PILFERING PANTHERS

Are your cell phones, cameras, and iPods safe? by Sarah Keenan and Hina Ameen PILFERING PANTHERS Most students would like to assume that school is a safe place, relatively secure and monitored in comparison to the outside world. It’s unfortunate however, when this faith is proven wrong. In the case of sophomore, Gabriela Torres, her iPod and shoes were stolen from the girl’s locker room when left unattended during P.E. class earlier this year. She remarked, “It’s my fault for not checking, that I didn’t secure my stuff, but at the same time…the teacher didn’t close the locker room with the key.” The school has a clear policy stating that they cannot be held accountable for any electronic devices students choose to bring with them to class. Still, what student is found without either a phone or an iPod on any given day? The answer is slim to none. News p.4 The Remnant Club cleans up Lake Ivanhoe. Features p.6 Reflections on Halloween Horror Nights 18th year. Sports p. 11 Girls’ cross country makes it to Championships. PSJ Staff... Tracy Keenan- Layout Designer Sarah Keenan- Editor-in-Chief Rachel Patterson- Features Editor Hina Ameen- Sports Editor Rachel Christian- Staff Writer Mandy McRae- Staff Writer Mrs. Grund (Advisor) Seniors Seniors Seniors... No privileges in sight for the class of ‘09? by Roxana Khabiri and Jennifer So This year’s Dr. Phillips High School seniors for the 2008-2009 school year will not have any senior privileges due to OCPS Board Restrictions and regulations. The new budget costs and the legal required amount of time in a school day are the two reasons why senior privileges are, unfortunately, no longer allowed. With the school year’s new time change, and decreased amount of time in each class period, Mr. Trochinski had no choice but to cancel senior privileges, including 2 minutes early dismissal from school and a separate senior lunch line. Regarding early dismissal, Mr.Nadler said, “we don’t have [early dismissal] anymore because the new school time is right down to the minute, and we’ve got to follow the law.” However, the separate senior lunch lines were something that seniors had control over. There must be two seniors to “man the lunch line” everyday during their lunch period. Thus, the cause for the absence of the senior lunch line is, as Gaby Castelao, senior vice president stated, “because no seniors wanted to volunteer to work the senior lunch line and I couldn’t work it by myself, so the band department took over it” Many students find the dismissal of senior privileges unfair. Kamron Senjal, a senior, stated, “we’ve been here for 3 years and deserve some fairness no priviliges? PILFERING PANTHERS As it happens, Gabriela wasn’t the only student stolen from that day. Her fellow classmates also reported a great number of electronic devices missing. Still, the culprits have yet to be identified, and the items remain stolen. This incident can serve as a warning for both students and teachers. Gabriela made sure to mention her thought that “we should lock the doors of the locker room.” Ideally, we would like to trust those we attend school with, but this specific occurrence illustrates all too clearly that some people can simply not be trusted. (cont.) Crude Food by Aiden Kocarek Dr. Phillips High School’s daily itinerary consists of more than just seven periods—a midway marker in the school day is lunchtime, and it was a very highly anticipated moment for some kids…was. Now, however, this eagerness to enjoy a hot cafeteria lunch may have dissipated with the food it once served. This, Orange County Public Schools have drastically changed the school lunch menu from Spaghetti-O’s and little chicken nuggets to Pasta Alfredo and orange chicken. The school board claims this move was made in an attempt to make school lunches healthier. However, was this really the better move? The school board is made up of adults—the students have not taken part in this decision, but now they’re clearly expressing their feelings about the school food. The ones serving the food at the cafeteria (yes, the lunch ladies themselves), don’t have any comment on the food they’re serving. That’s probably not a good thing. Would we want our mothers giving us dinner even though they didn’t have a clue about One student comments on the change in lunch choices in Orange County dren, who don’t need as much brainpower, but have a smaller variety of food they enjoy eating. First grader Jordan Kocarek says, “The food isn’t really kiddy.” When she was asked what food items she would eat from her elementary school lunch menu, she had no idea what about a quarter of the food items were, and said she wouldn’t try them. But it’s not just students who aren’t too pleased with the decision to change menus. Mrs. Susan Kocarek, mother of three children currently in public schools, says “I don’t agree with the menu-change. It’s less appealing and not as good for (the kids).” Unfortunately, parents