HANNA WINS SUPERINTENDENT Caroline Kirk “Rocky’S Strong Suit Is That He Is a Editorial Editor Cheerleader - Not Just for Leon,” Epting Said

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The leading print and online news source for all things Leon since 1931 The Leon High Life Vol. XCVII Issue 3 leonhighlife.com November 2016 HANNA WINS SUPERINTENDENT Caroline Kirk “Rocky’s strong suit is that he is a Editorial Editor cheerleader - not just for Leon,” Epting said. “He really likes working with kids. Rocky Hanna was elected on Nov. 8 That is his strength because he relates re- as the first Leon High School graduate or ally well to them. former principal to take office as Super- “He will be really good as superin- intendent of Leon County Schools. tendent because he will be positive to Hanna won with 54 percent of the pump up the school system.” vote. Jackie Pons, who had been super- Leon custodian Luvine Gaines has intendent for the last decade, received 36 been close with Hanna ever since he was percent of the vote. Republican Forrest a hall monitor at Leon and she appeared Van Camp got 9 percent and NPA Patri- in a few of his campaign commercials. cia Ann Sunday received 1 percent. “I was as happy as could be when he “I am hoping to recreate the magic won because we need change and change that we have at Leon and bring it to all of is what he promised,” Gaines said. the other schools,” Hanna said. “His love for the kids is the most im- This goal, along with a desire to portant thing in his life. Not the superin- eliminate unnecessary district spending, tendent title. Just his love.” put money directly into the schools and Hanna expressed that his campaign classrooms, and address teacher mo- photo courtesy of Tallahassee Democrat was full of energy and hard work. It was rale, has propelled Hanna to achieve the Former principal Rocky Hanna defeated incumbent Jackie Pons in the Leon County Schools a hard-fought race that included scandal dream he has had since June 29, 2012. Superintendent race. and controversy between the candidates. On June 28, 2012, Hanna was re- So, in response, Hanna lifted his spir- years ago at Leon High School as a stu- “We outworked, out-prepared and moved from his job as principal of Leon its and decided to chase his goal for the dent-athlete, and still am not a quitter.” out-executed the competition,” Hanna High School. With the recent turn of next four years of being elected superin- Hanna’s major focus is on the chil- said. events, Hanna reflects on his removal. tendent. He quit his job to run for office, dren and teachers. He wants the focus to “Everyone may have a few defining “You don’t just treat people that risked retirement and remained unem- be on the school system, rather than on moments in their life that they will look way,” Hanna said. “Decisions were be- ployed for a few months. politics. back on and be proud of. This is certainly ing made for political gain rather than “Sometimes you have to be willing Principal Billy Epting worked as as- my next moment after being named Le- for the benefit of our school system.” to take risks to accomplish your goals,” sistant principal under Hanna back in on’s principal.” Hanna said. “I learned work ethic 35 2008. Redcoats remain Thespians create new fundraiser ‘superior’ for Election improvisation night deemed a success Caroline Beyoncé’s hit song “Single Ladies.” Dempsey 67th year In order to de- Online Editor feat Epting, though, Hannah Wong Leon’s Thespi- he needed to flaw- Staff Writer an Troupe came up lessly carry out “Wrecking Ball” by Nov. 5 marked the Marching Red- with a novel, enter- Miley Cyrus. He did coats’ 67th consecutive year making all taining way to raise so, bringing laughter Superior ratings at their Music Perfor- their funds- by host- to the entire crowd. mance Assessment. ing an improvisation In addition to the The marching band performed night based off the teacher lip-synching three pieces, entitled “Festive Over- TV show “Whose contests, Leon’s ture,” “Promise of Living” and “Dance Line is it Anyway?” “improv group” par- Bacchanale.” They earned straight ‘A’ but was appropri- ticipated in many grades in each section of scoring, result- ately titled, “Whose games that were ing in straight Superiors from the judges Lion is it Anyway?” made up on the spot. at the competition. This event, held on The night was “I thought it was one of our best Nov. 8, succeeded hosted by senior runs,” junior member Lane Ouzts said. in drawing a large Sean Tterlikkis, who The success came after a long period crowd and coercing was dressed up as of hard work. The Redcoats have been laughter from each Kirsten Olsen Principal Billy Epting dressed in a mermaid costume for the improvisation night and lip- president-elect Don- preparing since the first week of August, crowd member. synched a song from “The Little Mermaid.” ald Trump. when they gathered at Leon every day One of the In addition to for band camp. They have had prac- night’s many sur- tume, as well as in his second perfor- the previously mentioned faculty mem- tice every Tuesday and Thursday night prises was Principal Billy Epting dressed mance where he lip-synched “Lose Your- bers, teachers Martha Towey, Lea Mar- throughout the school year. in a mermaid costume, lip-synching a self” by rapper Eminem. shall, Stacy Fabrega, Colette Clarke, Dan Director Lee Commander tried not tune from Disney’s “The Little Mer- However, Epting was shown up by Wessner and Ed Prasse were a part of the to stress the importance of keeping up maid.” According to Epting, he wanted chorus teacher Peter Pursino, whom he night’s events. the decades-long record. to show students the opposite of how he had to face off after taking down assis- Overall, the event achieved its goal “He didn’t put a lot of pressure on believes to be perceived - as “conserva- tant principle Sarah Hembree. Pursino of raising over $1,000. Money was raised us because he knew what we could do,” tive” and “straight-laced.” first challenged chorus teacher Tabitha through donations to all of the teachers Ouzts said. Epting certainly shocked students in his red-haired wig and mermaid cos- Peck and won through his rendition of who were involved in the event. Please see BAND, page 4 2 November 2016 Opinion The Leon High Life Speaking for those without a voice Maribeth McClenny and Emma- Many people argue for pro-choice an American medical school, Dr. Eliza- fied in 1788, seeing as murdering an un- Lea Reed because it is a woman’s choice to decide beth Blackwell, was reluctant to become born child is not outlined in it. High Life Staff what to do with her body. As women, we a doctor because she wanted to end abor- The misconception that the child agree that we do not want someone tell- tion by providing women with real health cannot feel pain during an abortion was If a criminal is convicted of killing a ing us what to do with our lives and bod- care. proven incorrect by former abortionist woman who is pregnant with a child, he ies, but it is not just the woman’s body Dr. Bernard Nathanson, who became a or she will be charged with double-homi- -it is another human being’s body that prominent pro-life advocate. His docu- cide. If a woman chooses to terminate her has the capacity to live, and the woman “Fertility is mentary, The Silent Scream, graphically child’s life, it is condoned by pro-abor- and men who are making a choice for displays the sonogram of a 12-week tion rights activists. that person. These babies are left without not a dis- old fetus being aborted by the suction Since 1973, more than 56 million a voice. This viewpoint is a bit contra- method. “We see the child’s mouth open recorded unborn babies have been mur- dictory, considering the adults are also ease that we in a silent scream,” Nathanson says, as dered due to abortion. This number is choosing for someone what to do with an ultrasound image is shown of a fetus equivalent to the population of Spain. their body. shrinking away from surgical instru- One baby is murdered every 30 seconds. One of pro-abortion advocates’ big- should try to ments. We believe this is murder on a genocidal gest argument is that since the embryos When pro-abortion rights supporters scale. and fetuses are not “independent, self- swear off...” argued that what the film showed was By definition, pro-life advocates con- determining beings,” the mother should simply a response to a stimulus, Nathan- tend that abortion unjustly takes the life have the choice whether or not to termi- Fertility is not a disease that we son responded that “if pro-choice advo- of a defenseless human being. Arguments nate her pregnancy, since the baby is liv- should try to swear off. It is a blessing cates think that they’re going to see the based on “choice” or “privacy” miss the ing off of her body instead of its own. The to be able to create new life, and we fetus happily sliding down the suction point entirely. This debate involves one babies are dependent on their mothers for think many women take advantage of tube waving and smiling as it goes by, question: What is the unborn? life, but so are diabetics on insulin. it through abortions. Reading stories of they’re in for a truly paralyzing shock.” The unborn, beginning from fertiliza- In response to that point, even when a women who are not able to become preg- How can a baby having a partial birth tion, are alive because they grow. They child leaves its mother’s womb, it is still nant or have suffered from many miscar- abortion not feel pain when a doctor jams also exhibit other forms of life, such as unable to live on its own. Have you ever riages is heart-breaking. These women so scissors into the back of its skull, and cell division, metabolism and response to seen an infant who can feed itself? Pro- desperately want to have their own baby, then uses a vacuum to remove its brain? stimuli. In fact, the only thing the unborn tect itself? No, because that isn’t some- but they cannot. Meanwhile, other wom- Some people are more concerned need to survive are adequate nutrition, a thing that a young child is capable of do- en are choosing to kill theirs. about global warming and saving ani- proper environment and an absence of ing. Does this mean that killing toddlers In January of 2013, President Obama mals from extinction than the killing of fatal threats. The dictionary definition of should be legal, since they cannot keep claimed that he is “deeply committed to humans. I will close with this fun fact: life is “the condition that distinguishes or- themselves alive on their own? protecting this core constitutional right In America, it is illegal to harm or kill ganisms from inorganic objects and dead Being anti-abortion does not mean [abortion]” because the “government the egg of our national bird, the eagle. organisms, being manifested by growth that we are anti-feminist. should not intrude on private and person- However, it is legal to murder one’s own through metabolism, reproduction and From the beginning, the leading al family matters.” I do not know which child. Do these two facts line up? A life the power of adaptation to environment feminists were anti-abortion. The first Constitution President Obama is reading, is a life is a life, and there is nothing that through changes originating internally.” woman to receive a medical degree from but it clearly is not the one that was rati- can be done to change that truth. Abortion affects more than just one life Emory Wilhite ority of their own selfish desires simply because the Choosing abortion due to rape and incest appears Guest Writer child is still in the womb. reasonable to many. The crime of rape and incest does While there are no valid reasons to have an abor- not condone the crime to murder the child. A more ac- It is hard to comprehend how abortion, the mur- tion, women believe that abortion can lead to a positive ceptable punishment would be to punish the rapist in- dering of a child in a mother’s womb, is considered a outcome. stead. woman’s right. One is in the case of an unwanted child. This in- Once again, a child’s life is worth the same whether It is hard to comprehend how mothers will do ev- cludes failed contraception, potential birth defects, dire inside or outside the womb. The circumstances of the erything they can to protect their child’s life outside the financial situations and simply not feeling “ready” to be child’s conception do not determine the worth of a womb, but then justify murder when the child is inside a mother. child’s life. the womb. Another reason is in the case of rape or incest. In This does not come down to women’s rights, but to Murder has never been legal, but when it hides un- reality these are not reasons, but mere excuses. Neither whether or not life has worth no matter what stage of der women’s rights, Americans become deceived. leads to a positive outcome. In the case of an unwanted development or how it was conceived. Why is abortion legal? Why is a mother allowed to child, the solution can be found before a woman even A child has the same right to live just as the mother make a decision to end her child’s life? Are children’s becomes pregnant. She does have a choice. does. lives worth less than their mothers’ lives? Mature individuals know that having sex can lead America has become desensitized to the reality that And why is it that this only applies while the child to the responsibilities of raising a child, healthy or not. abortion is murder because of the lie that this murder is in the womb? If a woman is not open to the possibility of having falls under the rights of a woman controlling her body. Women who become pregnant are encouraged to a child, she should not be participating in sexual activi- There is no exaggeration in saying abortion is mur- disregard their children’s lives and instead make a pri- ties. der.

