The student-run news site of H. B. Plant High School

PHS News
The student-run news site of H. B. Plant High School

PHS News
The student-run news site of H. B. Plant High School

PHS News
All content by Luka Vaicekauskas
Senior year can get hectic, but not if you set yourself up for success during the summer. Follow along for steps on having a successful 2024-2025 year for the PHS Class of 2025.

How to Have a Productive Summer Leading to Senior Year

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
May 10, 2024
On April 17-20 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive in Orlando, nearly one thousand students attended the convention, with the theme of Amplify.

FSPA 2024- Let’s Amplify Student Voices

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
April 26, 2024
Class rank is something obscure and not commented upon much, bringing competition and rivalry among the fellow Panthers attending this high-ranking high school. But read along for three tips on how you can be in the 1% of your class.

How to be in the Top 1% of Your Class: A Guide for Underclassmen

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
April 22, 2024
Follow this recipe to make these irresistible Chocolate Chip Espresso Cookies, where the harmonious blend of coffee and chocolate takes center stage, promising a culinary experience like no other.

The Best Cookie Recipe for Coffee & Chocolate Lovers

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
March 28, 2024
Smiling with the badges and the trophies, the Plant French students pose for the camera. On March 7-9 students from all around Florida gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando for the competition, including Plant High School. Along Mme. Macy and Mme. Coffey, the two French teachers at Plant, brought their students of all four levels of the language to apply it beyond school walls.

Le Congrès de la Culture Française en Floride

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
March 21, 2024
PHS Newspaper's Staff sampled seven different variations of Peeps which prompted a lot of different reactions. For your convenience, the staff ranked all the different flavors we sampled.

Peeps Review

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
March 1, 2024
Kanye just recently dropped his first No. 1 album since “Donda” in 2021, and along Ty Dolla $ign, Kanye has been teasing his fans about an upcoming tour. ‘Vultures 1’ is available for listeners worldwide on many platforms. Credits: Hypebeast.com

Kanye West’s No. 1 Album for the 11th Time: Vultures

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
February 27, 2024
On Feb. 2 and 4, Drake, known as Drizzy Drake, made his way to the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Performing with DJ Zack Bia and J. Cole, he performed his most famous songs and left the crowd filled with serotonin while in his ‘It’s All a Blur’ tour.

Drake ‘It’s All a Blur’ Tour Review

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
February 7, 2024
Posing by the entrance of the University of Florida, the Plant MUN team concluded their annual GATORMUN conference. On Jan. 19-21, the Plant MUN team made their way up to Gainesville to take this after-school Thursday activity above and beyond.

“Motion to close debate!” GatorMUN 2024 Overview

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
February 1, 2024
Sage Stark (right), Sean Murphy (in the middle), and Nicolas Hedge (left) stand smiling in front of a KC-130 located at the MacDill Air Force Base. Sage Stark has been part of the JROTC program for all his four years in high school and plays a vital role in the program.

The Best All Around – Sage Stark- and his JROTC Involvement

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
January 30, 2024
As the New Year came around, lots of things are “out,” and excessive takeout is one of them. Learn to make this easy, delicious, and quick Friday-night pizza.

$34 Trader Joes Pizza

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
January 30, 2024
Senior, Dagny Sammis, poses with her University of Massachusetts shirt. After a long and detailed recruitment process, Sammis finally committed to a school to continue her athletic and academic career.

Dagny Sammis Embarks on a New Journey: Her Commitment to the University of Massachusetts Women’s Crew

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
November 27, 2023
Learn how to make the Gigi Hadid Pasta at home! It’s super easy to make but tastes like so much effort went into it.

Gigi Hadid’s Pasta

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
November 14, 2023
Celebrities as the Kardashians and Hailey Bieber often rule Halloween and the costumes trends. This year, 5 costumes ruled social media after Halloween, and here is some insight behind them bellow.

