COUNTRYSIDE

As the freshmen of 2007-2008 wander into their fi rst year of high school, they are probably unaware they are pioneering numerous changes that have swept through Countryside High School. Decisions that have been as lo-cal as the county and as broad as the nation will each have their impact on the lives and schedules of those who attend CHS.

Th e most obvious of the amendments, signaled by the fl ood of new portables is Cougar U, a program designed to bond new students better to the school and its commu-nity. Special teams of teachers interact with ninth grade students only, in hopes a refreshing student-teacher rela-tionship that will help keep kids in school. Statistics show around one-third of students are lost by the time gradua-tion rolls around.

“Kids aren’t prepared when they come to 9th grade,” said guidance counselor, Mike Silverstein. “Th e academy is trying to develop a team concept.”

Cougar U also includes a program called “Putting On Th e HEAT”.

Silent change slips into Countryside High

Th e Pack is Back

5

So You Wanna get a

Tattoo...

8

Homecoming

Traditions

2

“We accept no zeroes, and accept no failures,” said guidance counselor Roberta Hill.

‘HEAT’ stands for Help Eliminate Academic Tardies, and for those students who refuse to do their homework and classwork, they will spend their Tuesdays and Th urs-days completing them with administrator Christopher Bates. Th is will not only allow the administrators to be-come more familiar with incoming students, but encour-age ninth graders to do their work, if only to avoid staying in school even longer.

Something more noticed by the upper grades might be HOPE, or Health Opportunities through Physical Edu-cation. Previous grades were required to take Health and Personal Fitness, required for graduation. HOPE merges both of these classes into a single semester, possibly allow-ing students to streamline their schedules.

But whatever relief HOPE might off er is challenged by the new graduation requirements and the majors/minors program - the former includes a credit of fi ne art and an additional math requirement; the latter orders incoming freshmen to choose a major and a minor, around which their schedule will revolve.

“Th e legislation wants all students to have an academic focus,” said administrator Lewis Curtwright.

Each student registers their major and minor of choice during registration, and may change their major and minor at registration every year.

Most monumental to new and old students alike is the ruling of the Supreme Court case, Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School Dist. No. 1. Th e Court ruled race is no longer able to determine which public schools children may attend. Th is has led to a reformation of the CHOICE. program, which will eliminate required ratios that were included in eff ect from 2003 to 2007.

staff writerxanderURBEN

Clearwater, Florida

PAW PRINT3000 SR 580 Friday, September 21st, 2007 - VOLUME 29, Issue 1 www.cnmcountryside.com

The countryside high school

Yellow lockers were replaced by sleek garnet lockers over the summer. This was just one of many changes to Countryside’s appear-ance.

staff photo Samantha Malone

FreshmanSpecial Edition

17 portables $8.5 million

2534 students

new AC, fi re alarm, lights, lockers, bus area

1850 new lockers

FEATURES

Lights, Camera, Action2

Tradition – a word not usually associated with homecoming by most students who participate. When it comes to girls, dresses, dancing and crowns race through their minds, while boys think of home game glory. But what is homecoming really about? How did this right of high school

passage begin? Th e mere utterance of the word homecoming produces many diff erent thoughts, ideas and

memories for students. In Pinellas County high schools, homecoming includes a sports event, usually football. After the game is the homecoming dance that traditionally includes a homecoming

king, queen and court. Some students believe the homecoming court is a popularity contest and are quick to judge its importance but it is actually a time honored tradition and most candidates are in fact judged more often on their character than their social standings.

“I think homecoming court is a vital aspect of the homecoming experience,” said history teacher, Chris Settle.

Th e homecoming dance is usually the most anticipated of homecoming events. Whether it be for the prestige of elec-

tion to homecoming court, the fun themes and dancing, or maybe just a good excuse to ask out a special someone.

Homecoming dances often have a theme to them such as a Hawaiian Luau or Undersea Ball. Th emes can be expressed

through lighting, decorations, students at-tire for the evening or even in the style of mu-

sic played that night. Th is year at Countryside, our theme has been set for a night at the cinema with a classical atmosphere to include the elegant 1920’s

fi lm era. Old time style and beauty will be running the reels and students will undoubtly have a rip-roaring good time.

Countryside will have the time honored tradition of Spirit Week leading up to the homecoming football game. During this week, students can wear cloth-

ing or accessories corresponding to each day, such as Character Day or Twin Day. Most schools hold at least one pep rally before the game to enhance school spirit.

Th e homecoming dance encourages relations between students of every grade as all students are allowed to attend; in fact, homecoming was initially created to bring students and alumni together. Th e fi rst homecomings were in the early 1900’s and hosted by colleges for publicity. Eventually the event evolved from an invite of alumni and students to the fi nal home game to a full blown school tradition.

