As One

AS ONE

The Panther 2016

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ThePanther2415 South Himes Ave Tampa, Fl 33629 813.272.3033 plant.mysdhc.org

H.B. Plant High School Volume 88 Students: 2,368 Staff: 203

2015-2016

As One.One person. As one person we inspire others.

One class. As one class we from an opinion.

One teacher. As one teacher our lives are changed.

One grade. As one grade we lead the younger generations.

One family. As one family we form a bond.

One H.B. Plant High school. We are the one H.B. Plant High School. Each person has their struggles. Each person has their strengths. When

we all come together, we are one in the same. As one school we will change the world.

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November was a time for dedication and time for unity. Academic and service oriented students were inducted into the prestigious Beta Club, an exciting event for sophomores, juniors and seniors. One student set the bar very high at the Poetry Jam and brought home fi rst place. The football team stuck together as one despite the absence of two key players before suffering a devastating loss to Dr. Phillips in the Regional Semifi nal. A variety of classes were treated to the advice of various men and women in the workforce during the Great American Teach-In. Boys Basketball rose above their underdog status to beat Jesuit by one point. The Winter pep rally was held a few weeks early this year and showcased the

winter sports teams to one community of fans. After a torturous two weeks following a sporadic no-school day, students went on Thanksgiving Break. Students returned to school a week later with tales of their adventures to faraway places, colleges, or simply even the house next door. November tested the faith of the student body and staff to the Plant community when one student was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Tallahassee following the Florida- Florida State football game. Houses around Tampa were fl ooded with pink and blue “Pray for Jackie” signs, and a vigil was held to pray for the hopeful recovery. November proved arduous for all, but the hope of the looming Winter Break kept spirits alive.

as ONE

A young boy watches Gracie Henley (12) with excitement as she swings another boy around at an FCA service project on Nov. 25. FCA attended monthly service projects to areas in need around Tampa. “The kids are always so happy to see us. They love to pray and talk about God with us. Our service projects are a great opportunity to connect with the less fortunate,” Henley said.

Caught in a heated battle for the puck, Evan Bell (10) launches into the air to avoid being hit by the opposing team. The hockey game against Sarasota on Nov. 7 was best re-membered by three fi ghts , a hat trick by Andrew Behrenfeld (9) and the fi rst win of the season. “It felt great to win our first game. We finally worked as a team and came into the game with confidence,” Bell said.

Before launching into the freezing cold waters on a Friday afternon, the women’s second varsity eight stretches by the waterfront. The weekend promised several races, but the girls were all excited to race as a 2V. “Because this was our first priority boat, we became a family and bonded before Hooch, Alexis Famen (11) said.

oneVOICE “I couldn’t believe how many kids there were on the fi eld. Everywhere I looked there was someone with a smile on their face.” - Sarah Emond (12) “We [the football team] got to play with kids all day long. They were so funny. You could tell they loved being there and had a lot of fun.” - Jakeem Fedd (12)

Dec. 19: Socks fi lled with fl our were fl ying, faces were decorated with images of holiday cheer, and the thoughts of Christmas drawing near were hanging in the air. On Dec. 19, Santa stood waiting to greet the hundreds of fi rst graders who would soon cover the entire baseball fi eld at Winter Wonderland. This year, more clubs than ever participated in the tradition. Many different clubs came up with creative ideas and activities for the kids. Special performances were also shown by the Danceros, drumline and the Drama Club. Students, teachers and many fi rst graders gathered around to witness the hard work of several people. “Performing for the kids is a fun way to share our passion. They get so excited,” Marissa Sandler (11) said. Even sports teams decided to get in on the excitement. Several teams set up goals, nets and relay courses related to their respective sports to encourage athleticism among the kids. The football team set up a 5 stage course, fi lled with different, but modifi ed, forms of football

workouts. The line for the activity was almost never shorter than 10 people. “They didn’t stop coming. There was always more kids ready pound into the bags,” Jack Ryan (12) said. Even students chose to indulge their inner child and joined in on the fun. Many opted to get their faces painted at the Kiwi table, play in the Beta bounce house, or challenge each other to a quick volleyball match. The level of competition rivaled the level of excitement. “It’s crazy how competitive people can be even when they’re having a ton of fun. There were a bunch of guys who would try to come and beat us [the volleyball team] at volleyball,” Carson Gibbs (10) said. Students were eager to forget the burdens of school for a day to play with kids and celebrate the upcoming holidays. “It was the last day before break, so it was great to have a day dedicated to playing games with kids,” Austin Spicola (9) said.

