NEW SGA WIN STREAK PRESIDENTS CUT SHORT RESULTS PAGE 3 COVERAGE PAGE 7

T H E S C R I B E

A V O I C E O F T H E C O L L E G E / / T H E S E M I N O L E S C R I B E . C O M / / V O L U M E 31 / / I S S U E 2 Stay-at-Home Orders Reduce Air Pollution By Sierrah Martin

Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on killing hundreds of thousands and spreading rapidly all over the world. Many countries are enforcing quarantine and many U.S. states have put stay-at-home orders in place to decrease the spread. Most people work from home and are not allowed to leave unless going somewhere essen- tial like a grocery store. This means fewer people will be traveling by car and that means less air pollution. Nitrogen dioxide or NO2 can pollute the air when we burn fuel which includes driving cars, trucks, or other transportation vehicles, accord- ing to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agen-

cy. NASA See Pollution, Page 3 Air pollution decreases over China during quarantine. Grocery Changes for Stores Adjust SSC During to Outbreak COVID-19 By Natalya Wilson Guerrero

A local pharmacist describes current events as: “I feel like I’m in a Pandemic dream, but I can’t wake up.” By Ashley M. Norman The pharmacist, of course, is not With the COVID-19 pandemic on the only person being affected by everyone’s minds, school has been put the pandemic of COVID-19. All on the backburner of people’s priori- over the world, people are being ties as they rush to convenience stores forced to stay in their homes unless Scribe photo by Natalya H. Wilson Guerrero Gloves and facemasks are the new normal as customers stock up for stay-at-home orders. to stock up on basic necessities to they are deemed essential workers. sustain them during the quarantine. The one trip everyone still needs customers toward the clean carts. in between every few songs to tell The situation is unpredictable to make is going grocery shop- The store becomes more at risk customers “please maintain 6 feet as and changing daily, but in April, the ping. Even being at the store is a when it opens in the morning and you are shopping.” Scribe reached out to Seminole State risk of getting the virus. One local during the senior shopping hour At the checkout line there are red administrators for some answers to Winn-Dixie is going above and be- from 8 to 9 a.m. circles that enforce social distanc- questions students may have. yond to care for their associates and Throughout the store you may ing. Workers are trying hard not Laura Ross, vice president and chief their customers. see nearly empty shelves. There are to touch their face, not to touch academic affairs officer, has given Associates at Winn-Dixie are limits on some items due to the customer’s hands when giving some updates on the situation. currently behind “protective screen bare shelves such as paper products, change and to keep their distance For the upcoming 2020 summer decals.” Some staff members wear if available, and meats of no more when ringing things up. They are all term, she said courses will be listed as masks and gloves. Once you walk than two. working hard to keep things clean either online or hybrid. through the automatic doors there “It’s to make sure everyone has and safe. “The hybrid courses will probably will be a specialized worker sanitiz- everything they need,” said the store One front-end worker described start online and then add some face- ing the shopping carts and pointing manager. The speaker comes on See Outbreak, Page 2 See Pandemic, Page 2

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Outbreak From Page 1 his efforts jokingly as using hand sanitizer every five seconds. “I don’t wear gloves because it just traps the germs on your hands.” They also have hand sanitizer for leaving and returning shoppers at the doors. Winn-Dixie gets trucks every other day and must tell shoppers when they ask about toilet paper or cleaning supplies “we have a truck coming. We don’t know what time it will be here or what will be on it.” Another Winn-Dixie associate said he is doing everything he can to get through these troubling times. “We are ordering masks and taking tempera- tures to make sure associates are healthy,” he said. “We have a conference call with corporate every morning to make sure all stores are up to date on COVID-19.” The store closes two hours early and opens one hour late to restock and clean. To reward associates, those working more than 10 hours for four weeks are getting a small bonus from corporate. The store manager goes beyond this to show his appreciation of his employees. Scribe photo by Natalya H. Wilson Guerrero During times of struggle where everyone is A masked worker at a local Winn-Dixie checkout line demonstrates social distancing procedures. working hard to get through a crisis, such as a hur- ricane, the store manager will provide lunch for his manager goes to, however. selves, they are our customers, we care about them,” associates. He said he does his part by “making sure “I missed a whole week of work because of a na- the store manager said. He said he has told his associates are being fed and taken care of.” sal infection,” said one stock crew associate. “I had associates that he will set aside any item they need The store manager has also admitted to hoarding a fever for a couple of hours, they wouldn’t let me or want during this time to show his appreciation. cleaning supplies during this time. He said he fears come back to work until a doctor’s visit.” All efforts are put in place to accommodate cus- corporate will find out, but he defends this saying: A store bagger recalled another recent experience tomers. Shoppers are recommended to be 6 feet or “We need the equipment to keep you guys safe so brought on by the outbreak of the coronavirus. two cart widths apart from shoppers and associates. you can take care of the customers.” “I had to miss one week of work because I Store employees would like shoppers to say thank The store manager has taken further