THE

CelebratingH 84 years as the voice ofILL Leon. TOPMay, 2004 Leon High School 550 E. Tennessee St. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 488-1971 Vol. LXXXVI No.7

Celebrating 85 years as the voice of Leon. May Issue At large and in charge: meet your new officers

By Emily Woodruff In what hobbies or extra- Hill Top Features Editor curricular activities do you participate? On April 15, the students Crew team, cross-coun- of Leon High School chose try, mock trial, I play the piano, two new representatives to and I’m a member of Jack and lead them into the 2005-2006 Jill of America teens’ organiza- school year. The candidates tion. gave their speeches to each grade and the votes are in. Bud Where do you want to be in Baker is the new Student Body 10 years? President and Elizabeth Cham- If things go right and I bers is the Student Body Vice don’t die, I’ll be finishing law President. Read on in this ex- school, maybe be starting a fam- clusive interview to see what ily, and looking forward to a Bud Baker Elizabeth Chambers your officers have planned for career in law and maybe poli- the coming year. Leon High School. working with Elizabeth? tics. Hopefully, I won’t be on goals after life at Leon? What changes would you Elizabeth and I are a the side of the road holding a Bud Baker like to see at Leon? pretty good team. We I want to be successful, have cardboard sign, but we’ll see. Student Body President I want to make pep ral- worked hard together on a family, and be happy and What do you see as your best Why did you run for SBP? lies better, and I want more stu- Prom this year and I think content. Basically the quality? we’re going to see some great American Dream that Well, I love Leon and dent body involvement in I know how to work with results. We compliment each everyone wants, and I want from the minute I came here, SGA. I want the student body people and I make sure things other. She is very energetic to help others along the way. I’ve wanted to work to make to have a bigger voice and for get done. the school better and more en- SGA to work harder to give and always coming up with If I’m lucky and work hard, Your worst? joyable. I have some good students what they want and crazy ideas. She brings a nice hopefully I’ll be rich. I want ideas and I can’t wait to get need. creative edge. I am more calm to do what I can to make the Doing my homework at and laid back, making sure all world better. the last minute, always been a started next year. Reading the How many years have you the details are taken care of problem. announcements every morning been involved in SGA? Favorite quote? will be fun, and the parking and that everything is running spot is always nice, but I’m I’m finishing up my sec- smoothly. We’ll be doing big “A man who stands for ond year. things next year. really looking forward to nothing will fall for anything.” See ‘ELECTION’ on page 7 bringing the glory days back to How do you feel about What are your personal -Malcolm X Leon student tragically dies from sickle anemia

Myren Williams, a was painted of a happy, out- smiled a lot, was laidback, former junior, died going, respectful teenager, humble, and had the utmost re- March 31, 2005 due to who lifted others’ spirits. spect for others. “He was always funny. “When I think of Myren, I sickle cell anemia. He He liked to make other people always see him smiling,” said left behind happy smile,” senior Charlie Goble Eugene Belton Williams, his 29- memories for many said. year-old brother. “He always people. Williams, a Leon junior, had manners. There are not a actively participated in ROTC lot of kids these days who lis- By Cameron Foltz and is missed dearly. He ten like he did. He was always Hill Top Writer played keyboard for Cel- there to perk you up when you ebrate New Life Tabernacle needed him. He was special.” Myren McKenzie Will- Outreach Ministries and also A few of Myren’s siblings iams tragically died at the sang for the Tallahassee Boys’ are carriers of the sickle cell young age of 16 on March 31 Choir. The late Myren Williams trait, which means they are ca- due to sickle cell anemia. His other hobbies in- pable of giving it to their chil- Although his life was cut cluded basketball, hanging out a terrible disease, yet he still dets, he did not tell anyone dren or making their children short, he still had a positive with friends, and playing video managed to live life to its full- he had the disease or let it af- carriers. However, none of his impact on the world. After games. He was a typical teen- est. fect the way he lived his pub- immediate family members have talking to his friends, a picture ager born into the world with According to fellow ca- lic life. He cracked jokes, the disease itself. May Editorials Page 2 Love in the FreeFree SpiritsSpirits Dream,Dream, Dare,Dare, DO!DO! By Carolina Escalera Hallways Hill Top Writer During spring break, By: Summar Chaudhry while many students were Hill Top Editor-in Chief basking in the sun, relaxing Continued Column from a hard third nine weeks, sleeping in late and eating a High school relation- lot, I was waking up at 5 a.m. ships seem very important in Washington D.C. the en- in the beginning. They de- tire week and I loved it. termine your happiness and social status, but in the end, Let me first take you all it comes down to is fun. back to the beginning of my Sure, I agree that high journey. In the first months of school dating is all about the my senior year, I applied for drama, but to me, if you can the Al Neuharth Free Spirit come out of a relationship Scholarship. The scholarship and honestly say that, de- is named after Al Neuharth, spite the heartache, you had the founder of the national fun, then I tip my hat to you. newspaper USA Today and the Freedom Forum. Being Students spend so nalism “free spirits” and expe- that it was a national scholar- The next day, I met other to the reporters, and actually much time crushing over riencing this once-in-a-lifetime ship, I was a little skeptical young journalists. After asking being in the environment of a somebody, then feeling opportunity. However, I completely nervous, and about completing all the work, them the key to success, I national newspaper really made quickly settled in when I met then fighting during the rela- which included two essays: learned many of the qualities I me want to be a journalist. I some of the other students in tionship that they forget to one about my journalism ex- need to survive as a young jour- distinctly remember walking up the airport. A limousine picked lay back and just have fun. perience and another about nalist. Later, I met the legend- to one of the open cubicles and us up, and we were taken to Enjoy the other person’s my ‘free spirit’ qualities. How- ary John Seigenthaler and his saying to myself, I want to be the Watergate Hotel. company. These are sup- ever, I faithfully submitted my son, John Seigenthaler, Jr. Mr. sitting here in the future. On Sunday, I was finally posedly the best years of application and continued on Seigenthaler, Sr. really im- able to meet all the other stu- our lives, so why not make with my life. pressed me with his down-to- dents. Everyone was quite nor- the most of them? In early February, I re- earth, kind nature. Speaking to mal, although we each knew we Try laughing more of- ceived the astonishing news him made me realize that had a unique ‘free spirit’ touch. ten rather than having petty that I was chosen for the through journalism, one can That Sunday night, I finally got arguments. These are life scholarship. The Free Spirit truly make a difference. to meet Al Neuharth. We were experiences that you will Scholarship awards a $1,000 Throughout the rest of the able to speak to him one on learn from and that will scholarship to 102 high school week, I met journalists and free one and ask him questions. shape you. In a way, these seniors across the nation. A spirit role models such as Brian On Monday morning, I relationships determine what female and male representa- Lamb, creator of C-SPAN; met the very funny, yet serious, kind of person you are. If tive from each state is cho- Ken Paulson, editor of USA Tim Russert of Meet the Press your boyfriend dumps you, sen. Being the female repre- Today; Charles C. Haynes; at NBC studios. In the after- and you, in return, key his sentative from Florida, I was Lee Kravitz, editor of Parade; car, you are probably not noon, I learned about media flown up to Washington D.C. Bethany Hamilton; Alberto the best person and might ethics and later met John King, for an all-expense paid trip to Ibarguen, editor of the Miami need help dealing with an- CNN senior White House cor- receive my award and attend Herald; and Jack