Walter L. Sickles High School7950 Gunn Hwy. Tampa, FL 33626

The Gryphon GazetteVolume 16, Issue 4

Follow a pint of bloodBy MacKenzie Craig

We all know the basics of donating blood; we sign up during lunch and take a visit to the blood bus. We answer a couple of questions, have our finger pricked, and then have our blood drawn out of our arm to fill up a labeled plastic baggie, and in return we get to miss class, eat some free food, and the best part: receive a free t-shirt. But have we ever really considered what happens after the blood bus leaves campus?

As soon as blood is drawn from a donor’s arm, it directly flows into a bar-coded, labeled bag to keep track of each donation. Then the bag is stored in coolers until the blood bus can transport it to Florida Blood Services.

“One thing we have to make sure during the questioning process is that we have qualified candidates,” Phlebotomist Valerie Conyers said. “Not just someone who is looking for a free blood test. We also have to be certain the donor has a permanent address, we can’t have homeless people donating, if there is something wrong with them, we wouldn’t have any way to contact them.”

After arriving at the center, each donation is scanned into a computer database so all information may be kept on file. Processors begin to filter the blood into specific components of plasma, red cell and platelets. From there, each test tube is sent out for further testing.

“Each donation is sent for 14 different testings and information about each is re-corded and saved in the database,” Phlebotomist Adeline Cadet said. “Even after 14 testings, when a hospital gets the supply it is tested again.”

After the testing center receives a donation it undergoes multiple tests to deter-mined blood type and rule out those containing infectious diseases. Electronically, all results are sent to the manufacturing facility within 24 hours, allowing useful dona-tions to be labeled and stored until needed.

Each separated component is broken down into separate storage settings. Red blood cells can be used up to 42 days post-donation, platelets, only available up to five days following, and plasma, which can be frozen up to a full year for use.

After donating, processing, testing, labeling and storage all the blood is ready to be transferred to a hospital 24 hours a day seven days a week to save a life.

The top 5 romantic movies 1The Notebook (2004)The Notebook is the true testament: love never dies. An elderly man (Duke) tells an elderly woman (Allie) the story about two young lovers (Noah and Allie) who find each other after a separation forced by their parents. Along the way they run into obstacles, but in the end love conquers all when Allie realizes that this is her own love story.

2 Titanic (1997)One of the most beloved romance movies,the Titanic is what love is all about. Fighting for the person you care most about. The way this movie was filmed helps one to experience the love Jack and Rose shared. Even though they come from different classes of society, Jack, a poor artist shows Rose, an aristocrat, the true meaning of life and love while aboard the magnificent Titanic. Even when the seas turned rough Jack and Rose never gave up.

3 A Cinderella Story (2004)Everyone dreams about finding his or her prince, but for Sam Montgomery her wish came true. A classic high school love story: Sam must overcome the challenges brought on by her father’s death, face a horrid stepmother, and two beastly stepsisters. Once just a waitress at her father’s diner, writing to her internet crush, the mysterious princess that dances with her love, Sam’s life changes in ways she never expected.

4 The Vow (2012) For starters this movie is perfect simply based on the fact that Channing Tatum is the main character, Leo. Too bad Paige doesn’t remember that he is her husband! Based on a true story this is the definition of true love. When a car accident puts Paige into a coma and she suffers from severe memory loss, her husband Leo tries to win her back by recreating their entire relationship. This is a difficult task because she forgets everything about her life with him and ends running back to her parent’s house. Leo never gives up even though he faces numerous obstacles along the way. He is determined to capture the heart of his bride once again.

5 27 Dresses (2008)Going to a wedding is stressful enough but what about twenty-seven? For Jane this is no big task, as a wedding planner, each client appoints her to be a bridesmaid in their own wedding. But when her sister comes into town and gets engaged to Jane’s crush, the wedding planning isn’t going so smoothly. Along the way she meets Kevin, the man behind the newspaper engagement stories. As they spend time together the sparks begin to fly. So will Jane attend her final wedding, maybe as the one dressed in white or is she doomed to be an always bridesmaid?

Students sign up to donate blood either through a school organized event or even going to the local Florida Blood Services located on N. Dale Mabry.

Phlebotomist Valerie Conyers, is one of the employees who travels around the Tampa area asking all volunteers about their medical history to make sure they qualify as a donor.

After passing all the health questions, Senior Eric Huitt is attached to an Alyx machine to collect only red blood cells; an in demand blood component.

