Volume 65 Issue 10 - Fort Myers High School

Senior athletes ready for the next level
By Ashlyn DeMilia and Emily Campbell
Four years of hard work at the high school varsity level has paid off for these
athletes. As their high school careers come to a close, they are preparing to play at
the next level with their respec tive colleges. For these five graduating athletes, their
careers have only just begun.
James Whitfield, a star football captain at Fort Myers High, recently committed
to Hargrave, a school in Virginia. “This is a good opportunity for me,” Whitfield
says. “I’m opening myself to more recruiting options, and gaining an extra year of
experience.” James is planning on transferring to a four year school when his time at
Hargrave is up.
Kallyn Subbert is a four year varsity softball captain for the Wave. She has recently
signed with Brevard, a two year school on the East coast of Florida. “I want to gain
more experience as a player,” Kallyn says. “I plan on transferring to a four year
school, and this is a great opportunity for me.”
Morgan DeProfio, a varsity soccer captain, has signed with Newbury College in
South Carolina. “I’m excited to play at the next level,” Morgan says. “It’s really
exciting, and I’m up for the challenge.”
Marissa Marazzi is a star captain for the Lady Wave volleyball team. The senior
captain hopes to continue her history of success in the sport at the University of
South Florida in Tampa. “It’s exciting, and I’m really happy I get to continue playing.”
Basketball hero Evin Graham, a four year varsity player and captain, has recently
reopened his recruiting. The former Stetson recruit has changed his mind about playing
with the team due to a coaching change. He is still being heavily recruited by
other Division I colleges, and moving onto the next level is definitely an option for
Evin.
Senior athletes, left to right; James Whitfield, Kallyn Subbert, Morgan DeProfio, Marissa
Marazzi, Evin Graham. Photo by Emily Campbell and Sarah Correnti
FMHS says goodbye to five
extraordinary teachers!
By Laciey D’Agostino
Word is out that many teachers are deciding to retire within the next two
years. At the end of this year, five wonderful teachers will be saying goodbye
to the FMHS Green Wave. We bid farewell to Mr. Plappert, Mr. Gault, Mrs.
Overman, Mr. Godwin, and Mrs. Dunn.
One of our school’s tremendous French teachers, Mr. John Plappert, has been
teaching the foreign language at FMHS since 1992, and is retiring this year. A
teacher for over 33 years, Plappert plans on becoming an online teacher and
spending his time soaking up the sun in South Beach after retiring.
Another retiring teacher is Mr. Michael Godwin. He is an ESE teacher who
has taught English, computers, career prep, business, math, and psychology.
He has been teaching for over 37 years. Following retirement, he and his wife
are moving into a cabin in the mountains of Georgia.
Mrs. Janeen Overman, a superb
FMHS math teacher, is also
retiring this year. She began her
teaching career at Riverdale in
1971, and has been a member
of the Green Wave family since
1994, when she began coaching
the FMHS swim team. She plans
on spending summers at Indiana
University to be closer to her
son’s family, taking fall trips to
Vermont to be with her daughter’s
family, and spending winters in
Fort Myers. What she’ll miss the
most about FMHS are its strong
traditions and camaraderie.
One of our excellent Spanish
and French teachers, Mrs. Arlene
Dunn, is leaving this year too. She
decided to retire because she be-
Retiring teachers, Back: Mr. Gault, and
Mr. Godwin. Front: Mr. Plappert, Mrs.
Dunn and Mrs. Overman.
lieves that “it is time to move on
and enjoy other things that [she]
love[s] to do.” Her plan is to travel
with her husband to their dream
destinations, like Australia and
South America.
The fifth of the retiring teachers for this school year is Mr. Raymond Gault,
a passionate history teacher. His favorite subjects to teach are economics and
U.S. history, because “we learn who we are as Americans.” He began teaching
at FMHS almost 30 years ago, in 1983. His favorite memory of his time as a
member of the Greenie faculty is “the class of 1989.”
