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The student news site of Lake Brantley High School

The Brantley Banner
The student news site of Lake Brantley High School

The Brantley Banner
The student news site of Lake Brantley High School

The Brantley Banner
Makayla Martindale

Makayla Martindale, Editor-in-Chief

Senior Makayla Martindale is a third year staff member and Editor-in-Chief of The Brantley Banner. Her involvement at Lake Brantley extends past The Brantley Banner, as Martindale commits her time to the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, and Quill and Scroll Honor Society, while also leading the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as President. In addition to the multitude of clubs Martindale is involved in, she spends time outside of school babysitting and volunteering at Sabal Point Elementary. In her spare time, Martindale—ever the baseball enthusiast—may be found analyzing the latest NCAA and MLB statistics and is obsessed with the color pink, country music and will go over-the-top for any spirit day. She hopes to make the most of her senior year by acting as a light on campus and doing her part to ensure a positive atmosphere, both in and out of the Newspaper classroom.

All content by Makayla Martindale
At the center of most Hallmark movies lies a heartwarming love story.

“Countdown to Christmas”: an escape to an ideal world

November 20, 2022
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This year, Hallmark begun its famous countdown to Christmas on Oct. 21. This meant the network would begin showing round-the-clock holiday programming, including premieres for numerous original holiday films.

Hallmark movies: hit or miss

November 20, 2022
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On Mon. Nov. 7, the juniors and seniors prepared to face off in the annual powderpuff game. Seniors Lindsay Sheridan and Riley Fisher use face paint to show camaraderie and class spirit, donning the colors of the senior team. “The time that we spent in the locker room was so fun,” senior Riley Fisher said. “We were all able to bond before the game, especially because we were there twice, since the first game was postponed.”

Powderpuff: an “Old Skool” rivalry

November 15, 2022
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On Sept. 16, Mahsa Amini was killed for supposedly not adhering to rules regarding hijabs in Iran, creating protest for womens rights around the world.

[Photo] “Woman, Life, Freedom”: the killing of Mahsa Amini

October 17, 2022
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Currently available on Amazon, Dr. Allan Knight and his daughter, Austin Knights, story book focuses on two squirrels who race cars in a lovable, youthful twist on the well-known series Fast and Furious. The book is important to me because it was a fun project that I got to do with my daughter that gave us a unique time to bond with each other, Knight said.

“The Fast and the Furriest”: from idea to reality

November 1, 2022
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On Sept. 2, Halloween Horror Nights began its annual appearance at Universal Studios. Featuring 10 bone-chilling houses and a variety of spooky events, Halloween Horror Nights is a hot spot for horror loving adventurists. “I have been to Halloween Horror Nights for three years straight and I am always impressed,” senior Bella Gannam said. “We have bought the Frequent Fear Pass and go about once a week, sometimes more. This year we made it to opening night and seeing the action for the first time and before it could be spoiled was super scary and cool.”

Halloween Horror Nights: a night of terror

November 1, 2022
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As part of his 2022 tour, Pitbull made a stop at the Amway Center causing many students to attend and experience the exhilaration that his shows are well known for. When I saw that Pitbull was going on tour, I immediately bought the tickets with my friends, Garcia said. I had the best time with them because, even though some of my friends didnt know all of the words to his less known songs, he made it so much fun the entire time. The atmosphere was electric.

Mr. Worldwide brought the party to Orlando

October 29, 2022
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Prior to the kickoff of the game against Lake Mary High School on Sept. 17, the captains walk united to meet with the referees and Lake Mary captains. Our team is special, Woodson said. We are one big family and we have the ability to beat anybody as long as we stick together.

Breaking Lake Mary: history made

September 23, 2022
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As senior Luke Roberts tees off during his match, he looks to assist the team in continuing their undefeated streak, as they are currently 5-0 on the season. “The match definitely gives everyone insight on what my teammates and I have to get better at moving forward,” Roberts said.

A rivalry beyond football

September 19, 2022
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The girls varsity volleyball team took on rivals, Lake Mary High School, with overwhelming support from the student section on Aug. 30. “I’m grateful they like to come watch us ball out,” senior Avery Demetree said. “They can also be intimidating to the other team, which is really beneficial and helps us win.”

Student section shows out

September 1, 2022
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As the second season of “Bridgerton” premiered on Fri. Mar. 25, fans and critics alike had a lot to say about Anthony Bridgerton’s attempt at finding a wife in the London Ton. Through the course of the season, the audience experienced the emotional high and lows of Kate and Anthony’s eventual relationship, leaving many to question whether season two lived up to the high standards set by Daphne and Simon’s story in season one.

