February 25, 2011

INSIDE

17410 Commerce Park Blvd. Tampa FL 33647Vol. 9, Issue 4

RevolutionNewspaper.com

7

revolutionfreedom high school

12

LIFE after TRAGEDYStudents grieve for Calyx and Beau Schenecker

E.Winick/revolution

Courtesy of King Scepter

Blue jacket over blue shirt, blue skirt layered over blue tights; in honor of the late Beau Schenecker, she and many classmates did the same. She walks into the counseling session in the Liberty Middle School Media Center quietly with a group of students who move to a table together, but she stays behind.

“Who do you want to speak with, dear?” School Psychologist Vito Ricciardi said to the young girl.

“Someone,” she said.“You don’t want to speak with a group?”

Ricciardi said.“No, alone,” she said.Monday, Jan. 31 was a dreary day at

Liberty. Grief counselors were on campus to counsel students suffering from the af-tershocks of the murder of both Beau, 13, and Calyx, 16, Schenecker.

Jan. 28, Beau and Calyx were found murdered in their New Tampa home. Their mother, Julie Schenecker, was found in the backyard covered with their blood. The day before she shot and murdered her two children: Beau in the car on the way to soccer practice, and Calyx in her bedroom while she was studying. Beau attended Lib-erty and Calyx was enrolled in the Interna-

tional Baccalaureate program at King High School.

According to police reports, 15 live bul-lets were found in the master bedroom along with an undisclosed medication and instructions for the gun.

After the arrest, Julie was treated for an unrevealed medical condition. She also received a careless driving ci-tation last Novem-ber.

Close friends of both Calyx and Beau could not fathom what hap-pened to their friends.

“I didn’t be-lieve [it]...I was shocked,” Freedom sophomore Sarah Seto said.

Julie has received two felony charges of premeditated first-degree murder. She is currently being held without bail at the Falkenburg Road Jail and took a not-guilty plea Feb. 16.

Her husband, Colonel Parker Sche-

necker returned from active duty overseas when he found out his children had been murdered. It is unclear whether or not he will support Julie’s defense.

Liberty students planned a way to show their honor to Beau.

“On the bus ride home Friday, the students dis-cussed they would wear blue the next Monday since it was Beau’s favor-ite color,” Liberty Principal James Ammirati said.

Different events for both Liberty and King surfaced on Facebook. Stu-dents were invited to wear blue and black for Beau be-cause those were his favorite colors,

and Harry Potter themed clothes for Calyx to represent her love for the series. Students were also invited to attend candle lighting memorials for the teens.

Allegedly, Calyx reported to a counsel-or that her mother had hit her three months

prior to her murder. The counselors did further investigation but deemed Calyx and Beau safe since no physical harm was evident. There were no records of at-home violence through Liberty regarding Beau.

“I don’t think anyone could see this coming. We weren’t aware of anything,” Ammirati said.

But friends noticed something was wrong with Julie.

“She seemed okay at first,” Freedom sophomore Brandon Patchan said, “But the past few months she didn’t seem the same...Not a huge difference, though, but I could tell [something was wrong with her.]”

Ammirati approached the sensitive event to the student body as a whole via the Liberty morning show the morning of Jan. 31.

“I told them that we would get through this together,” Ammirati said.

School psychologists and grief counsel-ors were brought in to help the students and friends of Beau cope with their loss.

“Anytime you have a tragic event like this in the community, it’s the protocol to have [grief counselors from the Crisis team] available,” Ammirati said.

The Crisis Team faced a shortage of counselors because their forces were split between both King and Liberty. See Calyx and Beau/page 2

I told them

that we would

get through

this together.James Ammirati

Melody Rubinstaff writer

Senior Jianhua Wu adjusts to Tampa after living in China his entire life

Spring musical finds new talent outside the drama program

news February 25, 20112

Samantha Setostaff writer

Channel for cheating removedStudents lose convenience to gain permit

from page 1/ Calyx and Beau

Across the state of Florida, there is a new rule affecting teenagers that want to take their driver’s test to get their permit. Students are not allowed to take the permit test online anymore. With more students entering driver’s education, it has impacted their process of getting a permit. Now, the students are required take a written permit test.

“The old way for online permit testing was easier because it isn’t as stressful. You can also always have someone help you take the test,” senior Dipika Kothari said.

Students have quietly designed a perfect plan to cheat on the online permit test. It was just too easy to figure out a way to pass it without much difficulty.

“As a teacher, I am supposed to prepare students to learn about the material covered on the test because it is more difficult with a new step that was added,” driver’s education teacher Dennis Derflinger said.

Incidentally, the Florida DMV office has discovered this false result and decided to address the issue.

“A lot of people I know that previously took the test online to get their permit, don’t know some of the basic skills that are needed to drive,” Kothari said.

To ensure safety among teenage drivers, high school students are required to take the learner’s permit test as a written test.

A c c o r d i n g t o j u n i o r M a r i n a Grampietro , th is new change has affected high school students because they can’t find an easy way to cheat. This is not to say that any other way would not be effective, however.

“It depends on the individual that takes the permit test to be more or less cautious of accidents while driving,” Derflinger said.

It has been proven that drivers that have passed the test either written or virtually, have been prone to problems and failure to follow all the proper rules.

“I took my permit test online a few days after my fifteenth birthday. It would barely let me log in to do the road rules and I gave up,” Grampietro said. “Then, when I got into driver’s education class by January, I failed the permit test twice. Finally, I took it online again and passed because I got help

from people I knew.”There are several ways that students

can prepare to take the written permit test without cheating.

“The stop of online permit testing is a great idea because it helps on the actual exam in order to get your permit,” Derflinger said.

The same basic rules apply everywhere: right-of-way laws, following road signs, turn signal laws, use of headlights: where and when to use them, when to use high and low beams; driving in the rain, snow, or fog.

“Not being able to take the online permit test will not prevent people from getting into accidents because students aren’t learning much due to just being focused on passing the exam,” Kothari said.

Since the rules of courtesy apply to everyone, all students need know these key aspects to driving because without knowledge of these components, there is likely to be difficulty that will result in problems and accidents.

“A lot of people I know that previously took the test online to get their permit, don’t know some of the basic skills they need to drive,” Kothari said.

Previously, students passed the permit test online by pulling up online resources that could easily research information to answer questions on the test.

“Some students look up the answers on the Internet while taking the test, which should result in automatic disqualification since it’s cheating,” Grampietro said.

Another way to find the correct answers to the test is by seeking advice from friends or family while taking the test.

“It was so easy to get help while taking the test online. I had my friend and her parents help me pass. I was about three questions away from failing the online one, but then I quickly got help, and ended up passing the test overall,” Grampietro said.

This is not a good measure to show what the driver knows. Graduating with a license is a priority to most students. However, in order to be a good driver, they should consider learning the material and being prepared.

“Personally, it would better prepare you to take an written test and learn the material versus take the online test and just be concerned with passing the exam,” Kothari said.

In the end, these students that take the test virtually and don’t treat it like a real test, don’t end up learning anything and are unprepared for driving in the real world. Kothari agrees.

“The new change has affected students at the school because it should work to everyone’s full advantage.”

Every year graduation has been held at the University of South Florida’s Sun Dome. The popular location holds graduation ceremonies for many schools in Hillsborough County.

This year, due to the Univers i ty ’s renovat ion , Freedom’s, as well as many other graduation ceremonies, will be held at the Florida State Fair Grounds.

“Hopeful ly next year we will be able to hold the graduation back at the Sun Dome,” Assistant Principal of administration Elijah Thomas said.

The rehearsal date has been changed to June 4 at 3 p.m. The graduation will be indoors. The actual ceremony will still be on June 8, but will be at 4:30 p.m.

C o m m e n c e m e n t Coordinator, Debbie Lum reported to the USF Newspaper, The USF Oracle, that “We don’t want anyone panicked because they hear about venue changes, and we don’t want them to feel like they are in a venue that’s not good enough.”

>> Melody Rubin

District changes graduation site

Male pageant starts new tradition

The First Annual King of Hearts Pageant, put on by the Principal’s Advisory Council (PAC) and judged by faculty, featured 14 male students from all grades showcasing their individual talents, intelligence, and personalities. The King of Hearts is expected to be a new annual tradition.

“It ’s fun to start new traditions because you know in ten years it’ll be something that we do every year,” judge Toni Guida said.

The pageant featured casual, athletic, and formal wear a talent and a question-answer portion. Each contestant represented themselves as best they could in hopes of being named the King of Hearts.

