Volume 85, Issue 1

Volume 85, Issue 1 October 2021

THETOMAHAWK TALK
Florida State University Schools • 3000 School House Road • Tallahassee FL, 32311

Author Visit Met Gala Costume Crimes Bowden’s Legacy
Page 2 Page 4
Page 6 Page 8

Courtesy Photo By Sam Whem
Florida High Varsity Football walks out onto the field to prepare for thier game. Seminoles take on Trinity Christian Friday, October 15, in a rematch from last year’s loss.

Florida High football seeks redemption against Trinity Christian

Bryce Kelley · Co-Editor-in-Chief High School 53-3 and the win against Gadsden room as a reminder that the team can not relax
County 28-0 have not stopped the team from and must keep improving.
The Florida State University Schools football putting in hard work. Many players like Tre
team has worked countless hours to prepare Donaldson have fixated on their leadership “The way that we lost last year was not
for this season and has had many big wins. This abilities. Donaldson, senior quarterback for the indicative of who we are and how hard we play
Friday the Seminoles face Trinity Christian in Seminoles, was out for part of the season due to along with the time and the work we put in. It
what is expected to be a thrilling game. injury. Despite this setback, he along with the puts a sour taste in your mouth to know that we
rest of the team have been going the extra mile didn’t do our part in the game and it serves as
The Seminoles have practiced an array of to improve daily. motivation to play better in those big games,”
skills and have concentrated on mindset and said Hickman.
leadership for this season. Football is a mental- “No matter what, don’t quit and don’t just
ly challenging game that takes dedication, grit play for yourself. Do it for your teammates and The Seminoles are focused and ready for this
and talent to play. The Seminoles are focusing everyone who supports you. I am continuing to big matchup. The hours of practice and study-
on their opponents one week at a time as they work on my leadership and the little things. I ing film, combined with improving in the vital
move through the season and closer to the run am working on getting back stronger and better areas of the game have been preparing the team
for state championship. than I was,” said Donaldson. for weeks.

“There is always something that we can As the game approaches, the pressure to “In my opinion you can’t stay the same in
improve upon. Even though we are winning and succeed sets in. Last year during the run for sports, you’re either getting better or you’re
doing good things there are still a lot of things state the Seminoles lost 45-14 against Trinity getting worse. We have played good football all
that can be done better,” said Jarrod Hickman, Christain. However this loss has created more year and while this will be a difficult game, I
motivation to keep pushing harder. The statis- think we will do much better than we did a year
Head Coach of the FSUS football team. Ma- tics from that game are still in the FSUS weight ago,” said Hickman.
jor blowout games like the victory over Leon

PINK OUT:Florida High Athletics program
recognizes those cancer affects

Photo By Saummya Misra Amelie Pelham · Managing Editor “We should do everything we can to draw
Keionna Mackey hypes up her team at Pink Out game. attention to Breast Cancer, [including] raising
National Breast Cancer Awareness month be- funds for research, and reminding people to do
gins on October 1, and Florida High Athletics is regular screenings,” said Roberts.
finding different ways to support those affected
and honor them. It is imperative to support women with
breast cancer, especially on a local level, which
“We will do activities during Breast Cancer is why many Florida High sports teams wear
Awareness month like wearing special pink special pink clothing, ranging from accessories
shirts and socks for our home matches,” said like shoelaces to jerseys, or speak out during
FSUS Head Volleyball Coach, Sheila Roberts. games throughout Breast Cancer Awareness
“We also may ask a parent who has been affect- month.
ed to speak at a match.” Some athletes on the
varsity volleyball team are personally affected “I think it’s important to recognize survi-
by breast cancer, including sophomore and libe- vors and people who have fought their hardest
ro Madison Wenhold. because it’s the worst thing in the world, and
no one should ever have to go through it,” said
“My mom had it,” said Wenhold. “I was Wenhold.
really young when it happened, but ever since
then it’s just always been a part of my life.” These tributes delivered by the athletes and
coaches are one of the many ways that FSUS
According to various studies, one in eight plans to support those affected by breast cancer
women will develop breast cancer over the this year during October.
course of her lifetime, and it is estimated that
more than 300,000 women will be diagnosed “My heart goes out to all those who have
with some type of breast cancer this year. lost loved ones to Breast Cancer,” says Roberts.

Page 2: News October 2021

Award-winning author speaks on achievements

Underhill displays author Diaz Gonzalez’s award-winning books in the library and encouragePs hstoutdoeBnytsStaourmeaydaathMemis.ra books and the truths of being an author.
“She is going to speak to seventh grade stu-
Alyssa Kruger · Features Editor friend of mine and I have wanted to have her
Christina Diaz Gonzalez, the author of “Con- visit our school for a long time, but she is very dents in the cafeteria in the morning. We only
cealed” and many other award-winning novels, busy writing books and practicing law, so we have time for one presentation, so I am going to
is visiting Florida High in October to inform have not had a chance,” says Jennifer Underhill. put as many students as I am allowed to in the
students of her career as an author and sign “She has a new book coming out in October, the cafeteria,” said Underhill.
books. same week that the visit is happening and so we
were able to make it work out.” Even though Diaz Gonzalez is now an author,
“I am so excited for her to come! She is a she did not always know what she wanted to
When she comes to Tallahassee, she will be become.
speaking to middle school students about her
“I had a slight whisper of a dream about
being a writer when I was about ten, but I’d
never met an author and it didn’t seem like it
was something people like me would do. After
my own kids were born, the dream was sparked
again and I decided to go for it,” Diaz Gonzalez
said.

