Predator - May 2013

PREDATOR PAUL R. WHARTON HIGH SCHOOL

@ WHSPredator

facebook.com/WHSThePredator

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647

May 24, 2013

Class of 2013 Honor Cour t Extraordinary seniors stand above their peers.

Drop it and drive...

Florida bill proposes ban for texting while driving

By Marina Jankovic

Staff Writer

Pages 10 & 11

News Patriot’s Day massacre shakes Bostonians.

Page 1

Jungle Life

Six million car crashes occur in the US per year, injuring three million people and resulting in over 40,000 deaths.

Out of these numbers, distracted driving—primarily involving the use of a cell phone while driving—is the result of over 5,000 deaths and over 448,000 injuries, according to the US Department of Transportation.

In order to make the roads a safer place, the Senate has approved a bill, Senate Bill 0052, to make texting while driving a secondary violation in Florida.

“Texting while driving, in my opinion, is a problem. I know people who text while driving and it’s scary to think that those few seconds looking down to reply to a text could cause you to just lose your life,” Amanda Hacker, senior, said.

A secondary violation means that the driver has to be committing another violation—for example, reckless driving—to be

pulled over and charged with responsible for up to 18 percent an offense. of fatalities in distraction-relatThe first time you are charged ed accidents. with a texting-while-driving ofTexting while driving makes fense, it will carry a $30 fine. an individual 23 times more Any additional texting-while- likely to get into a crash and it is driving offenses within the reported that 30 percent of teens course of the next five years will text and drive. double the fine and add three “Texting while driving is a big p o i n t s problem against a because if driver’s liyou’re not I know people who text cense. paying atwhile driving and it’s scary tention to If a driver gets 12 the road, to think that those few points in You’re seconds looking down to A) 12 months, not all that reply to a text could cause bright, and the driver’s license You’re you to just lose your life. B) will be susgoing to pended for hurt some30 days.

Amanda Hacker body—it’s “Making going to Senior a bill isn’t be you, going to somebody solve the in anothproblem of texting and driv- er car, a pedestrian,” Patrick ing,” Spencer Bastian, senior, O’Halloran, senior, said. said. “Whether there’s a law on “The best way to stop texit or not, it’s not going to change ting and driving is to teach the problem. All it’s going to do more about it. You can’t change is create more offenses for some- peoples’ behaviors based on body that messed up.” law alone. You have to educate Texting while them. If people honestly think driving is this is a problem, bring it into schools,” Bastian said.

“

“

INSIDE

Volume 16 Issue 5

Distracted Driving by the Numbers In 2011, 3,331 people were killed and 387,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.

Texting while driving poses a crash risk 23 times higher than driving while not distracted.

11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported being distracted at the time of the accident.

Source: www.distraction.gov/ Infographic By: Brandon Goldman

Florida’s Best Beaches: Where is the best spot to catch summer rays?

Page 7

AUTOMOTIVE

Page 17

Photo Illustration by • Scott sollazzo

Seniors to graduate June 3 at Florida State Fairgrounds

By Manal Benyamine

Club Editor

SPORTS Senior allstar players reminisce over last season’s stats.

Page 20

The Class of 2013 is scheduled to graduate on Monday, June 3, at 1 pm at the Florida Fairgrounds All graduating seniors are to arrive by 11:45 am to line up according to walk numbers assigned at the senior assembly.

Walk numbers are available online on the Wharton website (www.whartotn.mysdhc.org) under “Seniors.”

This year grads will walk in blue so there will be no separation of different color robes.

Honor distinctions, a 4.0 or higher, will be represented by a white sash. Other honor cords will be shown for club like Beta and Quill and Scroll.

Also, as a friendly reminder, seniors must attend rehearsal on May 29 at 10:45 am.

Attendance is mandatory in order to participate in graduation.

The dress policy for grads is

“Sunday Best.”

Ladies are encouraged to wear walkable shoes.

Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and will result in one’s diploma being pulled.

Also noise makers are not permitted inside the facility.

At the Fairgrounds, parking will be $5. Exact change is preferable so lines flow quickly.

There will be photographers present to photograph each senior upon receiving his or her diploma.

Photo Illustration by • Gigi jackson

Are hybrid cars really worth buying to save on fuel?

2

news

May 24, 2013

Predator

Boston, stronger now than ever

By Manal benyamine

club editor

On April 15, Patriot’s Day, the people of Boston were shaken with an unexpected bomb explosion and it posed as a reminder for the rest of the country of America’s vulnerability to terrorism.

“Boston strong! Boston proud!”

Bonnie Astroff wrote to predator and posted on her Facebook page. “I went from eating hotdogs and watching the runners go past the building where I live and cheering them as they went by to holing up in my home like a prisoner all week long.”

Patriot’s Day is a day when all of Boston, tourists and locals, come together to celebrate and cheer for the Boston Marathon runners and to have a fine time.

“Patriot’s Day is my favorite. I have gone to every single marathon except when I moved to the state of Florida. So I went to 19 marathons,” Samantha Reeves AP Psychology teacher, said. “The Boston Marathon is the oldest running race. It’s a professional sporting event that you cheer for regular people.”

This year, however, this holiday quickly flipped into a day of horror for Boston natives and tourists. Two bombs detonated near the finish line leading to instant panic and chaos killing at

Photo by • Angela Rowlings/Boston Herald/MCT

A moment of silence- Joyce Schwartz pauses at a memorial for Boston Marathon bombing victims at Copley Square in Boston, Mass. least three and injuring 144.

“There we were having a party right on Beacon Street I took a break and went to my apartment and turned on the TV and oh my God...what a shock,” Astroff said. “We didn’t know what was going to happen next.

We didn’t fully understand

what was going on.”

This bright sunny day turned instantly into a frightening chaotic day with fear looming in the air after the blasts.

“My brother and I heard the loud boom. We looked at each other and we didn’t know what it was. We were thinking about

Thank you

predator patrons Crystal Patrons Humberto and Kathy Gonzalez Rafael and Ana Gomez Ed and Aorina Coursey Judy and Doug Montgomery Mahanor Family

Douina Benkabbou Henderson Family Tanya Alcocer Aylin Potter Khadeeja Morse Peggy Alcocer

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

Platinum Patrons

Silver Patrons Bronze Patrons

James Birmingham Ryan Gilbreath Cathy Caples Carolyn Weld Barbara Woolley Debra Bixler Donna McGrew Tina Roberts Wharton Media Center Devin Guy Harvey Keyes Wharton Culinary Thomas Tonelli

Philip Morris Mrs. Dance Alicia Nelson Mr. Stephenson Sarah Theiss Brad Woods Konstantin Lazarevic Lisa Savedge Stephen Montgomery Rosa Lee Joe Mendez Mrs. Davison

Mrs. Louise Menta Damminger Family Razbro Corporation Claudia Solorzano Pahl Family The Damminger Family Cesar Apolo Yvonne Bertovich Lisa Amberger

what it could be and my brother thought it was celebration cannons because it was Patriot’s Day,” Kelsey O’Callaghan, runner in the Boston Marathon, said in an interview with Predator.

Using high-tech technology and nearby security cameras in the city, the FBI worked with

haste to identify and hunt down the suspects. The entire Boston area was put on lockdown as the FBI pursued their manhunt.

“It’s been like living on another planet,” Astroff said. “It was eerie. Nobody was on the streets but police with guns and all stores were closed.”

“The whole thing is very upsetting and disappointing and makes me want to move back to Boston. It makes me want to go home,” Reeves said. “But I am hoping to run the 118th marathon next year.”

During that week of blatant fear and shock one thing was clear: Boston has a strong sense of community and it was evident after this incident.

“The silver lining of this whole incident was the people and how good and helpful they were. People were willing to give up their time to help out those who were injured,” O’Callaghan said.

This act of terrorism could not break down the Bostonians. Citizens panicked at first but came together during this devastating event.

“Now in the aftermath all we can hope for is for Boston to return to the friendly warm place that it was and put this behind them,” Susan Annis, data processor said. “Boston strong! Boston proud!”

Attention Girls From Ages 6 to 14! Wharton High School’s Cheerleading Program Is Holding a Junior Cat Cheer Camp This Summer From June 10 to June 13!

Junior Cats Will Learn Basic Cheerleading Skills And Will Put On a Performance at the End of the Camp!

The Cost is $115. Please Register By May 20th and Return the Form to the Main Office at Wharton High. Visit the Wharton High Website For a Form and More Information.

news

Predator

May 24, 2012

3

Parents pushing for EpiPen use In order to get an EpiPen, one has to have a history of Anaphyonline editor-in-chief/news editor laxis or have a reason to believe that it will occur. EpiPens are auublic schools are a tomatic-injection devices filled place where students with epinephrine in case of a seshould be able to vere allergic reaction. Epinephlearn, work and feel rine is a medication that helps secure in a safe en- decrease the body’s allergic revironment. They are not a place action by relaxing the muscles where students should have to in the airways to make breathfear that they will break out in ing easier, helping to reverse the hives or cease breathing just rapid and dangerous decrease because someone takes out a in blood pressure, and relaxpeanut ing the butter muss a n d - “It is hard to know everything a child is c l e s w i c h allergic to and if an allergy happens to in the at the stombe discovered during a child’s allergic a c h , lunch table. intesreaction at school, the child should Parhave access to medication that could t i n e s ents in a n d keep them alive until help arrives.”

Florida bladare conder. cerned Deabout spite

kathy lin severet h e ly-allerfast pediatrician gic stuacting dents’ effect health and are trying to make of the epinephrine, a single dosa change. They are fighting the age only lasts long enough to school board for the right to al- get a patient to the nearest hoslow students to have access to pital or until another dosage can EpiPens in school in case of a be given. There are little to no severe allergic reaction. permanent effects of the medi“EpiPens aren’t currently al- cation, especially in emergency lowed in schools because they situations. require a prescription. Giving “I think that EpiPens should be students a drug without a pre- allowed in schools in case of an scription is frowned upon de- emergency,” said pediatrician spite the immediate benefit,” Kathy Lin. “It is hard to know said Kathleen Mcgrory, Miami everything a child is allergic Herald reporter in an interview to and if an allergy happens to with the Predator. be discovered during a child’s

By haley gonzalez

P

allergic reaction at school, the child should have access to a medication that could keep them alive until help arrives.”

In school-aged children allergies are very common, some deadly, some not known about.

According to Food Allergy Research and Education, one in every 13 children in the United States has a food allergy. Also, 38.7 percent of food-allergic children have a history of severe reactions, and 30.4 percent of food-allergic children have multiple food allergies according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. In addition, various studies show that between 16 percent and 18 percent of children with food allergies have had allergic reactions in school after accidentally ingesting the allergen.

“When I was 11, I was at a horse-riding birthday party and had an allergic reaction to the hay. I panicked, called my mom and proceeded to take my inhaler which ended up not working but luckily the party planner had allergy medication. I feel it is necessary to have EpiPens in school because you see a lot more students now with severe allergies,” said Alexa Garrett, junior.

The decision about allowing EpiPens in school has all 40 of the Senate’s votes. In order to be implemented the bill must pass at the House floor. If the bill passes, students with allergies may no longer fear the consequences of serve proximity to peanut butter at lunchtime.

How to use an EpiPen

1. Remove the auto-injector from the clear carrier tube and slide the auto-injector out.

2. Remove the blue safety release by pulling straight up without bending or twisting it.

3. Swing and push the orange tip against the outer thigh until it ‘clicks.’ Keep the autoinjector firmly pushed against the thigh at a 90 degree angle.

4. Hold firmly against the thigh for approximately 10 seconds.

5. Remove the auto-injector from the thigh and massage the injection area for 10 seconds.

Infographic designed by Marina Jankovic

Using your voice to raise awareness By joseph paredes staff writer

W

e hear of those who take their lives overnight.

We hear of those who fall into an addictive state of substance abuse. However, we never hear of the possible situations that could have prevented these outcomes.

National Prevention Week gave communities across the nation an opportunity to take action and raise awareness towards substance abuse a n d mentalhealth issues f r o m May 1218.

“How I see it, it’s imperative for everyone to get involved in some way,” Javier Ramirez, senior, said. “This particular week calls for friends and families alike to come together and make a difference in someone’s life.”

Each day of the week focused on a specific theme: May 12, Prevention and Cessation of Tobacco Use; May 13, Prevention of Underage Drinking; May 14, Prevention of Prescription Drug

Abuse and Illicit Drug Use; May 15, Prevention of Alcohol Abuse; May 16, Suicide Prevention; May 17, Promotion of Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Well-Being.

