With the beginning of a new school year, the campus has updated its poli-cies by majorly changing conventional methods used in the past. The admin-istration has installed and started to implement new security cameras and takes a different approach to electronics. Hillsborough County has adopted the new “Bring Your Own Device” policy. Although it might seem alarm-ing and a repercussion for violence at school, Principal Michael Rowan has stated repeatedly that installing security cameras is simply a proactive measure. “We can use the cameras as a means of prevention; we’re one of the last high schools to install se-curity cameras,” Rowan said. For students, the extra measure of security is nothing but a way to protect the students and faculty at our school. “The added safety measures stem from the mass shooting at a Connecti-cut Elementary School last December,” Superintendent Mary Ellen Elia said in a 2013 interview with Bay News 9. After the shooting, law enforcement of-ficers camped out at Hillsborough Coun-ty schools. A national security expert was brought in to advise administrators.

Now, the district has poured $1.6 million into controlled ac-cess in Hillsborough schools. “We want our schools to be friendly. We also want our schools to be safe,” Elia said. While this all seems like old news, these safety precautions are fi-nally making their way back home. In addition, Hillsborough County Public School District is introduc-

ing a new policy for using “smart” devices for educational purposes. The “Bring Your Own Device” pol-icy allows students to use smart phones, tablets, and laptops for academic pur-poses, but only when instructed by a teacher and when the device serves as a classroom aid. At any other time during school hours, cell phones and other elec-tronic devices should not be turned on.

School district policy states that if any member of faculty or administration catches a student using their phone with-out permission, it can still be taken. Con-fiscated items will need to be picked up by a parent or guardian in the Student Affairs Office, with a valid identification card. Pulling up an e-book or watch-ing an educational video under the direction of a teacher is an appropri-ate use of the BYOD policy. Access-ing social media is still prohibited. The main concern for most af-fected students is whether or not the policy will highlight the absence of these smart devices in the select in-dividuals that do not own them. However, Principal Rowan summarized that the guided usage of these electronic devices during class time is supposed to promote productivity for both students and teachers and not serve as a hindrance towards the greater good: education. “It really shouldn’t (affect individu-als without smart devices); teach-ers must understand that we can use technology to enhance learn-ing, not rely on it,” Rowan said. Technology has merged into the educational system. It will benefit the learning process and maintain safety. With the aid of security cameras, the school is safer and the adminisrtation is more aware of what is happening.

6815 N. 56th St. Tampa, FL 33610 54 1813-744-8333 September 2014

Staff Writers

BY INTHUJA SUPPIAH AND AGRATA MISHRA

On Aug. 26, Principal Mike Rowan decided to take on the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Ice Bucket Challenge. The challenge promotes awareness of this disease. Those who refuse to take part of this activity are asked to make a donation to the ALS charity of their choice. “I’m happy to do it.” Rowan said. “For me, it was just expected of myself to take part.” Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis strikes two in 100,000 Americans and damages motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing pro-gressive paralysis and death typically within two to five years. More than half of all patients live more than three years after diagnosis. ALS is not contagious but can strike anyone with no boundaries. How the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge began remains a matter of debate, but through a mul-titude of social networking sites, the challenge has quickly evolved from a fundraising cam-paign to a viral sensation. The campaign has raised over $100 million for the ALS Associa-tion to research Lou Gehrig’s disease. An estimated three million people have par-ticipated over the summer, including numer-ous politicians and celebrities including Bill Gates, Emma Stone, Justin Timberlake, and Will Smith. “It’s a great cause,” Rowan said. “The cause in itself is one of the main reasons I partici-pated.”

Editor-in-ChiefBY TIANCHEN LI

OFFERING CHOICES- Sophomores Stefan Pessolano and Matthew Epstein approach their studies differently. Epstein took advantage of the new technology policy by using his laptop to conduct additional research.

PHOTO BY ALEX WALDEN

The school year has brought with it many changes. Among these is the P.R.I.D.E. Program, a campaign sug-gesting positive qualities to improve overall student be-havior. P.R.I.D.E stands for Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence, all traits of an ideal stu-dent. These schoolwide expectations offer rewards for those who achieve perfect attendance, make the honor roll, and diplay good habits. The leading force behind the promotion, Assistant Principal James Taylor, is taking a new approach towards student behavior. By taking the route of positive reinforce-ment instead of the historical “discipline with negative consequences”, Taylor is hoping to target all students and

faculty by creating a more pleasant school environment in which respect between teacher and student is mutual. “Research has shown that positive reinforcement leads to less incidents of negative behavior,” Taylor said. Positive incentives for exemplary behavior are on the way, such as Lion Pride Cards, free gifts, and celebrations. The idea behind the program is that the positive outlook will branch out from the once or twice monthly homeroom discussion, be implemented into the classrooms, and ulti-mately improve the overall culture of the school. In the informational packet given to teachers, school wide positivity, respect, and productivity is being encour-aged within the school’s faculty, too. “I hope it works. I think it’s great,” IB Science teacher Nicole Works said. Among students, the program seems to hold promise.