LaLanne. The second memorable ger management. If you like respondent. After an exhaust- a week-long journalism con- There were two great moment was the Free Spirit to cheat on your significant ing day, the group was whisked ference. moments that I will always re- Ceremony which was held at the other and lie about it, you away on a riverboat dinner When I first arrived in member about the conference. National Press Club. For the should probably have your cruise, where after doing ceremony, everyone dressed car keyed. D.C. by myself, I had butter- First, was the visit to the USA Karaoke most of us learned up, the girls in long gowns and However dramatic flies in my stomach about Today building. Walking that journalists aren’t the best the boys in tuxedos. We and harmful relationships meeting the 101 other jour- through the newsroom, talking singers. “mingled,” speaking to other may be, they make high journalists and ‘important’ school all the more interest- people from D.C.. I personally ing. Just remember, if dat- ing is a park, why not have met the ambassadors of Argen- a picnic? tina and South Korea. Also, I got the opportunity to speak with and have dinner with influ- ential people in the industry. The whole night was magical and enchanting. Make I learned so much during sure to this conference, including more about myself and what I want check our to do with my life. I truly hope Senior that one day I can make a dif- ference with what I do and that Supplement through the good and bad times; I will continue being a free spirit, riding the rollercoaster of life. May Page 3 An indepth look at sickle cell anemia

By Drew Carroll one might think. Turkish, Ger- Cell stop her life. Hill Top Writer man and Asian people have all Another misconception fallen to this disease. The dis- about this disease is that every- “I think it’s when the ease is mainly found in people one who has it dies young. blood cells become sickle who descend from places from Some people who have this shaped, but other than that, where Malaria was a problem. disease live on to their 70’s and I don’t really know,” said Sickle Cell Anemia occurs as 80’s.It’s just this disease does senior Jake McKay when a defense against malaria, and weaken the immune system, asked to explain Sickle Cell when there is no malaria in the and when coupled with another Anemia. body, it just ends up hurting illness, it can be fatal. This was the most ac- the person, as opposed to Although there is no cure curate response I received helping them. for sickle cell, it seems to be A graphic of a normal cell and a sickle shaped cell. when asking around Leon “If I had a disease like becoming more and more High School. It seems most someone has this disease, not Cell Trait carrier, and a 1-in-4 that, I don’t think I would within reach every day. Some people aren’t very educated all of their hemoglobin func- chance the child will have the dis- seek living life to its fullest, scientists believe gene therapy about this disease. I have to tions properly, meaning oxy- ease itself. But if one parent just that’s not what I do right now may prove to be the ultimate admit, before taking on this gen doesn’t get carried has it, the child will most likely anyways, I would just continue cure. This procedure is being story; I only associated the throughout the body like its in- just be a carrier or clean of it trying to understand life to its researched in two ways to see disease with T-Boz of the tended to. entirely, unless, of course, the fullest,” senior Robert if either correcting the gene that famous girl R&B group Sickle Cell anemia is other parent has another form of Goddard said. produces the hemoglobin, and TLC. But as I soon found rare, but it is real. You might anemia, then in that case they It seems most people inserting it into the bone mar- out, Sickle Cell Anemia is be thinking, how does one get have a much more rare disease. who have this disease carry a row, or just shutting of the main nothing to be taken lightly. such a disease? Let’s say A general misconception similar mindset, because it gene and cranking up the one The disease is heredi- both parents are carriers of about this disease is that it’s only seems most people who have that produces fetal hemoglobin tary, and is by no means the Sickle Cell Trait. When predominantly found in people of it try not to let it control their again. In any case, the logis- contagious, nor sexually they have a child, there is a Afro-Caribbean decent. While lives, but rather, they try and tics are highly in depth, but just transmitted. Sickle cell is a 1-in-4 chance the kid will a lot of people who do have this control it. Take the previously know, it doesn’t seem that far blood disorder that causes have the normal hemoglobin disease, or are carriers of the mentioned T-Boz, she’s sold from a reality. a shortage of red blood cells, combination, a 2-in-4 chance traits, its more spread out then millions of records, and toured which results in pain. When the child will become a Sickle the world, and hasn’t let Sickle Commercial Music Program: possible choice for Leon Faculty and staff have allow students the unique oppor- chosen the tunity to work with some of the Commercial Music high-tech equipment profes- sional musicians and artists work Program presented by with. the Music department Moreover, the presenta- for consideration to tion of the program stressed the make Leon a choice unique opportunity to appeal to program school. all types of students. For ex- ample, it appeals to students that By Carolina Escalera want to study music, students Hill Top Writer interested in technology, stu- dents already recording their Living in Leon County, own music in bands, and stu- students have a unique op- dents who enjoy music in gen- portunity to attend a school eral from what they hear on the the unique step of creating a the Commercial Music Program Live Performance Presenta- outside of their zone through radio to playing in an orchestra. choice program to bring in stu- presented by the Music Depart- tion course, Music Business the Leon Country School Knapp said that the pro- dents from other school zones. ment, the Medical Science Acad- Management, four credits of Choice Program. Under the gram would encompass con- The choice program, however, emy, presented by the Science applied music study, which Choice Program, students temporary modern music rang- would not bring any new funds Department, and the Introduction could range from a class in can choose to attend another ing from what you hear on the to Leon. Nevertheless, it to Careers Program, presented band to chorus, and a senior school if they fall under cer- radio to the classical music. would put Leon in the playing by Alex Hartsfield. project. tain qualifications. “At the basis, it is all mu- field with other high schools Two weeks ago the teach- Judy Arthur, choral direc- Last year, students sic,” Knapp said. with choice programs. Lincoln ers decided on the Commercial tor at Leon, says it will not be could decide to attend Leon Although it will not be un- currently has the AP Choice Music Program to be submitted hard to begin the Commercial under the Choice Program, til later in the next school year Program, Rickards has the IB for consideration. Music Program at Leon. using either the Jr. ROTC that the District Choice Com- Program, Godby has Block The Commercial Music “We have what it takes Program or proximity to mittee will decide on making the Schedule, Eagle Connection, Program is a unique program that to start,” Arthur said. workplace. Recently, the Commercial Music Choice Pro- and ELL, and Sail is a magnet encompasses all aspects of com- Leon currently has 24 School Board revoked the gram an option at Leon High school. mercial music from the actual in- classes in the music depart- right for students to attend School, current faculty and staff The Choice committee at strument to the equipment used ment, 630 students, and nine Leon under proximity-to- are hopeful. Leon presented three different to record music. full-time faculty. workplace which meant if a “The Commercial Music options for the faculty and David Knapp, director of “The Commercial Music parent/guardian or student Program would be a new face staff to decide three weeks Lion Steel at Leon, describes Program would draw on these worked within the requested on an existing tradition,” Knapp ago. The choice program de- commercial music as “any aspect strengths,” Arthur said. school zone, they could at- said. tend that school. Because of cided on will be submitted to of music – marketing, promoting, Also, the program will this, Leon is losing about 200 the District Choice Program technology, composition using have close ties to the FSU For more information visit students. Committee for consideration. modern technology.” School of Music Commercial www.leon.leon.k12.fl.us/ Leon is now taking The three presentations where The curriculum includes a Music Program. This would lion/band/leoncmp-320.wmv May Page 4 Minimum wage world vast, infinite

