THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
1
The Spear
LGHS News
Friday, March 17
Mr. Burdick’s 5th period Stagecraft
class posing on the set of Antigone
Photo Credit: Alysa Rosado
Antigone Takes the Stage
By Alysa Rosado
Stagecraft is an elective at
Here’s what they had to say
example, I learned how to use a
Lake Gibson High School. It
about this production. Maria
drill, how to make a platform to
teaches
the importance of
By [Article Author]
Torres said, “The play Antigone
build a house, and work
team work and important life
is a really hard set to build
compatibly with a team. It
skills for the near future.
because it is a really complex
takes a lot of people to pull off
Stagecraft is currently working
set up that when you’re
what we’re building and I think
on the play Antigone. Antigone
working you can’t do it on your
this class teaches you the
is a Greek tragedy about a king
own, you have to include
importance of team work very
named Creon who thinks his
others. During this production,
well. Although stagecraft is a
nephew Polyneices is a traitor.
I’ve learned things that I didn’t
hardworking class, it teaches
After Polyneices dies, Creon
think I would ever learn how to
you exciting things and gets you
refuses to bury him. Antigone,
do, like actually making a
ready for the future. Let us wish
Creon’s niece, defies Creon’s
house or temple that people
the stagecraft workers good
law by taking Polyneices body
are actually going to be acting
luck for their production.
and burying him. What will
in”. I also had a chance to talk
happen to Antigone? Will she
to Abdul Sinawi. He explained,
find justice for her bother or
“Stagecraft is important for the
face Creon’s wrath? The spear
near future because it teaches
got a chance to interview some
us important life skills that we
of the stagecraft students.
might need later on. Like for
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
2
Guidance Spotlight: Mrs. Sherred
By Heaven Johnson
High school
enjoys helping
graduate. Testing is also a very
guidance
students find
immersive time for the
counselors are
their goals in
counselors as they work with
essential when it
life while also
administrators to make sure
comes to
being a
that the students are taking the
student
positive
correct tests, and are
development
influence in
sometimes in charge of testing
throughout their
their life before
as a whole throughout parts of
high school life.
they graduate
the school year.
They are in
high school.
charge of
The feeling of
assigning
classes to students
Photo Credit: Heaven Johnson
community and
working with
throughout the year, assisting
students and other staff
with testing and help with the
members adds to the
overall wellbeing of the
experience of being a
student. With all of the focus
counselor. When asked about
seeming to deviate towards the
what she likes about Lake
students, one can only wonder
Gibson in particular, she said
how the guidance counselors
that she loved the environment
enjoy their job and what other
and her favorite thing about the
responsibilities they may have.
job is seeing the students
The Spear had the chance to
graduate happily.
interview one of Lake Gibson’s
Aside from being with the
Keys to College
By Hannah Fletcher
Counselors are also known to
volunteer to help whenever
necessary. Mrs. Sherred also
mentioned that she often helps
with senior events, multiple
school events, and even takes
on the job of giving out
diplomas at the end of the year.
Guidance counselor, Mrs. Sherred,
informed the Spear on some
colleges and universities in the
guidance counselors, Mrs.
students, counselors are often
Sherred, to find out more about
very busy with their job. This is
what it’s like to be a counselor.
especially true around the
Mrs. Sherred counsels students
beginning of the year and each
from grades 10 to 12, and she
semester when schedule
for our senior athletes who earned
has been counseling for around
placements and changes are
scholarships to many different
twelve years. She enjoys being
made to insure that each
colleges in Florida. As told, the
a counselor because she
student has what they need to
state of Florida that have been
looked at by students here at LG.
February 1, 2017 was signing day
summer is the best time to apply
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
3
for scholarships and college
making sure you don’t miss it. Just
doing now for just a couple of
applications because school is out
a few minutes is all it will take for
months.
and it will provide a more broad
your application to go straight to
selection of schools. Mrs. Sherred
the bottom of their list. These are
mentioned the most important
a few things that are college
she coaches Junior Varsity
keys to what exactly colleges may
necessities for making you one of
Softball and is also the
be looking at when they look at a
their next students.
student. To even have a school
look at you, you must have a
coaching the sport. Currently,
Varsity team. Being a softball
Staff Spotlight:
coach has always been
Coach McElwaney
they want. For example, well
By Heaven Johnson
University of Florida requires a
she is very passionate about
assistant coach for the school’s
grade point average (GPA) of what
known schools such as the
When it comes to softball,
something that she has wanted
to do. When she started her
journey to becoming a coach,
she decided that the best place
This year, Lake Gibson
selected a brand new softball
to go to pursue the position
coach, Coach Michelle
was Lake Gibson. I then asked
GPA of at least a 4.2 and for
McElwaney to the
her what her
Florida State University you need
school. The Spear
feelings were
no lower than a 3.9. The second
had the wonderful
towards Lake
chance to
Gibson. She said
interview her to
that she
looks at is you SAT and ACT
find out more
significantly enjoys
scores. Colleges look at many
about her new job
the overall
different academic points and if
and how she feels
atmosphere at LG,
about it. She was
and adores
most important thing a college
you do any extra stuff such as
community service of any sort,
born in a small town in
Photo Credit: Heaven Johnson
coaching the
Michigan and before becoming
students while working
participating in school event
a coach she taught physical
together with the other
(clubs, sports, etc.) and just your
education to elementary
affiliates of the school’s sports
overall behavior or attendance in
students. After about 11 years
teams. They all have a common
of teaching elementary school,
goal of making sure that the
she then decided to move on
students always perform to
better to a college. Last but not
and became a high school
their best ability. Coach
least, deadlines. When applying
coach, which she has been
McElwaney then said that since
school will make you look even
deadlines are so important to
she enjoys working here so
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
4
much, she plans to stay here
time performing in front of a
of rap music is garbage and
for many years to come.