“I think it’s a really great way for freshmen to un-derstand what King expects of them, and for seniors to understand how they’re expected to act,” senior Octavia Thomas said. As the program hits its stride, students will gain a better understanding of how it can help them. “I think it’s a step in the right direction and will help to improve that sense of community,” junior Danielle An-derson said. “I felt like I was a stranger as a freshman, but now I feel like I’m a part of something.” The expectations that the program sets for students set up each individual for success both inside and outside the classroom. “I think it’s good because you’re expected to act that way in the real world,” junior Kshanika Persaud said.

Staff WriterBY KRISTA HARRIS

PHOTO BY RACHEL WHITE

Scepter September 20142

FushiaAsian Bistro

Open 7 days a week11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

September 2014Scepter

This year, a new leader has taken up two crucial roles on campus. Michael Mullis, an Advanced Placement Human Geography and American Government teacher, has now stepped up to the plate as the new Student Government As-sociation (SGA) leader as well as the Senior Class Event Coordinator. A veteran teacher, Mullis has taken the next step in con-tributing to the students by helping with the organization and management of SGA which represents the entire stu-dent body. Mullis is going to be advising Student Govern-ment in planning major events such as homecoming and spirit week. In addition to schoolwide events, Mullis will be organizing this year’s senior prom.

He expresses his opinion on taking on these responsi-bilities and new activities with enthusiasm. “I have really wanted the SGA leader position for a few years now and I’m excited now that I’ve been presented with the opportunity. I do think it will be a challenge but I like to be involved with the students and I want to contrib-ute. I am excited, yet nervous, for the road ahead,” Mullis said. Planning Homecoming has given Mullis a chance to get his feet wet and acquire the necessary skills needed to intelligently guide SGA. “This year I’m just trying to learn as much as I can to gain more experience,” Mullis said. Based upon his time so far in the position, Hailey DeRi-go, the sophomore class vice president, is excited to have Mullis as their new sponsor.

“We’re all very happy to have Mullis as our new SGA sponsor. He’s always open to new ideas and already I feel that we can trust him to support us in all that we do. I’m really looking forward to this school year with him,” De-Rigo said. Further elaborating on student opinions, Hemal Prasad, the junior class treasurer, emphasized the difficulty of this job. “Truly, it’s easier said than done. We all put forth a lot of effort and now with Mullis I think that we will make this year better than ever,” Prasad said. For homecoming, Mullis and his team are planning an elaborate Greek theme titled “A Night in Olympus.” This is the first major event of the year and will put pressure on Mullis, but the students are firmly by his side.

BY ANSHUL DAGA

Staff Writer

As is with every new school year, there are new and unfamiliar faces swarming campus, getting accustomed to the school and trying to fit in. In the spirit of school pride, it is important to get to know not only these students but also the new faculty for the school year. Jan Gillard is the new Assistant Principal of Student Affairs, replacing Martha McFarland who was promoted to Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Lennard High School. Also, replacing Dennis Donaldson as Assistant Principal for Administration is Jay Blavatt, former A.P of Student Affairs. Yuri Higgins from Tampa Bay Technical High School has replaced Blavatt. Before becoming the new International Baccalaure-ate Chemistry teacher, James Stewart was an educator at Wharton High School, the school from which he gradu-ated. He taught alongside his old Chemistry teacher and eventually won the accolade “Teacher of the Year.” After realizing that he was ready for a change, he decided to come here, a school for which he has high regards. “I really enjoy the IB program and the way it’s run internationally, with an international focus, and the way assessments are done in the IB program. I really think it’s ideal...,” Stewart said.

However, Stewart wasn’t always the ideal model back in high school. He recalls that he wasn’t the best student, since he could pass his tests without doing any homework. He also highly regrets not joining any clubs. Therefore, he advises anybody else who is taking this approach to revaluate their choices. Using his experience, Stewart also hopes that he will be able to teach the students here about mindfulness and removing the stress from their lives. English teacher Janice White came to King with a great passion for teaching and the literary arts. “I moved to Tampa from Lakeland and had been teach-ing there for 10 years,” White said. Her goals for this year involve her juniors passing their Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. She also hopes they will be ready for the pressure of senior year. White has plenty of advice to offer to her students. “ They need to talk to their teacher and request tutor-ing, and they need to be mentored by a peer who is suc-cessful. It is important to always have a goal in mind...always, know what the next step they want to take after high school,” White said. Stephanie Hall graduated from King, and actually taught at King from 2005 to 2008. She transfered to Wharton and taught through 2012. She has several long term goals for her students. “I want them to have a really good concept of the