Dec. 19: At 3 p.m., students excitedly fl ed school to begin their winter breaks. However, a few miles away, members of La Sertoa were already engaged in community service. On Dec. 19, a few members of La Sertoa traveled to the Metropolitan Ministries warehouse, where they spent the afternoon guiding the less fortunate in their holiday grocery shopping. “Helping all those people was the best possible way to start off break,” Jackie Buzzett (11) said.

season ofservice

walking in aWINTER WONDERLAND

I’ll be home forChristmas

students share their plans for the holidays

“After Christmas, my friends and I went up to New York. It was really cold, but it was a fun experience to have with my friends.”

-Chloe Allen (9)

“Every year I spend Christmas at my grandparents’ house. We have a bunch of quirky traditions that make the holidays special.”

-Nikki Barrow (10)

“My family I went to Salt Lake City for Christmas. We got an actual white Christmas instead of the regular, tropical weather we get in Florida.”

-Joseph Lowry (11)

“My family is Jewish, so we don’t celebrate Christmas. Instead, we took a trip to Europe and got to see a bunch of amazing landmarks.”

-John Minnehan (12)

Dec.18: Piles of pizza boxes sat waiting to be open. Tables were lined with rows of cookies, chips and all things sugary. As students fi led into the stadium, anticipation was high for the fi rst First Priority lunch of the year on Dec. 18. This lunch unique due to the testimony offered by Michael Rivera (12). Rivera shared the his poor choices and shortcomings that eventually brought him closer to Christ. Prayers for Jackie Faircloth were offered in addition to those for a safe winter break for all students. “First Priority lunches are a great way to get together and spend time with God,” Meredith Muller (10) said.

priorityFirst Priority meets for their fi rst lunch of the year

1. Despite heavy defense, Payton Paro (10) throws up a two-pointer to give the girls a lead in the third quarter. The basketball team lost to Alonso 55-42 on Dec. 19. “It’s always sad to lose, but we played a great game,” Paro said. 2. The team excitedly cheers as the home team scores. The girl’s team hosted seven of their 19 regular season games. “We get really intense and excited during the game,” Emily Carroll (12) said. 3. Heavily defending an Alonso player, Caroline Cumby (10) trys to steal the ball. Offi cials reprimanded both teams several times for their excessive pushing. “It was a lot more physical than most games, but that just makes it more competitive,” Cumby said.

ONE FOUL FRIDAYGirl’s Basketball falls to Alonso in a game riddled with fouls

1.Before lunch, First Priority presidents, Tyler Heath (12) and Mary Helen Bayless (12) pray over speaker, Michael Rivera (12). Rivera shared details about his path to the Lord’s mercy. “It’s not something I talk about a lot, so it’s nice to share it with such great people,” Rivera said. 2. After waiting in a line of several hungry teenagers, Janna McCabe (11) picks up chips for her lunch. First Priority served a wide variety of food at the lunch, including pizza, chips, and cookies. “Spending lunch talking about God is a great way to stay close to him,” McCabe said.

1. Intent on scoring a goal, Andrew Behrenfeld (9) strikes the puck as it soars into the goal. “It was my fi rst Winter Wonderland and I really liked playing with the kids,” Behrenfeld said. 2. Before seeing to excited fi rst graders, Kaylen Leone (12) tries out a hula hoop. Several students took advantage of the games laying around to play with friends. “There were a lot of different things to do so we got to have fun too,” Leone said.

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1. Before starting in her winter break activities, Martha Pointer (11) helps a woman visiting Metropolitan Ministries. As a member of La Sertoa, Pointer took part in various service projects during the year. “I love being able to help the less fortunate, especially during the holidays,” Pointer said.

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week of12/15 - 12/19

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