THEPONY

EXPRESS

At the beginning of this school year In-spiration Café was opened as a food ser-vice catered by the students in the Excep-tional Student Education Program, also known as ESE.

“It was developed for our ESE stu-dents to experience what it is like to be in a real job,” said ESE teacher Maria Marquez.

Though most of these students may not get a chance to have a real job it is something that is encouraged to learn the fundamentals of a job. In school these students usually participate in certain tasks like emptying recycling bins and helping bake cookies for lunch.

This Café has brought in plenty of knowledge that people use daily at their

jobs and shows these students that their disabilities do not prevent them from at-taining any skills.

“By having this Café they learn many skills, [such as] social skills, math skills, reading skills, [they] learn how to mea-sure, and count money,” said Marquez.

Everyday people search for jobs, but usually these jobs are made too rigorous for anybody with a disability to partake in. Now with the newly founded Inspira-tion Café our very own ESE students get a chance to be a part of this rising world.

When the Inspiration Café was first presented to the school board it was sup-posed to cater to everybody; students, faculty and staff. This was the original vision of the creator Maria Marquez.

“Due to the new law, students are only allowed to get nutritious foods,” said ESE teacher Joanna Weston.

According to www.huffingtonpost.com Michelle Obama implemented this new law to attempt to address America’s growing obesity problem. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Act of 2010 was created to be an attempt to stop obesity. Many of those who don’t know, a school district is not required to follow this law. District staff can easily reject this law if they need to.

So why are there an increasing num-ber of school districts participating in this law? Because, if a school district follows along with this law they get cash subsidies from the USDA. Which basi-cally means the school district gets extra money from the USDA for every meal they serve.

Hillsborough County school district freely agreed to participate with this law and our students are at a loss of buying

food from the Inspiration Café.“We really wanted to sell to students,

but we are only allowed to sell to staff,” said Weston.

At least the “whole not serving stu-dents” factor does not prevent this pro-gram from continuing. Yes, the direc-tors of Inspiration Café hoped to include students into this little service but, they obviously can’t. That doesn’t stop them from serving to the schools staff. With over 100 teachers and staff they are bound to recover the losses for not selling to students, from; the teachers, assistant principals, and other staff.

As for involvement the Inspiration Café involves many people including the ESE students themselves, their teachers, and the school’s staff to keep this service running for the foreseeable future at the school.

GAITHER HIGH SCHOOL - 16200 N. DALE MABRY HWY - TAMPA, FL - 33618

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015

VOL. 31

ISSUE 3

Cafe gives ESE students improved skills, abilitiesInspiration cafe serves as a place to work on social skills and talents needed for everyday life

Sports –

Online –

Entertainment –Softball Season Preview

The softball team leads off toward the season’s start

Read more p.8Not getting your Pony Express fix in just eight pages?Check out more news, sports, and features stories on our website.www.ghsponyexpress.com

Valentine’s Day Movies

Great movie ideas for Valentine’s Day and the season of love.

Read more on p.11

Sheila Tayiestaff writer

calendarFeb. 24 - Feb. 27 • Club Week

Mar. 2 - Mar. 6• FSA Writing / 9th - 11th

Mar. 9 - Mar. 13• Spring Break

Monday, Mar. 16• Students Return to School

Thursday, Mar. 27• End of 3rd Grading Period

Friday, Apr. 3• Non-Student Day

Happy Birthdayto our Pony Express

members!

Shania Perez - Feb. 6

Ashley Lowe - Feb. 28

Diego Uy - Mar. 18

Drake Wikstrom - Mar. 26

Emily Bayron - Apr. 5

February - April

THE PONY EXPRESS PATRONS THANK YOU!Ashley Lowe

Danielle Sweet

Sheila Taiyestaff writer

news/features2 THE PONY EXPRESS

Now that the month of February is here it’s just about the time Special Olympics is a yearly event, usu-ally held in the month of February, for ESE students.Special needs students come in vast numbers from all across the county in order to participate in this event. The event includes various activities like games, races, dancing and much more. There is a lot of preparation that goes into this event but, one of the crucial ele-ments is the need for volunteers. In the past few years there has been a shortage of volunteers and though it did not have an effect on the event itself it did lower

expectations. In contrast to the shortage of volunteers there are increasing numbers of special needs students partaking in this event.“We won’t have left over buddies,” said Social Studies teacher Teresa Trum-bach.This year is a new opportunity to recruit as many student volunteers as possible. They are expecting that there will be a surplus amount of volunteers than in the past few years.If it does end up that there are too many volunteers it doesn’t mean that those volunteers will not have anything to do.“Everybody will have a job to do,” said Trumbach.The ultimate goal of this event is to let these students have a day of fun and to forget about their problems and just be content. Another goal this year is to get

the Olympians into the state competi-tion at the University of South Florida.“Our Olympians will have a good trial run to qualify for states at USF; and it’s always a plus when they have fun,” said Trumbach.Students seem to be excited for this ap-proaching event.“I’m most excited to interact with our buddies and create a relationship with them,” said junior Payton Hiday.The happiness and interaction between students and their buddies appears to be what makes this day successful. The smiles on the Olympians faces as they win a game or hit the dance move they have been practicing is an important part of the day because they are there to enjoy.Individual student volunteers are not the only ones that participate in

this event along with Honor Societies, Academic Clubs and Organizations they continue to implement the idea of creat-ing a great day for these students.“SWAT is having a banner where the kids will stick their hands in paint and have a handprint as a pledge not to smoke. We are going to use our extra beads from Gaspirilla and give them to the kids”, said SWAT President Kendelle Knapp.Like so many other clubs, the idea of playing games and winning prizes is a reward for the students of the Excep-tional Student Education program to re-alize that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. That’s what this day is about. Special Olympics reveals to these students that they can do anything as long as they try hard enough.