knowledge of what we’re teaching, but I also want them to have the right skills to learn and to be able to find the information themselves. So a lot of skills like writing and reading is what I try to focus on,” Hall said. Since her home life is pretty busy, her approach to teaching is very efficient. “I don’t waste time, I don’t have time to waste, so it’s my same approach in the class room. We’re basically here for fifty minutes and if we work hard for those fifty min-utes, we’re going to accomplish a lot. If we don’t finish everything, then maybe there will be some things to take home, and do on the side. I can’t always swear to that, but for the most part, we’re in the house, we’re going to take care of things in this room,” Hall said. She’s very big about time, because of her busy life style. “You can’t get it back, you can’t buy it, once it’s gone it’s gone forever. So we’ve got to take advantage of what we’ve got and make the most out of it,” Hall said. Accordingly, her advice towards students who are strug-gling academically is based off of integrity and discipline. “Be honest with yourself, of why you’re struggling, and then once you can figure out the real reasons why, then make the changes,” Hall said.

BY CRYSTAL LIStaff Writer

3

1 Hendry Ave. Cocoa Beach, Fl 32931321-784-3126

5

Of all the days in the year it has to be the day of Homecoming that your makeup decides to smudge, your dog decides he likes dresses better than treats, and your date decides that you’re not worth it after all. The “perfect” day now appears to be an impending disaster full of hair mishaps, wardrobe emergencies, and makeup madness. But what if there was an easy fix for your uncooperative hair, a quick solution to your missing dress, and simple tips for your makeup tragedy? 1. Having a bad hair day? A: When your hair wants to stay stubborn-ly unkempt, a straightener, curler, and friend will you be your favorites. If your hair is nat-urally curly, try using a curler to emphasize the preexisting locks and add some finess and definition to your hair. Likewise, if you have straight hair, straightening it will emphasize its natural flow. Anti-frizz creams can be used

for both. If you have hair that’s in the middle, an updo including regular buns, braided buns, or sock buns may be the best option for you. 2. Don’t have a dress the day before? A: Although this may seem like an un-solvable problem, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and boutiques have a variety of dresses fitting all kinds of styles. If you prefer a more solid, formal look Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Windsor are the places to be. If you prefer the modern, edgy look, Forever 21, Wet Seal, and Char-lotte Rousse may solve your problem. Finally, if you prefer a clean, classy look, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Francesca’s could re-lieve your stress. If you have absolutely no time for shopping, calling a friend and ask-ing her for dresses could be the best answer to your crisis.

3. Don’t know how to use makeup well? A: Thick eyeliners, thin eyeliners, gel

eyeliners, liquid eyeliners, pencil eyeliners, and crayon eyeliners all serve one purpose. Yet there are millions of versions of this one makeup tool. With eyeliner, you have a myr-iad of mascara types, a wide variety of eye shadow shades, lipsticks and many lip-gloss-es that can either make you look like a doll or a demon. The best way to avoid the latter is by watching tutorials online and looking up different looks on Google images to try to em-ulate a professional instead of getting lost on your own. So when Homecoming day arrives and life seems to go in the complete opposite direc-tion as you had planned, don’t be that girl who watches movies and cries all night at home. Don’t be that Debby Downer who gives up so soon, and don’t be that cliche high schooler who decides that the world is out to get them. With three quick fixes, your night of disaster may actually turn out to be your night of per-fection.

News EditorBY ROSHNI KOTWANI

Hollywood portrays the homecoming dance as a fun school event where students can let loose and just have a good time! However, there is a darker side to homecoming of which students need to be aware. Unfortunately, a student at Richmond High School in California did not recognize when she was in danger. On October 24, 2009 a 16-year-old girl left the dance to call her father. A male class-mate approached her and asked if she wanted to “party” with him and his friends. The girl made the choice to accept his invitation. The student was physically and sexually assaulted. The girl

was taken to the hospital and eventually made a full recovery. Homecoming is a time to have fun with friends, but it is of the utmost importance to know how to remain safe. “If students feel endangered they should con-tact any adult. If faced with an extreme situation, students should call 911,” said Deputy Nathaniel Johnson. However, the administration and facul-ty of are taking precautions at the dance to ensure students’ safety. “ There will be many adults who are trained to handle situations expediently along with sheriffs and deputies. We will also be conducting search-es to minimize contraband,” Johnson said.

The organization Students Against Destructive Decisions encourages students to:•Pledge to have a safe homecoming with class-mates•Discuss plans beforehand•Plan ahead what to say if someone offers you alcohol or drugs•Make sure your phone is fully charged•Discuss your curfew with your parents before the dance Homecoming is an exciting time to spend with friends and classmates. If students remember to stay safe, the dance will be a wonderful night to remember!

