December issue

Cypress Bay High School • 18600 Vista Park Blvd. • Weston, Fla. 33332 • Vol 17, Issue 3 • December 2017

By Cassidy Sheldon & Olivia landsman Features editor & mult. news editor

Instead of studying for exams and attending classes, senior Hailey Yaffa traveled to Africa for two weeks this year.

While missing part of her senior year was difficult, she said venturing abroad to an unfamiliar place was the highlight of her year.

“This trip was truly the icing on the cake of my senior year,” Yaffa said.

“Being able to take off as much time as I did and still stay on track with school was not easy, but it was beyond worth it.”

Yaffa attended safari rides and visited tribal villages while on vacation. After witnessing the villages in Kenya and Tanzania, she said she had a greater appreciation for her luxurious lifestyle back home.

“My favorite activity was visiting the tribal villages because it was so amazing to experience a different culture. Seeing how they lived made me appreciate my life and all the luxuries that are a norm in the U.S.,” Yaffa said. “It sometimes takes breaking out of the safety bubble of Weston to realized how lucky we all are.”

Like Yaffa, senior Gaby Laverde said traveling abroad to India was her greatest highlight of 2017. Laverde explored the country with her friend on a volunteer trip where she helped children at an orphanage by teaching them English and playing games with them.

“My favorite activity was definitely volunteering at the orphanage because I could tell all of the children there got really happy when they were actually learning,” Laverde said. “This little kid at the orphanage asked me to bring him a huge map because he wanted to learn all about the world, but of course I couldn’t, so we drew this giant one and he was so happy.”

Once she saw a village in need of assistance, Laverde said she was inspired to plan another service trip across the globe in the future.

“I know for a fact I want to travel to another impoverished country and see the culture there,” Laverde said. “In 2018, I am going to Madrid and hopefully I will

be doing another volunteer trip this summer.”

On her trip, Laverde said she learned important life lessons and values through her volunteer work. She said it was shocking to see how other people live around the world and her trip was an eye-opening experience which directly impacted her entire year.

“My trip affected me back home because I realized the situations of people living in extremely poor countries,” Laverde said. “Even though they didn’t have any material resources, they appeared happier and way less worried than any of us here.”

Unlike Yaffa and Laverde, who traveled outside of the country, English department chair Joyce Seigel decided to travel within the United States this year.

Recently, Mrs. Seigel traveled around New York, California and Oregon. While road-tripping cross country with her family, Mrs. Seigel said this trip showed her a different side to America.

“The amazing thing about this country is that you could be in a very wealthy area and turn the corner and then you’re in poverty and suddenly you’re on another planet once you reach New Mexico,” Mrs. Seigel said. “It’s overwhelmingly beautiful and surprising and all kinds of things.”

Due to the series of fires in California and Oregon this past year, Mrs. Seigel said she was visiting certain landmarks on the west coast that had been destroyed

by the wildfires not long after her visit.

“We drove from San Francisco to Mendocino and San Arosa just months before they were destroyed from the fires. We drove up the coastline to Portland, Ore. I went to this beautiful fishery, but Oregon also received fires and it burned down not long after I was there,” Mrs. Seigel said. “It’s so sad. I wonder if I am seeing a disaster film. Is that what is happening in our world? Fires, floods and plagues? It’s ominous and scary.”

Due to her fear of flying in airplanes, Mrs. Seigel said her flight across the country was a large obstacle to overcome.

However, she said she pushed aside her worries in 2017 in order to explore the country.

“Personally for me, I don’t like to fly so I get very anxious and nervous before I have to go anywhere,” Mrs. Seigel said.

“I force myself to go because otherwise I wouldn’t have the chance to see all of these places, so that makes it worth it for me.”

Senior Justin Behren said he was also confronted with a frightening situation while embarking on his travels this year.

While attending the Alexander Muss High School in Israel, Behren said it was nerve-wracking to be so closely surrounded geographically by all of Israel’s enemies.

“Traveling abroad to Israel really changed my perspective on the way Israelis live their lives,” Behren said. “It

made me realize that even though every country around them may be in conflict with them, they still continue on and live their everyday lives.”

Over this past summer, Behren studied his Jewish heritage while simultaneously exploring the ancient sites he was learning about. He said this education opportunity abroad was enlightening and made him a better person.

“This trip impacted me by making me more responsible,” Behren said. “It made me a lot more responsible as a teen getting ready to go to college by being able to balance my school work while having fun.”

Culturally, Behren said it was refreshing to be surrounded by so many people who had values that were similar to his. After spending six weeks abroad, there were some cultural aspects to which he grew accustomed that he said should be incorporated into American society.

“I’m personally a Jew, so being in a Jewish country, I kind of knew what to expect but it still was a shock to me,” Behren said. “For Shabbat, everything closes down and families come together and celebrate, which is something I wish we did here in America.”

While Behren said traveling to Israel was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, he is already looking ahead to his future travels in 2018. Next year, Behren said he plans to travel again and meet up with his friends from his last adventure abroad.

“Next summer I’m going to stay with my best friend who lives in France who I met on my trip to Israel,” Behren said. “Going to Israel was definitely the highlight of my 2017 and a highlight of my life.”

14 30 37 47

FEATURES SPORTS

Santa Claus revelations induce holiday nostalgia.

Varsity basketball team began the new with a solid start.

A&E

2017 changed the dynamics of the entertainment world.

OPINION

Legislation on net neutrality threatens constitutional liberty.

2

NEWS

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

DECEMBER 2017

SGA gives thanks to faculty through luncheon

By Casey Menten

Online News Editor

To give thanks to teachers and staff at the Bay, Student Government Association (SGA) held a Thanksgiving-themed faculty lunch on Nov. 21 in the Drama room. Senior and event coordinator Alysha Steinman said this event allows students to give back to teachers for all of their hard work.

“It’s important to show our appreciation for teachers that work so hard throughout the year for us,” Steinman said. “I am happy to be able to hold something to honor them.”

SGA members served traditional Thanksgiving foods such as turkey and mashed potatoes to the faculty. There was also a beverage and dessert bar where teachers could fill their own plates with an assortment of desserts.

“Because it falls around the time of Thanksgiving, we were able to have a lot of good food and decorations,” sophomore and SGA member Sydney Ure said. “I think it was a fun idea and it really ties into the theme of being thankful for the staff.”

SGA members stayed after school Nov. 17 and Nov. 20 to set up tables and decorate the room with fall-themed items, such as fall flowers and pilgrim hats. Ure said decorating was a lot of work, but she

enjoyed getting to see the outcome.

“We all worked really hard to decorate the room in a way that represented Thanksgiving,” Ure said. “It was a great feeling being able to see the room after all the hard work that was put into it.”

Guidance Counselor Melissa Boorom said the event provided a lunch break where teachers could meet up, socialize and enjoy Thanksgiving food.

“My favorite part is getting to have lunch with other faculty members that we never get to see on a normal day,” Boorom said. “It was also great getting to spend relaxing time with them.”

English teacher Margarete Marchetti said she looks forward to this event every year because of the cheerful atmosphere.

“The Thanksgiving luncheon is one of my favorite school events,” Mrs. Marchetti said. “Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, and I enjoy the festive environment.”

Math teacher Lauren Bender said the Thanksgiving faculty lunch made her feel appreciated. She said the planning and hard work that went into the making of the event was heartwarming.

“The administration and SGA put on an absolutely beautiful lunch for us,” Mrs. Bender said. “We all work really hard every single day, so for us to be recognized and appreciated makes us all feel good.”

Photo Submitted by Alysha steinman

GOBBLE GOBBLE: (From left) freshmen Natalia Patino, Hanna Stockel and Jamie Keller pose with Principal Charles Scott Neely at the Student Government Association Thanksgiving-themed faculty lunch on Nov. 21 in the drama room.

SGA members served traditional Thanksgiving food, such as turkey and stuffing, as well as desserts.

Steinman said it is important to show appreciation to all the teachers who work hard throughout the year.

“Sometimes teachers may feel like their students don’t appreciate them,” Steinman said. “I think it’s nice to show that students do care about them.”

Mrs. Marchetti said the event was a success and that all teachers and staff

members were thrilled with the work of the SGA members.

“My favorite part is meeting up with other faculty members and catching up,” Mrs. Marchetti said. “All the SGA helpers had smiles on their faces and were extremely polite; the food was delicious and everyone was happy to be there.”

Best Buddies potluck unites members

By Drew Roach

To celebrate the holiday season, Best Buddies hosted a Thanksgiving Potluck on Nov. 17 in the cafeteria. This event was held so the buddies and their parents could socialize with the other members of the club. Around 60 buddies and members along with parents of the buddies attended.

Junior and Best Buddies Historian Jordyn Metz coordinated the Potluck and said a lot of hard work went into planning the event.

“We had a lot to prepare for this event because we needed to figure out what items we had and then buy everything we still needed,” Metz said. “At our general meeting, we asked each member to sign up to bring in at least one food which was really helpful since we could put more focus and money towards decorations and other aspects of the Potluck.”

Metz said members signed up to bring food items such as doughnuts, mashed potatoes and turkey.

“The members brought many typical Thanksgiving dishes for everyone to enjoy since the event was for Thanksgiving,” Metz said. “The whole point of it being a potluck was so everyone would bring a little something and we could all share; everyone brought delicious foods and the potluck aspect was a huge success.”

Metz said this event was important

Photo by Drew Roach

Friendly Feast: Best Buddies officers serve food to members and buddies at its Thanksgiving potluck event on Nov. 17 in the cafeteria. Members signed up in advance to bring food items, such as doughnuts, mashed potatoes and turkey.

for Best Buddies to have since it gave members the opportunity to spend time with their buddies.

“I think this is a really enjoyable event because it’s so fun to get together with all the buddies,” Metz said. “It makes the buddies really happy to hang out with

everyone and it’s great for them to have all of these social events.”

Best Buddies adviser and Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher Ellen Eiss said the Thanksgiving Potluck was beneficial for the parents of the buddies since they were able to get involved and

see the kind of events their children attend.

“I feel that [this event] is significant because it’s a way for the parents to get to know their child’s peer buddy and also a way to get to know the other parents,” Mrs. Eiss said.

Mrs. Eiss said the event was held to allow the members to interact in a comfortable way with their buddies.

“It’s only my second year advising this club, but I can really see the peer buddies enjoying the company of their buddies at this event,” Mrs. Eiss said.

Sophomore and Best Buddies Recording Secretary Sarah Bartleman said the event was successful and she said she is looking forward to the rest of the events for Best Buddies.

“A lot of buddies attended this event with their peer buddies and we all had a great time, so I believe this event was very successful,” Bartleman said.

Bartleman said the Potluck was different from past years and has improved a lot and it will continue to be successful in the future.

“This social has improved a lot because in past years, not as many buddies showed up to these events,” Bartleman said. “Almost all of the buddies came this year which was great since they had a really fun time.”

News Calendar General

• Midterms, Dec. 19-22 • Winter Break, Dec. 25-Jan. 5 • Blood Drive, Jan. 17-18

Club Meetings • • • • •

SGA, Jan. 9 Best Buddies, Jan. 10 Key Club, Jan. 10 Mu Alpha Theta, Jan. 11 HOSA, Jan. 16

Events

• Cambridge Celebration Night, Jan. 11 • HOSA Kickball Tournament, Jan. 20 • Lightning Oscars, Jan. 26 • Coffee House, Jan. 26

NEWS

DECEMBER 2017

THE CIRCUIT

3

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Habitat for Humanity Day First annual Habitat for Humanity Day on Nov. 17 promotes awareness for the club.

By lauren Pabian News Copy Editor

The courtyard was filled with games, decorations and music during all lunches for the first annual Habitat for Humanity Day on Nov. 17. Senior and Community Outreach Officer Mitchell Hunsucker was appointed to coordinate this event. He said he came up with the idea in order to raise awareness for the club.

“This event was so important to hold not only for our club, but for students at the Bay so they could learn how they can make a difference in the community,” Hunsucker said. “Joining Habitat [for Humanity] gives students the opportunity to do great things; we intended on reaching out to students who were unaware of our club and what we do so we could show them what Habitat is all about.”

The courtyard was decorated with blue and green streamers, a photo wall and games like Jenga and a bean bag toss. Hunsucker said his favorite aspect was the large wall full of pictures from previous Habitat for Humanity events as well as an area for members to put their handprints.

“Even though there were so many great things going on throughout the day, to me, the most successful part was the display that my dad and I built,” Hunsucker said. “We put up a bunch of pictures so students can see what we do in Habitat for Humanity, and [students] were able to decorate [the display] with their handprints; everyone just had so much fun and the wall turned out looking so great.”

Hunsucker said since it was the first Habitat for Humanity Day, there were many initial challenges, and he hopes it will be easier to plan in future years.

“I had a vision of what I wanted the day to be, and since it was the first Habitat for Humanity Day, I was able to make it exactly how I wanted,” Hunsucker said. “Though it might seem great to have so much flexibility available to me, this is what made planning the day so hard.

Getting all the materials togeth-

Photo by Lauren Pabian

er and setting everything up was definitely the most challenging part, but I’m hoping in future years, whoever is running it can use some of my ideas to make it easier to execute.”

Junior and Habitat for Humanity President Matthew Liebman said he was eager to hold this event since he wanted to bring more attention and publicity to the club. Liebman mainly utilizes social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter to promote the club.

“We try to promote ourselves as much as we can by thinking of the best ways we could reach students to show them what Habitat is about and all the amazing reasons they should join the club,” Liebman said. “Social media has been our best way of promoting so far, but I think holding Habitat Day was an amazing way of recruiting new members since we are able to speak with everyone face-to-face.”

English and debate teacher and Habitat for Humanity adviser Nicole Arnold said she was eager for Habitat for Humanity Day after seeing the officer team working hard to make the day a success.

“Multiple meetings were held where the officers and members used their enthusiastic and creative minds to create a wonderful backdrop, signs and even build small houses to display,” Ms. Arnold said. “The Habitat for Humanity officer team is the

photo Submitted by Matthew Liebman

fun house: (From left) seniors Ben Paz and Mitchell Hunsucker play the bean bag toss game at Habitat for Humanity Day on Nov. 17 in the courtyard.

most dedicated and motivated group of people I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and they deserve so much credit for putting on this event.”

Although there were many aspects of planning this event, Ms. Arnold said she believes the most influential part was the commitment of the officers and members.

“In order to prepare for an event like this, the officers needed to be 100 percent committed,” Ms. Arnold said. “This event turned out to be so successful due to the officer’s and club member volunteer’s commitment.”

Ms. Arnold said holding this event in the courtyard allowed the club to celebrate Habitat for Humanity with members and nonmembers, integrating the key point of this club: community.

“This event was such a great way to celebrate the club with both members and nonmembers since it was held in the middle of school for anyone to go,” Ms. Arnold said. “I think this was such a great event to hold since when clubs try to advertise, it typically doesn’t include in-person interactions, but this event allowed potential members to really get a great understanding of who we are and what our goal is.”

Junior and Habitat for Humanity Vice President Erica Alejaldre said she was excited to have the opportunity to recruit many new members. After the event, the club extended the membership deadline until the end of December so the students they recruited there would be able to sign up still.

“We hoped to be able to convince many students to join Habitat through this promotional day, so we extended the membership date,” Alejaldre said.

While at lunch, sophomore Maddie DeLuca saw the event and went over to talk to some officers and be convinced why she should join Habitat for Humanity. She said she was immediately welcomed and encouraged to

Photos Submitted by Matthew Liebman

Habitat Sweet Habitat: (Clockwise from top left) Junior and Habitat for Humanity Co-Founder Juan Salazar paints junior Jonathan Perez’s face in support of the club. Junior Sofia Nunez writes on the photo display constructed by senior and Community Outreach Officer Mitchell Hunsucker. Officers show off the Habitat for Humanity logo.

join the club; she was convinced to join by its immense involvement with helping the community.

“I had some friends that were in the club but it never really crossed my mind to join,” DeLuca said. “When I saw them advertising at lunch I went over to hear about it and I just thought it was so great how much they helped the community and I realized that I want to help and make a difference too.”

DeLuca said she believes holding this event was a great idea for the club. She said it could be beneficial for other clubs to hold an event like this in the middle of the courtyard since almost every student at the Bay is guaranteed to see it. “[Members] were super successful in promoting their club since [holding this event] really spread the word about Habitat and what they do,” DeLuca said.

“They are consistently showing all of the good things they do in this club which makes people like me want to join.”

Alejaldre said the club also used Habitat for Humanity Day as a day to thank the members for their hard work and help throughout the year.

“In addition to promoting the club, [the officer team] really wanted to celebrate the club, all that it does for the community, and all of the wonderful people that help us accomplish amazing things,” Alejaldre said.

After weeks of hard work and preparation, Hunsucker said he was very pleased with how the event turned out and is thankful that all of his hard work paid off in a recruitment of about 30 new members.

“I was so happy with how the day went; everything was just as planned and we ended up recruiting so many members which is really great,” Hunsucker said.

“I hope next year it’s even bigger and Habitat can recruit even more members since it’s truly such a great club and makes such a difference in the community; a little kindness goes a long way.”

4 THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

NEWS

DECEMBER 2017

Clubs prepare for January festivities SGA members come together to plan the ninth annual Lightning Oscars event.

BY rachel Friedman managing editor

After being held for the first time in 2010, the Lightning Oscars became an annual event to award students with superlatives. The tradition withstands this year as Student Government Association (SGA) members begin organizing it for the ninth consecutive year. The event is set to occur on Jan. 26, and SGA members have been working to plan the night since October.

Senior Cali Kaufman is co-chair of the event and has been offered this position for the third year in a row. She said her past experience with holding this title makes her job significantly easier and less stressful.

“I’m way more excited for [the Lightning Oscars] than I am stressed,” Kaufman said. “It helps a lot that I’ve been in charge of planning it for three years because I know exactly what to do.”

Kaufman said although she doesn’t get to enjoy the event like a normal audience member would, she likes being in charge because she sees it as a huge honor by SGA adviser Danielle Nascimento.

“It means a lot to me that [Mrs. Nascimento] chose me to be in charge,” she said. “At first, I am running around a lot but when it starts, I get to watch everything from backstage, which is cool.”

Kaufman said her primary goals as co-chair of the event is for tickets to sell out and for all guests enjoy themselves.

graphic courtesy of student government association

“I hope the night is completely sold out and better than last year; we always are looking for ways to improve,” she said. “I also really hope the hosts and presenters are funny so that everyone has a good time.”

Although the annual Coffee House event hosted by Literary Club has been scheduled on the same night as the Lightning Oscars this year, SGA President Harrison Miller said he is confident the Lightning Oscars will still be a success.

“I am not worried about Coffee House interfering with our event; both [the Lightning Oscars and Coffee House] are huge events, so I think the turnouts will be great no matter what,” he said. “We’re probably going to sell out regardless, so I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”

Students could submit nominations on SGA’s website for the 20 award categories from Nov. 20 to Nov. 26; five to 10 students will be announced as nominees for each category. The process then continues with a school-wide vote to determine the top

three nominees who will be invited to Lightning Oscars for free.

“We’re doing balloting online for the second year and it’s so much easier,” Miller said. “Everything is running really smoothly because we’ve had the same process for the last few years.”

Senior Jonny Berger said he would love to have the opportunity to be a presenter at the Lightning Oscars and that he intends on auditioning as soon as possible.

“I would love to be a part of [the Lightning Oscars] and present because last year I won the ‘Boy of Blue’ award and it would feel good to hand down that award to someone else,” he said. “This title technically makes me the most spirited boy at the school until someone else gets it this year, so I would be honored to be the one to pass it down.”

Similarly to Kaufman, Miller’s goal of the event is for it to sell out; however, he said he also has hopes of expanding the audience to include more underclassmen because juniors and seniors have typically dominated ticket sales in previous years.

“We really just want [the Lightning Oscars] to be something that’s fun for students and a nice memory to have forever of when them and their friends won,” Miller said. “I hope to sell out and bring students of all ages rather than just upperclassmen; we want all students to go and experience it whether it’s their first time of their fourth time.”

Literary Club plans for its Coffee House event filled with performances and visual art.

by Jacob Winans

To continue its annual tradition, the Bay’s Literary Club has begun preparations for Coffee House which is going to take place on Jan. 26. The night is full of live poetry performed by the students, musical performances from both students and outside artists, spoken word and art.

“Every year, students who attend beg for us to do this more often,” English teacher and Literary Club adviser Mrs. Joyce Seigel said. “It is a success year after year.”

Mrs. Seigel said she couldn’t contain her excitement about this year’s edition of Coffee House.

“I look forward to all of the talented writers, poets, singers and lyricists,” she said. “They amaze me every year.”

Since November, the Literary Club has been searching for sponsors and donors for Coffee House. This year, they have received a commitment from BurgerFi to provide food for the performers and audience.

“Last year we had Chipotle, and this year we are glad to have BurgerFi [as one of our sponsors],” Seigel said. “The businesses are all very much appreciated.”

Club co-presidents and seniors Alexa Voorhees and Ryan Bush are in charge of coordinating the event. Voorhees said she will be tasked with finding sponsors, compiling a list of performers, gathering art, decorating the room and performing a poem of her own.

“We have been doing a good job finding food vendors so we have a wide array of food to eat the night of Coffee House,” Voorhees said. “We’re also looking forward to decorating the cafeteria for the event.”

Voorhees said she loves the event and

is excited to see all of her peers come together to enjoy food, friends and poetry.

“It is such a special night. I can’t wait to watch everyone have a nice time,” Voorhees said. “I think that’s the most rewarding part.”

Tickets for Coffee House will cost $6 during early sales, $8 during regular sales and $10 at the door. Tickets cover admission, entertainment and food for the whole evening.

“For all the food and events at Coffee House, the price is very fair,” Voorhees said. “It’s really a great deal considering all that you are getting.”

Senior and Literary Magazine contributing editor Sandra Salvatierra said she is excited for Coffee House since she will be performing her own poem for the first time this year.

“I write poetry myself, yet I have never performed a piece in front of a crowd as large as the one at Coffee House,” Salvatierra said. “As a senior, I’m most looking forward to performing one of my poems since it is my last chance to [perform there].”

While live poetry is usually the main event of Coffee House, it is not the only art form present. There will also be live music and visual art forms such as paintings on display for the entire evening.

“Live poetry might be the primary focus, but musicians and singers also have sets to bring in another element of the arts, and I’m excited for that,” Salvatierra said. “ [Coffee House] is like no other event held at Cypress [Bay].”

Bush said he believes Coffee House is a special event because of the diversity and wide variety of different art forms and talents.

“I’m looking forward to hearing all the different forms of spoken word that are out there,” Bush said. “Everyone is so

photos by jacob winans

what’s been roasting: (From top) members of the Literary Club meet in English teacher and Literary Club adviser Joyce Seigel’s room to prepare for the club’s yearly event, which will take place on Jan. 26. (Clockwise from left) seniors Tabby Botti, Sol Weman, Marcos Estrada and Sandra Salvatierra participate in the preparations for Coffee House.

creative and so talented that I’m sure this year will be no different than years in the past.”

Mrs. Seigel said that she expects this year’s Coffee House to be successful and entertaining and hopes it will be a great night for the students as it has been in past years.

“It is a fantastic night of mingling, eating, talking, sharing and listening to artists perform,” Mrs. Seigel said. “The night has always been special. No one will be bored.”

DECEMBER 2017

NEWS

THE CIRCUIT

5

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

GSA exposes hardships of transgender community by rachel schonberger editor-in-chief

Members of Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) donned safety pins on Nov. 20 in support of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Members led tables in the courtyard from which they educated peers about gender identity and the hardships of transgender people. Senior and GSA treasurer Morgan Firestone said the event brought important exposure to the LGBT community.

“Just because someone is trans, that doesn’t mean that someone has the right to discriminate against them to hurt them in any way, shape or form,” Firestone said. “Our pins represent that we are supportive and safe people to talk to for anyone who is trans.”

Throughout the day, Firestone answered questions of students that approached the table and informed them about the lives lost due to transgender discrimination.

“My goal for the day was to spread awareness about trans people and the fact that their lives matter too,” Firestone said. “Of the three years I’ve been at this school, this is probably the biggest turnout that I’ve seen for this event. I’d like to believe that finally more people are being open-minded and deciding to get educated.”

Similar to Firestone, senior and GSA secretary Joseph Hallett said the turnout this year added to the overall success of GSA’s goal to bring awareness to the transgender community.

“I definitely think we got to educate

many people who wouldn’t normally be interested in the topic,” Hallett said. “But obviously there were people who didn’t ask us questions or look at the booth, so there’s always more that we could do.”

Volunteers from GSA discussed the topics with students who approached the tables during all lunches. The tables were accompanied by a door decorated in pink and blue post-it notes with anonymous comments of students’ prayers or messages for victims and trans students.

Freshman Benjamin Seelye said he joined GSA this year in hopes of finding a welcoming, open group of peers. He wrote a post-it note to share that support with other students at the Bay. “I wrote, ‘It shouldn’t be a problem to accept people for who they are,’” Seelye said. “I don’t see why people are prejudiced against people who have a different gender or sexuality.”

Freshman Hayden Garbez said he also realized the openness of students who approached the tables.

“Most of the people who have come up have been really nice,” Garbez said.

“And obviously you are going to get those people who just laugh as they walk by, but the majority of the people are really nice and want to help spread awareness.”

World language teacher and GSA sponsor Declan Lyons said this event influences the student body at the Bay because of the awareness and acceptance it promotes.

“Over the past 10 or 12 years, I’ve had quite a few transgender students, and we just want people to be aware of the importance of showing respect to people

photo by rachel schonberger

trans lives matter: On Nov. 20, freshman Benjamin Seelye, along with other members of Gender-Sexuality Alliance, (GSA) promoted Transgender Day of Remembrance. GSA placed informative signs and decorations around the courtyard with the purpose of educating students about the struggle that transgender community go through in their daily lives.

who are different from us,” Dr. Lyons said. “It brings awareness to other kids that this is normal. This is not freakish or weird, but instead something that demands respect, especially considering how courageous it is for these kids.”

Seelye said he was moved by the interests of his peers who genuinely

wanted to learn more about the LGBT community and the gender spectrum.

“You see people in the news dying because of discrimination,” Seelye said.

“It’s nice to show people that there are different types of people in the world and everyone should be accepted for who they are.”

6

NEWS

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

DECEMBER 2017

DeBAYte team sets precedent for season

BY RACHEL LEVITZ

The Bay’s debate team attended the annual Glenbrooks Invitational tournament from Nov. 17 to Nov. 19, hosted at Attea Middle School in Chicago. The team competed in six different events, including Dramatic Interpretation, Congressional Debate, Informative Speaking and Duo Interpretation. Overall, the Bay was the second best performing school, with only 36 team members attending.

“This tournament is very difficult and competed at nationally,” sophomore Cory Wurtenburger said. “Each event had 80 to 120 people competing, and despite Cypress bringing much less people than the other schools, our team definitely did very well.”

The Bay’s debate team won two events at the tournament. Wurtenburger won first place in the Informative Speaking event and seniors Jenee Cidel and Maya Hedrick won first place in the Duo Interpretation event. Hedrick said she was very pleased to have won this event after lots of preparation.

“I felt very prepared,” Hedrick said.

“We practiced everyday after school the week leading up to the tournament and we ended up winning which felt so good.”

Junior Ambreen Imran received ninth place in the Congressional Debate event.

Imran said the event was challenging due to the other talented debaters in the category.

“The tournament is one of the most difficult in the entire debate season due to the diverse competition and amount of skill everyone has,” Imran said. “Competing at the tournament was a wonderful time and I couldn’t have done as well as I did without the support of the entire Cypress Bay debate team.”

Debate teachers Alyssa Fiebrantz, Jonathan Martin, Nick Montecalvo and Nicole Arnold also attended the event.

Ms. Fiebrantz said she was pleased with the results of the tournament.

“We did very well at this tournament; it was probably the best we’ve ever done,” Ms. Fiebrantz said.

Ms. Fiebrantz said the win was very significant because a sophomore won first place and the seniors did excellent, as well.

