Vol. XCII Issue 2 Oct. 2012

Leon High School 550 E. Tennessee St. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 488-1971

“The leading print and online news source for all things Leon.” Vol. XCIII Issue 6 Feb. 2013 online editorials news sports features go to Marcie Gsteiger Cox’s Process determining Zac Buchholz Meet the number one www.leonhighlife.com opinion on fast food Honors Graduates to ready for his senior students of each class change next year season for breaking news p. 2 p. 5 stories, sports updates p. 4 p. 9 and the latest online blogs Lion statue has unique features Lobby monument possesses authentic lion eyes

Olivia Nash Hanna attended Leon with Doug great because High Life News Editor Dawson, a taxidermist. as soon as Sitting in the middle of the Leon Hanna got in touch with him and you walk in High School lobby is the massive, Dawson tracked down the preserved, the door it’s iconic Lion statue. Former Principal marbelized eyes. right there in Margo Hall purchased it during her “They are pretty cool,” Hanna front of you.” last year at Leon in the spring of said. A n o t h e r 2005. When the eyes were put into popular The Lion represents the “strength, the Lion, current Principal Billy lion at the power, confidence and pride” of Leon, Epting was working as an assistant school is the Hall’s successor, Rocky Hanna said. principal. lion which When first installed, the basement “I think it’s important because is pulled under the lobby had to be inspected to if you look at a lot of the animals in on a wagon ensure the beams would support the the wild, and even with people, you at football enormous weight of the 2,000-pound can tell a lot by the intensity of their games. statue. eyes,” Epting said. This lion To the normal observer, a very “You want them to be authentic - much like interesting feature of statue may go and real looking and have some the one in unnoticed. intimidation.” the lobby - is The eyes mounted in the head Before Hall brought the statue to anchored and of the statue are, oddly enough, real Leon, there was a much smaller lion welded on to lion eyes, a unique feature added by statue on the same pedestal in the the wagon. Hanna, who was principal from 2005 lobby. T h e photo courtesy of Rocky Hanna until 2012. It was roped off, but students welding was Former Principal Rocky Hanna poses with the Lion in the lobby. Hanna bought the eyes for $200 would find ways to damage it and n e c e s s a r y with his personal money during the parts of the statue were constantly because of an incident that happened That night, three Lincoln students fall of his first semester at Leon in having to be fixed with paper mache. with the previous lion, one much stole the lion and took it to a party 2005. He also had the statue repainted This consistent problem, more fragile. where it was maimed and burned. the sandy bronze color it is today. therefore, led Hall to purchase a Several years ago, after a football The students were caught and, “It looked really awkward when larger, sturdier lion which would not game, Hanna took the old lion home instead of pressing charges, Hanna you saw the Lion,” Hanna said. “It be as easily damaged. with him instead of returning it to decided that their punishment would just had two concrete holes. I decided “I can’t imagine it not being out Leon. He covered it with a tarp and include purchasing a new Lion and to make it a little more lifelike.” there,” Epting said. “[The Lion] is left it outside of his garage. participating in community service at Leon. Social Media and the Student Body Leon students give their input on popular social media networks

Pages 6 and 7 the 2 editorials leon high life @TheLeonHighLife Feb. ’13 www.leonhighlife.com Letters to Making lunch makes sense the Editor Dear Editor, Basketball Homecoming was Marcie Gsteiger-Cox horrible. No one went to the dance. High Life Editorial Editor Hardly anyone participated in the daily dress-up days, either. I feel like all we ever hear about When I got to school on these days is obesity. It is an issue Monday, I was wondering that has gripped our nation’s mind why people were wearing their and pocketbooks. Every time I turn American attire. on the radio there is some story about It was not hyped up well. The how American teens weigh more than days weren’t announced until ever before or how heart disease is Monday, the day we were already becoming the modern day first world supposed to be dressed up. epidemic. But, what has been done to It just wasn’t planned out well stop the growing problem of growing in general. Next year they need to waist lines? step it up, or just not have one at Sure public service announcements all. encouraging young people to go out and exercise and commercials promoting Russell Rauh fad diets are some ways America has been attempting to combat the There are over 950 calories in this double bacon cheeseburger from Wendy’s. That country’s weight problems. But one Dear Editor, is nearly half of the total calories a person should have in their daily diet. of the biggest problems is that the I absolutely despise the “Pasta food we eat these days is overloaded joints where anything you pay for has Here is where the paradox lies; if for Pennies” drive. The name is off with fats, sodium and a myriad of triple the daily fat value a person is you stay on campus for lunch, you are and should be “Pennies for Pasta” other terrible additives. supposed to have. Do not be fooled probably eating unhealthy food, and to properly get across the point. Schools, in my opinion, have by the size, people, small portions do if you go off campus for lunch, you As it stands now, it reads incred- done little to help with these new not necessarily mean fewer calories. are either paying an arm and a leg for ibly poorly and makes it seem that dietary problems facing the United I am well aware that there are a relatively healthy lunch, or you are Leon will exchange raised pasta for States. Within the past 10 years there several healthy places to eat near spending a realistic amount of money pennies. have been several big internal pushes Leon, where students can go for a on food that is going straight into your As this is not the point of the op- from politicians to reform school quick bite. But, as a high school body’s fat storage. It’s a vicious cycle eration, it speaks poorly of Leon’s foods, but the results have done little student, I also know that for most that seems to have no real end. English department. to improve the nutritional value of the of us, spending upwards of $15 to But, I have some good news, too. In addition, as most students do foods offered in the cafeteria. $20 on lunch every day is not only There is a solution. There is a way not listen to the announcements, At Leon, specifically, some of impractical, but improbable. Most of to save money and eat healthy at the there will be some confusion about the lunches offered include Chick- us are living on a very fixed income. same time. Pack your own lunch. how to fit the pasta into the hole fil-a sandwiches, pizza, french fries, I, like so many others, pay for my Since I discovered just how much designed for change. chicken fingers, soda and giant own lunches and I know how difficult money I wasted each week on fat- cookies. Nowhere on the menu do you it can be to give up a week’s worth filled foods, I have begun to bring my Sam Atwater see fresh salads or good fruit. Sure, of junk food lunches in order to have lunch to school with me. Yes, I have there are generic fruit cups that you one day of food I will not feel guilty to wake up five minutes earlier in the can buy and wilted, week-old pieces about eating. morning to ensure that my lunch gets Dear Editor, of lettuce that try to pass as a garden Within the past year, I have been made. Yes, it can be a bit of a burden. I don’t think it’s fair that interns salad. But, as someone who has tried keeping track of just how much But, in a world that is expanding at a are allowed to teach our classes. both of these things in the past, it is money I spend on lunch. So far, I have rapid rate, I have found that I much Students should be taught by no closer to being healthy than it is to spent over $1,000 on my lunches. prefer my homemade peanut butter teachers, not interns. In my second being appetizing. That’s $1,000 I could have spent on sandwich to some generic chain period class our intern teaches the On top of a lack of truly healthy clothes, or gas or even a new car. And, restaurant’s fake chicken strips. whole time. She doesn’t know and eatable foods being offered on while this number may seem high, I Eating healthy does not have to how to teach and is lacking the campus for lunch, many students at guarantee that most of you have spent mean spending more money. It does knowledge to teach the material. Leon go off campus to eat. Driving the same, if not more. I allow myself not have to be a burden. If everyone Meanwhile, our real teacher sits in to one of the many restaurants in to spend $25 on lunch each week. So started packing their own lunch once her office all period and doesn’t do the surrounding area to buy a meal far, we have been in school for nearly a week, think of all the money you anything. for fewer than $10 can also be a 24 weeks. Multiply that number by would save, and how good you would challenging task. Most places that how much lunch money you spend feel, knowing you did not have to eat Sarah Bradford serve relatively inexpensive food each week and, bam, prepare to be the fatty food. It’s the little things that options also happen to be fast food amazed. make the most difference.

