October Issue (2018-2019)

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Cypress Bay High School • 18600 Vista Park Blvd., Weston, Florida 33332 • Vol 18, Issue 1 • October 2018

ONce Upon a...

Junior Alexa Stafman attended the Alexander Muss High School in Israel this past summer.

BY JESSIE CHAIET EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After teaching at the Bay for six years and at a school in Germany for a year, World History teacher Ches Kanno decided to take time off from work and discover himself. During his one-year sabbatical, Kanno traveled to Israel, Palestine, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia and Germany. He said this once-in-a-lifetime experience would not have been possible if he didn’t take a risk and change his lifestyle.

“I decided that I was going to pursue experiences that I would never be able to experience if I was working,” Kanno said. “We get stuck in this rat race where we always put work first and we have to always serve and do our citizen duty, but I think sometimes we need to take a step back and feel human again.”

Kanno said the most memorable part of his trip was visiting Balata, a refugee camp in Palestine. He said this experience gave him insight into the lives of less fortunate children because they were still joyful despite their lack of material goods.

“There’s no green space and they’re surrounded by fences, which was really depressing for me coming from a community like Weston where we have so much,” Kanno said. “Then [I saw] these kids just running around and chasing each other with a little broken soccer ball; they don’t realize their poverty, but they were happy. Poverty may mean that you don’t have things, but if you have love and you have a good community that cares about you, things like nice shoes and the latest technology don’t matter as much.”

Like Kanno, junior Alexa Stafman said she took advantage of an opportunity to learn about a different part of the world. While attending the Alexander Muss High School in Israel over the summer, Stafman said she

learned about the history of Israel and visited Mount Masada and the Dead Sea. “I got to do things that I will probably never be able to do again in my life, and I did it with a bunch of my friends,” Stafman said. “I learned a lot that I never knew about the whole situation in the Middle East and with Gaza and Israel.

You could never really know that much about it or experience what it’s actually like to be there until you go and feel the atmosphere.”

For the program, Stafman said she had to complete an application and video call with the staff. She said she was elated to find out she was accepted because she would be attending the program with her camp friends.

“I’ve been going to Camp Blue Star for 6 years, and they always said that when you got too old, all of the older kids would go to High School in Israel,” Stafman said. “They would always talk about how amazing it was, so me and all my camp friends went there together. I was so excited to go there for the whole summer with my friends.”

Senior Kyleigh Jehlicka had the chance to participate in the open call auditions for the singing competition show, “American Idol.” Jehlicka said her vocal coach knew someone who worked at “American Idol” and was able to get her a pass to skip the line at the auditions.

“I thought it was really cool because it was a new experience; it was exciting but also a little bit scary,” Jehlicka said.

“It was also a cool thing to have under my belt and say I auditioned for ‘American Idol.’”

FEATURES SPORTS

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Parking decorations depict students’ personalities.

27

Recent Nike advertisement stirs controversy online.

Lifetime Jehlicka sang Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” at the auditions, which took place on Aug. 22 in Miami. While she didn’t make it past the first round of auditions, Jehlicka said this was an enriching opportunity.

“I learned that not every audition you go to is going to be a yes, but it’s important to take the no’s as learning opportunities and just grow from them and learn what you did wrong and how you can improve for your next audition,” Jehlicka said. “In the music world, it’s really important to have experiences like that and just get used to the audition process.”

English teacher Joyce Seigel said she took advantage of an opportunity this summer by submitting poems to the card company Blue Mountain Arts. One of her entries reached market review, when the company tests out the card in the marketplace. Unlike past occurrences when her submissions made it to this level, Seigel said this time she made sure to contact the card company to see if her poem would make it past market review.

“It was a unique experience for me because I did get a greeting card possibly on the market,” Seigel said. “I was excited,

but I was also simultaneously curious, so I thought I’m going to call them and find out ‘now that it’s in market review, when are you going to let me know?’”

If her work is selected, Seigel would earn a $300 reward; however, she said she would feel satisfied just knowing that her work was published by one of her favorite card companies.