“The most important day, in my opinion, is May 17,” Maria Areiza, senior, said. “Mental and emotional well-being is important because I feel like that the well-being of these two characteristics in a person is the catalyst for all the other issues. People say they drink or use substances for fun, but it’s usually because of something deeper. They end up leaving behind in their subconscious.”

This year’s theme for the annual SAMHSA National Prevention Week was “Your voice.

Your choice.

Make a difference.”

“I think the theme is deep and simple at the same time,” Madeline Baker, Wharton alumni, said. “It emphasizes the simplicity of an individual’s choice to raise awareness through various expressions whether it be health block-parties, educational assemblies, town-hall meetings, or social-media campaigns in three short sentences. It really exudes the primary purpose of the week overall.”

Photo illustration by • mariah henderson

your voice - Olivia Delashmutt, junior, uses a creative method to advertise National Prevention Week. People all across the country used creative methods to raise awareness for this week.

Several people were/are not aware of the purpose of National Prevention Week. So how can an individual raise attention to the annual week-long event in the following years?

“Those who are close with friends who are currently dealing with certain issues applicable to this week should stand up and become advocates on their

behalf and spread the word,” Areiza said.

Through the choices we make we influence those around us to make a particular decision, hopefully for the better. And through our voice we bring attention to those in need while creating a safer and healthier community.

“At the end of it all, it’s up to

the individual,” Ramirez said.

“Even after the week has passed, it is the individual who decides how to use what they learned to help those around them or in some cases, themselves.”

Whether one takes a stance through verbal campaigns, influential behaviors or the written word, the difference may save a life.

4

news

May 24, 2013

Predator

Photo by • gigi jackson it’s raining pig’s blood on prom night - Matt Messina, senior, David York, senior, and Abby Warren, junior, attend dress rehearsal and do a run-through of the play in preparation for opening night. The entire cast has been practicing for weeks to make sure that the production goes off without a hitch.

Prom from ‘Hell’...

LSA opens teen thriller ‘Carrie’ this month BY marina jankovic staff writer

“High school is not a very important place. When you’re going you think it is a big deal, but when it is over nobody really thinks it was great unless they are beered up,” a line from “Carrie” reads.

For their upcoming play, LSA Rep takes on a musical adaption of Stephen King’s horror, “Carrie,” playing May 23 to May 25.

The play is about a 17-year-old girl in high school, Carrie, who possesses telekinetic abilities and is bullied her entire life by her classmates. She eventually uses her powers to take revenge on all the people who have mistreated her.

“LSA’s production of ‘Carrie’ is very favorable. I love how we all get to enjoy the music, plus

dance and act to tell the story,” my; and Matt Messina, senior, as cally the novel and movie verNikki Boucher, senior, said. Billy. LSA’s production of “Car- batim—just with songs added.

What’s cool is “When people come and that even though see ‘Carrie the Musical,’ songs are added, they should expect to see “When people come and see ‘Carrie the the lyrics tell a play relatable to high parts of the novel schoolers with a handful Musical’, they should expect to see a play movie almost of harmonies with surrelatable to high schoolers with a handful of and word-for-word as prising vocals, comedic harmonies with surprising vocals, comedic well which helps and serious moments, the musical reand maybe even a little and serious moments, and maybe even a ally tell Stephen blood.” little blood.”

“It’s high school—that’s King’s story,” Boucher said. the easiest way to de“’Carrie’ is a scribe it. It’s what everygreat one deals with in high nikki boucher with reallymusical good school. It’s the bullies, senior music. It’s a really problems and teachers,” powerful story Nick Schaller, senior, and speaks to said.

Taking the leads of “Carrie” rie” keeps the same plot as the us since we’re in high school are: Kylie Neal, senior, as Car- novel and the movie, but is the and deal with bullying,” Torrie; Abby Warren, junior, as Sue most similar to the musical pro- rey Crosby, sophomore, as male voice, said.

Snell; Boucher as Chris Hargen- duced on Broadway.

“The musical adaption is basiFor “Carrie,” LSA has reson; David York, senior, as Tom-

hearsed fourth, fifth, and sixth period, Wednesdays after school and will spend all of production week after-school rehearsing.

“We have awesome vocals.

We have been working really hard on this and we have been getting our harmonies down,” Boucher said. “It’s been going smoothly during our rehearsals and is constantly improving.”

The show begins each night it plays at 7 pm and tickets are $6 for kids, $8 for students, and $10 for adults.

“I hope that the audience genuinely just enjoys the show—the music and dancing and acting elements—yet also understands that bullying is a huge thing that goes on and it is not right,” Boucher said. “One of the lines in the show is ‘What does it cost to be kind?’ and that is a major p part of the musical.”

Location: Hours: Sun-Wed 11:00am-9:00pm/ 10032 Cross Creek Blvd Thur, Fri, Sat 11:00am-10:00pm Tampa, FL 33647 (813) 907-0592 Major Credit Cards Accepted Se Habla espanol Email: LaFuente10032@gmail.com http://www.mexicanfoodtampa.com

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SCHOOL news

Predator

May 24, 2013

5

PHOTO BY • ALEX MONTGOMERY REVING UP SOME COMPETITION -(left to right) Aditya Chelikani, junior, and John Astfanous, senior, examine the engine, which will be used for the Robotics Team’s car, for any complications. The Robotics Team placed fifth place at the Polk State competition in January and had hopes to place well at the upcoming competition when they decided to design a robot car.

Robotics develops car for competition by bRANDON gOLDMAN CO EDITOR IN CHIEF The Robotics Team is blowing minds with their design for an energy-efficient electric car.

The club is seeking to compete in the Electrathon competition next school year, marking the first time in the school’s history to compete in the rivalry against local high schools including King, Middleton and Tampa Bay Technical High School.

“It’s mostly a college competition,” Christopher Hart, Robotics Club sponsor and AP and honors physics teacher, said. “We would be competing against Florida schools like FSU, USF, UCF and UF.” The Electrathon competition

challenges local engineers to develop a go-kart style racing car powered by an electric motor and batteries.

Teams engineer without the aid of already-designed kits for body and engine components.

“The point of Electrathon is to build an energy-efficient and fast car,” Aditya Chelikani, junior, said. “Right now we are going to be using a lawnmower engine, but in time we would be going on to use an electric motor.”

At the competition, teams race to determine which car can travel the farthest in one hour by completing laps around a track.

“The students build an electric-powered car to see who can travel the farthest [most laps around a track] before their bat-

til next school year, but we tery dies,” Hart said. [seniors] are still helping to Since early March, design the concept,” Stethe Robotics Team phen Astfanous, senior, has worked to said. generate a conThe Robotics Team cept for their is seeking a new apcar that meets proach to the competithe competition tion by making restric“The point of their car as small tions (the Electrathon is to (and light) as car, which build an energypossible to get is driven the most efby a team efficient and fast ficiency out of m e m car.” their engine. ber unADITYA CHELIKANI On the way, der 180 pounds, must JUNIOR the team has run into a few bumps in the road not exceed 12with the project fundfeet in length ing and time limitations. and 4-feet in “We aren’t sponwidth). sored like some of the “The compeother teams, so we tition isn’t un-

trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs

3:5-6 (NIV)

Purchase the Americana bracelet starting May 24, and part of the proceeds will go to the arts!

Located at the Wiregrass Mall

mostly rely on club money for our build,” Chelikani said. “The materials we need get pretty expensive, and paying someone to weld our car isn’t cheap, either.”

The team hopes to raise awareness to their hard work with students by demonstrating their car in the Prowl pep-rally in place of a traditional club float.

“We want to get students involved, and by showing people our electric car, more kids might be interested in taking physics classes or being a part of the Robotics Team,” Hart explained.

Additionally, the team would like to bring their car to Relay for Life to give individuals the opportunity to drive the team’s car while at the same time raising money to support cancer research.

Beautiful gifts for any occasion! Stop in to create your own Wish List today.

(813-994-4768)

6 a

COLLEGE

May 24, 2013

My Two Cents

Predator

Grades take hits from partying

BY Joseph paredes Staff Writer

T

Both the Princeton Review and the College Prower are amongst the various companies who have published lists such as the top party schools in America, but what they forget to mention are the disadvantages and advantages of attending some of these colleges.

“It’s definitely an advantage to attend a party school because it encourages social interaction and the people skills accrued from a less misanthropic campus provide relevant business skills that are valuable to any college graduate,” Carlos Lo-

pez, senior, said.

Yet others who have already gotten a taste of the college lifestyle warn those who will soon restart the process at a freshman level next year and could possibly make the same mistake.

“A night with your friends definitely is worth giving up some study time, so one would think,” Sarina Moon, Wharton alumni, said. “But then you see the grade on the test you bailed out on studying for and you get a serious reality check that it’s definitely not all fun and games.”

COLLEGE PACKING LIST

Picture: Whoever you will actually miss.

ms o r plies th o :

NO ONE wants a

sm

USB flash drive: To save all of your notes and essays.

a undry

Lamp: For all of your future all-nighters.

Photos courtesy of jupiterimages.com

Alarm clock: Your mommy won’t be there to wake you up.

mat elly room

Clothing: Keep in mind, where are you planning to attend college? Also, during summer, fall or spring? Your Floridian wardrobes may not be sufficient.

up

be the first priority.

when attending their future university.

“There’s definitely a way to balance academics and partying,” Sam Lawrence, senior, said. “You have to be responsible enough to know when you need to study and go to class, but you can still go out and have fun.”

While some will be fortunate enough to find the balance between the two atmospheres, others attending these party schools will get lost at the party scene and will eventually struggle when it comes to grades.

e.

Pillows: For comfort, as well as to brighten up a boring dorm room. skets

: To carry your clothes home so they can be washed the RIGHT way. Or, for the out-of-state students, to carry to the nearest laundromat.

Infographic by Kelly Peretz

I’m gonna miss; Seniors reflect

“My friends in high school that aren’t going to UCF.”

Ana Fischer “ Going to all the football games and tailgating before the games start.”

Reed Gray

cies on a college campus.

Guns and other dangerous weapons to pose a threat at any given time whether on a campus or not Each student has a right to defend themselves and their safety should

Let’s have a party - Students who attend the top party schools in the nation often hit more Solo cups than their textbooks. Partying in college can cause students’ grades to slip dramatically over their time in school and can result in scholarship loss or the risk of expulsion from the university.

ba

Guns are powerful and deadly weapons, and the use of guns and their regulations by no means should be taken lightly.

There were 16 major shootings in America just in 2012 leaving more the 88 dead and many more injured. In recent weeks University of South Florida has banned concealed weapons on campus, with the exception of law enforcement and students involved in the ROTC program.

With all the shootings and violence that has taken place in the last year, shouldn’t the administration promote personal safety on campus?

Every student who attends USF and other universities around the country should have the right to self-protection. Obviously, this does not mean that every student should walk around campus with a loaded gun on his person. There are other ways to maintain self-protection if ever needed in a dangerous situation.

There are two ways to look at this new law: Either it’s a good thing that guns are banned and that will reduce the amount of violence and shootings on college and universities campuses, or it’s bad because students are being stripped of their rights to self-protection while living on campus.

USF is a big campus located in a large urban area.

With high populations come more increases of acts of violence. Since guns are banned on campus, more self-defense classes should be offered and promoted to the students attending the universities to ensure their right to protect themselves.

Weapons are a major topic when it comes to controversy; there are many ways to look at guns and their poli-

PhotO Illustration by • Scott Sollazzo

Ba

Concealed weapons banned from college campuses

L

College Editor

Connor Hinds

Olivia Mahanor

he lists are out, and the top party schools throughout the nation have been ranked by. the Princeton Review. Ranking are based on in-library time, studying time, substance consumption and Greek life.

Topping the Top 10 is Arizona State University, which is followed by schools such as Florida State University (2), West Virginia University (4), University of Wisconsin (6) and University of Texas (9), to name a few.

These schools were recognized for their prestigious on campus social environment.

From sporting events to dorm parties, these schools are said to offer a good time. However, how do students who attend these particular institutions manage their academics?

“It’s definitely a challenge to not get distracted from what really is important when you’re being continuously tempted by parties and other social events,” Isha Howard, Wharton alumni, said. “Put yourself in the shoes of a college student. Which would you prefer: A two hour study session or a party with your friends?”

Students are easily persuaded by the “fun” time they might possibly have, yet other students believe that there is a way to find a medium between their social and academic lives

“Mrs. Sollazzo’s 6th period Journalism 1 class.”

U GE IE

Paul R. Wharton High School

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, Fl 33647

Volume 16 Issue 5

. . . h c a e b a s ’

Life

and I’m just playing in the sand...