“Cory Wurtenburger won first place which is extremely rare and very incredible for a sophomore; we also had two seniors place which was nice since it is their last year here in debate,” Ms. Fiebrantz said. “This was a huge accomplishment as Glenbrooks tournament is considered the ‘Fall Nationals.’”

After the tournament was over, on Nov. 20, the team got to explore Chicago

photo submitted by Ambreen imran

In it to win it: DeBAYte team wins at annual Glenbrooks Invitational tournament which lasted from Nov. 17 until Nov. 19 at Attea Middle School in Chicago. The team won two events at the tournament.

and visit the Bean and the Sears Tower.

“The Bean was really cool and the Sears tower was incredible,” Imran said.

“The city overall was very beautiful and I would like to visit it again next year.”

Sophomore Fabiola Sepulveda said she enjoyed the trip despite the cold weather.

“The trip was really fun, but it was very cold; it was hard to adjust to the Chicago weather coming from Florida,” Sepulveda said. “Other than that, the trip was very exciting and the tournament was very competitive.”

Sepulveda did not make it to the final rounds in the event she competed in: Public Forum debate. However, she said she enjoyed watching her fellow teammates compete.

“It was really interesting to watch my teammates compete,” Sepulveda said.

“It’s amazing how much skill they have and how important practicing is. It is also important that the team works together because we always end up doing well when we work together.”

Cidel said Glenbrooks has been one of her favorite tournaments and the Chicago trip was unforgettable and extremely fun.

“This trip was such an amazing experience and it allowed the team to grow and bond together in such a beautiful city,” Cidel said. “I look forward to future tournaments like this one.”

Aspiring engineers expand knowledge

BY SABRINA BLANDON

In order to learn more about engineering, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Junior (SHPE Jr.) club visited the University of Florida (UF) campus on Nov. 17. Senior Andrea Vallenilla, President of SHPE Jr., said she was excited to go to the UF campus and help her fellow members learn more about engineering.

“It was really fun to see all of what UF has to offer,” Vallenilla said. “Seeing what options they had for engineering was incredible.”

Fifty SHPE Jr. members attended the trip; they learned about the different types of engineering such as biomedical engineering, electrical engineering and chemical engineering. Junior and secretary of SHPE Sebastian Dolan was one of the 50 students who went on the trip.

“I enjoyed seeing the different types of engineering UF had to offer,” Dolan said.

“So many people have hidden talents and abilities, and these students have found theirs and I hope that through SHPE I can find mine.”

SHPE Jr. members were given a tour of the university’s campus. During the campus tour, they learned about UF and projects that engineering students were

working on there.

“The projects were nothing like I’ve ever seen, and I was curious to see what kind of projects they displayed,” Vallenilla said. “To see all the possibilities they have at such a young age was just amazing.”

After the campus tour, SHPE Jr. members visited engineering labs on the UF campus. They were given a choice of three labs to see: biomedical engineering, chemical engineering and electrical engineering.

“I mainly went to talk to the electrical and computer science department because that’s what I want to study; I learned how computer science is program-based while electrical is more hands on,” Vallenilla said. “Even though I didn’t see as many labs as I’d like to, it was very important to me that I learned what I could some day end up doing.”

Dolan said he enjoyed visiting the labs because he was able to see the actual work of engineering students at UF and he was impressed by all of their accomplishments.

“In one of the labs that we visited, we were introduced to a team of freshmen that had built an autonomous boat that won them first place,” Dolan said.

“Seeing how those freshmen created such an amazing contraption that won them a competition in their first year at UF just

PHOTO Submitted by Sebastian Dolan

education connection: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Junior (SHPE Jr.) club visited the University of Florida campus on Nov. 17.

blows my mind.”

Biology teacher and SHPE Jr. Adviser Brandon Boswell also attended the UF visit. Mr. Boswell said the trip was a good learning experience for SHPE Jr. members that are hoping to go into the field of engineering.

“It was good for the students to learn a little bit more on what they want to do with their futures,” Mr. Boswell said. “I think now the students will understand more about their career choices.”

Mr. Boswell said he hopes members of SHPE Jr. learned from the UF trip and apply this knowledge in the future.

“I think that this trip was successful because SHPE members will remember what they learned,” Mr. Boswell said. “I hope next year more students from SHPE club will come to UF so they can also learn.”

Dolan said overall he enjoyed the UF trip and he hopes more SHPE club members attend the tip in future years.

“It was fun to go out and see what the campus had to offer for future engineers,” Dolan said. “It’s a trip I definitely won’t forget.”

NEWS

DECEMBER 2017

THE CIRCUIT

7

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Town Hall recognizes DECA Month Officers of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) went to the Weston Town Hall on Nov. 20 to officially proclaim November as DECA Month. DECA Month is a month-long event celebrated by all DECA members across the county to promote the club.

Junior and Assistant Director of the Executive Council Gustavo Rubio said the proclamation is a way for DECA officers to raise awareness and show their passion for the club.

“DECA is a great club to be involved in because it gives so many opportunities for the members to interact with their community,” Rubio said.

“By getting DECA Month proclaimed, people can see how involved they could become in an important way.”

Board members emailed Denise Barrett, the Director of Communications for the City of Weston, to inform the city commission about DECA’s intention to proclaim DECA Month; therefore, the proclamation could be added to the city agenda.

“When the city commission approved it, I was so happy that we were able to get DECA Month proclaimed again,” senior and Executive Council Officer Agustina Tanoira said.

“It was a huge accomplishment and we knew we were achieving one of our milestones.”

Tanoira said it is important for DECA members to reach out to people as much as possible and inform them about DECA. Tanoira said she wants other students to be aware of the benefits of DECA. “The proclamation helped us because we are trying to let people know about all the features and benefits of DECA on a bigger scale,” Tanoira said.

“This is not just for DECA members at the Bay, but also for everyone in the community as well which allows us to be even more involved all-around.”

Senior and Executive

“

It was great to have our city be a part of DECA month because we are all about getting involved inside and outside of school.

“

By Drew Roach

-senior Maria Gomez

Director of DECA Leadership Council (DLC) María Gomez said the proclamation was a great accomplishment for the

entire club. She said she feels DECA is now more connected to the community.

“It was great to have our city be a part of DECA Month because we are all about getting involved inside and outside of school,” Gomez said. “It makes DECA feel like part of the general public which is a really cool feeling.”

Gomez said she it was important for DECA to make the proclamation because it has been a success for the club in the past years. She said she has already seen the direct positive impacts of the proclamation, such as an increase in event participation.

“I have seen the influence the proclamation has had on DECA and it has consistently helped the club accomplish some of our biggest goals,” Gomez said. “By getting the proclamation every year, we are continuing to better DECA and hopefully get more people involved.”

Gomez said DECA is important to her because it provides benefits that she would not be able to get with any other club. She said the proclamation was a great way to unite her peers in DECA. “For me, DECA is like a second home; it’s a place where I can network with people of similar interests and work with great people to make our chapter better,” Gomez said. “I love

photos submitted by Agustina Tanoira

Education proclamation: (From top left) Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) adviser Grant Cavalier, seniors Valentina Sigala, Agustina Tanoira, Maria Gomez and Weston Town Hall official watch as junior Gustavo Rubio gives a speech about what DECA is and how it impacts the community. The group stands with city officials holding the proclamation that officially declares November as DECA Month.

spending my time with everyone DECA as much as I do.” in DECA because it’s cool that I get to be with people who love

8

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

NEWS

DECEMBER 2017

Film sparks mental health discussion

By Jessie Chaiet News Editor

As part of the Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) initiative #BCPSListens, the Bay showcased the movie “Listen” on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 in the auditorium. Writer, director and producer of “Listen” Erahm Christopher said he was happy to be a part of this initiative in order to promote mental health awareness.

“I think the Broward County Public School district is doing something that no other public school district is doing in the country,” Christopher said.

“I think they’re focusing on approaching the idea of mental health in a way that is really how students want to talk about it; it’s sparking a dialogue that people are afraid to have.”

“Listen” tells the story of several teenagers at a high school; it depicts their struggles with mental health and their relationships with their parents and those around them. Christopher said it was important to tell these stories because high school students will be able to relate to the characters.

“There are teenagers that are dying for people to listen to them,” Christopher said. “I think that if I can create a film that basically sparks these conversations that teenagers need to have, then I actually believe it can save some lives.”

On both days, the movie was played for students during the first two periods of the day. Students signed up in advance to be excused from their classes in order to view the screening.

A movie screening was hosted for the whole community after school on Nov. 16.

“I thought the movie was great,” sophomore Ricardo Kaswalder said. “It was a movie that depicted problems that kids have every day and it showed difficulties that kids go through; it just was powerful.”

BCPS Cadre Director Michael Ramirez is responsible for executing this initiative. The initiative began on Oct. 24 and will end on Feb. 8. Throughout the initiative, “Listen” will be played at 29 Broward County schools.

“We began the initiative because we saw a great need not only in our school district but across our communities and across the country around the issue of mental health,” Ramirez said. “I think it’s important

Photo by Jessie chaiet

It only Takes A movie: The Bay showcased the movie “Listen” on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 to promote mental health awareness around the school. The writer, director and producer Erahm Christopher held a discussion after the movie to explain how it relates to high school. Pictured below is a screen cap from the movie.

Photo Submitted by Erahm Christopher

because the reality is many students have experiences [from home] that they’re bringing to school that we need to understand better.”

Ramirez said his goal is to initiate discussion about mental health in schools and he hopes it will teach people to improve communication.

“The initiative itself is designed around using the film to really engage in a conversation around mental health and the importance of ultimately listening to each other,” Ramirez said. “I think it’s an opportunity to engage in a conversation to better understand what our student experiences are like and to engage in a conversation that students want to have. It’s just important to put those conversations at the forefront so we can help support our students through whatever struggles they might be having.”

After each screening of the movie, Christopher held a discussion with his audience. He spoke about which characters they related to and the messages

the movie conveyed.

“I think it’s important to help the audience realize that we’re all thinking the same way once the film is over,” Christopher said.

“My hope is that if that conversation will start in the auditorium, it will continue throughout the campus, at home and in the community.”

After the movie screening on Nov. 17, Christopher held an active listening workshop. Sixty students and 15 faculty members attended the workshop where the movie was used to teach them how to be better listeners.

“I think [the workshop] went really well; it pointed out how we don’t always take the time with people,” Assistant Principal Kassandra Fried said. “I think we live in a very quick-moving society, so [the workshop] was just about really trying to connect with people.”

Mrs. Fried worked with other administrators at the Bay to organize the screenings of “Listen” and the active listening workshop. She said it was important to show this movie

because students may be struggling and faculty at school may not realize.

“I think it’s important for us to pause and to have the opportunity to really listen to identify with someone and see what they’re going through,” Mrs. Fried said. “I think it has been beneficial and from talking to students afterwards, it was very eye-opening to see how this movie has affected them in a positive way.”

The initiative also includes curriculum for schools to go over about how to be active listeners. At the Bay, peer counseling classes will be integrating this curriculum.

“I think it’s important because the lessons allow [students] to go deeper,” Ramirez said. “[The curriculum] is designed to encourage dialogue about how students are feeling; it allows students to dig a little deeper into different areas that could ultimately change the school culture.”

Members of the Helping Overcome Problems Efficiently

(HOPE) Sunshine Club volunteered at the screenings. Senior and Public Relations Manager of the HOPE club Laura Tavano said she enjoyed volunteering and promoting the HOPE club.

“I love doing these events because you get to help people, you get to hear other people’s stories and you get to know what’s going on that people are too shy to talk about,” Tavano said. “We want students to know that if someone is having a problem at home or at school, there’s a club where you can find a safe space.”

Tavano said she enjoyed “Listen” because she was able to relate to the characters. She said she hopes other students see the movie because it prompts important conversations about mental health.

“I would recommend this movie because I feel like it helps spark that conversation that we need to start having,” Tavano said. “We need to start having conversations between families and kids and between kids and teachers.”

Junior Keily Espinal said she thought “Listen” was a good learning experience. She said she was able to connect with the movie.

“I’m constantly surrounded by people who go through similar issues and maybe they can’t have their voice heard,” Espinal said. “I feel like a lot of people in this school can connect to [“Listen”] because all of those issues are always happening and people don’t always know.”

Christopher said this movie is only played in schools, and not movie theaters, because he wanted it to be first shown in a community setting.

“Nobody is doing this and I really believe that’s how we can change how we experience films,” Christopher said. “I created it so it would spark conversation. Hollywood has never created something that we can use as a tool to keep a conversation that is much needed.”

Christopher said he hopes the movie is shown at schools all around the United States in the future.

“I hope [“Listen”] spreads across the nation because I think it would be incredible for the youth to own this,” Christopher said. “I want the youth to take this film like it’s theirs and use it like a megaphone for how they feel.”

DECEMBER 2017

NEWS

THE CIRCUIT

9

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Seniors host early-morning tailgates

By Lucy Celentano Arts & Ent. Editor

After attending a pre-game tailgate at Florida State University (FSU), senior Sam Bialczak said he was inspired to bring the fun of these activities home with him to the Bay. Every Friday morning starting Nov. 3, seniors gather in the student parking lot to have beverages and breakfast foods, listen to music and spend time together before the school day begins.

“The central idea behind the tailgates basically came to me when I was thinking about my time visiting FSU, and telling the story made me realize there is no reason we shouldn’t do that kind of thing here in Weston,” Bialczak said.

“

It really makes me feel good about my contribution to Cypress Bay because I’ve always been about bringing people together and being as social as possible.

“

-senior Sam Bialczak

Bialczak said the tailgates give him an opportunity to give back to his friends and to the Bay, which make his efforts worthwhile.

“It really makes me feel good about my contribution to Cypress Bay because

photo by sam bialczAk

fridays are for the boys: (From left) seniors Sam Chenoy, Jonny Berger, Garrett Donner, Ryan Black, David Black and Jonathan Black enjoy food and beverages in the student parking lot during the senior tailgate on Dec. 8.

I’ve always been about bringing people together and being as social as possible,” Bialczak said. “Instead of all of us sitting alone in our cars, we all bond and talk together and It really makes me feel great.”

Bialczak said he plans to continue the weekly breakfast tailgates because thus far, it has had a positive effect on attendees at the Bay. “It creates a sense of excitement for school mornings, which is rare because usually seniors barely want to be at school at all,” Bialczak said. “The tailgates have made my friends appreciate each other more each Friday morning.”

Senior Sydnie Winder said she has attended all the tailgates this year and plans

to continue attending considering it is convenient and serves as a great way to spend time with her friends.

“I first began attending the morning tailgates because my senior parking spot is right across from where the tailgate is set up,” Winder said. “Now I’ve realized it’s fun to socialize with my friends in the morning, so I like to go on a weekly basis.”

Winder said the tailgates motivate her and her friends to get out of bed and arrive to school early, which is something they would not typically be inspired to do without the incentive of breakfast outside with friends.

“The tailgates make my friends all

get to school earlier than usual because they don’t want to miss out on the breakfast [Bialczak] works hard to organize for us,” Winder said.

Security supervisor Felix Caballero said he sees the morning breakfasts as a well organized, entertaining activity that makes students happy.

“In the morning, I see the seniors gathering, setting up, drinking coffee and actually, to my surprise, after the bell rings they proceed right into the campus into class without any disruption,” Caballero said.

Caballero said the first time he saw the seniors hosting their morning breakfast, he was concerned it would be a disruption to normal parking lot happenings, but thus far, he has not experienced any implications whatsoever.

“As long as [the tailgates don’t] get out of hand and they are well-behaved out there and keep doing what they’re supposed to do, it’s okay by [security],” Caballero said. “If their gathering becomes disruptive to the flow of traffic or to other students in the parking lot, we will disband them, but I don’t foresee that happening.”

Bialczak said the organization of the tailgates is easy and he does not mind purchasing the necessary items on a weekly basis considering his friends assist him as well.

“I coordinate the food, my friends will help me with supplying some money for the things I need and without them, it wouldn’t be possible,” Bialczak said.

“With my friends’ help, the tailgates have been a really big success so far this year.”

10 THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

NEWS

DECEMBER 2017

Season’s Givings by jake miller

Spanish Honor Society holds a holiday drive to collect toys for underprivileged children.

Spanish Honor Society (SHS) held a toy drive from Nov. 16 to Dec. 13 to give Christmas presents to underprivileged kids. Toys were collected for children ages two to 16 through the organization No More Tears. Spanish teacher and SHS adviser Ailen Batton said the gifts help the underprivileged children.

“I’m sure the children are happy receiving these gift because they don’t have as many opportunities as we might have to receive gifts during the year,” Mrs. Batton said.

Mrs. Batton said she feels that donating these gifts makes the donating students and the children recieving the gifts feel good.

“Since [the kids] don’t have a lot, we hope [donating these gifts] makes them happy,” Ms. Batton said. “Personally, I feel happier giving gifts than receiving.”

Senior and SHS tutoring head Anjou Sharma said the officers are aiming to receive about 50 gifts. Sharma said she thinks it’s important that the timing of the drive falls during the holiday season.

“It’s important to help those in need during Christmas time since some people don’t have as much as we do in Weston,” Sharma said.

Senior and SHS President Daniel Bender organized the toy drive this year.

Bender said the officers announced the toy drive at meetings, sent emails and sent texts through Remind101 to spread the word. “[Organizing the drive] is a lot of work, but we are trying to keep things running smooth,” Bender said. “I am excited to see that SHS is making an impact on underprivileged kids during the holiday season.”

No More Tears is throwing a party on Dec. 17 to distribute the donated gifts. Members and officers of SHS will volunteer at the party to assist the organization.

“The whole experience is eye opening because some of the kids don’t have the lifestyle that we do,” Bender said. “The party is a great experience to see all of the children we spent time raising gifts for.”

photos by jake miller

toys for everyone: Freshman and Spanish Honor Society (SHS) member Andres Ramirez donates a toy for the SHS toy drive.

Sharma said she loves seeing the expressions on the children’s faces when they receive their toys.

“The children are often so grateful and happy to receive even the smallest present, and witnessing the joy on their faces when they open gifts makes me want to keep giving,” Sharma said.

“Many of the kids in the charity have been

victims of domestic abuse, so it makes me feel really good to be able to help those in need. It is a really beautiful moment to see children feel joy after experiencing many tragedies.”

National Honor Society holds fundraiser to support young mothers.

To give back to the community during the holiday season, National Honor Society (NHS) participated in a holiday drive; the goal of the drive was to assist young mothers prior to giving birth by donating gift baskets with items for their baby. The drive began on Nov. 27 and lasted until Dec. 1. Broward Advisors for Continuing Education (BRACE) Adviser and NHS sponsor Shari Bush said the holiday drive is something she looks forward to every year.

“We [were] excited to participate in the drive and I think our students [got] just as much out of it as the students that are receiving the [supplies],” Mrs. Bush said.

NHS worked with the organization Friends of Weston Foundation for the drive by collecting items such as baby clothes, baby food and baby accessories.

“If our organization can assist in some way especially for single mothers, what greater way for us to spend our time and money?” Mrs. Bush said.

Senior and NHS President Hannah Kang helped Mrs. Bush plan this year’s drive. Kang she said feels passionately about the drive and tried to organize it as

efficiently as possible.

“A lot of time and effort goes into the drives and most of us spend weekends trying to contact organizations to collaborate with,” Kang said. “I love being a part of NHS and I love the feeling of joy knowing that our donations could put a smile on someone’s face.”

Senior and NHS member Isabella Patino said she makes an effort to remind people to donate to drives around school.

Patino said she texts her friends and other students that supplies are needed and notifies them of the due date to promote participation in the drive.

“Donating always creates a sense of unity around the people who are involved,” Patino said. “It’s a time when everyone comes together for a great cause, which [promotes] happiness and gratitude.”

Like Patino, senior Sydney Eldeiry said she views donating to NHS as a way to give back to the community.

“Donating gives me a chance to contribute directly to my community in a way I would have otherwise not, and really allows me to embrace the spirit of giving back,” Eldeiry said. “It encourages other people around me to donate as well and

giving back: Senior Lance Kotler drops off his donation for National Honor Society’s holiday drive to benefit mothers in need.

Stay fresh: Members of Spanish Club put together small bags composed of basic hygiene products to donate to the homeless.

Spanish Club packs hygiene kits for the homeless in honor of Thanksgiving.

Working with the Friends of Weston organization, the Spanish Club put together hygiene packs for the homeless from Nov. 12 to Nov. 17. Sophomore and secretary of Spanish Club Diana Dilodovico was ran this drive.

“This [drive] was extremely important to us because we know that there are many homeless people in need in our community,” Dilodovico said. “Since they do not have a home, we decided to provide them with items they will be able to use every day.”

Officers of Spanish Club asked members to donate specific items and hygienic products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant. Members collected a total of 145 items. Junior and Spanish Club President Juan Ariza said this drive opened his eyes to the adversity that exists around him.

“The drive made me feel thankful for everything that I have and how fortunate I am that I live in Weston,” Ariza said. “I think that the people around me feel good giving back to the community and really changing people’s lives through giving them these gifts for the season.”

Junior and Spanish Club treasurer Sebastian Suarez managed the packaging of the hygiene products for the drive.

Suarez said the drive ran well this year with the help of all the members and officers.

“The donation made me feel good

since I was able to give back to a great community and to people who are not as fortunate,” Suarez said. “I think the people around me felt joyful and understood what they were doing was something to be proud of.”

Dilodovico said in order to organize the drive, she communicated with “Friends of Weston.” Dilodovico began planning the drive on Oct. 27.

“I think this drive went very smoothly and I was very happy to see that a majority of the club members donated multiple items,” Dilodovico said. “Overall, I think both the drive and the packaging event following it were extremely successful.

Members got to donate as well as participate in the actual packing of items, which allowed the process to run smoothly.”

Dilodovico said participation was key to the drive running smoothly.

Dilodovico said she was happy to participate in the drive especially since this is her first year as an officer.

“Having the opportunity to donate and participate in events like these makes me feel accomplished and satisfied for giving back to my community and those in need,” Dilodovico said. “I think the homeless people who received these gifts felt very appreciative and thankful for our dedication to them. The gifts definitely made them feel appreciated and gave them hope despite their current living situation.”

DECEMBER 2017

NEWS

THE CIRCUIT

11

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

New bookkeepers adjust to working environment by chloe wain

After the position opened up in the beginning of the school year, Jenny Leon joined the Bay’s faculty as the new bookkeeper and on Nov. 13, former Student Affairs clerk Marilin Gonzalez joined Mrs. Leon as assistant bookkeeper. Mrs. Leon said she enjoys her new job, which consists of managing finance inquires of clubs and school funds.

“I ensure at all times that I meet the demands of the school and clubs,” Mrs. Leon said. “This position involves making sure that everything flows for the teachers and students that involves finance for many activities such as school fundraisers and field trips.”

Mrs. Leon said since the Bay is extremely active and busy, jumping into the year has been a challenging but pleasant change from her previous job. Mrs. Leon previously worked as the assistant controller and human resources director for the South Florida radio stations KISS 99.9, Power 96 and 560 WQAM. “I am adjusting extremely well under the circumstances of having to meet the needs of the school, students and clubs,” Mrs. Leon said. “There is not much of a choice on how fast or slow you can adjust; it was essential that I met the demands of the school and the clubs as soon as I began working.”

Mrs. Leon said even with her short time at the Bay, her fellow faculty members have already made her feel at home while trying to become accustomed to the Bay. “Although adjusting to the new envi-

ronment is stressful, the faculty and staff welcomed me with open arms,” Mrs. Leon said. “The little things such as welcoming co-workers can make the transition of a new job seem much easier.”

Mrs. Gonzalez is currently handling the responsibilities of the registration and fees for upcoming field trips. She said she will eventually be able to help Mrs. Leon with other bookkeeping responsibilities.

“I am very happy with my new job,” Mrs. Gonzalez said. “It has been hard to adjust, but with time, I will be comfortable with the many demands and requirements needed to get the job done. Working at the Bay has always been a pleasure.”

Mrs. Gonzalez said all of the experience and knowledge she gained from working in Student Affairs for three years has helped her in her new position.

“The change to the assistant bookkeeper could have been more challenging, but I was already familiar with the expectations and demands of the students,” Mrs. Gonzalez said. “It really helped me to know where everything is such as classrooms.”

Mrs. Gonzalez said working as assistant bookkeeper has given her a better understanding of how finance is handled.

“Working alongside Mrs. Leon has been an excellent learning experience,” Mrs. Gonzalez said. “Being able to be part of another aspect of the way this school works has been very fascinating to see. I have been becoming more and more comfortable every day with the way business works and conducting with the students and teachers.”

photos by chloe wain

eyes on the money: (From top left) new assistant bookkeeper Marilin Gonzalez and bookkeeper Jenny Leon take a break from discussing finances for the Bay’s clubs. Leon counts and organizes the money for the school and clubs’ extracurricular expenses.

Senior class treasurer Samantha Rosenberg said having a new bookkeeper could make submitting financial forms more difficult because Mrs. Leon is still adjusting to her position. However, Rosenberg said she will always be there to help Mrs. Leon solve any issues.

“I think the new bookkeeper is doing a great job adjusting to a new environment and a whole new process,” Rosenberg said. “It takes time to learn the ins and outs of the whole system, but I think she

is catching on very quickly.”

Mrs. Leon said her decision of changing careers so far has been an amazing experience and she cannot wait for what the future holds.

“I am very excited about this new adventure and about meeting all of the students and teachers,” Mrs. Leon said.

“With the short time I have been part of the Bay, it has already ensured the decision I made that becoming the new bookkeeper was worth it.”

12 THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

NEWS

DECEMBER 2017

HOSA, HOPE unite for annual NAMI walk by ellie sachs

In support of the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses (NAMI), about 30 members of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club participated in the annual NAMI Walk at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek on Nov. 11. Carol Warnock, the HOSA adviser, attended the event and said she had an amazing time. “[The walk] was very fun; it was a very festive event,” Warnock said. “There was just an overall very happy and positive environment.”

The event included a 5K run/walk, a dog show contest, booths informing attendees on mental health, arts and crafts, music and food. Junior Barbara Farina, Vice President of Community Service for HOSA, attended the event and said she loved being there.

“I, along with other HOSA members, felt so incredibly happy that just by doing the slightest bit of walking, we were helping others be stigma free and showing how important it is to appreciate and value yourself as an individual,” Farina said.

HOSA collaborated fundraising

efforts with the Helping Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE) Sunshine Club at the Bay. Junior and president of HOPE Jonathan Galante said he was glad to have been present at the walk.

“The walk was enjoyable alongside some of my closest friends, and it was awesome to get to meet and spend time with some members of the HOSA club who I hadn’t known before,” Galante said. “The people from NAMI who put together the event did a really good job making it such a positive and upbeat experience for everyone.”

This is the second year NAMI has been HOSA’s national service project.

Along with participating in the walk, HOSA members fundraised for NAMI by asking friends and family for donations, setting up lemonade stands and walking dogs. All of the region 8 HOSA clubs also organized a bowling event on Nov. 8, in which 50 percent of the profits were donated to NAMI. Junior Daniella Maldonado was in charge of the club’s fundraising for NAMI and said many members were excited to participate.

“I think HOSA and its members were excited to participate in something as important as NAMI because the

Photo Submitted by Jonathan Galante

get your walk on: Members of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and Helping Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE) joined together to support the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses (NAMI) at the NAMI Walk on Nov. 11 at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. A variety of snacks, arts and crafts and music were available for members to enjoy after the walk.

stigma on mental illness in our society is so overwhelming,” Maldonado said.

“It’s great that we get the opportunity to participate and help fundraise for the cause.”

Together, HOPE and HOSA were able to raise more than $3,000 for NAMI. Galante said he is very grateful to have been able to work with HOSA to support an organization like NAMI. “It was important that HOPE

collaborated with HOSA because one of the club’s big responsibilities is to promote mental health education, which is NAMI’s big goal,” Galante said. “HOPE also consistently looks for ways to raise money for organizations such as NAMI to make progress regarding mental health research or mental illness treatments, and we took this as an opportunity to do exactly that.”

