Volume 62 Issue 3 - Fort Myers High School

Cowart ventures to D.C. for
page program
by Sara Kaner
U.S. Representative stay organized.
“I applied for the program in May by
contacting the office and sending in the
necessary paperwork, hoping to be picked for
the summer term. But Connie Mack didn’t
have a summer page, and so instead I was
chosen for the fall term,” explains Cowart.
A day in Washington for Cowart will
consist of attending school in the Library
of Commerce from 6:45 a.m. until 9:45
a.m. His course list includes American
history, American literature, pre-calculus,
chemistry, and AP politics and AP
government which he will be taking online.
Once school is out, Cowart will head to the
House of Representatives office buildings
where he will work tentatively from 10:00
a.m. until 4:00 p.m., depending on when
Congress decides to finish for the day.
Cowart will be staying in dorms built
For must of us, this summer ended with
the notion that we would be returning to
school for yet another year of education,
homework, and high school fun. Junior
John Cowart, however, learned that his
plans for the forthcoming year would stray
from previous routine, as he was selected to
participate in the House of Representatives
Page Program in Washington, D.C.
Cowart’s summer was packed with traveling,
spending time with friends, and one important
message. While hiking in New Mexico,
Cowart was on a trail when someone from
the program tried to reach him by telephone,
but there was no service up there. However,
once he got off the trail, he was handed a fax,
telling him that he had been picked for the
page program and would be a page for Connie
Mack during the upcoming school year.
“I felt shocked when I first read the fax. I
didn’t know what we were going to do about
it, or how I was going to handle school.
But I was definitely excited,” says Cowart.
The House of Representatives Page
Program gives high school juniors the
exciting opportunity to participate as
Congressional Pages in Washington, D.C.,
where they are appointed to serve a member
of the U.S. House of Representatives. Pages’
duties primarily include delivering legislative
messages between Representatives,
as well as helping their appointed
specifically for the 66 pages, and he will be
rooming with two other boys. The dorms
bonuses include a recreational room with
a television, wireless internet connection,
and dining services. The dorms are centrally
located; they are just one block away from the
House of Representatives office buildings,
and two blocks away from the Capital.
“On the weekends we are allowed to go into
the city with the other pages, so I’m excited
to see more of Washington, D.C., as well as
getting to know the other pages,” says Cowart.
Cowart’s stay in Washington will last
five months and possibly extend longer
if he asked to stay for more time and he
chooses to. He will be there during the
State of the Union address, and is hoping
to meet all of the presidential candidates.
“I’m looking forward most to meeting Rudy
Giuliani out of the presidential candidates.
But the person I’m hoping to meet the most
is ex-Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich,
because he seems to be really cool and I’d
love to get to know him,” comments Cowart.
Although Cowart will be receiving $1,600
a month for working as a page, and is excited
for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, he
notes that he will miss out on a lot this year.
“Fort Myers High is a great school, and
I’m going to miss it a lot. I’m going to miss
the teachers, the people, and just the overall
atmosphere,” says Cowart. “But this is
one experience I just couldn’t turn down.”
Planning ahead for a successful
school year
by Morgan Frink
The agenda books are back! The agenda
books are here and its time we start using them.
No more little slips of paper as hall passes
and no more excuses about not getting your
assignments done because you didn’t have
an agenda book to remind you. Many of you
might be wondering why the agenda books
weren’t here waiting for you on the first day
of school. Some might not have missed them
at all. I for one wasn’t too fond of having to
write down my homework on the back of my
hand or on a piece of loose paper that would
most likely end up ripped and crumpled at the
bottom of my bag. Agenda books believe it or
not might actually affect how you do in school.
This year as you all noticed we were lacking
a key element in our usual first day back to
school. This of course would be the passing out
of the agenda books. Teachers were unable to
do this because we just didn’t have them. The
agenda books were late because the company
we bought them from, Walsworth Solutions
sold their business to another company,
Schooldatebooks in late June, so the new
company was not prepared to send the agenda
books to us. They only had the cover, but all
the materials inside were absent. Although
the school was meant to receive the agenda
books in the first week of August, we did
not get them until the third week of school.