The High Life Staff The High Life Editor-in-Chief: Dominic Levings Page 10 Editor: Mina Kaji The High Life is the official student newspaper of Leon High School. The newspaper Page One Editor: Olivia Nash Page 11 Editor: Sarah Schrader-Nahoom staff controls all aspects of content and design. Kevin Record, the journalism teacher and Page Two Editor: Autumn Wable Page 12 Editor: John Ike Smith-Schoenwalder adviser, provides guidance, supervision and assistance. Page Three Editor: Marcie Gstieger-Cox Online Editor: Rachel Joyner The publication does not intentionally publish material that is libelous, obscene or Page Four Editor: Tess Johnson Business Manager: Traci Creel that may cause a substantial and material disruption of school activities. Video Editor: Steve Charlson Page Five Editor: Ellen-Claire Newell Questions and comments: Photo Editor: Kate Milford Page Six and Seven Editors: Caroline Walker and Brooke Photographer: Helena Higgins [email protected] Harrison Writers: Logan McLanahan, James Kirkpatrick 550 E. Tennessee St., Tallahassee, FL 32308 Page Eight Editor: Courtney Young and Natalia President Phone 488-1971 ext. 2630 Fax 922-5311 Page Nine Editor: Savannah Watson Sponsor: Kevin Record www.leon.leon.k12.fl.us the Leon High Life leon high life editorial www.leonhighlife.com 3 Feb. ’13 There’s no need for a valedictiorian

of another issue they were dealing with a few years back. Back when electives were just half a semester, there was a different way to earn your credits. Grades cut off for after the first Autumn Wable semester of their final year. So what High Life Editorial Editor cord you wear at graduation is only There are many things I admire based on freshman year through about Leon. One of the most first semester of senior year. Certain admirable things, however, is that electives needed to graduate are not the administration goes out of its weighted as an honors credit. way to ensure every student has the Students would wait until their opportunity to excel academically. second semester of their senior year One such example was Leon’s to take these classes, just so it would decision to do away with the traditional not conflict with their grades they valedictorian and salutatorian. These could earn through higher advanced positions are usually held by the two classes. top-ranked seniors at a school. Some students, parents and staff Leon did away with having the two would argue it’s cheating to read so titles in 1994, when there was a tie in much into this but to others it’s a part the senior class for the valedictorian of personal achievement to beat the system in a sense. position. Artwork courtesy of Stevenson Johnson How can you just pick one, when Yes, you can plot out your they both had the exact same GPA? But, I also believe that a lot more credit offerings. Now middle school entire senior schedule from the very The issue became so controversial goes into being at the top of your students are being offered more and beginning of time to get ahead but in that the only solution seemed to do class than just GPA. Those who are more high school credits than ever the end it is them who has to earn the away with the two titles all together. at the top work incredibly hard to before. All of them do not offer the A’s to reach the number one spot. After getting rid of the two achieve that high honor. However, same high school credits though. As for now, I love the system Leon spots, there was still a problem. what about other things students do Is this a negative or positive though? came up with to seek who speaks at Which two students were to speak at besides study hard? Some students may not have gotten graduation. It’s what makes us stand graduation.? Others work or volunteer or the grade they hoped they did and out from other high schools and gives The alternative that was proposed play a sport or have a sick family therefore it is permanently marked on it a fairer playing field. involved having the summa cum member at home. it should take a their transcript. Others love it because In addition, it gives the senior laude seniors- the group of seniors complete package it gave them an opportunity to get ahead summa cum lauds a voice on what graduating with a GPA of 3.90 or One who is involved in of the game. goes on at their own graduation. higher- vote on who will speak at numerous school activities, plays Then there is the debate over Florida Being it will be the last time we graduation. a sport, marches in the band, helps Virtual School (FLVS) and kids taking are all together, the seniors want to Seeing as the Summa seniors are out their community, and still classes in order just to raise their GPA. hear from someone they will always at the top of their class, this seems manages to hit the books before Those who make a D or F in a remember and proud to hear from on like a more than fair compromise. falling asleep at night. This person course at school may retake the course that momentous day. Sometimes, the number one and has proven that they have effective on virtual school to replace the grade I truly admire the top students two of a class do not wish to give a time management skills. It’s the they earned in the classroom setting. in my class and I cannot contain my speech at graduation. Speaking in whole package that counts. It is all a numbers game on how to excitement to see who they will vote front of a couple thousand people Another issue with having a get ahead and have the most points. to speak at graduation this year. isn’t exactly a walk in the park. valedictorian and salutatorian is Principal Billy Epting reminded me

“I think we “It’s unfair for all the should have one other kids coming (valedictorian) because from different its what every school schools who don’t does and they deserve receive the same another type of opportunities.” recognition.”

