Predator - November / December 2011

PREDATOR PAUL R. WHARTON HIGH SCHOOL

Dec. 2, 2011

INSIDE

BLUE CREW LEADS TEAMS TO VICTORY

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647

An All-Florida Publication

Volume 15 Issue 2

Disney: ‘Be our guest’

The spirit of Blue Crew, established in 1997, provides school teams with an advantage.

NEWS The Wharton Regiment wins straight superiors and ends their season on a good note.

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JUNGLE LIFE

“Dreams honestly do come true,” Monica Santos, senior, said.

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HOT SPOT Roux’s New Orleans Style Snoballs brings Mardi Gras spirit to New Tampa.

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SPORTS

The Fantasyland expansion features characters from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. The addition will be completed 2014. Photo courtesy of Disney

Disney to add largest expansion in history heathermontgomery editor-in-chief The “tale as old as time” is getting revamped. Beginning in 2012, guests of The Magic Kingdom in Orlando will have the opportunity to experience the largest expansion in Disney history.

“Imagineers,” also known as the brains behind Disney, have revealed that the extension to Fantasyland will be an enchanted forest and include characters from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Rapunzel, and Dumbo.

“Think about it. It almost all takes place in a forest,” Chris Beatty, senior concept designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, said.

“In every one of our films, the princess usually starts out in the castle, and she wanders off into the woods, gets lost, and meets some friends, some villains. Then there’s a big dramatic ending, and then she ends up living happily ever after. So we thought for Fantasyland, a forest theme would be great.”

Guests will walk through walls, separating the current Fantasyland from the new addition, and step into a forest, just like many favorite Disney classics.

“This wall divides the old taken and get to meet Lumiere.

Fantasyland and the new It’s something we’ve never done Fantasyland. So when you step before,” Beatty said. through that wall, you are going to In addition to Enchanted Times find yourself journeying into the with Belle, Fantasyland will debut Fantasyland forest,” Beatty said. a new restaurant called Be Our “Imagine wandering through Guest, allowing guests to dine the woods, it’s very shaded with in the Beast’s dining hall, gallery, a lot of water and pillars a n d mysterious “West and over-andWing” of the unders and castle. With coming enough across seating t h e s e for 550 I love what g r e a t guests, l i t t l e t h e Disney does, moments, r e s t a u r a n t and I’m just like right out will serve lunch excited... of the movies.” during the day and One of the major lavish full service Kylie Paul, stories that will dining by night. be highlighted in “Beauty and the sophomore the new expansion Beast has always been includes the classic, one of my favorite Disney Beauty and the Beast. Guests princess movies, so when I will to experience a meet-and- heard about the new restaurant, greet like no other, venturing into I was thrilled!” Abby Doupnik, the Beast’s library from a portal in senior and Disney fanatic, said. “I Maurice’s workshop. In the library, can’t wait to actually dine in the 40 visitors at a time will get to Beast’s castle!” experience storytelling with Belle Along with Belle, the Little and Lumiere for approximately Mermaid will also find a home 20 minutes, allowing for a more in Fantasyland. In this attraction, interactive experience. guests will follow Ariel and her “For 15 minutes we have this friends through adventures under whole little story time where all the sea and above the waves. of you will get to come up and “We’re also excited to give Ariel, have different interactions with the Little Mermaid, a home for the Belle. You’ll get your picture first time. She has never really had

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her own attraction,” said Beatty.

“You will get to journey under the sea with the Little Mermaid and Prince Eric’s castle.”

In addition, one of the most thrilling additions to Fantasyland is The Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train.

Guests will follow the seven dwarfs into the mine in a first-ofits kind vehicle design. The train of ride vehicles will be suspended over the tracks, much like an actual mine cart and will swing back and forth through each twist and turn throughout the attraction.

“I’m psyched for the new Seven Dwarfs’ ride and I can’t wait to go when it opens,” Kylie Paul, sophomore said. “I love what Disney does, and I’m excited to ride a different style of roller coaster.”

While the following additions to the park are new creations, the classic attraction Dumbo the Flying Elephant, will be upgraded and doubled. Guests will interact in the Big Top where they will experience Dumbo’s story before boarding one of the two redesigned circling carousels.

“Dumbo was actually our most popular attraction in the park,” said Beatty. “It’s a rite of passage for younger guests.”

Although the new attractions are expected to be completely open by 2014, the expansion will open in phases starting in late 2012.

DISNEY EXCLUSIVE: what to expect in Fantasyland

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The Little Mermaid attraction will feature Ariel and her friends.

“Be Our Guest” will allow guests to dine in the Beast’s castle.

Maurice’s cottage will be a portal to a special interaction with Belle.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant will be upgraded and doubled.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Girls soccer has high expectations for the coming season.

2

NEWS

Dec. 2, 2011

Predator

Mobile Information Call Act may pose telemarketing threat to cell phone users brandongoldman staff writer

would allow telemarketers to dial your cell phone as easily as your home phone. Considering that there are over 200 million regisCongress is considering passing tered cell phone numbers in the a new bill that will give a limited United States, this would increase group of telemarketers the oppor- your chances of receiving one of these calls. tunity to call cell phones.

“It would be so annoying get“Our company [Verizon] hasn’t taken a large stance on the act yet, ting those kinds of calls on my cell as it was just recently introduced phone,” Paige Roderick, sophoso there isn’t much public knowl- more, said. “I get these types edge on its part yet,” Verizon As- of calls on my house phone all sistant Vice President of Internet the time and those are annoying and Technology, Link Hoewing, enough.”

Under the new proposed law, said.

Currently, it is illegal for busi- telemarketers would have the ability to reach nesses to use aucell phone users tomatic dialing at any time of systems to reach the day. cell phones, but Considerthis act could ing that people change that, alcarry their cell lowing telemarphones with keters to use them 24 hours a random number “It’s not like day, this could generators to call people want to create quite an cell phones. get telemarketing annoyance.

The bill, which calls, and it would “I would really is called the Mojust make things hate it if I startbile Information worse if they can ed getting calls Call Act, is an call them on their during class or amendment to cell phones.” really late at the Communicanight because of tions Act of 1934 the bill,” Roderand it is aimed Austin Gaboriault, ick said. to allow political sophomore Alongside the organizations, possibility of recommittees and ceiving calls at action groups any time of the to contact you day, telemarketthrough your ing calls could mobile phone. pose a threat to “I think it’s a dumb idea,” Austin Gaboriault, mobile phone owners who have sophomore, said. “It’s not like to pay for their minutes of cell people want to get telemarket- phone usage.

“If they decide to pass this bill, ing calls, and it would just make things worse if they can call them the telemarketers would call me and that would waste my minon their cell phones.”

The Mobile Information Call Act utes, or maybe even charge me

Illustration by Carin Coursey extra for their calls,” Gaboriault said.

However, there are some positive reasons for telemarketers to place these calls.

“I think that the Obama Administration had proposed this bill to make sure that there was some sort of a way to reach people who no longer have a landline number,” Hoewing said. “Considering that nearly 30 percent of US household no longer own a standard landline, they are becoming much harder to reach.”

For example, if you purchase a new computer, a specific group of telemarketers could be able to contact you 30 days prior to the

expiration of your warranty.

This could, in turn, open up a large resource of opportunities in the consumer industry to connect the company with the consumer.

“People are less and less reachable today, and considering those who owe governmental loans, those particular people are much harder to reach when you have to rely on a single contact with a landline number,” Hoewing said.

“This act would be able to help those at a governmental and even consumer-based level reach users through their mobile phones.”

While there may be benefits to this law, telemarketers may have to convince cell phone users that

contacting them through their mobile devices is an effective alternative to recieving text messages or even e-mails, which would not carry any extra charges to the user.

“I could see where you can consider it a good thing, but I still think it would be more annoying to get those kinds of calls rather than if they just sent me an email saying the same thing,” Gaboriault said.

The bill so far has been proposed by the House of Representative’s Committee on Energy and Commerce and has not progressed to the point where our lawmakers will vote on it.

Online currency brings virtual alternative to paper money bryantmorisseau entertainment editor Facebook credits, bitcoins, and World of Warcraft gold oh my! As virtual currencies grow more and more popular by the day- the long list of ways to blow money grows ever more cramped.

“Facebook credits are a virtual currency used to buy Facebook games and other virtual Facebook items,” said Brian Wassmuth, economics teacher.

With Facebook games like Farmville boasting more players than the population of Cuba (11.2 million,) there are a lot of untapped wallets for Facebook to reach into, luckily, Facebook is one of the more secure virtual currency distributors.

“No currency is impervious to theft, but being that Facebook credits are backed by a company worth over $30 billion- your money is safe, Wassmuth said.”

Games like World of Warcraft have used “gold” as a virtual currency for years now, but some companies take it a step further than that and allow the purchase of e-currency with real dollars.

“I’ve spent about $50 for 50,000 WoW (World of Warcraft) gold so

Illustration by Carin Coursey far and I don’t regret a penny of it.

Getting gold in WoW takes a long time and time is money,” said Nathan Stinson, 19.

Many of the gold selling Web

sites are based in countries like China with lax intellectual property laws. Workers play the game day in and day out in sweat shop conditions in order to farm the

vast amount of gold needed to satisfy buyers’ needs. Exploiting the game’s code and hacking normal players’ accounts for gold farming aren’t outside their means- which

pits Blizzard Entertainment in an ongoing war on gold farmers.

“Gold is World of Warcraft’s only real currency, but the selling of it for real world money wasn’t exactly what Blizzard in mind,” Brian Wassmuth said.

“Facebook credits and World of Warcraft gold are limited in that you can spend money to get thembut can’t really convert them back into dollars after the fact; bitcoins aren’t like this.”

Bitcoins are a virtual currency fashioned of C++ and cryptography. As of June, one bitcoin was worth $29.

“If the dog eats it, it’s dog food.

I don’t see why that same logic can’t apply to money,” said senior, Alex Tustison.

Bitcoins exist without a central bank and aren’t controlled by the government. The lack of fees on bitcoin transactions makes it attractive to tech savvy business owners, finding an acceptor of them wouldn’t be easy.

“Bitcoins aren’t backed by anything, so they probably won’t be adopted since they rely solely on trust. Right now they’re also way too volatile to be seriously used,” Wassmuth said “Virtual currencies as a whole will definitely become more popular though.”

NEWS

Predator

Dec. 2, 2011

3

Forensics dynasty looks for an 11-peat alydamminger staff writter If they were a sports team, one would call them a dynasty. They did not win back-to-back championships nor have they captured a “three-peat.”

Instead, this academic powerhouse has qualified for Nationals 10 consecutive years. Can you say back-to back to back to back, well, you get the picture.

The Wharton Forensics Team, led by speech teacher Jennifer Bell for the last 10 years, may just be down for an 11-peat.

“What we do in Forensics builds the most important skill kids will need in life: the ability to communicate, Bell said.

“Don’t get me wrong— we love winning trophies, but it’s really more about giving students the tools to rise to their true potential in life.”

Wharton’s Forensics Team was established in 2001 and won its first state championship in 2005.

The team started out with only 10 members in 2001 and has bloomed to 54.

Earning a first place award in their specific categories on Oct. 8 at a local tournament at St. Pete High School were: Cash Howard (Student Congress); Kelsey Hoyt (Oral Interpretation and Literature); Alex Johncola (Declamation) and Akshita Sathe (Dramatic Performance). Second place winners included Madelyn Diaz (Dramatic Performance) and

Junior Jake LoBianco and senior Patrick Tyler Cates perform their Duo Interpretation for competition on Nov. 12. Cates and LoBianco placed third at the USF/St. Pete Invitational. Photo courtesy by Jennifer Bell Rachel Mitcham and Jen Bayley (Public Forum Debate).

On Oct. 28-30, the team attended the Blue Key Invitational, a nationwide tournament, at the University of Florida where each student placed first or received a perfect score in at least one round.

Some of the champions included: Howard, Udeme Ikaiddi, Hoyt, Torrey Crosby and Ali Gardezi.

Of the 10 awards, four were first

place awards.

A few weeks later, on Nov. 12 at the St. Petersburg campus of USF, more awards were brought home, including first place in Oral Interpretation of Literature (Tyler Uhlich); third place in Oral Interpretation of Literature (Camery Barden); second, third and fifth place in Student Congress (Howard, Ikaiddi and Oscar Raggio, respectively); and third place in

Duo Interpretation of Literature (Patrick Tyler Cates and Jake Lobianco).

The team competes nearly all year, at least two weekends a month. Competitions usually last all day (sometimes all weekend), and consist of about four rounds of competitions in most events where approximately 150-200 people watch the Cats work their magic.

“The best part about the team is that it gives you the skills to be successful in interviews and presentations,” said Hoyt, speech lieutenant. “It gave me confidence and taught me how to speak publicly without feeling nervous.”

Whether they win, place or show, members feel they have made a wise decision making this club their first priority.