We asked the teachers what they would like to say as a final goodbye to
FMHS:
Mr. Plappert says, “Thank you for making my teaching career so enjoyable.
And thank you once again, Mrs. Logan, for hiring me.”
Mr. Godwin exclaims, “Go Greenies! Keep up the good work. We set the
example for the rest of the schools.”
Mrs. Overman states, “Stay Green! Keep the traditions strong!”
Mrs. Dunn shares a favorite motto of hers: “Make the most out of everyday
and happiness will come your way.”
Mr. Gault says, “The students are what I like best about FMHS - they make
the school.”
Thank you for being a part of the Green Wave family, and we hope you
have a marvelous retirement!
With their futures decided, these athletes are ready to move forward and continue
their athletic careers. Congratulations to all of our Greenwave athletes who are continuing
to play at the next level, we all wish you nothing but the best.
Senior Varsity cheerleaders Ravean Newton, Auriel Williams, Jessica Norris, Hinalei Quinones,
Hannah Severson, and Alaina Todd.
Tidal Wave
TIDAL
Staff
WAVE STAFF
Editor-In-Chief- Amelia Rosen
Feature Editor-Molli Vyne Collins
Graphics Editor- Drew Seibert
Academic- Jelise Singh
Student Life- Emily Kaske
News Editor- Liam Corkell
Emily Campbell, Laciey D’Agostino, Ashlyn
Demilia, Joshua Evangelista, Gabrielle Hersch,
Nicole Horton, Samantha Hullstrung, Kelsea
Kosko, Julia Leal, Whitney Letourneau,
Rachael Schaaf, Sarah Correnti
The School Board of Lee County, Florida
Thomas Scott, District 5, Chairman
Mary Fischer, M.A., District 1, Vice Chairman
Jeanne S. Dozier, District 2
Jane E. Kuckel, Ph.D., District 3
Don H. Armstrong, District 4
Lawrence D. Tihen, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools
www.leeschools.net
The School Board of Lee County, Florida,
prohibits discrimination on the basis of age,
color, disability, gender, national origin, marital
status, religion, or sexual orientation.
Tidal Wave Newspaper
published by FMHS Journalism class. For more information about advertising in the Tidal Wave Newspaper,
please contact Mrs. Pam Schwantes, Newspaper Advisor, at 239-334-2167, ext. 282
Principal, David LaRosa Fort Myers Senior High Schhol
2635 Cortez Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 Copyright 2010-2011
Seniors celebrate at all night parties
Grad Bash and Prom are nights to remember
By Sarah Correnti and Emily Campbell
The last weekend of senior year was crowded with
many exciting activities. Every year, Universal Theme
Park in Orlando, throws a big bash only for seniors from
high schools all around Florida. Grad-Bash was on Friday,
April 15, 2011 from 7 PM - 2 AM. Both Universal
Studios and Islands of Adventures had their biggest
thrills including: the Incredible Hulk, Revenge of the
Mummy, Rockit, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter,
and much more. Along with the rides, there were live
The changing world of work
Which career will you choose?
By Molli Collins
performances from Jason Derulo, Pitbull, B.o.B.,
plus DJ Khaled. Senior Molly Collins said, “I had so
much fun with my friends, and my favorite ride was
definitely the roller coaster in Harry Potter World”.
Prom 2011 followed, leaving FMHS with another
successful event. The upperclassmen danced
the night away on Saturday, April 16. The theme
of Cirque du Soleil was enjoyed by all, especially
since real acrobats performed throughout the dance.
All the college applications are sent out and acceptance letters are being received, you
would think that the tough choices are done with for now. However, arguably the most
important decision lies ahead: which career to choose? According to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, the unemployment rate as of February 2011 is 8.9%.
The U.S. & News World Report came out with it’s list, The 50 Best Careers for 2011.
