The Gryphon Gazette Back to School Issue 2012

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Dear students, parents, and faculty: I am proud to enter my eighth year as Principal at Sickles High School. The 2012-2013 school year got off to a terrific start. Open House was huge success with an impressive turnout and great enthusiasm. My goals for this year include increased parental involvement. This can be accomplished by joining PTSA, Athletic Boosters or becoming a member of the School Advisory Council. These organizations support our teachers, students and coaches throughout the year. There are other ways of getting involved that do not require as much of a time commitment. I ask each parent to check Edline on a regular basis. In addition, try and attend events on campus such as conference night, college night and any informational meetings that you feel will better inform you about your child’s education. Principal Mr. Russell “Apply yourself in every aspect of your education.” My message to the students is simple. Apply yourself in every aspect of your education. Take advantage of opportunities and stay on top of your studies and assignments. Always set short term goals and celebrate when they are achieved. Keep long term goals in focus as you strive towards your diploma and higher education opportunities. I am blessed with an extremely talented faculty that continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of our students. The blend of strong veteran leadership and the addition of bright new teachers keep our ideas at the forefront and assure us success. Thank you to all the parents, students and faculty that make up this first class organization! I look forward to working with all of you. Sincerely, Jake Russell Principal, Sickles High School Walter L. Sickles High School 7950 Gunn Hwy. Tampa, FL 33626 The Gryphon Gazette Volume 16, Issue 1 In this Issue: Pg. 2 Soaring Sensations & Band Pg. 3 Sickles Changing Policies Pg. 4 Class Tips Pg. 6 Gryphon Sports Pg. 7 NEW Ask the Gryphon The Gryphon Gazette Staff Jake Russell, Principal Deanna Bunch, Adviser (813)-631-4742 ext.258 MacKenzie Craig, Editor-in-Chief Ryan Walsh, Managing Editor Taylor Amore, Advertising Editor Amanda Fitzpatrick, Opinion Editor Jillian Delucca, Sports Editor Stefanie LeRiche, Entertainment Editor Alyssa Fedorovich, Featured Section Editor Daniele Mendez, Online Editor Delanie Mobley, Relations Manager Mikayla Sanford, Staff Writer Giovanna Bovera, Staff Writer Aaron Pitcher, Staff Writer Welcome Back Gryphons Don’t Worry About A Thing By Delanie Mobley With the start of the new school year, most students at Sickles feel the stress of all the new classes, a ton of homework and of course, the dreaded textbooks. Sometimes a little bit of stress, called eustress, can be a good thing; it can act as a motivator to get the job done. Too much stress, also called distress, can be very bad because even in short bursts, it can depress your immune system and cause weight gain. All students have different ways of coping with stress. Some might read a book while others might punch a wall. “Whenever I’m stressed out,” said Sophomore Christine Matych, “I always put on my headphones and listen to music. It really helps me forget about everything else.” “Usually, I get stressed out when I have way too much on my mind, mainly having to do with school. In that case, I go outside and play football, or go jogging. It really helps me get my mind off things,” added Junior Joshua Pinner The best proven way to get rid of stress is to exercise. Exercise increases production of the “feel-good” hormone, called endorphins. It also has other benefits like increased self-esteem and metabolism. Plus, exercise helps to distract you from your problems, and makes you feel accomplished when you are finished with a work out or run. If working out isn’t exactly your thing, another really easy way to relieve stress is to avoid procrastination. I know procrastination seems to be everyone’s best friend; but if you avoid it, you can also avoid stress. One way to not procrastinate is to take large assignments and turn them into smaller, more manageable ones. Smaller assignments are easier to handle and less intimidating. Also, set time limits and goals for doing assignments. If you follow these easy tips, your stress level can go down more than you could imagine. Exercising and not procrastinating would make life so much easier. That way, when you get home after school and get your homework done right away, then you can just sit back and relax. Watch some TV and don’t worry about a thing!

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The Sickles High School student newspaper Back to School Issue

Transcript of The Gryphon Gazette Back to School Issue 2012

Dear students, parents, and faculty:

I am proud to enter my eighth year as Principal at Sickles High School. The 2012-2013 school year got off to a terrific start. Open House was huge success with an impressive turnout and great enthusiasm.