Over the years, the tradition of homecoming eventually trickled down from colleges and universities to high schools. Th ough the events or proce-

dures may vary from college and high school levels, and from school to school in general, homecoming has become a solid high school tradition

and will continue to spread school spirit for years to come.

staff writermorganSWIM

NEWS 3

Th e Choice Is No Longer Yours...Segregation has been a problem throughout much

of history, most notably during the mid-20th century in America. It is one, however, that U.S. citizens are fi nding new solutions for every day.

In the mid-1960s, 10,000 of the 10,200 African Amer-ican students in Pinellas attended “all black” public schools and no “white” children attended predominately African American public schools. Due to this, a court ordered plan for busing students was issued in Pinellas on July 21, 1971 in order to desegregate its schools. As recently as the year 2000, Pinellas County was faced, yet again, with a less drastic degree of this problem. It was believed that eth-nicities were not distributed equally enough in neighbor-

hood schools. School Board members felt this needed to change. Th ey were driven by the idea that every student should be acquainted with peers from multiple cultures and diverse backgrounds. Th e solution to this problem was the Choice Plan. Th is plan of action was designed to increase the likelihood of voluntary integration in schools through parent choice.

Th e process included parents indicating their prefer-ences as to which school they would best like to see their child attending. Parents had to submit an application stat-ing their most desirable school of choice, along with two alternatives, the year prior to their child entering kinder-garten, sixth, or ninth grade. Or if a student intended to change schools, enter, or re-enter the school district at the beginning of a new school year. Proposed on October 24, 2000, this plan of action took aff ect in August of 2003.

Now, four years after the plan was fi rst put into ef-fect, the Pinellas County school board is making changes.

Members of the board are scheduled to have a fi nal vote on November 13 2007, to approve a new

plan. Th is new student assignment plan pro-

poses students attend the schools closest to their home, regardless of where they go now. Th e plan will likely uproot stu-dents from their current schools and in-evitably end the current school choice program. One such person that this plan would greatly aff ect is Countryside High School Junior, Amanda Jones. Amanda lives in Pasco County, but was given per-

mission by the School Board under the choice plan to attend Countryside. Switch-

ing back to neighborhood schools would mean that Amanda would have to attend a school in

Pasco County. “My neighborhood school is Mitchell High

School and I don’t want to leave my friends at Country-side my senior year,” she said.

Approximately 100-150 bus routes could be eliminated, and needed busing would have shorter trips, ultimately saving money, if kids attend schools in their neighborhoods.

R e d u c i n g busing may

be considered a positive factor of the

new plan, but some controversy regarding this idea has already arisen among parents that are dissatisfi ed with the idea that their children will have to move from a school where they have already found much comfort. Due to this, other options to please parents are being considered such as, allowing students to stay where they are if parents can fi nd their own means of transportation for their child to get to the school.

“My dad drives me to school before he goes to work in the morning and after school I can get a ride with a friend,” said Amanda.

However, School Board member Carol Cook stated an opposing point at a recent board meeting.

“We need to make sure those particular seats in the school aren’t needed for children that live close to that school...And just to say, ‘Well, we’ll let you stay there and provide your own transportation’ can cause some prob-lems.”

Th is just goes to show that it is very diffi cult to please everyone. In spite of this, discussions will continue about factors that aff ect the plan at meetings scheduled for Au-gust 24-September 17, 2007. Additional meetings are planned for October 8-10, 2007. School board leaders will search for a way to please the majority of the people with help from the public, getting their inputs and opinions

staff writerpauline MURPHY

“I like it a lot here,” said Dino Tabakovic.

A l -though he lived in Ger-many for fi ve

years, America pre-sented an even better life. He de-

scribed Bosnia as “a poor country,” Germany as “all farm-ing,” and America as “all cities.”

Hey What’s Up?

Here at Countryside High School, we pride ourselves in having such a culturally diverse school. Th e countless European, Asian, African, and South American students

bring many aspects of their cul-tures to America. Being born a citi-

zen in America is often taken for

granted. Americans are born with numerous rights and freedoms, as well as a free school system. Not all parts of the world are so providen-tial. Take into consideration the stories of three students not born in the United States of America.

Th e fi rst additions to our school, twin brothers and seniors, Hassen and Mohcine Zidouhia come from Casablanca, Morocco. Th e other is sophomore, Dino Tabakovic from Dubica, Bosnia. Th ey all say the reason they are here is for a better and easier life. One of the obstacles people may face when entering the U.S. is the change in language. English can be a challenging language to learn, due to the infi nite slang words and homonyms, words that are identical in sound and spelling but have varying meanings. According to the US Census Bureau Report, U.S. residents ages fi ve and older speak a foreign language at home.

Th ese students just want a better quality of life and have found their refuge in America. Dino Tabakovic came to America because of the insecurity and turmoil of war.