Rating the Most Popular Halloween Costumes of 2023

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
October 31, 2023
With homecoming approaching, make sure you get your reservations in for you and your group. These are my recommendations for a night high schoolers look forward to. Photo credits: https://www.visittampabay.com/listings/ulele/9159/

Homecoming Dinner Ideas

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
October 20, 2023
While senior Jackson Gilliam plays the role of Ken from the Barbie movie, La Sertoma boys dramatically light their flashlights during Panther Prowl at Dad’s Stadium Sept. 25.

Panther Prowl 2023

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
October 2, 2023
On Thursday, Aug. 10, the new school year began in Hillsborough County, and the last year of high school for the class of 2024. To celebrate the beginning of a new year, seniors dressed up in biker or surfer outfits following the motto “choose your side & cruise through senior year.”

Class of 2024 Cruising Through Their Senior Year

Luka Vaicekauskas, Publications Editor In Chief
September 1, 2023
Smiling in front of the newest colorful addition to south hall, Sydney Nichols shares about the message behind this work of art. As the co-president of the PHS Artist and Writers Society, she has worked daily on making the mural happen.

A Gift from The PHS Artist and Writers Society

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
May 16, 2023
Making an appearance in Hyde Park, a new build-your bowl restaurant opened its doors in South Tampa. Well-known in California and due to collaborations with celebrities, this modernized healthy cuisine casual dining experience is a must-visit when looking for a fast lunch or dinner.

SweetGreen; a New Bowl Restaurant in Hyde Park

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
May 10, 2023
On April 13-15 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive in Orlando, nearly one thousand students attended the convention, with the theme of Stars Align.

FSPA 2023- Where Stars Aligned

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
May 10, 2023
Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber’s love triangle with Justin Bieber has been a reoccurring discourse ever since 2018. But just recently, rumors about Hailey Bieber shading Selena Gomez and body-shaming her, have joined fans to take a stance on this issue. Read along to better understand the drama between the two celebrities.

Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber; Years of Drama Explained

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
April 21, 2023
On Aril 16th, at the Al Lopez Park, the 2nd annual Steps Against Melanoma Walk will be hosted. Steps Against Melanoma is the number-one way funds are raised to end melanoma, and the participation and fundraising make all the difference. There is still time to sign up!

2nd Annual Steps Against Melanoma Walk- You Can Still Sign Up!

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
April 14, 2023
Smiling with the badges and the trophies, the Plant French students pose for the camera. On March 9-11 students from all around Florida gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando for the competition, including Plant High School. Along Mme. Macy and Mme. Coffey, the two French teachers at Plant, brough their students of all four levels of the language to apply it beyond school walls.

Recap; Congress of French Culture in Florida 2023

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
March 29, 2023
The Pawbucks Coffee stand runs daily periods 1-6 near the cafeteria. All of the money goes towards the Special Olympics and the ESE program, which allows the coffee stand workers to help prepare and deliver the coffee using communication skills. Read along for an interview with Maddison Pope, the student in charge of the coffee stand.

Pawbucks Coffee; All You Need to Know About the Student Run Coffee Stand

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
March 28, 2023
Posing by her desk, Mrs. Bohan is getting ready to start teaching her class. Katherine Bohan is the newest addition to Plant High Schools’ social studies department, teaching the AP Psychology course offered.

Katherine Bohan; Teaching Internationally

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
March 21, 2023
Juniors Tanner Swank and Moriah Scott performing the stimulatory hands-on CPR training in the auditorium, on February 13. A fairly recent bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis requires Florida high school students to attend cardiopulmonary resuscitation training as a form of graduation requirement

New Graduation Requirement; Hands-On CPR Training

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
February 20, 2023
Posing then and now, a former Plant High School student, Arlie, shares about her experience at Georgetown University. Now, after spending 4 years at Plant High School, Rubin just finished her first semester at Georgetown's Business school.

