Predator - February 2012 by Wharton High School - Predator Newspaper

PREDATOR PAUL R. WHARTON HIGH SCHOOL

Feb. 6, 2012

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647

An All-Florida Publication

Volume 15 Issue 3

INSIDE

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

After 100 years, the world experiences the shocking sinking of another cruise liner. Pages 8-9

NEWS

Page 2

JUNGLE LIFE Junior Micah sparks magic in the halls of Wharton.

Warren

Page 7

HOT SPOT

Legoland fuels creativity. Page 14

SPORTS Senior forward Patrik Hauri and varsity basketball shoot for a state title this season. Page 15

Changes are in store for the media center. A program called Baker & Taylor will be used to check-out books onto students’ eReaders. The program is set to be installed before the end of the school year. Photo by Emily Broaddus

Library turns page to 21st century brandongoldman staff writer

magine having access to thousands of books in the palm of your hand. Advances with online publications as well as student access to mobile applications make the idea of virtual text not as farfetched as some may have thought. E-books, the virtual counterpart to hard and paperback books, are also seeking to expand the number of book choices available on mobile devices and tablets allowing students easy access to books available in the school media center. “Ebooks make it so that you don’t have to carry all of your books around school and so that they are all in the same place on your eReader or phone,” Aaliyah Haynes, sophomore, said. E-readers, dedicated portable reading devices, are a very popular choice among avid readers. The ability to access the same content through popular devices such as iPhones, Android phones, and popular tablet devices such as the iPad, is aimed at reaching a greater number of students. “With eBooks, students can take their books with them anywhere they go just by whipping out their phones, eReaders, or even their tablets,” Mark Howell, Media Center Department Head, said. Allowing students to access books virtually would prove to be a much more inexpensive way of distributing content to students and would make it easier for publishers to stay up to date with their content.

According to a recent study by the students who are looking to check Book Industry Study Group (BISG), out books for a two week time perireaders are showing increased loy- od on their portable devices as well alty to digital books where nearly as on their computer for free. half of digital book buyers would “With the eBook program, stuskip getting a printed copy from a dents wouldn’t have to worry about favorite author if an electronic ver- coming in to the library to return sion were to also be available. their books after two weeks,” How“The technology is so new, and ell explained. “Instead, the books it is changing so fast, but I would would be given back through their agree that using eBooks would be devices, in what I hope will be, auputting the technology available to tomatically.” us in the right direction,” Howell Baker & Taylor’s Axis 360 program said. provides tools within their eBooks, Hillsborough County left the including Blio reading software, program choice up to each indi- to help teachers engage students vidual school, in reading usbut Howell deing illustrative cided to utilize concepts that With the eBook the Baker & Tayare unavailable program, students lor program for with paperback Wharton’s meequivalents. wouldn’t have dia center. At this time, to worry about “Because Hillssome of the popcoming in to the borough County ular titles that supports the will be available library to return Baker & Taylor to students at their books after program, they the beginning two weeks. would be able to of the program help fund books will include the Mark Howell, for the eBook Hunger Game media center collections series, the Shiver which would series, as well as department head ultimately help SAT preparation increase the books. Howell amount of content available for stu- wishes to build the collection over dents,” Howell said. time. Content providers such as the “My goal is to try and have some Amazon Kindle Marketplace, of the most popular series of books Barnes & Noble Nook Store, as well available to students at the beginas the Apple iBook Store have been ning of the program, but I would pushing paid content to students also like to incorporate the summer for years for their dedicated read- reading titles as well as titles from ing devices. the Florida Teen Read list into the However, the digital media library program,” Howell said. through Baker & Taylor is targeting One issue that may be attached

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Pizza is one of the many food items Congress wants to reclassify as a veggie.

to this new way of accessing books is the school’s digital device ban. Currently, students are not allowed to use mobile phones, computers, or tablets throughout the school day. If the new eBook program succeeds, Wharton administration would have to reconsider allowing students to have access to their devices during the school day. “The cell phone and electronic policies are written in stone through district policies,” Principal Bradley Woods explained. “However, there are ways that it could be addressed through school-improvement waivers that go before the school board for approval, as well as the district itself that may make changes to the policy as more and more of the technology becomes electronic.” Although the program is aimed to benefit students in the classrooms as well as at home, it would still be left up to the teacher as to whether or not they prefer to adopt the system for everyday use. “I think that some teachers may be skeptical about the program because it would still be phones and electronics that students would take out in class and they might not be able to trust everyone, but I think for the most part that teachers would be okay with out,” Haynes said. Considering the popularity of mobile devices and the wide acceptance by students to use eBooks as an alternative to printed media, the new Axis 360 program by Baker & Taylor is expected to benefit Wharton students not only by introducing them to new technologies, but also to advanced tools to help improve their daily curriculum.

NEWS

Feb. 6, 2012

Predator

Occupy Wall Street occupies Tampa brandongoldman staff writer “We are the 99 percent.” You have probably heard that slogan countless times over the past few months. Basically, this slogan refers to the expanding difference in wealth in the United States between the wealthiest one percent and the rest of the people living in the U.S. “It’s a protest about the inequality in Americans in the ways that the lower income citizens are not given the same opportunities as the rich financial companies and banks who were bailed out,” Dr. Reza Razavi, AP and honors economics teacher, said. The Occupy Wall Street movement began in September of 2011 in New York City. The movement is comprised of people from all backgrounds who share a common belief that the current government, economic situation and corporate behavior are negatively impacting the quality of life for future generations. The original focus of the movement was directed toward the

greed and corovernight on pubruption found lic property such in the financial as parks. This has industry. It has led to arrests of encouraged the protesters by many similar local authorities. movements in “Occupy Wall over 100 citStreet is a relativeies across the ly sound moveUnited States ment,” Razavi and over 1500 said. “Arrests are cities worldmostly to blame wide. for disruptive Occupy Tambehavior among pa, Tampa’s protestors.” local Occupy The Occupy Wall Street Wall Street movemovement, ments, including has attracted the Occupy Tamhundreds of pa movement, are s u p p o r t e r s Occupy Myrtle Beach member, Glenn Duke, protested very well orgaincluding 15 outside, the South Carolina Tea Party Convention Jan. nized. They use other Occupy 16, 2012. Steve Jessmore/The Sun News/MCT. social networkWall Street ing, online media groups across use of the working class’s time.” and many others the state of Florida. Occupy Tampa uses local city means of communications to co“The Occupy movement has parks and other public spaces as ordinate protests and broadcast many valid points and ideas but locations for their protests. City their messages without the use of I believe some of their wants are authorities are struggling with violence. Occupy Tampa hopes impractical,” Michael Riccardi, how to deal with what is mostly a to create and spread the message sophomore, said. “I just can’t see peaceful movement. through public assembly that the how standing outside in protests Some cities, including Tampa, ways of Wall Street and our curfor days and days is a productive do not permit residents to camp rent politicians are not very effec-

tive at supporting the majority of our society. “I think it’s cool how they are using social networks to connect with everyone and to post their information on websites that people check every day,” Saivamsi Gude, sophomore, said. So what can students do to embrace the issues and protests on Wall Street and prepare for their future careers? “I think that students need to recognize and prepare for the work market,” Razavi said. “Students need to understand the financial literacy and the economics behind the issues with the movement and be able develop a purpose with their education so they aren’t left behind if the industries that power many of their future careers continue to break.” Occupy Tampa, along with Occupy Wall Street movements; act in the interest of “the 99 percent” to convince leaders of society change their policies accordingly. “The protests are what I believe to be everlasting until the struggle with ethics, morality and equality come back into the picture,” Razavi said.

Congress attempts to reclassify the vegetable Remember those days as a child when your parents would tell you to eat all of your vegetables? Well, according to a proposed bill by Congress, eating your vegetables may be a little bit more enjoyable. Adding to the proposed changes made by the Obama Administration in early 2011 to make school lunch items healthier, Congress has sought to classify popular food items including pizza and French fries as healthy choices for school lunches. Although contradictory to public speculation, Congress was never intending to classify pizza as a “vegetable.” Instead, Congress was looking to classify tomato sauce and tomato paste as a vegetable so it could be easier to allow for pizza products to be served in school. “I feel that pizza, when prepared correctly, is a valid choice for students as an entrée,” James Quenneville, student nutrition

manager at Pride Elementary School, said. This bill ensures that nutrient-rich vegetables such as potatoes, corn and peas will still be considered acceptable as school meal options under USDA standards. The bill would also recognize the potassium, fiber and vitamins provided by tomato paste, so that schools could continue offer popular

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P R E D A T O R

I feel that pizza, when prepared correctly, is a valid choice for students as an entrée

James Quenneville, student nutrition manager, Pride Elementary School

lunch choices such as pizza and pasta without worrying about voiding USDA regulations. “When we look at the nutritional values of the pizza products we serve, you will find that is meets FDA standards for sodium, and

Thank You! P A T R O N S

whole grains; while also maintaining reduced fat content,” Quenneville said. So you might be asking yourself, why were pizza and other popular items excluded as acceptable lunch options in the first place? Simply put, the USDA began regulating school lunch items to try and cut down on sodium and high counts of fat to Congress is trying to reclassify USDA standards for vegetables inhelp prevent cluding the tomato paste on pizza as well as other popular foods childhood such as french fries. Photo illustration by Emily Broaddus. obesity. “I think that cutting down on fatty foods that a double hot fudge sundae being fully classified as a healthy is a good thing to try and stop is now considered an excellent food option,” Quenneville said. childhood obesity, but I still think nutritional source of dairy,” Bixler “If the students or parents where they went over the top by said. “It’s all kind of crazy in some to believe that pizza was a healthy taking the best foods off way or another.” choice without consideration of of the menu,” Sean Bixler, Specifically, this bill states that the type of ingredients used, they sophomore, said. two tablespoons of tomato paste would be poorly informed.” The main goal of the would be considered a vegetable It’s pretty clear that Congress USDA was to offer students the which will coincide with the has a long way to go to reach a opportunity to drink more milk required amount of vegetables full agreement with the USDA to and eat healthier foods rather than served in schools as stated by reclassify foods. Until then, we fatty foods or sweets. USDA regulations. could expect for there to be many “The way I see it is that one day “My concern with the populace more possible changes to the Congress could come back and say will perceive the outcome of pizza standards of school lunch menus.