“Joining the speech and debate team my freshman year was the best decision I have made in high school,” said Captain Madelyn Diaz, senior. “I’ve matured from a timid, young girl—not able to speak in front of a crowd without shaking at my knees- to someone who has developed speaking skills that will carry me as I continue to progress, using what I have learned these past four years.”

Bell, also, does not regret dedicating her time to work and travel with her “contenders.”

“I l ove the idea of students competing using brain power, “she said.

The team is presently preparing to host The Grand Finals (National Qualifier for CFL Grand Nationals in Baltimore, MD) on Feb 10-11, 2012.

“The debate team takes you in and raises you to live up to expectations of yourself,” said Kennedy McCann, freshman.

What’s next for the team?

“We really want to win back the district title this year,” Bell said.

“We won it two years ago and got second place last year.”

Parris Island trains Marine-bound NJROTC cadets willbarnes staff writer It’s the experience of a lifetime: Three days of intense training to show what it takes to be one of the few and proud marines. Every year Wharton’s NJROTC travels to Parris Island, SC, to separate the boys from the men, or the girls from the women. This year was no different.

“It gives you an idea of what you want to do,” Giovanni Becerra, freshman, said. “I want to be a Marine, so it basically told me I wanted to be one.”

Parris Island has trained future male soldiers since November 1915 and female combatants since February 1949. At this facility, recruits partake in intense physical and mental training and learn how to become a Marine. Wharton students got to experience some of the many features the base offers, such as a ropes course, a repel tower and other strenuous fitness exercises.

Once they stepped off the bus after a six hour bus ride, the challenge began. They arrived at 5 a.m. and proceeded to the “chow hall” (cafeteria), to eat breakfast.

If they did not say thank you or use proper manners, they would have to go back and repeat, until they said it right.

“The food was great. We had eggs, bacon, brownies, better than the food you get at this school!”

Wyatt Colson, freshman, said.

“There was big portions that always filled you up,” Joshua Smith, freshman, said. “The chick-

Major Michael Beale and U.S Marine Sergeant Joseph C. Ladarola help NJROTC cadets, Sabrina Colon, sophomore and Solimar Mercado, senior, over the obstacle. On the field trip to Parris Island, SC, Wharton’s NJROTC cadets experienced what it takes to be a Marine. Photo courtesy of Major Michael Beale en breast was well-seasoned, and you could get two deserts.”

After eating the most important meal of the day, they were escorted to the barracks by the drill sergeants and were shown how to make their beds and keep organized. They then changed into their ROTC sweats to start their exercises.

“Our program is all about discipline, having to make your bed without asking questions helps to teach you that,” Major Michael

Beale said.

According to cadets, the most challenging obstacle was the confidence course. This course re-enforced the age old saying “You’re only as strong as your weakest link.” It focused on teamwork in order to strengthen the bond between the cadets. While this course was not timed, it had to be completed as quickly as possible in order to get the full experience.

“In life you can’t do stuff on your own, you have to have team

work, especially in the military.

You have to have teamwork in order to do something,” Colson said.

Wharton cadets also used an M16 simulator to demonstrate how to use one of the military’s most vital weapons. After a long and challenging day, it was lights out at 9 p.m., only to be awakened up at 4 a.m. While this is training for future Marines, this was more than just a boot camp for some.

“I went to Parris Island when I

was 19 to become a Marine. Seeing ROTC members here brings back memories. Master Chief was drilling some of our cadets outside of the barracks I had to stay at and clean,” Beale said.

Cadets said this trip was more than just making recruits stronger.

It’s more than just learning about how to be a Marine. It’s about much more. It’s about tradition.

“It was really great. We had lots of fun, and I would defiantly do it again,” Colson said.

4

NEWS

Dec. 2, 2011

Predator

Regiment ups ante for new season The FBI agents were played by LSA students Megan D’aurora, freshman; Jamila Blake, senior; Will Cochran, senior; and Kylie Neal, junior. The couple was played Straight superiors and first in their by Justin Perez, junior, and Charlotte division, the Wharton Regiment ends the Pickard, sophomore.

“The energy and drive topped anything marching season on a high note.

On Nov. 2, Wharton Regiment participated we had ever done before,” Allgair said.

The show was played in four movements. in the Florida Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment (MPA) at The first movement was called The Pursuit, Strawberry Crest High School where they the second was Capture and Conflict, The third was Isolation and received a superior in the fourth was called music, general effect, the Escape to Freedom. visual appeal, auxiliary “I was so stressed and percussion. when performing “I was excited,” Drum because I was worried Major Ben Judkins The energy and something would go said. “It was rewarding drive topped wrong,” Heather Phifer, because we worked so junior said. hard.” anything we had Phifer was able to “The rating doesn’t ever done before. tuck her worries away. matter. This year the Practicing six hours kids outdid themselves a week for 10 weeks more than any year I’ve Jason Allgair, straight they prepared been here. They did their band director for the MPAs and their best and that’s all I ever show was an award asked for,” Jason Allgair, winner. the band director, said.

“You focus a lot during practice and The music that the band played was inspired by the original music of Hide and practice, practice, practice,” Cesar Madea, Seek by Imogen Heap. Allgair said he came junior, said.

All the time put into practice has been with the idea at dinner playing around with some ideas with a group of friends paid off when the Regiment received and this one stuck. This collaboration of straight superiors at this year’s MPAs. “It feels great because all the hard work ideas was the birth of the competitive show, put into practices paid off,” Madea said.

“Framed.”

Next year, Allgair hopes to maintain The show portrays Judkins as a criminal who steals an important artifact and frames the momentum established this year and a young couple sitting nearby. FBI agents increases in number and continue to be chase the young couple around the field. unique.

Straight superiors for five years and Towards the end of the show, the agents discover that Judkins’ character has framed first in their division: That’s the Wharton Regiment way. the couple, and they capture him instead.

manalbenyamine staff writer

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Freshman Grace George practices her flute for the big competition.

The Regiment earned straight superiors. Photo by Alex Montgomery

Teens take sugar high to new level haleygonzalez college editor Candy makers and designers alike have always been ones to “push the envelope.” However, more and more people are beginning to consider the new Pothead products showing up in various stores a “low blow.”

These candy marijuana products are made by a company called Kalan LP. They come in one flavor, sour apple, but in many different forms, shapes and sizes.

There are currently Pothead Ring Pots, Pothead Lollipops and Pothead Sour Gummy Candies.

These candies do not contain any marijuana or illegal products, but that isn’t the problem. There is much more that is worrying a majority of both parents and teens.

“I think candy marijuana promotes the use of drugs. It would give kids a reason to do drugs. I [personally] do not approve,” John Becerra, junior, said.

The thought of young children pretending to smoke and do illegal things is a scary idea for some people. When children see the products lining the silver aisles of grocery stores and some small mall shops, they begin to believe that it is acceptable.

According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, NIDA, many teens start using marijuana because they see their relatives doing it or they hear about the

Illustration by Carin Coursey “awesome effects it has” from their friends and media. Despite the large influence for children to be rebels and do what is thought to be cool, recent studies show that most of the student population is not doing marijuana. In fact, in a research study conducted by NIDA in 2010, “6 percent of 12th

graders reported using marijuana daily.”

“It’s not a good idea to promote you [any person] as someone who is under the influence,” said Jacob Gonzalez, junior.

This product tries to promote the use and the legalization of marijuana and other drugs in an

informal manner. It is played off as a novelty item, a candy designed for laughs amongst those who purchase it. However, parents tend to believe that like previous products such as candy cigarettes and energy drink-infused alcoholic beverages are targeting young people, their children in

particular.

“I would be very upset [to see his daughters with these products] because your ability to perform in a society is based upon other people’s perception of you and potheads are rarely successful in society…”

Christopher Hart, physics, engineering, and integrated science teacher, said.

With these peculiar products on the line, parents and siblings alike are considering their influence on young children.

For example, when children see their parents smoking cigarettes outside they make a concious belief that it is okay.

“I would be devastated [to see my siblings using] because I would not want my siblings to fall into the trap of marijuana,” Becerra

said.

Despite the obvious dislike for the product, there is nothing legally wrong with it. The main argument for the continuation of Pothead Candy is this: if one doesn’t like it, one does not have to buy it. If one would like to purchase this product, it is available.

COLLEGE

Predator

Dec. 2, 2011

5

Every penny counts for graduating seniors

Bright Futures scholarship changes again haleygonzalez college editor

“

Illustration by Carin Coursey Maggart, senior, said regarding the benefits of Bright Futures.

Bright Futures scholarships are a great way to help pay for college tuition; however, with the community service hours, test scores and GPAs changing, students are having more trou-

ble meeting the requirements.

“It seems like they are trying to make it a lot harder,” said Madelyn Diaz, senior.

This may be true. In the past year they have increased the test scores by 10 points on the SAT and are staying within the 30 point

“

Once upon a time, it wasn’t very difficult to get a Florida Bright Futures scholarship.

Students would score a minimum of 1270 on the SAT or 28 on the ACT, complete anywhere from zero to 75 service hours, earn at least a 3.5 weighted GPA for their high school career and be guaranteed part, if not all, of their tuition to be paid. However, the clocks have turned and the requirements needed to earn a Bright Futures scholarship are getting harder for seniors who are hoping to cash in on their Bright Futures scholarship opportunities.

For many seniors, college is a major financial decision. Getting scholarships may be the determining factor for whether or not they complete their education past high school. The Bright Futures Scholarship is one scholarship that many seniors look to for help.

“Anything that would help my parents pay less for me,” James

range on the ACT for the Florida GSV scholarship are expected to Academic Scholars scholarship complete 30 hours of community (FAS). This is certainly a change, service. Students looking to rebut it doesn’t compare to the ceive the FMS scholarship have changes with the Florida Medal- to do 75 hours and those looklion Scholars scholarship (FMS). ing to the FAS scholarship need For the FMS scholarship, there 100 hours of community service.

The changes is an SAT test made to the score increase volunteer hour to 980 for the requirements seniors of 2012 are by far the to 1020 for the juniors graduatIt seems like they most hated of all the changes ing in 2013. This are trying to make made to the difis a total point it a lot harder. ferent levels of increase of 40 Bright Futures. points. For the “Depends on ACT, the necesMadelyn Diaz, where you are sary score for senior doing hours, the FMS scholit can get kinarship is getting da boring,” into the midLuis Leon, dle 20 points.

In addition to the higher scores, senior, said in response to the the FMS and Gold Seal Vocational community service changes.

The changes made to the levScholars scholarship (GCS) are requiring students to get communi- els of Bright Futures are upsetty service, an unexpected surprise. ting to seniors because they “It was easier for previ- are doing more work for less ous seniors,” Maggart said. money. However, money is All students applying for the money and every penny counts.

New Bright Future Scholarship Requirements FL Academic Scholarship

FL Medallion Scholarship

FL Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship

1270

980

880

SAT ACT

28

21

English- 17 Reading-18 Math-19

Volunteer Hours

100 hours

75 hours

30 hours

Crazy college mascots set ablaze pride, school spirit What is exactly is a mascot?

The one who riles the fans up at football games? The symbol of a college? The one who fuels school spirit across alumni and students alike across the nation? Mascots can be many things but one thing they definitely are, is crazy.

Here are just a few of the most unique college mascots in the states.

Big Red

The jubilant, giant, red, blob like creature is the mascot of none other than Western Kentucky University. It was “born” in the fall of 1979 and is currently 32 years old. It made its first appearance in a basketball game against the Hilltoppers in 1979.

Big Red is known around the nation for its signature belly slide and belly shake. Despite the fact that nobody really knows what exactly Big Red is, students and fans alike still look forward to seeing this friendly mascot.

The Fighting Pickles

The Fighting Pickle is the unusually edible mascot of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. This mascot came to be thanks to a schoolwide contest held in 1972, and the pickled cucumber took home the gold and ignited spirit in intramural sports at the university.

Despite the Fighting Pickle’s tall stance and slender green splotched appearance, it is quite the friendly fellow. This jolly pickle won the second most loveable mascot in the nation by Reader’s Digest in 2011.

SuperFrog

SuperFrog is the mislabeled mascot of Texas Christian U n i v e r s i t y.

SuperFrog is actually a Horned Frog which is a type of lizard. This brown and “horny” lizard frog critter is by far the most unusually named mascot. Not only does TCU go far enough to pick an unusual mascot, but they also make sure that everybody around knows that it is in fact, Super.

SuperFrog has been found at pretty much every sporting event TCU has had since the school opened.

Source: MCT Campus

haleygonzalez college editor

Sammy the Banana Slug

With his bright yellow, slimy

body and his tall antennae, Sammy the Banana Slug is ready to do work getting University of California Santa Cruz fans hyped for any sporting event.

Sammy is a mollusk whose species is usually found on the redwood forest floor. The Banana Slug has no known predators, and Sammy claims he doesn’t either. This mascot was adopted by UCSC in 1986.