Photo by • ALex montgomery Mr. Sand Man - Greetings from Clearwater Beach! Clearwater beach is home to over 100 hotels, restaurants and attractions that make Clearwater a popular tourist attraction. Clearwater was declared number 18 of the top 25 Best Beaches in the United States by Trip Advisor in 2013.

Paradise found on Florida beaches Dear friends,

Wharton

Destin Beach

Best bea ch es

i

Atlantic Beach

n Fort de Soto/ Clearwater Beach

other secluded beaches like Palm Beach may be for you. Palm Beach, stretching over 47 miles, has an exclusive section 14 miles long. You can find impeccable hotels, restaurants and shops in this area.

Or, if you are just looking for some fun, South Beach may be the spot for you with constant night life. This area is known for its clubs and scenery at night of the city’s lights.

With so much variety it is easy to see why Florida is known so well-known for its beaches.

Love,

Jessie Savedge

Siesta Key

a id or Fl

From silky-smooth shores, to shell-covered coasts, to lively night-life and cozy family fun, Florida has a wide variety of beaches that are difficult to rank.

Soft, white sand and scenery are a must to many beach-goers.

“My favorite beach in Florida is Fort de Soto,” Tori DeFranco, senior, said. “It stands out from other beaches because it is never crowded and the sand feels like powder. It also has beautiful palm trees all over.”

Along with Fort de Soto, Naples is also known for its view of the waves along with Millionaires’ Row right next door.

If you’re looking for a view, though, Captiva Beach is where you can find spectacular sunsets, although the sand there is not the smoothest.

Captiva Beach and Sanibel Beach are known as “shell islands,” because those are the beaches where you can find the best shells fully intact. However, a long walk on the beach may not be the most enjoyable. Captiva Beach is also dangerous for swimming, with rough currents.

If you’re looking for activities, there are better beaches for you.

“Destin beach has very clear water so you can always see the bottom,” Chris Hartman, senior, said, “so it’s great to snorkel and dive in. It’s also located near many wildlife parks to go camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities other than the beach.”

Similar to Destin, Clearwater also offers many activities like renting fishing boats, taking a cruise to view dolphins and parasailing. However, Clearwater is one of Florida’s more crowded beaches.

Key West also offers snorkeling and you can rent a two-person glass-bottomed kayak. There are also bikes for rent for a fun and simple activity, great for families. Other beaches that are great for a family vacation include Atlantic beach, Siesta Key, and Delray Beach.

If you’re looking for something fancier, Florida’s beaches are not done yet.

“My favorite beach is Marco Island,” Lily Bufano, senior, said. “It is very private and not crowded at all. It has clear water and very white sand. There are also nice stores and restaurants.”

If you enjoy privacy, Marco Island or

Palm Beach

Captiva/ Sanibel Beach

Staff Writer

Delray Beach South Beach

Marco Island Key West

Infographic by Nikki Morse

8

feature

May 24, 2013

Predator

The

MAKING of the

President Class of

2014

How well do you know the most powerful man at Wharton High?

PHOTO Illustration By• Alex Montgomery

By Kelly peretz

lies this year, and was part of the newly formed ‘Step Squad.’

“Without groups like student Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed government at our school, there AJ Speranza, junior, would is ready to serve his be a first term as studentlot less body president. With s t u a broad smile and d e n t friendly demeanor, i n Speranza has the v o l ve characteristics of a ment. classic politician.

Getting “When I got into Stuthings dent Government my done freshman year, I saw around what the club did, school and I wanted to help would the school become a b e better place,” Speranmore za said. on the The Student shoulG o v e r n m e n t ders of Association is in faculty charge of events a n d around the school such as Albert Speranza Jr. is very ex- s t a f f , homecoming, spirit cited to start his term as stu- and it brings week, pep rallies dent body president. more and tailgates. Speof a sturanza especially enjoyed planning the pep ral- dent perspective,” Speranza said.

Feature editor

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“Being a part of the Step Squad this year was fun, and a lot of them are graduating this year, so we have to step up and live up to the flash mobs they introduced at the pep rallies,” he said.

Speranza has consistently been involved with school clubs and activities such as National Honor Society, BETA Club, Science National Honor Society and Student Advisory Committee.

He has also participated in DECA and leadership programs and has been on the varsity lacrosse team for two years.

“I’ve loved having Mrs. Woolley as a leadership teacher and sponsor,” Speranza said. “She’s a really influential teacher.”

Despite the newly acquired power, Speranza is just a normal kid. He is passionate about lacrosse, cows and bagels. He plays the guitar and ukulele and

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Tippecanoe and aj too- Albert “AJ” Speranza Jr., junior, brainstorms for his 2013-2014 presidency.

With his faithful cow in hand, he hopes that he can come up with great ideas for the coming school year. has plenty of energy to spare.

“I’m really excited to be student government president,” Speranza said.

“Hopefully, I c a n have as much e n ergy as Brant, and the rest of the seniors on

SGA this year. I’m a very positive, upbeat person.”

Speranza will take the throne from senior Brant

Wickersham, the current president “I think he will do a great job.

He shows many leadership qualities,” Wickersham said.

Speranza has many ideas for next year and is determined to make the new school year a memorable one.

“I want to create new traditions, get more tailgates for sports other than football, start more student-faculty sporting events, and I want to get more student involvement with school activities.”

Speranza wakes up, eats a peanut butter and jelly bagel, and puts on his suit and tie. He Walks to his shiny BMW and heads out to his new domain, Wharton High School.

He walks around, shaking hands, and kissing babies, and looks out over the balcony, upon the school he is so passionate about.

He smiles, because it’s his. At least for a year.

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HEALTH

Predator

May 24, 2013

Sun wanted;

Heart beat

charged for skin murder

By Paige Roderick staff writer

Long days at the beach spent taking in some rays, fun times at the amusement and water parks, and even the occasional walks to your favorite ice cream place.

Summer is just around the corner, and so is your future with skin cancer if you don’t take proper care of your skin.

“I think that taking care of your skin is very important. All the tanning and harmful exposure to the sun that people do will damage their skin and how it looks later in life,” senior Nikki Boucher said. “I’d rather have nice skin when I’m older.”

What many people fail to understand is just how harmful choosing not to wear sunscreen during the summer can be. The sun gives off ultraviolent radiation, or UV radiation, which causes sunburn.

Sunscreen absorbs or reflects some of the UV rays given off by sunlight and helps protect against sunburn.

“I have to wear sunscreen all the time during the summer because I’m pretty pale. If you don’t wear sunscreen it can cause sun spots and wrinkles, as well,” Laura Arose, junior, said.

One way to avoid burning is to choose a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF. What is SPF? The sun protection factor, better known as SPF, of a sunscreen is a measure of how effective the sunscreen is, the amount of time it takes for your skin to burn without any protection and how long it would take if you used the appropriate amount of sunscreen. The higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers against UVB radiation that causes sunburn.

“I always use sunscreen over the summer. I believe I use an SPF of at least 50. Some of my makeup products even have SPF in them, which I really like,” Boucher said.

A sunscreen with SPF 15 filters 93 percent of UV rays and allows seven percent penetration, while a SPF of 30 filters 97 percent and allows three percent penetration.

Sunscreen body sprays are said to be better for the body to attain even coverage and an oilfree lotion is better for the face to maintain breakouts.

Some people opt to get that “perfect golden-brown glow” by visiting tanning beds instead of the sun. However, they don’t actually realize the dangers of tanning. The most common case

BY MARIELLE GOMEZ health editor

Hair that’s worth the effort

Photo illustration by • scott Sollazzo rays of death - Students like J.C. Ulbrich, junior, make sure to wear sunscreen before sun exposure. It will protect his skin from harmful rays. of skin cancer, melanoma, is caused by UVA radiation which is found in tanning beds.

“No tanning beds for me! I’ve heard they’re really bad for your skin,” Arose said. “I prefer to tan on the beach.”

Other ways to keep your skin healthy during the summer are keeping skin hydrated with facial masques about once or twice a week, using moisturizers and toners and drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of plain, filtered water every day to help maintain critical mois-

ture balance. If you drink soda, you should triple the amount of water you intake.

Whether you tan or are out in the sun on a regular basis this summer, make sure you take some of these helpful hints into consideration to keep your skin healthy and cancer-free: “Make sure you use sunscreen, drink plenty of water so that you stay hydrated,” Aaliyah Haynes, junior, said, “and refrain from putting on too many oil-based products on your face, which can cause breakouts.”

Don’t forget those trusty shades

BY Marielle gomez health editor

“Summer…summer…summer…summer…” Bathing suits, tank tops, shorts, flip flops, sunscreen, hats, beaches, the sun beaming its warm rays on your skin, and all the time in the world. The seemingly endless days of summer are almost within everyone’s grasp.

As people prepare for the summer, many plan to spend time outside basking in the sun’s warming … and “deathly” rays.

The sun is both a friend and a foe, especially when it comes to your body.

Of course, there is increased awareness on the importance of sunscreen to protect exposed skin, but not as much awareness when it comes to protecting the eyes.

“The sun has harmful rays that can damage your sensitive eyes,” Nikita Fortes, senior, said.

It takes one simple step to protect your eyes: Put on those sun-

glasses.

“I wear them the most when I’m outside during daylight hours,” Magela Ferraz, junior, said.

Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s UV radiation.

This radiation is incredibly

harmful to not only your skin but also your eyes, leading to diseases like eye cancer.

“I wear them every day. They protect my eyes from the sun, and they are cute,” Fortes said.

Skipping out on putting on those sunglasses is not a favor-

Photo illustration by • Alex Montgomery

My own worst enemy - Making the mistake of forgetting and/or losing your sunglasses can be costly. If the eyes are not protected from sun exposure, there is a risk for diseases like eye cancer and cataracts.

Decisions, Decisions...

They should block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.

*

Hue doesn’t affect UV protection but it does affect the color of viewed objects. Gray, green, and brown lenses have less color distortion.

*

The lense quality of inexpensive sunglasses is low and often inconsistent.

*

Check labels. They should provide information on UV protection.

*

Polarized lenses reduce glare.

However, they make screens like cell phones hard to read and don’t offer UV protection.

*

Polycarbonate lenses protect from impact. These are best for people who play sports.

*

Choose glasses that protect the eyes from every angle like ones with a wraparound design or ones with wide, close-fitting lenses.

Sources: • mayoclinic.com

• webmd.com

Infographic by Marielle Gomez

It’s important that you not only have sunglasses when out in the sun, but also that they are the right kind. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect pair:

*

9

able habit, especially on days when you’re planning on being outside for long periods of time.

“I keep on forgetting but I wish I did [wear them],” Rebecca Ross, sophomore, said.

Sunglasses can be more than just a trusty shield for your fragile eyes. They’re used as an accessory and a fashion statement.

“I like to buy many sunglasses, so I usually don’t spend more than $5 on a pair of sunglasses,” Fortes said.

“I love Coach and Juicy Couture sunglasses,” Ross said.

When it comes to buying sunglasses, maybe putting in the extra dollar is worth it.

“They need to be from an eye doctor’s office and known-quality brand,” Erin Neylan, optician at the Eye Doctors, said.

When buying cheap sunglasses, consumers do not get the same coverage and quality they receive when purchasing a pair that is more on the pricey side.

“An inexpensive sunglass can dilate the pupils and without proper protection in the lens you’re letting bad UV rays into your eyes,” Neylan said.

“I like to wear all kinds from $5 to $100 and from Tilly’s or better brands like Betsey Johnson and kinds like aviators or Ray-Bans,” Ferraz said.

Of course, a cheap pair of sunglasses is a lot better than no sunglasses or coverage at all.

“If anyone is concerned about eye damage, the eye doctor can determine any damage,” Neylan said.

When leaving your house this summer (and even on winter days), try to remember to grab not only the sunscreen, but also those trusty sunglasses.

Hair. It can say a lot about a person. Its color, how it’s styled, where it’s parted, how much effort and attention it is given. It can give people a good perspective on who you are. It’s an accessory, just like your clothes and your shoes.

Taking care of our hair can be a burdensome task.

Sometimes we even develop bad, harmful habits.

If you are one of those people guilty of washing your hair every day, you’re not doing your hair any favors. The more frequent you wash it, the faster it gets oily. In addition, you wash out all the good oils in your hair, eventually leading it to be dry.

When you wash your hair always remember: Shampoo is for your scalp, conditioner is for your hair.

Scrubbing shampoo into all of your hair like Emma Stone in “Easy A” is not okay. Only a small amount of conditioner, proportional to how much hair you have, should be worked into your hair from the ear down.

Shampoo is for your scalp, conditioner is for the rest of your hair.

