That is absolutely all—until next year.

Why do we put ourselves through the stress? Because it’s worth it to pay the credit card bills, to fix the perfect dinner and to spend these days with loved ones. It’s all for the memories, the moments you can cherish. We endure this stress-filled season to give our loved ones their happy holidays.

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feature 14

Nov. 8, 2013

Predator

Falling into autumn

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As the leaves turn yellow and the air gets colder-- 1. A squirrel finds a nut while playing around in a tree on campus. Other than nuts, squirrels feed on insects. Photo by Scott Sollazzo 2.

Sarah Molina (left), a junior, and Maddy Bird (right), a junior, sit at a lake at the Hunter’s Green Park taking in the cool autmn breeze. Parks are typically a nice area to exprience the changing weather patterns. Photo by Keegan McKay 3. A patch of pumpkins sit at a pumpkin patch in New Tampa. Pumkins are a large part of autumn as they are frequently used for decorations and food. Photo by Alex Montogomery 4. Leaves begin to change their colors as the seasons change. Leaves typically change red, yellow and brown during the fall. Photo by Alex Montgomery 5. Casey Ferguson, a senior, kicks a goal kick at a Wharton vs. Freedom game at Wharton. Wharton tied 0-0 against Freedom at this game. Photo by Alex Montgomery.

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Predator

Nov. 8, 2013

Basketball bouncing back

By Giovanni orabona sports editor gorabonapredator@gmail.com

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xpectations are high this year for the basketball team as it looks to win its fifth straight district championship.

This year’s squad will return from a spectacular 25-3, earning them a playoff berth. But this year’s team will have to return to the court without standout point guard CJ McGill, and three other graduated starters leaving, this year’s lineup riddled with holes.

“We’ve had very good players,” Tommy Tonelli, basketball coach, said.

Shooting guard Thomas Tonelli, a senior, added, “Our teams changed drastically. Our juniors from last year are going to have to step up and bring what they’ve got to the table.”

This year’s squad looks to go even further than last year’s. A team that for the first time in school history reached the exclusive final four before losing to South Miami.

“I think it will make a big impact, but I think we have guys ready to play and we will effectively place them,” said JC Ulbrich, a senior.

Coach Tonelli added, “We had a great group of players (last year), but I’m confident that we have some really good guys that

will step in and continue the tradition.”

Regardless of the departures, expectations are still as high as ever.

“I just want them to maximize whatever their potential can be, not just individually, but as a team,” Coach Tonelli said. “I think if they can put forth the effort each day in practice and every game that we play, I’m confident that they’ll get the results that their capable of getting.”

Key players, like senior forwards Scott Sollazzo and Chase Litton, will have to give their best performance to put this year’s squad in a position like last year.

“I think we’ve got guys coming off the bench that will play a big role,” Ulbrich said. “Jack (Taylor) will be, Chase (Litton) obviously will and John (Christian) he’s our leading defender,” Tonelli added, “Obviously Chase Litton (will be playing a big role), he’s a fourth year varsity player. I think his experience and his leader ship has to be there as much as anybody.”

Expectations, as well as pressure, mounts on a young team trying to follow in the footsteps of the previous district champions.

It’s the pressure of four consecutive 20-plus win seasons and playoff appearances that will test this year’s team at another campaign as district champions.

“I’ve got a lot of expectations

Photo by • Alex Montgomery Jump Shot - Jack Taylor shoots over Orbie Watts at a recent basketball practice. The team has won four of the last five district championships. this year, not only for myself, but for my teammates and the school,” Thomas Tonelli said. “(We’re) just trying to make a name for ourselves.”

Tonelli added, “We put pressure on ourselves to keep the

By Olivia Mahanor

district champions streak going. That’s our goal, not just for the teams that have won in the past, but for this year’s team to accomplish it, and winning the district championship really puts you in a good position.”

does, including running.

“My dad, he pushes me a lot to be the best I can be,” Rivers said. “And even though it may igh school freshman be hard sometimes, I’m thankBryanna Rivers has ful to have someone who cares... dominated the track My dad always says that hard scene by running her way to the work beats talent any day.” top.

It’s hard to find a balance for “I can’t see myself doing any- getting homework, studying for thing else but running. It’s a big tests and going to practice all part of me; I can’t see myself in one day, but Rivers is trying without it,” Rivers said. to take advantage of whatever Rivers has already competed time she has to keep up with her as a Junior Olympian despite be- schoolwork. ing only 14 years old.

“I try to find little times during To reach the Junior Olympics school where I can knock out there are two qualifiers. The first homework, like at lunch or on is the state qualifier and those the bus, because without school, who place in the I can’t run,” Rivtop 8 move on ers said. to the national Doing well in “I can’t see myself doqualifier. high school plays ing anything else but a major part in Rivers placed first in the 800 running; it’s a big part Rivers’ life. meters and sec“I think high of me...” ond in the 1,500 school is very immeter run at naportant because I bryanna rivers want to try to get tionals and from there advanced freshman a scholarship so I on to the Junior don’t have to pay Olympics held for my educain Ypsilanti, tion,” Rivers said.