The Purple Cow

The Purple Cow is the regal and humorous mascot of Williams College in Williamstown, MA. A purple cow may seem strange for a mascot of a liberal arts school, (and considering nobody knows for sure where this mascot originated from), it is strange.

There is no know reason for choosing this unusually hued mammal; however, the legend of this mascot, according to the Williams College school

Web site is this, “She* (the Purple Cow) is descended from those bovines that grace the earliest prints of the college campus.”

Despite their unusual origins, appearances and habits, all of these mascots are special.

#

Mascots are more than people dressed up in costumes and more than a mere bystander at a game.

Mascots bring excitement and mystery to the college atmosphere as the Wildcat does for students at Wharton.

Mascot Mayhem!

Name the school that the mascot belongs to for a chance to win a $10 iTunes card.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

The Rattlers _______________ The Salukis _______________ The Orangemen _______________ The Paladins _______________ Fighting Artichoke _______________ The Bearcat _______________ The Blue Devil _______________ The Elephant _______________ Flash _______________ Hink _______________ The Seminoles _______________ The Gators _______________

To win the iTunes card you must be the first person to turn in this quiz to room 237 by Dec. 9.

OPINION

Dec. 2, 2011

STAFF

6

Predator

Have an un-merry Christmas EDITORIAL

F

or the same reasons it is usually unacceptable to say “Happy Kwanzaa” to Jesus, and “Happy Holidays” to Santa Claus, the holiday season is arguably the best time of the year, and also, the worst. How unfortunate.

Much controversy is often caused by an “incorrect” holiday greeting. An impromptu “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Holidays” can get the already maddened population’s blood boiling.

Say an employee at Macy's is ringing up a very loud woman with a larger schnoz (Yiddish interpretation of a nose) and using words like “Oy vey” and “Bupkes.” Being highly objective in reasoning, of course, the employee decides to greet her with “Happy Hanukkah.” Lips snarling, the woman demands an

apology for the assumption she is Jewish, when strangely enough, she elaborates that she is not.

Oops. The employee vows to forever say, “Merry Christmas.”

The next customer is an older, bearded, chubby gentleman with round, red cheeks, and merry blue eyes. A near spitting-image of Santa. Looks like Santa, walks like Santa, must be Santa. Or at least a Christian.

“You have a Merry Christmas, Sir.” Again, nuclear explosion. He inquires if anyone ever taught the employee any manners and that it is far more polite to say, “Happy Holidays.”

A bitter end to this narrative?

Not quite.

An older woman approaches the employee and commends him or her with the greatest sincerity for using the terms, “Merry Christmas,” and explains that it meant much to see that some people still

believed.

The final customer encounter was, perhaps, the needle in the haystack. Okay, maybe the Christmas cookie in the haystack.

Or Hanukkah cookie. Or Kwanzaa cookie. No one likes needles.

It is better to bite the bullet and say, “Merry Christmas” for the chances that there is someone out there who still cherishes the phrase.

There are no limitations as to what can offend people. One is bound to offend someone at one point or another, but where’s the fun in walking on tiptoes over a bed of hot coals and broken glass on a constant basis?

Yes, we all believe in fairness.

Yes, we realize that there are other

holidays besides Christmas. Yes, we are gifted with a free country.

A free country with free speech.

If we want to say “Merry Christmas”, we sure can.

The thing about freedom, if you are Jewish, you can be Jewish. If you want to send a “Happy Hanukkah” card to the Pope, by all means, do it.

We cannot stop one another from doing what makes this country great; being obnoxiously individual.

Whether one lights a menorah and sports a funny hat, or ruins one’s teeth with a peppermint stick and hums carols about flying deer this holiday season, regardless, we are all Americans.

United we speak.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Heather Montgomery MANAGING EDITOR Diana Dellecese

Fighting the man

FEATURE EDITOR Marlene Miranda

Diana Dellecese

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

managing editor “Never fight fire with fire,” a term normally reserved to teach children a lesson about fighting. The more you argue, the worse it gets.

Apparently, students at Wharton haven’t heard this saying.

On Friday, Oct 14, Wharton administrators cancelled the pep rally the afternoon of the rival game against Freedom. Rather than accepting their decisions and moving on with their day, students decided to send out mass texts informing everyone of a “pep rally protest.” This “protest” consisted of a manic 10 seconds of crowds of people running and shoving their way to the center of the courtyard, only to die out after everyone decided that they didn’t know what to do next.

While this way of protest was fun while it lasted, let’s think.

Did we actually accomplish anything? Yeah, we got our point across; they know we didn’t appreciate them cancelling the pep rally or any kind of privilege; however, what image is going to flash across their minds when trying to decide if we deserve it? A vision of screaming teenagers, yelling while stampeding toward the courtyard, eager to express

their displeasure?

Do you still think the protest was worth it? It’s bound to have left a sour taste in their mouths, and next time we want something it’s going to be the first thing they will think of.

Next time we’re upset about getting our privileges taken away, let’s think about what we’ve done to deserve them.

Our rewards are gained through our accomplishments and merits; not by throwing temper tantrums equivalent to that of 5 year olds. We’re not only showing the administration that we’re not mature enough to handle these privileges, but that we don’t know how to handle disputes between ourselves and our elders in an adult manner.

Instead of acting like the inhabitants of a nursery, we need to find a way to communicate our needs more effectively. By going straight to the source and discussing the issues we have with them, much drama and stress will be avoided.

With us acting as the mature high schoolers we have the potential to be, we can walk away from situations like these with not only our dignity, but the rights we have earned.

Illustration by Carin Coursey

Dear Editor, Oct. 5, 2011, America lost a great innovator. Steve Jobs, the mastermind behind all ‘I’ products, was take by his eight year battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a story like no other.

Despite his numerous accomplishments and advancements in the sheer thought of technology, I find it increasingly more troubling, that not many even know his name.

My first iPod was given to me at the age of 13, and I distinctly recall not caring in the least where it came from, as long as I got it.

The first time I even heard the name Steve jobs, was the announcement of his cancer on the news, and I, to this day, regret taking him and all he’s done for the world, for granted. Yes, he’s had his flops (take the Apple TV and The Cube), but with the failures, came an even more determined Job’s, deadest on creating the next generation of not only electronics, but graphics, and how we see them now.

If he did not fail, if he hadn’t been fired from apple, only to move on and inspire Pixar to be as great as it is today, there is no telling where life would have taken him, where it would have taken us as a nation.

Steve Jobs deserves more from us. In the very least, he deserves to have his name remembered by us, the consumer. Apple lost a truly great, amazing man, and yet, the ideas Steve Jobs had will never truly be forgotten, and will be used for sure in the creation to the next Apple product, and many more to come.

Thanks Steve, we’ll miss you.

Carin Coursey, junior

Predator staff publishes 2011-12 editorial, advertising policies The newspaper informs students about events, influences readers through responsible editorials, entertains through features, and brings buyer and seller closer together.

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

These goals are achieved through responsible reporting.

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 effect the content or meaning behind the story.

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December 2, 2011

U GE IE

Paul R. Wharton High School

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647

Volume 15 Issue 2

Monica Santos, senior, tightens her gloves as she awaits the opportunity to reach home during the XVI Pan American Games. After representing Puerto Rico in international softball tournaments, Santos officially signed for the USF Bulls on Nov. 9. Photo courtesy of Manny Santos

Softball star reaches childhood dreams heathermontgomery editor-in-chief While most little girls were fantasizing about ponies and dazzling tiaras, 6 year old Monica Santos was dreaming about playing softball at the international level. Only 11 years later, Santos finds that she is living her childhood dream.

“I just think it is a big accomplishment in my life because I have always dreamt of being in the Olympics, and the Pan American Games are like the Olympics of the Americas,” Santos said.

Santos started playing baseball as a toddler, which fueled her passion for softball.

“I’ve had a bat and a ball in my hand since I was like two, so I mean, it’s all I really know,” she admitted.

Santos has played infield mostly for the Tampa Mustangs but also played with Temple Terrace Pony

Baseball, the Tampa Blades, the Clearwater Bullets and the Tampa Heat Wave. Her time on the Mustangs is packed with achievements, such as winning the Southern National Championship in 2009 and competing at Gold Nationals 2011 in California.

“We tied for sixth in nationals in California. It was our first year as an 18 and under Gold team so that was a big accomplishment,” she said. “We’re going to make a run for it this year in Oklahoma City.”

Santos has also been a key factor for t h e varsity softball team.

She led the team to their first winning season in school history her freshman year as the MVP. “Monica shows tremendous

leadership, gives 100 percent effort every time and goes above and beyond,” Ashlee Cappucci, varsity softball coach said. “We’ll miss her next year.”

However, one of her greatest achievements was the opportunity to recognize her heritage and represent Puerto Rico in international softball tournaments; most recently the XVI Pan American Games.

“When I was six, I told my parents I wanted to play in the Olympics and represent my country,” Santos said. “At the time, I was more focused towards USA, but when I had the opportunity to try out for the Puerto Rican team, I was still representing my country, so I went with it.”

Although Puerto Rico could not muster enough wins to qualify them for Worlds, Santos still enjoyed the experience of playing in such a competitive setting. Her most memorable moment from the Pan American Games was playing against USA and her future coach. “[My favorite memory of the Pan American Games is] playing the United States. USF Coach Eriksen is head coach of the USA national team. For him to come up to me after the game and give me a big hug and hear him say how proud

he is of me, it was pretty emotional,” Santos said. “Words can’t describe how I felt when he did that.”

Through the international traveling, the countless games and the immeasurable hours of training, Santos’ family continues to s u p p o r t her.

Sporting green and gold from head-to-toe, her parents, brother and grandparents cheered proudly as Monica officially signed for the USF Bulls on Nov. 9.

“I have been her coach, personal trainer, equipment manager, water boy, motivational speaker and dad,” said Manny Santos, Monica’s father. “I am always proud of her.”

For Monica, committing to USF is just the icing on top of her cake of aspirations.

“When I was six, I watched a USF softball game, so since then I went to all the USF softball games and fell in love with the coaching,” Monica said. “Ever since then it’s been a family environment.”

As she continues to achieve her dreams, she cannot help but pause and look at how far she’s come.

“Dreams honestly do come true. As a 17 year old, it’s crazy to say ‘Wow, I’ve accomplished everything I wanted to do in my life.’ It’s a lot to take in sometimes,” Monica admitted.

“I’m living my dream.”

LEFT: Young Santos is shown with USF Coach Ken Eriksen. ABOVE: Santos with Coach Eriksen during the XVI Pan American Games. Photos courtesy of Manny Santos

8

FEATURE

Dec. 2, 2011

Predator

Pure water or purely disgusting?

Is Wharton’s water really clean? Tests have shown that it is; however, some students are still not convinced.

Photo by Emily Broaddus

The blistering hot days of Florida's year round summer leaves students truly feeling like animals. We lumber around, looking for any sort of refresher, and then, we spot it. A higher power's gift to thirsty mankind--the humble water fountain. However, gulping down that H2O requires some deliberation for some students. "To drink or not to drink," that is the question.

"The water is not clear but a yellowish tint," Josh Acierno, sophomore, said,"and it tastes of metal and has particles floating in it when dispersed from certain fountains."

Becoming more pertinent is the number of students who feel Wharton’s water is unclean. A survey conducted revealed that out of 620 students polled, 576 believe Wharton water is impure, to 44 students who believe it is pure.

“I thought we lived in America,” Kylie Paul, sophomore, said.”Where’d all the clean water go?”

We live in a dirty, harsh world, and Wharton’s water may reflect that murky image. To 'filter the water', and make inquiries clear concerning it is a fellow fountain patron and chemistry, chemistry honors and AP chemistry teacher James Stewart.

“Wharton High School is more than likely connected to the Hillsborough County Municipal Water System, which conducts water quality analyses,” Stewart said.

It is required by law for all sources of water to be tested regularly and strictly. Hillsborough's most current results passed with above average scores. Even so, students, such as Acierno, are still questioning Wharton wa-

Another indicator of minter quality despite reassurance from the Health Department. eral-rich, and highly safe wais slight discoloration.

Although the metallic taste may ter "A reddish color just means that be off-putting, it is entirely safe.

“The sources of drinking water the water has more iron in it. In (both tap and bottled water) in- some parts of the US, water has clude rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, a slightly yellow color because reservoirs, springs and wells. As it picks up particles in the peat water travels over the surface of soils. This water is completely the land or through the ground, safe to drink," Stewart said.

Picky students now should have it dissolves naturally occurring materials and, in some cases, ra- no vices against the school’s wadioactive material, and can pick ter. Through the utilization of an up substances resulting from the easy-to-use water quality kit provided by AP environmental scipresence of anence teachimals or from er, Kevin human activiM a l o n e y, ty,” The Tampa I thought we Wharton’s Water Departlived in America! water has ment reported been sciWhere’d all the in their 2010 entifically Water Qualclean water go? proven to ity Report.