can’t do much to change things at school. Still, lots of people like her have strong opinions about the menuchange. “It’s not the school’s job to broaden the variety of food my kids eat—that’s my job. They need to just serve the kids what they like so they’ll eat,” is what Mrs. Kocarek says. It seems that a balanced diet may be more important than a very healthy diet when it comes to cafeteria food. what made it up? Unfortunately, this rules out the possibility of relying on the cafeteria workers to change the menu back to the way it was. Obviously, students are most affected by the menu-change and its unpopularity. “I don’t eat it because it looks nasty,” says Halie Lacy, sophomore at Dr. Phillips High School. Freshmen T.J. Knapp and Darcy Klampner have also stated, “I don’t eat (the cafeteria food).” One student, freshman Barbara Galavis, says, “…I don’t like it; it’s disgusting.” If kids aren’t eating the food, is it really more healthy? Not eating is always a worse alternative than eating something with little nutritional value. School is the last place where kids should feel fatigue and hunger—food is what gives them the energy to succeed in not only academics, but after-school athletics and activities. But it may be even worse for the smaller chil- Remnant Club Panthers from Remnant Club volunteer their time to help keep Lake Ivanhoe clean! by Mandy McRae Dr. Phillips is “Going Green” with the help of the Eco-Action Club. Never before has DP recycled but with the help of this new club, bins will be set up by every trashcan. They hope that through media advertisement of helping the environment, DP students will want to help as well. They are determined to achieve their goal this year and continue the plans of recycling for years to come. Many students had the same idea of creating a recycle club for the school. When the club fair rolled around, there was more than one recycling club! Instead of having separate clubs with the same purpose, they were combined to form the EcoAction Club. This sixty-member club is made up of committees and each committee has its own student leaders. Students in the club are assigned to a committee to help with different portions of the recycling goal. All students in the club fall under the executive committee’s commands given by the original founders Khoa Nguyen, grade 11, and Josh Gimbel, grade 12. Also, the club has two sponsors; Mrs. Wasylik and Ms. Bolton. The club is definitely using the most of their numerous members. The Eco-Action Club is not only focusing on the school either. On October 25, they participated in the Global Coastal Cleanup at Lake Ivanhoe. It was a community event to clean up the area around the lake. That was just one of the many events they will be participating in to help the community. And, the community will be helping the club back. On October 21st, the sponsors and executive committee met with some Universal Theme Park representatives to discuss a possible grant for the club from Universal. That would help the club tremendously because it would give them the money they need for The Remnant Club pose for a group photo while on site at their clean-up at Lake Ivanhoe on October 25th. the recycling bins to put around the school. Universal has their own program called “Green is Universal” and try to keep their parks eco-friendly. They want to take “green” concepts into the community and helping the Eco-Action Club seemed like a great way to do so. So how does one join the Eco-Action Club? As far as for the 2008-2009 school year, helping out with events is the best way to be active in club activities. Since the club is bursting with sixty members, next year might be a better time to join. The Eco-Action Club has a huge goal that has never before been achieved at DP. Not only will this club help out the school, but it will also help clean up the community. This club has a rewarding goal to accomplish. **Correction from last edition!: Mandy McRae is the writer of both “The Sanctioning of Cellphones” and “A Carnival of Interest”. Panthers in pink show their suppport for Breast Cancer Awareness month by Yurea Park and Rawand Natsheh October is a busy month with ongoing football games and homecoming preparation activities at DP; yet, one of the most important events that took place this month is the National Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. The Medical and Business Academies teamed up in an effort to promote cancer awareness and keep students informed. Medical Academy students chose to support the cause by producing pink ribbons and key chains to hand out to everyone who donated generously to the American Cancer Society. Maryam Arshad, a freshman in the Medical Academy magnet program, said, “We [bought] our own materials with our own money. And everyone contribute[d].” Containers were placed in classrooms labeled, “Think Pink!” which was the theme of this year’s campaign. Students and faculty at