The number of working capacity. While “They’re good, but they’re students in the these factors do limit the op- disgusting to make and disgust- workplace multiplies tions in the work industry ingly bad for you,” Harmon said. as students learn to somewhat, the minimum- Working in food can also wage world is vast and infi- have negative effects on an balance their studies, nite. Students at Leon High employee’s view of the victuals a social life, and a School will offer testimony in served at their place of employ- job. the following text, giving fu- ment. One Leon senior has ture employees some insight. changed her views on Tropical By Emily Woodruff Smoothie’s sanitation since pre- Hill Top Features Editor STUDENTS IN THE viously working there. As students enter their FOOD INDUSTRY “The place was infested,” teenage years, the price and the source reported. “There were One job that rarely re- critters running all over the place.” quantity of the things they quires any previous experi- need – and want – begins ence and serves as the first to escalate. What was a “real job” for many teens is STUDENTS IN THE bike at six is a car at sixteen. one in the food industry. It’s APPAREL INDUSTRY Parents may begin to feel sometimes difficult to find a Other students may prefer their formerly grateful and demanding, as well as monoto- Senior Sarah Folmar, place to hire someone who to work in the apparel industry, appreciative young children nous. who works at a dentist’s of- has never worked anywhere where an employee sells the final are but now black holes, Mara Peacock, senior, fice, agrees. before, but the food industry, item to the customer, rather than consuming all in sight with- works at FSU’s Center for “I get to watch what they fast food in particular, re- preparing it. Almost all out a moment of reciproc- Autism Related Diseases. do, and it’s interesting because quires little previous skill. employees of clothing stores ity. “All I do is file and shred it’s a field I want to go in to,” “Working at ColdStone receive discounts of some sort, Many teens may soon papers for two hours every- Folmar said. Creamery is a good first job. ranging from 15 to 30 percent, come to realize that their day,” Peacock said. Even with only four months usually. Most stores also require parents are gradually wean- Others find that the office under my belt, I’ve learned a that employees fashion their STUDENTS AS ing them off of their incomes is a good place to dabble into lot,” senior Nasimeh Easton brand of clothing while working. ENTREPRENEURS as adulthood approaches, said. an occupation in a field they Some students have forcing them to become The downside of fast “The discount is the best may work in when they are cleverly decided to stop more independent. For food? Mainly, the pay. Most part, the weekend hours are the older. searching for jobs, but many students, this indepen- first-time employees only get worst,” senior Lee Carella, Senior Gamble rather let the job search for dence manifests itself in the paid minimum wage, or employee at Gap, said.” Gluesenkamp is a writer’s as- them. They have incorpo- form of a job. slightly above. However, sistant at Nutrition and Health rated their passions, tal- However, most stu- there can be other benefits to STUDENTS IN THE Associates. ents, and skills into their dents attending high school working in food: it’s free, or OFFICE “I wanted to learn about everyday lives, and, what’s can only work 2-5 hour cheap. Senior Carliayn Many students may choose the publishing process because more, they’re making a workdays, as they have Harmon, former employee of to work in an office rather than in I want to look into that as a tidy profit as a result of classes to attend. There are Fazoli’s, listed the free a direct contact relationship with career,” said Gluesenkamp. “I their efforts. Junior Alex also child labor laws, though breadsticks as the best and consumers. Those who work in love that I do something dif- Revis found that he could they may be unobserved, worst thing about her previ- offices may find that the pay is a ferent everyday. I’m always do something he loves and that put limits on a minor’s ous job. bit better, but the job can be more being challenged.” make money all at once. “Drumming is my passion and teaching it makes me a better player. It’s almost like getting paid to practice. I love seeing the reactions of my stu- dents when they learn something new,” Rivas said. The working world provides many students with a sense of autonomy and liberty that is little found elsewhere. The pay may be meager, the hours unpleasant, and the boss merciless, but students nonetheless continue to apply. “Having a job really makes you appreciate both your money and your free time...a lot more,” summed up Easton.

CBE is a class many Leon seniors take that allows them to work during school days. May Page 5 Parking problems persist on campus

Parking has always Leon’s assistant principal. because of a been one of the most The towing rate for the faulty, 20-year- complained about general public is $85. Leon old drainage issues at Leon High High School students get off system that sur- a bit easier with a rate of rounds Leon School. The junior $55. and the neigh- parking lot is too far There are 195 reserved boring build- away, it floods, there is spots in the senior parking ings. not enough parking lot. The junior parking lot is Leon space...Why are these not full, mostly due to the dis- High School’s things true about Leon tance from the lot to the main administration High School’s parking building. has been trying “I wish it was closer to to convince the lots? the building. It’s really incon- Blueprint 2000 By Kany Aziz venient to walk that far. I’ve to take on the Hill Top Writer been late to second period project of fixing many times,” said junior Jen- the drainage sys- The parking spaces, or nifer Bowman, who does tem around lack thereof, at Leon High own a parking space in the Leon. However, a result is not current one. Because of this, Amanda Pogorzelski said. School have always been an junior bowl. expected within less than a few sophomores will not be getting Even though the juniors issue for students. Formerly called the mud years. their own parking space, even do not use all of their allotted Consequently, there are bowl, the junior bowl gener- An obstacle seniors face is though the number of sopho- spaces, Hanna said the sopho- roughly five to ten cars ally has a flooding every year. the limited parking space. mores with cars is increasing mores must still fend for them- towed per week during the This is also a disadvantage to “When I decided to get every year. So, unfortunately, selves and are not permitted spring, increasing from a the junior parking lot. one, there were no more,” se- the sophomores will just have to park anywhere on campus. lower number during the fall. “I didn’t like the fact that nior Heather Sadberry said. to keep parking on surround- Towing is not done until the sometimes the junior bowl However difficult Leon’s ing streets. student is warned at least floods,” junior Sierra Garrett parking is, there is simply no “I’d much rather have a two or three times, accord- said. more room for additional park- space on campus,” sophomore ing to Mr. Rocky Hanna, This flooding happens ing, or even to expand on the Gambling takes Leon by storm Gambling has recently interesting with track where people can week,” senior Steven During the sports gained popularity money. For a few, buy in at a table and Coppins said. season, particularly among teenagers. gambling becomes a play poker. One of the reasons the basketball play- This has been compulsive activity Several Leon stu- gambling has grown offs, people buy into attributed partially to very similar to drug dents enjoy occasion- in popularity in youth pools where they bet shows that air Texas Hold ‘Em addiction. ally gambling. is its recent entry into the outcome of a tournaments, like It may seem that “I gamble once a mainstream media. tournament. Whoever ESPN. gambling addiction is month, maybe, but I Celebrity poker has wins, takes most, or blown out of propor- know some guys who rekindled an interest all, of the money. By Cameron Foltz Hill Top Writer tion. However, this is gamble about twice a in Texas Hold ‘Em. because it can ruin the Gambling is a few lives it affects. popular activity The most com- The Hill amongst teenagers. mon