The vibrant school spirit is extremely
evident on the new covers of this years
agenda books. The covers are white with
a decorative green boarder and a creative
picture also done in green representing our
school. Mrs. Booker and Mrs. Wisniewski
are the ones we can thank for our great
cover this year! The publishing company
had sent over some samples for covers that
they could choose from, and the one they
chose was approved by Mr. LaRosa and
other members of the staff. When asked
how students liked the looks of the agenda
books, sophomore Robert Paden said, “I
think they look better than last years.”
How did having or not having an
agenda book affect you? Daniela Patino,
sophomore, says, “The agenda book helps
me stay organized and know when the test
days are.” Mrs. Spielmaker says, “I’m
thankful that students have a tool to help
them organize their mode of operation.”
Pep Rally Honors Beloved Coach Mrs. Sam Sirianni addresses the student
body at the pep rally on September 7 in honor of Sam Sirianni Day at
FMHS.
FMHS strives to be the best
by Chauntel Brown
Fort Myers High School is known as one
of the best schools in the state and the nation,
ranking in Newsweek’s top 100 high schools.
Our school has established an excellence
in education, school pride, and tradition.
There have been many individuals in
FMHS’ past, but Principal David LaRosa
is only to be a part of the future. With 22
years of experience in education, coming
to Fort Myers High’s staff in 2000, LaRosa
knows that “[the principal] must take on
the personality of the school” – meaning
that if those working within the school
don’t understand our school’s traditions,
they begin to distort the traditions.
Mr. LaRosa believes that the phrase,
“Where Excellence is a Tradition and
Expectation” means “…we are continuously
striving for the best.” FMHS’ students and
faculty possess a great pride for the image
and reputation of the school. Faculty
members, striving for excellence, work
hard to help their students realize their
fullest potential. Students must be prepared
for the future, whether it is at a postsecondary
school or out in the work force.
When Fort Myers High first opened, it was
known as Gwynne High School, because of
the Gwynne family’s large donation to the
building of the school. In 1914, the school
colors were purple and white. In 1919, the
school’s colors changed to red and white
because basketball uniforms were only
available in those colors. Fort Myers’
Organize is indisputably a word that keeps
coming up, and for good reason. That is
basically what an agenda book does. It
helps us as students to stay organized.
Although we got the books late, the agenda
books are back and better than ever. They help
us in more ways than one, with everything
from staying organized with our class work
to finding useful tips for everyday life.
Remember it’s never too late to get planning.
drawing by Eric Ambert
tradition began officially on October 12, 1920
when the school adopted the colors of green
and white as their school colors by a unanimous
vote. FMHS became the “GREENWAVE”
in 1927, when an article made reference to
Fort Myers High School as the Greenwave.
One of our school’s most sentimental
traditions would have to be Sam Sirianni
Day. Coach Sam was the Greenwave coach
for more than 30 years and during that time
he built the team into a statewide football
powerhouse. He is the father of Coach
Sammy and the brother of Coach Frank.
Coach Sam truly had a passion and love for
Fort Myers High School. Sam Sirianni Day
is a day to remember a legacy in the history
of the school. The day includes a pep rally
and a Friday night football game in his honor.
Our school expectations for this year
include maintaining an A+ school and
maintaining or even raising our Newsweek
ranking. In addition, we want to have
100% of the senior class graduate in 2008,
to improve on school spirit and traditions,
and to finish Coach Sam’s memorial. The
memorial will consist of an arched portal
entry paved with memorial bricks and will
feature a life-size bronze statue of Coach Sam.
The students of FMHS have to continue
to excel through our education. We not only
represent our town and school, but we represent
our county and state. The only way for us to
continue to rise is to continue to believe in the
pride and tradition of FMHS and develop the
passion not only for knowledge, but for life.
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, Joni Logan
2635 Cortez Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Copyright 2007
2008 John F. Kennedy Profile in
Courage Essay Contest
Who: Students grades 9-12
What: In less than 1000 words, write an
original and creative essay that
demonstrates an understanding of political
courage as described by John F. Kennedy
in Profiles in Courage. Use at least
five varied sources such as newspaper
articles, books, and/or personal interviews
to:
Describe and analyze the decisions, actions,
and risks of an elected public official
in the U.S. since 1965 who has courageously
addressed a political issue at the
local, state, national or international level.
**John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy,
Edward M. Kennedy and past Profile in
Courage Award recipients are not eligible
topics for essays.
**All essays must have bibliography of at
least five varied, reliable sources, including
a non-internet source.
