September 2010

8
Lakewood High School - Sept. 22, 2010 snntoday.snn.pcsb.org Spartan News Network The face of CHANGE New principal Bob Vicari has big plans for Lakewood Pages 4-5

description

September 2010

Transcript of September 2010

Page 1: September 2010

Lakewood High School - Sept. 22, 2010 snntoday.snn.pcsb.org

Spartan News Network

The face of

C H A N G ENew principal Bob Vicari has big plans for

Lakewood Pages 4-5

Page 2: September 2010

2 SNN

the hub We d n e s d a y, S e p t . 2 2 , 2 0 1 0

Spartan News NetworkCode of Ethics

As journalists for the Spartan News Network, we work

together as a community with respect, professionalism, accuracy and

curiosity. We collect information and dig deep to get to the bottom of the most current events to produce and

distribute hard-hitting and honest news to the Lakewood community in a timely

manner. SNN is an open forum that strives to accurately report a balanced and truthful depiction of the news while remaining objective. Our main goal at

SNN is to build and maintain trust with the people, to give a voice to the voiceless and to succeed at not just painting the picture, but telling the

story behind the art.

SNN StaffEditor-in-Chief: Taylor LaPumaOpinions Editor: Sofia DamosSports Editor: Julia PohlmannDesign/Copy Chief: Spencer BlevinsGraphic Designers: Chris Deister, Kristen HardyMultimedia Editors: Katie Atkisson, Maddie GlassmanOnline Editor: Molinseai ElciusAd Managers: Keyata Seymour, Kamdon Martin, Aaron Parry

SNN is produced by the students of Lakewood High School.

1400 54th Ave. S St. Petersburg, FL(727) 893-2916

SNN is printed by Lakewood’s business partner,

the St. Petersburg Times.

For more news, go to the SNN web site: snntoday.snn.pcsb.org

SYLVIA CZYSZCZON | SNN

Junior Cole Hardman flips through the air during a swim meet at Northeast High School on Sept. 2. Lakewood won the meet. For a slideshow of images from this event, and other SNN projects, go to snntoday.snn.pcsb.org and click on multimedia.

SNNA word from

By TAYLOR LAPUMA SNN Editor in Chief

From the street, our school looks the same. Same buildings, same signs, same huge Spartan heads adhered to the bricks and the same blinding

yellow letters insisting “Spartan Power.” What you can’t see, though, is how much Lakewood is actually changing behind the walls. Not only do we have a few new teachers but we have new policies, new rules and biggest of all … a new principal. The state has made its presence known by coming in and out of our classrooms, analyzing our routines. Administration has cracked down more than ever on electronics and dress code, teachers have strict instructions to create a word wall, and have the four ques-tions: “What are we going to learn today? How will we learn it? How will we use it? And how will we know we’ve learned it?” displayed in the room. This is where we come in, to get all the details about what’s going on around us. It’s our second year as a newspaper and our goal is to continue to deliver the facts as we hear them, so we’ll be keeping track and keeping you informed with running articles. The changes are definitely some-thing we’ll all have to get used to, and although we’re not all new here, we still have to adjust to the brand new Lakewood. The state has given our school $500,000 dollars to put toward improvements. So far, a few changes have been made: new carpet in the media center and CATCOM, the air conditioning and the roof have been repaired (no more “leaky Lakewood!”), and new flooring is to be put in the Hub. Principal Bob Vicari said that he’d like to ask the students what they think he should put the rest of the money toward, so it’s up to you, Lakewood. What do you want to see improved? Send us a letter to the editor and we’ll be sure to pass the word along to Vicari. Through all the changes, one thing is still clear: Lakewood High School will still be the best school in the universe.

Front page photo illustration by KATIE ATKISSON | SNN

Over the summer CAT was • ranked 15th in the nation by Newsweek magazine.

Principal Bob Vicari’s favorite • sport is ice hockey.

Science teacher James Kostka • had a baby over the summer. Kotska’s baby is named Meaghan.

Computer teacher Anthony • Snead and his wife, math teacher Syreta Snead, also had a baby over the summer. Their baby’s name is Ellise.

SNN is now being distributed on • Wednesdays instead of Thursdays, like last year.

