Volume 63 Issue 9 - Fort Myers High School

Greenwave takes first place at Mock Trial county competition
by Catherine Head
The Greenwave beats
rival Bishop Verot
by Rachel Petrik
photo by Dr. Ed Guttery
Junior Colin Henry competes against Bishop Verot
FMHS welcomes new Spanish teacher
by Danielle Chini and Nicole Doyle
More than 2,000 people attended the
boys’ basketball game between the Fort
Myers Greenwave and Bishop Verot’s
Vikings on Saturday, February 7th. While
the JV team fell short, both the freshmen
and varsity teams brought back wins.
The Greenwave kept the lead throughout
the game, never trailing. Junior Colin Henry
led the team to the win, with 14 points. Not
far behind was sophomore Evin Graham,
scoring 13 points. The Greenwave started
the game off with a 15-2 lead, which Bishop
Verot made 20-18 with only a couple of
minutes left before half time. However, Fort
Myers increased their lead for a comfortable
35-24 going into the 3rd quarter. It was in
the fourth quarter when things got tight. With
eight seconds left, Colin Henry sunk two free
throws, ending the game with a score of 52-48.
The team and Coach Scott Guttery were
very happy with the win. Guttery said,
“Overall, I thought our guys played really
tough. It’s a heated rivalry. There was a lot
of stuff going on and I thought they did a
good job keeping their heads in the game.”
Mr. Ernesto Mendible is a new Spanish teacher this year at Fort Myers High
School. This is not only his first year at FMHS, but also his first year as a teacher.
Mr. Mendible was born and raised on the Antillean coast of Colombia. He received
a Bachelors degree from Florida International University, in Miami. Mr. Mendible
says, “initially I had not planned on teaching, but I was inspired by young people.”
Mr. Mendible has enjoyed his first year at FMHS. He says, “FMHS has a great staff,
and wonderful students.” Mr. Mendible has a wonderful wife, two sons, and a daughter.
In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing basketball, and playing with his granddaughters,
and is hoping to start Aikido, a Japanese martial art soon. FMHS welcomes Mr. Mendible.
Junior Michelle Moscuzza wins first place in essay contest
photo by Troy Eckenrode
Congratulations to Michelle Moscuzza for
winning 1st place at the club level for the 2008-
2009 Optimist International Essay Contest.
Shannon Riley placed 2nd and Alana Yallof
placed 3rd. All three winners will receive a
medallion from the Optimist Club of Fort Myers.
Michelle Moscuzza’s essay on “The Power
of Youth” will continue to District Level where
she will be eligible to win a plaque and a $650
college scholarship. Monty VanEmmerik
chaired this event for the first time and he was
very impressed with the young writers of today.
Junior Michelle Moscuzza
On Saturday, February 7, 2009, our musicians attended the Florida Bandmasters
Association District Music Performance Assessment for solo and ensembles. The
highest rating earned is a “Superior” rating. We wish to congratulate the following
students: Emily Dahms on Alto Saxophone, Emily Dahms on clarinet, Jacob Axelrod
on multi-percussion, JJ Schneider on multi-percussion, Michael Sneedan on multipercussion,
Harrison Dermer on multi-percussion, Daniel Rongo on multi-percussion,
Shannon Moore on Flute, Sabrina Martinez on Flute, Ethan Jansen on Clarinet
Last year, FMHS had the first team in
Lee County to continue on to the state
finals of the Mock Trial Competition,
where they placed fifth, after they won
first place in the county competition.
This year, FMHS again had a team take
first place in Lee County. After defeating
Canterbury in the last round, one team
from FMHS was given the professionalism
award from other teams, who deemed
them the most professional and respectful.
Brynn McKinstry won an award for best
defense witness. The other team members
were Jackie DerOvanesian, Greg Hoffman,
Shannon Riley, Melissa Hubble, Brennan
Waldorf, alternate Constance Hackler, and cocaptains
Steven Waldorf and Haley Hudler.
Their coaches were Mr. Wright, director
Left to right: Mr. Howard Wright, Coach Beatty, Brennan Waldorf, Coach Waldorf, Constance Hoekler, Shannon
Riley, Jackie Der Ovanesian, Judge Starnes, Greg Hoffman, Scoring Judge Steven Teuber, Melissa Hubble, Haley
Hudler, Steven Waldorf, and Brynn McKinstry
Three students win essay contest
by Daniela Patino
Students throughout Lee County were
given the opportunity to enter in “Dr. Kings
Dream” Essay Contest. The students were
required to write a 250 word essay on the
theme, “Dr. Kings Dream: Inspiring a New
Generation through Hope, Courage and
Love.” There were two categories; category
one for ninth and tenth grade and category two
for eleventh and twelfth grade.
