If you long for the gut busting movies with one liners that embed themselves in your mind, you need to get in line for Steve Harvey’s new movie. Think Like a Man (a romantic comedy) was released in theaters March 9, 2012 and the DVD is now available. The movie is based off of the book written by radio personality and comedian Steve Harvey. Screenplay writers Kevin Merryman and David A. Newon wrote a marvelously choreographed script directed by Tim Story. The actors are brilliant comedians Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union, Michael Ealy, Megan Good, Regina Hall, and more, with appearances by musicians Chris Brown and Keri Hilson.
The film’s beginning introduces the 6 main male characters playing basketball. They all portray different types of men, such as “the Non-Committer” and “the Player”. The women of the story read Harvey’s book and plan tactics to get what they want out of their men. Steve Harvey gives advice such as “the 90 Day Rule”. He gives insight to men as the way they show love and the need to protect the ones they love. Toward the end of the story the men find the book and fight fire with fire. There is not a dull moment with the exception of the more serious scenes. Many times in the theater, people were laughing too hard to hear the movie. I highly recommend it to teenagers and their parents as they will both learn these tips as well as enjoy a truly funny movie. (The movie is rated PG-13 for strong language and crude humor.)

Starting over at a new school is not an easy thing to do. It can make someone feel very alone, especially if you don’t know a single person there. While it is a very difficult situation to be in, there are some things students can do to make it easier on themselves.

Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people. Be kind, friendly, and outgoing and chances are you’ll end up meeting someone who is in the same situation you are. Once you’ve made a few friends sit with them at lunch, this way you can meet some of their friends. Another great way to make friends is to get involved. Join clubs, play sports, it’s fun and an easy way to make some new friends. Another good idea is to familiarize yourself with the school. Ask the office for a map, take a tour if they’re offered. If someone is familiar with their environment then they are less likely to be late to class because they cant find the room, and you’ll feel more comfortable there overall.

Going to a new school is difficult, and adjusting can take a while. If you put forth the effort, stay open minded, and try your best, you will quickly begin to feel more and more comfortable there. Just remember to keep trying your best, and you should have an excellent year.

jmoniz.pawprint@gmail.com

The Boca High football team has worked hard all summer fighting through the intense heat ofSouth Florida. The Bobcats made their mark at the Brandon Flowers 7-on-7 Tournament by winning it this summer. They are now looking to make their mark on the regular season.

Coach Burnham is entering his second season as the Bobcats head coach and is looking to improve from the 3-7 season in 2011.  “I’m expecting a lot of improvement with no distractions this year and everyone focused,” commented Burnham. Coach Burnham’s goal this season is to win as many games as possible.

The Bobcats are looking to make scoring very difficult for opposing teams this season. “The strongest part of our team would probably be our D-Front,” said Burnham. The team is looking to rely heavily on the linebackers and defensive lineman that make up that front and make it very difficult for opposing teams to create any offensive gains inside the numbers.

The Bobcats lost key leaders such as receiver JoJo Sweeney, who went on to play Division II football, running back Keith Byars II, and linebacker Mark Danieli. The team still has a leader in veteran Quarterback: Senior, Kevin Anderson, who will lead the team into battle under the bright Friday night lights. Kevin has quarterbacked the Bobcats since his sophomore year and he has gained a lot of experience and has grown into a Division I college quarterback.

Kevin Anderson recently committed to play forMarshallafter he graduates from Boca High. “I choseMarshallbecause going in I’m going to have a good chance to play,” saidAnderson.Marshallplays in ConferenceUSAandAndersonwill face some tough competition against teams such asEast Carolinaand UCF.Andersonis heading up toMarshallin December where he will begin to try to win the starting quarterback spot for the start of the 2013 football season.

“It was a good choice and he will do really well there,” said Coach Burnham aboutAnderson’s commitment.  Coach Burnham has been Kevin’s coach all three years he has quarterbacked the Varsity Bobcats football team.

As for this season up ahead at Boca High, Kevin Anderson’s top goal is plain and simple: “win a district title”. The Bobcats have a tough schedule ahead of them though. Kevin Anderson would like to see all Bobcat fans at a huge home game on November 1^st against Palm Beach Central. This game is a district game and the second to last game so it will also be crucial in deciding playoff seeding.  Other big district games are October 5^th against John I. Leonard at home and away at Park Vista on October 18^th. The Bobcats have a tough road ahead but should make an impact on Division 8A football this season.

Mwargo.pawprint@gmail.com

At the crack of dawn every Friday, or in the heat of the day every afternoon, this year’s cross country team, coached again by Mr. Weiss and Coach Gomez, hopes to achieve greatness in the most grueling sport available at Boca High

With the loss of the number one runner last year, Brian Dillard, who set the 5k school record, the boys’ team is now led by senior Jordan Kessel and juniors Kyle Heckman and Jason Dossantos, while the girl’s team is lead by junior Olivia Nicholson, ranked the 69^th runner in the state.