DP, along with others all over the nation have in some way been affected by cancer whether it was through a family member or a friend. Even in our own Panther community, Mrs. Deborah Wasylik, the AP Environmental Science and Ecology teacher, encountered breast Think Pink to Win! cancer but has successfully overcome it. When asked what the hardest thing was during her time in chemotherapy, she replied, “I was an experimental protocol for therapy. I was very ill and experienced hair loss.” Always having a positive attitude, Mrs. Wasylik is highly supportive of the breast cancer issue. She explained her first Relay for Life event when she was undergoing chemotherapy for her cancer. “I remember when I was experiencing hair loss, Dr. Marsh – director of the Medical Academy – offered to shave her head once the school raised I think at least $3000. Students who supported Relay for Life had no first-hand experience with cancer and it was really supporting to see their efforts in helping out.” So what can students do to help out with this amazing cause? According to Ms. Heather Rodriguez, director of the Business Academy, students must first be informed and aware of the facts; “As a result, students can communicate, reach out, and advocate this cause.” In addition, Mrs. Leadbeater, the principal’s secretary who is directly involved in organizing this campaign, says, “Students can show their support by wearing pink every Friday during the whole month of October. Although Relay for Life starts in April, we we can start early in October to raise money for this cause.” Medical Academy students have already attended this past week’s football game which was also Community Night to gather any donations. Small or big action, contributing to this cause is truly important by any means. Anywhere and anyone can all work together to support a great cause and bring change for millions suffering from cancer. Think pink and together, it can happen! Seniors Seniors Seniors... No privileges in sight for the class of ‘09? by Roxana Khabiri and Jennifer So and respect.” Also, Nyle Khan, senior class president said, “I know the senior class (0’9!) is upset, however the officers and I are doing our best to rectify the situation.” So is there any hope for seniors getting future privileges this year? No one is sure, but senior officers are pushing for new creative privileges. Khan says, “We asked for early release, discounts on lunches and school items, off-campus lunch, and outside-campus lunch such as Burger King and Pizza Hut visiting during our lunch shifts.” Senior privileges are like a democracy; seniors must speak up if they want to see change. Castello adds, “Unless students can come up with different ideas, we wont have any.” Despite seniors having no more privileges, there are still advantages to being a senior, and things may be approved and allowed resulting in a more enjoyable, memorable year for seniors. Khan expressed, “the senior class has an array of activites that only we can participate in like grad bash and grad night. Right now we are trying to put together a Senior Week. Like Spirit Week, but dedicated to us. So...09 all day every day.” Besides this year, Nadler points out that, “senior privileges have been declining more and more every year.” Seniors must remember to stay active in their role as an upperclass- no priviliges? man. When seniors are respectful and involved, change is inevitable. Khan says, “senior privileges aren’t inherited, they’re earned. Hopefully we’ll be able to sway the administration in our favor. The only way to do that is to practice exemplary behavior and too stay positive.” Seniors, you may currently have no privileges, but don’t give up. Seniors must work as a team, and with creative minds, win their rights back. Editorial Halloween Horror Nights The 18th year of Halloween Horror Nights presents Bloody Mary and her ‘reflections of fear’. By: Rachel Patterson and Zach Barehmi. My second take at an entertaining editorial. Bloody Mary haunts every American child at one point or another. Everyone has stood in their bathroom, lights out, facing the vast expanse of the empty mirror. Kids preformed the ‘ritual’ in school bathrooms, at their best friends’ house, but did anyone ever see her? Universal Studios takes this burning question and manifests it to an event spawning the length of October- ‘Reflections of Fear’. It’s been 18 years since the first Halloween Horror Nights. Thousands of people auditioned, hundreds were hired this year to make Bloody Mary’s “Reflections of Fear” the best year yet. Screams filled the air of near-by buildings, even DPHS, when the event first opened. The event this year features eight haunted houses. All around everyone raves that Dead Exposure was the best house this year; the house was pitch black, with strobe lights and black lights lighting the way. The house consists of dark corridors that you slowly move down and then suddenly a light blinds you