Features Editor BY BECCA HEIDENBERG

Imagine this: sweaty bodies tightly packed onto the dance floor, music blaring so loudly it makes it impossible to speak, and everywhere you look there seems to be ele-gant dresses, suits and tuxedos, manicured nails and hair-sprayed curls. The glamour and anticipation that goes along with your very first homecoming will definitely supersede any middle school dance you may have experienced. Homecoming 2014 is quickly approaching, and if you are a first-timer you may be freaking out. Where am I going to find a date? How fancy am I supposed to dress? What is it going to be like? Don’t worry, it’s not as stressful as it seems. If you have any close friends (or a crush) in mind, go ahead and ask them! Chances are they will say “yes,” and it doesn’t have to mean anything beyond having a fun night together. Homecoming will be a blast for you, with or without a date, and there will be plenty of people going stag

if you don’t have anyone in mind. As for your dress (or suit), half the fun of homecoming is dressing up ‘to the nines’ and taking pictures with your friends. Have fun with it, and make sure you’re going for-mal but don’t spend too much; you can find deals on gor-geous gowns without draining your wallet! When it comes to the magical night itself, expect “…fun and dancing,” said Senior Alex Barron. Whether you’re taking silly pictures with your friends or dancing the night away make sure to be safe while you’re at it as well. Junior Lorenzo Guerrero gives a general warning to all first-timers; “Be careful of people touching you. It can get rowdy.” With the whole crowd moving to the beat, it can feel a little cramped at times, but at the end of the night you’ll be wishing it wasn’t over. Homecoming is definitely not something you want to miss, and if you’ve never been be-fore be sure to give it a try; you won’t regret it.

Staff WriterBY JAELYN BANEA

Are you tired of taking the exact same homecoming pic-tures year after year at Riverhills? If so, then you have come to the right place! This article will include areas that are bold and new that will translate on to your pictures this year. 1. Carrollwood Beach (White Sands Beach) If you want to go all out for your homecoming pictures this year, this is the space for you. This secluded beach can offer you the breathtaking background of the beach without all of the hassle. Not only is it approximately half the distance that other beaches are from this area, but it’s also empty a major-ity of the time. This is a residential beach so you must have a friend or family member who lives in Old Carrollwood in

order to use the facility. 2. The University of Tampa For a more elegant area, UT is the perfect spot to take home-coming pictures. The campus boasts beautiful gardens and architecture. 3. The Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club For a more local space to take homecoming pictures, you can drive ten minutes down the road and arrive at the country club. Along with the great proximity, the country club still offers a number of areas that can make your pictures stand out. There is an elaborate gazebo that can be used as well as places around the golf course. Members should contact the club for permission.

Business ManagerBY ELIZABETH HURTT

Scepter September 2014 September 2014Scepter4

The current generation of learners has grown up with the most technological exposure in history. Never before have teachers had to face students with such a wealth of knowledge that is right at their fingertips. Critics of this digital media culture point to several negative effects such as: increased teen pregnancy rates, cyberbullying and a lack of communication skills; just to name a few. Of course, these negative effects can be matched with their positive counterparts. No matter what type of analysis is done on the issue, digital technology is here to stay. It has become an intrin-sic part of everyday life for Americans on all levels of the socioeconomic ladder. While it can be argued that digital media is a mechanism that points to the differences between the privileged and the lower classes, I believe it does the opposite by leveling the playing field, particu-larly for the rising generation. Take our own school for example. The “Bring Your Own Device” policy currently being implemented not

only takes into account the new standard of learning in a technologically versed environment but also opens doors for students who have difficulty accessing class materials such as books and scholarly articles. Digital technology has now reached a level of accessibility that transcends that of the textbooks and encyclopedias of past. With this said, it is important to recognize that one change almost always brings several others. The same applies to digital technology. While we are now taking tentative steps towards incorporating technology into learning systems, in the coming future, the entire ap-proach to education, from college professors to preschool teachers, must be rethought. In order to progress as a nation, it is imperative that we let go of the archaic practices of decades past and embrace a new kind of learning brought about by the technological age. We should no longer be traveling from class to class at the sound of a bell, an allusion to the era of blue collar factory jobs. Today’s students have the op-portunity to create not only a better America but a better world.

Scepter September 2014

Editorial Policy The Scepter is published seven times per academic year by students in the journalism program at C. Leon King High School. Content is determined by the staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of King High School’s faculty, administration, adviser, or student body. Students are permitted freedom of the press as granted by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This right is ac-knowledged in the Hillsborough County Student Handbook. Signed editorials and columns reflect the views of the writer. Un-signed editorials represent the opinion of the Scepter editorial board. Letters to the editor and guest commentaries are encouraged and should be signed. The editorial board reviews letters to the editor, advertising and guest commentaries and reserves the right to edit and refuse material. Rea-sons can include length, clarity, libel, obscenities, violation of copy-right laws,or the potential to disrupt the educational process at King High School.

Proudly Published by C. Leon King Senior High School

Scepter is published by the journalism class of King High School

6815 N. 56th Street, Tampa, FL 33610 Phone: 813-744-8333 ext. 260

Ad PolicyAll legitimate commercial and political advertising is acceptable for publication, but the advertisement must follow Scepter guidelines. Scepter reserves the right to discontinue any advisement for infraction of guidelines and/or lack of payment.AwardsThe Scepter has been rec-ognized as an International First Place Superior news-paper through the Quill & Scroll and was also recently awarded an All-Florida rating.