precautions coughed once,” he said. you and wear a mask if they can. A customer ser- to make sure his store doesn’t become infected. Many people, along with losing hours, have lost vice worker shared his frustration with disgruntled Throughout the day he will take temperatures to their jobs due to the outbreak. To pay the bills peo- shoppers. make sure anybody doesn’t have a fever. ple who are unable to file for unemployment can “We are all working hard, please be courteous Not everyone agrees with the lengths the store get temporary jobs at the grocery store. and stay home if you can,” he said. “Please don’t “We are trying to help people to sustain them- shout at me because we don’t have any kiwis.” Change Upsets PANDEMIC From Page 1 to-face meetings at some point later of students on campus. Ticketmaster in the summer term,” she said April “No students should come to 7. However, there are concerns about campus who are sick or have been Customers how many students will return to in contact with someone who has By Monique A. Hood Seminole State over the summer. symptoms or who has tested positive “If students are out of work, it for coronavirus,” Ross stated. Ticketmaster discretely change might be an opportunity for them to According to the website for Cen- its refund policy to no longer take courses and get closer to degree ters for Disease Control and Preven- allow people to refund their tickets completion,” Ross said. “If not work- tion, the best way to keep yourself through the company’s site if their ing, students may qualify for financial healthy is to disinfect surfaces and scheduled event is postponed or aid, which might also encourage clean your hands often for at least delayed. students to take more classes. We are 20 seconds especially after you have Fans were outraged at the fact that here to serve students, no matter how been in a public place, or after sneez- they would be making such a drastic many choose to enroll.” ing, blowing your nose, coughing, or policy change so suddenly. In the transition from face-to-face sneezing. One user of the site, Twitter user studies to online and hybrid classes, Photo submitted In addition, “avoid touching your @sarahtae, said “The ticket buying students have been introduced to new Seminole State was forced to move all eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed process is a nightmare. There is so programs to use with their classes. classes online because of coronavirus. hands,” the CDC urges. much unnecessary stress. And the One such program is Zoom: a from students, such as the Respondus Many have already integrated wear- measures they have taken to stop webchat software that allows students Lockdown Browser, which allows ing a cloth face mask into their daily resellers have not worked. So much to meet in a classroom-like setting teachers to have access to their stu- lives. The masks should cover the is left unclear and you have to know from the safety of home. Although dent’s webcam during quizzes and mouth and nose. exactly what you are doing if you the long-term implication of Zoom tests. “The virus is thought to spread want to get what you want. The first in classes is yet to be determined, Some concerns include students mainly from person-to-person[…] time I bought tickets I was really Ross stated that faculty and staff were not knowing what is being recorded, through respiratory droplets pro- confused and was not notified pre- offered several webinars on how to themselves or their screen, and many duced when an infected person sale was even available, so I ended use the software effectively. students are afraid of being wrongly coughs, sneezes or talks,” the CDC up with bad seats.” “Seminole State has exceptional accused of cheating. This may cause said, so it is important to make sure One buyer, Amirah Carty, had educators, and their goal is to get anxiety, which in turn may affect that there is about 6 feet of distance been planning on attending an up- students to completion this semester overall grades on the quiz or test. between you and anyone else. coming concert in May. despite this unprecedented situation,” Once the pandemic eases and For more information on things “I was devastated,” Carty said. Ross said. students return to school, there are people can do to stay safe and prevent “Appalled by their audacity to change Other changes in educational prac- precautions everyone must take in the spread of COVID-19, visit www. their policy in the middle of this cha- tices have been met with skepticism order to ensure the health and safety cdc.gov/coronavirus. os. It seems almost premeditated.” April 22, 2020 T H E S E M I N O L E S C R I B E 3 SGA Elections Announced Amid Pandemic S/LM President-elect Vows to Involve Students Beyond Meetings By Sierrah Martin Secretary/Treasurer-elect is Amanda orable experience,” Intriago stated. Gauthier. She added that she believes the col- The Student Government Associa- The Scribe caught up with the lege is definitely doing its part to help tion held elections at all four of Sem- Sanford/Lake Mary President-elect contain COVID-19 and to provide inole State’s campuses with all votes cast through Raider Connect. Intriago to ask her a few questions students with resources to help them The Altamonte Springs campus about her new role. succeed. President-elect is Josiah Lewsi; Vice “When I first found out I won I was Intriago said she learned a lot from President-elect is Robert David Ledo excited but at the same time nervous,” running for SGA president. Andreu; and Secretary/Treasur- Inriago said. “Now I feel eager to get “I learned that you have to put er-elect is Jeannie A. Ossa Trejo. to work with SGA and bring my team yourself out there to the students as The Oviedo campus President-elect together.” well as not be afraid to put out your is Cayla Brown; Vice President-elect She said she would love to see more opinion and thoughts you have,” the Photo submitted is Sara Garcia Flores; and Secretary/ involvement at the Sanford/Lake incoming