“Bridgerton”: a royal letdown

May 10, 2022
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In a long anticipated series of games against Lakewood Ranch High School, the Lady Patriots swept the series, taking down the number one team in the state. “It’s hard to single out any one girl,” Stanley said. “Beating a team like Lakewood takes all 15 girls on the roster. In that series we collected 25 hits and scored 16 runs, every starter collected at least one hit. That allowed Hannah and Gabbie to pitch with confidence. All of that combined with great defense. I think I have to call that series a total team effort.”

Sweeping the series

April 18, 2022
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Students from both band and theater received the opportunity to compete at state level Solo and Ensemble and, in doing so, had the ability to display their talent for fellow thespians and judges alike. “The Troupe was there because everyone was a part of their own individual event or was a part of a group performance,” senior Marco Aguero-Colon said. “These can include everything from scenes to songs to choreo numbers that are put together by us that we present in front of judges to be adjudicated.”

Taking on states: theater and band

April 5, 2022
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On Tuesday Feb. 22, the varsity basketball team played Oak Ridge High School in the semi-regional game and students showed up in large numbers to support the team. “Even though we lost, that was one of the most fun and loud games I’ve ever played in,” junior Eric Vandendriessche said. “Coach Cuff and Coach Anderson said that it was the most crowded they have ever seen at our gym. I think the student section was huge for us that game and every game because they are big morale boosters and keep our energy high, but I will definitely always remember that game.”

Perseverance in the playoffs

March 10, 2022
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Rachel Balkovec, the first professional female baseball manager for the Tampa Tarpons, a low Class A affiliate for the New York Yankees, has been shattering sports stereotypes for years, as she initially became involved with the Yankees organization in 2019. Balkovec was hired as the first full-time female hitting instructor in the MLB for the Yankees farm system, which began her career in professional baseball and has allowed her to acquire significant success in pursuing her dreams to become a professional baseball manager. Her hard work and perseverance in a field dominated by men will hopefully inspire young women and girls around the country to believe in themselves.

Balkovec: breaking barriers

February 7, 2022
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Hugging Administrative Assistant of Athletics Cathy Duncan at an Athletic Hall of Fame induction, Athletic Director Jerri Kelly presents her with the Outstanding Contributor award. The strength of Kelly’s relationship with her colleagues has been built upon many years of working at the school. “Personally, I’m going to miss her just because we talk everyday and I would consider her a friend, just because we see each other every single day, so I’ll miss her on a personal level,” principal Brian Blasewitz said. “Professionally, I’ll miss her work ethic, her organization, and really just all of the things that make her great will be missed. She has been here for a long time, so I think her legacy will be our facilities, our fundraising structure, and how competitive we are in all sports.”

Saying goodbye to Jerri Kelly

January 25, 2022
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The girls varsity soccer team’s season is off to a successful start, as they are 4-1-1 and, for the first time in seven years, beat Lake Mary High School on Nov. 16. “It was an explosion of emotions,” senior and co-team captain Madison Jones said. “It was great for the school and it’s always nice to have bragging rights over Lake Mary.”

More than a sport

December 13, 2021
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The casino-themed homecoming dance was a major accomplishment for the leadership class, as a large portion of the student body was happy with the choices made with regards to activities, food and music. “I was so shocked that they all loved it,” Leadership teacher Audra Greuel said. “When you’re going to have 1500 teenagers at a dance, it’s hard to get everyone on the same page of liking stuff, but we had kids, even for the entire next week, randomly coming up to Mrs. Moran and I and saying ‘thank you so much for putting on such a great event.’ We received all positive feedback, which is pretty shocking, but I kind of knew it was going really well because I was having a lot of fun at the event myself, so it was really exciting.”

Welcome to the Fabulous Lake Brantley: the dance

November 23, 2021
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Although making such an important decision at a young age may appear daunting, Laila N’Diaye’s commitment to Florida State University is unwavering. “I chose to commit to FSU because I knew I wanted to stay in Florida, play on a good team, and have a well rounded education, so FSU was a perfect choice for me,” said N’Diaye.

Laila N’Diaye: continuing collegiate

November 19, 2021
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Halloween Horror Nights is an event that occurs at Universal Studios between Sept. 3 and Oct. 31 that provides people with the opportunity to walk through up to ten haunted houses, ride roller coasters, and interact with performers all after hours. The 30th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights lived up to its renowned position as one of the largest “scare-fests” in the world, as the performers went above and beyond many people’s expectations, despite the safety precautions put in place.

30 years of screams: Halloween Horror Nights

October 25, 2021
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Halloween frights 2021

Halloween frights 2021

October 25, 2021
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Harry Styles: JAM Sesh

October 19, 2021
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Students play La Lotería at the Hispanic Heritage Festival on Friday, Oct 15. La Lotería is a game similar to bingo, but uses images instead of numbers, and is originally from Mexico.