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brandongoldman staff writer

Platinum Patron

Cristopher and Lisa Acierno Dylan Constant Ed and Norina Coursey Humberto and Kathryn Gonzalez Erica Hirshfeld Anna Splackhaver

Gold Patron

Will Barnes The Claveria family The Montgomery family Ronald Shallow

Silver Patron

Lisa and John Bertovich The Goldman family Jeremiah and Andrea Miranda Theresa Benjamin-Shallow Jarod Stackpole

Bronze Patron

Aly Damminger Jim and Diane Davison Kristi Ehler Angelica Manangan Multicultural Club Zoe Miro Kelley Reynolds Robin Stackpole Raoul Zayas

NEWS

Predator

Feb. 6, 2012

Safety first...

New app discourages texting while driving alydamminger staff writer

ccording to a HealthDay poll conducted in November 2011, over 37 percent of drivers have sent or received text messages while driving, and 18 percent said they do it regularly. This same poll stated that younger drivers were more likely to engage in distracted driving than adults. Allow us to introduce you to the newest solution: the SMS Sentinel— a $2 Android app that blocks incoming and outgoing messages when the phone is in a moving car. “I think this app is a great idea because so many people text while driving,” said Alex Pera, senior. “It’s not a smart decision to text and drive because your eyes are focused on your phone… not the road. When you’re not paying attention to the road, you can get involved in an accident and hurt yourself or someone else.” The app was created by Gary Thomas, who recently had a close encounter with a distracted driver in Spring Hill. After experiencing the near-accident, Thomas examined the situation and saw that the driver of the oncoming vehicle had been texting while driving. Thus, the idea for the app was born. The situation triggered an idea to create a phone app that would block drivers from receiving text messages and calls while their vehicle is in motion. Thirty states ban texting for all drivers, and Florida is one of the

two states that does not restrict them, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. “I spent last summer in North Carolina,” said Olivia Delashmutt, sophomore. “One day I was driving with my aunt and I noticed that no one was using a phone inside of their car. It was such a change! My aunt told me that there aren’t many accidents because of the ban against cell phones. Without a phone in hand, people are far more likely to watch the road instead of their phone screens.” Bridgeway Driving School surveyed 100 people and proved that cell phones were associated with the highest frequency of distraction-related events for crashes and near-crashes. They also performed another study done with driving simulators and found that drivers are four times more likely to experience a crash if they are talking on the phone or drunk, but eight times more likely to experience a crash if they are texting. “Some personalities require extreme measures, and I can see where a parent requires the application to be installed on the child’s phone simply because the child does not know the meaning of ‘self-restraint’ and cannot refrain from cell phone usage while driving,” said Carlos Rosaly, AP statistics teacher. “But at some point in raising a child, a parent needs to allow for the child to make their own decisions. It is a struggle to raise kids to make good decisions. But as parents, that is all we can hope for: that our children continue to make good decisions, especially when we are not there to

Ana Fischer, junior, checks her phone while driving. The SMS app was created to block texts and calls from being received while driving. Photo illustration by Emily Broaddus

guide them.” If blocking text messages and phone calls make you a little skeptical, don’t worry. When the vehicle turns off, so does the app, returning all the phone settings to their normal functions. Though the app was designed for teens, many more-experienced drivers are finding that this app is helping them become safer behind the wheel and be better role models. “I think my mom would want to download this app… not because she distrusts me, but because she wants me safe,” said Mariah Henderson, sophomore. “My mom would want to make sure I’m not distracted when I’m behind the wheel.” For an additional $5 per year, parents can subscribe to a website that will notify them when their child avoids using the app to send a text. The site also reports the car’s speed when the text was sent. “I think this app is a good idea because some kids may be too distracted by their cell phone to pay strict attention to the responsibility of driving,” said Tim Kocher, head athletic trainer. “There are many other distractions while driving, so this app can better at least one person.” More than 50 copies of the app have been sold for Android phones since the product went on sale before Christmas. The app is presently only available for Android phones, but app designer, Ed Harold is currently building the iPhone version of the app and is hoping to have it available next month.

Wharton to host first Sadie Hawkins Dance alydamminger staff writer

irls, grab your dancing shoes and the courage to ask out that boy you’ve had your eye on all semester! Wharton is set to host its firstever Sadie Hawkins Dance. The dance offers a chance for the guys to sit back and relax, while the Lady Cats step up to the plate and ask the guy of their choosing. “I like the idea because it takes all of the pressure off of us guys,” said Earl Bell, sophomore, “it’s nice to have a break for once.” The dance is geared up to be on Feb. 17 from 6:30 p.m -10 p.m. in Wharton’s gym and the tickets cost only $10. Ron Michael of Impulse Entertainment (who also the DJ for last year’s prom) will provide music for the event. In addition, a portion of the proceeds go to Wharton’s C.A.T.S. program. “I’m so excited about the Sadie Hawkins! I really love the idea because it gives girls the opportunity to ask a guy to the dance who wouldn’t usually ask anyone,” said Jessica Martinez, sophomore. “I’m glad we’re adding something like this to our school year… it’s always fun to be a part of a new tradition!” A new tradition it is! Ever since its opening in 1997, Wharton has had a ton of festivities like Homecoming, Prom, and even graduation ceremonies… but, they have yet to host an event quite so

Illustration by Carin Coursey unique and outdated. “When I was in high school,” said John Feely, anatomy and physiology teacher, “every dance was a Sadie Hawkins Dance, because I was too afraid to ask to ask anyone, so I would wait to

be asked. But the Sadie Hawkins Dances we did have were a lot of fun.” As time grows closer, the Wharton women are beginning to think of different ways to ask out their special someone.

“I think the perfect way to ask a guy to the Sadie Hawkins would be to make him a sandwich. On that sandwich I would write ‘SADIE HAWKINS?’ in mustard,” said Emily Radford, sophomore. But if the “asking out” aspect is

what’s really getting to you, don’t worry. “Don’t be afraid,” said Deja Floyd, junior. “Take a chance and show how bold you can be! A lot of times when guys ask girls to homecoming, they’ll complain ‘They should’ve done this’ or ‘They should’ve done that…’ Well, now’s your shot to show them how to really ask someone out! “Personally, I think, every girl should take a risk and ask out the guy she’d like to spend more time with, but if for some reason, you’re too apprehensive, you should stick to asking a really close guy friend; either way, you’ve got nothing to lose!” Just keep in mind that you’re not alone: a million other girls at this school have to ask guys to the dance just like you. This is something guys do all the time… how hard can it be? “Don’t try too hard… just be yourself,” said sophomore Chad Fox. “And don’t be afraid… I think you might as well go for it because otherwise you’ll be left wondering what would have happened; the answer will always be no unless you ask.” There’s nothing like new traditions to kick off the start of a brand new year. “I really hope we continue having the Sadie Hawkins Dance after this year,” said Madison Mitchels, sophomore. “All the other schools in our area do this, so I think it’s about time we’ve got our shot.”

NEWS

Feb. 6, 2012

Predator

Hasbini, top five finalist in Hillsborough senior Maria Diaz said. Being all about the students, Hasbini dedicates her time in helping students reach fullest potential. n Jan. 6, Success Center their “Being young, extremely bright Lab Manager Leena Hasbini was informed that and caring, she makes students she was one of five finalists for the feel at ease when stressing over Hillsborough County Instructional the many important decisions they Support Employee of the Year. need to make for their senior year. “There are so many deserving Her positive energy motivates individuals in this district and and inspires students to strive to to be selected as a finalist is achieve their goals of succeeding a huge honor,” Hasbini said. in high school and beyond,” The program was created to College and Career Counselor, Magda Rodriguez, said. recognize Hasbini, a s c h o o l product of personnel Hillsborough who have Being young, a role in extremely bright and County schools, graduated from ensuring caring, she makes Newsome High that students and schools students feel at ease School in 2007, earned her have the when stressing over undergraduate proper care the many important in Business and services Management in their decisions... from the environment University of to provide Magda Rodriguez, college South Florida athem with a and career counselor (in less than safe learning two years) environment. and at age 21, Many students, particularly seniors, completed her USF graduate have experienced Hasbini’s degree with a 4.0 GPA. “I think she deserves the award helpful guidance and with scholarships, college processes completely because she puts so and financial aid forms. One of the much effort in her work. She many helpful accomplishments takes time out of her life to get to Hasbini has completed is the know the students individually development of the Edline which helps the students feel Guidance page, making it user more comfortable and able -friendly for parents and students. to do better,” senior Camery “Ms. Hasbini always guided me Barden said. “She is amazing!” Hasbini has aspirations of through the college process and she motivated me to apply to colleges, becoming a school superintendent and she helped me improve the and she said she will pursue weak areas in my applications,” it by doing what she does

manalbenyamine staff writer

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Leena Hasbini was paid a surprise visit from administrators to tell her she was a finalist for the county’s Instructional Support Employee of the Year. Photo by Scott Sollazzo now: impacting students through the power of education and making a difference. “I hope to have my doctorate in education completed in

the next few years and work in education policy and/ or programs,” Hasbini said. The winner for this year’s award will be announced on