The careers were chosen from different categories based on their projected growth rate in
percents between the years of 2008-2018. For the business category, accountant (22%),
financial advisor (30%), public relations specialist (24%) and training specialist (23%)
are the careers with the highest projected growth rate. For creative and service jobs, curator
(23%), commercial pilot (19%), heating/air conditioning/refrigerator technician (28%)
and interpreter/translator (22%) are the best careers. Health care is one of the best fields
to go into because it’s careers have some of the highest projected growth rates. The best
options include athletic trainers (37%), dental hygienist (36%), physician assistant (39%),
and physical therapist assistant is tied with veterinarian (33%). Other hot jobs include biomedical
engineer (72%), computer software engineer (32%), environmental engineering
technician (30%)and network architect (53.4%).
Senior, Megan Hall, has recently been accepted to the nursing program at FSU. Nursing
is one of the top careers in the ever expanding health care field. When asked why she chose
nursing, she explained the need for nurses but also added, “I love to help people.”
Juniors and Seniors alike enjoyed the “carnival
food” which included mini corn dogs, soft pretzels,
Rita’s Italian Ice, and cookies. Everyone
had a great time in the photo booth as well. The
crowning moment of prom was the court and
king and queen announcement. The Seniors
chosen to represent FMHS as members of this
year’s prom court looked dazzling at the dance.
The 2011 prom court consisted of Matt Kordonawy,
Hunter Williams, John Marion, Shane
Nieves, Matt Bursztyn, Steven Hartman, Matt
Yance, and Victor Mak. The girls on the court
were Shaunna Lazarro, Molly Oak, Rebekah
Foster, Jacklyn Venna, Ariana Deleacaes, Hillary
Jessup, Hinalei Quiones, and Meg Potter.
The court was giddy and excited as they awaited
the news.
Congratulations to the king and queen Matt
Kordonawy and Shaunna Lazarro. They were
selected by their peers to wear the crown and
share a spotlight dance on their special night.
Soon after this event, the crowd was surprised
by a firing of confetti canons to top off the
night. It was a great weekend to end senior
year while enjoying the time with friends.
Time to Wave good-bye!
Over 400 Seniors will graduate on June 4
By Emily Kaske
It’s that time of the year again! Time for the Seniors of Fort Myers High School to
get their hard-earned diplomas and start a new chapter in their lives. Many students are
planning on attending college next year, others will join the military, and some have
already started careers. Greenie Grads traditionally go on to higher education. Over
85% of the class of 2011 will either attend a four year college or technical school.
Seniors will march across the stage of The Lee Civic Center at 2:30 PM on Saturday
June 4th. The previous morning, Friday, June 3rd, is graduation practice. All seniors
are expected to arrive to this mandatory practice at 8:00 AM. Practice will take place
in the Fort Myers High gym. Students will get in alphabetical order, and practice walking
across the stage for the following day. Practice should come to a close around 12
PM.
441 Greenies will be graduating, and all the staff and students of FMHS wish the
seniors good luck and hope they achieve all of their goals.
It Pays to $tudy
by Julia Leal
Senior year is the most critical year of a high school students’ career. Seniors have a
immense amount of things to worry about. Not only do they have to worry about getting
accepted into college, they have to figure out a way to pay for it once they get in. That’s
another task altogether.
Many universities give out scholarships to the people they feel are deserving. There are
scholarships for everything from sports to academics.
Emma Wheeler has received a merit based
scholarship called the University Scholarship from
the University of Miami that covers the threefourths
of her tuition. With this scholarships, plus
bright futures, she will have almost everything paid
for.
Lauren Reuter received a full scholarship from
Duke University that covers all tuition, room and
board, and her meal plan. Many people have their
heart set on University of Florida or Florida State
University and completely disregard the smaller
universities such as Florida Gulf Coast University.
But it’s smart to consider all the options, for your
wallets sake.
Bre Davis, on top of having Bright Futures,
received the President’s Gold Scholarship from
FGCU which covers full tuition and fees. She is
also in the honors program that gives her even more
money. Studying hard in high school may seem like
a tedious job, but it truly does pay off in the end.