Three of the winners for
this contest, came right from
Fort Myers High. Sophomore
Bianca Santos, also a foreign
exchange student from
Brazil, won first place in
category one along with
Sophomore Mashonda
McGee who won
third place in the same
category. “I was surprised
when I won because I
thought that there would
be a lot of competition”
said McGee. Junior
Daniela Patino also took
third place in category
two. Each winner was given a trophy to
acknowledge their accomplishment. They were
also given gift cards to Wal-Mart ranging from
50-100 dollars. Apart from the essays, there
was one more person recognized. Quanitra
FMHS congratulates
the Music Department
The following students were selected to
represent FMHS at the All County Dance:
Katie Miller, Lily Muniz, Tyler Marshall,
Kaley Lather, Audry Favorite, Olivia Romeo,
Kate Jones, Elizabeth Sutton, Colleen
McGonagle, and Kacey Jackson-Davis.
The following students were selected for
the All State Chorus Group: Cindy Abello,
Michel Avey, and Evelyn Rios. Cindy Abello
said, “This was a great learning experience
where I met other musicians and studied with
conductors of great stature. Simply amazing!”
Both Matt DeVries and Dylan Taylor were
selected for the All State Jazz Band. Matt
DeVries is a sophomore at Fort Myers High
School. His passion for music, especially Jazz
music, has helped him earn the honor of 1st
chair tenor saxophone in the All State Jazz
Band. Currently, Matt plays in the Fort Myers
High School Jazz and Symphonic Bands, along
with participating in the Marching Band. Dylan
Taylor is a member of the Duke University
Talent Identification Program and a junior in
the IB Program at Fort Myers High School.
of the Law Academy at FMHS, and
attorneys Douglas Waldorf and Scott Beatty.
FMHS had a second team who placed
fourth. Bianca DiBella was given the defense
attorney award. The members of this team
were DiBella, Tyler Goldberg, Susette Lopez,
Will DuPont, Tyler Schmauch, Carl Von
Harten, Angelie Vasquez, and Bryan Sutton.
The third team representing Fort Myers High
included Kristin Bartlett, Martin Byrd, Taryn
LaFrance, Katelyn Bradford, Kim Greenplate,
Leanne Logelin, Akvile Leitonaite, and the
winner of a best witness award, Sarah Spann.
On February 27 and 28, the first-place team
enters the circuit competition, where they will
face the Collier and Charlotte counties winners.
The winning team of that competition
will then go to Orlando for the state finals.
Reid was credited in the Hall of Fame Kickoff
Reception, for “A Celebration of our Youth”.
Each essay winner was invited to read
their essay aloud on Monday January 19, at
the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural
Celebration. All of these events were cosponsored
by the Dunbar Festival Committee
and other Local Sponsors. Congratulations to
all of the essay winners!
Amanda Armstrong, Shoshanna Bordes,
Elizabeth Chamberlain, Danielle Chini,
Christa Chung, Liam Corkell, Nicholas Dakos,
Nicole Doyle, Troy Eckenrode, Tyler Franklin,
Armando Grez, Berta Gonzalez,
Keneisha Hawkins, Catherine Head,
Miriam Hernandez, Samantha Hullstrung,
Kelsea Kosko, Julia Leal, Louis Mausser,
Dakendo Michel, Jeffrey Nunnally,
Daniela Patino, Rachel Petrik, Louis Resnick,
Nyasia Smith, Austin Yorski
Tidal Wave Newspaper
Published by
FMHS Journalism Classes.
For more information about
advertising in the
Tidal Wave Newspaper,
please contact
Mrs. Carmen Weigel,
Newspaper Advisor
at 239-334-2167, ext. 159.
Principal, David LaRosa
Athletic/Activities Director, Craig Weigel
2635 Cortez Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Copyright 2008-2009
Lee County School Board Members:
Jane Kuckel, Chairman
Steven Teuber, Vice Chairman
Robert Chilmonik, Member
Jeanne Dozier, Member
Elinor Scricca, Member
Congratulations to Ms. Odette D’Antoni
who was selected Lee County Support
Person of the Year!