Kylie Paul, be 100 perEssentially, sophomore cent safe. all concerns, The drinklike unpleasing water ant taste, are from severcaused by natal separate ural reactions with Hillsborough’s water in its fountains all tested negative for original state, and its environment. bacteria, nitrates and phosphates, "The water tastes metallic be- and the pH measured an acceptcause it has metal ions in it. Our able eight. What qualms are intap water has trace amounts of all valid are perhaps an eye-opener. kinds of metals, including potassi- Discoloration, mineral rings, um, sodium, iron and manganese, smells, and even the taste of peneven others," Stewart said. "Many nies are all good things. Maloney of the metals are nutritionally im- warns, however, that the spout of portant for us in small amounts.” the water fountain is something 'Rings around the drain' is your lips or the mouth of your not nearly as sweet-sounding water bottle should avoid. It is as 'ring around the rosy.' These difficult to monitor and upkeep drain rings, however, do not the cleanliness of these pieces.

“I like it,” Maddie Arnold, sophoindicate anything harmful.

"The rings come from dis- more, said. “At least we have water.”

If reassurance from the city of solved minerals in the water.

Green rings come from copper in Tampa officials, Stewart, Maloney the water, and white rings come and an actual test are not enough from other minerals in your wa- to quiet concerns, personal waterter.

Bottled water companies bottles with built-in filters are add minerals to make their wa- a viable and affordable option.

Go ahead, take another sip. ter taste better," Stewart said.

“

“

yvonnebertovich editorial editor

Knowing caution signs can help depressed friends marlenemiranda feature editor

than just being sad for a couple of days. It’s persistent sadness.

You may see outbursts of crying or an overall irritable mood.”

There’s always that girl who The most blatant signs of deseems to be perfect --- she plays for pression include: sadness or irrievery varsity sports team, is taking tability that goes on for two weeks five advanced placement classes or longer, loss of interest in activiand ranks number one in her class. ties once enjoyed, crying spells for There’s always that boy who no apparent reason and expressgets made fun of for being dif- ing thoughts of death or suicide. ferent, outlandish or crazy.

“When my friend was going There’s through a always rough time that one last year, quiet kid in she didn’t the back of want to do It’s really imporan English anything,” tant to catch it class, who J a c o b has a difGonzalez, before it turns into ficult time junior, something seriat home said. “She ous like suicidal and is just wasn’t struggling particithoughts or selfto make it pating in harm. through any of the Melissa Merchant, the day. clubs she All of school psychologist was in, them could she didn’t be victims want to go of teen deto the mall pression. with our “It’s friends really a culmination of symp- and whenever I asked her to go the toms,” Melissa Merchant, school movies, she told me she was busy. psychologist, said, “It’s more Her grades dropped a lot too.”

“

Depression can even take a toll one’s physical health. A person suffering from depression can experience insomnia, excessive sleeping, unexplained physical problems (back pain or headaches) and restlessness, which can be expressed through hand wringing, an inability to sit still, or pacing.

“They might be very tired and complain about not being able to sleep. It’s either that or they go home and sleep early but are still tired,” Merchant said.

Many teenagers are afraid of expressing their problems to adults. Their peers may be afraid to tell someone they are concerned for their well being.

“It’s very common for people to be angry initially if a friend comes to a counselor, parent or teacher. Over time, when they’re actually healing, they’re more on the thankful end that someone cared enough and led to recovery,” Merchant said.

Talking to your friend’s parents or family or offering to go to a counselor with them can ease their experience in talking about their problems.

“It’s really important to catch it before it turns into something serious like suicidal thoughts or self-harm,” Merchant said.

Many high school students have struggled with depression. The key to helping a depressed friend is to be able to recognize the symptoms and to seek help. Photo by Scott Sollazzo

“

FEATURE

Predator

Dec. 2, 2011

9

Bullies find new mediums to harass dianadellecese managing editor

T

he phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” has been overused and overstressed for too long.

Bullying has become a bigger threat than ever. These days, however, bullying has taken on a new meaning. Gone are the days when kids were bullied face to face. Today’s new form of bullying takes place through the cyber world. In fact, to some, the threat of verbal assault has become more feared than the threat of physical violence.

“I got into a fight last year with one of my really good friends. I was ready to put it to rest and move on, but I guess she wasn’t. She kept sending me really horrible messages over Facebook and text. I knew she was just saying it to say it, but it still hurt,” Stacy, a senior, said.

“I asked her to stop messaging me. I was fine with not being friends, but they kept coming, worse each time. I didn’t want to add fuel to the fire so I just tried to ignore them. I did read them, though, and even if I didn’t notice it at the time, they were getting to me.”

Sometimes taking the first step and approaching the problem does not work successfully. Cyberbullies feel a greater sense of power over their victims due to the lack of contact in person. These bullies are using cell phones and media as shields to hide behind, preventing them from having to deal with the consequences.

“There were times when I just felt really sad. I was starting to believe the things she said about me,” Stacy said. “The messages had stopped coming, but I could still remember what she said. It sucked having to deal with a former close friend of mine saying these things to me.”

Receiving constant messages meant to bring you down can take a toll. If asking the bully to stop doesn’t work, stronger precautions may need to be taken. Cell

Cyberbullying has become an issue in the online world. Students who are being bullied online can use techniques such as blocking and reporting the bully. Photo illustration by Emily Broaddus phone companies can control who has access to your number, and certain numbers can be blocked with the press of a button.

When the messages get too personal or intense, cutting the bully out of your life can help stop the incidents.

“My ex-boyfriend harassed me for two months after we broke up. So I had to block the number from my phone, that way he couldn’t reach me when he wanted to,” an anonymous college freshman said.

Bullying can also be an inherited trait. If the culprit has been surrounded by influences that condone bullying, or even bully others themselves, it can be drilled into the teen’s mind that this kind of behavior is okay.

Even if the bully realizes the error of his/ her ways, the damage has been done and sometimes is considered forgivable.

“I had a friend who was pretty much jealous of the fact that I was being recruited by more college scouts than he was,” said one senior basketball player. “He and his mom would send me hateful text messages on game days to rattle my confidence, especially when recruiters were coming.

Even though he wanted to patch up our friendship after basketball season, I couldn’t. I can’t believe he hated me that much to maybe jeopardize my getting a scholarship.”

Dealing with bullying can leave one

feeling down in the dumps. While the constant stream of negativity can threaten to overshadow the good things, it’s important to be able to focus on what really matters in order to pull oneself out of the rut.

“My other friends were always there to cheer me up. It reminded me that I was surrounded by awesome people, and I wouldn’t let one mean person control my life. It makes you appreciate what you have,” Stacy said.

Cyberbullying provides a new way for bullies to contact their victims, but with a strong support system, positive attitude and the right approach to bullying, victims can come out stronger than ever.

Victims find support through Internet resources dianadellecese managing editor After bullies have done the damage, their victims can be left feeling as if there is nowhere to go.

The main motive behind bullies’ actions is to leave their victims feeling alone. The constant tearing down and mean spirited remarks can do irreparable damage to their self confidence. When it feels like no one is listening and the whole world has turned their backs, cyberbullying help is one click away thanks to these helpful sites.

A helpful site for reporting cyber bullying is www. stopcyberbullying.org. This site contains information about what exactly cyberbullying is, how it works and how to prevent it. There is also a separate tab specifically designed to report Facebook abuse, and can be found at www.stopcyberbullying.org/ reportfbabuse.

The page offers ways to report all types of Facebook abuse and gives step by step directions on how to report it properly. The site gives directions on how to report a variety of abuse, from offensive photos to bullying groups.

“If you ever feel comfortable or unsure about whether to tell someone, talk to your parents

bullybusters Web site for more information on bullying. The site offers videos and tips on how to spot bullies or groups of predators, as well as a detailed Power Point presentation on how to establish prominent support systems for teens and those who have fallen victim to being bullied.

“We should all recognize our role in preventing cyberbullying abuse by not participating.

Never forward something that is rude or mean, Schatzberg said.

“If it isn’t serious, delete it and block the sender. If it is serious, Tina Meier, whose 13-year-old daughter Megan hanged herself after cyberbullied in 2006, save the message and speaks on stage during “Cybersafe Philly” student assembly at Haverford High School, April 5, show an adult. Also, 2011, in Havertown, PA. Photo by Tom Gralish/Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT never type something you wouldn’t feel or an adult. If you see someone The contents of this site contain to students during instances of comfortable saying to another person.” becoming upset about messages tips on topics ranging from bullying.

“Any adult at school can help.

When in doubt, report it. With they are receiving or postings support for targets, empowering about them, talk to your parents bystanders and a summary of best Talk with your teacher, guidance bullying, it’s better being safe than counselor, school psychologist, sorry. or tell an adult,” Tracy Schatzberg, practices in bullying prevention.

Being well-informed and being supervisor of school psychological There are also training and school social worker, nurse services, said. seminars that are offered for the administrator or school resource aware of all the resources can not only lead to less instances of Other helpful tips on how to staff of schools in order to ensure officer,” Schatzberg said.

Students can also access bullying but a safer environment report cyberbullying can be found better staff-student relations, on the site, stopbullyingnow.com. making them more approachable www.HillsboroughCounty.org/ for all.

10

Dec. 2, 2011

CENTERS

,

Students stay (HOME) to help less fortunate and clean, “Jessica Becker, volunteer services manager for Metropolitan Ministries, said.

Not everyone can make it to a To some who set foot in the volunteer organization often, but Metropolitan Ministries holiday there are opportunities at school tent last Christmas Eve, the noise to give donations through clubs. and scurrying about seemed to Blue Crew, Legacy and Global indicate chaos. It was loud, and Outreach hold food drives yearly it was hectic. to donate non-perishable foods to However, upon closer inspection, the needy during the holidays. one could isolate the individual Blue Crew and other clubs sounds. There were those of partnered with St. Marks the the elated, screaming children Evangelist Catholic Church laughing by collecting and playing foods for with their Thanksgiving toys. meals to give Then there to families in were the need. sounds of “We put parents out e-mails to swapping teachers to get s t o r i e s students’ names with other and ask them parents and for permission vo l u n t e e r s if they want about their to receive the jobs and how Thanksgiving they plan to meal,” Cindy provide for R o g e r s , their family. g u i d a n c e This is counselor, s e n i o r said. “We give Brittany their name and McNickle’s information to v o l u n t e e r Volunteers help children St. Marks and experience and teens at the Special they receive The Special during the Olympics. the food a Olympics was held March holidays. week before “It’s what 5 last year at USF. Photo by Thanksgiving.” the parents Emily Broaddus Forty-five l o o k boxes of food forward to every year, that day, were collected from Wharton so they can come into the tent to High School and delivered to get toys and food so their kids St. Marks for families to have a would think that they could Thanksgiving meal this holiday provide for them,” McNickle season. said.

“At my old school, we often McNickle is lucky. She sees had food drives and I would happiness while volunteering. usually donate about three Others are not so lucky. to four cans a week,” Aiman According to Metropolitan Sabbah, sophomore, said.

Ministries over 9,000 people While some students concentrate are homeless in Hillsborough on volunteering through clubs County. and major organizations, With only 1,500 shelter beds, others choose to find their own about 8,000 homeless men, volunteer opportunities. women and children will not be Junior Laura Matos had a able to find shelter tonight, or little help from art teacher Peter any other given night.

Pachoumis in finding hers.

“If I had enough I would go to “During parts of the holidays I each of the homeless people and was a teacher assistant for a small make sure they have something children’s class in the University to eat and somewhere to go to Area Community Center near sleep, but I don’t think any single USF, “said Matos. person can help everybody,” Matos said she not only enjoyed Tiana Weeks, sophomore, said. working with the children but Feeding America Tampa Bay found she had bonded with their provides food to the homeless teacher. who worry where their next “I enjoyed the company of the meal comes from or how they other teacher and I really liked are going to feed their starving being able to help the children,” child. said Matos.

Students can help their She also found sharing her communities by volunteering talents to be rewarding. at charity organizations such as “It was an art class and I felt like Metropolitan Ministries, Ronald I could help teaching something McDonald Charities of Tampa that is my passion as well I could and Meals on Wheels of Tampa. help teaching something that is “At Metropolitan Ministries, my passion as well as it becomes teen volunteers can work theirs, “ she said. in holiday tents during No matter how small the Thanksgiving week, load cars, donation one volunteer gives, play with the children, sort even just a smile can bring hope donations, work in the kitchen, to a person in need.

ashleybenjamin centerspread editor

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Story Coali

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College

breannastackp staff writer

Every year some college have the misfortune of n able to go home and be w families for the holidays.

“There is nothing that ca memories made with your said Adam Sollazzo, East T State University senior.