EHS thanks soldiers for their service

BY HANNAH zifrony

In honor of Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving, members of English Honor Society (EHS) wrote letters to veterans commending them for their service. EHS adviser and English teacher Cecilia Fonseca said writing the letters was a way for members to communicate their thanks to soldiers overseas.

“We felt it was important that the soldiers hear from someone back in the U.S. who was not a relative or a friend,” Mrs. Fonseca said. “Likewise, we felt that it was important for the students to connect with the servicemen themselves.”

EHS has been holding this writing event for five years. Mrs. Fonseca said that in order to prepare for the event, members are given specific guidelines including a template, personal information, plans for the future and paragraphs thanking soldiers for their service, that they are asked to follow.

“We, as a club, believe that these are what would make the soldiers happy to read within their letters,” Mrs. Fonseca said. “Besides this, all we could do was encourage our members to write powerful and meaningful letters.”

Members were given the information about the letters at their club meeting on Nov. 6. They wrote their letters at home and brought them to their meeting on Dec. 4 for them to be shipped to the soldiers.

“I had a little bit of a difficult time

Graphic by Sophie gaer

figuring out what to say in my letter,” sophomore and EHS member Sami Rheingold said. “It’s hard to put into words how thankful I am for what they do every day for our country.”

Junior and EHS secretary Lexi Gladstone said the event provides an opportunity for member points, as all members need 20 points to be in good standing in the club.

“We encourage our club members to participate in the event and write a letter, as the letter will give another point to any members who turn them in,” Gladstone said. “However, we encourage the members not think of the letters as a point, but to think of the reason behind what they are writing: to show appreciation to soldiers overseas.”

Rheingold said she put a lot of effort

and thought into her letter and she hopes the soldiers understand her gratefulness by reading her letter.

“I really wanted to make an impact on the lives of the soldiers when they read my letter,” Rheingold said. “I want them to know how truly thankful I am for absolutely everything they do.”

Mrs. Fonseca said she believes the event was successful this year. However, in the future, she said she hopes that the club can express the importance of the event by either making the letter writing mandatory or worth more club points.

“By making the letter only worth one point, I made sure that only if the member felt strongly about our soldiers, would he or she write the letter, although the letter turned into more of a homework assignment than a passion for thanking the soldiers,” Fonseca said. “Making it be worth more EHS points in the future might be the way to go.”

Gladstone said writing the letter made her truly realize the hard work soldiers put in daily to keep the country a safe place.

“The event itself is one of my favorites as it requires me to think about what’s going on outside of my surroundings in order to make my life the safe and fun life it is,” Gladstone said. “My letter to the soldiers will really show them my appreciation for making my freedom possible.”

DECEMBER 2017

NEWS

THE CIRCUIT

13

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

In this issue’s recurring segment that explores current event topics affecting the nation, Online Arts & Ent. Editor Lexi Flechner speaks to students and teachers about fake news.

Do you think fake news exists?

Throughout the past year and a half, the spread of fake news has become more widespread and prominent in the United States. Fake news is the publishing of false information by publications whether it is in newspapers, radio shows or television news. Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Media Studies teacher Margarete Marchetti said she thinks fake news started with the 2016 Presidential Election. “[Fake news] was brought to light

by President [Donald] Trump,” Mrs. Marchetti said. “It is used now as a weapon when anybody, not just Trump, sees something that doesn’t put them in a good light and they call it fake news.”

Mrs. Marchetti teaches a whole unit on fake news in her AICE Media Studies class and she teaches her students the signs of fabricated stories.

“People who make fake news start with a grain of truth and then they twist it to fit their purposes,” Mrs. Marchetti said.

On August 4, 2016, Katrina Pierson, a spokesperson from the Trump campaign, spoke on Microsoft National Broadcasting Company (MSNBC) and claimed that Hillary Clinton had a brain tumor when in reality she had pneumonia.

Mrs. Marchetti said she thinks this is a part of fake news and that it is immoral

Dylan Mitvalsky Freshman “I don’t think there’s too many fake news sources, but I think there are some news sources that have some fake news.”

Riley Hancock Junior “I think there is some fake news, and I think it is very misleading that news sources are doing this.”

Graphic by Karla Soberon

and untrustworthy.

“When Hillary Clinton fainted during the campaign last year, many news organizations were saying she was already a terminal patient, which was not true,” Mrs. Marchetti said. “They just took a small part of truth and embellished it to get their point across.”

Despite the increasing amount of fake news, Mrs. Marchetti said she still has faith in credible journalism.

“For me, I haven’t really been affected because I only get my information from reliable sources,” Mrs. Marchetti said.

Senior Lance Kotler also said journalism has retained its credibility through the fake news phenomenon. “[Fake news] has made me value wellestablished news sources even more, such

as the New York Times, Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, which value in-depth, investigative, objective journalism,” Kotler said.

Unlike Kotler, senior Victoria Contasta said she has become more wary of journalism since the spread of fake news.

“I think all news sources, even the reliable ones, have some aspect of fakeness because nowadays journalism has really switched from reporting the truth and bringing light to it, to exploiting suffering for views and money,” Contasta said. “A lot of sources are capitalizing on people’s misfortunes just to get views, and to do that, they phrase things differently and may lie about how drastic a situation really is.”

Contasta said she thinks a lot of media organizations are biased towards some stories or situations.

“Outlets aren’t applying the same vernacular to each newsworthy event,” Contasta said. “I think they should all report the honest truth and call it what it is, regardless of backlash or anyone they might offend.”

Like Contasta, senior Sofy Ramirez said she feels that journalism has lost a lot of its credibility.

“Fake news has made me questions everything I see, but it has also made me look into everything I hear, so I know I’m getting the most accurate news,” Ramirez said.

Mrs. Marchetti said she works to check every news source that she reads in order to lessen her chances of believing fake news.

“I really try to make sure that I read a conservative and a more liberal news outlet,” Mrs. Marchetti said. “However, I think most Americans don’t want to go through the trouble of actually verifying their sources.”

Mrs. Marchetti said she thinks that it is very difficult to solve the fake news problem, but she thinks it can be done from every person doing their part to prevent this phenomenon.

“Something I think every single person can do is not to share news that you cannot verify,” Mrs. Marchetti said.

“If we take two minutes to not share, it helps to contain the fake news.”

14

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

FEATURES

DECEMBER 2017

unwrapping

the secret of Santa

BY NYAH HARDMON

FEATURES cOPY EDITOR

For generations, Santa Claus has played a role in holiday traditions. His character has been incorporated into a variety of Christmas songs, films and decorations. Because of the mythical figure’s holiday presence, parents must decide how to break the news of Santa’s nonexistence to their children without ruining their Christmas spirit. Senior Sydney Eldeiry said she discovered Santa wasn’t real in the sixth grade, long after the rest of her peers.

“I was in class one day when one of my teachers asked if anyone still believed in Santa,” Eldeiry said.

“I was surprised when ever yone else answered ‘no.’ It seemed like I was the only one who still believed in him.”

Eldeiry said the classroom conver sat ion was the first time

the notion of Saint Nicholas not existing ever crossed her mind. She said her parents were big proponents of keeping the tradition of Santa alive during the holidays, encouraging Eldeiry and her siblings to write annual letters to Mr. Claus.

“They would reference Santa when we started misbehaving and I just always believed there was some old guy that kept track of my behavior and gave me gifts if I was good enough,” Eldeiry said. “I just assumed that he was real because that’s what my parents told me.”

Like Eldeiry, junior Daniela Tobon was faced with the reality of Kris Kringle at school rather than at home. She said her friends were the ones who revealed the truth during a fourth grade classroom discussion.

“We were talking about Santa, and I was explaining how I was going to make cookies for when he came to my house to drop off the presents,” Tobon said. “Out of nowhere, my friend interrupted me to say that according to her older brother, Santa wasn’t real.”

After hearing the news, Tobon said she rushed home to confirm what she learned with her parents. She said it was only after asking her parents the fateful question that she finally believed Claus did not exist.

“At the time, it was like my world collapsed,” Tobon said. “It was kind of like the magical section of my mind died a little, along with part of my childhood.”

Eldeiry said she thinks her parents kept the gig going for so long as a way to preserve a part of her youth. Even today, Eldeiry said her parents still allude to Santa, mainly for the sake of her 9-year-old brother. She said she doesn’t mind continuing to play along for the sake of her parents’ happiness.

“My mom will still tell us that Santa’s coming, and I’ll just go with it because I never really talked to my parents about him being fake,” Eldeiry said. “I feel like they should be allowed to keep it going; it makes them feel better to believe that I believe Santa is real.”

AICE English Language teacher Shawntee Herring said she doesn’t m i n d when her children’s faith in the holiday m y t h waivers.

When h e r 9 -ye a rold son came to her with doubt surrounding St. Nick’s existence, she said she decided to confirm his suspicions.

“I told him that there’s some truth b e hind Santa Claus b e cause he was based off an old folk tale,” Mrs. Herring said.

“Technically I never flat-out admitted it, but from our conversation he basically figured everything out.”

Herring said once the truth came to light, her son began delivering his wish lists directly to her. She said she remembered doing the same thing when she was younger, after she discovered her parents were the ones responsible for her Christmas gifts. ey: “My parents never told me mn i h c Santa wasn’t real; I had to he p om) nt bott esses u en w figure it out myself when I o t do h r p d d w o t r n o m hoo accidentally opened my he (Fro iela Tob er mot er child d the mother’s trunk and found an with h aid h ude joyed s incl or D it filled with toys,” Mrs. juni ristmas Tobon lways she en nior h se id sa er.

Herring said. “I rememfor C young oliday she sa ewise, s tree h k t s i a bu ive. L he ber being shocked at how tma l hris Eldeiry he w ies of t Claus, s a C long they must have kept or him ta of a ts. e mem cal San pirit of n front presen s for th the toys there and I wons i i r u h e s myt ing th eiry sit ping he Mr. Cla er. dered why they would go p kee ey Eld nwrap ves in r broth u e through so much effort to n ie Syd a child till bel young r s keep this secret.” e e h as sh of said sake Tobon said once her parents told her the mythical man in red did not exist, they also explained how they fabricated his visits. She said it was eye opening to find out that her parents were behind everything for which she believed Santa Claus was responsible.

“My mom showed me what she used for fake snow to put on my window before I woke up,” Tobon said. “As she walked me through it, I felt dumb for ever believing that it snowed in Florida.”

Mrs. Herring said she is glad the truth was revealed to her son because it gave him a better image of what Christmas truly is.

She said he can now understand that the holiday is not solely for the sake of gifts and Santa.

“I had to explain to him that Santa Claus wasn’t just what Christmas is about,” Mrs. Herring said. “I told him that we aren’t celebrating [Santa], we are celebrating the gift of giving, and that’s what really matters.” photos submitted by daniela Tobon & Sydney eldeiry

FEATURES

DECEMBER 2017

THE CIRCUIT

15

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Resolutions yield changed behavior

“Usually, my New Year’s resolutions are about getting good grades and to live a happier, less-stressful life,” Brophy said.

“I tend to follow through with these resolutions and they help motivate me to have the best year possible.”

By jenna Friedman PR MANAGER

“

Setting resolutions makes me think about the life I want to be living and they encourage me to do everything in my power to live that life.

Graphic BY Jessie Chaiet

eventually grows bored with the challenge and gives up.

“Some resolutions I have set for myself are to exercise more, procrastinate less and just in general better myself as a person,” Norman said. “I follow through with these for the first month or so of the year, but then I eventually lose motivation.”

One resolution that Norman is determined to accomplish is to work out more than he does currently. He has attempted to do this in previous years, but he has never been motivated enough to carry it out all year.

“When it comes to exercising more, I usually just try to run

around my neighborhood and go to the gym if I can,” Norman said. “I hope that I’ll one day be able to follow through with this resolution, but it hasn’t happened yet.”

While he has not accomplished his athletic resolutions within the past few years, Norman said he has improved upon one goal thus far.

“In the past, I have occasionally achieved a New Year’s resolution,” Norman said. “One year, I wanted to procrastinate less, and I have definitely gotten better about that.”

Similar to Norman, freshman

Sarah Brophy said she enjoys setting resolutions for herself at the start of every new year.

Brophy said she stays dedicated to her goals and is normally able to achieve them.

“My motivation to follow through with my resolutions is to think about my future,” Brophy said. “Setting resolutions makes me think about the life I want to be living and they encourage me to do everything in my power to live that life.”

Brophy said her resolutions typically focus on the bigger picture rather than short-term goals; they include school, selfcare and a happier overall being.

“

As the new year approaches, most students at the Bay establish resolutions and goals.

However, Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology teacher Shana Yuman does not. Mrs. Yuman said she finds these goals to be pointless since most people never follow through with such grand intentions.

“I don’t make New Year’s resolutions because I think it’s important that good behavior is persistent,” Mrs. Yuman said.

“When people make resolutions, they only do it for a short period of time.”

Although Mrs. Yuman said she is against proposing her own resolutions, she said she understands the importance it has to some people in order to help them have a more positive outlook for the year ahead.

“I think people always want to try to be better and find improvement in their life, and that’s why they set resolutions,” Mrs. Yuman said. “It is natural for everybody to always be motivated in the beginning of something. After experiencing it for a while, the motivation diminishes.”

Unlike Mrs. Yuman, sophomore Matthew Norman does set resolutions for himself; however, he said he rarely follows through with them.

No matter the task, he said he

-freshman Sarah Brophy

Norman said he loves to find fun in making resolutions for the holiday. While he said he may not always complete the task, he enjoys setting up new challenges each new year.

“Although I usually don’t follow through, I continue making resolutions with the hope that one day I can make some progress,” Norman said.

“For me, it’s more of a fun thing to do than a serious thing.”

Winter break permits relaxation

BY CASSIDY SHELDON Features Editor

While most students are spending their winter break relaxing with friends and family, senior Taylor LaRocca said she is prioritizing her classwork.

Although she said she is excited for time off from school, she said in order to avoid procrastination, she must dedicate the beginning portion of her break to completing homework assignments.

“I procrastinate a lot so I think if I get it done in the beginning, it will help me with my work ethic and better allow me more time to be with my family,” LaRocca said. “If I have work, I am going to do that work first and get that done so I can spend my winter break doing things I actually want to do.”

In order for LaRocca to organize her workload and keep from waiting until the end of the two weeks to complete her work, she has devised a checklist system. LaRocca said she hopes this enables her to finish quickly and stay ahead of her classes once school picks back up.

“I have a little board in my room with checklists on it so if I need to get something done, I

create a checklist for myself and give it a deadline so I don’t end up procrastinating,” LaRocca said. “It’s a good way to ensure I am doing everything I need to do for school so I am sure not to forget anything.”

Like LaRocca, senior Dakota Benca is prioritizing her college applications before indulging in her vacation time. Benca said the holiday season is her favorite time of the year, so she wants to get her mandatory work out of the way to better enjoy her family time.

“Once I finish my college apps, I am going to plan a Christmas party and after that I have a performance with chorus at Disney and I may go on a cruise over New Year’s Eve,” Benca said. “I’m excited; everyone loves the holiday season. It is just a light and happy time for everyone to be with their friends and family and really cherish every moment.”

According to Benca, the time away from school allows her to switch her sleeping schedule.

She said the greatest benefit from winter break for her would be the increase in rest and relaxation.

“During school, everyone is always busy completing work

Illustration by cassidy sheldon

or with clubs and after-school activities,” Benca said. “My free schedule over break helps me get a lot of sleep that I lack during school time.”

Although many students at the Bay relax and neglect school work during the two weeks off, Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology teacher Linda Lorie said this can lead to a negative performance in higher level classes once students return from their vacations.

“The benefits of break are really tied with the detriments of missing two weeks of class.

When students leave and miss two weeks of high level classes like AICE or AP, a lot of information is lost,” Ms.

Lorie said. “Although they get a temporary ease of getting away from school, from pressures and from the daily routine, they come back to a higher stress environment because they have broken that routine.”

LaRocca said she agrees with Ms. Lorie that the break can lead to her forgetting information, especially certain assignments due right after break. LaRocca said another downside of vacation time is returning to campus. After two weeks of sleeping in, LaRocca said readjusting to her normal routine can be challenging.

“I am going to be annoyed coming back after break just because I don’t want to be back,”

LaRocca said. “But I do want to graduate so I am going to make myself come back ready to work.”

Although her sleeping schedule is affected by break, LaRocca said she enjoys the time that she gets to spend celebrating the holidays with her family and friends.

“I absolutely think that winter break is a good break from school and work and the stress of it all,” LaRocca said.

“It’s really a time for everyone to recollect themselves and get everything done that they need to get done and spend time with their loved ones.”

16

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

FEATURES

DECEMBER 2017

Q&A with a current student

Photo courtesy of http://www.stateuniversity.com

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is part of the State University System of Florida and provides students with the ability to pursue various courses of study. The campus is located in Fort Myers, Fla. Cypress Bay class of 2013 graduate Aaron Greenberg is a senior at the university. He spoke to the Circuit’s Sophia Handley about his experience there.

What advice would you give to fellow students at the Bay? Make sure in high school you take classes that are right for you, don’t just take as many AP [Advanced Placement] and AICE classes as possible because everyone needs a balance. You don’t want to spend your entire time in high school stressing because you took classes that

were too difficult for you because high school is supposed to be a memorable time in your life.

Why did you choose to attend FGCU? One of the main reasons I decided to attend FGCU was because it was a lot less money to go there, and also I knew I wouldn’t be that far away from home.

I wanted to be able to see my family a lot and FGCU has a very convenient location where it is easier to come home and see my family more often.

How has FGCU prepared you for your future?

I feel like throughout my time at FGCU, I have learned a lot that will help me pursue a career working in sports management hopefully in the future. I

also think that classes that I took at the new friends who I still keep in contact Bay were very beneficial to me because with even though they have graduated. I they were a basis of what I was going to also love the athletics they have to offer learn. because that is something that I want to

pursue in the future.

How was your transition from the

Bay to college?

What advice would you give to a I found the transition relatively easy. student who is unsure about what Cypress is such a big school with a career they want to pursue? variety of different clubs and sports to I would tell them not to stress because offer, it was kind of like a mini college. they eventually will find something Also, I am very close to home so being so that interests them and directs them close really made the transition from high on a career path. It takes some people school to college easy for me. longer than others to find something that interests them. I would also tell them to What is your favorite part about not force an interest because a career FGCU? is something you are going to be doing My favorite part about FGCU is every day of your life and you want it to the environment of the campus and the be something you love. people who are there. I have met so many

FEATURES

DECEMBER 2017

THE CIRCUIT

17

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

sweater weather by josie clancy

Mult. sports editor

With the winter season in full swing, students at the Bay have been getting into the holiday spirit by getting decked out in festive apparel ranging from sweaters to socks.

“Ugly sweaters” are seen all throughout the halls of the Bay in the weeks leading up to winter break.

Junior Nicolas Echeverria said he chooses to wear his holiday sweater because it helps him spread the joy of the season.

“I dress up for the holidays because I enjoy bringing the happy vibes and cheerful mood from expressing my holiday spirit,” Echeverria said. “It creates a good atmosphere when I am around my friends and family.”

Junior Samantha Haydu said she has noticed many celebrities sporting holiday apparel.

Haydu said that these idols have inspired her to purchase an ugly sweater of her own.

“Holiday sweaters are extremely snug, stylish and sometimes even comical,” Haydu said. “I know I’ve seen some celebrities wearing them, which will definitely cause them to increase in popularity, not to mention they are a great fashion statement.”

Like Haydu, sophomore Andrea Monterrubio said ugly sweaters play a significant role in the winter season, as she said she enjoys wearing her elf onesie.

“Ugly and funny Christmas sweaters have become such a big part of the holidays; people even throw parties and have competitions around them,” Monterrubio said. “My favorite article of holiday clothing that I own is probably my onesie because it’s so comfortable and festive at the same

Sophomore Jada Haywood

time.”

While Haydu said she enjoys wearing her Christmas sweater, she said she also is fond of her Hanukkah socks bedecked with spinning dreidels. With many students at the Bay celebrating a variety of holidays, Haydu said she appreciates the range in holiday apparel seen around campus.

“So many people, including myself, own Christmas sweaters, so it is really awesome to see other winter holidays getting some clothing recognition as well,” Haydu said. “I love my Hanukkah socks. They are super cozy, which adds to the winter-like feel.”

Festive socks can be found in many stores, such as Target, American Eagle and Party City.

F r e sh m a n Dani

Cerutti s a i d she finds her favorite winter socks on Amazon. She said holiday socks are her favorite purchase to make during this season because they are comfy, fluffy and merry.

“I have about 10 pairs of holiday socks, some of which are super fuzzy with different green and red designs, and then a few longer pairs with snowflakes and other designs on them,” Cerutti said.

“I like being festive for Christmas without being too over the top.”

Junior Christopher Machado

Sophomore Andrea Monterubbio

18

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

FEATURES

DECEMBER 2017

In this issue’s recurring segment that gives students an opportunity to learn more about the teachers they see every day, staffer Jake Miller interviews world history teacher, Glen Wolff.

What is one important life lesson you hope students achieve through taking your class?

I want my students to be strong in the curriculum, but I also encourage them to be successful in life. I try to teach lessons that will have a longterm impact and meaning. I was encouraged when some of my students came back from hearing U.S. Army Maj. Rivas’s presentation and remembered material that I had taught one school year earlier while they answered his questions. I want them to gradually become successful adults, to achieve their goals, to help others and spread knowledge and kindness.

How have past life experiences prepared you for becoming a teacher?

When I was a senior in high school and attending college, I did work in retail for several years to help pay the

bills and to have a little extra income for spending. However, I knew when I graduated high school that I wanted to go into teaching. Due to my love of traveling and learning other cultures, as well as understanding and relating to current events, I knew that I would make a dedicated social studies teacher. Working in retail helped me deal with relating to the public, meeting people from different walks of life and learning more about the diverse community in which we live.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was young because I wanted to learn about the world around us and help with my grandparents as their health declined.

Teachers I had when I was younger made a difference in my academic growth and my interest in teaching.

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching at the Bay? There are many things that I enjoy about being at Cypress Bay like the 200 wonderful and hardworking teachers who care about the students and want them to succeed. The teachers are very knowl-

edgeable, interactive and relate well to the community. I live close to Cypress Bay so I see faculty and students in the community. It’s a good school that encourages critical thinking and offers excellent learning opportunities for our students. It is an environment in which students and faculty have a positive dynamic and school spirit where people learn from each other and help each other.

What inspires you to continue teaching?

I feel gratification when my students succeed both in class as well as later in life. I have received compliments and have been contacted by students later on in college thanking myself and other teachers for knowledge that they learned, that benefited them later on.

How does traveling help with teaching history?

Traveling is helpful for my curriculum that I teach. I traveled to more than 20 different countries. I chaperoned a field trip to Spain and France with a foreign language French teacher. I believe in not just textbook and tradition-

al learning, but also in exposing students to guest speakers such as those who served in the armed forces as well as Holocaust survivors who reside in the local communities to tell their life stories. These life experiences can never be replaced by a textbook. Students enjoy practical and real life presentations more than textbook questions.

What method do you prefer to use when teaching the World History curriculum?

I believe in using diverse instructional strategies like traditional learning, some college style lecturing, cooperative learning among peers, use of guest speakers, review games, individual and group assessments and current events.

How do you apply your curriculum to today’s society, and why is this important for your students to achieve?

Students can use this knowledge when traveling, working in different professions in life, investing to help make a more successful future and understanding how the world works.

DECEMBER 2017

FEATURES

THE CIRCUIT

19

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Leader benefits from multiple roles By rachel alexander

Junior Jason Tache has taken advantage of the opportunities offered to him at the Bay. By selecting the opportunities most beneficial to him, he said he has been able to shape himself into the person he has become and wants to be.

“I’m involved in many different things and for many different reasons and they all fill their own special roles in my life,” Tache said. “While I wish I had time to do even more, I wouldn’t trade my experience with them for anything.”

After two years of participating in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Tache was offered a spot as a leadership council director. He said his main responsibility is making sure all classes run as smoothly as possible and all DECA related aspects of the classes are proficient.

“I have really enjoyed every step I have taken with the organization and although I barely had the time, something made me feel like I should take it because I truly have enjoyed every aspect of DECA thus far,” Tache said.

Tache said he is always talking politics and last year while he was doing so, one of the officers for the Political Awareness Club told him that he should join the club.

Currently being co-president of the club, Tache said he strives to make members more informed voters and future political leaders.

“I showed up to the first meeting of the year and absolutely fell in love,” Tache said. “I walked into that room and, for the first time in my life, felt stupid during a political discussion and that’s what drove me to go back.”

Helping Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE) Sunshine club was originally started at the Bay and has now been brought over to Falcon Cove Middle School, where it is run by Tache. He said he wanted to run this club with the intention of helping those in need.

“I think that it’s important that I do what I do because middle school is a vulnerable time for kids and that is really when you learn to become who you truly are and what kind of life you intend on living for the rest of your childhood and young adult life,” Tache said. “Adults always tell their kids that life only gets harder and that their problems don’t matter so they should get over them, but what I always tell them is even if the problems are small, it’s the biggest problem they’ve ever had to go through so it still should feel just as hard for them.”

Because his best friend from kindergarten through third grade had Down Syndrome, Tache said he has a strong passion for the club Best Buddies.

He said Best Buddies gives him the opportunity to spend time with someone he cares about more than any non-family member he knows.

“Being different is hard and it’s even worse when you’re conscious of your

walk up to the club: (Clockwise from bottom right) junior Jason Tache dresses up as Waldo from “Where’s Waldo?” to disguise himself for the Distributive Education Club of America (DECA) officer hunt. It took participants two days to find Tache, who is the DECA leadership council director. Tache campaigns with his boss State Representative Richard Stark during his year-round internship in Richard Stark apparel. After taking home fifth place in the Professional Sales Event, Tache said he is proud to represent the Cypress Bay DECA team at districts. Tache is also involved in Promoting Relations in Diversity through Education (PRIDE) club. Singing “My Whole Family” by Bo Burnham, Tache participates in the PRIDE talent show.

differences,” Tache said. “Being in Best Buddies helps the buddies have an environment where they can just have a fun and normal life where they aren’t treated any different from anyone else.”

Tache has been involved in Drama Club for three years and although he doesn’t have a desire to pursue theatre in his future, he said it fills a perfect role in his life. He said performing is a nice distraction from the stress of the rest of his life and he can truly just feel pure joy while he is singing.

“As passionate as I am about all my other clubs, I don’t think any of them can make me feel the way preforming does,” Tache said. “The feeling I get being on stage, especially alone, is just an unparalleled feeling of euphoria.”

Tache also has an Internship with a representative in the state Congress, Richard Starke, and has done multiple, different small tasks for him in the past, such as teaching him how to effectively use social media. He said he is currently working on coordinating his efforts

photos submitted by jason tache

to petition his way onto the ballot by educating and coaching volunteers on how to do this process.

“It’s helping me prepare for the real world because this is a field that I am considering entering,” Tache said. “It is helping me see the behind-the-scenes of what the life of someone that I possibly want to be in the future is like, along with all the different opportunities and events that I get to take part in and network at because of my connection with him.”

20

THE CIRCUIT

FEATURES

DECEMBER 2017

Winter break checklist

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Puffer Vests

Taking a trip to a cooler climate? Pack a puffer or quilted vest. These vests can be worn over any shirt, opened or closed. The colors of these vests are unlimited. They are perfect to wear to warm up, while staying fashionable.

Get the silver vest on the left at Old Navy for $34.99, and browse more colors and sizes. Get the black down vest for men seen on the right at Eddie Bauer for $80.

Joggers

Sunglasses

Oversized sunglasses scream “fabulous.” They are perfect for a sunny day on the beach or a trip up north over winter break.

Find the right pair of sunglasses on Quayaustralia.com or select stores for $75; find the left pair on diffeyewear.com discounted from $85 to $63.75.

Pool Floats

Looking to stay warm and cozy? You no longer need to be afraid to wear baggy, shapeless sweatpants. The latest trendy item to throw in your suitcase for winter break is lean, easy-movement joggers.