Special Olympics prepares to shine a light on studentsStudents come together to assemble booths, games and races for a day of fun

For football teams around the bay area our team is on not to be messed with. Around 50 of the most competi-tive players in Hillsborough county are on the football team, proving to be more than determined to go head to head with schools in the district. “Plant is going to be a great game considering they’re one of our main competitors in the district” said head football coach Jason Stokes. Stokes has been our schools main figure for football for about 6 years. Leading the team to districts numerous times throughout the years. Stokes has always appreciated the hard work and effort that a player contributes to the team each and every year. “My main goal is that all my kids play hard, play together, and play for

Football team prepares to play new district

Nick Delriostaff writer

each other.” said Stokes. Though he admires the persistent effort players maintain, his eyes are set for the gold. “My first goal at the mark of the new season, is to win the regular season and move on to districts, then win districts. Second goal (expecting to win districts) is to move onto states, knock other teams to the ground, win the final round and have our school become state champions!” said Stokes. But in order to go the length’s of champions the team must first defeat the opponent’s that are expected to play in our districts. “Sickles will be an eventful game to watch considering the rivalry our team has with theirs.” said Stokes. Two of the teams main rivals, Steinbrenner and Chamberlin, are no longer in the district. “Hope-fully we maintain the student rivalry that those two schools and our school have, even though we aren’t in the

same district anymore.” said Stokes. After tasting defeat on some games, stokes and players have Freedom high school in sight, who last season beat Gaither 10-15. But our boys won’t let this defeat stop them from over com-ing them in the next occurrence the two teams meet. With all the talk of players facing off, students on campus must wonder, what should we expect from the players and how they will be-have on the field. “The players act ac-cordingly, play hard and even though they may not be best friends on the field, they know that once they step on the field they’re a family of brothers.” said junior varsity football player Cope Hargrove. With all the hype of rivalry and vengeance that lie in players, expectation of games, and the mind-set of winning champions stay on our players minds for the new season.

Darren Davis/Pony Express

Superintendent moves on after being voted out of office

news/features 3FEBRUARY 2015THE PONY EXPRESS

Theater isn’t just a career; it’s a passion, at least according to William Albritton, the new drama teacher, who believes in having fun with theater in school.“School should be fun. Theater should be fun,” said Albritton. Albritton has been teaching for 6 years. He started teaching as a temporary English teacher at Alonso High School before moving to Chamberlain High School where he worked as the Jour-nalism, Yearbook, TV Production and Drama teacher. “An opportunity arose to come here [to Gaither] and only teach theater as oppose to newspaper, yearbook, TV

and theater all at the same time. So I jumped at the opportunity and I’m very happy to be here,” said Albritton. The students are just as elated to have Albritton as the new drama teacher.“I’m really happy that he’s here more than anyone else, because he’s built a re-lationship with us not just as a teacher, but as a friend and as a director,” said senior Lauren Klink.Albritton was in theater as a student and wanted to teach drama to give kids a chance to have a motivating class and invoke zeal in them. His idea of produc-tive fun allows students to not only accomplish the goals and finish the work needed to be done, but to have a good time doing it. “I’m a teacher now because I had so much fun in high school and if I could help kids have half as much fun as I did,

I would be doing my job,” said Albritton.Getting work done isn’t the only goal for having fun in theater though. Albritton believes in a free atmosphere where stu-dents can express themselves to others.“What I get to do in my job is create an environment where kids can feel free to express themselves,” said Albritton. Albritton has definitely made an impact on his students this year with his new ideas and passion for theater. He has in-stilled the same love into those who have him as their teacher and mentor.“He helps a lot by not only being a teach-er but also being available as somebody to talk to, because when you work with people in any kind of art, it’s easier to work with somebody that you know and that you know you can trust and he’s proven to be somebody that we can trust and we can go to with our problems if we

need help with something,” said junior Kaylee Lopresto.Albritton believes that the most im-portant part of his job is helping these students find and build their talent. “There’s talent at every school, but it’s the drama teacher’s job to provide op-portunities and experience for those who have talent so they can improve their talent or find their talent. It’s up to the drama teacher and all the arts teachers, to inspire students to have an outlet to express their talent,” said Albritton.Albritton is excited to be teaching at a new school with new students that he can impact. He is looking forward to the drama department’s upcoming plays/musicals such as the Student-directed one-act plays that will be premiering on Mar.18 and Into the Woods premiering Apr. 30 and will be ending in on May 1.

Mary Ellen Elia, who has been with the school district since 1986 and superintendent since 2005, has been voted 4 to 3 by the school board to have her contract demoted. There are certain aspects of Elia’s decisions and things that have previ-ously happened while she has been Superintendent that many people have disagreed with which will defi-nitely influence other’s decisions. Although there were also some voted against, parents and some support-ers of Exceptional Student Education

students showed up for the people who were towards the firing of current Superintendent, Elia. Since she’s been overseer of the administration, there have been two ESE students who have died as the outcome of her invalid policies. According to reporter Janelle Irwin, “’I know that we’ve had, certainly, dis-agreements,’ Elia said after the vote. ‘We will all be moving forward, myself included.’” Elia has decided to move forward with her life as she hopes everyone else would too.Elia will obtain an overthrow, with two-plus years remaining, benefits and vacant vacation time that will

have a total with a little more than $1 million.“I don’t think that it was the right decision because the situation of my being retiree and moving down to Florida, taking a job, it was her deci-sion basically to cut my salary $22 thousand dollars a year and that’s happened for the last six years so if you do the math that’s over 100 thou-sand dollars that I’ve lost because of her decision.” said economics teacher Fred Avant. Although Elia has been demoted from her position due to various reasons, there will have to be a replacement, intern, or a fill-in.“The school board members voted not

to renew her contract. I don’t believe they [the school board] would have an option to pick somebody as an intern until they can do a search and I would assume they would do a nationwide search.” said government teacher, Teresa Trumbach.There are concerns that whoever will take Elia’s place, either it being an intern or a permanent replacement, will be hesitant towards taking the job. Due to her being vetoed out of her po-sition, it reflects on our entire district. Mar. 15 will be her last day as Superintendent. Elia’s last official day will be June 30.

New drama teacher helps instill passion in theater students

Hannah Reasorstaff writer

Shania Perezstaff writer

Community agrees with schoolboard decision, looks forwards for what’s to come

William Albritton creates a fun environment for his classes as latest educator

Albritton lectures students in class discussion. He continues his high school experience in drama by giving kids an outlet to be able to express themselves.Michael Alpuin/Pony Express

opinions4 FEBRUARY 2015THE PONY EXPRESS

Staff EditorialSheila Tayie

Staff Writer

StudEnt PErSPEctivES

Nick DelRioStaff Writer

free to marry, not free from judgment.As of January 6th, 2015 same-sex

marriage has been legalized in the state of Florida.

Since it is now legalized there are still many people who are opposed to allowing homosexuals to be married.

It is baffling that there are individu-als who are angry and against gay mar-riage. However, there are those out there who openly support and that is great but, there are those that have increased their rage and hatred because same-sex are allowed to marry.

What is so wrong for them to get mar-ried? They are people as well. Same-sex people are entitled to the same things that any straight person is, so why the constant drama over this?

