PoincianaPoint.comVol. 4 Issue 2 2300 S. Poinciana Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34758Nov. 20, 2013

Photographer Emily Kersey

Girl

PowerPg. 4

Molly:Not so innocent. Pg. 3

It's a Band thing. Pg. 6

Fro Yo

WarsPg. 7

2CalendarNovember 2013 PoincianaPoint.com

Arlene RoqueEditor in Chief

Rebecca PierreEditor at Large

Sierra BarberManaging Editor

STAFFRonquaya Andrews

Alyssa JaimeEmily Kersey

Jose LugoAnge Noel

Khalil OliverDestiny Oyola

Skye Meagan PaganJasmine Rosell

Aiyana RuizElijah Thelusma

Katrina Wickham

Adviser: Jim Ellis

PoincianaNews@gmail.comPhone: (407) 870-4860 X03653

2300 S Poinciana Blvd.Kissimmee, FL 34758

The Point is a member of the Florida Scholastic

Press Association and

McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

C a L e N d A r EVENT WHEN WHERE MORE INFO

BOY’S SOCCEREagles vs. Sebring

BOY’S SOCCER: Eagles vs. Tenoroc

GIRL’S SOCCER: Eagles vs. Lake Wales

BOY’S BASKETBALL: Eagles vs. Winter Haven

GIRL’S SOCCER:Eagles vs. Auburndale

Talent Show

BOY’S BASKETBALL:Eagles vs. Lake Wales

Thanksgiving Break

BOY’S SOCCER:Eagles vs. Hardee

GIRL’S SOCCER: Eagles vs. Tenoroc

BOY’S BASKETBALL:Eagles vs. St. Cloud

GIRL’S SOCCER: Eagles vs. Sebring

BOY’S BASKETBALL: Eagles vs. Tenoroc

BOY’S SOCCER: Eagles vs. Auburndale

BOY’S BASKETBALL: Eagles vs. Lake Region

BOY’S BASKETBALL: Eagles vs. Harmony

GIRL’S SOCCER:Eagles vs. Hardee

Tuesday6 p.m.

Thursday6 p.m.

Nov. 197 p.m.

Nov. 197 p.m.Nov. 217 p.m.Nov. 21 7 p.m.

Nov. 217 p.m.

Nov. 25 - Nov. 29

Dec. 36 p.m.

Dec. 57 p.m.

Dec. 67:30 p.m.

Dec. 106:30 p.m.

Dec. 107 p.m.

Dec. 136 p.m.

Dec. 137:30 p.m.

Dec. 167 p.m.

Dec. 197 p.m.

PHS Soccer Field

PHS Soccer Field

PHS Soccer Field

PHS Gym

PHS Soccer Field

PHS Auditorium

PHS Gym

Poinciana High School

PHS Soccer Field

PHS Soccer Field

PHS Gym

PHS Soccer Field

PHS Gym

PHS Soccer fi eld

PHS Gym

PHS Gym

PHS Soccer Field

Student tickets $5.

Student tickets $5.

Student tickets $5.

Junior varsity begins playing at 5:30 p.m. Adults $4, students $2.

Student tickets $5.

All tickets are $5.

Junior varsity begins playing at 5:30 p.m. Adults $4, students $2.

School holiday for students and teachers.

Student tickets $5.

Student tickets $5.

Junior varsity begins playing at 6 p.m. Adults $4, students $2.

Student tickets $5.

Junior varsity begins playing at 5:30 p.m. Adults $4, students $2.

Student tickets $5.

Junior varsity begins playing at 6 p.m. Adults $4, students $2.

Junior varsity begins playing at 5:30 p.m. Adults $4, students $2.

Student tickets $5.

Molly: New Drug is Dangerous3

PoincianaPoint.comNews

November 2013

Sierra BarberManaging Editor

Miley Cyrus was once best known to the world as Hannah Montana – the cute, innocent character of the hit Disney show that won over young fans nation-wide. And parents loved her too for serving as a source of whole-some entertainment and as a posi-tive role model for young girls. But that was so two years ago. Since the show ended in 2011, Cyrus has revamped her image and dotted headlines for every-thing from racy performances to racy song lyrics. And the latest and perhaps greatest horror to parents are the lyrics in Cyrus’ latest hit song, “We Can’t Stop.” In it, she glamorizes the new drug, Molly, that officials say is emerging in Central Florida. And what’s worse is that Cyrus is just the latest in a long line of mainstream pop icons that are singing about this drug that many parents and teachers have never even heard of. From Rihanna in her hit song,

“Diamonds” to Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa and Lil’ Durk, this new drug is featured prominently in radio friendly songs. And while these celebrities have helped bring the club drug Molly into today’s pop culture, glorifying the drug and entic-ing young people to get wrapped up in the craze, un-fortunately, the life threaten-ing con-sequences of the drug are not so well known and embraced. And the local impact dots the headlines. Such as, the University of Central Florida student, Sebas-tien Salzmann, who was arrested early this year for trafficking large amounts of Molly all the

way from Arizona. And the drugs emergence in Florida even caused Attorney General Pam Bondi to place an emergency ban on it in 2011.