Asia Rue takes hold of her donation to see how heavy a pint of blood really feels.

Following each donation, the specimens are stored and labeled to be sent off for further testing at the blood lab.

Don’t forget to replenish the body with nutrients that drawing blood took away. Sugary drinks and snack foods are a great way to do this.

By MacKenzie Craig I have always seen car accident being cleaned up on the side of the road, heard about them on the news, or passed by the aftermath of a bumper to bumper mix up. I have always thought myself to be a relatively safe driver, never hitting a mailbox, slowing down for yel-low lights, and stopping for stop signs. I did however speed every so often and weaved in and out of cars. If there wasn’t a cop, I wasn’t going to stop. The worst mistake I made was never ignoring text messages when I was on the road. Everyone else did it; it’s not too hard to read something while driving. Heck, I read street signs while driving, why couldn’t I do this? When I was growing up I always saw drivers answering a phone call or reading a text message, and what we see as children influences how we are as young adults. It was the day after I had gone camping with my best friends and I was supposed to be meeting someone for lunch on the other side of town but didn’t realize I was running late. As I rushed out the door my best friend called out behind me to drive safe, the last words out of our mouths any-time we saw each other off in a car. He even sent me a text as I was pulling out of the driveway. Like usual I looked at it. I had no idea where I was going and my GPS was acting up, needless to say I got myself super lost. To make matters worse it started to rain, making the roads slick. Finally my GPS caught sig-

nal again and got me back on the highway. Real-izing how late I was I started to speed and dodge in and out of cars. I knew that was pretty stupid, but I didn’t want to be any later.

Going 25 mph over the speed limit I felt a vibra-tion in my lap. I reached down to grab my phone and brought it into view. I had gotten a message asking where I was. Freaking out, I sped a little more and started to reply. With my eyes on my phone I didn’t notice a bend in the road or the puddles spread across the pavement.

The next thing I know the road is backwards and I started spinning, the back tire caught the medium

and the whole vehicle started to roll, not once, but four times. After what felt like an eternity my car came to a stop. I couldn’t see a thing, all I knew is I was sitting on the ceiling of my car and that wasn’t right.

I was pretty sure I was dead. I sat there for a few minutes thinking “hmm, this is what death is like. All right.” Realizing I wasn’t dead, I had just wrecked my car I crawled out of my shattered window. I couldn’t even register what was happening as I finally got out and stood on my own two feet. I remember laughing, crying, and being beyond confused. I was also super pissed; I wreck my freaking car over some stupid question. Strangers started coming over and help arrived. It was the first time I felt alone and scared, I had to call my dad and tell him what happened. Before I even got any words out of my mouth my dad said he was already in the car driving. I hadn’t even said what happened yet, he just knew. I felt pretty stupid after the matter had settled; I had done just about everything one was not sup-posed to do while driving: texting, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt. The no go’s of driving. I did learn a few things though, if you crash, your insurance rates will be jacked up beyond be-lief, no one will feel safe with you in a car, and you’ll have to take a ridiculous eight-hour driving course. Not fun. One thing we should all keep in mind is that driving is a privilege. I know we hear that simple statement all the time, but it is true. I almost lost my life when I was taking it all for granted. If I didn’t have my car, how would I get to work or hang out with my friends? I would much rather obey all driving laws, and lock my phone in my trunk when driving than be a vegetable for the rest of my time. Most people get into at least one accident in their life-time. Some are little fender benders while others are not so lucky. I figure my story will pass over many students here at Sickles High School, and most will continue to go about their way as reckless drivers who will not understand my standpoint until they experience a tragedy themselves. However, I hope to reach at least one student, the one who will realize that getting into a car is dangerous, and that being stupid behind the wheel raises the danger. Everyone is going to have questions, especially new drivers. If ever you find yourself wondering about safe driving, take a look at keepthedrive.com, an Allstate website dedicated specifically for teen drivers informing others about the factors of driving. There’s also a teenage-led discussion group for those who want to get the message out. If you have the time check it out and possibly lower your chances of flipping a car or two.

Volume 16, Issue 4 News Page 2

Events you’ll love this Valentine’sSeasonBy Stefanie LeRiche Everyone loves a good Valentine’s Day. It’s the one day, of the year where you can let your heart speak its mind and get away with it. Most people typically spend it by going out to dinner or seeing a movie. But this year you should do something wild, crazy and different; something you’ll never forget (just as long as it’s legal, of course).