live audience”. Delia was in
push these trends, to teens
Who knew there is so much
fact the winner of the talent
that influences their way of
talent in Lake Gibson School?
show. In second place, was
thinking that is ruining this
LG showed off their dancing,
singer Dayanra Zalatory. I had
generation. When I rap I rap
singing, rapping, and even
the opportunity to talk to her as
about how it’s okay to be
musical instruments. All these
well. “I have been singing since
yourself, to be different
I was like 8. I find singing more
because at the end of the day
as a hobby, but if someone
it’s not about what other
notices, then I would make it
people look for it’s what you
Lake Gibson is
Glittering with
Talent
look for in yourself”.
Stated by Dayshon, also
known as “The Poet”.
By Alysa Rosado
talents at our
Overall the Gibson
school wide
Glitter was memorizing!
talent show
Ms. Johnson was very
“Gibson Glitter”
proud of all of her
got the crowd
contestants and so was
pumped. The
the crowd. Good job to
spear got the
Photo Credit: Alexis King
chance to sit down with a few
into a profession. I know fame
of the contestants to see how
is hard, but I’ve always found
they felt about showing their
myself as a humble person. I
talent to the school and if this
don’t think the fame will ever
is something they want to
bring me down”. Said Dayanra
pursue in the talent future.
Zalatory. Finally, in third place
When I sat down with singer
was rapper Dayshon also
and pianist Delia Cabanban
known as “The Poet”. “I’ve
this is what she said, “Music is
been raping since I was 14
something that I look forward
years old. I like to rap about
to in the near future. I had this
things that happen in my life. I
talent since I was a kid, I
don’t like to rap about fake
started playing piano at the age
things like drugs, girls, or
of 7. Singing is quit nerve
money. I say the truth on my
wrecking, but this is not my first
view on things. This generation
the Gibson Glitter
Talent Show!
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
Top 10 Universities and Colleges in
Florida
By Bryana Freeman
but the Braves kept the score
offer a variety of
0-0 for four straight innings.
opportunities
The Braves, with 1 on 3rd base,
for many
hit a dinger, scoring her. Coach
different
L. Johnson along with the rest
careers. The
of the varsity players couldn’t
Top 10 colleges
College, Florida’s Institute of
Technology, University of
Central Florida, University of
South Florida, New college of
Florida, Stetson University, and
Florida International University.
If you are looking for a career in
Business, Management, and/or
Marketing, then Stetson
University or the University of
Florida are the colleges for you.
Looking for a career in the
Arts? Then you may consider
the University of Central
Florida. If you are a lover of
computers and technology then
the Florida institute of
Technology is the college for
you. Florida State is a great
Softball is off to a great start
The Titans put up a good fight
in Florida that
State University, Rollins
By Hannah Fletcher
their first win against Teneroc.
many colleges
University of Miami, Florida
LG Softball
as the Lady Braves take home
There are
are University of Florida,
5
have been happier to win their
Photo Credit: Bryana Freeman
college coming in at number 3.
first game. On the other hand,
Florida State University is
JV fought hard to beat the
known for their academic
Teneroc Titans and had the
programs and outstanding men
game but didn’t get to bring
and women athletic teams. If
home that W. It was a close
you are interested in
game, but there is plenty more
Accounting and Advertising
Lady Braves softball to come.
then the University of South
Florida is a college to take in to
consideration. With Accounting
and Advertising as USF’s
majors this college is a likely
choice. Like FIT, New College of
The Braves came out on
Florida offers computer science
February 20th and took home
as well as technology. If looking
another win against the
for a medical career, Florida
Lakeland Dreadnaughts.
International University may be
Braves JV blew out the Lady
a wise choice. Finally, if you are
Dreadnaughts with an 11-3
looking to pursue a career in
game, and varsity with a 3-0
marine sciences then the
win. Hannah Fletcher was on
University of Miami gives many
3rd base, with Brittany Blizzard
*
opportunities in that field.
*Photo
Credit: Hannah Fletcher
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
6
up to bat, scored her and
Every year, many people from
Blizzard scored the next 2
many different places come to
points. Star pitcher, Maddison
eat, get on rides, and just to
Edwards, pitched another great
have fun with their family. The
game. Other great plays made
Florida State Fair also features
from both teams throughout
more than 70 rides including
saying “a dog’s mouth is
both games is what led the
The Thrill Way, The Kid Way,
cleaner than a humans.”? Have
Lady Braves to their victory.