UPCOMING EVENTS

PAWS LION STEEL CONCERT MIDTERM EXAMS WINTER HOLIDAYS Dec. 9 and 10, 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 14-16 Dec. 17- Jan. 3 The High Life Staff The High Life Editors-in-Chief: Julia Chodyla, Maribeth Mc- Page Eight Editor: Ava Jackson The High Life is the official student newspaper of Leon High School. The Clenny, Lauren Henderson, Sella Kinch Page Nine Editor: Hannah Rodriguez newspaper staff controls all aspects of content and design. Kirsten Olsen-Doolan, Page One Editors: Lauren Henderson, Page Ten Editor: Alena Nash the journalism teacher and adviser, provides guidance, supervision and assistance. Maribeth McClenny Page Eleven Editor: Christna Hoffman The publication does not intentionally publish material that is libelous, ob- Page Two Editor: Caroline Kirk Page Twelve Editor: Sella Kinch scene or that may cause a substantial and material disruption of school activities. Page Three Editor: Maya Levy Online Editor: Caroline Dempsey Questions and comments: Page Four Editor: Cristina Williams Staff Writers: MarySylvia Hinnant, [email protected] Page Five Editor: Julia Chodyla Nadaley Jones, Hannah Wong 550 E. Tennessee St., Tallahassee, FL 32308 Page Six, Seven Editors: EmmaLea Reed, Photo Editor: Gray Kinch Phone 488-1971 ext. 2630 Fax 922-5311 Caroline Sipple Adviser: Kirsten Olsen-Doolan www.leonhighlife.com The Leon High Life Opinion November 2016 3 Let women have the choice Maya Levy Just because an individual who have survived poor foster them at risk for future poverty, Most states have laws pre- Editorial Editor was not raped, a victim of incest care can develop is Post Trau- abuse and mental illness. venting late pregnancy abor- or threatened by a pregnancy- matic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The pro-life fight does not tions. The fact of the matter is The act of abortion has caused illness does not make it Depression and anxiety disor- benefit future generations. In- that women are going to get been around in many societies right to deny them access to an ders are also common among stead, it would put them in dan- abortions no matter the limita- for thousands and thousands of abortion. orphans. ger of many preventable obsta- tions placed by the government. years. Yet 26 percent of humans By regulating abortion Another alternative anti- cles. The abortions themselves live in a country where abortion rights, not only is the mother put abortion supporters promote There are many myths per- would just get more dangerous is generally prohibited. Because at risk, but so is the child. is for a mother to not abort her taining to the medical side of because of low funding. of the regulations in those coun- When limiting abortion, the child and instead raise them. abortions. Choosing to have an abor- tries the World Health Organi- control women have over their Forcing a woman to raise a An abortion is the termina- tion is not an easy choice for any zation states that 47,000 women bodies is being limited as well. child she is not equipped to raise tion of a pregnancy, not a baby. pregnant woman. a year die from having unsafe The government and orga- sets the mother and her child up The act of an abortion is not Guilt plagues many women abortions. nizations should not have the for a potentially troubled life. killing a baby, it is preventing long after their abortion is per- That fact does not indicate power to tell women what they the growth of a clump of cells. formed. A women does not get that abortions must be stopped, can or cannot do for their own According to Princeton Uni- an abortion on a whim. but it proves that in order to well-being. “A woman versity, fetuses are not indepen- I think that as a community, protect women’s health, safe If a mother who prefers to dent, self-determining beings. it is our responsibility to support abortions must be made acces- have an abortion cannot abort, does not get Legally fetuses are not women’s health and rights. sible to all women. she will most likely place her counted in the U.S. census and a Women should be able to That is one of the reasons child or children up for adoption person’s age is calculated from choose when they want to bring why I am pro-choice. which is what most anti-abor- an abortion birth date, not conception. a baby into the world. In my opinion, the matter tion supporters prefer. Even the word “person” as Pregnancy should not be of abortion is not something to Adoption is an alternative, on a whim.” used in the 14th amendment to used as a consequence. be determined by the govern- but a child is never guaranteed the United States Constitution The fight for pro-choice is ment. It should not be deemed to get adopted. does not include the unborn. the fight for all women to have A study done by the Univer- acceptable or unacceptable by According to showhope.org, Fetuses also do not experi- the option to get an abortion. sity of California at San Fran- the general public. Essentially it of the children waiting in foster ence pain during the abortion Many women would rather cisco revealed that women who is a matter between a pregnant care, 30,000 age out every year itself. give birth than get an abortion are denied abortions are more individual and their doctor. without families. In 2005, another study was and pro-choice activists support likely to become unemployed, Many pro-life supporters The psychological effects done by the University of Cali- that as well. on public welfare, to be below say that they can excuse abor- and disorders created from fornia at San Francisco that said Pro-choice activists feel that the poverty line and to become tion on the count of rape, if the growing up an orphan are many. fetuses cannot feel pain until the women should have the right to victims of domestic violence. mother is facing a threat to her One of the many is reactive 29th or 30th week of gestation, choose whichever option they If they are experiencing one health, or incest. attachment disorder. which is long after most abor- think would best suit them. or more of these possible obsta- They will not excuse abor- This disorder causes chil- tions are performed. In the end, giving women cles, so is their child. tion however, on the count of dren to have difficulty forming Also only 1.3 percent of the right to choose does not only Banning certain abortions using it as a form of contracep- relationships later in life. abortions were performed 21 benefits them but also future will not protect the well-being tion. Another disorder children weeks into the pregnancy or of unborn children - it will put generations. later. I stand by a woman’s right to choose Will Rogers I know that adoption, while sometimes effective, is Pro-choice aims not to ensure that every woman re- Guest Writer incredibly flawed. According to the Administration for ceives an abortion; rather, that every woman, should the Children and Families, there are currently 425,910 chil- instance arise, is given the right to determine her future I firmly stand by a woman’s right to choose. I be- dren in foster care, with 111,820 waiting to be adopted and is given the right to an abortion. lieve that contraception, sexual education and expert in 2015. According to the National Criminal Justice Equal access to contraception, thorough sex edu- medical care should be similarly equitably accessible. Reference Service, one in four women will experience cation and expert medical attention are the only ways I believe there should be no expectation of women domestic abuse in their lifetimes, and of these victims in order to ensure the decrease in the numbers of abor- to either have or not to have a child, but rather that it 45 percent said that abuse began or worsened during tions that both sides seek. However, we continue to should be a decision made of their own volition. I be- pregnancy. deny women access to any such preventive measures by lieve that intercourse does not carry an expectation of I know that abortions are safe in the U.S.. Accord- allowing religious and conservative lobbies to assault a woman to carry a pregnancy to term. According to ing to the National Abortion Federation, less than half preventive programs and educational bills. Rather than the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, one in six a percent of women that have an abortion report medi- fighting, slandering and attacking women seeking care, women will be sexually assaulted in their lives and of cal issues. I know that simply banning abortions will would it not make