Not only do these pool floats make for a relaxing day laying out on an exotic beach vacation spot or an interesting “post-worthy” picture, but they are also inflatable and easy to throw in the suitcase for your winter break trip.

The left pair is sold at Free People for $33.60; the right pair is sold at Nordstrom’s for $65.98.

Floats above are sold at Bed Bath & Beyond for $19.99 and $24.99, respectively.

Sweatshorts

Beanies

Looking for comfort on a relaxing vacation over the break? Then throwing a pair of sweatshorts into your suitcase is the right idea. This light garment is perfect for a day of lounging on vacation.

Puffball beanies are a cozier and cuter version of a baseball cap. Visiting a cold weather scene over winter break? Pack one of these beanies to complete any look.

They are sold in multiple colors for any shaped head.

Men’s sweatshorts on the left are sold at Urban Outfitters for $29. Women’s sweatshorts on the right are sold by Hard Tail in select stores for $56.

Like what you see? Pick this grey puffball beanie up at Target for just $15 or snag this Adidas beanie from Zumies for only $19.95. by olivia landsman

FEATURES

DECEMBER 2017

THE CIRCUIT

21

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Mementos retain childhood memories For senior Mateo Morales, his Pokemon cards are what keep him connected to his youth.

Morales said using these cards has enabled him to carry a piece of his childhood with him as he gets older.

“As a kid, I was obsessed with Pokemon cards,” Morales said. “When the app Pokemon Go came out, I was beyond excited to revisit a big part of my childhood.”

Morales said this app brought back an affluence of memories of the days when he would play Pokemon for hours on end.

“I consider my childhood days as some of the most important memories I will ever have because I made a lot of friends through playing games with my Pokemon cards,” Morales said.

After moving to the United States from Colombia, Morales said he did not have as many friends at his new school; however, he said he was able to create bonds with his classmates through this card game.

“I play Pokemon Go with my friends almost every weekend,” Morales said. “Even though I am much older, it still brings me and my friends together just like the good old days.”

Like Morales, freshman Sofia

Allan keeps the memory of her younger years alive by holding onto items she valued as a kid.

“When I was little, I brought my teddy bear with me wherever I went,” Allan said. “It is almost impossible to find a baby picture

“

My grandmother and I were almost as inseparable as me and the teddy bear she gave to me.

“

BY SOFIA RUSS

-freshman Sophia Allan of me without the teddy bear next to me.”

Allan said she received her keepsake from her grandmother and it was part of a long- time family tradition, which has meant a lot to her throughout her entire life.

“My grandmother and I were almost as inseparable as me and the teddy bear she gave to me,” Allan said. “To this day, she always tells me stories of how I played with that bear as a little girl.”

Allan said she wishes she could still be a little kid when

her only worry was not having her teddy bear by her side every hour of the day.

“Keeping my teddy bear with me encourages me to reminisce of much simpler, stress-free times that make me jealous of my childhood years,” Allan said.

Sophomore Maria Rocha said she has held onto many items from her youth in fear of giving up something memorable to her upbringing. After boxing away her paraphernalia for many years, Rocha said she now decided to recycle her favorite childhood pieces.

“When I was little, I had a bunch of blankets and clothes that I grew out of very quickly,” Rocha said. “I am very sentimental, and I wouldn’t even think of giving them away.”

As soon as Rocha mentioned the idea of preserving her belongings to her mother, she said they immediately began working on the sentimental project.

“With the help of my mom, we began to stitch the fabric of the clothes and blankets together to form a quilt,” Rocha said.

Rocha’s mother Christina Rocha said it took almost a month to create the quilt with her daughter and it was no easy task to complete.

“I did not have much experience working with fabric

photo by sofia Russ

holding on: Freshman Sophia Allan cherishes the teddy bear that her grandma gave her as she reminisces on her childhood years.

and stitching, but I tried my best to ensure my daughter and I would be happy with the way the quilt came out,” Ms. Rocha said.

Ms. Rocha said she has greatly valued important moments in her daughter’s upbringing and hopes her daughter cherishes all the fond memories from her youth.

“Childhood shapes who

someone will be as a person later in life and it is beneficial to stay in touch with such a crucial time period in life,” Ms. Rocha said.

“I will always hold on tight to my childhood because I believe, in certain ways, it defines who I am.”

22

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

FEATURES

DECEMBER 2017

THe things they carried FEATURING Stephanie Rocha AND HER BACKPACK

“The Things They Carried” is a recurring segment that examines the personalities of individual students through the contents of their backpacks. This month, Head Photo Editor Rachel Silverman interviews junior Stephanie Rocha to discover the meaning behind five items.

drawings

Rather than keep her thoughts written down in a journal, Rocha tends to jot down stories or characters, as well as design ideas on the back of one-sided printouts from her classes so she does not forget them.

“I commonly sketch out designs, though my art isn’t very good,” Rocha said. “I’d be genuinely mortified if anyone ever saw [all of my designs].”

PASSPOrt

Recently, Rocha began carrying her passport in her backpack. Rocha said she misplaced her Broward College ID, which is used for her Dual Enrollment class, so her passport is necessary to take exams. Additionally, Rocha said she is hesitant to take the passport out of her bag as it provides her with a sense of security.

“Maybe [it’s] because it proves I’m an American citizen, and the political climate towards immigrants hasn’t been great lately,” Rocha said. “I don’t think I’ll stop carrying it in my backpack pocket.”

PINS

The pins that are placed on the outside of Rocha’s bag have different meanings to her. Rocha said she could not resist the $1 bargain per pin.

“I carry the panda pin around because I thought it was a cute decoration. I bought this at an anime convention,” Rocha said. “I bought the Jupiter sign pin because I liked the show, ‘Sailor Moon,’ and a character named Makoto had it as her emblem. She was my favorite because she was feminine but outgoing, confident and humorous.”

lanyard Rocha keeps her house key on a lanyard so she always has it on hand.

She said she has a tendency to misplace her keys, so keeping them attached to a University of Miami (UM) necklace helps her to keep track of them. Rocha said she will most likely pursue an education at UM, so she enjoys sporting the college gear.

“The lanyard and the key both have the UM logo on them because my mom really wants me to go to UM and she isn’t very subtle about it,” Rocha said.

“It’s the school I most want to go to since it’s nearby and it’ll provide a quality education.”

snacks

Sometimes, Rocha keeps some snacks in her backpack. She said she tends to eat a light breakfast, so having the snacks helps hold her over throughout long school days.

“I don’t tend to share snacks with friends,” Rocha said. “Unless I’m feeling particularly generous that day.”

“

I commonly sketch out designs, though my art isn’t very good. I’d be genuinely mortified if anyone ever saw [all of my designs].

-junior Stephanie Rocha

”

DECEMBER 2017

FEATURES

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Decorations promote holiday spirit

by hayley princz

features photo editor

Immediately after the Halloween season comes to a close, streets are embellished with holiday lights and Christmas trees. For senior Ellie Kozlowski, Nov. 1 marks the first day of Christmas decorations.

“I’ve always loved the spirit of Christmas and the holidays in general because they are times of joy and you get to celebrate them with close friends and family,” Kozlowski said. “Decorating my house is a tradition and builds up that holiday mood.”

“

I’ve always loved the spirit of Christmas and the holidays in general because they are times of joy and you get to celebrate them with close friends and family.

“

-senior Ellie Kozlowski

In addition to decorating the interior of her house, Kozlowski has taken to embellishing her room with festive decor.

She said it generally takes her 30 minutes to set up her room with all of her favorite holiday knick-knacks.

“I have a tree, my nutcrackers, a garland and candy canes because I love to eat candy canes in the winter. For a while, I

Photos submitted by derrick keough

HOLIDAY SZN: Derrick Keough decorates his home with Christmas decorations as he prepares for the upcoming holiday. Keough collects various ornaments from each dance performance he has participated in.

didn’t have a tree, and then I finally got one with the basic ornament set. I was so excited,” Kozlowski said. “Over the years, I’ve collected ornaments from dance. I’ve received a new one each year for the dances I have done in ‘The Nutcracker’ and each one matches the dances I did for the year I got them.”

Kozlowski said one of her favorite holiday decorations is her collection of nutcrackers because each one marked a development of her dancing skills.

“Out of all of my nutcrackers, my absolute favorite one is my nutcracker that my teacher gave me in 2014,” Kozlowski said. “It’s so sparkly and beautiful, but it’s even more special because it was given to me the year I played Clara in ‘The Nut-

cracker,’ one of the best years of my life.

It just brings back fond memories.”

Like Kozlowski, senior Derrick Keough said he loves to decorate his home for the festive time of year.

“Typically, we’ll have lights beneath the palm tree outside our house, and, depending on other decorations, we’ll put in different colored lights,” Keough said.

“It’s always nice coming home the first few times to a newly decorated home, even if it isn’t necessarily over the top.”

Out of all the different types of holiday decorations, Keough said the lights are his favorite since they are festive and easy to arrange. “[Lights] can be used for various things,” Keough said. “They just bring a

23

sense of warmth and comfort that other decorations don’t really provide when they’re on display.”

AICE Business teacher Karina Reid said she decorates her home in order to promote the Christmas feeling for her daughter.

“I really got into decorating my house about four years ago right around the time my daughter was born,” Mrs. Reid said.

“When you have children, you want to do more for them for the holiday season to make it a more magical time of year. Kids make you want to create the cheer of the Christmas spirit.”

Mrs. Reid said she continues to decorate because her family loves the holidays and contributes in decorating the home.

Mrs. Reid said that due to the extravagant amount of decor, setting up her house takes about five hours.

“Everyone in the family helps me set up the decorations. Even my mom chips in; she lives in Trinidad and comes to visit us for the holiday season,” Mrs. Reid said. “As my daughter has grown older, I have seen her become more involved in the spirit of the holiday and the gifts and everything.”

Mrs. Reid said that her favorite decoration is her Christmas tree because it can change from year to year, allowing the spirit of the holidays to flourish in her home.

“You get to be so creative when it comes to the Christmas tree,” Mrs. Reid said. “One year we may put a star on top of our tree, then the next year maybe we will put up a bow. You can be so innovative and it’s fun to change it up every year so the magic of the holiday doesn’t dull.”

24

ADVERTISEMENT

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

DECEMBER 2017

Supporting students for over 35 years (954) 906-0400 Weston@ScoreAtTheTop.com www.ScoreAtTheTop.com

FREE

SAT & ACT Simulations Experience an actual SAT or ACT - under real test-taking conditions - and score your test when you finish!

All simulations begin promptly @ 8:30 am on Saturday mornings (just like the real tests): SAT

ACT

Sept 23, 2017

Feb 10, 2018

April 21, 2018

Oct 7, 2017

Oct 28, 2017

March 3, 2018

May 5, 2018

Nov 11, 2017

Feb 3, 2018

Apr 28, 2018

Nov 18, 2017

March 31, 2018

May 26, 2018

Dec 2, 2017

Feb 24, 2018

May 19, 2018

Dec 16, 2017

March 10, 2018

Jan 20, 2018

April 7, 2018

Master your timing & test-taking skills Gain insight into your strengths & weaknesses Develop coping skills to reduce test anxiety Follow up with private and/or group test prep with the pros!

Coupon good for 3 test simulations. Expires 6/3/2017.

Register Now - Limited Seating

www.FreeSimulation.com or (844) GET-1600

DECEMBER 2017

FEATURES

Procrastinators struggle with poor work habits

by Amanda Morgan layout editor

Sitting in first period, freshman Devin Ansalone watches the hands on the clock spin as she attempts to complete all the assignments due the next period, after procrastinating the entire night away. But she is not alone as she sits up all night on the phone with friends, who just like her, said they will “do it tomorrow.”

“My mind would rather do things that just aren’t that important,” Ansalone said.

“I’ll go on my phone, watch Netflix or hang out with my friends. I’ll literally do anything to not do my homework.”

For Ansalone, to prevent completing her homework assignments at the last minute, she said she tries to focus early by refraining from technology and other distracting devices. However, when she still cannot bring herself to her desk to be productive, she lets her mind wander.

“Sometimes I will literally just walk around in circles to procrastinate,” Ansalone said. “I will walk and talk, most of the time just to myself. It sounds weird but it helps me clear my head and it makes it easier to start my work later.”

Like Ansalone, senior Hannah Schultz said she has found a positive outcome from her late-night procrastination habits.

“A lot of the time, when I open up my computer to work, I will end up on YouTube,” Schultz said. “I usually watch makeup videos. I’ve definitely developed a hobby for makeup through procrastination.”

Rather than completing her schoolwork, Schultz said she would do

any other sort of activity, whether it be chores or miscellaneous video tutorials.

“I do not like doing work, so I will literally do anything to procrastinate,” Schultz said. “I will even clean my room sometimes, if that means not doing my homework.”

Despite the increase Schultz said she has found in her productivity, she said she has noticed a negative side effect to this timely routine.

“Procrastination makes everything take longer than it needs to, but at the end of the day, you just need to make sure you get your stuff done,” Schultz said. “When I feel myself start to get off track, I think about graduating, and it motivates me to stop doing whatever I’m doing and go back to my homework.”

Senior Jessica Reales said she has found other unique ways to procrastinate that make her feel less stressed and allow her to regain her focus.

“When I procrastinate, I usually do things that help me de-stress,” Reales said. “If I’m not with my friends, I will just sit at home and literally watch any movie.”

For Guidance Counselor Carlos Fortun, the effects of procrastination are seen every day through students that he said could have high potential, but throw it away by neglecting their workload.

“I see the effects of procrastination mostly in freshmen,” Mr. Fortun said.

“A lot of them, when they come in from middle school, they get into that cruisecontrol mentality from middle school where they know they can go without doing the homework one night or not

THE CIRCUIT

25

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

graphic by amanda morgan

studying or cramming the night before and still get a decent grade in the class.

Then they start realizing after about the first semester of high school that it doesn’t work anymore.”

Mr. Fortun said it is his job as a guidance counselor to keep students on track in order for them to graduate and lead successful lives after high school.

“To the students that procrastinate, I tell them that waiting until the last minute to do something is like playing with fire,” Mr. Fortun said. “Anything can come up; it could be a family emergency or you just don’t feel well and then there goes your last-minute plan. I always say

if there is something you can do today, and you don’t really have to put it off until tomorrow, do it.”

However, Mr. Fortun said he recognizes that all students are different and there are some who benefit from different types of schedules.

“Some students actually perform better under pressure,” Mr. Fortun said. “They feel that when they have to get everything done the night before, the stress and pressure makes them perform better. But even if this is true, the stress eventually takes its toll on these students mentally, emotionally and even physically.”

Shopping trips amplify holiday cheer

By Carli Udine

online editor-in-chief

With the holidays approaching, students and faculty at the Bay prepare for the festivities as they shop for presents for their loved ones. Senior Cayla Suchlicki said the holidays are her favorite time of the year because she is able to give back to her family.

“Christmastime is when I am able to show my appreciation and gratitude toward my family,” Suchlicki said. “My parents are always going out of their way to make sure I have everything I need, so the holidays give me the chance to say, ‘Thank you.’”

Suchlicki also said holiday shopping is a hobby of hers because there are many sales.

“Going to the mall during the holidays is always better than going on just a normal day because the sales going on always make it easier to shop,” she said.

“I do not normally like to buy things full price so this is the time for me to get the things I want.”

For senior Ashley Newman, holiday shopping is a time for her to spend time with her mother.

“Every year, I love to go shopping with my mom during the holidays,” Newman said. “It is so fun to pick out gifts with her for our entire family, and we really bond during this time.”

Newman also said this gives her the chance to pick out her own gifts for the holidays.

“I really hate surprises,” Newman said. “It is so much easier for me to

just pick out my gifts while at the mall with my mom so that she knows I will be completely satisfied. Also, I save my mom the trouble of stressing out over what to get for me.”

during the holidays because it is the least crowded and I am able to get more done there than at other malls,” Roach said. “I really enjoy shopping during the holidays because it gives me a chance to give back to everyone who gives me so much during the year and it feels so rewarding.”

Roach went shopping with two of her friends because she said it makes an overwhelming experience much less stressful.

“Going to the mall with my friends really made the process so much more fun and enjoyable,” she said. “I feel so lucky that I am able to be surrounded by such amazing friends and families during the holiday season.”

Lisa Ruggiero, mother of senior Heather Ruggiero, said holiday shopping is her absolute favorite time of the year.

Mrs. Ruggiero said her holiday shopping starts on Black Friday and lasts all the way up until Christmas Day. “Holiday shopping is extremely chaotic in our house,” Mrs. Ruggiero said. “Our family has many celebrations throughout the holiday season so getting many gifts is necessary.”

Mrs. Ruggiero said she spends a lot of her time throughout the month of December preparing for the holidays and buying gifts for friends and family.

“I go to the mall to look for fun and unique gifts that I have not given to my graphic by sophie gaer family members before,” she said. “This Junior Mackenzie Roach started is a time for me to relax and spend some her holiday shopping the day after time alone and I honestly really enjoy it Thanksgiving on Black Friday at the before the chaos of the holidays arrives.”

Town Center Mall in Boca Raton, Fla. “I only like to shop at the Boca Mall

26

FEATURES

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

BY

Dear

FEA CAS TU SID RE S E Y SH DIT ELD OR ON

DECEMBER 2017

Santa

,,,

DECEMBER 2017

FEATURES

The Bay Gives B ack

pre Rat s sou ents, her th j p the kitch unior an spe J e com holida n whe uan S nding y com munit seaso re he h alazar his en y ded tire n, m elp m se u life styl nity. S rvice p any s serve icates Chris tm s fort e hou una was, alazar rojects tudent a warm his tim as o s p

s he w sai te. to h enin the e. Boo ea a m t d e m e t t as i a eals rom fam “I g nsp once h lp give he Bay l. Thr a loc g i for said l e a i i o e e r t l bac ugh why ed t par s sh it n a to e f “ a o W m k t t oh iced e m ll of th was a to t icipa out a ilie I de ould at d

e lp o s h e r cide u ther how f ose in te in f better there, ake a famil eward d to have t ring t fell S o ” w i e a t s h h el li pers Boo l o hol es w ing ex who rtuna heir the w pee azar v give b at pri e holid o k r t n o

e e wer m s e mea ho atte perie I ha . I f o v a e no his a e Sal event. rs in H luntee ck.” ilege, ays an v e l go aid. “[ l and nded. nce to AIC e ac aza ” t p a r A d e a o b c Giv g mak Sal d at od s p rtio itat EG om I fe mad r sa fter a ing et to w p n r e c f z t e o e i p l h o h a n d e i l j o a e s r e r e e e b r h h f i l n c r H a s

hild t ha ticip ack said ike ed s al P im t in tw oup her w u I m o h ] a ren s ape ith om uld . “T all elp atin anit has whi k C b s b i e oth e h e t e “ r c t e t n y, th mad he hat’ s th paint hen orm ch s ristm teac thing othe er p It ha ter p en an g in e rs b s h i h h e We eop s m erso eye this e club along olid “The ally no e don astime er Ho .” eca me n even childr on the s serv -op w t

p u a t t e h a pro ton bu le,” S ade m n. s lik en e e Fi se I ith y pa gift rece tes g to a at s enin firs ice njo xterio alaz blem bb e h s s e p t r h i i i w g c o v m f t s f t L t e y ie ro om im ts

e e r lore “It h hese exp or tw nsor in s.” le all ar sa ore erie as h ed Fisher e she s. One re deliv anythi to fos muni dedica ns hav g the f the t self of t o id. c in a h Lik y ty ng sa ha ac te nce a te ru e o sa m a e e he t “ that ars, ake th id. “I d ever f the g red to for th r child servi s bet nged o id. “I d a re helped tivity ck. Ll ime Not e aware Cou toy d e Sala a c a t i a v am is g nh e ho ren ll th and e er p lly rece rls i has z nd h oren real him r and ery i o t e e n b chil nty. T ive th ar, jun r w s o l h l w i l i r a y g d i t v a n y ’ d g s h g h s ho Mo nkf ed a icat e is war on.” out ays ifts o t ere I’ve feel r imp row. is parti said h s u h e e . l t W said dren w his or ough ior Ch h i t l a d C i d d o c a e a n r th felt liv of that u ipat e ay t h t ct o e pe b h g hol hile r t hat at I w ristma hat thi ring tw ion a n o opl their l out th ing in ave ag the i joy he is ho are anizat he Vo istoph m I b d t out sw hav my as a mu s pr fost ew ittle o p hers s ay fi any ices ese er M ed of g exci in th ion t r o o c a e b a e l e i o h s w t

h l o th r n s l her e r c e ivin ted e s an impro n life eal throu presen sition ut of hild better e to co ent,” M the ople w ould n d mo rganiza for Guar helps for Ch achad gb hap g c . a ,” ved t n e “ o d ” r n s a dI h t a a l h h ild wha H ion rs. ia nd trib ck is is out o ne ver c ths, are hou re a en w p s f a u t e M y n n o e s “ and y bec elping to ot first h n ad L supp ren of invol t e m t r e h h e d d e v i m I u df l lik n o ac ar ne th to e h o a olid item orts oth Bro ved actions er she ost of e only g fac are ei m sh ven ea and becau ink pe ood or to an hado

er p use I ut othe ers. a i p e t w u l y o i h t t itie rog said enc tem he s th end pbr can se t er h ver ard o i d o a d e t r p m o t r o s s h r i l i o M n y i s h . s e Bay a ve t r e dur n a o u Alo ple’ ma i o ex m. Ma 3,000 towar ging t rage t with t ear, so these Mrs. meles ates t achad impor ere are shoul r item s there giving ougho Sen suppo ng wi s lives king a ng the d h s F o t o h t d s h c . p een bac ut e im ishe wil she or erie hado thei said ant f so m give turn e ch em. , t s l r p o a i r i nce a f w . kno ior An rt driv h Hab ” Mac differ holida b S l s a u l r n s dre thei futu way k to “Ju ack ct I he ill r aid lfill yp a p o “ m d e e p e h y I i t w n t h o s r r s n e a s r ed.” e sa r s be ec a t hav e p e n i w live

don n as ew B or f at for do s ce in mak “Co nspiri eally e s. e on seeing le wh ople w ll thro und s ar ho ma id she to sh eive aid. a e o K H t s t o n u n i o h a h l o r m um g g a l g they j ra oun ec S itl t om y o thei n c om e feel indiv aborat them oy hel d a have hopes ring p iving b imilar r liv he joy an he need hout th then s from yn’s G said isers d anity, m i p

n i t n l s a a h d o i e d lo es m on p p to h uni t o uri he c r the a ma ift de ty opport uals is g to p have ng you ok d a ha er str ticipat k shou o Mac eop help much ake and “W liver comm , in w is part ng the ny clu a u t p i r i i h l h ld sm rd n t’s i v n o r e osit a e fe ’s fac out,” mp ities t eward vide better becau end e to c g in e not d do, S ivel “W they p hen w to Joe unity hich b icipat holid bs at

o o l h i s i a s e ha e a s e e v y i n t D n i rtan ntin o eI a at t . y fe,” l ha es an laza ents pen g b ome

kno nd ck the give th iMag f Wes sebal g in a seaso he he h t u d d ppy t r e M e h t e c L l o y o i ike l pl aus it to ng rs. ir g gio w th n th said his ton ike gift l s n e o p a h m . t i t toy n h e a F n “ ’ w a Wh th ifts Mr goo spe e and sC d re erw Yo the gy dr the ye ish at it ha o d d e sou time o he agr hom drive, ile th m and right gifts, hildre on ca rs col ive S rd. Ll ounge s. Fish what w ise w allow cial f er sai I thos days o u sho e e p f eds e uld d. lect s th or er, ore oul off n’s her mp rk e we ft eh ema they e Ba ge afte kitche year. H s that de m eve iff ’s o ns is c ids an senior ave w d not em to these excus in nee he yea n’t jus hav y’s b t to pl of the go up Hospi us tha n r e the m e A nts, d d h t r it t a ta u eals e al t f a c hol akes said

esp fice, w rrently inspir lex Ll h othe ave. I have people to do starve and th feel g so seball y with art,” o their l. for i day h o ec in B r thin o h i e . I’ r fam coll a sea im ecte team them.” oorom ooms drive “For ially t here h a cade g them rens sa s.” m s n the od ab k b as mad re hel t, but ilie s on ou it re p p s sta d f u ette e said pre s and Chri hroug e pa t at t to k id he e r pe my h ing oth shoul re the st of t t you yin ood articip s h r s . h e e n t e t i o e w n m j d c rs h g at a oy rson eart p u i e B ip n like ts to e g a the n ord tes in smi rs,” S ’t be holiday e year elf fo .” o a s, we t the h ates rowar worki s that o Ron er t t a l o t i d h n d just r rou e an s a he laza ,” L o to ers o c this nd have liday n loca Coun g ald r o d e r l n i h o n r s l mad s elp ren can y re a g let e Mc aid. s sa need the ne harves eason l serv ty t Don ate e h h “ e e m Hel ason ood . lp o t dr ice id. “ and

igh c e ald o f m p w eel b ther i like ing ot hy cup s an munity It’s rea differe orhood ves an A t so an o hers f pa these d mak and th lly nic nt foo givin d toy ver e e e d int o v all s an g ou and ents, them s se aro to see t d it w L u m em a re nd u lo h tire rens ile.” s an at we c s and d fi d ho a re t ww n ruc fellow e ka nd cadets they b help ring the

THE CIRCUIT

27

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

28

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

FEATURES

DECEMBER 2017

Secret Santa fosters new memories by jessie chaiet news editor

Last December, senior Alyssa Salbe arrived in her first period class to find an anonymous holiday present sitting atop her desk. Every year, the Bay’s varsity basketball cheerleaders participate in a Secret Santa gift exchange, in which peers are randomly assigned one another and have to give each other presents throughout the week, ending with a final reveal of the gift giver.

As co-captain of the basketball cheer team, Salbe said it is her job to coordinate the secret present activity and she is excited to see it play out.

“I love doing Secret Santa; it’s one of my favorite things about cheer,” Salbe said. “This year, I hope to make it bigger and better.”

Throughout the week of Dec. 11, cheer team members participating in the gift exchange activity leave each other gifts in their classes pertaining to certain themes, such as crazy socks and gag gifts; on Dec. 15, the team will have a reveal party.

Salbe said this week-long event helps to bring the cheer team together during holiday season.

“We do Secret Santa as a bonding experience for the team and to get to know the girls better because a lot of the girls on our team are younger than me, being that I’m a senior and a lot of them are freshmen or sophomores,” Salbe said.

“We don’t want the team to be segregated with little cliques; we want everybody to be friends.”

Salbe said she loves the activity because all team members can participate even if they don’t celebrate Christmas.

“It’s a fun little thing that we do; it doesn’t promote one religion or another,” Salbe said.

“Everybody is really appreciative of all the gifts, and it’s a great bonding experience.”

Yearbook also will be holding an optional Secret Santa activity for all staffers and editors. Yearbook members drop off gifts in each other’s classes throughout the week of Dec. 11 and then reveal who they have at their holiday social on Dec. 15.

“Secret Santa has been a yearbook tradition for a long time. It’s something that everyone looks forward to and gets excited about,” senior and yearbook editor-in-chief Rebecca Grinker said. “It makes gift gifting more exciting because [yearbook members] won’t know who their gifts are from until the big reveal.”

Grinker said in past years, yearbook staffers have only been paired up with other staffers and editors have only been paired up with other editors; however, she said she wanted to change it up this year by not separating editors and staffers.

“We want our members to enjoy yearbook and get to know each other,” Grinker said. “Hopefully, they will find similarities between each other and create interpersonal relationships.”

photos by jessica sobel

can you keep a secret?: Juniors Rebecca Leiman, Jordan Pelegrin and Elizabeth Gluck celebrate the holidays by participating in a Secret Santa gift exchange. Leiman said the gift-giving event is one of her favorite parts of the holiday season because it serves as a bonding experience between her and her friends.

Similar to the basketball cheer team and yearbook, Student Government Association (SGA) will be having a Secret Santa activity throughout the week of Dec. 18. Senior and Human Resources Director of SGA Aaron Lerner was tasked with organizing the activity.