The iconic 212 foot Texas Star,
you ever wondered if it was
Lady Braves softball has an
The Ferris Wheel, The 900 feet
true? The spear did some
upcoming district tournament
Top o’ Texas Tower, The 1914
research and found out that it
on Friday, March 17th and
Denzel Carousel and many
is a myth: generally speaking, a
Saturday, March 18th. Come
other interesting and fun rides.
dog’s mouth is not cleaner than
out to support your Braves
The best part about the fair
a humans. In fact, a dog’s
softball program.
were the games. These games
mouth is not clean at all. This
Florida State Fair
let you win many different
doesn’t mean that it’s
prizes like teddy bears, live fish,
dangerous to have your dog lick
By Gregory Sims
bikes, and many other things.
you or that you should shy away
Sometimes the games that
from having the healthiest dog
Have you ever been to the state
people play and some people
possible. Did you know that
fair? Well The Spear did and
think the midway games are
people actually thought if you a
said that it was very fun. There
“rigged” and don’t allow people
dog lick your wound it would
Are Dog’s Mouths
cleaner than ours?
By Sierra Ross
Have you ever heard the
heal faster? How gross is that?
For both you and the dog! Dog
Photo Credit: Gregory Sims
saliva may produce allergic
reactions in humans, plus, not
to mention their mouth saliva
contain many bacteria. But
was a lot of different foods and
to win; like one basketball
back to the question, whose
rides at the fair. Some of the
game the hoops are smaller
mouth is cleaner? A dog or a
food that was at the Florida
than the ball you get so it is
humans? Well mouths of both
state fair were donuts, kettle
almost impossible to make the
species certainly have what is
corn, steak, chicken,
shot. So the next time you go to
called “natural flora”. Which is
lemonade, cotton candy, candy
the Florida State Fair
bacteria that lives inside the
apples, churros, ice cream and
remember to have fun and eat
mouth and seldom cause any
many more delicious things.
a lot of food.
type of issue. Humans and
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
dogs have about the same
amount of bacteria and fungus
in their mouths, but what they
are and how they affect those
mouths make up the major
differences.
Motocross
By Wyatt Douglas
7
years old and have been since
it has always just been a fun
and exciting sport with many
benefits and adventures. I
participated in my first race
when I was 10 at Dade City MX.
There are many places to ride
or race from closed tracks to
trail riding off road. I go to River
Ranch every other weekend to
ride trails and improve my skills
off
an average stock dirt bike from
a dealership. This is because
race bikes need more torque
and horse power to keep up
with the competition on the
track. If considering racing, this
form of riding does come with
risk and commitment. The
sport of racing and freestyle
Motocross is a
have already been pushed to
general name for
its limit, so there are no more
many branches of
records to break or times to
this action sport.
beat. Racing requires the rider
Motocross is
to be the best or you will end
defined as a timed
up as just another rider on the
motorcycle race
track taking up slots. This is
over a closed
why I chose racing because it’s
course consisting
of a winding dirt trail with hills,
jumps, sharp turns, and often
muddy terrain. But this is just
one of the definitions of this
thrilling risky and adventurous
sport. Motocross or MX is
referred to by riders to meaning
racing on a closed track
competing for time and overall
position, FMX or freestyle
motocross is referred to as
freestyle riding which consist of
trail riding to huge arena shows
with jumps as high as 80 ft.
As a MX rider myself I have
done some trail riding in the off
season or on weekends. I
started riding when I was 8
Photo Credit: MaxPixel
the track. Many riders receive
bikes and parts from a sponsor
which you can get from winning
s a series of races and
tournaments or showing off
their products.
Dirt bikes come in all shapes
a challenge against more
racers to be recognized. There
is also Trail Riding which is
what most racers do in off
season and on days with no
races. It’s also referred to as
recreational riding, which takes
and sizes according to the
place at parks and ranches.
rider’s skill and size. My
This riding is more about
personal bike I ride on the
enjoying the sport and doesn’t
weekends is mine and I am
require an expensive super-fast
responsible for its parts and
bike. This riding is also less
gas where as a sponsored bike
risky and is what the majority of
is taken care of by the sponsor.
beginners start off doing, and
Dirt bikes are also tuned and
what I started doing before
set up to the required rules of
jumping into racing.
tracks and terrain. Mx riding
There are many parks within
bikes typically cost more than
driving distance and they offer
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
8
a wide range of riding and
Don’t forget riding equipment
event where schools from
terrain. Most parks offer a full
this is key to legal riding
around Florida gather at one
day or weekend of family fun.
whether it’s racing or
place to eat and dance
These parks typically have
recreational riding and provides
together. The dance began at
riding trails and clay tracks for
protection and a better ability
6:30pm and ended at
racers wanting to improve their
to operate the bike. So if you’re
11:00pm. It was hosted by
skills. Dade City is one of many
just starting off or just
Lake Gibson, who was also
tracks, however this is a race
interested in the future
responsible for the decorations.
only track and if you want to
hopefully these tips and advice
The rooms had ten tables on
trail ride you will have to go
were helpful.
each side filled with students
somewhere more like Bone
from each school. Six schools
Valley ATV Park in Lake Whales
participated in this event and
or Florida Tracks and Trails in
Military Ball
Punta Gorda which is a
By Bryana Freeman
approximately sixty students
from each school attended.
combination of trail and track
Since every school offers
riding.
different branches of the
The main piece of equipment
JROTC program, there
to enjoy this sport is the dirt
were Army, Navy, Air
bike. There are a wide variety of
Force, and Marine schools
bikes to choose from that apply
that attended.
to different ages and skill
The night began with a
levels. You can find most bikes
heartfelt speech by
at Sky Power Sports, Fun Bike
Center of Lakeland and
Craigslist. Some riders may
choose to build their bike to
which is always a great way to
ride because this lets you
customize to your needs and
stand out from the crowd. Most
beginners don’t start off with a
brand new bike, so Craig’s list
can offer a huge selection of
barely used and preowned
bikes perfect for beginners.