Mr. Weiss believes that this year, “The team as a whole is better running wise, because we have our top runners together as a team.” He also added that “The biggest part of cross country is the training involved and without it don’t expect to compete at the highest level possible.” Also, Coach Gomez mentioned, “the comradery, training, and work ethic will all pay off greatly and grow the team.”

Ask any member of the cross country team and they will tell you that this is more than a team, it’s a family.  Throughout the year the runners are never broken up, but simply start the track season after the cross country season ends. This process then continues throughout the year.

The race is like nothing else in sport. It is 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) on courses that vary from golf courses, public parks, and specially created tracks across the state.  This year the team will travel toTitusvilleFL, where they will go to represent the pride of the Bobcats and hopefully continue to the state championship.

Mr. Weiss and Coach Gomez believe that we are the underdogs because we lost Dillard and are working against some of the toughest schools in the state. However, with the increasing hard work and incredible determination of all the athletes; they can be true contenders this year for a state title.

Jlievonen.pawprint@gmail.com

While juggling his bullhorn, the time until the bell, and the schedule requests of 20 plus students, Dr. McKee, principal of 10 years, stated that Boca High is at the top to stay.

Dr. McKee said that the new incoming freshmen “should try their hardest even if it means not having perfect A’s and B’s” but “to learn and try to be successful across the board in high school.” AICE and AP classes which have become a staple here at Boca High are ‘’a tremendous benefit if the student is able to be successful,” according to Dr. McKee, “if the student is capable at an academic level to take them he/she should to reflect on the seriousness and the ability to do college level work.”

Having a great year here at Boca can be easy if you follow Dr. McKee’s tips: “Making and fulfilling your commitments whether they are academic or with friendships will help.”   We are full of spirit here and according to Dr. McKee, “we have big plans for this year.”  Events like homecoming and all sporting events bring a large turnout of student excitement and school spirit.  So, under Dr.McKee’s stellar leadership we, once again, we can look forward to another great year here at Boca High.

jlievonen.pawprint@gmail.com

Editor in Cheif

7:34 may not seem like the ideal time to start the first class of the day, but many Boca High students have embraced the idea of early arrival.  AP Literature and Composition, basketball class, and other classes are offered in the zero hour spot.

            Mr. Gushanas teaches one of the AP Literature and Composition classes offered during the zero hour.  28 students are currently enrolled in this early class.

            “I believe high school should start at 7:30,” said Mr. Gushanas.

Many students see taking zero hour as an opportunity to leave school earlier, which can result in a 1:30 departure, especially if they have a junior or senior privilege.

“The idea of leaving school after 5^th period definitely persuaded me to enroll in zero hour,” said senior Nina Doyle.  “It gives me a lot of time in the afternoon to catch up on school work and do other things.”

The obvious downside to zero hour is the early wakeup call that comes with it, but the zero hour students don’t seem to mind.

“I have to wake up early either way,” said Doyle.  “I’d rather wake up one hour earlier knowing I’ll have an extra hour of after-school time.  I also get to avoid the morning and afternoon traffic jams in the parking lot.”

The concept of an earlier arrival especially appeals to athletes.  Senior Lauren Janka insists that zero hour will give her a valuable two hours to go home before practices and do some homework.

Basketball class gives the boys’ basketball team extra time to workout in the gym before the season even starts.  The competitive nature of Boca High athletics is reflected in the zero hour basketball period.

            “By having zero hour, we start the day off right,” said senior Max McKee. “It helps us get better individually and as a team. Since a lot of schools don’t have a zero hour basketball class, it gives our team more time to get better while other teams aren’t.”

Waking up at six in the morning may not be every high school students’ ideal start, but if you only live once you might as well make the most of your days.

Gdaniels.pawprint@gmail.com

Entertainment Editor

Being brought up in a mainly Republican family, it would have been easy for me to just consider myself one as well without having the slightest idea as to what they stand for. Yes I am a Republican, but on my own accord and because of my own views and beliefs coincide with theirs.

The view I agree most with is their opinion on the government’s role in the lives of the citizens and to what extent they aid citizens in need. As Americans we should focus more on teaching people personal responsibility and worth ethic rather than relying on government aid like welfare.  Republicans think that we need to make welfare criteria stricter, to encourage more people to work and ensure that only the people who absolutely need to be on welfare are on it.