“I wasn’t doing it for the money, I was doing it because I love to write that kind of poetry,” Seigel said. “I’ve always liked their cards. They’re poignant, long, syrupy, sugary sweet messages that you would tell somebody or write to your best friend, mom or boyfriend, and I’ve always liked that style.”

Kanno said he appreciates all that he learned during his once-in-alifetime travels. He said it is important for people to be spontaneous and take advantage of unique opportunities to achieve personal growth.

“Sometimes you have a plan, you start the plan, the plan changes and before you know it you’re doing something that you never originally planned,” Kanno said. “I think that’s what most of life is; it’s not the destination that you expect. Chances are, what you think you’re going to do is going to have so many twists and turns, and you just go with it.”

World History teacher Ches Kanno took a year-long sabbatical from work to travel the world.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ALEXA STAFMAN AND CHES KANNO

A&E

OPINION

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Students plan to attend colleges based on artistic interests.

Overpriced tutoring creates disparities in test scores.

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NEWS

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OCTOBER 2018

DECA Day inspires future entrepreneurs Students enrolled in DECA courses were exposed to all the club has to offer during the fifteenth annual DECA Day on Aug. 21 and 22 in the auditorium.

Throughout the day, topics ranging from competitions to travel opportunities and community service were discussed. DECA teacher Jamez Williams said the purpose of DECA Day was to familiarize new members with the program and introduce them to the various opportunities available within DECA. “At the start of the school year, we are all so excited to kick off the [initiation] process for DECA members as we know the unlimited opportunities they will be given to grow and develop,” Williams said.

Junior and DECA President Sarah Lewis said this sets the tone for what members could expect for the future. Lewis and the other advisers planned the presentation shown to classes throughout the day, as well as a scavenger hunt held during the allotted period allowing members to begin bonding early in the school year.

“Our goal is to open students’ eyes to all the options DECA can offer them,” Lewis said.

“DECA is a great opportunity for students to be exposed to the business world so we really wanted to get them enthusiastic about joining.”

During the presentation,

the advisers informed students that the Bay’s chapter attends competitions and leadership conferences where various chapters travel the country to bond and build management skills. Junior Natalie Medina is new to the Bay and said all of these activities piqued her interest.

“I love traveling, and seeing all the amazing places that DECA has gone [has] made me excited about joining the club,” Medina said. “Through leadership workshops, discussions and community service, I will be able to network with other DECA students from many different states.”

Members were also introduced to many leadership positions available to them, such as the DECA Leadership Council (DLC). DLCs are junior officers that help run the class and assist the teachers in planning events. They were able to apply on the Bay’s DECA website Aug. 20-24 with short essay questions on the topic of if they have been previous DLC’s, how many years they have been involved and why they would want to become one. There was then an interview process for individuals who applied and proceeded to hire them. Medina said she is planning on applying to become a DLC as she sees this as an ability to gain business exposure early on.

“I have always had an interest in business and can tell the Bay’s chapter is one I want to be as involved in as possible,” Medina

said. “This is an opportunity to get closer as the contacts I will make will help me for a lifetime.”

Medina was in DECA at her old school, Sagemont, and she said she is interested in continuing to be a part of the organization at the Bay as the Bay’s chapter is extremely involved and well run.

“

PHOTOS BY ALEXIS EPSTEIN

At the start of the school year, we are all so excited to kick off the [initiation] process for DECA members as we know the unlimited opportunities they will be given to grow and develop.

-DECA teacher Jamez Williams

“DECA Day really opened my eyes to this wonderful program, so now that I’ve actually been given more information, I’m excited to have such an amazing opportunity to join this club,” Medina said.

Lewis said DECA’s main goal this year is to recruit new members. Lewis and the other officers wanted to create excitement in order to increase membership and saw DECA Day as the perfect opportunity

GET DOWN TO BUSINESS: DECA teacher Grant Cavlier was one of many teachers that taught students about DECA at this event. He explained the roles, responsibilities and requirements of holding this position.