Bondi revisited the issue again in March. “Synthet-ic drugs are extremely dangerous substances that are be-ing mar-keted to our youth,” said Bondi in a statement. “I urge stu-dents across the state to

stay away from these drugs.” Molly is the street name for a drug that is commonly de-scribed as the pure powder form of MDMA, the main chemical in Ecstasy. First introduced in the 1980’s and 90’s, Molly was mainly used in the club scene. Like Ecstasy, Molly is said to give a lengthy, euphoric high with hallucinogenic effects. Those hal-lucinogenic properties are often derived from “bath salts,” which is a synthetic drug that is often part of the Molly drug cocktail. In fact, a spokeperson for the Drug Enforcement Administration said that “Molly” is just a market-ing tool. Molly could consist of a variety of synthetic drugs, said Rusty Payne, a spokesman for the DEA. Bath Salts gained national at-tention several years ago and was dubbed the “zombie drug” due to its horrific effects on its users. Over the last few years, drugs sold under the name Molly or MDMC have completely con-sumed the drug market, Payne said. In some states, says Payne, there has been a 100-fold increase

between the combined number of arrests, seizures, emergency room mentions and overdoses between 2009 and 2012. The drug causes excessive sweating, severe dehydration and acute depression – effects that often result in users winding up in the emergency room, accord-ing to the National Institute of Health. Molly is a drug that appeals to high school and college aged stu-dents, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. And now younger crowds are being lured into the conversation on account of their idols accept-ing the use of the dangerous drug. In Cyrus’ song, “We Can’t Stop,” she sings, “Dancing with Molly, doing whatever we want,” all while the music video portrays very provocative scenes. An unnamed pusher of the drug in Long Beach, Calif., ex-plained in a news interview with a local television station how he took several hits of Molly one evening, and was scared straight and decided to stop for good. “You don’t really know what’s

Nancy Kaszerman/Zuma Press/MCTThe former Disney star of the hit show Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus, is shedding her innocent image and singing about Molly, in her new hit song, “We Can’t Stop”. Molly is a dangerous drug that has many harmful health effects, such as feelings of depression.

Celebrities with mainstream appeal glamorize Molly in song lyrics

going to happen to your body because people don’t really know what it is,” the anonymous drug dealer said in the interview. “And I still don’t know exactly what’s in it.” The drug is commonly thought to be safer than other drugs, but it is actually one of the most sin-ister. Many authorities say they feel celebrities shouldn’t glamor-ize a drug that kills and that fans shouldn’t feel pressured to engage in the use of this potentially lethal drug.

“Synthetic drugs are extremely danger-ous substances that are being marketed to our youth”

~ Attorney General Pam Bondi

Photograph released by Drug Enforcement Agency/Used with permission.

Often taken in pill form, repeated use of “Molly” ultimately may damage the cells that produce serotonin, which has an important role in the regulation of mood, appetite, learning and memory.

At A Glance:FACT: Ninety percent of drug and alcohol addictions begin during the teenage years.

FOR HELP: 1-855-DRUGFREE

WEBSITE: Drugfree.org

4PoincianaPoint.comNovember 2013

CoverFemale Athlete Inspires Other Young Girls

Alyssa JaimeAssistant News Editor

Curious Eagle fans stood at the far end of the football field, each eager to uncover the mysterious identity of a new football player whose jersey bore the number 15. Small in stature, the new player emerged from the fieldhouse, helmet in hand. “Shanecia!” one fan shouted. “I didn’t know you played on the team.” Another fan seemed even more surprised: “What? Number 15 is a girl?” Shanecia Thomas is the school district’s only female playing high school football. And she has become a role model to young girls throughout Poinciana High School. Shanecia Thomas, a 17-year-old PHS senior plays the position of running back as number 15 for the Eagles. Before suiting up, she served as the team manager her sophomore and junior years. “All those years, I never really noticed how much I wanted to play,” Thomas said. “It all finally hit me my senior year when I realized how fast the school year was passing by.” Thomas said she decided to join the team while she still

could. Thomas started her senior year as a football manager once again, filling water bottles and running clean footballs onto the field. But some time in October, a few weeks before Poinciana faced Tenoroc High School, Thomas decided to begin the process of joining the team. “I asked Head Coach Jeff Mathis what it would take to be on the team,” Thomas said. She said Mathis’ answer was simple: Go through the same process the male athletes go through. Fill out the paperwork. Get an athletic physical. Put on the shoulder pads and take the

field for full contact practice.Thomas said it was frustrating waiting on her physical to clear here to play on the football team. The contest against Tenoroc was now just days away and would turn out to become more to Thomas than just another football game. Thomas did not face any ani-mosity from other players, said assistant coach David Ivey. “I didn’t see any indication that the team did not accept her,” Ivey said. “The boys supported her through it all, and I don’t think any of the coaches have ever expected any less of her.” Being what some may call