“We do it for member motivation so each member is happy in SGA, and they’re excited for the holidays,” Lerner said. “Once we announced it, everybody was thrilled.”

Lerner said he enjoys participating in the gift exchange every year and he hopes members this year enjoy it as well.

“I really enjoy it because it’s something to look forward to during the holidays and during midterms,” Lerner said. “I find it fun because everybody gets so excited about it in SGA. It’s our tradition, so everyone is just really happy to do it.”

Lerner said he provides all participants with a wish list to help their Secret Santa find them the perfect gift. The wish list includes items like favorite movie, favorite restaurant and favorite store.

“If someone gets someone they don’t really know, they can get to know each other better through the wish lists,” Lerner said. “They can learn more about

the people just by looking at their wish list; a senior can learn more about a freshman and vice versa.”

SGA adviser Danielle Nascimento said it is important for SGA to have this gift exchange activity so members can bond outside of the classroom.

“With 140 people, it’s hard to get to know everybody, so it is a great way to get to know people,” Mrs. Nascimento said.

“Usually [members] get paired up with somebody they don’t know really well, so it gives them an opportunity to learn about them and think about what kind of gifts to give them.”

Freshman Jennifer Blardonis said she is excited to participate in SGA Secret Santa as well as organize one with her close friends.

“I find Secret Santa to be so much fun because it brings me closer with my friends,” Blardonis said. “I get to customize a gift for one of my friends and surprise them with it, and that’s always fun.”

Blardonis said she enjoys the element of surprise that the secret gift exchange entails. She said her favorite part is the big reveal at the end of the activity.

“I love surprising others and being surprised by who my Secret Santa is,” Blardonis said. “The mystery makes it more fun because my friends and I are always wondering who has who, and trying to figure it all out.”

Like Blardonis, junior Rebecca Leiman has been doing a Secret Santa activity with her friends for the past three years. She said she is excited to do one this year in order to ring in the holiday season with those who are close to her.

“My friend group does an annual Secret Santa because it is a fun way to celebrate the holidays and show each other how much we mean to each other,” Leiman said. “We get personal gifts that show how much we know one another, and it’s an amazing reminder of how close our group is and how fun the holiday season is.”

Leiman said she thinks gift-giving is a great way to bond and make new memories.

“A lot of the times, the gifts are really funny and personal and only make sense to us,” Leiman said. “It brings up old memories, and we get to make new ones as well.”

Leiman said Secret Santa is one of her favorite parts of the holiday season because she gets to celebrate with her friends. She said she hopes the activity this year will be the best one yet.

“We are closer than ever before and have even more jokes and memories that have been made since last year,” Leiman said. “I love the whole night because it makes me feel so in the holiday spirit and reminds me of how much I adore all of my girls.”

DECEMBER 2017

ADVERTISEMENT

THE CIRCUIT

29

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

30

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

SPORTS

DECEMBER 2017

JUST WARMING UP NFL suspensions have lacked order

BY ZACH COHEN

The Bay’s varsity boys basketball team won its regular season opener on Nov. 30 against the Nova High Titans.

The Lightning won by a score of 60-36, as guards Tyler Krivitzkin, Cameron Green and Isiah Kirby started alongside forwards Tristan Goldstein and John Truske. Other than Goldstein and Truske, only two other forwards were dressed for the Bay. As a result, the Lightning ran a more guard-oriented offense than in previous seasons, but coach Jason Looky said the team executed the scheme fairly well.

“We haven’t faced a lot of zone, so I thought at the beginning of the second half [Nova] kind of took us out of our flow,” Looky said. “But the guys made adjustments and did a really good job.”

While Looky was impressed with the team’s performance, he said every player needs to learn to trust his teammates.

“I’m a big trust guy, so they just have to trust each other and make an additional pass,” Looky said. “Same thing on defense-- they have to trust each other.

If they’re going to guard, and if they get beat, there has to be another guy there.”

Even though assistant coach Garfield Smith said he thinks the Lightning played well enough on defense, he said there are still some improvements to make.

“It was the first game; there were a lot of jitters,” Smith said. “We have some issues defensively, but we’ll work on that.”

Senior John Truske notched four rebounds and seven points, including a three-pointer, and while he said the team played well offensively, he also agrees with Smith’s assessment.

“We could’ve played a little better on defense,” Truske said. “[Nova] missed a lot of shots though, so it worked out I guess.”

Truske was on the varsity team last season, but this was his first game as a starter. Also making his first career start was freshman Tristan Goldstein.

Goldstein finished the night with five points, two assists and a game-high seven rebounds.

“I think I performed really well, but it’s not just about me, it’s about everyone,” Goldstein said. “I think we did well as a team, and we played really well together.”

Junior Isiah Kirby, who recently transferred from The Sagemont School in Weston, also made his Lightning debut as a starter. Kirby, called “Zeke” by his new teammates, said he was impressed with the Bay’s performance.

“We did [well], we hustled,” Kirby said. “The bench players came in and gave all they had.”

In his first game donning a Lightning uniform, Kirby led both teams in scoring with 22 points while posting one assist and three rebounds.

“I think I did pretty well,” Kirby said.

“I could have done better defensively and gotten more rebounds, though.”

Another new face at the Bay is sophomore Jason Paz, who transferred from Mater Lakes High in Miami. While he agrees with Kirby’s analysis, Paz had another perspective from his inaugural game.

“The beginning of the game I was really nervous,” Paz said. “The fans are crazy. That’s what got me more nervous, but it was cool. They’re really good; I love them.”

One player who has previously dealt

Photos BY ZACH COHEN

BALL: The Bay’s varsity boys basketball team face off against the Nova JUMP High Titans in their first home game of the season. The Lightning prevailed 60-36, and juniors Isiah Kirby and Tyler Krivitzkin scored 22 and 14 points, respectively.

It was Kirby’s first career home game on the Lightning after transferring from Sagemont.

with the Lightning Lunatics, the Bay’s student section, is senior James Klopman.

Klopman is in his second year on the varsity team, and while he prides himself on his shooting, Klopman said he will have to perform better than he did in the season opener.

“I did okay,” Klopman said. “I should’ve hit my shots, but I know they’ll fall throughout the season.”

After the game, Looky congratulated the team on its first win, but he also advised the team to rest up for their next game the following night against Coral Springs Charter.

“Even though they’re young, they need to take care of their bodies because it’s a grind when you play a full game one night and you come back and play another game in less than 24 hours,” Looky said.

“That’s a lot of fatigue on a body.”

The Lightning ended up defeating Coral Springs Charter at Monarch High by a score of 52-48. Cypress Bay was behind for most of the game, but a rally led by Isaiah Quinteros resulted in the team’s four-point victory in a Kruel Classic Showcase game. In Quinteros’ first game of the season, he dropped 22 points while Krivitzkin scored 14 points.

The following Monday, the Lightning rallied again to beat the Flanagan Flanagans by a score of 45-42. Despite the team’s third straight win, there were still some issues on offense.

“We played OK, not that great,” Truske said. “They played a [2-3 defense] so we struggled with it a lot.”

The Lightning were losing 29-18 at half, but pulled out the win with help from Kirby’s 13 points and Krivtizkin’s 12 points. Krivitzkin also took two charges that helped swing momentum in favor of the Lightning.

A day later, Cypress Bay won again, this time against the South Plantation Paladins by a score of 63-50. The Lightning jumped to an early lead due to the team’s multiple three-pointers. The team held that lead through the rest of the game as Kirby dropped his first 30-point performance of his young Lightning career, After the first four games, Cypress Bay had four wins and no losses.

In weeks 9-13 of the National Football League (NFL) season, the league saw an unprecedented number of prominent players get ejected and/or suspended for physical altercations, including AJ Green, Jalen Ramsey, Mike Evans, Michael Crabtree, Aqib Talib, Rob Gronkowski, Juju Smith-Schuster and George Iloka.

Although the combination of football’s violent and competitive nature makes fights and injuries inevitable, the league must enforce consequences for fighting and excessive violence.

It responded appropriately by suspending the aforementioned players, but I believe that two of the players crossed the line much further than the others: Mike Evans and Rob Gronkowski.

Gronkowski and Evans were both suspended for hits that occurred after the play when the player getting hit was not even looking; this kind of hit has absolutely no place in football.

Gronkowski’s week 13 hit occurred after he apparently believed there was a missed defensive pass interference call on Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White’s interception. Gronkowski complained about the no-call, and then proceeded to jump onto the ground and hit White in the head.

Gronkowski wasn’t ejected, but he was suspended for his upcoming game.

Evans’ hit came in week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore and Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston were jawing at each other after Winston came onto the field to poke and point at Lattimore. Lattimore shoved Winston, words were exchanged and then Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans came out of nowhere to hit Lattimore in the back with a running start.

Evans avoided getting ejected, but the league gave him a one-game suspension that was enforced the following week.

While these two hits clearly have nothing to do with football—or even a legitimate fight—they received punishments equal to or lesser than the aforementioned players who, in my opinion, simply exhibited the violence within football.

George Iloka and Juju Smith-Schuster’s one-game suspensions both followed illegal hits to the head in their week 13 Monday Night Football game where the Steelers visited the Cincinnati Bengals.

This is an appropriate disciplinary action, as the players didn’t show poor character, but they did make hits that the league is trying to remove from football.

Michael Crabtree and Aqib Talib were ejected and suspended one game each for starting an on-field brawl between the Raiders and Broncos, and AJ Green and Jalen Ramsey were just ejected for their personal fight in week 9.

In football, personal fights are bound to happen, and they intensify the sport that America loves; however, they should be discouraged through minor punishments like the ones Crabtree, Talib, Green and Ramsey received.

Essentially, I agree with the minor slaps on the wrist that all of the detailed players received, except for Gronkowski and Evans. Their hits were vicious, and they showed a lack of discipline that put vulnerable players in grave danger.

There is simply no way Evans and Gronkowski don’t deserve at least four-game suspensions each.

SPORTS

DECEMBER 2017

THE CIRCUIT

31

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

FITNESS RESOLUTIONS As the new year approaches, students make changes to improve their health and lifestyle.

BY JESSICA SOBEL

ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR

With 2018 around the corner, sophomore Sydney Perkins said she is excited to take on her newly set fitness and health resolutions.

“I have been working on fitness and trying to improve my health for three years, and now that it is almost the new year, I am prepared to work harder than ever,” Perkins said. “Being a healthier and more fit person is my end goal, and I hope to accomplish this with lots of hard work and dedication.”

Perkins said she wants to focus on eating healthier and implementing more gym-time into her weekly routine. She plans to do this by preparing her meals in advance and scheduling specific times to go to the gym.

“With my difficult schedule and commitments to [Student Government Association], finding time to eat healthy and exercise can be very challenging for me,” Perkins said. “But when I prepare my meals ahead of time and allocate periods of time to work out, it makes the process much easier for me.”

Whether it is to eat healthier, lose weight or gain muscle mass, Midtown Athletic Club fitness coach Sarah Nickoson said the best way for a person to accomplish his/her goals is to make a list and set a time frame.

“For most people, especially when it comes to fitness and nutrition, the easiest and the best way to track themselves is to hold themselves accountable for what they do,” Nickoson said. “When people set goals or give themselves a goal to attain, they will become more motivated to make a change in their life.”

In order to ensure one’s resolution is a success, Nickoson said she recommends he/she set realistic and attainable goals.

“Trying to make drastic changes in your eating behavior and exercise habits usually does not work in the short run, and it definitely does not work in the long run,” Nickoson said. “Try t o m a ke small changes a n d reward yourself for small accomplishments because that makes you feel better and more apt to maintain the change of habit for a longer period of time.”

Like Perkins, junior Larissa Sallowicz said she aspires to improve her health in the upcoming year. As the Vice President of Health Occupations Students of

Photo submitted by Sydney perkins

new year, new me: (From top) junior Larissa Sallowicz and sophomore Sydney Perkins said they are both working hard to make their fitness resolutions become a reality. Sallowicz said she wants to focus on lifting heavier and doing more cardio, while Perkins said she wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Although they both said school is a major obstacle, they are determined to better themselves for the new year.

Photos by JESSICA SOBEL

America and a student taking several rigorous courses, she said her biggest obstacle will be finding the time to go to the gym.

“I currently do homework from the time school ends until about nine at night, so during the weekends I would have to sacrifice m o r e time than I already do to get ahead on my school work,” Sallowicz said. “Once I do this, I will have more than just an hour to work out and will be able to work towards my goals.”

Although Sallowicz has a busy schedule, she said making time to exercise in the upcoming year is crucial. After a long day of school and extracurriculars, she said the gym serves as an outlet for her to relieve stress.

“It’s important for me to set these resolutions to keep me on track and get me back to what makes me happy and stress free,” Sallowicz said. “Making the time to go will definitely be difficult, but I know it will be well worth it in the end.”

As the new year commences, Nickoson said she starts to see a higher attendance in the gym. However, she said this typically tapers off as people try to make a change too rapidly.

“People h ave good intentions and they want to start a new

fitness plan and start something up, but because they have not done it before, it is challenging to make the change and to maintain the change,” Nickoson said. “People often let life get in the way because it is easy for them to put something they are not as familiar with on the backburner.”

When people do not see the progress they want in a timely fashion, Nickoson said they tend to become discouraged and give up. However, she said she urges people to continue working hard, regardless of the adversity they may face.

“People do not set realistic expectations, so when they are not losing 20 pounds the first month, they usually give up,” Nickoson said. “They need to realize that becoming fit and losing weight is a gradual process and that they cannot give up when they do not see immediate results.”

While Nickoson said it is easy for someone to give up on his/her resolution, Sallowicz said she is determined to make her fitness vision become a reality.

“I want to be able to increase the amount of weight I am lifting along with the amount of cardio I do,” Sallowicz said. “Every day I get a little bit stronger and I know that if I continue, I will get to where I want to be.”

In order to keep herself on track, Perkins said she enjoys working out in a group of people.

“Sometimes if I am tired and feeling unmotivated, it is better, more fun and productive to workout with a group of my friends,” Perkins said. “We motivate each other and work out together with the intention of reaching our goals.”

Like Perkins, Nickoson said she believes having a strong support system and working out in groups can be extremely beneficial for a person.

“When other people are involved in your health resolution journey, they begin to hold you accountable for what you do and what you do not do,” Nickoson said.

“For example, when you start going to an exercise class routinely and then one day you suddenly do not go, your friends will bring it up to you. This is lovely because it makes people feel noticed and part of a community, thus enticing them to continue coming.”

Although she may face hardships along the way, Perkins said she cannot wait to better herself in and out of the gym.

“Between tutors and trainers, I think I will be able to obtain my goals and have a healthy balance between my academics and the gym,” Perkins said. “This new year calls for a new me, and I cannot wait to see what I can accomplish.”

32

SPORTS

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

University of Miami football program almost back to glory days The University of Miami football program has been predominantly quiet for the last decade. The 2017 season marks the first time the Hurricanes have reached its conference championship game since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2004.

The long awaited return to national prominence has finally arrived after fans suffered through years of mediocrity and gloom, highlighted by three different head coaches, a ten year span without winning a bowl game and a looming twoyear NCAA investigation that eventually led to the anticlimactic consequence of nine total scholarship losses. No matter how remarkable the program may have been in the past, it seemed as if not only the fans, but also the athletic department as a whole had lost hope for Miami to restore its reputation.

Former head coach Al Golden’s five year attempt to renew a winning culture in Miami was forcibly ended following consistent underwhelming seasons and numerous firing requests made by irritated fans. However, a newfound excitement about the program has come with the hiring of its new head coach. The Hurricanes hired former University of Georgia head coach and Miami alumnus Mark Richt to be its fourth head coach since its last National Championship in 2001. The first eight games in Richt’s 2016 season were consistent with the team’s recent disappointment, while beginning 4-4 and losing its seventh straight game to in-state rival, Florida State University; however, Richt and the Hurricanes finished the season strongly with a four-game win streak and their first bowl victory in a decade against the University of West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

The team continued its momentum into

this year’s season, checking off numerous boxes that its fans have waited too long to witness. An incredible 10-0 start to the season, a heroic last second victory at Doak Campbell Stadium, eight straight weeks ranked inside the top ten, 29 forced turnovers (chains), and the program’s first ACC Coastal Division title sparked the question: Is the U back? Unfortunately following its last two games against the University of Pittsburgh and Clemson University, the answer to the underlying question still remains negative.

Bottom Line: The Miami Hurricanes are on their way back to national prominence after second-year head coach Mark Richt led the team to a resurgent 2017 season.

Although Miami isn’t back to its reign over college football, to the discontent of its opponents, the program is without question on its way.

The Hurricanes’ 2018 recruiting class is currently ranked third in the nation, and its awakened fan base in 2017 has transformed Hard Rock Stadium into a respectable home field advantage.

Finally, after years of being able to extend over the stadium’s vacant seats, I found myself shoulder to shoulder throughout the season without experiencing a single defeat at home.

With South Florida by its side, Miami is looking to win its second straight bowl game and its first Orange Bowl since 2003. Win or loss, the future is bright for the Miami Hurricanes.

DECEMBER 2017

College football playoff committee shows signs of conflict yet again The creation of the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2014 was meant to make the process of selecting teams for the national championship and other bowl games simpler and more reasonable; however, it seems as though it may have done the opposite, as the selection committee has faced decisions in each of the last two years that have left fans questioning the legitimacy of the system.

This season, Clemson, Oklahoma and Georgia were all obvious locks to make the CFP. The conflict arose when the committee selected Alabama to be the fourth playoff team over Ohio State.

A strong case could have been made for either team; Alabama only had one loss to a strong Auburn team, but it missed out on the Southeastern Conference Championship and did not have any high quality wins. Ohio State had two losses, but it won the Big Ten Championship over an undefeated Wisconsin team and also defeated Penn State along the way.

Personally, I think the selection committee made the right choice. Ohio State lost by 31 to Iowa and had one more loss than Alabama, whose only loss was at Auburn in a rivalry game against an elite team; however, that is not the point of this piece. The point is that if the CFP is going to lead to all this debate and confusion, then how is it improving the system?

A very similar situation occurred last season. Ohio State had only one loss and was considered to be one of the top teams in the nation; however, its loss was to Penn State, who had two losses but won the Big Ten Championship. Even though Penn State defeated Ohio State head to head and won the conference, it was left out while Ohio State and Washington (one loss, Pac-12 champions) both went on to lose in their playoff games.

The situations from last year and this year are almost identical, other than the fact that Penn State had beaten Ohio State head to head in 2016, which was not the case between Alabama and Ohio State this season. Still, in both cases, the committee went with the non-conference champion, showing teams that winning their conference along with a solid record

Bottom Line: The College Football Playoff selection method is flawed, and the Committee shows its faults every season.

will not guarantee a playoff spot.

The CFP committee has been accused by many of making these decisions based on the programs’ reputations instead of their performances and resumes. For example, this season, Alabama’s most prominent wins were against Louisiana State and Mississippi State, which are decent wins, but not as respectable as any of the other playoff teams’ wins. The CFP claims that strength of schedule is an important factor in the process, but they seemed to have overlooked it with Alabama because… they are Alabama.

If instead of Alabama, the team in this situation were TCU, there most likely would have been a different outcome.

The main problem with the CFP is that it claims that so many factors have importance in the voting (strength of schedule, losses, performance, etc.) that it is impossible for the committee not to contradict itself, causing inevitable debate and doubt of the system.

FACE OFF

Will the New England Patriots be the AFC YES champions?

The American Football Conference (AFC) always manages

to have two or three excellent candidates for possible Super Bowl champions. During the Tom Brady era, there has been a consistent pattern of the New England Patriots finishing in the top of the standings. The Patriots are currently 10-2, boasting 348 points scored, which is the most in the AFC. The Patriots are led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, who is surrounded by weapons like all-star tight end Rob Gronkowski, newly added wideout Brandin Cooks and more. On the defensive side of the ball, while they have given up a plethora of yards, they have only allowed 223 points. This is due to their stellar red zone defense, allowing teams to score a touchdown only 50% of the time in the red zone. Under one of the greatest coaches of all time, Bill Belichick, the odds to win the AFC are always in the Patriots’ favor. The Patriots have been on a hot streak lately, winning eight games in a row, and it is hard to see that streak ending as the Patriots have an easy schedule the rest of the season. The biggest game for the Patriots will be the Patriots versus Steelers matchup in Week 15, which the result of the game will directly dictate who finishes number one in the AFC. With an offense that has been nearly unstoppable the last decade and a defense that has pulled together recently in the red zone, it is a safe bet to state that the New England Patriots will finish this season being the AFC champion.

-Sam Bialczak

NO When it comes to the American Football Conference (AFC), there are numerous teams that have what it takes to win; however, there is one team that I see as the clear favorite to win the AFC championship. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been firing on all cylinders lately and have been utilizing all options that they have when it comes to making big offensive and defensive plays. Whether it is their explosive playmaker Antonio Brown at wide receiver, who is arguably the best of all time at his position, or Le’veon Bell at running back, whose field vision is unmatched, they have the weapons who are producing. Along with those two offensive threats, veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger yields an incredible football IQ. The Steelers also have a defense that does not hesitate to pounce on all the opportunities that they get. A major part of this elite defense is cornerback William Gay, who does not let any ball come his way, and scares off the best of receivers. To add to Gay is linebacker James Harrison, who punishes anybody in his path to a victory. It is often said that, “defense wins championships and offense gets you there,” and this Steeler’s team contains both of these factors in the best way possible. If Pittsburgh continues on this path of humiliating all teams that get in its way, it is sure to win the AFC championship-- and maybe the Super Bowl.

-Robbie Soloman

SPORTS

DECEMBER 2017

THE CIRCUIT

33

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Hockey team sets sights on playoffs

will determine our success because experience is one of the most important factors in hockey.”

Team practices are held periodically throughout the season with no predetermined schedule. During practice, the team works on its fundamentals through various drills set up by head coach Perry San. “Every practice, we try to improve on our skating, passing and overall team play,” Brandes said. “In order to succeed during games, we must prepare for various in-game situations as well.”

online sports editor

The Lightning varsity ice hockey team is currently 4-6 during its 20172018 season, and the team has dropped four out of its last five games. The Lightning has struggled to remain consistent throughout the season, while losing all of its games that followed each of its four wins.

“The team needs to work on playing better as a team and moving the puck around to create open shots,” junior forward Kyle Andjich said. “We also need to build off our momentum each game to create winning streaks.”

According to Andjich, the Lightning’s inconsistency has been highlighted by its lopsided ratio of goals allowed to goals scored. Throughout the season the Lightning has given up an average of five goals per game and has scored an average of three goals per game.

“In order to win games, we need to focus on our defense and clearing the puck out of our zone,” Andjich said.

The team also suffered a loss to its starting goalie, freshman Colton Tanner.

Tanner fell victim to a concussion early in the season and has been absent for the last five games.

“The injury to our goalie has hurt the team significantly, but the only thing we can do is play hard to pick up the slack until he returns,” junior forward Dylan Brandes said.

“

photo Submitted by Dylan brandes

Icing on the cake: (From left) juniors Jory Lindekugel, Dylan Brandes, Kyle Andjich and Jonas Perkins smile despite falling to Stoneman Douglas High 6-5 at the BB&T Center on Nov. 2.

The upperclassmen on the team have expressed concern to succeed and compete in order to reach their goal of earning a playoff berth. The Lightning’s last appearance in the state playoffs was during the 2014 season, in which the team competed for the state championship.

“Since I wasn’t a part of the last Cypress Bay team that made the playoffs, it’s very important to me that we complete that goal before I graduate,” Brandes said.

The Lightning’s roster consists of 18 players, in which the spots are evenly split between juniors, sophomores and freshman. Although there is no senior leadership on the team this season, there’s a possibility for next year’s team to be all returning players.

“Since there are no seniors on the team, the leadership must come from the current juniors on the team,” junior defenseman Jory Lindekugel said. “The more players that return next season

In order to win games, we need to focus on our defense and clearing the puck out of our zone.

“

by brian kessler

-junior Kyle Andjich

The Lightning’s regular season has nine games remaining, in which it will attempt to improve its overall record to increase its chances of reaching the playoffs. The team will return to the ice on Dec. 10 while facing off against Boca High School.

Wrestling team prepares for season “I expect the competition to be challenging for the most part. I can’t be The Bay’s wrestling team has worried about how tough the competition wrapped up its preseason with impressive is this year,” Graham said. “I just have to results and is set to get the regular season go out and wrestle.” started this month. The team took part in Florida’s largest preseason wrestling tournament, the Seahorse Open, and came away with several wrestlers placing It’s my final shot at in the top five in their respective divisions. becoming Cypress Bay’s Four wrestlers placed on the state level, which is the highest level at the first ever state champion. tournament. Six placed on the varsity This has been my dream level, and four placed on the junior since my freshman year. varsity level.

“We are really excited about these I’m going to be working results,” Coach Allen Held said. day in and day out to “However, we know we can never be make school history. satisfied.”

Senior Robert Graham said although he is happy with the success of the tournament, he is still looking to improve. -senior Santiago Portilla “I think my offseason could have been Senior Zach Brill is one of the seniors better. I can improve on eating the right things and working on my takedowns,” shouldering the leadership role on this Graham said. “I’m giving it all I have in year’s team. Brill placed fourth in his preseason, and my effort should feed into weight class division as one of the Bay’s multiple top five finishers at the Seahorse the regular season.”

Graham placed in the top two in two Open.

“After placing fourth, I’m pretty divisions at the Seahorse Open. Coach Held said he expects the first month of optimistic about the regular season the season to be tough, but Graham said since I didn’t win a match at this same he is staying composed and is ready to tournament last year,” Brill said.

“There’s always room for improvement help lead the team.

by JACOB WINANS

“

PHOTo SUBMITTED BY ZACH BRILL

In the zone: Senior Zach Brill (right) gets ready to face an opponent at the 43rd annual Seahorse Open. The event features wrestling programs from multiple schools around South Florida.

in this sport and I’m hoping to get more aggressive. I’m happy with progress.”

Senior Santi Portilla, who placed fourth in his weight class at the Seahorse Open, said he is confident, yet never satisfied with his performance and is looking forward to a breakout season.

“It’s my final shot at becoming Cypress Bay’s first ever state champion.

This has been my dream since my freshman year,” Portilla said. “I’m going

to be working day in and day out to make school history.”

Portilla said the team has high hopes regardless of the outside pressure to maintain success throughout the season.

“I am confident that my preparation will definitely lead me to success,” Portilla said. “I’ll be going out there to dominate and simply just wrestle.”

“

34

SPORTS

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

DECEMBER 2017

ATHLETES TO WATCH SAMANTHA PEREZ TYLER NEJAIME When did you start playing softball?

I started playing softball about five years ago. I actually didn’t know softball existed until I started playing it.

What is your diet throughout softball season?

Throughout my season, I eat healthier since it can affect my game. I try to eat more protein, drink lots of water and stay away from sugars.

What motivates you to play softball?

Ever since I was young, I have always loved baseball because all the guys in my family played the sport. They motivate me to not only play softball, but to work hard and get better.

How has softball affected your life?

Softball became a huge part of me from the moment I started playing it. All my teammates and coaches have helped me become more successful towards my goals, and beyond the field, they have became my second family.

What is your personal goal for this upcoming season?

My personal goal for this season is to get better and to be a leader on the team, but my goal for the team is to make it to states, and I think we can do it because we have a really talented team this year.

Class of 2020 Height: 6’1’’

What are some of your pregame rituals?

Some of my pregame rituals include listening to music and getting into the mental state to play. Listening to music gets me prepared mentally to play in the upcoming game.

What first made you want to play baseball?

My dad was the first person to give me the inspiration to play baseball. I used to watch the Red Sox games with him, and that’s when I fell in love with the sport.

What is your best achievement in your baseball career?

My best achievement is probably winning a tournament during the summer. It was a huge tournament consisting of over 200 teams. My team ended up winning, and it was an amazing experience.

How has baseball affected your life?

Baseball has affected my life in a great way.

It gives me the exercise I need and friends that are irreplaceable.

What motivates you to perform at the highest level?