DIAMONDS UP: (From left) seniors Ramyar Daneshgar and Cole Fisher are participating in an interactive scavenger hunt on DECA Day. Daneshgar and Fisher exchanged information about themselves to complete the scavenger hunt. DECA day consisted of a variety of games and scavenger hunts that all pertained to business ideals.

to do so.

“The more enthusiasm we build, the more members we gain,” Lewis said. “As President, this is my ultimate goal as I want to expand the club and make it the best it can be.”

Medina was given the opportunity to meet other prospective members as well as returning DECA members during DECA Day. “It was super cool being able to talk with all the other students in the program,” Medina said.

“I actually didn’t know what to expect; leaving the auditorium that day left me even more enthused [than I initially was].”

Lewis said she hoped to make this year’s DECA Day even better than before by using feedback from previous years.

“We wanted to try to be as interactive as possible and engage the students in the information,” Lewis said.

Williams said he hopes to successfully describe the organization to the students and allow them to see all of the dynamic activities DECA does.

“The excitement grows each year, but the expectations stay steadfast,” Williams said.

“It is heartwarming to see the students’ development throughout the year.”

After organizing and running her own DECA Day, Lewis said she reminisced back to when she was introduced to the competitions available at her first DECA Day. She said finding out and learning more about these competitions immediately confirmed she made the right decision by joining the club.

“After hearing about the competition opportunities at

DECA Day, I was even more enthusiastic about joining,” she said. “My competition experience is one of the things I am most passionate about. You meet new people, learn different business aspects and create memories [that last] a lifetime.”

“

DECA is a great opportunity for students to be exposed to the business world, so we really wanted to get them enthusiastic about joining.

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NEWS COPY EDITOR

“

BY ALEXIS EPSTEIN

-DECA President Sarah Lewis Even though DECA is just a club, Williams said DECA Day allows prospects to see the family bond that is formed as members grow, help each other and learn together.

“I love the energy, opportunities and students’ futures and goals that originate during DECA Day,” Williams said. “It’s important that members know we provide a place for them to take their creativity, energy and grit into a package and give them something to go out into the world [with] and be successful.”

News Calendar General

College Visits

PSAT, Oct. 10 Early Release, Oct. 18 Teacher Planning Day, Oct. 19 ACT Testing, Oct. 27

New York University, Oct. 11 University of Michigan, Oct. 11 Tulane University, Oct. 12 University of California Los Angeles, Oct. 17 University of Southern California, Oct. 22

Events DECA Halloween Social, Oct. 11 SGA Social, Oct. 12 LIA and SHPE Dodgeball Tournament, Oct. 13 PRIDE International Fest, Oct. 25 Naviance Day, Oct. 25-26

OCTOBER 2018

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SECURING THE CAMPUS Broward County implements new security policy on campus following school shootings.

BY CASEY MENTEN NEWS EDITOR

In response to the shooting that occurred last year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Broward County established new security policies for all school campuses including the Bay. These guidelines were put in place with the start of the 2018-2019 school year and will include a single-point of entry, student identification cards and stricter codes.

Assistant Principal Jeff Nelson said although new and drastic methods are being put in place, The Bay has always held campus security to high standards.

He said the new policy will only enhance the school’s safety.

“The commitment from when we opened the school was that safety and security was a priority,” Nelson said.

“When kids come to school they need to be safe, when parents drop their kids off, they need to feel confident that it is a safe and secure environment.”

Broward County has hired Safe Haven International, a nonprofit campus safety organization, to make recommendations regarding the most effective methods for increasing student safety. The organization sends analysts to observe site design, traffic patterns and other factors to create a security policy able to prevent any crisis. Safe Haven International Representative Tod Schneider said the organization evaluates safety in the big picture focusing on all aspects of campus safety not solely zeroing in on one topic alone.

“There are so many aspects of school a safety to address and it’s tempting to jump on the first thing that comes along that sounds useful or makes people feel like improvements are being made,” Schneider said. “That doesn’t mean that those are the right answers, they’re just the easy answers.”

A student focus group was held after school where students from all grades were pulled and questioned regarding their opinions on school security. Junior

PHOTO BY CASEY MENTEN

SAFETY FIRST: Over the summer, Broward County established new security mandates that all schools in the district had to implement. Students now must leave from a single-point exit gate on campus.