Feb. 16 and then will move on to compete at the state level and possibly the national level. “Ms. Hasbini is a true champion for education,” Principal Bradley

COLLEGE

Predator

Feb. 6, 2012

Seniors face dilemma: to stay or flee the nest I plan on doing in my career.” Although out of state options can be new and exciting, prices are less than a cause for celebration. With room and board, school supplies and meal plans all involved in out of state tuition, the hole in your pocket can grow larger each year. “The out of state tuition is hard to pay. Out of state schools aren’t for everyone,” Boyd said. “You can apply for a lot of scholarships, and of course, financial aid, but some schools charge a ridiculous amount.” When out of state colleges seem to be too expensive, in state schools become more appealing. Like the sunny beaches of Florida, your future will still be bright if you stay in state. By staying a short distance away from home and your friends, your relationships can easily be maintained with a short drive on the weekends. “I planned on staying in state from the beginning. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” University of Central Florida freshman, Lisa Patzner said. “This way I can see my family whenever I want since I’m just a short drive

dianadellecese managing editor With college just around the corner, the time has come for seniors to make one of the most important decisions of their lives: Which college will I choose to attend? For those who dream of four seasons and a new crowd of people, out of state schools can prove to be a viable option. Out of state schools also offer new hangouts, cultures and learning opportunities that cannot be found in their home state. The change of scenery can really add to the feeling of finally being on one’s own and experiencing life a convenient 1,000 miles away. “I really like going out of state to school,” University of Missouri freshman Emmy Boyd said. “I’ve met so many new people, and I’m in a sorority. It’s really refreshing to be surrounded by new faces every day after having gone to school with the same people all of my life. Plus I get so many more learning opportunities. My school has an awesome program for what

away. I’ve also been able to keep in touch with all of my close friends. The ones I was scared I would lose touch with are only an hour and a half away.” Staying in state for school can also be beneficial to your bank account. With all of the in state discounts and tuitions, you can graduate with little to no debt, as opposed to having emptying out your wallet for an out of state school. Private schools, however, can tack on a few extra thousand, no matter in or out of state. “With all the in state aid and scholarships, it’s really easy to afford my education. My friends go to a private college, though, and their tuition is close to if not the same as it would be if they were to go out of state. I’m just glad I won’t be in debt when I graduate,” Patzner said. With many options in many different places, picking a college right for you can involve a long thought process. With sharp thinking and good decision making, the right college choice can become a clear one, giving way to an exciting four years of school.

Baylee Dozark, senior, decides what to take to college and what to leave home. Dozark decided to flee the nest for her college education. Photo by Scott Sollazzo

Lying on college applications

‘Stretching the truth’ hurts students’ applications haleygonzalez college editor Whether you have lied about not doing great on a test or have lied about forgetting to feed the dog, most people have “stretched the truth” at least a little bit at some point in their life. It seems natural and sometimes preferred in this society where telling the truth only seems to hurt others, or worse, yourself, even in seemingly unimportant situations. However lying is wrong, especially on an application that will get sent to the college of your dreams. When filling out a college application or résumé schools often ask a few major questions. These may include, an academic profile that tells about what schools you attended and the grades you made at each school, what curricular activities you participated in such as sports and out of school clubs, what work, or volunteer experience you have and what you are interested in. These categories break down your high school ca-

illustration by Carin Coursey

reer, minus all of the personal drama you have accumulated over the past four years. The purpose of asking these questions is so that the admissions office can get to know you. If you lie on your application, the admissions officers will get to know a complete fake. It may seem important when you are typing out your extracurriculars to add something “flashy” like being a member of BETA Club or Latin Honor Society. However, this is a mistake that many people make. Each school makes a list for nationally recognized clubs so that colleges may see who is a prime candidate for their school. “The admissions office can find out if a person is lying on their college application,” Damieon Lovett, assistant director of University Scholarships and Financial Aid at USF, said. SAT scores, and ACT scores are very hard to fabricate so when you say that you got a 2400 on the SAT, but you haven’t passed a single class , the admissions office can easily see that you are making

it up. College Board also sends your SAT scores to the colleges you are applying for to reduce the chances of lying on test scores. For personal essays, College Board hires professional readers to check facts. The College Board can call students if the application looks too perfect. “Some students think that all that they can get into college just because they have a lot of extra clubs written down on their application. This isn’t the case. Colleges are looking for well rounded kids who do their best and are honest in what they do. I have seen kids get turned away because they have made up clubs to put on their application,” Lovett said. When you lie on a college application, it ruins your entire integrity and possibly even your college or adult career. Colleges tend to take their admissions process very seriously so only the most deserving and qualified students get in. While it may seem like the best way to get into the college of your dreams, lying or stretching the truth is not the way to go.

Top 5 Lies on College Applications 1.

Adding 10 points to your SAT score.

Boosting your GPA a few tenths of a point.

Saying you were a member of Key Club

Saying you competed in a national music competition

Saying you are in need of financial aid.

infographic by Haley Gonzalez

Source: Collegebound.net

OPINION

Feb. 6, 2012

Predator

STAFF

Classy, please Olivia Mahanor staff writer

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Heather Montgomery MANAGING EDITOR Diana Dellecese FEATURE EDITOR Marlene Miranda NEWS EDITOR Kelly Peretz ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Bryant Morisseau SPORTS EDITOR Allie Davison PHOTO EDITOR Emily Broaddus EDITORIAL EDITOR Yvonne Bertovich CENTERSPREAD EDITOR Ashley Benjamin MUSIC EDITOR Dylan Constant COLLEGE EDITOR Haley Gonzalez ILLUSTRATOR Carin Coursey ADVERTISING MANAGER Jessica Shrinsky FINANCE MANAGER Princess Claveria STAFF WRITERS Nick Rogers Aly Damminger Brandon Goldman Manal Benyamine Breanna Stackpole Will Barnes Olivia Mahanor Josh Acierno PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Sollazzo Alex Montgomery Kelley Nesler ADVISER Terry Sollazzo

Illustration by Carin Coursey

2012: EDITORIAL

golden sun rises over suburbia. Meticulously trimmed lawns of a lush green are munched upon by wagging woodland creatures, chittering among one another of how splendid the day is becoming. A successful family man trots in cozy slippers to the end of his driveway and is handed the morning paper by two magical songbirds. The paper’s date is Jan 1, 2013, and every rational being in the civilized world is laughing their rear off. Laughing, laughing, laughing, because of many a man’s inability to speculate. Laughing because the world did not end for all, but merely for those who touted of such an occurrence to transpire. The times in which we live are embedded, everywhere, with unbreakable trust. Times in which the whispers of apocalyptic happenings are not fabricated and nor are they intensified. Times in which trustworthy people lurk

The beginning of the end of sanity

around every corner. Trustworthy people like a Rolex sales representative in a motheaten coat that smells like rotten tangerines, whose headquarters is located on the upper-west side of a dumpster. Yet somehow, most of the population seems to avoid the nurturing arms of such situations, and people. It is scary in a way to think of any opposition at all. Scarier yet, is time wasted reading a tidbit of information and not catching any hint of apparent sarcasm. To clarify, “The beginning of the end” is most certainly not upon us. It is, to such a degree of not existing that the period leading up to “D-day” is, perhaps, what may create the apocalypse–– not the day itself. No, it will not wait until the day before, when people are battening down their hatches for the impending doom generated in their own clouded mind. No, not the week before, when scheduled thunderstorms are a little more intense than forecasted, sending a

ripple of terror through those who tune in to the nightly radar. No, not in any amount of time before anyone can prepare. What the fear mongrels are not sharing is something far more horrendous than Earth being split in two like a stale stick of gum, sending us all into a vortex of our own dust. What they’re not sharing is that the mass hysteria of a global hoax is already upon us. They are not sharing their apprehensions that the end of all will be used as an excuse for humans to do what they do best. Regretfully, their best talent is not telling the utmost truth. Regretfully, their best talent is not nurturing one another. Regretfully, their best talent is not speculation nor intellect. Regretfully, humans cheat, deceive and hoard insight for themselves. Regretfully, humans laugh at one another’s wrongdoings and mistakes. Unregretfully, we wish all the believers and nonbelievers the best on Jan 1, 2013, because it will come.