Although chants named Josh Tanner as the crowd favorite, Devin Houston, Sammy Almasri, and Jeremy Funt took the top places.

“Josh Tanner deserved it, I’ll say that ‘til I die,” King of Hearts Jeremy Funt said. Funt won with playful athletic wear, a charismatic performance as an “honest man”, and a winning response. Despite interspersed technical difficulties, the night was deemed an overall success.

“The boys did a great job,” Guida said.

The night ended with two runners-up and one happy winner.

“I enjoyed it overall,” Funt said. “The people who ran it did a very good job, despite what they may think.”

>> Fatima Kamara

No counselors were placed at Freedom since neither Calyx nor Beau attended Free-dom.

Crisis Team members Brian Noll over-saw counseling at King and Ricciardi did the same at Liberty.

“We deal with their grief and then we help them open their emotional wound. We cleanse their emotional wound with talking and tears,” Ricciardi said.

The Crisis Team mainly deals with acci-dental deaths: drug overdoses, car crashes, natural causes; but murders by a student’s own mother prove a new challenge.

“The [deaths due to] violence are the most difficult because one’s mother is sup-posed to love you and nurture her children, and yet this mother executed her children.that’s what leads to a lot of shock and dis-belief among the students,” Ricciardi said.

Although there are varied reactions among the students, the grief counselors all start with a similar approach.

“As a therapist meeting the kids for the first time, we are strangers. We build rap-port to get them to trust us and help them cope with their grief,” Ricciardi said.

A mix of emotions was observed in many of the students.

“Many of the students have expressed a mix of shock and sadness. They can’t un-derstand how violence of this magnitude...could happen to one of their classmates,”

Ricciardi said.Ricciardi noticed that students tend

to ask questions about the details of the crime.

“Therapists try to redirect the students toward their feelings. We’re not cops, we’re therapists. We don’t deal with the details of the crime, we deal with the emotions that follow,” Ricciardi said.

Feb. 2, a ceremony was held in honor of Beau and Calyx. “A Celebration of Life,” the ceremony emphasized the time they spent among the people they loved. The ceremo-ny was held at the First Baptist Church in Temple Terrace.

“Whether you wore some blue, or some Harry Potter glasses; whether you lit a candle, or laid a flower;...you honored my children,” Parker said to the congregation. “Please don’t forget how they lived.”

Students from Liberty reflected on their times with Beau.

“Let’s not waste our lives, let’s spend our lives on others. That’s what counts,” Liberty student Calvin Works said.

Friends of Calyx remembered her quirky personality.

“From talking about Calyx’s deep de-sire to grow an Afro or to commenting on her well-known ‘Ikea’ juice, we relied on Calyx’s comedic relief as a stepping stone to something greater,” King student, Sahil Shah said.

There was also a picture slide show playing to Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance,” with photos of Beau and Calyx growing up. Julie was cropped out of all the photos.

Another memorial was also held in Parker’s home state of Texas to honor Ca-lyx’s and Beau’s lives. At all ceremonies the theme of remembering their lives was em-phasized over their death.

Calyx and Beau alike continue to hold special spots in many hearts of their friends and family.

“I’ve known him for three and a half years. I saw him every day. So, it’s tough,” Patchan said.

Final moments seem so precious be-cause now there is no chance to get them back.

“Realize what you have at the moment. One day you’re with your friend. The next day, that doesn’t exist anymore,” Seto said.

Reflecting on past memories and the lives of Beau and Calyx is what friends agree on.

“The AFC Championship game was the last time [I saw him.] He was at my house for a party. We were just hanging out and having a great time,” Patchan said. “He was a great kid and he should be remem-bered by that.”

And although Calyx or Beau can never be brought back, wishing they were will never be out of the question for friends of theirs.

“I wish I could go back to the day Ca-

lyx and I spent the day at the Aquarium to-gether,” Seto said, “Because when her mom [drove] us home, before we reached my neighborhood; I’d [have] liked to somehow change her mind for the future. I’d tell her how talented and beautiful her daughter is and to never let her or Beau go.”

Facts about online permit testing

source: StAugustine.com

• The online permit program started in 2004.

• 2009: 97, 239 took the test online.

• 2010: 104, 755 took the test online.

• In 2009, the Department of Motor Vehicles re-tested 600 people that passed the online test, only 41 percent passed.

revolution news 3

digital media editorJessica Brown

staff writersAlex AnthonyEmily BallBrandi ChmielewskiCristina CordovaJacob DummeldingerJonathan HarrisFatima KamaraBranden MartinTara McNealBreana PaulineMelody RubinSamantha SetoMedha Sinha

revolution

news editorMatt Simpson

opinion editorLeah Wasserman

features editorPaola Rivera

centerspread editorRachel Drummond

entertainmnent editorGabriella Carli

sports editorErin Winick

adviserSean Marcus

Revolution is published by the newspaper staff at Freedom High School, 17410 Commerce Park Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647.

Advertising rates are available upon request by calling 813-558-1185 ext. 255. Advertising for illegal products, that opposes any religion or is of a sensitive nature will not be accepted.

Revolution has been established as an open forum for student expression as outlined in the Student Press Law Center’s model guidelines for student publications. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the faculty and adminis-tration of Freedom High School, but rather of the author or the newspaper staff and its editors.

Revolution welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to Freedom High School and its community. We also welcome contributions from authors not associated with the newspaper staff. All freelance material must be submitted to room 723 and bear the author’s name.

Revolution is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press As-sociation, Florida Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Southern Interscholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll.

editors-in-chiefSam Brown Katie Luker

opinion February 25, 20114Fresh Perspectives

Should concealed weapons be permitted on college campuses?

Following the example set by 37 states prior, the Florida Senate is expecting to see a bill addressing firearms on college campuses in the near future. The newly proposed legislation, nicknamed “campus carry,” would extend concealed carry permit rights to include college campuses.

When first hearing the proposal of guns on campus many students cringe and dismiss the idea. However, upon taking a closer look we find that firearms on campus create a safer environment for all.

Only one percent of citizens living in the 48 concealed carry states exercise their right. All permit holders are required to pass a safety and responsibility course taught by a professional. Still, some speculate guns on campus would make students feel unsafe. Yet, why should a student feel uncomfortable around a licensed, trained, law abiding citizen carrying a firearm? That is much more comforting than a criminal carrying an illegal weapon on campus uncontested.

Needless of how clean the background record is of a person who has a carry permit, it is still argued that they could ‘snap’ and go on a killing spree. A Secret Service study into school shootings concluded that

Senate Bill 234 will completely reform gun control laws within the state of Florida. One of the major components of this reform will be allowing a concealed weapon on college and university campuses.

The obvious flaws with this clause are so apparent that fact that the state legislature would even consider passing this law is completely unfathomable.

Supporters of the law advocate that students and teachers alike should be able to protect themselves on campus in the event that a situation arises similar to the shooting at Virginia Tech in April of 2007.

Several issues arise with this solution. One, we have police officers for a reason. They are specifically trained to handle high stress and hostage situations, while college students and professors are not.

According to “11 Years of Police Gunfire, in Painstaking Detail” published by the New York Times in 2008, even police officers only hit their target 34% of the time. If police officers, who are specifically trained, have difficulty hitting a shooter or criminal, why would a student or professor be any more successful?

Adding more guns to the situation would only further escalate an already horrifying

PRO

CON

Campus carry safer than it

seems

Guns on cam-pus will lead to increased

risks

school shooters do not simply ‘snap,’ but that a person’s downward spiral toward violence is accompanied by numerous, long term warning signs. The Columbine shooters, who were continuously bullied by fellow students, showed all of these signs before ‘snapping.’

When the “Castle Doctrine” was proposed in Florida opponents aruged it would turn the state into the “Wild West.” It did not happen. When concelaed carry was proposed in Florida opponents aruged it would cause shootouts in the street. It did not happen. Campus carry is legal in 37 other states. Not one of these states has seen an increase in campus violence.

“Students or teachers carrying guns on campus would only make things worse,” is the most commonly used argument to oppose campus carry. However, what could be worse than a drawn out, uncontested, execution style massacre exactly like what happened at Columbine and VA Tech? A teacher or student who had gone through permit training and carried a firearm may have been able to stop the shootings, saving countless lives.

Our college campuses are no different than any other public place. Citizens deserve the right to protect themselves both on and off campus.

situation. The more people with weapons in their hands, the more difficult it is for a police office to do their job of protecting the people. Moreover, a student with a gun may be mistaken as a shooter, further complicating the situation.

Not only that but college life is characterized by teenagers looking to experiment and try out new things. These new experiences may include partying and high-risk situations.

