THE Holiday Issue Vol. 16, No. 3 www.cbhscircuit.com
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HARVEST BY LEXI FLECHNER
Students Government Association (SGA), along with help from a variety of clubs and teachers, worked long and hard throughout the month of November to collect different items ranging from canned vegetables to gift cards for the
DRIVE
difference in the lives of many underall of the collected items to families in pating families in the community reing dinner, a week’s worth of groceries
December 2016 (754) 323-0350
NewS
The ‘Big Red Bus’ visits the Bay Future Medical Practitioners hold blood drive to support various local hospitals. Story on Page 11
FeAtureS
goal was to collect enough food for
Season of giving Holidays prompt students to be more charitable and generous.
Nascimento said she was extremely happy to reach their goal and help so “It’s so awesome that we raised enough items to give back to so many fa m i l ies,” that if we don’t collect enough, there will be some families that won’t receive any help, and it’s really great that no one will have that problem
Story on Pages 28 & 29
SPORTS
- Anya Berry said she feels her experience sponsible for overseeing collections, pre- with the drive has impacted her personparing the bags and organizing distribu“Since I was in elementary school I “It’s a lot of work to plan everything, have donated to or been directly involved but I feel so rewarded in the end, because I know all the families really need our out families in our community has been help and it makes a huge impact on them “It touches my heart to see these families
Members of SGA stayed after school multiple days to help sort food and pack the bags, in addition to collecting items “It made me feel really proud to be able to contribute to such an amazing -
Lightning Lunatic legacy Student section continues to bring energy to the Bay’s basketball court.
make these families happy and do my
Schlussel contributed to the drive by In order to gather the necessary items collecting and sorting the hundreds of - for the drive, SGA enlists the help of all a certain item and is given a goal amount “It felt so rewarding seeing how happy “It’s so great that everyone at school all the families were to receive the food,” ing to help the families last year and I wanted to try and make a bigger differ- school is so big, I love seeing everyone Berry said that over the years she has come together to make a huge difference has learned how much of an impact she ful at times, the payoff makes it all worth it, because it was all about helping those dent and senior Amy Gallagher said she makes me feel extremely grateful for - feels great knowing that Best Buddies are afraid to ask for help, and it’s really pick up their food, getting to see the look on their faces knowing that for a week bers, and we thought that with so many they won’t have to worry about putting members we could pull everyone together as a can of soup makes a huge difference to make a big difference for people in our to a family who can’t afford to put food
Story on Page 31
ARTS & eNt. Year in review 2016 brings changes to popular culture.
Story on Page 40
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DECEMBER 2016
DECA spirit week excites members In an effort to award the club and its members for all of the dedication and work put in for the welfare of the organization, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) hosted a spirit week from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2. The week allowed for students to participate in activities like the “30 day DECA network with other students outside of the chapter here at the Bay. Executive Council Member and sophomore, Ana Jaramillo, said DECA the members. “DECA is an amazing club and all was necessary to show the school how much hard work goes into ensuring the
PHOTO BY JESSIE CHAIET
is important to show our members how much we value all of their loyalty and She said this celebratory week unites DECA members in acknowledging their shared interest in the chapter. “This is a special time where DECA members can share their passion for the are united when participating in DECArelated activities that will give them more knowledge about our chapter and of the program on both a state and international are so amazing because they allow members to share their experiences
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PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ANA JAMARILLO
(Counterclockwise from top) (left to right) junior Valentina Sigala, sophomore Victoria Brandt and junior Gustavo Rubio work the Global Entrepreneurship Week booth during their lunch period by asking students trivia questions. Junior Valentina Sigala and sophomore Sydney Saul use a picture frame to promote DECA month. Students
“ consisted of members snapping pictures of themselves with different things related to the organization like with a DECA blazer or a DECA diamond everyday. In also had two dress up days where students could deck out in blue which took place on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Jaramillo said this week is also important to the club, because it recruits potential members. “DECA is all about growing as a
was so much fun. It allowed for us to have activities in the week, we are able to show a good time while obtaining information the school what it is like to be a part of our chapter and hopefully convince them want students to play a boring trivia game in which they would most likely However, Jaramillo said planning this not retain any of the information. Instead, week was not an easy task and required we wanted them to obtain this knowledge many after-school hours. “The most strenuous part about the planning process was trying to minimize representatives also played a role in putting on the week. Sophomore Russell Vaz, a member of the DECALeadership time into thinking out all of our activities Council (DLC), said that as a DLC, his in detail. We made sure to properly plan main priority was to spread awareness for the blue dress up day so that we would DECA week throughout his class period. have as many members as possible “I truly love DECA and all that it stands for; this is why I was more than happy to Jaramillo said she did not mind advertise for this week celebrating the planning the activities, because in the end they were fun for all participants, hence that the entire school sees the extent to the scavenger hunt which took place on which this club succeeds not just in the Nov. 28-29. county but all around the country and “Personally, I think the scavenger hunt
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Junior Sam Pinchevsky, who is enrolled in Advanced International and a member of the DECA chapter, said he noticed the DECA spirit all throughout the Bay during the week. “It was very exciting to go to class during DECA week, because I got to look forward to all the fun games the Pinchevsky said. “The scavenger hunt was very fun for everyone to participate in and show their knowledge about the Pinchevsky said he is proud to be a member of DECA and enjoyed exhibiting his pride throughout the school. “DECA did a great job in trying to involve as many students as possible DECA Week was a success and really left
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DECEMBER 2016
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Best Buddies raises Thanksgiving spirit BY JESSIE CHAIET NEWS PHOTO EDITOR
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Best Buddies hosted its annual Potluck Dinner on Nov. 18 in the cafeteria. More than 50 people attended, and all members were required to bring in a food item. “The Best Buddies Potluck is our take on Thanksgiving, so we can eat Thanksgiving [dinner] with our buddies,” senior and Best Buddies treasurer Joshua Tang, chair of the event, said. “We get to have a really good time together and be thankful for what we have.”
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Thanksgiving is a time for us to come together and think about how great our year was or what we’re thankful for, so it was really nice.
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-senior Joshua Tang Best Buddies hosts an event for each holiday. Every November, it has a Potluck event for Thanksgiving, and it has been doing so for about seven years. “We thought for Thanksgiving it would be appropriate to have a Thanksgiving dinner,” senior and Best Buddies president Amy Gallagher said. “I love Thanksgiving, and the Potluck is like a preview to Thanksgiving.”
was a variety of food items ranging from traditional Thanksgiving items, such as turkey and mashed potatoes, to pizza and chicken tenders and dessert items like pie and cookies. “I served food, and it was great because I got to see everybody,” Gallagher said. “It [felt] like a big family dinner with lots of food.” After being served, members of the club got to interact with their buddies. In addition, everybody was encouraged to bring his or her family to the event. “My favorite part of the potluck is after everybody is served,” Gallagher said. “After that, you just get to sit down and eat with all of your friends and family and just get to talk to everyone.” Gallagher said that the Best Buddies Potluck is one of her favorite events of the year. She said she likes that it is very different from the other events. “This [event] is different than other events because lots of our other events like the Halloween Dance and the Valentine’s Day Dance are loud,” Gallagher said. “This is kind of more low-key and relaxed, so it’s special. I think it’s more intimate and you get to talk to people more.” cafeteria for the event; the tables of the cafeteria were adorned with Thanksgiving themed tablecloths and a “Happy Thanksgiving” banner was placed along the wall. “[The Potluck] was like a Thanks-
PHOTO BY JESSIE CHAIET
POTLUCKY: Senior Samantha Gomez serves food to Issac Gottesman at the Potluck dinner on Nov. 18 in the cafeteria. The Best Buddies club provided various types of Thanksgiving foods including mashed potatoes and yams.
giving dinner,” senior Jordyn Hollander said. “I think it’s really cool that it’s like Thanksgiving for us, and then later we get to have Thanksgiving with our families.” Hollander, who attended the event to spend time with her buddy Dayna Almond, said that she enjoyed the event and liked all of the food that was offered. “I think that it was a really good event, and it was really fun,” Hollander said. “I thought all the food was really good, and I thought it was really cool that everybody brought something and that it was all things you would have at a Thanksgiv-
ing dinner.” Tang said he was looking forward to the Potluck, and he was happy with the way it turned out. He said it was a nice event, because it honored Thanksgiving, and he enjoyed meeting all the families. “It was a really fun experience, because we eat food together and talk,” Tang said. “Thanksgiving is a time for us to come together and think about how great our year was or what we’re thankful for, so it was really nice.”
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DECEMBER 2016
TRANSGENDER DAy of REmEmbRANcE
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The Gender Sexuality Alliance remembered the lives of transgender people on Nov. 21.
BY STEPHANIE STONE NEWS EDITOR
Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) hosted its annual Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 21 in the courtyard during all four lunches to commemorate the lives of transgender people. “Putting on our event for Transgender Day of Remembrance every year is co-president Jen Galante said. “Of not something to be celebrated so much
transgender community have already people go through. “[The purpose of the event] is to
PHOTO BY JESSIE CHAIET
to transgender people everyday by
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Of course, it’s a very sad, somber day and not something to be celebrated so much as well as their deaths, are
-senior co-president Jen Galante
PHOTO BY MIRANDA MILAN
PHOTO BY JESSIE CHAIET
NEVER FORGOTTEN: (Clockwise from from top) (From left to right) sophomore Felix Levy, juniors Kaldwell Graner, Sebastian Aguerrevere and Melissa Morales volunteer at the memorial booth, where students are shown the hate crimes in the transgender community. Senior Jen Galante shows her support for Transgender Day of Remembrance by posting suportive messages on the door for others to see and by spreading encouragement. During the event, students have the opportunity to learn about the different gender identities and about the lives lost in the transgender community.
she reached out to other people about
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meaning behind Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Although I was really
is currently happening in the transgender community. the voices and actions of those you are really pretty and people are actually
I am usually terrible at talkingto people, it was a very positive and
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and this day is a time to
-junior Kaldwell Graner
expected some students to give her a hard time and be unaccepting.
single negative reaction. Everyone that respectful and interested in learning and and impassioned by that to reach out even
success because it helped the students; hate crimes that have been directed at transgender people and the second
multiple tables outside in the courtyard she sees that there is hope for a brighter
through education. students learned about all of the gender “A lot of people not involved in the
to live in fear. day and tried to persuade them to engage in the event.
supportive comments on Post-It Notes and so part of it is a hugely important my duty as a decent human being trying continue to spread the love. “I feel pretty good about all of these
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Hopeful engineers explore university BY ALLY POLNER
Members of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Junior (SHPE Ju-
medical engineering, tissue engineering,
taught students concepts that can help provide information needed to help stu-
college students that are part of SHPE to senior and president of SHPE Andrea PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ALEJANDRA GARCIA
perspectives of the aspect of engineering CHOMP CHOMP:
concepts being taught at Cypress Bay er it is something material or designing high school so that you have a foundation
perience, a tour of the campus and seeal culture, communication and leadership Sophomore Sebastian Dolan said that ing the engineering labs, she got to enjoy a club, Vallenilla said it united everyone - more and helped everyone learn more - of the university and to learn more about -
ing on a college campus, especially one as
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as going to different labs, being exposed to more engineering areas in the fair and ing able learn about all the experiments
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of computer science that can help me in things about computer science that they
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“Fundamentally, engineering involves the translation or application of scien-
ideas and logic and it helped members are learning so much about organization-
ESE donates knit hats to children’s hospital BY VALENTINA LESDENDE
Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Senior Grant Brunner said this activity has helped him focus more and improve program called Looming For Hope last year; through this program, students are hats help him to avoid getting distracted given the opportunity to loom hats for cancer patients at the Joe DiMaggio Chil“I love looming because I love doing PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY CARLENE HECKMAN
HIGH HOPES: (Top)
are all sorts of sizes, colors and arrangements for children battling severe illness-
ing, and giving patients a gift to put a lit- favorite designs are the festive Christmas tle bit of sunshine in their life is amazonly gives our students the opportunity to -
from the school and has continued suc- program, because she is able to get in-
hopes to deliver more throughout the upto eight members, the goal remains to
Looming For Hope has helped both -
- expand so the members of Best Buddies -
(Left) A patient at the
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DECEMBER 2016
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Clubs participate in walk for awareness BY JESSIE CHAIET
tive sophomore Derek Sheinberg
NEWS PHOTO EDITOR
felt good doing so. Members of Health Occupations Students of America ing that I’m helping others in (HOSA) and Helping Overnesses. I met a lot of new peo(HOPE) participated in the Na- ple, made a lot of new relationtional Alliance on Mental Illness ships and had fun while doing (NAMI) Walk that took place at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek on Nov. 12; a total of 40 members attended from the two walk went toward the NAMI organization in order to improve the lives of people with mental illnesses. “The walk itself was fun, and I liked that the cause was for mental illnesses, because there’s such a wide range [of illnesses]
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY HOPE BRUNNER time HOSA and HOPE attended the walk. HOSA adviser Laura WALK IT OUT: Members of HOSA and HOPE participate in the National Alliance on Mental Clarke informed HOPE about Illness (NAMI) Walk.The walk took place on Nov. 12 in Coconut Creek to raise money for the
contact. time the clubs participated in this yearly fundraiser. “We knew Mrs. Clarke, and she came to us and talked to us about [the walk] because she Clarke said. “Our students are knows that HOPE is about raisDiaz said he thinks it is imsenior Ricardo Diaz, HOSA ing awareness of suicide prethem have a desire to help men- portant to raise awareness for Service and project leader of HOSA’s NAMI committee, said. and she encourages us to par- tional HOSA service project. ticipate in these events to help HOSA fundraises is donated At the NAMI walk, HOSA to NAMI, and HOSA particiand HOPE members walked pates in multiple NAMI events a 5K together and attended an to receive a NAMI shirt. It was opening session and entertain- bowling and a fundraising comment session. At the entertain- bers to participate or donate, but petition between classes called ment session, there was music and activities, such as games to do so. HOSA raised almost and clowns. Attendees were alnization that helps people at their lowed to bring their dogs to the “I wanted to raise as much - as I could because it’s a great
that NAMI is the national projing for NAMI and being a part of the NAMI committee. “We didn’t have a lot of time “[NAMI] is one of the best to tell a lot of people [about the walk] because we found out Diaz said. “There’s such a wide on short notice, but we tried to range [of illnesses] including depression and autism, and to raise [awareness] for that cause makes are going to know in advance so we can set some goals like a he hopes more people attend
for the NAMI walk and just to
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NEWS
DECEMBER 2016
ESOL proposals reach state level BY STEPHANIE STONE NEWS EDITOR
English as a Second Language (ESOL) students from the Bay traveled to Tallahassee in May to participate in the Rally to Tally program sponsored by the Close Up Foundation. The 30 students were able to learn how to write proposals on current issues that concern immigrant students, how to present it to senators and see how democracy works. The second part of the Rally to Tally program took place on Nov. 17 and 18 at Nova Southeastern University. These students improved the proposals that they presented in Tallahassee, made a visual for their proposal and later showcased it to dignitaries of Broward County, including mayors and members of the Board of Education. “[Rally to Tally] provided an enormous opportunity for ESOL students and also their parents to see their children in action,” reading teacher Magdaline Ruiz Ramirez said. “This was just a taste of what they should be doing, which is researching about important issues that will ultimately affect them as immigrants and their families.” At the showcase, all of the students’ skills were tested. They were asked multiple questions about their proposals, but also had to express themselves using the English language. Ms. Ramirez said this portion of the program requires the students to have public speaking and leadership skills.
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It is important for them to know that their voice can be heard, but they have to learn how to do that in an orderly manner by recommending solutions to problems that they are involved in and their parents are involved in.
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-reading teacher Magdaline Ruiz Ramirez These kids are learning about a process of how things are done here in the United States,” Mrs. Ramirez said. “It is important for them to know that their voice can be heard, but they have to learn how to do that in an orderly manner by recommending solutions to problems that they are involved in and their parents are involved in.” To prepare for the event, Mrs. Ramirez
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY MAGDALINE RUIZ RAMIREZ
RALLY TO TALLY: (Clockwise from top) English as a Second Language students and teachers are ready to present their proposals to Broward dignitaries. The group of 30 students went to Nova Southeastern University on Nov. 17- 18 with the Rally to Tally program. Junior Elena Merino stands by her board that displays information about teen pregnancy. Senior Paula Lugo works on her portion of the presentation at the convention.
worked with students for weeks to make “[My students] get to share opinions sure they were knowledgeable on their and interact with others who are similar in their opinions and who have different front of other people. views to learn how to make a difference “I wanted to brush up their knowledge and implant laws,” Ms. Martinez said. “It on certain laws and things that concern overall was an opportunity to learn from them, so that they do not get there with an other schools.” empty head,” Mrs. Ramirez said. “They Junior Rafael Ledezma attended the now have the information if certain ar- event and his topic was medicinal mariticles or issues are brought up they have juana. He said the second part of the prosomething to talk about because they al- gram allowed him to make his proposal ready heard it.” apply to Broward County. Along with Mrs. Ramirez, adminis“We researched it more before we got trative specialist Nori Suarez and read- there and at the event because now it is aling teacher Ligia Martinez attended the ready passed in Florida, so we just made event. Mrs. Martinez said it is important more amendments,” Ledezma said. “To for her students, as immigrants, to have present the proposal, we did a poster as a voice in this country and be able to a team. Then, we had to explain to the change things. representatives of Broward County that “It was a good experience for me and came to our table the reasons why we my students,” she said. “All of the stu- wanted this proposal to happen.” dents were happy and glad to be there. For his presentation, Ledezma said he They were proud to dress up in business felt very prepared not only because of his attire to present their work.” team, but also his public speaking skills. In addition to learning new skills, the students also had the chance to work as “I am not a shy person, so presenting to a team with other ESOL students around me was not as big as an issue for me as Broward County. it was for others and others on my team.”
During the event, Mrs. Ramirez oversaw the students. She said she was pleased about the English and organization that they used. “The most memorable part for me while I was there, was just watching them change and seeing how they changed with their views,” Mrs. Ramirez said. “Their behavior was just beautiful and they were learn more and they now want to learn more about the system. I am just a proud mama.” Ledezma said was grateful for the experiences the trip provided. It allowed him to learn about the government and about different colleges. “It was a good opportunity for me to get involved with the legislation procedures of the government which most students do not get to do,” Ledezma said. “I got to see Nova [Southeastern University] part of the trip which was really good.”
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CBTV members mingle at November social At each social, a Member of the Month award is presented to a student to recognize his or her outstanding work. At the November social, junior Gio Vargas received the award for his recent effort in the club.
BY LAUREN PABIAN
Cypress Bay Television (CBTV) Vice President of Membership sophomore, Alex Tawid, coordinated the November social held on Nov. 21 in the Student Government Association (SGA) room. Of the 198 students in the club, 70 people attended this social, making it the social with the highest attendance this year. Each social, Tawid receives help from the executive board, a committee, and the Director of Live Events and Production Manager senior Cameron Guck.
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PHOTO BY LAUREN PABIAN
REPORTING LIVE: (From left) sophomore and Vice President of Membership Alex Tawid and November Social.
Member of the Month Gio Vargas
“It is mainly my responsibility to prepare for the socials each month, but I do get help from other people which takes a lot of pressure off my plate,” Tawid said. For each social, a different Television Leadership Committee (TVLC) is also chosen to cochair the event. For the month of November, sophomore Tay-
lor Fishman was chosen to help plan the social. “I am so glad I was chosen to help co-chair this social,” Fishman said. “It gave me a great feeling of leadership and I enjoyed planning such a fun event that I know everyone enjoys.” The duties of a TVLC include coming up with fun ideas for events to do at the socials for the classes to vote on. “I had to come up with a bunch of activities I thought everyone in the club would enjoy,” Fishman said. “I also tried to incorporate the fall
and November theme into the activities.” The activities from the November social included a scavenger hunt and a fall cookiedecorating contest. “I thought that a scavenger hunt would be a great idea, because it gives a sense of teamwork and is a good way to meet new people while having a fun time,” she said. “I also chose to do a cookie-decorating contest, because it incorporates the theme of fall with a delicious treat.” Although it is not required for CBTV members to go to these
socials, many still choose to. “We do not make these socials mandatory, but many people still do attend,” Tawid said. “We try to incorporate fun games and activities we know the members will enjoy.” CBTV consists of eight levels of classes, so a variety of students from all grades are able to come together at these socials to mingle. “It is hard to meet new people besides the ones in your own class level or committee. These socials are a great way to meet new people and be social with others in the class,” Tawid said.
[Co-chairing the social] gave me a great feeling of leadership and I enjoyed planning such a fun event that I know everyone enjoys.
”
-sophomore Taylor Fishman “In the past, I wasn’t very active in the club, but recently, I have chosen to work harder and I am really glad my efforts have been recognized,” Vargas said. Vargas said he enjoys attending these socials, because the activities are always entertaining and incorporate teamwork. “I always come to the socials because I get to meet new people that have similar interests as me,” Vargas said. “There are so many people in the club that you don’t get to meet and I feel like CBTV becomes one at these events.”
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DECEMBER 2016
SGA prepares for annual Lightning Oscars show ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
In preparation for the eighth annual Lightning Oscars on Jan. 27, members of the Student Government Association (SGA) have been planning ways to make this Lightning Oscars different than before. “We started preparing for Lightning Oscars right after homecoming was over,” co-chair and junior Cali Kaufman said. “We split the SGA classes into different committees which work together on different activities to achieve one task of what needs to be done in order for the event to all come together.” SGA adviser Danielle Nascimento said that as the preparation for Lightning Oscars begins, there are many new features that are being added that haven’t been seen in previous years. “There are going to be some brand new categories for students to be nominated for, but we’re also going to bring back some old ones as well,” Mrs. Nascimento said. “Our entertainment and interactive committees are working on some cool new things that will be happening prior to the show where they will be doing different activities to promote the event during lunch from now until January, giving students the opportunity to see and participate in some live events.” Apprentice chair and sophomore Lexi Gladstone said the work that goes into planning for Lightning Oscars takes up a lot of time, so it’s important for preparation and planning to begin as
early as it does. “Planning for Lightning Oscars is a long process that requires a lot of hard work,” Gladstone said. “Some of the main things that SGA has to do are choose and name categories, choose presenters and hosts, make nominee invitations, decorate the auditorium for the actual day of the event and just make sure everything runs smoothly overall.” Kaufman said the theme of this year’s event will be different from just the typical red carpet theme.
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There is always so much excitement that comes it’s the coolest thing that these students get
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BY FRANKI ROSENTHAL
-SGA adviser Danielle Nascimento “We are going to change the theme a little bit and bring it back to the ‘20s for more of an old fashioned and old Hollywood theater type of night,” Kaufman said. Mrs. Nascimento said the nomination and will not consist of paper nominations, but will instead be electronic. “Instead of doing paper nominations
PHOTOS BY JESSIE CHAIET
THE OSCAR GOES TO: (Left) Sophomore Jordan Moskowitz holds the lanyards given to the Lightning Oscars presenters. Moskowitz, along with senior Jordyn Perkins and junior Katherine Gibson, arrange decorations for the upcoming ceremony.
this year, we’re going to have online a fun night that doesn’t involve the stress nominations,” Mrs. Nascimento said. of school.” Mrs. Nascimento said this event really calculation process of nominees normally excites all of the students and she is ready takes weeks, so we’re trying something a to see how it turns out this year. little more tech savvy so everything can “There is always so much excitement be more accurate and run by faster.” that comes off of the campus; I think it’s Gladstone said she is very excited for the coolest thing that these students get the day of the event so she can see all of excited for the event,” Mrs. Nascimento her work pay off as the school comes said. “I’ve already heard of people who together for the event. keep saying that they want to be a host “I am trying to accomplish a fun event or they want to present for a category and that any student from the Bay can come that’s great that the students are showing to and have a great time,” Gladstone said. their school spirit by trying to get involved. “Lightning Oscars is one of the biggest I also can’t wait to see how SGA really events that our school has, because kicks it up a notch from previous years to students can just come together and have make it better than before.”