Most females prefer having long, healthy hair. When growing it out, what seems the most obvious thing to do is to just let it grow… and grow…and grow. This is also not okay. In order to have long, healthy hair it needs to be trimmed often.

It keeps the hair looking clean and healthy as it continues to grow. Although it may seem like it’s impractical when you’re trying to allow your hair to grow, it really helps hair grow quicker and look nicer by getting rid of ugly split ends.

When it comes to styling, it’s important to use the right products in order to maintain the shine and health of your hair. When styling with heat, use a heat protectant. Sulfates are a common ingredient in shampoo, which, over time, can debilitate your hair. If this concerns you, try looking for a product that does not contain the ingredients sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).

Just like everything else in life, we get as much of something as the effort we put into it. If healthy hair is something you want, you must being willing to work for it.

10

cENTERS

May 24, 2013

This school year’s graduates will b and organization’s cords and pa across the stage at graduation. H clubs and what their cord or pa

The newspaper staff’s cord will consist of yellow and navy blue stipes.

Mu Alpha Theta will have a sk

Student Government’s honor cord will be blue and red.

Forensics’ cord will be sca and silver.

SHS BETA BETA’s cord will be gold and black stripes.

DECA DECA’s cord will be blue and white.

FBLA FBLA’s cord will be royal blue and gold.

FCCLA

Spanis cord w

FCCLA’s cord will be red and white stripes.

AVID

TRI-M

Tri-M’s honor cor solid pink.

AVID’s cord will be solid purple.

SCC

Senior C will be a

NHS NHS’s will be a patch with on the Honor Stoll.

Infographic by

of my id. shows all Nestor sa worth it,” s t only a o w n rd rt rk a o u hard w onor Co nts my h H to se e re th p f re o ed them . “It Being part ” Bell said l, but help ans a lot.” e a r, o a m e g y d l n a n a n a l o rs freshm h schoo quiring It met a pe . ughout hig s not come easy, re worth it. rther goals fu e e work thro v o ie d definitely t ch n t ell a e u B b m ” e l, lt v o o ie cu oice sch This ach tion was diffi rt. ch a o v tIt ff ti “ e rs o fi d m e n y e g a m th ved time e get into as to find d to

By Jessie sa extensive helped m struggle w said. “I ha st r e o g st ig er e re asked to b it N r y “M done,” staff w . uired a Court we q id r rk o o re sa n w o It y ich .

H 0 m 1 e f of th e top or in wh to get all o miss out Members to be in th their hon ld u rd ia in o a d h e w st I y m fa ll e e k , in th brea e tim work rea attend a r pictures homework some of th io to d o n r n d a a se e to y ir rk ld e e o a o v th g in the lot of w ain for and ha placed glad I m re y s e g re m tu I’ l th in ic il p th d w r n n a fu ce senio h it, ls. ere they on doing Kasey Joy utting my rt hopefu itely wort g center wh onor Cou “Finally p a reality,” was defin H e stage alon it m re e t tu th co u to e b fu b ss d e o a ll ir a h cr a sp !” it ts it p in lk e n de at 1 m made will wa case mad These stu on June 3 of rank, reach e Top 10 h ss r a T to e cl t rd g o lo n a in ere said. graduati sacrifice unds, wh y or Court with their . te Fairgro (Universit The Hon ta m a S ll re e a d B d n ri is s so lo th lly le wa Allyson at the F ut torian, A arold est strugg includes s difficult b e valedic nia), H a “At “The bigg a th . w , lv t id n “I a sy th sa n ri o n b ll to e e of saluta of P orth it”. e load,” B and sses niversity the cours definitely w Bell, x AP cla si ill deliver Shaw (U h d a w a n , h n w a I a H point one of rold Sh e a s, n e H o ss ment f a o cl Florida), n virtual g comme ce r niversity in u y (U fo tr ir l a s d e il e n n a st d th a ile Hedri ll seph Pare rittany s AP, wh s. rida), Jo allyson be speeches. which wa a), B r activitie d e ri th lo o South Flo back on F y m r th e io u v ), ce n o a a n S h se d la Looking ri f a ld “ o b lo u F to y co it I th rs e e u Shaw of tim (Univ of So journey,” g and rida), I lost a lot iversity in is lo n z F th li (U a f o ci r o so y it Nest was all ivers nding id, “it ity of epted me uchs (Un been spe sa F rs cc e a n iv s n so d n (U ck ie Ja al fr ickersham niversity worth it.” but my re Brant W Joyce (U g out my goals.” der in y m e g ch v u n se a a z a a a re h h K M ts to den humita Florida), raged me g back stu mille a), Mad and encou ), and Ka but lookin a , e d g ri of Florid n lo e F ll a f yo It is a ch of South (Universit ding the niversity . ome is fin rc e v y o e Janess (U no regrets v ay heavil le I ha and still st Once he strugg p 10, T to rk “ Florida). o e w th y ggle all m nity,” Shaw said. “ “Being in being time to ju u y ll ca fi the comm ci in n e sp volved has bee in ls easy.” , e n a fe ri it , to d ic e time valed mplishe nce o si cc a iduals, th l a iv o d g in se e my th To spent. t to was well importan v “It’s ery se it me becau

Photo iL

up, up, and away! - Haro prepare to bring their are the top two gradua

SPREAD

be sporting thier club atches as they walk Here’s a list of those atch will look like.

ky blue cord.

arlet

S

sh Honor Society ‘s will be red and gold.

rd will be

Class Council’s cord a solid magenta.

y Ashley Benjamin

May 24, 2013

By yvonne bertovich managing editor/editorial editor “Since I was in elementary school and middle school I would always tell my friends that I would go to Harvard,” Cesar Maeda, senior, said. He paused, and with uttermost awe and lightness in his voice, said, “I’m going to Harvard.”

No matter how surreal such an achievement may seem, Maeda had always been striving to be able to say those simple words.

One Thursday night after coming back from the State Science Fair, about to go to bed, Maeda instead went to his computer––Harvard’s admission decisions had been released. The only hurdle left separating Maeda from grasping what he so dearly yearned for were simply a few clicks on the computer.

“I opened up my email, and the first thing I read was “Congratulations” in bold, and my mom and I just jumped for joy,” Maeda said.

As minute as the final step was to the realization of such success, Maeda’s path throughout high school has been one of rigor, dedication, and the pursuit of leadership.

“In marching band last year I was woodwind lieutenant, and was put in charge of teaching skills and helping woodwind players,” Maeda said. “This year I am concert master and am in charge of conducting warm-ups and making sure everything is running smoothly.”

Beyond his distinction in band, Maeda is also involved with a wide variety of sciencebased activities, classes, and organizations that truly warrant the attribution of his occasional nickname of “The Science Guy” by many of his classmates.

“I’m the founding president of Science National Honor Society and I am also involved with Science Brain Bowl,” Maeda said. ”I’ve also been involved with the Science Fair for six years.”

Like a true to-be Harvard scholar, Maeda’s two favorite classes throughout high school were, of course, among the most challenging.

“AP Chemistry was really fun because it involved the understanding of the chemical reactions that go in daily life,” Maeda said. “AP Physics this year has been a very fun class as well because it also involves understanding how life works, how things interact with each other–– I find that very interesting.”

LLUSTRATION by • SCOTT SOLLAZZO

old Shaw, senior, and Allyson Bell, senior, super powers to college. Bell and Shaw ates of the 2013 school year.

Besides band and the sciences, Maeda is High school is very much like a book, each also a part of the “usual” BETA and NHS page and successive chapter the beginning organizations. or end of another lesson or accomplishment.

Maeda stresses the importance of the As many students are approaching their involvement in extracurricular activities next chapter, such as the daunting task of in consideration of the college-application applying to colleges, Maeda emphasizes the process, not just test performance. “if you don’t try you’ll always wonder” “Start early in your approach. applications; take your “Just apply. Only time with them, 35,000 students perfect them. applied to Harvard There’s no this year, 2,000 got reason why accepted. But I they shouldn’t still think 35,000 be perfect,” isn’t enough.

Maeda said.

“I There should think when it comes be more students to showing yourself applying to ivy-league off, that’s really schools and you should be important.” applying just to see if you As daunting as can get in. Just to be able the notion of “ivyto say I got into this school league” may be, even if you can’t afford it, Maeda is living that’s an accomplishment proof that such by itself,” Maeda said. school’s admission Regarding such costs, departments Maeda believes that are looking for scholarships are incredibly much more than important.

He also just numbers and applied and was accepted statistics. to University of Photo iLLUSTRATION by • alex montgomery “I only got a Florida, University 2080 on my SAT, see his powers! - Cesar Maeda, senior, has the power of South Florida, so that’s not to balance his extracarricular activities so he can do and, ironically, was the only thing multiple activities at once. He has been accepted into denied from Stanford they’re looking Harvard. and University of for. They’re not Chicago.

It was looking for test scores, they’re looking for you obvious he was to attend Harvard, due to as a whole. If you’re well-rounded, that’s what both its prestige and amount of financial aid they’re looking for,” Maeda said. available.

The ability to get into a school such as “Harvard runs very differently from Harvard requires much more than hard work, other colleges,” Maeda said. “Their system such as a support system and a whole lot of encourages creativity and entrepreneurship hope. Band instructor Jason Algair was what and that by itself is very exciting.”

Maeda describes as his “second father,” and With an already impressive story, Maeda’s that he truly helped him develop as a person. hopes for his next chapter is nothing short Maeda has also operated by his own system of of extraordinary, yet is simply evident in his strict focus in his studies, knowing he has to nature. continue such up in Boston.

“My ultimate goal in life is to change the “Just tackle one thing at a time, don’t think world, impact it, and be a patron of textbook,” about anything else at that moment when Maeda said. you’re doing that one thing,” Maeda said.

“I want to create something that will benefit “Focus on that one thing, achieve it, and then society as a whole and revolutionize how move on to the next.” people live.”

By ASHLEY BENJAMIN CENTERSPREAD EDITOR As the 2012-2013 school year comes to a close and the Class of 2013 begin to clear out their lockers and say their final goodbyes, many seniors reflect on their past four years and contemplate on the things that they did, and what they wish they had done.

“I wish I would have started cross country my freshmen year. It would have helped me learn to manage my time better and I would have been more involved in the school,” said Sierra Hendricks, senior.

Moving their tassel from right to left will bring back bitter-sweet memories as the quick but powerful switch signals a new chapter in graduating

students’ lives.

“Thinking back on the past four years, I really enjoyed being with my friends,” said Ayeesha Ali, senior.

“However, I didn’t make friends a priority. I was also academically focused. If I wasn’t as focused as I was, my future wouldn’t be as good as it could possibly be.”

The worst part of leaving high school, for some, would be the regret. For others, it would be leaving colleagues that they met here at Wharton.

“I’ll definitely miss the people and teachers that I’ve met while I was here at Wharton. I felt like they made a huge difference in my time here and I’ll truly miss them. They really cared,” said Laura Matos, senior.

The transition to college will make the feelings flood in even more.

College is a defining time, and often a turning point, in most peoples’ lives.

Students meet new friends and make friendships that will last a life time. But some students will miss their current friends as they make new ones.

“I’ll definitely miss some friends as the time goes on after we graduate,” Hendricks said.

The present will soon be past, and the future will soon be present. As college comes closer to this year’s seniors, they are excited to begin a new chapter in their lives.

“I’m excited to take classes that interest me in my major. The classes will be more interesting because they’re the classes that I want that will help me,” Hendricks said.

“There’s a time for everything, now this part of my life is over,” Matos said.

11

OPINION

12 May 24, 2013

Predator

PREDATOR

BRANDONGOLDMAN MARLENEMIRANDA Editors-in-chief YVONNEBERTOVICH Managing editor KELLYPERETZ Feature editor HALEYGONZALEZ Online Editor-in-chief / News editor

OLIVIAMAHANOR College editor MANALBENYAMINE Club editor JOSHACIERNO Automotive editor MARIELLEGOMEZ Health editor CARINCOURSEY Illustrator GEOFFREYSTEINER Finance manager ALLIEBOUCHER Copy editor Staff writers JESSIESAVEDGE JOSEPHPAREDES MADISONGIARRIZZO CJPOTTER AMANDAKIDD CATHYPAHL PAIGERODERICK MARINAJANKOVIC Photography co-editors SCOTTSOLLAZZO ALEXMONTGOMERY Photographers MARIAHHENDERSON GIGIJACKSON Adviser TERRYSOLLAZZO Phone Number (813) 631-4710 ext. 264 Check out our website! whspredator.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter! @WHSpredator

It is honestly a miraculous occurrence that no students have spontaneously combusted within the past few weeks, or while thinking about the weeks to come. It is crunch time, in every sense of the phrase, and certainly true regarding Wharton students and other high school students around the county and state as the school year comes to a close.