Ariana Ceant said she felt that this allowed student voices to be heard rather than ignored.

“This meeting really opened up all of our eyes and made us think,” Ceant said. “Through this meeting the students really tackled how to make sure everyone is considered and how to offer help in the right way so that we can reach out to those individuals who don’t feel listen to or cared for.”

Ceant said this way students had an actual say on what was being enforced on campus. She said it made all students feel important and involved in the issue.

“This issue personally affects us, so it only makes sense that we have a say in how it’s handled,” Ceant said. “We know what changes will actually make us feel safer compared to a district that is making impersonal policies.”

Schneider said students around the country have had similar responses to the issue of security. He said he has witnessed a greater willingness to be balanced in the approach to safety in comparison to adults. “[Running the student focus groups] has been fascinating and enlightening

to see from schools around the country,” Schneider said.

Information is collected from these meetings which is then assessed by Safe Haven Analysts. They then combine that with other information that has been observed to provide schools with a plan of action.

“I think one of the most valuable resources schools have is the student body.” Schneider said. “They can gain an awful lot by asking the students what their priorities are and what would make them feel safer.”

Over the summer teachers attended meetings where administration emphasized new policies such as keeping classroom doors locked throughout the day, not letting students leave the class without hall passes and reviewing the instructions for all new codes.

“With the craziness of the world now I completely understand why new precautions and teacher training had to be set in place,” Algebra teacher Lori Windloss said. “I think there is good and bad in it; I get that we need

to be accountable for where our kids are because of this day and age,” Windloss said although these new policies can come as an inconvenience, it is a worthwhile tradeoff to ensure the safety of both students and staff.

“It’s frustrating at times to stop class to write a pass or open the door,” Windloss said. “But I have accepted that it is what it is and there’s nothing I am going to do.”

Similar to Windloss, Ceant said the new security has made her life at school much more difficult as the single point entrance gets crowded and it is easy to forget a lanyard. However, Ceant said she doesn’t feel inconvenienced because every policy has a purpose and the school is just trying their best to make everyone safer.

“At the meeting a lot of people feel inconvenienced by the gate since it’s a one point of exit and entry and it really doesn’t do much except help security distinguish who has their lanyards that day,” Ceant said. “Therefore it does not make us feel physically safe or in anyway but I do understand the reason why It was put up.”

Nelson said that the Bay will continue to work on security, ensuring that safety remains a priority. He said that although it has been a large adjustment students and teachers are embracing the process.

“It is very helpful in the long term and we will continue to improve,” Nelson said. “The students have been wonderful with regards for wearing their IDs and teachers with adjusting to the new way we do things around here; it has been very helpful.”

Ceant said the adjustment have been substantial for many students and the student body will just have to take time to readjust.

“This campus was completely open last year and all of us took our freedom for granted,” Ceant said. “We just need some time but with the help of Safe Haven hopefully students will begin to feel more comfortable.”

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NEWS

OCTOBER 2018

In this issue’s recurring segment that explores current event topics affecting the nation, Staffer Courtney Levinson and News Editor Casey Menten speak to students and teachers about the Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh Do you believe Brett Kavanaugh should be confirmed to become a Supreme Court Judge?

After the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, President Donald Trump nominated U.S. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh to fill the vacancy.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, in charge of confirming all nominees, began a thorough screening of Kavanaugh.

During this confirmation, psychologist Christine Ford came forward, accusing Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her 36 years ago.

Debate teacher Nick Montecalvo said the controversy over whether or not Kavanaugh should be confirmed has divided the nation. If confirmed, Kavanaugh would replace the swing vote and push for more conservative verdicts from the Supreme Court. Montecalvo said this potential upset in balance has made the issue a fight for power between the parties.

“I have been deeply troubled by the confirmation process; on the one hand, I feel that the blind defense of a man’s past actions belies a prejudice against women who speak up,” Montecalvo said.

“On the other, if these allegations are not true, an innocent individual has been forever marked by an action they did not commit.”