When it comes to hitting the post button on the social network of your choice, you may want to pause and think twice about it. There are many things to keep in mind when posting, but the first one should be keeping it classy. Many people may claim to be classy to some degree, but the things they post online may not be. For example, take pictures on your page. They can be done cute, but not when you take a picture of you and your boyfriend sucking face “it’s not classy,” at all. Instead, take a normal picture of the two of you. Seriously, people won’t doubt your love for each other if you’re not making out in your photo. When you are at a party and you feel the need to post a whole album’s worth of pictures of you and all your best friends with your “red cup,” that’s not classy. An alternative to this would be to take one picture you like, just one, frame it or put it in your scrapbook and keep it to yourself. Online statuses can also pose problems. Keep in mind Facebook is not your personal journal where you have to post every single emotion that runs through your head. That’s why you pay a therapist, because not all your Facebook friends really care. Also chain statuses are an annoyance and just not classy. Think about it, when was the last time you heard on national news of Timmy getting a new lung because you re-posted a status? If you want to help someone in need, drive down to the local hospital and donate your money, not through posting on Facebook. Finally, we definitely don’t need play by play statuses. So you did a lot that day, okay? You cleaned your room, walked the dog, and you got your nails done, had dinner with your family, got everyone you know a Christmas gift and saw a new movie. Big deal! The absolute last thing to keep it classy online is by far rude comments. Honestly about half the people who start drama online would never have the guts to say that to the person’s face. Come on with the profanity, it doesn’t make you look bad or tough, you just sound like a fool. People don’t realize when you go looking for a job, employers check your Facebook and Twitter. Even if you have them on private there are ways to acess all of your information. So when it comes to the point when you’re finished writing, think, and pause before you hit that button. Remember class should always be the first thing you think about. The things you post online can tell a lot about the kind of person you are.

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he newspaper informs students about events, influences 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 responsible reporting.

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Feb. 6, 2012

U GE IE

Paul R. Wharton High School

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647

Volume 15 Issue 3

Teen magician casts spells around campus marlenemiranda feature editor “Pick a card,” he says casually as he fans out the deck of red Bicycle cards, one of over 100 decks in his collection. Junior Micah Warren is a quiet basketball player who stands at 6’5 ½”. The last thing you would expect him to do is perform a magic trick for you. However, around these hallways, you might know him as Micah, the magic man. “I just really liked magicians when I was younger. Over time, I learned how to do tricks from books, other magicians, the Internet. Once I learned the basics, I kinda learned how to put together my own stuff and how to make my own tricks. Most of the ones I do now are my originals,” Warren said. After performing card tricks in front of his brothers, Warren decided to aim for a different audience: his classmates. “I used to go to a private school. It was really small. My freshman class only had three people in it, including me. I was shocked when I moved here to Wharton in the middle of sophomore year because

Junior Micah Warren never leaves the house without a deck of cards. Warren was nicknamed “The Magic Man” by his friends. Photo by Emily Broaddus

there were so many people,” Warren said. Warren started out performing magic tricks at Wharton during halftime at basketball games in front of his fellow teammates. After being encouraged by the team to perform in front of more people, he became known as the “magic man.” “Micah doesn’t look like he would do magic tricks,” Caci Andreychuk, junior, said. “During a football game this school year, he did this really cool trick in front of a huge crowd.” Warren fanned the deck out, and dragged a Smoothie King gift card over the cards until the crowd told him to stop. He showed everyone in the audience the card behind the gift card and then placed it back in the deck. After that, he told the crowd the deck got lighter and that it had vanished. “He fanned and shuffled

through the cards to show that it wasn’t there anymore. He looked around for a while and then pointed at the press box,” Andreychuk explained. “The card was pressed against the window on the inside. It was shocking! You weren’t expecting it at all.” His reputation from doing amazing card tricks isn’t limited to just school either. “Not too long ago, I was at the movies. I went to the counter to get Sour Patch Kids and a soda. The lady working asks me, ‘Aren’t you Micah, the magician?’ I was confused. I told her that I didn’t know who she was,” Warren said. “She asked me if I went to Wharton and told me I should show her a trick.” He did. Warren ended up getting his soda for free. Warren says he’s always happy to perform tricks for

people and never gets bored from it. “I like seeing people’s faces and their reactions. It’s one of the main reasons I do card tricks. I never get annoyed by people asking me to do tricks, I enjoy it. I’d love it if I could make a career out of doing magic tricks. People always say to pursue what you enjoy. I love entertaining people with magic.”

CENTERS

Feb. 6, 2012

From the Editor Heather Montgomery editor-in-chief

Ties to the Titanic With shows such as Who Do You Think You Are and Web sites such as www.ancestry.com, it’s very common for people to look into their past and find skeletons buried in their closet. In my case, I found a piece of my past buried in a renowned shipwreck called the Titanic at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. As I was sitting around my grandparents’ table discussing the recent Concordia incident, my grandma mentioned that my great-grand uncle and his family survived the Titanic. My jaw hit the floor. How on earth did I not know I was related to survivors of such a historical tragedy? I was desperate to learn more. I was given the names William and Lucile Polk Carter and I took off, devouring newspaper articles, Titanic recollections and historical archives. As it turned out, William and Lucile boarded the Titanic with their two children William Thorton II and Lucile as first class passengers. They possessed ticket number 113760 and occupied cabins B-96 and 98. The Carter’s maid, servant, chauffeur, two dogs and a new 25 horsepower French Renault automobile were also travelling home with the Carters. The automobile is the only one to be recorded in cargo manifest, which means the fictional scandalous scene with Rose and Jack in the1997 film Titanic took place in my ancestors’ vehicle! On the tragic night of April 14, 1912, the Carters were dining in the à la carte restaurant with other first-class passengers in honor of Captain Edward Smith. When the ladies retired to bed and Captain Smith returned to the bridge, the men stayed and played cards in the smoking room. The Titanic met its fate with an iceberg at 11:40 pm. After the collision, the Carters met on deck to find lifeboats. Rumors speculate that Lucile had put a woman’s hat on young William II to allow him on the lifeboat number 4. At 1:55 am, more than an hour after the collision, William watched lifeboat no. 4 lower into the Atlantic on the port side with his wife and children. He quickly ran to the starboard side to assist in loading lifeboats. After no other women and children were to be found, William and passenger Joseph Bruce Ismay, President of the White Star Line, jumped into life boat collapsible C as it was being lowered into the water. Collapsible C arrived to the Carpathia before lifeboat number 4, so William waited on deck to watch his family arrive. As they pulled up, he joked to Lucile that he had already had a ‘jolly good breakfast’. This angered Lucile, who was ashamed of her husband for being cowardly by shamefully jumping on a lifeboat while thousands of others perished with the ship. A few months later, Lucile divorced William.

History repeats itself

Titanic vs Cos

Time

29 July 1908

Design for Titanic was approved.

10 April 1912

Titanic set sail on maiden voyage.

Cruise ship nicknamed as modern RMS Titanic on its starboard side. The Concordia collided into a rock on its port side near the Tuscan island of Giglio in The recent tragedy of the Costa the Mediterranean Sea. Faithful captains?: The captain Concordia shipwreck has recently been dubbed as the “Italian Titanic” of the Titanic, Edward J. Smith, went down with the ship. His body because of its hectic evacuation. In an almost subliminal was never discovered. Francesco Schettino, Costa premonition, C o n c o r d i a ’s survivors captain is reported that now under “My Heart Will house arrest Go On,” Celine and is being Dion’s hit single investigated for and the theme m a n s l a u g h t e r. song to the 1997 Schettino is film Titanic, was under severe playing in one of scrutiny for the Concordia’s abandoning ship dining rooms. Rescuers attempt to get “If I was on the into the Costa Concordia while passengers Costa Concordia to save more passengers. were on board. Evacuation errors: and heard that The Costa Concordia Due to the lack of song playing, I tipped over outside of lifeboats, hundreds would need to get Tuscan, Italy on Jan 13, of the Titanic off. I would have 2012. Photo by Sinibaldi passengers didn’t found a lifeboat Andrea/LaPresse/Zuma have a chance and jumped. You Press/MCT of survival. The know something evacuation plan bad is going to happen when you hear the theme was not properly enforced. Due song for the Titanic playing on to the lack of system for loading a cruise ship,” Gabriela Rosado, the lifeboats, many passengers were not able to fill the lifeboats’ senior, said. However, is it really fair to compare capacity. However, many reports the modern shipwreck to a tragedy have hinted that passengers did not panic until the end, upon realizing that occurred 100 years ago? Christening crisis: Before its the severity of the situation. In contrast with the Titanic, the maiden voyage, a ship is usually christened by breaking a bottle of Costa Concordia’s passengers were champagne on its hull for good luck. described as panicked and chaotic. The Titanic was never christened. It has been reported that even crew During a ceremony when the members jumped aboard lifeboats ship came online, the Concordia before the passengers. “Even though there’s a few similar was christened. However, the champagne bottle did not break. things between the Titanic and the Superstitions have made people Concordia, but I can’t compare the wonder if the tragedy was related two,” Jacob Gonzalez, junior, said. to both ships lacking an appropriate “It’s been 100 years since the Titanic occurred. Cruise ships and their christening. Cause of shipwreck: In the North evacuation plans are improved and Atlantic, the Titanic hit an iceberg modern.”

marlenemiranda feature editor

RMS Titanic

14 April 1912

Iceberg warnings were received throughout the day.

14 April 1912 11:40 p.m.

The iceberg was spotted, shortly after the Titanic hit the iceberg.

15 April 1912 12:25 a.m.

Lifeboats began to be loaded with women and children, distress call was received by a nearby ship called Carpathia.

15 April 1912 2:05 a.m.

The last lifeboat left the ship with over 1,500 people left onboard.

15 April 1912 2:20 a.m.

The Titanic sank leaving hundreds of people to freeze to death in the 30 degree water.