An issue I hold close to my heart because of personal ties is the topic of coal mining and using natural gas that we have here in America. The president and other democrats fail to realize that mining our own coal and using our own natural gas would create jobs and decrease our dependency on other countries. I support Mitt Romney’s desire to begin mining the coal once again after Obama just recently gave permission to the Environmental Protection Agency to stop the mining.

Closely related to the welfare issue, I am an opponent of Obamacare because I think it is too much like a socialist program. I agree with the Republican’s idea of people having either personal or employer provided healthcare insurance.

In addition, there are several smaller beliefs of the Republican Party that I agree with.  I support the laissez-faire philosophy backed by Republicans. In my opinion, the government does not need to be involved the economy and businesses being that we are a capitalist country. In my opinion, taxes should be cut to help stimulate our economy which is something the Republicans want to do. In the 2^nd Amendment it clearly states that we as citizens have the right to bear arms which is why I am an opponent of gun control laws. I also don’t support government funding for abortion or abortion in general, except in extreme cases like rape.

While I may not agree with all of their views, it’s fair to say that I am a conservative because of my beliefs that relate closely to the beliefs of other Republicans and the party as a whole.

Sfreglette.pawprint@gmail.com

With November 2012 looming around the corner, it is important to remember the importance of this month and year: election time. Everyone knows the candidates, Barack Obama (Democrat) and Mitt Romney (Republican), but not everyone knows what the candidates and their political parties stand for.  I’d like to inform Boca High on what being a Democrat means for me.

One of the most important differences between a Democrat and a Republican is their views on taxes. Democrats believe that taxes should be raised for those with higher incomes. I agree with this because I believe that since the upper class earns more money, it’s easier for them to help the country, whereas it’s more difficult for people who don’t have such a high income. Since we are one united country, it is everyone’s moral obligation to help the economy.

A very important issue in this upcoming election is America’s stance on military issues. Most democrats think that our country should decrease military and defense spending. I agree with this because I believe that America does not have the financial stability to put forth so much money into countries we don’t need to be in anymore.

For me, the main reason I consider myself a Democrat is because of their views on social issues. For example, they support gay marriage and believe that all women have a right to choose abortion. I strongly agree with these viewpoints because I feel that our Constitution guards the rights of people who choose that lifestyle and also because I feel it is not my place, or anyone else’s, to tell them how to live their lives.

There is no right or wrong side; being a Democrat or a Republican is just a matter of personal beliefs and morals. With this election coming up, I hope that voters are taking the time to research both sides and pick a candidate based on who is best for our country.

Agreen.pawprint@gmail.com

But Mrs. Kessler is on campus to help seniors get through this stressful period as smoothly as possible.  Located in the college and career center, Kessler will gladly assist anyone through the college application process.  Whether it is editing a college essay, answering questions about the Common Application, or refining a college list, Kessler is always there to save the day.

“My goals are to help students find the best fit college for them and to assist the college financial aid and scholarship process,” said Kessler.

Miss Gross is joining forces with Mrs. Kessler to help assist the senior class, which contains more than 750 students.  The class of 2013 is the largest class Kessler has ever had at Boca High.

“Appointments should be booked in advance,” Kessler said.  “Much of what we do can even be done via email like reviewing essays and applications.”

With Miss Gross on staff, the AICE General Paper guru can help Mrs. Kessler keep a keen eye open for well-written essays.

“I’m so happy to have Miss Gross,” said Mrs. Kessler.  “An assistant helps to take some of the burden of the 778 seniors.  She is a welcome addition to the college and career center.”

In addition to spending time in the college and career center, students can utilize the online blog managed by Mrs. Kessler.  The blog is a terrific way to stay up to date with colleges visiting Boca High and deadlines for applications.  Students can follow @BobcatCollege on Twitter for updates as well.

“I tried to find many ways to reach students and parents as possible,” said Kessler.  “Email doesn’t always work because some students never check their email, so I use the website and twitter to connect with as many students and parents as possible.”

While it may be an exciting time for seniors, the stress is inevitable.  But Mrs. Kessler insists that there are ways to significantly reduce the tension this process can cause.

Some quick tips from Mrs. Kessler are to apply early and retest with ACT and SAT in October if necessary.

Instagram is becoming a new obsession in the midst of the social networking obsession.  Even celebrities have been bitten by the Instagram-love bug, such as Zooey Deschanel, Oprah Winfrey, and Nicole Richie to name a few.

In April, Facebook made an offer to purchase Instagram for $1 billion in cash and stock.  Since the offer, Instagram executives and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg have worked out a deal in which Instagram will be run as an independent service.

Instagram is a fun way to show friends or family up-to-date photos of where you are or what you’re doing.  It is also a way to help bring out the photographer in us all, especially with the ability to put different filters on your photos.   Instagram is available at the iTunes App Store and on Google Play.