Book project enhances comprehension BY GILLIAN D’ONOFRIO ARTS & ENT. COPY EDITOR
In Joyce Seigel’s Creative Writing classes, the curriculum allows her students to participate in hands on learning activities, whether it is walking books like dogs or creating advertising plans and presenting them to real businesses. The most recent project was on Nov. 22 in her Creative Writing 4 class after reading the book “Room” by Emma Donoghue. The students had to use household items and create an activity or toy using only the items.
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even the smallest objects. need to stay motivated no matter how hard it may be or what situations you might be in. PHOTO BY RACHEL SCHONBERGER
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-junior Marcos Estrada
PLAYING IT OUT: Juniors Alexa Voorhees and Tabatha Botti play out sections of the book “Room” in their creative writing class. Their teacher Joyce Seigel encourages creative projects to increase the understanding of the reading.
“The book is about a woman called Ma who had been kidnapped and is held captive in a room with her son Jack,” senior Emma Shapiro said. “Jack was born in the room and has never been outside of it, so it is interesting to see his perspec-
tive on the world based on that one room.” Mrs. Seigel tries to come up with a unique assessment for each book her students read in order to give them a better understanding. “I had the students create games or toys
house; toilet paper rolls, rocks, spoons, string, nothing store bought,” Mrs. Seigel said. “This really puts it into perspective how the characters had to occupy themselves with things people may have not
thought of using for amusement.” Shapiro said reading “Room” made her realize how little her problems are compared to other people’s. “I get upset over little things like not getting the grade I wanted on a test, when in reality, there are people who have it much worse,” Shapiro said. Mrs. Seigel dedicates a whole class period to focusing on the games her students make and discussing their perspectives on the book after the project. “Obviously we have fun with the games, but afterwards, we stop and talk about the comparison of how we are able laugh and enjoy the activity, even though the situation in the book adds a more serious underlying tone to it,” Mrs. Seigel said. Some examples of the games students made were puzzles made of cut up cereal boxes, tin foil animals and pick-up sticks with straws. “It was cool to try out each game, but it got to a point where it became repetitive,” junior Marcos Estrada said. “It made me consider how dull it would be to be stuck in a room without any form of entertainment other than what was around me.” Estrada said it was interesting to be creative and come up with different uses for items other than their original purpose. “This project changed my perspective on life and allowed me to appreciate even the smallest objects,” Estrada said. “Life continues, and we need to stay motivated no matter how hard it may be or what situation you might be in.”
NEWS
DECEMBER 2016
BY CASSIDY SHELDON MULT. NEWS EDITOR
Future Medical Practitioners (FMP) club hosted a quarterly blood drive on Nov. 15 and 16 where more than 120 students and faculty members participated in giving back to their community. The drive was located behind the school in a “Big Red Bus” with the aid of phlebotomists from the Oneblood organization. “In 14 years, we have had thousands of donors,” FMP sponsor and science teacher Nori Suarez said. “Multiple times, we have be awarded the most donors for a high school in the state of Florida.” To be an eligible blood donor, a student needs to be over the age of 16, have parental consent and complete a physical exam. Ms. Suarez said it is not only about meeting the requirements, but she really wants the students to understand their motives for wanting to donate blood beforehand. “When a student wants to donate blood, I want them to the process of donating blood, and to search their hearts for their motives,” Ms. Suarez said. “Yes, during lunch they give you pizza. Yes, you get a free t-shirt. But, the reason for donating blood should be to save lives.”
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Junior David Black said his favorite part about donating his blood is not only the free food and the opportunity to miss class, but also the chance of helping someone else live. “Donating blood takes just a small amount of time,” Black said. “This could possibly save someone’s life which is why I like to do it.” Junior Martina Villamayor said her motive for donating the plasma in her blood is to help save the lives of those in her family battling cancer. She said plasma and platelet donations are helpful for cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy.
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PHOTO BY CASEY MENTEN
The local hospitals the generosity and
THE BLOOD BUS: (Left to right) junior Alexandra Rosario, Oneblood Secretary Assistant Jason Castro, junior Martina Villamayor, senior Kelly Hewitt and sophomore Juanita Arrendondo gather by the “Big Red Bus” outside the Bay after donating their blood during the quarterly blood drive hosted by the Future Medical Practitioners club.
blood is basically giving back to those who have given to me.” The donation process only took about 15-30 minutes and donors were given lots of food before and after including -sponsor Nori donuts and pizza, which can Suarez help replenish their energy after “Just one donation of blood losing so much blood. Black can save up to three lives,” said he found the food to be Villamayor said. “I know people in and out of my family who his energy. have had cancer and have done “Donating blood makes me so much for me, so donating my feel dizzy and weak physically,”
”
he said. “So, before we donate blood is the lifeline for every they gave us food and drink single organ in the body, so these donations are truly helping out to function after they take our others. blood.” “The local hospitals truly After the blood is donated, it is sent to a processing center humanitarian efforts of our where it is tested for diseases students, faculty and staff,” Ms. and contaminations. Then, it Suarez said. “My favorite part of is distributed to local hospitals the blood drive is knowing that to help people in need of Cypress Bay makes such a big transfusions. Ms. Suarez said difference in our community.” of great importance because
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New media center provides tools for tutors self because it is a great chance to give
BY LUCY CELENTANO ARTS & ENT. PHOTO EDITOR
Head of the after-school tutoring pro-
Falcon Cove Middle School’s library renovations are complete marking the of-
cially open because of the fact that that
a multifunctional resource center. Middle school students and Honor Society mem- the after-school tutoring program. -
-
and book checkout services every Tuesday to aid the middle school students in various subjects during the hour afterschool tutoring sessions.
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an enjoyable experience for the tutor and - the tutee. EDUCATION CONNECTION: ogy and tools available fascinating and -
-
PHOTO BY LUCY CELENTANO
than group sessions. She said this peer-topeer tutoring is clinically proven to be the
vation has helped the after-school tutoring program because she is able to have she said that the tutoring is not only benat the Bay.
“Since many of the Cypress Bay tu-
“There is a special bond created be-
Mrs. Stringer said. “Our students under-
-
She said because tutoring is not held
- nin said.
PTSA strives for school excellence BY OLIVIA LANDSMAN
The
Parent
Student
members and have applied for this year’s Teacher
students and teachers to get involved in the Bay’s community. Members of the
Ms. Siegel said. This scholarship money is comprised of earnings from previous sponsorship fundraisers and events.
make choices for the students and the school and execute numerous events and fundraisers. PTSA president Mindy Siegel said taking on the executive role she currently
that she really appreciated the PTSA’s “The PTSA does a lot to help out the
for her. needs of the school and helping other Siegel said. Mrs. Siegel said that because she is
Vice President of Membership Latoya Stucke said it is important to join the
truly get involved as just a parent.
“
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MINDY SIEGEL
PTSA PRIDE:
I love staying informed about the needs of the school and helping other parents stay involved and informed.
”
- PTSA president Mindy Siegel
a contributing member of the Weston The Bay’s Technology Tools and in the community. membership dues. The money raised from “My favorite event is the Lightning scholarships. The PTSA also hosts and
she highly encourages signing up for the cypressbayptsa.com. school so PTSA can continue to do these
event and three general meetings. has been approved by the school board as breakfast to share all the volunteer a graduation accessory. Also given out at this event are scholarships for seniors said. school in the upcoming year and meet the “The Cypress Bay High School PTSA is pleased to offer several scholarships to
should manage stress.
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DECEMBER 2016
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SGA hosts annual faculty luncheon BY GABBY SONKIN
Student Government Association (SGA) hosted its annual faculty lunch on Nov. 18 to show appreciation for the staff and faculty at the Bay. The staff gathered in the drama room where a Thanksgiving feast was provided by administration. “[The luncheon] was very rewarding; I was able to make the faculty very happy by just providing them with lunch,” sophomore and SGA member Talia Manney said. “They were so appreciative, which made me feel even happier that I participated.”
“
It is a chance to enjoy each other’s company, because we are not always able to just socialize with one another.
“
-assistant principal Kassandra Fried Assistant Principal Kassandra Fried said she enjoys giving back to the other faculty members. “As we are very fortunate to have such an amazing staff, it is
PHOTO BY GABBY SONKIN
LUNCH BUNCH: (From left to right) Assistant Principal Kassandra Fried, Reading Specialist Adrienne Maisel, Assistant Principal Debra Santoro-Hubert and assistant principal Marianela Estripeaut catch up with each other over a festive meal at the SGA hosted event.
important they know how grateful we are for them,” Mrs. Fried said. “It is great that SGA likes to provide us with different seasonal luncheons and give back to the faculty whenever they get a chance. This luncheon gives everyone the chance to celebrate the holiday together as they socialize and talk about their own lives.” Manney had the opportunity -
chelle Morales in order to organize all the decorations, which were white tablecloths with tea lights and pinecones around them. “To prepare for this luncheon, my committee and I thought of ideas that would relate to the upcoming holiday of Thanksgiving, and we were all very appreciative Ms. Morales was there to help out,” Manney said. “I believe this is a perfect time for the
lunch because we want to show the faculty how grateful we are for them.” Math teacher, Lauren Bender, said this lunch was different than in previous years due to the new schedule. “In my opinion, due to the new schedule change, people seemed happier and more thankful for the time away from their classes,” Mrs. Bender said. “Since the classes are longer, it
was nice to go eat in the drama room for lunch.” Manney, along with other members of SGA, volunteered at the event. She said she was amazed with the variety of food offered and thought this lunch was a success overall. “I was very happy with how it turned out from the appropriate amount of food to the wonderful decorations made by my classmates,” Manney said. “I hope I am given an opportunity to work with an event similar to this one in the future.” Mrs. Fried said she felt this event was the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with her colleagues. “It is imperative for us to come together and step away from the busy work day that each and every staff member has on [his or her] hands,” Mrs. Fried said. “It is a chance to enjoy each other’s company, because we are not always able to just socialize with one another.” Mrs. Bender said it was great to see everyone come together for a Thanksgiving luncheon. “This lunch has always been very important to me, because it gives me the chance to catch up with the other faculty members,” she said. “We are not always able to talk because of our demanding schedules, so this is was the perfect way to share quality time together.”
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MAO excels in statewide competition only one question.” MAO president and senior Jalen Jiang said high performance on these competitions is due to balance and accepting imperfection. “I’ve been exposing myself to these contests for a long time,” Jiang said. “I keep a level head through my successes and failures and try to brush off any bad moments.” Jason Liu has been a member of MAO since he was a freshman. He has participated in various competitions throughout his high school career and from these competitions became closer with his team.
BY CAITY BURDASH
Members of Mu Alpha Theta (MAO), along with students from 50 other registered schools, participated in a Florida Math League high school level mathematics competition on Nov. 15 at the Bay. “This Florida Math League competition was more of a preseason contest leading everyone up to the bigger competitions ahead of us,” junior and MAO member Jason Liu said.
“
I believe with more practice, the students will perform even better. I am very proud of the hard work everyone puts in. Everyone did pretty well at this competition. There was one perfect score and 12 students missed only one question.
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-math teacher Richard Farmer Many Florida Math League competitions are held throughout the year and each round in the contest contains six math problems. “An interested freshman or sophomore the six problems,” junior Richard Liu
PHOTO BY CAITY BURDASH
LEAGUE OF HER OWN: Freshman Angela Li works on the test for the Florida Math League high school level mathematics competition, which took place on Nov. 15 at the Bay. Mu Alpha Theta members, as well as students from 50 other registered schools, participated in this competition.
said. “The sixth question is meant for challenging the most gifted students.” Math teacher Richard Farmer, who has been coaching the team for six years, helped students get ready for this competition. “To prepare for this competition, the students took a couple dozen practice tests in class as well as practiced after school twice a week,” Mr. Farmer said. Each math team is composed of four
members, but each division can have as many as 20 students competing. After the event, each participating school receives scoring students in each grade level. “I believe with more practice, the students will perform even better,” Mr. Farmer said. “I am very proud of the hard work everyone puts in. Everyone did pretty well at this competition. There was one perfect score and 12 students missed
and working together,” Jason Liu said. “It’s really great to be on a team with my friends. There is a bonding moment for everyone.” Richard Liu said he feels that these math competitions do more than just create rivalries- they also open up students’ minds. “These competitions introduce students to new ideas,” Richard Liu said. “The questions present new topics and enhance discussions of old ones.” Richard Liu said math competitions promote enjoyment and the study of mathematics. “The most immediate value of these math contests is obvious: they peak students’ interests in mathematics and encourage them to value intellectual pursuits,” Richard Liu said. On Jan. 14, the team will be competing at a MAO-style competition at Lawton Chiles High school in Tallahassee.
Debate upholds tradition of hosting tournament PR MANAGER
The Cypress Bay debate team hosted ment on the weekend of Nov. 11 at Cypress Bay High School. This tournament allowed for the debate team to fundraise and earn money to support its own program. As one of the biggest tournaments the school holds, fundraised money is brought in from out-of-state teams along with local teams such as American Heritage High School, Saint Thomas High School and Western High school. “It’s important to hold this national tournament because it gives the opportunity for debaters all around the country to come to Cypress Bay and compete,” senior Samantha Srebnick said. “It also helps a lot with fundraising for the team, that’s a plus too.” The Crestian Tradition tournament is a national tournament which included more than 800 debaters from across the nation. Although Cypress debaters were prohibited from participating, due to the plan the event and volunteer at it as well. “A lot of work went into preparing for this event, and I was so happy to see what my hard work created,” sophomore Matthew Liebman said. “It really is such a great feeling to know the tournament went extremely well.” The only exception to the debate team’s participation was in the SocialJustice event. This is a new form of debate in which students get the chance to propose their own legislation that has the
potential to be enacted in Florida. Liebman said the Social-Justice debaters did well and that junior Gustavo Duran took “I am very proud of the Social-Justice debaters,” Liebman said. “With it being such a new event it’s amazing that they did so well in the tournament and I know how much work went into their win
“
A lot of work went into preparing for this event, and I was so happy to see what my hard work created. It really is such a great feeling to know the tournament went extremely well.
“
BY CASEY MENTEN
-sophomore Matthew Liebman Debate coach Nick Montecalvo said that the competing teams left impressed at how well managed the tournament was. “We had more congratulatory emails from coaches and competitors than we have had in the past, everything ran really smoothly and it was an overall very good event,” Montecalvo said.“This year
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MATTHEW LIEBMAN
DEBAYTEABLE: (From left) sophomore Laura Rodriguez and senior Sterling Wertanzl check in judges at the Crestian Tradition debate tourament on Nov. 11. more than 800 debaters from across the country.
tournament. They organized restaurants to donate food, made sure all competitors were entered into the competition and that the rooms were set up for the competing debaters. “Everything ran very smoothly so I am happy with how things went,” Srebnick said. “I am so proud of everyone that helped make it happen.” to run a smooth tournament.” This tournament gave the chance for Srebnick said that the team put in a lot out-of-state debate teams to get a taste of of hard work and effort in the planning the extremely competitive Florida debate and execution of The Crestian Tradition circuit. Along with that, Srebnick said this
tournament also gave Cypress Bay debaters knowledge and experience on how tournaments work and what goes on behind the scenes. “Debaters get a lot out of the tournament,” Srebnick said. “They get to see what it’s like behind the scenes, how to set everything up, how rounds work, how results are calculated and how to run an awards ceremony. Overall, it’s such a great experience and the hard work pays off.”
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DECEMBER 2016
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Photo club workshops stimulate creativity BY OLIVIA LANDSMAN
more people to the event if they sponsored us,” Imhof said. “It turned out that catering from them was a success.” During the event, students and parents chose between four different learning stations. One of the student-run stations provided attendants with information about the program Photoshop and another with the process of transferring pictures onto a piece of paper. The third station offered a lesson on editing pictures with different phone applications, and the fourth allowed people to explore the dark room, a room in which photos are processed using special inks. Public Relations of-
The Photo Club hosted its annual “Photo Phun Night” on Nov. 16, which brought more than 40 members and nonmembers together to learn different photography skills; the event raised nearly $200 for the club. President of the Photo Club senior, Erin Imhof, said the goal of Photo Phun Night was to share with people what the club has to offer while also raising money for art and photography supplies. “We showcase what we do during meetings to parents and people not in the club to bring attention to the importance stations were a huge success and met her of arts in education,” Imhof said. For the event, Photo Club raised mon- expectations. “Everything went as planned,” Puliey by selling tickets for $7 during all school lunches and $10 at the door. In do said. “We had so much fun teaching everyone the different activities we had planned and set up the event months in planned and all of our goals were met.” Junior Dakota Benca said her favorite advance. “In order to prepare, we called around activity was learning the application Pho20 potential sponsors,” Imhof said. “We toshop, a computer application that uses also had to arrange and plan all the activi- different editing tools and effects to enhance pictures. ties as well as sell tickets.” “I loved getting to mess around with Throughout the night, students and parents had the opportunity to enjoy a va- Photoshop,” Benca said. “It was a lot riety of food. Restaurants like CREAM of fun creating funny images with my friends.” sponsored and catered the event. Non-members attended the event to “Since CREAM is becoming a popular restaurant, we thought it would bring determine whether they had any further
PHOTO BY JESSIE CHAIET
CAPTURE THE PHUN: Senior Alfred Torres participates in the Photoshop
interest in joining the club. The night ended with a surprise dance performance from seniors David Bruggen and Kristen Alvarenga. Imhof said the performance was interesting to current members and prospects. “Their performance was super captivating and full of energy,” Imhof said. “I believe that everyone liked it a lot.” Benca said that she plans on attending the next Photo Club event after going to the Photo Phun Night.
“I thought it was really interesting getting a little sneak peek on what goes on in Photo Club,” Benca said. “This was I can’t wait to continue.” The Photo Club’s next event, “Artography,” is being held on March 22. With this event, student-submitted artwork is judged, and select students are rewarded for their submissions.
EHS shows appreciation for soldiers BY RACHEL FRIEDMAN
risk their lives for one of ours,” she said. “I wanted the soldier reading my letter to know how thankful I am for him or her spect their dedication to being a real-life hero.” Along with showing appreciation to soldiers, Moskowitz said that another reason this activity is important is because it tion of the necessity to be grateful. “Writing this letter taught me to not take things for granted and to take a moment and think about all of the soldiers that put our country before themselves,” she said. EHS members like senior Jacob Wilentz recognized the importance of this club in particular carrying out this activity. “Writing these letters acts as a way to take an English-related activity and make a huge difference,” Wilentz said. “I chose to write a letter to ensure that at least one veteran would feel appreciated for his service to our country.” Although members were incentivized to write the letter with points for the club, Desrosiers said that she, along with the
NEWS COPY EDITOR
English Honor Society (EHS) provided its members with the opportunity to write letters to soldiers overseas; the letters served as a “thank you” to veterans for their service in honor of Veterans Day. EHS adviser Cecilia Fonseca organized this project for the third consecuwriters and the soldiers. munity, so I think it’s important for us to carry out this project because our writing should be translated into some kind nitely nice for the soldiers to see that people who have no relation to them appreciis also a great opportunity for the kids to recognize the need to appreciate all that they have.” that some students might encounter with writing this letter, so the participating members were provided with a template to assist in the writing. “The template made the process easito the letter while also leaving room to include personal information,” Ms. Fonseca said. Although the intent of these letters was to thank the soldiers, EHS President and senior Cheyenne Desrosiers said that much of the content was personal information. “In our letters, we wrote a bit about ourselves- our hobbies, interests, and day-to-day lives,” she said. “We wanted the soldiers to know that because of their dedication to the United States and their bravery, students like us are able to live
GIVING GRATITUDE:
the merit and quality of this activity rather than the points awarded for completing it. “In order to increase the participation of our Letters to Soldiers activity, I think greater emphasis on the value of the activity,” she said. “We could have explained that it wasn’t about the points, but instead about making a soldier’s day and taking
normal lives and to do what we love.” Of the participating EHS members, lives for others. women have helped our country.” sophomore Jordan Moskowitz said she “Although we may not necessarily chose to partake in writing a letter to a soldier because of the importance of it is important to give back to those who
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Balancing the budget Credit cards teach students life lesson of balancing freedom and responsibility.
BY NYAH HARDMON
This holiday season, sophomore Ellie Cohen is learning how to use her own funds through a credit card to tackle the latest holiday deals. With temptations such as holiday sales and splurging on Christmas gifts, learning how to manage the use of credit cards, Cohen said she is gearing up for future responsibilities and freedoms. “I really began to grow up when I got a little piece of plastic. Learning how
Like Cohen, sophomore, Nia Todd, them to learn how to simultaneously rely on the wallets of her parents, Todd tries to manage her money on her own terms. “There is this addicting feeling that comes with using a credit card to pay for your meal or to buy your own Christmas
PHOTOS BY NYAH HARDMON
A SWIPE CLOSER TO FREEDOM: Sophomores Shaina Cohen (left) and Ellie Cohen (right) hold up their wallets that hold one of their most valuable possessions: their credit cards.
permission to do little things like buy
purchases and weekend shopping sprees
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take time to count out change and bills,
I know that a lot can go wrong with a credit card, but through my
owning a credit card does encourage easy spending, a small purchase now and then is not so bad.
“
I actually look forward card. I feel like it will mark my maturity and I know that I will be able to handle it.
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-junior Mollie Gurrerra
GRAPHIC BY AMANDA MORGAN
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for a teen to possess the capability to see risk of ruining a credit score. rather take a few minutes out of my day to beyond the present and to understand the “I feel like the odds of me messing up consequences of abusing credit. “I would hate for my daughter to make a mistake that would ruin her more comfortable knowing that at the end risks. As cardholders learn to adapt to prepared for college. responsibility, credit cards take the next “I know that a lot can go wrong with a misfortunes, such as exceeding credit step. After becoming adapted to her own credit card, but through my experiences, I limits and identity theft, will always plague the minds of those who consider she is ready to upgrade to a credit card. “I actually look forward to getting my “It is better I learned them sooner than
Monday, Todd admits she was able to effortlessly conquer the deals with her credit card. Without the risk of carrying all of her cash with her, she was able to make her mad dashes from store to store with ease. inability to know how someone will react like it will mark my maturity and I know “This shopping season is already to a credit card until it is too late.
card to young adults preparing for college which made the whole thing so much careless mistake that neither I nor her will constantly keeping track of when they is a good idea for the most part. spend money and what they spend it on. “As long as you keep track of it and She said it could be extremely easy to lose exactly what Psychology teacher Cecilia a credit card is not the worst thing in like sophomore Ricardo Morales. Yet, racking up a damaging debt, she checks the lure of seemingly endless funds is in on her credit card account monthly. mature enough to go off to college, you should be mature enough to discern when would continue if she obtains a credit card; top of what you buy. He said would much
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Caution on social media preserves reputation BY SOPHIE SCHIFTER PR MANAGER
As president of the senior class, Max Morales, agreed to refrain from posting excessively on social media, as he represents the class and has for the past four years. He intends to set an example for all of the student body to follow. Morales said he and the rest of the representatives must sign ethical contracts at the beginning of each school year. “Student Government Association sors ensure that the image of the class ofbody and representative of the attitudes and values of peers,” Morales said. “In
am not only careful because of colleges, but also future jobs because one mistake can affect my future.” Broward Advisors for Continuing Education (BRACE) adviser, Shari Bush, said it is hard to say how much of an incision. “I do not know a 100 percent on what a college sees or does not see,” Mrs. Bush said. “I think there are some college admissions counselors that may take the time to search through social media. I do not think all of them are doing that, but you don’t really know.” In hopes of limiting access to the public, Newman set the majority of her social media accounts on private.