more sense to educate and reform to these victims, one in 20 assaults will result in a preg- not make abortions disappear, but rather that it makes reach the decreased abortions rates we all seek? nancy. an abortion an incredibly dangerous procedure as quali- I implore you to study the rhetoric surrounding this I think it is irresponsible to ask a woman to carry a fied doctors will no longer be performing the surgery issue, primarily the terminology used by either side – pregnancy to term should the pregnancy endanger her (evident in the pre/post Roe v. Wade Decision rates and Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life. Abortion is a contentious and health. According to the United States Department of mortalities of abortions in the U.S.). broad discussion, not a strictly black and white issue. Agriculture, raising a child in the United States can cost I believe that the decision to receive an abortion And as such, it should be seen as inherently flawed to more than $245,000. In numerous studies, it has been is one of the hardest decisions a woman may have to separate such complex viewpoints into artificially divi- shown that denying a woman the right to an abortion face, and I certainly could never put myself in her shoes. sive binary. You, the reader, are an independent mind. leads to financial burdens and can result not only in the Because of this, I trust a woman’s ability to weigh her You must be able to discern between the flaws in either mental instability of the mother or that of the support- socioeconomic conditions and the positive or negative argument to determine for yourself in what occasions a ing guardians, but, with alarming frequency, leads to aspects of a pregnancy or an abortion. For these reasons, pregnancy or an abortion are conducive to your morals violence towards the child. I am pro-choice. and beliefs. Write a Letter to the Editor. Have an opinion? Get it in the paper. Bring letters to Room 226 or write to us online at www.leonhighlife.com 4 November 2016 News The Leon High Life Geiger wins teacher of the year Lead Cristina Williams of her students. found in News Editor Geiger loves Leon because she feels that the environment For the second year in a helps shape young teachers. nearby row, Economics and Govern- Geiger respects and looks up to ment teacher Amanda Geiger many of her fellow teachers. has been named Leon’s Teacher “They give me something schools’ of the Year by her fellow teach- to work towards,”Geiger said. ers. “Everyone wants to be the best Geiger has been teaching teacher that they can be.” water at Leon for six years. Before Geiger is also very involved MarySylvia Hinnant coming to Leon, she interned in the Leon County School Staff Writer at Godby under teacher Erica District. Sears, who is now also teaching “Ms. Geiger has been very Following the discovery at Leon. active in implementing online of large amounts of lead in “She is an excellent exam- instruction into the economics the water of multiple elemen- ple of the outstanding teachers curriculum at Leon,” Epting tary schools in Leon County, here at Leon,” said Principal said. “She has been selected Billy Epting. by the Leon County School Advanced Placement Biol- To select the Teacher of the District to help implement these ogy teacher Matthew Guyton photo courtesy of Leon Yearbook decided to test Leon’s water Year, teachers nominate who- Amanda Geiger, economics and government teacher, was named Leon’s in all of the economics curricu- ever they would like and then teacher of the year. lums in the District.” on his own. they vote on the nominees. The Geiger is seen as a teacher Guyton experimented top two nominees with the most room information to what curriculum so that students can who not only loves what she with two samples of water: votes have a run off. they’re experiencing in life,” relate their course work into does, but also loves what she one from the Nettles building “I am blown away,” Gei- Geiger said. their everyday life.” teaches. and another from the main ger said. “I feel very humbled, To help encourage students Even though Geiger feels “Mrs. Geiger wakes up building. Both samples con- to make that connection, Geiger that grading and lunch duty are honored and flattered.” every morning excited to teach tained lead, but not enough Geiger originally wanted uses current events as examples two very important things, they her favorite unit,” Assistant to be hazardous. to be a museum educator, but for her classes. are her least favorite part about Principal of Curriculum Sarah after she studied under Sears “Ms. Geiger is a tre- teaching. With over 70 Ad- Hembree said, “which is always Lead is a contaminant she fell in love with teaching mendous asset to Leon High vanced Placement students and the one she is on.” that negatively affects brain and decided she wanted to be a School,” Epting said. “She an even bigger number of gen- In addition to Geiger receiv- cells. According to the classroom teacher. is extremely dedicated to her eral level students, the volume ing the award, other employees Environmental Protection “I love the moment when students. She strives to include of grading makes it difficult for have also been rewarded for the Agency, levels of lead above the students connect the class- practical applications into the Geiger to give feedback to all work they do. 15 parts per billion need to be fixed immediately. How- ever, the American Pediatric Alumna takes internship at CNN Association states anything over one ppb is too high. Cristina Williams marathon runner was posted cal science. clean, she always had multiple “The county has people News Editor on CNN’s Facebook page and “A lot of people warned me sources and her writing always more than 1,000 people liked it. against transferring universities had depth.” that are coming out to test Alumna Mina Kaji is cur- “It was cool to see a lot of and pursing journalism because In Kaji’s senior year of high the water officially before rently working as an intern in people read it,” Kaji said. it is not viewed as conventional, school she was the first place Thanksgiving,” Guyton said. New York City for Cable News Kaji works a total of 20 but you can’t listen to people winner of the Best and Bright- “I wanted to test the water Network. hours a week. She works 10 who do not share your vision,” est of Tallahassee in the Jour- first because we hadn’t heard Kaji applied for the intern- hours on Monday and 10 hours Kaji said. nalism and Media Productions anything from the county. ship online and went through an on Sunday. “It sounds cliché, but it is Category. If I didn’t watch the local interview process. hard not to be inspired by the Kaji graduated from Leon news, I wouldn’t have heard “I was completely shocked high rises and city lights. You in 2014, and expects to gradu- anything about it. Leon “I was com- feel like anything is possible in ate from college in 2018. when they called and notified County tested 16 elementary me that I was chosen to work at New York City.” Kaji’s dream job would be pletely shocked schools. However, our water CNN,” Kaji said. One of Kaji’s biggest influ- to work full-time at CNN or “It was definitely one of the when they ences is tennis coach Kevin NBC, but she also wants to ex- came out at a low single digit happiest moments of my life.” called and noti- Record. plore more job options related number.” Kaji started working at “I loved the quote of the to politics before she graduates. Principal Billy Epting CNN in Sept. of this year. fied me that I day,” Kaji said, “and I still “I am planning on applying was glad to hear the numbers She is usually given a story to think about them today.” to press office internships on were low. chase. was chosen to In high school, Kaji was on the hill in Washington D.C. for “Unfortunately there’s “The best days are when I work at CNN.” The Leon High Life newspaper the summer,” Kaji said. going to be stuff in our water get to write a story,” Kaji said. staff for three years. Her senior When Kaji comes back no matter what,” Epting said. Kaji has written three online year she was named the editor- to Tallahassee for her winter “My standpoint is to make Kaji is currently going to in-chief. break, she plans on contributing stories for CNN so far. The sure our levels are below the stories are about a store clerk New York University, but she “She always had a smile,” to the Tallahassee Democrat. federal guidelines. We do not selling balloons for a police started her education at Tulane