Due: Submit online by January 12, 2008
www.jfklibrary.org
**Go to Profile in Courage Award Program
** Website for essay topic, complete
guidelines, and registration form also.
Win Scholarship Money: 1st place $5,000
and a trip to Boston to receive recognition
by Caroline Kennedy and Senator Edward
M. Kennedy at the Profile in Courage
Award Ceremony on May 12th, 2nd place
$1,000, 3rd place $500 (5 finalists will
receive $500 each)
Nominating teacher of 1st place winner
will receive the John F. Kennedy Public
Service grant for $500 to encourage
student leadership and civic engagement.
**See Donna Jones in B219 for assistance
if needed.
Top 10 reasons to go to a FMHS
football game...
10. Where else can you sport all that
greenie gear?
9. 6 words: Green! Green! Green! White!
White! White!
8. The only time on school campus where
you can get really away with dress code
violations.
7. A hoarse voice and ringing ears have
never felt so wonderful.
6. The sound of blasting foghorns has
never sounded sweeter.
5. You know you can expect the Greenwave
to score at least 3 touchdowns in the
first quarter.
4. You can relive the days of your youth
and paint yourself in white and green.
3. Every game is a great game, even if
you have no idea what’s going on.
2. You realize that your school not only
beats everyone, but has more school spirit
than any other.
1. Because you’ve never truly been a
Greenie until you’ve gone to a Greenwave
game.
September 28, 2007 Volume 62, Issue 3
Homecoming game
tonight against
Charlotte!
Kickoff at 7:30
Varsity players share memories
by Monika Simic, Kiyanna Wingate, and Melissa Hubble
Gregory Wade, To’mas Carter, Bobby Cyril, All four of the guys love playing football
and CJ Odem are four of Fort Myers High’s and plan to play after high school. To’mas
varsity football players. They are all excited would like to play for South Florida. Gregory
about tonight’s game against Charlotte. The would like to play at Florida State, while
four hope to redeem themselves against Bobby and CJ both hope to play at Miami.
Charlotte,
Football isn’t
after last
just about the
year’s loss.
competition;
G r e g o r y
the guys have
Wade says,
had their share
“We predict
of fun as well.
to win with
When asked
a score
about a favorite
of 63 to
memory, the
nothing!”
four replied,
This week
“It was in
the team
the summer,
has been
during two-a-
w o r k i n g
day practices
hard to
when we
p r e p a r e
were having
for a win.
an extremely
W h e n
hard but fun
asked if
practice in the
the four
rain. We were
are worried
sliding around
a b o u t
and getting
t o n i g h t ’s
g a m e ,
Gregory Wade, To’mas Carter, Bobby Cyril, and CJ Odem
photo by Will Andre
dirty.” These
four guys have
CJ replies, “If anything Charlotte been playing football their entire lives and
should be worried about playing us.” don’t plan on giving it up anytime soon.
Tragic accident claims a gifted senior
by Kelsea Jones
“Sorry I never told you
All I wanted to say…”
H o m e c o m i n g
festivities slowed to
a somber stillness in
the wake of the tragic
news of the death of
IB Senior, Harshal
Pingale. Greenies are
turning to black not
just to mourn the death of this young man, but
in commemoration of his honorable life cut
short. He was a young man full of aspirations
and well on his way to success but his life
was sorrowfully ended on September 24,
2007 while riding his motorcycle to school.
Harshal Pingale was an active member
of the Chess Club, tutored at Edison Park
Elementary, and was the Historian of Rho
Kappa Social Studies Honor Society. Rho
Kappa sponsor, Mrs. Copeland says of Pingale,
“Harshal always worked hard- not for
the grade, but to please the teacher. He was
kind and gentle and always willing to help.
That’s why I felt fortunate for Rho Kappa to
have him elected. It is a loss for the senior
class, the school, and most importantly, his
family.” Pingale is survived by his parents,
and the rest of the Greenwave family.
Friends remember him as an ambitious,
hardworking, and benign, with a good sense
of humor. Pingale, in his life, demonstrated
all the attributes of a true Greenie.
He did his duty to his school and according
to Principle LaRosa, was, “The typical
good student you want in your school.”
