Staff writer 

World Traveler. History Teacher. Aplastic Anemia survivor.
   She has been referred to as one of the most interesting and inspirational people a person will ever meet. Her name is Kathy Jones, a person who will be tremendously missed by our school in December as she continues on in the next chapter in her life.
   Five years ago, Jones signed up for Valic’s deferred retirement option program, also referred to as the “DROP program”. According to Valic.com, their mission is to help Americans plan for and enjoy a secure retirement.
   Basically, after a teacher has been working for thirty years, they are eligible to agree to teach for five more years, while collecting retirement benefits at the same time.
   In the past, teachers have bended the rules a bit, and have continued to teach for a while longer. But with this economy, that is not an option. Jones didn’t know that at the time.
   The sand in the hourglass runs out in December.
   The member must stay out of the classroom for at least six months before they can technically become employed again, but they must return as a beginning teacher, with beginning teacher pay.
   Jones feels that it is unfortunate that she must leave in the middle of the year, and she hopes to lend a hand in preparing students for their exams. Jones would also like to help create the students’ exam reviews, in order to ensure they are on what she taught throughout the year.
   Jones has been taught at Chamberlain for a total of more than thirty years.
   “I love history and I love teenagers”, Jones says with a smile, “What else are you gonna do with two things like that?”.
   Because of her great appreciation for history, Jones feels it is important to try and share it with her students in the classroom everyday.
   “I think it is really important for today’s people to understand the world we live in, and to care about it! ” says Jones, “And that will make our future secure”.
   Jones considers her students an extension of her family.
   “I’ve had tragedy in my life, and my students are my medicine.”, says Jones, “They are what gave meaning to my life when it was falling apart”.
   Jones loves to stay in touch with past students. Almost nothing makes Jones happier than checking her inbox to a new message from one of her students, now in college, updating her about their lives.
   Jones has taught generations of students, and members of our staff, including Mr. Hoover, and Ms. Slouha.
   But there’s one thing that has an extra big place in her heart; seeing the world, and encouraging students to “pop” the bubble they live in.
   “When I share a story about one of my trips with my class, it makes it seem more real!” Jones says. “Everything here seems like a recreation or like plastic”.
   Jones’ favorite travel destination is Italy, a once-in-a-life-time-experience, well for most people..
   “It just doesn’t get old!” she says, “I mean realizing how big and wonderful the world is, is just…magical!”

Staff Writer 

Army Sergeant First Class Behroth, a simulator operator, lead students through a 1.9 million dollar 18-wheel semi truck, instructing and informing students about the different simulators and exhibits.

In the simulator students could pilot two different helicopters, control an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), called Predator Drone, sit in a small air carrier or sit through live footage of aerial video from overseas .Students were also able to watch educational programs on interactive screens.

A life size soldier with the latest full combat aviation gear was on display. Scale model planes and bombs used throughout history were displayed with briefs to explain each.

“It’s a fun, educational experience that provides an inside look to exactly what the Army has to offer in the field of aviation,” says Sophomore Christopher Phelps.

The truck originates out of Fort Knox, Kentucky and travels the country during the school year and during the summer visiting air shows and other events.

The Army recruiting program has 9 trucks that vary in theme from aviation to ground combat.

“The goal of these exhibits is to educate and inspire students about the Army’s programs,” says SFC Behroth.

There are many tutors for various subjects, including FCAT reading and mathematics. Students who are not assigned a tutor spend their hour obtaining extra help they need from their choice of teachers, utilizing time after school.

Administrators are hoping this new policy encourages students to keep up with their grades and strive for both athletic and academic achievement.

Though some parents originally expressed concerns, Scionti and the other administrators were able to discuss the situation with them.

“After talking with some of the parents, players, and coaches, we were able to get them on board and understand the importance and reason behind it,” Scionti responded.

And Scionti was right. After speaking with several student athletes, the policy seems to have acquired some positive feedback.

Junior, Brooke Frauenfelder stated, “I think it’s a good idea. Some players could have a bad grade they should definitely bring up before they play.”

Frequent progress reports keep coaches up to date with a student’s grades and placement. Last year was somewhat of a transition period. Players in the 2009-2010 school year were also required to give progress reports to their coaches. This was helpful for them to check-up on exactly what their players needed assistance with in the academic field.

Both coaches and teachers are working together to better the future of Chamberlain students, and since tutoring is just an hour per week, there is also no need to worry about the players falling behind in athletics.

In the words of Mr. Scionti, “An hour a week can only do good.”

Staff Writer

When I heard this idea I was both shocked and confused. Why would ESPN want to launch a new spin-off dedicated to women? What can they possibly have that is any different from the other ESPN networks? This question was probably on the minds of all of the newly informed ESPN viewers.