My goals for this year include increased parental involvement. This can be accomplished by joining PTSA, Athletic Boosters or becoming a member of the School Advisory Council. These organizations support our teachers, students and coaches throughout the year. There are other ways of getting involved that do not require as much of a time commitment. I ask each parent to check Edline on a regular basis. In addition, try and attend events on campus such as conference night, college night and any informational meetings that you feel will better inform you about your child’s education.

Principal Mr. Russell “Apply yourself in every aspect of your education.”

My message to the students is simple. Apply yourself in every aspect of your education. Take advantage of opportunities and stay on top of your studies and assignments. Always set short term goals and celebrate when they are achieved. Keep long term goals in focus as you strive towards your diploma and higher education opportunities. I am blessed with an extremely talented faculty that continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of our students. The blend of strong veteran leadership and the addition of bright new teachers keep our ideas at the forefront and assure us success. Thank you to all the parents, students and faculty that make up this first class organization! I look forward to working with all of you. Sincerely, Jake Russell Principal, Sickles High School

Walter L. Sickles High School7950 Gunn Hwy. Tampa, FL 33626

The Gryphon GazetteVolume 16, Issue 1

In this Issue:

Pg. 2 Soaring Sensations & BandPg. 3 Sickles Changing Policies Pg. 4 Class TipsPg. 6 Gryphon SportsPg. 7 NEW Ask the Gryphon

The Gryphon Gazette Staff

Jake Russell, PrincipalDeanna Bunch, Adviser(813)-631-4742 ext.258

MacKenzie Craig, Editor-in-ChiefRyan Walsh, Managing Editor

Taylor Amore, Advertising EditorAmanda Fitzpatrick, Opinion Editor

Jillian Delucca, Sports EditorStefanie LeRiche, Entertainment Editor

Alyssa Fedorovich, Featured Section EditorDaniele Mendez, Online Editor

Delanie Mobley, Relations ManagerMikayla Sanford, Staff WriterGiovanna Bovera, Staff Writer

Aaron Pitcher, Staff Writer

Welcome Back Gryphons

Don’t Worry About A ThingBy Delanie Mobley

With the start of the new school year, most students at Sickles feel the stress of all the new classes, a ton of homework and of course, the dreaded textbooks. Sometimes a little bit of stress, called eustress, can be a good thing; it can act as a motivator to get the job done. Too much stress, also called distress, can be very bad because even in short bursts, it can depress your immune system and cause weight gain. All students have different ways of coping with stress. Some might read a book while others might punch a wall. “Whenever I’m stressed out,” said Sophomore Christine Matych, “I always put on my headphones and listen to music. It really helps me forget about everything else.” “Usually, I get stressed out when I have way too much on my mind, mainly having to do with school. In that case, I go outside and play football, or go jogging. It really helps me get my mind off things,” added Junior Joshua Pinner The best proven way to get rid of stress is to exercise. Exercise increases production of the “feel-good” hormone, called endorphins. It also has other

benefits like increased self-esteem and metabolism. Plus, exercise helps to distract you from your problems, and makes you feel accomplished when you are finished with a work out or run. If working out isn’t exactly your thing, another really easy way to relieve stress is to avoid procrastination. I know procrastination seems to be everyone’s best friend; but if you avoid it, you can also avoid stress. One way to not procrastinate is to take large assignments and turn them into smaller, more manageable ones. Smaller assignments are easier to handle and less intimidating. Also, set time limits and goals for doing assignments. If you follow these easy tips, your stress level can go down more than you could imagine. Exercising and not procrastinating would make life so much easier. That way, when you get home after school and get your homework done right away, then you can just sit back and relax. Watch some TV and don’t worry about a thing!