and zombies are standing Halloween Horror Nights holds the masks the performers use nightly to achieve full scarocity. face-to-face with you. Another popular house was Scary Tales: Once Upon A Nightmare, which featured popular fairy tales with a morbid twist. It showcased Alice in Wonderland feasting on the intestines of the Mad Hatter and March Hare. Not only that but it showcased Cinderella and her wicked step mother, locked in a guillotine, and missing her glass-slippered foot. Unpopular houses seemed to Skoolhouse children, featured in the back of the park, illustrate trick-or-treaters on all Hallow’s Eve. be Streets of Blood- Body Collectors, Creatures! and The Hallow. Guests also seemed disappointed with the showcased Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure. The show was outlined by Hellboy, which released this summer. Management added the Rocky Horror Picture Show tribute again this year, where the show is interactive with the audience. Bloody Mary left fans screaming in her wake, left event-goers happy and satisfied with this years Halloween Horror Nights event. This year also seemed to be mellower; less people came ready to be rambunctious and obnoxious to others. The Frequent Fear Pass this year also offered more dates, a greater variety of dates to attend as opposed to previous years. “I thought the scare zones were better this year, I liked the Skoolhouse and Asylum in Wonderland- those were both intriguing.” Jocelyn Bellas says, recounting her favorite scare zones among the streets of Horror Nights this year. There were seven featured scare zones, not including the infamous chainsaw gangs and the 400 Jack-O-Lanterns that littered the streets. ‘Reflections of Fear’ reflected to be a huge success. By: Rachel Patteson Welcome back to the second edition, the second take, at a mind-blowing Paw Street Journal. I’m trying to keep my little column personalized, and with the Halloween theme we have going I wanted a headline font that had an Aladdin-esque feel. I failed, but all is good, I wasn’t even going to be him for Halloween. Actually, I am being nothing for Halloween because of the Homecoming game, so thanks for that, DP. Tracy is working hard to teach me how to do all the cool stuff in Photoshop when it doesn’t crash on me and I’m stuff staring at a blank computer screaming about how I’m going to break something; so our layouts are improving. We’re working really well as a team this year, plus we’re all a lot more organized than what it was before. It seems to be a mutual decision to try our best to make this the most colorful, creative, and amazing Paw Street Journal ever. Feedback on how we’re doing would be awesome, too, so send an email on over to psjstaff@ gmail.com to get your opinions in that. I appreciate that NO ONE has sent me anything for my Panther of the Month spotlight. Next time I’m just going to pull names out of a hat. If you looked at the last edition and saw that very large boy lying in bed that was my brother laying in my bed, not really sleeping and past his bedtime. He’s only in middle school, so don’t worry, but he succumbed to being in our lovely little paper. Oh, and how can we forget it’s almost the holiday season, and I am pretty much the Scrooge of Thanksgiving, if you’ve ever heard me talk about it before. Anyway, November is lurking right around the corner. The only good part about it is the Thanksgiving day parade that I always watch in my pajamas, eating cereal, and making comments to myself about how bad I wish a balloon would float away. My ending question before leaving you to gallivant through the rest of the paper is if you could time travel back to ONE concert of any artist, what show would you catch? The Race to the White House The presidential election of 2008 is one of epic proportions. By: Sarah Keenan The 2008 Presidential Election is set to occur in only a matter of days! Each time around we seem to hear a familiar variant of the phrase, “this will be the most important election of our time”. Unquestionably however, the 2008 election possesses enough contributing factors to make this argument convincing. For one, it seems to be an election of ‘firsts’. If elected, Obama would be the first African American president. In addition, Sarah Palin would be the first female to earn the office of vice-president. Some lesser known facts include that two sitting senators are running against each other for the first time in U.S. history, and that both candidates have never both been born outside of the continental United States . Although this is nothing new to the process, this campaign has included its fair share of controversy. An article by Erica Jong found in The Huffington Post states “our press has become a sea of triviality, meanness and irrelevant chatter”. Examples of this can be found in the attention given as to “why Senator Barack Obama did not wear an American flag pin on his lapel?” or Hillary Rodham Clinton’s