It is okay to be gay and married. Everybody needs happiness. Anti-gay supporters are continually trying to lead these people to an unhappy life. If someone is not okay with being gay and married they need to keep their opinions to themselves. What makes them think that they need to downgrade on others because they go against everything they believe in?

Let gays be happy. Let them be free to do whatever they want. If they want to get married let them get married. If someone is against it be quiet about it because it is not their life. If someone thinks gays are ruining their life, let them “ruin” their lives.

The problem is that people are op-posed to the same-sex marriage, they feel entitled to have to control over oth-ers’ lives. They have a life of their own.

The Declaration of Independence states “We hold these truths to be

self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty , and the pursuit of Happiness”.

Those are the words straight from the Declaration of Independence that so many people know today. Specific elements like “all men are created equal” and “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”, stick out the most. So, how come those who say same-sex marriage goes against the foundation of the Unit-ed States? It says it plain right there. How is same-sex marriage going against it if these people are “pursuing their Happiness”?

For some critics of same-sex marriage it has to all do with gender. For example some males have a real problem with the relationship two males are having. To them they feel like it is not normal and that in every relationship their

needs to be a female, not male on male action. The thing is these special types of homophobes say they hate gay people, but in actuality they fuel their hatred on one gender of homosexuals not both. So, for once females get off Scott free, well not really.

If anyone has ever taken any English classes there are books read on ancient times in the world. In these ancient times there were gays. Authors never say it directly but, from reading the text and listening to the teacher, one could figure it out quickly.

Back then homosexuals were outcasts and shunned from society. Now we are in an advancing world society, a society that has given minorities a chance to prove their self-worth and to be entitled the same freedoms as the Caucasians. If the world is giving minorities a chance why can’t it give same-sex marriage a chance?

Free to marry, not Free From judgement

Relationships. Everyone and their mother seems to be wanting or involved in one, but what good comes from it? Especially the long last one’s, not the relationships that last for three or four months, though that time is long, it’s not relationship long. See relationship long is one or one and a hlaf year type long. One year? That’s a long time, anything and everything will happen. But it all goes back to what is a relationship that is taken past that extent good for? Is it the companionship, the kisses, the hugs, etc. Or is it that you place yourself in that position that you may think is good when you either know or don’t know a better oppurtinity awaits. Though love is a beautiful emotion to fell, it’s all temporary. That’s whey they are called high school relationships, because they’re throughout high school. Half

of the time they aren’t planned. Which could be a positive or negative aspect to look at. What may have been a simple summer love, fell into fall, survived the bitter conditions of winter, and now is about to jump into spring. It’s nice having someone to relate, talk, or vent to because in this lonely world we need communication and companionship to survive. But only talking to one per-son and only that one person is a huge vantage point for them. If you and your partenr get in a heated argument they could talk to someone else while you sit there talking to nobody, and begging for their attention to sort things out. Now this scenario proves two things, One, your partner will always talk to someone else about their struggles. Two, relation-ships involve two people, some see this as a way of escaping their friends and re-volvinasg themselves around each other. That isn’t any where near good for your mental health. You need time with your friends and your partner needs time

with theirs. Though it may seem like you and your lover are inseparable, you must not let the young love get to you, that’s something we as high school students don’t understandd but we learn from out mistakes and whould use the new found knowledge to our advantage as it could help in development of future relation-ships. The main reason you shouldn’t be in a long committed relationship with someone is not only because you will miss out on so many other experiences with so many different people. It is be-cause people expect too much.

Girls will expect guys to buy them flowers, jewelry, clothes, random dates, etc. When in hindsight guys without a job can’t really afford all of thos wants with the funds from their birthday and other holidays. But girls aren’t the only ones who set the bar high for guys. Guys do it too. Those who are athletes may expect their special girl to be in the stands cheering them on, or to buy them clothes, watches, wallets, etc. The things

students expect are ridiculus to think about. We want, want, and want. Yet, don’t realize we don’t have a strong in-come like our parents do. When you can ask one of your parents if you can get new clothes, shoues, etc. Some students may havea a part time job and receive a small income to buy a cool video game, or take someone out to the movies. In no in-tend does this article reflect you to be a person who goes out to parties and throw yourself out there, as well as saying not to date people in high school. Just really think about what you’re getting int obefore you rush into something you may not be aware to when the expiration date comes, because be truthful - the chances of you marrying your high schoool sweet heart is very low, maybe one or two couples will survive. However, not all, no matter how much you tell each other. In any case there is no-one who can stop you from dation if you want to go for it. Nobody should tell you not to be able to date someone... nobody.

not so relateable relationships

Freshman Cristina Ho“Being in a relationship has many

benefits such as always being there for each other no matter what. Even if ev-eryone is against you, they will be there for you.”

Sophomore Erianya Scott“It’s better being in a relationship

than being single because you have the ability to be loved and enjoy someon’s interest in you.”

Junior Estaban Romero“Being in a relationship is about: love,

respect, and sharing food.”

Senior ramdy Locicero“Always fight for what you want and if

it’s not what they want, it’s not for you.”

Compiled by: Jhonatan DaSilva

What’s so great about relationships?

opinions 5FEBRUARY 2015 THE PONY EXPRESS

con

Pro

The Pony Express Staff2014-2015

Drake Wikstrom...........................Editor-in-Chief

Sabrina Olivier.................News/Features Editor

Sabrina Tam.........................Centerspread Editor

Kayla Mutunhu..................Entertainment Editor

Darrin Davis......................................Sports Editor

Diego Uy.........................................Opinions Editor

Michael Alpuin.............................Graphics Editor

Hannah Reasor.................................Copy Editor

David Mozombite.............................Staff Writer

Shania Perez......................................Staff Writer

Nick DelRio.........................................Staff Writer

Emily Bayron......................................Staff Writer

Jhonatan Da Silva...........................Staff Writer

Sheila Tayie........................................Staff Writer

Nicole Mason.....................................Staff Writer

Macie Rodriguez.......................Public Relations

Ashley Lowe...............................................Advisor

The Pony Express is a student run newspaper published by the staff at Gaither High School, 16200 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL, 33618.

The opinions expressed in this publication are not those of the facul-ty or administration of Gaither High School, but of the newspaper staff and its editors.

Advertising rates are available upon request by calling (813) 975-7340 ext. 254. Advertising which pro-motes illegal products under Florida law, opposes any religious views or is of any sensitive nature will not be tolerated.

The Pony Express welcomes let-ters to the editor on topics of interest to Gaither High School and its sur-rounding community. We also accept contributions from writers not associ-ated or on the newspaper staff.

We reserve the right to edit all submissions for grammar, length, libelous statements and invasion of privacy. For any questions, comments or concerns, please contact Drake Wilkstrom in room 288.

