FlamingHotJag

My Favorite Flowers and Why

February 16, 2023 FlamingHotJag

By Amelie S.

Lilies

Lilies are not very fragrant and smell a bit bad in my opinion, but they are beautiful and come in a lot of different colors. They also have unique petal designs that I love. Lilies also have many different colors like pink, white, and orange, and can come in different color variations. According to Bloom & Wild, the most common meaning of lilies is purity.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis flowers most commonly come in shades of red but can also have gorgeous shades of pink, orange, and white. They are very easy to care for, and their bloom lasts a few weeks. According to Interflora, the amaryllis flowers are seen as a representation of pride, determination, and strength.

Iris

Most iris flowers have a lovely blue-purple color. They can also come in colors like yellow and white depending on their lower classifications. The iris flower has a very pleasant smell as well. As stated by HGTV, “They can represent faith, hope, courage, wisdom, and admiration.”

Rose

This is a pretty basic choice, but roses come in a lot of stunning colors. Roses have a very enjoyable smell as well. Although roses have thorns, their petals have a soft and delicate feel which also makes them one of my favorite flowers. According to Harlow Gardens, red roses represent beauty, love, and courage, and yellow roses can represent friendship and joy.

Sunflower

The sunflower, another pretty common flower, is also one of my top choices of flowers. Their shades of yellow and orange are literally perfect for the flower. The inner circle part of the flower is not really ideal looking, but the petal around it definitely makes up for it. According to Bloom and Wild, the sunflower can convey loyalty and adoration.

Culture

Gasparilla Through the Decades

February 6, 2023February 16, 2023 FlamingHotJag

By Amelie S.

1904-1909

The first Gasparilla was in 1904 according to Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG), and it was on horseback at the Tampa Bay Hotel. During this period, the first Coronation Ball took place. Also, in 1905 three cars were included in the parade. Then, from the years of 1906-1909, there wasn’t an invasion due to the lack of another big occasion like the May Day Festival.

1910s

During this time, there wasn’t much happening, but YMKG’s first invasion on a ship was in 1911. Gasparilla also did not happen as a result of WWI.

1920s

In 1923, the first Captain’s Ball, or “Pirate’s Ball” as they called it back then, was held.

1930s

During this decade, for the first time, the invasion and parade were broadcast on national radios. In 1937, YMKG purchased their first ship called Jose Gasparilla I.

1940s

There were a couple of years of missed Gasparilla invasions due to WWII, and nothing too drastic seems to have happened during the ’40s.

1950s

1951 was the last usage of the Jose Gasparilla I since it was “unseaworthy,” but YMKG was gifted the Jose Gasparilla II to be used in 1954. Four borrowed ships, the Buccaneer’s Bride, Joseito, Sea Wolf, and Shark, were used in the 1953 invasion.

1960s

YMKG started funding the parade without anyone else’s help. Another krewe, The Krewe of Venus, was also established in Tampa.

1970s

The Tea Dance, which is typically held at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, began in this decade. A new krewe was established in Tampa. This new one was called the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago. Jose Gasparilla II’s last voyage was in 1975, and Gasparilla was moved to Bayshore Boulevard.

1980s

In 1986, the tradition of throwing beads was started. The invasion was also switched from a Monday to a Saturday.

1990s

This decade did not have much information marked down by the YMKG.

2000s

The first Gasparilla Children’s Parade was held on a Saturday on Bayshore. The Jose Gasparilla II started shooting fireworks and cannon fire at this time.

Academy Life

Clubs That Should Be Added in Middle School

February 1, 2023 FlamingHotJag

By Zoey G. and Amelie S.

At Academy, there are multiple afterschool clubs that are offered to middle school students, but there could be even more variety. We have some ideas for more clubs that could be offered to expand the variety of clubs. According to The Princeton Review, “…Participation in clubs can hone your communication skills, foster creative thinking, and teach you how to work effectively with other people.”

Ribs and Rosary & Chicken and Chess

Both Ribs and Rosary and Chicken and Chess were suggested by Mr. Fulton and Mr. Trueman. Chicken and Chess would be about the supervisor (whichever teacher is in charge) making/bringing chicken to make/eat while students learn and play chess. In Ribs and Rosary Club, you would get to eat some wonderful ribs while praying and talking about the rosary.

History Club

In History Club, the people who partake in it would get to strengthen their knowledge of history. Mr. Trueman and Mr. Buysse, if they choose to participate, would make social studies more fun than in class.

Performing Arts Club

The Performing Arts Club would be like drama class, but you would make your own skits throughout the year and have a large play at the end. The Performing Arts Club could possibly partner up with Film Club to make an end-of-the-year movie.

Film Club

Film Club would be like the Book Club but watching movies, shows, and short films and analyzing them for key events and styles. Near the end of the year for the club, students would make their own short films. We think this would be a good addition because it would improve the students’ taste in arts and expand creativity.

Gardening Club

In Gardening Club, we would make a garden, where the last garden was, in the parking lot of the faculty. One (or more) teachers would overlook and manage the garden and keep it up every week. People in the club would learn about different plants and how to properly take care of plants.

Editing Club

In Editing Club, we would learn about different transitions and learn how to use various editing apps and websites. You would also get to make edits to the school’s social media pages. We feel this would be a great add-on to the middle school clubs.