Lieutenant Colonel and a
Photo Credit: Bryana Freeman
On Friday, February 24th, The
Military Ball was held at Lake
Mirror Center. Local schools
around Florida attended,
including Lake Gibson. The
Military Ball was open to all
students in the JROTC program.
The men were required to wear
their uniform while women
wore formal dresses or gowns.
The Military Ball is a formal
wonderful meal. As it moved
further in to the night, the fun
really began. With music played
by an awesome DJ and strobe
lights that flashed, everyone
danced and enjoyed socializing.
The Military Ball isn’t only a
dance, it also gives JROTC
cadets a chance to meet
cadets from other schools that
represent the different military
branches. Tickets were sold for
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
only $20 through their JROTC
instructor. “The Military Ball
was a crazy, fun night, filled
9
Art and Ms. Phelps
By Karen Diaz
with dancing and laughing. I
enjoyed dancing with my fellow
cadets and those from other
schools. I plan to go every year
for the rest of high school”,
said Grace Richardson, a
JROTC cadet here at Lake
Gibson. To any cadets that
were not able to make it, they
should consider it next year for
it is a great experience.
For thousands of years, there
with others”. She also wants
have been many opinions over
everyone to know that we are
what art actually is. Overall, it’s
having a chalk art competition
understood as an activity that
her at LGHS. It will be hosted by
we do to express our emotions
the art club on April 13th,
or a general vision of the world.
2017, from 7:00 am to 2:00
Many people create art for
pm. Students with good
different reasons, whether it’s
attendance, passing classes
a competition, to relieve stress,
with a C or above, and who
to let out feelings, or to escape
submit a sample drawing by
boredom. This is the reason
Friday, March 17th, may
Ms. Phelps became an art
attend. They must also attend
teacher here at Lake Gibson
an after-school workshop on
High School. I got a chance to
Thursday April 6th. The
interview her and know a little
competition art will be judged
bit more about her. “Art shows
by local professional artists,
emotions and symbolizes how
faculty and students. Ms.
someone remembers a certain
Phelps hopes that it will
event”, said Ms. Phelps. When
become a yearly event here at
asked why she became an
Lake Gibson High School.
artist and a teacher, she said,
“I want to share my love for art
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
10
Words of Wisdom
By:
Regina Williams
Great rewards and great gains
Come from your unique design
Learn to
“Be yourself”
“Know who you are…and be true to who you are”
R.E. Williams
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
11
FFA
St. Patrick’s Day
By Lacey Fitzpatrick
By Gregory Sims
National FFA Organization.
creed speaking, forestry,
Have you ever wondered
Before the year of 1988, the
landscaping, food and science
what St. Patrick’s Day is really
organization was always
technology, and the list goes on
about? St. Patrick’s Day is a
referred to as “Future Farmers
and on. Typically, when
global celebration if Irish
of America” which does still
participating and CDE’s and
culture on or around March 17.
stand for FFA, however, the
SAE’s, official dress is required.
On St. Patrick’s Day many
current official name of the
Official dress includes a FFA
people wear green so they
club is now “National FFA
jacket, black closed-toed
won’t get pinched. The reason
Organization. There are many
shoes, white collared shirt, FFA
why not to wear green can
things about this organization's
tie or scarf and black pants/
cause people to get pinched is
history that many people are
skirt. FFA teaches students
because leprechauns wouldn’t
unaware of. For example, FFA
premier leadership as well as
be able to see green so,
became an official program in
personal and career growth
whoever wasn’t wearing green
1920, and women were not
and development. The FFA club
they would pinch them
permitted to be in it until 1969.
at LG, students become a part
because, they were visible to
For those who are not
of a family. To be a member of
them. St. Patrick’s Day is also
completely sure about what
this club, students must be in
an annual feast day celebrating
FFA is and what members can
some sort of agricultural class
the patron saint the day is
do, FFA is a group organization
and as of next year, agriculture
named after. St. Patrick’s Day
with agricultural education and
will become an academy, so if
is the national holiday of
you can participate in various
students are in a class, it will
Ireland and has become very
Supervised Agricultural
be required to be a member.
popular in the United States.
