Volume 62 Issue 4 - Fort Myers High School

Classes show school spirit with hallway
decorations
by Morgan Frink
Homecoming week is a time to show your
school spirit! As you walked the halls last week,
you may have noticed the green and white that
filled the hallways. Members of each class
along with the class sponsors decorated the
hallways of FMHS for the homecoming week.
The freshmen hallway started right next
to the auditorium and extended all the way
through the student affairs hallway. It was to
say the least, creative. There were banners
saying that you are now entering and exiting
the freshmen hallway! Some of the freshmen
phrases included, “This is how we ro11.”
They replaced the double L’s with an 11 to
show class of 2011. One of their banners said,
“walk like a freshman”, as apposed to “walk
like an Egyptian.” Great job class of 2011!
The sophomore class claimed the C-hallway
between Bookerville and Logan’s Corner.
The class of 2010 decorated with green paper
plates that had letters on each one spelling
out, BEAT THE TARPONS. They also
included signs boasting of 2010 and a large
banner with the word SOPOMORES spelled
out in the shape of a pyramid to go along with
this year’s theme. Way to go sophomores!
The commons area was the home of the
junior hallway this year. The juniors, now
older and more experienced, seemed to
have a more critical eye for the decorating.
The juniors put up a large banner that read,
“What time is it? Game time!” They placed
the banner right underneath the FMHS
clock display! The juniors also included a
long strip of blue paper that ran along the
commons area railing, representing the
Nile. The wall parallel to the blue there
was a mummy holding a football and an
Egyptian scene containing moon and stars.
Two large gold balloons representing the
class of 2009 were also included in the
display. Congratulations class of ’09!
The seniors dedicated their hallway to
senior Harshal Pingale. The senior hallway
was located upstairs in the B hallway.
They had banners that read, “Senior class
of 2008 dedicates this hallway to Harshal
Pingale.” During this difficult week for
Harshal’s family, teachers, classmates, and
friends, this dedication seemed more fitting
than a hallway filled with class of 2008.
The class spirit hallways were not
judged this year, as it was just a fun to
way to show school pride and the senior’s
memory of Harshal. Way to go FMHS!
Taste of the Greenies pie eating contest photo by Laura Bisbee
Students gather on the football field
for Taste of the Greenies
by Lynanne Lowry bake sales, wings, and the concession
The Thursday of homecoming week, Fort
Myers High held an event called Taste of
the Greenies. This is one of the Greenwave
homecoming traditions for Fort Myers
High School. The students and staff of
FMHS gathered out on the football field
for an afternoon of fun, games, and food.
This activity is not only a fun afternoon,
but a fundraising opportunity for many of the
clubs and sports at FMHS. Some of the most
popular booths included Coldstone Ice Cream,
Rita’s Italian Ice, snow cones, smoothies,
Ms. Rider dresses up as Cleopatra.
stands. The money raised will help fund
the club activities throughout the year.
There were not only food, but activities
and class competitions as well. There was
a bounce house, car bash, three-legged race,
car push, balloon toss, and the ultimate
pie eating contest! Freshman Rhiannon
Cappannelli says, “I enjoyed myself. I really
like the Coldstone Ice Cram and it was fun
to watch the three legged race!” Taste of the
Greenies was another success as everyone
participated in the homecoming week.
Cadet Jennifer West is promoted to Cadet Colonel at a ceremony on September 27,
2007. Cadet Colonel Jennifer West is pictured with Mr. LaRosa and Lieutenant Colonel Tom
Madigan, the Director of Lee County JROTC.
Juniors get ready for powder puff game photo by Will Andre
Seniors dominate powder puff
by Laura Bisbee
Powder-puff, another contentious class
competition of homecoming week, kicked off
the Tuesday of Homecoming Week. Gender
roles were reversed as senior and junior
girls were pitted off against one another in
a vicious game of football, while, of course,
those adorable, ever so coordinated male
cheerleaders performed what looked like an
attempt at acrobatics. Both the junior and senior
teams trained hard before the game, putting in
time and effort outside of school. Senior and
junior Powder-puff players practiced about
two to three times a week, often on weekends,
for about and hour and a half to two hours.