a tomboy, Thomas said she has never had a problem fitting in with the guys. “I’ve always felt more com-fortable with boys, wrestling and joking around with them,” Thomas said. “I have a majority of male cousins, and they intro-duced me to football.” She said her female cousins would play dolls with her. “But I would always find my-self wanting to be with the guys,” she said. Initially, Thomas started playing football at five years old. She then played flag football on teams that were mostly boys. And just before attending Poinciana High School, Thomas lived in West Palm Beach, Fla., where she played tackle football. It was when Thomas moved to Kissimmee, however, that her football days seemed to vanish. All that changed this year. The first time that Thomas suited up was at Poinciana’s an-nual homecoming game. But she didn’t play. “The first time that I suited up, I was so excited,” Thomas said. “All I kept thinking was, ‘This is my chance to do something great.’ I felt incredible, because I was doing something that even some guys wouldn’t do.”

It would be the following week’s game against Tenoroc High School that would put Thomas to the test. Thomas ran about five plays during the end of the Tenoroc game. Thomas ran the ball once through the middle of the field, making it about two yards and managing a first down for the team. Poinciana blasted through Tenoroc 47-9. Ivey summed up his feelings about Thomas’ performance in five words. “I’m very proud of her,” he said. Thomas said she hopes her accomplishment inspires others to make their dreams come true. “A person shouldn’t let any-thing stop them from doing what they want to do,” Thomas said. One freshman, Solmarie Tor-res, said she has already been inspired to accomplish her goals. “She is a role model,” Torres said. “She had the guts and cour-age to get on the field and play against guys.” Torres credits Thomas for giv-ing her the confidence to try out for the cheerleading team. “I may not have all the experi-ence, but I figured if she could play football, then I could face my fears and try out for the cheer-leading team.”

Student Sound Off

“Girls aren’t supposed to play football. It’s a guy’s sport, and they will get hurt!”

Aaron Wood-Sysol

“A girl playing on the football team shows courage - and add to that that they actually won games this year. She tried to get as much equality as she could. Good for her. She’s treated as if she’s one of the guys.”

Veronica Guivas

“I think it’s good because we don’t often see girls playing football. It’s awesome that girls are stepping up and doing what is stereotypically a boy’s sport.”

Carlos Ortiz Valle

“I’m glad that the football team isn’t being sexist”

Daniel Hernandez

“A girl on the football team shows equality. It shows that she’s not afraid of getting out there. She made a statement, and she showed Poinciana that girls can do it too. I have a lot of respect for her.”

Erica Cardona

Compiled by Katrina Wickham

Photographer Skye Meagan Pagan

During the 2013 football season, Shanecia Thomas (number 15) was the only female football player in Osceola County.

Health Officials: Flu Season is here Khalil OliverNews Reporter

Flu season is upon us and health officials are calling on students to take special precau-tions to avoid the common cold and flu. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. To avoid germs, students should avoid close contact with people who are sick, as well as wash hands with soap and warm water often throughout the day, health officials said. Students should also use hand sanitizer during the day to supplement regular hand wash-ing, health officials said. Students should also avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth since germs can be spread this way as well. If a student catches the com-mon cold, he or she may have a stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing. A cold can last from a few days to up to two weeks, according the Center for Disease Control. The flu, on the other-hand, is plagued with more se-vere symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, headaches and coughing.

Do-It-Yourself Care:

For a sore throat:Gargle with warm salt water or drink warm lemon water with honey.

To relieve congestion:Hold your face over a steaming cup of herbal tea or bouillon or take a warm shower.

5PoincianaPoint.com

NewsNovember 2013

Valencia College to be Built in PoincianaAiyana RuizNews Reporter

The drive for higher educa-tion will shorten for many local students after Valencia College officials continue forward with plans to build a new campus in Poinciana. There is a critical need in the community for access to higher educations, said Kathleen Plin-ske, president for the Osceola and Lake Nona Valencia campuses. “Valencia has submitted an application to the State Board of Education for approval to build a campus in Poinciana,” said Plinske, who said Valencia of-ficials have considered the idea of constructing a Poinciana campus since 2003. “Once we receive approval from the state, we can begin the process of selecting a location for the campus and establishing a vision for the programs that will be offered, Plinske said.” Valencia officials are still attempting to find funding to move forward with construction, said Plinske said, who said the financial strain may postpone the project for three to five years. A Valencia campus in Poin-ciana will be much more conve-nient for many students and this

fact is the biggest motivation for building it, said Lucy Boudet, vice president of marketing and strategic communications for Valencia. “The main reason for seeking to build a campus in Poinciana is how difficult it is for residents in that area to reach our Kis-simmee campus,” Boudet said. “Transportation issues are the primary concern and our highest goal is providing access to higher education for all the residents of Orange and Osceola counties.” Boudet added, “We know that residents of the Poinciana area do not attend college at the same rates as other residents of other

parts of Osceola and Orange counties.” Plinske said she hopes that a Valencia campus will “encourage more students to pursue a higher education.” The Osceola campus opened in 1997 and has proven success-ful. Officials said that this second campus in Osceola will help Va-lencia to reach more people and bolster the number of students who go to college. The new campus will be the sixth Valencia campus and will be able to serve about 4,000 students. The first work of construc-tion will be a building about

Submitted PhotoPlans are moving forward to build a campus for Valencia College in Poinciana. The new campus will be the sixth campus for Valen-cia College and will be able to serve about 4,000 students.