Experiences as well as Career
The teachers who teach this
The first St. Patrick’s Day
Development Events. The most
subject are Mrs. Gatlin and Mr.
parade was in New York in the
popular SAE is raising and
Delgado. LG has a hog barn,
1760s.So remember the next
showing animals and plants.
chickens, rabbits, cows and
time St. Patrick’s Day comes
Other activities that are
many more exciting Ag related
make sure to wear green.
counted as SAE’s include and
things. FFA is a great
youth fair projects and
organization and can help
restoring old farm equipment
many prepare for their future.
such as trailers or tractors. A
few CDE activities include
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
12
Sports Stats
By Tanner Oakley
Varsity Baseball
JV Softball
2/21 Lake Wales
L
8-5
2/20 Lakeland
W
13-3
2/27 Kathleen
L
4-3
2/24 Lake Region
L
20-0
2/28 Ridge
L
8-3
2/27 Auburndale
L
17-2
3/3 Winter Haven
L
16-0
3/6 Cambridge Christian
L
7-3
2/4 Winter Haven
L
8-2
3/8 Lake Region
W
3-2
2/7 All Saints
L
16-0
3/9 Tenoroc
W
15-5
2/11 Bartow
L
18-1
2/18 Celebration
L
17-1
JV Baseball
Boys Lacrosse
2/21 Ridge
W
15-0
2/25 Winter Haven
L
14-0
2/25 Tenoroc
W
17-2/18-1
2/28 Lakeland
L
14-0
2/28 Kathleen
W
11-0
3/3 Bartow
L
14-0
3/4 St. Stevens
L
17-4
L
22-0
3/4 Winter Haven
3/7 McKeel
W/L 10-9/5-4
L
11-3
Varsity Softball
Girls Lacrosse
2/7 Celebration
2/16 Tenoroc
W
2-1
2/11 Bartow
L
10-4
2/20 Lakeland
W
3-0
2/18 Winter Haven
L
7-2
2/23 Santa Fe
W
12-0
2/23 All Saints
L
21-4
2/24 Lake Region
L
4-0
2/25 Celebration
L
22-0
2/27 Auburndale
W
2-1
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
13
The Quest is Coming to a Close
By Lacey Fitzpatrick
Disney;
an
where
animation
dreams come
academy to
true. Although
classic
this quote
favorites.
has always
The most
held true to
popular tech
its message, a beloved classic
savvy games include Pirates of
attraction is closing this
the Caribbean and CyberSpace
summer. Disney Quest, located
Mountain. On Pirates of the
at Disney Springs closes for
Caribbean you can blast virtual
construction of an upcoming
cannons at enemy ships, and
arrival; NBA experience. The
on CyberSpace Mountain you
NBA experience will include
can create your own custom
high-tech experiences along
roller coaster and ride it in the
with a restaurant and a store. It
simulator. The most popular
was previously located in
classical
Universal Studios City Walk but
arcade
is now taking the place of the
games
never forgettable arcade
include,
experience that many kids grew
the row
up with. With the closing on July
of
3rd you have to get the most
pinball machines
fun out of it while you can. With
and a Star Wars Trilogy Arcade
admission costing $34.99 for
Machine. Disney quest has
children and $39.99 for adults,
been around for 17 years and I,
you get 5 full stories of arcade
as well as many others, are sad
games for a max of 9 hours if
to see it leave. So, get your
you stay from opening (12:00
tickets, play all day and may
pm) to closing (9:00 pm). The
the memories live on.
types of games range from
virtual reality experiences and
Seniors are
Leaving Their
Mark on LG
By Sydney Nance
Seniors of the 2016-2017
school year were given the
opportunity to leave their last
mark on LG. The National
Honor Society raised money to
send their officers to a 3 day
leadership conference in
Chicago, by holding the Senior
Handprint Wall fundraiser. For
only $10, seniors covered the
palms of their hands with gold
and garnet paint and placed
them on the wall and also
signed their names near their
handprint. There were 38
students who
participated, which means
the NHS raised $380 for
their officers. The money
Photo Credit: Sydney Nance
raised was enough to help
pay for a portion of the
expenses for their officer to go
to the leadership conference.
The Senior Handprint Wall is
located in the hallway leading
to the Ag rooms, so next time
you are passing by stop and
take a look and see if anyone
you know participated.
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
14
Renovations at Tiger Town
By Marty Brown
There's
bar and seating, all-inclusive
been a lot of
buffet and outdoor padded
swinging
seating for 203 fans.
going
The extra shade and seats
around in
aren't the only great investment
Lakeland. In
they’ve made. The concession
tiger town,
stands have been rebuilt and
renovations
spoiled with all new equipment,
have been
Photo Credit: SpringTrainingConection
allowing us to offer more items
stirring up the atmosphere. Too
from 1246 to 2098 seats,
while rotating in new items to
many fans of the Detroit Tigers
while many more seats will be
keep the menu fresh and
and Lakeland Flying Tigers
shaded thanks to the extended
exciting. A new point of sale
have been complaining about
roof. The new 34 Club will
system should shorten wait
the various displeasures of
provide an additional 203
times, and digital menu boards
being at the famous “Joker
covered seats, while casting
will allow us to easily post new
Merchants Stadium”, and
shade to sections 200-201,
food offerings and food
these teams are the two
previously unprotected from
specials, even in game. They’ve
popular baseball teams who
the sun." So no more of the hot
even added more Restrooms
play at the stadium and their
sun beaming on your smooth
were added. The number of
fans will be impacted
skin. The seats will be higher,
women's toilets is increasing
tremendously.
causing the fans to experience
50% from 48 to 72. Men's
more of the game clearer than
toilets/urinals are increasing
having a glare in your eyes.
from 38 to 48. We've also
One of the new features is
that they put more shaded
areas for the fans. While
If you wanted air conditioning
added two family restrooms
researching some news about
before, you had to work for us
There you have it. Back and
the new recharged stadium it
in the press box or the box
better, the Joker Merchant
stated, "Remember those old
office, be a member of the
Stadium is ready for some
hot, cramped bleachers down
press or be lucky enough to
roaring baseball. More air
the 3rd base line are gone!
have a suite, but no more. The
conditioners, better seats, and
We're erecting 6 new covered
34 Club presented by Miller
even more shade for a good to
sections 211-216, increasing
Light, located at top of sections
strike out. Hey batter batter,
the number of covered seats
200-201, will feature an indoor
hey batter batter swing.