Here are a few local events happening on the day of love:• Valentine’s Day Massacre at Skate Park of

Tampa• Valentine’s Day with Gary Valentine at

Side Splitters Comedy Club• Total Eclipse of the Heart at MOSI• Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise aboard

Yacht StarShip at Channelside• Anti-Valentine’s Day dance at Land O’

Lakes Public Library (for those Valentine’s Day haters)

“Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday. So much romance and love is in the air. And I think it’s cute when I see boyfriends do some-thing big for their girlfriends,” Sophomore Sara Matthew said. “It’s so sweet when they go all out and take them to some fancy place.”

Did you hear that, boys? Women love the ro-mance! So get smart and take them out some-where new and extravagant.

“I don’t really see what the big deal is. Everyone freaks out about Valentine’s Day,” Sophomore Sydney Foreman said. “Just go to the movies or something. Keep it simple.”

“I usually go somewhere special with my husband, like out to dinner,” art teacher Rena Longo said. “But then I also go out with both my husband and my daughter and we do some-thing together. So it’s like I have two Valen-tine’s Days.” “Capital Grille is a great place to go and delicious,” Longo said. “Donatello’s is also very nice, and so is Hyde Park Village.”

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you haven’t made plans yet and need to think of something great to do on the spot, try to be spontaneous and think outside of the box. Valentine’s Day might not be for everyone, but for those of you who look forward to this holi-day, make this year a year you’ll never forget.

Keep the drive

The week I got my first car my brand new, new to me 2001 Volvo S60 before she did a double role on State road 58.

They told me not to but I did anyways, and look where it got me. Upside down.

Share your story at Keepthedrive.comA website specifically for teens who wish to pro-mote safe driving among others.

This is why I can’t have nice things. If I was able to Dodge the situation, I wouldn’t have Ram-ed myself into crazy insurance rates. You bet they weren’t Jeep.

Volume 16, Issue 4 Opinion Page 3

By Daniele Mendez

As you may know, most of us love chocolate. Chocolate is one of the best Valentine’s Day gifts, too. This is the season to spread your love by giv-ing your friends some of their favorite chocolate. Those who love chocolate might have a favorite brand of chocolate bar. Some of the most popular ones include Hershey’s, Twix, Almond Joy, Snickers, Reese’s, York, Dove, Kit Kat, World’s Finest, and Milky Way. “My absolute favorite is Dove’s dark chocolate,” science teacher Lauren Rismiller explained. “It’s the best. The little fortunes are helpful and cute, too.” “I don’t specifically have a favorite chocolate bar,” Senior Alex Mejia said. “Chocolate is just so delicious. But if I had to decide, I would choose Caramel World’s Finest Chocolate.” But don’t just receive chocolate, give what you wish to receive. Give some to your friends like Sophomore Sydney Tommie. “I am going to give my good friends some Almond Joy for Valentine’s Day this year,” Tommie said. “I hope they like it as much as I do!” 50 students were asked about their favorite chocolate bar. Out of those 50 students, 22 percent preferred a Hershey’s bar. In at a close second place was the Reese’s Cup with a 16 percent vote. A Twix bar and a Kit Kat bar were tied with a 12 percent vote at third place. The remaining 50 percent consisted of Snickers, York, Milky Way, World’s Finest Chocolate, Dove, and Almond Joy. You’ve got a few ideas for your gift this year. Now i’s time to go out and grab some chocolate for you and your friends this Valentine’s Day.

Chocoholic V-Day

By Amanda Fitzpatrick

As we approach Valentine’s Day, many couples feel that love is in the air. Everyone knows those couples that feel the need to make their love for each other very obvious. Although it is always good to feel loved, where is the line drawn on public displays of affection, commonly known as PDA? Kissing, hugging, and holding hands are all common signs of PDA that we see here at Sickles. Everyone knows those couples that are running to class, almost late because they couldn’t stop making out. From their point of view, they are thrilled to be in love with someone, but to the rest of the school, it’s awkward and uncomfortable. “Nothing is worse than when a couple decides my locker is a great place for them to lean in and make out,” Junior Louis Siam said. “I mean, I’m happy for them and everything but I don’t really need them sucking face every time I want to get a book out of my locker.” Siam isn’t the only one here at Sickles that is frustrated with the PDA. “I think it’s weird and awkward when I have to walk by a couple and they’re all over each other,” Sophomore Christine Matych said. “School isn’t really the place for that.” Not only is PDA awkward and uncomfortable to see, it’s also against the county rules. Despite this, opinions still differ on when disciplinary action should be taken. “It is against the Hillsborough County student handbook to show public affection,” Assisstant Principal Jazrick Haggins said. “There have been times where I’ve had to suspend students and call their homes because a couple was showing too much PDA.” But just how far should that rule be taken? Should students really have something on their permanent record simply because they were kiss-ing their girlfriend or boyfriend goodbye? “I don’t really think it’s the school’s place to say when I can and cannot kiss and show affection,” Siam said. “If it’s that big of a deal they should just call our parents and let them deal with it. Sometimes the school system tries to overstep their boundaries, and this is one of those times.”