Not every author is the same when it comes
to their writing process. In regards to her own
unique writing process, Diaz Gonzalez says, “I
usually start with a vague idea regarding the
plot of the book and then the characters begin
to show up in my imagination and introduce
themselves. It’s at this point that I start ‘listen-
ing’ to the characters and have them guide me
in telling the story. I rarely have a fully devel-
oped outline of what the story will look like.”

As the visit is coming up, Diaz Gonzalez says
she is excited to see everyone.

“I can’t wait to meet all of you when I visit
Tallahassee!”

James Henry efforts recognized, named Employee of the Year

Anjali Jain · News Editor The Florida School-Related Employee of the
Year program, according to the Florida Depart-
Teaching Assistant James Henry was chosen ment of Education, “recognizes outstanding
as the Florida School-Related Employee of the educational support personnel for the significant
Year, and is being recognized for all his contri- contributions they make to their schools and
butions. district school systems.” Henry was chosen
from among five finalists out of the 74 district
Henry, an employee of Florida High since school-related employees in the state of Florida.
2017, was nominated by and represented Flori-
da High and the Florida State University com- Henry also created the K-Mentor Program
munity for the District Award. alongside Kevin Helms, the Dean of High
School Discipline at Florida High, and has
Henry started working at the school as a sub- widely contributed to the FSUS Employment
stitute teacher four years ago, and was hired as Education Career EXPO, been a chaperone
a Teaching Assistant in 2018. However, Henry for many school events, supervised Friday
has since shown that he is more than the aver- night football games, and recently launched
age staff member. the “Walk to Success Shoe Closet.” This is an
initiative that supplies families affected by the
“I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. pandemic or otherwise going through difficult
Henry for several years at FSUS and we can economic times with shoes and socks.
always count on him to go above and beyond in
every duty,” says Megan Crombie, Teacher of “This has been a tough year for everyone,
the Year finalist and Florida High math teacher.

Courtesy Photo
Henry shows off his eccentric socks and personality.

but when you have great people around you, it’s
a wonderful thing,” says Henry.

Henry’s nomination as the Florida
School-Related Employee of the Year was
well-earned and highly supported by the local
community.

“So many students have benefitted from his
mentoring program and shoe closet donations.
When teachers need support, he is always there
to jump in and help because he loves FSUS
students so much,” says Crombie.

Courtesy Photo
Henry wins Florida School-Related Employee of the Year, FSUS staff members come out to support his achievement.

THE TOMAHAWK TALK STAFF

News Staff Head Managment Features Staff

Anjali Jain News Editor Holly Majszak Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Kruger Features Editor
Bryce Kelley
Megan Nguyen Jalieah Darrisaw Editor-in-Chief Kiersten Shaw Madalyn Friemoth
Megan Nguyen Assistant Editor
Ay’keelah Green Nix Wimberly Saumyaa Misra

Editorials Staff Amelie Pelham Managing Editor Sports Staff

Benjamin Kyvik Editorials Editor Bryce Kelley Sports Editor

Ayden Mohammed Lucy Rushing Chief Advisor Keegan Flury Sydney Moore

Hannah Hamilton Linea Henry Christine Russell [email protected] Isaiah Young Graham Senior

THE TOMAHAWK TALK EDITORIAL POLICY

This paper is dedicated to giving students a forum by which to express views as part of education and in preparation for life in a democratic society.
The Tomahawk Talk is an award-winning newspaper and member publication of the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA), American Scholastic Press As-
sociation (ASPA), and Quill and Scroll Honor Society. Views expressed don’t necessarily reflect the views of the Florida State University Schools Administration,

faculty, staff or of Florida’s schools. The newspaper staff encourages letter to the editor as a means of expressing constructive opinions on articles, photographs
or editorials that have appeared in the newspaper. However, to be considered for publication, the letter must be signed and 300 words or less. It should also be
understood that due to the space limitations not all letters can be published. The editor also reserves the right to edit all letters for space in the paper so long as
the meaning of the letter remains unchanged. No material, opinion, or otherwise, will be printed which is libelous, irresponsible or which the staff considers to be

in poor taste. For advertisement information, and to submit letters, contact the advisor. Tomahawk Talk email: [email protected]

October 2021 Page 3: Editorials

Zodiac signs are innaccurate

Ill-defined and nonspecific horoscopes are unreliable

There are 12 zodiac signs each corresponding to a range of dates, and each with their own
respective personalities. The 12 zodiacs that make up the astrological signs are Aries, Taurus,
Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Saggitarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Astro-
logical charts are based on birthdays and consist of 12 houses, each corresponding to a planet.
Each planet details a different aspect of life, and there are multiple different signs throughout each
chart to give an accurate representation of both personality and actions.