My friends and my parents motivate me the most to do the best I can. They push me every single day, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of the opportunities they give me.

-Ben Eiglarsh

-Sammy Klopman

GOAL: MAKE IT TO STATES HEIGHT: 5’2’’ TEAM: GIRLS SOFTBALL CLASS OF 2020

GOAL: WIN STATES HEIGHT: 6’2’’ TEAM: BOYS VARSITY BASEBALL CLASS OF 2019

WINTER SEASON STATISTICS Girls Varsity Basketball

Boys Varsity Basketball Nova

Coral Springs Charter

W 52-48

Flanagan Charles

W 45-42

Western

L 57-65

South Plantation

W 63-50

Boys Varsity Soccer Everglades

W 3-2

Taravella

W 4-1

South Plantation St. Thomas Aquinas

Piper

W 60-56

W 4-2 W 6-1

Boys JV Basketball Nova

W 39-36

South Plantation

W 55-43

Flanagan Charles Western

W 47-42 W 58-40

W 53-40

Nova

L 33-70

Flanagan Charles

W 59-33

South Plantation

W 61-39

Girls Varsity Soccer West Broward

W 4-0

South Plantation

W 8-0

Everglades Taravella

W 8-0 W 2-1

36

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

ADVERTISEMENT

DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017

SPORTS

THE CIRCUIT

35

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Sports teams ace their fundraisers

other part of the money goes towards team merchandise, such as windbreakers that have our last name on them, which we love.”

The lacrosse team recently did a fundraiser at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, which, according to Saavedra, was a success.

“I really enjoyed our fundraising event,” Saavedra said. “It was a lot of fun going out on a school night with all of

mult. sports editor

With winter sports in full swing and spring sports preparing for their upcoming season, teams at the Bay have been trying to offset some of their expenses through fundraising. According to Lonny Shapiro, head coach of the varsity softball program, his team will be holding an online fundraiser called “Flipgive” and selling Lightning softball apparel online.

“We always do an online fundraiser to help raise money for additional things for our team, like training and new equipment,” Shapiro said. “So, we will be conducting two online fundraisers

“

“

Photo submitted by Sammy klopman

I absolutely think that these fundraisers will be beneficial for the team.

Without fundraising, you can’t do all of the extra things--you would just go to your 20 games and play them.

“

-Varsity Basketball Head Coach Jason Looky throughout the course of the season.”

According to Shapiro, these fundraisers are organized with ease and are successful.

“We chose to do the online fundraiser because it is simple and doesn’t require

cha-ching : (From left) Anabelle Agosto and Kiley Gossilin fundraise for the girls lacrosse team at open house.

a lot of money out of the pockets of our parents; that’s the first thing we look at when choosing a fundraiser,” Shapiro said. “The second thing is that it does not consume a lot of the time of our players.”

Head coach of the boys varsity basketball team Jason Looky said his team will be doing fundraisers both online and in school to raise money for this season. These fundraisers include a t-shirt spirit wear sale and banner sales for the gymnasium with local community stores and businesses who wish to promote their company. According to Looky, the varsity basketball team is hoping to raise enough money from these fundraisers to pay for some of the expenses for their trip to North Carolina later this year.

“I absolutely think that these fundraisers will be beneficial for the

team. Without fundraising, you can’t do all of the extra things-- you would just go to your 20 games and play them,” Looky said. “Most of the guys on the team won’t go on to play college basketball, so for us to travel is important to experience that; it just builds life lessons and bonding that they will remember forever.”

Like the varsity basketball team, the girls lacrosse team is raising money in order to purchase merchandise for the players; however, according to junior Amanda Saavedra, the team is also raising money to pay for a vital part of their game: the referees.

“Some of the money we raise will go to the games we play against different schools, and since the district doesn’t cover the costs of having the referees, we must pay for them,” Saavedra said. “The

We always do an online fundraiser to help raise money for additional things for our team.

“

by josie clancy

-varsity softball Head Coach Lonny Shapiro

my friends, eating good food and raising money for something we all love to do.”

The girls lacrosse team is planning to do its next fundraiser at Chipotle, which Saavedra said will raise a substantial amount of money for the team since the restaurant attracts many students at the Bay. “All of the girls on the team love Chipotle, and I feel like it’s a really popular, affordable and fun place for high schoolers to come, eat and hangout at,” Saavedra said. “I loved our first fundraiser this year at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, but I feel that Chipotle will be more successful since it’s more of a laid-back environment that all of my friends enjoy.”

Girls soccer remains undefeated Sports Photo Editor

Coming off of a loss in the regional finals competition last year, the Lightning girls varsity soccer team opened its season on Nov. 6th with a win against the Nova Titans, 7-0. The team is striving to maintain an undefeated season in hopes of bringing home a future state championship victory.

“

I look forward to not only getting closer with my teammates, but also hopefully bringing home a state championship title in the future as well.

“

-junior Mariana Mazzocca

“Our toughest game and our only loss so far this season has been to Cooper City in preseason,” junior center midfielder Mariana Mazzocca said. “It was a 1-0 game and also our first time playing together as a new team, so I think we just saw saw past it.”

Individual team members, as well as the whole team in general, have set certain goals to achieve this season, most of them involving making it to states.

“My personal goal for this season is to just help my team win games, whether that means defending harder or getting more in on the attack,” Mazzocca

said. “Our team’s goal is definitely to win states; we’ve come so close every year, but I think we have a good shot this year.”

The team holds practices every week in attempts to improve upon skills that affected its loss in regionals last year; these skills range from communication, finesse and passing.

“I think we’re hoping to improve on capitalizing our chances in front of the goal when we have the chance,” sophomore defender Sydney Hackmeyer said.

“We are hoping to work on bonding more as team and creating a more comfortable environment for all the players.”

For Hackmeyer, the best aspect of playing varsity school soccer is the camaraderie between the teammates and their coach Kate Dwyer.

“We’re actually just one huge family who always has each other’s back,” Hackmeyer said. “I look forward to seeing them and playing with them everyday.”

The team remains undefeated as of its home game on Dec. 6 against Taravella High School, adding on to the team’s undefeated record with a score of 2-1. For sophomore midfielder Samantha Rheingold, the main reason for the team’s strong undefeated record so far is due to the great teamwork and strategies worked on during practices.

“Our team has grown in the past couple of years and we have new faces every year,” Rheingold said. “We always try to improve our team chemistry in order to achieve more wins throughout the season.”

The team remains hopeful in its goal of reaching states in March. According to

PHOTO BY DYLAN SREBNICK

Straight dubs: The girls soccer team dresses up for halloween to celebrate their previous win.

“

I still believe my team is strong enough to recuperate and has the drive and determination to win states this year.

“

BY dylan Srebnick

-sophomore Samantha Rheingold

Mazzocca, the team is focusing on winning as many games as possible in order to qualify for states.

“We have such great team chemistry that I feel like we have a very good shot of passing regionals this year,” Mazzocca said. “I look forward to not only getting closer with my teammates, but also hope-

fully bringing home a state championship title in the future as well.”

Mazzocca believes the team’s end goal of making it to states pushes them to work harder to be successful.

“Although I’m injured and out for the rest of the season, I still believe my team is strong enough to recuperate and has the drive and determination to win states this year,” Rheingold said. “They work so hard day in and day out, and I would be seriously surprised if any team can take them down.”

36

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

ADVERTISEMENT

DECEMBER 2017

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 37

DECEMBER 2017

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

THE CIRCUIT

A YE A R I N

BY Lexi Flechner

REVIEW

Online Arts & Ent. EDITOR

In 2017, there have been a flurry of movements, events and changes in various different ent e r t a i n m ent industries. The year has shifted from superheroes to tweets to trap music and has proven to be a year full of change.

Among these changes is the spread of viral jokes known as memes. Memes tend to be a picture or phrase that can be used in many different contexts and is often relatable.

“I think memes are a part of millennial culture at this point and I think this kind of humor has evolved into something that everyone thinks is funny,” senior Isabelle Miller said.

“They’re so universal, so whenever you see one, you automatically know what it is, where it’s from and tweets associated with it.”

Also on social media, the #MeToo movement, a rise in women and men coming forward with sexual assault allegations, has gone viral as well. Many of those being accused of these alleged crimes are movie stars, politicians and music industry workers.

“So many women and men have wanted to come forward but wouldn’t because they were scared they would be accused of lying or their careers would be ruined,” Miller said. “It’s nice to see so many people supporting the movement.”

One such person who stepped forward was Kesha, who recently broke out of her record deal and made her return to music. 2017 has been a year that gave

graphic by sophie gaer

rise to many returning artists, such as Lady Gaga with the release of her album “Joanne,” Kesha with the release of her album “Rainbow” and Jay-Z’s release of his album “4:44.”

“Now that the artists have re-emerged on the music scene, families and friends will enjoy more music moments singing along with their long-time favorite groups,” English teacher Hope Fisher said.

Another tendency in music this year has been the rise of the trap music genre. Trap music is a form of rap that has a high energy beat, fast spoken lyrics and often fierce content.

“People like [trap] more because of the beats and not the lyrics,” junior Tomas Palaez said.

“It’s made [music] less reliant on lyrics to convey a message whereas before people would tell stories with their lyrics.”

The film industry has seen the release of many superhero movies this year including DC Comics’ recent pictures “ Wo n d e r Woman” and “Justice League.”

Both of these movies did better in the box offices than most of DC’s other recent films, including “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Suicide Squad.”

“I think they will be successful but I don’t think they can really compete against Marvel,” sophomore Jason Bucknor said.

“Marvel has a much larger fan base which will always make them the bigger studio.”

Superheroes have also received a home for their original series and movies on Netflix, which has continued to rise in popularity throughout the year. On the streaming service, many original series have been released, ranging from “13 Reasons Why” to the second season of “Stranger Things.” “[Netflix] is cheap, there are so many options for everyone and they are always adding new stuff so that you can always find something to watch for whatever mood you’re in,” Miller said. “Especially here in the U.S., people are always looking for instant gratification, and on Netflix that’s really possible.”

Black Friday sales diminish holiday

Upon pondering the true meaning behind the spirit of the holiday season, the most prominent thought that comes to mind is not the quality time spent with family enjoying each other’s company, but instead, the overbearing excitement over the so-called deals supposedly present the day after Thanksgiving. Better known as Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving is labeled as the biggest shopping day of the year. Primarily in thanks to notoriously obnoxious shoppers and the advertisements that serve as inspiration for their behavior, what was considered a day for sales has morphed into a repulsive annual day of chaos. Prompted by advertisements, Black Friday has managed to infringe upon the holiday traditions of employees and shoppers across America by diminishing time allowed for holiday celebrations as well as advocation of violence.

This past Black Friday, the earliest store to open was Kmart, welcoming customers at an eye-opening 6 a.m. for door busters, allowing for the continuation of its five-year streak of unrealistic hours. Opening at 6 a.m. would indicate that, in reality, employees would have to arrive to work several hours before the indicated time in order to effectively prepare for the massive influx of customers come opening time. Other stores like Kohl’s and Toys R Us added to the mayhem by beating out competitors and remaining open for 30 consecutive hours. Not only is this unfair to the employees, it also encourages unhealthy and impractical decision-making on the shopper’s behalf. In an article published on Nov. 4, reporter Courtney Jespersen writes, “some stores inflated the amount of certain Black Friday discounts to make deals appear better than they actually were.” With this said, individuals are made aware of the notion that although the media portrays these sales as once in a lifetime opportunities, this is not true whatsoever. Prices of goods are already inflated, and through the use of deceptive marketing tactics, consumers continuously fall into these companies’ ploys, allowing businesses to lure in more naive customers year after year.

Additionally, Black Friday shopping habits have proven dangerous for shoppers and business laborers alike. While saving opportunities may appear in media advertisements as enticing and amusing, public safety has become a serious implication of this so-called “holiday” over the past decade.

While this prominent and rapidly growing issue may seem unstoppable, the solution is simple. Media agencies and advertisements should collaborate with business franchises in order to establish realistic holiday hours for bigbox retailers. Black Friday is taking away from the true meaning of holiday celebrations, spending time expressing gratitude and appreciation toward loved ones. With this said, this annual event should be regulated immediately in order to avoid any future mishaps in years to come.

38 THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DECEMBER 2017

Chorus prepares for annual show

BY JOLIE SONKIN

ARTS & ENT. PHOTO EDITOR

The Cypress Bay Chorus will be participating in Disney’s Candlelight Processional on Dec. 26, where chorus members from various schools will be singing holiday songs. It is one of the most popular Christmas shows in Epcot at the Gardens Theater across from the American pavilion.

Senior Ana Araiza said she is honored to attend Candlelight because it gives her the opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd at a venue in Disney World.

“Candlelight is such a unique experience that I am really proud to have been able to be a part of all my four years of high school,” Araiza said. “Performing at Disney is an opportunity that does not come around often. It’s just such an amazing experience that I can’t really put into words.”

“

After all our hard work, we get to have fun at Disney the next day. It always excites me and it’s going to make me sad when it’s done this year because it’s my last Candlelight.

”

-senior Sebastian Bracho Araiza said Candlelight is her favorite performance of the year because the majesty of Disney World combined with her love of singing allows for an unforgettable experience.

“It’s just the magic of the place, the joy that singing gives me and being surrounded with my best friends that makes this experience so fantastic, and it is definitely something I look forward to all year,” Araiza said.

Although disrupted by time off school from Hurricane Irma, Araiza said chorus has managed to maintain a consistent practice schedule in order to be fully prepared for their Candlelight performance.

“This year has been a bit different as far as preparation since Hurricane Irma really threw us off our plans, and because of this, we didn’t do the typical audition recording and rehearsals that come before that,” Araiza said. “We have been reviewing the songs in class, and I

A&E calendar

go more often than not to the beginner women’s chorus class to help them learn the music.”

Director of Chorus Bradley Franks said Candlelight is an event where several schools collaborate to sing on the Disney stage with the presence of a celebrity host.

“It is not a competition; the honor is in the performance opportunity,” Mr. Franks said. “The students are on stage with the Voices of Liberty, a professional orchestra and a celebrity narrator. The celebrity narrators for this year are Matt Bomer, Ana Gasteyer, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Neil Patrick Harris and several others.”

Ariza said she considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to attend this performance.

“This event is extremely competitive because schools from all around the country want to participate in it and I feel proud that we have gotten in all my four years of high school,” Araiza said. “It really makes me appreciate how great our group is and how much hard work both of our conductors put into making us the great group we are.”

Mr. Franks said it takes hard work and preparation to be qualified to participate in this upcoming Candlelight.

“Each year we audition in September and are judged on the criteria of how well we perform the pieces chosen,” Mr. Franks said. “Disney sends us a packet of music that we rehearse for weeks before we attend the show.”

Senior Sebastian Bracho, secretary of Chorus Club, said traveling as a group fosters new friendships.

“Its my favorite because I get to enjoy singing with my friends and then we get to have lots of fun at Disney the next day after our performance,” Bracho said.

Bracho said although the singing aspect is what makes Candlelight so incredible, he also looks forward to the rewarding time he gets to spend with his closest friends in the park following the performance.

“After all our hard work, we get to have fun at Disney the next day,” Bracho said. “It always excites me and it’s going to make me sad when it’s done this year because it’s my last Candlelight.”

Lee Gonzalez, vice president of Chorus Club, said there are additional musicians who attend the Candlelight, which makes the performance more enticing.

“It makes me feel amazing to be given this opportunity,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a beautiful thing to hear a huge choir with a live orchestra singing and to be part of it.”

Before singing on the large stage, the

Albums • “Camila” by Camila Cabello, Jan. 12 • “MANIA” by Fall Out Boy, Jan. 19 • “Of Mice & Men” by Defy, Jan. 19 • “Voice Notes” by Charlie Puth, Jan. 19

Happiest place On Earth: After performing, chorus students had the opportunity to visit the park, where they got a chance to go on rides and enjoy the festivities with their friends.

Photos submitted by Sebastion Bracho

Where dreams come true: Chorus members spend the day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom before their candlelight performance at Epcot, giving them the opportunity to sing with other schools. The concert will take place in the Gardens Theater.

Bay’s chorus, along with other schools, choruses do a quick run through and get a has its own rituals to prepare for their pep talk from a celebrity.” performance.

“Last year, we met Neil Patrick Harris,” Gonzalez said. “It is a great feeling before the event because all the

Movies

Coming to Netflix

• • • • •

• “Devilman Crybaby” Season 1, Jan. 5 • “Mob Psycho 100” Season 1, Jan. 12 • “Grace and Frankie,” Season 4, Jan. 19 • “Trolls: The Beat Goes On!,” Season 1, Jan. 19 • “The Open House,” Jan. 19

“Blame,” Jan. 5 “Humor Me,” Jan. 12 “Mom and Dad,” Jan. 19 “Forever my girl,” Jan. 19 “Maze Runner: The Death Cure,” Jan. 26 • “The Competition,” Jan. 26

DECEMBER 2017

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE CIRCUIT

41

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Winter Guard practice commences

BY JENNA FRIEDMAN PR MANAGER

In the fall, Color Guard members are a part of the marching band; however, they also have the opportunity to perform and go to competitions throughout the year by taking part in Winter Guard. With the termination of the fall band season, color guard members have the option to continue their involvement during the winter.

Senior and Color Guard captain Rachel Wilk said that during Winter Guard the team is able to put on shows and compete with other schools, unlike during the fall when they are marching with the band.

“Winter Guard is basically the Color Guard aspect of the marching band brought to the extreme,” Wilk said. “We perform on a tarp in the gym and we do our show for an audience.”

Wilk said marching with the band in fall and participating in Winter Guard are entirely different.

“I love marching in the fall, but a lot of people prefer Winter Guard because it is such a different experience,” Wilk said.

“It’s a difference of whether we perform with or without the marching band, but both are amazing experiences.”

On the contrary, junior Cayla Hollander said she prefers Winter Guard over marching with the band. She said that not everyone who participates in

PHOTO BY JENNA FRIEDMAN

FOR SUCCESS: Coach Anthony Howard leads the Winter Guard team STRETCH in stretching before their first practice on Nov. 28.

Color Guard also does Winter Guard; out of 13 people, nine returned for the winter season this school year.

“Being a part of the marching band and participating in Winter Guard are really different,” Hollander said. “I prefer Winter Guard because it’s indoors and we are able to perform on our own.”

Hollander said she is ecstatic about being able to compete with other schools during the upcoming Winter Guard season.

“For Winter Guard, we will lay out a tarp and we perform on it,” Hollander said. “We toss flags and rifles, and we perform in front of audiences and at competitions.”

Similar to Hollander, Color Guard coach Anthony Howard said he is eager to have the team perform the routine for an audience.

“In the fall, we are a visual part of the marching band, but in Winter Guard, it is just the Color Guard on the basketball

court,” Mr. Howard said. “The audience is five feet away rather than 50 yards away like it is when we are a part of the marching band.”

Mr. Howard said he plays a large role in Winter Guard and has multiple responsibilities to fulfill as the coach for the upcoming season.

“As coach, it is my job to design everything from the conception of the show to signing up for shows and competitions,” Mr. Howard said. “I make the competition and rehearsal schedules and design the uniforms. Basically everything that goes along with this activity is what I am in charge of.”

Mr. Howard said Color Guard has played a significant role in his life since he was a young child.

“My inspiration to coach Color Guard is that I’ve been doing it since I was in high school,” Mr. Howard said. “I’ve been participating in this activity nonstop for a long time.”

Wilk said she is extremely enthusiastic for the upcoming experiences, shows and competitions. They will be performing a show to the song “Don’t Stop Me Now”

by Queen, the theme for the season, at their performances in the gym and at their competitions with other schools.

“I am definitely most excited about the theme,” Wilk said. “Also, the costumes are super cool, so I’m excited to wear them.”

Marching band places at states

BY DREW ROACH

The Sound of Thunder marching band traveled to Tampa the weekend of Nov. 17 to represent the Bay at the Florida Marching Band Competition (FMBC). In Tampa, the band competed against other schools throughout Florida, finishing in fifth place, which led them to prestigiously perform in the Tropicana Dome.

Sophomore and mellophone player Gracie Bliss said she is most proud of her bandmates and of herself for getting to the Dome. She said she got to see how much their work paid off at the competition.

“I am extremely proud of us. We competed against some of the top bands in the state and still made it to the finals,” Bliss said. “After we made it, we got to perform in the Tropicana Dome with some more amazing bands which was a great experience since the majority of us have never done that.”

Bliss said the band put in countless hours of work and dedication, so they could be successful in the competition.

“The band worked extremely hard all

season, especially in the two weeks before the competition,” Bliss said. “We had practice almost every day for about four hours and worked more than we ever have during that time. It was exhausting, but it was so worth it in the end.”

Bliss said that during her free time at the competition, she was able to watch other bands’ performances, which made her less nervous before she was about to go on.

“The competition was super fun because we got to hang out in between finals and watch some other bands perform,” Bliss said. “When we performed in the finals, it was the best we had done all season. It was amazing to experience the emotion we had during that performance.”

Freshman and mellophone player Kieran Padron said he is most proud of the fact that he was able to keep up with tasks that were new to him which he had little experience with before.

“I am proud of myself for all the progress I made because it was my first time marching and my first time playing mellophone,” Padron said. “I could not have

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY GRACIE BLISS

VICTORY MARCH: The Sound of Thunder Marching Band performs at the Florida Marching Band Competition in Tampa on Nov. 17. They performed in the Tropicana Dome, which is exclusive to the top five teams.

done it if my tech, João Paulo Castro, hadn’t been so supportive and positive throughout the season. He would never put me down even if I messed up a lot.”

Sophomore and tenor sax player Mariana Kerber said the most memorable part of the competition for her was realizing the accomplishment the band made as a whole by getting the furthest in the FMBC than the Sound of Thunder has in 10 years.

“My favorite part was by far the retreat at semi-finals,” Kerber said. “When we heard we made finals, we all started

hugging and crying and it really felt like family. We were all just so happy that we made Cypress Bay history.”

Kerber said although her nerves almost got the best of her before the competition, after it was over she had never felt more accomplished.

“I felt so nervous before getting on the field because I have never done anything like this and there were going to be cameras everywhere and the biggest crowd I have ever seen,” Kerber said. “After we were done, I had never felt prouder to be of a part something in my entire life.”

40 THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DECEMBER 2017

holiday happenings

By Lucy Celentano Arts and ent. editor

By promoting environmental efficiency and technological advancements, holiday e-cards are increasing in popularity with the prominence of various apps. One e-card generator, JibJab, allows users to create online cards rangi ng from birthdays to Thanksgiving and holiday wishes. After downloading the app or accessing JibJab on a computer, the user is required to establish an account with information detailing one’s email and password. Once this has been taken care of, users have the freedom to choose from numerous card options and further personalize them by adding images to their selection. Depending on the card chosen, up to five photos are possible which will then be inserted into the card where characters perform amusing dances. In one card titled “Santa’s Twerk Shop,” five individuals are portrayed as elves who essentially spend their time twerking around Santa’s workshop. Although humorous and convenient, these cards come at a fixed price of $2.99 per month, which entails access to an unlimited number of cards. Com-

pared to paper holiday cards, this is a much more spirited alternative.

Another holiday-themed app, ElfYourself, serves as a worthy alternative for individuals seeking something similar to JibJab. On ElfYourself, many features, like the five person character limit and the humorous aspect involved with dancing elves, resemble JibJab. The limited selection of cards available is unfortunate for those seeking an original creation, not similar to anything others may offer. One free card is always available on ElfYourself, but if one wishes to view any other cards beyond the ten second preview, the app applies a fee of 99 cents per card or $15.99 for access to all 19 dances. On ElfYourself, a tab labeled “My Faces” serves as a storage folder for up to twenty faces from which users are able to keep pictures readily accessible for card creation at any time. Given the fact that the app is very simple, the lack of intricate qualities keeps customizability to a minimum.

Overall, both ElfYourself and JibJab serve as entertaining and creative ways for users to share holiday themed cards by means of text messaging, emailing or social media.

KIEs O O C R A SUG HOLIDAY

WhAT Is YOUR FAVORITE hOLIDAY MEMORY?

“One year my parents suprised me with a beach vacation as a present for Hanukkah and it’s something I’ll never forget.”

-sophomore Alexa Bieber

ED , sOFTEN Es R I E K T O T O U c B TED 35-40 F UNsAL O SERVING: ) s E c N R (8 OU ED sUGA T A 2 sTIcKs L U N A Ps OF GR 1 1/2 cU EXTRAcT A L L s I G N G A V 2 E OF PURE s N R O O P s A G POWDE 2 TE N I K A B POONs 1/2 TEAs sALT E FLOUR s s O N P O R O P U P s A ALL 1/2 TE NcEs) OF U O 17 ( 4 cUPs s.

DE, ThEN 5 DEGREE I 7 s 3 A O T T I N ET h.

ThE OVE L AND s W O B IL sMOOT A T PREhEAT N N U I T R U A ND BE hE FLO BOWL A PLAcE T A .

N I OMBINED UTTER c B L ETWEEN E I c B T A N L N U I P X L I L WE R AND M E MIXING M I T ADD sUGA A T s ONE A ADD EGG R. G POWDE UsT N I K A B .

D MIX J ND N A EAch A T E L M A I s A T ILLA, cUP AT E ADD VAN N O R D. U cOMBINE ThE FLO E N R I UT YOUR A O X s I T T M U N E c I D hEN hE INGRE PARTs T 3 O UNTIL T T N I DOUGh MINUTEs. E 9 h T 6 E E D I DIV BAK Es AND P A sh E I cOOK

“I love the feeling of being around the Christmas tree with my family early in the morning.”

-freshman Augustina Siegrest

“My family and I go to my cousins house every year to hear a special holiday singer.”

-sophomore Cesar Garcia

DECEMBER 2017

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE CIRCUIT

39

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Band rehearses for winter season

By HEATHER DENNIS

With the termination of the fall marching band season, The Sound of Cypress Bay Thunder marching band has commenced practices for the upcoming winter competition season.

Entering his fourth year with Winter Guard International (WGI), senior and snare drummer Jae Xiong said he has been anxiously waiting for the season to begin so he can take advantage of all the benefits indoor percussion has to offer.

“I enjoy winter season much more than marching season,” Xiong said.

“Everything is done indoors so weather can’t affect our events. I think that’s what I’m happiest about.”

Similar to Xiong, junior and snare drummer Justin Evans said he looks forward to winter season for the happiness he gets by performing his instrument.

“I prefer indoor season as opposed to marching season,” Evans said. “I like that it focuses more on the drums and we have the opportunity to show off our talent.”

Evans also said band practices can be very difficult for him and his fellow band members who also put in lots of hard work in order to achieve their goals.

“Sometimes we practice four days a week,” Evans said. “They last about four hours each time and we don’t go home until almost nine o’clock.”

Senior and vibraphone player Skye Butner said not only does she stay after school to practice, but she also plays whenever she gets the chance.

“I practice all the time, at home and at school, really with any spare time I have,” Butner said.

Photos by heather dennis

Fresh start: (From left) band members Dylan Mitvalsky, Daniel Alfonso, Dylan Bradshaw, Jae Xiong, Francisco Ramos and Carlos Cordova practice playing their instruments during their after school practice sessions. Practices can vary in time ranging from four hours every day depending on the week. Juniors Dylan Mitvalsky and Daniel Alfonso and playing their snare drum while preparing for the upcoming competitions.

Because of the band’s great accomplishments during the fall marching season, Butner said she has confidence in its performance abilities this season and she is looking forward to seeing how the band will work together for the winter season.

“I’m excited to be spending more time with my closest friends and my instrument,” Butner said. “We’ve grown very close throughout marching season and all work extremely well together as a team.”

Xiong said he is going in with plenty of goals and hopes to make his last

season with the band his best one yet.

“I expect to win a lot of awards this year,” Xiong said. “After placing first in the state for percussion during marching season, it helps set us up really well to wipe out the competition for the winter season as well.”

Evans, along with Xiong, said he also has high aspirations for the upcoming season and wishes for them to get to Dayton, Ohio, where the top bands within the WGI organization compete in the final competition.

