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
Sydney Appleton

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief

Hi everyone! My name is Sydney and this is my third year on staff. I am this year’s Online Editor In Chief. I love to play piano, write, and spend time with my friends and family. This summer I attended the School of the New York Times to study Journalism. I can’t wait for a great year! 

All content by Sydney Appleton
The PHS News Editors pose for their profile photo on their publication's website. These editors have displayed extreme determination and care throughout the 2023-2024 school year.

PHS News: A Year in Review

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
May 10, 2024
Juniors Max Gillen, Nicholas Parra, and Rico Gordon smile while discussing the food they ate at this years culture day. The three students tried food from multiple different cultures including Brazil, Greece, and Ukraine.

Panthers Unite: Culture Day 2024

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
March 18, 2024
The winter season is finally fading which means it’s the brink of spring. The warm weather is the peak time to create a new playlist to get ready for the seasons.

[Photo] The Perfect Summer Playlist

Vera Agne, Staffer
March 5, 2024
Senior Chase Jarrett poses for his commitment post that was shared on the @304committed Instagram page. Jarrett recently announced his commitment to further his academic and athletic career at the University of central Florida

From Dad’s Stadium to FBC Mortgage Stadium: Chase Jarrett Commits to UCF

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
February 13, 2024
Seniors Taytum Ayers and Parker Newkirk pose for the camera in their TV Production class. The two students have worked as actors in this years senior video.

Lights, Camera, Action: Class of 2024 Works Through Filming This Year’s Senior Video

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
February 1, 2024
Yet another busy week at Plant has arrived. Scroll more to learn about what is going on at the school this week.

This Week at Plant

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
December 11, 2023
The Plant Panthers are staying busy this week. Scroll to learn more about what is on the PHS calendar for this week.

This Week at Plant: Dec. 4-Dec.9

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
December 4, 2023
Everyone has a specific taste in music that is unique to them. Whether someone is a Rock and Roll fanatic or a Hip Hop enthusiast, there is a place in music for everyone and we can all find our genre of preference. Senior Giada Moralejo, who has been a member of the PHS News staff for three years and is one of this year's Editor in Chiefs, often builds unique, eclectic Spotify Playlists that showcase countless types of music and artists. Scroll to learn more about her playlists from her best friend and Co Editor in Chiefs perspective.

Ranking the PHS News Online Managing Editor In Chief’s Spotify Playlists

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
November 16, 2023
The Jonas Brothers, a band of brothers who have won countless awards for their five albums, perform in Tampa, Fla. On Oct. 12. The near sold-out show was one of the many stops along their Five Albums, One Night World Tour. Scroll to learn more about everything that happened at the show.

Jonas Brothers Concert Recap

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
October 19, 2023
SZA closes her concert at Amalie Arena with a performance of her hit song ‘Good Days.” The crowd cheers and sings along while listening to the Grammy Award Winning Artist’s songs. Scroll to learn more about the concert and SZA.

SZA Concert Review

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
September 27, 2023
2,977 American Flags are put on display at the front entrance of Plant High School. To honor all the lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, students and faculty at the school gather annually to set up the display.

Plant High School Honors 22nd Anniversary of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
September 13, 2023
Up-and-coming artist JVKE serenades his audience at his show at House of Blues in Orlando. Scroll to learn more about the artist, as well as his current tour, “this is what tour feels like.”

JVKE Concert Review

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
September 5, 2023
Hurricane Idalia left Bayshore Blvd. in Tampa, Fla. flooded. Although this appears tragic, it could have been worse. The category 3 storm, which was initially expected to make landfall slightly north of Tampa, shifted quickly and made landfall in the Big Bend area of Fla. This has left the Tampa community feeling lucky as Idalia is one of many named storms that has shifted away from the city slightly before landfall.

Tampa Students Count Their Blessings After Hurricane Idalia Shifts

Sydney Appleton, Online Editor In Chief
September 1, 2023
Exams for Advanced Placement courses are approaching. Continue reading to learn more.

AP Exams are Coming Up

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
April 28, 2023
Taylor Swift performed three consecutive shows at Raymond James Stadium. Scroll to learn more about the shows and Swift’s Eras Tour.