Amelie Pelham · Managing Editor able information, they use these signs to create

Zodiac signs are an intriguing subject. They an unrealistic and therefore questionable pic- Art By Holly Majszak
separate people into trait-based groups by birth ture of a person by referencing pre-fabricated The 12 zodiac signs are grouped into four elements (in
month, and determine a person’s attributes personality traits that can be found anywhere on
based only on the path of the sun past different the internet.
constellations throughout the year. However
as interesting as they may be, one thing is for Horoscopes, in fact, have been rejected by
certain: they aren’t real. the scientific community as being unsubstanti-
ated, and astrology has been concluded to have
Astrological signs and their descriptions are no real universal influence or accuracy. The
determined by celestial movements and con- movement of the stars and planets and their
stellations. The signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, corresponding zodiac signs have no impact on
Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Saggitarius, people’s personalities, nor do they have any
Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. correlation to someone’s actions or relation-
ships.
Horoscope summaries consist of statements
and descriptions so general that they are able to According to the Astrology Zodiac Signs
be applied to the majority of the population, and website, Pisces are supposed to be “compas-
therefore seem relatable - to everyone. How- sionate, artistic, intuitive, gentle, wise, [and]
ever, zodiac signs create inaccurate represen- musical.” As a Pisces, I can agree that some of
tations of people and their characteristics that these characteristics fit me - but so can almost
can lead to unfounded drama and division based everyone else. Half of these descriptors are
solely on the alignment of the stars in far-away right, while others are completely wrong, and
galaxies. therein lies the secret; if you make a list of ad-
jectives so long and all-encompassing, everyone
Living up to the expectations of a person- is very likely to have at least one matching trait.
ality created by these generic descriptions is
attainable; everyone is meant to be able to relate To give an example, one of my best friends
to their horoscope in one way or another. How- is a Virgo, and should be “loyal, analytical,
ever, people that adopt certain characteristics kind, hardworking, [and] practical,” as well as
or change personalities to better fit their zodiac “overly critical of [her]self and others.” She
description are trying too hard to fit into super- fits many of the brackets; she is a loyal friend,
fluous societal groups and expectations. and one of the kindest, most positive people I
have ever met. However, I have never heard
These expectations seem more relevant now, her denounce a single soul, so if she ever starts
as social media platforms such as TikTok, Ins- criticizing me, I’ll know the horoscopes have
tagram, and Snapchat are composed of a large gone to her head.
amount of horoscope-related posts. Due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a boom Meanwhile, my other best friend is a Scor-
in astrological content, spread more often than pio, and shows no signs of malice or violence,
not by Gen Z’ers. Some platforms even have as supposedly prophesied by the stars. These
features that promote the belief in horoscopes. irregular patterns of the foretold traits being
either eerily accurate or blaringly false shows
Snapchat has a fairly new feature that allows how arbitrary and incalculable horoscopes truly
users to read about both their friends’ and their are.
own zodiac signs. Basically, Snapchat uses your
birth date to tell you your innermost ambitions If you don’t believe me, here is a simple test
and enlighten you on your own personality of astrological accuracy: go online and see how
traits while also offering compatibility readings, many zodiac signs you fit; I guarantee that it
creating more unnecessary drama. won’t just be your own.

On that note, zodiac signs tend to create At this point, one thing should be clear: zo-
extraneous and unsupported judgements of diac signs are not to be trusted. Just remember
others. Individuals can be predisposed to dislike to not let these so-called fortune tellers cloud
certain people based only on their astrological your judgment nor change your views of others.
signs, and not true personal interaction. In other Always remain open-minded, and don’t let a
words, people use zodiac symbols to judge their constellation change your future.
compatibility with others, and by using unreli-

order from top to bottom): fire, water, earth, and air.

Space Tourism: Civilians travel to space without training

Courtesy Photo The trip was paid for by a billionaire named substantial progress in space travel. Instead of
Members (left to right) Christopher Sembroski, Sian Jared Isaacman. Though the price isn’t known, doing the same things that have already been
Proctor, Jared Isaacman, and Hayley Arceneaux prepare it likely cost over a hundred million dol- done dozens of times before, this time with peo-
for their trip into space aboard SpaceX’s Inspiration4. lars-over eight-hundred times the amount of ple who have no experience as astronauts, we
money the average American has. could attempt new things, like going to other
Benjamin Kyvik · Editorial Editor planets, and ultimately, attempting to travel to
A few weeks earlier, Richard Branson, a bil- a completely different solar system. There is
The topic of space tourism has been re- lionaire with a history of tax evasion, and Jeff progress in space travel that can and should be
ceiving a lot of attention recently as a major Bezos, the founder of Amazon, who has over made, but sending people with no experience
advancement in space travel, but sending 175 billion dollars, both went to the edge of to places where people have already been isn’t
inexperienced billionaires to the edge of space the atmosphere. After returning to land, Bezos progress at all. It would definitely be useful to
accomplishes very little in reality. sarcastically commented in a press conference, eventually make space travel more accessible
broadcasted by NBC, that he wanted to thank to the average person, but it shouldn’t be a high
Recently, a group of four tourists landed every Amazon employee (many of whom have priority right now when there is much more
near the coast of Florida in a SpaceX capsule. had to urinate in water bottles because bath- important progress that should be made first.
This was the very first time a crew of tourists room breaks were highly discouraged) for the
went to the edge of space. However, due to the money, work, and effort put into Bezos’ trip. Space tourism is mostly just a way to gain
cost, space tourism is still in the quite distant attention for the super-rich by having them
future for most people. Aside from the fact that billionaires are go- make achievements that are rather unremark-
ing to space because they’re willing to use their able compared to the Moon landings in the late
money for just about anything other than im- 60s and early 70s, or the construction of the
proving the lives of the people who worked tire- International Space Station. If astronomers want
lessly to make their boss’ wealth possible, space actual progress to be made, they should focus
tourism in general doesn’t seem very appealing. on finding a way to make the next giant leap for
After all, the farthest place from Earth that mankind by sending astronauts to Mars. If bil-
humans have been to is the Moon, the closest lionaires want actual progress to be made, they
major natural object to the Earth. There is still should focus on improving the lives of their
a lot of progress that needs to be made in space employees on Earth, instead of blasting their
travel, and publicity stunts in which billionaire money into space to distract from the damage
CEOs fly to the edge of space and float around they are causing on the planet they are destroy-
for ten minutes is a step in the wrong direction. ing.