Congratulations to Marina Celano!
Marina is the winner for District Six in
the 2009 Hazardous Weather Awareness
Week Essay Contest. Marina will receive
a Walt Disney World one day single
theme park ticket and one NOAA “All-
Hazards” All-Hazards Weather Radio.
In January, 18 Academy of Finance students
went to New York City for three days and
two nights to visit the business capitol of the
world. The students and teachers met at the
airport to catch their 6:10 a.m. flight! They
arrived at the JFK Airport around 9 a.m. and
for the rest of the afternoon toured the Big
Apple on a Double Decker bus. They got off
at such places as China Town, Broadway,
Time Square, Rockefeller Center, World
Trade Center Site and drove by most of
the other major attractions of the city. For
dinner they enjoyed a delicious meal at the
Hard Rock Café and then walked a couple
blocks to see “The Lion King” on Broadway.
On the second day the group woke up bright
FMHS Interim Dates 2008-2009
Quarter 3
March 6, 2009 -
Interims distributed during 5 th period
Quarter 4
April 29, 2009 -
Interims distributed during 5 th period
May 20, 2009 -
Interims distributed during 5 th period
February 27, 2009 Volume 63, Issue 9
Girls’ basketball excels in
first season with new coach
by Daniela Patino
The Fort Myers High School girls’ varsity basketball team had
a great first season with their new coach, Coach Ed O’Brien.
The girls ended the season with a 12-8 record, and
improved tremendously over the past few months.
“The girls have played hard in practice and performed well in
games,” says Coach O’Brien. “They have exceeded my expectations
because they had to learn a new offense and defense this season.”
This year, the team’s hardest games have been against Barron Collier,
North Fort Myers, Gulf Coast, and Cape Coral. The captains for this season
were Quanitra Reid, Brittany Idlette, and Sarah Cornell. The captains
are an important part of the team and encourage the younger players.
“Everyone did well this season, but Sarah Cornell made a
complete turn around. Hilary Jessup was getting her shots back,
she was firing them up,” says senior captain Brittany Idlette.
“As a captain I tried to keep everybody focused before
the games and be there for the girls if they need anything.”
Coach O’Brien says, “This season has been one of the most satisfying
experiences I have had in my entire life. The players and I grew together
as the season progressed. The girls improved tremendously this season.”
The Academy of Finance travels to the Big Apple
by Troy Eckenrode & Eliza Chamberlain and early to go to the Today Show, even though
they did not get on TV it was still an enjoyable
experience. From there they walked to Grand
Central Station and got on a packed subway
that took them to see the financial district and
the Merrill Lynch building. They were the
very last group to get a tour of the Merrill
Lynch Building because Bank of America is
moving the entire staff to another Manhattan
location. They got a tour of the floor, where
major trades and decisions are made on a daily
basis. The students also got to see the executive
boardroom, which was very extravagant. “The
tour of Merrill Lynch was really inspirational
and it made me realize that I would like to be
a stock broker someday, hopefully when the
economy picks up,” said Junior Brian Giaquinta.
After leaving Merrill Lynch the group
walked through Battery Park and stepped
The Academy of Finance in front of the New York
Stock Exchange on Wall Street
on a boat which took them past the Statue
of Liberty and eventually dropping them off
at Ellis Island. After the boat tour, the group
walked through Battery Park and up Wall
Street, one of the busiest streets at 5 o’clock!
The group had dinner at the ESPN Zone,
followed by ice skating on Rockefeller Center.
“Eating at ESPN Zone was the best! I got
to eat in a recliner and watch five televisions
at the same time,” said Senior Wisly Desire.
The last day of the trip, the group started off
their day by discovering New York from 70
stories up on the Top of the Rock observation
deck. They were also able to fit in a tour of
many of the NBC studios. They got to see the
sets of “Saturday Night Live”, “The Nightly
News with Brian Williams”, and “Conan
O’Brian”. The group ended their trip shopping
on 5th Avenue in places such as H& M, Tiffany
Congratulations FMHS swim team.
Jon Nunez is the NewsPress All Area
Swimmer of the Year. The All Area First team
includes Amy Modglin, Robert Swanbeck;
Second team Tyler Wilson, Stephanie
Martinez, Honorable Mention Audrey
Modglin, Courtney Wilson, Krista McAloose,
Abbi Tyler, Gabby Ortega, Josh Anderson,
John Therrien.
and Co., the Apple Store,
FAO Schwartz, and the
NBA store. The group
also fit in a quick visit to the Magnolia Bakery
for cupcakes. Senior Marissa Listello said,
“My absolute favorite part of the trip was
going to Magnolia’s and getting cupcakes.