Record said. “I love the excitement of memorial, the youngest male University in New Orleans “She has a very engaging journalism,” Kaji said. “Every regular maintenance checks winner of the New York City where she studied finance. Kaji personality and she is very day presents a new challenge and will continue doing marathon and a huge car crash. transferred a year ago to NYU smart, hardworking and a great and adventure. The unpredict- them.” Kaji’s last story about the to study journalism and politi- leader. Her copy was always ably of the job is addicting.” Guyton plans to get students involved with the “BAND,” from page 1 streak, but it becomes more than been a classical band, but they “The music this year was water tests at other schools. the streak,” said junior member strayed from their roots last year pretty complex, definitely hard- Instead, the band members sim- “We are either going to Cierra Coyner. with some more “showy” and er than last year,” Coyner said. ply focused on executing their have our AP Biology class “It’s about the sense of pride pop-influenced numbers. This But the Marching Redcoats pieces well and giving a perfor- or National Science Honor in being superior.” year’s selections demonstrated a managed to pull it off, continu- mance to be proud of. Society work with the people “I feel like there is always a According to Ouzts, the return to the more classical style ing the band’s tradition of excel- certain pressure to keep up the Redcoats have traditionally - and a return to harder music. lence. Please see LEAD, page 12 The Leon High Life Features November 2016 5 Junior passionate about baking Nadaley Jones hearing about her cakes from her younger sister, who Staff Writer attended Leon and is close with Mallory. Like any other bride, Livingston was nervous about Junior Mallory Morgan has been baking since she her cake, but she said Mallory appeased any worries she can remember. She began making cookies with her and her fiancé had. mother, and started cake making this past summer when “Working with Mallory eased all my nerves,” Liv- she was asked to make a cake for her niece’s 13th birth- ingston said. “Her cakes are beautiful and she’s putting day party. our wants and needs first, and is working hard with us to Morgan fell in love with cakes soon after. please us, and she is extremely talented.” Morgan’s sister Kirsten Strickland asked her to Livingston says they are sticking with a simple de- make the cake because she knew of Morgan’s love for sign, a four-tiered white cake, and hopes to keep it el- baking and her talent. egant, simple and delicious. “Morgan makes everything from scratch,” Strick- Mallory’s biggest baking inspirations are her moth- land said. “She works to make every single detail per- er, and a girl she follows on social media, who goes by fect, and it is so impressive. Anytime we have a celebra- the name of Georgia. tion, she makes the cakes and they are just beautiful and “As far as cakes are concerned we have very similar delicious.” tastes and styles,” Mallory said. Morgan’s sister and family were so impressed with Mallory was also asked to provide cake for the Stu- the cake’s design and taste, Strickland asked Morgan dent Government Association’s Cake Walk, which was to make her a cake for her own birthday, and was im- held at the Homecoming Tailgate earlier this year. Cam- pressed once again. eron Fink headed the committee that requested Mallory Jan Morgan says her daughter has always had a nat- to make the cake, and was thrilled with the results. ural talent for baking. Mallory always helped her mom “She was my first choice because I’ve seen some of Gray Kinch bake, whether it was icing the cookies or actually mix- the cakes she’s made,” Fink said. “They’re amazing and Mallory Morgan baked a drip cake for The Leon High Life ing ingredients. they taste equally as good.” Newspaper staff. “Mallory never has to measure anything, she auto- Mallory provided a double layered red velvet cake, matically knows when a cake is too sweet or not, and which was a huge success. basic things, such as ice cakes and form bases for cakes. she just has such an eye for design, it’s amazing,” Jan Mallory enjoys the satisfaction of creating and dec- Mallory isn’t actively pursuing baking as a career, said. orating a cake. It takes her about three hours on average more for a side business. Mallory experiments a lot with her baking, and that to allow everything to cool and settle. “I want to be able to make specialty cakes, such as is the key to being a good baker. Mallory tends to make circular cakes because she wedding cakes or things like that,” Mallory said. Mallory is also collaborating with local resident loves the look of them, and she’s able to do more de- She is currently in the very early stages of learn- Leah Livingston to make her first wedding cake. signs on them- such as drip cakes and ganache frostings. ing to make a vegan wedding cake to better expand her Livingston says she reached out to Mallory after She works at Tasty Pastry, where she learned to do repertoire. Mongeon successful in cooking show audition Junior may have the opportunity to appear on ‘Chopped Junior’ Ava Jackson know I’m a good cook, so I just did my Features Editor best,” Mongeon said. “I remember the first thing I ever Junior Patrick Mongeon made it to made was Rice Krispies with my mom.” the final round of the “Chopped Junior” Mongeon started cooking when he tryout competition for a chance to win a was four years old with his mom, Chris- $10,000 scholarship to Keiser Univer- tina Mongeon. sity. “I think that’s what separates my On Oct. 30, Tallahassee hosted an au- mom from others - not many people can dition for the famous TV show “Chopped say that they are always in their kitchen Junior.” with their mom,” Patrick said. This was the first time Tallahassee Patrick gets cooking inspiration from had ever hosted a cooking competition a variety of famous chefs like Julia Child, like this. Paula Dean and Gordon Ramsey. With over 100 contestants, Mongeon Some of the best dishes that Patrick was able to make it past the first round, makes are a range of Italian cuisines. semifinals and finals. “Cooking is my happy place,” Pat- Mongeon will have a Skype inter- photo courtesy of Tallahassee Democrat rick said. “It makes me forget about all view with the executive producer of Junior Patrick Mongeon (far left) competed in the first “Chopped Junior” compeititon in Tal- my troubles. lahassee. Chopped Junior to see if he will be able “It’s an amazing feeling to know that to appear on the show. finals they knew I actually had a chance thought I could win,” Mongeon said. you have the ability to create something.” The contestants were asked to make of winning.” Beam was very excited that three of Patrick likes to make a variety of dif- a dish with waffles, candied apples and Mongeon culinary’s teacher taught her students made it to the finals. ferent dishes, mostly Italian cuisine. black-eyed peas as the ingredients. him many things, such as how to make “These students worked very hard at Patrick hopes to go to college at Mongeon made grilled Marsala the five mother sauces and yeast breads. incorporating the required mystery ingre- Keiser University in hopes of becoming chicken with apple and spinach stuffed He also learned safety and sanitation dients and at the same time, keeping the a chef. portobellocaps and cherry tomatoes in a practices. dishes fresh and creative,” Beam said. He would like to become the man- balsamic candy reduction. Culinary teacher Christie Beam sug- “They also did very well when it ager of a restaurant. This was the dish that got him to the gested the contest to Patrick and two oth- came time for judging. They were all pre- Patrick also has hobbies outside of finals. er Leon students. Although Mongeon’s pared to answer the questions the judges cooking. “My parents didn’t know what to culinary teachers didn’t help him prepare asked about their dishes.” Patrick plays guitar for Leon’s guitar think about it, and they didn’t expect me the dish for the competition, they did Mongeon had never competed in a ensemble that he had to audition for. It to win,” Mongeon said. “But once they judge his food before hand. competition like this before. mostly consists of types of classical mu- narrowed it down to 60 kids in the semi- “Once they tried my food they “It was really intimidating, but I sic. 6 November 2016 The Leon High Life Leon welcomes the largest number of new teachers ever Longest working Lions

