Macaroni necklace or silver Lexus: What makes a meaningful Christmas gift
Matthew Mapa, Focus Editor
December 12, 2018
While sophomore Hayden Lehr is grateful for receiving Christmas gifts, there is one thing that she simply cannot stand. “I hate when I get [Starbucks gift cards],” Lehr said. “I haven’t drank Starbucks since seventh grade. It’s just so stereotypical that everyone gives them to each oth...
The season of giving: The holiday season increases donations
Alexis Huang, Staff Writer
December 12, 2018
Filed under FOCUS
Two years ago, Shelly Brown discovered the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Brown is a single mother struggling with leukemia, and the food bank made it possible to provide food for her family. “When someone mentions the holidays, the first thing that comes to mind for me is gi...
Re-adjust the lens on the local community
Matthew Mapa, Focus Editor
November 12, 2018
Filed under FOCUS
Less than a month ago, Hurricane Michael made landfall, leaving behind a path of destruction from Florida to Virginia. Only a month before, Hurricane Florence devastated the Carolinas with massive flooding. Both of these storms left some families with little other than their lives. Despite this d...
Self expression on social media
HARPER WILCOX, STAFF WRITER
October 15, 2018
Filed under FOCUS
Social Media is a place where millions of teens share their lives every day, creating a platform of self-expression and interesting information. Although it was created to be enjoyable, allowing people to connect with others, it’s often been portrayed as unrealistic: showing only the desirable as...
I feel fine: Teenagers are dishonest about their negative emotions
Matthew Mapa, Focus Editor
October 11, 2018
Filed under FOCUS
High school is a difficult time for teenagers. The greater emphasis on academic performance and less time available puts students through a grinder, creating emotional stress that needs release or even mental health care. However, it’s impossible to help someone who does not share. “Y...
The dreamers: Student creators showcase their talents
Alexis Huang, Staff Writer
October 10, 2018
Filed under FOCUS
A faint melody sings in the back of senior Olivia Miller’s head as she works on her homework. As the tune becomes clearer in her mind, she makes her way to her piano, eventually letting her mind and fingers take control of the keys. Miller, an active player in the theater program, is now working...
The social media apocalypse
HARPER WILCOX, Staff Writer
September 12, 2018
Filed under FOCUS, Uncategorized
Like millions of teens across the country, Junior Nora Wright starts every morning off by waking up and reaching for her phone. “I use my phone every day,” Wright said. “I use it to check social media, check Canvas and watch YouTube… but I don’t really know current events.” ...
With more money comes great responsibility: High school jobs can help teach financial accountability
Matthew Mapa, Focus Editor
September 12, 2018
Filed under FOCUS
While other teenagers spend their Saturdays and Sundays binge-watching shows on Netflix and playing Fortnite until ungodly hours, junior Cecelia Arney spends her weekends working 10 hours at the McDonald’s on Orlando Avenue. Besides the additional income, Arney says she also gains greater fin...
Consumption creates connections: How advisory breakfast affects the advisory dynamic
Alexis Huang, Staff Writer
September 11, 2018
Filed under FOCUS
Most days of the week, students must drag themselves into first period on an empty stomach, rendering themselves unable to dig into morning lessons. On Thursdays, however, students can partake in advisory breakfast to satiate their empty stomachs, giving them the energy to help them focus and ...
Learning to let go of toxic friendship: Some friendships are not worth saving.
Carly Swain, Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 2018
Filed under FOCUS
Teenagers are often told to weather the storm. They are encouraged to take the bad with the good and to accept what cannot be changed. In many cases, this resilient and easygoing attitude is completely appropriate, if not necessary, in life. It is important to love friends for who they are, especiall...