Volume 63 Issue 2 - Fort Myers High School

FMHS welcomes new School Resource Officer
by Amanda Armstrong and Daniela Patino
School Resource Officer, Athena Mitchell
There are plenty of new faces roaming
the hallways of FMHS this year. Among
those many faces is our new School
Resource Officer Athena Mitchell.
Aside from being an SRO, she is also an
advisor for The Explorer Post for FMPD. Officer
Mitchell went to high school in Michigan,
however, she is familiar with Fort Myers
High. Her husband graduated from Fort Myers
High. She hopes to pass down the unbeatable
education that FMHS offers to her own children.
When she arrives in the morning, she
always looks forward to seeing the students
here at Fort Myers. Her job title throws a
variety of tasks at her and no day is ever the
same for her. She answers student questions,
attends sporting events, and is visible in
the hallways throughout the school day.
Students express themselves
through steps
FMHS step team, New Age, returns for a second year
by Emily Stone, Keneisha Hawkins, Liz Keisling, and Megan Fuciu
Captain George Vidal teaches the step moves
“Stepping is a combination of movement
and dance. It is an expression of an
emotion at a certain moment in time,” says
George Vidal, captain and choreographer
of the FMHS step team, New Age.
Students now have another way
to express their dance abilities.
The idea of the step team came
about last school year, so we held
tryouts and the club became a success.
“George came to me and asked
me to start it last year,” says Mrs.
Loverock, one of the team’s sponsors.
Although Mrs. Loverock couldn’t start
it right away, she jumped on the idea later.
George says he got the idea because it
keeps people involved in the school, and
is an outlet for those who like to dance.
This year the club is sponsored by both Mrs.
Loverock and Mrs. Barnes. The step team
is excited about this upcoming school year.
“There are many ideas for the team this year.
We plan to enter a number of competitions
like the Brown Sugar Festival and the Easter
Parade. We plan to raise money for funds for
the team and possibly conduct a scholarship
program for upcoming seniors who plan
to pursue college careers,” says Vidal.
Good grades, good attitudes, motivation,
dedication, and determination are all key
requirements for the New Age step team.
“The step team gives students something
to do after school, and it’s not hard work.
It’s just fun,” says co-captain Jada Addison.
“If you love to dance, love to stomp, and
want to paint a picture with your body, try
out for the New Age step team,” says Vidal.
The step team meets Mondays and
photo by Keneisha Hawkins
Wednesdays from 2:15-4:30 in room D144.
If you are interested or have any questions
you may stop by Mrs. Loverock’s in
B213, or see Mrs. Barnes in room A110.
The step team plans to perform at school
pep rallies and other school functions.
Officer Mitchell attended Curry College in
Massachusetts. Before coming to Fort Myers
High School, she worked the midnight shift
and then later worked at Fort Myers Middle
as an SRO. She says that this high school
has been so different than the middle school.
There are more sporting events that need law
enforcement; there are student drivers, and
many more safety issues on and off campus.
“During the school year, my spare
time is used for taxiing, my kids (two
daughters and stepson) to their various
activities, coaching, and being an advisor.”
Greenies welcomes Officer Athena Mitchell
to Fort Myers High and are thankful for
the addition to the Green Wave family.
Odyssey of the Mind
competes to solve problems
by Armando Grez
Now that the school year is well under way,
it looks like all the extracurricular activities
are beginning to unfold and Odyssey of the
Mind is no exception. Odyssey of the Mind,
may interest students for a number of reasons.
For one, it can be fun while getting CAS hours
at the same time. The Odyssey of the Mind
is a problem-solving competition between
groups of students. Teams are built and they
work together to tackle all different kinds of
problems. “There are long-term problems that
are worked on for months in order to solve,
and there are some spontaneous ones, which
they do immediately at the competition,”
stated Mr. Chow. These problems may involve
culture, the arts, and even engineering.
The sponsor for Odyssey of the Mind is
Mr. Chow this year, but the coach is our new
SRO, Officer Mitchell. The presidents this
year are Sarah Crooks and Taylor Garrett,
while Taylor Stork is the Vice President,
and Alex Fahnlander as the Historian. The
team can participate in up to three different
competitions: regional, state, and worlds. “Our
goal is to make it to worlds! Also not to kill
each other because the intense teamwork and
environment can be stressful,” said Mr. Chow.