- SHERRISH GAINES, CHELSEA GADBOIS AND KASEY DILLLARD

Did you know…

Page 3: September 2010

3SNN

newsWe d n e s d a y, S e p t . 2 2 , 2 0 1 0

Double trouble at Lake Vista ParkBy DEONNA MIMSSNN Staff Writer

“This summer I went to New York and went to a couple of football camps. I also chilled with some friends.” -Senior Max Thuriere

“I hung out with James Lynch, we went to Kissing Cuzzins Restaurant.”-Junior Tyler Bentley

“I went on a family vacation and I went and looked at colleges in Miami. I also got a job and went to the beach a lot.”-Senior Madeline Christman

“I hung out with Bent-ly and played (Call of Duty). I hit up the gym and got ‘swole’.” -Junior James Lynch

With a new principal, new renovations and new rules, Lakewood High School is undergoing change after change, another being the transition of teachers. But where old teachers are leaving the school, new teachers are beginning to leave their mark. Make your way to upstairs C-Wing, C207, and meet new World and American History teacher Cory Scott. Scott grew up right outside of Wash-ington D.C. in Fairfax County, Va. until he moved to Florida where he graduated from the University of South Florida - Tampa. Starting his first year of teaching, Scott is excited to interact with the personalities that shape LHS. “My favorite thing about teaching has to be the personality of the students. Every

day I get to see 120 plus kids who are all different and impact the class positively in different ways,” said Scott. “Lakewood has been amazing. Every teacher I’ve met has been welcoming and nice. Some even go out of their way to help me find my way into the swing of things.” One thing you’ll always find in his classroom? “My students know, or will know shortly that they can always find someone who cares in my room. Not just about their grade in my class, but their grade in every class and their success in general. I make it a point to make students realize, even though they may hate us at times, teachers genuinely care about their success in life.”

Teacher transitions: Cory ScottBy SHERRISH GAINESSNN Staff Writer

What did you do this

summer? The first two weeks of school at Lakewood High saw a lot of action. A stabbing and gunshots fired near Lake Vista Park put a damper on the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year. First, a Lakewood student was stabbed in the stomach on Aug. 25, while walking home from school at Lake Vista Park, just south of the Lakewood football stadium. The boy had minor injuries and was back in school the next day. One week afterward on Sept. 3, unknown individuals began shooting into the air outside the football stadium at the end of the game between Lakewood and Gibbs high schools. Although the first incident did not happen on Lakewood’s campus, the school went into a mandatory lockdown for about 15 minutes. “We don’t know exactly what happened,” principal Bob Vicari said. “But (the man charged in the stabbing) had marijuana on him—so we’re not stupid. You pretty much know what was happening here… but the fact that drug activity is tak-ing place at a park not too far from school, that disturbs me.” Campus monitor Derrick Pollock saw the man suspected in the stab-bing in Lakewood Estates later in the afternoon. “I was able to spot him out because of the description off of the security cameras that we viewed,” he said. “I followed him through Lakewood Estates and I continued to do that during my phone call to (School Resource) Officer Lerric Boyd; that way they were able to know exactly where he was.” Antwrane Thomas, 18, was charged with possession of mari-juana with intent to sell, carrying a concealed weapon, aggravated battery and armed trespassing on school property. Many Lakewood students were disturbed about the incident because many of them live nearby. “I thought they were just hav-ing a little argument, words would be exchanged, they might get into a little fist fight, but no one expected him to pull out a weapon

and stab the victim. We were just shocked, scared but mostly shocked,” said a Lakewood girl. (SNN is not releasing her identity because she was a witness to the crime). In the second incident near the end of the Friday night football game, gunshots were heard off campus near Lake Vista Park. Stu-dents, teachers and families emptied the bleachers and the game was ended with about five minutes left. Although no one was injured, the incident scared the commu-nity. “I thought it was very unnecessary that we couldn’t enjoy our game; I also thought it was childish,” said senior Brandon Hey-ward. “At first I thought someone was getting shot, like a vendetta situation.” Heyward said he ducked behind a news van and ran to the

parking lot. Campus monitors and school resource officers plan on doing everything they can to make the school safe for all students, Vicari said. Media specialist Mi-chael Pates of the St. Pe-tersburg Police Department said stopping this kind of activity is a “joint effort” of the Lakewood com-

munity. “The students and faculty need to come together with an agreement that they will no longer allow that behavior,” he said. But Vicari said he doesn’t want to overreact. “I don’t want this to seem like a Gestapo camp…I just want everyone to have fun,” he said. But he is still taking precautions, including prohibiting parking on 16th Street S during football games. “You got one choice,” football Coach Cory Moore said right after the game. “You can either choose the American dream or the American nightmare.”-SNN Staff Writers T.J. Perry and Kayla Garcia contributed to this story.