president said. Erika Inriago was elected president of the Sanford/Lake Mary campus SGA. Treasurer-elect is Juliana Barrera. Mary campus and plans on helping During her time as Sanford/ Lake The Sanford/Lake Mary campus students get more involved. Mary campus SGA president she “I want to be more interactive by President-elect is Erika Intriago; Vice “I believe that anyone who wants to wants students to know who she is reaching out to students outside our President-elect is Mya Nicholas; and get involved at SSC will have a mem- and what she can bring to the college. meetings,” Intriago said. Seminole State Clubs Cope with Coronavirus Throughout Crisis By Robert Vincent sessions and movie nights through bring harm, possibly affecting their Alliance is one of them. Discord during the quarantine. continued existence. Afraid that it “I feel that it’s especially important Despite the campus being closed Similarly, the Genshiken of SSC, the may extend into the fall semester or to remember that some LGBTQ+ because of the coronavirus pandemic, Sanford/Lake Mary anime club, posts further, Raiders Gamers members individuals rely on the club as a safe Seminole State College social clubs club updates through Discord and is are concerned that it will impact their haven,” said Kathryn Steinhaus, the have found a way to beat the social planning on watching shows through search for new members. advisor to the S/LM branch of the distancing orders—by going online, it, too. “A lot of people are concerned that club. “Students not able to live as their the same as classes. “I’ve actually been thinking about their clubs will get shut down due to authentic selves in other areas of their A popular way of keeping in touch doing something like that,” said lack of members because of the virus,” lives particularly need that outlet and nowadays is Discord. Similar to Sydney Adelman, the student presi- said Aryana Anderson, the student community.” Skype, the program offers text, audio dent of the Genshiken. “Failing that, president of Raiders Gamers. “Right, Steinhaus also said it is important and video chatting services. Many though, I do plan to open a docu- now everyone is really unsure and a to hold on to the community spirit clubs have chosen to use Discord as ment that anyone can add to where little afraid of what lies ahead.” of SSC if we want to keep our best their virtual communication tool, and they can put suggestions for others to Above all, clubs want to continue qualities. it has now ended up as the primary watch while everyone’s stuck at home, on as a community. Many of them “This is the time showing our com- way by which some clubs communi- so they can continue to do basically act as a place where students can be mon humanity is most important!” cate. what we did in club.” themselves. The Unity! Gay-Straight she stated. Raiders Gamers, the video game Some clubs are worried as to club of SSC, has been holding game whether the social distancing will POLLUTION From Page 1 When high amounts of NO2 are of Lunar New Year. Businesses and in the air, it can irritate the human factories closed for this holiday. After The Seminole respiratory system. Short amounts the celebration is over in a normal of exposure to NO2 can result in year NO2 levels rise. This year that coughing, wheezing and difficulty was not the case as NO2 levels have breathing. significantly decreased since the start Scribe Longer exposure can cause asthma of quarantine. and other respiratory infections. Sarah Bennefield reflected on when April 22, 2020 NO2 also has effects on the envi- she went to China in March 2019 and The Seminole Scribe is the official student newspaper of Seminole State ronment including making the air had to prepare by buying ventilation College of Florida, with campuses in Sanford/Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, clouded and hard to see through. masks. Heathrow, and Oviedo. The student-run publication is a “designated pub- According to Descartes Labs, air She was told to wear it when she lic forum.” Student editors and writers contribute articles and make content decisions without censorship. The Seminole Scribe is a member of the Associ- pollution in cities all over the country went outside because the smog from ated Collegiate Press, the Florida Community of College Press Association and including Los Angeles and New York factories can be harmful to respirato- College Media Advisors, Inc. has decreased since COVID-19 came ry systems. When she arrived in Chi- to the United States. na she didn’t have to wear the mask Scribe Staff The main way you can help reduce because all the factories had been shut Managing Editor: Rob C.C. Clark air pollution is by biking and walking down for government meetings. News Editors: Robert Vincent and Marjorie Occenat when possible. This means a decrease “I remember talking with some Sports Editors: Jesse Richardson and Kayla Lewis in burning fuel by not driving cars. ladies at a restaurant that we went to Arts Editor: Jovana Davila Stay-at-home orders and quaran- and they were curious if we had to Content Editors: Althea de la Mata, Emily Dougherty and tines have reduces the number of wear masks in America,” Bennefield Sierrah Martin cars on the roads, and, as a result, air recalled from a conversation she had pollution has decreased. It is a change with local Chinese women. Reporters: Aidan Archard, Lindsey De Jesus, that can be seen. The women told her that some- Ezrah Hines, Monique A. Hood, Vanessa M. Kelley, According to NASA and the Euro- times they can’t even go outside Xiomara Rose Moreno, Ashley M. Norman, Colin Snyder, pean Space Agency, there has been a because of how bad the smog is and Natalya H. Wilson Guerrero significant decrease in NO2 over Chi- that it causes many diseases. People Student Newspaper Advisor: na. To detect this, they used pollution were afraid to not wear mask even on Steven E. Paradis • 407-462-4133 • [email protected] monitoring satellites. clear days. “There is always this general slow- The morning Bennefield left China As A Voice of the College, The Seminole Scribe accepts submissions, leads on down around this time of the year,” the factories were turned on again. stories, and advertisement. Contact the newspaper advisor. Office: Student Life, Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, 100 Weldon Boulevard, said Barry Lefer, an air quality scien- “Within two hours, our plane left Sanford, FL 32773. tist at NASA in a statement. and as we took off you could see this This general slowdown in China is blanket of smog cover Beijing,” Ben- All rights reserved. caused by the cancelled celebration nefield said. 4 T H E S E M I N O L E S C R I B E April 22, 2020 Jail Offers Atypical Rehab Programs