15 April 1912 4:10 a.m.

The first lifeboat was picked up by the Carpathia.

18 April 1912 9 p.m.

The Carpathia arrived in New York.

22 April to 15 May

As America found out about the disaster, ships went out to the area to recover bodies.

SPREAD

Feb. 6, 2012

sta Concordia

Safety becomes top priority on cruise liners

eline

yvonnebertovich editorial editor

13 January 2012 7 p.m.

A replica of Captain Edward J. Smith posing infront of The Titanic’s hull. These artifacts can be viewed at Titanic Artifact Exhibit at the California Science Center. Photo by Lionel Hahn/ ABACA PRESS

Costa Concordia leaves dock in Rome, Italy.

13 January 2012 9:30 p.m.

Costa Concordia strikes rocky area in water outside Tuscan island of Giglio.

13 January 2012 9:50 p.m. The ship began to tip over.

13 January 2012 10:10 p.m.

Passengers begin to board lifeboats.

13 January 2012 10:20 p.m.

The Costa Concordia slowly tips over days after it hit rocks outside of Tuscan. At least 16 people have been confirmed dead since the ship started to sink. Photo by Sinibaldi Andrea/ LaPresse/Zuma Press/MCT

The ocean is a brutal, unpredictable place. Wrongfully blamed for a recent wreck is the bulk of the cruise ship industry, of which very few have any scars on their track record as prominent as that of the Costa Italian liner. They, especially American or American affiliated companies, are out to prove that the term safety is indeed a top priority. They are out to prove that anyone who boards their ships can consider it their vessel of vacation, not, more blatantly, a coffin. “Before any of our ships even leave the port,” Diane Revstin, Carnival Cruise Line representative said, ”You’ve already had an emergency drill.” Cruise lines, like Carnival, although advertising the best, are always planning for the worst. “I really want to go on a cruise this summer,” Madi Hartman, sophomore said, “but I’m kind of scared because of the wrecks recently.” Crucial for survival during an emergency on a ship is a plan of action, along with vesting trust in the crew. “You will know where to assemble, and if you need to be taken to a life boat or anything like that you will

know how to put on a life vest,” Revstin said. If all else fails, life vests are stressed, and a calm attitude is helpful as well, even in the most dire situations. “Cruising is actually very safe,” said Revstin, a cruise-goer of more than 40 years herself. “I would much rather be on a cruise ship that is distressed than an airplane that is distressed. I have actually never had to go in a life boat, and I have never had to put on a life vest.” Perhaps one of the reasons for the Costa wreck is that there are different standards for ships there, as opposed to required standards in the US. “The cruise ship staff and other crew members are all certified,” said Revstin, “and the Coast Guard can conduct random drills to make sure everything is orderly whenever they please. It’s really impressive to witness.” With plenty of trained officials, regular drills, and safety supplies; cruise liners, like Carnival, can live up to their promise of being “the fun ships.” “I would not hesitate for a moment to go on a cruise,” said Revstin. “You do not have to worry about your safety at all.”

Coast guard launches rescue operations.

13 January 2012 11:40 p.m.

Captain Francesco Schettino found offshore while passengers were still on board waiting to be rescued.

14 January 2012

First bodies are discovered, 41 people still missing.

14 January 2012

Captain Schettino faces possible charges of manslaughter and abandoning ship.

15 January 2012

Three people found alive, death toll rises to five.

27 January 2012

Titanic fast facts Out of over 2,000 The richest man on ] ] passengers on the the ship was John Jacob

Titanic, only about 700 survived.

Astor IV.

The last living survivor ] who was on The Titanic ] Two dogs survived the ship sinking. died in 2009 at the age of 97. Her name was Millvina Dean. She was 9 months old at the time of the tragedy.

]

] ]

About 50 children died during the incident.

It took over 70 years ] for the Titanic’s wreck to be discovered.

] From the Titanic hitting

the iceberg to the Titanic’s final moments above water, it took three hours for the ship to sink.

] It took three years for the Titanic to be built.

Death toll rises to 16.

Search called off. Sixteen people still listed as missing.

Costa Concordia

31 January 2012

Feb. 6, 2012

FEATURE

Predator

It’s a small world after all...

Facebook proves four degrees of Kevin Bacon yvonnebertovich editoral editor The world is shrinking. Not to mention that the Chinese dictator, Dolly Parton, the Prince of Uganda, Kevin Bacon and Principal Bradley Woods are practically BFFs. Maybe. This concept actually concerns the recently revisited subject of global integration. It was once referred to as the “Six Degrees of Separation” or “Small World Experiment,” which has been recently reinterpreted. Thanks to a group of Facebook scientists, and the University of Milan, Italy’s painstaking work and “data raking,” has proven that people are more closely connected than ever before. “’In these two works [algorithms], we show how the Facebook social network are both global and local. It connects people who are far apart, but also has the dense local structure we see in small communities,’ concluded by Facebook scientists and the University of Milan,” a Nov 22, 2011, Network World report said. The original idea was created by Stanley Milgram in the 1960s using the time’s hottest social network, the U.S. Postal Service, in his experiment. Milgram found that there are no more than five

to six links worked with between two everyone in people on Hollywood, or Earth. someone who “It is a starhad worked tling notion with them. that reaching Bacon also someone on created a charithe other side ty related to the of the world phenomenon, takes only a called “Six Desmall group grees.” of people,” a It’s actually Nov 21, 2011, charities withNew York in a charity in Times report which people said. from all over Facebook is, are brought toperhaps, a digether to camvine creation. paign for cerMark Zuckertain charities, berg’s globalor who had ly popular site donated to a has caused charity of their r e s e a r c h e r s According to the four degrees of separation, senior Stephany Brown is connected to choice via the to believe that President Barack Obama through three other people on Earth. Illustration by Emily Broad- website, “Sixeven as few dus degrees.org.” as four links The site’s slo(4.37 to be exact) are necessary involved in the meticulous deMore complicated still, is that gan is, “It’s a small world. You can to connect any two given people ciphering process, which could, this idea also goes by another make a difference.” in the entire world, out of nearly perhaps, be dubbed the “formula name, the “Six (now four) Degrees Although the concept has been seven billion people. of friends.” of Kevin Bacon.” Perhaps not as around since, the 1960s, it does not “Well, I think if I could know any“Computer scientists devised a well known by the teens of this hinder the fact that the phrase “It’s one, it would have to be Obama.” formula to see how closely we’re era, Bacon is a Hollywood actor a small world after all” continues Tommy Dambrosio, sophomore all connected through Facebook that starred in the original pro- to ring true today. With Facebook said,”I mean, what does he really ‘friends,’ and found the world has duction of Footloose. and more, we’re all just BFFs. do? Does he like to watch Jersey become smaller since Milgram’s Bacon is associated with being “Honestly, I think its just really Shore?” experiment,” a November 22, 2011 a player in global integration due odd to think about,” Dambrosio Math and its counterparts are ABC World News report said. to his 1994 comment that he had said.

10353 Cross Creek Blvd. Suite B. Tampa, FL 33647 kathys.flowers@aol.com

Tijuana Flats 17501 Preserve Walk Ln. Tampa, Fl 33647 (813) 975-0483

FEATURE

Predator

Feb. 6, 2012

Student survives Haiti earthquake

Sophomore Cassandra Saint Louis and her family survived the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The quake registered a castatrophic magnitude of 7.0, and the country experienced 33 aftershocks. Photo by Emily Broaddus

or most, turning 13 brings some changes, some more than others. Sophomore Cassandra Saint Louis is a prime example of someone whose life was changed at that pivotal age. On Jan. 12, 2010, Saint Louis had her world rocked, literally. “It’s truly scary when you really don’t know if tomorrow is going to come or not,” Saint Louis said. Just two years ago, Saint Louis was in middle school in Haiti. On that day, she had just gotten home from school and was winding down from the day with her mother. They sat down to watch TV when, suddenly, the floor began to shake and from then on her life has never been the same. Saint Louis’s classmates were sitting on the floor bleeding, in their own homes. Two people were lying in the middle of her street dead and only one house was left standing in the entire neighborhood. “When we moved to Florida, I was afraid to go into the house. I thought everything was going to happen all over again,” she said.

When she came to Florida, she to seeing my father. I’m the only could not speak any English: it child, I’m the only one he has,” she took her five months to become said. fluent and now she is tri-lingual. However, Saint Louis is deterShe can speak English, French and mined to take advantage of her Creole fluently. time in the U.S. She takes her “Everything is different here, studies very seriously and hopes two different cultures, two differ- to become a doctor, either a cardient continents. But there are simi- ologist or psychologist. larities. All of the same TV shows “Cassandra is one of the most are the same, except that they are thoughtful, hardworking and in French, she inspiring stusaid. dents I have had “Schools are the privilege much more to work with, strict, uniforms English teacher Everything is were required Kimberly Phindifferent here, two ney said. and they sent different cultures, us home if we “What she has were dressed overcome and two different improperly.” the way she goes continents. Saint Louis about achieving Cassandra Saint Louis, now lives with her dreams asher grandtounds me.” sophomore mother and “What really god mother made me happy and four cousand gave me ins. Her mother hope was receivand father still live in Haiti and she ing an Outstanding Excellence sees her mom every six months Certificate signed by President when her mom flies to the States. Obama in the eighth grade, Saint She has yet to go back to Haiti or Louis said. to see her father since that day. “This made me and my parents “I have not been back since that proud; the fact that I was not fluhorrible day, but I want to. I am ent yet and still got all A’s in my scared, though. I look forward classes.”

