Old Man, will always be our number one fan

"You young kids are all so special to me."
   These are only a couple of the encouraging words I heard from      Mr. Don at every football game last season, and only one basketball game because he was admitted to the hospital shortly after the season started. Little did we know what huge journey this man has been on, and we now may never know, but I wonder why he never complained and always had such a positive attitude, even when we asked?  Because he was never concerned with himself, when he was at a Palmetto High sporting event, he was AT a Palmetto High Sporting event mentally, and physically. He was completely focused on the students and the game, not himself.  
   There were times that he seemed more into the football game than the football players themselves, as I observed from the sidelines as a cheerleader on those Friday nights these past two fall seasons. Every time the cheer team seemed down, all we had to do was look up at the stands and see Mr. Don, and instant smiles beamed across all of our faces.
   There are not enough kind words I can say about this man, visiting him the the hospital and bringing him cards as he told me they should definitely make me one of those girls they throw in the air because I was a "small little thing" is a memory that I will never forget.
   As Palmetto High students say a sad goodbye to Mr. Don, we have to remember that we have tons more support, even though nobody will ever replace the memory of Mr. Don. He will always be remembered as the face of Palmetto High sports fans, and will be greatly missed. 

PHS Reputation: Rising From the Ashes

  It is clear that Palmetto High School is looked at as an "underdog" school amongst other schools pertaining to sports. Many athletes get frustrated with this, and instead of making them work harder, it makes them want to quit or give up. This frustration has been shown by not only athletes, but with coaches also. Palmetto High School is constantly labled as a bad school, and with that reputation comes a reputation of a bad sports program. This assumtion is untrue. Palmetto High School's coaches and athletes give everything they have every year, in season and out of season and practice hard to improve and get better. Just like any other leading schools in manatee county. But where this frustration comes in, is Palmetto High School is not recognized for this effort, for example; Our soccer team has reached the final four, two years in a row, Our football team has a new head coach and is getting new score boards, helmets, practice gear, etc., Our row team, which is the first of its kind in Manatee County, is up and running and is supported and sponsored by Jane Lynch, our volleyball team bought new uniforms, and our track just was refinished and painted for the upcoming season.
    Instead of looking at Palmetto High School as an underdog, we should be looked as a school to expect improvement from. It has taken a while to finally get to a point of success but with dedication and hard work, we are making our way up slowly, but surley. Our community can expect great things from the Palmetto High School sports program in the years to come.

Disaster Strikes

      Disaster has stiked yet again. The natural disasters keep coming and this time it has hit Japan. On Friday, March 11, a earthquake and tsunami hit Japan destroying pretty much everything and killing many. Now, the nuclear explosions are expected to not only effect Japan, but other countries and economies around them. It is going to be a very good thing for the United States because it will give our economy the boost it needs to rebuild. Other countries will be depending more on the US for goods and trade, and our country should use that opportunity in a positive way.

Why not wear a helmet?

    On Sunday, February 27, two motorcyclists were hospitalized due to a accident in Manatee County. Highway patrol has investigated this case and believes that the accident was casued by a car cutting off the motorcycle. Both victims were airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, due to serious injuries. The victims were not wearing helmets, which is said to be the main cause of these serious injuries.     Wearing Helmets while riding a motorcyle can save your life. However, not everyone thinks it is worth wearing a helmet. Wearing a helmet while driving a motorcyle is not a requirement or law in most states, and the majority of motorcyclist do not wear them since they have the option. It should be a law in every state, not just a select few. Only positive outcomes come from wearing a helmet. It should be as simple as- when you pick up the key, you pick up the helmet. A helmet is the most protective gear you can wear while riding a motorcycle. If you get in a accident it protects your head, which is one of the most easiest things in your body to injure.
    Wearing a helmet does not only protect you while driving, it also makes riding a motorcycle more enjoyable. It cuts down the wind-in-your-face factor, the roaring noise, and pressure in your ears. It also keeps the bugs and flying objects out of your face. It also alows the rider to more easily adjust to changing weather conditions.
    When I see riders wearing a helmet, I also think to myself, "Wow, they are responsible and take riding seriously." Wearing a helmet shows that you have a good and responsible attitude toward riding, no matter what the law says or doesn't say.

No One to Blame..

It was a choice, to pull the trigger.
     Nicholas Lindsey, a 16 year old is being charged with murder of Officer David Crawford. He pulled the trigger. It was his choice and he will be paying the price. There is no-one to blame but Lindsey. His parents had no idea of how he got the gun, or what his where-abouts were on the night of the shooting. I don't think any blame should be placed on the parents. No matter what you go through or what your up-bringing is, nobody has the right to end someone elses life. Especially not someone that is in authority to protect you.
    Something that could have prevented the death of Officer Crawford was if he was wearing a bulletproof vest. He was not wearing one at the time of the shooting because he was on duty as a patrol. There was nothing stopping the bullet, therefore it killed him instantly.
   There has been 9 fallen police officers in the past year in Florida, the number just keeps building. The fact that there are so many precations that are overlooked when going into a crime seen is what is causing these frequent deaths. Police Officers risk their lives every day for citizens, but in order to keep their lives safe they need to take more precautions before entering a potentially dangerous situation.

The Royal Wedding

Prince Henry and Kate Middleton are looking foward to their royal wedding on April 29. The wedding is in talks to be one of the most extravagant weddings of the century. It is one to be remembered. The invitations have been sent out, and there are 1900 guests to be expected at the wedding. Celeberties like David and Victoria Beckham, Sir Elton John, and also various memebers of the royal family and royalty throught the world are expected to be there. The ceremony is going to be at Westminster Abbey, in Englad.

Cancer's Youngest Survivors

Most children look foward to school, playing on the playground, and snacktime. Ellie Edwards didn't. She looked foward to getting cured from pedriactic cancer, and getting out of All Childrens Hospital. Ellie is in 6th grade now, and is cured from cancer. She goes in once every 6 months for a check up but other then that, she relies on the steps and help that the Can Survive Clinic at All Childrens gave her to keep her and her family well. "Once we're less worried about their disease coming back, we can focus on 'OK, you've been cured, what do we need to do to keep you healthy for the rest of your life?"- says Ellie's Doctor,  Dr. Kelly Sawczyn