60,000-square-feet to house classrooms, laboratories, and a small library, among other things, officials said. The new campus will be good for the economy as well as for the students who attend the school. The construction will mean new job openings in the area, Plinske said. “The addition of a college campus would help support the workforce development in the Poinciana community, as we will plan to offer programs to prepare students directly for the work-force as well as to transfer to a university,” Plinske said. They are even looking for partnerships with local schools and businesses to offer specific academic and workforce pro-grams that will be beneficial to Poinciana, Plinske said. This is also big news for Poin-ciana High School’s future dual enrollment students who will not have to travel as far to get to the new campus. Currently, there are Valencia students living in Poinciana who “spend more than two hours on the bus to come to campus,” Plin-ske said. Students are “thrilled by the prospect of a Valencia campus that would be closer to home,” she said.

Lexington Herald-Leader/MCT

Competitive Cheer Challenges Football PlayersEmily KerseyNews Reporter

Kick doubles, cradles, and fall downs, extensions, preps, and pyramids - all the words embed-ded in a cheerleader’s vocabulary. And words that football players Ryan Calmont, Gabriel Sosa, and Jomar Santos will have to learn. Many people may think com-petition cheerleading and sideline cheerleading are the same but they have differences. Sideline cheerleading is more of the ba-sics; cheers, jumps, and stunts. Competition cheerleading

is more complex. It has harder stunts like the extension, libs, and cradle. “This year there are harder stunts and more tumbling, said team captain Crystal Johnson.” Also, this year, the competi-tion cheerleading team includes three varsity football players, sophomores Gabriel Sosa and Ryan Calmont and Junior Jomar Santos. The three male students went from paying football to throwing cheerleaders in the air. “I’m cheerleading because it will help me build strength and become more flexible for foot-ball,” Santos said.

Photographer Emily KerseyJunior Jakob McMillion raises sophomore Samantha Morejon on his hands during competitive cheerleading practice.

6 CenterspreadNovember 2013

Ronquaya AndrewsAssistant Eagle Life Editor

When one “C-” student studies hard, improves and makes the honor roll, it’s considered a great achievement. A parent might beam with pride. A teacher might celebrate that student’s success. So what happens when more than 80 students make that jump? Because that’s essentially what happened when the PHS marching band took the field last month at Osceola High School to perform in a grueling assessment alongside every other marching band in the school district. In fact, so committed were band members this year that they met one last time on the Saturday before the Monday performance and practiced all day long – hungry to perfect every move and master every note. The annual assessment is called the Marching Band Ex-travaganza and offers every high school band in the county one night to strut their stuff and give their best in front of six judges and three bleachers of parents, teachers and fans sitting shoulder to shoulder.

The crowd even spilled over with proud parents and devoted fans elbowing for a spot along the fence line. “This is our Super Bowl,” Poinciana High School Band Director Steven Velez said just a few minutes before leading his group onto the Osceola High School football field. Nervous students offered each other bits of motivation as they waited for their turn to perform a repertoire they had practiced over and over again for months. “Keep your horns level,” shouted Velez, coaching his band to the very last moment, knowing soon his instructions would stop and he would have to stand aside and watch like everyone else. And then the time came to perform. From the first note to the last, the PHS marching band performed a thrilling 10- minute set that included several original numbers that Velez wrote himself, as well as favorites that the crowd recognized immediately, such as the James Bond theme, “Live and Let Die”.

“I feel like this was one of our best performances ever,” said Field Conductor Jasmine Merca-do, a senior. “I felt every emotion possible during the performance.” Freshman band member Na-thalie Delerosa realized what the performance did for the school’s embattled reputation. “Poinciana’s reputation of the band wasn’t really high when I first came here in August, Dele rosa said. “But after tonight’s

performance, I can say that I am proud to say that I am a member of the band.” The marching band is scored on a five point scale with six judges scoring on everything from marching to sound. A five is a poor rating or an “F,” while a one is a superior or an “A”. The marching band received all twos, or the equivalent of a “B”. Poinciana received a series of threes and fours in 2012 or the equivalent of a “C-”. Upon hearing their scores, the scope of what the band accom-plished was overwhelming for some, as many students hugged one another and shed tears of joy. On such student was Junior Maria Valla. “I’ve never worked for anything in my life as hard as I’ve worked for this,” said Valla, wiping tears from her eyes. “We showed everyone that we’re not the old Poinciana any more. I can’t wait for next year when we bring home ones.” Choral Director Frank Bailey attended the event and offered his own assessment. “Tonight was special,” Bailey said. “As long as the PHS band touched lives, then I’m happy – even if the lives they change were their own.”