The final score, 21 to 7, made the seniors
Tidal Wave Staff
Eric Ambert
Kayly Balink
Laura Bisbee
Corinne Bowden
Chauntel Brown
Jordan Brown
Rhiannon Cappannelli
Noelia Cruz
Morgan Frink
Armando Grez
Alex Hillberry
Melissa Hubble
Lynanne Lowry
Dakendo Michel
Jessica Norris
Daniela Patino
Annisha Price
Brittany Ratliff
Monika Simic
Jay Valentine
Kiyanna Wingate
Austin Yorski
the powder-puff champions of this year.
Unfortunately for the junior class, the junior
team started out with little luck, having
already lost their original Quarterback due
to an accident off the field. The senior team
did indeed seem to have most of the luck,
with seniors Brianna McCall and Tacarra
Brown, who, between the two, scored
three touchdowns. Tacara Brown herself
was not intimidated out on the field at all.
Tacarra, senior says, “I’m fast and besides,
I’ve always played football with the boys.”
Yet despite the junior loss, many juniors are
still glad they joined in for the experience.
“It was fun” says Amber Mauro, junior,
I learned more about the sport in general”.
Tidal Wave Newspaper
Published by
FMHS Journalism Classes.
For more information about
advertising in the
Tidal Wave Newspaper,
please contact
Mrs. Carmen Weigel,
Newspaper Advisor
at 239-334-2167, ext. 159.
Principal, David LaRosa
Athletic/Activities Director, Joni Logan
2635 Cortez Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Copyright 2007
Congratulations to
Stephen Tomasek!
Stephen is a recipient of the 2007 NCTE
(National Council of Teachers of English)
Achievement Awards in Writing. Stephen
submitted two written compositons: a
sample of his “best writing” which could
not exceed ten typed pages and an
impromptu theme written under teacher
supervision in no more than two hours.
Schools nominated 1,937 juniors for this
award, and Stephen was chosen as one of
the outstanding writers. In addition, the
English Department will receive a certificate
of commendation. Stephen’s English
teacher was Rosalind Wheeler. Stephen
will receive a card from NCTE recommending
him for admission and financial aid in
his selected college for possible scholarship.
In addition, he will receive a certificate
of commendation.
Congratulations on the following
accomplishments...
Fort Myers High School would like to
congratulate and recognize the following
students for their outstanding accomplishments:
Sean-David Bos is a National Merit Semi-
Finalist, which is based on his excellent
2006 PSAT score, he is now in competition
to become a Finalist and win a potential
scholarship. His PSAT score was in the top
1% in the nation.
National Merit Commended Scholars are
students whose PSAT scores were in the
top 5% in the nation. This year Fort Myers
High School surpassed its all-time single
year total with 16 students achieving this
feat. These outstanding students are:
Stefan Avey
Randall Bush
Christie Campla
Ethan Garrett
Nilushi Karunamuni
Peter Kolter
Arvind Krishnan
Rose Marz
Francisco Myslicki
Jacquelyn Neal
Jaclyn Schroder
Eric Schropp
Emily Sneeden
Blake Sobczak
Nick Volpe
Jennifer West
And the College Board would like to recognize
Francisco Myslicki as a National
Hispanic Scholar based on his 2006 PSAT.
He is one of just 4000 students selected
from a pool of a 196,000 candidates.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THESE
STUDENTS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING
PSAT SCORES !!!
October 12, 2007 Volume 62, Issue 4
Homecoming fun 2007!