By Xiomara Rose Moreno

A correctional facility by definition is sup- posed to take in people who have broken the law and correct their behavior. For the longest time, however, it has been a Photos courtesy of Amy Ridgely place of mistrust for communities across Amer- Male inmates in the Seminole County Jail O-Pod practice ica. A place where people are punished for their yoga, above. At left, female inmates in A-Pod pose with corrections officers and dogs in training. mistakes with no regard for the socio-economic factors that have led to these decisions. To the left you have a designated area for the There has been little to no regard for the men- hydroponics. You can tell the men take a great tal health of impoverished communities with- interest in this activity because everything is out the resources to accommodate vast needs growing. for services. While these factors have played a As our world need grows for more local and role in causing people to become lawbreakers, fresh fruits and herbs, these men are learning one of the biggest factors has also been addic- a skill that can potentially turn in to a career, tion. maybe even a business, of their own one day. What once was known as a problem for Like the dog obedience training, hydroponics low-income communities, addiction in to- serves the needs of recovery for all the thera- day’s world is no longer categorized as being peutic aspects it offers. It also serves the need so biased. We have now become witnesses to a for future employment, and of course it serves whole society that has been affected by the drug the community as well. epidemic. James Boyles, 55, he has been at this correc- Opioid usage specifically took America by tional facility for three months. However, he storm. It took hold of people from all walks of has been in and out of jail for most of his adult life. All with individual stories and explanations life all while trying to beat addiction. as to why they had fallen so far from where He says this program brings a different they were before drugs consumed them. approach to recovery. A man who was once Once in prison, instead of learning new walks known in the streets as “the Bull” has been of life and skills for re-entry, inmates too often faced with the requirement to look deep inside live through harsh conditions. himself and uncover decades of trauma. He was In some correctional facilities this is still the incarcerated, and this time the purpose of his case. There is almost no focus on re-entry into stay here was for him to come out better, not society. With more and more facilities becom- for those who have suffered traumatic experi- just to punish him for his crime. ing privatized, the theory has become that ences. Re-entry coordinators Amy Ridgely and Vale- inmates are the new age slaves. Dogs are also therapeutic for people who ria Penny have a philosophy that they are each It is important to understand all of this be- have mental illness, they are a great source of known for, a mantra if you will that seems to cause without it you will miss just how special comfort and help. resonate throughout the program. the Opioid Rehabilitation Program at the John This program has proven successful helping “You can’t fix the addiction, you have to get to E. Polk Correctional Facility, truly is. women obtain gainful employment that they the root of it,” Ridgely said, and Penny is quoted Located in Sanford, this program is anything meticulously planned to pursue once their time as saying “Do ONE thing different in your life.” but traditional. With each inmate in mind, was served, with the help of their re-entry co- They are not sticking to the old playbook that organizers offer a variety of programs in an ordinators. The obedience training study is so saw very little wins and continues to fail around attempt to meet the needs of everyone. A clear valuable, it not only fills many different needs the country. From their mantras to their treat- sign this is a program offering a light in the in the lives of these women, but it also serves ment of every inmate there is a clear attempt at darkness is the fact that most of the participants the community. When these dogs are adopt- making peoples lives better. are in the program by choice. Like any other ed, they also would have graduated obedience To some people it may not be much of a big correctional facility, however, some in the pro- training. deal how these men and women are addressed gram are there because of court mandates. This is just one of many programs offered when spoken to, but it does in fact make a huge It is the beginning of March and the women at this correctional facility. Among them are, difference. in A pod are studying to become Dog Obedi- podcasts inmates create, trauma therapy, bongo They are more personable with these men ence trainers. There are two dogs who by the classes, drama, yoga, art, and hydroponics. and women. Instead of calling them terms like end of the eight-week program will be ready for When you enter O-pod (the men’s side) you inmate or their processing number, or any- adoption and fully trained. are greeted by wall-to-floor murals painted by thing that has an undertone of superiority, they The women at the end of the four weeks will inmates who never previously produced art. simply call them by their first name. You would have a basic obedience trainer course certif- On the far-right corner there is a sea-themed be surprised how much more respect you can icate. At the end of eight weeks, they will be piece that was inspired by the picture of a get from someone if you treat them fairly and advanced trainers. puzzle that at the time was being worked on. dignified. As many people know, dogs are a great form The painting looks like an exact replica of the They have a clear commitment to these men of therapy for not only people in recovery but picture on the puzzle box. See Rehab, Page 5 April 22, 2020 T H E S E M I N O L E S C R I B E 5 Seminole Wekiva Trail Provides Escape During Shutdown By Colin Snyder