Hispanic Heritage Festival

October 19, 2021
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The ongoing staff shortages within the local community have negatively impacted the school district, businesses and students. This classroom, now unused, was once full of students, but has been unfilled for weeks after a major schedule change occurred due to the insufficient resources for students and teachers.

EDITORIAL: Understaffed, overworked

October 17, 2021
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Principal Brian Blasewitz subjects himself to an ice cream bath during the Rivalry Week lunch pepe rally on Sept. 10.Our victory over Lake Mary is going to be sweet tonight, Blasewitz said.

Lake Mary Pep Rally

September 15, 2021
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The SAT Club has given students of all grade levels the opportunity to receive additional practice before the upcoming testing season. Founder and senior Jiho Lee and the members of the SAT Club meet in room 8-213 after school every other Monday to assist students in achieving high scores. “It would be good if the club continues because it can benefit everyone,” Lee said.

SAT Club

September 14, 2021
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Although the varsity football has significantly grown during the 2021 season due to the lack of a junior varsity team, the additional players seem to be benefiting the roster. On Friday, Aug. 27, the varsity football team beat Hagerty High School 36-27. Athletes, like sophomore Tavin Hebert, have felt the direct impacts of the additional players, as he has been on varsity since his freshman year. “Im a starter,” Hebert said. “I got my spot last year in spring as a freshman.”

End of an era

September 9, 2021
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During Mrs. Visavachaipan’s 3rd and 4th block period of AP Calculus AB and BC, junior Olivia Abram finishes up an assignment. Due to scheduling, this now 35 student class is the only time the class is offered on campus. “With a lot of kids in that class, it makes it different when you’re learning,” Abram said. “There’s less one-on-one help with the teacher.”

[Photo] Leveling classes: a domino effect

September 8, 2021
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Junior Rebecca Montanez attempts to catch a football at the Lunch Jam pep rally on Friday, Aug. 13. “We’re having so much fun and I love showing off my school spirit,” Montanez said. “To get involved, I go to the sports games, join clubs and participate in events like this. It brings everybody together.”

Lunch Jam: was it the jam?

August 23, 2021
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A full course production

April 22, 2021
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After the children are seated at their appropriate spots for lunch, the high school student-teachers go around to each of their assigned preschoolers to fill out a form regarding their day “We have a Sunshine Report where we have to ask them about their day and what they have been doing,” sophomore student-teacher Mayson Cooney said. “We also fill out a lunch form where we record what they are eating and how much of it. It’s important for their parents, so that their parents know what they did during the day, how much of their lunch that they ate, and what they need to pack or not pack in the future.”

Little Patriot Lunch

April 22, 2021
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The preschoolers dive into their meals after they return from playing outside. Their meals are all prepared and brought in by their parents, but they receive a list of recommended healthy foods from Early Childhood Education teacher Andrea Lesko. “We give them recommendations of healthy items that we would like them to have, which is why every child’s lunch is different,” Lesko said. “Their parents decide, at the beginning of the school year, what type of drink they would like their child to have and we get those from the cafeteria every morning, so they all have different things, whether that is chocolate milk, water, white milk, or juice.”

[Photo]

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Before sitting down to eat lunch, the preschoolers wash their hands. The preschoolers have learned to form habits early of self-hygiene early on. “We bring the kids in from outside and wash their hands,” sophomore Mayson Cooney said. “Its important for the kids to wash their hands because when theyre outside, there are a lot of germs. They touch a lot of stuff with their hands, so we have the children wash wash their so that they don’t get sick.”

[Photo]

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While the children are outside playing on the playground or with Play-Doh at the tables when it is raining, Early Childhood Education teacher Andrea Lesko and her teaching assistant removes the preschoolers’ lunch from their lunch boxes and prepares their food. This can include heating, cutting, and plating the food. “We just do it that way because we feel it’s more important for them to interact with the children, rather than worry about the kitchen things,” Lesko said. “Usually my student assistant and I take care of getting everything prepped while my high school student teachers take care of getting the preschoolers focused on getting some free time before lunch time, then we have nap time.”

[Photo]

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Every student on campus has a lunch routine, including the children at the Little Patriots Preschool. This class consists of the main teacher Andrea Lesko and a group of high school students that work in the preschool during their elective periods. “This class is a lot of fun because we get to interact with the kids and imitate real teachers,” sophomore Mayson Cooney said.

[Photo]

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Sports JAM: Superbowl

April 6, 2021
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Unlike years prior, the ability for tennis players to receive instruction and practice before the start of the tennis season was lessened because of the onslaught of restrictions regarding COVID-19. Sophomore Delaney Taylor on the girls’ varsity tennis team has felt the effects firsthand, but found a way to improve and compete with the competition. “Last week we won both of our doubles and singles games,” Taylor said. I believe the doubles score was eight to one and the singles score was eight to two.”