State Championships:
They’re Becoming a Habit at FMHS
By Emily Campbell
“I call Sarah Spann to the stand!” Perhaps this
was a dangerous situation for the opposing lawyer
from the Community School of Naples. Sarah
won her 2nd state championship in something
other than sports at the Mock Trial State championships.
She was awarded the State Champion
witness, putting the opposition to shame.
The Mock Trial team beat out the team from
Naples three times in the circuit championship
and was awarded the right to go to states. Sarah
said, “Our team did a great job, it’s been great
getting to know everyone.”
After participating in the state trial, the team
is awaiting their results. Mr. Ryan thinks Sarah
did phenomenal saying, “Sarah Spann runs on
her toes and thinks on her feet!”
The team has a promising future, and will continue
to settle for nothing less than the best.
Back Row: Scott Beatly (coach), Brennan Waldorf, Doug Waldorf (coach), Chris Harris Middle Row: Sara Jackson,
Mr. Ryan (coach) Front: Catherine Hackler, Samantha Prabakaran, Constance Hackler, Sarah Hoffman, Jen
Nargi, Sarah Spann
Seniors as Superheroes
Mr. Green Wave strikes again
By Rachael Schaaf
This year’s theme for Mr. Green Wave was Superheroes.
Each of the eight participating senior boys picked
their favorite superhero and pretended to be them for a
night. Mr. Green Wave is a pageant that consists of four
parts including swimsuit, talent, evening wear, and interview.
The event took place on Wednesday, April 6, and
many fans came out to support their favorite superheroes
or seniors.
The senior boys who participated included Mike Andre
as the Silver Surfer, Kevin Durante as Iron Man, Ian
Gallogly as Superman, Matthew Kordonowy as Batman,
Cody Moore as Captain America, Shane Nieves as Thor,
Griffin Plattner as Spiderman, and Michael Siegel as the
Green Lantern. After many grueling practices and dedication,
the show was a success with continual laughter and
applause for all acts. The boys were extremely creative
with their swimsuit and evening attire. Some even included
capes and wigs! The talent consisted of sweet songs to
amazing dance moves. Along with these talents were also
ribbon dancing, violin, guitar, and piano playing as well
as juggling golf balls.
The interview questions were quite interesting as well
with answers ranging from complete rambling to, “I
would like to end my answer now.” The boys’ were quick
on their toes, since they didn’t know what they were going
to be asked beforehand. Some even responded with
their idol as Mr. Bubbles and most prized possession as,
“Lois Thome on Wink News.” The opening and ending
dance number was also extremely well choreographed and
Fellow superheroes congratulate Matt Kordonowy on winning
the coveted title of Mr. Greenwave.
performed. In the end, Matt Kordonowy came out on top as Mr. Green Wave 2011. Kevin Durante took first runner-up, and
Shane Nieves took second runner-up. A big thanks goes to Ms. Kirk for putting on the event, Mrs. Metevia for hosting, and
the judges who included Mr. Sousa, Mr. Bubbles, Lois Thome, and Mr. Eckhardt. Thanks to everyone who supported SGA
and their favorite Senior superheroes by attending the event!
Senior chosen for the big league!
Robert Cooper is official Red Sox Bat Boy
By Whitney Letourneau and Sarah Correnti
Earlier this year, during spring training season, FMHS’s Robert Cooper
was given the amazing opportunity to represent the school as a bat boy for
the Boston Red Sox. After searching throughout the thirteen high schools
in the county, the Red Sox organization contacted FMHS looking for the
right man for the job. After giving a great interview, Robert seemed to fit
the role for bat boy quite well, as he was chosen over all the other students
in Lee County. He got to work closely with the entire staff, including the
players, for over a month. On top of his responsibility as a bat boy, the
senior also worked his other job at a restaurant in Sanibel. When asked,
Robert said his most memorable part of the job was, “At the end of the
season, I went around with two baseballs after the game and got them autographed
by all of my favorite players.” FMHS is very proud of Robert and
all that he has accomplished. He is just one more example of the school’s
excellence!