Michael AlpuinGraphics Editor

Nicole MasonStaff Writer

Relationships can be smooth sailing and blue skies, but only if there are no hurricanes and jagged rocks along the way. They can go just as bad as they can well.

Everyone knows that they can be time comsuming, Relationships require a lot of attention in which some might not have, and especially if you’re the ‘always working or busy with school’ type of person; barely getting to see him or her, not replying to text messages and phone calls, or just absolutely no physical con-tact at all can cause issues for both sides.

If a relationship is time consuming then it might affect friendships. People don’t like being ignored and definitely not by their friend or best friend. It’s not healthy for a relationship to come between friendships, nor is it good for it to become the entire center of attention in life. It causes issues that might affect things. Such as: work, school, or even the connections you have with friends and

family.Distancing yourself doesn’t help

either. In some cases, distance is the only issue. Long distance relationships are a huge struggle to deal with. It’s frustrating how far one another are from each other and could even result in trust issus. Knowing the person could be with someone else, while the other person doesn’t know is almost as stressful as making decistions that could be an issue for the persons loved one.

Trust issues could lead to arguing - that’s how most relationships end. Simply because arguments were always coming up and in the end it’ll just be easier for two people to break up rather than continuoulsly fight and break up. Unless some type of agreement or resolu-tion is brought to attention, then it might as well be a lost cause. Relationships are a source of stress, anxiety, and a mix of other things no-one will want to deal with unless they really want to be with a certain person. Some might say it’s best to just stay away from them in order to avoid any form of conflict making life

easier for them to deal with and might even make a person happier not being in one.

Many might think having someone around to help with problems and hard-ships is a good thing, and in some cases it is, and every once in a while than can become too much of a problem. When a person is feeling down they might to just be left alone to deal with it on their own. They push others away including their lover and now their significant other thinks they have done something wrong or might get mad for being pushed away. Now they have distanced themselves from one another. There’s the loss of communication and the connection they had. This could happen to anyone in a relationship therefore it is not always a good thing to have around.

Not everyone can put up with the bundle of issues that come witha rela-tionship. They aaren’t always easy to handle. Whem given lots of thought and putting other things into consideration, not being in a relationship might be for the best.

Being in a relationship during high school can have huge benefits on you personally and as a member of society. From listening to casual conversation and spending many hours daily lurking on social media sites, I have noticed a simple trend. For those teenagers who are single, they are in the want of a relationship. It seems for many to be a satisfying accomplishment to be in a relationship with a person who is very close in age and proximity. The cute cou-ples seem to be the envy of many during this stage in our lives and it’s extremely easy to understand why.

The perks of dating in high school are immense. The most important and beneficial of these is the simple com-panionship in which a significant other provides. High school is a very stressful time in the lives of young lovers and having the ability to always have some-one there to calm you down and show you the positive side of life, even when things get a little tougher, one is able to depend on their boyfriend or girlfriend for support. The sanity and stability that a significant other can provide is parallel to none. You’re able to never feel alone, no matter what is going on in your life. Whether it be personal or social, there’s a person there for you. Someone who is able to see the world as you do and provide you with assistance and support tailored to your specific situation. This is especially important during these years of our life due to our developmental stage and life experience. We’re all going

through similar experiences in different ways by figuring out who we want to be in life as well as how to get there.

I have always viewed things as a lot easier when you have someone with you working together towards a common goal. Teamwork is a stress reliever, motivator and overall a good feeling for anyone who is able to be a part of it. One aspect directly relating to school that I find beneficial to both you and your sig-nificant other is the ability to study and work together for your classes. Chances are, with similar interests and the lack of variety in high school, you’ll have a few common classes either currently or from years past. With this similarly you are able to increase your productivity by completing assignments together while also sharing ideas with each other.

You’re able to feel comfort in placing confidence and trust in someone who has similar interests and views as you while also enjoying the intimacy they can provide. This is a huge motivator. When you’re in a relationship with someone, a portion of your motivation will always come from your wants to be a better version of your self for that particular person. The want to not only share a long period of time with that person, but the want to have an impact on their lives way beyond what your companionship can provide. You’re willing to push and motivate them to help them build a bet-ter version of themselves and they’re al-ways there to do the same for you. When you want something for yourself, and you need an extra push to get yourself there, being in a relationship can provide that for you.

It is important that I touch briefly

on my mention of intimacy because it’s extremely important to any relation-ship. Although it is not the core value or purpose within a relationship, it is intimacy that really takes your relation-ship to the next level beyond being what would be viewed by the public eye as casual friends. It’s the little extra that is provided by each other which makes your relationship more. A human touch has health benefits for those of all ages. Simple acts such as hugs, holding hands or placing a hand on one another inside of a movie theater can have health ben-efits for us. It allows people to connect and feel more positive about themselves and life as a whole. A simple human touch can greatly affect your dopamine levels which reward you with feelings of happiness and stress relief within your brain. Being in a relationship literally makes you happier.

One common misconception I hear is that dating in high school is too expen-sive to be enjoyable and I refute this completely. Being in a relationship will only be expensive if you make the deci-sion for it to be. It’s not about how much money you spend on your boyfriend or girlfriend, it doesn’t compare to the amount of enjoyment you can get out of simply spending time together. Shortly after entering a relationship you will learn that the most inexpensive dates turn out to be the ones with the most comfort and enjoyment for the pair of you. When it comes down to it, any flaw brought up by those who are currently single can be easily refuted through experience and simple science. A high school relationship will give you some of the best moments in your young life.

relationshps are Causing issues

FEBRUARY 2015

6 centerspread

My Squad,

I hope we aren’t friends out of highschool.

-Nick Delrio

Hannah,

You are the coolest person in the world

and your favorite band likes you which

is rad. Stay single, stay cool.

-Hannah

Nicole Hoban,

Happy Valentines day! Senior year

wouldn’t be the same without you!