Space tourism is a waste of money and
technology that should instead be used to make

Page 4: Entertainment October 2021

desirableMet Gala fashion: or disastrous

Sydney Moore · Staff Writer the 2000s, found off the Goodwill rack. It was and 1800s housewife going through a midlife
Megan Nguyen · Assistant Editor not Met Gala material. crisis. Levy’s idea behind the outfit was to shine
light on the struggles members of the LGBTQ+
The Met Gala on September 13, was one to re- Kendall Jenner, American model, was wear- community have gone through living in Amer-
member. Not because outfits were good or bad, ing a fabulous Givenchy dress embellished with ica. He later said on his Instagram “Its what a
but because there was no in between, the outfits rhinestones. The dress was inspired by Audrey gay superhero would wear.”
were either stunning or absolutely terrible. Hepburn’s dress in “My Fair Lady.”
Hailee Steinfeld, American actress, wore an
The theme this year was “American Inde- Samantha Johnson, junior, said, “It was a Iris Van Herpe dress and Jimmy Choo shoes.
pendence,” and was interpreted in many differ- really good look for the Met Gala. It wasn’t too The dress was appropriate for the event, even
ent ways. much or too little.” though it seemed simple to some. Steinfield
made a risky choice by wearing a short dress,
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, congresswoman, The dress was very appropriate for the Met but it came out beautiful. The shoes and hair
shocked many with her bold outfit choice. Gala and was on theme. It was classy, trendy compliment the colors in the dress. Overall a
and elegant. good look.
Ocasio-Cortez wore a white dress with
bright red text on the back that said, “tax the Dan Levy, Canadian actor, wore Loewe and Whether you’re attending the event or sitting
rich.’’ The dress seemed very bland for the his outfit was definitely interesting. at home refreshing Vogue, the Met Gala is an
event. The idea was there, but the execution exciting annual event that showcases both inter-
was not. “It wouldn’t have been that bad without the esting and glamorous outfits.
sleeves,” Allen said.
“It looks like a prom dress that someone
vandalized,”said Carly Allen, junior. The sleeves were puffy and had images of
the world map on them. They were very large
It almost looked like a wedding dress from and did not go with the rest of Levy’s outfit.
The components of the outfit gave businessman

Dan Levy Hailee Steinfield Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Kendall Jenner

Broadway reopens, actors return to stage

Saumyaa Misra · Staff Writer precaution. I think mandating vaccines will Courtesy Photo By Allie Monalo
Broadway shows were shut down on March 12, bring the risk of transmission way down,” said Allie Monalo goes to view Broadway musical “Wicked.”
2020, because of COVID-19. After a year, all Allie Manalo, senior.
performances are now open to the public once
again. Broadway opening back up has given many
people jobs that they had lost during the pan-
It has been confirmed by The New York demic.
Times that for all performances, audience mem-
bers, cast, crew, and theatre staff must be fully “I’m so excited that the shows are opening
vaccinated by October 31, 2021. back because I know so many of the people who
worked in these shows were left without jobs for
The theater industry already had been taking so long during covid so it’s amazing they get to
steps to reduce the risk of infection of COVID- go back to doing what they love, ” said Manalo.
19 by adding hand sanitizer dispensers, more
frequently cleaning seats, barring backstage Now that Broadway shows are opening back
visits and stage door interactions, and trying up, many people have started attending them.
to make the overall Broadway experience more Florida State University Schools plans on taking
safe in light of the pandemic. the senior class to see the Broadway production
of “Wicked” in New York.
“I know for Broadway shows the rule is that
you have to be vaccinated to get in. That being “I like watching Broadway shows because I
said, I think it’s great that they are taking that enjoy watching people on stage portraying dif-
ferent characters. The singing and dancing are
so fun to watch” said Victoria Holt, junior.

Big Time Rush makes big time comeback

The band Big Time Rush was put together “I can remember loving watching the show,
as the focus of “Big Time Rush,” a Nickelodeon it always had good music,” said Amelia Wass de
show, but it became more for many. The band is Czege, sophomore.
composed of four main characters, Carlos, Ken-
dall, James, and Logan. The show successfully Over the pandemic the band has decided
completed 4 seasons from 2009-2013, centered to reunite for two more shows this December
around the storyline of four hockey players in New York. They announced their reunion
from Minnesota who made it “Big Time ‘’ when through a short film showcasing the members
they wooed an LA producer (Gustavo Rock), before bringing them back together. However,
and began banking off documenting the journey many fans are curious as to why they are getting
of the band. In addition, for the start of the TV back together now.
show, they released albums and held concerts,
creating a large fandom of teenage millennials. “The pandemic made a lot of people go back
“I watched the show as I was growing up with and feel that nostalgia and now they are cashing
my sister and our friends,” Amanda Dioguardi, in on it. Honestly good for them. They deserve
secondary math instructor and millennial, said. to make money off the fact that “oh oh oho
Courtesy Photo While the band’s original fandom was ohhhhhhhh’’ plays in my head at least 15 times a
Big Time Rush’s first self titled album released in 2010. composed of teenage millennials, over the day,” said Dioguardi in regards to their reunion.
COVID-19 pandemic the band has increased
Holly Majszak · Co-Editor-in-Chief its following as many Gen-Z have taken it upon Regardless of why the band got back together
many are still excited for the reunion shows and
The early 2010s boy band Big Time Rush, a themselves to watch the series over quarantine. the chance to live out their dreams and see them
favorite among millennials, has returned for a The new viewers have fallen in love with the for the first time, relive a memory from a past
two-show reunion this December in New York four members and joined the fandom with the concert, or make new memories to reminisce
about in later years.

after an eight-year hiatus. long standing fans as well.

October 2021 Page 5: Features

Dia de los Muertos

Spiritual connection between the living, deceased

Megan Nguyen ·Assistant Editor

Dia de los Muertos, otherwise known as Day

of the Dead, is a two-day Mexican holiday that

connects families back to their deceased loved

ones.