He was a positive representative of Fort
Myers High School, not just in academics,
but in activites, and character. Best friend,
Devon Maresca says of their friendship, “He
was an inspiring chess player and an even
better friend. He was there when I needed him
photo by Will Andre
Cadet Jennifer
West promoted
to Cadet Colonel
Cadet Jennifer West is being promoted to
Cadet Colonel. She is the Lee County JROTC
Brigade Commander and the top ranking cadet
in Lee County. There was a ceremony held on
September 27, 2007 in honor of Cadet Jennifer
West. Lieutenant Colonel Tom Madigan, the
Director of Lee County JROTC and Cadet
West’s parents were also in attendance.
Congratulations to Cadet Jennifer West!
Coming
October 12
Homecoming
Souvenir
Issue...
Don’t Miss It!
most and was always there to cheer me up.”
Students and teachers alike are shook
up over the fact that Harshal passed away
in a motorcycle accident. Many students
point out that laws need to be changed
in the state of Florida to protect such
motorcyclists like Pingale. Friends close
to him offer the advice to simply not ride
motorcycles- at least not in this state. It is
important to be safe, but to not live in fear.
And what of this great loss to the
Greenwave family? Mr. LaRosa urges
students to honor his memory whether we
knew him or not. Here at Fort Myers, we’re
a family and we just lost a family member.
Many students are shook up, but in this
sadness there is unity. The family atmosphere
of FMHS is apparent in the fact that many
students are stepping up and comforting
Harshal’s friends. From one family to another,
our thoughts go out to Harshal’s parents.

Harvard graduate graces Fort Myers
teaching staff
by Sara Kaner a job in the teaching field. He first looked
Of all the super-powers in the world,
newcomer to the Fort Myers teaching
staff, Mr. Michael Chow, says he
wishes he had the ability to stop time.
Chow was born and raised in Fort Myers, and
attended Cypress Lake High, where he was in
the arts program. In high school, his favorite
class was physics and he tutored students for
FCAT and SAT tests, where he got his first
taste of teaching. He was not a member of any
sports teams at Cypress, but outside of school
he participated in martial arts and played tennis.
“I was valedictorian of my class, so I always
tried very hard as a student,” says Chow. “I
was expected to be a good model for the other
students, and I was always on my best behavior.”
After graduating from Cypress, Chow began
a new journey in his life when he attended
Harvard University, majoring in international
relations. At Harvard, Chow enjoyed his
game theory class the best, a class that
explained and discussed the theory of how
prominent people in international relations
play games. While in college, Chow taught
once again, teaching social studies students.
“My best experience at Harvard would
have to be the summer of my junior year,”
comments Chow. “I was paid to research
in Tokyo, Japan, and I had the opportunity
to interview Mafia bosses. It was a blast,
and I’d love to go back there one day.”
Once Chow finished college, he decided
to head back to his hometown, and look for
Mr. Chow teaching Chemistry.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Gandhi
for a job at Cypress High, but there was
not an open full-time teaching position.
Luckily for Chow, Fort Myers High had
a job opening for a teacher in the science
department, and Chow seized the opportunity.
“I wanted to give back to the school
system that gave me everything,” notes
Chow. “I hope to be that fun teacher, one
that is able to capture student’s imaginations
as well as be labeled the “cool teacher.”
Chow will be teaching chemistry classes
for pre-I.B. students as well as for honors
students. He says that the science department
has been a huge help so far, and the first weeks
have been hectic, but he’s settling into the job.
“Ms. Tucker helps me so much; she
is directly responsible for me being
successful in the classroom,” adds Chow.
In his spare time, which Chow claims teachers
have a lack off, he enjoys participating in martial
arts, running, and playing tennis, soccer, and
football. He loves reading, and learning new
things. Family is a huge part of Chow’s life, and
the majority of his spare time is devoted to them.
When asked about his favorite quote, Chow
replied, “If you wish to make an apple pie from
scratch, you must first invent the universe,”
by Carl Sagan, author and astronomer.
As of now, teaching is just the beginning for
Chow and his career. He plans on teaching for
three years, so he can gain the experience of
teaching. Chow then hopes to attend law school,
and either become a lawyer or go into politics.
OPENING THIS FALL IN FORT MYERS
Kolve Byrd with Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE).
Byrd chosen for one week with
Boys Nation
by Kolve Byrd
This past summer I had the opportunity to
participate in the American Legion Boys State
program in Tallahassee. I was the only student
from Fort Myers High school to participate
in the program of about 530 students from
around the state. For those of you who don’t
know, Boys State is a week long government
and civics program held at Florida State
University. This all expenses paid trip allows
students to run for the offices of Governor,
Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer and
Justices of the Supreme Court among others.