Publisher Florida Sun PrintingAdviser Chris Muñoz Principal Michael Rowan

Editor-in-Chief Tianchen LiProduction Manager Alokika PatelContent Editor Vivekka SuppiahNews Editors Roshni Kotwani Copy Editor Isha BhutadaFeatures Editor Becca Heidenberg

Sports Editor Aidan BurstenEditorials Editor Vivekka Suppiah Assistant Editorials EditorShashank MaheshPublic Relations/Press ReleasesSimran BharadwajBusiness ManagerElizabeth Hurtt

Photography EditorAlex WaldenStaff WritersJaelyn BaneaEileen Cory Randy YingCrystal LiAgrata Mishra Inthuja SuppiahKrista HarrisAnshul DagaCaio Martao

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time passes by. Like a steadily flowing river, I’ve managed to slip through the multitude of obstacles presented to every freshman, sophomore, and junior in high school before finally reaching the place where I am today. I’ve made it to my senior year. Glancing around the school, it’s hard to process how I’ve come to practically live inside the carolina-blue gates of King for three entire years. I distinctly remember the first day of freshman year when I passed through the intimidating entrance. The hall-ways were filled with the chattering of anxious voic-es. I’d tripped over the doorstep of my homeroom in the weird science building by the 400 halls (which had taken me forever to find, even after attending open house the week before) and had attracted quite a few stares as I tried to hide my burning face behind my hair. And other than the fact that I’d managed to make it through the same door without stumbling, the first day of senior year seemed to be a replay of what had happened three years earlier. However, there’s always more to the story than what meets the eye. There’s a new atmosphere among members of the senior class. Timid freshmen who jumped at the opportunity to prove themselves and to fit in trans-formed into a lively crowd of quirky individuals. Even the quietest people grew voices that sought an audience. We no longer care about appearances as much after enduring months of testing together wearing nothing but sweat pants and t-shirts. And as cheesy as it sounds, we’ve all learned to just be our-selves and to respect other peoples’ opinions. It’s hard to imagine anything different from how it is now, but the first two years at King for me were devoted to fig-uring out who I was and how I was going to survive high school. Looking back on the years that I’ve spent in high school also solidifies my belief that movies are completely misleading. Sure, everyone has had his/her share of drama, but people don’t just break out in song in the middle of the hallway or start food fights to get attention. Movies have also failed to mention the stress levels of high schoolers during the month of May when students are juggling regular school work, extra-curricular activities, Advanced Placement exams, SATs, and daily battles with the procrastina-tion bug. With that said, it’s hard to decide if high school was the best time of my life or not. However, high school was definitely filled with unforgettable moments. Here in the present, when a plethora of deadlines are being thrown out at us, we are starting the final race to the finish line. But rather than being over-whelmed by the things we have yet to accomplish, I’m embracing the now and am enjoying the new perspective of attending King as a twelfth grader.

Tianchen’sTangent

Editor-in-ChiefBY TIANCHEN LI

Content EditorBY VIVEKKA SUPPIAH

Assistant Editorials EditorBY SHASHANK MAHESH

6

The senior class package has become a hot topic. In previous years, the package covered most items including a yearbook and Grad Bash tickets. This year, seniors have complained that there is nothing useful within the pack-age when being compared to previous years. However, these items all come at reduced costs. For example, according to the Student Government Associa-tion, prom tickets are $65 within the package, but, outside of the package, the costs for the tickets start at $70. Grad Bash tickets would not be reduced if they were in the package, as they are a price given from Universal and not a cost given by the Student Government Association. Even with the reduced prices, many seniors still feel that the old package system provided more benefits than the current package.

“The main things we get the senior package for are prom tickets, grad bash, and the yearbook. Two of those three are not in the package so to us it’s not worth it,” senior Y’sis Pierson said. While the package may be more accessible and cheap-er to some seniors, many buy the senior class package so they can purchase all tickets for events throughout the year in one place at one time in order to avoid worrying about deadlines. As a whole, seniors feel it is already too difficult of a year to be distracted by deadlines for tickets that could have been in the senior package. “It’s a waste of money because we do not save all that much money if we buy the tickets and shirts seperately. There isn’t really a point of two shirts either,” senior Erik Cooper said.