-Justin Lawniczak

Casey Little, Casey, as the curatory of the bromance we share, I must say it has been a wonderful few years. -Rustie Jimmies

Jessica Rezler, Roses show their light, whether their red, black or white. Just like you they’re bright. -Ernosoo Romano

Hable Sissay, I love you babe with all my heart. Never let anyone stop you from being you hun!! xoxoxx -Natassia Wilson

Jessica Barra, Have my babies....Please -Wyatt Pearson

Brianna, It’s been 2 years and I still don’t know what to say. -Andrew Guggenheim

Cady Alessi, Have a good day! <3 -Ya boy

Stein, Chris, Twon and James, Shout outs to squad, yo uknow I love y’all gorgeous people. Stay golden. -Laz

Gerardo Salas, Tyler Pearce, Jue and Josh, I love you Papi Chulo’s, you make my blood boil hotter htan the sun. -Lazaro Martinez

Many teens are single on Valentine’s Day but that doesn’t stop them from having fun on the day meant to be about love and companion-ship. Don’t be discouraged by your friends and siblings who all have a special someone on this day. Good things can come out of being single on Valentine’s Day. Here are some tips and ideas for those single on this day: 1. Get yourself your own flowers and chocolates! Stores don’t have sales on the Val-entine’s Day goodies JUST for couples! Indulge yourself in the little things. Sometimes a good bouquet of tulips or lilies can brighten your day alongside some delicious chocolate. If you wait a

day after they practically are handing the candy out to you for free! 2. Get some friends together and visit some get-togethers where you can meet peo-ple who also lack a partner on Valentine’s Day. There are many places in the area that have Valentine’s Day specials such as attending art workshops or such where you can encounter people who share the same interests as you. 3. Instead of going out, stay inside! May-be treat yourself to some good food, watch your favorite movies, or have your best friends come over to hang with you and watch TV shows that you’ve been meaning to catch up on.

Valentine’s Day not just for couples anymore

Kevin, Steffy D & Pablo,

Rawest rappers out the streets, I love you

and the small things about you.

-Lazaro

Alexi Underwood, For my funniest friend :) -Sophie Bascurt

Lacey & Hannah, Y’all are my baddies ily! xo -Shannon

Nava, I love you boothang <3 -Dani

Bear, You are an amazing girlfriend who can do nothing but make me the happiest I could ever be, I love you. -Dalton

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

THE PONY EXPRESS centerspread 7

Alyssa Price,

Happy Valentines day, I love you.

-Austin Smail

Miranda Snow,

Be my Valentine. I’m yours baby

-Vann

Pablo, Marc and Leo, Dab life is the life for us. You guys make my mornings with your smile. -Lazaro

Micah Cabral, You are so amazing and I’m so happy that I’ve been able to spend this last year with you. I love you so much! <3 :) -Tessa Melson

David Mozambite, Be my very dorky valentine? -Alexis Mozier

Gerardo Salas, Tyler Pearce, Jue and Josh, I love you Papi Chulo’s, you make my blood boil hotter htan the sun. -Lazaro Martinez

Tessa Melson, To the one who brought me to happiness and gave me the greatest gift of love. -Micah Cabral

Alexis Pastore, You’re bae -Isaac Quiros

Carley, I love you girly -BBKF

Sarah, Will you go out with me? -Noah

day after they practically are handing the candy out to you for free! 2. Get some friends together and visit some get-togethers where you can meet peo-ple who also lack a partner on Valentine’s Day. There are many places in the area that have Valentine’s Day specials such as attending art workshops or such where you can encounter people who share the same interests as you. 3. Instead of going out, stay inside! May-be treat yourself to some good food, watch your favorite movies, or have your best friends come over to hang with you and watch TV shows that you’ve been meaning to catch up on.

Dalton Fulco (potatoe),

You are so adorable and I couldn’t be any happier and I’m

so lucky to have you, and go to Disney with me.

-M

acie (bear)

4. Volunteer at a nursing home or pet shelter. Many nursing home residents don’t have loved ones with them on Valentine’s Day, as well as homeless dogs and cats who wouldn’t mind a cuddle or two. 5. If all of your friends are dating or you just don’t feel like hanging out with them, a nice dinner with your sibling(s) and/or family, or just being in their company would be a nice gift. 6. Spread the spirit of Valentine’s Day by giving out flowers, sealed chocolate or other goodies to people you know or meet on the street. It could make a person’s day! Story by Hannah Reasor

Cross country team, I <3 you guys! -Isaac Quiros

Alexi Underwood, For my funniest friend :) -Sophie Bascurt

Drake, I miss you hand shakes <3 -Mason

Sofia Decard, You’re very pretty :) -B

Mario the Janitor, You’re better than Luigi -Nick Delrio

David Mazur, Thank you so much for being there for me. I love you so much. Have a happy valentines day babe! :) -A.L.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

sports 8 FEBRURARY 2015

Calendar Mar. - Apr.

2/13/15- Baseball/Softball Game2/17/15- Track and Field Meet2/18/15- Baseball/Softball Game2/20/15- Baseball/Softball Game2/24/15- Baseball/Softball Game2/27/15- Baseball/Softball Game2/28/15- Baseball/Softball Game3/3/15- Baseball/Softball Game3/7/15- Track and Field Meet3/17/15- Baseball/Softball Game3/17/15- Track and Field Meet3/21/15- Baseball/Softball Game3/24/15- Track and Field Meet3/24/15- Baseball/Softball Game3/27/15- Baseball/Softball Game3/28/15- Track and Field Meet3/31/15- Baseball/Softball Game3/31/15- Track and Field Meet4/2/15- Baseball/Softball Game4/7/15- Baseball/Softball Game4/10/15- Baseball/Softball Game4/13/15- Baseball Game4/17/15- BaseballGame

Softball girls eager to start new season

Courtesy of Gaither Softball

The Varsity Softball Team posing for a powerful picture right before a game. Each and every girl having a fire in their eyes, and a need for glory.

Blood, sweat, and tears are the three things that make a high school girl, turn into a softball player.

“Our team is more than ready to compete against the other schools.” said softball coach Jerry Murry.

But How will the girls play this year, is a question often heard around campus.

“An aggressive play-style will be in use, the girls know that in order to play a starting position, they must earn the spot by demonstrating their skill at practice.” Said Murry.

Even with competition within the team, the players actually grow closer together.

“We aren’t just a team, and we’re not just best friends, We are sisters, a family, We have a bond that can’t be broken.” Said junior softball player Payton Hiday. Last year the girls went on a play-off run mak-ing a name for themselves on the softball field, gaining and losing valuable players.

“Last year we lost one senior, this year we have a returning junior players who went to districts, a couple sophomore players and a handful of new experienced freshman. Even though they are talented there is still room for improvement.” Said Murry.

Coach Murry isn’t the only one who had noticed the freshman’s efforts.

“They have a lot of potential and are bound to be twice as good by the end of the season.” Said Hiday.

The Returning district entry team was questioned about a new set of goals they may have.

“We have a totally different mindset of new and improved goals. Making it back to districts, then exceed past that making it to states and becoming state champi-ons.” Said Hiday.