Page 2 News Volume 16, Issue 1

Sickles Own ‘Phantom’ Philharmonic

Soaring Sensations

By Ryan Walsh

Earlier this year, the band shed their Lord of the Rings garb in favor of an entirely new article: masks. This year, our very own Sickles Wall of Sound will be performing to a Phantom of the Opera theme. This decision came about after a very successful trip to New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall last spring, where the band performed several pieces for an audience. While on the trip they also attended a Broadway showing of ‘Phantom’. Members of the band expressed great enthusiasm and excitement about the upcoming season, with most of them in complete favor of the new theme. “I love the theme and I really like how well the band is putting it all together so quickly,” Junior Steven Schoenfeld said. The band has been practicing diligently for the past several weeks, auditioning for solos and per-fecting their routines. “The band has been working very hard to make sure this year’s show is a special one,” Junior Austin Wyant said. “There are many things that will make this year a lot more unique.” The band plans on incorporating more than just masks. Ac- cording to several members, a disap- pearing act will take place during part of the show. Also, anybody familiar with Phantom of the Opera will hear some of the famous scores from the musical. The band will perform every Friday night during the football games, so there will be many op-portunities to catch their new, innovative routine. “This year will be one amazing display of what the Wall of Sound can do. We hope to see you there,” concluded Wyant.

By Giovanna Bovero

If any of you are new to this school, you may not know about the Sensations team we have here at Sickles. Sensations is a dance team that involves flag and rifle, and each year they have a theme that they base their entire routine and choreography off of. This year they will be doing a routine for the Phantom of the Opera. They perform at football games, pep rallies and during halftime with the band. Every day during first period, the girls change, stretch, and review their work for the show. Ev-ery Tuesday and Thursday during the marching band season the team has a practice; Fridays are reserved for football games. Winter guard is also competition season, so the team has practice on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays if there is a competition on Saturday. Each of these practices usually last around 3 hours. Sensations may look effortless due to the amount of dedication the team has towards their routine, but it’s a lot harder than it looks. “We have a ton of potential this year, I’m looking forward to putting it to use and showing everyone,” Senior and Captain of Sensations Lauren Danker said. Sensations is a lot harder than it appears to be. Not only do they have to throw flags/rifles extremely high in the air, but they also have to be prepared to catch them and then continue on with their dance routine. It takes a lot of focus and dedication to excel on the team, and everyone works very hard to keep their performance at its highest. “People assume that Sensations isn’t hard and that anyone can do it, but it actually takes a lot of practice and time,” Senior Isabella Bovero said. Practice isn’t the only thing the girls on the Sensations team have to worry about. They also need to worry about getting along with each other and striving towards excellence as a team. “We are so close, almost like a family. Not only do we see each other at practice, we also have team bonding outside of practice. This includes going to lunches, dinners, and just hanging out,” Danker said. “We all work really hard together and I love being on a team with them all.” The Sensations team works extremely hard to look their best on the field, and their effort re-ally shows in their performances. “I love going to games and watching Sensations perform during halftime,” Sophomore Rachel Yepes said. “It wouldn’t be a football game without the Sensations being included.”

"Fall" into Tampa'sUpcoming EventsBy Alyssa Fedorovich

There are some exciting events coming to Tampa Bay this fall that will give you some-thing to look forward to aside from day-to-day school activities.

Concerts: • Brad Paisley, with Scotty McCreery and

The Band Perry will be at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre on September 28.

• Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music will be in town at the USF Sundome from October 5 through October 7.

• Journey, who is famous for “Don’t Stop Believin’” will be here on October 12 at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Sporting Events:• For more of an extreme sport, there will

be a professional bull riding show at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on September 21.

• There will also be tons of football games to attend as the season kick starts. If you are interested in college football, the USF Bulls will be playing FSU at Raymond James Stadium on September 29.

Adventures:• If you are adventurous and an outdoor

person, an event to attend is the annual USF Botanical Gardens on October 14 at USF. This is a plant festival that includes vendors offering advice and will have plants for sale.

• Looking for a fright? Busch Gardens is hosting its annual Howl-O-Scream event starting September 21 and ending on Hal-loween.

These events and many more can give you something to look forward to while the school year begins. Take some time to enjoy your-self and forget about the stress of school for a while.