Arlie Rubin- From Plant to Georgetown

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
February 3, 2023
On January 20-22, the Plant MUN team made their way up to the University of Florida in Gainesville to participate in the annual GATORMUN conference. Posing in the Reitz Union, the Plant MUN team concluded their first in-person conference since the Covid-19 pandemic.

GATOR MUN 2023 Conference

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
February 1, 2023
Posing then and now, a former Plant High School student, Lauren Lampinen, shares about her experience at Notre Dame University. Now, after spending 4 years at Plant High School, Lampinen just finished her first semester at Notre Dame as an electrical engineering major.

Lauren Lampinen- From Plant to Notre Dame

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
January 19, 2023
Whether being a new year’s resolution-maker or not, the month of January is often a time to reflect and create new habits to make the new year as best as it can be. By following these 5 simple steps, one can not only become a better version of oneself, but too healthier and happier in 2023.

Five Ways to Self-Improve in 2023

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
January 11, 2023
Junior Jay Spencer (23) keeps eyes locked on the opponent during the team's season opener at Gaither. At the end of the 2012-2022 school year, he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin large B-cell lymphoma, which required six rounds of intense chemotherapy.

Jay Spencer; Shooting for the Stars

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
January 10, 2023
Posing then and now, a former Plant High School student, Zoe Beckenstein, shares about her experience at Barnard College. Now, after spending 4 years at Plant High School, Beckenstein just finished her first semester at Barnard as an economics major and a minor in art history.

Zoe Beckenstein- From Plant to Barnard

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
December 6, 2022
Swinging at the golf course, senior Brooke Riffey shares about her experience about playing varsity golf at Plant. Now, after playing 4 years at Plant High School, Brooke gives advice to new players, reflects on her experiences, and reminisces on her growth as a varsity athlete.

Brooke Riffey- Swinging for PHS Varsity Golf

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
December 5, 2022
On October 18th Pitbull, known as Mr. Worldwide, made his way to the Amway Center in Orlando, a second to last stops in his tour Can't Stop Us Now. Performing with DJ’s and Iggy Azalea, he performed his most famous songs and left the crowd filled with seratonin.

Pitbull Can’t Stop Us Now Tour Review

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
October 25, 2022
Hannah Woodside has been dancing ever since being 3 years old, a passion that evolved into musical theater. She is currently joining her main passions at the Plant Theater Company, where she is the featured dancer at the shows, the student choreographer, the Secretary, and the unofficial Performance Head.

Stage Spotlight; Hannah Woodside

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
October 25, 2022
Replacing the former Zoës Kitchen on South Howard, a new build-your bowl restaurant opened its doors in South Tampa. Well-known in DC and due to collaborations with celebrities, this modernized Mediterranean cuisine casual dining experience is a must-visit when looking for a fast lunch or dinner.

Cava; a New Mediterranean Restaurant in Tampa

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
October 23, 2022
A debate team is a community where students gather and build research, public speaking, and argumentative skills in a formal ambiance. After a break due to the Covid pandemic, the debate team has returned to Plant. With Ms. Goldberg as the sponsor and Ananya Bhalla as the president, the team is ready to compete against other schools and grow the community.

The Debate Team Comes Back to Plant

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
October 17, 2022
Queen Elizabeth was known as the most prolific couture client in the world and a public figure that grew in popularity as the world modernized. After King George VI passed away in 1952, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor took over the throne. And after a 70 year reign, Queen Elizabeth passed away.

The 70 Year Reign of Queen Elizabeth II is Concluded

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
September 13, 2022
Mrs. Gorman, on her coaching duties at both football games and competitions. She has been coaching cheerleading for 13 years, and this is her 6th one as the head coach at Plant.

22′-23′ Cheer Season; a Note from Mrs. Gorman

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
September 6, 2022
On Wednesday, August 10, the new school year began at Hillsborough County, and the last year of high school for the class of 2023. To celebrate the beginning of a new year, seniors dressed up in 2000s inspired outfits following the motto "Throwback before we move on."