The entire week is modeled after the workings
and structure of the state government.
Throughout the week of campaigning and
mile and a half walks from Kellum Hall to
The Ruby Diamond Auditorium we all had
a good time. On Thursday and Friday we
went to the Capitol and used the House and
Senate chambers. Governor Charlie Crist
was suppose to give a speech but cancelled,
the first time a sitting Governor has failed to
address Boys State in about 30 years I’m told.
The sessions were interesting, dominated
by bills on abortion, stem cell research
and legalizing marijuana and prostitution.
The 530 or so students were divided into 18
cities. Each city of about 30 students nominated
one Boys Stater to go to Washington, D.C.
for the Boys Nation program. Boys Nation
is made up of two students from 49 states
(excluding Hawaii) making 98 in all. I was
nominated from my city of Shannondale
along with 17 others. Later that day the 17
were narrowed down to 6 finalists who were
announced at the General Assembly on Friday
in the House of Representatives. To become a
finalist you had to participate in an interview
in the senate where your knowledge of world
events and politics was evaluated. I was
named a finalist and went back for a second
interview. This time the questions were more
difficult dealing with foreign policy and trade.
On Friday I was announced as one of only two
delegates to go to Boys Nation from Florida.
Boys Nation was held from July 20 through
July 28 at Marymount University in Arlington,
Virginia outside Washington, D.C. During that
time we visited Arlington National Cemetery
where our group laid a wreath at the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier. On Tuesday we went to
the United States Supreme Court where Justice
Samuel Alito spoke to us in the chamber and
after held a question and answer session. On
Wednesday Boys Nation went to the White
House and met President Bush who posed for
a photo with the group. We were then given
a tour of the lower levels of the mansion
which included the State Dinning Room and
the large Entrance Hall. Later that night, two
guest speakers came to Marymount. One was a
Rhodes & Truman Scholar as well as a White
House Fellow and Army Ranger. The other was
a Holocaust survivor from Lithuania who told
about her experience in a concentration camp.
Thursday, we went to Capitol Hill to meet
our senators and representatives in Congress.
Throughout the day I met Senators Chuck
Hagel (R-NE), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Jim
Webb (D-VA), Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Jeff
Sessions (R-AL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL).
We also toured the United States Capitol
Building which includes the Old Supreme
Court chamber, the Rotunda and Statuary Hall.
Friday we went to The Department of
State and listened to the Undersecretary
for Management and the Director of the
Emergency Operations Center. Throughout the
week there were also mock senate sessions and
party conventions which led to the election for
president and vice president. The bills at Boys
Nation dealt with topics such as tax reform,
energy independence and flag burning. My
bill was on eliminating the income tax system
and replacing it with the Fair Tax or a national
sales tax. This was a great experience and
the American Legion Boys Nation is highly
prestigious and well known around the country.
Often times on Capitol Hill we were given
preferential treatment when we mentioned
Boys Nation. Anyone interested should see
Mrs. Copeland about attending Boys State
or contact their local American Legion Post.
Dancing with the stars
Aries - 3/21-4/19
Keep yourself busy this week. You
might be participating in Greenie
Growl so try not getting off track.
Put your personality into that.
Leo - 7/23-8/22
You desire something this week so,
just go for it. It may be a boyfriend/
girlfriend or just a date to the
homecoming dance.
Sagittarius - 11/22-12/21
This month, you may struggle to
stay focused. It might be because
you’re caught up in the excitement
of homecoming week. Do your best
to say on task.
Taurus - 4/20-5/20
Your mood may be changing this
week. Something big is going to
happen. Just relax and soak it all in.
Virgo - 8/23-9/22
Try not to criticize yourself as
much this week .Don’t worry about
fitting into your new dress or suit.
Everything will be fine.
Capricorn - 12/22-1/19
Your feeling daring this week. Maybe
you want to try something new. This
week is the week to do it. There
are plenty of fun activities you can
participate in.
Gemini - 5/21-6/21
You may hear a rumor this week.
It may be about you or a close
friend but, instead of getting upset;
do something about it but, do be
careful!
Libra - 9/23-10/22
Your relationship with a friend or
relative is going arise so, try not to
let it bring you down.