Dia de los Muertos has been a Mexican

tradition for hundreds of years. According to

History.com, the earliest tie to the holiday in-

volved the Aztec people located in present day

Central Mexico. The Aztecs used skulls in order

to honor those who have died.

“The Dia de los Muertos is a tradition that

comes from before Christopher Columbus,”

said Maria Elena Villagrana, Spanish teacher at

Florida State University Schools (FSUS).

Villagrana has celebrated Dia de los Muer- Courtesy Photo

tos for years, but stopped once she came to the During Dia de los Muertos the ofrenda displays favorite food and drink as well as other objects to honor the deceased.
Marigolds represent the fragility of life, and the papel picado adorns the ofrenda to represent the arrival of loved ones.
United States. The holiday is for families to
come together and remember those who have [holiday], and the first day we remember the ba- factual, but shines more light on the holiday
passed away. There’s usually a table set with
pictures of their loved ones with flowers ar- bies or children who were not able to be born,” than it had before.
ranged around them, and they also cook their
passed on family members’ favorite foods. De- said Villagrana. “In the United States they don’t show the
spite the name “Day of the Dead,” the holiday
is actually a two day event. The second day is about remembering the spiritual aspect of it [Dia de los muertos],” said

“It’s not just one day, it’s a multiple day adults who have passed. In recent years the Villagrana.

holiday has received more media coverage. The Dia de los Muertos has been celebrated for

Disney movie “COCO” came out in 2017 and is years and continues to be a loved holiday. The

about a young boy and his journey through the holiday connects people to their past loved ones

“land of the dead.” The movie isn’t completely and is an important part of Mexican culture.
Majszak: Your costume’s a joke, try harder

Holly Majszak · Co-Editor-in-Chief letter m, knee high socks, and tulle tutus. They the Joker. Harley Quinn fell into toxic waste to
may think they were clever recreating a favorite become who she is now and, this costume only
As we draw further into fall, the scent of candy, but in actuality it comes off as unoriginal reinforces the image that the relationship is
pumpkin spice surrounds us, the leaves change and childish; not to mention the fact this cos- toxic too.
color, and Halloween draws near bringing with tume requires almost no effort!
it horrendously overdone and cringey costumes. In regards to this year’s overdone and appall-
One of my favorite categories, couples ing costume, my prediction is the ever trendy
In my opinion, we need to discuss the clearly costumes, boasts countless opportunities to pick couple John B. and Sarah Cameron from the
repeated costumes we see year after year that cringey costumes, and people fall into them popular Netflix show Outer Banks. As everyone
constantly prove just how abhorrent they are. every year. For your generic couples costumes, aspires to be this beach couple, we are likely to
both the zombie/cheerleader and angel/devil see many variations of them. While some may
In an attempt to be cool and mock Greek duos fall short. The angel/devil duo seems last pull off the look, some will end up falling into
life, those who go trick or treating alone may minute and plain basic. What’s creative about the crowd of wannabes.
choose the popular frat boy costume. However, wearing all white or all red?
is there a need to mock them if they are already While I have covered many costume crimes,
a joke? Couples costumes have many newer varia- there is a crime that tops them. Not dressing
tions including some character pairs. In recent up at all. This is arguably the worst option as,
Those wanting to take on more tradition- years duos have chosen the more scandalous Halloween is the one chance every year to dress
al and eerie costumes might choose a clown. approach and gone as Hugh Hefenr and the up and go get free candy. Sometimes I wonder
Besides the lack of creativity this costume also Playboy bunny. If that wasn’t bad enough, it is if those who don’t go realize this; I mean who
had the tendency to scare people which might arguably worse when the roles are flipped and doesn’t want free candy?
result in bodily harm as their natural reaction is I have to look at a guy wearing the Playboy
to punch you. bunny costumes (for the record, the bunny tail This year I encourage everyone to seize the
is not flattering boys). opportunity to dress up and go trick or treating.
For those who travel as a group be aware I only ask that you stay away from the cringey
of the atrocious costumes that are overdone as Another favorite duo is Harley Quinn and costumes.
well. Specifically the m&m candies, repeatedly
recreated with t-shirts monogrammed with the

What is your favorite spooky season film?