-Junior Karly Mizell -Senior Kyle Brasher

Write a Letter to the Editor. Have an opinion? Get it in the paper. Bring letters to Room IA4 or write to us online at www.leonhighlife.com the 4 news leon high life LeonHighLife1 Dec. ’12 www.leonhighlife.com Graduation Honors system to change Leon will adopt new process that considers both weighted and unweighted GPA’s Tess Johnson the class. Therefore, the new system High Life News Editor levels these students by taking their weighted GPA into account, instead of Beginning next school year, Leon their unweighted GPA. For instance, will be adopting a new system to de- if a student has an unweighted GPA termine the senior Honor Graduates. of 3.88 he or she will be qualified as This system will allow more students a Magna Cum Laude. However, if the to walk at graduation with honors. same student has a weighted GPA of To walk at graduation with high 4.6, he or she will be bumped to Sum- honors such as Summa Cum Laude, ma Cum Laude status. Magna Cum Laude or Cum Laude, “We will take the GPA that bene- a student must have an exceptional fits the student more,” Principal Billy Grade Point Average. Traditionally, Epting said. “Every student should be Leon has taken only students’ un- recognized.” weighted GPA’s into consideration This system is meant to encour- when determining who will be award- age students to continue working hard ed these honor positions. A student knowing that they have an improved has to have a 3.9 to 4.0 unweighted opportunity to achieve high honors. GPA to be ranked as a Summa Cum “The more exclusive we make Laude, a 3.8 to 3.89 GPA to be ranked honor graduate status, the less other as a Magna Cum Laude and a 3.65 to artwork courtesy of Stevenson Johnson students may be willing to work hard 3.79 GPA to be a Cum Laude. to achieve it,” Epting said. However, beginning with the scale, he or she must have a 4.5 and Laude graduates. This system is brand new, and will 2013-14 school year, Leon will look above GPA for Summa Cum Laude, A student obtains a GPA above a therefore not affect the seniors gradu- at not only the unweighted GPA, but a 4.35 to 4.49 GPA for Magna Cum 4.0 when he or she takes multiple Hon- ating this year. also the weighted GPA as a deter- Laude and a 4.2 to 4.349 GPA for ors or Advanced Placement courses. “I think the new scale is fair,” minant for graduation with honors. Cum Laude. This system will allow These courses help boost their weight- senior Jessica Liu said. “It is unfair In order for a student to be awarded a larger number of students to walk at ed GPA’s, but can hurt their unweight- to take recognition away from those honor status based off the weighted graduation as Summa, Magna or Cum ed GPA’s if they were to score a B in who like to challenge themselves.” Spring sees return of shadows to Leon Middle school students interested in visiting campus must meet specific criteria Tess Johnson their high school friends,” Twyman High Life News Editor said. “It began to become a huge disruption within the classroom.” At the beginning of the second However, students transferring semester, Leon welcomes shadow from a private or charter school are students into its halls. Shadow students unfamiliar with the inner workings of get a look into the life of a Leon Lion a large public school. Leon does not as they follow a Leon student for a day give presentations at these schools, and attend all of their classes. so students are unaware of what to Previously, Leon had allowed expect. By following another student almost all students to participate in around for a day, they can determine the shadowing program, no matter whether or not they want to stay which middle school they previously in private school or transfer to the attended. However, for the past two public school system. to three years, Leon has narrowed its “I came from a private middle criteria to allow only certain students school and was unsure of what to to visit the campus. expect,” junior Catherine McDowell In order for a student to be said. “I wanted to see how spirited applicable for the program, he or Tess Johnson the student body was.” she must either be from a private Junior Tess Culbreath explains the components of her English project Despite the requirements, Leon school, Fairview Middle School’s to her shadow, Hannah Bryson. still has a great amount of shadows International Baccalaureate program lined up to visit in the spring. This or from a charter school. Students school they will be attending in the Leon and its student population, February alone, over 150 middle attending a public school are no longer coming year, rendering it unnecessary such as shadowing might provide, school students will come to get an allowed to shadow at Leon. that they should have to make a choice the students are nonetheless inside look at Leon. “We don’t accept shadow students between more than one school. The informed and prepared. By visiting “At Leon, I liked how everyone from public schools because they are student, therefore, no longer needs to middle schools, Leon ensures that was very warm and inviting to the already zoned for a particular high shadow. incoming students are able to get a new environment,” last-year shadow school,” Curriculum Secretary Paige In addition, Leon visits all public feel for the school without actually Lillie Kirbo said. “The teachers really Twyman said. middle schools near the end of the having to visit the campus. collaborated with you and worked to Shadowing allows students to get a school year to give students information “Since many [public school] kids give you the whole experience.” feel for different schools. With zoning, about Leon and pass out course request already knew where they would be students who are enrolled in the public forms to those who will be attending. attending next year, they would sign school system already know which Although it is not a hands-on look at up to shadow just to hang out with the @TheLeonHighLife leon high life features 5 www.leonhighlife.com Feb. ’13 Top Lions are number one for a reason Senior reaches ultimate goal Junior mixes studies with fun Ellen-Claire thology as- Ellen-Claire though we Newell sistants. Newell were only High Life Extern- High Life eight years Features Editor ship teacher Features Editor old, Rachel At the be- Mindy Fulton There’s no would come ginning of her says Green is doubt that Ra- over and tu- high school a joy to have chel Markell tor me. Apart career, senior in class. has a strong from her be- Amanda Green “Amanda drive to do well ing practical- set a goal to be is a risk- in school. ly a genius, ranked first in taker in the “My par- she is sweet, her class. best sense,” ents said that if funny, and a “I’ve al- F u l t o n I want to go to down to earth ways done well said. “Her college outside girl.” in school,” adventurous of Florida, I’d Her older Green said. and curious have to get into sister, Jenny, “But it wasn’t spirit is part a really good is very proud until middle of the driving school that’s of her sister’s school, when I force that better than accomplish- was taking high makes her the University ments. school credit successful at of Florida,” “ R a c h e l classes, that I all she does.” Markell said. is one of Senior Amanda Green sits next to the Nettles Junior Rachel Markell enjoys a good laugh, knew I wanted G r e e n the smartest Building’s Lion, wearing a “seniority” crown. “So, I’d have but when it comes to school, she’s serious. to graduate first says she has to get really people that in my class.” “Pathology interests had a lot of support good grades to get into my best friend since first I know and definitely After Green me,” Green said. “I’ve through her family. a place like that.” grade,” Schuck said. deserves it,” Jenny said. graduates from Leon, never heard of it until I “My family knows Junior Julie Schuck “Ever since we were “She is also incredibly she plans on going to the did an externship here at I’m motivated to do says that Markell is little, I’ve always been hard-working, caring University of Alabama Leon.” well in school,” she a very smart girl, but jealous of how every- and funny.” at Birmingham and then Green started intern- said. “I’m harder on it hasn’t gone to her thing comes so easily It’s very important becoming a pathology ing at the histology lab myself than they are on head. to her. I always thought for Rachel to get the assistant. and shadowed two pa- me.” “Rachel has been it was funny that even grade she deserves. Sophomore aims to be a ’Heel Freshman motivated by family Ellen-Claire bitions. Ellen-Claire in the Smith- Newell “Rachel Newell Schoen- High Life is the perfect High Life walder fam- Features Editor e x a m p l e Features Editor ily. “I see R a c h e l of a Leon F r e s h m a n similarities Joyner dreams Lion,” Eden John Ike Smith- between all big about her said. “She Schoenwalder of them,” future, which works hard has been in- Guyton said. motivates her to maintain spired to do well “But John to do so well. her grades, in school by his Ike has a “I know and I’m older siblings. unique per- exactly what constantly “I just want sonality. He I want to be, impressed by to get into a is constantly where I want to the work she good college, participating be in 10 years does for the like my brother in class and and what I want newspaper, and sister, and has a great to do,” Joyner cross country just like what sense of hu- said. and as a everyone in mor.” “My par- volunteer at my family has Sopho- ents, grand- Tallahassee done.” more Mi- parents, great M e m o r i a l Smith- Hospital. She chael Mat- grandparents Sophomore Rachel Joyner holds her father’s Schoenwalder wants to be an Freshman John Ike Smith-Schoenwalder poses in tox is happy and great-great hand-carved UNC plaque. has attained a Rebecca Kirchharr’s English class. for Smith- grandmother 4.0 GPA be- epidemiologist, and Schoenwalder. all went to the Univer- demiologist since she cause he purely as that.” I’m sure she’ll be “John Ike is seen sity of North Carolina. was eight. enjoys getting good Smith-Schoen- curing some hard-to- as the bubbly freshman My great-great grand- “It’s like detective grades. walder’s motivation pronounce disease one who never stops laugh- mother was one of the work, but with “I always want to came from his parents day. Rachel is a very ing,” Mattox said. “He’s first women to graduate medicine,” Joyner said. get A’s,” he said. “I when he was young. happy and friendly involved in so many af- from UNC.” Eden Joyner, Ra- never want to do bad. Biology teacher person, and I’m very ter school activities, it’s Joyner has wanted chel’s older sister, is I enjoy getting A’s, so I Matthew Guyton has proud to call her my a wonder how he has to be an infectious epi- one of the reasons Ra- kept getting A’s. Simple taught all of the children chel has such high am- sister.” kept up his grades.” the leon high life Leon High Life 6 www. leonhighlife.com Feb. ’13 social media Impacts student life