By Jillian DeLucca

Running from class to class can be hectic, and being tardy to class is sometimes unavoidable. This year the tardy policy has been changed a bit. The tardiness rule now stands as this:1st Tardy – Warning 2nd Tardy – Warning 3rd Tardy – Written warning and/or Parent Contact 4th Tardy – 1 Day Detention 5th Tardy – 1 Day In School Suspension 6th Tardy work detail/parent conference 7th Tardy subsequent – Out of school suspension

If you are tardy to class during first period, you go to the tardy booth to get a pass. Any time after that, you go to the Student Af-fairs office. Just like with any change, the students and adminis-trators have opinions. “I think it’s too strict,” said Freshman Carter Mulroe. “We need an extra minute since the school is very large.” Junior Spencer Laccabue had similar opinions. “They are try-ing to hold too tight of a leash, and it’s going to cause more prob-lems.” “It’s too harsh. The school is big and some hallways are packed,” said Sophomore Devin Morris. As a senior, Michael Broussard has been through three previous years of tardy policies, so he knows what he’s talking about. “It’s not the worst it could be, but we need more time and looser guidelines,” said Broussard. There was good reason for all this change. “Kids were getting really late to class. The hope is by making the Student Affairs Office the central location, the whole process goes faster,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Hag-gins. “The most important thing is that the tardiness is down, and I haven’t received any complaints.”

Volume 16, Issue 1 Opinion Page 3

Cell Phone Policy Tardy PolicyBy Amanda Fitzpatrick

To most, the beginning of the school year means new classes, new clothes, and a fresh start. To all the students at Sickles, it also means a change in policies. Starting this year Sickles intro-duced a new cell phone policy that has most students breathing a sigh of relief. The previous cell phone policy stated when a student was caught using their phone it was taken and given to administration. Cell phones could only be picked up by a parent on Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This made it very difficult for stu-dents to get their phones back. “I didn’t really think it was fair for the office to hold my phone until Thursday,” said Junior Katelyn Blumberg. “Kids who got caught texting on Wednesday had to wait one day to get their phone back, while kids caught on Friday had to wait a whole week.” This year the policy on cell phones has been changed. The policy now states that the first time a student is caught using their phone, the device will be taken, but the student can get it back at the end of the day. After the second time, the student’s phone is taken, a parent must call and talk to administration before the student can get it back. Many students believe this policy is better be-cause they don’t have to wait multiple days before they can have their phone back. Senior Ashley Dorden said she thinks that students should be able to use their phones when it is necessary. Students sometimes have ride or family issues they need to figure out and sending a quick text message can keep a student from being distracted during class. “I think Hillsborough County needs to realize that it’s the twenty-first century and that almost every student at our school has a cell phone,” said Junior Louis Siam. “As long as they aren’t used for cheating, it shouldn’t be a problem to have them out. ”

Page 4 Spread Volume 16, Issue 1

Class Tips

Middle school is like a kiddy ride at an amusement park, exciting, but you know there is so much more out there. Now you’ve grown to new heights’ and it’s finally time for the big kid roller coaster ride, high school. In middle school, everyone enjoys fun times and has to face the hard times. High school isn’t much different, while it’s a ton of fun and a whole new ex-perience, there are some major decisions everyone has to make. What clubs should I join? What classes should I take? What should I do after high school?

“Don’t be scared of high school,” AVID coordinator Mrs. Buchert said. “It’s important but a fun experience as a whole. Make sure to try out for everything, the worst that can happen is that you don’t make it, and that’s okay.”

Don’t worry, you’re only in your Freshmen year! You have the next four years to figure it all out. However, make sure you start off on the right track! Here is a simple checklist to help you incoming freshmen succeed in the high school world:

Get involved Volunteer, join clubs or run for student government. Don’t sit back. If you don’t like what you see, remember, you are a part of the Sickles community and the power is 25 percent in your hands. Choose smart classesColleges look into your course selection so it is important to challenge yourself. Don’t simply go for “the easy A” classes. Get your teachers to like youYou need your teachers to like you, even if you hate them. Your grades are up to them. VolunteerGet a head start while it’s early in the game. Rack up what hours you can now so you leave less stress on your shoulders later on. Socialize Be like a butterfly. Try new thingsYou can’t say something is lame until you try it. You never know, you may find a new passion by expanding your interests. Keep college in the back of your mind While you are just starting high school, it will go by in a blink of an eye, and it will soon be time to apply to colleges. To make sure you are not overwhelmed senior year, look at school re-quirements, and apply to Bright Futures and other scholarships. Study hard Grades are important; don’t let them slip. Fun opportunities will always be around, but that test coming up Friday, is now.