Hannah Hamilton · Staff Writer

Nyla Ware · Senior Mark Faircloth · Sophomore Ryen Burgess · Sophomore

The Chucky Movies The Shining Happy Death Day

Page 6: Features October 2021

FSUS student-run businesses seek to help community

Photo By Saumyaa Misra imagine not having shoes to wear and imme- Courtesy Photo
Jean-Louis reaches out to community through non-profit. diately knew I wanted to donate shoes. It was Ryland photographs products to promote on social media.
also then when I began thinking of different
Holly Majszak · Co-Editor-In-Chief ways that I could give and have an opportunity Jean-Louis are dedicated to reaching their
to show someone who may not feel loved and demographics while also helping the commu-
Many of FSUS’s students are not only aca- cared for that if no one else does, I care.” said nity. They both utilize social media platforms
demic leaders, but young entrepreneurs helping Jean-Louis. in order to reach their desired audience. Jean
their communities by starting both non-profits Louis utilizes Youtube, Facebook, Instagram,
and student owned businesses that help them Currently the organization is focused on LinkedIn, in addition to her own website.
share dreams with their passion. caregiving and providing help to sick, aging, or Here she posts content from her podcast which
disabled loved ones. As these young caregivers inspires and motivates others. She also shares
Kaylin Jean-Louis, junior, has founded a take on the role of caring for someone else, the power posts with a goal to empower those who
non-profit organization called Kaylin’s Caring organization makes sure they feel supported and read them.
Konnection, Inc. dedicated to touching the cared for as well.
lives of many by showing love and support. Ryland takes a similar approach to market-
The organization has reached out through their “Through the KCK Youth Caregiver Move- ing her business by utilizing Instagram, Twitter,
events such as their annual “12 Days of Caring” ment, we are able to provide four aspects to and Facebook. Her posts consist of skincare
event for the holidays. More recently they were youth caregivers: Care, Konnection, Advocacy, tips and tricks that her customers can use with
able to donate $700 to the TMH Foundation and Education.” said Jean-Louis. her products. This page is also where she posts
Healthcare Heroes such as healthcare workers sales and promotions for her products.
who deal with those affected by the COVID-19 In the future she hopes to reach more peo-
pandemic. Jean-Louis created the organization ple with her Caring Konnection by moving her Ryland and Jean-Louis are both accom-
on a mission to make sure everyone feels cared organization abroad. plished students who have taken the initiative to
for, her reason fueled by a shoe commercial help their community and follow their dreams,
asking for donations on behalf of children who Jean-Louis is not the only student hoping to encouraging others to follow as well.
had none. reach a bigger audience, student Andrea Ry-
land, Junior, is CEO of her own skincare brand “It takes consistency, as well as hard work to
“I was so touched by what I saw, I began to Dips by Drea. Ryland’s skincare brand is an all build a business,” said Ryland.
natural and organic brand that helps girls who
struggle with acne and image problems during
their early teenage years.

“We should embrace our natural, filterless
selves and always remember to never care what
people think, and that male validation is not the
key to happiness,” said Ryland.

Ryland hopes to build her business into a
multi-million dollar company reaching teenage
girls across the globe.

“I hope to build my platform and to let girls
know how beautiful they are with or without
makeup,” said Ryland.

Both young entrepreneurs Ryland and

Women face unfair conditions, pay in workplace

Nix Wimberly · Staff Writer pathology and go back to assuming I’m just a
researcher because of my gender.”

Dr. Erin Carlquist, dermatopathologist and Dr. Carlquist believes that one of the only

medical director at Ketchum, Wood, and Bur- ways to resolve this issue is to work on balanc-

gert Pathology, got her job in 2018 after many ing out the ratio of men to women in all profes-

years in medical school, but still faces discrim- sions.

ination in and outside of the workplace due to “It’s ingrained in our culture and our expec-

sexism. tations for men and women. I think it especially

According to Practicaldermatology.com, affects the pay gap between mothers and single

dermatopathology is a generally male-dominat- males.” Dr. Carlquist claims.

ed profession with about 60% of workers being “One of the biggest things right now isn’t

male and about 40% being female. For many necessarily being a female in a male-dominated

women in this profession, this may mean facing field, it’s being a mother in a male-dominated

issues such as unpaid maternity leave. Mater- field. I’m having to balance all the extras that

nity leave is one of the main reasons that many come with being a mom during the work day,

professions discriminate and more reluctantly Photo By Nix Wimberly and I think that that has a big difference than the

hire women, due to the fact that they don’t want Dr. Carlquist on women’s work in male-dominated fields. men in the practice. I think it makes me more

to have to pay them while they aren’t working. female-dominated such as dermatology. efficient,” Dr Carlquist says.

“There are people who are asked to sell their Even while applying for her current job, this Many women face similar struggles in other

portion of the company to their partners and question was often asked, and Dr. Carlquist fields, and the only way to eradicate these

buy it back when they start working again” stat- responded with “I pursued this position because problems is to enforce equal treatment and

ed Dr. Carlquist in relation to maternity leave that was my field of interest.” discontinue gender biases in all environments,

issues. Carlquist also deals with discrimination and especially professional ones. “Trying to not

While in medical school, Dr. Carlquist says sexism ouside of work and claims that, “people have professional roles that are more specific

she was questioned by professors and peers assume that I’m not actually a doctor and when to women or men is really important.” says Dr.
alike as to why she was pursuing dermatopa- I try to explain; they don’t know much about Carlquist.

thology and not a field that was generally more

Asian community faces new challenges in wake of COVID-19

Megan Ngyuen · Assistant Editor

Asian Americans have experienced a high Courtesy Photo
level of hate crimes for years now. In 2020 Asian women protest against stereotypes put on them by society, including the blame for the COVID-19 pandemic.
the number of hate crimes rose to the highest
amount there had ever been. COVID-19 was These stereotypes, while not seeming harm- this as the total number of hate crimes against
one of the main contributors to the large jump ful, put an immense amount of pressure on Asian Americans, this isn’t an accurate amount
in numbers. Asians to fit these stereotypes in order to be ac- due to fears of coming forward and reporting
cepted by society. Putting pressure on a whole the crimes.
COVID-19 was believed to have started in group of people to be what they are supposed
China, and this created a false narrative that the to be is unacceptable. According to The Wash- “I believe everyone should be treated equal-
pandemic was at the fault of all Asian people. ington Post, the federal agency reported 7,759 ly,” said Lin. While Asian Americans continue
According to the Washington Post, hate crimes hate crimes against Asian Americans last year to undergo numerous amounts of hate, many
went up six percent since 2019 and are at the alone. While the federal agency documented still show their pride in being who they are.
highest percentage since 2008. Some Asians
have taken safety precautions to avoid hate “I am very proud to be a Japanese Asian and
crimes. it hurts me to hide it because of this,” said Vos.

Maddox Vos, sophomore, said, “During Jap-
anese holidays my mother usually decorates the
house... recently she put less decorations than
usual.” Vos didn’t think much of this at first but
after giving it more thought she realized that the
reason for this is probably to draw less attention
to their home to keep them safe. Asian Ameri-
cans still had to deal with hate crimes before the
COVID-19 pandemic.