“

kelleynesler staff writer

Females struggle to meet society’s media stereotypes haleygonzalez college editor

very girl wants to be considered beautiful, and today’s media highlights young women who meet society’s standards of “beautiful” at every opportunity. However, what they don’t show is what is done to make these girls appear “beautiful.” Girls who are shown in magazines and TV shows tend to be long legged and thin with flawless complexions and large assets. Not to say that these young women aren’t beautiful, but they often have to undergo struggles to keep their image, as do the teenagers who strive to look like them. While it is important for models and celebrities in the media to “look good” many tend to go to extremes to make their clothes fit. Many women undergo major surgeries or go on diets to meet the expectations of society. While these changes may make them feel prettier, it does have a very harmful effect on them physically and mentally. Boy Meets World star, Danielle Fishel, (who played Topanga) struggled with eating disorders as a teen on the show. She often took laxatives and developed a minor case of bulimia. She was determined to keep a 24 inch waist and at the time got her weight down to a mere 89 pounds. Dr. Adrienne Key, a psychiatrist that writes for Medical News Today, said, “although anorexia is the most famous eating disorder among fashion models, bulimia is probably the most common.” Almost seventy percent of models and fifty-five percent of women celebrities have had or are dealing with a severe eating disorder. Al-

omen AND HEALTH

Feeling good about unique physiques Many women and girls are unhappy about their body image. here are some tips on how to like what you’ve got. nStop talking about your weight especially in front of girls; A study of 10- year-olds found 40 percent were trying to diet.

nMake a list of women you admire; good looks are not a gauge of self-worth. nQuestion motives of the fashion industry; the average model weighs 23 percent less than the average U.S. woman. nStop weighing yourself; focus on healthy eating, exercise. nConcentrate on things you do well; keep a journal of feelings. nGet physical for the fun of it; regular exercise improves mood. nValue your dollars; spend money on products that portray positive women. nVoice your opinions; talk back to your TV; write a letter to an advertiser. nBe a role model; girls need to see they can ignore media messages. SOURCE: MCT researcher Judy Treible

most forty-five percent of girls under age 17 have admitted to being either anorexic or bulimic according to Medical News Today. Many girls tend to believe that in order to be considered beautiful they have to look like the women on the front covers of magazine. What many teens don’t realize is that what’s on the cover of almost every magazine one looks at, is not the real person. A few magazines actually use Adobe Photoshop to cut of extra

fat to make their models look slimmer. Many girls believe that skinny is pretty and that extra fat will certainly kill them. Margaret Wolfe Hungerford once said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” While it’s important to be healthy, girls need to begin to look at themselves in a different view. Rather than looking at the mirror in disgust, see all the things that can make a person pretty.

Nancy O’Dell on the red carpet at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards show at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on Jan. 15, 2012. Many young girls attempt to emulate their idols through excessive dieting to attain that “perfect” figure. Photo by Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times/MCT

ENTERTAINMENT

Feb. 6, 2012

Golden Globe Awards Recap

by Bryant Morisseau

For the uninitiated, the Golden Globe Awards serves to reward excellence recognized in film and television. The 69th annual Golden Globes winners are as follows:

Motion Picture, Drama The Descendants

Motion Picture, Comedy The Artist

TV Series, Drama Homeland

Skyrim revolutionizes role playing bryantmorisseau entertainment editor With arms and legs bound by rope, you, an unknown outsider, ride in a wagon with three other fugitives to your executions. The execution proceeds after a roll call, during which the guards realize they have no idea who you are, and you’re tasked with creating your character with the myriad of facial customization options. There are 10 races from which to choose, each with their own sets of stat bonuses that suit the different styles of play. Just before your neck meets the axe, a dragon interrupts the execution, bathing the town in flames and giving you and your fellow criminals the diversion needed to escape your untimely ends. From then on, the world of one of the most engrossing, enjoyable role playing games opens up, complete with infinite quests, NPC’s that pursue their own diversions and ruins swelling with secrets and loot. It would be a feat for you to not uncover a banditfilled fort, lonely shack, or interesting traveler if you walked in any direction for a minute. You’re just a piece of the puzzle. Where you fit in is up to you. Unlike previous Elder Scrolls games, you aren’t saddled with the choice of how to build your character from the start. Major decisions like that are made through your actions when you’re out in the field. Using a sword and shield levels one handed and block skills, whereas using

Skyrim hit game store shelves Dec. 8, 2011. a bow and sneaking would level marksmen and sneak. Any of the 18 skills can reach astronomical levels of power as they level. A high sneak will allow you to hide in plain sight, while a high blacksmithing skill will net you the ability to make the most powerful weapons and armor. Kill a dragon, catch a butterfly, spelunk in ancient ruins or decorate your house. The hundreds

of hours of content packed into this world make it easy for even the most focused of players to get sidetracked, yet none of what you do is useless. Everything comes full circle in Skyrim to create a complete experience. Killing a dragon rewards a dragon soul, which unlocks shouts, an ancient magic for any character type that gives you the ability to slow time, cause lethal inclem-

Animated Feature Film Adventures of Tintin

Motion Picture Midnight in Paris

ent weather, breathe fire or ice, or even throw enemies away with waves of pure force. The land is rife with harvestable plants, bugs and animals that can be skinned for use with the three crafting skills: smithing, alchemy and enchanting. As with other Elder Scrolls titles, finishing the main story is just the tip of the iceberg. Literally hundreds of hours can be sunk in this game with no end being in sight, once one quest line is finished, a courier may bring you a letter leading you onto another or a townsperson will push one of their burdens on you. Running out of things to do simply doesn’t happen in Skyrim. All of this content is packed in, without any of it ever feeling grindy- an accomplishment not many RPG’s can claim. Everything stays fresh with the ever changing atmosphere throughout the different holds of Skyrim. One hour you’ll find yourself infringing on the dense forests of bears and bandits- the next you’ll find yourself in the tundra, splintered by ice and glaciers and capped with the scenic hues of the aurora borealis. Skyrim is two steps ahead of the competition and other games that call themselves “open world” can’t hold a candle to it. While they bar the player at every turn with petty level restrictions and blocks to stop progress- Skyrim puts a world in a box with its own lore and problems and lets the player run free. It is the ultimate sandbox that lets you do it all. Pick this one up at Gamestop for $60.

Youtube serves as outlet for creativity, showroom for big business record companies willbarnes staff writer

TV Series, Comedy Modern Family

Predator

In 2005, a video sharing site was created that would take the world by storm. YouTube soon had thousands of members, and millions of videos waiting to be viewed by the masses. With a Web site this popular, it was bound to become a part of our daily lives and pop culture. “I like YouTube because I can watch music videos and listen to music for free,” Ana Fischer, junior, said. Although thousands of videos are posted daily, only a select few become “viral.” Whether it be a rapist “climbin’ in yo windows,” a double rainbow all the way across the sky, or a baby biting his older brother’s finger, not every video becomes a part of our generation’s pop culture. Some users even make “vlogs,” video blogs that document their daily lives. Notable examples of this are Charles and Alli Trippy, a couple who has made a vlog of their lives for over 1000 uninterrupted days, and still going strong. You don’t have to be hired by YouTube, to make a vlog, however. “I thought it might be funny (to make vlogs) because I usually have a lot of funny moments in my life,” John Becerra, junior, said. Becerra is one of many who publish their lives on the internet, leading current high school students to have an even bigger role in the technological age that we live in.

Ann Cohn, sophomore, prepares to share her singing with the world via Youtube. Photo by Alex Montgomery YouTube is not only for funny videos, however. Many filmmakers post skits, documentaries, TV shows, music videos and even movies and documentaries. This was implemented in 2009 in order to increase views.

Networks like CBS were some of the first to do so. Vevo was later added, which made it easier for professional artists to add their music videos and spread information about them. While this has made it easier for

fans to view it, it has also attracted negative attention; such is the case with Justin Bieber’s “Baby” music video, which is both the most viewed and most unliked video still on YouTube, with over 509 million views and over twice as many dislikes. YouTube has also made it possible for amateurs to post videos performing stunts, funny skits, covers of hit songs, music videos and stop motion videos. “I watched other girls make videos and edit them and that inspired me to make my own,” Ann Cohn, sophomore, said. Even though YouTube can be considered to be the center of the online entertainment universe, it has also led to controversy. YouTube has been permanently blocked in countries such as China and Turkey. Other countries have also briefly blocked the video-sharing site are: Pakistan, Libya, Iran, Morocco and Thailand to name a few. Human rights groups, however, praise YouTube for the access of videos around the world. Many groups have criticized blocks in other countries as it limits freedom. Millions around the world think of YouTube as a place to express one’s self, so much so that in 2008 it was rewarded a Peabody Award because it “embodies and promotes democracy,” according to the Peabody committee. In seven years, the video-sharing giant has housed billions of videos and continues to grow, showing no signs of stopping. “YouTube is a great way of expressing yourself,” Cohn said.