“Crunch time” might as well refer to the reverberating “crunch” sound of students slamming textbooks against their frustrated foreheads or their weary fingers being squashed between the seemingly lead-ridden pages of textbooks; after all, academic performance in the last quarter can be the determinant of whether the year as a whole was a success or a sham.

Not to condone such self-

barely have enough computers for normal day-to-day online activities students must complete, much less innumerable amounts of said tests.

It may cause one to wonder if student’s best interests are in mind while all this insanity is occurring. The answer is perhaps a more complicated one than the jumbled spread of the test schedule, and reason for existing in the first place.

Did a student understand this, this and this? Well, if only there was a way to determine that.

Oh, wait, there’s a lovely little item called a report card.

Report cards are inclusive of tests already, such as semester exams. SATs, ACTs and AP exams are completely justified simply because one student can be compared to a nation of others competing on a collegiate battlefield.

Everything else is simply unnecessary, harming student psyches and, nevertheless, foreheads and even fingers.

What stresses you out most about end of year exams?

“ Studying, because it is too many exams at once and I have to try and pass all of them.”

Aaliyah Haynes, junior

ALYDAMMINGER Music editor

EDITORIAL

ty’s and even the state’s jurisdiction, whomever signed off on all of these other tests in such close proximity of one another should be given a test themselves, perhaps one determining sanity.

Honestly, while evaluations and assessments are imperative in education, there has to be a better way to execute them in a more simplistic manner for both teachers and students.

While taking one giant test to determine growth academically would be irrational, perhaps there should be one definitive group of tests with different levels and subject areas rather than the “alphabet soup” notion currently in place.

These tests also hinder the amount of valuable time spent learning, as students are often pulled out of their classroom and displaced to a random locale. Teachers, too, are stripped from normalcy and forced to proctor for hours on end.

These tests are all almost now completely digital, and, yet, we

Rachel Moore, sophomore

NICKROGERS NIKKIMORSE co-sports editors

inflicted pain committed by the tomahawking of textbooks at one’s own forehead, however, it seems as though students need to groan a bit louder. Sigh and complain a bit louder. All the while using reasoning and mature language to do so, of course. Such griping would not quite regard the demand of seven classes or more, that’s expected, but the even greater burden of the seemingly endless number of tests and exams being hurled their way in an unorganized cloud of mass hysteria and anxiety on top of everything else.

With FCATs and EOCs and SATs and ACTs and PERTs and APs and semester exams splattered all over the past few and upcoming months, it’s almost as though a can of alphabet soup was regurgitated on a sheet of paper as means of determining the schedule.

While AP exam, ACT and SAT scheduling are far beyond Wharton’s, Hillsborough Coun-

Cherise Kaham, freshman

WILLBARNES Entertainment editor

Too many tests, too little time

ROVING REPORTER

ASHLEYBENJAMIN Centerspread editor

Illustration by • HAley Gonzalez

“Getting a good grade and trying to study the right things so I pass.”

“Planning enough time to study instead of cramming. I hate taking exams.”

Pr eda tor staf f publishes 2012-13 editorial, adver tising policies

T

he newspaper informs students about events, influences its readers through responsible editorials, entertains through features, and brings buyer and seller closer together.

As an established open forum for the student body, truth will be the staff’s major goal.

These goals are achieved

through thorough and responsible reporting.

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

Predator encourages letters

which constitute a constructive avenue for all opinions.

These letters must be signed.

The staff reserves the right to edit letters for poor taste, space, libel, and grammar.

These changes will not affect the content or meaning behind the story.

Ad rates are available by calling (813)631-4710 ext. 264.

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illegal products as labeled by Florida law, opposes any religion, is written in bad taste, includes racial comments, or which includes false statements will not be accepted.

The Editorial Board has the right to refuse any such ad.

Predator is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association.

OPINION

Predator

May 24, 2013

13

Properly Illustration by • Carin coursey

Sources of school spirit not succeeding

BY AMANDA KIDD STAFF WRiter

P

ep rallies. Assemblies intended to bring all the students into an explosion of spirit, firing them up for the game taking place that night. In the past, pep rallies were just an excuse for students to escape the misery of having a full 50 minutes each class period. However, this year, more and more students are begging to stay in their boring classes.

Here’s the scenario: After being dismissed, several thousand students cram into a gym that doesn’t have enough room to fit everyone on the bleachers.

And if feeling, and smelling, the sweat of the person next to you isn’t appealing enough, then perhaps the agonizingly long period of aimlessly staring at fellow students making a feeble attempt at entertainment is.

Pep rallies have become anything but their intended purpose.

Pep rallies should get blood pumping. They should not only pump up the students and faculty but also the players. Pep rallies are so important to the players. If they have the school cheering them on, it gives them the confidence they need to run that final yard, or catch that outof-reach ball.

Rallies should be more than just an excuse to leave school early. They should be events that give students pride in their school and their teams.

The first thing that needs to change is the location and time of the pep rallies. The gym is extremely inadequate for the size of the student population. How are students expected to be loud and proud for their school if they can hardly even move their arms? If the location were to be moved to the outdoors–‑for instance, the court yard–‑then

students would have the chance two parts. One part could be at to flail and wail to their hearts’ the beginning of the school day, desire. and the other could be right beHolding pep rallies at the end fore the game starts. This way, of the school day does not seem students will be fired up during to be effective in trying to get as the school day and will be in a many c o m s t u plete dents And if feeling, and smelling, the u p r o a r as possweat of the person next to you by kicksible inoff. isn’t appealing enough, then pervolved.

Anhaps the agonizingly long period o t h e r By having the of aimlessly staring at fellow stu- c h a n g e rallies should dents making a feeble attempt at be the at the entertainment is. end of activithe day, ties held s t u during dents the pep have an easier chance of sign- rallies. Watching fellow classing out and leaving campus. mates crawl like a canine with a There is too large of a time gap dog biscuit in their mouth is not between the pep rally and the necessarily a way to get the stugame. By the time the game dents riled up. starts, any ‘pep’ that was acEach class should elect a capcumulated at the pep rally has tain and co-captain. The elected dispersed. captains and co-captains would Pep rallies should be split into then compete in races and

games. This will hopefully, heat up the students of each class, all trying to achieve victory.

Pep rallies should be focused on getting everyone excited for the game. So, due to the lack of spirit from many students, an incentive should be given out to the class that has the most spirit.

After each pep rally, whichever class has the most spirit will get a point, and at the end of the year, the class that has the most points will receive some form of prize (money towards a class field trip, for example).

With these changes, pep rallies are sure to transform into their intended purpose: Bring the spirit out of as many students as possible.

No longer will students spend an unnecessarily long period sitting and wasting time. The overall school spirit will increase, and the confidence our athletes need will definately be served.

Pep rallies would finally be about creating pep.

Rooting out bad apples...

Teacher evaluations revamped

BY MARLENE MIRANDA CO-EDITOR-IN-CHief

O

n April 16, The Florida Education Association and National Education Association filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Florida’s teacher evaluation system.

After July 1, 2011, Florida teachers started being evaluated and rated into four categories: 1) Highly effective, 2) Effective, 3) Needs improvement and 4) Unsatisfactory. Teachers who would rate unsatisfactory for two consecutive years or two out of three years would face “termination if there is no improvement.”

However, this system in itself was bound for failure. The punitive consequences of an unsatisfactory rating are nowhere near as severe as they need to be.

Simply firing inefficient teachers would not help this case.

Forget about the four years of college teachers have attended, forget about the degrees they have earned, forget about the students they’ve tutored after school that took hours out of their free time and forget about the lengths they’ve gone to help their students.

Parents, administrators, teach-

ers and the state of Florida need to come to the realization that all of this does not matter if the students’ standardized test scores are too low.

The state should invest money in making sure that ineffective teachers are made an example, not by “terminating their position,” but by terminating their existence.

Involuntary euthanasia given to inefficient teachers would not only benefit the state of Florida, but the future lives of the next generation. Teachers who failed their students would be weeded out, giving effective learning instructors the ability to help those who have suffered under the modern epidemic of public schooling.

Teachers who do not give lessons for FCAT-related subjects (anything other than freshman or sophomore levels of reading or math) have been outraged over the evaluation system.

Physical education, art and drama teachers should be expected to prepare their students for standardized testing by giving small FCAT-like prompts in between basketball games, painting and rehearsals for school plays.

Of course Florida legislators

Illustration by • Carin coursey would be concerned about involuntary euthanasia because of the costs including incarceration, pre-trial, state petitions and security. However, ridding the state of inefficient teachers through involuntary euthanasia could possibly result in saving money in three different ways: 1) Encouragement: If just one teacher with the lowest possible evaluation score was shown terminated, it would not only ensure that they will never poison the minds of young students, but successfully urge aspiring

and experienced teachers to teach students efficiently. Also, since Florida teachers are also evaluated on test scores from subjects they do not teach, it would encourage them to give students lessons related to standardized tests.

2) Quicker results: “Time is money.” After an involuntary euthanasia consequence is implemented, this would help the average student test score increase immensely.

3) Space control: Along with encouragement, ridding inef-

ficient teachers permanently would make the position of teaching a higher respected job.

Students in college relying on teaching as a “back-up” plan would consider other occupations. Those who approach a career in education with a serious manner would ensure students to obtain successful lectures, interactive lessons and most importantly, be likely to mold students into test-taking machines.

If such procedures are followed, the future will simply be bright.

entertainment

14 May 24, 2013 ROLL IT !

‘The Great Gatsby’ dazzles audiences BY paige roderick Staff Writer

BY WILL BARNES

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Summer 2012 was full of box office smashes, from superhero thrills like “The Avengers” and “The Dark Knight Rises” to new but fun continuations such as “Men in Black III” and “Expendables 2.” As this summer starts to heat up, we can look forward to these films.

MAN OF STEEL

The Big Blue Boy Scout gets a modern and realistic re-telling of his origin in this summer blockbuster. Henry Cavill portrays Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman, an alien from the now destroyed planet Krypton. When Earth falls under attack to fellow Kryptonian General Zod (Michael Shannon), it is up to Superman to find his place in a world that might not be ready to accept him, and save it. Directed by Zack Synder (300, Watchmen) and produced by Christopher Nolan (Inception, The Dark Knight Series), “Man of Steel” soars into theaters June 14.

WORLD WAR Z

Loosely based on the bestselling novel, “World War Z” is about the ever-popular zombie apocalypse — with a twist. When an unknown plague kills humans and reanimates them as mindless fleshing-eating wraiths, the world goes to war. As countries adopt different policies and strategies to combat the threat, death tolls rise and the extinction of the human race inches closer and closer. Will humanity finally meet its bitter end?

Starring Brad Pitt, the war begins June 21.

Predator

“Can’t repeat the past…? Why, of course, you can. Of course you can.”

Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) delivers this line with the sheer hope that he can, in fact, repeat the past. But hope tends to breed eternal misery.

In “The Great Gatsby” (based off the novel of the same name

by F. Scott Fitzgerald), the movie starts with narration from Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) who decides to pursue his dream of becoming a bonds salesman and moves to the fictional village of West Egg in Long Island, NY where he rents a small cottage on the grounds owned by a newly-rich, enigmatic man. It’s the early 1920s, a time when the buildings were a little higher, the booze a little cheaper and the lights a little brighter.

Across the bay in East Egg lives Carraway’s beautiful but tragic cousin Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and her arrogant and powerful husband, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). When Nick goes over to visit one day, Daisy forces her friend and famous golf star Jordan Baker (Elizabeth Debiki) onto Nick, insisting that they start a relationship together. On an afternoon outing with Tom, Nick meets Tom’s not-so-secret mistress Myrtle Wilson (Isla Fisher) and her good-with-cars husband George (Jason Clarke).

Nick soon starts to question the identity of his mysterious neighbor when Jordan tells him, “You must know Gatsby.”

Nick’s curiosity inflames when

he’s formally invited to one of Gatsby’s lavish parties at his colossal mansion one night where he finally meets Gatsby and they begin a heartfelt friendship.

But Nick gets more than he bargains for when he finds out that Gatsby and Daisy PHOTO Courtesy Of • Warner Bros. Pictures/MCT once had a romance “gATSBY” fEVEr - Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) reunite at a mutual five years friend’s house. “The Great Gatsby” is based on the acclaimed novel thats set in the 1920s. ago that was ripped apart by the war,and is talked performance, making every tions that came along with the into helping them meet for the word and every action believ- reading of the novel, but just first time since those many years able. However, DiCaprio seems expecting it to be decent will to shine the brightest portraying surely leave you satisfied. The ago. Finding himself in the middle of what could be the Gatsby as the gorgeous, opti- adaptation is done fairly well most wonderful disaster, Nick mistic but delusional man that with nothing in the story line has no choice but to stand by F. Scott Fitzgerald painted for being altered or tampered with us in the novel. Watching him other than Carraway’s character and watch the events unfold.