There are many reasons might not be able to come the holidays. It might be co or maybe they have scho or a job to do over the br Sollazzo, it was college b that prevented him from home for Christmas last ye “I was not able to go h any of the holidays becau

SPREAD

Dec. 2, 2011

11

Previously (HOME)less veteran gives back o community by helping other veterans

y courtesy of the Homeless ition of Hillsborough County

vocating for his others in arms

Jeff is the resident manager a non-profit organization in pa that provides permanent sing for homeless veterans. The ram consists of a large home he personally helped renovate accommodate his military thers.” Jeff considers it his lege and duty to help those have served our country find e than life on the streets. A few s ago, he was among the many rans in Hillsborough County ing homelessness, mental illness addictions.

e before melessness

ff ran away from home at 14 to pe a severely abusive childhood. hitchhiked from New Jersey ew York City, where he met a y who took him in - giving him at their pizzeria and allowing to sleep above the restaurant e he finished high school. After

(

E

graduation, he caught a bus to Ft. and sustained his addictions with money Myers to visit his uncle. Seeking an he made as a day laborer. He used his opportunity to better himself, Jeff Army training for survival, returning to the city to clean his clothes and shower at enlisted in the Army later that year.

After four years of service, Jeff homeless shelters.

Jeff was incarcerated for returned to Ft. Myers. six months after his alcohol About five years later, and drug addictions led while working in a to crime. However, seeing restaurant, Jeff was tremendous potential in recalled to active duty Jeff, the assistant public in support of Operation defender assigned to his Desert Storm and served case recognized that his with an Army Ranger criminal behavior was the battalion in the first Gulf result of desperation and War. Upon returning not a sign of poor moral to civilian life for the character. second time, he returned Jeff She helped Jeff get to restaurant work, but Helps homeless treatment at the VA hospital found it increasingly veterans where he was diagnosed difficult to function in and treated for mental society. Deciding it was illness. time to begin a new chapter, he moved north to Tampa.

He also entered a court-ordered residential substance abuse program.

Homeless in Tampa With his mental illness under control, Jeff Soon after arriving in Tampa, confronted his past and soon after broke Jeff became homeless. Missing the his addictions. structure of military life, he began After successfully completing the self-medicating with alcohol and rehabilitation program, Jeff joined the drugs to escape the painful memories program staff. In his efforts to assist others of his past. For the next four years, Jeff in their recoveries, Jeff saw a tremendous lived in his van at isolated campsites gap in the resources available to veterans.

He teamed with the same assistant public defender who had advocated for him, and together they created a new program tailored to the needs of homeless veterans.

She generously provided funding and purchased an abandoned home that was renovated and expanded to comfortably house future residents.

Life Now

It’s been more than a year since Jeff helped launch the program, and the home is bustling with veterans who would otherwise be living on the streets. The program offers no formal rehabilitation services, but rather a safe haven where residents can experience a sense of community and dignity.

Jeff receives referrals from other veterans programs, and he carefully screens potential residents to make sure they can live independently following treatment for mental illness and addictions. Some of the men are employed, while others receive disability.

Aside from once saving someone’s life in the military, the program’s success is his proudest accomplishment. Jeff is relentless in his pursuit to advocate for homeless people... He is eager to offer others the opportunity for a better life.

for the holidays

e students miss (HOME) comfort during the holidays

pole

students not being with their

an replace r family,” Tennessee

students home for ost related ool work reak. For basketball m being ear. home for use I had

basketball practice, games and conference play-offs during those times,” Sollazzo said.

It is always disappointing to find out you can’t be with your family for the holidays.

“It was sad the first few times.

It did not feel like there was even a holiday. I turned my phone off a lot of the time so they couldn’t call me, that way I wouldn’t hear their voices and miss them more,” he said.

The worst part for college students not going home for the holidays is that they often miss out on family traditions. Their holiday is just not the same as it was when they were with their family.

“It just wasn’t the same not waking up early and hearing my dad put on

Matt(left) and Nick Rogers(right)sport LSU gear. Matt Rogers did not make the trip home for Thanksgiving this year due to the distance of his college. Photo courtesy of Cindy Rogers

Christmas music and opening our stockings together,” Sollazzo said.

This is also how Matt Rogers, Louisiana State University sophomore, felt when he wasn’t able to come home for Easter.

“There wasn’t any brunch, there was no trip to Grandma’s house, it didn’t feel like the Easter I was used to,”Rogers said.

Rogers was also disappointed that he was not able to come home for Thanksgiving this year because of the distance.

“I’m going to miss all the good food at my grandparents and throwing football in the backyard with my brother and falling asleep watching the Cowboys. It’s just weird celebrating Thanksgiving on your own without your family,”

he said.

It’s hard to think that you won’t be with the people you care about the most at the best time of the year.

“It hadn’t really hit me that I wasn’t going to be home until I started to think about these questions. I mean I knew I wasn’t coming home, but it never really sank in,” Rogers said.

Although it might be disappointing, there are other things students can do to enjoy the holidays away from home.

It’s important to make the most of every situation.

“Just make it your own. Start making your own traditions,” Rogers said,” and remember that friends can be family too.”

Design by Ashley Benjamin

Dirty punishment...

Lunch detail cleans up students’ acts students to complete work detail during their lunches making this the most common in-school punishment among students.

“At this time, will the follow“Work detail is a pretty nasty ing students please come up to thing to have to do,” Jake Lobicomplete their assigned work de- anco, junior, said. “Then again, tail…” it’s way better than having to go Usually students will just ig- to ISS or being suspended.” nore the announcement and conWork detail is usually given to tinue eating their lunch, finishing students who receive three tartheir work, or chatting with their dies, but it can also be assigned friends, but for those students for disruptive behavior that inwho were assigned to work caf- cludes getting a cell phone taken eteria lunch deaway, dress tail, they have a code violajob to fulfill. tions, continWe don’t assign Whether or not uous penalty you dread the for taking students work next 20 minutes your schooldetail because of your lunch purchased it’s enjoyable period, you are lunch out of required to enthe cafeteria, dure the often or by sitting Kevin Stephenson, sticky and slopoutside of the assistant prinicpal py mess that marked blue coats the tables lines on the and floors of the cafeteria while bus ramp patio. strutting around in the nicest neon Should students fail to complete jacket vests on the planet. their assigned work detail, they “Work detail was introduced may receive the punishment of in four years ago, replacing the pun- school suspension (ISS) while at ishment of after school detention, the same time facing chances of which required students to stay being suspended. an extra hour after school,” Kevin “We don’t assign students work Stephenson, assistant principal detail because it’s enjoyable,” for student affairs, said.

Stephenson said, “We use it as a This year alone, the admin- method to correct student behavistration has assigned over 500 ior,”

brandongoldman staff writer

“

“

Work detail isn’t an easy job, either.

Students are required to sweep cafeteria floors, pick up and collect trash, wash tables, as well as separate recyclables into their appropriate containers.

“I see kids mess with their friends who are doing their work detail by throwing food at them and basically trying to make their jobs harder than it probably already is,” Lobianco said.

One issue that many students have while completing lunch detail is the requirement of wearing the notorious neon-colored vests.

“I think that the vests are more embarrassing than anything than anything imaginable,” Saivamsi Gude, sophomore, said. “It basically makes you a target for getting made fun of or laughed at.”

Fashionable or not, students are required to wear these jacket vests for a practical purpose, rather than helping create a new fashion trend.

“We don’t make students wear it so they can be embarrassed or so they can look good,” Stephenson said. “We do it so the APs and staff members on duty can easily monitor students while they are completing their job.”

Whether or not students enjoy the dreaded task of having to complete work detail, many agree that it could be a lot worse.

CROSS CREEK AUTO SERVICE 10024 Cross Creek Blvd.

Tampa FL 33647 813-994-1600

Mon - Fri: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Sat: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Devon Mitchell, junior, dons a neon vest as part of his punishment. Mitchell is one of many who must clean as a price for their actions. Photo by Alex Montgomery

FEATURE

Predator

Dec. 2, 2011

13

Mauricio Downer: Good Samaritan finally gets credit oliviamahanor staff writer “Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.

And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal,” Vince Lombardi, former Washington Redskins head coach said.

Senior Mauricio Downer Jr., one of the 12 winners of this year’s Jan Henrick’s Award, possesses all the characteristics of a leader.

Originally from Queens, NY, and the oldest brother of six younger sisters, Downer seems to always choose the right thing to do even when no one is looking.

This year Marci Scholl, student intervention specialist, was looking. “I have seen him mature and grow at Wharton,” Scholl said of the Downer whom she nominated. “He does the right thing and tries to better himself.”

Downer believes Scholl nominated him because he tries hard in school and whenever she is struggling, he helps her.

The day Downer learned of his award a blue administrative pass was sent to him in his AP statistics class.

“I thought I was in trouble,” he said.

There, Scholl informed him he was one of this year’s Jan Henrick’s Award winners. What was

JAN HENRICK’S AWARD WINNERS

NYGIL McGHEE BERLANDE BLAISE MARCUS CHURCH DAVID DEHOYOS MAURICIO DOWNER LUIS GUINAND Senior Mauricio Downer shows his appreciation for Student Intervention Specialist Marcie Scholl after being awarded the Jan Henrick’s Award. Downer was nominated

by Scholl for the award last month. Photo by Kelley Nesler his reaction to receiving this honor?

“Oh, snap, I won,” he said beaming before he hugged Scholl in appreciation.

The award is traditionally given to students like Downer who are all around good kids and who, at times, go unnoticed for their hard work and helping hand.

Each winner received a $150 gift

card.

The prize money Downer received is going to go to his college fund. Downer’s two colleges he wants to attend are NYU or St. Johns University.

He plans to major in biology and become a cardiologist Assistant Prinipal Kedric Harris believes Downer is “very committed to excel in his academics.” He

also added that Downer was devoted to his studies.

“I want to become at cardiologist to help people. I like the heart, so if I could help people with their heart, it would be a great two in one, Downer said.

“Winning this award means that people actually do care about me helping them, and I do it because it is the right thing to do.”

PATRIK HAURI CHRISTOPHER JACA JASMINE McGIVERY PATRICIA OROZCO MICHELLE ROMERO ZACHARY ZAVERSNIK

BE ALIVE AT 25!

Did you know, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, teen driving is the leading cause of fatalities, accounting for 44% of teen deaths in the U.S. Teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes at more than twice the rate of all others The first year for a newly licensed teenage driver is the most dangerous, with more than one in five involved in crashes Each year nearly 6,000 teens are killed in vehicular accidents; more than 3,800 are drivers age 15-20 Annually, more than 326,000 teen drivers are seriously injured --some are left paralyzed for life 134 motorists under age 17 were killed in Florida in 2008; 83 (62%) were not wearing safety belts; 56 of these were ejected from the vehicle

A safety message courtesy of the FDLE Agents Association Chapter of the Police Benevolent Association, reminding teen driver’s to BUCKLE UP and DON’T TEXT and DRIVE.

STAY ALERT! STAY ALIVE!

14

ENTERTAINMENT

Dec. 2, 2011

Top 5 TV Shows

by Bryant Morisseau

Sit through “Community” for just five minutes, and you’re guaranteed to get more than a few laughs. It follows the antics of a group of community college students. This sitcom’s combination of meta-humor and pop culture references are sure to have you rolling.

Stricken with cancer, a chemistry teacher partners up with a former student and sells meth in order to secure his pregnant wife’s financial future and pay for treatments. Missing a show of this caliber would be an injustice.

“The Walking Dead” will have you hooked. Deputy Grimes wakes up in an abandoned hospital and finds that he’s the only one not in a body bag.

Zombies have overtaken the city, his family is missing, and survivors are far between.

Arkham City, more than a madhouse willbarnes staff writer If you’ve ever wanted to don a cowl and fight crime in a grimy run-down metropolis, then Batman: Arkham City will deliver that, and some. Taking place roughly a year after the events of its predecessor, Batman: Arkham Asylum, The Dark Knight returns once again to fight corruption in the new high security prison, Arkham City.

Once a part of Gotham, this area has been blocked off from the rest of society to house the criminally insane from Arkham Asylum after the latter is deemed unfit to house the likes of: The Joker, Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze and The Penguin.

In many ways, Arkham City has built upon the ground work of its prequel. Previously when Batman fought a gang of deranged criminals, Batman would only be able to attack one at a time, and criminals would attack one at a time. However, now multiple enemies will attack simultaneously, leading to various brutal multienemy counters, such as smashing two villains into each other.

Enemy types are also now more diverse. However, the combat doesn’t go very much further indepth than button-mashing.

Adversaries cast away their generic prison jumpsuits and clown masks in favor of attire emblazoned with emblems representing the fiend for which they work for. For instance, when fighting a member of Two-Face’s gang, his clothes would be two different colors on each side and half of his face is painted in homage to the leader.

If a villain is only as good as his henchmen, then a hero (one with no meta-human powers for that matter) is only as good as his gadgets. The axiom reigns true with Batman. Players start the game

Watch America’s favorite serial killer in “Dexter,” a thriller featuring an orphaned man named Dexter; blood spatter analyst by day- assassin by night. While not exactly “family- friendly” there’s more than enough here to keep you satisfied.