The 2000s Called- Plant Seniors Answered

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
August 23, 2022
Opening its doors on Feb. 28, True Food Kitchen is the newest addition to the Tampa’s Midtown gastronomical experience. With Christine Barone, a former H.B. Plant High School student, and a Harvard graduate as the C.E.O, this restaurant focuses on supporting the anti-inflammatory food pyramid within their menu. This Andrew Weil- and Oprah Winfrey-sponsored restaurant is worth a visit.

True food kitchen: by a former Panther

Luka vaicekauskas, Feature's Editor
May 17, 2022
With the exam season starting April through May, students are enlisted in taking many finals and exams. However, it is important to recognize the effects of stress this season brings on the students, and taking effective precautions to ease it.

Exam season is approaching; the stress is on 

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
May 11, 2022
Posing then and now, a former Plant High School student, Morgan Austrich, shares about her experience at NYU. Now, after spending 4 years at Plant High School, Morgan Austrich just finished her first semester as a NYU student double majoring in art history and architecture.

Morgan Austrich: from Plant to NYU 

Luka Vaicekauskas, Feature's Editor
May 4, 2022
On February 23, 2022 Russia has built up tens of thousands of troops along the Ukrainian border, an act of aggression that could spiral into the largest military conflict on European soil in decades. So far, over 14,000 civilians were killed.

Ukraine war: overview and ways to help 

Luka Vaicekauskas, Feature's Editor
April 21, 2022
Smiling with the badges and the trophies, the Plant French students pose for the camera. On March 10-12 students from all around Florida gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando for the competition, including Plant High School. Along Mme. Macy and Mme. Coffey, the two French teachers at Plant, brough their students of all four levels of the language to apply it beyond school walls.

Plant french students place second at the Congress of French Culture in Florida

Luka Vaicekauskas, Feature's Editor
April 4, 2022
A cookie box worth nearly $200 is a new way to treat oneself. Since launching in August 2020 Last Crumb’s mission is to serve exclusive and premium cookies, that are worth a Michelin star. Last Crumb uses a “drop” model for its cookie shipments, releasing them weekly in limited quantities, much like luxury streetwear companies, making the cookies exclusive and premium.

‘Last Crumb’- gourmet cookies born in LA

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
March 29, 2022
A former Plant High School student, Solange Sai is currently majoring in Film and Television at NYU. It is part of the Tisch School of The Arts. At Plant she was part of Varsity Chorale, Pink Panthers Acapella group, and the film club. Now, Sai looks back and shares about her progress throughout this article.

Solange Sai: from Plant to NYU

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
March 7, 2022
From January 20 to February 20, ‘Tampa Fresh Foods’ dominates Water Street in Tampa. An art exhibit governed by 50,000 felt products handmade by Lucy Sparrow, and English artist, is a sure hit in Tampa. Sponsored by the Viniks, this store is full of bright colors and Tampa’s staples- Cuban influences, citrusy fruits, and seafood.

‘Tampa Fresh Foods’- the felt supermarket

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
February 22, 2022
Valentine’s Day is not only about roses and chocolates, but also the movies that go along with it. Celebrate Cupid’s Day with these serotonin-filled movies! By the way, dopamine and serotonin are in relation to oxytocin, and the pleasantries felt while watching romantic comedies elicit these neurotransmitter signals while you are falling in love with the characters on the screen.

The perfect Valentine’s Day movie marathon 

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
February 14, 2022
Posing then and now, a former Plant High School student, Natalie Yale, shares about her experience at NYU. Now, after spending 4 years at Plant High School, Natalie just finished her first semester as a NYU liberal studies student, in preparation on majoring in drama and minoring in production and creative writing next year.