Director Baz Luhrmann (“Ro- explore every emotion in the narrating from inside a mental meo + Juliet,” “Moulin Rouge!”) film, we like him the most and institution, which should please takes an extremely unique ap- feel sorry for him and his dire lovers and fans of the novel itproach to the movie, making need to be with the one that self.

The film, released on May everything so over the top that got away. Maguire also exhibits raw acting skills as the outsider 10, is now playing in theaters. you can’t help but marvel at the grandness of it all. Visually, who happens to get inside and It is 143 minutes (do yourself a the film is a masterpiece from his far-off stare really captures favor and go to the bathroom the costumes and the elaborate the whole “I-can’t-believe-what- before even stepping foot into the theater) and is rated PG-13 homes to the lighting, sounds I’m-witnessing” idea.

Some may walk out of the the- for some violent images, sexual and music that capture every ater feeling rather disappointed content, smoking, partying and mood on point.

All actors give an impeccable because of their high expecta- brief language.

DC Comics universe unleashed

BY WILL BARNES

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Buildings crumble as Superman lands a powerful punch to the face of the Green Lantern. “This ends now!”

The Man of Steel exclaims as his opponent rises from the ground. Never has a game unleashed the powers of DC Comics’ greatest heroes and villains like “Injustice: Gods among Us.” Created by NetherRealm Studios (the company behind the acclaimed “Mortal Kombat” series), “Injustice” features 12 heroes and 12 villains to fight one-on-one in a variety of arenas. NetherRealm did an awesome job of balancing the characters featured in the game. You’re sure to see popular characters like Batman and Wonder Woman, but you can also play as characters who aren’t as well-known to the general populace like Killer Frost, Ares and Shazam.

The arenas could be described as epic, but that’s an understatement. Each arena has interactive objects that each character can use differently. For instance, Bane can pick up a car whereas Green Arrow can use it to jump off of and end up behind his opponent. If that isn’t enough, most arenas have multiple levels. By connecting a heavy attack near the edge of a map, a cut-scene will occur that sends

The fun of Injustice isn’t just restricted to consoles. Available for free on the Apple App Store is the mobile version of “Injustice.” This game is completely different. Instead of one-on-one fights, you choose a team of three fighters to compete. An added bonus to this game is you can unlock a ton of extras in the console version of the game. From backgrounds to fanfavorite skins like the New 52 Green Lantern. The mobile PHOTO Courtesy Of • MCT version is a musthave if you own the GOd Among games - Batman prepares to launch his signature super move. The Dark retail version or not.

Knight is one of over 20 fighters to play as in “Injustice: Gods Among Us.” “Injustice” is, without a doubt, the best game of the year so whoever was hit flying to the roes and some villains even join far. From combat full of variety next level, dealing additional him. Those who defy him are and brutal combos, to a story damage. killed. Batman, the only rebel that is engaging, it would be an Fighting games are notorious left, transports heroes and vilinjustice to call this game anyfor having crappy stories, but lains from a dimension where thing less than legendary. this game breaks the mold. Al- Joker’s bomb is about to go off to “Injustice: Gods Among Us” though it’s short (40 fights), the help him take down Superman. is available wherever video story mode has one of the most The voice-acting is absolutely games are sold for the PlayStainteresting plots of any fighting phenomenal and features a lot tion 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U for game. of the same actors who por$60. Also available is the battle The Joker nukes Metropolis trayed favorite heroes in the edition which comes with and tricks Superman into kill- “Justice League” and “Justice the New 52 skins for Batman, ing his wife, Lois Lane, and League Unlimated” cartoons.

Wonder Woman and Supertheir unborn child. Full of rage, In addition to acting, the story man and a battle stick. The batSuperman kills the Joker and mode features interactive cuttle edition of Injustice is availestablishes a new world order scenes that, if accomplished, reable for $100. called the “Regime.” Most he- sult in an advantage for you.

ENTERTAINMENT

Predator

May 24, 2013

Funshine impresses Sunshine State

BY ALY DAMMINGER MUSIC EDITOR Concert-goers got exactly what they bargained for at the Funshine Music Festival on May 3-5: A three-day celebration where amazing bands performed in a carnival-like setting. People enjoyed free amusement rides while playing carnival games, chowing down on fair food and listening to great music.

When nearing the gate of the park, it was clear to see that all rides from the Florida State Fair lay on the grassy fields, transforming the venue into a truly exciting event for people of all ages.

At 6 pm, classic rock band, Cheap Trick played in the Photo by • aly damminger main convention hall. Despite the overly-intoxicated take a listen to this - New Found Glory performs in front of an enthused crowd of elders, the band crowd on the second day of the Funshine Music Festival. The band is played a stellar performance. touring the US this summer to honor the 10th anniversary of their alAfter their set, Phillip Phil- bum Sticks and Stones. lips gave a truly authentic performance on the amphitheater transitioned into a mash-up of gan taking stage just after noon. stage, showcasing his raspy folk Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop,” Emi- One of those bands, Tallhart, nem’s “Lose Yourself,” and DJ was one of the first to perform. sound.

He Khaled’s “All “Playing at this festival has been sang several “This wasn’t a typical gig… I Do Is Win” awesome,” said Glenn Espinosingles of his, Carnival rides are everybefore clos- za, Tallhart’s guitarist, in an exlike “Gone, where, everyone’s hanging ing with his clusive interview with Predator.

Gone, Gone” around eating funnel cakes debut single, “I like playing at gigs like and “Get Up and Italian sausages.“ “ H o m e . ” these because you get to spend Get Down” Train, a time outside in the sun and while dancfan favorite, I get the chance to check out ing around jordAN PUNDIK took over other awesome bands playing.” stage, strumLEAD VOCALS shortly after. After Tallhart , artists like Chris ming his guitar, and NEW FOUND GLORY They played Kamrada of Dashboard Confesall of their sional and Hell’s Bell’s (an AC/ shaking his hits includ- DC tribute band) played before left foot to “Hey Soul Sister” We The Kings took stage where the rhythm of the music. His ing “Drops of Jupiter.” they played hits off of their band even led him into an and On day two, local bands be- first and second studio albums. acoustic interlude which then

“Festivals are amazing, in general, but this festival means a lot to me, especially because this is our home town,” said Danny Duncan, drummer of We the Kings, in an exclusive interview with Predator.

“We don’t get to play around the Bradenton area much anymore, so when a festival like this comes through, we take advantage of it and we always go big and have a great time.”

Later, New Found Glory performed as one of the last acts of the night. The band played their most-popular songs like, “All Downhill From Here” and covered Sixpence None The Richer’s “Kiss Me” and Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” which were all executed exceptionally.

“This show was so unique and different,” said Jordan Pundik, lead singer of New Found Glory in an exclusive interview with Predator. “This wasn’t a typical gig…Carnival rides are everywhere, everyone’s hanging around eating funnel cakes and Italian sausages.

“The crowds were a little looser—ordinarily, we’d have stage-diving action.”

The third and final day of the festival consisted mostly of smaller, yet still talented acts like The Wallflowers and cover bands like Yesterday (The Beatles) and Sticky Fingers (Rolling Stones).

The music this day gave off an easy-listening vibe, which acted as a nice cool-down.

As the last day of Funshine drew to a close, attendees rode home with gnarly sunburns—satisfied with all that they’d seen that weekend.

Siblings prove secret to success

BY AMANDA KIDD STAFF WRITER Songs about driving a truck, drinking an ice-cold beer and chasing after a southern belle are not stored in this band’s repertoire. Instead of sticking to a more traditional “honky tonk” vibe found in so many country songs, The Band Perry smashes out from the typical country stereotype.

Consisting of sister Kimberly and brothers Reid and Neil Perry, The Band Perry gets right down to business producing songs such as the popular “If I Die Young,” “You Lie” and “All Your Life” that have rocketed straight up the charts.

Lead singer Kimberly is like no other. She has an unbelievable range as she sings in a silky, smooth acoustic song one minute and then channels an edgy, rock sound for another track.

All of the songs found on The Band Perry’s first album, which was self-titled, are perfect for anyone wishing to lis-

ten to country music without hearing a voice that’s too folky.

The lyrics in the self-titled album are so relatable. They range from songs about exes to falling in love with someone new and even wrote a song about a small town called “Independence.”

This country album is original and unique; it’s nothing like others that have been released.

The band’s most recent album, “Pioneer” focuses on their country-rock roots. “Better Dig Two” is one of the most edgy songs on the album handsdown. “So if the ties that bind ever do come loose”/”Tie them in a knot like a hangman’s noose”/”’Cause I’ll go to heaven or I’ll go to Hell before I’ll see you with someone else.” As you can see, The Band Perry writes lyrics describing wanting to die due to lost love, without getting too “lovey-dovey” like most female country artists’ do when singing of such a topic.

The music created by The Band Perry is untrouncable.

Their music reaches out to those going through a hard time, as

pioneer IS NOW AVAILABLE WHERE:

HELLA GOOD

SCALE OF ROCK

walmart

COST: $11.88

PIONEER IS A HIGHLY DISTINCT ALBUM WITH VERY DIVERSE SONGS AND POWERHOUSE VOCALS-- PERFECT FOR EVERYONE.

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

IT’S A LONG WAY TO THE TOP

Photo by • Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times/MCT campus A BAND LIKE NO OTHER - (From left to right) Neil, Kimberly and Reid Perry pose for pictures at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards last February. The Band Perry is to tour the east coast this sumer.

depicted in “Back to Me Without You” or people trying to move on from a guy who was a mistake like in “You Lie.” All songs are written by the band members, themselves exclusively, so they tend to be

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU

really personal and heart-felt.

The Band Perry is here to stay. Although they have only two albums out as of yet, it is safe to expect many more fantastic songs to come from this extraordinary trio of siblings.

I WANNA ROCK

HELLA GOOD

15

PLUGGED IN

OLLY’S GOT “THE X FACTOR” BY: Aly Damminger When I lined up outside of The Ritz in downtown Ybor on May 8 to see Olly Murs, I was surprised to see a line already formed around the building.

Murs, an English rising pop artist, debuted on the sixth season of the UK’s “X Factor” where he was deemed the runner-up. After the season ended, Murs released three platinum albums in the UK—one of which was released as a US album.

The venue’s management was disorganized.

Attendees of the show had two options: Have their ticket mailed, or redeemed at will-call the day of the event. Earlier, people who chose the will-call option were told to get their tickets at 5 pm. However the will-call time was pushed back further progressively, without providing a set time for redemption.

Once in the venue, people piled up against the barricade so much that concertgoers felt uncomfortable.

An hour later, the opening band, Before You Exit took the stage. Before they had a chance to mutter a single phoneme into the microphone, piercing squeals defeaned the first few rows of the crowd which caused me to evacuate the pit.

All brothers (Toby, 15; Riley, 17; and Connor McDonough, 19) performed well despite their age.

“This tour is the biggest tour we’ve done,” said Thomas Silvers, drummer, in an exclusive interview with Predator. “By playing shows with artists like Olly, we have the ability to reach out to fans that have yet to hear of us, so our fan base can grow. We’re able to really make a name for ourself. But these past few days, we’ve played in our home state, which is amazing. Your friends you’ve grown up with are able to see you how much you’ve progressed.”

At 8 pm, Olly Murs finally took the stage. He worked the crowd, singing songs off of his latest album, “Right Place, Right Time” and other major hits of his as well as “Superstition” made popular by Stevie Wonder, with which Murs auditioned for “The X Factor.” The song showcased his raspy voice nicely and allowed him to channel the swing-sound.

Despite the obnoxious crowd and helpless employees, the show was very good. After the set, fans waited outside and watched as Olly and his tour bus ventured into a new city to perform an action-packed show for fans anxiously awaiting the Englishman.

FEATURE

16 May 24, 2013

Predator

Photo ILLUSTRATION by • SCOTT SOLLAZZO

Expand your hunger horizons - The famous cuban sandwich sits freshly made at Brocato’s Sandwich Shop. This sandwich, along with other tasty subs has been sold since the establishment of the restuarant in 1948.

Now you see me, now you eat me

BY NIKKI MORSE CO-SPORTS EDITOR

Saturday night: The pinnacle of business for fast-food delivery services. The central question at hand lies just under the surface of families across the county...What should we order for dinner?