Allen Rice Stacy Raley Ed Prasse Science, 24 years Math, 23 years Guitar, 22 years

Mindy Fulton Art Skelly Scott Brown English, 22 years Math, 19 years Social Studies, 18 years Chancy says farewell to Leon

EmmaLea Reed “Mrs. Chancy is the most impas- and throughout all Double-Truck Editor sioned teacher that I’ve had at Leon,” time,” Chancy said. senior Michael Parkhurst said. “She’ll “We distill the infor- One of Leon’s most beloved teach- drop anything to talk to you – she’s a mation and decipher ers, Diane Chancy, is saying farewell counselor, as well as a teacher.” the truth.” to her Lion family after 18 years of im- During her time at Leon, Chancy From the ori- parting her wisdom to students. has taught all levels of freshman Eng- gins of Halloween to As a 34-year veteran of teaching, lish, humanities honors and creative Christmas, holidays Chancy has been a four-time Teacher writing. are one of Chancy’s of the Year award winner, making her most beloved concepts an established and proven instructor. to teach. Here at Leon, she is best known “She showers In her teaching, for “dressing up, dancing and throw- Chancy believes that ing Mardi Gras beads at pep rallies.” everyone with encouraging creativ- Teaching the stereotypical is not ity is the key factor in Chancy’s forte. She uses the anecdotal unconditional the attempt to educate method, which receives a far more children for a future positive response from her students, love...” that is uncertain and and makes the experience more enjoy- unknowable. able as a whole. - HUNTER DOWLING When asked what EmmaLea Reed “Storytelling is a time-honored she would miss most Diane Chancy inspires learning in her students with her pas- tradition of teaching,” Chancy said. about Leon, Chancy sionate teaching ideals “It still works despite the onslaught of Chancy has a special passion for did not miss a beat in replying, “the brain bashing and heart crashing psy- technology because of the human con- her humanities class, which she has students.” chic dancing.” nection – something we are losing in been teaching for five years. “The best thing about teaching is Chancy’s fondness for her students these digital days.” “In humanities, we get to search for not the subject; it is the subject of the does not go unnoticed. The enthusiasm that Chancy has the archetypal patterns in the lives of subject – the students,” Chancy said. “I “She showers everyone with un- for her job inspires learning in the stu- human beings from all over the world get to meet 150 personalities a year. conditional love,” senior Hunter Dowl- dents. and throughout all time,” Chancy said. That involves some soul smashing, ing said. “And candy. Lots of candy.” The Leon High Life November 2016 7 Leon welcomes the largest number of new teachers ever Introducing 22 new faces

Thomas Barret Neiset Bayouth Ixtah Castillo Pushpa Kurian Brad Casalvieri Sarah Chapman Drivers Ed/Tennis Social Studies Science Math Science English

Keith Lassiter Kirsten Olsen-Doolan Pam Garrett David Huntley Erika Martin English Journalism English Math Art

Lea Marshall Paula Swope Jeannine Meis Travis Scott Jana Wells Peter Pursino Drama ESE Social Studies ESE Foreign Language Chorus