Game, set, match

February 28, 2021
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Katie Turkelson’s Yearbook class watched the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Jan. 20, 2021. Allowing students to become involved with this monumental event reflects the importance of American values and the idea that all citizens are permitted to have and express their personal opinion. “I feel that Bidens speech benefits Americans who want to see a change in this country, especially coming from him,” senior Isaac Abdelmessih said. “Personally speaking, I did not agree or stand with Joe Biden this past election season; however, I think his speech went smooth and he addressed the points he wanted to. I know that his supporters most likely valued his speech and saw it as a difference maker in this country that some saw as becoming hateful and derogatory towards others.”

Inauguration day 2021

January 30, 2021
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Katie Turkelson’s Yearbook class watched the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Jan. 20, 2021. Allowing students to become involved with this monumental event reflects the importance of American values and the idea that all citizens are permitted to have and express their personal opinion. “I feel that Bidens speech benefits Americans who want to see a change in this country, especially coming from him,” senior Isaac Abdelmessih said. “Personally speaking, I did not agree or stand with Joe Biden this past election season; however, I think his speech went smooth and he addressed the points he wanted to. I know that his supporters most likely valued his speech and saw it as a difference maker in this country that some saw as becoming hateful and derogatory towards others.”

Inauguration Day 2021

January 30, 2021
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Jan. 6, 2021 was a historic day in American history, as a pro-Trump protest at the Capitol, while the Senate was in session to certify Electoral Votes for President-elect Joe Biden, escalated and became destructive. In light of these tragic events, people of faith around the United States were called upon to pray over the unity of the country and safety of those involved.

Prayer amid protest

January 26, 2021
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On the last week of school before Winter Break, Robert Payne II and the Latin classes hold their annual celebration of Saturnalia. Although COVID-19 has thrown off many events this year, Payne did not allow this holiday festivity to be deterred. For returning Latin students, the age old tradition of dressing in togas, gift-giving, singing, and sharing a Saturnalia feast has been modified, while first year Latin students made the best of their circumstances. This year, the Latin 1 class got to participate in a small gift giveaway, sing festive holiday songs translated to Latin, decorate the classroom, and watch Frosty the Snowman. The continuation of these Latin traditions has helped spread the joy of the holiday season to many around the school.

Saturnalia: the gift that keeps giving

December 20, 2020
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Dancing to the drumline’s performance during the Lunch Pep Rally on Friday, Nov. 6, sophomore Angelina Joseph shows her school spirit for this year’s modified homecoming activities. Although COVID-19 restrictions caused homecoming week to be altered by moving the pep rally outside during lunch, changing the homecoming dance and Powder Puff game to a later date, and limiting the number of people that attended the football game, leadership still found ways to allow students to have a week to celebrate homecoming. “Even though I didn’t like it [pep rally] as much, I’m still glad that we were able to show school spirit in at least one way,” Joseph said.

Students “pepped” up for homecoming

November 20, 2020
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Although COVID-19 has caused many plans to be cancelled this year, Corley and her family were undeterred in their vision of spreading joy during the holiday season. This has caused the number of decorations that grow every year, along with their holiday spirit. “We have way too many [decorations] to count,” Corley said. “Usually we add more decorations each year, both inside and outside.”

Making “spirits” bright: a Corley tradition

November 2, 2020
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French foreign exchange student, Jeanne Fabert, is an avid artist who loves to experiment with different styles of drawing. Prior to studying abroad, Fabert had visited the United States multiple times and had an aspiration to become more immersed in the culture and art. “One of my favorite pieces of art is my digital drawing of a jellyfish,” Fabert said. “I’m passionate about drawing and I would love to work at the Disney Animation Studios later.”

Once in a lifetime opportunity

October 26, 2020
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Sophomore Mayson Cooney prepares to spike the ball while warming up for the Junior Varsity volleyball game against Seminole High School on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Q & A – LBHS Sports Opinions

October 8, 2020
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Junior Ella Christopher gets ready to score from third base during a showcase tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this past summer. Travel softball was at a standstill to slow the spread of COVID-19. Tournament organizations implemented new regulations to get the athletes playing again, as summer is a crucial time for college recruitment. “I went to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina because I’m trying to get recruited for college,” Christopher said.

Student athletes stay active during quarantine

September 28, 2020
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Softball traditions

April 18, 2020
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Assisting kids with special needs in America’s favorite pastime is a way that Reagan Sienkiewicz, a junior on the Varsity Softball team, and many of her teammates give back to the community. The Bambino Buddy Ball league provides the kids with an outlet to meet new people and teaches important social skills. “The most surprising aspect I have experienced is that I can have a big impact on the kids I help out,” Sienkiewicz said. “It might not seem like much, but I know it means the world to the kids and their parents.”

Softball players buddy up

April 9, 2020
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