PHS Band Stuns Crowd During Extravaganza

Even the marching steps were original, Velez said. Most schools pay thousands of dollars for sheet music and chore-ography, but Velez said he spent much of the summer specifically designing 10 minutes of mostly original music that would force his student to grow as musicians. “This is my passion,” Velez said. “It’s what I love to do.” The band members finished their set and began making their way to a holding area where other bands that had already performed were already waiting. What hap-pened next is perhaps the greatest validation a PHS band member could receive. Other high school bands rose to their feet, high fived and cheered on the PHS band as they walked by. After the performance, Velez noted the vast improvement over last year. “Last year, we were on the borderline of embarrassing, but this year you could hear the crowd’s reaction,” Velez said. “They really enjoyed it.” Band members agreed.

Photographer Jose LugoThe PHS Marching Band wowed the crowd during a rousing performance at the Marching Band Extravaganza last month at Osceola High School. The band performed a 10-minute repertoire that included familiar James Bond themes, such as “Live and Let Die,” as well as original material.

Photographer Jose Lugo

Junior Maria Valla became overwhelmed upon hearing the improved ranking the PHS band received during an annual countywide assessment last month at Osceola High School.

Photographer Jose Lugo(From left) Sophomore Johnny Chavarria, junior Ayanna Fields and freshmen Emane Neves and Julian Thorngren sneak in an im-promptu rehearsal just moments before performing at the March-ing Band Extravaganza in October at Osceola High School.

7PoincianaPoint.com

VS.

Photographer Destiny Oyola

Centerspread

Katrina WickhamEntertainment Editor

In the mood for a sweet treat? Several yogurt shops have opened their doors in the area. They’re popping up everywhere. There’s a Sweet Frog situated near the Tar-get on West Irlo Bronson Memorial High-way. And not too far from that location, in the Rolling Oaks Commons on U.S. 192, there is Menchies, another yogurt shop. The Point sent a reporter (me) to solve the dilemma for Poinciana students and to figure out once and for all the best place to go for yogurt. Within both places the employees keep on the go, cleaning and making sure toppings, such as fruits and nuts are fresh. As I maneuvered through Menchies, the manager was eager to talk about the shop. The Sweet Frog employees seemed just as friendly. The appeasing pink and greens welcome customers as they walk into SweetFrog, with music that’s easy on the ears. The two shops alternate their music stylings be-tween contemporary rock and hip-hop. SweetFrog has a full wall of merchan-dise, from T-shirts to stuffed frogs that serve as the mascot or icon of the fran-chise. Each shop is set up similarly with a business model that requires customers to serve themselves. Each place has their own set of Styrofoam cups and a wall of levers ready for customers to serve themselves as much of the sugary coolness they desire. Large counters welcome customers to tubs of fruits, candies and syrups that custom-ers can select to top their cold treat. Both Menchies and SweetFrog ensures customers know what they’re eating. Ingredients of the toppings are labeled and easy to find just in case any customer has any dislikes or allergies. SweetFrog has a 4’ board stating the nutritional facts, while

Menchies has each flavors’ bits of infor-mation posted in mini icons next to to the topping. SweetFrog has at least three different bowl sizes to choose from, while Menchies has the option of having a fresh waffle cone or even a waffle bowl for $1 extra. Paying by the ounce, the one bowl alone is weighed when you’re done filling it with the amount of yogurt and toppings that you want. They differ only slightly in prices. Menchies sells its yogurt for $O.49 an ounce, while SweetFrog sells its yogurt at a price of $0.45 per ounce. Menchies has multiple deals going on for the first half of the week. Some better deals are when they give 10 percent off from noon to 4 p .m. on Sundays. And on Wednesdays customers receive a free waffle cone with every yogurt pur chase. Customers can find more deals online at www. Menchies.com. If you plan on being a repeat customer, both places have loyalty programs. SweetFrog has a customer loyalty program offering a free bowl of yogurt for customers with 10 points. Points are earned with SweetFrog purchases. If any customer signs up on an Android or iPhone device, they get five free points. Customers can also sign up on the company’s website, www.sweet-frogloyalty.com Menchies’ loyalty program offers cus-tomers a chance to accumulate Menchies Money. For every $50 spent at Menchies, a customer receives $5 in Menchies Money. While students cannot go wrong at ei-ther location and both have their advantag-es, based on price, SweetFrog comes out on top. Those four cents saved per ounce can add up. However, if you are out for some yogurt on a Wednesday and want to add a free waffle cone to your dessert, then Menchies is the place.

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Photos by Rebecca Pierre

8SportsNovember 2013 PoincianaPoint.com

Florida State University fans want to battle Alabama in the college football national champion-ship, and it looks like that desire will become a reality after the Seminoles

defeated Syracuse to continue their hunt for the national title season undefeated. The team is ranked second behind Ala-bama in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll, however, I believe the ‘Noles are by far the nation’s best all-around team. The ‘Noles are looking like champion-ship team. The Seminoles have scored a total of 368 points this season and a total of 92 points allowed off defense. Florida State is ranked No. 2 in the BCS rankings. The ‘Noles are led by freshman quarterback Jameis Winston, who is a top Heisman candidate. He shows all the skills as an elite passer in the pocket and makes good deci-sions.