4CULTURE

Coming To Americastaff writer

marcelaMATI

10% Discount for Countryside StudentsAppointments Available

Walk-Ins Welcome •Acrylic Nails •Gel Nails •Pink & White •Color Tip •Airbrush/Hand desings •Spa Manicure & Pedicure •Waxing •Eyelash Extension

Arabic:

Dino Tabakovic

Hassan and MohcineZidouhia

Th ese families that travel from distant countries want to start a new and, hopefully, improved life. Hassen sim-ply says, “I hope to learn English and meet friends.” His brother, Mohcine agrees and quickly adds with a smile, “and play soccer.”

staff photo Megan Hays

staff photo Megan Hays

(Read from right to left)

Bosnian:

French:

Incoming freshmen Emily Mogran, Brynna Zuck and Casey Malone admire some of the volleyball, track and wrestling trophies at the front entrance of the school.

“You’re all seniors and juniors, oh and there are a few sophomores, but none of you are freshman right?” I slowly raised my hand, trying not to let anyone see me. It was the fi rst day of Debate class and everyone was older than me.

Freshman year can be pretty daunting, but knowing a few tricks it will make everything a lot easier.

“I defi nitely wish I had been in more clubs than FLAT (Freshmen Leadership Advisory Team), and saved more fun classes for senior year,” said sophomore Tony Val-letta.

Don’t forget to get involved. Clubs will help you meet people with similar interests. Joining clubs also looks good when applying for college. Be sure to listen to the morning and afternoon announce-ments for more information.

You may not think grades are important yet, because you are only a freshman; but you thought wrong! If you are planning on going to college, it’s only four years away and you will have to start applying after your junior year. All your grades count now. If you want Bright Futures scholarships, you also can’t forget to do some volunteer work.

“I did my volunteer work early and I’m glad I did. It will defi nitely be worth it, in the end,” said sophomore staff writer and art-ist, Joe Polt.

“Learn to control yourself,” said sophomore Austin Piechocki.

Don’t fall in with the wrong crowd. Th ere will be new experiences and new people all around, and it can be hard to tell what is good and bad, but when in doubt don't do it. Also, get to know the faculty instead of going against them. Just because they are faculty doesn’t mean they are out to get you.

“I wish I kept my middle school friends. A lot of us grew apart and now I don’t really know some of them. It’s

sad,” said sophomore Kelsie Hubbard.

Remember your old friends, but also be open to

new people. Try to make friends from all sorts of diff erent groups

and grade levels. Just be yourself; don’t try too hard. Also, try not to be absent for

more than four days because absences will catch up with you when it comes around to exam time. Taking those two days off feels so much better than taking several days off and having to take your exams. We can't mention names, but many fresh-men got suspended, or expelled from school

for various reasons. Remember: Don't take the chance when it comes to drugs, alcohol, or violence. Bringing a weapon, drugs, al-cohol, or cigarettes aren't worth messing up

your future. Doing things out of school can also get you into trouble. Making these mis-

takes can result in being assigned to an

staff photo Samantha Malone

alternative learning center. Nothing feels better than going home and surprising

your parents with a straight A report card. Parents will allow more freedom if they trust you. Earning your par-ents respect and keeping it intact can only help in the long run.

Sophomore staff writer and photographer Megan Hays said, "Just because you're in high school doesn't make you grown up. You have to learn your responsibilities before you go out and ruin everyone's trust in you. You're still growing up and you should enjoy it as long as you can."

staff writersmeganHAYS, joePOLT & sabrinaROCCO

Been there, done that-freshmen memories

staff photo Heather MacDonald

Students work on their homework assignments in Mr. Carter’s class.

Freshman Survival Guide

FO

to get you through f r

FreshmanFreshman SophomoreSophomore

Go

to homecoming

Join a club/sports team

Start those Bright

Futures scholarship volunteer hours

Pass

freshman experien

ce

Take the PSAT/NMSQT and qualify for the national merit scholarships

Pass

FCAT

Start thinking about life after high school

Save up

for a swe

et set of

wheels

Although freshmen may think high school is all about taking easy-to-pass classes, partying with friends, and relaxing the rest of the way, there is another side that most students don’t even consider until it’s too late. Th ere are some things that should be taken care of in the fi rst year so students won't feel overwhelmed in the years that follow.

For instance, freshmen may fi nd that taking certain classes early in high school will be very benefi cial. Th is helps students to not feel so unprepared before entering their second year of high school. But what classes to take?

“I should have taken Algebra I in my freshman year,” said junior Hannah Lachapelle. By getting the more diffi cult classes out of the way, students might feel less stressed as they approach their senior year.

Another suggestion that will help not only in high school, but will be a life-long aid is to "have good study habits," said French teacher Francine Louis. Sounds simple, but this will truly be an advantage in the career of the students' choice. If practiced early on, good study habits will make classes much easier and students’

grades will benefi t.

Also, freshmen should join one, if not several diff erent clubs, to get a sense of belonging and feel as if they are truly a part of Countryside High.