Instagram

Purpose: To edit and share pictures taken with a mobile phone. Goal: “Instagram is a fast, beautiful and fun way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures.” Users: 90 million Founded: October 2010 Fun Fact: There are 8,500 likes per second on Instagram.

“I like Twitter better because you can just follow whoever you want to.” -Junior Lawson Drew Facebook Purpose: Social networking site which connects friends, family and organizations. Goal: “Facebook’s mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected.” Users: Over 1 billion Founded: February 2004 “[I prefer Facebook] because you Fun Fact: Only 18 percent can look at pictures.” -Senior of all users reside in the Davis Clarke U.S. or Canada. Clubs, teams find networking effective

Caroline Walker football coach Ricky Huffy said. “And it allows High Life Features Editor us to put out information about our program and our girls and the things that are going on with The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines social games.” media as “forms of electronic communication… Twitter, however, is not the only social through which users create online communities media used by the Leon community to promote to share information, ideas, personal messages, clubs and sports. Facebook is used by some and other content.” organizations, as well. Around Leon High School, clubs, sports and Much like Pierian uses Twitter, Key Club teachers are using different forms of social media employs Facebook to announce meeting times to inform their members, fans and students of the and service projects. latest news in their organization. However, through Facebook, Key Club also The primary social media sites used at Leon “Since Twitter is becoming such a big thing posts pictures of different service projects and for communication purposes are Facebook and now, I think it is a good way to communicate with events that the club participates in. Twitter. Many clubs use these sites because they people,” Toman said. “I think that it’s because Key Club has found Facebook to be an are easy to access. people are on their phones constantly during the effective way to communicate to the club, “It is an easier way to get in touch with people day, and not everyone checks their e-mail...some because so many people log on regularly. throughout the day than sending an e-mail,” said people check Twitter more.” “It is something that each of us check almost Lucy Toman, the secretary of Pierian National Similarly to Pierian, the girls flag football every day, more than e-mail,” Key Club president Honor Society. team uses Twitter to provide updates on its Emily Wilgenbusch said. Pierian, along with a number of other clubs, season. The coaches chose to use Twitter over In addition to the clubs at Leon, a multitude uses Twitter to inform its members about another type of social media because of the of the sports teams also use Facebook to invite meeting locations and times, as well as service concise nature of tweeting. people to their games and different events they opportunities for members to participate in. “It’s just more based on news,” girls flag host. the Leon High Life LeonHighLife1 leon high life www. leonhighlife.com 7 Feb. ’13 social media Impacts student life

Pinterest

Purpose: Virtual pinboard. Goal: “To connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they Brooke Harrison find interesting.” High Life Features Editor Users: 25.3 million Social media has become an integral part Founded: January 2010 of the teenager’s life. No longer must we Fun Fact: Pinterest rely on face-to-face conversations or phone is available in English, calls, because now we’ve got Facebook and Spanish, French, Instagram and Twitter. Portuguese, Dutch and It’s easy to commemorate the special German. moments in our lives, because we can capture everything on camera or video, which we then upload onto our Facebook or Instagram or Twitter accounts for everyone to see. Twitter (Then we hope that everyone we know will “like” our status, or picture, or tweet.) Purpose: Real-time There are, of course, both pros and cons information network. to the social media we use every day. We Goal: “To connect users can “use” it or “abuse” it. It’s a fine line. to the latest stories, ideas, Social media can be such a distraction, opinions and news about as I’m sure every teenager recognizes but what they find interesting.” chooses not to acknowledge. I would include myself in this generalization. Users: Over 500 million It’s interesting to keep up with our friends’ Founded: March 2006 lives, whether they are posting pictures or Fun Fact: Justin Bieber obnoxiously negative phrases. It’s definitely currently has the most much more interesting than school, studying Twitter followers of any or homework, which is why checking our account with 34,410,230. Facebook accounts and our phones becomes such a time-consuming task. It’s actually another form of procrastination. I don’t think any of us need to be told that overindulging in social media is Leon students prefer Facebook procrastination. What we need to be taught is how to use it in moderation. Sometimes it sickens me when I look at the clock and realize how much time has actually gone by, when my original intent was to spend less than 10 minutes scrolling through Instagram. I panic because I could not have possibly spent half an hour on my phone. I rarely have that much time to spare, so why is it so easy to find time for social media and so incredibly difficult to find time for homework? Setting aside all distractions is the first important step when it comes to eliminating temptation. My phone must be out of sight, and my laptop shut. Devoting my focus to the task at hand allows me to produce quality work sooner than I would with my phone within reach. These graphs show which social networking site students prefer Don’t give in to your social media withdrawals, because it takes you out of the to use (left), and how much time they spend on all types of social driven and focused homework mindset. media each day (right). In order to obtain the results for this poll, These tips do not guarantee success. However, you can take small steps to 175 students were surveyed. conquer your social media obsession. the features leon high life @TheLeonHighLife 8 www.leonhighlife.com Feb. ‘13 Couples share Leon connection