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their image, and poorly representing their peers, we pledge to abstain from posting inappropriate content on social media.” Like Morales, junior Ashley Newman due to how exposed online content may be. “I am careful with what I post because I know that everyone can see it, and all it takes is a minute to search my name,” Newman said. “I only post what I am comfortable with people seeing.” Newman said she uses her peers as a guideline for what kind of material is acceptable to post. with what I post because I know colleges can see, and I do not want to post something that a college could potentially see that would give them a bad idea of the type of person I am,” Newman said. “I
GRAPHIC BY BROOKE MILLER
colleges can see, and
Newman said. “I think we forget that everyone can see a post and that it may have more harm than good, sometimes.” Morales said he has found a way to get around the contract. He made a private Twitter followed by a select group of people. “I have signed it for four years, and it is awfully constricting,” Morales said. “I understand being aware of what I post because hundreds of people can easily ac-
what they post through social media just in case. “Once you start the college process and even before, students should act professionally,” Mrs. Bush said. “Whether we like it or not, we are judged by what people see. Unfortunately, admissions of-
a student is really a good person or not, so when they see things, impressions are made and decisions are made about people. I am also of the mindset that we -junior Ashley Newman to share my thoughts, stories and experi- should always be professional and put ences, which may contain some ‘R-rated’ yourself in the best possible light, whether “I think it is especially important to- material and [might] very likely lead to it is applying for a job, college or talking day to be careful with social media beto relatives.” cause of all the advanced technology,” Mrs. Bush said students should restrict
I am.
”
Holiday tradition doubles as charity BY CASEY MENTEN PR MANAGER
For sophomore Jordanna Friedman and her family, the month of December is a month of giving. Each December, the Friedmans take part in an annual service project in which they donate presents to low income families in an attempt to make spirits brighter. “The holiday season truly does make me feel charitable,” Friedman said. “I feel like this time of year is all about giving to others in need of a helping hand.” Ever since she was seven, Friedman’s family has been buying gifts to put under the trees of those who are unable to afford gifts of their own. She said their gifts play a helping role in bringing the holiday cheer to families in need. “It makes me happy and appreciative that I could brighten someone else’s day, just by taking time to give to others,” Friedman said. Friedman said she enjoys the humbling feeling that being charitable provides and is thankful to be able to help others in a way that represents the holiday spirit. “When I go and give gifts to families, it makes me feel humble and as if I made their whole day,” Friedman said. “I personally think it is the best feeling that you can have.” The tradition was originally introduced by a family friend. With help from her family, Friedman meets with the other families and gets to know them better. Therefore, she is able to get an idea of what gifts they would like. On Christmas Eve, Friedman and her family go to their
GIFT OF GIVING:
homes or meet with them at a restaurant, in order to give them their gifts. “Seeing the families’ reactions makes me feel happy and excited that I helped make their life a little easier for the holiday season,” Friedman said. Friedman said it also serves as a bonding experience for her own family, and she hopes to keep the tradition for many years to come.
of the families I have helped,” Friedman said. Friedman said she is thankful for the opportunity to have a positive effect within her community. “Giving gifts to families who need it is so important to my family and I because it shows us how lucky we are to have a great Christmas each year and how many people are not as fortunate,” Friedman said. “Every Christmas I gave gifts to lasting tradition because it has had many other families, it made me feel thankful positive effects on my life and on the lives for what I have.”
Friedman feels the experience has an equal impact in her life, as it has on the families she helps, as it provides her with “This impacts my life because I am able to make a difference in someone else’s life, [and this] makes a difference in mine at the same time.” Friedman said. “Past families always contacted mine later on and say how grateful they were to have that experience. It makes me proud to know that I truly made a difference in their life, just by a simple act of kindness.”
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Seasonal specials spur consumerism BY JOLIE SONKIN
The madness and chaos that take over shopping centers on the last Friday of November is not enough to stop sophomore Erica Alejandre from celebrating her Black Friday tradition. Every year, Alejandre and her cousins go shopping for items not easily accessible in Venezuela.
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I try to be conscious of what I am buying [on Cyber Monday], since what I am thankful for on Thanksgiving. I try to buy gifts for my family instead of for myself for the holiday.
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-sophomore Erica Alejandre “This day is a tradition with my cousins, because they love to shop at stores that do not exist in Venezuela, where they live,” Alejandre said. “I went to Sawgrass mall with my cousin and sister at 12 a.m. on Black Friday, and we left at around 6 a.m.” After spending Thanksgiving appreciating the valuable assets in her life, Alejandre said she limits her Black Friday shopping, as she knows she does not need any new purchases. However, many stores have storewide sales after Thanksgiving, and Alejandre uses this to her advantage and buys gifts for her relatives. “Thanksgiving is when I spend time with my family to appreciate and give thanks for what I have,” she said. “I try to be conscious of what I am buying, since I for on Thanksgiving. I try to buy gifts for my family instead of for myself for the holiday.” Senior Agustin Palacios believes Black Friday is a holiday generated solely for commercial purposes. Although Black Friday is the day of savings, Palacios chooses not to shop in store. “I do not like the aggression that takes place,” Palacios said. “The malls are so crowded and the lines are extremely long. I feel that shopping on Cyber Monday allows me to get the best deals, while avoiding overpopulated areas.” When Black Friday ends, sales are transferred to the online world, which marks the beginning of Cyber Monday. Alejandre said she prefers shopping on Black Friday, because she is able to see and try on any clothes she is buying. “I do not usually shop on Cyber Monday, because I am not big on online
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The malls are so crowded and the lines are extremely long. I feel that shopping on Cyber Monday allows me to get the best deals, while avoiding overpopulated areas.
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-senior Agustin Palacios shopping, because before I buy an item I want to see it in person to make sure it is what I am looking for, and it is good quality,” Alejandre said. “Black Friday allows me to see everything I am buying.” forward to shopping over the long weekend. “I was looking forward for Cyber Monday and Black Friday, because I can shop at my favorite stores for a better price,” Torres said. “I was excited to get the incredible discounts. It made me really happy that for the budget I usually have, I got to double the number of things I got in the store.” Torres took advantage of the deals on Black Friday by shopping an additional day. Stores such as Best Buy, Target and Sears were opened on Thursday in addition to Black Friday. “I started my Black Friday on
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Thursday at 7 p.m. to around 11:30 p.m.,” successful in her purchases. Torres said. “I did more shopping on “To buy an item I had to wait in a very Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. to make long line,” Torres said. “However, I was sure I did as much shopping as I could for very pleased with my purchases because I went to my favorite store, which had a 70 Torres had to deal with the chaos and percent discount.” commotion that goes along with Black Overall, Torres was pleased with the Friday. outcome of her shopping experience. “Getting a parking spot at the mall “My Black Friday experience was is not easy especially on the craziest intriguing,” Torres said. “It was interesting shopping day of the year,” Torres said. to be part of the biggest shopping day of “I noticed the stores were dirty and the year. I got to make memories and unorganized. It took me around 40 share moments with all my friends, while minutes to buy one shirt.” being able to save a lot of money.” Although Torres had to deal with the craziness at the mall, she said she was
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Holiday season promotes generosity BY JOSIE CLANCY
“I enjoy giving my brother gifts because I feel like he gets really happy when he knows people think about him during the holidays.” When picking out a present, Girard does not think that the expensive gifts are always the best options. Instead, she feels that the thought behind the gift is what matters. “I feel like the more sincere the present is, the better,” Girard said. “A more thoughtful gift could be so much better than a really expensive gift. I like to think that more personal gifts are more appreciated.”
Sophomore Connor Lewis is anxiously awaiting the start of the holiday season with the thought of giving gifts to his family in mind. He is looking forward to partaking in his annual family tradition of purchasing gifts for each other. “We have a requirement in my family where we have to buy one gift for each family member,” Lewis said. “I love that tradition, because it shows that my family actually cares about getting me something that I love and vise versa.” Lewis said spending his own money on gifts for his family does not bother him, as he has been saving up since the summer. He always saves in preparation for these holiday purchases. I feel like the more “For our one gift per family member sincere the present requirement, we have to use our own money, but that is not really a big deal is, the better. A more because I get household jobs, which my thoughtful gift could be parents pay me to do,” Lewis said. “My so much better than a sister and I also had a babysitting job over the summer which we got around really expensive gift. I $50 from, so I have money saved to buy like to think that more a gift.” Junior Olivia Girard is also looking personal gifts are more into purchasing gifts this winter, but appreciated. for her younger brother. Girard is fond of giving gifts to her brother because it brings a smile to his face. -junior Olivia Girard “I usually get my younger brother Like Girard, Language Arts and Hosomething for the holidays, depending on what he asks for, such as a pair of locaust Studies teacher Leslie Rheingold shoes or a new video game,” Girard said. also believes that, when picking out a gift,
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“[Hatchimals] are really hard to get, so “When shopping for a gift for someone I paid a lot more money than you are supposed to pay for it, but I really wanted not have and something that is unique to get him one, so I ordered it online.” and different,” Mrs. Rheingold said. For Lewis, the holiday season is about With the thought in mind of picking giving the gifts to loved ones. Lewis said out a meaningful present for the holidays, he is especially looking forward to seeing Mrs. Rheingold recently purchased his friends’ and family’s reaction to what a “Hatchimal,” an interactive stuffed he bought them. animal, for her grandson. Even though it “I am super excited [to hand out presents], because I love watching my Mrs. Rheingold said she did not let this friends and family open their gifts, and stop her from obtaining this highly in- seeing the surprised look they have,” demand toy. Lewis said. “I also love it when they “I already bought a ‘Hatchimal’ thank me because most of them hug me, for my 6-year-old grandson,” she said. which makes me feel loved.”
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Q&A with a current student
Harvard University is a private Ivy League institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Cypress Bay graduate of the class of 2014 Janae Bell is a junior there. She spoke to The Circuit’s Franchesca Ramirez via text. What are you majoring in, and how has Harvard helped you to explore that subject? I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics with a secondary two subjects because I am interested in behavioral economics, which is a relatively new discipline that uses psychological insights to explain how human behavior impacts rational economic decisionmaking. This past semester, I was able to take a class at the Harvard Kennedy School entitled “Behavioral Economics and Public Policy,” which has allowed me to examine behavioral economic principles and implement them in real world situations to improve individual and social welfare.
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What did you do to get yourself ready for your educational experiences at Harvard? Academically, I chose to take several Advanced Placement (AP) classes that prepared me well for the rigor at Harvard. I made sure that the content of the AP classes I took was also interesting to me. This way, I felt more comfortable contributing to classroom conversations and seeking support from my teachers. These are much needed skills to do well at such a collaborative and engaging environment as Harvard. What is one thing that really stood out to you when applying to Harvard? I had an amazing time at Harvard’s visitation weekend for prospective students. I knew Harvard was an incredible school with a number of resources at my disposal, but I was
amazed by how humble but extraordinary my classmates were. I instantly felt will support your crazy leaps of faith. It is supported when I walked on to campus so worth it. and was excited to grow with people who inspired me every day. What’s life on campus like? [Life on campus is] very active. There What’s your advice for incoming is always so much to do whether it is freshman? watching an a capella show, attending a Stay connected to people back lecture series by a famous author, going home. College is full of exciting and to a sports game or going to a party. It is new experiences, but the beauty of who such a blast. you are is rooted in your foundation. Continuously thank your loved ones for Is Harvard everything you their support and update them on all of expected? the amazing experiences to come. I did not really have any major expectations coming in, but Harvard has What do you hope your life will be been full of very pleasant surprises. I have like after you graduate from Harvard? made my best friends here and have had I plan to stay connected with the the luxury of making tangible impact professors and amazing friends I have on the Harvard community by pursuing made during my time here. I also want their passions wholeheartedly. to live a life that constantly encourages
Holiday enthusiasm decreases with time BY COLE KAUFFMAN FEATURES COPY EDITOR
With only a few weeks left before winter break, many are preparing to celebrate the holidays with some of their favorite family traditions. “My cousins all live in Venezuela, but when Christmas comes along, they all come visit my family at my house, or we will all take a ski trip to North Carolina,” junior Daniela Paez said. Senior Brooke Weirda has her own distinctive holiday tradition. “Every [year] my family and cousins all get in matching Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve, and we bake and cook a lot of things and open some gifts.” With age, however, Weirda noted the spirit of the holidays has changed immensely and is far different from the Christmas her parents once celebrated. “As a kid, it was usually about tracking Santa and understanding how many gifts [are] under the tree, but now it is a lot more family time and doing things with my cousins,” Weirda said. “I think I do have [it] differently than my parents. We have a [much] smaller family than they did when they grew up so we have more quality time with the people really close to me, as opposed to several members of the family.” AICE Marine Science teacher Jeannine Grossi believes the holidays have
evolved since her days as a child and have become much more commercialized. “It has become way too media focused,” Mrs. Grossi said. “The stores have Christmas decorations and seasonal gifts way too early just to make a buck.” Mrs.Grossi also said children today do not buy into the holiday spirit as much as she did as a kid. “With young offspring of my own to look [to] as reference, it is no longer ‘what is Santa bringing me?’ or ‘let’s write a letter.’ It is more like ‘hey mommy, what are you thinking about buying me for Christmas?’ Wow,” Mrs. Grossi said. “I believed in Santa until I was at least 8 or 9. Not any more.” Christmas traditions have changed much for Paez as well, not just in mind, but in location. “When I was younger, I would always go to Venezuela to see the rest of my family for the holidays, but as time passed and the safety and conditions [in Venezuela] worsened, we slowly stopped being able to visit,” Paez said. “It may be a different location, but in the end, I still get to see my family.” Senior Kirian Sanchez said he wants to drop his family’s holiday traditions when he grows older. “Every Christmas Eve at midnight my family and I open one gift and then open the rest the next day,” Sanchez said. “[In] the future when I have my own fam-
ILLUSTRATION BY COLE KAUFFMAN
ily, [my traditions] will change. I want to start something new, when I have my own family.” Paez, on the other hand, wants to keep her family traditions and extend them to her future family. “All of the holiday traditions I have today, like setting up my Christmas tree or taking a family picture for our friends and
family, were already started before I was born [and were carried] through the generations,” Paez said. “Even as my siblings and I grow older, our traditions [will] carry on with us.”
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Decorations boost holiday morale BY SHANTY FIERRO OPINION COPY EDITOR
Junior James Sadowski said he and his family get into the holiday spirit by decorating their house with lights, trees and different areas of his home. “My favorite decoration is my living room’s family tree because it is very tall, and it has a lot of village pieces under it,” Sadowski said. “You can spend hours just looking at each individual village piece. They collectively create a city with many people during Christmas time.” The outside of his house has two reindeers and two nutcrackers next to their garage, along with many lights across the home and lights on each outdoor tree. Sadowski said his family gets help from others to set up the lights, and he loves the reaction people have when they see his house. “Everyone really likes my decorations,” he said. “It makes me feel good, because I love it when people come over and walk throughout my house and look at everything. We have a lot of decorations, but they are put out perfectly. It is not cheesy or anything like that. It makes me
appreciate that my parents have the ability to make our home feel so great during the holiday season.” Like Sadowski, junior Kamila Montesinos’ house is decorated for the holiday season. Her house has an eight-foot Christmas tree and stockings, but what really makes this season special for her, is getting to involve her pet in the holiday spirit. “We got a little hedgehog named Victoria about two months ago, so we bought her a little stocking and put it up in her cage,” she said. “It is bright it. My family and I think it is PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JAMES SADOWSKI adorable.” Montesinos and her family DECK THE HALLS: Junior James Sadowski and his family display a large scale replica of a also make a Christmas village nativity scene in their house to get in the holiday spirit. Decorating their home has become a long every year by stacking boxes on lasting family tradition during the holiday season. top of each other, covering it with While setting up the village 27 different Santa’s and 15 snow in my house.” with little houses and people all with her family, Montesinos globes, along with a Christmas Out of all the decorations around it. This year, however, enjoys lighting Christmas tree that is three times Lara’s in her house, Lara’s favorite scented candles all around her height and embellished with item to put up is the traditional it so that their little hedgehog can house to make their decorating tinsel ornaments and stuffed Christmas tree. walk around it too. more fun for the whole family. animals. “Even though it is a struggle “Watching Victoria walk “Decorating has been a good “My family and love putting it up, getting to decorate around our village with her tiny way to bond as a family and get Christmas, so we start it with my family while listening Santa hat is the cutest thing I ready for the holidays together,” decorating very early to get into to the Michael Bublé Christmas have ever seen,” Montesinos Montesinos said. the Christmas spirit,” Lara said. album makes it worth it,” Lara said. “It gets a laugh out of my For junior Maria Lara and her “Having all of the decorations said “The tree is also the star of family anytime she is admiring family, Nov. 1 is the beginning around the house really puts us the decorations; as soon as the of their holiday season. The Lara in a festive and happy mood, so tree is up, I know the holidays people,” Montesinos said. family decorates their house with it’s a super fun time for everyone are here.”
Travel problems change annual plans parents house. “The drive to Boynton Beach is always long, but the car ride
BY SOFIA RUSS
For sophomore Valentina Rubio, last year’s New Year’s Eve reached new heights. Instead of celebrating the new year surrounded by her loved ones, she was stuck on an airplane with strangers due to airport delays. Every year, she travels to her cousin’s house in Texas to celebrate the New Year; however,
it should it have,” Glater said. Glater said there was a huge car accident involving three cars, and the exit to her grandma’s house was completely blocked off. The more routes she attempted to take, the later the night got.
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Not many people get to say that they have spent New Year’s in the sky before.
not able to make it in time for the countdown. “I remember arriving to the airport early and waiting for boarded the plane,” Rubio said. “At this point, we were extremely late, and my hopes of getting to Texas before the new year were very low. I was really bummed out about it.” Although Rubio expected a typical and boring plane ride for the next three hours, she said an exciting celebration took place. “The pilot started to make an announcement, but I completely disregarded it because I was not aware of the time and did not think it would be important,” Rubio said. “Then the pilot began to countdown from 10, and the whole plane joined along with him.” Rubio said when everyone began to cheer as they counted down to the New Year, it made her happy to be where she was. “Not many people get to say
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-sophomore Valentina Rubio GRAPHIC BY AMANDA MORGAN
they have spent New Year’s in the sky before,” she said. “I ended up having one of the coolest memories I will never forget.” While Rubio was able to spend her holiday in the air, junior William Masaro almost spent one Christmas Eve stuck at the airport. “On the day before Christmy aunt’s house in Maryland for dinner with my family,” Masaro said. “When I heard that the to snow, I initially got mad be-
cause the airport is the last place tional Airport, he said he ended I wanted to be during that time up meeting someone to pass the of year.” time with. According to Masaro, more “I was on my phone playing a game called Fun Run when that evening, and the airport was someone tapped on my shoulder - and asked to play with me,” Maing for the holidays. saro said. “We ended up talking, “Every seat and open space and we had so many things in was crammed with people,” Masaro said. “I was just praying to the time go by faster.” Freshman Gillian Glater was Even though the last thing also able to maintain the holiday Masaro expected was to be in a spirit one year when an unpretemporary “lockdown” at Fort dicted turn of events occurred Lauderdale-Hollywood Interna- during her car ride to her grand-
“It was already around 10 ing my grandma’s house, especially since my dad is horrible with directions,” Glater said. Eventually, Glater and her family found a pizza restaurant to dine at and still found a way to incorporate her Hanukkah traditions into the night. “There was a candle on the table we were eating at, and we asked to light it in honor of the er said. “So although it was far from what was planned, I am still happy I have an unusual yet funny story to tell [of] the Glater version Hanukkah.”
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BY AMANDA MORGAN
that there is no point in being mean to people.” Barrett said. “If you are mean and nothing happens to you, then you are an exception, however most times those
GRAPHICS EDITOR
The day sophomore Cori Friedman worriedly sat down to take her Algebra end-of-course exam (EOC), she frantically searched through her bag, and her stomach sank when she came to the realization that she would have to take the test without her lucky pencil. “I am not very superstitious, except for the fact that I cannot take a test without my green mechanical pencil,” Friedman said. “I know that it probably makes no difference, but it is really just a comfort to me knowing I have it with me when I am worried about taking a big test.” Like Friedman, many students and teachers at the Bay have developed
at them.” For Law Studies teacher and Chicago Cubs fan Wendy Wuenker, baseball has always been a big part of her life. Because of this, her belief in the Cubs curse has been with her since she was a child;
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or harmful to their wellbeing. “My lucky pencil superstition was created last year as a freshman,” Friedman said. “I think it is because coming into high school from middle school, tests are a lot more important and stressful and many times unpredictable. It is nice to have some type of pattern and serenity to get me through the anxiety of test taking.” Sometimes, however, Friedman said allowing an object to hold the title of “lucky” can be dangerous.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CORI FRIEDMAN
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My lucky pencil superstition was created last year as a freshman. I think it is because coming into high school from middle school, tests are a lot more important and stressful and many times unpredictable. It is nice to have some type of pattern and serenity to get me through the anxiety of test taking.
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-sophomore Cori Friedman
“There are many times where I wish that I did not have a lucky pencil,” Friedman said. “When I have a big test
to you and actually lower your potential.” Like Friedman, sophomore Cayla Hollander developed a stress-relieving superstition, after noticing the tags sticking out of her gloves while tossing her caused her to lose focus. Hollander now consistently tucks the tags in, believing that practice will lead her to a better performance.
DECEMBER 2016
There are so many sketchy characters that go to this school, so every time I am walking around, no matter how much I do not want to be, I am always thinking ‘let me just be nice to you and nod my head and smile and just ignore you for the rest of the year.’ It can become very annoying being afraid of upsetting people.
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-senior Jessica Barrett
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY WENDY WUENKER
STROKE OF LUCK: (Top to bottom) Sophomore Cori Friedman getting work done with her lucky pencil. Law Studies teacher Wendy Wuenker cheers for a
“This superstition has become very inconvenient,” Hollander said. “Even though I developed it as a way to become less distracted, it actually makes me more distracted because I am constantly tucking them in during practice.” Hollander wishes she had never
wrong person, they can curse you,” Barrett said. “Obviously, I really do not want that to happen, so I am always trying to be nice to people no matter if I like them or not in order to avoid being cursed.” Barrett is often frustrated by this superstition because, according to her, silly that is stuck with her. getting through a school year while “I do not think it is breakable,” being constantly nice to everyone can be Hollander said. “I have thought about just cutting the tags out all together, however “There are so many sketchy characters I am not sure if that would just make me that go to this school, so every time I am more frustrated, because I am worried walking around, no matter how much I do this will really make my performance not want to be, I am always thinking ‘let worse.” me just be nice to you and nod my head As for senior Jessica Barrett, her long and smile and just ignore you for the rest list of superstitions including simple of the year,’” Barrett said. “It can become things - such as good luck charms and very annoying being afraid of upsetting picky habits - has led to extremes. She people.” believes that forces related to Juju, a However, Barrett does believe good spiritual belief code associated with things have come out of her belief in Juju traditional Nigerian cultures, cause her to as well. superstitiously make sure she is kind to “As annoying as it is, I do believe anybody who crosses her path. it has made me a nicer person, as it has “I believe that if you mess with the taught me more than anything else
however, their recent victory brought her much excitement. “The majority of my family has been involved in baseball and softball, and we have been loyal Cubs’ fans forever,” Mrs. Wuenker said. “My father was offered a tryout with the Cubs, and I myself grew up playing baseball and softball and earned a scholarship to Miami of Ohio.” The cubs curse started in 1945, which was the last time the Cubs were in the World Series. Popular legend tells that a man brought a goat to the fourth game of the Series, and the fans began to complain of the smell; the man and his goat got kicked out of the stadium and, supposedly, returned to Wrigley Field to curse the Cubs. “Because of the Cubs recent history in the World Series, the curse felt real,” Mrs. Wuenker said. “However, as a loyal Cubs fan, I had faith in the team. I knew this year they had a great chance of breaking the curse because they had the best record in baseball, and they have such a young, talented team, as well as a team manager who wants the players to have fun for a change, which is such a unique and special thing.” The Cubs’ championship win was a very prideful moment for Mrs. Wuenker. “I cried when the Cubs persevered and ended up winning after all these years,” Mrs. Wuenker said. “I was relieved, proud and so very happy.”
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Where are they now?