Many of these homes are teeming with Chinese take-out menus and the smell of freshly-delivered pizza. Why not change it up? The Tampa area is home to four unrenowned food places: California Tacos To Go, Pizza Squared, Big John’s Alabama Barbeque and Brocato’s Sandwich Shop.

California Tacos To Go: Located on 1450 Skipper Road, this spin on traditional Mexican cuisine has made its mark on the area. Back in 2011, the restaurant was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives hosted by Guy Fieri.

Locals rave about the copious, enticing food.

Their most popular menu item, the California Fish Taco priced

at $3.24, is prepared in a truly authentic way. Here, the traditional chicken or ground beef is replaced with deep-fried, battered grouper strips and the lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream is replaced with shredded cabbage (yes, you read right, shredded cabbage), pico de gallo and an original-recipe white sauce, all layered onto two small flour tortillas.

Menu prices range anywhere from 50 cents for a bowl of marinated carrots, onions and jalapenos to $10.99 for a Godzilla Burrito containing one whole pound of a meat of your choice, rice, beans, pico, California vegetables and salsa. Although, true to the name, there is no inside dining, the quality of the food makes up for it. For an extra incentive to pay a visit to this long-standing establishment, if you mention the website you will receive three Tijuana Street Tacos for $3.

Pizza Squared: Finding reliable Detroit-style pizza all the way down south can be somewhat of a challenge. Luckily, a trek for

the real deal is just a skip down the street for our locals.

Stationed at 11124 N 30th Street near Busch Gardens, the menu consists of pizza, wings and sandwiches, as well as salad, various bread sticks and refreshments. What sets this establishment apart from others is the thick-crusted, square cut pizza complete with two strips of their signature red sauce layered on the top.

The prices here are just about as inexpensive as you can get for a quality exotic pizza. The cheapest item on the menu is $2.99 for “garlic stix,” which then ranges all the way up to $24.99 for 32 chicken wings. The main attraction, the square cut Detroit-style pizza, is $9.99 for a six slice and $11.99 for an eight slice.

Big John’s Alabama Barbeque: Appearing here all the way from Eufaula, Alabama, the 45-yearold restaurant is a long-time staple of the Tampa area and has certainly made its mark. Situated on 5707 N 40th Street, try and think “Dickey’s” but more home-based and authentic.

The menu is plates upon plates of pure meat. Dinners such as rib, center cut, thin end, sausage, pork, beef, chicken, and combinations of the aforementioned options are the main sellers. While the cheapest option is a small corn-on-the-cob for 90 cents, the big ticket item rings up at a whopping $97 for a party tray of slab, whole chicken, a pound of pork and beef, three link sausages and four sides.

Luckily, Big John’s accepts all major credit cards and offers free Wi-Fi to its guests. Their hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Friday through Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm and closed on Sundays. Take a trip down to this family owned and operated restaurant for a taste of true Alabama-style barbeque.

Brocato’s Sandwich Shop: Ordinary sandwich shops offer choices like ham and cheese or turkey on rye. Many serve the Cuban sandwich or Philly Cheese Steak or even a BLT. While Brocato’s has all these options and more, the 65-year-old

restaurant is known for having the “Best Devil Crabs in Town!”

Established at 5021 East Columbus Drive, the eatery is run

by Joe and Michael Brocato. The menu features ordinary sandwiches such as Italian subs and meatball sandwiches as well as a kid’s menu, side orders, salads, a breakfast menu, dinner specials, homemade soups and party platters. Prices range from $1.19 for a slice of Cuban toast to $108.99 for a large party platter of baked ziti or chicken and yellow rice.

Their hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 6 pm, Saturday 7:30 am to 4 pm and closed on Sundays. Overall, this business is notorious for their sandwiches and homemade Devil Crabs.

This weekend, instead of calling up the local Dominos or Ho King, try something new and ride out to one of these four humble restaurants. At the end of the day there might be a few extra bucks in your pocket and one more reason to look forward to Friday nights.

HOle in the WAll FOOD PLaces

Earl Bell faces off with college serial killer

BY JESSIE SAVEDGE STAFF WRITER

Photo ILLUSTRATION by • ALEX MONTGOMERY

Know your teacher - Earl Bell teaches Algebra and AP Computer Science. He provides tutoring after school.

Most adults will tell you your high school years are the best years of your life, but if you ask math teacher Earl Bell, he will tell you differently.

Bell went to high school in Myrtle Beach, SC, where he remembers himself as the bad student.

“I slept during class and I didn’t do my homework,” Bell said. “Now I’m stuck in high school for the rest of my life.”

Although Bell may not have been as attentive in class as his peers, he did all right. Bell was ranked number 23 in his class until his accident.

During senior year, Bell got in a motorcycle accident.

“I was going too fast around a curve,” Bell said. “I crashed, broke my ankle and got a hole in my arm.”

Today, Bell still remembers this accident, not only because of the scars and pain he went through to fill the hole in his

arm but because of how it affected him academically.

“My class ranking dropped,” Bell said. “I went from 23 in my class to 123 in my class.”

Bell graduated high school and went on to attend college in Florida. He spent time at FSU and USF; however, his experience at Florida State was most memorable.

In the year 1990, Bell believes he came face-to-face with the American serial killer, Danny Rolling.

“I went to park my car and I see this guy walking in the opposite direction of my apartment,” Bell said. “So I park and start walking to my apartment when I see the same guy walking past my apartment and then he turns around and starts walking towards me! So I start walking faster until I’m in my room and I lock the door.”

Five college students had already been killed when Bell came across this man at night.

“So I’m thinking, ‘He’s here to kill me!’ and I look through the blinds on my window, and the

same guy is standing there looking at me,” Bell said. “So I jump back and then he starts pounding on my door and I try to look through the peep hole but he’s covering it! So I yell that I’m going to call the police and he leaves.”

Rolling received the death penalty for killing five students in Gainesville, Florida. Luckily for Bell, it wasn’t six.

Bell now works at Wharton where he gives students some advice. The most memorable is what he tells his class every Friday before the weekend.

“Stay sober, don’t smoke the seeds, they’ll pop, that’s what I’ve heard,” Bell says. “Don’t drink and drive because you may hit a bump and spill you drink!”

His other advice, however, is inspired by his life experiences.

“Don’t let high school be the best years of your life,” he said.

“There are only four of them.”

Most adults will tell you your high school years are the best years of your life, but if you ask Bell, he will tell you differently.

AUTOMOTIVE

Predator

May 24, 2013

17

Hybrids becoming more predominant

By Brandon Goldman Co-editor In chief

With gas prices climbing every day, more and more individuals are seeking ways to get the best fuel economy possible, and for most, the first step in this direction is to opt for a hybrid vehicle.

Ever since the dawn of the 2000s, car manufacturers have pushed the production of hybrid vehicles to offer customers a balance of eco-friendly features and convincing gas mileage to help reduce trips to the gas pump.

But is buying a hybrid vehicle truly worth it?

“I definitely save money driving a hybrid by getting the high gas mileage my car gets,” Michael Myers, junior and owner of a 2005 Toyota Prius, said.

Upfront, the cost of buying a new hybrid car is more than a standard, petrol-based counterpart.

Car manufacturers boast that the higher sticker price is offset by the vehicle’s economic benefits like better fuel economy and less maintenance.

To many drivers, the fuel benefits are enough to seal the deal on a brand new hybrid. Who could say no to getting over 40 miles to the gallon?

For AP and honors chemistry teacher James Stewart, the aver-

age 44 miles per gallon his 2008 Toyota Prius achieves helps reduce the number of trips to the gas station with his nearly 25mile commute to work.

Still, many drivers do say no.

“I wouldn’t buy a hybrid because it’s more money in the long run,” Joey Arose, junior, said. “I’d rather just save the money and use it towards gas.”

Take the 2013 Honda Civic, for example. The base model Civic stickers at $18,165 and offers an EPA estimated 28 MPG (miles per gallon) in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. Comparatively, the 2013 Honda Civic Hybrid starts at $24,360 and targets an estimated 44 MPG both in the city and on the highway.

For a difference of nearly $6,200, the hybrid model Civic only obtains 5 MPG more on the highway than the gasolinebased Civic.

“Unlike most cars, they [hybrids] actually get lower gas mileage on the interstate, but get more mileage if you are doing city driving,” Stewart said.

To reduce the added costs, hybrid car buyers benefit from a federal tax credit, part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The tax credit provides a reduction in the tax bill (up to $3,000) for most models.

Ultimately, beyond the issue of gas prices, vehicle maintenance varies heavily between hybrids and non-hybrids.

Hybrid owners must be aware of possible issues associated with the battery system and other hybrid-specific components, which, according to Edmunds. com, can rack up in price very quickly.

“There is a central computer that controls hybrid cars and that computer failed in my car,”

to work or spend most of their time highway driving, buying a hybrid is not the most economical option.

Instead, one can opt for a small four-cylinder vehicle like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent, or the Toyota Yaris that boast impressive mileage and lowcost maintenance.

Photo illustration by • scott sollazzo

Popularity of hybrids rising - Michael Meyers, junior, shows off his stylish, but efficient Toyota Prius. There are now four models of the Toyota Prius which accomodate for different necessities such as MPG and spaciness.

Blue Crew Congratulates The Class of 2013!

Once a Wildcat Always a Wildcat

#Dubsup

Stewart explained. “Fortunately it was under warranty, but if I had to pay for it, it would have been a $4,000 repair.”

Buying a hybrid certainly has its gas-saving benefits, especially for drivers who spend most of their time driving around town and properly maintaining their vehicle. For those who commute

SPORTS

18 May 24, 2013

Predator

ROGERS’ RUNDOWN

By NICK ROGERS

put your glasses on, ref The anger spreads from one die-hard fan to the next.

Across dorm rooms, living rooms and “man caves” all across the world fans debate each with their own opinion on the one question.

Was it a good call?

Referees and umpires have been showing their increased effect on sports worldwide whether it’s in the World Cup Final or in the World Series.

One thing is for sure; the officials definitely affect the outcome of a game. But should they?

The debate will continue on whether or not changes need to be made to the sports we all know and love. Does America’s past time need a machine behind home plate to determine balls and strikes? Does the NFL need to allow replay on penalties to determine if refs made an appropriate call?

Yes. Sports need improvements. It may take away from the history of the game but it will ensure “fair” outcomes.

While thinking of some of the bigger “blown” calls in sports history several come to mind. Armando Galarraga’s perfect game bid in 2010 was ruined on the final out of the game when umpire Jim Joyce called the runner safe at first base after Galarraga clearly beat him to the bag.

Joyce repeatedly apologized for his mistake, but it is widely recognized that Galarraga will probably never throw a perfect game like the one he had taken away.

Another famous missed call came in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals when there was clearly a handball

by Germany in the penalty area which prevented the USA from scoring. America would have tied the game or at the very least received a penalty shot. The Americans lost the game 1-0 and have not reached the quarterfinals since.

If the USA could have advanced further in the tournament it could have raised interest in the sport and increased the amount of talent in America for the coming years. Yes, a bit drastic but if instant replay would have been available at the time, the call could have been corrected and we may have a World Cup title on our resume.

Sports need to be improved. It may take years to do so but it’s necessary in today’s age. We all want the “true” champion so the alterations need to take place in order to find one.

Photo by • BHSN staff report Cinderella story once again - First baseman Ryan Lawson and pitcher Michael Gonzalez celebrate after a 4-2 upset win over Alonso in the district tournament on April 24. The Wildcats advanced to the district final to face the Durant Cougars for the second straight year.

Baseball surprises every critic

By Cj POtter Staff Writer Entering the 8A-7 district tournament at Bloomingdale High School, the Wildcats hadn’t won a single district game all season; a district record of 0-10 supported the claim. However they didn’t let a winless district record handle their fate. They took fate into their own hands.

April 22, sixth-seeded Wharton took on third-seeded Newsome and after a go-ahead single by senior second baseman Brett Kaminski, the Cats took a 4-3 lead that would hold on and secure the first round upset.

“I wasn’t trying to do too much, Alex Kranick had just hit a double that tied the game up so when I hit the single I was pumped,” Kaminski said.

Photo by • BHSN staff report The following day against secgametime - The Wharton baseball team huddles before the district championship before the Durant Cogars. ond-seeded Alonso, the WildThe WIldcats played well and fought hard before losing to the top seeded Cougars by a score of 5-1. cats took a 4-2 lead in the top of the sixth inning and pulled off yet another upset.