Oh right! This is what it feels like to be alive. Gripping the handlebars and looking through the trees at Lake Mary Boulevard, I realized what I had done. I managed to bike from my home in Altamonte Springs to Lake Mary without checking the time and without looking back. This was my first time out of the house in roughly a month, my first time riding a bike in over a year, and my first time on the Semi- nole Wekiva Trail ever. Stretching from State Road 441 in Apopka to International Parkway in Lake Mary, the trail provides a scenic route for bikers, dog walkers and joggers to enjoy the pleasantry of fresh air and exercise. On April 1, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order for a statewide shut down of all non-essential services effective April 2 at midnight. This led citizens of Seminole Coun- ty to grow in their already present anxiety over COVID-19. Not only are residents anxious over the economic shutdown and transition to online learning, but strict social distancing policies have led people to grow restless as the virus Scibe photo by Colin Snyder spreads. A bike is propped up at the opening of the Seminole Wekiva Trail tunnel. With tension growing and despair bubbling, Seminole County residents turned to a local Seminole County Leisure Services has Apopka resident Jessica Hevia explained outlet to relieve stress. implemented new guidelines on the trail to how she wears a mask on the trail and hand Many county residents have heard of the ensure participant safety and enforce social sanitizes before and after pressing the buttons Seminole Wekiva Trail but are checking it out distancing. for crosswalks. A few bike riders reported that for the first time to escape the pandemic. The department recommends alerting other they would use the tips of their car keys to Sophia Chub, senior at Lake Brantley High bikers when passing to assist in maintaining push the crosswalk and wash the keys at the School, was on the trail for the first time after a 6-foot distance from others and has limited end of the day. driving past it every day on the way to school. access to public restrooms and water foun- Bikers rang bells as they passed others and “I figured, I’m really tired of sitting in my tains. people quickly shuffled out of the way to house, so I thought I’d just go try it,” Chub Signs placed periodically on the trail remind maintain a healthy social distance. said. participants of Centers for Disease Control The people on the trail remained friend- She’s not the only one on the trail for the and Prevention guidelines and explain how ly despite the pandemic and need for social first time. the trail is off limits for anyone experiencing distancing. Apopka resident Monique Young said: “I symptoms of coronavirus. “Everyone’s been friendly and nice, just have never biked before. Because the gyms People on the trail are doing their part to their appearance has changed,” said rider are shut down and there’s no other avenue for follow CDC guidelines and practice social Monique Young, with a smile. “Everyone has working out, this is the next best thing.” distancing. masks and some have gloves.”

REHAB From Page 4 and women. at this program. She was giving classes on the sentable when they enter their new lives, but It is no shock that even after they have served day the Scribe visited the facility. also to boost their confidence and show them their time and reacclimated to society, they still She says that she has seen a big change when how to let their inner beauty shine outwardly. keep in contact with updates and progress re- people in these programs made their lives into Getting hired as a felon is not an easy task. ports that are not required, but when you create movies. When they were able to see their stories, Employers are reluctant to hire anyone with a a safe environment for people to grow, you are they could also see where their trauma started. criminal past even with the Federal Bond Pro- bound to make lifetime bonds. “If you leave the trauma inside of you, you gram. In his short time at the facility, Boyles says continue to live in agony all your life,” she told The Federal Bond Program provides an em- his mother already sees a difference in him. He the Scribe. ployer with a $5,000 free bond as an incentive says he feels the program coordinators really dig According to the staff, people who finish their to hire a felon. This bond is given so that no em- deep. sentences and go into rehab or residential com- ployer feels that there is a risk should the person After the work he has done in this program he munities have a better chance to stay sober and being hired become a repeat offender. now has denounced his former street name and live new lives by as much as 70% to 80%. That In other words, the employer is covered says the Bull is dead. drops to 2% when they go back home or wher- upfront for any liability that may or may not He recognizes how drugs and alcohol made ever they were before incarceration. happen. With no risk in place employers can him self centered. In the past he participated Volunteers from Good Will have stepped up give a much-needed opportunity to a person in programs such as Bridges of America, and to help teach resume building as an essential who is looking to rebuild their life and put the Crossroads. This time he says he and his fam- part of making a re-entry plan. past behind them. ily are experiencing something different. He is There still remains a need for more sober Without these opportunities in our com- accepting the person he was and saying goodbye houses for the women, they could also use munities, we are limiting the growth that can to him. cosmetologist and nail techs to volunteer in an be made by people who are trying to be sober Wendy Lamoreaux is the theatre arts teacher effort to make the women not only more pre- law-abiding citizens. 