Allison and Kevin Halpin pose at their 2006 wedding. Roxanne and Brian Poche were married in 1998. Allan and Debi Rice were married on Nov. 25, 1977 Hanna helped Halpins Poches enjoy holidays Rices plan together Courtney Young Courtney Young Courtney Young High Life Features Writer High Life Features Writer High Life Features Writer Executive secretary Allison Halpin has had the Testing coordinator Roxanne Poche worked The first ever married couple to work at Leon is privilege of working with her husband, Kevin Hal- with her husband before coming to Leon. still here today. pin, for over six years. Roxanne taught at Hollywood Hills High School English teacher Debi Rice has been teaching The two have been married for six and a half in Hollywood, Florida in 1993. here since 2005. Her husband, chemistry teacher years. Shortly before they were married, Kevin Her husband, math teacher Brian Poche, was Allan Rice, came to Leon in 1992. came to Leon as a hall monitor. hired to coach the soccer team at Hollywood Hills, The Rices have been married for over 35 “Principal Hanna gave him the chance through as well as teach math. He taught from 1995-98. years. me,” Allison said. The first time the two met was in 1995 at Bro- She began at Cobb Middle school for one se- After Richard Rabataille retired this past fall se- ward Community College when they were attend- mester. She then moved to Nims Middle School mester, Kevin was promoted to his position as the ing a teaching course to get certified to teach ge- and eventually went back to Cobb. building maintenance supervisor. ometry. Allan also taught at multiple schools, including “We don’t get to see each other as often as peo- Roxanne and Brian got married on June 26, Lincoln High School and Robert F. Monroe High ple think,” Allison said. 1998. School. Allison graduated from Leon in 2000 and was Brian moved to another school in Hollywood Allan has coached the lacrosse team for five involved in the office before she even graduated. after they got married. years. Debi attends every game with her husband “Ms.Melton got me a job in the finance office “I moved to Coopercity High School, which and keeps track of the statistics. my senior year,” Allison said. was right down the road from Hollywood Hills,” “I went to every one of his games in college and Allison began working at Leon three years be- Brian said. now I go to the games he coaches,” Debi said. fore her husband was hired as a hall monitor. The Poches did not move to Tallahassee until Debi explained that the neatest thing that ever “I have always had a good relationship with ev- the summer of 2005. came out of working together was when they taught eryone that I work with,” Allison said. Roxanne began working with testing coordina- across the hall from one another. “There are no bad sides to working with him,” tor Mahaska Whitley during the 2005-06 school “We would leave our doors open and my stu- Allison said. “The hardest thing is that sometimes, year. dents would listen in on his class and his students we can interact without being professional and po- “I had a flexible schedule so I worked part listened to my class,” Debi said. “They would step lite.” time’” Roxanne said. “She was grooming me for outside of the box. As a result, my kids were encour- Kevin and Allison were not married when he her retirement in 2008.” aged to get involved in taking honors classes.” began working here. Their son, Ryan, was almost old enough to at- The two met at Lock Haven College in Penn- “He began working in August of 2006 when we tend public school when the Poches decided to sylvania. After Allan graduated, he moved to Talla- were engaged,” Allison said. “We were married in move. hassee until their wedding on Nov. 25, 1977. Then, Nov. 2006.” “We looked at education systems to pick one they both permanently moved to Oyster Bay, 31 The faculty threw the couple a wedding shower that would be the best for Ryan,” Roxanne said. “It miles from Leon. two months before the wedding in the chorus room. is very crowded down south. Tallahassee is more The long drive to school together gives them Former principal Rocky Hanna threw the shower. wholesome.” time to talk about their plans for class and discuss Kevin worked with hall monitor Timothy Henry Roxanne and Brian agreed that the best thing any questions they have about their classes. for five years before he was promoted. about working together is having the same holidays “She helps me more than I help her,” Allan “I have never seen a husband and wife work to- off. said. gether as well as they do,” Henry said. “They are “We get to travel because we have the same Debi knew she wanted to be a teacher since the like Starsky and Hutch.” time off,” Brian said. “We are always going some- sixth grade. One of her teachers had exceptionally Although the two argue on occasions, their where.” high expectations of her. work environment has not been affected by their They have traveled to places like Australia, Ha- “Everyone thought she was strict,” Debi said. marriage in a negative way. waii, Bermuda and a number of cruises. “She made me decide I wanted to be just like her.” “I find that if you can work with your spouse Roxanne’s room is located on the third floor. Allan, on the other hand, was planning on get- and you have no problems, you can get through just Brian’s room was previously located two doors ting his Masters in marine biology in Miami. about anything together,” Kevin said. down. Last year, he was moved to a portable. “I can’t complain,” Allan said. “I got what I “There are days that go by that I don’t even see wanted, which was to live on the water.” her during the school day,” Brian said. the Leon High Life leon high life sports 9 www.leonhighlife.com Feb. ’13 Practice fields are too crowded Buchholz back for track Mina Kaji “Zac is a very hard worker,” Wills High Life Sports Editor said. “He never misses practice and leads by example. He has been great Senior Zac Buchholz, a member to coach these last four years.” Savannah Watson of the track and cross-country teams, Under Coach Wills, Buchholz High Life Sports Editor has recently overcome a breathing has improved dramatically since his Limited campus space has condition that impaired his running freshman year, shaving off five min- always been an issue at Leon. last season. utes and 24 seconds off his 5K time Usually, the focus is stressed Last year he struggled with Para- and 40 seconds off his 1600-meter more on the parking situation than doxical Vocal Chord Dysfunction, time. other areas of campus. commonly known as PVCD, which “Coach Wills is the person who The lack of athletic space does made it difficult for him to perform in has kept me running,” Buchholz said. not receive much attention. meets and events. “He has always encouraged me and In the spring, lacrosse, flag “When I would breathe in, my air- helped me realize my talent for the football, track and field, baseball, way would close, and when I breathed sport.” softball and tennis all have to share out it opened some,” Buchholz said. Another encouraging source for the track and practice fields. “It was kind of doing the opposite of Buchholz this season will be his best Flag football players have to be what it was supposed to do.” friend on the team, senior Will Hen- on their toes to make sure lacrosse This condition hindered Buch- derson. photo courtesy of Herb Willis balls or the discus doesn’t come holz’s progress in running, most “I could not ask for a better team- prominently in the 3200-meter race. Senior Zac Buchholz runs in the 39th Annual mate,” Henderson said. flying at them. Tallahassee Marathon. He placed 24th. When not on the courts, waiting Now that Buchholz is in good Buchholz has thought about run- tennis have to be aware of the16- health, he is eager to improve on his ning collegiately, but has decided to and cross-country benefits his run- pound shot-put being thrown right times from last year and qualify for focus on obtaining a good education. ning tremendously. behind them. the state championships. He will attend the University of Flor- “Track helps cross-country a lot Everyone is right on top of each “My chances this year for state are ida in the fall, and continue to run as because it helps me build up speed, other. higher than ever,” Buchholz said. “I a hobby. which helps my kick at the end of a That is dangerous, not to mention am in the best shape I have ever been “I will never stop running because race,” Buchholz said. other sports are conditioning on in and I am pumped for this season.” I honestly enjoy it,” Buchholz said. His coach, Andrew Wills, notices the track while the track team is Buchholz prefers longer distances “Running is the thing in my life that his determination to improve at the having its practice. and his favorite events to compete in has taught me dedication and that sport and commends him for his lead- It is just one big mess. are the 1600 and 3200 meters. He be- hard work leads to success.” ership qualities. Due to our grid-locked position lieves that the combination of track in the middle of downtown, expanding the campus is not really an option. Yes, teams and coaches have Freshman athlete living the dream agreed to use a specific allotted space on the practice fields for their John Ike Smith-Schoenwalder Because Raa Middle team during practice, but what does High Life Sports Editor School did not have a that accomplish when the drill or Freshman Will Stone is doing what golf or tennis program, practice calls for more space? most athletes only dream of, playing Stone had no opportunity It just becomes a safety hazard. two varsity sports as a freshman. to play on a team. Stone My proposed solution for the Stone has been playing golf since had never played on any chaos is to assign each sport the he was five and tennis since he was sports team, much less a whole practice field for a two and a six. He plays for Leon’s varsity golf varsity team. half hour practice time slot. and tennis teams. “It’s very different The time structure would give Stone, 15, has a 25-year-old since I’ve never played each athletic team the freedom to brother, Hunter, and a 25-year-old on a team, really,” Stone practice safely. sister, Jenny. Hunter and Jenny are said, “But it’s nice be- The sunset would not be a both Leon graduates. cause [my teammates] try problem. During Stone’s 10 years of playing to help me and teach me There are lights that were both sports, he acquired little com- stuff.” installed for the band practices. petitive experience, having played in Stone ranks fifth Why can’t every sport be only one tennis tournament and one among his male tennis allowed to access them, especially golf match prior to attending Leon. teammates and starts for photo courtesy of Margaret Kay Ard the sports in the fall that use the “I played one golf match when I the varsity tennis team. Freshman Will Stone poses with his tennis racket and a practice fields in the sweltering was about six and I didn’t even finish “He’s a great addition golf club next to the Lion in the main lobby. sun. because I panicked,” Stone said. “And and one of my new best From the end of spring to my parents had to take me out.” friends,” senior Alberto Ayala said. challenging to me, and you can get the beginning of fall, the Florida Stone overcame his lack of com- “I’m going to enjoy the season with creative with the shots you hit.” weather is extremely hot and petitive experience by practicing fre- him.” Stone’s character and talents have humid. quently. Coincidently, Stone ranks fifth on earned him many new friends on both If each team took turns “I try to practice every day I can,” the varsity golf team. teams. practicing at night, the players and Stone said. Equally talented in both sports, “He’s a really nice guy,” golf coaches wouldn’t have to worry “I go out to Capital City Country Stone favors golf slightly over ten- teammate Carter Thompson said. about becoming overheated. Club every weekend with my dad and nis. “He’s the perfect teammate, a guy Simply put, the system we have play tennis or golf. I put a lot of time “It’s very close,” Stone said. “But who comes through in the clutch.” now is just organized chaos. into sports, but I have to remember I like golf more because I’ve been The same can be said for Stone’s that school comes first.” playing it a little bit longer. It’s more contributions to the tennis team. the 10 sports leon high life LeonHighLife1 Feb ’13 www.leonhighlife.com Cheerleading faces changes after season Varsity squad may have to compete in different division with significantly smaller team