Alumni Strike Class of 2015
‘If you see what we do, we will blow your mind’ Alumna Alexis Chung works at Scentsability as a new step in her life after high school. BY FRANKI ROSENTHAL ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ever since Class of 2015 alumna Alexis Chung graduated, she said her life has not been as happy as it was when she won homecoming queen. That was, until she started working at zation that specializes in making scented products for home and body use. Denise Anderson, Chung’s mother, said that Chung’s transition after leaving high school was very limited in her choices after graduation. “There is a huge issue for young adults with intellectual disabilities after they leave high school, because there really aren’t many options on what they can do,” Anderson said. “For Alexis, as someone who was involved in school as the homecoming queen, cheer buddies and being someone who the entire school knew and who the entire community knows, the struggle was intense after she left high school.” Anderson said she spent months searching for future educational and job opportunities for Alexis that would offer her work. “My husband brought home a candle from an event that Scentsability was at along with a business card,” Anderson said. “It reach out to the director of the company, but I knew that Alexis really needed something. Considering that there were so few and ever since then, Alexis has been working at Scentsability.” Anderson said it was necessary for Alexis to involve herself in something outside of the Bay because of all the after leaving. “She has sat home for the last year and has gone through anxiety, depression and weight gain because she lost all aspects of her socialization,” Anderson said. “She lost that place where she could go and all of her needs could be met. Whether it be socially, medically, intellectually or emotionally, but it all came to a screeching halt.” Scentsability was started by a mother whose daughter was going through the same problems as Chung after graduating from high school. It became a place where individuals with any disability could go to work
and make all of the company’s products. “I made the decision to partner up with the director of Scentsability in an effort to try to create something even bigger that offers more job opportunities for these young adults to get out of their homes and get that social aspect back into their lives,” Anderson said. Anderson said the company is very important for her daughter, and for many other young adults like Chung, because it provides the feeling of acceptance within their community. “Scentsability offers a place where individuals can have a sense of purpose and they [become] productive members of their community again,” Anderson said. “They are accepted, loved, sociable and feel like there is still meaning to their life. This is a place where Alexis can go and always be looked at for her abilities and not her disabilities. We purely focus on what all of them can do as opposed to what they can’t, and it truly makes a difference in their lives overall.” Chung said she loves her new job at Scentsability and enjoys working with all of the new friends she has made. “I love my job, and I love all of my friends that I work with,” Chung said. “These are all my best friends and if you see what we do, we will blow your mind.” Scentsability has helped Chung get back to the place she was socially in high school. “I have learned what eye contact is with all of my friends at my job,” Chung said. “At fundraisers I like to sell the candles to customers and talk to everyone who buys what we make.” Anderson said ever since her daughter started working at Scentsability in August, she caught on quickly with everything she needed to do. “It did not take long for Alexis to learn what she was doing and what was expected of her when she started working,” Anderson said. “We went to Scentsability one day, and she immediately connected. She connected with the culture that was there of being accepted and being loved in a happy and productive place. I knew that night coming home that is where she connected; she showed it to all of us.” With Chung’s new job at Scentsability came many new responsibilities and tasks. “My favorite thing to do is to mix the wax and make the wicks,” Chung said. “I also love
to make the white tea scent and make labels.” Aside from her current job at Scentsability, Chung aspires to be an actress one day, and she recently acted as an extra in a movie coming out in 2017. “Alexis is already in an acting club for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and she was an extra in the movie ‘Girlfriend Killer’ which is coming out soon,” Anderson said. “Alexis’ passion is to be in a movie; she told me when she was 6-yearsold that all she wanted was to be on TV and now all these years later it’s actually happening.” Anderson believes the premise behind Scentsability has been amazing for Alexis and other young adults facing simi“It is so beautiful to see what this place has to offer for Alexis and how happy it makes her,” Anderson said. “While some kids want to go off and be doctors and have that sense of accomplishment from what they do, Alexis feels accomplished in PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY DENISE ANDERSON the same ways but from different things. We all feed off of accom- CRAFTY CANDLES: (From top) Alexis Chung happily works at plishments. At the end of the day her job at Scentsability, where individuals with any disability can it is the thought of being accepted, because acceptance equates to love and all anyone wants is to feel loved wherever they are.”
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DECEMBER 2016
Pop Socket
Seen On Campus BY ESTELA SUAREZ
PopSockets, a round accordion-like phone and tablet accessory that sticks to the back of the devices, are the newest trend around the Bay. According to the inventor of PopSockets, David Barnett, the product not only can be used as device grips and stands, but they can also be used to manage earbuds. The accessory can stick to most devices and cases, and if attached to a PopClip, a companion product to the PopSocket, it can be mounted onto a vertical surface. For Barnett, the inspiration behind his product was simple: he wanted to create a solution for the phenomenon of tangled earbuds. I was tired of untangling my
earbuds every time I took them out of my pocket,” Barnett said. Although he said his inspiration was simple, the purpose of the product is much more complex. He wanted to make a product that was more all-around in function and could be catered to a greater demographic. “The PopSocket evolved out of a phone case that had two
have to watch videos and then answer questions on the video,” Maldonado said. “I like that I can use the PopSocket as a stand, so that instead of having to hold my phone, I can put it down and answer the questions while watching the video.” Like Maldonado’s, junior Arcome a necessary car accessory. She said she enjoys being able to easily place her phone on the dashboard to be used as a GPS. “When I am driving, I like to mount the PopSocket and PopClip on the dashboard of my car, so that it is easier for me to be safe while using the GPS,” Grif-
Although the PopSocket has had success recently, this was not always true. Barnett said he expected immediate success when he released his product, and instead he had to take time to market the product to maturity. “I started the business out of my garage,” he said. “When pected big sales and got nothing. I had to give away PopSockets until there were enough in people’s hands to get the word of mouth rolling. Now things are out of control,” Barnett said. PopSockets come in different colors and patterns. They are
with the case and expanded to serve as a versatile stand and an earbud management system,” Barnett said. For junior Alexis Maldonado, the PopSocket has become an unexpected addition to her tools of education. She is able to use some of its key functions to help to the dashboard is so easy, and styles and personalities. For juher improve her productivity as I love that I know where my nior Claudia Nieto, PopSockets phone is all the time. It honestly not only serve as an instrument “For some of my classes, I just makes things easier.” -
sion. “I have two different designs, a marble one for my phone and one that has an eye on it for my iPad,” Nieto said. “I like that so well and also look great with everything.” Barnett said that since his company is still fairly young, he values. Once his company expands, he hopes to be able to make more products. “Our mission is to merge function with self-expression,” Barnett said. “We are currently working to codify our core values. For now, we keep it simple: work hard, have fun and listen to our customers.
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In this issue’s recurring segment that gives students an opportunity to learn more about the teachers they see every day, features photo editor Saige Fisher interviews Honors Biology and AP Environmental Science teacher, Laura Ashley.
What made you want to become a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher, because I wanted to educate people on the environment. I feel like a lot of people do not know much about the environment and how much harm is being done to the Earth, and I want to get my passion with that across. What is your biggest accomplishment thus far? I think my biggest accomplishment is that I was able to have my dream job being a marine mammal trainer, which is not something many people can say. I then got to move onto a different profession and, hopefully, pass that along to the kids I teach.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching at the Bay? I enjoy the students here. They are very eager and willing to learn and interested - the more interested they are, the more excited I get. What is your favorite quote and why? I like, “If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. Because humans want to save things that they love,” by Steve Irwin. I really love that one because it is true, and the more people know [about wildlife], the more they want to help. What is the most valuable life lesson you have learned? [I have learned that] you do not get everything you want, sometimes you have to take no for an answer, there is going to be disappointments in life and you have to learn how to get over them.
If you could go back in time and change anything from your life, what would you change? Probably the amount of time it took me to become a dolphin trainer. Now that I know how to get there, I would probably go back and do a couple of things differently. interested in teaching? It basically stemmed from when I was a marine mammal trainer. There were classes from schools that came, and I was interested in teaching them. What do you think is the best quality a teacher can have? A teacher must understand his/her students: understand where they are coming from, and that they are still just teenagers. Even though we want to treat them like adults and we want them to have adult responsibilities, they are teenagers and they do not have that motivation yet, so we need to be patient.
How have you changed since high school? I have become more outgoing. I was very shy and high school, and I have learned not to worry so much about what people think of me and just realize that this is who I am and deal with it. What is your biggest dream? [My biggest dream is] to travel around the world, especially to Australia and Africa. If you could have any superpower what would it be? I would like to talk to animals just because I want to know what they are saying and thinking. What is your favorite hobby? I like to go running and paddle boarding.
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THE THINGS THEY CARRIED FEATURING REBECCA SANCHEZ AND HER BACKPACK “The Things They Carried” is a recurring segment that examines the personalities of individual students through the contents of Plaz interviews junior Rebecca Sanchez to Patterned backpack Junior Rebecca Sanchez routinely wears the holed-patterned backpack, that she got as a gift from her cousin, around the Bay. According to Sanchez, the sentimental value of this bag is what makes it special, and the interesting pattern makes it a fashionable to carry her many belongings to school. from my backpack are the little holes that are spread around all around and the size, which is perfect to carry around many things without feeling too much said.
sat flashcards Sanchez is currently studying to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). She said she has been constantly preparing in order to achieve a desirable score. Because the math section is the most challenging for Sanchez, she carries around a set review them daily and be prepared for the day of the test.
“
because it is very important for me to get an impressive
I study almost every day of the week for the test, because it is very important for me to get an impressive score. That is
flower wallet from her grandmother. The wallet is from the same brand as her backpack, Fossil, which is one of Sanchez’s favorite stores. Sanchez said she carries items from past years in her wallet so she can always keep her memories relevant.
photo booth pictures Sanchez also carries pictures of her with her friends in her agenda. The ‘photo-booth’ style pictures were taken at a quinceañera party she attended earlier this year. She said her initial intention was not to keep the pictures in her agenda; however, she loved having a memory from that fun night.
have the terms fresh for the day of the SAT.
”
-junior Rebecca Sanchez
Scattered pencils Sanchez decided this year that she was not going to bring a pencil case because of the space it takes up in her bag. She keeps her pencils, pens and colored pencils loosely strewn throughout her bag’s pocket, which she feels is a more convenient way to keep her things.
because it makes it easier to reach without adding
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Secret Santa spreads holiday spirit BY LUCY CELENTANO ARTS & ENT. PHOTO EDITOR
Sophomore Heather Dennis sees Christmas as a time of camaraderie among community members and goodwill for those who choose to take part in the holiday festivities. She likes to express her holiday spirit through a Secret Santa activity. “During Secret Santa, I buy a gift for someone and someone buys a gift for me, which promotes giving to others, regardless of whether we are friends or not,” Dennis said. “This brings me closer to my friends, family, and even other community members.” As the winter months mark the beginning of the holiday season, students are enticed to take part in Secret Santa gatherings. Participants are randomly assigned the name of another participant whom they are responsible for purchasing a gift for, and at the end of the game, the giftgivers are revealed. “Secret Santa is fun and mysterious which makes me even more excited for the Christmas holiday,” sophomore Lexi Constantino said. “Plus, I get to have a present from one of my friends before Christmas day which is fun because usually I would have to wait until Dec. 25 to open any gifts.” Constantino appreciates Secret Santa parties not only be-
cause they serve as an entertaining and exciting activity, but also because she is given the opportunity to spend time with the people she loves. “Who I must buy a gift for is determined randomly, so either way I am getting to know ent for,” Constantino said. “If it is one of my close friends, I am able to customize a present I know they will love, but if it is someone I do not know as well, I get to know them better and maybe even make a new friend.”
“
This brings me closer to my friends, family, and even other community members.
”
-sophomore Heather Dennis Similarly, freshman Sydney Kron annually participates in holiday parties where she is able to spend quality time with friends. “Preparing for the party is not easy because it is my responsibility to make sure I have enough food and drinks for my friends,” Kron said. “However, [after] planning all of the activities and seeing everybody have
such an amazing time makes it all worthwhile.” Kron said that everybody should try to participate in a Secret Santa, regardless of religion. “Because a lot of my friends are Jewish, including myself, we do not get to feel the excitement of Christmas,” Kron said. “Therefore, my family plans a party to ensure everybody who wants to join can have an enjoyable time getting in the holiday spirit.” Like Kron, sophomore Jason Rosenberg, who does not celebrate Christmas, is able to use the holiday season as a time to learn about other religions by partaking in a Secret Santa with his friends. “I go to secret Santa parties with my friends, and for me, it serves as a time to learn about how other people celebrate their holidays in a light and entertaining way,” Rosenberg said. Rosenberg said he participates in Christmas-themed activities, even though he celebrates Hannukah, because social media makes Christmas seem more relevant than other religions traditions. “The media puts so much hype on Christmas in comparison to other holidays,” he said. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JENNA FRIEDMAN “Everything during this time of NAUGHTY OR NICE?: Freshman Sydney Kron hosts her annual year is so directed toward Christmas, which makes it a good time Secret Santa party. She and her friends gather with presents, food to just have fun with my friends.” and activities.
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Helping Hands Students at the Bay give back to their community through participating in various service projects. BY KATHERINE GIBSON ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR
NHS TOY DRIVE
For junior Kayla Fernandes, the holiday season is the best time of year: a time of true happiness and a time to show gratitude by giving back to the community. A member of the National Honor Society (NHS), Fernandes chose to give back this year by participating in the annual Angel Tree toy drive that the club puts on. “This drive is important because children that are less fortunate get to receive gifts that they normally would not have the financial means to receive,” Fernandes said. NHS President and senior Jacob Wilentz said more than 100 club members signed up to participate in the toy drive, which benefits children through the Salvation Army. “NHS was inspired to participate, because we wanted to give back to the less fortunate children who live just a few minutes away,” Wilentz said. Although the toy drive is an annual charity event NHS participates in, the officers met beforehand to make sure this year’s drive would be especially well executed, so that as a club they could support as many kids as possible. “As president, I am extremely proud to spearhead an organization of 343 members that strive to better the community in any way possible,” Wilentz said. “It is definitely a humbling experience to know that the work I do, along with the other officers, senators and members, truly can make a difference.” Each member who signed up to participate received the name and wish list of a child whose family does not have the financial means to provide him or her with a gift. Fernandes was assigned a 2-year-old boy. “I am giving the kid I was assigned
SGA HARVEST DRIVE
an educational toy, because I think that he will really enjoy being able to learn in a fun way with a new toy,” Fernandes said. Similarly to the members of NHS, junior Morgan Weintraub felt compelled to provide less fortunate children with toys for the holidays through her charity, Children Helping Other Children (CHOC). Weintraub organized a gift distribution at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where kids with life threatening and lifelong diseases will receive a holiday gift and a visit from popular cartoon and TV show character in costume. “Sometimes we give the kids their ideal gift and sometimes whatever is trending,” Weintraub said. “We ask the child-life specialists for help on what the kids would like.” Common gifts Weintraub gives the children include a Wii, Beats headphones, iPods and gift cards. As a cancer survivor herself, Weintraub understands the rough times the sick children are going through and feels blessed to be able to provide other kids with the same happiness she desired. “The kids have no hope and are staying negative,” Weintraub said. “It is crazy how something so small can make such an impact. Once we visit each kid, their perspectives completely change. They gain faith and can actually smile while in a position like no other. When we go in, we reassure them about everything.” The Kakes 4 Kids club decided this year to put on two holiday themed birthday parties for foster children for the same reason Weintraub and Wilentz organized toy drives: to make the kids happy. On Dec. 10 and 11, the club will be hosting parties at His House foster care center in Ft. Lauderdale as well as at Children’s Harbor in Southwest Ranches. Although Kakes 4 Kids puts on year-round birthday parties for foster children, social media manager sophomore Jordan Moskowitz believes the holiday parties are the most important and fun. “I believe it is important to help these foster homes, because I feel we really make their day by putting on a birthday party, especially during the holiday season,” Moskowitz said. “It makes them feel like any other regular child to feel special for a day, just like all of us.” Moskowitz expects 10 to 15 club members to attend the birthday parties and is in the process of planning holiday themed games and arts and crafts projects for the foster kids to enjoy. “We will
have fun activities for the children to participate in to get them into the holiday spirit which they love,” Moskowitz said. Moskowitz said she is glad to have the opportunity to form bonds with these foster kids and make them feel appreciated during this time of year. “When we visit each time, it feels like you know these kids like your own family, which is very touching and heartwarming,” Moskowitz said. “It is nice knowing that they will always have a special place for you in their heart, as we feel the same way.” Senior Anya Berry has been assisting the Harvest Drive organization of South Florida for many years as an altruism ambassador. Although the Harvest Drive is well known for its popular fall food drive, the organization continues to collect items all throughout the winter. “During winter, Harvest Drive hosts a boutique event and fundraises clothing items, household items, toys and shoes all for people who are underprivileged to come and pick out certain items for their household,” Berry said. “It is basically like a giant store but it is all free for these members of our community.” Harvest Drive travels to temples, churches and schools to collect these items and attempts to get the community involved in giving back as much as it can to raise support for kids and families in need. “Having this boutique is a great way for the community to come together and give back, and it is hosted at another high school in Weston, Western High School,” Berry said. “It is so cool to see people come out and give that much effort towards this great cause.” Berry said a unique aspect about Harvest Drive is it greatly relies on the work of students to run the organization and to make the impact that they do on the community. “There is a lot of charity work done in our community, but the essential cornerstone of Harvest Drive is that children are the basis of everything,” Berry said. “They are the ones that lead the project and who instill altruistic values and essentially carry on altruistic ways throughout the community.”
KAKES 4 KIDS HOLIDAY PARTY
SALVATION ARMY DRIVE
LAYOUT BY MORGAN COMITE AND LARA FINAN
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FEATURES
DECEMBER 2016
Instagram serves as avenue for online selling BY HAYLEY PRINCZ
since she began selling. Although she said
Junior Hannah Rothbard has been selling custom-made shoes through Instagram since September. “It all started when I bought a pair of Vans for myself and doodled on them,” Rothbard said. “A bunch of people complimented me on them and told me they would want shoes like them.” According to Rothbard, Instagram which people could view her products. “Most people our age have an Instagram [account],” Rothbard said. “It is a good way to reach out to a lot of people. They can look at my designs on the page and see if they want a pair of shoes.” Rothbard, under the username @ her.art.and.designs, has been selling the shoes to try and raise money for an Israeli organization by the name of Save a Child’s Heart. “I am proud to say that I can help such an important organization in a creative way rather than just asking people for donations,” Rothbard said. “I hope that my contributions through selling shoes is enough to save some children.” Like Rothbard, since the summer of 2015, junior Isabelle Miller has been selling her old clothing through Instagram. She has sold approximately 40 items since then. “I never thought I would sell as much
for each product, she makes up her own price when someone is ready to make a purchase. “Originally, I started selling clothing so I could make some money,” Miller said. “However, it has turned into more of a hobby for me now.” Like Miller, senior Camila Ochoa has been selling clothes and accessories since her sophomore year through her
attention to detail before posting a picture and makes sure everything looks neat. “The reason behind my organization is I think people are more attracted to clothing that looks unworn,” Ochoa said. Ochoa said she has made her Instagram public with the intention to reach a broader consumer base. “[Posting on Instagram] is the easiest way to reach out to as many people as possible,” Ochoa said. “Many of my friends and their friends have an Instagram account. I do not think I can say the same about selling websites and apps.” In order to ensure consumer satisfaction, Ochoa has implemented a policy that appeals to the people who want to try on her clothes. “A lot of people want to try on clothes,” Ochoa said. “So I bring it to them. If [the buyers] want the clothes, I get the Miller said. “Back then, selling anything money. If not, I take the clothes back. made me feel proud and accomplished.” The customers like this idea because they
GRAPHIC BY SOFIA PLAZ AND LETICIA ANTONINI
do not feel as pressured into buying the clothing if they do not like it.” Prior to posting pictures and selling her clothing, Miller said she has to check to see that there is no damage. “Although the process can be tedious, I enjoy selling over Instagram,” Miller said. “It makes me feel good when people stop on my page and look at what I have to offer.” According to Ochoa, selling through Instagram is the best way to maximize
“I used to sell through eBay,” she said. and I am thankful [for this experience].”
cleaned thoroughly inside and out unlike other local auto detailing companies.” In addition to J and A Auto Detailing, Sherman works for the Florida Panthers. He said he makes more money through his auto-detailing business than he does working for the National Hockey League (NHL) team. “Although my job with the Florida Panthers is far more unique because I work directly with the hockey players, I enjoy working with cars and making money while doing so,” he said. Unlike Sherman, Altschul had not worked prior to starting the auto-detailing company, and he said he enjoys being self-employed. “My friends always complain about
BY JULIA BRILLIANT
Car enthusiasts and seniors Jonathan Sherman and Alec Altschul decided to turn their passion for cars into a business: J and A Auto Detailing. Their business offers cleaning and waxing services for cars. “Starting my own auto-detailing business seemed like a no-brainer because I am a car enthusiast,” Sherman said. “My partner and I are planning on pursuing business in college, so we
“
Our clients are very important to Alec and me because they are the reason our business is successful, we appreciate their support and do not take their loyalty for granted.
“
-senior Jonathan Sherman
Like Sherman, Altschul said he really enjoys the experience of running his own business. He strives to apply what he is learning now with J and A Auto Detailing to his future businesses. never realized how much time and effort it takes to run a business,” Altschul said. “I know this journey with Jonathan will help me make smart decisions with future
“However, websites required me to pay a fee for selling my clothes. I decided to transition to using social media because it is free.” Miller said that selling her clothing has actually reduced the need to purchase more clothing for herself. “Through this, I have become more conscious of buying things I do not need,” Miller said. “I have realized that a lot of the clothes that I sell are clothes that I have either never worn or wore once or twice.
PHOTO BY JULIA BRILLIANT
RIDING TO SUCCESS: Seniors Jonathan Sherman and Alec Altschul created their own car business: J and A Auto Detailing. They promote their car washing company on its Twitter account.
business ventures.” Sherman said running the autodetailing business has provided him with real life professional experience. “We invest some of the money we make into our business in order to maintain it, which is something I never realized we would have to do prior to creating it,” Sherman said. J and A Auto Detailing reach clients through social media, referrals and networking. According to Altschul, customer satisfaction is the key to success. “It is very important to maintain high quality work in order to keep clients and get new ones,” Altschul said. “We have
is really nice because our hard work brings us more customers.” Sherman said his goals for J and A Auto Detailing is to obtain loyal and frequent clients by providing them with the best services possible. “Our clients are very important to Alec and me because they are the reason our business is successful,” Sherman said, “We appreciate their support and do not take their loyalty for granted.” Junior Melanie Louis is a customer of J and A Auto Detailing and says that she
Altschul said. “I would much rather work for myself and put in hard labor for two hours and make the same as my friends who work eight.” Sherman said being self-employed
own schedule come along with it. “Making my own schedule allows me to not only get my homework and studying done whenever I want, but also be a part of extracurricular activities,” Sherman said. Sherman said he is extremely busy between juggling school and running his own business; however, he said the outcome of all his hard work is worth it. “The only negative thing I would have to say about running my own business is the fact that it occupies a lot of my time,” Sherman said. “While my peers are “My friend referred me to Jonathan having fun, I am usually working.” and Alec,” Louis said. “My car was
DECEMBER 2016
SPORTS
BY ALEXIS SOBEL MANAGING EDITOR
Lightning Lunatics captain and senior Owen Bratberg said he always looks forward to the nights where he can lead the Lunatics in the Bay’s traditional rollercoaster chant. “[My favorite part about being a Lunatic is] being able to say that I am a part of the best student section in the nation,” Bratberg said. “The Lunatics are
2016 National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) college football playoffs.
PHOTOS BY OLIVIA OHAYON
(Above) The Lightning Lunatics continue to support the boys varsity basketball team for the eighth consecutive season. The Lightning has an undefeated streak at home that dates back to the start of the 20152016 season. (from left) Lunatic Captains Ignacio Finkelberg, Owen Bratberg, Matthew Wetcher and Luis Palez lead the Lunatics in the traditional rollercoaster chant. The Lightning basketball team defeated South Plantation on Dec. 3 in tremendous fashion.
