By DJ Mastroianni
ORLANDO, Fla- Assistant principal Dr. Elvis Epps visited the teaching academy at the University of Central Florida on November 20. Epps came to speak about the impact of poverty in the classroom, including the three most important strategies to helping students in poverty succeed in the classroom.
“Reading, classroom management, and the classroom environment are the three factors that will help teachers become prepared to teach in inner-city schools,” said Epps.
An inner-city school references schools within an older, central part of a city, especially when characterized by crowded neighborhoods in which low-income, often minority groups predominate.
“Teachers tend to bum out of education in 2 to 3 years if they get inner-city school positions,” said Epps, “The percentage of children in poverty of these classrooms range from 80 to 100 percent.”
DeAnna Hamoud, graduate from University of Central Florida, said, “After hearing about how important reading is, I am happy that I chose to get a masters degree in reading education because I know it will help me be a better teacher.”
Student Jenny Harper said, “No classes at UCF are offered to teach about classroom management. He should really teach a class here because we really need it!”
For further information about Epps and teaching more effectively e-mail him at Eepps@ocps.k12.fl.us or go online to order his book at www.elvisepps.com.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Newest Woman's LPGA member visits college
By DJ Mastroianni
ORLANDO, Fla- Newest woman's LPGA member, Sarah-Jane Kenyon, visited Valencia Community College Monday. Only a few more months before she becomes full time on the LPGA tour, Kenyon explained in an interview how golf has impacted her life.
Born in Geelong, Australia, Kenyon was the 2002 Australian Junior Champion. She went professional in 2004 and competed in the 2006 U.S. Women's Open Championship.
Kenyon expressed her passion for golf as it shaped her life. "I wanted this since I was 12 years old. It was a great learning experience which really drove me to mature at a young age," she said, "My dad played when I was young which is the main reason why I started to play."
Kenyon explained to the students how golf impacted her life in so many good ways. "It may have been a struggle at first, especially if you don't make the top five in a tournament because you end up receiving no money," said Kenyon, "But when you work hard and be patience, it will all be worth it in the end."
After everything she has been through, at the age of twenty-four, Kenyons career earnings reach a little over one hundred thousand dollars.
"I couldn't be more thankful for where I am today and I look towards the future with the Olympics arriving in 2016 you never know what can happen," stated Kenyon.
Kenyon also stated that America was the 'best' place in the world to play golf and that Newport, Rhode Island had the best golf course she has ever played on. For more details about Kenyon's career accomplishments, visit http://www.duramedfuturestour.com/PlayerBios/KenyonSarah-Jane.html.
ORLANDO, Fla- Newest woman's LPGA member, Sarah-Jane Kenyon, visited Valencia Community College Monday. Only a few more months before she becomes full time on the LPGA tour, Kenyon explained in an interview how golf has impacted her life.
Born in Geelong, Australia, Kenyon was the 2002 Australian Junior Champion. She went professional in 2004 and competed in the 2006 U.S. Women's Open Championship.
Kenyon expressed her passion for golf as it shaped her life. "I wanted this since I was 12 years old. It was a great learning experience which really drove me to mature at a young age," she said, "My dad played when I was young which is the main reason why I started to play."
Kenyon explained to the students how golf impacted her life in so many good ways. "It may have been a struggle at first, especially if you don't make the top five in a tournament because you end up receiving no money," said Kenyon, "But when you work hard and be patience, it will all be worth it in the end."
After everything she has been through, at the age of twenty-four, Kenyons career earnings reach a little over one hundred thousand dollars.
"I couldn't be more thankful for where I am today and I look towards the future with the Olympics arriving in 2016 you never know what can happen," stated Kenyon.
Kenyon also stated that America was the 'best' place in the world to play golf and that Newport, Rhode Island had the best golf course she has ever played on. For more details about Kenyon's career accomplishments, visit http://www.duramedfuturestour.com/PlayerBios/KenyonSarah-Jane.html.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Exit polls turned into reality at the end of this years election day
By DJ Mastroianni
LAKE MARY, Fla- This election day has a voter turn out that has been the highest yet to come in history. Exit poll results varied according to each state, county and city.
The National exit polls according to CNN was recorded at Obama 51%, McCain 44% and 5% was still undecided as of 5 pm on election day.
Cindy Marla, supervisor of Crossings Community Church in Lake mary stated, "I love waking up on election day knowing I get to be a part of supervising the voting process. We had a great turn out this year and it looks like the votes were going both ways."
McCain and Obama signs and stickers flooded the streets around voting sites. People coming out of the voting booths flocked to those taking exit polls.
"I am very impressed with young people going out there and doing their own research," stated Gary Garnett of Lake Mary, "you can't always listen to what you hear."
Kevin Chubb of Lake Mary stated, "My family looks forward with hope to having our first female vice president and we take a lot of pride in our American flag."
At the end of the day, history was made. The exit polls were correct and Barack Hussein Obama was named our 44th President of the United States.