Whatever interests the students, there is sure to be a club that will welcome them with open arms. Th is will not only make students feel involved, but can help them decide what they want to do, once out of high school.

One last tip, before getting settled in with classes, teachers, and the over-crowded hallways, try becoming familiar with the school and the daily routine. Knowing where the diff erent wings are will prevent freshmen from being late to their classes or worse, getting lost while trying to fi nd them. Students should plan enough time to get from class to class, if they want to talk to friends beforehand or need to stop by their lockers. Deciding when to do this will help with time management, which will then make school life easier. By simply knowing what to expect, most problems can be avoided.

High school will be diffi cult, but following these tips can help make the journey easier. Th e experience can still be fun, but students should be careful not to slack off or decide not to try their best in any class. If they are simply the best students they can be, freshman year should be a breeze.

heatherMACDONALDstaff writer

LENIENT RULES: ••A lot of teachers don't mind gum chewing in class...

••Parking spaces: not sup-posed to be painted on but.. it’s not heavily enforced...

••Teachers aren't supposed to let you out the fi rst and last 15 minutes of class. Legally you have the right to use the bathroom anytime you need to so if you really have to go...

HEAVILY ENFORCED RULES

•Dress code: make sure your pants are above your waist, skirts past mid-thigh,

no hats, sleeves on your shirt etc. so watch out!!

•Tardies:

1st off ense - warning

2nd off ense- 30 min administrative detention

3rd off ense- Saturday school(no show=two day suspension or OCIP)

4th off ense- this tardy and subsequent tardies to class, students will be

marked absent. all fourth and subsequent tardies will count as an absence

for exam purposes

•Cheating!! Just don't do it! It's not worth the risk of getting a zero or ruin-

ing your chances of joining the National Honor Society.

•Electronics are being confi scated whenever they're seen so put them away.

Administrators are good at spotting the head phones!

marcusCARRstaff writer

Artwork by Rudi Grub

$

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Visit colleges

you are intereste

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ing. Start thinking

about those per

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essays and letters

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•Respect is a major priority-towards teachers and class-mates. It bothers teachers to see disrespect in their class rooms.

•Okay, lets go back to Pre-K. Raise your hand to speak. It's as simple as that.

•Clean up your trash. Don't leave it. Your teacher is not your maid.

•Cell phones are not only dis-rupting, but they can get you into some serious trouble. Do yourself a favor and turn it off . Th at text from your boy-friend or girlfriend can wait.

•Th ere's always at least one kid in each class who complains about everything. Don't be that kid.

Save yourself the hassle of hav-ing your teachers annoyed with you this year.

CUS eshman year I hate it the most

when students don't ask confi dent ques-tions, you've got to

be confi dent World History teacher

Pierce Brunson

Sleeping in class then asking how to

do this [work]

Algebra 1 teacher Mary-Beth Williams

It aggravates me that students cheat. It also aggravates me when students don't do their work

Marine Biology teacher Elizabeth Mc-

Govern

I'm disappointed that the actions of a few ruin it for all, so please dispose of your gum properly

Drafting teacher Michel Pasierb

JuniorJunior SeniorSenior

Take

the SAT a

nd ACT col

lege

placement te

sts

Pass the science FCAT

Apply to the National Honors Society

Write

personal essays

, get let-

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endation, and

apply to college

Paint senior parking spot

Go to prom/senior break-fast/grad night

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jordanGENTRYstaff writer

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staff photos Xander Urben and Sabrina Rocco

GRADUATION!

On top of all the fantastic clubs we already have, there are also three more being established this year. Th e fi rst is a Surf club with history teacher Dave Sica as advisor. Th ey will discuss surfi ng and where to fi nd the best waves, but do not actually partake in surfi ng as a club due to policy issues. Th e next is the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) which guidance counselor Katherine Santiago will advise. Th e GSA advocates the acceptance of all people not based on gender preference, and works to inform the public so they may better understand how to overcome prejudice. Its fi rst meeting is scheduled for October. Our third new club is Students For Global Awareness. Th ey hope to inform and evoke action from teens to help with global issues. Th ere is more on them in Th e 411. Each club promises to be a fun, and enriching addition to our repertoire of extracur-ricular activities.Joining is as easy as listening to the announcements. Many of our clubs gladly allow anyone who wishes to see what they are all about to attend a meeting or two and do so. So look for several clubs that sound fun or interesting to you; after all, what better way is there to get involved with your school and meet new people who share your

To the overwhelmed freshman, high school can seem a big step from small time middle school. Countryside has the largest student population in Pinellas County, so it’s natural that things would be overlooked. In little, out-of-the-way corners of Countryside are some interesting artifacts and displays, not to mention other oddities.