ENTERTAINMENT

Predator

New year; new music dylanconstant music editor 2012 is going to be a big year for the music industry. Rightfully so, seeing as it may be our last (depending on what you believe). With dozens of new albums and deluxe editions from a large number of international superstars set to be released along with huge concert tours, this year will be unprecedented. In the world of pop some big names will be in the headlines. Adam Lambert is set to release his new album this month along with the now insanely popular “Dub-Step” artist Skrillex releasing a follow up album to last year’s bestseller. Even Taylor Swift (if you consider her “pop”) plans on debuting another album this year. The R’n’B and rap community will be looking forward to a deluxe edition of Kanye West and Jay-Z’s collaborative album Watch the Throne as well as a new album promised by West in the spring. Nicki Minaj also has a tour date with a new album set for release. And for those who those who like to rock, the list is enormous. To start things off, there will be a number of concerts coming to Florida with artists like, Red Jump Suit Apparatus (Feb 26), Radiohead (Feb 29), Rise Against and A Day to Remember (April 30), Coldplay (June 28) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (March 23), not to mention new albums from Shinedown, Kaiser Chiefs, The Fray and even The Cranberries. Deluxe Editions and re-releases are set to be unveiled from superstars of the past like U2, Queen, Pink Floyd, Scorpions, Van Halen and even Nirvana, just to name a few, all within the first months of 2012! If you’re a fan of the good old days (1950s70s) then look out for new albums from Ringo Star, Paul McCartney (both formerly of The Beatles) and Deep Purple. As well as best deluxe editions/best-of’s from Johnny Cash,

Feb. 6, 2011

Placebo buttons: fact or function? nPlacebo buttons, while still impotent, serve to soothe the psyche. bryant morisseau entertainment editor

From left: Thom York (Radiohead), Chris Martin (Coldplay), Ricky Wilson (Kaiser Chiefs), Kanye West and Jay-Z, Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot CHili Peppers), Taylor Swift Photos by MCT Campus Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Tom Petty and even Frank Sinatra. And this is only what we know as of January, the proverbial tip of the iceberg if you will.

If the first couple months say anything about the rest of the year, it can be assumed that we can expect to hear from even more of our favorite artists by the end of December.

Angels & Airwaves three disk set dylanconstant music editor

You have to remember that this is Tom Delonge from Blink-182 we’re talking about. It’s actually ow here’s a deal: Two more of an artistic statement that CD’s, a DVD, two music was fueled by a central theme. After you take all of this videos and a poster all for around 20 bucks! Even if into consideration, you’ll be you’ve never heard of the band pleasantly surprised to find that Angels and Airwaves, you can neither the two records, nor the rest assured you’ll be getting your accompanying movie ever fall money’s worth when you buy into any sort of boring constancy. LOVE Part 1 begins rather their latest creation, LOVE: Parts mysteriously with a long 1 and 2, Deluxe Edition. synthesizer First off, it’s LOVE is not an intro entitled necessary to Ducit under st an d album (two albums “Et M u n d u m that the band technically) full of Per Luce” has created emotional ballads, meaning, “and three separate he/she leads artistic works love songs or any the world by that they put sort of heart-throb light,” followed together into songs of the sort, by some very one single and collection: as you might at first catchy similarly LOVE Part suspect. styled songs 1, which was like “Young released in mid-February of 2011; LOVE Part London” and “Hallucinations.” The second half of Part 1 delves 2, which was released in early November; and finally the Deluxe into a slightly deeper style, Edition, including the movie, both musically and lyrically, with songs like “Soul Survivor being released a month after that. All of this, the band says, was (…2012)” and “Some Origins of put together to convey a deeper Fire” that effectively transition to meaning of the word LOVE, the slightly slower paced LOVE believing that love actually relates Part 2. This slowed pace doesn’t begin to overall “human connectedness” immediately, however. that we all need to survive. The songs “Saturday Love” and Don’t let the somewhat complex nature of the title turn you way “Anxiety” on Part 2 reflect a similar style to that of Part 1, although the though. LOVE is not an album (two rest of the album does have a sort albums technically) full of of winding down effect to it. The most interesting and emotional ballads, love songs or any sort of heart-throb songs of the somewhat confusing part of this sort, as you might at first suspect. collection is hands down LOVE,

Buttons have always been a means to an end. Press one and you get to cross the street, close an elevator door or change the temperature. As it turns out, all the devices that facilitate these manipulations of the environment may have been deceiving you. Since the early 90s when the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, door-close buttons on elevators don’t work unless there is an emergency situation. Crosswalk buttons have also given way to more automated methods of regulation thanks to the irregular traffic being caused by these buttons. Thanks to the constant assault of temperature sensitive workers, some managers opt to have their thermostats rendered not operational in order to take control away from offenders. These thermostat changes still feel that the temperature has changed after their input. The advent of simple switches and buttons has made a huge impact on our psyches. Button is pressedfunction is carried out. The average person doesn’t expect a button that does absolutely nothing. “It all goes back to classic conditioning. Pavlov found that an organism that grows accustomed to a stimulus will always respond to the trigger- even if the change doesn’t happen after. This is why people still respond to the phantom effects a button may have,” said Melissa Merchant, Wharton High School psychiatrist.

Angels and Airwaves’ third album includes an accompaning full-length movie. Photo by MCT Campus the movie. It begins rather normally with astronaut Lee Miller going about his daily routines on board the ISS (International Space Station,) but after a communications malfunction, Miller is left completely alone and isolated in space. Did I mention that he is the only man aboard the ISS? After Miller makes a series of interesting discoveries, the movie takes a turn in the metaphorical and “trippy” direction, to say the

least. It’s no doubt perplexing till the end, which actually makes it one of those “I need to see that again to understand it” movies. Overall, the two albums and accompanying movie will be sure to keep you entertained, and if you absolutely need an explanation for the movie, check out the bonus features and listen to commentaries. You may need to fast-forward through ridiculous banter first.

Junior Brant Wickersham presses the cross walk button on Bruce B. Downs. At times the button appears to be nonfunctional. Photo by Scott Sollazzo

HOTSPOT

Feb. 6, 2012

H T P T:

Predator

Opening of Legoland builds childhood dreams

breannastackpole staffwriter

LEGOLAND, a new theme park in Winter Haven Florida, is a place where everyone can let their inner child escape. “I liked it,” Emily Hill, sophomore ,said.” I felt like it was definitely geared towards kids, though.” LEGOLAND is a 150 acre theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. The park has giant Lego creations all around the grounds. There are rides and fun for all ages. “I liked the Dragon roller coaster. It had the biggest drop,” Hill said. This park not only has rides, but it has shows as well. A 4D theater has three different shows that are played throughout the day. They also have live shows such as the Pirate’s Cove Live Water Ski Show. “We saw the water ski show, which was pretty entertaining especially if you’ve ever water skied. You could appreciate what they do and how difficult it is,” said Kevin Stephenson, assistant principal for student affairs. LEGOLAND has something for everyone. If rides and shows aren’t your thing they also have a large variety of shopping and din-

Floridians enjoy the grand opening of LEGOLAND with confetti and celebration. LEGOLAND opened up to the public on Oct. 15, 2011. Photo reprinted with permission from LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Brian Blanco ing experiences. There is even an imagination zone where kids can build their own Lego creations. A factory tour gives an inside look at exactly how Lego bricks are made. “I thought the Miniland USA was really cool. They had a mini Miami and Tampa. It’s amazing

how they built an entire city out of LEGOs,” Stephenson said. Tickets can be purchased online or at the park. Adult tickets are $75 and children and senior tickets are $65. The park’s regular hours are from 10 am to 5 pm. “One of the coolest things they have, my kids loved it, is this driv-

ing course. It’s a driving school for kids and they have to drive around and obey all the traffic laws,” Stephenson said. Like all new parks, LEGOLAND has some kinks that need to be worked out. Parking is sometimes a timely affair and the park will admit no more people after hitting

its capacity starting at 1 pm. “The parking lot was confusing to get out of, but other than that everything went smoothly,” Hill said. Despite these few flaws LEGOLAND is an impressive new park. Hill said, “My younger cousins and I all had a great time.”

SPORTS

Predator

DAVISON’S PLAYBOOK Allie Davison sports editor

The Ugly Truth: Florida deserves apology, after Meyer moves on Only one year after gracefully bowing out as the University of Florida’s football head coach and a short stint as an ESPN college football analyst, Urban Meyer has joined forces with scandal ridden Ohio State University. Some may consider this hire to be somewhat of a surprise, since Meyer claimed he wanted to spend more time with family and explore other interests as his excuse for leaving Florida. However, for those who know how the game works, this new partnership was established the moment Ohio State released head coach Jim Tressel in May 2011 amid reports that challenged he allowed players who have been suspended to continue to play. When Ohio State and Florida met in the 2012 Gator Bowl on Jan. 2, it was the first time Urban Meyer was on the opposite side of the blue and orange. The Swamp Nation quickly informed Meyer of what he left when Florida led a convincing game over Ohio State, 24-17. After enjoying retirement for only 54 days before accepting a lucrative job opportunity at ESPN, sports enthusiasts could see Meyer’s wheels turning. He held two BCS National Championships, coached a Heisman recipient, was the 2006 Coach of the Year and was dubbed by Sporting News and Sports Illustrated as “Coach of the Decade.” Accomplishing more than most head coaches during his six year tenure at Florida, how could you blame him for wanting to spread his wings and fly from the Swamp? Not everyone, like Bobby Bowden or Joe Paterno, can be content at a school for decades. Gator fans are known for putting loyalty above all else and when news broke that their beloved coach would be accepting an offer from another powerhouse program, their disbelief wasn’t quiet. Can you blame them for calling him a traitor? They believed Meyer’s statement on wanting to spend time with his family. Plus, they had already lost Meyer’s protégé Tim Tebow the year before. Looking at both sides of the argument, I side with the GatorNation on this one. I am a chomp hater through and through;. However, I can see exactly why they are throwing daggers at Meyer. If he had retired for the year without working for ESPN I truly believe the switch would not have angered so many. Despite all of the acclaims he acquired under his belt for the university, the fans deserved the same respect in return with a genuine farewell by Meyer.