forms of gam- Whether they are bling among teenag- Top playing Texas Hold ers are poker, sports ‘Em, a form of betting, and online Colophone poker, or betting on gambling. Some The Hill Top is the sports, teenagers, Leon students fre- offical student newspaper of particularly males, Leon High School. Kevin quent the Monticello Record, a journalism teacher, are likely to partake Dog Race Track. advises in the production of in gambling as a In addition to dog this publication. weekend activity. It is distributed free of races, people can charge, and it is funded For many, card gamble at a card through staff-organized playing is a harmless house in advertising. activity that is more Questions or comments: Monticello’s race [email protected]. May Page 6 Pierian ceremony ROTC: class of future leaders honors students By Erin Carney But what if military is not Heading into the new Hill Top Guest Writer the career choice of a student year, the ROTC Drill, Marks- Hill Top Press Release 8.Claire Davis in the program? There is no manship, Academics and PT 9.Jake Diamond Every Thursday at Leon military commitment being in (Physical Training) Teams head During a candlelight 10. Alex Ecenia High School, you notice a ROTC, but if a student applies down to Miami to compete with ceremony on April 12, se- 11.Christopher Emmanuel handful of students wearing for a college and mentions that other schools in the state finals. nior members of Leon’s 12.Haley Flenniken military uniforms. On their they were in the ROTC pro- All of this leads up to the Pierian Chapter of the Na- 13.Jeff Godbey shoulders are patches that gram, there is a higher chance big trip to a place known as tional Honor Society were 14.Spencer Godfrey read US Marine Corps Jun- of getting in. The same thing Parris Island, South Carolina. ior ROTC, but what exactly presented their honor stoles 15.Andrew Green goes for applying for a job as Parris Island is a Marine Corps does that mean? to wear at graduation. 16.Mary Gwynn well. boot camp that recruits attend JROTC stands for Jun- Pierian was also pleased to 17.Kara Keith ROTC has great achieve- if they reside east of the Mis- ior Reserve Officer Training induct 42 new members into 18.James Kummer ment opportunities while at the sissippi River. their ranks. Parents, teach- Corps. Leon is the Marine same time having a great ex- Here, students go through 19.Stephen Lawson Corps branch, such as Army ers and classmates of these perience. life as a recruit from the “tough 20.Jihae Lee is to Rickards, Navy is to Lin- students were invited to wit- “It’s fun, challenging and as steel” drill instructors to the 21.Kelly Liepshutz coln, and Air Force is to ness the impressive cer- rewarding,” freshman Ashley giant obstacle course known as 22.Caroline Mallison Godby. emony. During the candle- Fowler said. “Not to mention the “Crucible.” 23.Grace Mattimore Many students know that the great credits you get from These different obstacles light ceremony, new Pierians 24.Michael McKibben ROTC satisfies the Life Man- it.” and activities help a student pledged to uphold the prin- 25.Alex McNaughton agement and Physical Educa- Throughout the year, overcome their fears to gain ciples of Scholarship, Lead- 26.Meghan Meehan-Draper tion requirement for gradua- ROTC participates in local and courage and to move out of ership, Character and Ser- 27.Marin Milla tion, but ROTC gives more state events. All of them lead- their personal comfort zones to vice. Keynote speaker was 28.Arden Miller benefits to a student in the pro- ing up to the giant trip near the work with one another as a Mr. Steven Obrecht. Fol- 29.Natalie Morrison gram than that. end of the year. team. When they return, they lowing the ceremony, all par- 30.Caroline Peebles Not only does a student In the fall months, ROTC are ready to face life with ticipants attended a luncheon 31.Swati Pradeep learn self-discipline, self-con- goes to the FSU football games, more confidence than they had at the Brokaw-McDougall 32.Martin Proctor fidence and personal respon- where they lend a helping hand before. House catered by the Leon 33.Kyle Record sibility, but after completing at in selling water, soft drinks, fro- Despite tough training Culinary Arts Department. 34.Waylen Roche least two years of ROTC, a zen lemonade, and snacks, such and hard-pushed discipline, stu- The new inductees are: 35.Abigail Sarbeck student is entitled to advance as peanuts or cracker jacks. dents in the program still enjoy 1. Kany Aziz 36.Lisa Sawicki promotion to the grade of En- In the month of Novem- hanging out with their friends. 2.Bud Baker 37.Megan Scackelford listed-2 (E-2) in an active or ber, ROTC celebrates the birth- “I don’t regret joining the reserve component of a mili- 3.Ginger Baker 38.Angela Smith day of the Marine Corps by at- program. I don’t look back tary service after graduation. 4.Matt Bennett 39.McKenzie Smith tending the Marine Corps Ball. thinking it was a mistake,” And completing three years, 5.Catherine Chase 40.Heather Twitchell It is a wondrous celebration freshman Gloria Vargas said. a student may be awarded 6.Kelli Chaviano 41.Amanda VanLaningham with decorations, food and “I look forward to it every 7.Armand Cognetta with the grade of E-3. dancing.

Stella: The best comedy you’ve never heard of

This trio of geniuses on MTV’s critically acclaimed is unique and original. It’s leads to a is set to make the leap sketch show, The State, which grounded in facetious child-like fight be- also included a good portion of characters, who know more tween from cult hero status, the Reno 911! cast. After The than the healthy amount of pop Stella and to that of a culture State officially called it quits in culture, that make fun of them- the devil, phenomenon. 1997, Stella was born. selves, and anything else in and ends In its formative years, sights. Nothing is left sacred. with some By Drew Carroll Stella was a night of comedy that It’s as if three of your best good holi- Hill Top Writer was hosted by the three men, friends were clever cult-he- day cheer. giving fellow comedians and roes, and you were in on all the Yoga for Absurd, intelligent, actors a chance to get away jokes. example, playful - all of these words with the material they couldn’t When describing Stella’s leads to Stella’s sharp suits match their wit come to mind when trying perform elsewhere. But soon, skits in a recent interview, Wain Showalter to convey the three-piece their bits and videos started to explained, beating Wain mercilessly, and possibly the best representa- comedy group Stella. Stella be the most anticipated and “We take a very banal then to the group putting their tion of stupid Caucasian dance is the brainchild of David hyped parts of the night. problem setting, such as raking own spin on over-dramatic moves is displayed. Wain, Michael Showalter, After a few years of leaves or yoga for example and death scenes in TV dramas Stella’s new series de- and Michael Ian Black, who working the Fez Comedy Club, then put our stamp on it.” (Showalter dies because his buts on Comedy Central June are the geniuses behind and th Stella decided to pitch its hu- “The stamp is of an owl back hurts). 29 right after South Park. at the forefront of Wet Hot mor to VH1, and went into de- … perched on a lamp,” They also do a great job This show will probably gain American Summer. velopment for a show. In the Showalter explained. of using the music to heighten equal critical acclaim and cult Chances are you probably end, the show was scrapped “We even use a special their ridiculous brand of hilar- status to that of other network recognize them from various before it even saw the light of red ink,” Wain concluded. ity. For instance, whenever classics such as Upright Citi- countdowns and “I love day. But the group kept their It’s this nonsensical, but you hear James Taylor’s “Fire zens Brigade and Reno 911. the…” shows on VH1. chins up, and went and filmed very matter-of-fact tone that and Rain,” the men suddenly Be on the look out for adver- Stella is another evo- one of the most critically ac- just adds to the ever-shifting get quiet and depressed. To tisements to infiltrate the air- lution of some of the most claimed comedies of our gen- and expanding realm of the battle boredom in one skit, waves this month, but if you original and refreshing co- eration, Wet Hot American trio’s comedy. What exactly Wain suggests they listen to want to go ahead and check medic minds of the past de- Summer. does their stamp entail, you some Barenaked Ladies (“It’s out some of their previous cade. The trio got their start The basis of their humor might ask? Well, raking leaves All Been Done”), and quite work, go to http:// www.stellacomedy.com. May Page 7 No imagination necessary; Weezer’s fifth album is finally a reality