Having similar goals to coach but with one bigger vision, Murry believes in his girls too much to let the lights shut off at states. In previous seasons Murry has had just that very thing happen to him, not at

states.However at regionals when his team

went into the final round in 2007.“I’ve been coaching at our school for 10

years. Five of which I was the assistant coach, but now I’ve been coach for the second half of the year.” Said Murry.

Through all of his years of coaching, Murry has become more experienced though them.

“In my year, our team has achieved the title of district champions on four occasions. In 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2014.” Said Murry.

With his numerous visits to the road of victory, leading to states.

“I believe we have a pretty good chance to make it all the way to regionals, taking that we won the title of state champions and districts.” Said Murry.

With all the excitement of champion-ship talk, means only one thing, that stu-dents are to expect nothing but the best from their fellow classmates and friends on the softball team.

Girls flag starts their pre-game

Nick DelrioStaff Writer

Jhonathan DaSilvaStaff Writer

As the girls Flag Football team enters a brand new season, the key expectations still have not changed.

The team has gone by the same three principles ever since Flag Foot-ball has been a part of the school’s culture.

Hard work and massive amounts of effort are needed to be top dog in the sport.

“The main goal for this season is to win a District title.” Said Coach William Agatheas.

Agatheas is the head coach for the Flag Football team and he has some very high expectations for his girls this upcoming season.

Coach Agatheas has been coach-ing Flag Football for the past decade, he has a well rounded understanding of the game and he has some district titles under his coaching belt.

Coach Agatheas has sent each and every team of girls off with a sense of team work and what it means to be a part of a unit, along with other mentoring he gives out.

”I want to have a good and fun season I expect us to compete at a high level and we are happy to have Coach Boylan as our new assistant

coach” Said Senior Mackenzie Rick.The varsity flag football team lost

many of their seniors last season causing them to lose much of their talented players, and they will be relying on underclassmen to come out and compete at a high level to win the District Title.

“We’re looking forward to a successful season this year. I think there is a lot of potential in the team and we’re going to put a lot of work into building a strong group of girls. Heart and hustle! “Said Sophomore Sarah Mazur the Quarterback for the team.

Last time the Flag Football Team won a District Title was back in 2009. The year after, the girls were runner up.

Even though the girls haven’t won the district title in the past six years, with a new district comes new opportunities.

” It’s interesting to know that we are going to be competing in a new District this upcoming season” Said Agatheas.

The girls are excited that they will be playing in a new District this season. They won’t have to travel as far as they have had to in the sea-sons prior.

Also the Varsity Flag Football team will be getting a new Assistant Coach, a rather qualified one at that.

Coach Boylan started his career dealing with Flag Football as a refer-ee for half of a decade and after that he coached his sons Flag Football team for another five years, so it’s safe to say that he knows a lot about the sport.

Coach Boylan is also the volleyball coach and has a fair amount of expe-rience coaching up girls physically, mentally, and really getting his team to bond together as one family.

“I am happy to be the new Head Assistant Coach and I hope that we can have a lot of fun this upcoming season and make some great memo-ries” Said Boylan.

The season is right around the corner and the girls are preparing themselves for another competitive season.

With Agatheas experience and Boylan’s new ideas the Flag Football Team will bring a new life into the district this 2015 spring season.

The girls will be traveling to freedom on March 17th for their first game. Make sure to show your support for these athletes through out their season.

*Due to technical difficulties not all sports schedules could be

added*

sports 9PONY EXPRESS

Track goes for a fresh new runThis year the track team lost one of

their longest running head coaches. Coach Jeff Ditman most well-known for running the shot put is now re-placed with the second year assistant.

Coach Ryan Lojacono who also runs the Cross Country team. Coach Ditman has been one of the head coaches for a long time and only left for various personal reasons.

Something that will inadvertently affect the team for a short amount of time while everyone get accustomed to the changes. Even though Ditman is gone from the school now- one of the other longer running coaches Pat-rick Geanconteri will always remain close to the team.

“It doesn’t affect the whole of us too much- we four other coaches have been doing this for many years so we won’t change too much” said Gean-conteri.

Geanconteri is one of the more experienced teachers and coaches and because of that he knows how to handle a sport well- even more so since he also coaches the Girls’ Soccer team. With the departure of Ditman, some of the longer running coaches like coach Geanconteri who has such a close bond with the former coach are obviously more affected than the newer runners.

“He was a really close friend and we both were really close- the other runners even got us friendship brace-

Darrin Davis

Sergei Bevan preparing for his first pole vault of the official spring season for Track and Field. He is attempting to pole vault over six and a half feet, his starting height.

David MozombiteStaff Writer

lets” said Geanconteri.With Ditman some changes are to

be expected but gladly nothing of ma-jor importance will be changed. But even with the replacement of a coach Ditman, Lojacono doesn’t plan on changing the teams practice regiment and will be sticking with what they have always done.

Lojacono plans on changing only one thing- with the increase of stu-

dents this year- many of the athletes don’t know the basics of their event. In order to alleviate that, Lojacono is planning on going back to the basics.

“We’re going back to the basics since we have a lot more kids, we gained a lot more students- up to thir-ty and more coming.”Said Lojacono.

But it seems even though he has a lot to manage- he seems to be han-dling the new position efficiently.

“It’s different- its more responsi-bilities like keeping everyone on task and keeping everyone trained” said Lojacono.

While doing so- he tries not to be too harsh on the athletes and let them go with their own flow but while keeping the task in mind.

“He’s not to stern, he’s lain back, nice, and helpful” said runner Isabel Vazquez.

Even though there haven’t been many track meets as of yet- every-one is hopeful for the future of Track and Field even without the guidance coach Ditman gave over the shot put event and his guidance as a head coach.

This year coach Lojacono has lofty hopes for this coming year with his Track team that is built upon the things they were able to accomplish last year. He has high hopes for specific runners to make it as State champions.

“One or more state champions like Samson Moore, Alessa Sanduskey, and Ashley Rogale,” said Lojacono.

Being the head coach for Track means that he’s responsible for the running based events and because of that he also has high expectations for the relay teams this year, paying special attention to that event.

However, being head coach he also has to keep an eye on the other events, giving equal guidance to all of his athletes.

The Track and Field team is sure to make a big run this year, be sure to come out and show some support.

Imagine Dragons announce new album release for listeners

Event Calendar •Feb. 5-16 -- Florida State Fair, Florida State Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.

•Feb. 25 -- Maroon 5, Amalie Arena, 7:30 p.m.

•Feb. 26 -- Star Revenue Talent Show, Auditorium, 7 p.m.

•Mar. 7 -- 94.1 Wild Splash, Coachman Park, 1 p.m.