Feb. 6, 2012

Deep bench plays pivotal role nickrogers staff writer The loss of two 1,000 point scorers usually means a rebounding year for most high school basketball teams. Wharton is not like most high school basketball teams. Losing five from last year’s team, four of whom started games throughout the season, would make the outlook for the next season seem dim. However, this team is different from other teams, and far different from any other basketball team Wharton has ever had. This young, spirited and athletic team has the talent to make a run at a state championship that has never been captured in Wharton basketball’s young history. This year’s team is a speed-filled team that can run with the best of teams in the state of Florida. Playing consecutive games throughout the season will test the Wildcats’ toughness several times. The Wildcats also seem to have a handle on their district. They were able to dismantle Durant at home 68-50 and on the road 49-25, annihilate Alonso 57-38 on the road and pound Plant in the Panther Den, 64-50. “Several guys from this team and on the team last season tasted the experience and know what it takes to win, and I think that makes them want to work harder every day,” said Tonelli, “Most coaches would say no loss is a good loss but that is not true. Losing exposes your weaknesses and you realize what you need to work on. I’m not sure how much better we would’ve gotten without it.” Junior point guard CJ McGill said, “We have a great team and a

64-45. The Wildcats played “scared, sloppy, and soft” against the Chargers according to Tonelli. “ We definitely want a second chance to play them, We didn’t play our game the first time and we need to prove that we are the better team,” said junior guard Tyler Langston. However, the Cats didn’t get their chance at redemption because the Chargers were knocked out of the Berkley Prep tournament in the second round and Wharton went on to win the championship. McGill took home MVP honors of the entire tournament while junior guard Sir Patrick Reynolds and senior forward Patrick Hauri were named to the All-Tournament team. Wharton was also able to go on the road and knock off rival Freedom (72-43) in front of a packed house. The season doesn’t get any easier, though. Home games at Blake, at Sickles and the district tournament at Durant will show if the Cats can live up to the hype. Junior Troy Holston sinks a contested three pointer in a district “We have a lot of game against the Durant Cougars. The Wildcats went on to win talent, a lot of speed and the 49-25 game. Photo by Scott Sollazzo a great coach,” said junior Forward Troy Holston. It is up to the players to prove ton of potential to do big things this the game close the entire first half before Wharton went on various that they are among the other elite year.” However, Wharton does show runs sparked by seven second half programs in Florida. The only way to prove that is with their their lack of leadership at times three pointers. The Wildcats were stunned at performance and winning the state allowing teams to take advantage of them and go on several long Strawberry Crest early this season title that Wharton basketball has runs. Chamberlain was able to keep when they suffered a 20 point loss, come so close to before.

Fans give second chance to forgotten sports kellyperetz staff writer I used to practice archery, then I took an arrow to the knee… Archery was once a prime weapon of war until the firearm replaced it. Since then, it has been an Olympic event and there have been many tournaments worldwide. Recently included in Skyrim, a popular role playing game, archery is an optional skill where the user is allowed to utilize the bow and arrow for the dispatching of foes. Archery is one of the many “forgotten sports” along with rugby, badminton, synchronized swimming, sailing and many others. Rugby however has stayed somewhat alive with clubs and collegiate intramural teams around the world. “On TV, rugby doesn’t get anywhere near as much airtime as football or baseball and isn’t quite as popular as other sports in the U.S. but is still a major sport in other parts of the world,” Rugby playing junior, Kade Archer said. The first recorded rugby match in the United States was between Harvard and McGill Universities on May 14, 1874. Alex Sullivan, junior, believes rugby is considered forgotten, “Because it’s kind of violent, I guess. Some people don’t like that. Also, it wasn’t ever really introduced here, so it’s really new.” To participate in most matches and tournaments, United States Citizens need to register with USA Rugby, and currently there are currently over 92,000 people registered. (Compared to the 2,549,196 people registered in the United Kingdom, where the sport originated, and the 137,835 New Zealanders that are registered players where rugby is extremely popular.) “It is life in New Zealand,” AP United States

Kyle Noble, senior, tosses the rugby ball during practice. Rugby, along with sailing and archery, is one of the many sports that has been considered forgotten in the sporting world. Photo by Alex Montgomery History and Economics Honors teacher Brian Wassmuth said. Another forgotten sport in the U.S. is sailing, Wassmuth’s favorite activity. Sailing isn’t very popular because of the necessary location. “Sailing requires access to a large body of water and a windy area, it’s not like football, and you actually need nature to help you out. You need to harness the elements,” Wassmuth said. Sailing, however, Wassmuth considers more dangerous than the more popular sports.

“I find it more enjoyable because you can just go out and do something the whole time. That the danger isn’t a rolled ankle, but a cracked skull, a crushed hand, or drowning,” Wassmuth said. Sailing involves very dangerous situations, yet Wassmuth said, “People see it as boring, as something their grandparents do on weekends.” “I used to sail, then I took a mast to the face…”

GAME DAY

Feb. 6, 2012

GAME DAY:

Predator

Keenan Kusher, a double threat

Keenan Kusher, junior, practices his violin while kicking around the soccer ball. Kushner has been making sacrifices and splitting his time between his two passions throughout high school. He has yet to make the decision on which to pursue in college. Photo illustration Scott Sollazzo

Clock winds down for athletic musician n life we are faced with decisions. That could change the rest of your life. In high school, usually the right choice is quite obvious and it may be as simple as what you plan to do that weekend. For Keenan Kushner, junior, the right answer between pursuing college life as a soccer player or as a violinist has been more of a battle than expected. One most people would not be upset with fighting over. Starting in goal at the age of four with influence from his dad and picking up a violin in fifth grade, Kushner has never known a life of not making a compromise between his two passions. “I’ve missed three or four games this season because I’ve had to be in rehearsal,” he said. You could say soccer was his first love because he took it up first. Named the starting varsity goaltender his freshman year, Kushner has been able to stay humble despite his obvious talent.

“That’s why he is one of our two captains this year because of that reason. He is a quiet leader. I think he found his voice this year, got the captain’s armband. Now he is outspoken on the field, but it always is in a positive way,” Scott Ware, head coach, said. Leading his team to a 17-3-1 record this season, Kushner has six shutouts, 1.308 goals against average and has only allowed 17 goals on 67 attempts. “If he wants to play, he can play at the next level,” Ware said. “He has size, he is athletic, is a good shot stopper, good keeper. He is smart. Really the sky is the limit for him in college if he wants to go. He just needs to make a decision soon so we can get the ball rolling and start contacting colleges for him.” Flipping the coin to the other side, mastering the violin is his other love. Not becoming invested in the instrument until his sixth or seventh grade year, Kushner has taken his passion seriously. “Literally, I say it to him and the next second he has it down pat the way I need it. For a lot of things it has to be that way. Since he is my

principle player, it’s one of those in soccer and violin) are what you things where I say, ‘Keenan, I need should like to do because neither you to take care of this, and he takes makes a ton of money unless you care of everything for everyone,” are amazing. For college, I think I’d Jason Allgair, orchestra instructor, be able to do both, but to be better said. at one I couldn’t tell you which one Not content with being average I want,” Kushner said. Most would think both of the at the violin, Kushner has earned instructors the first chair in the Wharton’s would be orchestra as well He is very talented. f i g h t i n g over who as the HillsborThat drive and that gets Kushough All-Counambition he has wheth- ner. ty group and he er it is soccer or music has performed “No not throughout this will take him wherever at all. I year with the think our he needs to go.” job is to Tampa Metronurture politan Youth whatever Orchestra. Jason Allgair, “He is good the high orchestra instructor at balancing his school student wants academics; he is to dabble good at balancing his sports schedule, his personal in,” Ware said. “With Keenan, we work with life and his music. It takes someone who is really good at making sure Allgair quite a bit. We work out he has time for everything to make our schedules so he can do a little of both. He excels in both. So you it work for him,” Allgair said. With only a year and half left want to nurture that. You don’t in his high school career, decision know what he is going to do after time has crept up quickly on him. high school. Is he going to pursue “Honestly both of them (careers soccer or music or something else?

“

alliedavison sports editor

If we can foster anything the kid is interested in it benefits him.” Although both Allgair and Ware have given their blessings to allow Kushner to make the decision without influence, he knows it is hard for them not to push him along. “I mean they don’t really tell me that I have to pick one, but they definitely try to get me to favor one side,” Kushner said.

“They don’t tell you, but you know they want you to pick theirs.” While struggling to make the decison, Kushner has been able to earn great respect from his teachers and coaches. “It’s remarkable. We had one event where he had to be here and then run down to the other side of the building. He finished the concert. The second he was done (and he was game on during the concert,) he quickly changed into his uniform and ran down and won the game for the soccer team,” Allgair said. “It was really cool to see him do amazing things here and then change focus completely and win. It’s such a respectable quality.”

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