This year States are at UCF, and Worlds will be
held at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
If someone is interested in joining
Odyssey of the Mind, they should speak
with Mr. Chow or Officer Mitchell.
Governor Charlie Crist’s Florida
Hispanic Heritage Month Essay
Contest
Theme: “Honoring a Legacy, Shaping
Florida’s Future.”
Who: Students K-12
What: Write 500 words or less on the
following question: “In what ways
does the foundation of Florida’s Hispanic
legacy help to build the future of
Florida’s innovative economy?” **Essay
must be typed; double-space!
Due: Must be mailed and postmarked
by October 1st
Win: Full four-year tuition scholarship
to a Florida college or university of your
choice!
**See Donna Jones in B219 for complete
guidelines and parental waiver
form. If you want me to mail your entry,
I will need it by September 30th. Contest
guidelines (and parental waiver) can
also be viewed at:
www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com
Governor Charlie Crist’s 2008
Hispanic Heritage Month
Excellence in Education Award
Who: All Hispanic, fulltime educators
in an elementary (K-5), middle (6-8), or
high school (9-12) in Florida.
What: Governor Crist encourages students,
parents, teachers, and principals
to nominate Hispanic teachers for this
Excellence in Education Award.
Win: Three teachers (1 elementary, 1
middle, and 1 high school teacher) will
be selected to receive a check for $1,
500. Awards will be presented at the
Governor’s annual Hispanic Heritage
Month celebration in Tallahassee in
October.
Due: Nomination form (attached) must
be postmarked by October 1st. Winners
notified October 6th.
Mail completed nomination form to:
Executive Office of the Governor
Excellence in Education Award Committee,
400 S. Monroe Street LL-10
Tallahassee, Florida 323399
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,
Elizabeth Keisling, Drew Kelly, Kelsea Kosko,
Julia Leal, Louis Mausser, Dakendo Michel,
Jeffrey Nunnally, Daniela Patino, Rachel Petrik,
Louis Resnick, Nyasia Smith, Emily Stone,
Austin Yorski, Claudia Zapiec
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:
Jeanne Dozier, Chairman
Jane Kuckel, Vice Chairman
Robert Chilmonik
Steven Teuber
Elinor Scricca
photo by Pam Schwantes
front row (left to right): Frank Sirianni, Herb Wiseman, Joni Logan, Margaret Sirianni, David LaRosa,
Jeanne Dozier, and Dr. Browder; back row (left to right): Stephanie Sirianni, Sammy Sirianni
Mrs. Margaret Sirianni cuts the ribbon at the dedication ceremony on September 5, 2008
honoring the new Coach Sam Memorial.
September 26, 2008 Volume 63, Issue 2
FMHS celebrates new Sam Sirianni Memorial
Homecoming ‘08 hits the jackpot!
by Keneisha Hawkins, Emily Stone, and Daniela Patino
When students look back over the past year,
one week that always stands out is the week of
homecoming. Whether it is the football game,
the dance or the spirit activities, homecoming
is bound to create some lasting memories.
Every year homecoming week has a
theme. Last year’s theme was “Night
on the Nile.” With this year’s
theme being “Casino
Royale,” students are
certain to find some
creative attire.
SGA works
hard to make
the homecoming
week memorable
for everyone.
Their goal for
this year is to
get everyone
more involved
in homecoming
week, show school spirit, and even though
everyone enjoys a good joke about our
administration during the Greenie Growl,
the SGA would like to take the focus
off that and put the focus on the team,
the Alma Mater, and the school spirit.
Greenies are already preparing for the
big week. Many students are glad to see
that this year’s homecoming dance is back
at Harborside. “I expect fun, fun, and
more fun this year,” says junior Mondy
Michel. Sophomore De’Mar Walker
says, “I am most looking forward to this
year’s dance because I missed last year’s.”
Greenies get ready to have some casino
Come out and support the Green Wave!
Tuesday, September 30
No School
Wednesday, October 1
Boys’ Golf vs. Community School of Naples (A), 3:30 p.m.
Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming vs. Barron Collier (@DeLeon Pool), 6 p.m.
JV and Varsity Volleyball vs. Lehigh (A), 6 p.m., 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 2
Boys’ Golf vs. Lehigh & East Lee County (H), 3 p.m.
Girls’ Golf vs. Lehigh & East Lee County (A), 3:30 p.m.
Freshmen and JV Football vs. Charlotte (H), 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
fun! This year’s homecoming week starts
off on Monday, October 6 with Pajama
Day and the Powder Puff Volleyball
game in the gym right after school.
Tuesday, October 7 will be class pride day.
This is a day where all FMHS students wear
shirts to represent their class. There will
also be hall decorating contests
after school. Greenie Growl
will take place at 7:00 p.m.
in the Edison stadium.
Wednesday, October
8 will be College Day,
so wear your favorite
college gear! SGA
will be doing
their hall judging
during the day.
On Thursday,
October 9, wear
your favorite
Green Grub and
come prepared for the Taste of the Greenies
Field day in the afternoon out on the football
field. The powder puff football game will
take place in the Edison Stadium at 7 p.m.
Friday, October 10, will be Theme
Day, Casino Royale, and of course, at
7:30, will be the homecoming game vs.
Mariner High School and the presentation
of the homecoming king and queen.
This year’s dance will take place on
Saturday evening, October 11 at the
Harborside Convention Center downtown
from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Everybody show
school spirit and come to school prepared
for a fun filled homecoming week!
by Daniela Patino
On Friday, September 5, FMHS celebrated
the dedication of the inspirational Sam
Sirianni Memorial at Edison Stadium. The
life-size statue of Coach Sam Sirianni was
revealed and at game time turned
180 degrees to face the field.
The statue is about 6 feet
tall and shows Sirianni
in his younger days,
wearing a baseball cap. He
looks over the field
during game time.
This entrance
and statue were
dedicated to
former coach
Sam Sirianni.
Around 2,000
fans filled the
stadium to see
Mrs. Sirianni cut
the ribbon to the
entrance at Friday night’s game against Lehigh.
Mrs. Sirianni thanked all those who
helped fund and build the project.
Friday, October 3
Varsity Football vs. Charlotte (A), 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 4
Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country - FL Runners (@ Titusville)
SAT’s at FMHS (be sure to bring your ID)
Fort Myers High School
Homecoming Week!
October 6-11, 2008
Mrs. Margaret Sirianni and Principal David LaRosa at the
Sam Sirianni Day pep rally.
The dedication definitely did not
start there. As a tradition, our
first home game is always Sam
Sirianni Day. Students wear
ribbons and t-shirts in memory
of Coach Sam and show
his importance to
this school and the
people at FMHS.
The last hour
of the school
day, there was
a pep rally
in honor of
Sam Sirianni
Night. At
the pep rally
Mrs. Sirianni
spoke about
her husband
and how
he had an
impact on Fort Myers High. Her speech
inspired everyone and got the football team
pumped up for their win against Lehigh.
FMHS shows school spirit at first pep rally
by Louis Resnick and Nyasia Smith
FMHS students singing the Alma Mater at the first pep rally of the season photo by Alexandra Troast
Friday, September 5, 2008 was the first everyone gets excited about the game.” After
pep rally of the season. The students and the football introductions, the dance team and
staff were filled with Greenwave spirit. the cheerleaders performed and got everyone
That Friday afternoon, the students were fired up by doing the cheer competitions
dismissed by class, starting with the seniors. among the classes. Mrs. Sirianni gave an
The students and the staff filtered into the inspirational speech to the student body and
gymnasium as the Greenwave Marching band the football team about the upcoming game
played and the cheerleaders were there to get against Lehigh and the night ahead. She also
everyone excited about the day’s festivities. talked about Sam Sirianni Night, explained
Coach Sammy introduced the football team what it means to her, and told everyone why
one player at a time. Junior Joanne Joseph it was important to be at the football game.
comments, “I loved when they introduced the The pep rally finished with the school Alma
football team. There is so much enthusiasm; Mater. The gym was filled with Greenie spirit.