assertion that she dodged sniper fire in Bosnia more than a decade ago. There has also been strong suspicion concerning a bias presentation of the candidates in the press. According to a recent Pew Research Center poll, 70% of registered voters believe journalists want Barack Obama to win the election, as opposed to 9% for John McCain. This has rekindled debate about censorship, and the creation of stricter guidelines monitoring the substance of the press. Still, for students here at DP privileged enough to have reached the ripe age of 18 by the time Election Day rolls around, it seems like you couldn’t have asked for a better first election. Barack Obama 1.) He won a Grammy Award in 2006 for Best Spoken Word Recording. It was for the audio version of his book Dreams From My Father. 2.) Barack Obama supports abortion, and the Bush-backed immigration reform legislation. He is opposed to same sex marriage, the use of US military force in Iraq, extending 2003 Bush tax cut law through 2010, and the Bush plan allowing workers to divert some Social Security payroll taxes into private retirement accounts. 3.) Obama is left handed. Joe Biden 1.) Biden has experienced a couple of personal tragedies. Several weeks after he was elected to the Senate in 1972 (at age 29, though he would reach the constitutional age of 30 by the time he was sworn in), his wife and young daughter were killed in an automobile accident. In 1988, he nearly died from a brain aneurysm. 2.) Biden has spent more than half his life in the Senate. 3.) Biden’s middle name is Robinette, he has the same name as his father, Joe Robinette Biden Sr. John McCain 1.) McCain was a varsity wrestler, earning the nicknames “Punk” and “McNasty” due to his truculent disposition. 2.) McCain ran for President in 2000. 3.) He’s 72 years old. If elected, he would be the oldest US President (at inaugaration). Ronald Reagan, currently the oldest president at inauguration, was sixty nine years old at the time. 4.) McCain often moved during his childhood, attending over 20 different schools. Sarah Palin 1.) Palin was the first ever female govenor of Alaska, as well as the first woman to run on a Republican Presidential ticket. 2) Palin played varsity basketball in High School as point guard and was team captain her senior year. 3.) She graduated from the University of Idaho in 1987 with a degree in journalism, and worked briefly as a TV sportscaster in Anchorage. 4.) Palin and her husband have 5 children. Things that go ‘bump’ in the night... 2008’s Halloween trends this year are all about living it up, accesories and all. By: Rachel Christian From wicked fairies to devilish jokers to that all time favorite, the naughty nurse, students at Dr. Phillips are sporting a wide range of costumes this Halloween. For the girls, many are opting for a more creative route this year. Some have chosen to recreate their favorite characters, like Bella from the Twilight book series. Still other unique individuals decided to make a costume surrounding a character they created. Sophomore Stephen Miscousis sported an ice blue wig, dark purple jumpsuit, and heavy face make up, and decided to play this Halloween out as a character from a story she had written. For us other females who may not have the time or creativity to create such a costume or character, the old classics are also in this year. Famine outfits such as fairies, queen vampires, and stylish pirates are in. Also, the all time stand by of sexy costumes tops the list of many lady panthers this Halloween season. From the naughty nurse to the mischievous kitten, it’s apparent that sex appeal is always a draw for teens around October 31st. And don’t think we’re forgetting about the boys. Perhaps one of the biggest influences on boy’s costumes has been super heroes. This fad may be ode to the slew of summer movies that were released this summer, but it’s undeniable that icons such as Iron Man and Batman are big hits. Even the darker characters of comic book adaptations, such as the Joker, are popular. Aside from super hero fantasy, boy’s costumes are sticking to the all time creepy classics, like zombies and the Grim Reaper. The trends for Halloween costumes this year are varied and welcoming. So feel free to try out the latest fad or stick to an all time classic this Halloween. Either way, you’re bound to look spooky and stylish at the same time. Princess costumes are a hit, and at Halloweens stores around town there are various displays dipicting this. Younger children can also be princesses. Classic witch costumes are making a comeback. DP Theatre presents ‘Julius Ceasar’ with a modern-day slant. By: Rachel Patterson Julius Caesar is a classic play taught in the 10th grade somewhere before Antigone and after All Quiet on the Western Front. As a play it speaks volumes. DP Theatre took the classic play and put a modern spin they added suits and jackets, briefcases, laptops, and made the leading roles a woman and