Not Pictured Not Pictured

Richard Blasquez Jonathan Watts Francisco Perez Pamela Weston Brian Pollard Construction Social Studies Math Computer Science Physical Education New teacher strives to make students better people Her class has warm-ups, an exposi- Caroline Sipple tion, rising action, climax, falling Double-Truck Editor action and denouement. Marshall was sitting at an event The new theater teacher and thes- where political strife in the United pians director at Leon, Lea Marshall, States was being discussed when seeks to not only make her students someone brought up empathy. This better actors, but also better human was the moment she realized that beings. empathy and theatre were something “We don’t need a bunch of actors she wanted to teach. in the world, we really have plenty,” “I thought, the only place you Marshall said. “But we need a bunch really learn empathy is in theater of great human beings because we class,” Marshall said. “That’s the don’t have enough great human be- only place where you put yourself ings.” in somebody else’s shoes and real- Former students of Marshall feel ize ‘oh they have different thoughts that she has accomplished this feat. and reactions and emotions than I “Her daily goal is to have her stu- Gray Kinch have.’” New teacher Lea Marshall strives to make her students better actors and people. dents leave her room a better person Marshall was shy as a child, and than they were when they came in,” goal by having weekly quotes, and cality and emotion to that character, felt like she wasn’t noticed some- Tyler Jones said. “And I feel that she teaching improvisation. and in life you want to create your times. Because of this, she makes a not only achieves, but over achieves She believes improvisation is a character,” Marshall said. point to greet every single one of her that goal every day.” good skill to have because that is what She believes that people are students daily to create a personal According to Marshall, the only life is, and people should be able to constantly telling stories with their ac- connection. reason she teaches theater is because add to the conversation or situation tions, and theater helps to tell a better “The second you walk into a she thinks it creates more wholesome they’re in. one. room she lights up your day and you people. “I think theater is all about creat- A normal day in Marshall’s class just can’t help but smile,” sopho- Marshall helps to accomplish her ing a character and applying the physi- is run to embody a theater experience. more Jackson Knight said. 8 November 2016 Features The Leon High Life Junior gains recognition from Instagram Ava Jackson made wearing the sunglasses. Grace got the Henrigirl job,” “I feel Features Editor “Instagram is a place for sophomore Nell Wilhite said. like with the people to express themselves “I was so excited for her and I label I’m While most students use through photos,” Munson said. could definitely see it helping more likely Instagram as just another so- Munson uses her Canon her become a model for bigger to grab at- cial media pasttime, sophomore Rebel T-3I and takes the pic- businesses in the future. Also tention from Grace Munson relies on it for tures herself with the help of it’s very cool being able to say businesses her business. her parents and friends. She gets that one of your best friends is looking for The summer before her most of her inspiration from the a model.” influencers, sophomore year, Munson set off brand Brandy Melville. Munson Along with her thousands and it actu- her booming Instagram career also gets her ideas for poses by of followers, Munson also gets ally really when she was offered an oppor- Alexis Ren, Scarlet Leithold, support from her parents and helps anyone tunity with Hot Kiss Clothing to Eva Gutowski and many other many of her friends. grow their model the company’s clothing. famous models and YouTubers. “My parents were skeptical account,” Munson so far has received “My style of photos are at first, but now they’re pretty Munson said. 28 opportunities to model on a mix somewhere between much used to it,” Munson said. Munson social media. She has been sent beachy, to street style, to just Munson’s friends claim to plans out outfits and jewelry from stores poses that promote a product,” have always known that she all her posts like Zaful and Shop Missing Munson said. would do something in the fash- with the app Audrey. Munson gets sent items that ion industry. UNUM, “Basically companies see range from jewelry products to “I definitely plan on grow- which helps my posts on the explore page body scrubs on a regular basis. ing my account and just seeing users with and see the content I post,” “It’s always fun trying out where it takes me,” Munson ordering and Munson said. “Then they direct new products, especially prod- said. “Social media is my outlet gives statis- message or email me and send ucts like skincare and body and my way of expressing my- tics on the scrubs,” Munson said. self through clothes and photog- best posting me free products. In return, I photo courtesy of Grace Munson post pictures of myself in their One of the most recent and raphy.” times. Junior Grace Munson has received 28 opportunities to clothing on social media.” biggest oppportunities that Munson would like to turn “I don’t model on social media. However, it isn’t as simple Munson has had was with the this hobby into some type of ca- typically fol- “Instagram is a great part as one may think. Companies company Henrigirl, a brand reer after high school. low the posting times part of the of my life,” Munson said. “It’s provide her with specific guide- geared towards college girls. “I definitely want to do app. I feel that you should post the equivalent to someone who lines and captions that she must Munson reached out to the man- something in the fashion indus- whatever you want, whenever loves to draw, or play a sport. use. Munson is paid by how ager who wanted to do a pho- try, like business and marketing you want,” Munson said. Although taking photos is quite many likes she gets and how toshoot with her. Promptly, she for brands like Forever 21 and Munson pulls ideas from an a process and tedious, in the end many pictures she posts. Mun- was able to be a part of a photo- Pacsun,” Munson said. eccentric variety of accounts to it is so worth it.” son was once sent three different shoot in an apartment complex Recently, she has added see what’s new in the fashion Munson loves the idea of pairs of sunglasses and was paid in College Town. “public figure” in her Instagram world to help her figure out what influencing other girls and boys $100 for how many posts she “I wasn’t surprised at all that biography. will catch her follower’s eye. with the same passion as she has. Ecenia bikes to inspire and educate “I know we definitely got the Julia Chodyla point across about how scarce Editor-in-chief our water is,” Ecenia said. “But Invigorated by his deep-set even more importantly, I think we passion for preserving natu- showed the students that it is good ral resources, alumnus Sam to have curiosities.” Ecenia spent last winter teach- The bike trip was full of coming young students about the motion and unexpected adventure. current drought in California One day, the bikes were stolen, but through his self-founded non- were retrieved within an hour with profit organization, California the help of people around the com- Water Cycle. munity. However, with hopes to “Every morning we’d wake instill a sense of adventure in up, go surfing and then go talk the children, he visited these to as many people as we possibly schools while completing a could.” 1,500-mile round trip on his California Water Cycle is not bike from San Francisco to San the only project that Ecenia has photo courtesy of Sam Ecenia photo courtesy of Sam Ecenia Diego with a close friend. Sam Ecenia completed a 1,500-mile round trip from Sam Ecenia established California Water Cycle, a undertaken. After graduating from “There are two ways to San Fransisco to San Diego with a close friend. nonprofit designed to provoke thoughtful water use. University of Colorado, he spent experience the world,” Ecenia six weeks in Nepal studying how said. “One is through literature In fact, the company is now being spon- your life.” glaciers can be used to observe global and movies. The other is through experi- sored by Patagonia. Eventually, Ecenia actually began warming. ence. I chose the latter.” According to Ecenia, a monumental working for Outward Bound. “We used time lapse cameras and California Water Cycle is an envi- growing experience was his time at Out- “It was the most fulfilling job I had sensors to track the melting,” Ecenia ronmental nonprofit organization that ward Bound as a 14-year-old. Outward ever had,” Ecenia said. “I live to push said. is designed to provoke thoughtful water Bound is an outdoor education program kids out of their comfort zone, to unplug Currently, Ecenia works at a winery use. Its primary goal is to remind stu- that challenges youth to spend time out- from the computer, to see them examine in northern California. His main goal dents and members of local communi- side and live with less. their lives and go back with a new per- right now is to be more self-sufficient by ties of where their water comes from. “It changed my world,” Ecenia said. spective.” growing much of his own food. Ecenia taught at 11 schools and met “The biggest realization I had was how Although Ecenia stopped working “The whole process of growing food with over 500 students. Throughout the little you actually need to be absolutely for Outward Bound, he never lost his zeal is really good for you,” Ecenia said. journey, he took pictures and blogged happy. With only a bag of food, a sleep- for teaching kids. He claims that Califor- “There is a pride that comes from it and for his website, californiawatercycle. ing bag, a tent and good company, you nia Water Cycle received more feedback it is nice to know where your food comes org, which has gained much popularity. can have the most joyous experience of about the bike trip rather than the water. from.” The Leon High Life Sports November 2016 9 One Volleyball falls at state game at Hannah Wong Staff Writer