In the grand scheme of things we often forget the miniscule details. As humans, we are consistently driven to complete one task after another, often forget-ting to stop, even for a moment, simply to ponder upon the little joys in life, the little details that make life worth living. Caught up in the rush of our monotonous lives, one day after another, the entire essence of the little joys is gone. These little things, however, create that happiness that we strive to seek every day. A genuine smile is one of the warmest welcomes anyone can give. Although we are aware that we may never meet these people again or we may never get the opportunity to speak to them, the simple gesture of a smile is a language in itself. It creates a sense of belonging and acceptance that creates a friendly envi-ronment. How can a simple smile do so much? A simple smile is an action that speaks for itself, providing a sense of delight for both the giver and the receiver. Smiling is one thing, but there are so many other small gestures that simply make people’s days slightly better. No one ever knows what is going on in another person’s life. We fail to realize that even though we might have had an amazing day, another person could have dreaded the thought of going through another hour of that same day. During these times, the ges-tures we consider small and minute become of great significance. That feeling of happiness you get when someone compliments you or tells you a joke or even decides to smile for no apparent reason, is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Focusing on giving and receiving these little gestures to provide a feeling of joy creates a new sense of reality and adds a little flavor to our lives that we all desire.

Over the course of the 21st century, technology has become a hallmark of our society. At one time, laptops in classrooms were a rare sight, but today the term “educational technol-ogy” suggests new ways of integrating learning and devices altogether. For many, blending new advances in tools with our traditional methods of education seems to be common sense in our day and age; to be ready for both higher education and work, children need to have the abilities that en-able them to use comput-ers and “smart” devices. Learning skills such as how to effectively navigate the Internet in school will create students who are more prepared for the real world when they emerge from the classroom. However, what most people do not realize is that technology in school has underlying consequences. Although technology is often celebrated to be “the great equalizer,” it often has the opposite effect. Stud-ies have found that children of different socioeconomic backgrounds use technology differently, with varying amounts of academic impact. Uses of technology in the classroom more clearly benefit students from stronger family settings or economic situations.

For example, this yearHillsborough County has implemented a new “Bring Your Own Device” policy. As its name suggests, students will be allowed to use personal devices as an educational aide, provided they have the permission of their instructor. This new pro-

gram is in addition to others that have been in schools for years; taking at least one online class has become a graduation re-quirement. Additionally, many teachers utilize websites to post grades, share homework, and complete activities that are supposed to facilitate learning during school hours. The evident disadvantage to the new rule is that not all students have tech-nology at home or are capable of obtaining devices to bring.

In a classroom that is rapidly shifting to one based in technology, there will be students left behind. As students involved in the transition into the world of digital education, it is our job to ensure that no student is forgotten. It is important to find a healthy balance; while students should be prepared for the high-tech world they live in, obtaining personal technology should not become a burden. Not having access to the Internet or not being able to bring tablets and smart-phones to class should by no means stand in the way of a child receiving their diploma and meeting success later in life.

In society today, it is difficult to say that there is any place that is completely safe and secure. Numerous crimes go unseen on a daily basis. With shootings and drug trades on the rise, concerns regarding safety rise. School is supposed to be a place where students feel safe enough sit through the an eight hour day and expect to go home in the same state as before they arrived. Parents hope that their children are protected within the confinements of their high school, when they send their daughters and sons there every morning. Every school, ranging from elementary to high, takes precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its children. Rules are set in place and lockdown procedures are created to handle any unsafe situations if they were to arise. This year, the addition of security cameras to the campus takes a new approach to safety at school. Secu-rity cameras have been placed all around the campus. They are found in grocery stores, in hospitals, in offices, and now in the hallways as well. The purpose of security cameras is to be able to record all the movement happen-ing around campus to make sure everyone remains safe. Although some think that these cameras are worth-less, these cameras present a new aspect to security. They allow administration to pinpoint certain activity on campus that must be monitored in order to prevent any mishaps. For example, when or if threats are reported to administration ranging from information about weapons to people who have come on to campus. During such

situations, it would become simple for administration to monitor the halls using these cameras. They are an efficient way to catch anything or anyone in an act prior to anything actually happening that may worsen the situation. Additionally, security measures have been in place since the school opened. There have been a set of rules and punishments for those who break those rules by endangering the student body as a whole. These security cameras provide the accuracy and efficiency that the school has never seen before. Instances have occured in which people have gone unnoticed and were not repri-manded since they were never caught in the act. These cameras will provide the ability for further investigation. If a fight were to break out, these cameras could easily document the incident and be used to verify who and what started it. Of course, whether there are cameras or not, rules will still be broken. There will still be instances that jeopardize school safety. However, security cameras cannot completely eradicate such instances. The security cameras provide a peace of mind that if something were to occur, the person who ignited the situation will be reprimanded. It provides a tool that if a situation arises at school that threatens the safety of the students, there is a source that the administration and the deputies could use to track the individual down. These cameras benefit the collective student body and faculty. They create a sense of protection necessary for any teaching environ-ment.