Mina Kaji of the team this year, and was High Life Sports Editor happy with how this season The Leon varsity cheerleaders recently turned out. ended their competitive season on a high “Being on this squad is note, placing fourteenth out of 20 in a family in itself,” McGhee the small co-ed division at the Florida said. “Being the only boy was High School Athletic Association’s state interesting and a standout.” competition in Kissimmee. McGhee’s absence next year This state competition was only one will bring a change in the Lion’s of three that the Lions took part in this squad. year. They also traveled to Daytona and McGhee enabled Leon to Jacksonville to showcase their skills and compete in the small co-ed competed against other teams in the area. division, which requires one “Every competition helped our team to four male cheerleaders on make improvements,” junior Kelsey a team. With McGhee leaving Carlton said. “This year we were focused next year, the Lions will have to on higher-level stunting and technique. compete in another division. photo courtesy of Libby Olk We were determined to hit every move as Another change next year, The Leon varsity cheer team shows off its second place trophy at The State Cheer sharply as we could.” as the Lions look forward to and Dance Championship of Florida in Daytona Beach. The Lions’ success at the state another season, will be the size competition was well earned, as they This was Olk’s second year of team that loved to have fun. I will be of the squad. About half of the practiced three days a week, totaling 20 coaching varsity cheerleading and sad to see this year’s team go, but I members this year are seniors, hours per month. This time was dedicated she believes it was a success. She was am very excited for what lies ahead which will make the team strictly to bettering their routine and more familiar with Leon and the girls for Leon cheerleading.” significantly smaller. stunts. she would continue to coach in the This senior leadership carried This size difference will help The routine they showcased this years to come. the team and was shown by the three the team and make them more season lasted a total of two and a half “This year has been great,” Olk captains: Jessica Coogan, Jessica cohesive, according to Carlton minutes and was choreographed by the said. “I had a great group of kids, a Liu and Vance McGhee. and fellow junior Courtney varsity cheerleading coach, Libby Olk. lot of leadership in our seniors, and a McGhee was an integral part Johnson.