Robert Cooper sporting his bat boy uniform
Prism/2011
An Awesome Night of Talent
JROTC Senior Spotlight
by Gabi Hersch
JROTC stands for ‘Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps’. A
common misconception about JROTC is that taking the class requires
you to join the military. This is untrue, however, there are
military scholarships that in taking them, you are agreeing to join
the military. Whichever path JROTC members choose to walk on,
the program remains excellent and the seniors do a fantastic job of
taking charge.
Collin Kenline is a senior in JROTC this year, when he signed
up for JROTC freshman year, he was unaware of what exactly the
program was. He had no idea there were going to be camps such
as a spring camp which is three days where you compete with other
schools. He did not know that he would earn badges with bold
names such as “US Army Recruitment Command Award for Excellence”
that would later help him with his college applications.
Being in this program for so long has taught him all of the benefits.
“My favorite thing about ROTC is the camaraderie. I am definitely
glad I took it.”
Another senior in this program is Jhems Jean-Louis who also
signed up for JROTC freshman year. After his experience in high
Seniors Derrik Boysen, Chris Richards, and
Andrew Fraiser join underclassmen for a
performance at the Prism Concert.
Seniors take charge with leadership training
school, he wants to continue to be in ROTC in college and he says he’ll
probably go into the military in the future. “JROTC is just a really good
program that’s fun for everyone,” Jhems said, “I’m very happy I’m a
part of it.” Jhems has been to the camps, in the summer and the spring.
He earned his place as a captain by taking tests, getting promoted, and
doing well in class. This title making him a class leader and company
commander.
Yash Patel joined JROTC because his brother was in it and he thought
it was cool. “It’s fun, you’re with a group of kids who actually care and
put 110%. We’re like one big family.” Yash is thrilled that he took the
class. He worked hard for the ribbons he earned by meeting the criteria,
being successful with his grades and doing community service. “There’s
a big county ceremony and you have local monthly ceremonies where
you receive the ribbons.” Yash went to a spring camp recently and he had
the time of his life. He would recommend attending to anyone.
These seniors have done a wonderful job in JROTC these past four
years. With field trips, camps, and all of their awards, they undoubtedly
deserve all of the fun that will remain in their memories for the rest of
their lives. Way to go seniors!
Standing left to right: Ian Lane, Juan Recarte, Andrew Zalud, Kevin King, Walter Watson, Theodore Merrickes, Magalie Nicolas,
Chad Barnett, Christopher Ponader, Yash Patel, Jhems Jean-Louis, Sterling Saint-Ange, Remanie Pierre, Raquel Hornes, and Kyle
Bise.Sitting left to right: Josh Doenitz, Neel Patel, Bryan Sutton, and Widney Dossous. Not Pictured: Collin Kenline,
Allen Orelien, Andres Beltran, Conner Ceilly, Travis Dotson, Anneeilia Guerra, Fred Nevland, Mezier Petit- Frere.
Big Business: Start Young
Florida Gold Seal Scholarship Aids Many
By Kelsea Kosko
The Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award, in part with
Bright Futures, is given to those students who have completed
three business classes throughout the duration of their high
school career. A major in business is not required to obtain this
scholarship, and therefore is a great incentive for all students to
take some classes in finance, accounting, graphic design, newspaper,
and more. The student must maintain a 3.5 GPA in his or her
business class, and must have a 3.0 GPA overall, with a score of
880 or better on the SAT. Furthermore, if a student completes business
classes at Fort Myers High, Edison and Johnson and Wales University
will award up to twelve hours of college credit.
The business classes are an excellent way to get a feel for managing
expenses and becoming familiar with design programs, two skills
which eventually apply to all adults, not just those with an occupation
in finance and design.
New SGA officers are ready to lead
By Ashlyn DeMilia
As the 2010-2011 school year comes to an end, Juniors
are preparing for Senior year, Sophomores are awaiting
Junior year, and Freshman are looking forward to no longer
being at the bottom of the food chain. In preparation
for the upcoming year, all classes have
recently elected officers and representatives.