Since 1972 the United States has seen significant increases in women participating in sports on both the High School and Collegiate levels. ESPN, for the most part, has also seen an increase in the number of fans of female sports. However, ESPN’s female viewers only account for twenty-four percent of total viewership. The top two programs viewed by women are: The National Spelling Bee,which is not shown on an ESPN network, and Cheerleading competitions which only account for seven airings.

In launching this new network, ESPN hopes to regain old viewers and gain new ones as well. They hope that they will be able to call this “experiment” a success; but if you ask me, it will be a while before it catches on.

In my opinion ESPNW will just be a waste of time. Female athletes get plenty of “face time” on the bevy of ESPN channels already existing! ESPN Vice President, Laura Gentile says, “ESPNW brand is looking for a more holistic way to view sports”. I say, sports are about watching your team win, being a fan of something, and not trying to find the hidden meaning for why it is happening. Just watch and enjoy.

Sure, there are women out there that love sports, but not enough of them to cause ESPN to launch a new network dedicated to women in the sports world.

Staff Writer

Everyone here at Chamberlain listens to the morning announcements, but one piece of information has stumped listeners since the start of school; who is that person behind

the Mi Gente club related announcements? Well that person is Chamberlain’s own Vallida Garnica, head of Chief’s Copy and club sponsor for Mi Gente.

Garnica was born in New York City and raised in Los Anglos and is of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent. She went to Hillsborough Community College, where she first discovered her unique vocal cords.

“I learned about my voice during college when I sang in church.” says Garnica “My voice sounds velvety behind a microphone.”

Garnica later went on to perform in community theater after discovering her vocal range, going as far as to own a community theater project at the Italian Club in Ybor City. She performed, directed and wrote a play entitled “West Fort”.

After her brush with Off-Broadway, Mrs. Garnica came to good old Chamberlain during the 2008-2009 school year. She was hired as the head of the Chiefs copy center when she discovered that Chamberlain had a Mi Gente club and decided to become its sponsor.

“I consider it extremely honorable that one can speak two languages, especially one as cultured as Spanish,” says Garnica, “I see [the club] as an opportunity for those who are and aren’t of Spanish heritage.”

Garncia is quite proud of her club, which sponsors the CHS (Chamberlain Hispanic Students) Dance Team, spreads Spanish culture to the student body and encourages unity amongst the Latino students of Chamberlain.

“I love my culture,” says Garnica “Mi Gente is a term of unity and my vision was to stop bigotry of the various Latino students.”

Nothing makes this more evident thant the club’s sacred motto “Una Sola Rasa Una Sola Lenga!” (One Race, One Language)

Photo by: Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith

Mitchell is the kid who has floated through this school year as a student without a real identity, besides his all white clothing. Until now, most didn’t know his name. The only thing people knew about him was that “he’s the kid who wears all white.”

Behind this symbol of purification, lies a religion thousands of years old; and a kid just trying to make it by in his family. Mitchell is an adherent to a family based religion known as Santeria, which blends Roman Catholicism with traditional African practices.

Never heard of it? Well, it’s reported as a religion of secrecy. Usually, followers are not open to sharing information of the religion. It has gotten a bad rap from the press throughout the years due to its controversial practices, and even with a law suite that reached the Supreme Court in 1993 regarding the ethics of the animal sacrificing that takes place.

But, what is it that determines normal and weird?

Adherents are born assigned to a certain saint that they follow and worship for life. Mitchell’s saint is known as Igayou, and he wears bracelets and necklaces with Igayou’s colors. The saint is meant to protect Mitchell throughout his life. The saints are the base of the religion, and the practices revolve around them.

Upon the most talked about aspects of the religion are the sacrificing of animals, such as goats or chickens. By doing this, the saints can be fed the blood, and this pleases them. Usually, this ceremony takes place when the family gets together and has a “party.” This ceremony was challenged in a law suit in 1993;the animal cruelty laws made against the practice were ruled as unconstitutional.

“When I first saw it, I was like ‘Oh my God!’ I was disgusted when I saw the insides,” recalls Mitchell. “But now I’m used to it. It’s weird to other people, but when you’re brought up around it, you just get used to it.”

For most, the aspects of Santeria can be mind-boggling and controversial. Mitchell, though, has gotten used to to the glares and whispers. He’s just looking forward to when he can be considered “normal” again.

“Next year, I’ll be like everyone else because I won’t have to wear all white,” he says.