“The thing I look forward to most would be playing at the world

championship in Dayton,” Evans said. “It would really mean a lot to us if we made it to finals.”

Butner said she believes her and her team deserve to go to Dayton and have a shot at receiving the award for No. 1 band in the world.

“Since the only thing holding us back from making it to Ohio is the overall expenses; my goal is to fundraise enough money to be able to compete in WGI finals in Dayton,” Butner said. “After earning first place percussion, I think we all deserve to go to there.”

42 THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DECEMBER 2017

Seasonal tunes The Circuit’s staff reviews festive holiday albums.

“Glow”

“Magic Moment”

Best known for his hit songs “Drunk On Your Love” and “Somethin’ I’m Good At,” country music star Brett Eldredge released his first Christmas album on Oct. 28. “Glow” consists of covers of traditional Christmas songs like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas.” Also incorporated in the album is the 1954 hit “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” which is featured as a collaboration with pop artist Meghan Trainor.

This duet has a light-hearted and entertaining vibe, distinguishing it from the country lyrics and instrumentals Eldredge’s albums are more commonly known for including. With the holidays soon approaching, “Glow” serves as the perfect soundtrack for seasonal festivities considering its casual yet traditional combination of songs. Along with an entourage of musical instruments adding rhythm and tone behind Eldredge’s voice, the strategic use of electronics as the songs progress provides an exciting Christmas feeling. “Glow” is 37 minutes long, averaging about three minutes and 20 seconds per song. Overall, Eldredge is highly successful in the production of his first Christmas album.

head photo editor

by heather dennis

by rachel silverman

Having flown under the radar for quite some time, CeeLo Green’s 2014 Christmas album, “CeeLo’s Magic Moment,” is definitely underrated. The 51-minute album is comprised of 14 songs of approximately 4 minutes each, which is the perfect length for any holiday tune. CeeLo Green’s positive energy and smooth vocals make his renditions of the classic celebratory songs “Baby it’s Cold Outside” and “All I Want for Christmas” unforgettable. The entirety of the album is filled with upbeat background music and exudes energetic vibes in all aspects of the soundtrack. The consistent beats that remain prominent throughout all tracks allow for the seamless incorporation of all songs into one cohesive album.

Similarly, several of the numbers in this album feature other artists, like Christina Aguilera, which adds an unexpected twist of creativity. While CeeLo’s voice may not be conducive to typical festive and jolly holiday music, the choice to bring in other artists is wise as it helps bring back the Christmas spirit. Overall, “CeeLo’s Magic Moment” is a unique and creative take on a traditional holiday album, and is one that is in need of its deserved recognition.

“Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama”

“Home for the Holidays”

by nyah hardmon

by josie clancy

“Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama” is an innovative and collaborative project from hip-hop masterminds Jeremih and Chance the Rapper. The mix tape manages to weave together traditional holiday themes with soulful R&B beats and sensual lyrics. By taking a more modern approach to the classic Christmas album, Jeremih and Chance the Rapper edge away from conventional family-friendly holiday messages, channeling welcomed realness in their songs. Although the mix tape is heavy with current hip-hop vibes and occasional sexual undertones, it dually incorporates merry wishes of forgiveness, love and Christmas joy. By adding an urban twist, the duo makes their tunes more appealing to younger generations, dropping the corniness and adding relatable experiences. With trap beats in songs like “All the Way” and slightly sultry undertones like that of “Snowed In” inserted between remixed Christmas carols and festive sound effects, the playlist paints a modern portrait of seasonal sentiments. Because each song isn’t absorbed by the duo’s rapping or loaded with vulgarity, the soundtrack encourages cozy feelings amplified by strong vocals and jovial tones. “Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama” is a contemporary alternative to ordinary Christmas collections that still successfully conveys the love and happiness of the holiday season through melodies catchy enough to play year-round.

Grammy Award-winning country music sensation Darius Rucker released his Christmas album, “Home for the Holidays,” three years ago. This album consists of 12 songs, including two originals, “What God Wants for Christmas” and “Candy Cane Christmas.” In these two songs, Rucker does a superb job depicting the essence of the Christmas season by describing parents frantically trying to buy all the items on a child’s wish list and children anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Although the song “Candy Cane Christmas” is somewhat repetitive, Rucker tells a heartwarming Christmas story in a soothing country tone. This album also consists of covers of many classic Christmas songs, such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland,” to which Rucker adds his own touch of dynamic vocals. In “Home for the Holidays,” Rucker collaborates with Sheryl Crow to record “Baby it’s Cold Outside.” The combination of Crow’s higher-pitched singing voice and Rucker’s deep inflection creates a sensational song. This holiday album is filled with many excellent pieces, but Rucker’s “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” is mediocre because the instrumentals overpower Rucker’s vocals, making it difficult to interpret what Rucker is saying. Overall, Rucker created a marvelous album that any country or Christmas music fan would enjoy.

“The Return of East Atlanta Santa”

“Christmas in The Dogghouse”

features copy editor

BY sam bialczak

Gucci Mane’s “The Return of East Atlanta Santa” holiday-themed album combines both upbeat Christmas jingles and fast-paced, eccentric hip-hop instrumentals, resulting in a very exciting and enjoyable album. “The Return of East Atlanta Santa” is Gucci Mane’s third attempt at a holiday release. The most highly anticipated song from the album is “Both” because it features lyrics from hip-hop icon Drake, which quickly became a song on the top 100. Many of the songs have unique instrumentals that make each track a completely different experience, which equates to the positive review of the album. The features on the album are quite striking, as the addition of Drake, Travis Scott and Bryson Tiller create an electrifying intensity, which gives the album such a unique touch. The album is 42 minutes in duration, and each minute is filled with creative lines that have outlined Gucci Mane’s career. “The Return of East Atlanta Santa” also has proven Gucci Mane’s persistent attempt toward being the most hard-working artist in the rap industry as this is Gucci Mane’s third album in one year and marks the 10th album of his entire rap career. The album also has received financial success since in only one weekend, the album sold over 40,000 copies. “The Return of East Atlanta Santa” mixes Gucci Mane’s playful personality with creative rhymes.

mult. sports editor

by ethan gaer

After all of Snoop Dogg’s great albums, “Christmas in The Dogghouse” definitely brought Snoop Dogg down to an all time low.

Snoop Dogg has been in 40 albums during his historic rap career and “Christmas in The Dogghouse” is in the bottom ten out of all of those albums. Almost every other album could be better than this album. Although it is considered a holiday album, “Christmas in Tha Dogghouse” includes songs like “I Miss Them Days” and “When Was Jesus Born” which detract from the overall holiday vibe expected of a Christmas album. Many of the songs had Christmas correlation but sounded like the album was made more for money than quality music. With 20 songs on the album, some of the songs are unneccesary and make the album worse. Due to this length, it is easy to get bored of the album when all of the songs sound extremely similar. Cutting some songs would make the album a lot easier to get through. Wile the majority of the album is misfit for a holiday album, the songs “Look Out” and “This Christmas” are undeniably the best in the album due to thei catchy beats. Even though some good things came out of “Christmas in Tha Dogghouse”, this album is overall a poor representation of the holiday spirit it wishes to convey.

DECEMBER 2017

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE CIRCUIT

43

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Band members march into musical endeavors Arts & Ent. Copy editor

A wide range of classes at the Bay give students the chance to think about their future plans and further seek their passion. Band students have said that their experiences at the Bay help them to reach their goals as performers and learn skills for years to come.

Senior Lexi Kauffman said she appreciates the opportunities band has given her because she developed an understanding of what hopes to pursue after high school.

“I plan to major in music education.

I really want to make an impact on aspiring, developing musicians like my directors have had on me,” Kauffman said. “During my high school career, music has become a tremendous part of my life, and I want to make sure the music programs in school stay existent by the time I am ready to become an educator.”

Kauffman said the atmosphere in the band room and the impact her fellow musicians have had on her helped to shape her growing passion.

“My favorite part about being in band is being able to do my favorite thing every single day with my favorite people,” Kauffman said. “I love walking into a place surrounded by people who share a similar passion as me, which has given me the chance to develop strong bonds with both the members and directors of the band program.”

Since Kauffman started marching in sixth grade, her interactions with different people from both middle and high school have helped her reach her goal of becoming a state finalist.

“

I plan to major in music education. I really want to make an impact on aspiring, developing musicians like my directors had on me.

“

-senior Lexi Kauffman “Marching band has helped me improve musically as well as develop important leadership skills,” Kauffman said. “This past season, being woodwind captain, has motivated me to work extremely hard and help others as best as I can in order to reach Florida Marching Band Competition state finals, which we were able to do.”

Kauffman said because she used to be extremely shy, band has helped her overcome this obstacle and grow both musically and socially.

She said she now has a higher self-esteem, which fosters a better performance.

“Competitions have allowed me to come out of my comfort zone and really put myself out there as a performer, “ Kauffman said. “With these competitions, I am able to show off all of my hard work and socialize with performers from other schools.”

Broward Advisors For Continuing Education (BRACE) adviser Shari Bush said she enjoys being a part of these success stories.

“

Photos submitted by Camryn Cohen

I know that our band students had to make sacrifices for this commitment and spent a number of hours and even days to work on their craft. They should be so proud of themselves that they provide us with a wonderful gift I know will reward them in the future.

Saxy

and We know it: (From top) Fabi Carrillo, Andrea Briseno, Ali Carrillo, Lucas Engel, Camryn Cohen, Jenna Cohen, Sophie Jacobowitz and Adriana Morell smile before their band competition at Gaythur High School. Lucas Engel and Camryn Cohen celebrate their victory at their last marching band competition.

“

by gabby sonkin

-BRACE adviser Shari Bush

“I think it is amazing to have such a special talent and to make it a priority,” Mrs. Bush said. “I am in awe of how much time and energy these band students put towards this passion while at the Bay.” With countless hours put into practices and performances, Mrs. Bush said she respects these students and their dedication.

“I know that our band students had to make sacrifices for this commitment and spent a number of hours and even days to work on their craft,” Mrs. Bush said. “They should be so proud of themselves that they provide us with a wonderful gift I know will reward them in the future.”

As Mrs. Bush hears many stories regarding band students and their future success, she said there is one student who has stood out to her.

“One of my favorite stories involves a boy named Jared Michelson who was on the drumline at the Bay,” Mrs. Bush said. “He is now finishing up his fourth year on the University of Michigan drumline, and I believe he would say this has been one of the best experiences of his life and enhanced his college experience.”Although senior Camryn Cohen

does not plan to attend college for band, she will continue to march during the summers in between each college year.

“The age limit to participate in a drum corp for Drum Corps International (DCL) is 21, so I would be too old to join after college,” Cohen said. “I have decided to join a drum corp to reach my ultimate dream in marching with The Cadets, who are stationed in Allentown, Pa., or with the Boston Crusaders, stationed in Boston, to compete in the World Class DCL tournaments.”

Cohen has been accepted to EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University in Fort Lauderdale, where she will study aeronautical science to become a pilot, but she said she will not give up her

dream of becoming a performer.

“Although my passion includes becoming a pilot, which is something I have always hoped for, band will always play a major role in my life,” Cohen said.

“The Bay has provided me with endless opportunities I will always cherish and continue to bring with me throughout my life.”

Cohen said there is a transition from doing band in middle school to high school, which was difficult for her to overcome.

“Because of marching band, I played more than twice as much as I usually did on a regular day, improving my embouchure and lungs,” Cohen said. ”The difficulty in pieces increased my ability to read and understand music during the concert band season.”

44 THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DECEMBER 2017

Album lyrically upholds “Reputation” “Reputation” by rachel schonberger editor-in-chief

Despite her claims, the old Taylor Swift is not dead. While her musical sound might be somewhat reinvented, the goodie-goodie, boy-obsessed Swift is alive and well in her newest album, “Reputation.” Her sixth album had a dramatic reveal; a complete social media wipe, videos of hissing snakes, the first single drop on Aug. 25 and, almost three months later, the “Reputation” release. The album comments on the absurd scrutiny under which celebrities, and pretty much all social media users, are hastily judged and the freedom and happiness she wishes to pursue instead of worrying about her shady reputation.

Swift intertwines her poetic cleverness with more modern, electronic music. It’s needless to say that she has strayed far from the country-boots-acoustic-guitar vibe of her first three albums, but her roots remain intact, and her lyrics prove that.

Swift released “Look What You Made Me Do” as the first single from the album.

Though the song in itself is catchy, the lyrics at first seem ordinary and not too original. However, the following music video reveals the purpose of the album’s title: Taylor Swift’s reputation might be

scrutinized and torn to shreds, but, as she says, the media only shows one part of the complex mosaic that composes a person.

She says in the album’s prologue, “We are mosaics of our worst selves and our best selves, our deepest secrets and our favorite stories to tell at a dinner party, existing somewhere between our welllit profile photo and our drivers license shot.”

Swift is no longer the “Speak Now” innocent girl in the purple dress or the “Red” 25-year-old who focuses on entertaining her friends in Gatsbyesque house parties, but she has found herself and her musical identity. Still, songs like “Delicate,” “I Did Something

Bad” and “Getaway Car,” three of the most memorable, are reminiscent of her lighthearted, optimistic past. Both thrive on imagery, Swift’s signature literary device. But the real standouts on “Reputation” come not from familiar sounds but from original orchestrations and representations of the “new Taylor,” like the unapologetic “...Ready for it?” and party track “Dancing With Our Hands Tied.”

That being said, Taylor still has some weaknesses. Her third and final single from the album, “Gorgeous,” was a waste of a single. Though the music is upbeat and the overall theme is the excitement of new relationships, it has an unfitting

darkness at its core. Also, “End Game,” which features both Future and Ed Sheeran, is a style overload. If it only had two collaborators on it, it might not sound like they were trying to squeeze everything into a four-minute track.

As the album progresses, it improves.

The final three tracks have individual personalities and encapsulate personalities of Swift that fans have seen. “This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” is a mix of the entire “1989” album and classic vengeful Taylor’s “Better Than Revenge.”

Still, its tune is not something Taylor has experimented with before and sets it up as a frontrunner for best “Reputation” song. Then comes “Call It What You Want,” in which the poet Taylor Swift is driven by metaphor and a guaranteed catchy melody. And then she slows down.

“New Year’s Day” is a tear-jerker, an anticliche romantic ballad that focuses on the morning after rather than the night of the holiday. Its imagery is obviously truthful and authentic, “candle wax and polaroids on the hardwood floor.” It is with this touching song from which the best lyrics on the album emerge: “Hold onto the memories, they will hold onto you.”

There might be more electronic instrumentals and dance breaks, but Swift smoothly maintains her unique lyrical style and adapts it to trends in music. She remains true and emotionallytied to her words, and, on top of this, she hands-down makes the album catchy and singable for all potential audiences. Swift has shed a layer of new, original music and alluring lyrics in “Reputation” and distinguishes her territory as a brilliant, individualistic and dynamic songwriter.

The music in your ears “The Music in Your Ears” delves into the music tastes of students at the Bay. Staffer Ellie Sachs interviewed four students who enjoy listening to different types of music.

“Both”

by Gucci Mane “I like listening to this song because it has a good bass and the lyrics are cool and catchy.”

-freshman Logan Blasencia “The Race”

by Tay-K

“I really enjoy this song because it gets me really hype and it helps me block out the haters.”

-junior Gebria Glenn

“Alguna Vez”

by Matisse

“I love the lyrics and how the beat is slow because it makes me feel peaceful.”

-sophomore Shianly Rivera “Stop This Train”

by John Mayer “I like John Mayer because his lyrics are relatable and he is a good role model.”

-senior Brianna Caicedo

DECEMBER 2017

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE CIRCUIT

45

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

drumming to his own beat

Senior Jae Xiong fulfills musical goals and works toward advancing his percussionist career.

by Casey Menten

Online news editor

After encountering a YouTube video of the Cypress Bay Sound of Thunder Marching Band, senior Jae Xiong realized he wanted to pursue music. Xiong said this performance inspired him to pick up an instrument and join the middle school band at Falcon Cove.

“It inspired me to join the program so I can perform at the same level as they did,” Xiong said. “And now music is the best way for me to convey my emotions.”

Xiong has worked his way up to the position of percussion captain, a role in which he oversees all practices to ensure that everyone is performance-ready.

Xiong said he is proud of all the hard work that got him to this point, and he wants to continue to see improvement.

photo submitted by Jae Xiong

Drum come

true: Senior Jae Xiong and his fellow band members celebrate their win at the Florida National Marching Band 2017 competition. At this event, the percussion team scored a 97.5 out of a total of 99 possible points, the highest score ever to be attained by the drumline. Xiong will continue his musical career in the World Class Drum Corps over the summer, where he will be attending worldwide competitions.

“

importance of work ethic.

“Band taught me that -senior Jae Xiong hard work will get you anywhere,” Xiong said. “It “I’m proud of how far I have come since also forced me to l e a r n eighth grade,” Xiong said. “Even how to time manage b e c au s e though I worked hard, I always I needed a way to find believe that there is room to grow.” balance between Xiong said that although he band and enjoys it, band consumes a lot of time school.” and energy, leaving little time to focus on anything else. Practicing every day after school as well as on the weekends Similarly, Mrs. interferes with homework and studying.

“My family says band gets in the Xiong mentioned that way of my academics because of all the being a part of the practice,” Xiong said. “It’s my senior year percussion team has showed him the and they still don’t want me in it.”

Jae’s mother Feng Xiong said that importance of she is proud of her son’s hard work and working as is happy with the positive impacts it has a team to meet an end had on his life.

“Band has built his perseverance and goal.

“It taught allowed him to pursue his goals,” Mrs. Xiong said. “It also helped him control him to respect others and his concentration and discipline.”

Although being the percussion showed him person captain is time-consuming, Xiong said the idea that one team,” Mrs. this position has allowed him to develop can’t carry a valuable time management skills that can Xiong said.

Re c ent ly, Cypress Bay be used later on in life. Along with those Of Thunder went skills, Xiong said he also learned the Sound

to the Florida Marching Band 2017 Championship, where it placed fifth in the finals. At this event, the percussion team won a score of 97.5 out of a total of 99 points.

Xiong said that the amount of time and effort he has put into music throughout the years has finally paid off and was pleased with the final score.

“The score was the pinnacle of my high school band career,” Xiong said. “I am so proud of all the hard work we put into getting it.”

In the beginning of December, Xiong will be auditioning for a spot on the World Class Drum Corps, a professional marching band that competes worldwide.

If accepted, Xiong will receive a contract to attend an intensive camp for three months during the summer. From there, he will be able to go on tour with the Drum Corps until he reaches the age of 21. Xiong said he has already started the process of preparing for the audition.

“I have been practicing my butt off for this audition,” Xiong said. “I am very nervous for it because it will decide my future in band.”

Xiong said that he is excited to

see how his music career will advance in years to come. He said he looks back at his years in band fondly, lucky to have made lifelong friendships and memorable experiences.

“

Band has built his perseverance and allowed him to pursue his goals.

-Feng Xiong

“

“

I’m extremely excited to see the level of musical achievement I will reach in the future. High school band and Drum Corps is just the start.

“I'm extremely excited to see the level of musical achievement I will reach in the future,” Xiong said. “High school band and Drum Corps is just the start.”

Mrs. Xiong has watched as her son has advanced throughout the years, working his way up from just learning to play to leading the percussion team. She said she is also excited to see where this path will lead him in the future.

“I can’t wait to see how he will grow not only as a musician but as a person as well through this activity,” Mrs. Xiong said. “It will be exciting to see Jae march [in the] World Class Drum Corps in the future.”

46 THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DECEMBER 2017

“SNL” uses humor to cover politics

By Gabby Sonkin

Arts & Ent. Copy editor

“Saturday Night Live” (“SNL”) is a late-night, live-sketch comedy show that first aired in 1975, giving its viewers a balance between political and social satire. Due to its popularity for more than three decades, the show has grown to feature a variety of actors and actresses and has led many comedians to successful careers. Senior Alysha Steinman said she has grown up with a keen interest in the show.

“

With all the negative things going on around the world, it is helpful that this show turns these unpleasant events into enjoyable and understandable skits.

“

-freshman Mason Solomon

“My parents started watching it right when it first aired, so I have been watching it with them as long as I can remember,” Steinman said. “It has become a tradition where my entire family comes together every Saturday night to watch it.”

Steinman said the incorporation of political events has changed her political point of view. “‘SNL’ has definitely added to my

liberalism because it opens each episode with a political skit about current events that leans towards a liberal view,” Steinman said. “I love these skits because not only are they entertaining, but they also help me catch up on current news.”

Steinman said “SNL” is a unique television show that she sets apart from all other shows she watches or has watched in the past.

“This show is so different from all others for me because it is a parody about current events that makes the news more exciting,” Steinman said. “I also like the

Graphic by Sophie Gaer

fact it is a live show, so everything seems more real.”

Similar to Steinman, computer science and calculus teacher Ari Novick said “SNL” has been one of his favorite shows since he began watching it.

“I started watching ‘SNL’ because people mentioned to me that it has the right amount of both social commentary and entertainment,” Mr. Novick said. “I believe it is a good break from all the craziness going on in the world.”

Because ‘SNL’ has been airing for decades, Mr. Novick said he has been

watching it for the past 20 years but consecutively for the past eight years.

“When I began watching the show, I would watch occasional episodes when I had the time,” Mr. Novick said. “In the past eight years, I have more traditionally watched ‘SNL’ every Saturday night to catch up on the news.”

Mr. Novick said picking a favorite episode is also not easy as each of them provide special performances and include different hosts.

“Even though I don’t have a favorite episode, I do have a favorite performer,” Mr. Novick said. “Kate McKinnon is by far my the most dynamic and talented actress on the show.”

Freshman Mason Solomon said he enjoys watching ‘SNL’ because it gives him a chance to laugh and free his mind.

“I feel like ‘SNL’ takes major problems we are faced with today and turns it into a parody that everyone will understand and laugh at,” Solomon said. “With all the negative things going on around the world, it is helpful that this show turns these unpleasant events into enjoyable and understandable skits.”

Solomon said he has a hard time deciding what his favorite episode is because he started watching this show in sixth grade.

“I started watching ‘SNL’ at a young age because my parents would always look forward to watching it and they would always laugh throughout the show,” Solomon said. “Even though some skits and scenes are inappropriate, my parents felt like this show introduced enough beneficial information for me about the news going on around the world.”

Handmade holiday gifts ignite creativity With the commencement of the winter holiday season, students and teachers at the Bay have adopted means of unconventional gift giving. Opposed to purchasing presents at a store, some individuals have taken it upon themselves to make items by hand.

Photography and studio art teacher Bizzy Jenkins has been creating her own holiday gifts for years and strives to keep this tradition alive at home and in school.

Mrs. Jenkins said she enjoys collecting various materials to use to construct gifts because it serves as an effective way to put her artistic talents to the test.

“I do all kinds of things for the holidays, like making ornaments out of beach glass,” Jenkins said. “I also collect and make my own cards to give as gifts around the holidays.”

Mrs. Jenkins said she likes to incorporate construction of holiday gifts into her curriculum as a teacher. By helping her students create paintings as presents, she said she uses her workplace as an effective space to share her practices of gift giving with her students.

“Sometimes I do small paintings or even encaustic painting, which is like a hot wax painting in which you heat beeswax and add colored pigment to it, and then I use that to create a painting,” Mrs. Jenkins said.

Mrs. Jenkins hosts an annual event in early December in which students can pay a fee of $5 to attend a workshop to create their own homemade gifts for family and friends.

“I like to have this event because

working together allows students to be creative and they get to develop ideas that may inspire their own holiday gifts,” Jenkins said.

Sophomore Alexa Mazloff said that not only does she enjoy putting together her holiday decorations, but it also serves as a good way to save money around the holidays.

“

I find it is not as much money to go ahead and make my own gifts. I have used store bought decorations before, but the compliments and recognition I get from my homemade gifts is amazing.

“

By Sophia Handley

-Sophomore Alexa Mazloff

“I find it is not as much money to go ahead and make my own gifts. I have used store bought decorations before, but the compliments and recognition I get from my homemade gifts is amazing,” Mazloff said. “Knowing I made my decorations for the holiday really gets me into the holiday spirit and overall makes the holiday season a more cheerful one for myself.”

Sophomore Julia Neves said she makes all her presents by hand because she wants them to be special and unique for each person who receives them.

Photo Submitted by bizzy Jenkins

Handmade happiness: Art teacher Bizzy Jenkins’ family members hang around the Christmas tree with a handmade snowman alongside them. Jenkins created the snowman to save money on her decorations and to express her creativity for the holiday season.

“I make cards from scratch because buying something isn’t as special as making something because it comes from the heart and not the store,’’ Neves said. “I also find it a lot more cost friendly which is a huge benefit, because I get to spend less money for a more heartwarming gift.”

Mazloff transforms her bedroom each year by creating homemade ornaments with stickers and other craft materials she gets from the store. She said she finds this a fun and creative way to get ready for the holidays.

“I always purchase ornaments, and I love to enhance them with stickers and hang them around my room,” Mazloff said. “They really make me happy whenever I see them because it reminds

me that the holidays are coming.”

Sophomore Julia Neves bakes cookies and other desserts for the holidays because she said everyone loves to get a sweet treat to celebrate.

“I usually like to bake pumpkin spice cookies, sugar cookies and red velvet cupcakes,” Neves said. “I box the cookies and the cupcakes up and make a homemade card and that makes a perfect present.”

Neves said baking is something that is so easy, simple and not costly to do and she hopes to continue baking for many years to come.

“Making homemade gifts is not only fun to do,” Neves said. “It also allows you to be creative and put your own little touch on all of your gifts.”

DECEMBER 2017

OPINION WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

47

THE CIRCUIT

Net neutrality repeal defies freedom Despite being big-name websites, Netflix, Amazon and Facebook have something else major in common: equal treatment under net neutrality laws. However, in December, due to the pending repeal of these laws, these websites, as well as their users, could face serious consequences.

Net neutrality is the principle that all Internet traffic should be treated equally

by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Net neutrality prevents ISPs from limiting or manipulating the choices people make online. Net neutrality is how the Internet has always worked, until now.

In 2015, former President Barack Obama alongside the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enacted several laws to safeguard net neutrality. Now, President Donald Trump and current Chairman of the FCC Ajit Pai are attempting to repeal these laws.

On May 18, Pai announced his plans to completely dismantle net neutrality. The response to Pai’s proposals by common American citizens has been anything but positive. According to a study by Nutt Labs, 60% of both Democrats and Republicans alike support net neutrality.

Despite party affiliation, the majority of Americans want to keep net neutrality laws.

Voting on Pai’s proposal to terminate net neutrality will take place on Dec. 14.

According to Forbes Magazine; the FCC is expected to have a 3-2 vote in favor of ending net neutrality. Pai has stated net neutrality’s “days are numbered.” Time is running out; citizens need to work to

Flash of brilliance

YES Clubs should be allowed to have holiday-themed socials because it allows for more activities and exciting events within the club. While clubs have many socials for their members throughout the year, when the holiday season comes around, there should not be restrictions on the theme. Although these events should not include the religious aspect of holidays, adding a Christmas or Hanukkah theme, for example, causes no harm. Due to the wide range of backgrounds of students at the Bay, clubs should have the option to include different aspects of the holidays they feel are most appropriate.

Incorporating specific holidays during the month of December allows students to get into the spirit of the season, and this can act as a necessary stress reliever as midterms begin approaching. Using a holiday theme like Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, New Years or Kwanza allows a club and its members to enjoy the most traditional and historic parts of the holiday. Without limitation, socials can be more elaborate and open to more activities as well as decorations. Themes also provide change for a club and can intrigue members while simultaneously avoiding boring or generic socials.

Furthermore, socials allow for students to be involved in their clubs and bond with fellow members, and as long as all students are able to participate and be active in the event, there is no problem with a holiday-themed event.

-Annabelle Daniels-Rosenberg

graphic by Jessie Chaiet

convince the FCC to promote fair Internet access before it’s too late.

Pai has close ties to Verizon Communications, since he was previously their Associate General Counsel.