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
15
Ms. R.E. Williams has some Words of Wisdom
By Emily Pierce
“Know who you
poem “The World as I See It”,
are and be true
which she still has with her
to who you are.”
today. Her teacher came back
These brilliant
a week later and told her she
words come from
was going to hold on to the
Lake Gibson High
poem. Miss Thrift then came
School’s 9th
back two weeks later and told
grade guidance
Ms. Williams she was going to
counselor, Ms.
give the poem to the principal.
Williams. She began working
here at LG between the years
of 2003 and 2004. Her favorite
thing about working at LG, is
the good faculty and staff, as
well as a great community of
colleagues. Ms. Williams loves
kids and has a passion for
working with them. She
explained she had a calling to
work with high school students.
Being a guidance counselor
gives Ms. Williams the chance
to have a very eventful day
every day. Most of her
responsibilities of being a
guidance consoler include
paperwork, emails, and
troubleshooting things.
Photo Credit: Emily Pierce
However, when a student walks
into her office, they have her
undivided attention. Every
student has a different need to
be addressed, and she
explained it is all about
listening. Ms. Williams sits next
to the student, and just talks
with them and doesn’t rush.
“Quality out wins quantity”, she
stated. Besides being a
guidance counselor, Ms.
Williams spends her spare time
writing. Her love for writing
began when she was in 9th
grade. Miss thrift, her 9th grade
English teacher, told the class
to write a poem, Ms. Williams
did that exactly. She named her
That year, the principal read it
to the graduation class. When
Miss Thrift gave Ms. Williams
the poem back, she told her to
keep writing because she had a
gift. People now ask Ms.
Williams when she is going to
write her book! Ms. Williams
said that everyone has a gift or
talent no matter who they are.
“People all around us pull into
each other and act as a
support system”, she
explained. Ms. Williams
continues to help students
every day and share her words
of wisdom when needed.
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
16
Sports Spotlight
By Tanner Oakley
Luke Warshaw
Paul Vess
Boys Tennis
Boys Lacrosse
Luke Warshaw a senior at LG in only his
Paul Vess is a senior who has never
second year of being a tennis player. In his
played lacrosse before, but has built a very
first year being a tennis he earned himself
descent skill set in a short amount of time.
the player of the year award. With a record
Paul said he found out there was going to
of 16-9 for the team. This season he will
be a lacrosse team, so he went out to find
Photo Credit: Zyon Grant
Photo Credit: Zyon Grant
play in the number one position for the
gear. “I would bring my stick to school and
team in singles. Warshaw is a defensive
at PE, I would go outside and practice
player who simply tries to frustrate his
against the wall. When I went home I didn’t
opponents by returning every shot until the
have a wall to practice on, so I would look
opponent makes a mistake being too
up drills on how to handle my stick and
aggressive. He has great control over his
drills to get better.
game, his shot, and his fitness level as a
result of all the soccer conditioning which
allows him to “outlast” most of his
opponents.
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
17
9 Out of 10 Teens Reading This Wish They Were Sleeping
Right Now
By Mariana Manfredy
Nine out of Ten of the students
us stay up late – even on
under the influence. School
reading this are probably
school nights. So, if you do the
starting early, along with the
wishing they were sleeping
math, if we all go to bed at
way our natural sleep cycles
right now. Ever wonder why that
about 11PM, to then get up at
affect our bodies, we are
is? Wonder why were all so
about 5 AM or even 4 AM for
putting our youth at more of a
tired all the time? It’s not
those who ride buses, to then
risk than most of us are even
because were always trying to
rush into the classroom at 7
aware of. Not only physically,
go out late and party all night,
AM before the bell; that means
but mentally as well.
studying for that surprise test in
were only getting about 4- 5
your math class tomorrow, or
hours of sleep each night. That
stay up to finish that last
is 3- 4 hours less that the
season of that one TV show on
minimum of sleep we need!
Netflix you just started. It’s
Most schools in the US are
starting to assist the issue by
having school start times be
later than the normal 7:00 for
Not only do we get less sleep,
the average high-schooler.
many teens also suffer from
Schools who take part in later
sleep disorders as well, which
start times also experience a
makes getting restful sleep
drastic amount of other
even harder for them to
changes as well. There have
actually achieve. These
been reports of many different
As we all know, teenagers need
disorders include: Narcolepsy,
positive responses from the
at least eight to ten hours of
Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, and
students at schools with later
sleep every night to feel well
Restless Legs Syndrome. With
school times. There have been
rested and fully functional the
this much lack of sleep, many
reports of better attendance,
next morning. However, with all
teens that drive to school are at
better attitudes, better grades,
of the super early wake up calls
risk of injury behind the wheel.
and less kids going to their
and bus arrivals, we aren’t
The risk for a sleep deprived
counselors with concerns and
getting the sleep we need to
driver is as great as one who
stressing about school and the
function and grow healthily. The
has a Blood Alcohol Level of
hardships that follow. Many
natural sleep schedule for
.08- which is the same amount
students who attend schools
teens only allows us to start
of BAL that someone needs to
like that also report back with
feeling sleepy and tired at
have in order to get into some
less levels of anxiety and
about 11PM.Thats why a lot of
serious trouble for driving
depression as well. Maybe in
because of the way all of our
brains are hardwired. Now
before you start scratching your
head and trying to guess what I
mean by that, let me explain.