• Mar. 26 - Ariana Grande, Am-way Arena, 7:30 p.m.

• Apr. 24 - Grad Bash, Universal and Islands of Adventure, 3:30 p.m.

The newest album from Imagine Dragons, Smoke + Mirrors, is being released on Feb. 17th and is the up-coming second studio album by the alternative rock band.

In Smoke + Mirrors the members had recorded the CD while they were on tour and began writing the lyrics to the new songs towards the end of their Night Visions tour.

“I Bet My Life” was the first lead single off the album, which the band received great reviews about. The song led them up to releasing the album this year.

Lead singer, Dan Reynolds, writes in “I Bet My Life” about the relationship with his parents grow-ing up, since he had told them that he wanted to be a musician and though they didn’t like it, they still supported him. They tried to see past their differences and celebrate the relationship that they have to-day.

The band has also recently re-leased the second single “Gold,” which is more of an inspiring mes-sage about how everything one touches turns to gold, meaning that they really have nothing left or they have everything looking at the as-pect of it being about money and all the riches one can have. In this case, listeners learn that they can have everything but they won’t be truly happy.

Fans of the band’s music are excit-ed to see what is going to be on the album.

“I like Imagine Dragons’ music and [with] the older album, everybody lis-tens to it on the radio [and] it’s just the matter of listening to the album and listening to the actual lyrics. There’s a lot of stuff behind it; it actually shows meaning to what they’re saying,” said junior Carey Ledee-Nicholls.

Listening to the songs, fans can tell there is a lot of emotion and true meaning when they sing and play their instruments because it comes from the heart and soul of themselves.

The Smoke + Mirrors track list contains a total of 13 songs featur-ing, “Shots,” “I’m So Sorry” -which is

a funky blues tune- “Polaroid,” and “Friction.”

Many of the lyrics on the new album deal with the lead singer, Dan Reynolds’, struggles with faith and purpose. There are a lot of pop sounds and intense beats from the drums which makes it that much more enjoyable.

A deluxe edition of Smoke + Mir-rors will be released exclusively through Target and will be $15.99. Included will be four bonus tracks and also an “art box deluxe” ver-sion, containing lithograph prints designed by artist Tim Cantor for every song on the album and an oversized album.

Fall Out Boy hit studio, produce new tunesAmerican Beauty/American Psycho portrays Fall Out Boy in a familiar, yet new light

Alternative Rock Band brings new music to the table along with catchy tunes, entertains fans

Music

FEBRUARY 201510 arts & entertainment

Emily BayronStaff Writer

Fall Out Boy’s sixth studio al-bum, and second since their hiatus, not only brings up elements from past ‘80s hits and ‘70s TV shows on top of their stylish punk outfit, but revisits some of their older pre-hia-tus sounds.

American Beauty/American Psy-cho is a collection of small pieces peeled off from each genre of mu-sic there is and patched together to make an Andy Warhol type artwork.

That artwork is evident on the first track, “Irresistible,” which is just as much pop-punk as it is hip-hop and horn blasts. Filled with excitable energy, the band clearly hasn’t lost their touch as they open the album with scratching guitars and a heavy bass drum that leads the vocals into each new word.

The third track on the album, which also is the first single, “Cen-turies”, starts off with the ‘80s clas-sic, “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega. Following the retro opening, a de-liberate piano line with lead singer, Patrick Stump’s triumphant vocals singing “Some legends are told/some turn to dust or to gold/But you will remember me/remember me for

centuries” to help create the victorious style of the song.

During the pre-chorus of track 5, “Uma Thurman,” a part from the theme song from hit ‘70s TV show, The Munsters, is played by guitarist, Joe Trohman which brings back the past elements into the new album. The song ends with guitar feedback which eases its way into the next track, “Jet Pack Blues.”

Fall Out Boy portrays themselves as a band with far greater passion than what’s just on the surface. “Novo-caine” really brings out that message with truthful lyrics supposedly based from the dealings in Ferguson that are driven by the authoritative bassline.

The title track of the album comes across as a repetitive, anger-driv-en song that is retrospective of their first two albums. But what keeps that tune grounded is the fourth track on the album, “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” which provides a clear, light melody with purposeful lyrics such as “And in the end/I’d do it all again/I think you’re my best friend/don’t you know that the kids aren’t al-, kids aren’t alright?” That brings back what the band stands for, which is fighting for the underdog.

The lyrics on this album, primarily written by bassist, Pete Wentz, pro-vide what their target audience real-

ly needs in this time of their lives. Using not only the dealings in the world but imagination from his heart, the lyrics reveal an outlet for those who desire it. The lyrics are half of what the band is known for, the other half of course being the

music.Fall Out Boy has truly outdone

themselves this time, having re-leased music within less than two years and already releasing tour dates. Expect big things to come… If it can get bigger than this.

www.billboard.com

Hannah ReasorStaff Writer

www.aceshowbiz.com

THE PONY EXPRESS 11arts & entertainment

Check out the staff’s favorite hand picked tunes

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to bundle up and watch some great movies - single or in a relationship

GreaseDanny and Sandy develop a short, sweet summer love that was only supposed to last over the break. Danny has to keep his reputation in tact when he finds out Sandy is now going to his school. Grease is a film about Danny finding out if he cares more about his reputation or his love for Sandy.

The Fault in Our Stars Hazel Grace Lancaster is a de-pressed teenage girl going through cancer who happens to meet a boy through this support group she now has to attend being deemed de-pressed. This movie is another form of the novel that shows two teens in love who happen to be going through the tragedy called cancer.

I Hate Valentine’s DayA story of a woman who believes to nev-er go on a date with the same guy five times. She rethinks her viewpoint when she meets a new man who moves into her neighborhood. Overcoming her pre-vious beliefs, she becomes intrigued by giving this special guy another chance.

www.handbag.com

www.imdb.com

The NotebookA story adapted into a film about two lovers who leave each other, but return in the end due to their undying love for one another.This film is sure to bring on the water-works of many viewers.

Take a look at our iTunes playlist and find out what each of us has been listening to lately, whether it’s an up-beat tune, popular radio hit, something slow and simple, or a song that makes you wanna get up and dance

www.cache.reelz.com

Courtesy of Sabrina Olivier

Story by Shania Perez

www.imdb.com

On the football field it is important to be able to do two things- get the ball to the end zone and have the means to do so. As Quarterback of the Varsity Foot-ball team- senior David Mazur is one of those means.