Back and with a new the instrumentation is more record, which at first listen might found focus, Rivers varied than any other album pass the listener. Cuomo and company the group has ever released, When I first listened to the thus giving it a new dimension record, I wasn’t that impressed. deliver their most bold and gloss. But I soon realized I kept com- record in years. This record is probably ing back to it, and couldn’t stop Weezer’s most cohesive mu- listening. By Drew Carroll sically, and captures some of But once I hit the last two Hill Top Writer Cuomo’s most powerful mo- tracks, I was floored. “Freak It’s been a long time ments ever, but probably Me Out” is an ambient gem that since Weezer’s last record, won’t connect as well lyrically is probably the group’s most Maladroit, but this gap of with our generation as the beautiful song in almost a de- time was anything but un- sophomore masterpiece cade. While the album’s closer eventful. Drummer Pat Wil- Pinkerton did, given his (and most memorable cut), son received his first new present state of life. “Haunt You Everyday,” is the born son this past year. Gui- Cuomo, 36, sings about song longtime Weezer fan’s have tarist Brian Bell went back things he whole-heartedly can been waiting for, it borders on to school and performed in back. Yes, he still longs for the epic nature of classics from a Shakespearian play. love (listen to “Hold Me”), their earlier works such as “Only But probably the big- but he also is in search of re- in Dreams” and “The Good gest thing to happen in any demption, as can be seen in Life,” but it takes that songwriting of the band member’s lives such lyrics as “I may not be a to a new level. Weezer perfect soul/But I can learn With the most powerful was that of front man Riv- Wilhelm said. lyrics, you can find that self control,” from the semi- chorus they’ve written in years, ers Cuomo. Cuomo gave up Diana Bixler, a junior at alongside some of the epic “Pardon Me.” and explosive guitar play be- his life almost entirely to Leon responded, “Not even the catchiest, and uplifting mu- This record is a return to tween Cuomo and Bell, it’s meditation and he even took sound system on a Greyhound sic to come out in the group’s the personal songwriting of bound to be a fan favorite. a vow of celibacy for two bus could ruin these songs.” career. This record, while it the past that made Weezer I let a select few students years (and was successful). This is probably the first doesn’t achieve the perfec- such an important band of the come in and listen to the record This change of pace record that Weezer fans of all tion of their first two releases, early and mid-90s. While the for themselves, and the response and life is completely evident degrees will embrace since definitely shows the growth sound is different, you still get was unanimously positive. in the first listen to the bands 1994’s self-titled debut (also and solidarity that many fans the feeling of someone being “This sounds a lot better newest release, Make Be- known as the “Blue Album”). If have been asking for years. honest when listening to this than I expected,” senior Lauren lieve. Throughout the album, you like the bands more personal

Why did you run for give students more oppor- lomat. ELECTION SBVP? tunities to voice opinions, What are your personal What is your best advice, and criticisms. I goals after life at Leon? As SBP, what do you I ran because I love quality? SGA. I’ve always think we need to get the see as your duties? I really love Leon wanted to be Student music and art departments I like to take things a and SGA and I’ve got My main duty will Body Vice President and more involved in ICC and step at a time, but I want a lot of school spirit. be serving as the direct be in charge of ICC. Af- in activities around school. to go to college, graduate, link between the stu- ter being in SGA for al- We will definitely work on and hopefully pursue a ca- Your worst? dent body and the ad- improving pep rallies and reer in international rela- most two years and be- I want to accom- ministration, but other increasing school spirit. tions/business. ing a junior class officer plish everything. There duties will be leading I learned a lot and felt if SGA, leading pep ral- How well do you foresee Favorite quote? have been times when I became SBVP I could I‘ve taken on too lies, planning events put the skills I’ve ac- yourself and Bud My mom always tells like Homecoming and working together? me to “Pray, prepare, per- much- but I always see quired to use. I really it through. Winterfest, reading the want to improve Leon severe.” It’s like my man- announcements, and and everyone’s experi- Bud and I are like the tra. As student body vice doing what I can do to ences while they’re here. dynamic duo. We’ve president, what do give students here what worked together all year What are your hobbies you see as your duties they want. What changes would long on prom - he’s a re- or other activities at to Leon? I’m always open ally an awesome guy and a Leon and in the you like to see at I’ll get to be presi- for any suggestions, great leader. He’s got a lot community? Leon? dent of ICC, and I’ll ideas, questions, or of really good ideas and get to help out a lot concerns you might I don’t want to go he’s got the skill to accom- SGA, FCA, Key have. Just come up and plish them. He’s going to Club, and Varsity Golf. with Winterfest. As around changing things; with any elected posi- talk to me or email me Leon’s always prided it- make an excellent Presi- I’m also really involved at dent. I’m extremely confi- with my churches. tion, I’ll do my best to self on tradition. I think actually accomplish [email protected] there are a lot of areas dent in all the officers that what I said in my and I’ll see what I can that we can improve, have been elected in every Where do you see speech. do. though. I’d really like to grade; they’re all really yourself in 10 years? get all of the students great people with good Hopefully, working in Elizabeth Chambers more involved in the de- ideas to improve our a foreign country, maybe Student Body Vice cisions SGA makes, and school. I can’t wait to work as a missionary or a dip- President with them next year. May Page 8 Prom Fashions for 2005 This year prom “This year, satin dresses Jazz, and a funky dress would fashions are a bit in bright colors are in style fit beautifully. different than that of with girls,,” junior Ashley Trendy: The trendy side Facen said. of prom is what’s in now! the past years... “Satin seems to be What most are wearing, and By: Caitlin Gillmore catching on this year, and the the new elements created to Hill Top staff writer criss cross straps on the back make them different in some- of the dress are really hot this way. Though fashions may year,” junior Melissa Scurry “My style would prob- come and go and people agreed. ably be more of the trendy may care or not, the one Girls style than anything else. I mean event that everyone is plan- Classical: This look is the dress I selected is definitely ning on looking their best for very elegant and yet eye trendy. My dress is hot pink is, without a doubt, prom. catching. A classically styled satin that goes straight to the The fashions of this elusive dress is one that flatters, one floor into a train,” Facen said. event have greatly changed that gives its bearer confi- Guys over time. From bright col- dence. A dress in this style is Guys have many options ored dresses to powder generally much more demure for prom attire this year. blue tuxes, teens have all than other more trendy styles Though not as many as they taken different sides of just may be. daring cutouts and plunging ladies do, the gentlemen can exactly which way to go. “My personal prom nitely classical, fairytale-like al- lines. These dresses are defi- add certain accessories to their With the theme being jazz, style would have to be more most. The dress I’m wearing is nitely a show stopper. A trendy tuxes to make them stand out. this year presents many new of a classical; I seem to al- golden amber in color, its strap- detail of bolder dresses lately For example, they can change options of attire for guys and ways go with elegant styles. I less and long with a train and is a funky extension of the bot- the color of their tux accents; gals. haven’t found my dress yet, golden sequins across the front,” tom of the dress, for example cumber bunds, ties, vests, “I think that strapless but the one I want is a strap- Gilmore said. an uneven ruffle of sequined bows, hats etc… Or guys. dresses with trains are the less dress in a cream color Bold: For some girls, the fabric. “I’m, for sure, wearing big thing for the ladies to with gold embroidery on it,” bolder the better. Who wants to Funky: This is a style of pink and white accents, a top wear at prom this year,” jun- Scurry said. blend in with the crowd anyway? dress that is for lovers of free- hat and a cane,” junior Travis ior Brittany Gilmore said. “My style dress is defi- Bold styled dresses often have dom. The theme this year is Williams said. GSA raises awareness Chorus goes to State Festival