Alcohol impairs the decision making process of a person. Allow guns on campus and the possibiliy of an intoxicated carrier is bound to happen, creating the opportunity for lethal consequences. If a student who has been out drinking is presented with a confrontation, and is armed, they will be tempted to use the gun.

Although there are extensive classes and training programs a person must take in order to carry a concealed weapon, no class or training can control how a person will act under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they are carrying a gun.

The Second Amendment states that citizens have the right to bear arms, but students also have the right to feel safe in a learning environment and for many that equates to a weapon-free zone.

Once guns are introduced at the college and university level, the final days of youth will be lost as students will be forced to mature faster than anticipated in the presence of guns.

People are too rash and impulsive to be responsible with a firearm in a public

situation.

Sara Hill, 11

Gun control needs to be stricter. You shouldn’t be al-lowed to simply

go out and buy a gun.

Tyler Harrell, 12

Sabrina Linville, 10

Alex Anothony

Katie Luker

Having a gun keeps people from doing stupid stuff to you. If you get it legally

it’s okay.

Deven Turner, 11

Having a gun anywhere poses a threat to everyone

around you.

What do you think? Tell us in a letter to the editor. Submit

yours to room 723.

Michael Shaheenfreshman

Chris Farkasprincipal

SECOND SEMESTER

TORNADO DRILL

FRIED OREO

EGYPT

KING OF HEARTS

QA&

Michael Brittinghamjunior

Mary Petricksenior

Ali Diioiasophomore

Good Grades

Pharoah

Ryan Dance

Butt Cracks

Double Chin

Pyramids

A Joke

Interpretive Dance

State Fair

Getting Big

Africa

Boring

Ew

Me

Senioritis

Cards

Hilarious

Gross

Internet Shutdown

Conclusion

Fun

Chaos

Chaos

Healthy

When I received my first car I was thrilled and overjoyed for one particular reason: I could drive to school.

I had become a part of what seemed to me a secretive society, those who could drive to school. I was a changed person. I was a driver.

The parking lot was such a place of bliss my sophomore and junior years. Especially when I received my white Volkswagen Jetta S.E, named Heidi after the German super-model. But my senior year was when everything changed and the parking lot became a place of anger and frustration.

A majority of the school population knows and understands parking lot etiquette.

However, there are a select few who feel that they are above the lines. They feel it is okay to drive down the side and cut everyone waiting to get onto the big road.

Not only that, but afterwards, they feel entitled to create a second line on the main road. Whatever happened to right and left lanes? It seems that some students have completely disregarded this fundamental driving principle.

Finally, I have waited for four years to be able to park in those special lanes of Senior Parking and the last ounce my patience evaporated when I noticed the teachers who park in Senior parking. I know all the teachers know how to read and the sign clearly says “Senior Parking” not “Senior/Faculty Parking.”

Not only that but last year, when I tried to park in the Area III parking next to the portables, Heidi almost got towed for being in the wrong area. I guess this rule does not apply to the teachers who park in Senior parking. Double standard much? I’m starting to think Mr. Farkas’ spot looks pretty good right now.

What was once a sweet victory of freedom is now a bitter pill of irritation. The school parking lot has apparently become a cut-throat world of driver eat driver, where only the strong survive and I am dying a slow and painful death.

18 years laterKatie Luker

Parking lot blues

revolution opinion 5

Recently, in conjunction with my UF acceptance, I received a special gift from a friend, one that constantly receives harsh criticism from various pundits and comedians: the Snuggie, that beautiful blanket with sleeves that comes in so many fashionable colors.

First off, what is so wrong with being both warm and productive? Though the sleeves can be a hassle, I feel that I can easily do my statistics and physics homework during those chilly February nights. Once that’s finished, I can snuggle with my handsomely patterned blanket.

And just as the commercial says, the Snuggie has more uses beyond the home. If a class is particularly nippy, I can pull it out of my backpack and bundle up. The day I received my Snuggie, I wore it in three of my classes, and needless to say, I was in heaven.

I have not tried using this brilliant invention at sports functions yet, but when the time comes and winter sports come to a head next December, guess who will be prepared?

Plus, who wouldn’t love to receive such beautiful colors as mint green, snuggly pink, leopard print, zebra print, or your favorite college patterns?

I can admit, the concept seems a bit farfetched, but when the Snuggie hit the market, it sold like hotcakes. In December 2009, over four million Snuggies had been sold, and a ‘cult’ was born.

I am proud to say that I am part of this cult. My household now owns two Snuggies, one a deep blue, the other in Gator blue and orange.

In the wake of Snuggie success, many imitators have been spawned, including the Slanket and the Forever Cozy, a brand of adult footed pajamas. Personally, I feel that we need to go back to basics, and stay true to the Snuggie roots.

Whether it’s a campfire or calculus, I can always rely on my Snuggie.

Your argument is invalid

Sam BrownPart of the Snuggie nation

This is possible because the teachers do not know the students. After seeing someone and speaking with them five days a week for the school year one gets to know their style of work and personality. An online instructor only knows the name of their students. They have no face to place with a name, which may make it more difficult to differentiate between students. It is also harder to teach students in ways that work best for them. Students are less likely to improve if they do not have a teacher working with them constantly.

For the students that put forth a legitimate effort into virtual classes it only adds unnecessary stress to their workload. Even those who study will have difficulty retaining information.

Florida Virtual School may provide positive opportunities in theory but it allows too much freedom for students, which leads to more cheating and a lack of actual learning. Without students and teachers interacting in person it is much harder to teach and learn. School should be completed within an actual school, not through the computer behind closed doors.

Classrooms top FLVSFlorida Virtual School opens many doors. It

provides curriculum for homeschooled students, adds an oppurtunity to inflate GPA’s, and allows kids to make up failed courses out of school. But taking a class online makes it extremely easy to cheat.

In the classroom, teachers’ eyes follow a student’s every move during a test. The only restriction to an online exam is a time limit. When taking such a test, finding answers is as simple as typing the question into a search engine. More often than not, somewhere on the Internet, there is the exact question followed by an answer and work. Getting full credit could easily be gained by copying and pasting.

Despite the simplicity of cheating, some students still do not even complete the class themselves. The teacher often lives cities away with the only communication taking place through phone calls and e-mail. Because of this system it is common for people to pay their friends or classmates to do their work for them. Maybe it’s $20 for one module, $50 for an end of class exam, or even hundreds of dollars for a single course. It is possible for a student to receive credit without ever logging in.

Staff Editorial

Spring Break

F. Crowe/revolution

features February 25, 20116

College is more than just another school. It’s an experience; one that students keep with them for the rest of their lives.

As students take the leap from high school to college, some find themselves on a very similar journey to others in their family.

When other members of a student’s family have already attended college, it adds an additional layer of complexity to the search, for better or for worse.

Senior Emily Stonsifer has a brother graduating from FSU this year, and she plans on attending the school next year.

Stonesifer’s brother is the marching chief, and she says they like to watch him play his trumpet at the football games.

“We definitely love to go up there and spend time together,” Stonsifer said. Stonsifer’s parents are both graduates of the University of Maryland, and she grew up around the campus. She says she did consider applying, but in the end only applied to FSU because of the incentive Bright Futures provides.

Stonsifer also says having her brother at FSU has led to some advantages.

“He’s definitely helped me a lot with making decisions, like the dorm decisions,” Stonsifer said. “He knows what rooms are nicer and the ones that aren’t so nice.”

She also says he’s helped show her spots in town to visit.

“I already am so excited to go there, and I know he’s had such a great experience there,” Stonesifer said. “Knowing he’s had such a great experience, I think will add to mine.”

Senior Amber Melson’s sister attends University of Central Florida, and she hopes to do the same.

“I just like the area and Orlando around it, and the school itself is just really pretty,” Amber said.

Amber’s mother, Roxann Melson, says they encouraged Amber to apply to UCF, but also encouraged her to apply to other schools.

“We’ve seen a lot of good things and I really think that’s why she wants to go there,” Roxann said.

She says her daughter feels comfortable with the school because she has visited before and she would like for Amber to attend UCF because she wouldn’t have to worry as much. She does however, have a concern.

“I want it to be her own experience, not her sister’s,”Roxann said.

While having a relative that previously attended college may make the process a little easier on some students, some find that having relatives in college makes the journey more difficult.

Senior Jessica Sandelli has two older siblings. Her sister attended the University of Florida, while her brother graduates from Florida State University this year. Jessica has now been accepted to FSU as well.

“I always thought I’d go to UF,” Jessica said.

She says since her sister is the oldest, she fell in love with UF first. However, UF didn’t have the biology program she wanted.