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
18
the future, all high schools can
way to show our school spirit all
Halloween. She completed an
start implementing later start
while fundraising for the Future
entire wall that was dedicated
times to help us all out in the
Educators Academy. This
to Dia de Muertos, which is the
long run.
project helps raise money for
Day of the Dead in Mexico. Ms.
the cost of testing for the
Lenhart and Mr. Luce shared a
students to become certified
Star Wars theme doors which
through the Department of
were awesome. Mrs.
Children and Families.
Dinwiddie’s Valentine’s Day
One thing that makes Lake
Gibson unique from any other
high school is that the teachers
Decorative Doors
By Amanda Luna
The doors are judged by LG’s
door was interactive, so
Academy Officers. The current
students could actually take
academy officers are President-
cards that had motivating
and
Katie Langley,
quotes on them. Mrs.
students
Vice
Fiorentino said “It’s so hard to
decorate
President-
only talk about a few, because
their
Lindsey
we have seriously seen some
classroom
Liebrecht,
incredibly creative doors.”
doors
Treasurer-
according to
Jackie Scott,
far are Halloween and
and Historian-
Valentine’s Day. Currently there
that holiday.
Photo Credit: Amanda Luna
Holidays that LG has done so
The teacher who runs the
Sara Fletcher and Harmonie
are no more door decorating
project is Mrs. Fiorentino and
Smith. The main characteristics
plans. Decorating the
the Future Educators Academy.
that the judges look for is
classroom doors are probably
The whole idea started when
creativity that reflects thinking
one of the best things about
Mrs. Fiorentino brought over
outside of the box. One of the
coming to school around the
the idea from a local
door winners this year
holiday. There are currently no
elementary school where
imbedded speakers into their
further contests planned for
decorating doors and bulletin
door decoration in addition to
this school year.
boards are common for all
stringing working lights. The
major holidays. She was
officers love to see when
worried that at the high school
teachers incorporate their
level, teachers wouldn’t be
subject and/or students into
interested.
their doors.
However, she still wanted to
Some of the teachers that
take on the challenge as she
have won so far are Ms.
thought this would be a great
McSwain who won for
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
19
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
By Zyon Grant
Fellowship of
Dates to Remember
Christian
Athletes is a
Early Release
nonprofit
Early dismissal for students
and teachers.
March 15
organization
-Polk County Schools
that combines
Spring Break
faith and
March 20 - 24
sports. FCA was
established in
1954 and they have been
challenging coaches and
athletes to use their athletic
Photo Credit: Zyon Grant
lists some ways to get active in
your local area. Expectations
are high for members. Showing
abilities and beliefs to make a
integrity and honesty is key.
difference on the Christian
Serving others is something
community and on the world.
that is expected. If you want to
The founder Don McClanen
help you can donate at
was an athlete and coach in
my.fca.org. Don McClanen has
the ’40s and ’50s. He inquired
successfully created a very
why professional athletes
advertise numerous amounts
of products like shaving cream
and cigarettes. His vision
became the backbone for the
largest sports ministry
organization in the world. The
plan to help the locals is by
encouraging many when they
are in need of some words and
empowering the youth to make
a positive influence. As a
citizen you can get involved
also. On the official website it
well-known business that will
improve the world at large and
make a change in future years.
Spring holidays. No School for
students.
-Polk County Schools
End of 3rd 9-Weeks
March 28
3rd nine-week grading period
ends.
-Polk County Schools
All-County Band Concert
April 7
All-County Band concert,
following final rehearsal.
-Florida Southern College
Distribution of Report
Cards
April 11
3rd nine-week report cards are
to be distributed.
-Polk County Schools
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
20
Staff Spotlight: Coach Demyer
By Teron Boykins
Have you ever
student
to get the opportunity to see
wondered about
academically and
her students grow over the
how our Lake
to have discipline.
year. She watches her student
Gibson football
His biggest
become more creative and all
team got so far
accomplishment is
become a family and that’s
into the
the way the team
what keeps her doing what she
season? Coach
came together
does today. As the Spear asked
Demyer is the
during and after
for some details on the
head coach for
the season.
upcoming book for this year
Lake Gibson’s
Demyer had a few
such as how much it will cost
Varsity football
star players leave
over time, who are the
team. He led
his team after last
designers, how you design and
the team undefeated to the
season. He said that his team
come up with the ideas for
state championship and came
cannot be concerned about the
each yearbook, and also of
up short. The spear interviewed
people that they don’t have.
course what will be in the
Coach Doug Demyer to see his
Demyer said they’ll be more
yearbook. Yearbooks this year
plans and goals for next season
than ready by the time the
were going for $75, however on
football. Coach Demyer took
season starts. This team is
February 18th they went up to
place as Lake Gibson football’s
looking forward to doing just as
$80, and then after delivery
head coach after his dad, Keith
bigger and better things next
they will be $85. This year’s
Demyer. He’s been coaching
season.
yearbook is full of exciting
for 16 years but this is his first
year as a Lake Gibson coach.