Michael Hardy and Rachel Antonucci
crowned homecoming king and queen
by Kiyanna Wingate
On Friday, September 28, during the
varsity football game against Charlotte, our
very own 2007 homecoming court strolled
down the field at half time. Before the
presentation, the students on the court got
the chance to ride twice around the track
in luxurious convertibles. An isolated,
but very ‘special’ tent was provided for
the homecoming court with plenty of
refreshments and pizza during the game.
All of the guys were nicely groomed with
their ties and blazers, while the girls sported
Fort Myers High
rivals Charlotte
for homecoming
game
“Memories are and always will be forever”
by Daniela Patino
Homecoming night, the color green
spread through our home football stands.
Many students, teachers, and parents
came out to support our team. Students
were full of spirit as they came out for
the 2007 homecoming football game.
During the second quarter Scott Hinds,
Fort Myers’ senior receiver, scored our first
touch down (37 yards) with a pass from
senior quarterback Logan Hulslander, to
make the score 14-7. Logan Hulslander
made 10 out of 28 passes for 197 yards,
during the game. Fort Myers had a few
fumbles and gave the ball up to the Tarpons.
Fort Myers started off rough but got fired
up in the 4th quarter. Eric Popovic knocked
their lovely gowns with matching accessories.
Not only the court, but the Greenwave fans
in the stands as well, were all anxiously
awaiting the results of this year’s king and
queen. Time went by and the moment that
everyone was waiting for had finally arrived.
FMHS 2007 Homecoming king and
queen were…..Michael Hardy and Rachel
Antonucci! The crowd went wild as
their names were announced. There to
crown the newcomers were last year’s
winners Matt Norman and Julia Zamora.
Fort Myers Greenwave vs. the Charlotte Tarpons
the ball away from the Tarpons, giving
the ball back to our Greenwave Varsity
football team. Hinds lessened Charlotte’s
lead by scoring our second touch down,
bringing the score up to 21-14. Although
we tried for a rally we just couldn’t get our
Monday
pajama day
Tuesday
celebrity/character day
Wednesday
class pride day
Thursday
Greenie grub day
Friday
theme dress up day
photo by Samantha Favorite
hands on the ball. The game ended with
a score of 21-14, Tarpons took the win.
We are not letting this game bring down
our Greenwave spirit, but looking ahead
to the next game. Make sure you come out
and support your Greenwave football teams.

FMHS welcomes Mr. Fisher
by Noelia Cruz
For all the returning students, you have
probably noticed some new faces standing
outside the classrooms or roaming the
halls. Well one of those new and friendly
faces is Mr. Steve Fischer. Mr. Fisher is
the new Engineering/Drafting teacher.
Mr. Fischer was born in Grandview Hospital
in Sellersville Pennsylvania, and raised in
Lansdale Pennsylvania. He did an exchange
with distant relatives to learn and study
and live in Hungary for about a year in the
fifth grade. He graduated from Millersville
University in South Central, PA which is
about an hour North of Baltimore, Maryland.
He’s been a teacher for four years, two
years at Keith Valley Middle and two years
in Hatboro-Horsham High. Both are located
about 30 miles Northeast of Philadelphia in
Horsham. He also coached football and lacrosse
Mr. Fisher can be located in room C129.
If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up some place else. - Yogi Berra
for the Hatboro-Horsham school district.
In his free time he enjoys watching the
Philadelphia Eagles, and customizing car
audio and video with fiberglass. He also enjoys
playing X-Box 360 and Nintendo Wii with his
two year old son, James. His favorite games are
Gears of War for X-Box360, Heavy Weapon for
X-Box Live, Wii Sports for his Wii and Zelda
for his Nintendo (all versions). He likes diving
along the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina,
New Jersey and he has been diving in the
Dominican Republic. He even said he would
consider joining the Scuba Club at FMHS. Mr.
Fisher also enjoys snowboarding in Vermont,
New Hampshire, Utah, and Colorado and
has even been snowboarding in the Pocono
Mountains. He likes to go to the movies or
go swimming with his wife in his free time.