He is very consistent and has a passer rating of 213.9, the best overall in the ACC conference. Jameis Winston is the nation’s top dominant quarterback in college football. He averages 312 pass yards per game. He completes 70 percent of his passes

Elijah ThelusmaInside with Elijah

The Seminoles are Better Than Alabama

and has 24 touchdowns this season so far with only 6 interceptions. On Oct. 19, the Seminoles played Clemson Tigers at their stadium. “Famous” Jameis was 22 for 35 with 444 passing yards. FSU blew out Clemson with a 51-14 win.

The Seminoles played a tough rivalry game against the No. 11 Miami Hurri-canes. They were slow at the first half but were dominated in the second half. The Noles hung in the first half when quarterback Winston threw two intercep-tions. They scored 19 points in the second half and kept Miami from scoring. The Seminoles went on to win that game 41-14. Florida State is looking better than they did in past years. Last year they went 12-2 with senior quarterback EJ Manuel. Could it be that Jameis Winston is a better quarterback than Manuel? The last time FSU was undefeated was in 1999. Florida State plays the unranked Flori-da Gators as the last game of the season on Nov. 30. The Gators lead the series 33-21-2, but the Seminoles have won the past two showdowns. This season the game will be played at the Swamp.

Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston throws in the first half against Miami at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. The Seminoles are undefeated, 10-0.

Jasmine RosellSports Editor

The announcement that a former Poinciana High School student had signed with one of the most famous boxers in the world to become a professional fighter himself came to former students in the form of a tweet on social media last month:

Former student signs to become professional boxer “Officially signed to Mike Tyson Promotions. My pro career starts now.” Erickson Lubin tweeted after signing a professional boxing contract. Lubin, 18, has been an amateur boxer for several years and considered the “best hope” for Team USA in the 2016 Olym-pics in Rio de Janeiro, according to Charles Butler, president of USA Boxing. Butler issued an open letter last month castigating Tyson for signing the two-time junior Olympic champion and dashing any “hopes” for success in South America in 2016. Butler asked in the open letter the for-mer heavy weight champion stop interfer-ing with young boxers and allow them to follow their “Olympic dreams.” But Lubin said there was no arm twist-ing and going pro is what he wanted to do. Lubin’s food and medical care are cov-ered and he is shuttled daily to a strength and conditioning facility as well as the boxing gym. Lubin fell in love with the sport at the age of four when his older brother forced him to take lessons with him.

He said he never thought he would make it as far as he is today. “Dreams really do come true when you put your heart and soul into what you’re passionate about,” Lubin said. Signing with Tyson’s company makes Lubin one of the youngest professional boxers in the country, but that doesn’t

Submitted Photo

Erickson Lubin, a two-time Olympic champion and reigning National Golden Gloves champion, just signed a pro box-ing contract with Iron Mike Productions.

mean that Lubin doesn’t have a backup plan. “If things don’t go the right way in the future, my back up plan would to be a firefighter or to be a promoter for many different things,” Lubin said. “But I’ll make sure to fight for as long as I can handle it,” he said. Lubin, whose record is 113-7, said there is one fight that stands out. “My favorite moment from the past would have to be beating an Olympic medalist and winning the Golden Gloves” he said. Lubin also said he has had several mo-ments that were not so great. “The worst moment that I have ever ex-perienced was when I lost on a tie breaker to an enemy of mine” he said. Being an Eagle at heart, Lubin said he misses playing basketball for Poinciana and how great of a time he always had whenever he came to school. Lubin is now home schooled until he graduates and devotes most of his time to training for his first professional fight Nov. 26 at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla.

Submitted PhotoErickson Lubin (left) with Henry Rivalta, is Lubin’s manager and is helping to guide the Lubin’s professonal career.

9PoincianaPoint.comNovember 2013

Eagle Life

$10 dollars off any service over $20. Includes car wash and/or repair. Cut out this coupon to

receive discount.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call:

Automotive Instructor Anthony Price 407-870-4860.

Purchase your 2013-2014PHS Yearbook before Nov. 31 and receive a

5 percent discount!

That's more than a $5 savings.

Do it. You know you want to.

See Mr. Ellis in room 277 for more details.

Apple Awards

Kevin Steinhauser Carlos Duran Roydrick Scott“Mr. Steinhauser has great board configurations that contains data for student

success, all while serving as an excellent head of the English department.”

“Mr. Poinciana.” “While new to the Poinci-ana family, Mr. Scott has

taken the initiative on lead-ing a program that supports positive behavior, as well as doing a a great job as

our newest dean. He goes above and beyond as dean

by taking intiative to imple-menting new ideas”

Apple Awards is brought to you by the PHS administrative team to recognize excellence and success among Poinciana’s faculty and staff.