The day UF announced its accepted students was bittersweet for Jessica.

“I always thought that day would be for me,” Jessica said.

Although Jessica says it was hard to let go of UF, she is looking forward to her new school.

“I’m still getting used to the idea of being a Seminole, but I’m excited,” Jessica said.

Jessica’s mother, Jan Sandelli, is also happy with the choice.

“We thought it was a really good choice and a really good fit for her,” Jan said.

She says that FSU is a great school and a great environment all-around, and that Jessica already knows people at the school through her brother.

“It just has a lot to offer,” Jan said.Jessica says her brother helped influence

her decision. “I really liked the school but he

definitely helped bring out the better things about [FSU] that I wouldn’t have noticed,” Jessica said.

Senior Jessica Lush’s parents both attended the University of Pittsburgh. She

was born in the campus hospital and fell in love with the school. For ten years she wanted to attend. However, her application was met with rejection.

“That was a really awful night,” Jessica said.

Lush says she was nervous as she opened the letter and then started crying.

Lush says their influence may have added to her decision to apply.

“I wanted to go to it because I really like the campus,” she said. “Part of it also had to do with the fact that I’d grown up with parents who were from Pitt.”

Lush says for the most part she’s accepted the rejection, and now plans to attend University of Oregon.

“I’m kind of excited to just go 3,000 miles away and just completely start over.”

Breana Paulinestaff writer

(Left) Jessica Sandelli with her family at her sister’s graduation from UF. Jessica was accepted into FSU and will be attending this coming fall. (Right) Amber Melson with her family at UCF. Amber sis-ter attends UCF and she plans to do the same.

College: A family affairStudents follow in relatives’ footsteps when applying to universities

Curtesy of Jessica Sandelli Curtesy of Amber Melson

revolution features 7

Getting to greatness

Paola Rivera

After five years of consideration and laboring through the immigration pro-cess, senior Jianhua Wu has arrived in America. All the work and effort applied to coming to this new country for the benefit of his education has come to an end.

As a senior, Wu moved from the city of Guang-zhou, China about t w o m o n t h s ago. He has had to adapt not only to a new school environment half-way through the school year, but a new country, and culture as well.

Wu has strug-gled some with his English abili-ties.

“I think the most d i f f i cu l t thing is the lan-guages,” Wu said. “The listening in class and the reading; this is the difficult thing to me. The knowledge is not difficult because I have studied before.”

Wu hasn’t had much a problem making new friends despite the language issues.

Senior Amy Kim has become friends with Wu because of her connection to his cousin who now attends King High School.

“I am actually friends with his cousin,” Kim said. “We went to middle school together and we still hang out. Also, his cousin told me [Jianhua] was coming so we kind of looked out for him and then we found out he was in Ms. Thybulle’s class. We invited him to lunch and we started

hanging out.”Other new friends of Wu have noticed

some of these issues with language.“When me and some other friends

are talking he won’t get some sarcasm or some of the slang,” Senior Tasvira Naidoo said. “When he first came he wouldn’t go into the cafeteria because he thought it was a

restaurant, not a cafeteria. Some of the words he doesn’t quite understand as well or he has a different mean-ing for them.”

H o we ve r, Wu d o e s n ’t have to face these new chal-lenges alone. The move took place with his f a m i l y, w h o have also had s o m e i s s u e s a d a p t i n g t o American so-ciety.

“Most [of m y f a m i l y ]

don’t go out because they can’t speak Eng-lish,” Wu said.

His families reasons for the long dis-tance move were primarily for educational reasons.

“My family thinks the United States would be a better place for me to study for work,” Wu said.

Wu views similarities in the curricu-lum of his school in China, Guangzhou #2 Middle School, to his new school. His previous list of courses included English, economics, math, Chinese, and chemistry, which have allowed him to jump into the new country’s curriculum with ease.

Kim thinks that his schooling in China has prepared him well education wise.

“I think academically, material wise, he

is doing great,” Kim said. “He doesn’t have any problems.”

Naidoo agrees about his comprehension of material.

“He doesn’t understand the whole grade system yet, but he is really smart,” Naidoo said.

The main differences that Wu has en-countered between his different schools have had to do with the school set-up.

“In China we don’t need to change classrooms every course. In here I need to change class and go here and go there,” Wu said. “[At my old school] every subject has one teacher, but they study in the same classroom so we have one group of class-mates.”

Wu also has had to adapt to new living arrangements.

“We lived in the school,” Wu said. “The school has dormitories because our school is very far from the downtown. We went home every week. The Friday after school we go home and the Sunday evening I go back to school.”

Despite not yet being involved in any ex-tracurricular activities in the United States, Wu was involved in China.

“I helped in the management of stu-dents,” Wu said. “[It was] like a little gov-ernment.”

Even though there is a long distance be-tween his new home and old home, Wu has stayed in touch with his old friends.

“Some friends are exchange students here and some have school here,” Wu said. “I have MSN and we can connect by the Internet.”

Although Wu is unsure of his future in the country after college, Wu says that his initial impression of America is extremely positive.

“I haven’t met a bad thing yet,” Wu said. “It is very democratic and freedom[free]. The grounds are very clean and the skies are blue. [The people] are very friendly. I make many friends. I think United States is a very good place for me.”

The United States would be better for me to study for workJianhua Wu, 12

Erin Winicksports editor

(Left)Senior Jianhua Wu discusses his classwork with teacher Roschell Thybulle. (Right) Wu attended Gaungzhou #2 Middle School last year.

A few weeks ago an elderly man prob-ably in his seventies entered the auto sup-ply store where I work. He purchased some inexpensive mirrors and proceeded to ask me how to open the box. He stuttered as he did this and I had the sense that he had some sort of mental disability because of the way he spoke to me as well as how he reacted to the situation.

Not even thirty minutes had passed when a young woman entered the store and announced that a man outside had been pistol whipped by two teenagers who ran of with his merchandise.

Of course I reacted how anyone would have. I proceeded to run to the door to make sure she was telling the truth. And she was.

There on the concrete was the man I had helped only a few minutes ago. I was dumbfounded by the fact that something so violent had just happened in the parking lot of my job.

Events like these happen every day. We never find out about them, they are report-ed to police but not to the press unless it is of more serious matter.

When we do find out the news of some-one being attacked we react as if it were something typical.

We live in a world were crime over-rules justice. Where the law tries and fails. Where criminals are still on the loose and where every day we are at risk.

I’m talking about the things that get pushed under the rug, the things that slip the crack of justice.

Those misdemeanors and assaults that go without punishment, the majority of which arise from the same trouble spot.

Many nations around the world have been struggling with, poverty.

As students we rarely see the effects that the economy has had on the world.

Many of our parents have been affected by the economy but not to an extreme ex-tent.

Every day as I travel to work I see crime happening, I see children crying, and crowds on the street asking for money.

We have tried many times to strike back against the heavy hand of delinquency and although we may gain some ground crime keeps taking over in other areas.

When will we definitely draw the line against sex crimes, drug abuse, domestic violence, and murder of any kind?

If our country was founded on the prin-ciples of life, liberty, and the pursuit of hap-piness shouldn’t we have the right to know that we are well protected from crime?

We should all have the sense of protec-tion, a sense of knowing we will be okay if we are out and about on the streets.

We have lived in careful vigilance from the police department for years. But can we say we are really protected if there are people being “pistol whipped” in parking lots?

America needs more control. We need more regulation in our cities, we need to re-construct our economy to lower crime.

A bridge to a

America the Beautiful?

F.Crowe/revolution

F.Crowe/revolution

brighter futureStudent changes countries to improveeducational opportunities

Want to voice your opinion?Write a letter to the editor and submit to room 723P.Rivera/revolution

8 February 25, 2011 in-depthin-depth

While we’re used to finding questions scratched out on whiteboards preparing us for FCAT and synthesis essays, a new canvas holds the student body’s question of the day – the boy’s restroom.

The prompter has successfully used sexual innuendos and references to draw an audi-ence. The constant graffiti displayed in school bathrooms, however has exploited phone numbers, names, and reputations.

Assistant Principal Elijah Thomas says that bathroom graffiti has always been around but has become more consistent in recent years.

“Don’t think it’s just your generation either, there have always been dirty bathrooms and there has always been graffiti,” Thomas said.

Thomas says that the frustration graffiti has caused has ultimately taken away from custodians and administration alike to effec-tively do their jobs.

“It takes away our custodians’ ability to do other work, like clean up around campus or mow the grass… It takes up so much time and away from other things.”