We would like to welcome Mr.
Fischer to Fort Myers High School!
Top 10 events from this year’s
homecoming week…
by Jessica Norris
10. Character dress-up day – a time to show your creativity.
9. Pajama day – able to roll out of bed and come to school!
8. Hallway competition – great way to show class spirit.
7. Taste of the Greenies – food, games, and fun!
6. Premier of The Mummy – had a good time, even though it rained.
5. Homecoming game – A loss of 14-21, but showed lots of school pride!
4. Powder-puff football and volleyball – seniors dominate.
3. Greenie Growl – Class skits were funny and memorable… way to go juniors!
2. Homecoming dance – another big hit… over 1300 students turned out at Germain arena to
dance the night away.
1. Congrats to this year’s homecoming court! Michael Hardy and Rachel Antonucci were
crowned this year’s homecoming king and queen.
What was your favorite part of the homecoming week?
by Austin Yorksi
Amanda Griffin(12) Quayschaun Crewus (10)
Cebi Stough (10) Eberhardt Slichter (11)
My favorite part [as SGA President] was seeing
the final result of the homecoming dance
preparations beforehand.
Lady wave swings back
by Daniela Patino and Morgan Frink
Birdie, Bogey, Fore? These are not words
you hear every day, but for the girl’s FMHS
golf team the words should definitely sound
familiar. Do not let the amusing sound of these
words fool you; the Lady Wave golf team is
serious about having a successful year. They
are out there on the green practicing their swing
and working hard for another successful year.
We are teeing off with a new and improved
golf team this year. Consisting of nine players,
Jenna Blackwelder, Ashleigh Dellinger,
Paige Lacy, Kaitlyn Lawless, Morgan Lee,
Georgia Price, Kelsey Rodenick, Taryn Shaw,
and Brooke Snyder, this year’s girl’s golf
team wishes to excel over last years 9 and
3 record. Losing five starters took a great
toll on the Lady Wave Golf Team. By losing
these girls the team has had to rebuild itself.
My favorite was Taste of the Greenies because
of the fun games we got to play.
Ms. Verfaillie says “This years’
group of girls are amazing; their skills
continue to improve on the golf course.”
“We have a lot of underclassmen this year,
but I still think we will do pretty good”, says
senior Paige Lacy. Ms. Verfaillie’s goals for the
team are to improve their skills and lower their
handicaps. The Lady Wave Golf Team’s biggest
competition is Ida Baker. Losing to Cypress
in their first match was just a fluke. Our girls
golf team proved that when they beat them in
their previous match by dropping 30 strokes.
This year we have four returning seniors,
Ashleigh Dellinger, Paige Lacy, Kaitlyn Lawless,
and Brooke Snyder. All of these seniors are the
starters for this year’s team. FMHS is known
for excellence, so loosing a few members of
the team will not stop our Lady Wave golfers.
Good luck to our lady wave golf team this year!
Paige Lacy 12th, Katie Lawless 12th, Brooke Snyder 12th, Jenna Blackwelder 10th, and Georgia Price 9th
I liked the dance, it was awesome. I also liked
Pajama Day, because I just rolled out of bed
and came to school.
I enjoyed Greenie Growl, because of all
the jokes about teachers. I think the seniors
should have won.
Homecoming dance
proves to be a success
by Noelia Cruz, Annisha Price, Monika Simic
The homecoming dance took place at Germain
Arena this year, rather than the Harborside
Event Center. Students were excited about the
dance and started preparing early. Students
were renting limos, making hair and makeup
appointments, and shopping for dresses, jewelry,
and tuxedos! Over 1300 students bought
tickets and attended this memorable event.
The dance started at 9 p.m. and ended at
midnight. One of the biggest controversies this
year, were the breathalyzers that were used as
students entered the dance. These breathalyzers
were to ensure the safety of all students and make
sure no one had been drinking before entering
the dance. Cameron Brown, senior, says, “the
breathalyzer is ridiculous and unnecessary and
ruins everyone’s fun.” However, Quanitra
Reid, junior says, “I think it is positive because
you do not have to be drinking to have fun.”