Being a quarterback is no easy feat- it requires a lot of hard work to be good at it- something that Mazur exceeds at do-ing. According to MaxPreps.com, Mazur is among the top 100 of all quarterback’s in the state and among the top 1,200 top players in the whole country- some that gives Mazur a good chance for a future in college football, that is of course, if he decides to go that route in his future.

“David has good grades,” said coach Jason Stokes “but he’s yet to be deter-mined but he does have a lot of potential.”

But even with the hope behind his ca-reer Mazur doesn’t plan to continue his football career past his last year in high school.

“No football in college,” said Mazur “I’m gonna go study business and take over my dad’s company,” but other than the base plan of what he’ll do- that really the most he has, he doesn’t really even know where he will go for college.

He’s been playing since his freshman year and even before that he we playing football in some kind of measure since he was young.

“I’ve been playing for all 4 years and in total 11 years” Mazur said.

“I just started playing it and I fell in love with the game,” said Mazur and that he became a quarterback because “the la-dies love it.”

Mazur follows the training regimen as the other students with five days of prac-tice and working out with 1 game a week and only one day, Sunday, off. “He has a lot of heart and he’s definitely a competi-tor,” said Stokes.

Being in an important position like he is, Mazur has many responsibilities to look after. So to be a good leader and be someone who can lead his teammates he doesn’t go out and force others to fall in

life. He instead decides to lead his fellow athletes by leading with example. This teamwork between all of the athletes is shown through their game record.

With a score of 3-2 win/lose ratio the teamwork that Mazur tries to create is obvious. “[Being quarterback] is fun, alot of pressure, its worth the big risk for the bigger reward,” said Mazur.

Football star shares family spotlight with sister

Senior David Mazur plays the same posi-tion in football as his little sister

FEBRUARY 201512 student spotlight

Florida Strawberry Festival provides new entertainment and fun

Sophomore Sarah Mazur is the quirky, devoted quarterback of the girl’s football team. Starting this huge responsibility, Mazur has tackled on this new task.

“You got to lead the team and stay fo-cused out there. One of my main priori-ties is just to be a leader, don’t get down. If you get down then the rest of the team gets down; just keep your head high.” said Mazur.

Mazur is using any leadership skills necessary to keep up her moral and her team’s spirits. She has put in any hustle she has in her for this position; her en-joyment for football is what’s guiding her through.

“I plan to play the rest of my high school career, maybe some intermural and college. I enjoy it [football]. I have a lot of fun with it.” said Mazur.

Mazur has been taking care of the team seeing as she’s taken up this task as quarterback. She knows her duties and when she needs them most. She gets along well with her fellow team members, which contributes to her authority skills that will help their entire team.

“She [Mazur] is a good leader and com-municates well; she’s a good team play-er. She’s good at keeping positive energy even when something’s going bad.” said sophomore Haley Hotalen, middle line-backer.

Mazur has had some experience last year in football, which will contribute to-wards the qualities she will need for this year and any upcoming. Quarterback has many qualities you would preferably need or develop to keep your position and to complete your role. It is no position to be playing around or joking- especially if you have the potential.

“She was the quarterback last year so she has a season under her belt and hope-fully she’ll learn from that; what went right and what didn’t go so right so and apply that for the upcoming year in 2015. She’s a free spirit, she always comes in with a big smile on her face; doesn’t let things rattle her- if she does, she doesn’t

really show it. She’s basically a good kid and very talented. Maybe she needs to be a little more serious at times during practice because by the time you get into games, sometimes that’s too late.” said girls’ football coach, Bill Agatheas.

As said, Mazur lifts up the spirit of not only her team members, but herself as quarterback. She is an uplifting spirit who finds it necessary to put in her all during training plus her official matches again other schools. It’s her obligation to be in an appropriate mood to kick up everyone’s game. Mazur keeps optimistic vibes flowing all throughout her games.

If Mazur puts in the obvious amount of effort needed, she will be rewarded. Ma-zur will enter and leave this season with her own personal ‘bang’. Mazur is leaving her footprint on the girls’ football team and is putting her heart into this upcom-ing season.

Quarterback stands tall in the pocket when facing expectations

Sophomore Sarah Mazur follows in her big brother’s athletic footsteps

Shania Perezstaff writer

David MozombiteStaff Writer

The Strawberry Festival is Back in Town Celebrating their 80th anniversary Plant City, FLA- The Strawberry Festi-val is back again this year and begins on Thurs. Feb. 26 and goes until March 8th and it will be the 80th year anniversary. There will also be new performers, rides, and a lot of new contests.At the festival, guests come to enjoy exhibits of agriculture, commerce, indus-try, livestock, fine arts and more. The event lasts up to 11 days and has half a million patrons from all over the state.The main goal is to celebrate the be-ginning of the strawberry harvest in eastern Hillsborough County.This year’s lineup contains various

artists and genres of music from classic country to today’s country, R&B, rock and pop. The acts include Alabama, Scot-ty McCreery, John Legend, and Hunter Hayes. They will all be performing on the Wish Farms soundstage at 3:30pm and 7:30pm.“The strawberry festival last year was great, I got to see Hunter Hayes in concert which was exciting,” said senior Emily McGuire.There will be a total of seven contests like the strawberry shortcake eating contest and the shoebox floating contest which is sponsored by Free Smile Club and the winning shoebox float will be on display in the Parke Building through-out the Festival.A new attraction this year is The Xpogo Stunt Team, they were considered the

best extreme pogo performance team in the world because they perform all kinds of tricks like flying over nine feet in the air on pogo sticks while doing flips ac-cording to www.facebook.com/FLStraw-berryFestival.“The strawberries were really good but the doughnut burger was my favorite,” said McGuire.Not only will there be strawberries and strawberry shortcakes, there will also be strawberry pie, strawberry crepes, strawberry shakes, strawberry cookies, strawberry jam, and even deep fried strawberries.“My favorite thing about the strawber-ry festival is the strawberries and the rides; they are amazing,” said junior Isaiah Thomas. The rides that will be available for

guests to enjoy are the Giant Wheel, Mu-sic Express, The Vertigo, Fireball, The Wave Swinger and more.There is going to be free seating for each concert and it will be a first come first serve set up in the Marrow Steel Free Grand stand located at the back of the Wish Farms Soundstage. Guests can purchase a wristband to ride most of the rides for a low price According to www.flstrawberryfestival.com/ .On both Sundays it is the Coca-Cola Family Day meaning that those who bring a Coca-Cola can, will receive a voucher for $5 off a $25 wristband and can ride all day. Admission for the event for adults (ages 13+) is $10, for children (ages 6-12) is $5, and for children (ages 5 and under) it is free.

Emily Bayronstaff writer