News EditorBY VIVEKKA SUPPIAH

On the evening preceding the 13th anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks, President Barack Obama ad-dressed the American people regarding the same issue that plagued the nation all those years ago. Terrorism has grown to evolve into a familiar evil over the past years. Terrorism starts with a vision, a genuine hope for change and betterment. But there is nothing that can possibly warrant violence against a fellow human be-ing. The mark of an ideal society is not democracy or technology, which are merely supplemental factors, but rather the across the board notion of respecting one an-other’s right to life and wellbeing. Violence in the form of domestic abuse or genocide, whether it happens in our country or another should not be accepted with pity but rather revolted against with zeal. The religious justification behind terrorism is also unfounded. Spirituality is something sacred and pre-cious that brings hope and strength to people no matter what kind of spirituality it is. Corrupting this concept and twisting it in a way that serves to justify the killing of innocents is not only beastly but downright evil. The reason we as youth must take the events un-folding in Syria and the actions of ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) into account is because we are the future. It is my firm belief that the only way to turn September into a month of memorial rather than a month of renewed terror is to begin to take progressive action in changing our global attitude. The only way to truly eradicate the issue of terrorism is to understand the struggles that bring it about. While circumstances and cultural perspectives may vary across borders, one thing will remain constant between all of us belonging to the human race, that is, the will to live, love, and be happy.

September 2014Scepter

BY ALOKIKA PATELProduction Manager

BY ISHA BHUTADACopy Editor

7

Although the safety of a student is the most important thing to a parent and to the administration of a school, security cameras are not the way to go. Security cameras can be seen as an invasion of privacy. Students go about their daily lives at school, moving from class to class, safely and without a problem. When that occasional fight breaks out there are teachers around to stop the fight and call administration. Security cameras are not necessary in a high school environment. For students and teachers, security camera’s can feel like an invasion of privacy because even if students or teachers are not doing anything wrong, it may feel as if there is always someone watching over their shoulder waiting for them to mess up. Although some could argue that security cameras provide a safer environment for students and teachers this is not necessarily the case.

When a student comes to school they are expecting a safe environment. Students are not allowed to enter or exit the building without a pass or being signed out. This should also mean that an outsider is not allowed to enter the building without permission. This process itself should make a school safer which eliminates the need for security cameras. There is also the issue of costs. Security cameras are not a cheap investment. At a school with computers from the 1990’s, there are other places the extra money could have been beneficial. If security cameras were truly necessary, the loca-tion of the cameras could have been different. Locations where there is expensive equipment that would require a lot of money to replace would be appropriate. The entrances and exits of the school would also be a suffi-cient place to place the cameras rather than right outside classrooms.

Production ManagerBY ALOKIKA PATEL

BY SIMRAN BHARADWAJPublic Relations/Press Relations

GRAPHIC BY BECCA HEIDENBERG

Scepter September 2014

As a new school year is ushered in, a new era has begun for college football. The 2014-2015 col-lege football season marks the first year of a College Football Playoff. This system marks a new way to determine a champion for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Subdivison. The format of the tournament is quite simple. The best four teams are chosen to participate in the elite playoff. There will be two semifinal games followed by the all important National Championship mashup. However, where the waters get murky is who names four teams as the best. In prior years, the championship game was played between the two highest ranked teams, as ranked by a computer generated system. In this new format, a group of coaches, student athletes, collegiate administrators and journalists, along with sitting athletic directors comprise the selection committee. Although the individuals claim to be of high integrity, there may be a fair amount of bias and human error factored into the selection process. For example, Barry Alvarez the Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is an acting member of the selection com-mittee. In the case that the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a bubble team for the playoffs, it is likely that Alvarez will vouch on the side of his program. Local football fans have something to look forward to as Tampa hosts the national championship game in 2017. When push comes to shove, the playoff is expected to be a big improvement from the flawed system that proceeded it.

Sports EditorBY AIDAN BURSTEN

BY EILEEN CORY Staff Writer

Commitment can be defined as the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, or field of interest. However, for some Bay Area student athletes, being com-mitted is not always synonymous with being dedicated. As high school progresses for student athletes, many attempt to involve themselves in the recruiting process with hopes of receiving an athletic scholarship. On a broad scale, each sport takes a different approach to this process. When cross country coach Gary Bingham was asked about athletic commitment he said, “Committing means you are going to give a college program the next four or five years of your life.” Depending on the type of commitment athletes place upon themselves entails different rights for the athletes themselves. Once offered a scholarship, there are many ways an athlete can react. A verbal commitment is a statement from an athelete that says he or she plans on participating in a college’s athletic program for the duration of your collegiate career. A verbal commitment is not binding in any way, and can be withdrawn at any time in the recruiting process. A more permanent commitment occurs when an athlete signs a National Letter of Intent (NLI). A NLI is a document

used to indicate a student athlete’s official commitment to participating in National Collegiate Athletic Association colleges and universities in the Unites States. However, not all institutions of higher learning are allowed to have their athletes sign an NLI. Seniors Mercedyz Mitchell and Elizabeth Hurtt have signed the NLI for Ave Maria University. This means that both athletes have shown interest in the school and al-though they are not bound to that university, they are no longer eligible to sign a letter of intent for any other school that is in the same division. “I am very excited to have been given this offer and op-portunity. I believe playing a sport in college comes with many benefits.” Mitchell said. In collegiate athletics, there are five main ways to break down a school’s athletic program. The highest level of college sports falls into the Division I bracket. Division I schools are typically larger state schools that place ath-letics on a higher stand than some other schools. Some examples of Division I programs are University of Flori-da, Florida State University, and the University of South Florida. In Division I programs, many scholarships are of-fered, a National Letter of Intent may be signed, and a pro-fessional career is a plausible outcome pending on one’s athletic success.