Howell is a freshman standout Alexander makes Leon history Newcomer has Senior star finishes in noticeable impact on top four at state tour- Leon wrestling team nament

James Kirkpatrick Savannah Watson High Life Writer High Life Sports Editor Robby Howell, a new face at Leon this year, has started to make TJ Alexander is the only Leon a large impact for the Leon wres- wrestler to be a three time district tling team. Even though Howell champion and three time state quali- has only been wrestling for three fier. Alexander began wrestling his months, he has made a statement size and skill, he's huge," Kilgore 2nd and 3rd in the state championship by qualifying for regional's. freshman year. said. "On a scale of one to ten he's In the beginning of his wrestling tournament. Howell says he originally got a seven, and that's good for a fresh- Two of his losses were out of his interested in wrestling because he career he only wrestled four matches man." in the 135 pound weight class. weight class at the 152 pound class in liked watching it on TV. For Howell to get to districts he December. "[The goal] for this season Alexander now competes in the had to win enough matches depend- 145 pound weight class. After his losses in December, Al- was to just get some practice and ing on weight class. exander moved back down to the 145 get used to being in front of a “His work ethic, competitive na- Then at districts he had to place ture and the fact that he kept pushing pound weight class, and didn’t lose crowd," Howell said. in the top four, after regional's he again until the state tournament. At 5'8, 180 pounds, Howell himself made him not want to lose,” would go to state, which is some- wrestling coach Chuck Ringel said. Alexander is only one of two Leon has had to get use to facing off thing he’s looking forward to doing wrestlers to ever place at state. against upperclassmen. Alexander only lost four matches in the years to follow. his senior season. In addition, his fourth place stand- "I'm sure there are a few peo- "All the seniors on the team have ing was the highest any Leon wrestler ple my same weight but a lot of “He started listening and doing helped me when I joined, especial- what he was told,” Ringel said. “The has ever received at the state tourna- them are juniors and seniors," ly TJ," Howell said. “The coaches ment. Howell said. "I still want to stay more he listened the more success he have also helped me along the way had.” “He is a great teammate,” Ringel in the same [weight class] for by showing me all the moves, and said. “He helped out as much as he next year though." Alexander was the only Leon motivating me to practice." wrestler this season to advance to could, worked hard and taught team- Nate Kilgore, a teammate of "I definitely think Robby could mates what he knows.” Howell's, admires his passion for the state finals where he placed 4th. go to state multiple times by the The four people that Alexander wrestling. time he is a senior," Kilgore said. "I was pretty impressed by his lost to this season all placed 1st, the @TheLeonHighLife leon high life sports 11 www.leonhighlife.com Feb. ’13 Bell carries on family legacy at Leon Sarah Schrader-Nahoom at Leon.” High Life Sports Editor After high school, Riley went on to play football at Florida A&M Univer- Family has always been a key fac- sity. tor in Riley Bell’s life. “I played for one year at FAMU The 2004 Leon graduate is starting and then I played arena football in a family of his own and his father and Tallahassee for the Tallahassee Titans,” grandfather are revered in the Tallahas- Riley said. “I didn’t like playing at see community. FAMU so I transferred to TCC. The Bell family has a storied his- “That’s when I started coaching tory here at Leon. Riley’s mother went football at Leon. I got my AA degree at to Leon and his grandfather, Erric Bell, TCC and then transferred to FSU and graduated from Leon in 1948. got my undergraduate degree in physi- Erric was involved in the football cal education.” and basketball programs at Leon and In addition to his undergraduate de- visited the campus often until he died grees, Riley recently just received his at the age of 81 two years ago. He was photo courtesy of Riley Bell master’s degree in educational leader- a common sight at football and softball Riley and Jenna Bell pose with their daugher Farren Rose who was born earlier ship from St. Leo’s University. games. this year. Even with all these accomplish- In fact, Erric’s passion for the ments under his belt, Riley is begin- students was so great that students still Leon coach Gene Cox the very next He has coached at Leon for eight ning a new chapter in his life. He is park at his old house near Leon. year by a score of 15-14. years and has taught at Leon for four walking on new territory as he takes on Riley’s father, Ricky Bell, has had After that, Cox hired Ricky to be years. He is also the Girl’s Track and the role of being a dad. His daughter, his fair share of Leon tradition as well. assistant coach at Leon. He coached Field head coach. Farren Rose Bell, was born on Dec. 10 Prior to his current job as County Ath- for 25 years and then went into the Along with coaching sports, he 2012. letic Director, Ricky had a history with administrative field. teaches Drivers Ed, H.O.P.E.and team “She is the most beautiful baby in the football program at Leon. The football and family legacy was sports. the world,” Riley said. Although he is a Rickards High then passed down to Riley. He and his wife, Jenna, attended Riley now gets to pass down family School graduate, Ricky ended up Riley was the quarterback for the Leon and Florida State University to- stories and values to his daughter, just coaching football at Leon High School Leon Lions when Mark Feely was the gether. While he was the quarterback at like his father and grandfather did to in the late 1980’s and early nineties. head coach in the early 2000’s. Riley Leon, she was on the dance team. him. He got his first head coaching job has returned to his alma mater and has “We didn’t even meet until col- “Since I’ve had my baby, all I when he was 26 at Quincy Shanks been the quarterback coach for the lege,” Riley said. “We met at a party at want to do is cuddle with my little High School and defeated legendary Lions. FSU. We didn’t even know each other girl,” Riley said. Robinson utilizes talent to lead flag football