Chemistry Teachers Runs Marathon in New YorkAnge NoelEagle Life Editor

Trading in his microscope, test tubes and goggles for a pair of running shoes, a racing bib and a dream, chemistry instruc-tor Steve Virkler completed a 26.2-mile footrace last month to accomplish a goal that few ever realize. Virkler joined more than 700 other run-ners to race in the Empire State Marathon in Syracuse, NY., and finished in under five hours. He crossed the finish line with some 350 runners trailing behind him. Virkler became a serious runner three years ago, but only made the decision to train for a marathon earlier this year when he said he wanted to push himself further than he ever had before. “I’ve been running seriously for three years and just wanted to take it to the next level,” Virkler said. After discovering a training schedule from the Runners’ World Magazine web-site, he invested in an intensive 17-week program that kept track of his daily food intake and grueling exercise regimen. “I stayed clear of all and any kind of

sugar,” said Virkler, whose diet consisted of high protein foods, such as fish and beans. The week before the big race, Virkler loaded up on carbohydrates. And running wasn’t the only part of

“I saw the finish line and in that mo-ment everything felt right, and I just had to finish what I had started,” Virkler said. Tyler Flowers said that he was im-pressed when Virkler announced his goal

several months ago. “My hat is off to anyone who trains and completes a marathon,” said Flowers, who said he offered encour-agement throughout Virkler’s training. “I knew he was taking his running to the next level.” Flowers said that Virkler has inspired him to go above and beyond in exercise and as a professional.

“He is a true role model,” Flowers said. Virkler said that his marathon running is not over. He said he is currently scoping various Florida marathons. One possible choice is a marathon in Melbourne.

Virkler’s training plan. He also lifted weights regularly. Virkler said his favorite spot to train was the scenic lake front in St. Cloud. On race day, Virkler huddled with the 700 other runners, who were all jumping from foot to foot to warm their bodies in the crisp morning. Nervous, sweaty palms and iPod fully charged, Virkler said the start of the race was an emotional moment and that he didn’t want to be a disappointment to himself or his family. Family and long-time friends attended to cheer along the sidelines and encourage Virkler. Virkler said he began running three years ago to improve his heart and his overall health. Virkler said the race had its ups and downs, but crossing the finish line was the highlight.

Submitted PhotoChemistry instructor Steve Virkler fin-ished a marathon in New York.

“I saw the finish line and in that mo-ment everything felt right, and I just had to finish what I had started,”

~ Teacher Steve Virkler

Eagle LifeNovember 2013

10PoincianaPoint.com

By Nancy BlackTribune Content Agency

Aries (March 21-April 19) Raise the bar on values. Every little bit counts. Keep to your ethical standards. Support your partner with their dream, and earn their lasting respect and gratitude. You can help them get farther. The talk gets deliciously roman-tic.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)There are thunderstorms ahead. Use this powerful energy for productivity. Friends and fam-ily disagree on methodology, but all are clear the game can be won. Use brains over brawn. You discover the underlying truth. Balance words with silence.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)You’re tempted to re-arrange furniture, but your time’s better spent with loved ones or making money. Don’t spend on credit. Others admire your work. You don’t have to go far from home to find fun. Share what you love.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)Stick close to family, and politely tell friends you’ll see them later. Say nice things. Travel could be challenging, but communica-tion is easy. Send messages far and wide. Do some marketing. Express your love.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)What you have is worth more than what you’re after. Invest in your business where needed, while cutting the budget else-where. Get multiple estimates. Consider all possibilities and talk it over. Communication gets you farther than imagined.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)Choose a good conversationalist, and gain multiple insights. Learn how to get funding, and how to influence your own style. Express what you need, and it comes. Re-plenish your reserves, and share

delicious tidbits.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)You’re in the zone. Discuss what you’re learning with friends. They help you develop your talents. Use your power and influence to make a difference for someone else. Work quickly and get more done.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)Keep career changes private for now. Use what you already have to create what you want. Calm a loved one with extra attention. Make time for yourself, too. You decide what you can afford. Fol-low your heart.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)Love is your top priority. Make it work, with a little bit of help from your friends. Be on your best behavior and avoid a pos-sible argument. It’s easier to stay balanced when you have support. Call on your team.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)Your actions speak louder than your words and can be very persuasive now. Quick thinking wins. Don’t waste time, money or effort. Follow an ambition. Talk about what you love, and your words have wider impact than imagined. Jump ahead two spaces.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)Paying debts builds confidence. Family comes first. Work on the words and images some more. Do some research. Check out your ideas with friends. Make distant options part of the plan.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)What you say has a large influ-ence on your community and can come back to inspire you. Gather information, and find more time for creativity. Address your particular audience directly, and share your art.

Distributed by MCT Campus.

Horoscopes:

Selfie Contest!Top 12 submitted selfies will be featured on their own page in this

year’s PHS yearbook. Submit selfies to ellisjam@osceola.k12.fl.us.

Find The Teacher!

Photographer Jose Lugo

Can you guess who is pictured above? If you can, then come to room 277 and let Mr. Ellis know. The first student who correctly identifies this teacher wins a $5 gift card to McDonalds restau-rant.

Five useless

facts you need

to know

1) The lifespan of human hair is four years.