Flickering lights, strange noises, and crashes are odd occurrences the drama kids know well. A ghost has, supposedly, been haunting the Prop Cage in the auditorium for twenty-two years. It is rumored that the ghost was a drama student here at Coun-tryside, with a bright acting future ahead of her. Countryside lost this rising star in a tragic car accident and since then her ghost has been known to frequent the stage.

Skateboards doing what they do best, defying gravity. Th is eye-squinting, head-turning paper littered work of art is at the end of the very long M-wing. Art work from fellow Countryside High School students is almost always on display. From sculptures to paintings, and photography to large murals, there are always amazing works of art to be seen here. Artwork changes throughout the year so check back frequently.

Moving through the concourse between classes is a dangerous route. Th is is Angelo domain. John Angelo, the all knowing Campus Monitor has some of the best theories, stories, and ideas about life.

“What if, by some magic spell, all the squirrels in the world were changed into rabid Silver Back Gorillas?” says Angelo. Th is being only one of the many anecdotes he states at the simple request of “Hey Angelo, tell us a story!”

Venturing down the F-Wing, notice the shadow boxes placed up on the right side of the hallway. But simply taking the time to move away from them to avoid a head splitting injury in the treacherously crowded hallway isn’t really noticing them. On your right there are a variety of shells and newspaper clippings about the myth inspiring giant squid and science-fi ction sized jellyfi sh.

On your journey through high school, be sure to fi nd these hidden treasures. While you’re at it uncover some of your own or even add to this cache. Th is is, after all, not only a journey for the books.

CHS CLUBS

• Art Club - Jay Titus • Fellowship of Christian Students - Anita Steers • French Club - TBA • Future Educator’s Club - Jamy Hoch • GFWC Clearwater Juniorettes - Jane Hussar • Interact Club - Dawn Hartley • Key Club - Mike Fresia and Marcella Robinson • Marine Biology Club - Sue Curnutte • Mu Alpha Th eta - Travis Short • Multicultural Club - Chris Bates, Rick Amstutz, and Irene Bachman • Poetry Club - Ron Marn • SADD (Students Against Destructive Dec.) - Offi cer John Cavaliere (SRO) • Spanish Honor Society - Monica Diba

Th e Best Unintentionally Kept Secrets

How to Get Involved

1)Globe switched with book 2)Books on table 3)Statues swtiched 4)Chairs moved 5)books appear on shelf

CAN YOU SPOT THE DIFFERENCE?

staff writerfeliciaPARTEE

staff writer

helen CATANESE

Staff photos Marcela Mati

Staff photo Felicia Partee

You’ve probably heard about at least a few of our clubs

here at Countryside. So, why aren’t you involved yet? Ride

a bus? Busy with homework? Or do they just sound bor-

ing? Many club meetings take place before buses leave.

Not to mention we have nearly 60 clubs and counting.

“Th ere’s really no excuse for somebody not being a part

of Countryside High. It makes it more fun, more owner-

ship of your school… Th at’s the way I feel right or wrong,”

said Director of Athletics and Activities, Elizabeth Col-

lins.Here is a listing of the extracurricular activities we off er

here at Countryside that you may not be familiar with. You

can also pick up the complete list in the front offi ce.

Skateboards defying gravity down the M-wing. Sculpture by senior Ryan Dorr.

interests?

SPORTS

Fortunately the team has a history of success. Th ree out of the past four years the Cougars have been district champions, and even though they placed second last year at 8-3 it was good enough for a playoff berth.

Th e boys are back in townTh e heat is blistering, the cannons are loaded, and the

face paint is fresh. Th is can only mean one thing; football season is here. Th e Countryside football team opened the season with a dominating victory over Pinellas Park. Both off ense and defense played equally well. Th e Cougar’s duel running backs ran all over Pinellas Park, and the defense virtually shut down their oponents. Th e Cougars scored a touchdown on off ense, defense, and special teams show-ing how well rounded they are. Th e team defi nitely came prepared. Th ey had been working all summer, molding a playoff hopeful team.

In the off -season, as the sun shone over them, the team gathered at the fi eld for a two-thirty practice. Th e players start off doing individual workouts in which they work ex-clusively with their positions. Th at’s followed by off ense vs. defense drills. Th en they move into a controlled scrim-mage and special teams practice. A long day of practicing is ended by running and sprints. Most of the players on the team aren’t quite used to the workload of a normal varsity training, but it’s a learning experience.

“It’s good for the new players to get a feel for the prac-tice, get used to the equipment, and adjust to playing in the heat,” said assistant coach Jeff Davis of new players and practice.

Not that the team is inexperienced, just very young. Th e off ense consists of only one returning starter from last year and the defense only two. Th is season the new players

School spirit may seem like it’s the thing to do in high school in order to be part of the crowd. Showing com-mitment to the team never hurt anybody, but what hap-pens when school spirit goes too far?

Everyone has their own clique, a place they belong. When Friday rolls around, everybody knows what day it is; game day.