By MacKenzie Craig

Hopefully you’re getting in the swing of high school. The first year was all about testing the waters and seeing where you fit in, now it’s time to dive in and go for it.

“Make the right choices,” AVID coordinator Mrs. Buchert said. “Don’t fall into peer pressure and stay on the right path. Make the right decisions and choose the ones that will benefit you later on.”

While you still have three whole years ahead of you, don’t forget about keeping few things in mind:

Sophomore year does matterWhile sophomore year seems like the least important year, it’s not the first year, it’s not the important GPA year, or even close to the last year, it is still very important. If you mess up your GPA this year it’s going to take a lot of work next year to bring it back up. Why would want to do that to yourself? Do your homeworkHomework is a big part of your grade in most cases. Take initiative and get it done at home, not during passing to finish before the bell. Don’t let extra curricular activities take your life overYes it’s important to get involved but don’t do so much that it be-comes difficult to handle school, clubs, volunteering, and sports. Get involved If you didn’t try something new last year maybe this is your year. Try a new club, run for officer, do something positive around the campus. VolunteerEvery year it is important to volunteer. The more hours you put in now the less stress you leave on your shoulders when it comes time for Bright Futures and college applications. Start looking into college optionsBy now you should have an idea of what college you want to attend after high school. Make sure you’re on the right path and will have the requirements needed for graduation. Study for the ACT and SATNext year is the big year to take these tests. It’s best to do a little re-viewing now so it isn’t as big of a shock when you’re just around the corner from the big test. Study for the PSAT It’s not just a practice test so take it seriously. If you can score high enough on this particular test you could qualify for special scholar-ships that can’t be found anywhere else. Scholarships Continue looking into scholarships this year, and be sure to apply to as many different fields as you can.

“If a Sophomore tells you there is a party at the pool on top of the 200 building, don’t

go.” Freshman Ryan Farbman

“Bring a lunch from home instead of waiting 30 min-

utes in a lunch line.” Freshman Jianna Figueroa

“Go to as many sporting events as possible.”

Sophomore Kayla Remot

“Don’t mess up!”Sophomore Joshua Reustle

Freshmen Sophomores

Volume 16, Issue 1 Spread Page 5

You’re so close to being done! “Stay focused on your fu-ture,” AVID coordinator Mrs. Buchert said. “These next two years are the most important in your high school career.”

Do an “Academic Check-up” Now is the time to make sure you meet the minimum require-ments for graduation and have the basics for the schools you plan on applying to. Register for ACT and SAT tests I hope you have studied up, because it’s finally time to start taking those standardized tests (CollegeBoard.com is a great resource). College searchesCreate a list of the top 10 colleges you want to apply to, and start researching each of the schools requirements. Campus visitsOnce you have narrowed down to a few, start scheduling cam-pus visits to find the one school you’ll really fall in love with. Take leadership positionsSchools love to see kids who lead an organization. Remember it’s about quality, not quantity. Lead clubs that you are passion-ate about, not ones that look good for an application. Start asking for recommendation lettersPretty soon everyone else will be asking for these letters. It’s better to get it done early so you don’t get pushed to the bottom of the pile, especially if you choose a popular teacher. Apply to scholarshipsEverybody wants free money. Take the time to find it and ap-ply to many different types of scholarships and grants. Don’t be afraid of the essay entries; truth is other kids are too lazy to write for them so your chances are increased just by submitting something of good work. Volunteer This is your last real year to get those hours done, so start stacking them up. Enjoy it! No matter what life throws at you do not become discouraged. In the end, one way or another you will succeed. Hold on class of 2014, one more year to go!

You’re on the home stretch, just two semesters to go! “Make sure to enjoy your last year here,” said AVID coordi-nator Mrs. Buchert. “Always make the effort to stay in touch with your friends and family once you graduate high school and go off onto your college adventures.”