They definitely had the best cupcakes ever.”
Following the shopping spree they went
back to their hotel so they could head for the
airport and eventually back to Fort Myers.
The AOF seniors would like to thank Mrs.
Miller, Mrs. Schwantes, and both the Weigel’s
for being the chaperones and allowing us to
have fun in NYC. The trip’s memories will
last a lifetime. Senior Sarah Cannington
said, “New York was so much fun, and I am
so glad that I joined the Academy of Finance!
I would have to say though, that the worst
part of the New York trip was it ending.”
FMHS alumni meets AOF
in New York City!
The Academy of Finance students had the
unique opportunity to tour the Merrill Lynch
building in Manhattan with two of the ML
employees. Ron Darbouze works in Manhattan
and was able to answer the students’ questions,
but is also a 2002 graduate of FMHS!
Darbouze graduated from the IB program and
went on to graduate from The Wharton School
at the University of Pennsylvania in 2006. He
received his BS degree in Economics with
concentrations on both Finance and Marketing.
He has worked at Merrill Lynch since he
graduated in 2006 and is currently studying
to become a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Come out and support the Greenwave!
Tuesday, March 3
Boys’ Tennis vs. Ida Baker HS (H at FM Raquet Club), 3:30 p.m.
Girls’ Tennis vs. Ida Baker HS (H at FMHS courts), 3:30 p.m.
JV and Varsity Baseball vs. Barron Collier (H), 4:30, 7 p.m.
Varsity Softball vs. Barron Collier (H), 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4
Girls’ Tennis vs. Naples (H at FMHS courts), 3:30 p.m.
JV and Varsity Softball vs. Ida Baker HS (H), 5, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 6
Varsity Baseball vs. Gulliver Prep (H), 7 p.m.
Varsity Softball vs. Gulliver Prep (H), 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 7
All Star Soccer Game (H), 5 p.m.
While at FMHS, Darbouze was a member
of Phi Delta Y, Scholar’s Club, SGA, National
Honors Society, Interact, Omega, Rho Kappa,
Junior Achievement, Academy of Finance, and
Who’s Who Among High School Students.
During his years as a Greenie, Darbouze was
runner up in
the first Mr.
G r e e n w a v e
contest and
a member
of the first
Academy of
Finance class
to graduate
from FMHS!
The FMHS
AOF would
like to thank
both Ron
Darbouze and
Kevin Liston
Ron Darbouze, FMHS alumni
who provided such an educational and eyeopening
experience for our students. The
Academy of Finance was provided with a unique
opportunity to see the financial district up close.
AOF near Battery Park with NYC Police officer
Top 10 Fastest Growing Jobs
(according to MSNBC)
10. Personal and Home Care Aides
9. Dental Assistants
8. Computer Software Engineers,
Systems Software
7. Dental Hygienists
6. Physical Therapist Assistants
5. Computer Software Engineers, Applications
4. Physician Assistants
3. Medical Assistants
2. Network Systems and
Data Communications Analysts
1. Home Health Aides

None will improve your lot
If you yourself do not.
- Bertolt Brecht, 1933
Who is your favorite musical artist?
photos by Nick Dakos and Louie Mausser
Lauren Evans, Senior
“I really like Alan Jackson because I
love all of his songs.”
Cody Moore, Sophomore
“I like Prince because he blows me off my
feet.”
Kaitey Allen, Freshman
“I like Cold Play. I like to learn to play their
songs on the piano.”
Coach Frank Sirianni
“My favorite musical artists are John Denver
and Garth Brooks.”
Senior excels despite surgeries
by Catherine Head and Danielle Chini
Although only playing for the school team her
senior year, Lindsey Caserio has been playing
soccer for ten years. Her struggle with injuries
has prevented her from being able to play until
this year. She has had six surgeries, including
three ACL reconstructions, since her freshman
year. Because of these surgeries, Lindsey
missed her freshman and junior homecoming
and couldn’t play school soccer until her senior
year. Her worst surgery was last year on her
ankle when she had pins inserted and then
removed in a later surgery. After tearing
her ACL in seventh grade, she has had
to wear a knee brace for six years, which
she says hurts and cuts her leg. Lindsey
says, “People hate playing against ‘knee
brace girl’ because I cut them.” Also,
before every game, she has to tape her ankle.