During the Senate hearing, held on Sept. 27, Ford testified against Kavanaugh, retelling her story of the alleged assault.

Kavanaugh was questioned by senators;

Joey Cousin Junior “I think he has shown that he is not worthy to hold a position of such power.”

Max Levinson Freshman “I think it’s not fair to determine that before the accusations are confirmed.”

GRAPHIC BY CASEY MENTEN

however, no new evidence was brought up to support either side. Montecalvo said a trial alone is not sufficient, and further investigation must be made before conclusions are drawn.

“Unfortunately, the interviews did not provide any new information, and both parties have stated that they are 100% certain of their version of events,” Montecalvo said. “I believe that survivors should be believed on face, but also that an investigation must be conducted before any comprehensive truth can be reached.”

Senior Noah Rabinovitch said he has noticed students become more invested in the outcome of the accusation. He said he saw many posts on Instagram and Twitter supporting Ford.

“It’s really impressive to see so many students get engaged civically and pay

attention to the trial,” Rabinovitch said. “I like how social media has allowed us all to voice our opinions and views.”

Sophomore Mason Solomon said the accusations should be taken seriously, and when women speak out about sexual assault, they shouldn’t need to prove themselves. He said Ford was courageous for standing up against sexual assault and setting an example for others to do the same.

“We should be able to believe people when they speak out instead of just trying to find a way for Kavanaugh to be innocent,” Solomon said. “I hope to see someone more suitable get this job, since it’s such an honor and someone even being accused of something like this isn’t worthy.”

Rabinovitch said Kavanaugh has

come off as brash throughout his trial; however, due to his extensive experience and merit, he shouldn’t be dismissed all together.

“I don’t think he should be considered [for the Supreme Court] because he has proven to be so problematic,” Rabinovitch said. “But it is also important to respect his very impressive resume and reputation.”

Unlike Rabinovitch, Solomon said Kavanaugh shouldn’t be considered for such a powerful position due to his actions in the past.

“I believe that he doesn’t deserve a trial because the evidence against him is significant enough to prove that he is guilty,” Solomon said. “With even the possibility of this accusation, he does not deserve such a powerful position.”

Montecalvo said because everyone in the US is innocent until proven guilty, Kavanaugh should not be judged until solid facts are brought to trial. He said a determination should be fair and based solely on the crime of sexual assault, not becoming a battle of the political parties.

“As for the severity of the accusations, if they are true, I believe that they speak to a moral character that would be substandard for a Justice of the highest court in the land,” Montecalvo said. “That is not to say that a person is incapable of change or becoming moral, but Kavanagh’s categorical denial of the incident would be evidence of lying under oath.”

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CLUBS AT THE BAY Service club meetings brief members about upcoming volunteer opportunities and events.

UNICEF

BY CHLOE WAIN AD ORGANIZER

United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is an international foundation that advocates for children’s rights and works to provide kids with basic needs. Since UNICEF became a club at the Bay in 2012, it has grown to over 1,000 members. Senior and Co-President Ernesto Padrino said his main goal this year is to make the club more accessible to students and hold more fundraisers to help those in need.

“At the Bay, we want to create a sense of community and show students that there are many people in this world that need our help,” Padrino said. “Many children are deprived from basic necessities; this is why [we] encourage students to join UNICEF, so they can have an impact in bettering the next generation.”

The Bay has one of the largest chapters across the country, raising $52,000 last year. This money provides health care, safe water, nutrition, education and emergency relief for children in third world countries. “As individuals, we grow as people when we learn about others,” Padrino said. “We live in a society where children are not able to have most

Habitat for Humanity

BY ALEXANDRA VAZQUEZ

Habitat for Humanity (HFH) is a nonprofit organization where members build affordable housing for those in need. The Bay’s chapter is the largest in Broward County. President Matthew Liebman said the club is an incredible opportunity for students to get involved in their community.

“We run this platform where you take all these incredibly talented people who have different interests and combine it into one club,” Liebman said. “It is amazing what you can accomplish with a large group of students and some hard work.”