By Jessica Moody Leon Chorus goes to Hill Top Staff Writer But Today”. State Festival this year “It’s really encouraging after a great wrap up at The Gay-Straight to see all the hearts down- Alliance hoisted a ‘Hate’ districts. stairs,” GSA faculty advisor banner in the main hallway By Jessica Moody Scott Brown said. “Some April 12 -29. Students were Hill Top Staff Writer were kind of silly, but they able to write a positive mes- were positive and I like that.” Every year, Leon Chorus sage on a heart and place “I was really excited participates in the District Cho- them on the banner to about the idea of covering up rus Festival. This year, Leon en- ‘cover up hate’. hate with love,” GSA Ser- tered seven choirs in the March The banner was not geant at Arms Rebecca 14 and 15 district festival. All only to cover up hate, but Beitsch said. “It wasn’t just seven choirs received a Superior to raise money for AIDS. At about opposing hate towards rating, qualifying them for State the GSA table that hosted homosexuality, it was about Festival. the event, a jar was offered opposing hate for everyone.” But not all choirs will be to put loose change in. The “Some students may be participating in State this year. Opus practices for an upcoming preformance. jar collected $75 to go to a morally opposed to homo- Dr. Arthur and Ms. Hall agreed local AIDS foundation. sexuality,” Brown com- to take the most advanced The hearts on the ban- at Opperman Music Hall. All students wearing signs around mented, “but it’s harder to be choirs in order to keep the other ner represented various choirs will be judged by three their necks willing to sing for a opposed to fighting against choirs busy getting ready for positive messages from judges, all nationally known dollar the last week of April. hate.” Spring Concert. This year, Capi- “Leon Rocks” to “No Day tal Singers, Madrigal Singers, conductors. Dr. Arthur be- This was to raise money for and Opus will be attending. lieves the choirs will perform Mane Event to go to the na- Attending State festival is strong this year and that the tional competition this year. an honor for those participating judges’ feedback will be well Mane Event took runner up at this year because Leon only at- worth it. state last month and moved on tends State Festival when it is “Going to State is a to the southern division, where held at FSU, which is usually chance to demonstrate our it took first place. Nationals every three to four years. The love for singing and receive will be May 6-8 in Washing- main reason for this is that festi- positive feedback from quali- ton D.C. at George Washing- val is always around AP testing fied judges,” Arthur said. “The ton University. The winners of and many chorus students take students this year should be the national competition will AP classes and need to be in proud of themselves for their get to perform on the Today town study. work and it will show at State” Show and possibility for the State Competition will be Mane Event had also president. held on May 5 and all choirs will reached new heights this year. Some may have seen chorus GSA banner in the main hallway. be singing in the 2-4 p.m. block May Page 9 Anna Wells: Leader of the Pride In addition to winning the starting quarterback. Her the Wendy’s Heisman only losses, prior to the 2005 Scholarship, Anna post-season, were to Fort Lauderdale in the 2004 state Wells has led the semifinals and to Chiles ear- Lions’ flag football lier this season. team to a 13-1 record. She has proven herself By Sean Gueltzow more than once, but one time Hill Top Guest Writer in particular she impressedHanna with a great Senior Anna Wells has play. She was rolling out of had an illustrious career for bounds, when she threw a the Lady Lions flag football perfect side-armed pass to the team. back of the end zone and com- Wells has played on pleted it for the game-winning the team for three years and touchdown against Rickards in has played quarterback for a district playoff game. two. Her first season she At the time this paper was a running back, which went to press, Hanna was now sets her apart from all hoping that Wells could lead other quarterbacks in the Big the young Lady Lions to the Bend. state final, but he knew it Wells won Big Bend would be tough with such a young team. Player of the Year honors in Senior Anna Wells has made the Leon Ladies flag football team a roaring success. 2003-04, throwing for just Hanna needed big con- run the ball and throw on the under 1,500 yards with 21 a scrambler. “She hates to lose,” tributions from rising sopho- run. Leon coach Rocky touchdowns and only seven Wells has also started play- Hanna said. mores Susana Zorn and Hanna says that’s what interceptions. ing defense in addition to her Along with her competi- Chelsea Farmer. makes Wells special. She completed 64 per- quarterbacking duties. She is the tive spirit, she has a great work Even with the young Last season, Wells ran cent of her passes (123 of starting safety. ethic. According to Hanna, guns, Leon always seems to for 284 yards and three 193). Wells has dominated the Wells never misses a practice be in the game when Wells is touchdowns. Due to her run- Along with her great game in her three years at Leon. and loves to play the game. playing. ning ability, she is known arm, Wells has the ability to Her competitive nature drives her In her career at Leon, around the Big Bend area as to succeed. Wells has a record of 16-2 as Justin Terry: A rising star at Leon By: Ally Dye so motivated is that he ered one of Leon’s best all- Hill Top Guest Writer wants to run in college time runners, but he says he and, ultimately, in the doesn’t even practice in the Leon junior Justin Olympics. off-season. Terry has established Terry is already being “I think Justin’s some- himself as one of the fin- recruited by Florida State, thing special,” Blakely said. est track and field com- Louisville, Louisiana “Some coaches never get to petitors in the state of State, Virginia Tech and coach anyone like him.” Florida. Florida, among others. He also describes Terry Terry is currently Terry has not yet made any has an elite athlete, who is rnaked No. 1 in the Sun- decision, except to say extremely humble. shine state in two catego- that he probably won’t The “Bob Hayes” is ries _ the 100 and 200 stay in Tallahassee. Terry’s favorite track meet meter runs. Terry also runs on the because it’s out of town and Terry is also the 400 meter relay team with he gets new challenges by Leon record-holder in Richard Dolly, Tim Louis racing against new competi- the 200. and Phillip Ashley. tion. He has been com- Terry says that he is This year, his main goal Justin Terry runs like he wears his hair, wild! peting in track and field inspired most by Dolly is to win the state champion- at Leon for three years and listens to his advice. ship. now. His incredible time junior varsity at Leon for “I am kind of lazy, so “I like to run the first He describes the aver- it’s good,” Terry said. “He’s in the 200 is 21.28 sec- leg on the relay team, so I age meet as “easy,” but says three years. onds. His 400 time is In the fall, he’s hoping a real good coach.” can get it out of the way,” practice is a “whole differ- Away from the track, :47.61. Terry said. ent ball game.” tobe a kick returner or wide Leon coach Everett receiver for the football Terry is just an average high Last year, Terry did Blakely says Terry sets school student. Blakely expects Terry to the high jump, but it took himself apart from the rest team. break the school record He says Blakely is “I am easy to get along too much out of his legs of the crowd with his natural with,” Terry said. “I just in the 400 by the end of and he wanted to focus on athleticism and his effortless constantly pushing him to this year. reach his enormous poten- like to have fun. And I need his running events. stride. a girlfriend.” What keeps Terry Terry is also consid- Terry has also played tial. May Page 10 Berry leader on and off the court During his tennis of the best years of your career, Berry led the life.” Leon Lions to Coach Record has unprecedented nothing but great things to say about Berry and recog- heights. nizes that he is lucky to By Brad Williams have him. He is amazed at Hill