SOURCE: www.batmanarkhamcity.com with gadgets unlocked (remote control batarang, explosive gel, and the batclaw) in the previous game. Players eventually unlock new gadgets like smoke bombs, ice bombs and the remote electrical charge, which can be used to shock enemies or to start electrical generators. The Caped Crusader’s utility belt is easier to access, making combat much more diverse.

Batman is no longer exclusively

solo either. In the game’s story mode, players get various opportunities to play as the thieving anti-hero Catwoman. While she does have her own agenda, she proves to be somewhat of a help at times. Additional functionality includes playing as Nightwing, the once Boy Wonder. Robin will also be added in future downloadable content for the game.

Batman Arkham City is great-

but it’s not for everyone. If you prefer “run and gun” type games where you kill everything with minimal brain power, keep looking. This game will not only test your reflexes, but your intelligence and ability to strategize.

Looking for a game where you’re the hero, or just looking for a change of pace from the average Call of Duty? Batman: Arkham City is for you.

Cyber Monday, makes Mondays less terrible bryantmorisseau entertainment editor

ABC gets it right with “Modern Family,” a reality sitcom featuring three families and a host of other characters. The satirical humor works well with the portrayal of the families to make a smart- “Arrested Development” style experience.

Predator

W

rap up your legs, because retailers have slashed prices again.

Cyber Monday brought all the deals of Black Friday, without the frostbite , tramplings and pepper spraying of innocents.

It all started in 2005 as a way to encourage people to shop onlineand since then it’s erupted into one of the biggest online shopping days all year.

“I love Cyber Monday. Every year my family buys gifts on this day instead of waking up early for the Black Friday rush,” said Thamara Cherisme, 26 year old LPN. Getting rewarded with awesome deals for staying home on the computer? Smart.

Major retailers like Amazon, Bestbuy, Walmart, Macy’s and many more have pulled out all the stops on this day of frenzied purchases.

“This year I was able to get a new TV for $250,” said Nathan Stinton, 19.

For 2011’s Cyber Monday, Amazon.com offered different specials by the hour. High profile laptops

Even high profile music stores like Guitar Center participated in the pricebreaking madness with up to $500 drops on all their items with coupons and discounted instruments of all types.

Select Droid phones and the like could be found at rock bottom prices (free in fact) on Cyber Monday.

“On most Cyber Mondays I make it a point to stay up so I can get first grabs at what I wantmost of the great deals sell out in quickly,” said John Noel, senior.

This year’s deals followed suit with the Black Friday.

Cyber Monday has moved more products than Black Friday for the Senior Scarlett Haynes shops in the virtual malls of the Inter- past two years, so have net. Cyber Monday comes the first Monday after Thanksgiving. your credit card on hand when you get home next Photo illustration by Emily Broaddus year- or better yet- store your information on the Web site prior to purchasing. could be had for $250 off and bun- et 2 and Infamous 2.

That new phone you’re eyeing dles for game systems abounded Snagging games on the cheap is is bound to fly off the virtual shelf with the PS3 being bundled with all fine and good, but there’s no on this day. top shelf titles like Little Big Plan- reason to leave it at that!

ENTERTAINMENT

Predator

Mysterious name, great songs:

Coldplay adds to long list of greats

M

dylanconstant music editor

ost bands these days burn bright for a few years in the public eye, having a couple big hits along the way, and eventually fade away.

Such is not the case with Coldplay.

After almost two years of waiting, MYLO XYLOTO (with its rather odd name hinting at a deeper meaning, in typical Coldplay fashion) was released on Oct. 24, following the early release of two singles prior to the album’s drop, “Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall,” and “Paradise,” which have already been topping charts in the UK and the US. Needless to say, expectations are high for the new record.

Without a doubt, the album both meets and surpasses these expectations greatly.

Along with the singles already released, songs like “Princess of China” (feat. Rihanna) and “Up with the Birds,” reflect a new and energetic, and at times even pop-like side of the band on which their last album, Viva la Vida briefly touched.

That’s not to say the heartfelt, tear-jerking ballads are gone. There a couple of those as well.

Songs like “Hurts Like Heaven” and “Us Against the World” show listeners the soft and sentimental side that made Coldplay famous nearly a decade ago.

A couple purely acoustic songs, such as “U.F.O” also allow Chris Martin to really flaunt his skills as a lead vocalist.

Lead guitarist Jonny Buckland also shows listeners his talent in some intricate guitar licks in “Hurts Like Heaven” and “Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall.”

Not to the surprise of dedicated fans, MYLO XYLOTO also has a handful of instrumental songs.

15

OFF THE CHARTS: Dylan Constant, music editor

Patrick Stump

Lead vocalist Chris Martin entertains fans at a 2005 Coldplay concert at the Metro in Chicago. The band released their fifth studio album, MYLO XYLOTO, Oct. 24. Photo by Alex Garcia / Chicago Tribune / MCT Campus However, the intuitive listener may suspect that these songs might be re-released in a matter of months, except this time with lyrics and branded as a “special” or “deluxe” version.

Despite this chance of the band hitting fans again with this deceptive sales technique as they did with Viva la Vida (re-released with “bonus” tracks a few months later), MYLO XYLOTO is definitely an excellent addition to the band’s already legendary list of albums.

As far as the music on MYLO XYLOTO is concerned, all of the songs are refreshing and entertaining through and through and should not be overlooked.

And as for the unique and somewhat quirky title of the record, fans will just have to wait.

The band claims it means nothing in particular and that everyone can draw his or her own conclusions.

Don’t be surprised when some sort of mind blowing significance is revealed in the the very near future.

Tumblr gives teens creative outlet kelleynesler staff writer If Facebook had you glued to the computer until 2 a.m, then Tumblr is your new best friend.

“It’s like my life, literally,” Sebastian Sandoval, senior, said.

Tumblr is a blogging Web site where you can blog photos, articles and other various interests. Recently, it has become much more popular with teens worldwide.

“The least used button on Tumblr is the logout button,” Adrienne Garcia, senior, said Tumblr has many different purposes. Some use it for business advertising and others for personal enjoyment. It is mostly used for posting pictures, quotes and opinions based on the user’s personality.

“As a young journalist, exploring different network strategies is huge. Tumblr is another social media tool a lot more people are taking notice of. I write sports so I have set-up my blog for other sports enthusiasts, and it allows me to share my own work for a certain demographic,” Allie Davison, senior, said.

Sandoval mostly reblogs professional photography; he especially likes posting landscape photos. Others have interests similar to Sandoval’s. Davison particularly uses her Tumblr as a tool for a possible future career.

She follows many different sporting pages which help her in writing sports journalism by sharing and exchanging her work with other sports journalists.

Dec. 2, 2011

Adrienne Garcia, senior, displays her sketches through her Tumblr account. She received over 50,000 reblogs on a picture she drew of Severus Snape. Photo by Alex Montgomery; Photo illustration by Emily Broaddus Popular blogs center around are fashion, photography and sports. Some people blog rants that they agree with and jokes they really like. Others can find themselves sitting in front of the computer screen, laughing for hours on Tumblr, whereas some just quickly blog their feelings and sign off for the day.

“When I first started blogging, I was on it probably for four hours a day, but, now I average about an hour a day,” Sandoval said

Tumblr was introduced to the Web in 2007. Since then its popularity has increased more and more every year. In July 2011, Tumblr reached 13.4 million users in the U.S. alone and is ranked as the tenth largest social network worldwide. Tumblr recently became the first blogging Web site, in fact, to host President Obama’s campaign blog on Oct. 21.

“I think it is a genius move on Obama’s part, as far as current trends, the Internet and

communications are concerned,” Chad Reed, American history teacher, said.

Tumblr allows users to define their personalities on a single Web page where other users can follow.

Many say it is a good combination of Facebook and Twitter, with a little flare of its own.

“I used to go on my computer to get on Facebook, but now I find myself logging directly on Tumblr,” Anna Fuente, sophomore, said.

As most Fall Out Boy fans, and Fall Out Boy haters know, the band is on hiatus for an undetermined amount of time.

However, most don’t know that former bassist Pete Wentz has had his own band the “Black Cards” since the FOB break up in late 2009.

Almost no one knows that former lead singer and guitarist Patrick Stump has been working on a Michael Jackson-esque solo album, Soul Punk, which dropped on Oct. 18; needless to say, expectations were high.

Stump’s new work is in most regards a polar opposite of the punk/rock music he played with FOB. It should be noted that you may be left with some unanswered questions at the end of the record.

Stump claims to have recorded every instrument on the album by himself in his studio, although this doesn’t seem to make any real difference on the album.

To start off, the drum beats and bass parts are always very simplistic and heavily synthesized, which takes away any acoustic aspects the “real” instruments could have contributed.

The only ray of sunshine in this category is “Allie” which features a more prominent drum and bass track; however, the music and vocals don’t seem to blend with the drums as well as Stump would have hoped.

Even the instrument he is most familiar with, the guitar, fails to impress any avid musicians. Not to mention the overly “poppy” lyrics that lack any real substance.

After hearing the same song structures over and over again, one might find one’s self asking: “Which song is the MOST annoying?”

“Run Dry” seems to answer this question rather easily with its eight and a half minutes of monotonous Michael Jackson rip-off, dance clubthemed tunes.

Stump’s style comes so close to 80s era Michael Jackson and Prince that one can’t help but wonder: “Where have I heard this before?”

If you do happen to make it through the entire album and finally decide which song is THE most annoying, feel free to voice your opinion on YouTube where it appears Stump is actively looking for feedback.

In all honesty though, it’s not the worst solo album to ever come out of a band breakup and some may even find a few diamonds in this rough.

16

HOTSPOT

Dec. 2, 2011

H T P T:

Roux’s Snoballs ices all competiton

kellyperetz news editor

A mama kangaroo and her Joey haven’t been this popular since Winnie the Pooh. Roux’s Snoballs, noted for the flavorful snoballs and New Orleans atmosphere, has quickly become the new watering hole in New Tampa.

Upon entering Roux’s on any given school day customers can see Paw Paw Roux (owner Nicole Hair’s father) serving up snoballs to chatty high-schoolers or jittery toddlers. On the walls are framed Mardi Gras posters and pictures of New Orleans saved from Hurricane Katrina. Both the décor and the snoballs are reminiscent of the flavor of New Orleans.

“We go to Roux’s after every home volleyball game as team bonding,” sophomore Kylie Paul said of the Wildcat volleyball team.

If offering students a place to bond in a fun atmosphere was their primary goal, then owners Mike and Nicole Hair hit the jackpot.

“You can bring your own music, hang out as long as you want,” Mike said.

According to his wife, Nicole, Roux’s is “unique, fun, inexpensive and inviting.”

While in search for a store logo, the Hairs decided upon the kangaroo, the unofficial symbol of Australia, which just happens to be Nicole’s birthplace. Paw Paw Roux revealed that “Roux” is a French spelling for the “Roo” in Kangaroo.

The three joeys represent the Hair’s three children. Roux’s is a very unique little shop, but then so is this store and its owners.

“They’re the nicest family ever.

They even drove out to Steinbrenner to see us play,” Jenna McKernan, senior and volleyball captain, said.

Maggie McCall, sophomore, enjoys her cookie dough Snoball. Roux’s Snoballs has gained popularity among students despite opening only a few months. Photo by Emily Broaddus

If the owners and store are unique, their snoballs are most certainly unequalled to any icy treat in the Tampa Bay area. What is a Roux’s snoball? Roux’s Snoballs make their own ice in the store. The specialized ice machine makes about 600 pounds of ice per day. Their syrups come from a company based in New Orleans, where snoballs are exponentially popular. In New Orleans, however, snoballs are

Blondie’s Cookies

Predator

usually sold around neighborhoods in garages and backyards instead of Pebble Creek strip malls.

One secret to Roux’s success is their clever flavors. Pumpkin Pie, Red Velvet Cake and Egg Custard are just a few of the creambased flavors. Classic flavors like cherry, grape and sour apple are also available. So many flavors, so many decisions to make.

“It’s a delicious snack,” said

Brant Wickersham, junior.

Wildcat Blood, Patriot Punch and Jesuit Juice allow area high school students to show their school pride. According to Paw Paw Roux, Wildcat Blood is one of the most requested snoball flavors, more popular than Patriot Punch.

“The Wildcat Blood has been one of the prime sellers since being invented by Kylie Paul. The blueberry and coconut not only make for an appetizing flavor but looks appetizing as well, where as Patriot Punch has been requested by very few people,” Paw Paw Roux said.

Although this is their first store, Roux’s has caught on very quickly.

“Refreshingly simple, yet tasty,” said Wickersham.

With their portable machine, Roux’s travels to Wharton football games and 50 percent of the money received at games goes directly to the Wharton Booster Club. Wharton fans can enjoy an icy treat while they watch their wildcats play hard.