Senior and Human Resource manager Sebastian Dutra said this club is unique as members are put to work physically assisting in the construction of homes.

“I think it is amazing how [HFH] has allowed for students to actually go in and get their hands dirty,” Dutra said.

PHOTO BY CHLOE WAIN

opportunities and cannot achieve their utmost potential due to political and economic issues.”

UNICEF USA’s Youth Engagement Adviser Morgan Thobe provides support to all high school and college UNICEF clubs across the country by communicating with members through social media and overseeing the national counsel. “Stronger recruitment strategies require more new clubs,” Thobe said.

“Utilizing social media and digital platforms can help members improve on communication and can provide students with a more meaningful experience, along with adding more clubs.”

Thobe said she is impressed with the size and impact the Bay’s chapter has on the organization as a whole. She said she hopes the success of this chapter will help UNICEF expand and be introduced to other schools in the area.

“I would love to see clubs thinking global in their local community,” Thobe said. “Spreading more awareness of the club can help UNICEF become more efficient in providing emergency food and water as well as doing something good.”

PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA VAZQUEZ

“When I am at a build site and see the final product I feel like my hard work has actually made a difference.”

This year, the club is focusing on expanding the variety of events they host such as organizing a mission trip to help build homes in other countries. Liebman said taking this step will help the club internationalize.

“The large amount of members we have is something we need to take advantage of as a club,” Liebman said.

Dutra said a little work from every member can make a large impact on the lives of others.

“I am excited to see how the club will grow and eventually get to see the impact we have on our community,” Dutra said.

“I hope that our club continues to put roofs over the heads of those in need.”

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

BY ISABELLA GROGAN

National Honor Society (NHS) focuses on stimulating scholarship within students, promoting leadership and making the community a better place. The Honor Society accepts select juniors and seniors to become members as long as they have acquired 30 hours of community service and some of those hours have to be done outside of the club.

“This is a great opportunity for students to step up to the plate and become active in their community,” senior and vice president Matthew Liebman said. “The feeling of making a difference in your community is the biggest reward of all.”

In the past, NHS has held events such as the harvest drives for families in south Broward, tutored at Falcon Cove Middle School, and assisted at Relay for life. Broward Advisors for Continuing Education (BRACE) adviser Shari Bush said she is pleased with the work members of the honor society has done for the community over the years.

“Our Harvest Drive is very successful every year in helping the less fortunate and giving the students a sense of character,” said Shari Bush, the advisor of NHS. Their goal this year is to make NHS

interact club

BY CHLOE NOWACK

Interact is a service club for high school students interested in gaining leadership experience while aiding their community. The club is run by the local Rotary club and takes part in local and international service projects.

“Interact is different from a lot of the service clubs around the Bay because it is international,” junior and secretary Sami Rheingold said. “We get to participate in a lot of exciting events as well as meet influential people in our community.”

Interact works with local organizations such as Susan B. Anthony, Habitat for Humanity and The Salvation Army.

In addition to monthly volunteer opportunities, the club helps host larger events such as The Rotary Run and The Rotary Golf Tournament; each event raises money for Rotary.

“I can’t wait to start volunteering at these events,” Freshman Hayden Tom-

PHOTO BY ISABELLA GROGAN

more known for students around Cypress.

The club offers many opportunities for students to earn hours. It also looks good on a college application to say you were an active member in NHS. NHS also has many scholarship opportunities for students.

“I want to be in NHS when I go into junior year because I see how they help South Florida and colleges love to see that a student was in the National Honors Society,” said Alec Cao, a sophomore at Cypress Bay. Cao plans to apply to be a member next year.

NHS would like to bring the members of the club together. They plan to have more club socials and revamp the social media and website. They would like to have a booth in the middle of the courtyard during midterms and finals to hand out pens and pencils and give out advice.

“As usual NHS is inviting many different opportunities for our members,” said Bush, the club advisor. NHS will start getting more people involved in the club so they can get more members in the upcoming years.

PHOTO BY GABBY SONKIN

linson said. “This will be my first time volunteering in the community and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.”