“
The Lunatics are always
”
with the players that the Lunatics presence itself gives our players an advantage,” he said. “When a player sees all of their friends showing support, it the Lunatics no matter [what the score is on] the board. The most special thing about us is the way we show our support. Walking into a home court game is a different experience every time.” Sophomore point guard Tyler
Michigan gets robbed of fourth place position in the College The college football selection commit-
we are the people who make it special. Also, knowing that I have a family made up of students and alumni who have my back enhances the experience. It feels good to be involved with the school in a positive way.” Like Bratberg, Lightning Lunatic Alex Schein said he feels a sense of connectedness amongst the Bay’s student section. “It feels like a family in the context that we all have the same hopes when we go to the games,” Schein said. “We want to have a good time and see the team win.” According to Schein, although the 2016-2017 basketball squad has a lot of talent, the Lunatics put pressure on the Bay’s opponents helping out during close games. “I personally believe that as the players, they cannot help but get excited when they hear the Lunatics,” Schein said. “It almost seems like the louder we get, the better they play.” Likewise, Bratberg said the energy Lunatics spread gives the Bay’s home
-Lunatics captain Owen Bratberg
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feel like neely
the Bay, and we are the people who make it special. Also, knowing that I have a family made up of students and alumni who have my back enhances the experience. It feels good to be involved with the school in a positive way.
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69-28. The Lunatics and the basketball team look forward to continuing their undefeated streak at home when they take on Pembroke Pines Charter on Dec. 12.
Krivitzkin appreciates the enthusiasm the Lunatics bring to each game. “The Lunatics make a huge impact on my game because whenever I make a good play they get so loud,” Krivitzkin said. “It brings energy to me and the team.” Krivitzkin said the Lunatics’ impact was especially apparent during the “Taravella was a really good team,” he said. “It was a close game until the Lunatics got there, and then, the game was just out of reach for Taravella.” Every year, the Lightning Lunatic’s captains pick a theme that embodies the vibes of the student section. This year, the theme is “I Feel Like Neely,” which originates from Kanye West’s song “I Feel Like Pablo”, and Schein said this theme represents the Lunatics. “I think it is a good mix of pop culture and how every student at the Bay wants to feel all of the time,” he said. “I do not
think you will ever see Neely without a smile on his face, and the same goes for the Lunatics.” Throughout the course of the game, a variety of chants are made depending plays. “Getting in the other team’s head is our specialty,” Bratberg said. “We break down the opposing team by keeping our team in a ‘Neely’ mentality, which is being positive and knowing we are going to take the ‘W’ no matter what.” As a Lunatic captain, Bratberg said he is pleased about the Lunatic’s turnout thus far, and he hopes to impact the Lunatics in the long run. “I feel the pressure of leaving behind a legacy, just as the previous captains did,” he said. “I am exceptionally proud of the Lunatics this year and all the enthusiasm. I hope everyone keeps supporting the team and ‘Feeling like Neely.’”
spot were No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide, No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, No. 3 Clemson Tigers and No. 4 Washington Huskies. Alabama will take on the Washington Huskies in the Peach Bowl, and the Buckeyes will face off against the Clemson Tigers in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. Over the past few days, there has been debate over which team deserves the fourth spot in the playoffs. On Dec. 4, the committee showed they do not value conference championships, and a better record puts a team in the playoffs versus a better team overall. The committee decided to send a Husky team to the playoffs. This is a team that has not won a NCAA Championship since 1991. were both from the Big 10 Conference: The Penn State Nittany Lions at No. 5 and the Michigan Wolverines at No. 6. While the Huskies had a great season with a 12-1 record, the Wolverines deserve the playoff spot more. While Michigan did have a worse record than Washington, Washington’s non-conference opponents were ranked second to last in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Despite the consensus, Ohio State (11-1) and Michigan (10-2) are the two best teams in the Big 10, yet, neither played in the conference-title game. Instead, No. 7 Penn State (11-2) in what kind of felt equivalent to a third-place game, defeated Wisconsin (10-3) in the conference championship. When it is all said and done, the Wolverines of Ann Arbor should be in the college football playoffs. If the committee’s mission was to select the best four teams in college football to send to the playoffs, then they should have done so. Michigan is clearly one of the best four teams in the country. Despite two losses on the road, one ranked Iowa Hawkeyes team and the other to the Ohio State Buckeyes, they were double overtime loss against Ohio State. The Michigan team led by Head Coach John Harbaugh and Heisman nominee Jabrill Peppers has proved this season that they are one of the best teams in college football. Michigan only lost by four points in both of their losses. Combined. The Wolverines résumé is stronger than the Huskies. Ohio State did not even play in the Big 10 championship, lost to Penn State and yet they were still selected as the No. 2 seed. I would not be surprised if the Huskies lost by more than two touchdowns. Michigan would have put up the fourth spot.
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Athletes thankful for family, coaches BY JESSICA RUSSO SPORTS PHOTO EDITOR
For senior and varsity lacrosse goalie, Justin Hochberg, Thanksgiving said he owes his athletic success to his “My parents have always bought “From my lacrosse stick, padding and
with preseason training, and practices
They never cared about what time I had their busy schedule to help me prosper in Like
Hochberg,
senior
Sydni PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JUSTIN HOCHBERG
“
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SYDNI FREEDLANDER
FAMILY TIME: (Clockwise from top left) senior Justin Hochberg said he is thankful for all the support his mother and his father have given him during his entire high school lacrosse career. Senior Sydni Freedlander said she is thankful for her mother Teri and her twin sister Lily for keeping her calm during the volleyball season and practicing with her. Senior Jake Lichtenstein said this moment at his football Senior Night with his parents meant a lot to him and his family as he will be attending the University of Southern California in the fall. Lichtenstein said he is thankful for his parents, as they allowed him to make the decision on where he would play college football and for all of their support throughout the entire recruiting process. Many senior athletes at the Bay attribute their success to their parents, and Hochberg, Freedlander and Lichtenstein are amongst those senior athletes.
Both my school and club coaches are the most passionate people, as they always push me to do better, and they have taken the time to make me a stronger, more competitive player.
”
-senior Sydni Freedlander
being a student athlete was too much,” Sophomore
Chase
Uricola
has
“I would not be where I am without
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JAKE LICHTENSTEIN
I need and comes to all my games,” Like Uricola, Freedlander believes her looking up at the stands and seeing her jumping up and down, no matter how Although Uricola attributes much
said he would have not made it through Lichtenstein said his inspiration to play
“Both my school and club coaches are “They told me I could go wherever the most passionate people, as they always same opportunities as me up to this point I wanted to play, and it was entirely my push me to do better, and they have taken [in my career], so there was a lot to live the time to make me a stronger, more long journey to get to where I am, and I am so blessed to have parents by my side have parents, who allow me to make my and I know my coaches will train me to
never give up on me and always push me
Sports Calendar
Varsity Boys Soccer Piper High @ Cypress Bay, Dec. 13 West Broward @ Cypress Bay, Dec. 15 Western @ Cypress Bay, Dec. 19 J.P. Taravella @ Cypress Bay, Jan. 9
Varsity Boys Basketball Pembroke Pines Charter @ Cypress Bay, Dec. 12 Coconut Creek @ Cypress Bay, Dec. 13 West Broward @ Cypress Bay, Dec. 16 Monarch @ Cypress Bay, Jan. 7
Varsity Girls Soccer Piper High @ Cypress Bay, Dec. 13 Cypress Bay @ West Broward, Dec. 15 Western @ Cypress Bay, Dec. 19 J.P. Taravella @ Cypress Bay, Jan. 9
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Chicago Cubs win 2016 World Series The Chicago Cubs won the 2016 World Series, 4-3 on Nov. 2, breaking a 108-year drought and bringing excitement to the city and fans of the franchise all over the nation. Game 7 lasted four and a half hours and consisted of a deadlocked 6-6 ninth inning and a 17-minute rain delay at the top of the 10th inning. The country saw two world wars, social movements from the hippie culture to since the team’s last World Series win in 1908. Fans of the team partially accredit its century long dry spell to “The Curse of the Billy Goat,” placed on the team in the 1945 World Series against the Detroit Tigers. The Circuit’s staff recaps the 2016 year in sports. Here are our selections for this year’s top sports stories.
Rio Olympics see record numbers
Major athletes on the move
The United States’ 29th Summer Olympic team left Rio De Janeiro, Brazil with 46 gold medals and a total 121 medals overall. Michael Phelps retired his Olympic speedo and became most decorated Olympic athlete of all time with 23 gold medals. Swimmer Katie Ledecky broke eight seconds above her previous world record. Olympic newcomer Simone Biles, of the women’s gymnastic team, not only left her mark on this year’s games by claiming four gold medals in all-around,
In the year 2016, many decorated athletes laced-up their shoes for one last time before saying goodbye to the game forever. The Black Mamba, a name Kobe Bryant coined for himself, closed out his 20-year career but not before scoring 60 points in his last game against the Utah Jazz. Peyton Manning led the Denver Broncos to the Lombardi trophy in his last game: Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. Other athletes, like Dwayne Wade and Kevin Durant, made the decision to leave the teams to which they owed their entire career. Miami fans could no longer call Dade County Wade County, as the 13-year Miami Heat player decided to sign with his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls. Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Golden State Warriors to have a better chance at a championship ring. This season’s Warriors are a power team, and its management went after Durant to ensure a loss like the one endured in the in the 2016 Finals would never happen again.
LeBron brings title to Cleveland
Kaepernick draws nation-wide attention
LeBron James and the Cavaliers brought home Cleve-
When Quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem, he sparked nationwide debate over his decision to not stand. He polarized the country and sports world on issues of race and treatment of minorities. His decision to knee was adapted by Miami
tion Championship in franchise history, on June 19 in Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors. This championship match-up will be remembered by the Cavaliers making a 3-1 comeback and facing off with the Warriors in an intense Game 7. returning to the Cavs in 2014, but he did it with 27 points and 11 rebounds in Game 7 alone. Due to the leadership he provided to the team throughout the Finals, James was named Finals MVP.
came to South Florida to play against the Dolphins on Nov. 27, many Miami residents welcomed him with boos in response to his supportive remarks of former Cuban dic-
WHAT THE STUDENTS ARE SAYING
sports highlight of my life. I’ve never seen my dad cry, and he cried when the Cubs won the World Series.”
“Simone Biles is such an inspiration; she was able to go from someone who was unknown to one of the most decorated gymnasts in Olympic history.”
“He left a huge mark on the NBA because he was able to play with both Michael Jordan and Lebron James who are arguably the best players of all time.”
“I believe that LeBron James did what LeBron James does best, and that is winning when the stakes are the highest.”
“I don’t have a problem with Kaepernick taking a knee. Its political because a lot of people agree with him and no one has ever did anything like that.”
- junior Ben Pelman
- sophomore Courtney Cooke
- freshman Robbie Solomon
- senior Julia Flaherty
- junior Ricky Malcolm LAYOUT BY OLIVIA OHAYON
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Quarterback Derek Carr deserves NFL MVP through week 14 Entering Week 15 of the season, the race for the NFL’s most valuable player could not be tighter. The general consensus is that the only legitimate candidates remaining are Tom Brady, Derek Carr, Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford, Ezekiel Elliott, and Dak Prescott. All of these players have had exceptional seasons thus far, but Derek Carr has made by far the greatest impact for his team. Through 14 games he has led the Oakland Raiders to a 10-3 record. When Derek Carr was drafted in the second round of the 2014 draft, he quickly took the reigns of a team that had struggled mightily in recent seasons, with 4-12 records in both 2012 and 2013. Carr has improved each season since his rookie year, and he has taken the entire organization along with him. The Raiders currently sit atop of the American Football Conference (AFC) and are on the verge of breaking their 14year playoff drought. Carr is averaging 283 passing yards and two touchdowns per game, while leading Oakland to the number four scoring offense in the league. This has evidently outweighed Oakland’s mediocre, number 23 scoring defense. Without Carr, the Raiders’ offense would be struggling right along with its defense, as they do not have any superstars capable of picking up the slack. Aside from Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan and Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford, none of the other candidates are as valuable to their team as Carr is. During Tom Brady’s four game suspension at the start of the season, the New England Patriots were dominant, with backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett leading them to a 3-1 record.
DECEMBER 2016
Miami Dolphins’ six-game winning
As for the 11-1 Dallas Cowboys’ The Miami Dolphins started off the Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott, they 2016-2017 season with a lackluster 1-4 record. Since then, the Fins went on a sixeach other’s greatness and the legendary game winning streak from the week of offensive line they get to work behind. Oct. 16 to Nov. 27. The team has started If one of them were to go down, to change the minds of South Floridians about the upcoming playoff potential. the help of that offensive line, and the Suddenly, the Dolphins have become a Cowboys would still win a majority of its hot topic in town. Sunday, Nov. 27, was games. the team’s sixth consecutive victory, As for Matt Ryan, he has done less which marks its longest winning streak with more in comparison to Derek Carr. since 2005; however, the climb to a Like Carr, Ryan’s offense has led the playoff spot remains tough. Falcons to a winning record, despite a Miami, as of Dec. 8, sits seventh in mediocre defense, but the Falcons have the jockeying for six American Football not been nearly as good as the Raiders. Conference (AFC) playoff spots and still While the Raiders look like Super is two wins behind the wild-card leaders. The strong winning streak gives the for their playoff lives at 7-5. team a hopeful outlook for the playoffs. Although the Falcons would be an Although it is hard to imagine the absolute mess without Ryan, they are Dolphins occupying a spot in the Super not a good enough team for Ryan to be Bowl, if the team continues to pursue this worthy of the MVP award. winning streak and work hard, it is very The last -- and second most deserving likely for them to go far in the NFL. -- candidate is Matthew Stafford. The Dolphins have scored at least 27 Stafford has the Lions sitting atop of their division at 8-4 despite a lack of consistent last accomplished back in 2009. Dolphins playmakers. quarterback, Ryan Tannehill’s passer Following superstar wide receiver rating has increased to 91.3, ever since Calvin Johnson’s retirement, Stafford’s the winning streak began. He is sixth in weaponry seemed to be decimated, but the league in yards per attempt, and he he has stepped up and thus far delivered leads the league with six games with a one of the best seasons of his career. completion of at least 50 yards. Jay Ajayi has been a vital reason for not the MVP, but there can only be one, the Dolphins winning the past six games, and Carr is simply more deserving at this as he is now seventh in the league for the point in the season. most rushing yards with 908 yards. Carr has transformed the Raiders Dolphin’s wide receiver Damien into an apparent immediate Super Bowl Williams has had the majority of team’s threat, while the Lions look like a team points, and he has also been a big help on the rise for the future. with the team keeping their winning Claiming that any of these players streak alive. Williams has scored three have been anything short of incredible touchdowns across the six games played, and each of these scores has contributed deserving of the label “Most Valuable greatly to each win. Without a strong Player” than Carr is. offense scoring the teams points, the
Dolphins would not be in the same position they are in now. Not only has the Dolphins’ winning streak revved up the fans, the players and the franchise, but Hard Rock Stadium, as well, has had a complete change in atmosphere. What were once upset and angry fans, are now hopeful, positive, and energetic. Fans now have a positive outlook on the upcoming games, and remain hopeful for a possible spot in the playoffs. It seems very possible for the Dolphins to have a decent spot in the playoffs, if they keep up the same intensity. If they want to continue to achieve, they need to continue to improve their defensive skills. Since the start of the season, the Dolphins defense has always had some minor quirks and setbacks to deal with. Defense problem in very close game scenarios, where it is vital. With a strong defensive line, the Dolphins road to the playoffs is way more accessible to reach. All in all, the Dolphins have a long road ahead of them in order to make a spot the playoffs. Although it seems very likely right now, their luck could change in an instant. If their strong offense suddenly takes a turn for the worst, their road to the playoffs could take a sudden sharp turn. If the Dolphins keep up the good work and continue to work hard, they should go very far, and hopefully clench a spot in the playoffs. Without their strong offense carrying the team’s success, the Dolphins would not be close to where they are now in the rankings.
FACE OFF YES lant came as a surprise to almost the entire NHL, except Panthers have turned to a more analytical approach to the game of hockey, looking more into statistics, rather than just a physical presence. Gallant never really bought into that approach. Gallant led the Panthers to 103 points last season and the Atlantic Division crown, but that was last year and not this year. The Panthers were 11-10-2 at the sess, they were severely underachieving. Gallant is a good coach and will certainly get a new job soon, maybe with the NHL’s newest franchise Las Vegas Golden Knights, then you cannot keep him around. I believe the franchise’s the NHL that they are capable of exceeding a .500 record: they are a team that expects to not just compete for a playoff spot but for a top seed in the playoffs. The Panthers are too talented of a team to fail. Interim coach Tom Rowe will right the ship and lead the Panthers back to their winning Cup. -Jeremy Jackson
Panthers’ Head Coach Gerard Gallant
NO The most recent news to come out in the hockey world was the surprising termination of Florida Panthers Head Coach Gerard Gallant. Last year the Florida Panthers completed their best regular season in franchise history with an impressive 47-26-9 (103 Points) record and clinched the Atlantic Division title. On top of this, the Panthers had four members selected to the NHL AllStar Game including Gallant, as the coach. To add to the repertoire of good things from the Cats, the team had a scorers. Yet, this was apparently not good enough for a team’s management whose main goal is bringing a Stanley Cup to South Florida. This decision is unprecedented, Yes, the Panthers are off to a fair start (11-10-2), but they only remain one point away from a wildcard position. What is most surprising about this decision is the fact that Gallant is the most winningest coach in Panther’s history. Gallant is also one of the League’s most renowned coaches, as well. Last season, he was nominated for the Jack Adam’s award, as one of the best three coaches in the NHL. For a management that wants to win, this certainly shocks the players as well as fans around the league. However, Gallant
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complain with the result, but we are always striving to get better.” Coach Looky said the team’s
BY ELI FUHRMAN MULT. SPORTS EDITOR
The boys varsity basketball team opened its season on Nov. 21 with a 5539 win over Taravella High School. “It was a nice start to the season,” Head Coach Jason Looky said. “We executed just as we planned on both offense and defense.” The Lightning held the lead from the
game was a little weak, but he thinks the “We need to be able to play each quarter with the same tempo and style. We had too many highs and lows,” he work on.” Nevertheless, the win gave Coach
whistle. Coach Looky said this was a teamwork. “It is always important to move the ball around and get it to all your guys,” he said. “We showed that we can do that.” Sophomore guard Tyler Krivitzkin,
heading into the season. “This game reassured us what we are capable of doing. We still have plenty of games to go, though, so we cannot get ahead of ourselves,” Coach Looky said. Last year, the team advanced to the
he was also proud of his team’s ability to share the ball and earn open shots. “We shifted the ball really well on their zone defense, giving us open driving lanes and uncontested shots,” Krivitzkin said. Krivitzkin, along with freshmen Brandon Garcia and Isaiah Quinteros, all started the game, making more than half of the team’s starters underclassmen. The team’s lineup last year included four seniors, who all graduated. “We need the young guys to be able to produce. That is how we build for
said that does not affect its goal toward this season. “I do not think anyone on the team has PERFECT SHOT: The varsity basketball team shows spirit, as they celebrate even looked that far into the season, but a 3-pointer that helped bring the team to victory against Taravella High School. The Lightning won with a score of 55-39. we do not care what has happened in the past,” Klopman said. “We just care about the future and gain experience,” Coach execute our game plan, there is no reason playing as well as we can each game.” Looky said. “We had a lot of guys leave why we cannot succeed,” Krivitzkin said. As of Dec. 7, the Lightning is 4-1, with Even after a 16-point win, the team a loss to Piper High and wins against Krivitzkin said he was impressed South Plantation, Monarch, Gulliver and with how he and the other young players has areas to improve on. Western. performed, but it did not shock him. “We did not shoot the ball as well “We know that we have potential on as we would have liked,” junior James this team. If we can play together and Klopman said. “Obviously, you cannot PHOTO BY OLIVIA OHAYON
JV basketball shoots BY BRIAN KESSLER
The Bay’s junior varsity boy basketball team started its 2016-17 season 2-1, as of Dec. 5. The team debuted with a 48-43 win, on Nov. 21, at home against Taravella High School. “The team is playing well so far,” power forward and sophomore Marc Shapiro said. “There are a lot of returning players and also a lot of new players.” The Lightning were trailing in their but they rallied back during the second season. a lot of momentum coming into the rest of the season,” sophomore and shooting guard Zach Shulby said. “It does not matter how much we win by, as long as we win.” The Lightning played their second
away fans can be distracting at times.” The team holds practice six times a week, and the amount of games per week can vary. The regular season lasts from Nov. 21 through Jan. 26. “It is a very long season, so we expect to have our ups and downs,” Shulby said. “As long as we work hard and listen to the coaches the season should be a successful one.” The team consists of 18 players, nine of which are freshman and nine are sophomores. Freshman point guard Ben Udine said the returning sophomores act as leaders to the new freshman on the team. “The older players on the team help the younger players get ready for the games, calm down our nerves and they make sure practices and games run smoothly,” Udine said. The Lightning’s coaches are Gabe Pean and Scott Feldman. Pean and Feldman have both been coaching
on Nov. 28 at Piper High School. The after falling to Piper 56-41. “The away games are very different than our home games,” Shapiro said. “We are not used to the court, and the
“Coach Gabe and Coach Feldman both have a lot of knowledge and experience about basketball,” Shapiro said. “They have been a huge help to the team and my personal game.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DORI SOLOMON
TEAMWORK: The JV boys basketball team prepares for its new season by
During the Lightning’s home game some players, like Shapiro, have a goal to on Dec. 1 against South Plantation high someday be called up to the varsity team. school, Shulby said the team was looking “Playing on varsity has always been a goal for me, but right now I am fully season. focused and motivated to help my team “The season is far from being over,” succeed,” Shapiro said. Shulby said. “We have to forget about The Lightning have 14 games our close losses and just focus on the next remaining in the 2016-2017 season, game ahead.” as there is no playoffs or postseason The team’s goal for the season is tournaments for the junior varsity to win as many games as possible, but division.
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DECEMBER 2016
Varsity Wrestling looks to tackle season goals BY REED COVITZ
The varsity wrestling team traveled to - heavy team. day, Dec. 2. Last season, the team had hard then we will win districts and many
“
When you do not have control over the situation, you make the best out of what you have. You cannot use it as an excuse, and you just [have] to move on.
”
-Coach Alan Held
Coach Held said.
PHOTO BY REED COVITZ
TAKE DOWN:
-
prepare for opposing teams.
According to Brill, the reason the Like Brill, Coach Held said that not
this team and last year’s team is we do not work as hard. We need more inten-
The wrestling team’s next match is
detrimental to the team, as they try to val-
Girls basketball starts season strong all grades, LaChance said the team has
BY SAMMY KLOPMAN
The Bay’s girls varsity basketball
“We mesh together very well on
“
I am most excited for the thrill of playing and being able to have fun with my teammates, who I’ve gotten very close with. I am always being positive by setting examples and, most importantly, not letting anyone slack.
cheering them on at their games. my teammates, who I’ve gotten very PHOTO BY SAMMY KLOPMAN
SWOOSH: game. The team hopes to improve on its 6-2 start and win the district title.
“The
team
has
been
working
“
-junior Flo Justens
LaChance said the team has been
The next girls’ basketball game is on
and motivated on winning the district Charter at the Bay.