The Leon girls volleyball a time team failed to advance to the Hannah Rodriguez state finals after losing to Plant Sports Editor High School Nov. 5. The game was part of the I live for the feeling that Class 8A state semifinals, nick- comes when I’m looking at named a ‘Final Four’ competi- Chiles or Lincoln volleyball tion. Leon won the first two players staring back through sets, but was defeated in the last the net. three. I love hearing the roar of It was the Lions’ second our fan section, and the un- year in a row losing to Plant in the semifinals, with the 2015 derlying pressure of taking game going to five sets as well. on a rival. “We were all heartbroken,” However, for our team, it sophomore player Courtney photo courtesy of Leon Volleyball was just another game. Clevenger said. “Everyone had The Lady Lions volleyball team defeated Lincoln High School in the FHSAA Regional Semi-Finals. We took our season one put up their best fight.” said. the semifinals. Many had been over, but I can’t seem to find game at a time, focusing on The team had high aspira- Leon struggled against waiting to get redemption after where we went wrong,” Go- whoever we played next, and tions for this year. Many antici- Plant earlier in the season, the 2015 loss. racke said. pated a state title. nothing more. losing 2-0 during a Tampa “We’ve been focusing on The Lions ended their “I think we all expected to I believe that is what tournament on Sept. 17. this since the summer, just season 25-5. However, the team go all the way, to win state,” Some of the Lions believe talking about this match,” said feels that this doesn’t take away separated us from our com- junior player Jordyn Goracke this difficulty comes from the coach Angie Strickland in an from the overall significance petition this season. During said. likenesses between Leon’s interview with WTXL. of the success they had this matches, we tried to play “Everyone was on board. and Plant’s playing styles. Naturally, the loss on Nov. season. evenly the whole time, which We just fell one game short.” “We feel that they’re most 5 hit hard with the Lions. Senior captain Caroline I believe is what allowed us Clevenger agrees. similar to our team out of Goracke says she has trouble Kirk said, “This was the most to win most of our district “It was our goal for the all the teams we’ve played,” pinpointing exactly why the fulfilling season in my Leon season and what we worked to- Goracke said. team came out on bottom. volleyball career. I am in awe matches in straight sets. wards all year - we all believed Teams who celebrate like Leon had spent months “I’ve gone through the last of the growth and success we we could get there,” Clevenger gearing up to face Plant in three sets in my brain over and created together.” they’ve won state every time they score a point always burn out by the last set- and that wasn’t us. Cross country looks to future We stayed focused on our goals, which of course Hannah Rodriguez According to Foster, involved beating our rivals, Sports Editor disappointment hit the team however that was just a piece While overcoming a quite hard. of the puzzle that took us to projected 10th place finish “When you’re just one where we wanted to be. in regional competition this place off, and you’re that Does anyone want to lose year, the boy’s cross country close, you definitely start to Lincoln? Of course not. team failed to maintain their going back and questioning However, we knew that 11-year dynasty. what you could have done if we took a loss to either The boys team has placed different,” Foster said. school, it wouldn’t be the in the top ten in the state However, both Cashin downfall of our season. competition for the past 11 and Foster are maintaining a positive outlook for the We had much bigger consecutive years. future of the program. ideas and goals that were With a particularly young “We just want to show much bigger than just Lin- team this season, with only photo courtesy of Matthew Cashin them the way,” Cashin said. coln and Chiles. two seniors Colter Foster and The Leon boys cross country team placed eleventh at the state finals “If they take care of their I’ve seen girls from other Matthew Cashin, the team competition. body, school and listen to schools who are focused on was not expected to make it what Coach Wills has to say, playing us weeks in advance- out of regionals. gionals, [Wills] pulled us all Foster claims that every into a hotel room,” Bohn- team member ran well at the they’re going to be great.” it’s all they can talk about. “We definitely felt like stengel said. “He just told us state competition. However, The two seniors went on The problem is, when the underdogs this year,” ‘I know you’re better than by placing 11th, they were to state that the freshman you put that much empha- junior John Riley Bohnsten- these teams tomorrow. The just one ranking short of class this season is easily sis on one game, it’s usually gel said. “We just wanted to race will be won tomorrow if keeping their streak alive. comparable to Sukhi Kohsla, what causes you to lose. come out and surprise people you guys just do your jobs’.” “We knew that if we were and alumna known for his You can’t make one and prove people wrong.” According to the team, going to place where we success, and his record match the defining game of The team achieved just that, placing fourth in the re- the preparation Wills was so wanted, every single person breaking runs. your season. gional competition, clinching passionate about is what got would have had to run a per- “Compared to me when You should take tough a bid to the state finals. them to state. fect race,” Foster said. I was a freshman, they are district matches as an indi- They attribute this suc- “He’s an amazing coach,” “That’s a lot to ask of any exponentially better than I cator of where you’re at and cess to head coach Andrew Cashin said. “He knows what young team,” Cashin added. was,” Foster said. what you need to work not, Wills. to say, and our strategy is to Cashin and Foster placed “They have a legit shot at not the end all be all of ev- “The night before Re- just run faster every mile, 8th and 30th overall, respec- winning state if they all com- erything. which works for us.” tively. mit, and trust Coach Wills.” 10 November 2016 Sports The Leon High Life Carter verbally commits she is someone that cares about Soccer her teammates. “Kate is someone that can lift you up if you’re having a player plans bad day and is always kind to everyone,” sophomore team- to continue mate Eden Kirn said. “She’s the person on the career team that makes sure everyone is getting along and tries to keep Alena Nash drama out of the team.” Sports Editor According to Kirn, Carter makes an effort to get to know Junior Kate Carter recently the girls on the team and include committed to play at Stetson them in all activities. University, which was a goal “She cares for everyone and Carter had set for herself for this shows it on and off the field,” year. Kirn said. The university’s coaches Carter’s energy and knowl- saw Carter play at a tournament edge about the game make her and invited her to an identifica- someone the team can rely on. tion camp. She fell in love with “She knows so much about the campus and the city of De- photo courtesy of Kate Carter the game and is really great land. Junior Kate Carter kicks the ball away from an opponent during a game. about helping others learn and “It’s a really good soccer improve,” senior Patty Prather program and I just love every- began their season, but Carter “They are both different and this team from the incoming said. thing they’re about,” Carter said. has been busy balancing both the same,” Carter said. “I don’t freshman to the returning se- Prather has been on the soc- Being able to play soccer soccer and varsity volleyball. really have a favorite, both niors that I think we can do it.” cer team with Carter since she in college is very important to Although the sports are in sports are really competitive and This year marks Carter’s joined and appreciates the time Carter and committing to Stet- different seasons, the volleyball I feel like I thrive in competitive third year on the varsity team they have gotten to spend to- son was her biggest achieve- postseason overlaps with the environments.” and she is starting to take more gether. ment. soccer preseason. The girls’ soccer team is full of a leadership role on the team. “It’s going to be really sad, “Soccer is something to get “It can be pretty hard to stay of talented players this year and “As a freshman, you can’t having to play without her once me through college,” Carter on top of things when both sports the goal is to play for the state really step in and take over,” I graduate,” Prather said. said. “I kind of just wanted to go are going on,” Carter said. title. Carter said. “But I’m excited for “I have loved getting to to school where I would get to Soccer and volleyball are “State would be a dream this year to maybe step up and watch her grow as a player and play.” both special to Carter and it can come true,” Carter said. be a leader.” as a person.” The girls’ soccer team just be hard for her to have to choose. “We have so much skill on According to teammates, Swimming duo dominates competitions Junior and freshman swimmers continue to break records and earn medals throughout their season

Hannah Rodriguez immediately, and was seeded higher than her original goal of eighth going into competition Sports Editor later that night. The duo of junior Olivia Kercheval-Roig “I decided I wanted to reach that goal and freshman Virginia Russell are not only instead,” Kercheval-Roig said. “Why not go the only two female swimmers to make it to for fourth or third?” the state competition, but have both medaled Although she did not meet this new goal, at state, as well as gone on to break records. Kercheval-Roig is proud of her accomplish- Kercheval-Roig placed seventh overall ments at state due to her high expectations. in both of her events, the 200 freestyle and Very unusual for a freshman, Russell’s the 100 butterfly. accomplishments at state were a shock to ev- Russell placed sixth and tenth overall in eryone but herself. the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle, respec- “She didn’t act like it was a huge deal,” tively. Kercheval-Roig said. “Meanwhile everyone Kercheval-Roig has broken the 100 else was losing it.” butterfly record, one that her sister Olivia Due to her early birthday, Russell is 15, Kercheval-Roig set in her time swimming at while most freshman swimmers are only 14, Leon. Her sister is now swimming at the Uni- which she feels may give her a leg up in com- versity of Pennsylvania. petition by having more experience. Kercheval-Roig has not only broken the However, she feels as though this puts 200 freestyle record once during the regular more pressure on her as a freshman on the season, but rebroke her own record at the team. state competition, showing her best time . “There can definitely sometimes be more Russell has similar success, setting the pressure,” Russell said. “I’m expected to do a photo courtesy of Virginia Russell new 50 freestyle record at regionals, and re- lot more, like attend 4:30 a.m. practices. That Swimmers Christian Bosque, Olivia Kercheval-Roig and Virginia Russell pose after medaling breaking her own record at state. usually isn’t expected of a freshman.” at the state competition. The two had high expectations of them- Kercehval-Roig adds that this extra year While swimming is more of an individu- ming. She continues to excel in the pool and selves from the beginning of the season, not will only add to Russell’s talent as she gets al sport, Kercheval-Roig and Russell try to be goes after what she wants. only expecting to earn their way to the state older. leaders in the pool. “I’ve only known Virginia for a little competition, but placing well and medaling. “When she’s a senior she’s going to do “They are both really talented swim- bit but she’s definitely one to watch out for. In fact, on the morning of the state com- very well,” Kercheval-Roig said. “She’s al- mers,” senior Daniela Rodriguez said. “Oliv- She’ll be making strides and breaking re- petition, Kercehval-Roig met her goal almost ready so tall and is going to be huge.” ia and her sister are both dedicated to swim- cords at Leon.” The Leon High Life Sports November 2016 11 Soccer team strives to give back Alena Nash “We have a lot of good kids on Sports Editor the team, but sometimes people don’t make the best choices.” Before the boys’ soccer season The TMH visit was one of the first kicked off Nov. 2, the team spent steps into rebuilding the image of the their teacher planning day at Talla- soccer team. hassee Memorial Hospital. “I think it’s really important, even The players spent the day talking though I’m leaving this year, to leave with and getting to know patients in a positive image for the soccer pro- the children’s wing. gram,” Kile said. “We just got to know some of the “It’s not everyone, but all it takes kids, and they got to know us,” soph- is one person and that reflects on the omore Jack Templeton said. “It was a entire team and the school too.” really great experience.” Last year, the team had a decent According to the players, it was a regular season, but suffered a disap- rewarding and humbling experience. pointing loss during the first round of They each got to meet new people regionals. they normally wouldn’t get to meet. “Considering the amount of talent Senior Jake Kile admits that the visit we had, it was a disappointing end to wasn’t what he expected it to be. our season,” Kile said. “We feel like “I was expecting to meet really we left a lot out there. We had all this young kids who were terminally ill talent and we weren’t very productive photo courtesy of Melissa Walker or cancer patients,” Kile said. with it.” The Leon boys’ soccer team poses outside Tallahassee Memorial Hospital during their visit “But a lot of the kids were our age on Oct. 21. This year’s activity was a unique and some were even leaving the hos- team bonding experience compared pital that day.” but I think a lot of people preferred The visit helped all of them to be to years past. One of the main goals for the soc- the TMH visit.” more appreciative that they get to be “We used to go to FSU Reserva- cer team this year is to improve its The players believe the opportu- an athlete and represent their school. tion to do a high ropes course,” Kile image. Last year the team ran into nity was very enlightening. “We represent Leon High School,” said. some trouble off the field. “It really opened up our hearts and sophomore Phillip Tchourioukanov “It took up a whole Saturday and “The Leon soccer guys have gave us an opportunity to bond with said. “We play for this team, and we no one really enjoyed it that much. It never really had the best reputation,” our teammates,” sophomore Sebas- really want people to know that the was seen as something you had to do, Kile said. tian Campo said. team is full of good kids.” Former Lion played at advanced level Volleyball coach excelled collegiately and tried out for Olympics