The Eras Tour Review

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
April 21, 2023
The City of Tampa has become “TAYmpa” as Taylor Swift is set to perform three consecutive shows at Raymond James Stadium this weekend. Scroll to learn more about the shows and what to expect from the star.

Tampa has Become “TAYmpa”

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
April 17, 2023
A new bill could allow Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a permit. Scroll to learn more details.

State of Fla. to Ease Firearm Restrictions

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
April 10, 2023
One Fla. House of Representatives member is proposing House Bill 1069, which would ban the discussion of certain women's health issues in the state's schools. Scroll to learn more about the proposal and how it could affect students in the state of Fla.

Florida to Ban Discussions of Women’s Health in State Classrooms

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
March 28, 2023
The four victims of the Nov. Moscow, Idaho murders pose with their two surviving roommates. Continue to learn more about the timeline of events surrounding the case. This photo is from Kaylee Goncalves's Instagram page. She was one of the victims (@kayleegoncalves).

Idaho Murders: A Timeline of Events

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
March 19, 2023
The issue of the coronavirus has been prevalent in our society for almost three years now. Scroll to learn more about the most recent information about how the pandemic started.

The Latest on the Origins of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
March 3, 2023
Each month, artists and musicians release new songs that grow into hits over time. To learn more about the hits of Feb. 2023, continue reading.

Top 5 New Songs of Feb. 2023

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
March 3, 2023
The 2023 Grammy Awards took place on Feb. 5 in Los Angeles, CA. Scroll to learn more about what happened at this years award ceremony.

2023 Grammy’s Recap

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
February 8, 2023
Valentines Day is right around the corner. Continue reading for potential gift ideas that you could give to your loved ones to display your appreciation for them.

Valentines Day Gift Guide

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
January 27, 2023
The Hillsborough County Public Schools have introduced several new rezoning procedures. Scroll to learn more about them and how they are affecting the students and teachers of Tampa.

New Hillsborough County District Rezoning Proposals

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
January 18, 2023
Tampa, Florida is continuing to develop and grow each day. To learn more about the best places in the Tampa Bay area, as well as what to do in the city, continue reading.

Top things to do in Tampa

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
January 13, 2023
The CDC has updated its masking guidelines and is now urging people in high-risk areas to wear masks indoors and/or in crowded areas.

The CDC Updates Masking Guidlines

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
December 15, 2022
The annual Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park has reopened in Downtown Tampa. Scroll to learn more about the holiday festivities that the village has to offer.

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park Returns to Tampa

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
November 29, 2022
Last week the midterm elections took place. Scroll to learn more about Florida’s election results.

Florida Midterm Election Results

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
November 16, 2022
The crowd at Madison Square Garden sings along as Harry Styles performs his hit song, Satellite. Scroll to learn more about Harry and his concert residency.

Harry Styles Concert Review

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
November 14, 2022
The 2022 midterm elections are coming up. Scroll to learn more about the political races, specifically the races in Florida.

What Floridians Should Know Before the 2022 Midterms

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
November 7, 2022
Local hospitals are seeing record numbers of patients each day. Because of the rapid spread of respiratory-related viruses that our community is starting to see, it is important that we take steps to protect ourselves and others. Scroll to learn more.

Local Hospitals Face Surge of Respiratory Related Illnesses

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
October 30, 2022
The PSAT is coming up on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors will take the test. Scroll to learn more about the exam and what students should expect.

The PSAT is Coming Up

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
October 11, 2022
Above is a poster that is hanging up in one of Plant High School’s main hallways. As September is National Suicide Prevention Month, students and teachers across campus are taking the opportunity to discuss mental health and teach their peers and colleagues that it is okay to get help if they are struggling. Scroll to learn more about how Plant is responding to mental health.

What Plant High School is doing for National Suicide Prevention Month

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
October 3, 2022
As hurricane Ian approaches Florida, it is important to prepare for the possibility of a storm hitting your area. Scroll to learn more about school closures and how to get ready for the storm.

Hurricane Ian is approaching Florida, Here is what you need to know

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
September 27, 2022
It is that time of the year again. Flu season is upon us. Scroll to learn about what you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Flu Season is Approaching, Here is What You Need to Know

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
September 8, 2022
On Aug. 30, Starbucks brought its fall menu back to its restaurants across the country. Scroll to learn more about the drinks and treats that are returning this fall.