Sophomore Faith Goncalves says that graffiti is an immature way to negatively talk about someone else.

“I see a lot of graffiti that is calling other girls bad names,” Goncalves said.

Thomas and Goncalves agree that the graf-fiti is consistent; once it’s been removed it’s almost guaranteed that within a day it will

reappear. “[It happens] every five minutes, I’m

serious. I can have my custodian go to the bathroom, paint it and five minutes later I get a call saying the same graffiti in the same place by the same person just hap-pened,” Thomas said.

Goncalves says that the motivation is probably an outcome of a fear to actually express what they won’t say in person.

“I think a lot of them are too scared to fight but they want to make sure their mes-sage gets out there,” Goncalves said.

The graffiti-plastered walls have never been ignored. Thomas says the school is constantly making an effort to remove any graffiti once it has been done. He says that implementing harsh consequences has yet to stop the vandals from participating in these acts.

“When we do catch them we charge them for the paint, equipment used and the time that it took to remove the graffiti.”

Thomas says that the cost and materials needed to remove vandalism has become an obscene amount.

“We spend so much time painting our bathrooms it’s ridiculous. We go through 50 gallons of paint just for the bathrooms.”

Goncalves says that comments on bath-room walls have turned into slander, no longer do phrases make general accusa-tions but they call students by name.

“I’ve seen names, like in the bathrooms

Bathroom vandalism becomes a costly concern Rachel Drummond

centerspread editor

J.Brown.revolution

---------------------------------*Fines for vandalism charges vary from $400 to

$5,000. In some cases, a vandalism conviction could result in a one-year driver’s license suspension.

*42% of all teen arrests are for vandalism

*School-related vandalism alone in the USA in 2004 cost over $93 Million.

*First time vandalism charges with minimal dam-age (less than $400) is generally deemed a vandal-

ism misdemeanor including: -No prison times

-Fines-Restitution

-Community service - 3 years of informal probation

* If the damage is $400 or additional and the de-fendant has a past conviction for vandalism, then

you could be facing a vandalism felony including : -Jail time

- Formal probation - Restitution

- Community service

--------------------------------------------------------------ghanaweb.com, www.ffdalaw.com

Punishments don’t just wipe away

in-depth

While we’re used to finding questions scratched out on whiteboards preparing us for FCAT and synthesis essays, a new canvas holds the student body’s question of the day – the boy’s restroom.

The prompter has successfully used sexual innuendos and references to draw an audience, the constant graf-fiti displayed in school bathrooms, however has exploited phone numbers, names, and reputations.

Assistant Principal Elijah Thomas says that bathroom graffiti has always been around but has become more con-sistent in most recent years.

“Don’t think it’s just your generation either, there have always been dirty bathrooms and there has always been graffiti.”

Thomas says that the frustration graffiti has caused has ultimately taken away from custodians and administration alike to effectively do their jobs.

“It takes away our custodians’ ability to do other work, like clean up around campus or mow the grass… It takes up so much time and away from other things.”

Sophomore Fath Goncalves says that graffiti is an im-mature way to negatively talk about someone else.

“I see a lot of graffiti that is calling other girls bad names,” Goncalves said.

Thomas and Goncalves agree that the graffiti is con-sistent; once it’s been removed it’s almost guaranteed that within a day it will re-appear.

“[It happens] every five minutes, I’m serious. I can have my custodian go to the bathroom, paint it and five minutes later I get a call saying the same graffiti in the same place by

“I wish that things would change.”

in-depth revolution 9

Walk into the bathroom and the sight is usually a combination of a few characteristics: empty or missing paper towel dispensers, odd colored soap, and some scattered toilet tissue. A student might find this sight amusing, but for the administration and custodial staff, it is a living nightmare.

“It’s a full time job that I need a full time custodian just to do that job,” Assistant Princi-pal for Administration Elijah Thomas said.

Though the custodial staff, with four work-ing during the day, is constantly checking the bathrooms for any sanitary vandalism, the problem never ceases.

“It’s almost impossible to keep the bath-rooms clean, because as soon as you clean one, five minutes later they’re back the same way,” Thomas said.

The scenes Thomas has seen range from the smearing of excrement on the walls and toilet seats, to urine covering all restroom surfaces, to students taking toilet tissue and throwing it across the restroom, to even clogging toilets with paper towels, and the list continues.

“We can’t put too much stuff in the bath-room, when someone wants to vandalize,

reappear. “[It happens] every five minutes, I’m

serious. I can have my custodian go to the bathroom, paint it and five minutes later I get a call saying the same graffiti in the same place by the same person just hap-pened,” Thomas said.

Goncalves says that the motivation is probably an outcome of a fear to actually express what they won’t say in person.

“I think a lot of them are too scared to fight but they want to make sure their mes-sage gets out there,” Goncalves said.

The graffiti-plastered walls have never been ignored. Thomas says the school is constantly making an effort to remove any graffiti once it has been done. He says that implementing harsh consequences has yet to stop the vandals from participating in these acts.

“When we do catch them we charge them for the paint, equipment used and the time that it took to remove the graffiti.”

Thomas says that the cost and materials needed to remove vandalism has become an obscene amount.

“We spend so much time painting our bathrooms it’s ridiculous. We go through 50 gallons of paint just for the bathrooms.”

Goncalves says that comments on bath-room walls have turned into slander, no longer do phrases make general accusa-tions but they call students by name.

“I’ve seen names, like in the bathrooms

last year I saw names and things talking bad about all the cheerleaders,” Goncalves said.

Thomas says that there are separate levels of severity that describe each type of graffiti. He pointed out that three hold the most offense and disbelief on his behalf.

“The most ridiculous is the kids draw-ing big ole sexual organs all over. Second would probably be hatred graffiti. It’s not just the race it’s across the spectrum, not just black or whatever but everyone,” Thomas said, “Third would be writing something about a girl with phone numbers and stuff. That could actually be the number one thing,” Thomas said.

Thomas says that the main perpetrators have proved to be the male population.

“It happens more in boys than in girls, girls are most sneaky about it like by writ-ing in the stalls and stuff. Boys just do it in the wide open, “ Thomas said.

Thomas says that girls must have a higher standard they follow, he says they must not want to use filthy facilities.

He also says that consequences are hard to enforce when you have difficulty locat-ing the students. He says that no matter what they do it never ceases.

“I just wish we could catch them, the only way we do is if we get lucky and walk by or if they get turned in by other stu-dents.”

Bathroom vandalism becomes a costly concern

they’ve got too much to do with, we have to put in a smaller amount and check on it more frequently,” Principal Chris Farkas said. “I know we’re not perfect at it, but it’s something we definitely try to do.”

As an administrator at other schools, Farkas’ has encountered sanitary vandal-ism, he says Freedom bathrooms are not novel.

“Vandalism of the bathrooms is some-thing that happens on a regular basis at most schools I’ve ever been at. The frequen-cy here is a little bit more,” Farkas said.

Though acts are committed against the bathroom and its sanitation, Farkas re-marks that worse acts have occurred.

“I think the thing that’s most alarming to me is kids we catch performing sexual acts,” Farkas said. “Even in the cleanest of bathrooms that would make me nervous, where there’s 2100 teenagers that use it on a daily basis, the fact that they do this amazes me.”

Keeping track of 18 bathrooms and the 2100 students that use them seems like a harrowing task for four custodians, but the situation has been worse.

“We’ve increased that, we make sure that custodians visit on a timely basis, our day crew and our night crew, to make sure,”

Farkas said, “It was initiated by swine flu, it was something we try to keep up with to prevent the spread of disease.

Head Custodian Eddie Figueroa reflects that the acts students commit only hurt the chances for a clean school.

“We are spending more money, a lot of the times my budget is lower every year,” Figueroa said. “I wish that they could treat restrooms here like they treat their rest-rooms at home. We try to keep it as clean and neat as possible.”

For Figueroa, maintaining cleanliness mirrors school pride.

“I want them to come to school and say ‘hey we have a clean school’, and be proud of their school. I maintain this school as clean as possible, so they could feel at home,” Figueroa said.

Thomas notes that while students complain about the restroom’s condition, they’re could be more done to mantain cleanliness.

“Students don’t help any by not report-ing people who do it. It’s a task we’re al-ways behind on,” Thomas said.

The constant war between the gleam and the grime may never cease, but Figueroa remains vigilant.