Football is a huge part of Countryside, and students know that going to the games is crucial in order to belong in the school with fans being an exceptional part of the experience. Th ey come out to all the games, get painted up and cheer the entire time. With all of the fun from the fans and the football game itself, there is a fi ne line between being a good sport and going too far.

Home games are always the most exciting. Being at the home fi eld is always an advantage be-cause the opponent is in “our house”. Everything seems to be going perfect dur-ing the game and then disaster hits.

will have to fi ll the void created by the loss of several key senior players. Th e veteran players have been supportive of the new ad-ditions.

“A lot of the new guys have played well and are ready to take the needed positions,” said se-nior guard Logan Ungerer.

Another issue that has people talking is the quarterback controversy. Right now there are two defi nitive starting quarterbacks, sophomore Ryan Ebson, and junior Jim Snellick. With both quarterbacks having their own talents, a duel Q.B. system might be something to consider.

“Th ey both have certain qua-lities that we can use in situa-tions. We might use both come season start,” said Davis.

Th is year the main goal is a state championship, but the road there won’t be easy. Th ey’ll play their fi rst three ga-mes at home against Pinellas Park, Gibbs, and St. Pete, but after that they’ll go straight into district play including a game against Dunedin.

“Sometimes, it gets ridiculous on how rude people are. Th ey’ll go to any length to disrespect somebody from the

other team. I think it just shows their immaturity and stupid-ity,” said sophomore Jaymie Shade.

While putting down the other team in order to boost your team’s confi dence, going too far is a problem.

“Th ere’s no reason for fi ghts at a game. [Th e worst part about the

disrespect at games] is the possibil-ity that somebody could get hurt,” said junior Richard Shockley.

During a few games last year, some fans decided to go out to the parking lot and vandalize cars. Sledge hammers, crow bars,

and spray paint landed on cars. “Countryside sucks” was written all over them. When the police

were alerted about this problem, there was nothing they could do.

Th e culprits had run off and nobody could identify the them. Th ere was no video

evidence or witnesses to stop the problem. “I remember when all of this happened. It happened to a

friend of mine. He was so upset. His car was totaled,” said senior Erin Nel.

When school spirit goes too far

Freshmen Teela Armstrong (left) and Savannah Stona show their school spirit for Countryside’s first football game of the season.

Countryside’s football team huddles up behind the Cougar tunnel to say a pre-game prayer before the opening home game against Pinellas Park.

andrewWOODstaff writer

christinaLUPIstaff writer

5

staff photo Christina Lupi

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Harbor Wireless

OPINION 6

Fax 727.725.7990727.725.7956 EXT. 2046

Rage against the steroid machine

The Paw Print is published by the newspaper staff at Countryside High School. Advertising rates are available upon request by calling (727)725-7956 ext. 2046. Advertising which pro motes illegal products under Florida Law, or opposes any religion will not be accepted. The Paw Print has been established as an open forum for student expression as outlined in the Student Press Law Center’s model guidelines for student publications. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the faculty and administration but rather of the author or the newspaper staff and its editors. The Paw Print welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to Countryside High School and its sur round ing community. We also welcome contributions from writers not associated with the newpaper staff. All freelance material should be submitted to room A-3. All submissions must bear the author’s name.

Florida Scholastic Press Association- All Florida

Southern Interscholastic Press Association- Superior

On July 1, 2007 the Florida state legislature voted on a new law that will make random steroid testing mandatory for 9-12 grade student athletes. Th is program has been established as a one year pilot testing program. Students, however will not be tested for the use of recreational drugs. Each steroid test administered will cost Florida $175 per student. Th ose student athletes who participate in the following sports will be suspect to the random drug screening; boys baseball, girls fl ag football, boys tackle football, girls softball, and fi nally girls and boys weight lifting. Th e goal of this project is to eliminate high school steroid abuse athletes in the state of Florida. Tests are administered to detect anabolic steroids, synthetic hormones which promote rapid tissue growth. A whopping 550 public and private Florida high schools will be eligible for student athlete anabolic steroid testing.

Athletes that test positive for anabolic steroids will pay a harsh penalty. For a fi rst off ense the athlete will be suspended from practice and competition in all sports for a period of 90 days and the student must attend and com-plete a drug education program. If the athlete does not pass a second-ary drug screening after the 90 day suspension the penalty will be ex-tended.

Today’s sports world has become closely associated with the evils of steroids and their harmful eff ect on an athletes body, then how have steroids sifted through the “sports ladder” down to the high school level? Perhaps the answer lies behind the suspicious antics displayed by pro-fessional superstars.