Is PDA okay?

Volume 16, Issue 4SpreadPage 4

Most people have had a Valentine’s Day that they have spent alone and without someone to hold. If you’re like me, you are tired of eating everything in sight (especially chocolate) and crying while watching “The Notebook.” “This year, I want something different. Every time I’m alone I do the same things like watch romantic movies and cry, and it always makes me upset,” Freshman Aliya Burshan said.Here is a list of ideas to help you get over the fact that you will most likely become a cat lady, or man, (no judgment) on this fine day dedi-cated to love.

1. Hang out with friends who are also alone, it will make you feel like you are less of a loner.2. Ban romantic movies from playing on your televi sion and instead watch horror movies and be thank ful you aren’t in a situation like the characters.3. Eat a light amount of food, getting overweight won’t helpyoufindasignificantother.4. Close your eyes every time you see a happy couple. Just be careful about running into walls, poles, etc.5. Ignore any friends who happier than you are and f ocus on friends who can share your pain.6. Buy yourself some chocolate since no one else will.7. Listen to your favorite singer and fan girl like there is no tomorrow.8. Accept the fact that you are alone.9. Workout so you can brag about how good you feel instead of being stuffed with chocolate.10. Listen to happy songs to keep you content.

“I’m alone this year on Valentine’s Day, and it gets tiring after a while, but the only advice I can give to you if you’re new this year on being alone, is to just tough it out and do everything possible to forget about Valentine’s Day,” Sophomore Mackenzie Knox said. Valentine’s Day can be a fun one if you just choose to let yourself not thing about how alone you are in life. Try not to surround yourself with too many friends with significant others and think about making yourself happy and content with yourself. After all, having someone on Valen-tine’s Day isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. “I have had a few Valentine’s Days where I was not alone, and let me tell you, it can be awkward.” Junior Sara Damery said. “I remember once in the fourth grade this boy gave me gifts, and I didn’t like him back, so I just smiled and walked away.”

Alone on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day was once a dark and cyni-cal holiday back in the middle ages, but is now known as the most romantic day of the year. During February 13 to 15, the Romans celebrated what they called the feast of Lupercalia, known as the festival of fertility and love. The festival began with sac-rificing a goat and a dog and the women would line up for the men to act violently toward them using the hides of animals they had just slain. The women believed that this event would make them fertile and then were coupled up with a man by picking a name out of a jar. This festival, perceived to be a loving festival back then, is completely different from how we celebrate now. Now Valentine’s Day is known as the Hall-mark holiday with sweet cards and tons of

chocolate to indulge in. Some people may think of Valentine’s Day as just another holiday for commercial purposes like Junior Caleb Villanueva who said “Valentine’s

Day is just a day when companies make all their money by selling cards and candy.”

Although some companies directly benefit from this day, the love is still in the air. People around the world share their love by exchanging gifts and telling each other how much they mean to one another.

Those who believe Valentine’s Day

came about from Hallmark and all the other companies who sell Valentine’s merchandise, it really began because of those crazy Romans. Senior, Courtney Hopper stated “I don’t think there should be one day to show your valentine how much you love them. You should show them every day.”

By Delanie Mobley

By Alyssa Fedorovich

If you are lucky, you are spending February 14 with someone special this year; if not, then you probably hate Valentine’s Day. Many couples are planning date nights, exchanging gifts, and doing everything they can to display their affection to make each other feel special.

Throughout Sickles High School, many students and teachers already have the basic idea of how they are spending February 14 this year. Some are spending the entire day with their boyfriend or girlfriend. Others are spending the so called “happy holiday” being reminded that they are forever alone and no one loves them.