LAKE MARY, Fla- This election day has a voter turn out that has been the highest yet to come in history. Exit poll results varied according to each state, county and city.
The National exit polls according to CNN was recorded at Obama 51%, McCain 44% and 5% was still undecided as of 5 pm on election day.
Cindy Marla, supervisor of Crossings Community Church in Lake mary stated, "I love waking up on election day knowing I get to be a part of supervising the voting process. We had a great turn out this year and it looks like the votes were going both ways."
McCain and Obama signs and stickers flooded the streets around voting sites. People coming out of the voting booths flocked to those taking exit polls.
"I am very impressed with young people going out there and doing their own research," stated Gary Garnett of Lake Mary, "you can't always listen to what you hear."
Kevin Chubb of Lake Mary stated, "My family looks forward with hope to having our first female vice president and we take a lot of pride in our American flag."
At the end of the day, history was made. The exit polls were correct and Barack Hussein Obama was named our 44th President of the United States.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Author speaks at colleges 'Civic Leadership Day'
By DJ Mastroianni
ORLANDO, Fla- Top selling author and senior news analyst--Pat Duggins--spoke at Valencia, Tuesday. It was Civic Leadership Day at the college and Duggins came to speak about acting civil with the upcoming presidential election.
Gathered around the podium students listened to Duggins as he spoke about civil discussions and debates. “You don’t have to scream to have a civil discussion,” said Duggins in an interview.
“This was my first time seeing a public speaker and Pat Duggins is a very knowledgeable man who inspired me to vote,” student Lauren Barren of Oviedo said, “I very well may go out and buy his book too.”
Duggins works for WMFE and is nationally known as a resident 'NASA expert'. Over the years, Pat has covered 85 Space Shuttle missions. His top selling book is titled, "Final Countdown: NASA and the End of the Space Shuttle Program.”
Student Jason Hermits of Longwood said, “Pat seemed to really enjoy speaking to us. He had a smile on his face the whole time he spoke and everything he said made sense about having a civil political discussion.”
Civic Leadership Day comes once a year and is free to all Valencia students. Free food and drinks are offered to all that attend. The opportunity to register to vote is also available for students who attend.
For more information about Pat Duggins you may visit the website http://www.wmfe.org/.
ORLANDO, Fla- Top selling author and senior news analyst--Pat Duggins--spoke at Valencia, Tuesday. It was Civic Leadership Day at the college and Duggins came to speak about acting civil with the upcoming presidential election.
Gathered around the podium students listened to Duggins as he spoke about civil discussions and debates. “You don’t have to scream to have a civil discussion,” said Duggins in an interview.
“This was my first time seeing a public speaker and Pat Duggins is a very knowledgeable man who inspired me to vote,” student Lauren Barren of Oviedo said, “I very well may go out and buy his book too.”
Duggins works for WMFE and is nationally known as a resident 'NASA expert'. Over the years, Pat has covered 85 Space Shuttle missions. His top selling book is titled, "Final Countdown: NASA and the End of the Space Shuttle Program.”
Student Jason Hermits of Longwood said, “Pat seemed to really enjoy speaking to us. He had a smile on his face the whole time he spoke and everything he said made sense about having a civil political discussion.”
Civic Leadership Day comes once a year and is free to all Valencia students. Free food and drinks are offered to all that attend. The opportunity to register to vote is also available for students who attend.
For more information about Pat Duggins you may visit the website http://www.wmfe.org/.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Small town coffee shop gives big opportunities to musical group 'Yelm.'
By DJ Mastoroianni
Winter Park-A young group of college musicians, who refer to themselves as “Yelm,” performed at a small coffee shop this past Friday evening. A combination of experimental progressive, jazz, classic, and psychedelic rock was performed at
There were approximately 15 people in the audience and it was the group’s first live performance. “Sometimes all it takes is a late night coffee shop, couches, and some great live music by college musicians to make a perfect evening,” stated by Stefanie Griffin of Winter Springs.
The performance lasted for 30 minutes, totaling five songs that the group played. “I really liked the show. I could see myself listening to them and buying a CD for sure,” stated DeAnna Hamoud of
The audience gave an immense round of applause once the musicians were finished performing. Family members gathered congratulating their kids as the rest of the crowd walked out shaking hands with the members of the group.
“It’s so fun and easy to play with these guys. We all are friends and share the same like for music so getting together to practice is never a problem,” stated Wagner. “We had a few mistakes but overall we felt really good about the performance.”
The group said they will likely be performing at
Monday, September 8, 2008
A Dear Friends Life
More and more everyday
Time goes on
My life keeps slipping away
I turn around and see what used to be
Then I look ahead
And I’m unsure of what I see
It was like yesterday when I was just a kid
Playing with my brothers
Not caring what we did
Mom and dad were making us snacks
While we ran around in the yard
Swimming in the pool and doing jumping jacks
Where did it all go?
I became an adult so fast
Yet, what do I know?