“Asian Americans have had to undergo
many harmful stereotypes like, we are all smart
and all supposed to be skinny,” said Isabel Lin.

October 2021 Page 7: Features

Transgender athletes advocate for equality

Nix Wimberly · Staff Writer

Students interviewed in this article have cho- Courtesy Photo
sen to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity
of the topic. The transgender flag is made of three colors: pink to represent girls, blue to represent boys, and white for transition.

Transgender athletes have faced discrimi- them closer in strength to the gender the person preferred gender.
nation in sports for the entirety of their career,
mainly due to laws supporting the idea that they is transitioning into, changing them physically “Gender euphoria is very important, it
are aiming to cheat.
and mentally as well. strengthens me as an athlete, a person, and a
Laws fighting against transgender athletes
are in action in over 25 states throughout the According to ScienceDaily.com, “New re- student,” said Anonymous.
United States. Florida itself had a law passed
on the first day of Pride Month aiming to stop search published in the current issue of Biolog- Many people believe that the laws discrimi-
transgender students in public schools from
playing on the team with their preferred gender. ical Psychiatry indicates that hormonal treat- nating against transgender people are unfair and

“I’ve always struggled with the concept of ments also alter brain chemistry.” that the NCAA isnt doing enough to advocate
boys versus girls, because I never knew where
I fit on the spectrum, sports or not,” an anony- Transitioning with help from hormones can for their transgender athletes.
mous source claims.
greatly impact a person’s mental health. Hor- “My body, my mind, my choice. It’s my life
These laws were proposed because some
people believe that transgender individuals, mone therapy commonly effects a transgender to live, and I’m stronger than you may think,”
women in particular, are trying to cheat when
they attempt to join their preferred team. Some person’s gender dysphoria/euphoria, and so can Anonymous said.
of these laws go against the NCAA’s, (National
Collegiate Athletic Association) rules. Many things such as joining sports teams with their
people say that a solution to this may be to have
the athlete be on gender affirming hormones
for a certain amount of time, which has been
proven to change a person’s physiology making

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Teachers speak on working with special needs students

Courtesy Photo Thomas has worked with children with
Down syndrome awareness is represented by both blue and yellow; to show support many people wear these colors. autism, so the opportunity to work with a child
with Down syndrome was of interest. Thomas
Keegan Flury · Staff Writer has been working with a student who has Down has learned a lot throughout the experience, but
Down Syndrome Awareness Month, created syndrome for about two years. the main thing is how necessary it is to include
in the 1980s, celebrates people with Down syn- children with disabilities in the classroom.
drome and helps others become aware of their “Students with disabilities still like to do
abilities and accomplishments. everything an average student likes to do. They “I think it’s a really good experience for other
Sylvia Thomas is a Teaching Assistant and like to laugh, they like to have fun and they like children to be exposed to a child with a disabil-
to learn,” said Thomas. ity such as this because they learn that children
are different,” said Thomas.

Beverly Faxon-Burnett, the high school Ex-
ceptional Student Education teacher, additional-
ly worked with a child who has Down syndrome
over the summer.

“It was enlightening, but required a lot of en-
couragement and patience,” said Faxon-Burnett.

When reflecting on their experience with
Down syndrome, Burnett commented on Down
syndrome students’ ability to learn.

“The one thing I would like people to take
away is that all children can learn. It may be at
a different pace, but all children can learn,” said
Faxon-Burnett.

Normalizing mental health critical for society to move forward

Alyssa Kruger · Features Editor

Many people experience mental health Courtesy Photo
concerns and Jennifer Kinney, Student Services
Director and School Counselor says in order to Mental health is important to teenagers in order for them to grow their minds, and flourish as people in the real world.
normalize getting the help needed, the stigma
surrounding it needs to be reduced. ing that,” stated Kinney. help, the better the result, don’t procrastinate,
“Mental health is probably the most im- don’t delay it, recognize it for what it is, talk
“To normalize mental health, I think talking to a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a counselor,
about it, reducing the stigma, and realizing that portant thing in our society. If people’s mental someone to let them know that you are having
mental health is common and mental health health declined, everything would decline,” said a tough time, so that we can help get you the
concerns are common. Taking away the bad freshman Rachel Baggerly. resources to help you back on the right path,¨
stigmas is the biggest thing for me, realize it’s Kinney said.
out there, let’s embrace it, and let’s find ways to Kinney has advice for people struggling with
help,” said Kinney. their mental health. “You can get through it. Don’t give up,” said
Baggerly.
Kinney says that she thinks the ideas of per- ¨I would encourage them to get help. The
sonal mental health will be normalized. research is out there that the sooner they get

“The more that we talk about it and the more
that social media puts it out there, because now
I have seen a lot on commercials that are using
actors and people that we know to talk about
mental health and kind of making it accept-
able like this something you may be struggling
with, let’s accept it and lets come together as a
community, as people, and let’s help each other.
I think it will be normalized as long as people
keep advocating for it.”

It’s extremely important to make everyone
feel comfortable if they’re experiencing mental
health concerns and to help them in any way.