“My plan for Valentine’s Day is to take a girl out to a nice dinner date, my pay of course,” explained Senior Terrell Jones. “I feel like a girl deserves to be treated to a nice dinner.”

Unfortunately, some of us don’t have the money, or the girl, to treat to a nice dinner. Approximately half of the Sickles population will be spending the holiday eating food and convincing themselves that they don’t need love to be happy. But once they walk onto campus see-ing all the cute couples holding giant teddy bears and loving on each other, then that’s it; they accept the fact that they are going to live alone for the rest of their lives. “I remember how alone I felt on Valentine’s Day my freshman year,” said Sophomore Ciara Baucom, “All the happy little couples were walking around with giant teddy bears, and I was just like... Oh.” Luckily, some of us can find a way to be positive through all this misery. You don’t need a human to love you; food will NEVER let you down! “On Valentine’s Day, I’ll be eating the chocolate my mother gives me.” said Senior Clay Swingle, “Girls are dumb, and chocolate is where it’s at!”

On Valentine’s Day, it’s almost as if you’re not winning, you’re losing. If you have a sweetheart, you are successful. If you’re spend-ing the day single, you’re a failure. But the question is, why is being single so much worse on February 14 than it is on the 13 or the 15? The point of romance is to make you happy and fulfill you, not to set a date in a calendar. Therefore, being alone on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you’ve failed at love anymore than being single any other time of the year.

It is very important to stay positive through this holiday. If you have a valentine, make sure to make the day really special and memo-rable. If you’re alone, don’t start to doubt yourself or put yourself down.

By Giovanna Bovero

Valentine’s Day traditions are extreme-ly different today compared to 400 years ago.

Cupid is coming!

Volume 16, Issue 4 Spread Page 5

Best and Worst Valentine’s Day stories

My first kiss went a little like this…

Pope, Gelasius, de-clared 14 February to be St. Valentine’s Day, a Christian feast day.

AD 496

By Mikyala Sanford

Charles, the Duke of Orleans, writes the first recorded Val-entine’s note to his beloved.

AD 1400 Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts, started producing romantic cards.

AD 1847 The commercial-ization continues. Buying chocolates, flowers and cards is a popular tradition.

Mid-1980s Valentine’s Day gen-erates an estimated $14.7 billion in retail sales in the United States.

2009 2010 One billion cards were sold worldwide, making it the second most card-heavy celebration after Christmas.

Many people have had their first kiss, whether it was awkward or special. “Firsts” are just always something to remember. “When I had my first kiss, I was thirteen,” Junior Louis Siam said. “I didn’t know what to expect but it gave me an adrenaline rush, and I was really excited and glad that it happened.” “My first kiss was when I was sixteen in a drive in movie,” William Steinangel said. “It was a very special moment that made me for-get about everything that was going on around me.” Some people think that a first kiss is special and should always be remembered. “I don’t think I will ever forget my first kiss,” Siam said. “It was a romantic and spe-cial moment for me and I will always remem-ber it.” “I think you will always remember things like that because anything that is your first will be special,” William Steinangel said. However, other people think that a first

kiss is just awkward and they try to get it over with. “I think sometimes people over exaggerate their first kiss because I did in middle school, but it ended up being a really bad experience for me,” Sophomore Janae Parera said. “Neither of us knew what we were doing, and it was just awkward. Afterwards, I was just glad it was done.”

“In middle school, I just wanted to get my first kiss over with,” Freshman Isabella Canto said. “My friends were so excited and they would not stop talking about it, but I knew it was going to be weird and awkward for me, and it was! His lips were chapped and his breath smelled really bad. I don’t think I will ever forget that, no mat-ter how much I want to.” For some people, their first kiss isn’t exactly like it is in the movies. But for other people, it was like they were in their own little fairytale.