Howl-O-Scream is indeed the thrill of the Tampa Bay area during this frightening time of year. Your world will be “rocked” by this year’s theme, MyX, where visitors meet an emo rockstar that will bring the “Howl” back in Howl-O-Scream. This year’s event will feature 5 scare zones and 8 haunted houses. Experience the thrill in the NightShade Toy Store or in the Death Row Vengence houses, or get lost in the creepy woods on the way to the MyX concert. Introduced this year, the new house Alone will produce the most shrieks as brave adventurers wander through a labyrinth with crazy turns and surprise attacks….ALONE. If you can’t take the frequent heart attacks, go watch one of three shows: Fiends, Blood Relations, or MyX LIVE, a show performed by the inspiration of this year’s theme. If you are a MyX fanatic, you won’t want to miss this girl; however, you make her mad, you may have a bad experience with a guitar string and fingerless hands. Prices vary from $39.95 to $49.95, depending on the day and passport memberships, and runs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during October, including Halloween of course.

For those with children who can’t take the excitement of evil rockstars, take the family out to Lowry Park Zoo’s ZooBoo. This event has attractions for all ages, varying from haunted houses to free fun rides, from frightening shows to spooky species exhibits of Tampa’s scariest animals. Event runs every weekend, $14/child, $17/adult.

If you are looking for a night on the town, grab some friends and check out Ybor city’s annual event Guavaween. Located in Tampa’s Historic Latin District, this event attracts thousands with it’s live music, hands-on activites, shows, Tampa sports players appearances, and the children’s costume contest/parade. Dress up in your craziest costume and arrive BEFORE 3 on October 30, 2010 to get in free; admissions is $17 from then on.

Devil
Release Date: September 17th
Stars: Chris Messia, Bojana Novakovic, Bokeem Woodbine
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for violence and disturbing images, thematic material and some language including sexual references
Plot: In an office building elevator that gets stuck, five strangers begin to turn on each other as they realize that one of them may be Satan in disguise.
Thoughts: The trailer for this film touts that it is produced by director M. Night Shaymalan, which isn’t the best gimmick given the venomous reception of Shaymalan’s The Last Airbender from this past July. Still, the fact that he’s a producer does add some hope for the film and the storyline itself has an interesting “Twilight Zone” style twist to it.

The Town
Release Date: September 17th
Stars: Ben Affleck, Jon Hamm, Rebecca Hall, Jeremy Renner
MPAA Rating: Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use.
Plot: A team of bank robbers (Affleck, Renner) are being pursued by an FBI agent (Hamm) while Affleck falls for the manager of a bank (Hall) that he just stole from.
Thoughts: Affleck’s presence here is a big factor; not only did he star in this movie, but he also directed it and if it’s nearly as good as Affleck’s previous directorial effort (2007’s Gone Baby Gone), then this is not one to miss.

Easy A
Release Date: September 17th
Stars: Emma Stone, Lisa Kudrow, Thomas Haden Church
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving teen sexuality, language and some drug material.
Plot: In order to increase her social status, a clean cut high school student (Stone) pretends to satisfy various males at the school, which starts up a rumor mill about her promiscuity.
Thoughts: Emma Stone has slowly become one my favorite female comedic actresses in Hollywood after her roles in Superbad and Zombieland and this film has an interesting conceit that pays homage to The Scarlett Letter, but it looks like the filmmakers are trying to keep it too safe, especially with the broad humor and PG-13 rating.

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
Release Date: September 24th
Stars: The voices of Jim Sturgess, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Barcley, Hugo Weaving
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for some sequences of scary action.
Plot: A young owl (Sturgess) joins his friends in assisting a group of wise owls to fight against an aggressive military force of owls hoping to brainwash more young owls into their army.
Thoughts: Given that this is directed by Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead (2004), 300, Watchmen), this animated feature is clearly bound to emphasis on style over substance and include endless amounts of slow-motion action scenes. However, I am interested to see Snyder, a director known for gory hard R rated action films, attempt to make a children’s film and the animation does look gorgeous.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Release Date: September 24th
Stars: Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan, Josh Brolin
MPAA Rating:  Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and thematic elements.
Plot: In this sequel to the 1987 look into the world of 1980s greed, Gordon Gekko (Douglas) has been released from his 23 year prison sentence and attempts to climb back up the Wall Street ladder just before the economic downturn of October 2008 and receives help from a young Wall Street upstart (LaBeouf), who is after his hedge fund manager (Brolin) and is Gekko’s estranged daughter’s (Mulligan) fiance.
Thoughts: There obviously isn’t that much demand for a sequel to Oliver Stone’s 1987 look at the lust for power that was the 1980s stock market and its clear that Stone is attempting to appeal to younger audiences through casting of actors like LaBeouf and Mulligan. Still, the story of Douglas’ classic character trying to rebuild himself in a modern world he’s outgrown has a lot of potential.