Demyer wanted to be a coach
for Lake Gibson because he
saw an opportunity to coach a
good group of kids. His plan
and goal for next year is for the
team to come together during
and after the season. Besides
football, he tries to teach his
players how to be a better
Yearbook
By Hannah Fletcher
Mrs. Muehlberger, Lake
Gibson’s yearbook teacher,
took some time to answer
some questions for The Spear.
She says, she does the
yearbook now because she
enjoys the creativity of a new
book each year and also loves
Photo Credit: Hannah Fletcher
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
21
Spring Fashion
events at school, clubs,
is a project by the Lakeland
academies, and most
Downtown Development
importantly it’s going to be
Authority (LDDA), running for
filled with pictures of students
11 months of the year, with
outside the normal everyday
August being the only month it
need to know the new fashion
schools picture.
is closed. It is open every
trends. A few casual things you
Saturday, from 8:00 am to
may see on the daily like
2:00 pm. There are hundreds
shades of yellow or khaki are
of different booths with many
most commonly worn in spring.
different themes each. Some of
Spring colors include blue,
Food, crafts, and plants.
Downtown Lakeland
Farmers Market
By Kenneth Caraballo
These are just
some of the
many things
the Farmer’s
Market in
Downtown
Lakeland
offers. Many
call it a key
component of
a vibrant,
diverse and
exciting
downtown experience. This
event is designed to gather
and serve all segments of our
community. It is also a positive
way to bring people together to
purchase fresh produce, plants
and local handcrafted items.
The booths showcase for the
talents of all local growers and
artisans. The Farmer’s Market
With spring coming up, you’ll
these
pink, yellow, light brown, and
include
sometimes orange. These
Allison’s
colors are seen as optimistic
Apiaries, H
and bright and since this is a
&H
happier season they are worn
Creations,
more often. Floral dresses and
Soul-House
shirts are also worn during this
Art, Spice of
season. As you may have seen,
Life, Gee
sleeve slits on the shoulders
Gee’s
are in, white clothing and/or
Homemade
shoes is a big style in spring,
Brittle, and
along with skinny jeans or fitted
many more!
jeans as well. To conclude
Whether
colors, peach and light blue are
you enjoy local food, collecting
Photo Credit: Kenneth Caraballo
By Hannah Fletcher
fresh
also very common color to wear
because it gives off a calmer
produce and gardening, or
more relaxed mood. With
taking part in the life of art and
sandals, white and brown are
recreation, The Farmer’s
worn because they are light
Market is one of the best
and go with more outfits more
places to go!
than a more uncommon color.
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
22
Prom Fashion Show
By Joey Garcia
If you haven’t heard, the
Romano, BaiLeigh Carlson and
Prom Fashion Shows will be
Prom Fashion Show was held
Ricky Weisner, Antonaje
held, and each time hopefully
recently here at LGHS. It was
Howard and Dion Ash, Isis
just as great.
held on Friday, March 3rd. The
Licon and Kristopher Scott,
Prom Fashion Show is a yearly
Katie Langely and Dalton
fundraiser
Jones, Molly
for juniors
Matthews and
and seniors
Kj Wiliams,
who will be
Kelsey
attending
Hotchkiss and
prom. It has
Michael
been
Christenson,
around for an estimated 20
DeAvion Williams and Emari
years and has not only served
Stribling, Ireland Dempster and
as a fundraiser, but a reminder
Dawlton Vann, Audri Fields and
of the appropriate dress code
Jadon Matthews, Peyton Marsh
for prom.
and Josh Hayes, Miranda
The Prom Fashion Show was
possible due to the 30
participants. The pairs that
performed in the show were
Burdick and Christian Cody,
and AJ Deshazor.
The show was held during 3rd
period and was over 30
Yaira Ojeda
minutes
and
long. All of
Esteban
the
Perez,
participants
Jessica
worked
Peet and
hard to
Lewis Grier,
successfully
Tatyana
perfect
Haro and Caleb Carroll, Marissa
their performances before the
Anderson and Luke Warshaw,
show, and made for a good
Chryshana Beach and Carmine
show. As years go on, more
THE SPEAR LGHS NEWS | Issue 6
The Spear Staff
Sponsor:
Mrs. Burdick
Editor-in-chief:
Jalyn Page
Head Columnist:
Grace Richardson
Head Photographer:
Alysa Rosado
23
Writers:
Amanda Luna, Bryana Freeman, Cristian Barbosa, Emily Pierce,
Greg Sims, Heaven Johnson, Hunter Lenhart, Kenneth Caraballo,
Marty Brown, Sierra Ross, Sydney Nance, Teron Boykins, Wendy
Capule, Wyatt Douglas
Editors:
Alexis King, Cassidy Dues, Emily Pierce, Kenneth Caraballo
Columnists:
Alysa Rosado, Hannah Fletcher, Lacey Fitzpatrick, Ikhyra Walker,
Tanner Oakley, Zyon Grant