The Starbucks Fall Menu Returns

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
August 31, 2022
This weekend, the MTV Video Music Awards returned. Many awards were given out to artists of various genres. One being Harry Styles, who won the award for Album of the Year for his new album, “Harry’s House.” Scroll to learn more about Styles, his award win, and the album.

Harry Styles wins VMA for Album of the Year

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
August 30, 2022
Olivia Newton John Dies at 73, The Life of a Star

Olivia Newton John Dies at 73, The Life of a Star

Sydney Appleton, News Editor
August 22, 2022
Annual Met Gala was on May 2 at the Met Museum in New York. As usual, it was attended by A-listers such as Blake Lively, Kim Kardashian and Anna Wintour

Top Met Gala outfits 2022

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
May 18, 2022
This week's episode of Grey’s Anatomy left fans on the hook. Scroll to learn more about what happened in the latest episode.

This week on “Grey’s Anatomy”

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
May 5, 2022
INDIO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: (L-R) Shania Twain and Harry Styles perform onstage at the Coachella Stage during the 2022 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival on April 15, 2022 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Coachella)

Coachella returns: week 1

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
May 4, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 13: In this handout photo provided by Helene Marie Pambrun, Harry Styles performs during his European tour at AccorHotels Arena on March 13, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Handout/Helene Marie Pambrun via Getty Images)

Harry Styles: the career of a star

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
April 18, 2022
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES: The trophy of the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles 11 February 2007. AFP PHOTO/Gabriel BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Everything to know about the 2022 Grammy Awards

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
March 23, 2022
The return of Grey’s Anatomy left fans and viewers with many emotions. Scroll to learn what your favorite characters are up to.

This week on “Grey’s Anatomy”

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
March 4, 2022
Here is a review of three of the best nail shops in Tampa. K-Nails, South Tampa Nails, and The Nail Shoppe; read below to find out more.

Best nail salons in Tampa

Sydney Appleton, Giada Moralejo, and Ellis Brandon
February 25, 2022
Pictured above, Meredith Grey laughs when speaking with other doctors in the attending lounge at Grey Sloan Memorial. Meredith has just recovered from COVID-19 and has returned to her job as a general surgeon. Scroll to learn more about Meredith's experiences and challenges of season 18.

Grey’s Anatomy season 18 review

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
February 15, 2022
Pictured above is Tampa International airport. The airport will host the United Coast Sunway “Run the Runway” 5K event on Saturday, April 2, at 8 am. Scroll to learn more about the event details.

United Coast sunway’s 5k returns to Tampa

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
February 9, 2022
Pictured above is the completed iced coffee. Scroll to read more about the drink.

Best coffee recipe

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
February 9, 2022
Well known actor and comedian Betty White passed away on December 31, 2021. Scroll to read about her life story.

Betty White changed the face of television   

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
January 31, 2022
On Nov. 12 Taylor Swift re-released her Red album: Red (Taylor's Version.) Red (Taylor's Version) has 30 tracks on it.

A review of Red (Taylor’s Version)

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
December 8, 2021
Photo via Gabby Petito’s Instagram account, @gabspetito. Scroll for an in-depth description of the Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie disappearance story.

The Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie story

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
November 19, 2021
On the left is the new “iced sugar cookie almond milk latte” that Starbucks has just released. Scroll to learn more about the coffee company's festive drinks returning.

Starbucks Christmas drinks are back

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
November 10, 2021
These are some of the bowls from Fresh Kitchen. Scroll to find more on the "BYOB" concept.

Top 3 build your own bowl restaurants

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
October 12, 2021
Scroll to learn more about Plant High School’s student section, Gold Rush.

Everything you need to know about Gold Rush

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
September 24, 2021
Gasparilla Music Festival is returning for the weekend of Oct. 1. Scroll to learn more about the festival's history, location, performers and more.

Gasparilla Music Festival returns

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
September 23, 2021
Parents across the state of Fla. have come together to fight the ban of mask mandates in Fla. schools. The fight against the governor's executive order, which banned mask mandates, has begun as COVID cases in Fla. are on the rise.

Gov. DeSantis bans mask mandates in Florida schools

Sydney Appleton, Staffer
August 27, 2021
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