ALANDRA PRYOR | SNN

“The students and faculty need to come together with an agreement that they wi l l no longer al low that behavior.”

- Media specialist Michael Pates, St. Petersburg Police Department.

Quotes compiled by Kayla Garcia and Kasey Dillard. Photos by Molinseai Elcius

Page 4: September 2010

Little laughter filled the library on Aug. 31 as the state Department of Education devised new and improved ways to make learning better for students. A team of reading coaches, administra-tors and department heads observed classes for two days, while another team gathered around a library table dispatching ideas. “Lakewood is like a body, and we are the doctor who calls in specialists to try and make the body better. We’re here to do system checks and take diagnostic steps to get the body ... on the right track,” said achievement specialist Michelle Dennard. The state is here because Lakewood has failed to make enough academic progress. “The stares the state gave, made me feel uncomfortable,” said junior Brandon Klase. One of the many improvements already in effect is the implementation of the four questions on every teacher’s board. “The questions don’t help. It’s ri-diculous because no one pays attention to them,” said Klase. Others are optimistic about the future. “Although it puts a lot of extra require-ments on teachers, it helps us retrain on what the state considers important for stu-dents’ education,” said science teacher Dr. Garbutt. But he still says “the jury is out” on whether the changes will be effective for students. During the visit in August, the state didn’t name specific areas that needed improve-ment, but principal Bob Vicari did. “I expected to see all classes do well; instead only 70 percent made me proud. I can’t have students learning from busy work, and that’s what I saw in the other 30 percent,” said Vicari. He said when he first came to Lake-wood, he was told about 30 percent of the students are struggling. But “after what I saw, 30 percent of teachers are struggling as well.” This visit was one of many scheduled to happen this year. In addition to the scrutiny, the school will be awarded a school improvement grant, which consists of $500,000 to make improvements at Lakewood. Vicari will work closely with admin-istrators, teachers and department heads to focus on how the money can be spent wisely. Vicari said he has good things in store for Lakewood this year. “Students deserve more; they should be able to walk away from any class saying, ‘Wow, I really got something out of that lesson.’”

Can Hollywood High make an about-face?State stalks SpartansBy SHANTE’ SHEDRICKSNN Staff Writer

Above: Collie Kolosey gestures as she speaks to other state and county staff assigned to Lakewood High School at a meet-ing on Aug. 31.

Left:Members from the state have been filling out forms like this one dur-ing tours through-out Lakewood High School.

TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN

ALANDRA PRYOR | SNN

Page 5: September 2010

This year at Lakewood more than 600 students were left without a schedule on the first day of school. “It’s terrible. It’s em-barrassing,” said new principal Bob Vicari. The problem happened because Pinellas County schools switched from one com-puter program to another over the summer. The new system is called PCS Portal. It allows parents to log in and check their child’s grades, attendance and discipline, similar to Parent Connect. The new Portal is a one-stop-shop for parents and teachers. While everyone agrees that Portal might be good in the end, when the school first switched to the new system, “it was a mess,” said Vicari. In the first week, guidance counselors and assistant principals fixed about 90 per-cent of the schedules. However, principal Vicari did not think that was good enough because it was not fair to the other 10 per-cent of students who did not have the right classes. “Everyone has seven classes, but we need to put kids in the classes that they need,” said Vicari. “They’re heading in the right direction. … We’re doing it as fast as we can.” Sophomore Bailey Kay had some prob-lems with her schedule. “It took like three

Lakewood is going through some major “restructuring,” said principal Bob Vicari. One of his goals for the future of Lake-wood is to divide the school into multiple strong academies, like AMSET, and the soon to be Journalism Academy. This means he had to do away with small learning communities like Business and Technology and the Program for Arts and Culture. His goal is to have five or six strong academies, with clear purposes and curriculum. Many students are unaware that their SLC no longer exists. “(SLCs) didn’t really matter,” said se-nior Ashley DeCecco-May, who was part of the BAT program. “I’m still taking digital design...I can still get the scholarship, so it still counts.” The main goal of making these changes