Christna Hoffman Currently Chin works at Peter Mitch- Sports Editor ell Associates, a marketing and advertis- ing agency here in Tallahassee. Leon volleyball coach Annema- “I get the best of both worlds,” Chin rie Chin not only attended Leon, but said, “coaching and doing what I have also tried out for an Olympic volley- studied and worked hard for.” ball team this past year after graduat- “I have always had a strong instinct ing from High Point University. about volleyball. Being able to give back She has wanted to try out ever to girls who are just as passionate about since her freshman year in college. the game as I am is something I am truly “I wanted to experience volley- grateful for.” ball at a higher level,” Chin said. “I With such a rich experience in the wanted to compete and challenge sport, Chin has a lot to offer to the players myself.” at Leon. In preparation for the tryouts, She not only has experienced what it’s Chin trained extensively. like to play in high school, but she has According to her, she did strength also experienced college volleyball. Photo courtesy of Annemarie Chin and conditioning exercises on her Only now instead of playing, she gets own. Volleyball coach and Leon alumna Annemarie Chin (far right) tried out for the Olympic to shape young girls into great players and team in Colorado Springs at the Olympic training center. She also had help from her help them reach their goals. coaches who trained her for defense in “Volleyball has always been a part of individual one-on-one practices. After graduating from High Point University who I am, and it will be a part of me forever.” Chin Although Chin did not make any of the three with a Bachelors degree in graphic design, Chin said. Olympic teams, she is grateful for the opportunity moved back to Tallahassee. As many generations of Lions pass through to challenge herself and grow as a player. Meanwhile, Leon was having their summer Leon, Chin, along with the other coaches, aspire “I loved every second of playing and getting volleyball camps. to teach the girls how to become great players and the chance to put myself out there, no matter the During what was supposed to be a quick hello great people. result,” Chin said. to her former coach Angie Strickland, Chin agreed “Annemarie has helped me not only gain more “While I didn’t make any of the teams, I am to help out with the volleyball camps that summer. knowledge about the game of volleyball but she extremely proud of all the girls that did.” “Helping out at the camp ultimately led me to has also helped me remember why I love it,” soph- become a coach at my alma mater,” Chin said. omore Courtney Clevenger said. 12 November 2016 Sports The Leon High Life FALL Students row their way to Boston Christna Hoffman SCOREBOARD Sports Editor Six students from Leon traveled to the 52nd Head Football of the Charles Regatta in Boston, Massachusetts, which Date Event is the world’s largest two-day rowing event. 08/26/16 Suwannee W, 31-0 Ryan Carlton, Cannon Randle, Hannah Wong, 09/09/16 Mosley W, 27-13 Maya Edwards, Omie Coyne and Alie MacVicar at- 09/16/16 Godby L, 14-10 tended with Capital City Rowing. 09/22/16 Florida State W, 23-10 MacVicar and Carlton attended the race, but did not 10/14/16 Lincoln L, 26-3 row. Carlton accompanied CCR as an alternate, in case 10/21/16 Duval Charter W, 49-0 any other rowers were injured. 10/28/16 Chiles W, 28-21 Wong and Edwards took up two seats in the wom- 11/04/16 Fort Walton W, 40-20 en’s boat, while Randle took up one seat in the men’s. photo courtesy of Hannah Wong 11/11/16 Lee L, 42-0 The boys raced against 84 other boats. They placed Four Leon students rowed in the Head of the Charles 42nd in their race, which qualified them for the Top two-day rowing event. Half which guarantees them a spot in next year’s race. travel to Boston on both the men’s and women’s team. Volleyball The girls did not qualify for the Top Half, but they “I had pretty high expectations going into the race, 10/11/16 John Paul II W, 3-0 are hoping to win the lottery again this year to guaran- and it surpassed all of them,” Wong said. 10/13/16 Choctawhatchee L, 3-1 tee them a spot next year. “I felt more connected to not only my team but also 10/14/16 Middleburg W, 3-0 Leading up to the race, CCR rowers had to run a 2.5 to the men’s team and the coaches.” 10/20/16 Lincoln W, 3-0 km in September to determine the ten rowers that would 10/25/16 Niceville W, 3-0 10/28/16 Lincoln W, 3-1 “This should be a Leon County citizen decision. 11/01/16 Creekside W, 3-0 “LEAD,” from page 4 The lead seems to be just at schools. The county tests 11/05/16 Plant L, 3-2 that are taking the water samples and running the test the public water all the time and they have always had it and maybe help them at other sites,” Guyton said. below 1 ppb. It’s somewhere between where the county Boys/Girls Cross Country “I think it would be interesting to incorporate high puts the pipes and how they come out at the school.” Date Event school students with elementary school students. Kin- W.T Moore Elementary School and Killearn Lakes 10/01/16 Buchholz Bobcat 6th, 3rd dergarteners’ brains are still growing so having that con- Elementary School both had led levels above 15 ppb. 10/08/16 FSU XC Invit. 14th, 15th tamination is not healthy.” The water at W.T Moore contained 24.90 ppb and 10/22/16 Districts 2nd, 2nd Guyton made the argument, however, that every Killearn Lakes contained 18.17 ppb. 10/29/16 Regionals 4th, 7th school should be tested, including colleges. “I think it would be really cool if Leon students 11/05/16 States 11th Exposure to lead wreaks havoc in the brain, with could go into elementary schools such as Kate Sullivan consequences that include lower IQ and reduced poten- and explain what is happening,” Guyton said. tial for learning. “Because they don’t understand what’s happening, Boys Basketball “Ex-superintendent Jackie Pons tried to keep this and when some guy comes into test the water, kids are Date Event information from the public for a while they figured out going to be freaking out. It would be great to have a 11/29/16 Mosley their own solutions,” Guyton said. high school student to explain what’s happening.” 12/02/16 Rickards 12/08/16 FAMU

Girls Basketball Date Event 10/24/16 FAMU W, 68-19 11/08/16 Rickards L, 71-37 11/09/16 Florida State L, 69-40 11/21/16 East Gadsden 11/22/16 Chiles 11/29/16 Rickards

Boys Soccer Date Event 11/02/16 Lincoln W, 5-3 11/04/16 Chiles W, 2-0 11/07/16 Wakulla W, 7-1 11/11/16 Godby W, 7-0 11/12/16 Gainesville W, 2-1 11/15/16 Chiles T, 3-3 11/18/16 Lincoln W, 2-0 11/21/16 West Gadsden W, 5-1 11/29/16 Maclay 11/30/16 Rickards

Girls Soccer Date Event 11/01/16 Colombia W, 7-0 11/04/16 Arnold W, 4-2 11/05/16 Navarre L, 3-2 11/17/16 Lincoln W, 2-0 11/29/16 Chiles Buy an ad in the paper. Looking for a way to advertise?

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