an African American student. Michael Woube, a part of our illustrious theatre, tells how Mrs. Karen Rugerio also added “a thrust stage out into the audience” for a more personal effect. DP Theatre, troop 4276, never disappoints with a show. Especially, when it’s the opening show for a new school year and the expectations are still high. Opening night of Julius Caesar junior Jakeem Powell played the part of Caesar himself, the betrayed and murdered ruler of Ancient Rome. His performance was magnificent; he carried the arrogance of Caesar with class. Junior Michael Dodge played Marcus Cassius, a chief conspirator in the plot to kill Caesar and over take Rome. All involved put on a miraculous show. The actors kept the crowd drawn in. At one point during the funeral speeches to the crowd, various performers sat in the crowd, interacting with the actor on stage. It created the feel that the show took place in the audience, to or three rows over from where you were sitting. Along with that the thrust stage added in the seats created the illusion that the stage was everywhere. Troops marched down the stage, Caesar’s ghost walked sleepily down the stage to haunt Marcus Brutus when at war with Octavian and Marc Antony. Julius Caesar was a phenomenal beginning to the 2008-2009 school year, and it provided an excellent base for the rest of the theatre productions this year. Hina Ameen agrees and says, “If the rest of the performances are like this one, we are in for an excellent year.” Et tu, Brute? Julius Caesar, protrayed by Jakeem Powell, adresses the rest of the cast prior to being stabbed. Cassius, played by Michael Dodge, sells the idea of assinating Caesar. Important November Dates! - November 24: Student/Teacher Holiday -November 25: Holiday -November 26-28: Thanksgiving Hoiday Break Melodies for the masses. of Montreal- Skeletal Lamping Opinions from fellow Panthers on the latest music releases. P!NK- Funhouse Keane- Perfect Symmetry If there’s one thing to be said about Kevin Barnes, it’s that he has never been afraid to do exactly what he wants. Under the alter ego Georgie Fruit, an AfricanAmerican transsexual, Barnes has been able to create an album of epic proportions. While I will fiercely defend my position that “Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?” is of Montreal’s magnum opus, “Skeletal Lamping” comes as no disappointment. A soulful frolic through kaleidoscopic melodies, “Skeletal” is a plethora of song fragments tumbling through a full spectrum of textures, tones, and tastes. The album progressively tip-toes through peaceful strings before jolting into a tuneless mess, and is woven together with lyrics equally as schizophrenic. Although this hyper-kinetic sound war may not be for every palette, somewhere in the glorious friction between contradictions, there’s bliss. By: Tracy Keenan 4 out of 5 paws Inconsistent is the word I thought of first when I listened to the newest release by Pink. Not inconsistent in a poor way, though. It keeps me listening, to say the least. Pink, has had four prior studio releases, her most successful being I’m Not Dead. Between the drop of that album and the recording of this newest one, Funhouse, Pink separated and divorced from her husband of 2 years, motocross rider and entrepreneur Carey Hart. The first song on the record, So What, is also the first single. It is her first solo number one with an obvious reason, it’s a laughing tribute to her failed marriage, with jabs at other celebrities (the second time Pink has called out Jessica Simpson in her recordings) The first few songs are slow paced, focusing on Pink’s powerful voice. The title track, Funhouse, shares a similar beat as well as focusing on Pinks raw, powerful voice and hard-hitting lyrics. Funhouse gives way to my favorite song on the record, Crystal Ball, that’s a stripped down ballad of Pink’s life experiences. It’s my favorite strictly because her voice and her lyrics make me appreciate the influence of a positive female singer in the pop world. By Rachel Patterson, 4 and ½ out of 5 paws. Americans don’t quite share the tumultuous relationship with piano-rock band, Keane, as their own British kin. However, there is something to be said about their latest release, Perfect Symmetry. The surprisingly energetic opening of “Spiraling” starts out with an emphatic “ooh”. Immediately, veteran listeners would have to question its sincerity; possibly imagining a delivery through gritted teeth. One glance at their new “all-the-rage” outfits and questions concerning the intentions for the remainder of the album abound. As previously implied, many British fans have already pigeonholed Keane to the “sell-out” department two releases ago. Inevitably though, new concerns arise with this drastic shift in style. Fans may hardly recognize the band beneath the thick layer of electronic blips, synthetic hand-claps, and other “pingy” sounds which are hardly novel to anyone who’s experienced 