Top Guest Writer how much natural talent Berry displays on the ten- Senior David Berry nis court. has distinguished him- “David has really self as one of the best good hands and is so tennis players in Leon clever with the ball,” High School history. Record said. “His serve During his illustri- has gotten so much better ous career, Berry led the since I have been coaching Lions to an unprec- him and he is always mov- edented four consecu- ing forward, into the court, tive city titles, three dis- which helps his doubles trict titles and became game.” the first Leon player to Record believes that claim a state team the biggest influence “D- doubles title. Bone” has on the tennis Berry, 18, has been team is leading by ex- playing the game since ample. He would have it no he was four. It all began other way than “D-Bone” in Lexington, Kentucky, leading the team, day in where he was born and and day out. raised. He moved to Tal- As Record has lahassee when he was six. watched Berry the last Berry has been a three years, he believes four-year starter at the that his best years of ten- No. 1 one singles posi- Leon senior David Berry executes his patented forhand volley technique. nis could still be ahead of tion on Leon’s varsity him. He feels that being on tennis team. He has also He mentioned that beach Both of Berry’s parents Berry attributes his a college team will help played all four years at volleyball is his second- work for Florida State Uni- four consecutive city titles push him to get better. And, the No. 1 doubles spot favorite sport behind ten- versity. His dad is a political to clutch performances at with a little extra muscle, with various partners. nis. Berry also played on science professor and his the right time and solid he could take his game to Outside of Leon, the Leon soccer team this mom is in public administra- doubles play. Although another level. He knows Berry enjoyed a stellar year and he felt it got him tion. With both parents in Berry has never won a city he has all the tools to get junior career. He was in shape for the tennis sea- teaching, the pressure has singles title, his teams have it done. It’s just a matter once ranked as high as son. constantly been on Berry to always come out on top. of drilling and building No. 13 in the nation and Berry’s older sister, perform in school in prepa- “D-Bone” says that the toughness. No. 2 in the state in the Katie, 21, has been his big- ration for college. proudest moment in his ten- Berry has tried to be boys’ 12-and-under divi- gest influence academi- The most influential nis career was winning the involved with the school sion. He also achieved cally. She is currently a stu- person in Berry’s life has state team doubles title as and has been a part of the solid rankings in the 14s dent at Swarthmore Col- been his cousin, Ian Hill. a junior last year at Sanlando Spanish and Latin Clubs. and 16s, as his game con- lege in Philadelphia. She is Berry feels as though he has Park in Orlando. He teamed He even tried to start his tinued to develop. part of a tennis team up been able to share some of up with senior Tyler Zorn own club, named X-Factor, “D-Bone,” as his there that has a more re- the same problems with him to rip through the competi- which would have been a friends call him, carries laxed, recreational ap- about parents and life in gen- tion, beating several good hands-on, productive club. a 3.3 grade point average proach. eral. teams along the way. In the Berry and his friends and is heading to the Berry knows he’s Berry would like to ma- semifinals, the tandem had aspirations of helping University of Richmond lucky to have a coach who jor in business since he is took down three-time 3A out the needy, building next year, where he in- is as upbeat, intense and very confident in his people state champion Naples in a playgrounds and assisting tends to continued his responsible as Leon coach skills. He is considering a landmark victory for the senior citizens. Unfortu- tennis career. Kevin Record. Record possible career as a tennis Leon tennis program. nately, the club never got Berry chose Rich- played tennis in the late professional. Berry has enjoyed his off the ground since the mond over other col- 70’s and early 80’s for Berry likes to model his time at Leon, as it has been administration turned leges because he feels Lynchburg College in Vir- tennis game after Pete fun and memorable for down Berry’s proposal. that the size fits him well ginia, where he was a four- Sampras, as he feels com- him. He believes that look- Berry will savor his and the tennis is right on year starter. fortable around the net like ing ahead is not a good strat- remaining days at Leon. his level. He enjoyed the “Coach Record has Sampras. Sampras was a 14- egy for high school stu- He has loved his time atop Richmond area and felt had so much to do with our time grand slam champion dents. The Hill. He’s left a legacy that it was the place for success in the last three who is considered the best “I think it is important here with his racquet and him. years,” Berry said. “He will player ever. The attribute that to enjoy your time during hopes to do the same in “D-Bone” enjoys do everything in his con- really amazed Berry was your high school career,” college. playing poker, basketball trol to help players im- Sampras’ booming first and Berry said. “Looking ahead and beach volleyball, and prove.” second serves. is not worth the trouble be- hanging out with friends. cause high school is some May Page 11 Stannard: Proven Spring Sports leader on the field wants to be seen by a big- By: Codi Morris Roundup Hill Top Guest Writer ger team like Florida State University. Todd Stannard , a se- Although his best po- nior at Leon High School, sition on the team is Tennis, flag football dominate has been playing varsity pitcher, he has played ev- baseball since his sopho- erywhere else on the team, Seniors Annie Myers, last year. By: Brad Williams more year. except centerfield. Alexandra McDavid and “The girls amazed me Hill Top Guest Writer He was asked during “I’m more focused Karae Fassig led the team this year. They made every- his freshmen year if he Spring sports have when I’m pitching,” in the hitting category. thing look easy, but it defi- wanted to play on the var- come to an end after an Myers, who signed a soft- Stannard said. nitely wasn’t,” Record sity team, but he refused. eventful season in all five ball scholarship with Tal- said. “If they continue to When the team knows “I was not all that con- sports. lahassee Community Col- improve, they have a legiti- that he’s going to be the fident in myself,” Stannard Baseball and softball lege, was always reliable at mate chance to win a state starting pitcher in a game, said. both had impressive years, the plate. title in the next two years.” they back him up, consid- but could not get by tough Pitchers Chelsea The girls flag football Stannard, who pitches ering he is one of the only district competition. The Ashmore, Emily Buck and team had one of their best around 80 mph, has had seniors on the team. boys and girls tennis teams Jenny Stone filled the years since the sport was many pitching coaches Justin Lewis, Leon’s had outstanding seasons starting pitching rotation. sanctioned by the FHSAA. look after him with great varsity catcher for the team and dominated all local All three had solid seasons Coach Rocky Hanna and interest. said that, “Stannard is a very competition. as Ashmore and Buck the team finished 13-2 and He has been offered talented athelete. He is a The girls flag football gained solid experience as lost in the quarterfinals of about five scholarships college prospect who will team had a spectacular year juniors. the state tournament to from several different go a long way with the and made it to the state The best win easily Lake Worth. schools. ball.” tournament. The track came against Chiles in the The girls picked up His top three choices Stannard’s favorite team had some record-set- regular season with a 6-0 quality wins along the way are Gulf Coast Community hobbies include fishing, ting individual perfor- pounding. Unfortunately, against Lincoln in the dis- College, Pensacola Junior going to the beach and mances at the state meet in the team could not repeat trict championship and College and Pasco looking good for the la- Coral Springs, FL. the performance in district took out Jacksonville Ed Hernando Community Col- dies. Baseball concluded an play and lost to the White in regionals. lege. “I’m a laid-back kind up-and-down season with a Timberwolves 5-0. Unfortunately, there “Since Stannard of guy. I like to chill,” 15-13 overall record. The boys and girls ten- are many departing seniors played for Team