6 T H E S E M I N O L E S C R I B E April 22, 2020 WrestleMania Takes Different Approach By Jesse Richardson The sports world came to a halt March 12, Football, soccer, basketball and baseball are either suspended or cancelled all around. But for World Wrestling Entertainment, the show must go on. WWE’s WrestleMania is the biggest event in American . But due to the pandemic, the 36th installment of WrestleMania had to take a different approach. The event was supposed to be held at in Tampa. Since there is concern about social distancing, having over 65,000 people at one event could not take place. But CEO Vince McMahon was determined that the show would take place on the weekend of April 4. So instead of Tampa; McMahon moved it to the crowd-less WWE Performance Center in Orlando. Not only did the show go on, but the company split the usual four-to-five hour, one-night event into a two-night, three-hour event on April 4 and 5. Overall, the event has received positive feedback from fans around the world. Audience members said it is awkward to have the athletes overreact to the scripted “flying elbows” and “strangle holds.” But the wrestlers made it work to their advantage. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens had a great bout that ended with both wrestlers crashing through an announcer table. Rollins talked to Sports Illustrated about WWE events continuing without the fans. “It’s weird,” he said. “It’s taking me back to my days wrestling in front of eight people. I’ve been there before. I’ve grown accustomed to Monday Night Raw, 10,000 people. It’s a whole different Photos submitted vibe. Everything’s somber. We all want to get WWE’s WresteMania is the biggest event for the organization. through this, but we’re all trying to figure this thing camera shots and scripted dialogue. Ultimately seems to be a victory, but there might be a question out together.” ending with an Undertaker victory as he drives mark on John Cena’s wrestling career. One of the main events at WrestleMania featured off on a motorcycle and Styles is essentially buried To add a little more excitement and entertain- and “Edge” Adam Copeland in a alive. ment, former New England Patriots tight end Rob “Last Man Standing Match.” The wrestlers took The other cinematic match was between John Gronkowski was deemed as the official host for advantage of blunt objects around the Performance Cena and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in a Firefly Fun both nights. But the surprise of the weekend, was Center’s gymnasium, parking lot and locker rooms. House Match. What this turned out to be a very Gronk pinning close-friend for the The match eventually ended on top of a semi-truck, trippy dive into John Cena’s lows of his career. 24/7 Championship. A Championship title which is with Edge being the last man standing. The gimmick of “The Fiend” gave this match a defended literally anywhere at any time. There were also interesting cinematic matches. certain depth that is very confusing from an outsid- WWE is continuing its regular programming One of them being a “Boneyard Match” between er of the wrestling world, but very eye catching for with Monday Night Raw and NXT on Wednesdays WrestleMania legend, , and AJ any long time WWE fans. on the USA Network. Along with Friday Night Styles. This match had a movie feel with edited Ultimately, “The Fiend” came out with what Smackdown on FOX. Law Enforcement Works to Keep Citizens Safe During Pandemic By Emily Dougherty Watson explained. and Kayla Lewis They have also taken steps to reduce interaction with citizens. WINTER PARK—With “We have limited non-emergency COVID-19 on the rise in Central officer/citizen contacts as much as Florida, law enforcement is assisting possible allowing citizens to make citizens with staying safe by social reports of crime over the phone, and distancing. [we] will be rolling out an online re- Jamie Watson, division chief of porting system as soon as possible,” the Winter Park Police Department, Watson said. decided to become an officer back in The Department of Health and 1990. She has been with the Depart- Human Services along with the ment since 1992. Centers for Disease Control and Over the next 28 years, Watson Prevention urge people to wear has attended more than 50 training masks and gloves as well as wash schools to enhance her knowledge, their hands to keep this virus from including the program offered at spreading. Seminole State College in 1991. People are also being encouraged Photos submitted With society constantly evolving, Law enforcement is assisting citizens with staying safe through social distancing. to stay home because people with Watson exclaimed that, “Training is the virus can be asymptomatic. never done!” “We have not made any arrests for extra precautions to keep themselves Anyone who goes out is potentially With her love of helping to make violation of the order and encourage and the people of the city safe. putting others, including law en- the community a better place, she our officers to remind people of the “Officers have been given surgical forcement and first responders, at has noticed that citizens are doing order and the reasons why it is in masks to wear when out of their ve- risk, officials said. the same by following the ev- place,” Watson told the Scribe. hicles and N95 masks for response “We understand this is a very er-changing restrictions during the With officers interacting daily to incidents where a person may be stressful time for people,” Watson pandemic. with many people, they must take exhibiting symptoms of the virus,” said. April 22, 2020 T H E S E M I N O L E S C R I B E 7 XFL: No Playoffs, But Layoffs