Sam Browneditor-in-chief

Vandals fail to limit destruction

T.McNeal/revolution

Fun and safe alternatives to teen drinking

10 Entertainment Feburary 25, 2011

Ingredients2 cups ice cubes 1/4 cup orange juice* 1/4 cup coconut syrup* Splash peach soda* 2 cups pineapple juice 1/2 cup raspberry puree Splash Pina colada mix 1 ½ cup lemon-lime soda Lime wedges (optional)

DirectionsIn a pitcher, combine all the ingredients and stir. Garnish with lime wedge and serve.

Ingredients38 ounces cranberry juice* 12 ounces ginger ale* 1 green apple, thinly sliced 1 orange, sliced 1 pint fresh raspberries ¼ cup Strawberry syrup2 cups of ice cubes 1 cup club soda (optional)

DirectionsCombine juice, ginger ale, apple, orange, raspberries in a pitcher, add syrup. Re-frigerate for 30 minutes or up to 1 day. Serve over ice and top with a few splash-es of club soda, if desired.

Rose Sangria SpritzerPassionate Cosmo

Jamaican Hammock

*this ingredient replaces alcohol content

Ingredients2 cups ice cubes3 ounces lemon- lime soda *1 ounce passion fruit juice 1 ounce strawberry syrup Passion fruit seeds (optional)

DirectionsFill a blender with ice. Pour the lemon-lime soda, pas-sion fruit juice, syrup, and lime juice into the blender. Cover and shake until com-bined and chilled for about 30 seconds. Strain Cosmo into a chilled cocktail glass. Sprinkle with passion fruit seeds, if desired.

Blueberry Daiquiri Ingredients1 cup frozen blueberries 1/2 cup pineapple juice*1/2 lime, juiced 1/2 cup crushed ice 1/4 cup superfine sugar

DirectionsIn a blender, combine all ingredients and process for about 30 seconds. Pour into a chilled glass.

Chocolate Margarita

DirectionsCombine all of the ingredi-ents, except ice, in a pitcher. Transfer mixture to a shak-er full of ice. Shake and pour into glasses. Serve cold. Add chopped pieces of chocolate if desired.

Ingredients1/2 cup chocolate syrup 1 cup brewed Columbian coffee*1/2 cup chocolate milk* 1/3 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon ground cinna-mon 2 cups ice cubes1 bar dark chocolate (chopped, optional)

With spring break, prom, grad bash, and summer vacation all approaching, there are many opportunities to party on the horizon. And while teenagers are known to experiment with alcohol, they risk a lot in doing so. Headaches, regrets, legal troubles, and even death are all possible consequences. With these drinks, you can avoid all that and still have a good time, wherever you are.

Jessica Brown shows us how to make some delicious, and safe, drinks for any occasion!

revolution entertainment 11

Wars

Staff writer Fatima Kamara rates a few of the most popular sub shops in the

New Tampa area...Jersey Mike’s is fast and local. The inside of the store is

nearly blank, but it doesn’t need any extra decoration, since Jersey Mike’s is like a neighborhood sub business packed into a franchise. Mike’s uses very fresh ingredients and has your meal ready quickly, especially if it’s cold cut. For the most flavor, order the sandwich piled high “Mike’s Way” with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, red wine vinegar, olive oil blend and spices. Mike’s doesn’t offer a huge variety, but it does have salads, wraps, and hot and cold subs. Great food and local service make’s Jersey Mike’s a top contend-ing sandwich shop.

Jason’s Deli sets outs to create a ‘50s style diner and accomplishes just that. The red furniture and checkered floors are a nice touch to the eating environment. A paper bag holding a sandwich, a bag of Jason’s Deli chips, and a pickle slice can take you back to the times of trading pudding cups for juice boxes at the picnic table. Fresh and thin sliced meats on a sub or an old fashioned sandwich aren’t all Jason’s Deli has to offer. The Deli offers a huge variety; from wraps and panini’s to soups and potatoes to cheesecakes and brownies; all with their own respective options. Although Jason’s Deli is a tad pricey, it was a treat to eat there and I would definitely come back for more.

Jimmy John’s is my favorite sub shop right now. It has really fresh ingredients, thick carved lunch meat, and fast service. Each sub is unique from the next and Jimmy’s re-invents normal by adding toppings like alfalfa sprouts to turkey and tuna subs. The walls are covered in quotes and sayings which add a hip touch to the ambiance, although Jimmy John’s biggest concern is to provide the quickest service to their customers in a fast-food way. My only complaint is that they make you pay for cheese, which I believe should come with all sandwiches if a customer was interested. My mom wants me to eat at Jimmy John’s!

Sub

Interested in purchasing one of these yummy

subs? Here are the locations...

Jersey Mikes 14925 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.Tampa, FL 33613

Jason’s Deli2702 E. Fowler Ave. Suite BTampa, FL 33612

Jimmy John’s17521 Preserve Walk LaneTampa, FL 33647

F.Crowe/Revolution

entertainment Feburary 25, 201112

Experienced seniors, rookie actorsAmateur thespians bring fresh energy to the stage

In a time that many seniors participate less and less, some rush to complete their senior year bucket list. Vowing to load their last year with as many activities as possible, many of this year’s seniors have joined the spring musical, “The Wedding Singer”.

“[During] my senior year I wanted to do everything so I didn’t have any regrets out of high school,” senior Trey Lawson said. Aside from being a part of this year’s spring musical, Lawson is also a member of SGA (Student Government Association) and the wrestling team.

Some were influenced by friends already in drama, such as Seth Porche, who plays the lead, Robbie. Porche was asked by a friend to do the play as a favor. Many students find that they have undiscovered talents.

“I don’t think I’m that great, but I figured I’d give it a shot,” Porche said.

Another example are the students that are seeking to refine their talents and their motivation to branch out into other areas of entertainment.

Vince Ngyuen, a singer, guitar-player, and Bravo Company member, said that he wanted to interact with other, more experienced people outside of his genre.

“I have a lot of drama friends who told me they needed males,” Ngyuen said. “I thought, well, I like to sing, I love to perform, and I’m not phased by it.”

Jenny Holden, the head of the drama department and director of “The Wedding Singer,” says that although about seventy

five percent of the cast is made up of drama students, she welcomes others to audition. Some students might be discouraged because they are not in drama but talent is the leading factor that is being looked for throughout auditions in order to produce an excellent play.

To pass through auditions, students had to do a cold read and sing a song of

Emily Ballstaff writer

The spring musical is produced by the Drama department and will premier April 6 and run through April 8. Cast members were seen here practicing for their part in Freedom’s adaptation of “The Wed-ding Singer.”

I like to sing,

I love to

perform,

and I’m not

phased by it.Vince Ngyuen, 12

their choice.“Although I like to reward

upperclassmen, I’d take talent over seniority,” Holden said.

The musical will be performed for three days starting Wednesday, April 6 and ending Friday, April 8. Holden expects to

see a good turnout since many people are familiar with the 1998 hit movie featuring Adam Sandler.

The musical will surely offer great music, fantastic dance numbers, and an interesting plot.

M.Rubin/Revoultion

revolution sports 13

Emily Ballstaff writer

Bittersweet success at states

After five first place wins and achieving third in both Western conference and regionals, the cheerleading team placed fifth out of thirty-six of the top teams in the state. Overall, the team has achieved their goal of improving.

“We weren’t ready for our first competi-tion,” junior cheerleader Shelby Carr said. “We did better throughout the year; we got really close.”

Captain Taylor Seybold said this year was more about competing against them-selves.

“We have changed a lot,” Seybold said. “It’s not what we were hoping for, but we are satisfied.”

Preparation for competition started in the summer with an intense four day train-ing camp in Clearwater along with Durant, Newsome, and Plant City. Throughout preseason, the girls worked hard, doing strength conditioning as well as training and developing.

Practices increased throughout the season; leading up to states, the squad practiced every day.

Coach Linda Martinez believes that repeating the rou-tine daily was a major factor contributing to the admirable performance. In addition, Martinez had guest coaches come to help out.

Carr thinks what the coach has done helped the team greatly.

“Our coach inspires us,” Carr said. “It pushed us more to please her. She is the person we look up to the most.”

Another strength of the squad is their family attitude, personified by Seybold.

“We are a really close team; like a family,” co-captain Monica Nielsen said. “There is no drama.”

Martinez agrees with this. “It’s not skill that makes the team,” Martinez said. “The

girls are all genuinely friends throughout the whole season. That is the difference of what makes a team.”

The leadership by Seybold, Nielsen, and co-captain Alexis Arcaro resonated with every member of the team, es-pecially the underclassmen.

“It’s a lot of pressure. You have to make sure that you have everything down perfect,” sophomore cheerleader Caitlin Jefferis said. “They’ve been really nice. I look up to them a lot.”