is that when a student graduates from high school, Vicari wants them to have a spe-cialized set of skills that they can use in the real world. He believes that giving Lake-wood an “academy theme” and providing students with classes that they are inter-ested in will help do that. One of the programs in the process of becoming an academy is the journalism program, “I’m really excited about it; I think it’s a great step, and I think it will help us fix some of the bureaucratic challenges we’ve had such as in transportation and registra-tion for the program, and I’m really excited about trying to involve more students,” said Journeys in Journalism coordinator Cynda Mort. “I want to try to come up with inter-ests for everyone,” said Vicari. A major

complaint he said he has heard throughout his career from students is, “they will never use this (information) in the real world.” Vicari wants to change that. He wants to give students an opportunity to learn about things that they want to learn about, along with their mandatory core classes. Although the goal is to come up with several different academies that many people will be interested in, Vicari knows that not all students will fit into one of the academies. However at the very least, when they graduate from high school, they will have those specialized skills, and from there, they can do what they want with them, he said. “I’m glad to hear that,” said math teacher Laura Lake. “I think it’s all good stuff.”

No more small learning communities By CHELSEA GADBOISSNN Staff Writer

or four days (to get it fixed),” she said. She had to sit in the CAT auditorium and to turn in one of the forms for a schedule change. “(It was) extremely frustrating because it’s not fun sitting in the CAT auditorium for three or four periods.” Vicari said he will bring staff in even if he has to pay them overtime to make sure that this does not happen again next year. “Next year, I guarantee this will not happen… we will look over every schedule by hand. We will make sure that you won’t be sitting in the auditorium for two or three days,” he said.

Can Hollywood High make an about-face?Schedule shuffleBy CHRIS DEISTERSNN Staff Writer

KATIE ATKISSON | SNNJunior Steven Doyle, center, waits with other students experiencing schedule problems in the CAT Auditorium on Aug. 24. There have been large schedule problems because of a new computer program being used in Pinellas County schools.

Vicari promises

1. Classes need to be more engag-ing. “Too many kids are tuning the teachers out.” 2. Up the level of instruction. “We need to get rid of busy work and give students good, strong, productive work. Every student needs to feel as if they gained something from everyday”3. More school spirit. “We want to create a school where everyone is proud to be (attending)”4. Facility needs to be improved. “Walking on to other campuses like Gibbs, it’s beautiful. But our school has sheets of paint off the doors, and some of the flooring looks like it’s cobblestone with all of the gum stuck to it.” 5. People need to see our school as a good school. “I don’t want people say-ing ‘oh that’s the school where the kid got stabbed at the park next door.’ We want to be seen like we’re the best. We want parents to say that they want their kids to come here after middle school.” - Taylor LaPuma, SNN Editor in Chief

New Lakewood principal Bob Vicari speaks with members of the SNN newsroom staff during third period on Aug. 27.

MADDIE GLASSMAN | SNN

KATIE ATKISSON | SNN

Page 6: September 2010

6 SNN

We d n e s d a y, S e p t . 2 2 , 2 0 1 0 opinion

Is change ≥ good? Is all change, good change? Change is the transformation from someone or something’s original nature – which is exactly what has occurred this year at school. Due to Lakewood’s failure to make progress academically, the state has come in, switching up our way of doing things, teachers and students, alike. The changes themselves aren’t severe: no giant rulers for hand-slapping . . . Yet. The changes are so simple; it makes us ques-tion how this is going to help. For instance, have any of you noticed that your teachers’ rooms are a bit tidier this year? The state’s doing! Or that the boards all display the same format, a rect-angular figure on one edge (typically with tape) with in-depth instructions. Again, the state can take kudos for that. The question we find ourselves asking is: Are we the only ones who feel like we’re in elementary school again? While welcoming our new principal, Bob Vicari, we had to accept a number of changes within our rules and regulations, that hadn’t been enforced to the degree that they are this year. Is cracking down

really going to have an effect? Or is it a futile effort on our principal’s part? One thing we know has affected the majority of the population at Lakewood is the new cell phone policy. We don’t be-lieve that the state is the main factor in its change; rather, we believe that should be pointed in our principal’s direction, who ever-so graciously allowed us a 15-minute reprieve during break in “break areas,” and after school at lunch. We know it’s hard to resist the temptation of just send-ing that one text message, but with the new rules and punishments for those who disobey them in place, is it worth it? We’ve had to comply with quite a number of changes this school year, and it’s too soon to form an honest opinion on how this will work out for all of us. We hope it will. The jury’s out, Lakewood; even with all the transitions, the one thing you can count on, is that we’ll keep you updated.