2) Mosquito repellents don’t repel. It hides you. The spray blocks the mosquito’s sensors so they don’t know you’re there.

3) They YKK on the zip-per of your Levis stand for Yoshida Kogyo Ka-bushibibaisha, the worlds’ larges zipper manufac-turer.

4) The most collect calls are made on Father’s Day.

5) Mozart rarely used the Latin version of his middle name, Amadeus. He preferred the French, Amade

11PoincianaPoint.com

TechnologyNovember 2013

Claudia BuckThe Sacramento Bee

Everyone’s seen it, heard it or yes, likely done it. We’re talk-ing about boorish behavior on cellphones. It could be the obnoxiously loud cellphone chatterer standing next to you in an airport board-ing line or at a grocery checkout counter. Or the constant texting, tweeting and Instagramming at the dinner table. Or the co-worker whose phone annoyingly brrrrrings or burbles in the middle of a business meeting. “We all know somebody totally tethered to their cellphone. But being too connected ignores people who are right in front of you,” said writer Susannah Snider, who discusses mobile manners in the December issue of Kiplinger’s financial magazine. Here’s an excerpt of a Q&A with Snider:

QUESTION: Bad cellphone manners certainly aren’t new. What inspired you to cover it now?

ANSWER: It’s one of those topics that resonates with ev-

eryone. In the last year or two, it’s become rare to know anyone without a smartphone, so it’s not just calls anymore: It’s social media, Internet, Twitter. They are all interfering with family meals, business meetings, going out with friends.

Q: What’s the worst, most annoy-ing habit?

A: For me, the toughest one is knowing what’s appropriate at a business meeting or during class. You see a whole range of behav-iors: Some keep their cellphone hidden in a pocket. Some put it

on vibrate; some let it ring. Some are constantly checking their screen. If it’s a meeting for work, we recommend that you leave your phone on your desk down the hall. If it’s a meeting across town or while traveling, keep the ringer off and keep the phone in a pocket or purse. All of this is judgment. Read-ing the situation, understanding what is going on in that particular setting.

Q: Are certain age groups prone to bad cellphone behavior?

Q&A: Smartphone Manners Require Limits

LiPo Ching/Bay Area News Group/MCT

A tech writer explains in during an interview why society should re-evaluate smartphone usage when around friends and family.

A: It’s an all-ages issue. But the way that people use their phone changes with your age group. Some are constantly responding to work emails and some to their social media. There are people who don’t use their phone that often, but it’s getting rarer and rarer.

Q: Let’s talk about your specific suggestions, starting with family gatherings.

A: Every family’s different. You need to decide some ground rules, such as banning cellphones at the dinner table. The family dinner is a classic, when you want to shed distractions, catch up on each other’s day, focus on your parents, your siblings. It’s not a time to be checking email or a Facebook post or a text from your friends. For some, it can be very diffi-cult to take some mental timeout. People can be truly addicted to their Twitter, Facebook. It’s about establishing some distance every day.

Q: How about socializing with friends?

A: At social events, everyone likes to snap photos of their entree or drink. A food picture is a staple of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Unless you’re at a business dinner, taking a picture of your food or drink isn’t neces-sarily rude. But wait to post it until later. Take the picture and put the phone away so you don’t start obsessively checking to see if the photo has been “liked” or commented on. That’s rude.Make a game of it: Put every-one’s cellphones in the center of the table. The first person to reach for theirs has to pay the bill. It’s a good way to get everyone to forget about their phone and focus on the group they’re with. It can be tough. There’s actually an app for the game. I haven’t tried it. (It’s Downside, a free game on iTunes.)

Q: Given our attachment to digi-tal devices, is the problem ever going to get better?

A: I’m hopeful. As smartphones become more ubiquitous, people are going to give more thought to the dos/dont’s etiquette of using them. I’m optimistic.

Birds WordsTHANKSGIVING: What are you most thankful for in life?

Adrienne JohnsonSenior

“I’m thankful for my par-ents for raising me right and my boyfriend for always be-ing there when I need him.”

Alexis VazquezJunior

“I’m thankful that I have things to look forward to, like pandas.”

Edward MorrowFreshman

“I’m thankful for all of the food that is going to be made - turkey, macaroni and cheese and pie.”

Emilines SanchesFreshman

“I’m thankful for school because I’m getting the edu-cation I need to be a child development teacher. I’m the second oldest of nine, which is why I have a pas-sion for children.”

Gino TorresFreshman

“I’m thankful that my par-ents are still alive. I’m also thankful I have computers to work on them.”

Robert WelchSophomore

“I’m thankful that we have our freedom of speech and ability to be diverse.”

Tyler HamilFreshman

“I’m thankful to wake up for school in the morning to get a good education.”

Tyajia Ransom

“I’m thankful for food stamps. They allow me to have all of the food and hot Cheetos that I want.”

Zoe Radcliffe

“I’m thankful that my family will be together for Thanksgiving. This is our first time in more than a year that we have spent time together.”

Marybeth Cruz

“I’m thankful for volleyball. Without it, I don’t know what I would do.”

Compiled by Katrina Wickham