“I think that’s really generous of them because they don’t have to do that, but I know they love coming to games anyways,” McKernan said.

In addition to Snoballs, Roux’s sells New Orleans special Zapp’s chips, Roman Taffy, Café Du Monde Coffee and French doughnut mix called Beignets. Did you know that Roman Taffy is made and distributed in New Orleans on an old-fashioned mule-drawn cart?

Just another taste of N’Orleans.

Snoballs are a very affordable snack at $1.50 for a kiddie -sized snoball piled high with fluffy ice and drenched in sweet syrup.

The bottom line? The kangaroo and her joeys can sit on the curb and eat their snoballs just like in New Orleans and celebrate the sweet taste of syrup, ice and success.

SPORTS

Predator

DAVISON’S PLAYBOOK Allie Davison sports editor

Nov. 10, 2011

Ugly Truth A night to forget For as long as I can remember, I’ve had dreams of becoming a sports journalist.

In the writing world, many people point the dirty finger at sports media for tarnishing the game of respect. We write about a childish past time. We enable the couch potato husbands to continue doing, or not doing, what they do.

Facts are facts. When hard times cross our paths, sports are always there to lean on.

Journalism is about providing factual, unbiased information to the masses and Bob McKenzie, Bob Costas, Rick Reilly, represent the department quite well.

However, the critics who continually blast sports media for losing credibility do have a sound foundation, unfortunately.

A perfect example for their argument? The media circus that was put on display in November, after news broke that Penn State University had released legendary football coach Joe Paterno, following the sexual-abuse scandal stemming from former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

On Nov. 10, the PSU Board of Trustees held a live press conference for media to announce their immediate dismissal of Paterno.

With at least two dozen journalists standing in a crowded room in Happy Valley, PA, I expected a few outbursts from local beat writers.

Boy, was I wrong.

Mass hysteria broke out andwatching it on my television left me in tears.

It was almost surreal listening to these so-called “professionals” acting like untamed, wild animals. These were the people with whom I would be colleagues?

Instead of realizing that the real story was the young boys seeking justice after years of being tormented, sports media targeted Paterno’s damaged 46 year reputation.

ESPN and CNN coverage was pitiful. Who puts on Dr. Phil in the middle of breaking news to discuss the situation? (I’m looking at you, CNN.) Some stories go far beyond a football field and both networks seemed to miss that crucial memo.

Shockingly enough, the best reporting I followed that infamous night was my Twitter feed. These professionals didn’t have three minutes to fill up. They had 160 characters to sight the truth and they did so in a respectable way.

That night, I learned quickly what type of journalist I aspire to be. An honest one.

As my mom always tells me, “You can’t blame the whole batch on a few rotten apples.”

Dec. 2, 2011

17

Girls soccer shoots for state title kellyperetz news editor It was a night like no other. An eerie fog was rolling in as the full moon shone down on the field.

The 11 determined young princesses strode into battle.

The Wildcat girls soccer team huddled and spit, their unusual pre-game superstition, with Cocaptain Baylee Dozark, senior, having the essential privilege of spitting last.

“It’s a full moon, anything could happen,” senior mid-fielder Erin Kocher said before the game against Plant High that began their quest for a district title.

Although the girls joked around prior to the game, 80 minutes later when the fog lifted their night ended in dramatic fashion with some pretty remarkable dreams coming true.

The 2010-2011 team received a large blue banner for their blood, sweat and dirty cleats. This blue banner signified the one goal they had strived to achieve all season: winning the District Championship against Bloomingdale, 2-1.

“It felt like a huge accomplishment that we made history in this school,” junior forward Ashni Deschenes said.

It was a very physical game, adrenaline consuming their bodies, but the girls pulled through and on penalty kicks, 4-3, even though the opposing goal keeper was, according to senior goalie Heather Montgomery, “talking smack.”

“It sparked my intensity,” Mont-

gomery said, “because after the smack she was talking, I couldn’t let her win. When it gets to penalty kicks, it calms me down.

Coach Vukorep was very good at preparing us for penalty kicks. I was confident in my team’s ability to make the kicks and my ability to make the saves.”

“We worked together as a team.

Everyone knew what they had to do,” junior forward Leah Chisolm said.

Even though some earlier games in the season included shutout losses, they turned the soccer world on its head with an 11 game winning streak including their district and regional games.

“At the end of the year, we all stepped up and became a team,” Dozark said.

With the majority of the 20102011 district champions returning this season along with some very promising rookies, this team is confident they can excel this season.

“I think we can win states; we have a great team, a great group of girls who all support each other and work hard,” sophomore midfielder Laura Johnson said.

Deschenes agrees. “I think we can go to districts, and I think we could go farther than last year,” she said.

“We have the talent, unity and leadership to do it,” head coach Denis Vukorep said.

This positive and competitive attitude might just propel Coach Vukorep’s team to their more ambitious goal of passing districts and maybe even kicking grass at states.

Senior outside midfielder Erin Kocher heads the ball during a 2-1 victory over defending state champions Steinbrenner. The pursuit for another district banner is a priority for the veteran squad. Photo by Emily Broaddus

Wrestling to capitalize on transfer’s talent nickrogers staff writer The outlook for this year’s wrestling team just looked a whole lot brighter with the addition of three-time state champion Tyler Liberatore.

Liberatore dominated Hillsborough County and Florida his first three years at Brandon which is a nationally recognized as a wrestling powerhouse. Tyler wrestled at 125 pounds as a freshman and increased five pounds each of the next years. He is expected to stay at 135 pounds his senior year here and is, once again, expected to bring home another state title. But as a Wildcat this time.

Although Brandon is still in Wharton’s district this year and has never been defeated by the Wildcats, the addition of Liberatore will definitely make an impact this year for Wharton.

“I’m going to miss the guys, and I had a bunch of friends on the team, but I’m looking forward to wrestling for Wharton this year,” Liberatore said.

However, it’s not just the new addition of Liberatore that makes the wrestling team such a threat.

Head coach David Mitchell leads a young, fiery team into the season with an impressive amount of accumulated wrestling experience.

Mitchell said as of Nov. 17 he has five returning grapplers. Senior Mauricio Downer brings the most experience having wrestled

his entire career for the ‘Cats.

Juniors Gabe Nold and Connor Hinds, along with second year returnee Zach Antle and Jonathan Khatskelevich round out the experience and the squad.

“There is a good amount of football players that are going to come out after football,” Mitchell said.

Add Liberatore to the mix and the team can’t help but be optimistic.

“Tyler is going to have a huge impact on our chance of moving further than ever before,” Antle said.

Mitchell brings experience to

the mat as well. He attended the Yankton College in South Dakota on a wrestling scholarship, and went on to wrestle for Team USA. “I learned a lot of what I teach kids today from my days of wrestling for Team USA. It developed me into a better wrestler, and I want to develop these kids into better wrestlers,” Mitchell said.

Liberatore has already emerged as an elite wrestler not just in the state, but also in the country. He has competed in national tournaments all over the country and has finished runner-up in several.

“He’s definitely had his fair

share of wrestling experience, but everybody has something they can improve on. Nobody can be perfect at this sport,” Mitchell said.

Liberatore recently signed with national wrestling powerhouse program Arizona State University.

“I hope that I can be the future national champion,” Liberatore said.

For now the Wildcat fans will have to be patient and wait as Liberatore continues his pursuit to capture yet another state championship title in his young career.

Liberatore works to pin freshman Wyatt Colson during one of his recent practices as a Wildcat wrestler. If he wins the state title for 135 pound divison, it will be the school’s first wrestling championship. Photo by Princess Claveria

18

SPORTS

Dec. 2, 2011

Predator

Siblings ‘play nice’ on field P

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overall state tennis singles championship and is attending John Hopkins University on a tennis scholarship.

However, we have to wonder how the older siblings feel. Daniel Terrazas, junior, helps his younger brother, Salvador, sopho-

more, by teaching him the tricks of the trade in their sport, wrestling.

“We wrestle around and I teach him something else, trying to get him better, so maybe he’ll make varsity next year,” the Wharton junior said.

Daniel Terrazas always stands up for his brother and believes he can be better and succeed in wrestling. They wrestle at home and it promotes a healthy relationship between them.

Youngsters in sports often view their older siblings as mentors and look to them for guidance and support.

“I view my sibling more as a role model because my brother is re-

sponsible and a great example of a student-athlete,” Tommy Hwang said.

Freshman midfielder Mollie Golicher considers her sister, cross country runner Kallie Golicher, an inspiration to keep fighting through tough times.

“Last season my sister suffered a stress fracture in her right shin,” Mollie said.

“Though most people would quit, she came back strong to run this season.

“In May...she suffered another stress fracture in her right shin.

After two stress f r a c tures, you would think she would stop cross country.”

Mollie said Kallie would not give up on her dream of running cross country in college.

“She will never give up,” Mollie said, “and that’s why I look up to my sister.”

Many siblings find that they are compared to each other all the time by coaches, teachers and teammates. Shane Huetten, Tommy Hwang and the Terrazas brothers, say being compared to their siblings is not a big deal.

But siblings do get very competitive in athletics.

“I can’t let him do better than me, so I work harder,” Daniel Terrazas said. “It motivates me to do better, because, the better I do, I think, in my mind, it will motivate him to do better.”

Benefit? Or downfall?

As we’ve seen from the famous Pouncey brothers, the illustrious tennis twins and little Giant and the big Colt, having a sibling in sports no doubt makes them bring their “A” game.

Tommy Hwang, freshman, shows improvement on the courts thanks to his big brother, Ben Hwang’s guidance. Photo illustration

by Kelley Nesler

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Famous Siblings in Sports

Peyton Manning

Mike and Maurkice Pouncey

Eli Manning Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Venus and Serena Williams

Photo courtesy of thefreshkings.com

Photo courtesy of gotennis.com

Infographic by Kelly Peretz

legend?

“For the past two years, everyone on the swim team has seen me and my sister as a package, like we’re eyton and Eli Manning. always in the same places so like Mike and Maurkice Pounc- when she has to go, I have to go. ey. Venus and Serena Wil- They put us together, even though liams. All siblings, all sports. we’re individuals, that ticked me We see siblings in the sports en- off. They grouped us together just vironment all the time, in college, because we’re brother and sister,” professional, and even right here Shane Huetten, junior, said. at Wharton Although JenHigh School. na Huetten and The question Ben Hwang have I view my sibling is, how do moved on to colmore as a role they emerge lege athletics on from the scholarships, model because shadows of their passion my brother is their brothers and drive have responsible and a been instilled in or sisters to become their great example of a their younger own person? siblings, Shane student-athlete To be known and Tommy. as Shane “I have never Huetten, inbeen jealous Tommy Hwang, stead of Jenof my sibling’s freshman na Huetten’s achievements. little brother?

I understand Or Tommy that they have Hwang, instead of Ben Hwang’s worked hard to receive these baby brother. achievements, and that someday After the older sibling has gradu- I could do the same thing,” freshated, how do the younger siblings man Tommy Hwang said. break away from being ‘just the Tommy’s brother, Ben Hwang, little one’ to becoming the next class of 2011, won the Class 4A

kellyperetz news editor

Athletes swear by pre-game rituals

The Wharton Wildcat chooses to drink Sweet Leaf sweet tea as part of her gameday ritual. She claims horrendous things will happen if she doesn’t. Photo illustration

by Scott Sollazzo.

Serena Williams bounces the ball five times before her first serve, twice before her second. Michael Jordan wore his UNC shorts underneath his Chicago Bulls uniform for years.

In March 2010, the National Basketball Association took superstitious matters into their hands when they banned Dallas Maverick’s Caron Butler from chewing straws during games due to safety precautions.

Athletes, at all different levels, have been known for their superstitious attitudes and winning rituals.

“I have to do everything in two’s, alternating sides. For example, after I pray and before I head out to the take the fields I will take a sip of water with my left hand.

I’ll put it down and take another sip holding the water bottle in my right hand,” sophomore AJ Speranza, lacrosse player said.

According to exercise physiologist Elizabeth Quinn, superstitions among athletes develop simply from a good game. If they are graced with a desirable outing, the athlete would then search for a “cause and effect” as to why they performed so well.

“Before every game when we’re in our team huddle on the court, one of our players will pray. We

“It is a team concept. The story always ask that nobody will get hurt and we’ll have a great game goes if you were hanging off a and beat the other team. We all cliff and you were holding onto a strongly believe in doing every rope who you would want to grab time we go out to play. One time the rope. You ask your team, who we didn’t and we actually ended would you want to grab it,” varup losing the game,” senior Nata- sity baseball coach Scott Hoffman said. lie Attar, volleyball player said.

“Most people would say the bigWharton’s varsity baseball team is coached by one of the top su- gest guy or a certain player. Those perstitious athletes of all time. are all the wrong answers. It really Hall of Fame player, Wade Boggs is anybody. It doesn’t matter who, was known as the “Chicken man” we always want to be holding the because he ate poultry before ev- rope to lift up as a team effort.”