For next year, Martinez says that she wishes to get a captain with the same qualities and at-titude as Seybold: a generous, effective and natural leader.

“She has by far been my best captain,” Martinez said. “She is very encouraging and has an

‘It’s about all of us’ attitude.”Although proud of her hard working team, coach Mar-

tinez was not completely satisfied with the end result. “It was very unfortunate; judging is a very subjective,

independent thing. It’s not as black and white as just the score like in football or soccer,” Martinez said. “States was by far their best performance of the season.”

Overall the girls in dots accomplished their goals: to place in the top three of regionals, and go to states. They look to repeat their successes next year.

“You can tell we give it everything,” Nielson said. “We put it all on the floor.”

E.Winick/revolution

The cheerleading squad cheers the football team in a game against King. Although they had a third place finish last year and a fifth place finish this year at states, they still feel like they improved.

Cheerleaders believe state finish doesn’t reflect true improvement

It’s not what we

were hoping for,

but we are

satisfied.

Taylor Seybold, 12

sports February 25, 201114

Winter Sports Wrap-Up

Girls soccer has finished off the year strong, winning their second district title in two years. Their ending record for the year was 11-2-3 and coach Jenna Ball couldn’t be happier.

“I’m really proud of the girls this year,” Ball said “It felt satisfying to win the title; we accomplished our goals.”

Senior captain Katie Cerillo hopes for the best next year

“I hope they win districts again next year and get past regionals. ” Cerillo said, “This year we had a lot of unfortu-nate events that made our season more difficult.”

Ball also sees good things for the fol-lowing years.

“We have a strong team,” Ball said “The school should expect big things from these girls.”

>>Cristina Cordova

Girls Soccer, Repeat District Champions

The sport of lacrosse is not as widespread as football or basketball, but that does not stop the girls lacrosse team from coming together to be a strong team for the school.

“I chose lacrosse because I thought it looked interesting,” midfielder Daniella Smith said.

Attacker and goalie Trenyese Shields says she chose lacrosse because it was something new to try, while captain Chelsea Derrigo has been playing lacrosse with her uncle since fourth grade.

A major change for the team this year has been the team’s game location.

“We’re playing in the stadium this year,” Derrigo said.

This is the first year the girls have been able to play in a location so close to school.

Despite the new location, the girls’ lacrosse team enjoys a constant, but relatively small turnout of fans at their games.

Midfielder Kelsey Ripperger says that the majority of the attendants to the games are parents and the boys’ lacrosse team.

“Not as many people as we like [come to the games],” Derrigo said.

As for the team itself, midfielder Jordan Fisher says they are definitely powerful.

“[One of our strengths is] how close we are,” Fisher said. “Unity isn’t the only attribute that gives the team power, though.”

Co-captain Tricia Calderon sees

strength in the individual effort as well.“We’re strong because we have a lot of

players who are driven,” Calderon said.Ripperger also credits the defense for

the strength of the girls.There are a number of returning players

on the team. According to Derrigo, everyone has at

least one year of lacrosse under their belts.“We have a lot of experienced players,”

Calderon said. Fisher acknowledges the advantages of

the older players’ expertise.

This year senior wrestlers Trey Lawson and Andrew Ford became the newest competitors for Freedom at the state level. The two battled their way past fourteen other wrestlers at regionals with both taking 4th in their respective weight classes.

Lawson competes in the 160 pound weight class while Ford is in the 189 pound weight class.

Ford and Lawson competed at the state level February 18 and 19 at the Lakeland Civic Center. Despite their previous success, both went down in the first round at states.

Lawson noted at regionals the high caliber of the wrestlers present.

“The other wrestlers were really good. They’re all really tough competitors.” Lawson said.

Lawson is considering continuing to wrestle in college.

“I may wrestle for fun after high school,” Lawson said.

By participating at states, Lawson and Ford joined a very small and elite group of wrestlers.

>> Alex Anthony

Senior Wrestlers Reach State Level

“They give the underclassmen lots of pointers,” Fisher said.

However, the team is not without its weaknesses.

“Picking up ground balls is a weakness,” Smith said.

Shields sees another disadvantage.“Sometimes the team can’t communicate

well,” Shields said. Derrigo says that despite the weaknesses,

the team still works together and does its best to win.

E.Ball/revolution

As the lacrosse season begins, the feeling of determination fills the air.

“Last year we were 9-6,” coach Bill Shatz said. “We lost in the second round to Plant.”

This year they hope to go even further and on to states.

The team has been practicing and doing preseason conditioning in order to be in top physical shape.

“We condition and practice daily, five days a week,” attack Sean Gonzales said. “It really pays off in the games and helps to prepare us more.”

The preparation is paying off so far with a record of 2-1. Their only loss was close and went into overtime.

“All you have to do is relax and be confident in what you’re doing,” attack Tyler Alvarez said. “Don’t pressure yourself too much and then you’re ready for a game.”

Captain Kevin Pacholec and Nico Beskid along with Shatz help to develop the team mentally before games.

“We have a really tight team this year,” Shatz said, “As well as strong leadership.”

This leadership helps to bring the team together and play at the same pace.

Shatz believes that with such a young defense and an experienced attack, along with one of the top goalies, this balance is needed.

“We are really coming along this year,” Shatz said. “We are becoming innovative with our plays, yet there are still lots of room for improvement.”

Alvarez also agrees the team needs improvements in some areas.

“We are like one big family. We support each other and act like brothers,” Alvarez said. “Yet there are times when we don’t click and are not focused. When that happens coach makes us run.”

These struggles can be easily overcome.“All we can do is the best we can,” Shatz

said. “We can win our division and move

Attempting to attain fanbaseLacrosse continues to suffer from small number of spectators

Striving for progressBoys lacrosse team determined to reachgreater postseason success

Jonathan Harrisstaff writer

Cristina Cordovastaff writer

Girls Basketball Team Wins District Final

The girls lacrosse team huddles during an after school practice. The team is just beginning its season and currently has an even record of 1-1.

to the playoffs with determination and commitment.”

The team ultimately hopes for more encouragement from students.

“We hope to get some more support for the team this year,” Gonzales said. “We also invite anyone who is interested in playing lacrosse to come out and play.”

E.Winick/revolution

Sophomore Richie Bisaccia participates in a passing drill. The team’s record so far this season is 2-1.

The girl’s basketball team won their district tournament against Sickles High School for the first time in school history.

Senior captain point guard Kaitlynn Pacholke was excited when the team won the title. Pacholke lead the team in points per game, assists per game, and steals per game.

“I was excited because we worked so hard during the season,” Pacholke said.

They were able to achieve this district level with a record of 20-6.

The team lost to Sickles by 22 points during the regular season, but rebounded in the title game to win against Sickles 68-65.

“It felt like pay back because we lost to them earlier in the regular season,” sophomore forward Ashle Thompson said.

Pacholke believes that the win was bittersweet for the girl’s basketball team.

“All our hard work finally paid off in the end.”

>>Matt Simpson

revolution sports 15

You are sparta

While intramural sports have been an important factor in the lives of students and adults alike, a wide range of individuals have taken a new approach to sports; they would rather stand apart from the crowd and face a little danger rather than relying on the norm.

Making ‘extreme sports’ a priority for many means a new love for the atmosphere it requires, along with an understanding of limitations. Senior Philip Ries has extended his athletic ability to taking it to the beach in the sport of skim boarding.

“I like doing it because you get to be outside and at the beach,” Ries said.

Skim boarding is a sport that requires a small board to glide across the water. Ries says that the typical ‘skim boarders’ stay in the shallow waters, but as you develop more into the sport it resembles surfing in a sense.

“Shallow water is when you first learn, you get on a board, ride out until you find a wave and ride back in on it. Then do tricks and stuff,” Ries said.

Ries says that he’s gotten creative with the sport, developing tricks to heighten the excitement of the activity.

“I do a big spin, where you do a 180 turn and then do a pop shove-it,” Ries said.

Ries says that he started skim board-ing because of the influence of his brother. “Well, my brother bought his first skim board, and I got mine after. After that I just fell in love with it,” Ries said.

While Ries has dedicated his time and athletic ability to the beach, senior Martín Bucheli would much rather be found in the woods.

“You go into woods and get lost,” Bucheli

said. “Then just ride through the trails, some can be simple and others dangerous.”

Bucheli began biking only two years because of the influence of a teacher.

“Mr. Renninger rides all the time, and I’ve been his teacher assistant since sopho-more year,” Bucheli said. “He got me into the whole thing and also friends encour-aged me.”

Mountain biking refers to biking on rough terrain, often off-road being catego-rized as an ‘endurance sport’.