By Aidan Archard

The second iteration of the XFL reached its end when its operations were suspended April 10. Two days later, the league filed for bankruptcy, a casualty to the COVID-19 outbreak. This comes a month after their first season ended in response to the pandemic. They were one of the last sports leagues to cancel or post- pone games, following the NBA, NHL, MLB, and NCAA. Lasting only five weeks, the season was planned to end on April 26 with the champion- ship game being hosted by Houston. Following the decision to suspend the season, Photo submitted by Kurt Esser the XFL had initially set its sights on a return in Sophomore Chloe French takes a swing. 2021, but ESPN reported that the league current- ly has no plans to return. One employee told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero the term the league used Sophomores Take a Hit as was “shut down.” In one statement, they said, “all players will be paid their base pay and benefits for the 2020 reg- ular season.” The players’ final paychecks were set Softball Season Cut Short for the weekend of April 11. The XFL also stated continue her softball career. She describes that “all XFL ticket holders will be issued refunds Playoff Hopes Vanish as the effect of the virus shutting down the or credit toward future games.” In addition, sea- season as not really detrimental. son ticket holders for 2021 were refunded the day before operations were suspended. COVID-19 Ends Teams’ “But, I will say it took away something The first version of the XFL, debuting in 2001, really special for me,” Adame said. “I loved also played only one season. Despite a strong 16-Game Win Streak it at Seminole.” start, ratings fell drastically in the ensuing weeks The virus has not only ended what could By Ezrah Hines and millions of dollars were lost. Criticisms of have been the best season in school histo- the league included its overall sloppy play and The effect of COVID-19 has not only ry, but also the college softball careers of hindered the incredible season of Semi- poor quality of talent. It was also advertised and some. presented in a similar fashion to the WWF (now nole State College’s softball team, but even Regardless of nobody catching the virus, WWE) due to both organizations being owned the next step for some of the players trans- it has still left its mark and impacted many by Vince McMahon. ferring or graduating. teammates. The new season started in February on the The pandemic has caused a cancellation The next step to take has become much weekend after Super Bowl LIV. Just like the XFL of the softball season and an increase of more difficult to cope with since that their of 2001, it wasn’t intended to be direct competi- thoughts for the athletes’ next step after final season at SSC never was actually tion with the NFL but rather a way for football Seminole State. completed. fans to stay entertained during the NFL’s offsea- The team held a 28-1 record before the Both Koch and Adame have said that son. shutdown of the season and were on a 16- they feel they could have made it very McMahon announced his plans for a reboot of game win streak. A potential to become far into the playoffs if the season had not the league back in 2018. Although still owned by the best season recorded in SSC Softball ended. McMahon, the league launched under his com- history. “I solely believe we had what it took to pany Alpha Entertainment LLC, a separate entity According to sophomore Lexi Koch, be first in our conference and top two in from the WWE. her final season coming to an end was the state!” Adame exclaimed. Unlike the first league, the wrestling influence “honestly heart-breaking … and it sucks I Koch said: “That’s a lot of memories that was minimal, with a far greater focus on the game didn’t get a proper goodbye.” I missed out on with my best friends and of football. As a result, the games had garnered a Koch is moving on to UCF to prioritize potentially a championship ring.” largely positive reception. The quality of play had her education and start receiving intern- shown to be high as well, as many players have ships. Her planning has become much already signed on to NFL rosters, including the more hectic with trying to stay safe and popular MVP pick P.J. Walker signing with the working on her current academics. She “But, I will say it took Carolina Panthers. said it has left her in “a weird headspace.” This is the second year in a row a spring foot- Fellow sophomore, Marissa Adame, has away something really ball league has folded, although under vastly also had a hard time with the season end- different circumstances. Last year, the Alliance of special for me. I loved it at was forced to suspend its op- ing early. “Personally, it has been pretty erations after eight weeks of play due to a lack of chaotic,” Adame said. “On and off the Seminole.” sufficient funding. The league folded soon there- field.” after, leaving its players without jobs or salaries. Adame is currently committed to a —Marissa Adame, sophomore According to ESPN, “the XFL might be the first Division 2 college in North Carolina to pro sports league to fall victim to the economic crisis caused by the global pandemic.” 8 T H E S E M I N O L E S C R I B E April 22, 2020 Culture, Gastronomy and the Effects of Pandemic on Peru By Althea Castro de la Mata