The Wharton offensive strugfirst with an infield single, then looked down at it, and I thought “The games against Newsome Kaminski followed suit with a I was going to be fine to contin- gles and two costly errors that and Alonso, it was like magic,” single into left field. But before ue playing, but I couldn’t even gave up three unearned runs Kaminski said. “It wasn’t even first baseman Ryan Lawson grip the bat comfortably so I proved to be the difference in a luck, it was magic. We went 0-10 could do some damage, Durant knew I was done for the night.”

5-1 loss. but we lost a lot of close games. pitcher, Chaz Fowler, picked off Senior short stop Tucker NeuWe knew we could win some Kaminski from first, which cost haus, who had been injured for Wharton postseason and going to the district cham- the Wildcats more than just an a majority of the season with a History pionship was a big thing for us.” out. pulled quad, replaced Kaminski (past 2 years) This year’s district title game “My whole finger nail ripped at second. featured Wildcat pitcher Michael Gonthe Duzalez cruised through innings, rant Cou2012: District Champion until the bottom of the fourth gars (20-5) came and All-American Tyler (Defeated Durant 1-0) vs. WharDanish stepped to the plate. On M. Figueroa ton (12a 2-2 pitch Danish hit what apDefeated Sarasota13), a repeared to be a routine fly ball, Riverview M. McLaughlin B. Morand match of but the ball seemed to never (2-1) 12 innings last year’s want to come down and carried district fijust enough for a solo homerun T. Neuhaus B. Kaminski Defeated Durant nal which and gave Durant a 1-0 lead.

(1-0) ended in “I called for a curveball on a W h a r 2-2, when I probably should’ve A. Kranick R. Lawson ton’s faLost to Timber Creek M. Gonzalez called for a changeup low in the vor 1-0 (5-3) (8A Regional Final) dirt, but there is nothing I can after a do about it now. It’s over with,” total of 12 senior catcher and Lander Uni2013: District Runner-Up R. Gray innings. versity signee Reed Gray said.

(Lost to Durant 5-1) T h i s “I threw him a curveball and year’s disit just seemed to hang up there Lost to East Lake trict final off and there was a gash under and when he hit it I thought it (1-0) 10 innings concluded short er. it,” Kaminski said. “I didn’t was playable but it kept carryKranick led off the top of the think it was all that bad until I ing,” Gonzalez said.

sports

May 24, 2013

19 Boys and girls tennis serves up successful season Predator

By nikki morse

co-sports editor

We could be harboring a future Venus Williams or Maria Sharapova, sharpening the skills of a soon-to-be Rafael Nadal or Leyton Hewitt. Serving, volleying, seeding, lobbing and spinning their way into an 11-2 season for the girls and a 12-1 season for the boys, each team has left its mark this season.

The eight boy players: Alek Crnogorac, junior; Sam Chaffin, junior; Tommy Hwang, sophomore; Cesar Maeda, senior; Jack Lange, senior; Michael Sins, sophomore; Ernesto Gonzalez, sophomore; and Austin Kahn, sophomore; and nine girls: Andrea Valencia, sophomore; Kylie Paul, junior; Gabrielle Paul, freshman; Raquel Royer, sophomore; Amanda Hamrac, freshman; Kelsey Kushner, sophomore; Kathryn Kushner, senior; Jennifer Kaczmarik, senior; and Ann Cohn, junior, started out their season on Feb. 4 with a home match against Sickles.

The matches resulted in a win for both the boys

and the girls.

“The first win was a good start to the year. [Leading up to the first game] I just thought there was no way we were going to lose. We’re a good team,” Kahn said.

The first loss for the girls came while playing against Plant at home on Feb. 25.

Their opponent crushed the Lady Wildcats 0-7, with the girls losing every set.

Though the loss was tough, (the Plant Panthers are usually state champions), the girls felt excited to even get the opportunity to play against them.

“ T h e Plant loss, it always stinks because Plant’s got that reputation. But they work really hard so “The Plant loss, it always stinks we feel like they debecause Plant’s got that reputa- serve it and we’re always just glad tion. But they work really hard to sneak in one or so we feel like they deserve it two games against them,” Kaczmarik and we’re always just glad to said. “And what’s sneak in one or two games fun is that when against them, and what’s fun is you go out that when you go out there kind there kind of expectof just expecting to play some- just ing to play one better than you, you just someone get really excited over what you b e t t e r do accomplish that you weren’t ty ho ua ,n expecting. Overall, though, we y o u just had a really good season.” get reJennifer Kaczmarik ally excited Senior o v e r w h a t you do accom-

plish that you weren’t expecting.

Overall, though, we had a really good season.”

The second loss for the girls turned up on March 4 against the King Lions on their

o p ponents’ court. The rest of the regular season, the girls remained unbeaten. However, in the Regional finals Plant brought an end to the Wildcats’ streak once again.

The boys’ one and only loss of the regular season came on March 4 against King, 5-2. However, the team went on to capture the district championship and were finally stopped in the regional finals on April 11 against Wire-

grass, 4-0.

“Overall, I feel like we did really well until it came down to the end. It was a tough one and it could’ve gone either way but we were just the unlucky team,” Lange said.

Though both teams were prevented a chance to go any further than regionals, one individual player went on to play for a chance at the title of State Champion the weekend of April 13. Sam Chaffin, junior, traveled to Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs to battle it out with the best players from across Florida. In the end, he finished as a semi-finalist.

“Sam was a very consistent player; he went 12-1 during the regular season. He was a strong number one player. We always felt confident about getting a point from his match, so he did very well. We get to return our top three next year; Sam, Alek, and Tommy, as well as three other players out of our eight so those are good numbers.”

Although the last time this team won a state championship was 2010, rounding out a three-peat state winning streak, the team did take one giant step towards the title this year.

With six returning underclassmen and a state semi-finalist on the roster, a state championship comeback is not far out of reach for 2014.

game, set, match - Sam Chaffin, junior, is the number one seeded player on the boys tennis team. He attended the State Championship on April 13 in Altamonte Springs and emerged as a semi-finalist.

Photo by • alex montgomery

You say competitors; they say friends By cj potter

staff writer

Photo illustration by • Mariah henderson

over every hurdle - Tyler Watson and Mikayla Barber are both senior hurdlers and class 4x4 regional champions. Watson has a scholarship with Jackson State University and Barber is still undecided.

They both place their feet on the starting blocks, just seconds away from the race’s start. They enter a new atmosphere, where they are all alone just them and the track lane they are in. The starter calls out “on your mark, get set,” the horizons clear, and they focus in on one task at hand, the starter pistol goes off, and Tyler Watson and Mikayla Barber take their strides toward the beginning hurdle.

Watson and Barber are both senior hurdlers and Class 4A 4x4 regional champions.

Their fifth grade year is when they met. Watson and Barber both ran on the same AAU Track team, M a t r i x Track Club, but they did not get along well at first.

“I don’t think we liked each other at first, I can’t remember why,” Barber said.

Regardless of how they felt about each other at first, when they became teammates for Wharton track their freshman year, they grew closer and closer.

“We didn’t run track together again until freshman year and we have a teammate bond,” Watson said. “We under-

stand what each other go through and what each of us is trying to do.”

The competition between the two has gotten tougher and tougher in recent years. In the 100m hurdle 4A regional champio n ship Barber placed first and Wats o n placed second, but in the 300m hurdle, Wa t s o n took first and Barber took second.

“A lot of people say it’s a competition between us but it’s really not. When you’re out there, you’re racing against the clock and she just so happens to be out there with me so I guess that’s what makes it competition,” Watson said.

“It really is a race against the clock.

You want to beat your opponent and she is out there with me racing against the clock too,” Barber said.

Regardless of who is racing against who, the amount of success these two have reached is tremendous, as both won three medals at the state competition, one for the 300m, 100m and the 4x4 race. Assuredly concluding that they have both beaten the clock and coincidentally they beat it at the same time.

i hated every minute of training, but i said, ‘don’t quit. suffer now and live -muhammad ali the rest of your life as a champion.”

game day

20 May 24, 2013

Wildcat Mvps solm

This year’s girls’ soccer team unfortunately fell just short of the playoffs after losing by one goal to Newsome in the district semi-finals.

The team was led by senior midfielder Leah Chisolm (committed to Eckerd University).

Chisolm was an absolute blur while on the field. Her speed was her most

hi C h Lea

By the numbers

110 tackles 5 int 4 touchdowns Photo courtesy of Vernon Hargreaves

The overall leader and superior athlete of their sport. The player who excels on the field or court and is the player needed to ensure a victory for their team, in the case the Wharton Wildcats.

The most valuable player.

This year, the Wildcats were fortunate enough to have success in several different sports and have had players stand out not only around the school, but also the district, state, and even the country.

powerful weapon on the field, constantly blowing by defenders after just a few dribbles.

Chisolm totaled 10 goals and 9 assists her senior season. She was a key in the Wildcats success and was often the player opposing teams “keyed” on and game-planned around.

Chisolm did not only display her talents at Wharton though, she was a member of the under 20 Guyana national team where she helped them compete for a spot in the Olympics.

Chisolm was named to AllWestern conference team and was picked to participate in the

VernonHargreaves For the Wharton football team this year the MVP is an obvious and unanimous choice by anyone who witnessed a game.

Vernon Hargreaves III (committed to the University of Florida) was a man among boys, intercepting passes, making tackles and even contributing on the offensive end.

The top ranked defensive back by ESPN was second on the team in tackles (110) first in interceptions (5) and first in

Predator

forced fumbles (5).

Not to mention he also had 4 touchdowns while playing on the offensive side of the ball and contributed on extra points while being a holder for extra points and field goals.

Hargreaves powered the Wildcats to a 8-2 record during the regular season which gave them a birth into the state playoffs where they lost to Dr. Phillips in a game that was closer than the score indicates at 28-15.

Vernon also took home the

396 kills 198 digs 43 aces

Guy Toph M V P from the Armor Ameri c a n game, N a tional H i g h school d e fens i v e player of the year, Hills-

off birth. Stocker constantly set up Andreychuk who terrified other teams with her incredibly powerful spik-

ing ability. Stocker finished the season with 631 assists, 79 kills, and 51 digs. Andreychuk was not outshined by her setter though, the finished the season tallying 396 kills, 198 digs and 43 aces.

Both demonstrated their ability to take over a game and power through to a victory throughout the season and showed why they both deserve to be recognized as co-MVPs. “It was my best year individually and the best year for the team and just a lot of fun,” said Stocker. “I couldn’t ask for a better senior year.”

borough county first team defensive selection, Tampa Bay Times Hillsborough County defensive player of the year and Florida Class 8a All-State team. The awards are nearly endless for this once in a lifetime player.

“I just tried to do everything I could to help the team out and make this the best season I’ve ever had and I think I did that” said Hargreaves.

“I am truly blessed for the awards I have received.”

By the numbers

631 assists 79 kills 51 digs Photo illustration by Scott Sollazzo

ll i cG

M J C

B

award, honors Under A l l -

AshtonStocker

In volleyball, the court was not dominated by a single athlete on Wharton’s side this year.

Two players were the main contributors to the Wildcats success, the players are Ashton Stocker (committed to Furman University) and Caci Andreychuk (Committed to the University of West Florida).

The seniors displayed their leadership and desire to be the best volleyball team this school has ever seen. And they accomplished their goals.

They lead Wharton to a 24 game win streak, a district finals appearance and a play-

oys basketball had their greatest season in the school’s 15 year existence.

Wharton finally broke through into the elusive final four which had been just out of reach twice before.

The Wildcats offense was powered by senior point guard Cj McGill (committed to the University of Mobile), a three-

10 goals 9 assists Photo by Scott Sollazzo

CaciAndreychuk By the numbers

By the numbers

Hillsborough vs. Pinellas AllStar game all though she could not attend.

Chisolm was the spark plug for the Wharton’s offense and is easily the selection as girls soccer MVP. “I loved every minute of high school soccer” Chisolm said, “I’m ready for college soccer and thank Coach Vukorep for all he’s done for me”

By the numbers year varsity player (didn’t play his sophomore year due to a torn ACL) is part of Wharton’s exclusive 1,000 point club and led the Wildcats to a 76-11 record in his tenure.

The crafty guard averaged 17.4 points and 5.8 assists per game in his senior season while leading Wharton to their fourth consecutive district title.

Not to mention he took home

the Alston “Mac” McGahagin Award, which is given to Hillsborough county’s top senior boys basketball player, and MVP honors in the Hillsborough vs Pinellas county all-star game after scoring 26 points.

McGill was certainly fun to watch. Every night, he stepped on the court and is more than deserving of MVP honors for boys basketball.

17.4 points avg 5.8 assists Photo by Alex Montgomery

Story by Nick Rogers