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
Luka Vaicekauskas

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor

Hey! I’m Luka, and I am a rising sophmore at Plant! I am so thrilled to be a part of Pep O’ Plant as the features editor this year! I love to volunteer, spend money on coffee, and run Cross Country ♡ ✰ ☻

All content by Luka Vaicekauskas
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 Georgetowns 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 teams 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 Cant 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
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Baby got track!

November 3, 2021
Just like Christmas has its music and Valentines Day has its roses, Halloween simply wouldnt 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? Theres 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
Oatmeal is seen as a boring and tasteless breakfast choice, but @noregretfood changes the game. Baked, stovetop, overnight, oat chia pudding, and oat cake are just some of the breakfast ideas the blog shares. And in this article, recipes are included for you to try it yourself.

A new way to have your breakfast

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
October 19, 2021
“Money Heist” is a Spanish TV-show that is admired globally and as of 2018, “Money Heist” was the most-watched non-English language series and one of the most-watched series ever on Netflix. Additionally, Part 1 of Season 5 was released on Sept. 3, and fans are now waiting for the next five episodes to be publicized on Dec. 4.

Money Heist season 5 review

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
October 7, 2021
The island of La Palma is part of the Spanish Canary Islands and is one of the most volcanically active zones in the archipelago, however, it erupted for the first time in 50 years on Sept. 19. About 90,000 people call the island home.

Canary Islands Volcano erupts for the first time in 50 years

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
September 28, 2021
According to google, these five places, or juice bars, were the most popular and successful ones in the Tampa Bay area serving their famous acai bowls. With my curiosity intact, I gave the top five a try, and shared my thoughts.

Top 5 açaí bowls in Tampa Bay

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
September 21, 2021
Throughout the school year, students focus not only on their grades, subjects, and sports, but also on making extra pocket money. However, a day is only 24 hours and one full Earth’s rotation, but to many students, it is not enough. Juggling with rigorous classes and a part-time job can be challenging, but many students find it rewarding.

Students juggling school and part-time jobs

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
August 26, 2021
Working at a local coffee shop for over a year now, I got a good look and feel on what should good quality espresso taste like. However, being so curious and open to new choices, I wanted to compare the top five coffee shops and see which one serves the best modern classic - an iced caramel almond milk latte.

Top five lattes in Tampa Bay

Luka Vaicekauskas, Features Editor
August 23, 2021
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