“Th e professional athlete is idolized as a role model for many high school athletes; young impressionable athletes want to emulate their favorite (professional) superstars,” says assitant football coach Jeff Davis

Professional sports icons such as Barry Bonds and Shawne Merriman have both become poster boys for the “steroid era” of sports. Athletes must realize that they are the heroes of today’s youth. Th ey are role models for teen-agers. Th ese idols appear wealthy and in good health to suceptible and impressionable athletes. Superstar wrestling

sensation Chris Benoit had appeared to be an immortal fi gure among his fans. On June 26, 2007 Benoit became an enraged "killing machine." He violently suff ocated his wife and child soon before he hanged himself in a family gymnasium. Th ese actions quickly became associated with "roid rage" (an outburst of violent or aggressive behavior associated with steroid use).

Not only are these sports fi gures ruining the integrity of the professional game but they have also plagued sports at the high school level. Th e most devastating news of all is that superstars are rarely remorseful or ashamed of their

actions. Professional athletes must become aware of the harm that they infl ict upon the lives of millions of high school stu-dents.

“Th e more the professionals use steroids,

the more high school and college kids will use them (steroids)," said head basketball Coach,

Myron Huey. But the damage has already been

done. In a recent study performed by the University of Michigan, 2.7% of high school

senior athletes have admitted to using steroids at some point in their lifetime. If action is not taken immediately honest sports could be gone forever. Some high school athletes are

appalled at the overuse of steroids at the high school level.

"Steroids are pointless and harmful," said student athlete Richard Serra. Th e simple fact is that the high risk is not worth the

reward. Along with severe health consequences, many kids have become victims of roid rage suicide. Suicide is the third leading killer of people aged 15-24. In 2004, 11.8 suicide attempts were tallied per day for the 15-24 year old age group (motives for suicide not limited to steroid use). Steroids induce depression, low self-esteem, anger, and abusive behavior. All of these characteristics can lead to homicide or suicide.

Th ere is no place for steroids in sports at any level and they should be abolished, not just in our country but rather all over the world. Th e new system of steroid enforcement will ensure fairness for all parties: students, teams and schools. It is important for all student athletes to understand the physical, moral, social eff ects of steroid use. Hopefully the new legislation will succeed.

PAW PRINT STAFFhttp://my.highschooljournalism.org/fl /clearwater/csh/

Share your OpinionsIf you would like to write a letter to the editor, please bring your completed letter to A-3. Let-ters should include the writer’s name and grade. Th ey may be edited for taste, clarity and length.

Editors In Chief Staff Writers

Adviser Principal

Samantha Malone, Aneta Kozub & Andew Tannahill

Christopher Carr, Helen Cantanese, Jessica Congdon, Jordan Gentry,

Vincent Grub, Megan Hays, Jannelle Howell, Christina Lupi,

Heather Macdonald, Marcela Mati, Haley Maerker, Pauline Murphy,

Felicia Partee, Joseph Polt, Sabrina Rocco, Roger Schmidt, Morgan

Swim, Alexandre Urben, Andrew Wood & Alessandra Young

Joyce Dimmer

Gerald Schlereth

Do you agree there should be man-datory steroid testing on student athletes?

3000 S.R. 580 Cleawater, Florida 33761

Quill and Scroll- International Second Place Award

“No, I don’t want to be tested because it’s an invasion of privacy.”Charles McdanielFreshman

“Yes, because steroids are ruining school sports, it gives an unfair advan-tage.”Jimmy NallSophomore

rogerSCHMIDTsports editor

“Yes, because steroids give people an unfair advantage.”Madison TruluckJunior

“Yes, because it’s danger-ous and they can stop it before it gets out of control.”Erica WagnerSophomore

staff photo Megan Hays

ENTERTAINMENT 7

Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing, is just another stereotypical coun-

try album. All of the music and lyrics seemed to blend together so much that it was hard to tell

when a new song began. It was a truly disappointing album. Keith Urban better step it up next time, or just not try at all.

Bottom Line: “Love, Pain, and the Whole Crazy Thing” has little creativity. Keith Urban disappoints us once again.

A band on the rise, Chiodos steps it up a notch adding a new ele-

ment of orchestral and melodic touch to their well-known sound. Fusing together cha-

os and harmony they combine Craigery Owens’ violet screaming with a waltz like feel to the bands

style. The only fault to be found is a cheesy reciting of poetry on the dramatic closing song.

Bottom Line: Setting the bar and stepping it up again, Chiodos delivers another phenomenal album!

A 3.4-magnitude tremor struck Basel, Switzerland when geothermal energy engineers drilled three miles underground in search for new, inexhaustible sources of energy by tapping into the Earth’s crust. According to sci-entists, geothermal energy could meet the world’s yearly need for power 250,000 times over. With the help of about $1-billion, by 2050, geothermal energy would top the yield of all 104 nuclear power plants in the U.S. Th e drawbacks include the tremors and the fact that new holes would have to be drilled after a few decades because the rocks would lose their heat. Only $51-million has been spent on the project, however, supporters believe that as oil and gas prices increase, so will government funding. Th e Department of Energy is not planning on spend-ing more than the allotted $2-million on the technology. Other key energy companies are not investing either but are still closely following the research.