Therefore, he has a vested interest to aid his former employer. The repeal of net neutrality laws will benefit major ISPs like Verizon, Comcast and AT&T. Essentially, without net neutrality, these ISPs could put websites for companies like Netflix and Google into a “slow lane” and a “fast lane.” These “lanes” would be based on how much the companies are paying the ISPs. ISPs will now be able to manipulate the content and speed of these websites, specifically those that are their competition.

For example, Comcast can benefit

its own television services to compete against Netflix by putting Netflix in a “slow lane.” As a result, Netflix may have to raise prices for its users in order to make its website work faster. This comes after news of Netflix already raising prices for subscribers. In December, standard subscriptions will increase from $9.99 to $10.99 while premier subscriptions will increase from $11.99 to $13.99. It is completely unfair and selfish of ISPs like Comcast and Verizon to benefit themselves, leaving Americans to pay more for services they have previously been granted at lower prices.

Ironically, the repeal of net neutrality laws could backfire on President Trump.

According to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, Trump’s use of Twitter would

Should clubs be allowed to host holiday-themed socials and events?

Graphic BY Sophie Gaer

Visit cbhscircuit. com to vote on this topic.

be inhibited. ISPs could slow down Twitter and other social media sites. In the current age of technology, impatient high school students would also suffer from the repeal of net neutrality laws, which have promoted fast Internet speed for social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook.

Currently, middle and lower class Americans are suffering from the unfair distribution of wealth to the top 1%.

Similarly, the repeal of net neutrality laws will benefit the wealthy and their big companies. Terminating net neutrality will serve as a major blow to small, upand-coming businesses who need reliable websites and open Internet access in order to flourish. Without net neutrality, Facebook would have never become one of the largest social media platforms.

Without net neutrality, Amazon would have never become the one of the largest online retailers. Without net neutrality, Google would have never become one of the largest search engines.

The FCC should not vote to repeal net neutrality laws. In fact, they should work on promoting net neutrality so everyone can have equal Internet access and resources. Net neutrality is no different than First Amendment rights.

All citizens are granted common freedoms, like freedom of religion and freedom of speech; now, they should be granted freedom of the Internet. If people are supposed to be treated equally under the law, why aren’t all websites treated equally? The answer to this question will be loud and clear on Dec. 14.

NO School-affiliated clubs should not be allowed to host socials or events that are associated with a certain holiday. The holidays during this season are mostly based on several different religions, and it is a rule by the Center of Public Education that teachers may not discuss religion in their curriculum, so it should also be prohibited with clubs. Clubs that do not have any religious affiliation should not be focusing on a specific holiday, for those students who do not celebrate a particular holiday may feel uncomfortable and not want to participate. It is essential that clubs do not exclude any members from their events, and while they are still allowed to attend these events, some students may feel that they don’t belong in regards to holiday-themed events. For example, a widely celebrated holiday during this season is Christmas; however, not all students celebrate Christmas, so attending a club event centered around this holiday may make them feel awkward or unwelcome. Everyone has the freedom to practice whatever religion he or she chooses, and it is not fair to make students feel forced to participate in an event based on a holiday that they don’t celebrate or believe in. While it is completely reasonable for clubs to have winter-themed events, basing socials on specific holidays should not be allowed.

It is important that clubs acknowledge the diverse student body and do not neglect any religion, so it is only fair for clubs to avoid these events as a whole.

-Jenna Friedman

48

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

OPINION

Greek Life suspensions provide reality check While many students firmly resent college presidents’ decisions to suspend Greek Life, parents of Andrew Coffey, Matthew Ellis and Timothy Piazza are in full support. It has taken the deaths of these four pledges to ban the dangerous acts that are done to uphold hazing rituals; presidents of campuses like Florida State University (FSU), Louisiana State University (LSU) and Ohio State University (OSU) have taken action on the fatal tragedies, finally recognizing the risks of fraternity and

sorority activity. The controversy over the suspensions is continuously growing; how could Greek Life be resumed when it causes so many deaths, but how can it be prohibited when it is considered to be such a significant part of the college experience?

Although FSU, LSU and OSU have all temporarily banned all activity of fraternities and sororities, it is set to resume some time in the near future. Rather than complaining about the suspension, college students need to utilize this time-out to

reflect on what is safe and what is not.

This period of time without Greek Life doesn’t intend to remove all sources of having fun on the campus, but rather serves to advocate for the importance of understanding the threshold of instability.

Students need to know that it is more important to value their limit and their safety over what is or isn’t socially impressive.

Greek Life should not be permanently banned, but suspensions are the perfect way to provide a reality check to those involved.

Temporarily cutting off Greek Life activity should allow students to acknowledge right from wrong to prevent more parents from living through the same situation as parents like Tom and Sandy Coffey.

All students need to change the way they address the topic of Greek Life suspension as their opinions sometimes lack respect. FSU President John Thrasher made the decision to suspend the activity after recognizing the danger and admitting that it’s “a serious problem.” Some students are losing their lives to hazing, and then when hazing is put on pause, other students complain. This pause should not only be a time to realize the need to prioritize safety, but also a time to mourn those lost and honor their families.

DECEMBER 2017 This lack of respect exceeds just college students as high school students are beginning to base their top choice for college on which one will have Greek Life. It is understandable that high school students are looking forward to being in a fraternity or sorority, but this suspension should not be a contributing factor to where they wish to continue their education and eventually earn a degree. It is disrespectful to families negatively impacted by hazing to slander the suspension, and it should definitely not help seniors narrow their list of potential colleges down.

Bottom Line: Suspensions of fraternities and sororities are necessary for safety.

With fraternities like Phi Beta Kappa dating back to 1776, it is understandable to uphold the Greek organization and keep the traditions alive, but it is also understandable to temporarily put a cap on the activity when it gets out of hand to the point of fatality.

Students both in and out of college need to respect college presidents’ decisions to halt the organization and utilize the time off to recognize the reason behind the suspension.

Letters to the Editor School construction should be completed on the weekeneds to avoid distractions The work on portables should be done over the weekend and not during school hours. While I do not mind the workers fixing the portables because I appreciate their efforts to improve our school and portables, I would encourage their work to be done over the weekend or after school hours. The reason I say this is not because of the workers, since they are doing their job, but because they have supplies and materials near the walkway or caution tape that can easily get kicked over or taken down due to how close the construction is being done in relation to the walkways.

-Mikel Sienra, freshman Vandalization of school property diminishes students’ pride and appreciation for education as a whole

I think that students should have more respect and pride for our school.

People go around writing on the walls of the bathroom all the time and it makes our school look not as nice because people are destroying property. This just makes our school look ugly and unattractive and there is no reason for the vandalism that some people decide to do that destroys the look and atmosphere of our school. Also, another way people could show school pride is by dressing up on dress up days including step up and homecoming week. Just by doing these few things, it would really increase and help show the enthusiasm that students should have for our amaz-

ing school. Being a Student Government Association (SGA) officer, it would really put a smile on my face knowing that the student body appreciates and respects our school as much as I do, considering the amount of hard work we put in to increase school spirit around the Bay. -Lauren Nau, junior

grounds clean at school is important, but having it serve as a distraction from the learning environment is not okay. Also, since I’m allergic to grass, whenever I walk outside the building between classes, having the newly cut grass get into my eyes is not good for my health and I end up having reactions all day. A solution to this ongoing issue would be to Cold temperatures in classroom complete maintenance work and upkeep inhibit student success of the school grounds after school hours, so it would not disturb the students’ The 400’s building is freezing and it learning environment or affect our health. really can affect me during the school -Madison Liebman, junior day. It makes it really hard to concentrate while I am constantly shaking in class. I have many classes in this building and Lunch should be extended it would really make it easier to learn if in order to promote student I wasn’t freezing all the time. It is also socialization and productivity very annoying to have to constantly carry I definitely think lunch should be around a sweater or sweatshirt everyday changed back to an hour like it was my along with the rest of my books and freshman year. Once the bell rings for binders I need for school. Also, since I lunch, it takes me at least five minutes to need to be wearing a sweater all the time walk to the cafeteria and another five to it get very annoying having to constantly ten minutes to find a seat. That is already keep putting on and removing my sweater fifteen minutes out of my lunch time. in between classes instead of just making This is basically the only time I have to the building a little warmer. I think lots talk to my friend and I also have to eat of other people would agree with this lunch while doing so. Sometimes I need complaint because I always hear people to even get last minute studying in and talking about it in my classes. it is difficult. If we had an extra half an -Zoe Golomb, sophomore hour to eat lunch, it would make my day a lot better. I would have time to eat, socialize with friends, and even be able to Lawn mowing noises disrupt get a little last minute studying in before a students’ classroom focus test. I bring my lunch to school, but I feel Recently, during the school day, even worse for students that have to buy there has been a lot of construction and their lunch because by the time they wait maintenance going on all over campus. in line and get their lunch, they basically One of the major problems I’ve noticed have no time to eat. I think that everyone with this is that the lawnmowers used could agree on a little more lunch time at to cut the grass are extremely loud and school. disruptive. I understand that keeping the -Tyler Nejaime, junior

Large student body hinders students’ ability to navigate around campus During my four years at Cypress, I have come to notice how overcrowded Cypress has become. Yes, Cypress is a big school and always has been.

However, recently it seems that Cypress just feels like there are way too many people. Even walking through the halls I can barely get by without walking into at least one person. I have to navigate my way around the school focusing on not hitting what seems like the millions and millions of students. It just seems like it has gotten to a point where it is too much, it can even be a safety hazard.

Cypress needs to limit the amount of students that attend because there seems to be more and more people each year and at some point it has to stop.

-Isa Ortiz, senior

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 Eileen Manella.

The author will have the final say in phrasing 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 will be confirmed prior to the publication. Any material deemed libelous, obscene, disruptive or unlawful to minors will not be published.

DECEMBER 2017

OPINION

Meaning behind Thanksgiving appears to be diminishing with time

With the holidays being just around the corner, students are counting down the days until winter break, but there is an important celebration that they are beginning to disregard: Thanksgiving.

This holiday is gradually becoming underappreciated, especially by younger generations. As the holiday season begins to approach, most children and young adults resort to thinking about what items to put on their holiday wish lists; however, it is crucial to recognize and set aside time to think about Thanksgiving before these wish lists are created. Thanksgiving is losing meaning, and it is imperative to celebrate it with the same enthusiasm as holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah.

Something needs to be done to prevent future generations from forgetting or ignoring the importance of Thanksgiving; we cannot allow society to normalize the mentality that gift-giving holidays are more important than ones that serve to spark appreciation of friends, family and life itself, while simultaneously respecting American history.

Instead of having the “give me, give me, give me” attitude, they should appreciate how fortunate they are and be grateful for the lives they have. Thanksgiving is the one time of year that encourages people to take a look at their lives and reminisce about all the good things and blessings they might have taken for granted.

Towards the end of October and beginning of November, stores and neighborhoods begin to display their Christmas decorations.

Christmas wreaths, trees and lights can be seen even before Thanksgiving occurs; even stores and restaurants are neglecting the holiday. This national holiday should be celebrated with as much spirit as the winter holidays. The blog Consumerist recently

bashed Target for displaying ghosts with a Christmas present in the middle of October. The store also decorated with snowmen and reindeer alongside the haunted houses and tombstones. Not only did Target begin advertising Christmas two months prior to the holiday, but it completely disregarded Thanksgiving and the Fall season. Stores could celebrate Thanksgiving by having artificial leaves, pumpkins and turkeys, which are all neutral and could be used to represent both Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving deserves equal spirit and decoration in the months leading up to it.

Bottom Line: Rather than jumping straight into the winter holidays after Halloween, people should take the time to appreciate Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving traditions are based on meaningful American history that all resulted in a huge feast in which friends and family come together to enjoy and appreciate their lives. Thanksgiving traditions, whether they’re joining together with family and friends or going around the table to say what one is thankful for, need be maintained and emphasized before the meaningful background slips away.

People need to take time to recognize and celebrate Thanksgiving as it is an important time of year for all Americans.

It is not a holiday to be skipped; we should all take time, even if it’s just one day out of the entire year, to look at what we have in our lives and be grateful.

THE CIRCUIT

49

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Financial aid programs wrongly encourage graduates to stay in state

As seniors wrap up their college applications and begin receiving their acceptance letters, one thing prominently stays in the back of students’ and parents’ minds when choosing which college to attend: tuition. Nowadays, with about 65% of the jobs in America requiring a secondary schooling level of education, it is imperative for people to go to college; however, it can be astronomical for many families. Programs like Florida Prepaid have been created to help these families save money and efficiently pay for a college education. Florida Prepaid is a widely used program that allows parents to prepay the future amount of college tuition at today’s prices.

Florida Prepaid has aided many families in their ability to afford college by mainly helping them save money and plan their financials accordingly.

However, now that these families have this money saved for a Florida school, students feel pressured to stay in state and do not explore their other options.

Many students have aspirations to go to school out of state, but having Florida Prepaid persuades parents to keep their children in state in order to save money.

Though some families need the guidance and money plans from Florida Prepaid, there are many families that don’t participate in this program, yet still deny their child the ability to attend any college they wish. There are so many different colleges around the country and it’s impossible that everyone that has Florida Prepaid is meant to go to a Florida school.

With such a wide variety of schools around the country each providing a unique set of characteristics, students may have a hard time finding the right fit for them if they are so limited in option.

Some parents do not get Florida

Prepaid since they do not want their kids to feel pressured to attend school in state. College is typically four years of a student’s life, and these four years can be considered to be some of the most significant and memorable years of a

Bottom Line: Students should not allow financial aid to stop them from attending their dream college.

lifetime, so it is important that everyone attends where he or she feel would make him or her happiest.

Additionally, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program awards scholarships to high school students attending Florida schools for their excelling academic achievement. This program acts as motivation to many students who may need extra money to attend college. Similar to Florida Prepaid, many parents pressure their children to go the necessary extra mile in order to receive this scholarship.

Parents may pressure their children to earn a higher Scholastic Aptitude Test or American College Testing score, raise their Grade Point Average or increase the amount of time spent volunteering in order to earn the service hours needed to receive the scholarship.

Like Florida Prepaid, Bright Futures is only eligible for students staying in state, which makes it yet another factor that makes students feel obligated to attend a Florida university or college.

Though these programs have aided families financially, they wrongly encourage students to attend college in state rather than following their dreams.

Bottom Line: People are living in fear and avoiding large public settings and events as a result of shootings when they should instead be taking every opportunity to enjoy life entirely.

Recent acts of terrorism impair people’s ability to live fullest lives

As my mom and I belted out the lyrics to Bruno Mars’ “Finesse” at the 24K Magic Tour Concert, we could not help but flinch when a loud boom came from the stage. Instead of assuming it was a special effect, we were fearful it was a bomb or gunshot. Sadly, our misconception was well justified.

With 22 lives taken by a bombing at an Ariana Grande concert at Britain’s Manchester Arena on May 22, and 58 more by a shooting at Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, unfortunate occurrences at everyday events have become all too familiar. None of these eager concertgoers or their loved ones could have imagined the horrendous events that would occur.

In the month of November alone, there were countless tragedies inciting terror.

In the quiet, rural town of Sutherland Springs, Texas, with a population of approximately 600 people, a gunman shot and killed at least 26 during an attack on a church, including the Pastor’s 14-yearold daughter. On a very popular pedestrian street in New York City, which I have walked before, a man killed eight and injured 12 after driving down the busy pathway in Manhattan. Wreaking havoc, this purposeful act was named the deadliest terrorist attack on New York City since Sept. 11, 2001. The deadliest of these November attacks occurred in Cairo, Egypt, where militants detonated a bomb inside a mosque killing over 300 and injuring

over 100. It seems ironic that two of these more well-known and despicable incidents occurred in sacred places of worship, where people go to pray for peace.

Whether it be a church shooting, a bombing at a concert or a terrorist threat, it seems as if every time the television is turned on there is a new tragedy or act of terrorism being spoken about. All of these events have contributed to the fear that exists in people’s everyday lives.

It would be very easy to allow these incidents to influence the way we live our day-to-day lives. For example, according to yougov.com, about ten percent of American travelers have canceled a trip in response to the terror attacks in 2017. Additionally, parents may think twice about sending their kids to concerts or the mall, as a generalized fear has developed of visiting places with large crowds. While taking precautions and being aware of surroundings is important, we should not let our fears invoked by previous events interfere with our ability to pursue our lives

to the fullest.

Although it may sound cliché, life is too short to let fear get in the way of living. People too frequently miss out on amazing opportunities just because they are petrified of the potential risks, which they could encounter. Whether it is a college football game, a Maroon 5 Concert or a religious service at a local church, temple or mosque, none of these places are immune to imminent tragedies occurring there. However, if we give in to these trepidations, then we are allowing the terrorists and these organizations to win. Anything can happen at any given moment and that is out of anyone’s control. Nonetheless, the way we choose to carry out our lives is completely in our own hands.

The next time an opportunity presents itself, let’s hope the choice is to purchase that concert ticket, attend that college football game and book that plane ticket, for we only live once and should make the absolute most of the life given to us.

50

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Exactly 81 days after I lost my mom to cervical cancer, I sat down and peeled back the seal of an envelope addressed to “Liv.” It was a letter from my Mom telling me how I am going to be okay and that everything will be alright. It has been a little over three months since my best friend passed, and honestly it doesn’t feel like everything is okay and it doesn’t feel like everything will be alright.

I didn’t know the heartbreak and loss I would suffer until two weeks before it happened. My dad, two aunts and I rushed my mom to the hospital on her birthday. She had been sick for over two years and going to the hospital was not an uncommon experience for my family.

This time, however, it felt different.

We stepped into the emergency room and I didn’t know what to expect. She started having tests done and IVs put in and nurses started making rounds in and out of the room.

While all of this was happening, she was crying out in pain, telling me repeatedly how much she loved me. I kept questioning her, wondering why she kept saying this. But then I started to realize how serious everything was.

It felt like a dark cloud just settled itself over the hospital room. The nurses soon became zombies and the machines started to flat line in my mind all at once.

This is when everything started going downhill.

After she was admitted into the hospital, we were put on the 11th floor.

There was a beautiful view of Miami offices and buildings. I could see people walking on the ground level and would imagine why they were entering the hospital. At that moment, it felt like I was

OPINION

alone and no one else was experiencing what I was feeling or going through.

A woman approached us later that day. She started saying words like “comfortable” and “time” and “hospice.”

After hearing these words, my mind immediately shut off. I couldn’t hear anything anyone was saying. My mind was simply left blank and I felt like nothing in the world would bring me back from this state of mind.

After she was put on the 7th floor, the hospice unit, everything was put into perspective. My life was about to change for the worse. I remember sitting in the family room of the hospital, hysterically crying in my dad’s arms. It felt like this was it. These are my final moments with my mother.

But these final moments, the times we would never get back, had to be moments that I would remember forever and cherish.

I didn’t leave the hospital for two weeks because leaving the hospital meant leaving my mom’s side.

Visitors poured in and out of the room. The staff could not believe how many people came to see my mom, and these people only helped me realize how amazing a person my mom was. She was everyone’s best friend. Everyone loved her.

We shared so many lasting memories, stories I will never forget and that I cannot repeat. We laughed, we cried, we shared every emotion together that we possibly could.

She knew how angry I was at the situation, but she kept assuring me that everything would be okay and that we have to make the most of the time we

DECEMBER 2017

have left together.

The days passed and I soon had to adjust my perspective on life. I was no longer going to be able to rely on my person to do the simple things in life. The laundry, the scheduling of appointments, the small tasks that I know most of my friends take for granted, I now have to do on my own.

We all knew the day was coming, but no one could give us an exact time of when my mom was going to leave this world.

On the fourth day of my senior year, however, I didn’t have to ask the question of when anymore.

At exactly 10:04 in the morning, I held onto my Mom’s hand and watched her exhale her final breath.

This was, and always will be, the hardest day of my entire life. I relive this moment daily in my mind, and still, it doesn’t seem real.

Instant shock set in. For days, I could not fathom the idea that my best friend was no longer with me. I know that my dad, already in aching pain, struggled terribly to see me this way.

I could not carry a conversation, let alone move, for days. I didn’t even cry. I was completely numb.

My numbness lasted for 81 days until I unsealed the envelope she had left for me.

For 81 days, I struggled to move, to think, to breathe, knowing that this envelope was sitting in the top of my dresser drawer unopened.

As much as I wanted to open this letter, I was not ready until the day I opened it. I was finally ready to hear her voice again and picture her saying every single word to me.

Tears finally set in for the first time as I read the words out loud. I finally realized that this was not temporary and the permanence of my situation was so hard to grasp.

A lot has happened since losing my mother, both good and bad.

My dad and I have had to make a huge adjustment in our lives. He has to take on the role of both a mother and a father and raise me alone. He may not know this, but he is the biggest role model in my life and

In loving memory of

Barrie Landsman 1960-2017

I look up to him every single day.

Times like getting into college, a moment most kids wait for their entire lives, was so difficult for me. The one person I wanted to share it with was not there. There have been so many moments where I look for her, but she is nowhere to be found.

I was recently diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I wish my biggest problems were the little things most people stress over like school, gossip and drama, but now I have to worry about being able to get out of bed each morning.

People have started treating me differently. I feel like a lot of the time people are walking on eggshells around me. They feel bad for me. They don’t think that I know this, but I do. I wish they would just treat me normally and not like I just lost my mom.

All of these moments and struggles have given me a new perspective on life.

As much as I wish it didn’t take losing my mother for me to realize this new perspective, it did.

My experience of losing my mom, although the most life altering experience I have been through, has made me who I am today. I feel like in most ways, I have had to mature a lot faster than most of my peers.

I have had to develop as a person, take on more responsibility, and seriously grow up. Most of the time, I think about how unfair this is. But the few times that I am not thinking about the fairness of the situation, I am thinking about how I have the upper hand on most people.

My outlook on life separates me from most others. It makes me unique and provides me with the maturity I will need to take on life and the challenges that will come my way.

I hear her voice all the time—through the words in her letter and just repeated in my mind. I will never forget our special moments together, both the good and the bad.

My mom and I were always extremely close. People were envious of our relationship, the fact that we were best friends. Even though she is no longer here, she will always remain my best friend.

OPINION

DECEMBER 2017

THE CIRCUIT

51

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Special Olympics reveals connection

Every Saturday I start my mornings in the best way possible: coaching special needs athletes from the cheerleading team “The Exceptional Emeralds.” Being a coach, or “buddy” as the program calls it, entails helping with the choreography of the girls’ cheer routine and teaching it to the athletes while bonding with them and ensuring everyone is enjoying themselves, while also being safe. I have been a volunteer coach for this team for three years and am forever grateful to be a part of such an amazing program.

I have become more aware about the life of a special needs person, and how they are not much different from myself. We laugh at the same jokes, love the same snacks, obsess over the same movies and share the same passion for cheerleading.

Every November since 2015, “The Exceptional Emeralds” have had the pleasure of attending Florida’s Special Olympics Fall Classic that takes place in Orlando at Walt Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. The event takes place over the course of two days, and teams from a wide range of sports from counties all over the state of Florida come to compete.

This year was actually the first time cheerleading was recognized as a legitimate sport at the Special Olympics, and the athletes had the opportunity to be judged for real and receive places instead of every team just being awarded

a participant medal. Because of this, the girls’ performance was all the more exciting and it was a million more times rewarding when our team was awarded second place out of six teams. The smiles that illuminated the athletes’ faces after receiving their medals was a moment that I will forever cherish; there are no words to even remotely describe the amount of joy that filled the arena.

After hours of picture-taking and eating dinner, the Special Olympics hosted its very own opening ceremony that consisted of lots and lots of dancing, a lighting of torches, speeches and everyone’s favorite part-- the spectacular fireworks show. The dancing however, had to be my favorite part. The girls and I just had such a blast getting to dance all crazy; it was a great bonding experience.

I enjoyed many parts of this weekend, but nothing topped the heartwarming conversation I had with a mother of one of the girls. After their performance, she came and told me how thankful she and the other moms are for our dedication to making sure their girls have the best experience possible. It was just so touching to hear her talk about her daughter and how much she enjoys having us around.

Every year that I have attended this event has been memorable, but this year was extra special because I, along with the other coaches, got to witness our athletes become silver medalists.

This program and these athletes have positively impacted my life in so many ways; I have become more aware about the life of a special needs person, and how they are not much different from myself.

We laugh at the same jokes, love the same snacks, obsess over the same movies and share the same passion for cheerleading.

I have also learned to become more patient with others as I have discovered

EDITORS

The Circuit is the student newspaper of Cypress Bay High School. The opinions expressed in the paper are not necessarily those of the adviser, administration, or advertisers. The publication of advertisements in The Circuit does not imply endorsement.

The Circuit is a free publication available to approximately 4,700 students and 300 faculty and staff members of Cypress Bay High School. The publication prints 3,500 copies six times per year.

The Circuit has been recognized as a Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown Winner, National Scholastic Press Association-All American publication and Florida Scholastic Press Association All-Florida publication.

TO CONTACT US: CALL (754) 323- 0350, ext. 3277 eileen.manella@browardschools.com OR VISIT cbhscircuit.com

PHOTOS BY Ellie Sachs

Bring it on: On Nov. 11, senior Ellie Sachs coached cheerleaders with disabilities at the Florida Special Olympics in Orlando, Fla. The cheerleaders achieved second place in the competition and celebrated with a dance following the event.

that not everyone is going to be thinking or comprehending things at the same pace that I am. Working with this team has been filled with such irreplaceable moments, and I am forever grateful for the experiences and life lessons this

organization and the people involved have offered me. As our season continues, I am looking forward to bonding with the athletes and improving their routine for the upcoming competitions that we will be attending until April.

HYBRID EDITORS

STAFF WRITERS

Editor-in-Chief: Rachel Schonberger

Opinion Copy Editor: Katherine Gibson

Managing Editor: Rachel Friedman

News Copy Editor: Lauren Pabian

News Editor: Jessie Chaiet

Features Copy Editor: Nyah Hardmon

Features Editor: Cassidy Sheldon

Arts & Ent. Copy Editor: Gabby Sonkin

Arts & Ent. Editor: Lucy Celentano

Sports Copy Editor: Eli Fuhrman

Sports Editor: Drew Siskind

Head Photo Editor: Rachel Silverman

Layout Editors: Amanda Morgan

News Photo Editor: Alexis Epstein

PR Managers: Ben Eiglarsh, Jenna Friedman, Maddie Paskow

Features Photo Editor: Hayley Princz

Ad Manager/Designer : Evan Joseph Business Manager: Remi Schwartz Adviser: Eileen Manella

Arts & Ent. Photo Editor: Jolie Sonkin Sports Photo Editor: Dylan Srebnick Graphics Editors: Sophie Gaer, Austin Dunne

ONLINE EDITION EDITORS Editor-in-Chief: Carli Udine

Head Multimedia Editor: Dahlia Cohn

Managing Editor: Shanty Fierro

Multimedia News Editor: Olivia Landsman

News Editor: Casey Menten

Rachel Alexander, Juliana Atencia, Jessica Bernstein, Sam Bialczak, Sabrina Blandon, Sophia Busto, Isabel Caroub Baldner, Christina Cimato, Zachary Cohen, Annabelle Daniels -Rosenberg, Heather Dennis, Ethan Gaer, Rachel Greenberg, Sophia Handley, Sabrina Kehrer, Hannah Lassner, Rachel Levitz, Ilyssa Mann, Jake Miller, Fernando Padron, Adrian Gueredo, Drew Roach, Sofia Russ, Ellie Sachs, Jesus Santana, Karla Soberon, Robbie Solomon, Estela Suarez, Chloe Wain, Joseph Walsh, Jacob Winans, Hannah Zifrony

Features Editor: Jessica Sobel

Multimedia Features Editor: Shira Cohn

Sports Editor: Brian Kessler

Multimedia Sports Editor: Josie Clancy

Arts & Ent. Editor: Lexi Flechner

Multimedia Arts & Ent. Editor: Samantha Klopman

Visit cbhscircuit. com for more news, sports, feature, arts and entertainment and opinion stories.

52

THE CIRCUIT

WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

ADVERTISEMENT

DECEMBER 2017