80’s electropop. The lyrics prove to be similarly uninspiring. “Playing Along” is particularly plentiful in platitudes; the chorus discerningly declares: “I’m going to turn up the volume till I can’t even think!” In the same track, a kind of sketchy “social commentary” weaves its way in. Although the desire for an enlightening statement, or two, is present the vast majority of these two-bit lines fall flat. “Pretend That You’re Alone” brings this to a sickening climax with the especially astute exclamation,” we are just the monkeys, who fell out of the trees when we were trying to fly.” On a positive note, Tim Rice-Oxley’s pleasant voice and spacious compositions remain. Yet, it may be hard to perceive at first listen. With all of the new elements taken in to account, the impression can most accurately be described as a trendy, electro-laden U2. By Sarah Keenan, 1 1/2 out of 5 paws. Demi Lovato- Don’t Forget The newest Disney hopeful, Demi Lovato, just dropped her debut album ’Don’t Forget’. Lovato’s acting debut came out last summer in ‘Camp Rock’, a catchy musical on Disney Channel. ‘Don’t Forget’ was expected to be a hit & does not entirely disappoint. Many of the songs carry authentic hit-beats, ones that stick in your head, but not all. Six tracks were produced by fellow singers the Jonas Brothers, who also sing on ‘On the Line’. Her strong voice is noticeably the best of the Hollywood Records set and her non-hits remind us that she’s not in it to win it, only to produce genuine results. By Jocelyn Bellas, 4 out of 5 paws. Upcoming Releases Nov. 11: Fearless- Taylor Swift Thr33 Ringz- T-Pain Nov. 18: I am...- Beyonce’ Dark Horse- Nickelback The New Game- Mudvayne Nov. 25: Theater of Mind- Ludacris Day & Age- The Killers 808s & Heartbreak- Kanye West A Haunted Homecoming Students share their opinion on how they feel about the Homecoming game coinciding with Halloween. By: Rachel Christian For most high school students, October is the time for Homecoming. But when a date for Sprit Day and the Homecoming game was finalized, much talk arose from the decision. Because, though the month of October is the time of Homecoming, it is also known for another important event - Halloween. Students have mixed emotions about one of the biggest football games of the year landing on October 31st. Senior Karina Rodriguez was surprised and voiced her concern. “It doesn’t make much sense,” she said. “I mean, people will already have plans to do other things since it’s on Halloween. I’m sure not as many people will show for the game. I think it’s very strange that they picked that day.” Another senior, Andrea Sifre, objected to the timing for academic reasons. “It’s sort of a hectic time with report cards coming out the same day, and then I’m taking the SATs the next morning. But I’m a senior and it’s going to be my last Homecoming, so of course I’ll be going. I’m just going to party with some friends afterwards to celebrate Halloween.” Other students offered suggestions that would make Halloween-lovers and loyal Panthers both happy. “I think it’d be really cool if everybody had a little Halloween sprit at the game,” said sophomore Rebecca DeJesus. “I think everyone should come in their costumes. Nobody said you can’t celebrate your school and the holiday at the same time.” When Becky Hansen, a freshman in band, was asked how she felt about playing on Halloween night, she said, “I don’t really mind. All my Halloween parties aren’t actually on Halloween, and I didn’t have much else planned anyway. I think it’ll be a different kind of way to spend the night.” “I think it’s interesting,” added junior Brian Hortz, also a band member. “I don’t usually do anything special for Halloween, so I guess it wouldn’t really affect me as much as other people. I just think it’s really interesting.” Interesting indeed. Most students around campus supported the Homecoming-Halloween game. It gives many people who don’t celebrate Halloween something special to do with their friends. So whatever your take is on the decision, this year’s spooky Homecoming is bound to be both interesting, and very memorable. Photos by: Hina Ameen “I think I’m going to wear my Halloween costume to the game1” -Grace Bennet “I’m not going to the game because I’m going out with friends!” -Melissa Wallace Making a Splash A member of the team competes during their first match against Olympia High School. Both of the Dr. Phillips High School girls and boys’ teamwon the match against Olympia. The teams flew through the water in order to get to the State championships. A member of the Swim team competes during the match against Freedom. Women’s Swimming defeated Freedom with a score of 239-22. Date-Opponent 9/10/2008- Olympia (Home) 9/13/2008- Winter Park Relays (Away) 9/17/2008- Ocoee (Away) 9/20/2008- Lake Brantley Invite (Away) 9/24/2008- Edgewater (Home) 10/1/2008- Freedom (Home) 10/7/2008- West Orange (Home) 10/14/2008- Apopka (Home) 10/22/2008- Metro