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Swim team takes first place
at Shark Relays
by Rachel Petrik
The Fort Myers High Swimming Wave
drowned all competition at the Shark
Relays on September 6, held at the Collier
County YMCA Norris Aquatic Center. The
girls’ and boys’ teams swept, taking first
place in both. None of the other ten schools
could even come close to the Lady Wave,
who finished 70 points ahead of runner-up
Community School with a total of 491.
The boys’ team fought hard to pull off their
six-point win over Gulf Coast’s 420. “I’m
glad we got first, our hard work really paid
off,” said senior swimmer Louis Resnick.
All of the 14 events were relays,
including a team diving competition. The
girls’ team swam to perfection, winning
the 200 medley, 50 freestyle crescendo,
200 butterfly, 200 backstroke, 250 freestyle
crescendo, as well as the 400 freestyle. Maybe
even more impressive was the fact that they
placed in the top three of every swimming
relay. The boys’ team also raced to win the
250 freestyle crescendo, 100 backstroke,
and 400 freestyle. The diving team couldn’t
compete for the top three spots with only two
competitors, but did add points to the victories.
Coach Overman was ecstatic, as was the
team, to be bringing home two trophies to
add to the history of excellence at FMHS.
FMHS swim teams take home two first place trophies from Shark Relays on September 6.
1.888.437.9353
1.888.437.9353
In order to succeed, your desire for success should
be greater than your fear of failure. - Bill Cosby
What are you most looking forward to during homecoming week?
Amellia Rosen, Sophomore
“I am looking foward to the powder puff football
game and the cheerleaders!”
Elsie Senat, Senior
“I am looking forward to dancing to the
music.”
Senior pursues writing career
by Catherine Head
Michael Turner, Freshman
“I am looking foward to wearing shorts, the
football game, and field day!”
FMHS may have a rising author walking its halls. Kaitlyn Johnson, a senior, has recently
finished writing her first novel. A project she started in March of 2007, writing the completed
first draft of “Behind the Façade” took her one year. The book is 176 pages long and is
about “a girl staying true to who she is despite obstacles in her path. It’s a teen fiction;
one could slightly compare it to Stephanie Meyer’s saga, “Twilight,” says the author.
Kaitlyn’s inspiration for writing the book was her aunt, an English teacher who
is writing a children’s book. Kaitlyn says that she has been encouraged by her aunt
in everything she’s written. One author who has motivated Kaitlyn is J. K. Rowling
“because of how she started from nothing and let her talent guide her.” Kaitlyn
is also inspired by one of her favorite authors, Jane Austen. She also enjoys
reading books by Cornelia Funke. Young adult novels and classic pieces are
generally the types of books Kaitlyn reads, along with adventure or fantasy
books on occasion. The last book she read was The Giver, by Lois Lowry.
Kaitlyn had help editing her book from her aunt, some of her friends,
and Mrs. Browning. She says, “I love expressing myself and have an active
imagination. One day, my characters wouldn’t leave me alone, so I just had to
write them down!” To make her characters more authentic, Kaitlyn incorporated
the mannerisms and quirks of the people around her.
“I know them all probably better than even my closest
friends,” she shares about her characters. Kaitlyn is already
working on a sequel to “Behind the Façade” and has a
few ideas for some other stories. She revealed that she
has an 18th Century Romance and possibly “a realistic
piece dealing with an adopted child searching for her
mother,” in the works as themes for her upcoming writings.
Kaitlyn’s first choice for college is Ithaca College in
New York. She wants to take courses in creative writing,
musical theatre, and English education. “I would love to
have a career as a novelist. Writing is a very free-scheduled
sort of thing, which is where I’m most comfortable,” Kaitlyn shares.
However, writing is a recent ambition. In eighth grade, Kaitlyn started writing
photo by Catherine Head
“small stuff” but only lately has she considered writing novels. She hopes that one day her books will be published.
Ms. Booker and Mrs. Tucker prepare to light this year’s spirit flame
Mr. Eckhardt, Assistant Principal De’Mar Walker, Sophomore Kim Beeson, Junior
“I am looking forward to the Greenie Growl.
It’s high spirited and funny at the same time.”