Lindsey wants to continue to play soccer
for fun and aspires to go to the University
of South Florida. She is also involved at
school through softball, ultimate frisbee, and
Wave TV, where she is the sports anchor and
remembered for “Unsolved Mysteries” last year.
The girls’ soccer team went further this season
than they have in the past four years, placing
second in Districts.
Senior
Lindsey
Caserio,
#10
S.A.T./A.C.T. Program
Sophomores and Juniors - Now is the time to prepare for the S.A.T./A.C.T.
Educational Foundation Systems will conduct its 24th consecutive S.A.T. workshop
in Lee County at:
Fort Myers High School on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7 p.m. in Room G-163.
This workshop will introduce parents and students to our Nine Week, Twenty-Seven Hour test preparation
course. Over the past 15 years, students who have particpated in this program have been accepted
to the colleges of their choice. Last year, 14 students from Fort Myers High School participating in this
course averaged over a 100 point rise on their S.A.T. scores. This course guarantees:
- 100 point rise on the S.A.T. examinations, 3 point rise on A.C.T. examinations
- Tactics and strategies employed on a multiple-choice exam
- Individualized parent/student conference identifying College Choices, Scholarship
potential, and the college admission process.
- Class size not to exceed 15:1
- High School Juniors will have identified a minimum of SEVEN colleges they intend to
apply to by September 1, 2009.
- College applications, cover letters, letters of recommendation and scholarship potential
will be reviewed and college’s choice identified by May 26, 2009.
Taking an SAT/ACT preparation course should be a first step in the college admission process. The earlier
a high school student achieves the necessary SAT/ACT scores for admission, last minute test taking
anxiety, rushed admission applications and the selection of incorrect colleges is eliminated.
Remember, there is no correlation between G.P.A. and SAT/ACT scores. Be smart, be prepared and be
accepted to the colleges of your choice as early as possible. Please visit our WEB Page at: efssat.com.
SEATING IS LIMITED: E-mail us for more information at efssat@embarqmail.com or call
Mr. Edward Scott at 941-916-1398.
Alexis Brown and Nauisha Smith, Sophomores
“We like the Jonas Brothers. They have great
music and they are cute!”
Melanie Baker, Sophomore
“I like Alanis Morissette because her songs are
fun to sing to.”
photo by Pam Schwantes
On Wednesday, February 4, 2009, John Kohlhauff and Stephen Plein signed with their respective
colleges to play football in the fall. Kohlhauff signed with Harvard University and Plein signed with the
University of Miami. Congratulations!
Shane Vaughan, Senior
“James Taylor, I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen
rain. I’ve seen sunny days...”
Verly Augustin, Senior
“Shaggy is the bomb. He sounds good
and sings fun things.”
2009 marks 200th birthday anniversary
of famous writer and poet
by Morgan Frink
As we get acclimated to the New Year and the ever approaching technological future, it is
important that we do not forget the past. The year 2009 marks the 200th birthday anniversary
of the famous writer and poet, Edgar Allan Poe. Poe was born on January 19, 1809. Onehundred
and sixty years have gone by since the death of Edgar Allan Poe, but he is still
alive in so many people’s hearts and minds. This famous writer is best known for his Gothic
works of fiction. He often wrote about death and mourning, along with his dark romanticism.
To lighten the mood, Poe also wrote humorous tales using irony and satire. Whenever this
dark man’s death is mentioned, it makes one wonder if anyone could write an article that
would do him justice. Could someone capture his essence simply by putting pen to paper?—
or in this day and age, putting fingers to keyboard. The answer is, probably not. Poe had an
unique, to say the least, writing style that captured the hearts of people everywhere—even if it
was just entertaining some of their curiosities on the human being and death itself. This twohundred
year mark is not going to be the last time Poe is talked about. There is sure to be many
anniversary recognitions to come. Even here at Fort Myers High, some of his works are still
being taught. English teacher Ms. Pinkard says, “He remains as fresh and as well loved today
as he did one hundred years ago. It’s too bad he was not as well loved in his own lifetime.”
In the words of Poe, “It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall
look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.” With Poe no longer with us, that
does GreenW not mean 2/5/09 that he 8:15 isn’t living PM out Page a future 1 existence somewhere. Maybe Poe is so well known
that as a society, we won’t let him die. The Poe legend is and will be forevermore it seems.
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