Florida, it Stannard said. “But when Coach Aaron Clark and the nis teams both had very who have set the tone for has really improved his I’m on the mound, I’m a varsity team had big wins successful seasons under years to come. It will be confidence,” Leon coach completely different per- over the likes of Chiles, third-year head coach extremely hard to replace Aaron Clark said. Godby and Valdosta. Ma- son.” Kevin Record. The boys all the leadership and tal- His baseball stats as jor contributions came finished 14-2, while the When he goes to col- ent that the girls brought to of April 11 are 3-1, a 1.35 from senior Todd Stannard, girls were 16-0 and fin- the field. Coach Rocky lege, he wants to major in era with 29 strikeouts in 31 who led the team in pitch- ished third in the state in Hanna is looking forward criminology or sociology. innings pitched. ing, hitting and played ev- 3A. to the challenge and plans His favorite player is His brother, Dan erywhere in the field. Chris The boys team had a on returning as head coach Hideki Matsui of the New Sands and Justin Lewis solid year, but could not next year. Stannard, graduated from York Yankees. provided more veteran get by Pensacola-Wash- Coach Everett Leon in 2002. “He’s a hard worker. leadership with Sands’ hit- ington in regional play. Blakely and the track team He got his younger He doesn’t get into trouble ting and Lewis’ solid play Locally, the team domi- finished up with some brother interested 12 years a lot,” Clark said. “He has at catcher. nated the competition and amazing individual perfor- earlier when he was play- a good future ahead of “I felt we peaked at still has not lost a dual mances at districts and ing T-ball. him.” the right time during dis- match in the city in three state. Junior Ashley Wil- Stannard says his big- tricts, but ran into a good years. son made it to regionals in gest influence is his mom Chiles team,” Clark said. “This boys team may the long jump and standout because she pushes him to “We really got better as the have been more talented Justin Terry got second in do things year went on and, overall, I and dedicated than the last the 200 and first in the Stannard hopefully am proud of the guys.” two teams I have coached,” 400. The team loses a fair Record said. “Unfortu- At the state competi- amount of seniors but will nately, we ran up against a tion, Terry placed sixth in field an experienced team very talented Pensacola- the 200 with a time of next year. Winning districts Washington team.” 22.11 seconds and set a is Clark’s goal every year The girls team pretty national best 46.59 sec- and the returning players much dominated everyone onds to finish first in the will be looking to do so they played until they got 400. next season. to state. The team cruised Coach Blakely was The softball team fin- through districts and won extremely proud of Terry ished up a successful year their regional match, 4-1, and felt he represented the with a 14-9 record. Coach over Choctawhatchee. school well. He plans on Wendy Jones and the Lady The team was anxious sending more players to Lions fought hard through- to get to states after a dis- compete at state next year out, but could not get appointing 4-3 regional in hopes of more success. Todd Stannard through districts. loss to Fort Walton Beach May Page 12 Moving on to the next level

Three Lady Lions will “They were great play college soccer, players and were a lot of starting in the late fun to play with,” junior months of 2005. teammate Karin Devick said. “Playing with them By Tom Postma motivated me on and off Hill Top Guest Writer the field because they were all great leaders and Signing day, one of also helped me improve the most anticipated to my game.” days for many high Wells was the first to school senior athletes pick up the pen and sign on across the nation, comes signing day, signing to play and goes, leaving many for Belmont Abbey in Jenna Halpern, Lura Carter, and Anna Wells will play college soccer. excited and ready to North Carolina. Wells was that would like to play col- make the jump to the a member of the 2004-05 Lions were playing Gulf but the coach already told lege soccer, Wells said to next level, while also All Big Bend first-team as Breeze in the regional play- Carter that she has the up- “play club soccer, play a lot, leaving some disap- a goalie and finished the offs and the two teams per hand for the position. have fun, and then you should pointed. season with 13 shutouts were in a double-overtime Jenna Halpern closed be able to play soccer at the Fortunately, for while also winning the sudden death battle. Carter off the signing, giving her next level.” three of Leon High Wendy’s Heisman Schol- scored the goal, winning the signature to Jacksonville The next to sign was School’s stellar athletes arship award. game and creating her most State in Alabama. Halpern Lura Carter, a first-team All _ Anna Wells, Lura Wells has been play- memorable moment in finished her senior season Big Bend player and also Carter, and Jenna ing soccer for eight years. Leon soccer. with one goal and three FSWA (Florida Sports Writ- Halpern _ signing day Five of those were spent Carter has been play- assists, while also being ers Association) All-State brought about smiles and playing travel soccer. Her ing soccer for 10 years, selected to the All Big member. Carter signed with a few strokes of a pen on most memorable moment with four of those years Bend second-team. the University of West their acceptance letters in her career at Leon was being spent playing travel Halpern played defense Florida. to play college soccer. last year when the team soccer. for the Lions. Carter finished the sea- Wells and Carter reached the state semifi- Carter will keep her Halpern is very ex- son with four goals and five were both team captains, nals. Wells received other “lucky” number 11, but will cited about moving on to assists as the Lady Lions’ while Halpern teamed offers as well, but liked be changing positions from the next level. She has been sweeper. She also earned the with Carter to lead an Belmont Abbey the most. sweeper to left back. She playing soccer for eight “Goal-of-the-Year” award. outstanding Lions’ de- When asked on words of will be competing with a years; six of those years That moment came when the fense. advice for younger players junior for the starting job, were spent playing travel New Soccer Coach Named soccer. By Sam Hollister the season ranked sixth in currently enrolled at Florida Hill Top Guest Writer the country. State University and is work- With Linda In addition to his ing towards a combined O’Sullivan’s recent re- other accomplishments, Bachelors/Masters degree tirement from the girl’s Crum coached the South in Special Education. Ac- varsity soccer program, team in the Florida Ath- cording to Rollinson, he Leon’s athletic depart- letic Coaches Association hopes to teach at Leon ment was left with the All-Star game in 2003 and sometime in the future. job of replacing one of 2004. Mark Feely, Leon’s ath- Leon’s greatest coaches. Crum left Taravella in letic director, is also look- O’Sullivan gathered 2004 after 10 years and a ing forward to next year’s more than 200 wins in 36-5-11 record as head girls soccer program. her 12 years of coaching coach. He then joined “J.D. is a great person, here. Wade Rollinson as a first- teacher and coach, and I’m The athletic depart- year football coach here at confident our program will ment found its answer Leon. benefit from his knowledge right on campus. J.D. Rollinson, Leon’s and experience,” Feely said Crum, who is the defen- head football coach, be- in a recent press release. sive line for varsity foot- lieves that Crum is fully Karin Devick, a junior, ball at Leon, was re- capable of handling both recently met her new coach cently hired to take over football practices and soc- after three years under where O’Sullivan left cer conditioning, which O’Sullivan’s watch. off. are likely to overlap next “[Crum] has a really rig- Crum, 35, began year. orous conditioning pro- coaching soccer as an as- “He may have to go gram,” Devick said. “He ex- sistant varsity coach at double-duty at some pects a lot from the team.” Taravella High School in points next year,” Crum is confident in Coral Springs. After Rollinson said. “But he’ll the team, despite having eight years as an assis- have a staff and the fields eight seniors leave this year. tant, he became head are right next to each “I have high expecta- coach in 2002 and led other, so it should be per- tions for next year,” Crum Taravella to a state fectly workable.” said. “I’ll go beyond com- championship, finishing In addition to his two petitive. I think we’ll be very coaching jobs, Crum is good.”