Natalie Yale: from Plant to NYU 

Luka Vaicekauskas, Feature's Editor
February 10, 2022
A former Plant High School student, Honor Culpepper is a current MCC program, Media Culture and Communications, student. It is part of the Steinhardt school of culture and human development. Additionally, she is minoring in Broadcast and Multi-media journalism. She was in the basketball team at Plant, and is currently sharing her talents with the NYU Women’s Basketball team.

Honor Culpepper: from Plant to NYU

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
January 28, 2022
Posing then and now, a former Plant High School student, Avery Morgan, shares about her experience at NYU. Growing up as a military kid, Avery Franks moved from city to city until the age of 11 when the family set up in Tampa. Herself, she was always interested in performing, and to name a few, she was part of the Entertainment Revue of Tampa Bay and La Mansion Recording Studio. Now, after spending 4 years at Plant High School, Avery just finished her first semester at the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education & Human Development for contemporary vocal performance.

Avery Franks: from Plant to NYU 

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
January 24, 2022
On Dec. 22, 2021 season 2 of Emily in Paris was released on Netflix worldwide. A romantic, fast-paced and comforting TV show taking the viewers into the world of Emily Cooper, a marketing agent from Chicago, currently living in Paris. Full of fashion, Parisian sites, and new characters, this TV show is a must-see. Also, take quiz and find out which Emily in Paris Season 2 character are you!

Emily in Paris season 2: which character are you? 

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
January 18, 2022
Yearly on Jan. 6, the southern European countries celebrate El Día de Los Reyes Magos. With it comes gift-giving, parades, and traditional food, including el turrón and el roscón. Throughout this article, you can find an overview of this Spanish holiday surrounding the Three Wise Men.

El Día de Los Reyes Magos- a Spanish holiday like no other 

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
January 5, 2022
After Homecoming being cancelled due to Covid-19 last school year, students from H.B. Plant High School were eager to attend this years hosted Winter Formal Dance. Throughout this article you can find an overview of the night of Dec. 4 and the highlights of this homecoming dance.

Winter formal overview 

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
January 4, 2022
KENOSHA, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 18: Kyle Rittenhouse, center, looks over to his attorneys as the jury is dismissed for the day during his trial at the Kenosha County Courthouse on November 18, 2021 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Rittenhouse is accused of shooting three demonstrators, killing two of them, during a night of unrest that erupted in Kenosha after a police officer shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back while being arrested in August 2020. Rittenhouse, from Antioch, Illinois, was 17 at the time of the shooting and armed with an assault rifle. He faces counts of felony homicide and felony attempted homicide. (Photo by Sean Krajacic - Pool/Getty Images)

Kyle Rittenhouse v. Wisconsin case overview

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
December 3, 2021
Judge Christopher Nash, with the co-captains- Luke McLaughlin and Kate Bentley, and the rest of the team posing for the camera while in Judge Nash’s courtroom at the George Edgecomb Courthouse. The team participated in the Empire Mock Trial Competition, and placed 13th.

Mock Trial at PHS

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
December 2, 2021
A bakery that started in Utah in 2017, has reached their location number to 264 open, with 13 of them in Florida, with this number increasing. Weekly, Crumbl Cookies present 4 new flavors for the customers to try.

Crumbl Cookies; expanding throughout Florida

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
November 15, 2021
Penny Markowski, #55, running at the Babe Zaharias Golf Course on August 27, 2021. Penny finished with a time of 20:47.50 for the 5K race.

Baby got track!

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
November 3, 2021
Just like Christmas has its music and Valentine's Day has its roses, Halloween simply wouldn't be Halloween without the movies that go along with it. The costumes, pumpkin carving and candy apples are nice, no doubt. But to really set the mood? There's nothing like a movie night filled with all the greatest chainsaw-wielding, suspenseful acts, and hair-raising flicks to get you in the spooky season spirit. One does not have to be fan of horror to appreciate a good Halloween movie either–some of them are directed by Disney!

The perfect horror movie marathon

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
November 1, 2021
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