Valentine’s Day, also known as the most romantic day of the year, can be one of the best days of the year or one of the worst. This day is a time to show your loved ones mean to you. Couples par-ticularly love this holiday and if you’re single, it isn’t always a day you’re most excited for. Val-entine’s Day has produced some of the most heart-warming stories about love and the way people have shown it; but it has also produced heart-wrenching stories of sadness and utter despair. “The best Valentine’s Day I had was when I was in New York because I got to go to the city,” Sophomore John Batterbee said. “I like buying my friends presents and if I’m in a relationship, I like to buy my girl presents. I mean, Valentine’s Day has never really been bad for me.” Valentine’s Day is always fun, but some are more special than others. The question is, how does this day affect students? “In general students don’t change much for this holiday. I mean you see a lot of lovey-dovey stuff but besides that, nothing is really different,” William Steinagel, a psychology teacher, said. “Back when I was in high school one of my best friends put a bunch of stuff for his girlfriend in her locker and it turns out it was the wrong locker! It was so funny!” Steinagel said. “Last year was the best Valentine’s Day because my best friend came in to town and she surprised me with a whole bunch of gifts,” Junior Katherine Lopez said smiling. “I’ve never really had a bad Valentine’s day,” Lopez said. “I love giving my friends gifts, especially to my best friends.”

By Jillian DeLuca

“All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

-Charles M. Schulz

William Steinagel shared what one of his bestfriend’s did for his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day when he was in high school.

Sophomores, Jillian Delucca and Alex Pagani share their first kiss setting up Christmas lights.

Sophomores, Mikayla Sanford and Alex Grosvenor share their first kiss on her birthday.

Volume 16, Issue 4 SPORTS Page 7

By Ryan Walsh

Hanging in the gymnasium, among dozens of others, lost to time, exists a banner displaying a proud message: BOYS TENNIS. CHAMPIONS: 1997. Another quick glance around the gym will reveal something else: it’s the only banner with the word ‘tennis’ on it. 1997 was a long time ago, and the members of the 2013 boys and girls tennis teams know this. To them it serves as a constant encouragement to add another banner to the gym wall. Despite both hav-ing winning seasons last year, it just wasn’t enough to pull the championship title. Junior Eric Hartman may be a fresh face to Sickles tennis, but he is no stranger to the courts. Hav-ing competed in USTA tournaments for several years, Hartman is bringing a lot of talent to this year’s team. “It’s great to finally join the team,” Hartman said. “I know we’ll do really well, considering we have several great, new players.” Other new members include John Dicky and Spencer Laccabue Angela Womack is returning as coach for the boys’ team this year, along with recently graduated, Sickles alumnus Bobby Mason as her assistant coach. Womack, who has coached the tennis team for a combined nine years, is expecting another strong year. “We expect about 10 or 11 people to show up for this year’s tryouts,” Womack explained. “I know we’ll have some good talent.” The tennis team will play their first match at home on Feb. 4, hoping to start off with a win and keep the ball rolling from there.

All you need is (40)-love

A special kind of courtship: The tennis team will be playing on hard courts this year, an anticipated change. “Clay courts are way too messy,” Junior Eric Hartman said. “It’ll be much cleaner this way.”

Brawny HunterBy Delanie Mobley and Giovanna Bovero

Senior Hunter Wawsers is beginning his final season as a pitcher for the Sickles High School Baseball team. On Jan. 31, the Sickles Softball and Baseball teams played against each other in the Beauty vs. Brawn game. Fortunately for Wawers, the baseball team won the thrilling game. “We most likely won’t win,” Wawers claimed beforehand. “We aren’t exactly used to pitching underhand.” Considering the boys walked away with a win, he was definitely way off. Wawers has been playing baseball since he was five years old, and has spent his last four years on the Sickles team. “I really love playing for Sickles,” Wawers said. “I played two years on JV and another two on Varsity.” “My strengths are more in my arms and my legs than anything else,” Wawers said. “Baseball is like second nature to me.” Overall, Wawers has been looking forward to the Beauty vs. Brawns game for a while, and he ended up enjoying it. The game was very exciting and comical; it was a great way to end the yearly tradition for Wawers. “I think we will do pretty well the rest of this season, we have a really strong team this year.”