Mr. Larosa, principal, thought the dance went
well. He says, “next year I would like to have
the dance back at the Harborside Event Center
because it is closer for students and staff.
The dance decorations were amazing this
year! The entrance and the arena were decorated
for the Night on the Nile theme. SGA worked
really hard to make this dance a success and
it paid off. Alex Rodriquez seemed to be
completely satisfied. “I just loved everything
about it; he said, I’d give it one big thumbs up!”
OPENING THIS FALL IN FORT MYERS
Juniors “go home” with first
place in Greenie Growl
by Laura Bisbee
Friendly competition takes on a whole
new meaning when it comes to class rivalry
during Homecoming Week at Fort Myers
High, constituting of such things as ridicule
and mockery all in an effort to be crowned
the victor of homecoming week. This class
rivalry all comes to a head during Wednesday
night of Homecoming week at Greenie Growl,
an event that ironically succeeds both as an
angst outlet for classes against faculty and
other classes, while at the same time uniting
the entire school body for the homecoming
game. An enduring, yet infamous Greenie
tradition that hails all the way back from
1948, Greenie Growl requires each class,
Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior,
to perform a humorous skit based upon both
the homecoming theme and Fort Myers High.
Three judges will then judge each skit, based
upon things such as originality and execution.
Greenie Growl this year continued on like
any other. Sophomores booed the freshmen
skit, juniors booed the sophomore skit, and
seniors booed every skit but their own. The
host of Greenie Growl for several years, Mr. Jay
Severson, a former NBC-2 Sports Anchor, was
back and at it again, apparently enjoying himself
as he ominously introduced each skit. The
judges from past years also returned, including
Mr. Nick Thompson, Lee County
Representative in the Florida House of
Representatives, Mrs. Holly Wagner,
weekend news anchor for Wink TV, Ms.
Lois Theme, another Wink TV News
Anchor, and Mrs. Holly Thompson,
regional sales manager of M-F Athletics.
The performance of Greenie Growl skits
also followed normal procedure, with the
Homecoming Court’s introduction, an FMHS
marching band performance, the Freshmen
skit, the Sophomore Skit, the Junior Skit, and
finally the Senior Skit. This year’s homecoming
theme, “A Night on the Nile”, required classes
to incorporate an Egyptian aspect into their skit.
Expectations were both proved and disproved
at this year’s Greenie Growl. . As according to
the unstated laws of Fort Myers High tradition,
in any class competition, the seniors take first
place, while following in rank are the juniors,
sophomores, and freshmen. Both the Freshmen
and Sophomore skits, mostly drowned out by
booing or yells of “Go Home!”, stayed true to
this Greenie Growl legacy, ranking in 4th and
3rd place, respectively. Yet when announcer
Jay Severson announced that the 3rd place
winners had no room to improve their Greenie
Growl skit (namely, the Seniors), first place was
handed over to the Juniors. This unexpected
win succeeded in 1) altering Greenie Growl
history forever and 2) sending most seniors
into a near, murderous rage. Since Greenie
Growl has ended, there has been much debate
over who truly deserved to win Greenie Growl
(Seniors, hands down), as most seniors argue
that the Junior Skit was not original enough,
having used props from the senior class of last
year. Other than this, reception to the hilarity
of the skits has been mixed, and issues of
appropriateness have also been brought into
question by some students. “I think they [the
skits] were funny” says Sarah Schroeder, “I
just think they went overboard with making
fun of the teachers on some parts.” Yet despite
the appropriateness of the skits or the debate
on who truly deserved first place, one can still
argue that it’s just a part of the spirit of the
“friendly competition” here at Fort Myers High
Powder Puff Cheerleading! photo by Will Andre