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Water polo teams splash into new season “I welcome all walks of life, but I want new players that are enthusiastic and committed.” er players to help improve the team this upcoming season. Because the team lost As the boys water polo team splashes many integral players from last year, it back into the new season, the old and aspiring players are starting to prepare. “I welcome all walks of life, but I Senior and captain of the water polo want new players that are enthusiastic team Ferhan Wasif said the team is ex- and committed,” Coach Warenik said. “I pected to be participating in offseason would not hate seeing some bigger kids in practices before the season starts. If a the water to have a presence.” player cannot participate, they are exFor sophomore Carlos Pina trying out pected to be staying active in the water by for the water polo team could provide an swimming and going to the gym. outlet for many new opportunities. “These preparations are crucial for re“I wanted to try out for the team beturning players because it keeps them in cause it is an intense sport where I can shape rather than trying to play catch up physically challenge myself in many when the season starts,” Ferhan said. “Off ways,” Pina said. “I have also heard that season practicing gives all of the players the team is like a family, and it would be the ability to improve immensely giving awesome if I could be a part of that.” them more play time as well as starting With the immense amount of responpositions.” sibilities Pina has in school, he said he is Wasif said although the team last year also looking for an activity to eliminate was small, it was still great, and two play- some of his anxieties. ers that went on to play collegiate water “After a long day of school, I am alpolo. However, he recognizes there is al- ways searching for something to do to reways room for improvement. lieve my stress,” Pina said. “Water polo “Water polo, like any other sport, requires consistency and the only way to According to Wasif, as the season is maintain and improve upon one’s own around the corner, the players are starting skill is to have that constant stimulation to become excited. by joining an off season team and com“I look forward to seeing how my mitting to going to practice throughout teammates and others as well have imsummer and school,” Wasif said. proved since last season and to seeing if Coach of the water polo team Tori their practice, or lack thereof, has impactWarenik said she is relying on the young- ed how they are in the game,” Wasif said. BY JESSICA SOBEL
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY FERHAN WASIF
MARCO POLO: (Top) team partake in the Sunshine
Sophomore Carlos Pina
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CARLOS PINA
new players that have the potential to really improve in this sport.” Pina is hopeful that the hard work he put in will pay off during the tryouts on Jan. 9. “I really aspire to make the team so I
can become a part of the water polo family,” Pina said. “I am sure this is going to be a great season.” The boy’s water polo season begins on Jan. 9 as the tryouts are being held at the Weston YMCA.
“Despite losing most of our starters, we are already looking in great shape for January.” feels the pressure. “We have about three tournaments
BY REMI SCHWARTZ
The girl’s water polo team is beginning to prepare for their new season starting on Jan. 9. Sophomore and left wing Alyssa Werra said she, along with her teammates, have started to work in and out of the pool to make the best out of the upcoming season. “Despite losing most of our starters, we are already looking in great shape for January,” Werra said. “I am so excited to get back into playing with the team, and we are going to be stronger than ever.” To improve the team’s chemistry, Coach Tori Warenik said she wants the players and coaches to establish good relationships with each other.
change some things in the pool,” Coach Warenik said. “The attitudes and the determination all have to be positive and strong towards the season.” Coach Warenik said there was a lot of negativity last year and that cannot happen if they want to be successful. The bond in and out of the pool is essential. “The friendship that comes along with playing with this team is incredible,”
SUBMITTED BY ALYSSA WERRA
The girls water polo season begins on Jan. 9. According
can improve our team but outside the pool as well,” Coach Warenik said. “Being establish good relationships with each other. close and forming a good chemistry can at home or at the YMCA to prepare for thinks it is a cool and competitive sport. a better season.” He is optimistic about the upcoming According to Werra, the most games.” season. important thing for the team’s success Werra said the time put in as a team “Watching our team compete is differentiates a good team from a great fun,” Goldstein said. “I am not really practice time. one. into sports, but this is something I enjoy. “My goal this year is to make it to Plus, it is a challenging sport that many yet, but there are pre-season one’s going districts, regionals and hopefully states,” cannot do, and you do not expect the on at the South Florida Water Polo Club Werra said. “If we work hard and as a power driven in these girls.” (SOFLO),” Werra said. “It is important team I think we can even beat St. Thomas As the season is quickly approaching, to get a head start, because it is really this year too.” Werra said because the fans are intense. Many of the newer people have Sophomore Robbie Goldstein said he starting to root for them and the list of been practicing on their own time either enjoys watching the water polo team, as he
amazing long term friends that I will look forward to playing with every year.” For Goldstein, getting ready for competitive games and seeing familiar faces either in the pool or in the stands is a cool aspect of the water polo season. “I have many friends on the team and I really enjoy watching them compete,” Goldstein said. “I get to see a different side of them and something that they are passionate about.” As fans, players and coaches start to get revved for the season, Werra said she is already thinking of new tactics to bring to the team. “We are a strong team and both Coach Warenik and I are anxious to start and get back in it,” Werra said. “I think the changes and new direction we will be going in is off great start.”
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SPORTS
DECEMBER 2016
Varsity lacrosse teams welcome new coaches BY RACHEL GREENBERG
The Bay will be welcoming two new coaches, Shawn LoPorto and Corey Engelhard, for the boys and girls 2016-17 lacrosse season, respectively. Both teams are looking for a successful season and with new coaches, expectations are high. “I have been a lacrosse coach for 15 years,” Coach LoPorto said. “I have coached boys lacrosse for 13 years and girls lacrosse for two years.” LoPorto has been playing lacrosse for more than 38 years; therefore, he said
tain qualities a coach should possess in order for the team to run smoothly. “A coach should have solid experience,” he said. “It is important for a coach to have the ability to teach and adjust approaches, plays and strategies based on skill set situations.” Coach Engelhard has been a coach in the Weston Warrior program for six years. This is a recreational lacrosse team for kids interested in learning the game. Due to this involvement with the Warriors, Coach Engelhard said he has gotten the chance to know some of the players on a personal level. “I have coached some of these girls in the Weston Warrior program when they were just starting out,” Coach Engelhard said. “Now, I get to coach them in high school. Watching them grow up is fantastic. I am so grateful that I get to be part of their lives and hopefully impact them in a way that will help them through college and even into adulthood.” Coach Engelhard has been coaching for six years and is continuing to coach for other programs as well as the Bay’s team. “I also coach with Florida Select,” he said. “This is a year-round invitational team and one of the top 2020 teams in the Southeast United States. We just became
school lacrosse. “I now play in a statewide league, so we travel the state of Florida during regular season and then play tournaments out of state,” Coach LoPorto said. “I have coached in three different states, Colorado, New York and Florida, and I have coached numerous players that are now playing Division One, Division Two and Division Three in the NCAA.” Junior Sam Chenoy has been on the lacrosse team for his entire high school career and said he is excited to see where his new coach will bring the team. “So far this season, I have heard nothing but good things about Coach LoPorto,” Chenoy said. “He loves the game and is very passionate about it, and you can tell by the passion he brings to each and at the U.S. Lacrosse National Championevery practice.” ships over the summer. Coach LoPorto believes there are cerLike Chenoy, senior defenseman Car-
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY COREY ENGELHARD
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SHAWN LOPORTO
WELCOME TO THE CLUB: Shawn LoPorto (right) and Corey Engelhard (left) are the two new coaches for the boys and girls varsity lacrosse teams. The season begins in February, but the team has been participating in pre-season training since the beginning of September.
olina Arguelles believes a new coach with experience and a different coaching style will bring some new elements to the team. “The new coach brings a lot of more diversity in having different coaching styles,” Arguelles said. “The girls are more determined and motivated to win districts and move forward with the program.” Coach Engelhard said his daughter inspired him to begin coaching lacrosse. “Since my daughter Jaycee starting playing, I have tried to master the understanding of the game and how to
best teach the fundamentals,” he said. “It takes years to really get good at it. I think a good coach needs to be very organized. Every practice should have a plan. Never Coach LoPorto thinks athletes at the Bay are committed players and take pride in their coaching staff. “For a public school, Cypress Bay has accomplished a lot,” he said. “It has a great reputation, so the kids bring that to the team with the expectation of succeeding.”
Season ticket holders enjoy perks BY SOPHIE GAER
Freshman Spencer Levine and his family are season ticket holders for the Miami Dolphins, and their seats are on the 45-yard line and 20 rows up. Levine said he is a huge Dolphin fan, and going to Hard Rock Stadium on Sundays has become a weekly tradition for him and his family. “I really enjoy having season tickets to the Miami Dolphins games,” Levine said. “Going to the games allows me and my family to bond over something we all love—football.” The Miami Dolphins had a six-game win streak from weeks six to 12 until being defeated by the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 4. Levine said the streak attracted more fans to the home games. “The team has been playing really well recently, so the games have been really fun to go to,” Levine said. Last season the Dolphins organization renovated the entire stadium to make it more modern and accommodating to provide a better fan experience. The improvements include new teal seats, jumbotron, shade in every section and new food and novelty stands. While they were renovating the stadium, some season ticket holder’s, like Levine’s, seats got moved
their hometowns, Justens still goes out to support the team. Justens said he enjoys going to the Heat games, because it is a fun way to bond with her family “I enjoy playing basketball as well as watching it, and when my family and I go to games, we have a really good time,” Justens said. Senior Marian Blanco has season tickets for Florida Panther’s. She said she enjoys the experience of the games. “The Panther games have a great atmosphere, and the entertainment crew really does a good job at getting fans excited,” Blanco said. “I like all of the music they play in between whistles.” Like the Dolphin’s stadium, the BB&T Center was recently renovated to be more fan-friendly and modern. “The stadium is much nicer and more PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SPENCER LEVINE refreshed than before,” Blanco said “It ALL SEASON LONG: Freshman Spencer Levine attends a Dolphins game makes the games more enjoyable with the with his parents at the newly renovated Hard Rock Stadium. The weekly games cleaner and fresh atmosphere.” have become a tradition for Levine since becoming a season ticket holder. Blanco said she enjoys the hockey games, as it is a high collision sport and to a different section of the stadium. the sun, my seats got moved to the only the intensity levels are high. “My only complaint about being a 10 percent that is not,” Levine said. season ticket holder is that when the staJunior Flo Justens and her family have cheering whichever Panther is involved,” dium was being renovated, my seats were recently become season ticket holders for Blanco said. “I love going to the games to moved to the visitor’s side of the stadi- the Miami Heat. Even though the Heat’s support my team, there are good looks for um,” Levine said. “So even though 90 “Big Three” era ended when Dwyane the Panthers this season.” percent of the stadium is covered from Wade and LeBron James went back to
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ATHLETES TO WATCH BELLA LACHANCE
BRANDON GARCIA
What is/was your biggest challenge and how do you overcome it? What do you think about before a game? working on my ball handling skills and my speed.
This helps my defensive game and is a good strategy to help
What is the best advice you were ever given? What are your pre-game rituals? be my best at it. What is your biggest achievement in your basketball career? from Fordham University as a freshman in high
What is your biggest accomplishment in your sport so far? meant a lot to me to be able to have a spot on varsity good when your hard work pays off.
What is your motivation and work ethic when playing basketball?
How hard do you work before, during and after the season?
should never give up and you should push yourself as hard What do you hope to athletically accomplish after high school? What are you looking forward to this season? basketball player.
-Ben Eiglarsh
GOAL: PLAY IN STATES HEIGHT: 5’5 TEAM: GIRLS BASKETBALL CLASS OF: 2020
-Fernando Padron Class of 2020 Height: 6’1’’
GOAL: COLLEGE BALL GOAL: STAY UNDEHEIGHT: 6’1 FEATED TEAM: BOYS BASKETBALL HEIGHT: 6’2 CLASS OF: POSITION: 2020 MIDDLE BLOCKER TEAM: VARSITY VOLLEYBALL CLASS OF 2018
CLASS: 2020
WINTER SEASON STATISTICS
Girls Varsity Basketball @Stoneman Douglas
L 54-70
Gulliver
W 62-50
J.P. Taravella
W 62-20
@Piper
W 54-50
South Plantation
W 62-58
@Miami Country Day
L 33-80
@Western
W 74-21
@Cooper City
W 54-18
Boys Varsity Basketball
Boys Varsity Soccer
J.P. Taravella
W 55-39
South Broward
W 1-0
@Piper
L 44-55
Coral Springs
W 2-0
South Plantation
W 69-48
Coral Glades
W 2-1
Gulliver
W 82-58
@Plantation
W 6-0
@Western
W 74-61
@Cooper City
W 70-64
Boys JV Basketball J.P. Taravella
W 47-42
@Piper
L 32-35
South Plantation
W 53-27
@Western
L 51-58
@Cooper City
L 28-46
W 8-1 Cooper City
W 6-0
South Plantation
W 2-1
@Flanagan
T 1-1
Hollywood Hills
W 2-0
J.P. Taravella
W 4-1
*All information as of Dec. 8
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
DECEMBER 2016
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THE CIRCUIT
Movie industry falls short of fresh ideas BY JENNA RABINOVITCH ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR
From Apple’s newest update of iOS 10 to the reemerging presence of the choker necklace, this year has seen a variety of pop culture changes. For junior Harrison Miller, a revival of an old video game brought back nostalgic feelings. Pokémon Go is an app modeled after the older Pokémon video games made by Nintendo. Immediately reaching number one in the app store, the game was not only popular in the United States, but around the world as well. “I liked that it brought back some of my childhood in a hip way that everyone was doing,” Miller said. “At the camp I worked at, everyone was playing it and I liked that it made me more active. It instantly became popular and all age groups downloaded it which was really cool.” In the past, challenges such as the cinnamon challenge, ALS ice bucket challenge and the “don’t judge challenge” have gone viral over social media. This year, the most prominent challenge is the mannequin challenge, in which people hold action poses, as if they are mannequins, in a video. The Bay’s soccer team participated in this as a bonding exercise during a recent practice. “My team wanted to do something fun and cool, and since the mannequin challenge is different than most things on the Internet we decided to give it a try,” senior Kirian Sanchez said. “It’s really funny to take part in and we all had a lot of fun doing it.” Not only did the 2016 presidential election make a presence in the national news, but it was also discussed heavily in satirical news platforms such as “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). “Shows like ‘SNL’ and other late night comedy shows helped to provide coverage in an up-to-date way because they shed more light on smaller stories that were extremely entertaining throughout the length of the election,” sophomore Sami Haydu said. “They also helped to bring young people’s attention into the election who ultimately made the difference in the results of some states.” This fall, Apple released the operating system iOS 10 adding new features, such as animated text and the ability to play games and send GIFs and music through iMessage. “This year’s update is really cool but it had some negative effects,” senior David Heyman said. “My phone is a lot slower. I really like the part where you can play games through iMessage though. Now I can challenge all my friends through text.” drama called “Stranger Things.” This show made a presence on social media and is one of the most talked about shows of the year. “I think ‘Stranger Things’ is really
The year 2016 was chockfull of reboots, remakes and revivals, proving popular, because the unoriginality of the television and people of all ages can relate to it in and TV shows have been “based on” a way,” senior something else or have been a sequel or a Alex Schein spinoff, and it seems like Hollywood has said. “First is Of the year’s top 10 highest-grossing that people that grew up in the ‘80s crave the one (“Finding Dory”) was a sequel, one sort of culture (“The Jungle Book”) was a remake and that surrounded one (“Fantastic Beasts and Where to that era and Find Them”) was a prequel, leaving the watch the show only original titles to animated movies, to possibly reminisce about childhood. “Zootopia” and “The Secret Life of Pets.” Teens and millennials enjoy the show, In the summer alone, 21 sequels, spinbecause it is seen as an adventure through offs, reboots and remakes were released in theaters, from “Independence Day: the unimaginable as a child.” Similarly to the nostalgic Resurgence” to “Ghostbusters.” In fact, feeling “Stranger Things” during the weekend of May 27, the top provided, the recent comeback of the Choker necklaces brings sequels, based on comic books, video games or books. back a ‘90s fashion trend. The movie theaters were not the only “Chokers are making a comeback now, because there media through which unimaginative are so many ways to wear them now and you can turn anything of “Gilmore Girls” and “Full House.” into a cute choker to go with Other television networks have displayed their ineptitude of coming up with new Cachinero said. “I think girls are wearing chokers again television series, like “Frequency” and because they really make your “MacGyver.” The real question about the lack of They also come in different originality in these industries is not why colors and patterns so they’re there is no originality, but how there is no originality. According to CollegeBoard, Although this year was the more than 200 colleges offer degrees beginning of many trends, it also put some to rest. constantly gaining creative minds. How After almost four years, is it, then, that the majority of ideas come the video-sharing app from authors and past screenwriters? The Vine has announced that reason is obvious, and it’s one of much it will be discontinuing its controversy in so many artistic industries: executives. Yes, movies are just as much services. “The app is well past its prime in that it was most popular years ago Hollywood is a business. Taking on a and has left its initial users bored,” senior new idea that hasn’t been tested before Megan Mallias said. “It was a big part of my life during the sixth and seventh grade Wars” movies and remakes of hit series when it was originally popular. I would will break the bank, but movies like make silly vines of me walking around musical romance “La La Land” are less the mall saying and doing silly things to and with strangers. Eighth through 12th these executives fail to notice is that grade I almost forgot about the application the original movies win the awards. “Spotlight” and “Birdman,” the last two altogether.” Overall, 2016 provided different Best Picture, were not based on any book, advances to pop movie, TV show or video game. The culture today. Senior Rodrigo Gutierrez even though a large amount of artists are said that this year being cultivated in today’s very artistic had the most drastic changes compared is what brings in the dough. At this rate, to the past few the amount of original movies we make will be severely diminished each year. years. Hollywood is out of ideas. Every “This year was full of a variety weekend, there is a new movie based on some book that came out almost 150 with opportunity,” years ago (“Alice Through the Looking he said. “From Glass”) or an app that led the App Store’s a new president charts in 2009 (“Angry Birds”). If we continue on this cycle of book to movie to TV show to new movie to TV revival, we will never have another original story physically and mentally.” to tell, and there will never again be a world will have been overtaken by the demands of large corporations. GRAPHIC BY JENNA RABINOVITCH
DECEMBER 2016
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Custom art raises money for charity generates business and spreads the word by advertising her artwork on social media. “Creating the custom items, especially Ever since she could remember, junior Hannah Rothbard has had a passion the sneakers, is not an easy task. It for expressing her creativity through takes me many hours, even many days her artwork, and incorporating an artrelated activity into her daily life by Rothbard said. “I make sure I take my either designing or creating new things. time with everything I make in order to ensure the quality is high This drive is what led her to start making custom, hand-drawn items for people to purchase Helping a charity and have all proceeds go to is a main motivator charity. for Rothbard, and she After traveling to Israel said her parents are this past summer and her greatest help and volunteering at the Save biggest supporters. a Child’s Heart (SACH) Rothbard’s mother, children’s home, Rothbard Susan Rothbard, said said she felt obligated she is proud of her to make a difference. daughter but it has not SACH is an organization been an easy task to get that brings children who to where she is now as need heart surgery from an artist. third world countries to “I am proud of the Israel. Rothbard decided artistic talent and growth that has developed within my money to fundraise for the daughter since she was an infant,” organization, as it is donation-based. “I truly believe SACH is an amazing Mrs. Rothbard said. “I am especially cause and I knew I had to get involved and proud that she truly loves the discipline help make a difference even after I left and will be a lifelong artist.” Mrs. Rothbard said she does Israel,” Rothbard said. “Seeing how just one day of volunteering made an impact everything she can in order to make sure inspired me to make a more lasting her daughter has everything she needs in order to succeed. impact on the lives of these children.” “Although Hannah never really asks Rothbard chose to craft custom items like backpacks and sneakers in order to for my help, I do make sure she has space raise money for the organization. She in our home to work and express her
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PHOTO SUBMITTED BY HANNAH ROTHBARD
HEART OF ART:
artistic ability,” she said. “Our kitchen and various rooms around the house are practically art studios now with all of the projects Hannah is working on.” Junior Daniela Schwartz, friend of Rothbard, said she has always been fascinated with her natural artistic ability and admires the fact that she is able to utilize it in order to make a difference in the lives of children in need. “After traveling to Israel with Hannah this past summer I noticed how her
artwork allowed her to bring a unique and volunteered with,” Schwartz said. Rothbard said all the effort she puts into her art is worth it in the end. “When I see how much of an impact I can make on the lives of so many kids I get so happy,” Rothbard said. “It is amazing to see how appreciative all the kids are for such small things in life.”
Album spurs “Collage” of emotions “Collage” The Chainsmokers’ newest album “The Collage” has a variety of featured artists, and focuses more on upbeat, electronic and unique styles of music. The opening song, “Setting Fires” (feat. XYLØ), gives the listener a little taste of what the album has to offer. The brother/sister duo XYLØ adds mellow hip-hop elements to the song. XYLØ’s vocal performance blends into The Chainsmokers’ style well and sets the tone for the whole album. The different artists featured on the album give each song its own uniqueness. For example, “Closer” (feat. Halsey) provides an upbeat, funky pop sound that has already taken over many radio stations. Halsey’s mellow voice adds a great amount of catchiness and depth to the already great song. “All We Know”
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(feat. Phoebe Ryan) creates a laid-back and relaxed tone and Ryan’s distinctive voice adds some life and speciality to the song. All the featured artist on the album add some of their own little touch to the already unique album. All the songs on the album relate to its central theme of uniqueness and standing out in a crowd. The sequence of songs is mellow yet interesting. Although the main idea of the album is focused around this idea of being different, most of the songs on it have somewhat similar beats and lyrics. Most of the songs on the album focus on love, relationships and distinctiveness which makes some of the songs sound a little repetitive. All the songs on the album portrays gives reason to why the album is considered a “collage.” Overall, “The Collage” is a great rendition of what the Chainsmokers are known for: catchy and upbeat music. Although most of the songs are enjoyable to listen to, their lyrics don’t really correlate to the album’s intended message.
Movies
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Disney rids newest ture acts not as an added bonus to increasing viewership but as a fascinating new way to tell an original story. The movie begins with Moana’s Grandma Tala tell-
“Moana” BY RACHEL SCHONEBERGER ARTS AND ENT. EDITOR
Yes, Moana has the colorful dress, the catchy anthem and not one, but two animal sidekicks; however, there’s one
Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Merida and, now, Moana. Walt Disney Animation Studios has been attempting to successfully portray the diversity of its audience for decades, steering away from Disney Princess movies the cliche Disney Princess stereotype cre- that does not remotely ated by earlier princesses, like Cinderella and Aurora. The newest Disney Princess, occur in this one: a love Moana, is hardly a cliche princess; in fact, interest. she is not a princess at all, but actually the next in line for chiefdom of the Polyne- ing Motunui legends to the children and sian island of Motunui. Unlike some of a montage of Moana and the island grow-
“Moana” proves Disney’s openness to cultural
which backtracks the montage, “An Innocent Warrior,” combines multiple Paisland’s culture. Although the cultural as-
its own brand with its own unique character relationships and style of music.
from others, there are many more factors that contribute to its uniqueness. Yes, Moana has the colorful dress, the catchy anthem and not one, but two animal sidekicks; however, there’s one sig-
the other more ethnocentric movies the studio has produced, “Moana” clearly portance of the Polynesian lifestyle. Throughout the movie, Moana’s cul-
that does not remotely occur in this one: a love interest. There is one male lead, as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson voices the self-important but lovable demigod Maui, but he never once is suggested as a love
interest, and it would be out of character for Moana to be worried about her love life when so much more is at stake. Moana is not driven by her desire for romantic love like past princesses have been; instead, she is driven by her own desire to achieve greatness for her community and becomes an action hero through her relentless struggles. “Moana” follows the story of a young girl, voiced by new talent Auli’i Cravalho, who lives on an island where nobody ventures into the waters surrounding it. She grows up to be “chosen” by the water and led on a mission Maui and restore the heart of Motunui’s mother island, Te Fiti, in order to save her dying island. With her humorous chicken Heihei as her sidekick and the motivation of her late grandmother’s hopes for her, Moana makes a journey that completely alters the way of her island’s lifestyle. For an extremely unrealistic and mystical plot, the protagonist is quite realistic. Disney sets aside the body and attitude expectations it has been continuously falsely portraying. Moana is not wasp-thin, nor is she always prim and perfect; her waist is not much thinner than her bust, and her hair actually gets wet when it touches water. As a character, she counteracts the properness and shyness of earlier Disney Princesses. Moana
DECEMBER 2016 is a hero who stands up for herself against a demigod triple her size; she constantly brags her sass and command. its music. The movie has several catchy songs. Alongside Opetaia Foa’i who wrote the Polynesian language lyrics and Mark Mancina who composed the music, “Hamilton” writer Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote many of the movie’s anthems, including “We Know the Way,” which captures the feeling and tone of the movie in perfect beginning and end sequences. Cravalho demonstrates her exquisite vocal talent in her performances of the song “How Far I’ll Go” and its reprise. However, the single catchiest song in the movie is Dwayne Johnson’s lively rendition of “You’re Welcome.” surpasses expectations of talent since he has never before been acknowledged as a singer. The overall style of the music is incomparable to any other Disney movie soundtrack. amends the stereotype of the company’s dents set by past movies. “Moana” proves Disney’s openness to cultural differences and invents its own brand with its own unique character relationships and style of music.