Representing the whole school as
SGA President is Rachel Schaaf, along
with Vice President Morgan Bauman,
Secretary Ligia Forbes, and Treasurer
John Winter.
Representing the upcoming Senior
class as President will be Spencer Correnti.
Vice President of the class of 2012
will be Meghan Collins, Secretary will
be Maya Weinstein, and Treasurer for the
Seniors will be Tim Kim.
As for the upcoming Junior class, Jacob
Taminosian will represent as President.
Representing as Vice President will
be Andrew Congress, Secretary for the
class of 2013 will be Sara Jackson, and
Kenzi Gustason will be the Junior Treasurer.
The upcoming Sophomore class will be represented
by President Doug Whittle. Briana Weisinger will be the
Vice President for the class of 2014, Madison Brant will
represent as Secretary, and Taylor Ennen will be the class
Treasurer.
These class officers already have some big ideas for
the upcoming school year, and can’t wait to put them into
action. “I’m really excited for next year, I’m looking
forward to working with all of the new officers and
representatives,” SGA President Rachel Schaaf says.
“It’s going to be a great year.”
Pictured are the 2011-2012 officers. Back row,
left to right: Ligia Forbes, Maya Weinstein, Tim
Kim, John Winter, Sara Jackson, Kenzi Gustason.
Middle row, left to right: Meghan Collins, Spencer
Correnti, Morgan Bauman, Rachel Schaaf, Jacob
Taminosian, Andrew Congress. Front row, left
to right: Taylor Ennen, Briana Weisinger, Doug
Whittle, Madison Brant.
Shane ready to march with Clemson band
By Amelia Rosen
By Kelsea Kosko
Senior, Shane McDonald, has a reason to jump for joy this year. He has been
accepted to the Clemson Life Program at Clemson University. He will begin in
the fall. It is a three year college course that teaches life and job skills to special
needs students. Shane was one of the nine applicants chosen from a pool of over
40 candidates. It is a huge honor for him, his family, and the entire school for
Congratulations Shane,
Go-Get-Em!
Shane to be chosen to participate in this magnificent program. When asked what
he is looking forward to most, Shane exclaimed, “I am excited for band.” He will
be a percussion member of the Clemson marching band, and he hopes to join the
steel drum band and intramural basketball team as well. The Green Wave family
wishes him the best of luck in his future at Clemson! Congratulations Shane!
Senior artists leave creative legacy
The Fort Myers Visual Arts department has yet again produced an impressive bunch of seniors. Many of them
are planning on attending college or university with a major in some form of art, and are even considering a career
in the visual field.
Jessica Norris must decide between
Pratt or Parsons School
of Design, both of which are in
New York City, and two of the
most prestigious art institutes in
the world to boot.
IB seniors Michael Johnson
and Chloe Smiley say they plan
on majoring in photography,
and Christian Allison looks forward
to attending University of
Florida, as he will make use of
their exceptional study abroad
program in Europe where he
can concentrate on perfecting
his talents. (He placed second at
the Young Artists 2011 Alliance
of the Arts show for computer
graphics this month.)
Alexander Fahnlander, an AP
student of Fort Myers art teacher
Karen Autry, is enrolling at the
Savannah College of Art and
Design in Georgia.
Outstanding senior artists (from left to right) Reshmie Punwasi, Alex
Fahnlander, Abigail McMahon, Christian Allison, and Jessica Norris
display their terrific artistic works outside of the auditorium for friends
and family to see.
Other exceptional senior artists include Abigail McMann, Reshmie Punwasa, Bibian Kwak, and many others.
Christian Allison was not the only Fort Myers student to take home an award from the most recent Alliance
of the Arts show. Fort Myers High senior Emily Lowman snagged first place in digital photography, and Cailey
Schiafone and Esteban Arturo placed second and third in black and white photography.
We wish these seniors the best as the doors open to an exciting new part of their lives as they obtain the ability
to let their natural gifts flourish.