Bright FuturesMake sure to apply and that you meet all the requirements before February. Financial aidIf you want to make sure you don’t end up neck-high in student loans after college graduation, take some initiative and apply for financial aid. You’ll be sure glad you did. VolunteerYou should have most of your hours stacked up, but when you have time go out and add on some extra hours, who is it hurt-ing? Scholarships They are a great way to save money in the long run, apply now before they run out. Lead a clubSchools look for leaders, find an organization you have a pas-sion for and take the lead. Not only does it look great but you can make the club into whatever you want it to be. Boost your GPASoon it will be time to send in those applications and colleges appreciate a student with a powerful grade point average. College applicationsIf you haven’t already, it’s time to start sending in those appli-cations. Be sure to be thorough and make yourself look good on paper. Don’t be afraid to ask teachers or guidance for help. Stay organized and informedIt’s important to know upcoming dates and events. You would hate to miss the application deadline for your dream school, prom tickets, or even a class assignment that could make or break your semester grade. Stay on top of things and don’t get left behind. Keep balancedWhile it’s hard to balance school, work, friends, clubs, and any extracurricular activities, don’t let it over take your life or schedule. You know what you can handle and how much you should put on your plate, be smart about your decisions. Avoid Senioritis! Just because it’s senior year doesn’t mean colleges stop look-ing at you once you have been accepted. Universities can take away your acceptance letter just as easily as they gave it.

Juniors Seniors

“NEVER eat the school’s sweet potater’ tater tots.”

Junior Jeffrey Archer

“Start your community service hours early.” Junior Laurie Pandis

“This is it Seniors, prepare for the future!”

Senior Mikayla McCutch-eon

“Get ready to blow some eardrums at the pep rallies this year. It’s our turn to win that Spirit Stick!”Senior Clay Swingle

Page 6 Sports Volume 16, Issue 1

By Mikayla Sanford

Senior running back and linebacker Adekunle Olusanya, “AK,” is ready for his last football season as a Gryphon. He has been on varsity for four years, starting as a corner his freshman year.

“My first year, with me being so young and around the rest of the players, I had to work very hard before and after practice to make the team,” AK said. Now that he is a senior, he said he tries to set a good ex-ample for the upcoming freshman and help them whenever they need it. The team has been practicing Monday through Saturday for four hours since July, doing whatever Coach Turner tells them to do, whether it’s running or practicing drills. AK said that Turner gets on them to make sure they are working hard on the little things and always doing their best. He also helps them in any way he can.

“The best part about working with AK is that he is dedicated,” Turner said. “He takes a leadership role for the freshmen and is a hard worker.”

“I train a lot with the team,” AK said. “But off season I like to practice with my personal trainer and lift weights.” During school, he listens in class and finishes his homework when he gets home from practice.

“At first, balancing school and football was hard to get used to, but once I got to know the ropes it was easy,” AK said.

AK started playing football when he was in seventh grade after he quit soccer. His older brother was the first one to encourage him to play football and has been pushing him ever since then.

“My favorite college team is the University of Miami and I am hoping to get a scholarship there and play for them,” AK said. “Ray Lewis, line-backer for the Baltimore Ravens, is my role model because he’s always doing 100 percent and is one of the best players to ever play the game.”

By Daniele Mendez

Senior Sarah Hartman has been working her hardest this summer for the Girls Cross Country season. Hartman hopes all of her work will pay off this year.

The Girls Cross Country Team held conditioning on August 13. The team mainly worked on long distance running that ranged from 4 to 12 miles. Conditioning was no problem for Hart-man. She had been running six days a week all summer long.

The team’s coach David Rittenour has started all kinds of drills to help the whole team im-prove. He was happy with Sarah’s performance last year.

“Sarah did very well last year,” Rittenour said. “She went to state and was ranked sixth in the region.”

Last year Hartman was the number one runner on the team. She really wants to compete with the Cross Country Team in college. She has been talking to different college coaches about getting a scholarship.

