A note from
Student Body President
Brittany Williams
Coming into this year, I never would have imagined that I would be student body president. But the presidency was not the only surprise. I would soon come to find this year to be filled with so many other unexpected pleasant accomplishments.
From our record-breaking donations to the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital cancer wing to yet another successful canned food drive, this 2009-2010 school year has been far from uneventful.
Although I may have been the official leader for most of the year, I could not have accomplished …

Where do I start?
Isn’t there a typical saying about “Time flies when you’re having fun?” Well in this case it is the truth. It seems like only yesterday when I mailed out your welcome back letters, but in reality a whole school year has transpired, and we are now nearing the end.
As I reflect on the year, I am drawn to the contents of that first senior letter. In that letter I told you that the success of this school year would not be determined by me or any other …

By C.C. Smith

At most high schools, the valedictorian is the one who speaks at graduation.
But not at Leon.
This year, graduates Steven Keller and Ashira Morris will address their classmates during the commencement ceremony on June 3.
The two seniors were elected to speak by their fellow Summa Cum Laude honorees (3.9 to 4.0 unweighted grade point average).
There are 19 Summas in the class of 2010. They conducted the vote after the Pierian Honor Society inductions in March. The students involved were allowed to withdraw their names if they preferred not to …

Student Body President
Jon Bielby
Student Body Vice President
Chris Hill
Senior Class President
Brooke Eubanks
Senior Class Vice President
Tori Bradley
Senior Class Treasurer
Brad Olson
Senior Class Secretary
Amy Chaaban
Junior Class President
Hunter Munson
Junior Class Vice President
Waverly Chin
Junior Class Treasurer
Sarah Emmanuel
Junior Class Secretary
Brandi Johnson
SAC Representitive
Chelsea Williams

 
In a ceremony held in the Leon Performing Arts Theater on May 12, the 2010 Best and Brightest winners were announced. Former Florida State University President T. K. Wetherell was the keynote speaker.
Leon nominated students in all 15 categories. The following students recieved recognition for their community service and dedication to subject area.
Winners
Art: Taylor Hardee
Music: Greta Smidt
Social Science: Christina Ciaravella
Runner-Ups
English and Literature: Rebecca Markell
Drama and Performing Arts: Kayla Valentine
Honorable Mentions
Journalism: Ashira Morris
Mathematics: Kathleen Park

 
By Ashira Morris
“Help.”
This single word describes former student Ann Grosmaire to drama teacher Rod Durham. His selection is appropriate. Grosmaire, who passed away on April 2 due to a gunshot wound, is remembered as a compassionate young woman.
Grosmaire’s funeral was held in Tallahassee at Good Shepherd Parish while the Leon Thespians were in Tampa for state competition. At 2 p.m., the time of the service in Tallahassee, the drama troupe formed a circle and said one word to describe Grosmaire.
“When I think of Ann, I think of two words,” Durham …

By C.C. Smith
The Latin state competition was held in Orlando from April 14-17.
Out of 43 schools, Leon was one of three to finish with over 400 points.
Leon High finished third in the Academic Sweepstakes, third in the Overall Sweepstakes and sixth in Certamen.
“We held our own. Everyone placed in both of their contests and all of our Certamen teams made it to the semi-finals.” – Jeffrey Satriano
The Leon Thespians received only the highest scores possible, ‘excellent’ and ‘superior,’ for their performances at the state level.
Leon took home Best Small Group …

By C.C. Smith
Economics teacher Mohanlall Birbahadur, commonly known as Mr. B., is retiring after this school year as this is the end of his fifth year in the Drop Extension program.
“It’s a unique class. Not just anyone can teach it. He’s going to be a tough teacher to replace.” -Principal Rocky Hanna
Hanna will go outside the school faculty to find a replacement.

Next year, Assistant Principal of Curriculum Billy Epting will be Principal at Canopy Oaks Elementary.

By C.C. Smith

 On April 24, Leon sent out a group of students to participate in the Habitat for Humanity’s construction of a home to be donated to a family in need.
Seniors over the age of 18 were a part of the concstruction. Members of Future Business Leaders of America brought breakfast and stayed on site to help.
Principal Rocky Hanna, Athletic Director Mark Feely and social studies teacher Betsy Fisher were also on site participating in the creation of the home.
“It was rewarding seeing the students communicating outside the classroom with …

By Taylor McMahon

 On April 15, Governor Charlie Crist vetoed a bill that had inspired more passionate opposition from Floridians than almost any other issue in his term.
Later that day, Leon hosted a press conference on the hill in front of the school for Crist, and he spoke about his decision to not pass the bill.
Marching bands from city-wide schools joined Leon’s Marching Redcoats to perform for the governor and the press in celebration.
Senate Bill 6, or the “teacher merit-pay bill,” proposed to link teacher salaries to student scores in standardized …