The circuiT recommends “Str8 Up” “Hate Me Now” Chief Keef Drill
A mesmerizing Greek instrumental is placed in this song to give the listener a sense of drama. Layered ad-libs and witty bars perfectly complement the instrumental, once again, conveying Keef’s genius.
Rich the Kid ft. Playboi Carti and Famous Dex Rap Off Rich the Kid’s new album “Keep Flexin,” this song easily exceeds the standards set by the rest of the project. This is due to the hypnotizing bass line and features. Every artist on this song is able to pull his own weight by supplying stunning verses and ad-libs.
An ongoing feature that includes lesser known songs by popular artists and songs from up and coming artists. This month’s playlist was compiled by Austin Dunne.
“Playboi Carti ” 36 Villainz Rap
An eerie sound is ingeniously placed under Carti’s catchy lyrics making this hats and cymbals allow this beat to resonate with listeners easily.
“The Pretender ” SURVIVE Electronic This beautiful song was constructed through the use of ambient sounds and airy synths; with ingenious layering, this song is worth a listen. The band serves as a sort of electronic quartet, and is also responsible for creating the acclaimed “Stranger Things” soundtrack.
Foo Fighters Hard Rock This extremely fast-paced song is made up of brilliant use of the guitar, bass and drum. Lead singer Dave Grohl also contributes meaningful lyrics along with a great vocal range.
“Cry” Carly Rae Jepsen Pop Packed with industrialized drums and an instrumental reminiscent of ‘80s pop hits, “Cry” is a standout from Jepsen’s latest release. While much more low key than her biggest hit, “Call Me Maybe,” this song is a great listen.
DECEMBER 2016
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It’s bet ter in band
BY JESSICA SOBEL
Senior Ryan Schlossman has spent 1,264 hours in band rehearsal since his freshman year, not including all the time he uses to practice outside of school. “It is kind of crazy, but I have spent more time in the band room than my actual house and more time with these people than my family,” Schlossman said. “In a way we are very much our own family, as I see these people everyday and they have become such an integral part of my life.” Band director Johnathan Jadvani said the band does much more than just play instruments and compose music, it enhances all aspects of a student’s life. “The band room is a space that we take anybody and everybody,” Mr. Jadvani said. “Socially, a lot of these kids may of 4,700 [students], but band makes the school much smaller really fast and alSince the students in the band share a common interest, Mr. Jadvani said they tend to relate to each other in ways that others cannot. “I would say that because we are very creative and artistic, it gives the kids an opportunity to show vulnerability, which is really tough for teenagers to do,” Mr. Jadvani said. “Having that as a general theme here within the program, the students really do make lasting friendships, because their quirks and their weirdness are able to be out there and nobody judges them for that.” For sophomore Sebastian Zazueta, being in the band has made his move to Florida a lot easier. “I have not been in Florida very long at all, only since halfway through last year, but I am already closer to some people here than I have been with anyone in my entire life,” Zazueta said. “We all share a passion for band that no one else can understand.” Junior Molly Hastings said because of the motivation from her band friends, she has improved tremendously in and out of the band room. “We have not only just spent a lot of time together, but we have also grown toPHOTO BY JESSICA SOBEL gether and bettered each other each re“I always ask the band where we are hearsal or each practice,” Hastings said. taught me that I am capable of so much going, and I always expect the answer to “We often consider ourselves a family, more than I may think,” Hastings said. Hastings said that the stu- be straight to the top,” he said. “The job because even though not all of us get dents in band dedicate a major- of the leader is to know how to get there.” along all the time, we all love each other ity of their time to ensure that Mr. Jadvani said determination is to the moon and back.” their work is always the best it the deciding factor in whether a student Hastings said she also enjoys becan possibly be. in band is going to be successful or not. ing in the band because it distracts “Myself and countless He said that he has seen many cases in her from all of the other stressful which some of the least talented students things in life. much to be in this wonderful become the most prosperous due to per“Music serves as our escape program and we put so much sistence. from the pressures of school, into making it wonderful,” “I always tell my beginning students, and the band room serves the Hastings said. “We would ‘listen, it is okay to not be good at somesame purpose,” Hastings said. come to practice sick and sit thing, but you just need to accept that and Mr. Jadvani said being in on the sidelines if we had to, say yeah, I am terrible at this, but next the band requires a lot of hard playing along to the show.” week I am going to be a little less terrible, work and dedication, but stuIn addition to making and next month I am going to be mediodents feel differently about band-relatlong-lasting friendships, partici- cre, and a year from now, I may actually ed responsibilities than others. pating as a drum major in the band be alright,’’’ Mr. Jadvani said. “If some“While we have our own preshas also helped Schlossman become one is willing to go through that process sure in the band room, it is something a better leader. that the students spend a lot of time do“Before band I really had no idea really helps.” ing, so they tend to enjoy it,” Mr. Jadof the qualities that leaders must posSchlossman credits much of his sucvani said. sess, [but] being in band has taught cess, in and out of the band room, to Mr. Hastings said that she has me how to problem solve and make Jadvani. learned a lot more than just how to play decisions,” Schlossman said. “Mr. Jadvani has instilled many of his an instrument in her years of band. He said as a leader it is important values in me over the years,” Schlossman “[Being in the band] has motivated to have an idea of the goals a group said. “He has not only taught me music me to challenge myself in more has and how to accomplish those but the value of hard work and dedicaaspects of life like school and extion.” tracurriculars because this program has goals.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY RYAN SCHLOSSMAN
MASTERS OF MUSIC: (Clockwise from top) Drum Major senior Ryan Schlossman conducts the band during a football game. Band and colorguard members perform a cooperative music number during halftime. Senior Justin Villalba prepares to play the bass drum. (From left) seniors Aditi Kumari, Ryan Schlossman, Emily Schlorf and Hannah Friedland hold their shakos at a basketball game.
According to Schlossman, Mr. Jadvani has built it up tremendously throughout the years. “I cannot wait to see where the band is in a few years under his guidance,” Schlossman said. Mr. Jadvani said he is lucky to have the opportunity to view how his students have grown throughout the years. we go through, I love watching students develop and become mature young men and women, both as people and as players,” Mr. Jadvani said. “It is kind of the highlight of what I do.” Throughout students’ years of band, Mr. Jadvani said they inevitably experience an immense amount of development. “I have seen kids who have come into this not knowing how to tie their own shoes, not literally, but then they walk out of here after four years and they are leaders in the group and top players in the ensembles,” Mr. Jadvani said. “You know that those students are going to go on and be the future leaders of our country and that has really been quite an experience for me.”
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Harry Potter prequel proves fantastic “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” BY SHANTY FIERRO OPINION COPY EDITOR
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a prequel of the “Harry Potter” franchise and is a true visual cinematic Eddie Redmayne as the lovable and awkward wizard, Newt Scamander, who brings a magical suitcase full of creatures to America in order to return one of them to its home in Arizona. His plan goes awry and mayhem ensues when a non-magical human named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) lets some of the creatures escape. As Scamander and Kowalski scramble to capture the beasts, a former magic investigator, Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) is also scrambling to get her job back and turn in Scamander and Kowalski to the Magical
Congress of the United States of America. The movie follows the comical attempts of Scamander and Kowalski in retrieving the creatures, which creates a joyous atmosphere and reinforces the idea of how wonderful the wizarding world can be.
being exposed. This plotline is necessary in giving the movie a sense of mystery and purpose and is extremely well-executed throughout the whole movie. Although the movie is
fantastic writers, the visual effects are what make the movie a complete success. The special into dark themes, incorporating effects team outdid themselves, an anti-magic advocate, Mary giving the audience a riveting Lou (Samantha Morton) who beats her adopted children. amazingly odd creatures, such This portion of the plot is not as an Occamy, a serpent-like easy to watch, partially because mix between a snake and a of the ominous feeling of the dragon; a walking plant called anti-magic sentiment and partially because of the scenes endearing mix of a platypus and where Credence (Ezra Miller), a duck. the oldest child, is beaten by The entire world of the Morton’s character with a leather fantastic beasts is layered with belt. bright colors and unusual sounds, Another major plot-line really taking the viewer back to in the story is the mysterious what the wizarding world is all appearance of an Obscurus, about. a dark magical force that Overall, “Fantastic Beasts lives inside children who are and Where to Find Them” is forced to conceal their magic. an incredible movie to watch. The Obscurus wreaks havoc The director, David Yates, did around New York and risks a wonderful job tackling the the wizarding community newest J.K. Rowling story, and
Rowling created an amazing script that is easy to follow whether people are fans of the Harry Potter franchise or not. Moreover, the visuals throughout the movie were truly top of the line. This movie is
enjoyable for people of any age and successfully captures the allure of the wizarding world, honoring the previous generation of fanatics and welcoming the new generation.
Fake accounts reveal true personality not allow possession of a fake Instagram account. He said having one can lead to students making choices they would not necessarily make if their names were attached to it. “Finsta implies false identity,” he said. “We want people who are on our debate team to represent themselves with honesty and without hiding their identity.” Although Mr. Montecalvo said he sees fake Instagram accounts as a gateway to bad behaviors, he does recognize some positive sides to using other social media. He said when accounts are not loaded with garbage or attempts at cyberbullying, they can actually aid in educational development for students. “I think social media can be
BY CASSIDY SHELDON MULT. NEWS EDITOR
When looking for a way to express herself, sophomore Heather Dennis opens her Instagram app on her phone and logs into her fake Instagram where she posts photos and videos that show who she is and posing. to express myself to my close friends,” Dennis said. “I really get to show my personality through my posts like an Finstas are mostly used by students as a private Instagram account for a close circle of followers. The types of posts a regular account, because they enhanced with clever captioning and stories. Dennis said she uses both a real Instagram and a fake one a more playful tone. She said since they both serve different comical side of someone without real account to be more reserved fear of judgement and ridicule and well thought out, unlike her from others. “I tend to spam a lot on my to reach out to your friends in a not so serious manner,” Leiman would normally do on my main said. “They are just a way to account,” Dennis said. “It’s mess around and have fun with fun to get to post whatever and social media.” whenever you want.” Sophomore Rebecca Leiman which she follows make her said she sees a fake Instagram as laugh, and that comedic relief a way to connect to her peers in is a key quality which she looks
ILLUSTRATION BY BROOKE MILLER
out about news stories or social movements that they wouldn’t usually hear about,” Mr. Montecalvo said. “But, it does depend on how they curate their social media feeds.” Leiman said students form their accounts and feeds toward their individual personalities. She said a real account is similar to a fake account, they just show who someone is in different aspects. “You can showcase who you are really anywhere,” Leiman
for in a decent account. Leiman serves as a mask for students to personally deleted her own hide behind, and that he would account, because she said it was feel very uncomfortable if his not witty enough. “I think as a parent of “When I think of a good a 6-year-old, it makes me funny posts and isn’t serious at nervous that my child could all,” Leiman said. “I feel the only have this separate secret life,” reason someone would have one Mr. Montecalvo said. “I would is to be funny and make their imagine that I would trust her when she gets older but I would followers laugh.” Debate Coach Nick still feel cut out of a part of her Montecalvo said he disagrees life at the very least.” to show your true personality.” For students on the debate with the use of a fake Instagram account. He said he thinks it team, Mr. Montecalvo does
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Binge-watching proves as distraction tered binge-watching through several -
BY RACHEL FRIEDMAN NEWS COPY EDITOR
Girls” and “Gossip Girl.”
Faced with a cliffhanger in the previous episode of “Game of Thrones” and the 15-second choice of whether or not to continue watching, English teacher Eri-
in one week,” Lorwa said. “Binge-watching is so much fun, but it can really start to control your life because it’s so hard to stop watching.” Because of the common belief that binge-watching takes away from being productive, Liberto recommends refraining from doing it during a school week.
play without hesitation. Along with Mrs. Machado, many students often succumb to the temptation of binge-watching. “Of all of the shows I’ve bingeThrones’ the fastest,“ Mrs. Machado said. “I literally laid on my couch for about Although many binge-watchers unsodes consecutively entails, others like Mrs. Machado believe the advantages make the deterrents worth it. “Binge-watching television shows helps me keep up with the characters and the plot,” Mrs. Machado said. “When I binge-watch, I don’t have to watch the renitely a good way to procrastinate.” Unlike Mrs. Machado, junior Gus Duran believes the time that binge-watching
when you’re on a break for the holidays, because there’s more time to enjoy,” she that binge-watching during the school week isn’t a good idea, because there’s work to get done and school is more imwould come home after school and watch portant.” episode after episode until 11 at night,” that binge-watching can consume, bingeLiberto said. watchers like Mrs. Machado suggest time out of studying because of how watching multiple episodes in one sitting as a temporary break from reality. “Once you start to binge-watch a well on tests I had the week that I bingeGRAPHIC BY JENNA FRIEDMAN
is better for those with looser schedules. “It’s easy to get emotionally attached become addicted,” Duran said. “There are so many more effective things to be doing with time rather than watching a show, but if someone has the time for it,
For junior Payton Liberto, bingeThe 15-second decision, whether to watching two seasons of “Glee” caused a resume priorities or resume a show, that “I basically watched about 44 epi- ishing an episode comes easy to junior enjoy. Duran said that because workload Laerke Lorwa. Lorwa said she has masvaries with each person, binge-watching
get away from your screen, but I highly recommend trying it,” Mrs. Machado said. “Do your homework and then unplug from the world.”
Sushiato provides delicious Japanese meal Sushiato The Art of Sushi BY LUCY CELENTANO ARTS & ENT. PHOTO EDITOR
sushi joint, one is immediately greeted by the lively atmosphere and friendly staff.
half of the menu contains sushi and the other has different options which are not part of the sushi family. This diversity is fantastic for the fact that one is able to make the conscious choice based on what they are feeling at the particular time they are visiting. For the sushi lovers, the tuna hand roll is perfect as an appetizer to share or an entree to complement another dish. Priced at $8, the eight piece roll was creamy, fresh and it was very apparent it had been made fresh to order. Additionally, the california roll possesses fresh avocado and cucumber, which complements the crab perfectly. As for the non-sushi lovers, other options including the chicken teriyaki and the shrimp
customers the automatic notion that the restaurant is rather occupied. Although busy is not always better, in this case, the atmosphere is highly desirable due to the fact that it is perfectly complementary to the retro decor. Every table is different chicken teriyaki is plated with a moderate serving of white or brown rice along with chandeliers, and terrariums are mounted on the walls to provides a casual but trendy nicely with the perfectly sauced chicken. environment. Additionally, the sushi bar To add, the shrimp shumai is very tasty, located in the middle of the restaurant but unfortunately rather small for an gives visitors the choice of grabbing a appetizer intended for sharing. The menu’s prices are moderate for
PHOTO BY LUCY CELENTANO
hand rolls are delivered within a matter What was supposed to be goat cheese of minutes and the entrees are delivered tempura balls with red tuna and guava shortly to follow, which promoted an or pineapple sauce ended up bearing overall speedy turnaround time. For an more resemblance to an overpriced fried in front of the high top sushi bar are a with applesauce. Especially after paying wonderful alternative, giving customers the ability to get in, grab a roll and leave plate to set the stage for a delicious meal.
restaurant where customers are able to get a fast roll, unlike any other place in With very friendly, receptive waiters and Weston. From the receptive staff to the especially for a sushi restaurant, as an entree. waitresses, the restaurant was anything reasonable prices and assorted menu, considering many individuals may not One dish which degrades the entire but understaffed. The appetizers and The menu has a very wide variety sold at a minimally elevated price, which
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Sophomore infuses science into art
to this day,” Marciniak said. “I feel like this mixture of both things lets me satisfy different perspectives and gives good bal-
take the worry off of keeping my grades up,” she said. “I love creating beautiful things, and this stress reliever is very important.” As for the pursuit of neurology, Marciniak said she has always been fascinated by how the mind works. Her admiration for popular television shows, such as “Grey’s Anatomy”, fuels this fascination by giving insight of some of the intricacies of the profession. “Now that I have taken biology and AP Psychology and discovered some rea-
This blending of hobbies has taught Marciniak to appreciate both the “matterof-fact” nature of neuroscience, as well as seeing its beauty in a more abstract way.
it completely amazing,” she said. “I have been watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ for such a long time and in some of the situations, although they are made up, it was super
Sophomore Kandace Marciniak expresses her “innermost” feelings in her artwork. She said she likes to infuse her passion for neurology into illustrations of anatomical structures, such as the brain and heart. “When I was little, I was bored all the
other, giving her technical skill as a surgeon through the medium of art. “I developed a steady hand that can be helpful for surgical procedures, as well as a deeper thought process when I look at something,” Marciniak said. Marciniak said her academic duality has stemmed from strong childhood encouragement of both facets, particularly her imaginative side. Her family’s established passion for the arts has nurtured her appreciation of it. “My sister and I always really enjoyed the little crafts my mom brought home for us as kids, and my dad was a great artist when he was younger too,” Marciniak said. “I guess you can say I inherited it there.” Aside from mechanical skill, the infusion of both passions has given Marciniak an outlet to alleviate daily stress from rigorous courses, as well serving as an incentive. “Although my parents are involved in my academics and everything else, I am already very self-driven, so art can help
“
I developed a steady hand that can be helpful for surgical procedures, as well as a deeper thought process when I look at something.
“
BY FERNANDO MELO
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY KANDACE MARCINIAK
-sophomore Kandace Marciniak
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Sophomore Kandace Marciniak displays both of
interesting to see how they solved it.” Extracurricular activities also play a role in Marciniak’s life; hobbies such as piano and softball serve as additional means to maintain her active mind. Within school, she is a member of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). She said the integration of leadership in her studies is highly valued and
allows her to be more involved. “SGA has kept me organized and taught me to work with people, which I think is extremely important for any job,” she said. “I become open to suggestions, while also keeping a strong voice myself to achieve the same goal.” Marciniak said she is steadily building up a foundation throughout her high school career, in hopes of earning a pro-
fessional job in the future. “I have connected my love for art this year by making anatomy the subject of my portfolio, trying to illustrate brains and hearts through different media,” she said, “I am a math and science person over history and English, for sure, and art kind of balances that out.”
Band concert sets standards for newbies BY PATRICIA FERNANDEZ
The students in the Bay’s band program performed in a fall concert in the auditorium on Nov. 18. Admission to the seasonal show was free and the performance was open to anyone who wished to attend. “The goal was to get some early training out there on stage,” Band Director Johnathon Jadvani said. “It was to get the kids accustomed to what the expectations are when we put on a concert—everything from the timeline for showing up before the concert to how to dress properly. Among the groups that performed in the concert were the symphonic band, the concert band, the wind ensemble, the jazz band and a student-run band called The Pepper. any stage performance,” Jadvani said. “It gives the kids a chance to get the jitters out on stage; this is a free performance for families to come and see, so it’s a little bit of a practice run for them and for me.” The band began rehearsing the music and songs for the concert in October. Pieces included “Colonial Song” by Percy Aldridge Granger and “Sleep” by Eric Whittaker. “I play the bass clarinet in symphonic band, and I thought we did great,”
sophomore Sophia Jacobowitz said. “Band has really made me more disciplined, and I love how many friendships I’ve formed because of it.” In addition to the band, the dance/ colorguard ensemble also performed at the event. Senior Natalie Nicholson attended the production and said she especially enjoyed their performance. “The color guard performance was so amazing, I loved the way their routine was carried out,” Nicholson said. “I came to watch my friend do his band solo, but I ended up loving all the music and all the performances.” Junior Lexi Kauffman said that rehearsals for the fall band concert typically began with students tuning their instruments, playing a few chromatic warm ups and then working their way into their repertoire of concert music. “Band has shown me what it’s like to not only have a group of committed and passionate friends, but also a family,” Kauffman said. “The concert has zone with performances like these and has shown me that with hard work and dedication, anything can be achieved.” Freshman Claudia Macari, who plays the clarinet, also enjoyed performing in the fall concert and said it was a success overall. “I think tonight’s performance went
SMOOTH JAZZ:
(From left) band players senior Mauricio Viana, junior Simon
really well for us all,” Macari said. “There is still a lot of room to grow for the music that we’re playing, but I think for now it’s the best that we were all able to do.” Along with this presentation, the band will also be having a winter holiday concert on Dec. 8 and 9 in the auditorium with the chorus and guitar classes. “Band is never off season,” sophomore Krista Fauni said. “Throughout the year, there are always going to be rehearsals or something to practice, whether it’s for
marching band, indoors percussion or concert band.” Fauni said that such rehearsals are crucial to the band and their performances. “Rehearsals and concerts, like the fall “Every time we perform in an event like this we learn something about how we need to improve.”
DECEMBER 2016
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Classic radio sources prove timeless BY OLIVIA LANDSMAN
In the past few years, competition between radio services has sharply increased. AM radio compete with FM radio, Satellite Radio and with other digital music services such as Spotify and SoundCloud. However, Some students still choose to listen to AM radio over other media outlets. Junior Jonny Berger said AM radio presents more interesting conversations and different perspectives. “AM radio is where I go to listen to that AM radio offers more content and opinion than just music or pointless talk on other channels.” Berger said while he does listen to other forms of radio, he always listens to AM radio when he wants to hear the news. “I always choose AM radio for news because it is the most believable and credible radio source,” Berger said. “It is like watching the news at home, except I am listening to it in my car.” Berger said that his interest for AM radio sparked during the previous presidential election, because his father would constantly make him listen to political stations. “Just like my father, I am a huge politics follower,” Berger said. “He showed me
that AM radio was the best place to get information during the election.” Like Berger, junior Sam Bialczak found an interest in AM radio after his father introduced him to the source. “Whenever I can’t make it home to watch a sports game, my father and I listen to the play-by-play through AM radio,” Bialczak said. “It’s a great way to bond with him while listening to sports.” Bialczak’s father, Jeff Bialczak said that he encourages his son to turn on AM radio when listening to sports because it offers the most accurate and interesting discussions. “I listen to AM radio to become knowledgeable about what is going on in the NFL, which is why I listen to 560 WQAM with Joe Rose,” Mr. Bialczak said. “I love to listen to the commentary and learn about the latest up-to-date injuries.” Mr. Bialczak said that AM radio makes listening to sports exciting, as opposed to other types of stations. “AM radio allows for a humorous twist on the generic sports radio shows,” Mr. Bialczak said. “I truly enjoy putting it on every morning.” While AM radio is a popular way to listen to sports and politics, freshman Carly Jakob said that she prefers other digital sources, because she likes selecting certain songs to listen to.
ILLUSTRATION BY CASSIDY SHELDON
“I never listen to AM radio, because I enjoy listening to music when I am in the car,” Jakob said. “I usually am listening to my Spotify playlists where I can select which song I want to listen to.” Like Jakob, junior David Black said, with regards to what he listens to in the car, he does not like how AM radio disables the listener with certain abilities. “I don’t like not being able to choose what song I listen to,” Black said. “I enjoy grabbing the AUX cord and listening to my own playlists so much better.” Black said he also does not like AM radio, because it does not provide the necessary sports commentary that ESPN television does. “I can’t listen to what is going on during a game and understand it,” Black said. “Watching it on TV is way more
Gavin DeGraw and Andy Grammer BY ANNABELLE DANIELS-ROSENBERG
Gavin DeGraw and Andy Grammer put on an electrifying concert in which the artists delivered an unforgettable performance at Mizner Park Amphitheatre on Nov. 9. On the last scheduled stop of their tour, both DeGraw and Grammer sang a mix of new and old music, and the concert began with an opening performance by a new band called Castrow. This band, consisting of two brothers and their sister, incorporated country charm with modern upbeat sounds in its performance and strengthened the performance by playing their own instruments coupled with powerful, harmonious voices. Immediately after the opening act, pop star Andy Grammer took the stage.