“Sarah is at the top of her game every time,” Senior, Jesenia Valdes said, one of Sarah’s teammates on the tennis team. “I’ve never seen her give less than 100 percent!”

Hartman is not only a fantastic runner, but she has also been trying out different sports ever since she started high school. She started out with track and field in her freshman year along with basketball that also continued in to her sophomore year. She just recently joined the ten-nis team in her junior year as the number one seed. Most people who know Sarah Hartman believe she is a dedicated and hard worker.

“It was a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it,” Hartman said. “I am ready for this year.”

Blood, Sweat & Tears

Football Overview By Aaron Pitcher

Being seeded fourth in the state is a great start for the Gryphons, but it’s a long road to the playoffs. With big games coming up, Sickles has some tall hurdles to jump. One heavy hitter that the Gryphons have to defeat in order to get to the playoffs is Armwood, ranked at the number one spot. They will be the true test for the Gryphons. The other powerhouse team the Gryphons will have to trump is Hillsborough High School. Hillsborough is ranked ninth in the state, so that looks to be another fight. The fact that the Gryphons will have to face these two big names in back-to-back weeks will be the true test for our players. For now, the Gryphons are proud of their victory over their rival, Steinbrenner, and plan to continue on the road to victory.

Sarah Hartman runs her heart out.

AK works hard to build up muscle.

Inside the Huddle

Scarves

The scarf has made a c o m e b a c k ! Tie a scarf over your shirt and jeans and you are ready to go. The scarf is a great way to add

color to any outfit, and it quickly takes a sim-ple and mundane outfit to chic and unique. Scarves are a good investment as well. They can be found at almost any store (H&M, For-ever 21 or Urban Outfitters) for less than $10. When the colder weather finally kicks in, the scarf will be cute as well as functional. Sophomore Alexis Guay squealed, “We can wear scarves at Sickles? We were never allowed to wear them in Ohio! I can’t wait to wear mine!”

These fall fashion trends will surely help you earn an “A” in style and put you ahead of the class!

Volume 16, Issue 1 Arts and Entertainment Page 7

FALL into Fashion!

Welcome back, Gryphons! Are you ready for a new school year? I know I am! Who am I? I am “Ask the Gryphon.” Do you ever have a question that you are afraid to ask because it might sound stupid or really embarrassing? Well, I am here to answer your questions. Ask me about anything you want. Where should I sit at lunch? Where is the world’s larg-est yarn ball? I am here to help. The best part is that your question will be answered anonymously, or if you are fine with the attention include your name with the ques-tion. Remember to keep the questions clean and PG. If you are lucky, your question might be answered in the next issue of the newspaper! So get to asking! Ask Here: [email protected]

Ask the Gryphon

By Taylor Amore

Welcome Back Gryphons! Now that school has started it is time to start over and try something new! Start by recreating your im-age: you don’t want to just wear sweatpants and jeans everyday! Try some of fall’s hottest trends now and school your friends in style!

Mix and Match Forget last sea-son’s boring and neutral color schemes. This fall add a splash of color to your life by mix-ing different design patterns together. This trend is seen in countless runway shows as well as teen maga-zines in the grocery store. Not bold enough to go all out? Try starting out small. Put a neon ac-cessory, such as a belt, over a piece you already own. Soon enough mixing and matching will become a daily part of your morning routine.

By MacKenzie Craig

Senior Jesse Smith is a talented artist with a knack for photography. After getting his first camera at age eight he has always loved to take pictures of people, buildings, bugs, or anything different and unique. It was in the last three years that Smith took his interest and turned it into a passion. Last year he took a pho-tography class here at Sickles High School, but soon discovered he didn’t like the idea of instruction and would rather be off taking shots of his own interests. Smith said, “It takes the place as my artistic outlet, no

matter what’s going on I know I can always get a good shot.”

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JEFF ARTHUR President

2857 Executive Drive, Ste. 100Clearwater, FL 33762

PH 727-573-5277FX 727-573-0980

[email protected]

Plaid, Plaid, and More Plaid!