Studies have shown little eviery meal. dence that He even the athpublished letes ritual a book We always ask routines with his that nobody will increase favorite chances of chicken get hurt and we’ll a victorious recipes. have a great game outcome.

Aland beat the other Yet that though his h a s n ’ t chicken team. stopped superthem from stitions Natalie Attar, doing them. didn’t get senior Even maspassed cots have down to jumped on the team, the superstiBoggs has tion bandwagon. instilled another ritual “I drink Sweet Leaf sweet tea “When we are stretching before a game, Coach (Wade) Boggs, because it is not only delicious, walks around and we tug on a but it helps me cheer better. If I piece of rope. There is a plaque don’t have at least a cup before in our dugout called ‘The Rope’ a game, I have it in my head that and it explains why we do it each something is going to go horritime,” junior Alex Kranick, base- bly wrong that night,” Wharton’s Wildcat said. ball player.

“

“

alliedavison sports editor

SPORTS

Predator

Dec. 2, 2011

19

Fans, coach spark girls volleyball run yvonnebertovich editorial editor

game that there would already be people there cheering for you and not just empty stands, including From ground to hand, ground parents because the parents were to hand. Hand to air, to hand. really involved with the fan base Served. From opponent, to home this year too.” Stephany Brown, team, to opponent. Point. The senior volleyball player, said. home crowd roars. Energy, asLet’s not forget the Patriots. sociated with volleyball, seems to “I think having Freedom for one move in a chain. of our first games was really good The excitement for Wharton vol- because everyone always goes to leyball last season emulated this rival games more than any other,” very chain, amassing an enthusi- Brown said. ‘And when they saw astic fan base that grew beyond how intense it was, they were like, perception but brought much rec- “Well, I’m gonna go to all the othognition. er games now.’”

“A couple years ago we would Perhaps something more special only have like 5-10 people come was rolling off the fingertips of to the games, so we really didn’t players, and not just the ball. have that “I think many peowe just ple,” Jenna It felt really good just had a McKernan, seetter knowing that when you bturnout nior volleyball showed up to a game overall, player, said.

“But this that there would already b e t t e r year we had be people there cheer- c h a n t s , a solid 15-20 just overing for you and not just all better people come to almost evschool empty stands. ery game; we spirit. even had peoWe emStephany Brown, ple drive out p h a senior to Plant and s i z e d Durant.” being With a new polite sense of team unity, the Lady to other teams, but also getting Wildcats were able to attain their rowdy towards the other team best record of (19-4) ever. Benefi- and trying to knock them off their cial were the notorious members game,” Jay Wickersham, senior, of Blue Crew, family, friends and said. other student supporters cheering Regardless of what came over them on, filling the previous sea the volleyball team this year, fans of empty seats. continued to show and support.

“It felt really good just know“Fans really do affect how we ing that when you showed up to a play, because when we get down,

“

the fans are always there and they can pick us back up. If there’s no one there, then its harder for us to come back together as a team,” McKernan said.

As seen through the utter success of the volleyball team this year, it may cause speculation as to whether more support for all Wharton athletics would bring more titles, wins and trophies.

“Of course, if more students are involved in the games, all the teams are gonna try and be more pumped up,” Micah Warren, junior, said.

Volleyball fever spread this season throughout the student population and even became the driving force to start a men’s club.

“I just drew such inspiration from their complete awesomeness. I just figured we would look just as good in spandex as they do. We’re definitely going to draw a lot of crowds and build sportsmanship, and give the girls someone else to compete against,” Joey Wolf, senior, said.

Talent or not, fan turnout and success seem to go hand in hand.

“I have heard it from multiple athletes from different teams that fans really do help you win, and they help you play better and have better performance,” McKernan said. “I try and encourage people to come out to as many games as possible regardless if I’m on the team or not.”

A chain indeed.

“I think it was our team chemistry and our excitement on the court that kept everyone all excited up in the stands,” McKernan said.

Senior server Stephany Brown tips the ball over to her opponents during a volleyball game this season. The team rewrote history after finishing 19-4 on the year and improved to district semi-finals. Photo courtesy of Mojo Studios

“

Athletes risk health, eligibility with supplement use joshacierno staff writer Athletes need to be big, they need to be able to withstand harsh muscular punishment while also having high muscle payload.

On top of that, they need to be healthy, and they need to be legal.

Sports supplements, all achieve positive affects but are not necessarily safe.

“At high school age, 15, 16 or 17, with proper nutrition foods and rest they don’t need to take them.

They’re bodies are still growing,” Tim Kocher, football athletic trainer said. “The body manufactures everything you need. Proper conditioning and training, that’s all you need and boom. You’re good.”

Creatine, one of the most widely used supplements is a natural amino acid that supplies cells, mainly muscles; with energy. The supplement can enhance shortburst activity such as weight lifting or sprinting. It also helps to add mass to an athlete’s muscles and can help him or her become stronger and quicker.

“You don’t really see results for the first few weeks. You need to stay hydrated though. After about the first week or two you’ll go up in weight levels and by the fourth week you’ll visually notice muscle gain,” said sophomore Erman Aydin.

On the down side, the mass added to the muscles is mainly water

Senior Tom Reed chooses not to succumb to supplement use. Such substances can result in cases of severe hydration and kidney failure. Photo by Alex Montgomery weight. Other disadvantages include severe dehydration or the risks of harming kidneys because they’re not used to such high creatine levels (about three times the normal production). Suffering from cramps is a downside as well. Dehydration can cause cramps throughout the muscles or in some cases, tears.

“The whole thing is a downside. It’s cheating. I think it’s more

negative than positive because it’s fake. It’s a possible drug addiction and ligament or muscle tears are possibilities. They get too big for your body and ligaments start to stretch,” said Ryan Sollazzo, former Florida Atlantic University defensive end.

Other popular supplements include protein powders, L-glutamine and nitric oxide. Protein powders help muscles to grow

and repair more efficiently. Lglutamine is an energy booster and nitric oxide helps to deliver blood and nutrients to muscles and in turn helps them to recover quicker.

“Dehydration from use can lead to possible heat stroke and heat exhaustion. With creatine or steroid use it takes about 10 to 15 years to show actual side effects,” said Kocher.

Clenbuterol, deca-durabolin, winstrol and dianabol steroids are all considered illegal by the NCAA and can all help an athlete to gain a spot on the bench or off the team.

“The NCAA tests once a year for performance enhancing drugs and the time is totally random.

Institutional tests depend on the university and test for street and enhancing drugs. A few guys got caught while I was at FAU. One of the guys was eventually dismissed from the team,” Sollazzo said. “Suspension depends on the percent of game time you’ll lose. You’d lose more game time in basketball (due to more games played) than you would in football.”

Common side effects in steroid users are aggression and mood swings. In most occasions, users suffer from irritability, paranoia, jealously, delusions and impaired judgment. In some cases, users resort to hard drugs like heroin or opiates to deal with pains of steroid use. Physical damages affiliated with steroids include liver and kidney damage, high blood pressure, headaches and stomach aches, nosebleed and less flexible joints. Athletes under the use of steroids face legal problems and possible expulsion from all sports.

“Short term use is good for strength but in the long term it will hurt you,” Sollazzo said. “You’re putting something in your body that shouldn’t be there.”

20

GAME DAY

Dec. 2, 2011

GAME DAY:

Predator

Blue Crew ignites passion, provides 6th man strategy

alliedavison sports editor This game matters.

As you scan the stands, all you see are the same supportive faces of Mom and Dad and a handful of loyal administrators who have been there all season.

Waiting anxiously for tipoff, there aren’t any rowdy chants to help keep your head in the game.

Negative thoughts begin to invade your focus. The only thing you can hear is the slapping of the ball hitting the hardwood floor over and over. There aren’t enough bodies to soak up the sound.

The buzzer signals the end of the game and it takes a moment for the team to realize what is happening. Tears tumble down faces, and everyone grins cheek to cheek.

There isn’t a crowd rush onto the court. There aren’t cheers of, “Scoreboard” or “This is our house.”

You hoist that trophy filled with dedication and heart, glance into the stands and see a sea of empty seats. No one is there is witness this victory. Was it still worth it?

At Wharton, that bleak scene has yet to be played out thanks to the dedicated students who call themselves Blue Crew.

Entering their fifth year as an official charter, the club has established their school spirit territory since the very beginning.

“In 1997, when the school opened there was a small group of kids who did their thing. They painted up and called themselves the Blue Crew. In 2007, Josh Litton really started to get it together with the initial club shirts. The year after he graduated we were approached to do it as an actual sponsored club,” sponsor Cindy Rogers said.

Growing from the group of students who gathered by word of mouth and morphing into one of the largest clubs on campus racking in 307 members this school year, there is one thing about Blue Crew that has consistently stayed the same.

To lend a hand in supporting every athletic team.

“Blue Crew is a very helpful tool to our success because they bring the noise, they get us

Dirk Warner, Jereth Kirkland, Sir Patrick Reynolds, Cj McGill and Patrik Hauri look to Blue Crew as inspiration before games. Established in 1997, having Blue Crew in the stands is as powerful as having them on the bench. Photo illustration by Scott Sollazzo hyped. You can look up there while you are playing and you see them getting the crowd going. The whole atmo-

sphere helps out,” Jereth Kirkland, senior point gaurd said.

During last year’s run to the 6A varsity basketball region

finals game, the club capitalized on their opportunity to show their wildcat pride in a high-pressured situation.

“Last year during basketball season is when we really felt good.

When parents would do things like getting there first to take our spots, we knew we had done our job. If they are thinking about that stuff and not what’s g o i n g down on the court, then we did it,” Rogers said.

Although the night ended with a three point loss to Orlando’s Dr. Phillips, players never questioned their support team.

GET YOUR CHANTS READY: Boys Varsity Basketball 12/6 @ Alonso*(6:30 pm) 12/9 @ Plant*(7 pm)

“In my opinion, they (Blue Crew) helped us get that close.

The crowd was just crazy and it brought a lot of energy to our team. It helped us stay focused because we knew how bad they wanted us to win,” Sir Patrick Reynolds, junior small forward, said.

Infamously known for their staggering amount of followers and the staple hand ‘W’, it is no wonder other schools around the county have caught wind of the spirit club passion.

“I don’t really think anything of it. We’re better and we came up with it first. That is that,” Blue Crew Vice President Jessica Clark said.

Although frustrations can flare when members see other school’s mimicking cheers, striving to look at the competition’s gestures as compliments is the message Blue Crew sends.

“That is what we tell the kids.

You know it bugs you, but just think of it as imitation is the high-

est form of flattery. If they are copying you they must want to be like you,” Rogers said.

Blue Crew prides themselves on playing into the Wharton strategy. Referees have begun to feel the heat brought by the club game in and game out with complaints from parents and coaches about the rowdiness level.

“That is what we are there for.

Not to be nasty or anything, but to be a part of the strategy for the game. Yes, it was brought up at county referee meetings. Some people are like, ‘Well, what are we going to do about this Blue Crew?’

It is nice that the county athletic director is Lanness Robinson who came from us and knows what we are about,” Rogers said.

The athletes, however, look at the situation a little differently.

“You can’t measure rowdiness.

It is all about being hyped and bringing atmosphere. You know what they say; if you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen. So if you can’t stand all this rowdiness, get out of our gym,” said Kirkland.

Breaking down the stereotypical mold for high school spirit clubs, Blue Crew continues to enhance the sporting experience for both the players and fans.

“We are important because we are the best motivation. It gets the athletes pumped up and ready to put on a show,” Clark said.

At Wharton, every game matters.

As you scan the stands, it isn’t just Mom and Dad anymore; it is a group of students dedicated to lifting your team to victory.

There is no solitary sound of the ball bouncing or negativity flooding the court. Instead, it is the combination of passion and heart emanating from the crowd.

A common denominator is felt; we will win.

A buzzer signifies the ending to a battle and the beginning of a celebration. Tears freefall from the faces of the athletes and students.

In that moment, both sides are unified as one.

You lift the trophy high above your head putting it on display for Blue Crew. Every time you were down, they cheered loudly. Every time you were up, they kept the motivation high.

The difference between a win or a loss is them. They are the sixth man.

Starting off as a small group, Blue Crew has surpassed expectations by all.

“I never thought it was going to be this big. It is great. There have been more kids at soccer and volleyball games than ever before. That is what we want to see.

Try to get that support out there for everybody. These athletes are putting their hearts out there and they need people to support them,” Rogers said.

Boys JV @ 10:30 am, Girls JV @ 9 am

Boys JV Basketball

Girls Varsity Basketball

Girls JV Basketball

12/3 @ Strawberry Crest

12/5 @ Lennard (8 pm)

12/3 @ Tampa Bay Tech

12/10 @ Tampa Bay Tech

12/6 @ Alonso*(8 pm)

12/10 @ Wharton * denotes district game