Conference Championship (Home) 11/1/2008- District Championship (Home) 11/8/2008- Regional Championship (Home) 11/13/2008- State Championship (Home) Men’s Swimming Date-Opponent 9/10/2008- Olympia (Home) 9/13/2008- Winter Park Relays (Away) 9/17/2008- Ocoee (Away) 9/19/2008- Lake Brantley Invite (Away) 9/24/2008- Edgewater (Home) 10/1/2008- Freedom (Home) 10/7/2008- West Orange (Home) 10/11/2008- FSPA (Home) 10/14/2008- Apopka (Home) 10/22/2008- Metro Conference Championship (Home) 11/1/2008- District Championship (Home) 11/8/2008- Regional Championship (Home) 11/13/2008- State Championship (Home) Women’s Swimming Photos By: Jocelyn Bellas “This year’s swimmers took off, and I’m excited to be on a team with great friends.” - Chris Gomes, Junior Crossing the Line Women’s cross country makes it to championships through hard work and dedication. By: Hina Ameen and Serina Harned Cross Country kicked off the season with a preseason invitational at Lake Mary. Both boys and girls both easily swept first place. Coach Remy, the girl’s coach, said “We lost three of our best runners last year. We also have four returning runners that run under 22 minuets. We are starting off the season on the top of where we were from last year. We are actually doing better than last year. We have a lot of new runners this year, and they are really committed to the team and are at practice on time every morning. We have a lot of new talent this year. A couple of our new runners came out of nowhere and started running at a time under 23 minuets. I could say we have a really solid team.” They are a solid team indeed. The girl’s cross country team is currently in the middle of championships. As of right now, they have placed second place in the Metro Conference Championship. Maybe their success could be attributed to the change in their practice schedule. The runners have expressed that they like running in the morning. They enjoy participating in practice before school, because they can get it over with faster. Practicing in the morning keeps their afternoons free. Running after school was brutal and extremely hot. They like running when it’s cool and not as humid. It is perfect because all of their meets are on Saturday mornings. Of course, the showers aren’t as pleasant as the ones you would take at home, but they still get the job done. All in all, it is apparent that the girl’s cross country team didn’t disappoint when it came to representing Dr. Phillips High School. Runners charge their way on the winding path to victory. Women’s Cross Country Date-Opponent 9/6/2008- Lake Mary (Away) 9/20/2008- Winter Haven (Away) 9/27/2008- Winter Springs (Away) 10/4/2008- Flrunners.com Invitational (Away) 10/11/2008- Cypress Creek (Away) 10/18/2008- Edgewater (Away) 10/22/2008- Freshman/Sophomore Meet (Away) 10/29/2008- Metro Conference Championship (Away) 11/8/2008- District Championship (Away) 11/15/2008- Regional Championship (Away) 11/22/2008- State Championship (Away) The girls’ cross country team awaits for the match to start alongside their opponents from Boone High School. Spike It! The girl’s Volleyball Team hopes to make it to districts by defeating their opponents. By: Serina Harned and Rachel Patterson “This year I think is going to be a good year”, says senior Vicky Birto. Her high hopes are spurred on by the fact that the teams record is staying at a steady more wins than losses. “I played volleyball for four years, but this is my first year being on varsity. This year they know they have a good chance going far in districts.” “I am really looking forward to this year! We have a lot of good players. I think we have a good chance in going far this season.” Says Megan Hodges, a junior on the team; “Last time we won districts was a few years ago when I was a freshman. We lost 6 seniors after my freshmen year. Last was more of a “rebuilding year.” We had practices in the morning. That is where we have a lot of our team bonding time. We also have practice on Saturday morning. Of course we don’t practice on the days we have a game!” Right now the team has a 20/3 record, with the only losses to Timber Creek, Masters Academy, and Winter Park. Timber Creek is one specific team that everyone seems to want to beat. The head varsity coach Lindsey Rankin always tells the team “Hope to go far”. When the season ends they will only be four seniors leaving, the majority of the team being dominated by junior players such as Hodges. The team hopes to make it to districts this year, which didn’t happen last year. From the start of the season it’s almost completely evident that our Lady Panthers volleyball team has the best shot at Districts than they have had in years. “We have a lot of good players this year. I think we have a good chance of going far this season.” -Megan Hodges Photos by: Rachel Patterson Simply Amazing -- What an amazing season for the Girls Volleyball team and it’s not over yet! There’s still more to come.