When fi rst tested, the water shot down the well and into the crust, heated to more than 390 F. Th e water still waits in the layers of rock below. Unfor-tunately, a side eff ect is that the water causes the rock layers to slip and the tremors occur as a re-sult. Th e perception that there would be no slip-page if the water is brought back up to the surface continues to be researched. Switzerland is not the only country participating in this project. Twenty-six other countries are involved, which includes Switzerland’s biggest competitor, Australia, who is two years ahead in operations. Th e major start date was pushed back from 2009. Th e project is to recommence in 2012.

Research compiled from AP sources.

In 2001, Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey, and Laren Poole, three college students, set out to document an ongoing war. Since then the movement has hit hard on the youth of America. Th e idea of child soldiers in this day and age is appalling. Th ousands upon thousands of students are standing up and uniting. Students for Global Awareness, is a group here at Countryside, whose goal is to assist in the Invisible Children movement. Movie screenings, fundraisers and of course being a part of Schools-for-Schools are some of the activities taking place this year. Schools-for-Schools is an idea that Invisible Children organiza-tion came up with, one school raises money to help support another school in Uganda, to give the kids a place to go and learn, and just have fun being kids.

www.invisiblechildren.com

He’s the beat of the Beatle’s, he’s better than Pete Best,

he’s Ringo Starr! “Photograph” is an excellent, long overdue collection of Ringo’s best hits, as well

as some lesser known songs. Though the most under-ap-preciated Beatle, he stayed true to their style, except for the

slightly heavier folk infl uence. His lyrics are fun, especially in The No-No song and Back off Boogaloo.

Bottom Line: If you are a Beatles fan, a blues fan, or if your

Collective Soul has come a long way from their 90’s roots with their

eighth CD Afterwards. They’ve become a sort of grungy alternative rock hybrid with hints of

their old ballad style blended in. There may be a song or two that is just a bit on the repetitive side, but for the most part

Afterwards is a strong album with clever lyrics and well polished music shining through. Defi nitely worth every penny of it’s 13.99 price tag.

Bottom Line: This is a solid CD depite some minor fl aws.

staff writermarcelaMATI

staff writerfelicia PARTEE

Chiodos

Ringo Starr

Collective Soul

Keith Urban

Reviewed by: Jannelle Howell

Reviewed by: Joe Polt

Reviewed by: Helen Cataneese

Reviewed by: Haley Merker

CORKBOARD 8

Whatever is o

n TV, Miami Ink.

Whatever gets tattooed on the

show that week is what we tattoo

this week. Garcia.

POPULAR TATTOOS

• Tribal (have been around for hundreds of years and are usu-

ally complex black or colorful depictions)

• Old School (anchors, swallows and sailors are making a big

return)

• Lower Back (most popular among females)

• Dragon (range from traditional Chinese to mythical dragons)

• Celtic (some are universal symbols and their meaning are

recognized worldwide)

“

staff photo Sabrina Rocco

Juan of Poda Tattoo and Piercings prepares the tattoo

gun with a new needle. Th e cleanliness and safety of

your tattoo parlor is critical.

Once a trademark of tribesmen and convicted felons the

unruly tattoo has come a long way. One must no longer expe-

rience time behind bars to get a feel for this exquisite form of

art, the painful yet picturesque engraving of ink beneath the

skin. And is it a coincidence or deliberate abomination that

at 18 when one can acquire a tattoo they can just as easily be

booted out of the house by enraged parents? A consequential

act, one may call it, for this artistic expression comes with a

lifetime guarantee.

So you wanna get a tattoo? Well so do I, unfortunately

for many of us that’s where we come to a grinding halt. Ob-

jection, rejection, you get the idea. Bitter parents discard the

topic before you even present your argument.

Don’t have parental permission? It’s not over, at least not

until you’re a legal, legitimate adult. And so, you’ve turned

18, and your mind is made up, let’s make sure you know

what you’re getting yourself into.

So you wanna get a tattoo...

staff photo Sabrina Rocco

Tattoo artists Dan and Cactus Jack at Atomic

Tattoos work intently on various, new designs.

editor-in-chiefanetaKOZUB

tattoo design courtesy of Atomic Tattoos

Tattoo inks are composed of pigments usually not

harmful to the body. Glow-in-the-dark pigments

also exist but may be toxic and therefore risky.

staff photo Sabrina Rocco

Th e whiter the paper,

the brighter the painting.

Tom Garcia, Monique tattoo artist.

• Stay out of the sun! Sunburnt skin can’t

be worked with. Paler skin holds ink better.

• Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions! Choose

wisely! Tattoos are for life, and should you change

your mind, laser removal is expensive. (Up to $50,

per square inch, per treatment to remove.)

tattoo information compiled by Xander Urben