I feel so young
But I am twenty-one
Moving out, marriage, teaching
It’s all happening so fast
Soon enough I’m going to be preaching
To kids of my own
I barely even see my family now
As life is moving at its fast pace
I just sit back and think how?
How did I get here?
What do I do next?
There are so many things I fear
And I don’t want to have any regrets
Change: what a meaningful word
It can happen in a second, a day, a year
But it’s happening to me now, right here
I have my whole life ahead of me
So many different opportunities
So many different things to see
I can’t wait to experience all that life has to give
I don’t want to waste time being mad
I want a good life to live
And spend less time being sad
Life has a funny way of passing you by
Remember your past
And don’t leave yourself asking “why?”
Time goes on
My life keeps slipping away
I turn around and see what used to be
Then I look ahead
And I’m unsure of what I see
It was like yesterday when I was just a kid
Playing with my brothers
Not caring what we did
Mom and dad were making us snacks
While we ran around in the yard
Swimming in the pool and doing jumping jacks
Where did it all go?
I became an adult so fast
Yet, what do I know?
I feel so young
But I am twenty-one
Moving out, marriage, teaching
It’s all happening so fast
Soon enough I’m going to be preaching
To kids of my own
I barely even see my family now
As life is moving at its fast pace
I just sit back and think how?
How did I get here?
What do I do next?
There are so many things I fear
And I don’t want to have any regrets
Change: what a meaningful word
It can happen in a second, a day, a year
But it’s happening to me now, right here
I have my whole life ahead of me
So many different opportunities
So many different things to see
I can’t wait to experience all that life has to give
I don’t want to waste time being mad
I want a good life to live
And spend less time being sad
Life has a funny way of passing you by
Remember your past
And don’t leave yourself asking “why?”
Rush to the Heart
I hate that you’re all in my head
Taking over every inch of it
Like its sewing needle and thread
What the hell happened to me?
How did I get here?
Why did this have to be?
I’m not this weak
But you’re taking over me like a stampede
Ready to run me over again
You don’t even know it
It has been no longer then a week
And my hearts already showing it
I don’t even know what I like so much about you
It’s like starring at you
Brings me far to another place
But I feel like I’m in a chase
Running from the pain you’re bringing upon me
So fickle
So confusing
What do you want?
Is it me or not?
Stop playing games, I’m not a toy
You look like a man
But play like a boy
Stop hurting me
I’m worth more then this
You fooled me once
But this time I know the twist
I hear it loud and clear
Frowning from ear to ear
My heart beat drops
No more smiles
I feel like a stupid child
So young and naïve
Not sure what’s going to happen now
What trap I’m going to fall for this time
I just don't know how
You never manage to get what you want
I feel so foolish
I wish my heart didn’t hurt so badly
If you never came in I wouldn't feel this way
Mad at the world
I feel so lost and so not in control
Please take me away
Just like in my dreams
Stare into my eyes
Make me complete
Show me what lies
Deep beneath your heart
I want to get in your mind
You are what I want to find
Lying next to me each morning to come
I hate that it’s only a dream
When will my dreams ever come true?
You are something so fresh and new
Please sweep me off my feet
Sit me down in your driver seat
I’ll be there all the way
Just hold my hand…
And we will just find all the right things to say
And we will stay together from day to day
Night to night
Dusk to dawn
You are what I want in my sight
Forever will you be my guiding light.
Taking over every inch of it
Like its sewing needle and thread
What the hell happened to me?
How did I get here?
Why did this have to be?
I’m not this weak
But you’re taking over me like a stampede
Ready to run me over again
You don’t even know it
It has been no longer then a week
And my hearts already showing it
I don’t even know what I like so much about you
It’s like starring at you
Brings me far to another place
But I feel like I’m in a chase
Running from the pain you’re bringing upon me
So fickle
So confusing
What do you want?
Is it me or not?
Stop playing games, I’m not a toy
You look like a man
But play like a boy
Stop hurting me
I’m worth more then this
You fooled me once
But this time I know the twist
I hear it loud and clear
Frowning from ear to ear
My heart beat drops
No more smiles
I feel like a stupid child
So young and naïve
Not sure what’s going to happen now
What trap I’m going to fall for this time
I just don't know how
You never manage to get what you want
I feel so foolish
I wish my heart didn’t hurt so badly
If you never came in I wouldn't feel this way
Mad at the world
I feel so lost and so not in control
Please take me away
Just like in my dreams
Stare into my eyes
Make me complete
Show me what lies
Deep beneath your heart
I want to get in your mind
You are what I want to find
Lying next to me each morning to come
I hate that it’s only a dream
When will my dreams ever come true?
You are something so fresh and new
Please sweep me off my feet
Sit me down in your driver seat
I’ll be there all the way
Just hold my hand…
And we will just find all the right things to say
And we will stay together from day to day
Night to night
Dusk to dawn
You are what I want in my sight
Forever will you be my guiding light.
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