Sarah Schrader-Nahoom Lions training for a successful year. High Life Sports Editor The flag football team at Leon has the most successful program in the Hard work and dedication are state of Florida. two main characteristics that athletes They have captured five city cham- should display in order to succeed. The pionships, six district championships, elite and versatile junior, Sierra Robin- six regional championships, made six son, is proof of those qualities. state tournament appearances, have Robinson plays flag football and two state titles, and have had the most soccer and started on varsity for both state tournament appearances and most sports her freshman year. playoff wins. With the flag football season kick- Chelsea Parmer, Ricky Hufty and ing off, people have high expectations Alea Spires are the coaches for the for the team. team this season and Parmer is also “Starting on two varsity sports one of Robinson’s soccer coaches. makes me feel like I’m a decent play- “Sierra is a great player, “Parmer er,” Robinson said. said. “She has been a crucial part to Robinson is quarterback and cor- our success in years past starting on nerback this year. However, during her Varsity since her freshman year. She freshman and sophomore years, she continues to grow as a leader and photo courtesy of David Mitchell played as wide receiver. player each and every year.” Sierra Robinson runs with the ball in a game against Chiles last season. “She plays the most demanding Not only does Robinson carry tal- position on the football field,” Ricky ent on the field, but her personality off and makes everyone feel comfortable other because not just one player can Hufty said. the field is something memorable. around her. That’s a great leadership do it, and we have to run our routes Leon also has players that compete “[Sierra] is focused to do her best quality not many possess.” perfectly.” in the city’s flag football league. in everything and really cares about Dynamics on the team are another Robinson believes they will go The city league had spring season the team she plays for,” Kim Newsome interesting quality about the flag foot- pretty far since they are a strong team and preseason conditioning which said. “She is a pleasure to play with ball team. and work well together. helped prepare the Lady Lions. and I couldn’t have asked for a better “You’re on a team with a bunch “Sierra can do anything she puts Lincoln and Chiles were among teammate.” of different people who you normally her mind to,” Parmer said. “She always the other city league teams that they “Sierra’s personality draws people wouldn’t be friends with,” Robinson puts the work in to be great which sig- played against which furthered the to her,” Parmer said. “She makes it fun said. “We really have to trust each nifies a great leader. I am very excited to see her perform this year.” the Leon High Life leon high life sports 12 www.leonhighlife.com Feb. ’13 Winter Sports Scoreboard

Boys Tennis B/G 03/12/13 Rickards 04/09/13 at Wakulla 03/14/13 Ridgeview Date Opponent Results 03/15/13 Godby Lacrosse 02/08/13 at Lyman 4-3 / 7-0 03/26/13 NFC Date Opponent Results 02/09/13 at Winter Park 0-7 / 0-7 03/29/13 at Chiles 02/18/13 at Mandarin L, 8-13 02/15/13 at Ft. Walton Beach 7-0 / 7-0 04/02/13 Middleburg 02/22/13 at Bolles L, 2-15 02/16/13 at Crestview 7-0 / 7-0

04/05/13 at Middleburg 02/23/13 at Creekside L, 3-16 02/21/13 at Maclay 7-0 / 2-5 04/09/13 Bainbridge 02/26/13 Lincoln 02/22/13 at Bolles 3-4 / 0-7 04/12/13 Orange Park 03/01/13 at Mandarin 02/23/13 at Ponte Vedra 3-4 / 3-4 04/16/13 at Lincoln 03/05/13 at Chiles 02/26/13 Choctaw 04/18/13 at Wakulla 03/09/13 Gulf Breeze 02/27/13 at Chiles 03/12/13 at Maclay

03/01/13 Niceville Softball 03/15/13 at Nease 03/02/13 Mosley Date Opponent Results 03/16/13 at Ponte Vedra 03/06/13 Lincoln 02/01/13 Godby/Wakulla 03/22/13 Buchholz 03/07/13 at City Championships 02/08/13 Lake Mary 03/25/13 Gainesville 03/12/13 at Lincoln 02/13/13 at Chiles 03/26/13 at Lincoln 03/14/13 Godby 02/15/13 Middleburg 03/28/13 Winter Park 03/25/13 Rickards 02/20/13 at Godby 04/02/13 Chiles 03/27/13 Chiles 02/22/13 at Middleburg 04/04/13 Maclay 03/28/13 Maclay 02/23/13 at Ridgeview 04/09/13 Gainesville Baseball 02/25/13 Florida High 04/11/13 at Bartram Trail 02/26/13 Wakulla Date Opponent Results 03/06/13 at Lincoln Flag Football 02/12/13 Wakulla L, 8-4 03/08/13 at Orange Park Date Opponent Results 02/14/13 at Rickards W, 10-0 03/09/13 at Oakleaf 03/11/13 Florida High 02/16/13 at Orange Park L, 3-1 03/12/13 Lincoln 03/29/13 Chiles 02/20/13 at Lincoln L, 9-8 03/14/13 Oakleaf 04/02/13 at Lincoln 02/23/13 at Ridgeview L, 12-8 03/26/13 Maclay 04/05/13 at Capital City Tourn. 02/26/13 at NFC 03/27/13 Rickards 04/10/13 FAMU 03/01/13 Chiles 03/28/13 Chiles 04/13/13 at Dr. Phillips 03/05/13 at Godby 04/01/13 at Maclay 04/14/13 at Seminole Ridge 03/07/13 Oakleaf 04/03/13 Ridgeview 04/16/13 at Godby 03/09/13 at Oakleaf 04/05/13 Orange Park 04/17/13 Rickards

Where are they now?

Mina Kaji High Life Sports Editor Emily Kennedy, a former swimmer for Leon, is now a member of the Providence Col- lege swim team in Rhode Island. Kennedy is enjoying being able to be a part of the swim Emily Kennedy is featured on the cover of team, while still having time to Providence College Magazine. balance her academics. great way to be competitive but also have “It has been fun to travel fun with friends,” Kennedy said. “Swim- around the Northeast for meets ming at Leon made me feel a part of the and see places that are new to Leon High tradition and is a connection to me,” Kennedy said. the school I feel like I still have today.” Kennedy graduated from Kennedy graduated a Summa Cum Leon in 2011, and at the time did Laude from Leon, and is now a sopho- not think she would be swim- more at Providence College. Due to ming collegiately. her academic excellence, she received “Swimming has been a part a scholarship, and is currently a Global of my life for so long that I can’t Studies major, with minors in Political see myself not doing it,” Ken- Science and Spanish. nedy said. “It keeps me focused Kennedy hopes to one day join the and sane.” Peace Corps and possibly work for a non- Kennedy has fond memories profit organization. of swimming for Leon for the en- Kennedy urges the students of Leon to tirety of her high school career, enjoy the opportunities they are given in and believes she would not be high school and to not get discouraged. where she is today without Leon “Leon helped me realize who I am High School. and what I am truly passionate about,” “The Leon swim team was a Kennedy said.