A step down from Division I would be Division II. Di-vision II schools are typically less populated and put less emphasis on athletics. Some examples of Division II pro-grams are, Florida Southern College, Saint Leo University, and the University of Tampa. Less scholarships are offered in Division II athletics, and a professional career is pos-sible depending on the sport. Following Division II, is Division III. Division III schools are typically small school of higher academic cali-ber, but lower athletic importance. Some examples of Di-vision III programs are Emory University, Wesleyan Uni-versity, and Tufts University. No scholarships are offered in Division III, a NLI may not be signed, and a profes-sional career is unlikely. Other than these three divisions, there are Junior Colleges and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics which are in their own division. Getting an offer or a scholarship from any college to play a sport is not very likely and if received, should be well noticed. Less than 10% of high school athletes are offered scholarships and are able to play sports at a colle-giate level. Many people think it is a much easier process than it is and that knowledge needs to be altered.

BY AIDAN BURSTEN Sports Editor

The dedication put forth by Lady Lions girls volleyball team coach Madeilynann Mitchell is returned equally by the athletes she trains. Walking into Mitchell’s room, the sheer quantity of volleyball related signs scattered around is striking. It’s obvious that “Coach Cookie”, as she is af-fectionately called by her players, is passionate about the sport. She’s been coaching at King for five years, and was voted “Coach of the Year” in 2012. “I look for effort, dedication, skill level, and compat-ibility in my team members” said Mitchell. Last year, the ladies volleyball team had an exceptional season, placing first in the district. This year, the team has high expectations. The girls plan on returning again with the title of District Champions. All but one member of last year’s victorious team are back on the court this year. “I expect for us to win districts again, and I predict a re-cord no worse than twelve and one,” Coach Mitchell said.

Familiarity contributes to the Lady Lions’ success. The girls know one another’s strengths and make up for each other’s weaknesses. In addition to the countless hours they spend practicing together, they also choose to spend their free time with each other. “We’re all friends outside of volleyball and we have pre-game meals and sleepovers,” senior Arielle Allen said. All their time spent together creates a strong sense of unity. “I think that a team is a group of people who are willing to sacrifice anything for one another,” senior Alexandra Pividal said. They support one another and work together to achieve their goals. “Playing hard, playing smart, a lot of practice, and ask-ing the girls to give me 110%,” Coach Cookie said about her plans to achieve victory. This season, the team is al-ready off to a promising start. They defeated Freedom for the first time in years. The players are very devoted to volleyball, and put in an astounding amount of time and effort into their training. Judging by their current winning streak, their commitment is paying off.

8

This year, school alum Charles Johnson broke the American record for the 110 meter hurdles in the age cat-egory of 45 years and older. He completed this feat with a time of 14.63 seconds on the track course at Florida State University. The previous record of 14.79 seconds was set by track runner Tom Guilliard in 1995. Johnson’s next goal is to beat the world record for the 110 meter hurdles in the age category of 45 years and older. The world record Johnson is trying to beat was set in 2006 by Jamaica’s Karl Smith at a time of 14.41 seconds when Smith was 46 years old. Not only does Johnson have plans for beating the world

record in the 110 meter hurdles, he also believes it is pos-sible to run in the U.S Nationals. “I want to be the first man of my age to run the 110 meter hurdles at a time of 13 seconds,” he said. By the time Johnson was a high school senior, he was a five-time state champion, despite only joining track during his junior year. He played football and basketball as a kid, and went on to participate in football and track in college. In the end, his love and talent for track came out on top. Johnson was greatly influenced by his high school track coach, Clarence Higdon. “He was a big inspiration… he had me focused on college, because I was planning on going to the military,” Johnson said. “He told me how nice it was to go to college and make friends everywhere at meets.”

He went to college at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Even through college, his track life in high school influenced him greatly. He was moti-vated to travel the world as a professional and succeed not only on the track, but in life as well. After a close bid for the Olympic running team in 1996, Johnson took a break from the track and began to coach local children. In the aftermath of his inspiring comeback to the track, the previously established Charles Johnson Invitation Track Meet has grown in popularity. “It’s an honor and blessing,” he said. “We are really trying to help the kids out and the community…. it’s not just for me, it’s for the community, folks who were past students, alumni, and for everybody.”

BY RANDY YING AND CAIO MARTAOStaff Writers

PHOTO BY ALEX WALDEN

MAKING THE SHOT- Senior Arielle Allen taps the ball over the net in yet another goal for the Lady Lions. Her exceptional performance throughout the game won Allen the title of Most Valuable Player.