Michigan.

Before every race, Rivers likes “The 800-meter race is my favor- to listen to high-energy, fastite to run,” said Rivers, a mem- paced music to prepare herself. ber of both the cross country and Rivers always wears her cross track squads. earrings.

Rivers was born in Nebraska “I like to wear my cross earbut moved to Florida because rings because with Jesus Christ, her dad is a member of the all things are possible, so that United States military. For Riv- means a lot to me. Without God ers, her father is her biggest sup- and Jesus on my side, I couldn’t porter of her and everything she do it,” Rivers said.

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Running for gold- Bryanna Rivers runs to the finsh during a cross country meet. She competed in the Junior Olympics last May.

“Dubs-Up” or fibs up?

Giovanni Orabona sports editor

Junior Olympian track star runs for family

Photo by • Alex Montgomery

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Dubs-Up, a classic hand gesture used all around campus for students to show their school pride. It’s exclusively ours right?

Not so much, as it seems Steinbrenner High has taken a liking to the gesture claiming it as their own.

In a similar fashion, Steinbrenner students conjured, the club Gold Crew, a response to the popular cheering section present at our sporting events, the Blue Crew.

Personally, it sounds very fishy for a school that opened 12 years after Wharton to magically come up with the very similar DubsUp gesture and Gold Crew all in one stroke of luck, especially given that shirts made in 2007, two years before Steinbrenner opened, display the saying.

Imitations are best for flattery, but count me as one telling a certain school in Lutz to find their own symbols.

“Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.”

– Arnold Palmer

gameday 16

Nov. 8, 2013

Predator

Wildcat’s newset running back talent though. He average’s a lot of Gaither. Echols helps those yards every game.” around him grow because of his Echols, a 5-foot-8 sopho- on-and-off-the-field intensity. more, has had eight catches for Still a young back, Echols 86-yards this season making watches players like senior Jeff him a potent weapon for receiv- Keil as a mentor to further better his play. ing as well.

“I think he’s playing really “I model my play after Jeff well. He’s been doing exactly Keil because of course judging what he does in practice, which where he is--I mean if I want to is running over defenses,” said be where he is, I might as well play like he Chase Goode, a freshman. does,” Echols said. “He’s Justin Angel, “I try and do what’s best for a very good a sophomore running back linebacker, the team and he’s got a added, “I honestly whether it’s think that lot of knowlrushing, catching or personally, edge about the position, he did betmaking a block- just so I feel he’d ter than our whatever’s best.” probably starting runbe the best ning back because he person to had to show copy off of...

Eddy Echols I try and do out more and Running Back what’s best he had less for the team, to lose than our starting running back Elijah honestly, whether it’s rushing, Greene did.” catching or making a block--just It’s electrifying plays that whatever’s best.”

It’s the experience and team Echols creates, causing the momentum to sway every game, leading statistics that have whether that be a 45-yard touch- helped Echols advance to vardown run against Leto or a cru- sity after helping his JV team cial two-yard push into the end close up the season with an imzone of a close game against pressive 4-2 record.

By Giovanni Orabona sports editor GOrabonaPredator@gmail.com

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ew starting running back, Eddy Echols is an upcoming JV football player ready to leave his mark on the gridiron.

Echols was part of a dynamic JV team that scored 95 points and finished with a 2-2 record, but he struggled fighting for a spot as starting tailback and was left without a promotion to varsity at the end of a tough freshman year.

“I try not to think about last year, I’m just trying to get better,” Echols said.

Echols saw very little play last year as a running back, slotted behind two current varsity players. This year, Echols led the team in rushing yards (542), touchdowns (5) and attempts (61).

“Being more experienced, I felt more accustom to how the system works and I learn my position better,” Echols said.

Sophomore guard Gyoed Crespo added, “On the average, he’s had a pretty good season; he needs to work on his vision

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Photo by • Scott Solazzo rUNNing wild - Eddy Echols, a sophomore, watches a Freedom defence regroup after his 8-yard rush. The tailback’s team leading statistics have helped the Wildcats finish 4-2, two more wins than last years JV team.

#PrayforSean

HALLOWEEN

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11 VETERANS DAY NO SCHOOL

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BOYS AND GIRLS SOCCER VS. ALONSO @ 6PM

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14 BOYS AND GIRLS SOCCER @ JENKINS @ 6PM

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GIRLS BASKETBALL VS. ROBINSON @ 7PM PEP RALLY

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BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW @ 6:30PM

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25 FALL

26 BREAK

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BOYS AND GIRLS SOCCER @ FREEDOM @ 6PM

CLUB DAY

REPORT CARDS

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Hope to see you back at school soon!

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