Author Steve Alten, whose adventure stories have thrilled thousands of fans and captured the imaginations of readers, paid a visit Nov. 2 to student fans at Seminole Ridge High School.
During his hour-long stay, Alten signed autographs, talked about his books and his life experiences, emphasized to his audience the importance of setting goals and answered questions about his mega-hit novel Meg, a page turner about a megalodon — a prehistoric shark — that surfaces from the Marianas Trench to wreak havoc in its wake.
After being “left at the altar” (as Alten phrased it) by several film companies, Meg is now being made into a movie featuring action star Jason Statham in the lead role.
Marching Band Takes Bronze in State Competition — The SRHS Winged Regiment marching band returned Nov. 12 from state championship competition still ranked as one of the top bands in Florida. Although they did not earn a “three-peat” as they had hoped, the marching band placed third statewide, and — with a 96 out of 100 — boasts the highest percussion score across the entire state in all divisions.
This marks the third-straight year that the Winged Regiment has represented SRHS in the state championships at St. Petersburg-Tampa’s Tropicana Field.
SRHS Hosts Dallas Brass — On Dec. 12, band students will have the opportunity to spend the school day with the world-renowned Dallas Brass. The day will be spent in master classes and rehearsals, ending with a private performance for band students.
In addition, Dallas Brass will perform that evening at 7 p.m. in the Dr. Lynne K. McGee Auditorium, with members of the band program given the opportunity to perform side-by-side with them in concert. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Visit www.showtix4u.com to purchase advance tickets. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $10 for students.
Hawks Sign for Softball — Two Hawk softball players signed athletic scholarship letters of intent Nov. 14. Jordyn Frank signed to play for the Hawks of Hillsborough College in Tampa, while Taylor Pennica signed to play for the Sailfish of Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Hawks and Hurricanes — The SRHS boys junior varsity basketball players, under the tutelage of coach and counselor Tim Mickens, toured the University of Miami campus Nov. 14, learning about admission requirements and visiting dormitories and classes. But the highlight of the day trip was being allowed to watch the Hurricanes basketball team practice. “Coach Jim Larrañaga was very receptive, and each of his players introduced themselves to us,” Mickens said. “We got to shoot around on their practice courts and then met the players and took pictures. The squad even took time out to speak with our players about life, the importance of achieving an education and how to be better student-athletes. What an experience!”
Softball Signers (Front row) Jordyn Frank and Taylor Pennica; and (back row) SRHS head softball coach Candace Horton, Principal James Campbell and assistant softball coach Bryan Abel.