“You enter races that can last six, eight, and even twelve hours,” Bucheli said. “You either do it team or ride solo. Usually ten mile laps on average, off road.”

Bucheli says that he’s been getting better and better as he continues to bike. He says that as you continue to develop into the sport, you become more aware of how you can do it your best.

“I’ve only been riding a year, I [place] in the middle pack,” Bucheli said. “I also race in a class higher than my age. I race with 19-29 age group and I’m only 17. I’m up against more experienced racers.”

Bucheli has been training at Flatwoods Park,. He says that the more you race and ride you learn what to bring and what not to bring. He says the necessities include bike, helmet, ‘awesome tuxedo jersey’, water (CamelBak), tools and medic kit, no matter the park.

“Every place is so diverse; if you go to one park the terrain is so different in another park. Each park is so different from the oth-ers; I love them all.”

From the beach to the woods, extreme sports are heightened with skydiving. Eng-lish teacher Meg O’Connor says that the experience is unreal.

“I went September of 2010. I thought it would be something really fun to do before I die,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor says that the decision to go skydiving was against her own judgment, but ended up being a fulfilling experience.

“I was nervous about going but he [Lewandowski] wanted to go again and he wanted me to come with him,” O’Connor said. “I knew I wouldn’t just go, so I had to do it for his birthday. That way I couldn’t back out.”

O’Connor says that you don’t have room to be nervous before it happens because everything happens so quickly.

“It was so surreal, you couldn’t even think about it. You have no choice; it’s like an out of body experience,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor says that the process before

the jump includes signing a waiver saying that you wouldn’t sue the company in any situation pertaining to the process, along with learning what to do when you are strapped up.

“They take you up on some rinky-dink plane, with no seatbelts,” O’Connor said. “You’re looking out the window then the doors and open and they say ‘let’s go’.”

O’Connor says despite initial fears she would love to go again. She says that the ex-perience was worth it and she can definitely see herself doing it again.

“I want to take my dad, but he’s too scared.”

When school sports aren’t enough

Courtesy of Meg O’Connor

(above) English teacher Meg O’Connor tandem skydives at Skydive City. This was her first time. (right) Meg O’Connor poses with Greg Lewan-dowski is their skydiving gear. The pair jumped out of a plane in celebration of Lewandowski’s birthday.

Rachel Drummondcenterspread editor

Katie Lukereditor-in-chief

The Cross-fit Sparta Training Center on the corner of the Nebraska and Bearss has caught the attention of many students with its flashy black and red colors and the sight of its members doing laps around the gym and running along the streets.

One of the owners and the primary trainer E. J. Diaz describes cross-fit train-ing as not only physical, but a mental bat-tle also in which the student becomes the workout, piece of equipment, and weight lifted.

“Cross-fit has just a multitude of differ-ent exercises to where what you can do is combine these things to put together thou-sand upon thousands of workouts,” Diaz said.

These work-outs are designed to be highly intense for a short duration of time, usually around twenty minutes and re-quire very limited equipment.

“You can be very creative with making limited equipment when you, yourself, are not only the tool to get better, but you’re the thing that you’re trying to make better. And that’s what we call kind of hardening the soldier, which is what we do with most of our students here,” Diaz said.

For more intensity or a better workout, always try to beat the time you complete the workout in, or challenge a friend to see who can do more or complete the workout the fastest.

Death By BurpeesComplete as many as you can in 20 minutes.

Revolution gives some tips and tricks to get the cross-fit experience at home

Jump down from standing position and put your hands on the ground shoulder-

Kick your legs out and do a push up.

Jump back up with your hands above your head.

Lung BurnersOne set includes five push ups, five sit

ups, and five squats. Then do as many sets as you can do in 20 minutes.

Bend your knees at as close to a right angle as possible. Keep your back straight and hold this po-sition.

For squats, start in stand-ing position with feet shoulder-width apart

Return to standing.

Students and faculty replace traditional with extreme sports

Bring your hands to-gether above your head and clap.

etc. February 25, 201116

How does this work?

North Atlantic Regional High School does NOT requirethe FCAT. So, transfer your credits to our fully-accred-ited high school. Your credits BELONG to you (not the

high school), so use YOUR credits wherever you wish.

How many credits do I need?How many credits do I need?

17.5 CREDITS EARN A

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA IN MAINE.

Florida requires 24 credits. Every state has its ownrequirements. NARHS is a high school authorized andrecognized by the Maine Department of Education asa private school. Here, we require 17.5 credits for astandard high school diploma.

Can I graduate EARLY?Can I graduate EARLY?

1 Physa Ed1 Fine Arts0.5 Computer Skills0.5 Health4.5 Electives (your choice)

Why not! Maine graduates have the sameprivileges as any other graduates. Betterjobs. College in Florida, too.

(No, you donʼt have to move to Maine!Your CREDITS move to Maine, not you!)

You remain a Florida resident, eligible forin-state tuition, and more.

How much does it cost?

$525 tuition. No other costs.

We transfer your official transcript from your past school.

We create a new transcript issued from our high school.

We award your diploma, issue a revised transcript to you(and to employers, colleges, recruiters, etc.)

We retain your H.S. academic records.

NARHS becomes your official “school of record.”New transcript, new diploma, new future!

What next ?What next ?

NAR SHNorth Atlantic Regional High School21 Westminster St., Lewiston, Maine 04240

YES. When youʼve earned the 17.5 creditsrequired, you can graduate with a high schooldiploma. You can have MORE credits thanthat, but when you have the minimum 17.5,you are eligible for your high schooldiploma...regardless of what “grade” youʼrein. 17.5 credits = earns your diploma.

A diploma from Maine?A diploma from Maine?

Anybodytell

YOU This

Did they tell

YOU This?

4 English2 Math2 Science1 Social Studies1 US History

Yes, 17-1/2, but earn as many as you like. No limit.

When youʼve earned your CREDITS,youʼve earned YOUR diploma!

Here are the 17-1/2 credits required for a diploma from the state of Maine:

www.NARHS.com

800-882-2828

www.NARHS.com

800-882-2828

Private schools are NOT required to give the FCAT. Never have been.

Thousands of Florida students graduate every year-- and NEVER take the FCAT!

Their diplomas have the same value as publicschoolʼs diploma. Real school. Real diploma.

1. Get a copy of your high school transcript.

3. FREE transcript evaluation. We will mail a written report to you showing exactly where you stand.

2. Mail a copy to NARHS in Maine.

0. FIRST STEPS:

Transcript Evaluation

How much does it cost?

FREEFREEFREE

Only 25 states have an FCAT-type exam. The other25 states have NO EXIT EXAMS. In the other states,simply earn the credits and get your diploma. Period.In Florida, you do poorly on one test, your four yearsof high school mean nothing -- 4 years of work andno diploma?

Just because you live in Florida? Unfair!

Transfer your credits to a state that has NO EXITEXAMS!

More good news in the columns on this page.

?

A really popular radio station that offers The Morning X, home of Fischer and Boy’s famous talk. The songs consist mostly of popular rock and alternative tunes. Some of the featured artists include: 30 Seconds to Mars, Beck, Incubus, Three Days Grace, Linkin Park, Switchfoot, Weezer and Gorillaz.

Mix 100.7 plays a mix ranging from Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody to Bruno Mars’ new hit single. It’s definitely a station made for easy listeners interested in a variety of music without delving into any particular category of music.

The New Play 98.7 “Today’s Best Hits Without the Rap” offers a lot of the mainstream hits without the coverage of hardcore hip hop. This radio station really covers a very wide range of music along with several generations. Unfortunately, you may find a repeated playlist on this station.

A radio station dedicated to playing the hip hop and pop hits of the current music scene. Not only does the playlist revolve around the most current and hottest artists, but it is constantly changing with a song’s life expectancy lasting only a miniscule period of time.

Represents the essence of R&B and Hip Hop, having a playlist littered with songs featuring Lil’ Wayne and Nicki Minaj. This kind of rap isn’t found on very other radio stations. This music is definitely not easy listening, where hardcore rap finds some air time.

A station dedicated to the sound of the South. Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith find a great deal of playing time broadcasting their country flavor. Fans of this radio station certainly enjoy the more historic Southern traditions of Florida.

Reviving the radio starTop Hits

Hip-Hop R&B

Country

Alt-Rock

Variety

Mixture

Pump up the volume! However, make sure to keep it a safe level so that concentration isn’t lost.

The AC dial is your friend, but make sure you aren’t fiddling with it and get in a wreck!

Jacob Dummeldinger reviews top radio stations for a better

drive to and from school