Beauty vs. BrawnBy MacKenzie Craig

Every year the girls softball team and boys baseball team go head to head to prove who the best team on campus really is. This serves as the annual Lady Gryphons fundraiser, a typical win for the women. However, this year there was a turn of events when The Lady Pink Socks (the temporary name for the boys team) baseball team brought the heat defeating softball 3-2. Starting the game, Devon Morrison threw the first pitch to kick off the eagerly awaited game. The girls defended their home field by scoring two runs in the first inning, only allowing the boys one all the way up until the forth inning. “At that point I was on my toes for the rest of the game”, Senior Josefine Figueroa said. “The plays were getting closer and I never knew what was coming next.” Pitcher Megin Eskew then takes the mound until the top of the 5th inning, when Morrison is brought back in to finish the game. With quick plays by third baseman Jeff Markason, the girls are stuck with their two runs to begin the bottom of the fifth inning. Once Josh Comes stepped up to the plate he stole home, bringing the boys another run. “At the start of the game I was a bit nervous, but by the end of the fifth inning I knew we had the game in the bag,” Second basemen Isaac Southers said. “It’s always great getting to play a game, but it’s even better when we get to have our own school competition.” Even with an outstanding pitcher and a strong fielding team, the girls slipped up a tad, allow-ing the boys to score two more runs by the end of the 5th inning. Holding their place, the boys never let the score slip again, holding the Lady Gryphons 3-2 for the remainder of the night. “It was a fantastic game,” Umpire Lance Schweck said.“It’s nice to see the camaraderie come out in each team. They really do support each other and have amazing school spirit.

Beauty DevonBy Giovanna Bovero

Senior Devon Morrison is an extremely talented softball player and we are incred-ibly lucky to have her as a part of the Lady Gryphons softball team here at Sickles. “I have been playing for eight years of my life, starting at the age of nine,” Senior Devon Morrison said, “I was interested when I was younger and I started to play little league. Morrison also has a good relationship with her coach,“I have known and watched Devon since she was in little league. When she arrived at Sickles, I knew she would be able to carry this team. She has had the tools that qualify her to play this game since she first stepped foot on the softball field,” Coach of the Lady Gryphons Phil Giarizzo said. Morrison is a pitcher and she has done nothing but excel; not only playing her role on the team, but contributing as a team player. “Devon is not what you call a good player, she is an awesome player/pitcher. She hates to lose but when it happens, she shows class and does show good sports-manship.” Giarizzo commented. Playing for the Lady Gryphons and an extra recreational team, the Clearwater Lady Bombers, is not the end of the road for this girl. Morrison has received a full scholarship to become a softball player for the Manatees at the College of Florida.

Senior Ashley Wiesman caught for her team, hoping for a strikeout.

Devon Morrison brought the heat on the mound, trying to secure a win for the softball team.

After a close game, both the Gryphons and Lady Gryphons congratulated each other for a successful fundraising event.

Volume 16, Issue 4 Features Page 7

Student SpotlightBy MacKenzie Craig

Senior Donaji Oregel has been involved in the perform-ing arts the last seven years of her life, taking joy in the-ater performances of dance. At age 10 her mother signed her up for her first ballet class, following she began taking classes in ballet contemporary, jazz and hip-hop. Today Oregel has made dance one of her number one priorities. “It is my passion,” Oregel said, “and a passion that I will never lose. Every time I hear a good beat I just can’t control myself I have to move! ” Choreographing her own works at times, Oregel takes more joy in learning dances composed by others alongside showing audiences her solo performances. “Although both group and solo performances are great, I would choose a solo any day,” Oregel said. “It’s an op-

portunity to really show the audience what you’re capable of.” “I dance to express what cannot be expressed in words. I dance because it’s a feeling like no other and makes me feel great about myself. “My mom and other dancers are definitely the strongest motivators for me,” Oregel said. “Whenever I find myself watching rehearsals or random dance videos on YouTube for any style I always admire the work and dedication, hoping to one day be a strong dancer such as the ones I see.” The performing arts can be one of the most competitive fields out in the world today, but Donaji Oregel uses that to her advantage as a push to get her where she wants to be. “Dance is my first choice when I think about what I want to do with my future,” Oregel said. “Even though the amount of competition in the dance world is insane, I’m still going to do whatever it takes to achieve my dreams no matter what anyone says.

Even though getting a late start in the dancing world, Senior, Donaji Oregel works her way to the top with seven hard years of dedication to the art she loves.

By Jesse Smith

During the course of a person’s life there are sorrows and despairs, innumerable fol-lies made by one’s own doing, and forlorn tragedies that are beyond the grasps of an individual’s control. In these desperate times of darkness there lies opportunity, not to fester in the unfortunate events taking place, but to vanquish the suffering and alter the seemingly inevitable dull future into a time of productivity. From a more physical standpoint, the ag-gression someone may feel toward an unfor-tunate event can be converted into a better physique, mood and healthier way of life by attending a gym once a day, or even running a mile around the neighborhood. Senior Austin Unger said, “When I look good, I feel good.” Which believe it or not is a scientific fact; as you exercise, your body recognizes the newly-added stress on the body and releases endorphins, which is a naturally-processed pain and stress reliever. Steven King said, and lives by the words, “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” This could be viewed from the perspec-tive of a struggling writer, an artist, or even somebody who is in search of one’s self, striving to find purpose. Sometimes the best thing to do is just get up and do anything, whether it be find a new activities to indulge in, or just doing different. In these attempts, not only will you accomplish the feat of tak-ing initiative of your own life, but also rid yourself of unneeded troubles that in most cases, won’t matter a year from now.