When people think of Peru, they see a coun- try filled with ancient ruins, llamas, and the Inca empire. But, there’s much more to this beautiful country. Peru is known for its gastronomy, The World Travel Gala has awarded Peru with its Best Culi- nary Destination in the World for eight years in a row. The most recent Gala took place in November 2019. Along with this recognition, Peru is the home of Machu Picchu, an ancient fort built by the Incas. This archeological site is one of the seven wonders of the world. It was named The World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2019, according to the Traveling and Living in Peru website. The economy in Peru has increased tremendous- ly over the past decade. “Peru is booming,” according to a The New York Times article from 2013. “Largely spared by the Pixabay Photo global financial crisis, its economy grew by 9.8 per- The ancient ruins of Machu Pichu in Peru rest among the clouds. cent in 2008, 6.3 percent last year [2012]. Peru is an pitals. Deaths there happened so quickly, and the next drastic measure would be that on Mondays, enviable fount of gold, silver, copper, fish, agricul- same issue happened in other countries, especially Wednesdays and Fridays, only men were allowed ture. Its capital is alive with foreign investment. Its in Europe, in nations such as Spain and Italy. to buy groceries. The rest of the days women would cuisine is among the most celebrated in the world.” So our main concern as Peruvians began. How be in charge. This was because groceries and streets Several sources report that the poverty rate in will a third world country like Peru manage to get would be very crowded and people kept getting Peru has dropped from just more than 60% to through this delicate situation not having enough arrested for taking advantage of this rule and not around 20% in the last 10 years. resources to overcome an epidemic like this? getting groceries but to circulate for other purpos- Nevertheless, just like COVID-19 is a topic that Moreover, the Peruvian government decided that es. The chaos created by these decisions caused the has stolen every headline and news channel in the the only way to avoid a further spread of this virus government to eliminate the gender rules. country, and even the world, it is a topic that has was to shut all borders so no one could leave nor These measures are very drastic, however everyone not only concerned but curious about enter. That placed all residents in lock down for it’s the only way to overcome this epidemic. what will happen to the world. 15 days, however it is now extended until April 27 Moreover the Peruvian government has been What changes will this pandemic cause? How making it a total of almost seven weeks. very responsible and concise by applying these long will this last? Will life ever go back to the way Peruvian citizens are only allowed to leave their measures. it was? houses to buy groceries and medicine. Anyone I am sure that Peru and the rest of the world On March 6, the first case of coronavirus in Peru caught outside would get arrested and charges will be able to overcome this crisis as long as we was announced causing panic and fear about what pressed. At first these measures seemed very dras- don’t panic and respect the government’s rules was going to happen. China is a country so med- tic. Over the weeks we realized it was the only way of staying home. ically and technologically advanced, yet was still to prevent the spread because cases kept rising. Althea, an international student at Seminole struggling with the virus due to the lack of hos- President Martín Vizcarra announced that his State, was reporting from her home in Peru. Families Face Unemployment and Uncertainty as well as Coronavirus By Lindsey De Jesus ing for this program. The system is overloaded. Starting on the third week of This website has crashed several March, hundreds of people, in- times. Not a lot of people are able to cluding my father Elliot De Je- complete their sign-up. My father sus, became unemployed due to was one of them. It took him two COVID-19. weeks to complete his application. Ever since the pandemic rose, au- There was another program that thorities have told us to stay home, he signed up for: food stamps. This unless we were essential workers. program helps families with an Unfortunately, since my father income for groceries. My father works in the hospitality industry, he doesn’t know how much he’ll be couldn’t return to work. When there receiving from the DEO, so doesn’t are no tourists coming, that means want to depend on it too much. less money for the hotels. Conse- De Jesus has kept busy after his quently, there is no need to keep unemployment. employees at the hotel. Scribe photo by Lindsey De Jesus Trying to navigate the Florida unemployment process. He’s been doing some side jobs This situation is affecting me to earn some money. He’s also been and my family directly. Due to this me, they told me I was on furlough.” ments how can I fill our needs?” in contact with his co-workers to pandemic we are told not have Furlough means you still have you A co-worker has told him about receive any detail about the unem- social gatherings, and luckily for me job, but it turns it into a leave of a program that can help our family ployment benefits, and how much I got to interview my father on his absence. with this crisis. the DEO is expected to have. first reaction, thoughts, and how he’s He mentions that guests were This program is called the Florida He’s also been doing things coping during this time of crisis. starting to cancel reservations, and Department Economic Opportu- around the house that he normally My father expected what was those that were hosting conventions nity, or DEO. This unemployment doesn’t have the time to do. going to happen. were canceling as well. program provides money for those Overall, like many of us, he said he “There were rumors going around He said the prospect of not work- who are out of work. hopes the pandemic can end soon my department, letting us know that ing has him worried. Due to the circumstances and and we can go back to our everyday we may not come back here for a “I have bills to pay and a family to many people becoming unem- lives. It is a difficult time we are liv- while,” he said. “When they called feed,” my father said. “With no pay- ployed, there’s a lot of people apply- ing in but let’s hope for the best.