This editorial reflects the opinion of the SNN staff and was written by editor of editorials Sofia Damos.

Filling out college applications and tak-ing four-hour exams, I have to admit - I didn’t expect this. I wonder this: what happened to all the fun I saw seniors having fresh-

man, sophomore and junior year? Even though I’m not seeing the benefits of being a senior just yet, I’m still able to share some of my knowledge on how to make your overall school experience the best. Freshmen: This is the “pioneer” year for you. Grades are extremely important, so take it seriously. You’ll have time to play later. Teachers still baby you, but it’s also your responsibility to get your work done and turned in on time. Also, it’s a great idea to begin a study group now; it will always be easier to call up your study partners and ask for help on a homework question if you don’t understand.

Sophomores: You guys are somewhat used to the routine, but don’t get too excited. You still have to work hard at maintaining your grades --college isn’t as far away as you think. Juniors: Because I was a junior only a few short months ago, I feel your pain, and I’m going to share some real information with you. This year will be your hardest year ever, and you will suffer from what I like to call “junioritis.” You know you only have one year left, so you throw in the tow-el way too early. Whatever you do, don’t do this. I’ll admit I wasn’t eligible for the “Perfect Attendance” award last year, but I still knew the importance of keeping on top of things. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, is cute about being a “super-senior.” Seniors: Filling out college applications early and getting your ACT and SAT scores up are extremely detrimental to how much money you receive toward your education as well as your admission. This is the time to focus on making every day count and mooching off parents for as long as we can. Let’s all graduate and leave no one behind, and most importantly enjoy senior year!

By DEONNA MIMSSNN Staff Writer

Senior scoop:A word from the wise

AARON PARRY | SNN

Editorial

Column

Share Your Opinions Letters to the editor should be sent to [email protected]. They

should concern an opinion on a featured editorial or news story.

They must be signed, accurate and at most 150 words. Letters

may be edited for taste, length and grammar.

Page 7: September 2010

7SNN

We d n e s d a y, S e p t . 2 2 , 2 0 1 0

Football “It’s a long season, a long year,” Coach Cory Moore said in the postgame talk to his players after the 35-14 loss to St. Petersburg High. Although Lakewood won against their rivals, the Gibbs Gladiators (32-12), Moore has many things to change with the team. “Things gotta change: our work ethic, in the classroom and on the field,” he said. Because of the tense rivalry with Gibbs, the game was sold out and many fans were turned away. Lakewood faces Dixie Hollins High on Friday with a record of 2-1.

VolleyballThe volleyball team, which made it to

sports

Rising rookies

SNN asked the coaches of the fall sports who on their teams were rookies to watch out for.

Here’s who made the cut:

Assistant principal Deb Fabrizio was named new athletics and activities director this year after last year’s director, Javon Turner, took a new position as an assistant principal at Gibbs High School. Principal Bob Vicari said he chose Fabrizio as the new athletics direc-tor because of her experience in the same position at Dixie Hollins High. Fabrizio said she is expecting more than just athletic excellence from the athletes this year. “It’s the integrity of the athletes that I’m (more) worried about… Wins and losses will come but you have to set the example in the classroom,” she said. Vicari also expects the athletes to perform well in the classroom. He believes that the relationship between the coach and the student is important because it is what can keep the student performing well in school and in their sport. “(Students should) use sports as a vehicle to raise grades and get the best of both worlds (on the field and in the classroom),” he said.

Rob Bauer was the boys’ soccer coach at Lakewood for six years but will not be coaching again this year. Bauer said he resigned because he needed to decide the direction his life would be taking. “I’m 30 years old. Either I go back to school or not,” said Bauer. He said he talked with his family and friends and chose to go back to school and further his education. Bauer said he’s looking forward to watching what he thinks will be a suc-cessful season for the team. He especially is looking forward to seeing the “young ones” shine on the field. “I can’t wait to sit in the stands… As a coach you’re not having that hot chocolate, you’re analyzing (the game).” Bauer expects that there are many ap-plicants eager to coach this team that has “a tradition of success.” Along with the boys varsity soccer coach, other coaching positions are still vacant, including girls JV soccer coach and boys varsity basketball, athletic director Deb Fabrizio said.

Cross CountrySophomoreCraig SaldanahExperience: Four years What he says he can contribute to the team: “I try to motivate the younger grades and keep them going when ... the leaders of the team aren’t around.”