Ways to stay happy when times get tough

Senior, Donaji Oregel spreads her wings as she performs in her first dance theater perfor-mance ever.

Getting outside and run-ning is a good way to relieve stress.Source: gmrunningpro-grams.com

Being happy is an impor-tant part of life and will make you stand out from the crowd.

Volume 16, Issue 2 Arts and Entertainment Page 8

Horoscopes

The staff of The Gryphon Gazette would like to offer our sincere thanks to our advertisers

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By Olivia Caputo

It is that time of year! Spring is approaching and most people are feeling more motivated than ever to hit the gym and watch their diet to get beach body ready for spring break. There are lots of students that want to shape up a little, but don’t exactly know how and don’t want to spend lots of money. Personal trainers and gym memberships are helpful, but not always necessary! To save money, there are plenty of other ways to get good exercise right in the comfort of your own home. The coach of Sickles basketball, Coach Garcia, has advice for those students that are not quite sure how to shape up for spring. “Number one, stay away from fast food. Number two, try to plan some time to exercise. Number three, set some goals to help motivate yourself,” Garcia said. Mr. May, the coach of Sickles soccer, has a routine to shape up for spring. “I pick the day that spring starts, and I go 45 days out and I start P90X from that day. It’s also important to eat healthy, sleep well and drink lots of water,” May said. But it’s not all about working out! Senior Dean Gura does more than simply exercise. “I shave and wax most of my body to get rid of unwanted body hair. It makes me feel confident and silky smooth. And when I’m sitting and watching TV or something where I’m being pretty lazy, I’ll just lift some weights,” said Gura. Why is it important to shape up for spring? It helps you to feel more confident in your bikini or swim trucks which will only help you make your spring break be the best it can be!

Shaping up for spring Find the Gryphon!Find the Gryphon is back!

Look through the pages to find our mascot. It will be even harder to find this

issue. It will be hidden and small, and won’t be in any obvious places. Keep a look out for our proud

Sickles Gryphon. He might be right under your

nose!

As recommended by Mr. May, P90X is one of the best ways to get your body ready for the beach.

Eating healthy is important for maintaining a healthy figure, according to both Coach Gar-cia and Mr. May. Juicy fruit is the way to go!

Aries- A big suprise is in your future. Try to mix it up and do something out of the ordi-nary. The season of love is upon you, so take it head on.

Taurus- Its the season of giving and the stores are loaded with roses and chocolate. Give that spe-cial someone a gift they’ll never forget. It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or girl!

Gemini- YourValentine is best won over with words. Write a poem, or sing a song. Serenade your valentine this holiday of love by giving them something memorable but not material.

Cancer- You are naturally sappy and romantic. Take advantage of that quality by surprising your love with handmade cards and crafts. Its more heartfelt and less out of your pocket.

Virgo- You may seem practical and like you just don’t care, but underneath you are highly romantic. You want the big surprise and the memorable plans. Dont settle for less, either.

Scorpio- Make your gift a big mystery. Have your special someone reveal clues throughout the week before the big day and when all the clues come together, give him/her the gift.

Capricorn- Be creative and relive your first date. Do everything the same to spark that first love romance again. Pop in some romantic music and you got yourself a second first date!

Leo- This Valentine’s Day, plan something elaborate and fun. Do something unexpected and wild. Your special someone will be much obliged

Libra- Surprise your valentine with extrava-gant gifts or expensive chocolates. Or, if you are on a budget, create something memorable and romantic, like a collage of pictures.

Sagittarius- Plan an adventurous and roman-tic trip. Go for something out of the ordinary. Aim Cupid’s arrow for anything imaginative for this season of love.

Pisces- You’re the most romantic of them all. So write love notes to your partner and tuck them in his or her book, locker, or car. Then “find” them together and see the reaction.

Aquarius- This is your month, so you are bound to do something crazy and fun. Go on a spontanious trip or go to a cool, hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Be cupid for the day.