Aquarius - 1/20-2/18
Your competitive spirit is soaring.
Maybe it’s your time to get involved.
Try a new club or sport. Who knows
you could be amazing.
Cancer - 6/22-7/22
You will be inspired to do something
new be it a club or organization, so
do it. Try not to let your emotions
get in the way of what you have to
do.
Scorpio - 10/23-11/21
Try to keep the stubborn side of
you away. Things may not be going
your way. Try to stay positive. There
are a lot of fun things going on this
week.
Pisces - 2/19-3/20
You are often shy. Try to break out
of your shell and meet new people.
You might even meet your future
date to homecoming.
The Sam Sirianni Memorial is making progress! The Memorial is being
constructed at the east end entrance to the Edison Stadium.
Cheerleaders selling Crocs
by Chauntel Brown
Crocs have come to revolutionize the
way in which we wear
footwear. Crocs were
originally made to be a
boating or outdoor shoe,
but have now become
popular for all occasions.
The Fort Myers High
School Cheerleaders are
selling Crocs for this
year’s fundraiser. “We
needed a great fundraiser,
something different that
has never been done
before,” says Coach
Manda Edsell. The Crocs are the same as
the name brand Crocs sold in the stores. They
are being custom made for
FMHS. The fundraiser will
help to update the cheerleading
uniforms and give the team
funds to purchase spirit items
for the school and athletic
program. The Crocs are being
sold for $35 each, coming in
men’s, women’s, and children’s
sizes. They can be purchased
from any FMHS cheerleader,
coach, at the games, or the
order forms can be picked
up in the Greenie Gear Shop.
Don’t miss out, get your Crocs today.
drawing by Eric Ambert
FMHS student hikes the Andes
by Laura Bisbee
Not many high school students can lay
claim to the fact that they have visited Peru,
South America. Even less can lay claim
to the fact that they have hiked through
the Andes Mountains. Yet that is exactly
what our own Rob Blachowicz, a visuallyimpaired
senior at Fort Myers High, did
this July along with a group of about 21
other students from all across the country.
Blachowicz was given the once-in- alifetime
opportunity to hike the Andes
through the organization Global Explorers.
Blachowicz heard about this experience
through both the states organization of
the Division of Blind Services and
also family friends. Blachowicz
decided to go with Global
Explorers as the organization
offered various international
experiences to both visuallyimpaired
and sighted
students, hoping that by
going on the trip “The blind
could understand the sited
and the sited could understand
the blind.” Besides this
factor, Blachowicz says
experiencing the language
and the culture persuaded
him to go. “I’ve never been
to another country. Peru is
a struggling country with
a developing economy. I
wanted to experience
it”, says Blachowicz.
The trip itself was led by
visually-impaired mountaineer
Eric Weihenmayer. Known as the first visuallyimpaired
man to ascend Mount Everest,
Weihenmayer proved to be an inspiration
to the entire group, teaching as Blachowicz
describes, “making blindness a part of you
instead of a curse.” Weihenmayer along with
Blachowicz and the rest of the group traveled
first from Lima, the capital of Peru to the city
of Pocupa, an eight hour drive in all. Hiking
up to an elevation of 16,400 ft, Blachowicz
remembers experiencing severe altitude
sickness, which, ironically he records as one
of his “high’s” on the trip as the “team helped
me through.” Overall the trip was 13 days
long, in which the entire group not
only gained a first-hand education
into South American culture, but
learned about the life-altering
definition of discipline and
leadership. Blachowicz himself
took from the experience a whole
new outlook on the materialistic
American economy in relation
to Peru’s much more
sacrificial way of
life. Blachowicz
says, “America
is very wasteful.
While we’re very
demanding about
our need and wants,
they [Peruvians]
might sacrifice
dental work for
a computer”.
B l a c h o w i c z
gives FMHS credit
for his trip. “Fort
Myers High
School, ranked
67th in Newsweek,
has provided me
with opportunities that
I never would have
never had at my other
school in New York”.
Other than the experience of hiking through
the Andes, Global Explorers also offers both
visually-impaired and sighted students other
international opportunities, such as a hike to
the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
or through the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil.
If you are interested in any trips offered
by Global Explorers, you can email Rob
Blachowicz at Robjblach@embarqmail.com.
Rob Blachowicz with his braille computer.
missftmyersusa@yahoo.com