PHOTO BY ANNABELLE DANIELS-ROSENBERG
GOOD TO BE ALIVE: On Nov. 9, Gavin DeGraw along with Andy Grammer performed at Mizner Park Amphitheatre. They sang their top hits, as well as famous covers of songs by Drake and Jackson 5.
He started with his older, well-known song, “Fine by Me,” and like he did before many songs, he explained the meaning behind the lyrics. Grammer proved his instrumental inclination by playing the guitar, trumpet and synthesizer throughout the show. He went on to cover other artists’ songs including “One Dance” by Drake and “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5. His uniquely
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personal and makes you feel like you are at the stadium during the game.” On the other hand, sophomore Jason Blum said he understands listening to AM sports radio more clearly. “I listen to AM radio purely for football,” Blum said. “It is a great way to the information right away.” Blum said that while he does not listen to AM radio all the time, he enjoys tuning in on occasion. “Sometimes I enjoy listening to AM radio more than FM or Satellite,” Blum said. “It is a great outlet to listen to interesting topics and direct conversations.”
and played several stripped down, acoustic songs. With only their instruments and voices, DeGraw and his band gave the concert a more intimate feeling. Since Veterans’ Day was the week of the concert, DeGraw took a moment to connect with the audience and acknowledge the military. As he emotionally transitioned into his song “Soldier,” DeGraw looked into the crowd and thanked those who have served. One of the best parts of the concert was the venue. The outdoor stage allowed for the audience to sit under the stars in the cool weather and watch the show. The lighting of the concert could have been better though as the colors did not seem to match the song’s themes and at points they would shine into the crowds eyes. With the seating so close to the stage, Gavin DeGraw and Andy Grammer hopped over the side after the concert to shake fans’ hands, sign their merchandise and take pictures with everyone who stayed. The concert was both entertaining
organic performance was not only one to remember, but pumped up the crowd before DeGraw came out. DeGraw generally focused on the upbeat songs from his newest album, “Something Worth Saving,” but he also added his older, popular songs, like positive energy. DeGraw and Grammer “Chariot” and “I Don’t Wanna Be” into connected to the enthusiastic crowd both his part of the show. Halfway through his musically and emotionally. performance, DeGraw sat with his band
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Winter Watching BY GABBY SONKIN
BY BROOKE MILLER GRAPHICS EDITOR
new
Stone, an ignorant Jewish man in his mid-
being the next Santa as he starts to gain weight
BY KATRINA WOISKI
BY VICTORIA RAIMONDI
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time to get to know the many characters
not show how they worked through it, -
BY AUSTIN DUNNE
BY RACHEL SILVERMAN
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Chorus performs at Disney concert BY ALEXIS EPSTEIN
Chorus performed at Epcot’s annual Candlelight Processional on Dec. 1, where participating students performed Christmas songs for Epcot visitors. Candlelight is a concert in which hundreds of choirs nationwide take the stage with a celebrity narrator to tell the story of Christmas. This year’s celebrity narrator was Neil Patrick Harris. “[Candlelight is] the biblical story of Christmas, interweaved with the rich sounds of a full orchestra and a variety of choirs that inspire the audience with the songs of hope and joy,” Chorus teacher Tina Gill said. Mrs. Gill said alumni have told her that some of their best memories in chorus were from this annual performance. of the year for the chorus students,” Mrs. Gill said. “A few new faces and voices ing their dramatic talents to this year’s production.” Sophomore Shelby Segarra said that Candlelight was the most memorable. She said this year’s performance was bet-
will never forget,” Segarra said. “The purpose of Candlelight is to bring everyone together around the holiday season to celquainted with my peers and made new become close with.” Choirs from around the country were eligible to audition by sending in an audition tape. However, Disney only accepted 125 singers from each school as there was a limited amount of space onstage. Segarra said that the Bay had a simple way of overcoming this challenge as they facilitated an audition process in which the students had to submit a video of a song selected by the teachers in order to be awarded a place on the Candlelight group. “There was a lot of competition among the students within Chorus to be chosen to participate at Candlelight,” Segarra said. Disney provided Chorus with a booklet of music. This year, the group sang 11 songs, including “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.” In order to prepare, rehearsals were held every Monday. The members had to learn all of the songs and
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY REMI SCHWARTZ
HOLIDAY HUMMING:
continuously perfect them, as they would perform on the same stage with him. She be singing in front of hundreds of people. “My favorite part was performing, professional orchestra. as there is nothing like performing for “Preparing for Candlelight was a lot of such a large audience and knowing that they are enjoying it,” sophomore Michael Haves said. with hundreds of people and having massive amounts of people in the audience.” to see Harris as the celebrity narrator and
“Wonder” provides vital life lessons “House Party” reinvents video chat from each of the different characters’ perspectives in order to understand the various viewpoints of the multiple subplots in the novel. These different outlooks are what make the story such a masterpiece. “Wonder” “House Party” The plot, though usually understandable, has its confusing parts. As it pro- BY CAITY BURDASH BY ALEXIS EPSTEIN gresses, there are parts that become con“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio is an inspiThe popular new app House Party el goes on, there are bewildering points in gives users a way to communicate with (Auggie) Pullman who was born with a many people at once on a video chat and variety of facial deformities. Due to the such as when Auggie’s peers suddenly provides an entertaining outlet for meetfact that he had hundreds of surgeries decide to befriend him when they’ve al- ing new people. since he was born, he was homeschooled. Each video chat call is called a “room” ways ignored him. He has trouble adjusting This story is both edu- and anyone can join to his new educational atcational and entertaining. It into a call as long as mosphere when his pargreatly relates to society to- a friend is present in ents decide to send him to day and the way people act that room. This featoward individuals who are ture makes it easy grade. Throughout the different than they are. Peo- to come into connovel, Auggie develops a ple in this day and age dis- tact with new peosense of independence, recriminate against others for ple or chat with old sponsibility and positivity their ethnicity. As Auggie friends. If the screen as he overcomes obstacles. develops, he becomes a more is swiped to the right, His new friends also learn relatable character, becom- the user is placed in to accept and love him uning involved in common soconditionally, overcoming cial interactions that go on in is an amusing feature; the hurdles of peer presmiddle and high school. Pa- however, it is easy to sure. accidentally swipe the screen and end up Palacio divides the book into eight sec- of evolving the characters and providing in a chat that wasn’t joined intentionally, tions, each of which is narrated by a dif- fresh perspectives on their community. which can become a nuisance. ferent character. These include Auggie, his peers and family. This strengthens the sage of treating others how you’d want to room. Though it is enjoyable to be on a story as it allows the reader to see things be treated. video chat with various users, once the
limit is reached, the video and audio quality can become scrambled. To avoid other users joining a room, a lock feature locks the room so no other outside users can enter. House Party allows users to chat for an unlimited amount of time, but the app logs out of accounts frequently when video chatting for a while. This can also occur due to poor Wi-Fi connections or low data. This causes cell phones to initially slow down overall. Along with phone speed, battery drainage also remains a big problem with House Party. Overall, House Party has become a popular app, which is most likely due to how addictive it can be. If a user leaves their House Party noevery time a friend enters the house or wants to talk. These are what most likely cause someone to go onto the app. Despite the issues within the app, it is very enjoyable and allows users to communicate with friends in an innovative way.
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OPINION
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Media capitalizes on celebrity mishaps The media has been placing the spotlight on more personal aspects in the lives of celebrities. Superstars such as Kanye West, Selena Gomez and Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson have had some of their most intimate information exploited and glamorized by the paparazzi. According to US Weekly, West was hospitalized due to paranoia, stress and depression. His sudden public outbursts was said to be a result of sleep deprivation and working long hours. He, therefore, canceled all of his 21 remaining shows left on “The Life of Pablo” Tour. West’s unfortunate health situation should not be a means of entertaining the public, and private health matters should be psychiatric hold after he was taken to the Ronald Reagan University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center. Prior to his hospitalization, he was seen having a few public breakdowns. Many fans have been voicing opinion that all of this stress may be due to the fame of his new album along with the weight that comes with being a part of the Kardashian clan. It is clear that is impossible to eliminate all gossip from circulating within the media; however, there should be a strain on the publicization of false information. West’s hospitalization along with the uproar of the media created an immediate result on social media. People were seen posting on social media sites like Twitter or Facebook, either complaining about the canceled plans for his tour or simply trying to reach out to West and family. According to these social media posts,
parts of their lives. Like Gomez, in taking initiative and opening up to the public, Johnson merely avoided the wrath of the media. However, in other cases such as West’s story, the media creates added
Bottom Line: Journalists’ desire for news overpowers their sense of humanity, driving them to scrutinize celebrities. Many question whether or not the media causes more commotion for these celebrities going through personal
ILLUSTRATION BY CASSIDY SHELDON
many fans were saddened to hear that West would be spending his Thanksgiving in the hospital, and rightfully so. Nonetheless, Selena Gomez used social media to get a powerful message across to her fans. Gomez admitted to having anxiety and depression while accepting her award for “Favorite Pop/ Rock Female Artist” at the American Music Awards on Nov. 20. After her emotional speech, Gomez reached out to viewers and encouraged them to seek support if they are in need of it. Although
out and discussing her problem, the by making people talk in a negative manner about her. “The Rock” was added to the list of troubled celebrities when he shared to the public that he fought a long battle with depression. Ensuring that the media did not exploit details of his life before he did, Johnson shared some inspiring words regarding his struggle. He encouraged
these stars, the media tries their hardest to get the public talking and gossiping about their claims, when in reality the most personal details in the lives of celebrities do not need to be known by the general public. Going against the system, “The Rock” and Gomez publicized their own problems in hopes of avoiding all the talk and commotion that the media sparks; emphasize the negatives. It is evident that the media generates far more chatter than necessary. When many are disheartened to hear about the tragic complications in the lives of so utilizes this time to shine and get the public chattering about their twisted rumors.
Flash of brilliance
YES With the overwhelming amount of work that students receive on a daily basis, they should be able to enjoy a stress-free winter break, without having to worry about studying for midterms; therefore, midterm week should stay before winter break. Winter break should be a time where students can relax and celebrate with their families over the holidays, not a time allocated for studying. Because students spend a majority of their time focusing on academic responsibilities, family time often becomes a second priority; this should not be the case. A study-free winter break would allow students to make up for the time that they have lost with their families. Moreover, students deserve a break from their busy lives. School consumes much of students’ time and prevents them from engaging in non-school related activities that are of interest to them. Winter break gives students the opportunity to participate in activities that they usually would not be able to during the school year due to a lack of time; consequently, if they were forced to study for midterms during this time off, it would disallow them from doing so. Midterm week should stay before winter break to allow for students to enjoy their breaks. - Jessica Sobel
Should midterm week stay before winter break?
NO
With the already shortened quarter, it is imperative that midterm week should take place after winter break. Second quarter is already so short as it is, and with the excessive workload students receive, it seems like a no brainer on when midterm week should be. It would also be a huge help for the teachers to push back midterm week because they would not have to cram information to their students for the rapidly approaching exams before the break. If exams were pushed to after winter break, teachers would have more time to prepare the students in a non-stressful environment, which would help the students feel less pressured for their exams. Yes, winter break is all about relaxing and taking a break from school, but it is a two-week break. Students should be able to devote some time out of their break in order to study for their midterms. In the end, we are very fortunate to have such a long winter break. Two weeks is more than enough time to get the “vacation” out of our systems and then focus on studying for midILLUSTRATION BY SOFIA PLAZ terms. If students prioritize studying over the break, then having midterm Visit cbhscircuit. week after winter break would not be com to vote on as “terrible” as it seems. - Dylan Srebnick this topic.
DECEMBER 2016
OPINION
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Women’s progress unfettered by loss “To all the little girls watching, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world.” After Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s defeat in the 2016 election, these words viewpoint of many others, that women should not be discouraged to make their impact on the world. Although she did not win the election, her race to the presidency served as a wake up call that women should still be encouraged to take on leadership roles in a male dominant society. Clinton is not the only woman to portray this message to women. Many other countries such as Chile, Germany and South Korea have high government. According to the World Economic Forum, half of the world’s countries have had a female serve in a
of this, women feel empowered to untap their potential as leaders and role models in our society. The world is not supposed to be run solely by men; women should have an equally important role in shaping our community. Like Obama, Pakistani Malala Yousafzai sought out an education to better her quality of life. The Taliban terrorist group threatened Yousafzai by not allowing her to attend school anymore; however, she stood up for her right to education and was shot in the head as a result. In 2014, she won the Nobel Peace Prize for showing immense leadership abilities in a time of injustice and unrest in the world. Women should be encouraged by leaders such as Obama and Yousafzai to make an impact on the world and take on leadership positions themselves. Not only have more women been
politics, they also are taking positions dedicate more attention and resources in large companies and organizations. to family life issues. Involving women is Youtube, General Motors, IBM and Hewlett Packard are just a few the emphasis women put on equal rights internationally recognized companies for all people in society. where women obtain the head role First Lady Michelle Obama is an of CEO. At a TED Women talk in example of a woman who has used her Washington D.C., Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg shared that women need to her. In March of 2015, Obama started make themselves heard and “sit at the a United States’ government initiative table” if they want to work their way called Let Girls Learn, to advocate for up the leadership ladder. She believes women around the world to have access women have a lot to offer and tend to to education and resources. Obama is a put humanitarian issues before monetary constant advocate for women’s rights; she issues, which is a positive and necessary encourages women to speak up for their attribute in society. A lot of times the men beliefs, because she believes women have who are prominent individuals in our the power to change the world. As a result country and around the world focus their
GRAPHIC BY AMANDA MORGAN
roles. Our society is in desperate need for women to take on leadership roles if we want to see any changes in the way we view the importance of women, and their impact on the community, economy and government. Although Clinton’s presidential run qualities of women should be respected was not successful, she served as an for their emotional, intuitive and inspiration to girls and women across the compassionate nature. Women offer a different but equally important role a woman as a major presidential party of leadership as men, and it should be candidate, but it certainly will not be the encouraged for women to possess these last. but women delve into issues involving family life and equal rights, which is just as important as resolving economic issues. Tabby Biddle, a writer for the
Letters to the Editor There should be winter festivities at the Bay for the upcoming holidays As the holiday time approaches, it’s time to bring out the ugly Christmas sweaters, listen to our favorite holiday tunes, and embrace the time off of school. Businesses and television channels publicize the special discounts or shows, but there is no celebration at school except for teachers possibly choosing to decorate their classrooms. There is school on Monday, December 19, and midterms the rest of the week. During all lunches, there should be a booth with music and holiday activities. Our school is extremely diverse, so we should celebrate the time of year that brings all these groups of people together. This festivity could also act as a way to say goodbye to our last full day at the Bay in 2016. - Hannah Crippen, freshman School buses come too early Some people’s parents work and they don’t have the time to wait in the long carpool line to pick up their child, which is completely understandable; either carpooling with a friend, walking home, or the last resort: the school bus. The school buses are convenient, but catching one is a struggle; I take the bus home and my last class of the day is really far from the bus loop and I have to sprint through all those loads of people so I don’t miss my bus home. The bus
for all the students and then just drive off, It’s happened to me before where I miss my bus and I would have to wait an hour or two just so my parent can pick me up. Since the buses leave so early, everyone basically acts like it’s every man for himself, resulting in everyone smushing into the doors and shoving everyone else. If the buses didn’t leave so early maybe kids would relax a bit more and not act Sometimes the buses are unpredictable, sometimes they come really, really late or they don’t show up at all, or they come on time and leave way too early. They should have a regular schedule and wait
the year when I as many others have to or senior privilege. For those people think about college and get good enough who didn’t get assigned that particular grades to be accepted, but sometimes that class they really wanted either ended up being because the class was already earn a scholarship so you turn to loans full, or study hall took its place. Most students would have the extracurricular that being a 17 year old? Your parents or advanced class they wanted to take can give you information about that, if study hall wasn’t included into the but there’s nothing better than someone schedule. Students who didn’t receive privilege would be able to complete do and inform you about every little credits earlier because they would be detail. Cypress should offer these classes able to complete an extracurricular or an advanced class. Since the Bay has so many students, junior and senior bills, and control your credit. My brother privilege was created to organize classes told me that he had to Google many of better for underclassmen, so if students these things because no one really taught that have schedules that can allow them him anything about the real world. to not take study hall would be allowed There’s nothing worse than to be pushed to replace that hour with another class into the real world yet have no idea how or leave earlier things would work out to do anything. Instead of offering classes better. that we’ll never use in our lives again we - Lauren Bannett, senior should have one that will. - Star Vantuyl, junior
because I’m pretty sure doing that little change would greatly impact students like me who barely make it onto the bus everyday. I’m positive no harm would be done if the buses were to arrive on time and wait a little bit longer for all of the students to embark. - Andrea Lara, junior The time spent in study hall periods should be used wisely world classes Ever since the county decided to Over Thanksgiving break my brother change the schedule of all schools, the was talking about his credit because he students who didn’t receive junior or had owed some bills, and I had no idea senior privilege are forced to have an hour what he was talking about. I had one and a half long period of doing nothing. Sure some people use it to get ahead with to JA Buiztown in the 8th grade but homework or study for an upcoming test, how was I supposed to remember that? but others are plain bored because they I feel as young adults we have the right have nothing to do. Study hall shortens to know what’s out there once we leave our lunches to half an hour, adds an extra high school and have to deal with how to class we receive no credit for, and makes us come earlier than those who have junior
Letters to the editor are encouraged as part of The Circuit’s mission as a public forum. Submissions should not exceed 300 words; they should be dropped off in Room 360 or mailed to the school to the attention of adviser Andre Shannon. The of the letter, but letters are subject to editing for length, clarity, punctuation and grammar. Anonymous letters will not be printed and the writer’s identity Any material deemed libelous, obscene, disruptive or unlawful to minors will not be published.
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DECEMBER 2016
OPINION
DECEMBER 2016
Black Friday sales should be limited to one day event
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Annual fashion show models strength and commitment
Bottom Line: Victoria’s Secret takes refreshing new angle on the beauty of health.
Bottom Line: Extended Black Friday sales diminish excitement for shoppers.
Bottom Line: Seniors should make the most out of the small amount of time they have before graduating and entering the next segment of life.
Limited time left for seniors to appreciate familiar life
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DECEMBER 2016
Student author promotes childrens book
About a year ago, my younger sister and we were ready to embark on the next Jennifer and I wrote and published an chapter for our book. illustrated children’s book called “My Dad Has ALS?” After its publication, I felt like I accomplished the world. Then, I thought the hard part of the book process from our book go to the was done; however, I was wrong. It was time to make something more of the done. Our book is about a young boy, whose father is diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and the journey they go through together as the disease progresses. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, and according to A Life Story foundation, every 90 minutes someone new is diagnosed with ALS. I wrote this book in honor of my grandfather who passed away from ALS before I was born; I wanted to keep his legacy alive. This book serves as an educational resource for children who have a family member that is diagnosed with ALS. It gives children a basic understanding of what ALS is and provides them with the necessary comfort needed to make them aware that they are
I feel like the book fair has opened a door of endless possibilities for the future. By making an book, I now see a new light for the future of my book. This fair helped me to push my book into my way in the future. not going through this alone. About a year after being published, the book was still sitting around, as we had not done anything further with it. We had not made the additional effort to reach a broader audience or publicize our work; it was a golden opportunity, just sitting there. However, a couple months ago, I found an opportunity to make something more of our book that was a lot closer than I had expected: the Miami Book Fair International. The Miami Book Fair International is an annual book fair held by Miami Dade College. There, my sister and I were able to set up a booth where we would sell our book. This book fair is a huge event that hosts hundreds of readers, authors and media outlets for a three-day event. This was just the opportunity I had always dreamed of, so we jumped on it. We registered for one out of the three days,
we were really happy with what we made from the fair.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY RACHEL SILVERMAN
around, it was an early morning, as my family and I arrived at the fair before 9 a.m. We received our credentials and then got to pick the booth we would be in. Our booth was quickly set up, and then we anxiously waited for the fair to begin an hour later. Once the fair opened, the My sister and I would give a brief through the pages when they approached our table. While some people expressed their gratitude and walked away, others asked us further questions and opened up about similar experiences in their lives. After talking to many people I learned that ALS is more common than people may think, but I did not expect to meet as many people as I did that had a connection to this disease. I must have met more than 10 people whose loved ones had ALS, which was really shocking to me. At the fair, I had the opportunity to meet people representing libraries, news stations, editors and publishers, including Melissa Sunshine, a representative from the Palm Beach County Library System. Sunshine expressed an interest in our book at the fair and took home a copy herself. After the fair, she contacted us and said she purchased six more copies of our book to be cataloged in the Palm Beach County Library System. The book will be in their system within the next few weeks, and it will be housed in the children’s section at their branches. Hearing from Sunshine made me WRITING FOR A REASON: Sophomore Rachel Silverman promotes her book ecstatic, because I went into the fair with that she wrote with her sister, “My Dad Has ALS?” at the Miami Book Fair the hopes of coming out with another opportunity for the book. My sister and I did really well at the fair, as many people purchased the book for children or grandchildren, or even themselves. We received a few donations and sold about 15 books, which is not bad considering our book is not geared toward a wide from our book go to the ALS Recovery Fund, so we were really happy with what we made from the fair. Looking back, I came out with more than I expected. We raised money for the ALS Recovery Fund, made connections with new people and raised awareness for ALS all in the course of one day. Having the opportunity to be a part
of the fair has allowed me to grow as door of endless possibilities for the future. an individual. By speaking to many By making an effort in publicizing the people throughout the day, I gained book, I now see a new light for the future of my book. This fair helped me realize able to present myself to total strangers. that as I continue to push my book into the Furthermore, attending the fair gave new public eye, more opportunities will come life to my book. Prior to the fair, my book my way in the future. was an opportunity waiting to happen. Now, I feel like the book fair has opened a
OPINION
DECEMBER 2016
THE CIRCUIT
55
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Cultural transition proves achievable
Born and raised in Athens, Greece, I grew up feeling like I was part of the cast of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” Similarly to the movie, I was extremely close to my entire family. Most of my family members from my dad’s side live in a village and my mom’s side of the family is split and live all over Greece as well as the U.S. When living in Greece, away from my two grandparents. We would typically meet every Sunday for dinner and always be together for any holiday. Everything was close together and everyone knew each other. This soon changed when we moved to Weston due to the unsuccessful economy in Athens.
Born and raised in Athens, Greece, I grew up feeling like I was part of the cast of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”
we would all head to class and usually had the same one or two teachers the whole day, until high school, where there are seven different classes. Sometimes we would have lunch in class or outside with the whole school because of the minimal student population, and elementary school used it as recess as well. Like the U.S., there are all different types of clubs, mainly sport related. During the school day, the students were split into three clubs: Attica (blue), Macedonia (red) and Epirus (green). I was part of Macedonia that was a mix of scholars and athletes. Attica would usually win in spelling bees, and Epirus with sports. a house here that we would come to every summer until my parents made the big decision to move. I was just going into everyone in the U.S., but in my previous school I was the oldest. I still try my best to keep in touch with all my friends from Athens, so we visit every summer since our grandparents and a lot of family live there.
and my parents knew that in the future we would move, they both wanted my Living in Greece is siblings and I to learn English when we were young. In order to learn the something that I will language, my parents placed me in a always miss, but I could British grade school. Going to school not have imagined life there was just like any other school, except the grades start from kindergarten, any other way. then a year called reception and then went all the way to the 13th grade, with only Although life in Athens was very PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY IRENE TRIANTAFYLLOPOULO 300 students. The British school system different from life in the U.S., we adjusted A BIG FAT GREEK TRANSITION: Freshman Irene Triantafyllopoulo moved is the same system as any other American well and made many friends over the past school. In the beginning of the day all four years. students would meet up for live morning announcements from our principal. Then
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DECEMBER 2016