¨It is important so that people aren’t embar-
rassed, scared, or feeling like they are alone. A
lot of it is students, adults, and people feel like
they are the only ones going through it, that
they will be singled out, or they will be ridiculed
or made fun of or looked at differently for hav-

Page 8: Sports October 2021

Faith, Family, Football

Bobby Bowden touches many lives, legacy lives on

Bryce Kelley · Co-Editor-in-Chief Courtesy Photo
Bobby Bowden left a legacy like no other Bowden leads his 1993-1994 team to win at the Orange Bowl against Nebraska for FSU’s first national championship.
at Florida State University with his brilliant
coaching, and his teachings on “faith, family, was more than just something he preached to “He put having a family environment as a
football.” his players and others around him; it was what priority, which is very important to me now as a
His presence transcended the football field he truly lived by. Bowden was up front about coach. Bowden always said to compete and be
and into the hearts and homes of the many his faith and he did not compromise in that brothers on and off the field and I believe those
players and staff that he touched. More than just area—he was also known to speak at several things contributed to his years of success as
a coach, Bowden was a role model and father different churches throughout the southeast. head coach,” said Ward.
figure to his players. He was a personable man
who cared deeply for his community. Bowden “He lived by that slogan as long as I’ve Bowden coached the Florida State football
was an amazing person who pushed those known him. He expected other people around team through the program’s first national cham-
around them to be the best possible version of him to honor that,” said former head football pionship win in the 1993 season. Ward was
themselves. coach and now middle school football coach at the starting quarterback and helped the team
“While he left a legacy of winning at Florida FSUS, Mike Hickman. through a tight game that ended with a memo-
State University, he created a culture of faith rable victory, the final score being 18-16. Ward
and family for the team,” said Heisman trophy Bowden’s faith is inspirational to many says a moment he will never forget with coach
winner and former FSU quarterback and point Christians because he was all in with his rela- Bowden is him “getting doused at the end of
guard, Charlie Ward. tionship to God. When you look at both current such an amazing game.”
Coach Bowden won a lot of football games, and former players and coaches that viewed
but his real legacy was being a great role model Bowden as an influential figure in their lives, “He was a great man of faith and he made
for so many around him. Bowden put his faith you can see how far his legacy reaches. The an impact on quite a few people. Not just on the
and commitment to God at the center of his life. locker room speeches by Bowden are still players and coaches, but on his community,”
Bowden’s saying of “faith, family, football” used to this day as inspiration for Florida State said Ward.
University’s football team. Bowden’s ability to
Courtesy Photo convey emotion and purpose is like no other, “Big time players
Mike Hickman coahces alongside Bowden as an assistant and he rallied the team during tough situations
coach at West Virginia University from 1967-1971. throughout his many years of coaching, bring- make big time plays.”
ing the team together during setbacks.
- Bobby Bowden
Watching him coach his players through var-
ious obstacles and games that seemed impossi- Bowden left a legacy of greatness at Florida
ble to win was exhilarating to watch. Bowden State during his 34 years of coaching that will
led his teams to victory in a total of 377 games never be forgotten. The Florida State communi-
in his career, including two national titles at ty will remember Bowden as one of the great-
Florida State. He also guided Florida State to 27 est people to ever step foot in Doak Campbell
consecutive post-season bowl games. Stadium.

Creating a culture of family was also a prior-
ity to Bowden during his time coaching at FSU.

Volleyball seniors take one last ride as Seminoles

Ay’keelah Green · Staff Writer scholarship offers.
“The highlight of my volleyball year has
In the face of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the
Florida State University Schools (FSUS) Varsi- been getting offers and talking to colleges,” said
ty Volleyball team has come together to create a Kieonna Mackey, senior.
family atmosphere.
Senior night is all about hard work and ded-
In preparation for senior night, Head Volley- ication.
ball Coach Sheila Roberts said, “Our goal is to
be the best team we can be everyday.” “I expect them to show up everyday with
the same championship mentality. Regardless
The FSUS volleyball team has come togeth- of who we are playing, practice days and game
er to make a better bond on and off the court. days,” said Roberts.
The seniors have played for Roberts since their
freshman year. The seniors on the team have had many
years to become united and have made them-
“This will be a collection of precious mem- selves and their peers better at communication
ories from past years, and the whole team is like as well improving the team’s positive attitudes.
family,” said Roberts.
“They are extraordinary young women who
Senior night is also important for other I have been blessed to know,” said Roberts.
things like looking forward to recruitment and
Photo By Holly Majszak
Coach Roberts helps her seniors take on their last season.

Womens golf team hires new coach, All-American Jamie Li

Keegan Flury · Staff Writer Jamie Li started playing golf when he was Photo By Saumyaa Misra
10, hitting balls into a net in his backyard. “I Jamie Li takes on role of Florida High girls golf coach.
The Florida High Women’s Golf team ac- didn’t really start getting into it until I was
quired a new coach, Jamie Li, this season after about 14,” Li said. to coach people with what they have and help
the departure of the previous coach last year. develop their own skills,” said Li.
“When I came into the job it wasn’t sure as
The new coach, Jamie Li, moved to the US to where we were at, but I was certainly im-
from Bath, England to attend FSU and play for pressed the first time I saw all of the players,”
their men’s golf team. said Li.

“As soon as I finished playing at Florida When asked for his objective this season, Li
State, I was alerted to the opportunity of coach- said, “I would love for the team to win districts;
ing the girls team,” said Li. that’s the number one goal.” The team is gener-
ally young which leaves a lot of potential.
In the credentials department, Li had it all.
“He was an All American NCAA golfer who Cannon Ramsey, a current golf player, made
was also pursuing his license to become a pro a comment on how technical of a coach he is.
golf instructor.” said Anothony Robinson,
FSUS athletic director who was in charge of “Breaking down the process has really
deciding the coach. helped my game,” said Ramsey.

“Some factors that stood out to me about Li “The way I see golf is that there’s a lot of
was his knowledge of the game and his back- different ways to swing a club and there’s a
ground credentials,” said Robinson. lot of different ways to play the game. I like