FootballSophomore Logan

McNeilPosition: Left

tackleWhy he thinks

Coach Cory Moore choose him:

“I try my hardest. …I’m pretty good,

not jockin’ on myself.”

Bye-bye Bauer

New “man” in charge

Spartan sports roundupBy JULIA POHLMANNSNN Sports Editor

By JULIA POHLMANNSNN Sports Editor

By JULIA POHLMANNSNN Sports Editor

the semifinals of regionals last year, is looking forward to an impressive season again. With returning young players like Berkley Whaley, the team has the skill to go far. “Many players played in the offseason so now it’s just (about) putting it all together,” said Coach Sean O’Flannery. The volleyball team has played and won against Northeast High and Boca Ciega High. Their next home game is on Sept. 28 against Osceola.

SwimThe swim team, under the guidance of new head coach Katie Davidson, is expecting a good season. “The kids are working really hard and now they’re ready to step up,”

Davidson said after their meet on Sept. 7. Coach Davidson took over for previous coach James Kostka after he left the team because he and his wife had a baby daugh-ter. Davidson has been coaching various swim teams for eight years while teaching kindergarten. “She has some really good ideas that (have) helped the team a lot,” said one of the senior captains of the team, Sean Kendrick. The swim team has had four meets so far, all going well but Da-vidson said that they have to work on their relay teams. Their next meet will be against Gibbs on Sept. 24-25.

Cross Country Cross Country coach Royston Dillon has high expectations for the Cross Country team but does not think he has a “champi-onship team” at the moment. “The boys’ team has the potential and ability to be in the top five percent of the Pinellas County Cross Country teams,” Coach Dillon said. The girls’ team, however, is lacking in players due to the girls interested in volley-ball or soccer instead. The girls’ team isn’t full and Coach Dillon is encouraging any girl soccer player or other athlete to come out for cross country to “get in shape.” The Cross Country team’s next meet will be the North Point Invitational on Sept. 25.- SNN staff writer Kayla Garcia contrib-uted to these briefs.

Kenard Davis (8) reaches for the ball under heavy defensive pressure during a game against Gibbs at Lakewood High School on Sept. 3.

GolfSophomore

Devon RogersExperience: Seven

yearsWhat he says he can

contribute to the team: “(My golfing

experience will) help (the team) have some-one to lead and make

sure we can stick together and win.”

VolleyballSophomoreLeigh ButnerExperience: Four yearsPosition: Outside hitterWhat she says she can contrib-ute to the team: “I can contribute my enthusiasm and skill.”

Page 8: September 2010

Jessica Madden was worried about being at the bottom of the food

chain, the workload, being picked on by se-

niors and strict teachers. Her favorite teacher so far is Chris Borg. “He’s entertaining,” Madden

said. She is looking forward to FBLA. “I’ve

heard it’s great.”

Aaron Stubbins was looking forward to the start of school at

Lakewood to “see if it was hard” and to meet new people. His favor-ite teacher is Joshua

Plant, who nicknamed him ‘Elbows.’

Sabrina Schmidt, who attended Bay Point Middle, was mainly

concerned about academics in high school.

“I was scared out of my mind…thought I was going

to fail,” she said. She is looking forward to track,

soccer, and maybe basketball.

Jakob Barker, who attended St. Pete Christian (6th) and

Thurgood Marshall (7th-8th) is looking forward to the CAT program at

Lakewood because he is excited about

attending “a really competent school.”

Samantha Myrthil came from Lealman

Middle and thought high school would be like

everything she had seen on television and movies.

She is looking forward to soccer, but the new early start time makes

her cranky.

Dejsha Simmons was looking forward to

attending Lakewood from Azalea Middle

because she would be surrounded by her

cousins. Simmons was surprised at how fast

the day goes by. So far, her favorite teacher is Faith Walker. “She is

very easy going,” Simmons said.

Rhianna Alejo came from Tyrone Middle School

expecting hard teachers. Her perspective changed

when she met teacher-Antez Brinson, who

conducts more engaging activities. She is also looking forward to the

Dance Team.

Isaiah Wynn came from Bay Point Middle and

was looking forward to attending Lakewood to join the football team.

Wynn’s favorite teacher so far is Cory Scott.

“He’s fun, acts like a kid,” Wynn said.

FACES

OF

FRESHMEN

Portrait series byKatie Atkisson

and Maddie Glassman

SNN multimedia editors