Don’t get rid of all your plaid yet Gryphons, plaid is here to stay. With the versatility of plaid you can make this look all your own. It can be sweet, preppy and yes, even edgy. Wear a plaid shirt with a pair of skinny jeans and knee high boots, or throw it over a delicate lace top. One thing is for sure -this look is not just for farmers. Junior Melissa Gibson said, “I don’t follow fashion trends. I just wake up and put clothes on in the morning but if I were to try one I would put on some plaid.” The Blazer Is classic more your style? This fall add a blaz-er to your back-to-school wardrobe. A blazer can be dressed down or dressed up. Throw one over a dress to give it a polished look or wear it with a pair of skinny jeans to give it a chic, schoolgirl feel. Sophomore Jana Henson stated, “I am going to wear a blazer with a cute dress and combat boots.” Want a more unique look? Buy a blazer in a bright neon color to throw over a dull looking outfit.

Page 8EntertainmentVolume 16, Issue 1

Horoscopes

GamesSickles Word Scramble

1. celsksi : ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___2. pyghrosn : ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___3. msrlurlse : ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 4. hsgoiohhlc : ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 5. rsecolk : ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___6. aeacftrie : ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___7. usbcl : ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Aries- Yes, you can! You may be experienc-ing some newly found difficulties. But you can tough it out! Work hard and success will come your way! If you are struggling with something, just relax. Everything will turn out great.

Taurus- You have been feeling tired or anxious lately and don’t know how to feel more like usual. Take a step back and try to find the cause. It could be something as simple as you need more sleep.

Gemini- It’s always great to have a partner. Working with one or more people is an easy way to make friends, get more work done, or learn a few things. Don’t let your social-awk-wardness get in the way of a great opportunity.

Cancer- This is not the time to start a new project. Even if you have extra time, use it to work on present things. Focus on what is right in front of you instead of adding more things to your already full plate.

Leo- Aha! The time has come! It’s time to get fit and healthy. School has just begun and you want to gain some confidence for the new school year. Try a new sport or go to the gym. You may surprise yourself on just how much you enjoy it.Virgo- You are going to have a fantastic time in

your future. The stars are on your side and you are looking good! If you find yourself wishing you could something, do it! What’s stopping you? Go for it. This is your time to shine.

Libra- Great amounts of work can be accom-plished. You have the motivation and drive to complete anything you want. Push yourself and strive to be your very best! You can do it! All you need is a little nudge to get you in the right direction, so here it is: Go!Scorpio- You have it easy. Even if it doesn’t

feel like it, all of your problems will be solved, and endeavors accomplished. Keep your eyes open for any opportunities coming your way. You may be closer than you think to what you want the most.

Sagittarius- You can’t get by with a superficial look at the situation - you have to go deep. You certainly have the smarts to take care of it, so just make sure you have the patience as well!

Capricorn- Lend a hand if a friend or sibling asks for it even if you feel trapped under your own work. You need the break, and this is the perfect opportunity to do a good deed and clear your mind but don’t let it distract you from your own responsibilities.

Aquarius- You are maturing. You are known for your intellectual side, and this month you are even brighter than usual. So use that brain of yours and think about what that newfound maturity means. This is the time for you to become more respon-sible and earn the respect you think you deserve.

Pisces-Someone is seriously in your business right now, and it’s kind of driving you crazy. Try confronting them, or else you will contact a higher authority. But try not to let your pride get in the way of talking to a teacher.

Find the Gryphon!

Find the Gryphon is new to the newspaper this year! The object of the game is to look through the newspaper’s pages to find the picture of the Gryphon. It will be small and hidden. Keep a lookout

for our school’s mascot!

The staff of The Gryphon Gazette would like to offer

our sincere thanks to our ad-vertisers and patrons fortheir financial support.

Advertisers:Fade Masters

Jeff Arthur ProductionsModern Maintenance

RNR CustomWheels and TiresStone ChaseSurf Shack

Tiger-Rock Martial ArtsTouch AvedaViva la Diva

Patrons: Tracey DeLuccaBryan DeLucca

Michelle LeRicheBrian LeRiche

Answers: 1. Sickles 2. Gryphons 3. Mr. Russell 4. High school 5. Lockers 6. Cafeteria 7. Clubs

ViVa la DiVa

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