Mrs. Joyner-Hull joins
FMHS staff
by Christa Chung
As many of you have noticed
there have been a number of new
additions to the Greenwave Nation.
There have been a number of new students,
including our freshmen, join FMHS, but
we have also had many new teachers.
One of the new teachers is Mrs. Megan
Joyner-Hull who is our new Early Childhood
Education and Little Wave Program teacher.
“I am looking foward to the dance because I
missed it last year.”
Little Wave program back in full swing
Mrs. Joyner-Hull
photo by Christa Chung
Mrs. Joyner-Hull just moved to the Fort Myers
area from Ft. Lauderdale with her husband and
7 month year old baby girl, Isabella Mia Hull.
Mrs. Joyner-Hull said, “We just got
Isabella her first “little greenie” shirt.
Mrs. Joyner-Hull attended Florida
State University. She is new to working
with high school students, as she recently
taught elementary students at YMCA
preschool and Coconut Palm Elementary.
She chose to come to FMHS because of the great
facility, fantastic staff, and amazing students.
Mrs. Joyner-Hull is proud to be a greenie
and says she “loves it!” She also is a sponsor
of Future Educators of America (F.E.A.)
and says she expects her students to do their
best and take responsibility for their actions.
Mrs. Hull’s advice for her students is to
“enjoy this time of your life! This is one
of the few times in your life that it is all
about you, so get involved, have fun, and
cherish every moment!” FMHS is excited
to have a new Greenie added to the staff.
“I am looking foward to dressing up,
being crazy, and the party bus.”
Reserve a yearbook today!
by Sara Kaner
Attention all members of the
Greenwave community, the yearbook
staff is proud to present this year’s
yearbook theme: A new shade of green!
This theme was appropriately chosen
to fit an idea that this year’s yearbook
is going to be the best yet, and unlike
anything ever created before. The
yearbook staff has a great staff of editors
who work wonderfully well together, and
who each specialize in a particular area
that will only enhance the finished project.
The goal this year is to create a book
which students will not only enjoy
reading and looking at, but will also
be proud to claim as their record of the
2008-2009 school year. The yearbook
staff assures everyone that this yearbook
will be one-of-a-kind, and encourage all
to reserve their own before it is too late.
If you are interested in reserving a
yearbook today, the staff will be preselling
yearbooks on Wednesdays
and Fridays during both lunch shifts.
The current cost is just $60, but prices
will be raised to $70 in October.
The yearbook staff is excited to
produce a first rate, unparalleled
yearbook for FMHS, and hope that
everyone will reserve one today.
Ms. Booker returns to light the spirit flame
photo by Troy Eckenrode
by Troy Eckenrode
It has become a tradition at FMHS that
before the first home football game every year
a flame is lit in Mrs. Tucker’s Chemistry class.
It all began many years ago when Mrs. Tucker
needed a Bunsen burner for a demonstration
one Friday. When Mrs. Tucker lit that very
first flame, it turned green and it stayed green!
That night the
Green Wave
football team won
their Friday night
game. However,
the flame does
not always turn
green when lit. It is believed to only turn
green when the school is full of Greenie spirit.
This year’s flame was lit on Sam Sirianni Day
during the last class of the day. In the past we
have had many important people light the flame
such as, Margaret Sirianni, David LaRosa, Ms.
Logan, Mr. Roszell, and Dr. Browder to name
a few. This year one of our favorite Greenies,
“It was pretty amazing. I
think it works because we win
and our team is still good all
season long.” - Wenshley Henry
Mrs. Booker came back to light the
flame. After she lit the flame it took a few
seconds and then it turned green. Principal
David LaRosa has been one of the people
who have lit the flame. He was asked to
light the flame his first year back at the
school as principal. Mr. LaRosa said, “It
was an honor to light
the flame and be
there when it turned
green.” Like most
coaches or former
coaches, Mr. LaRosa
is superstitious
about certain things. He wonders how the
school year would go if we didn’t light the
flame. Wenshley Henry said, “It was pretty
amazing. I think it works because we win
and our team is still good all season long.”
The lighting of the Green Spirit Flame is
a tradition that will never go away. It has
been our past, our present, and our future.