Rheingold said the club offers countless volunteer opportunities in which students can partake.

“As the club grows and more people begin to volunteer, we are able to have a bigger impact,” Rheingold said. “Eventually we hope to get more of cypress involved and expand our role in the community.”

Tomlinson said after hearing about what Interact clubs are doing in other countries, she hopes to work with those international clubs and contribute to the global cause.

“Interact is a club that genuinely makes a difference in not only the community but the world,” Tomlinson said. “I think more people should focus on global issues and eventually we can all make this world a better place.”

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OCTOBER 2018

Open House educates parents about classes

BY JESSIE CHAIET EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Bay’s parents experienced their children’s daily schedules at the annual Open House, which took place on Sept.

4. Over 1,350 parents attended the event, where they spent 10 minutes in each of their students’ classes, met their children’s teachers and learned about class curricula.

Assistant Principal Kassandra Fried said the event was helpful for parents to understand more about the high school learning experience. “[Open House] is basically a welcoming of all the parents so that they can get a feel of what a day in the life of their student is like because they get to visit all the classes,” Fried said. “I think it’s extremely beneficial because students spend hours here every day, and parents might sometimes feel disconnected; this is an opportunity for them to really understand what high school is like here at Cypress Bay.” During the class periods, teachers went over what is taught in class and their expectations for students. Fried said this is the most important aspect of Open House, as parents can meet their students’ teachers and forge a relationship.

“Parents can put a face to the name in terms of the teachers,” Fried said.

“It gives the teachers an opportunity to make sure parents understand what’s expected in terms of the curriculum, the commitment, the content and everything that’s going to be learned in the classes.”

Besides attending their children’s

classes, parents walked around the courtyard, where the Bay’s clubs set up booths. Club officers and members informed parents about events and membership. Junior Reem Habbal, President of Photo Club, said Open House served as an opportunity to bring in more members because parents can tell their kids about the club.

“This event is very helpful for us as a club and for all clubs in general,” Habbal said. “We wanted to take this opportunity to bring more people in and make people aware of what we do.”

Stephanie Norman, mother of junior Matthew Norman, said she enjoyed meeting all her son’s teachers. She said Open House was a great way to speak to teachers face-to-face and spend quality time hearing from them. “[Open House] is the only opportunity that we have to go through our kid’s schedule, meet all the teachers and hear what the curriculum is going to be for the year,” Norman said. “It was confusing to find the classrooms, but it feels good to know what their day is like.”

Like Norman, Habbal said her parents appreciated Open House because they were able to meet her teachers and walk around the club booths.

“I think my parents learned a lot about my classes, my teachers and the environment that we’re in every single day,” Habbal said. “They got an idea of what we’re going through.”

Norman said she was impressed by the number of parents who attended Open House due to the Bay’s large student body.

PHOTO BY JESSIE CHAIET

MEET AND GREET: Biology teacher Brandon Boswell informs parents on class procedures and what their children will be learning throughout the Biology Honors course at Open House on Sept. 4. Parents attended their children’s classes, spending 10 minutes with each teacher discussing class curricula.

“The reason why Cypress Bay is the best school is because we have the best teachers, but I also think we have very involved parents,” Norman said. “When you see the turnout on a night like this, it really reaffirms why Cypress Bay is such a great school for your kids.”

Fried said the event went smoothly and she was pleased with the turnout.

She said this demonstrates that parents at the Bay are devoted to their children’s accomplishments.

“That’s part of the reason we are so

successful is because we have such an involved community,” Fried said. “You expect to see such large numbers when children are very young at elementary school or even middle school, but parents tend to detach a little in high school. At Cypress Bay, we always have an amazing turnout, and it just speaks volumes to the amount of commitment these parents have to the school and to their students.”

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New privilege affects upperclassmen

BY CHRISTINA PUGLIESE

In previous years, seniors maintaining a GPA of 3.0 and juniors maintaining a GPA of 3.5 were eligible to leave school in the morning or afternoon rather than attend a study hall. Whether a student was a junior or senior, the placement of morning or afternoon privilege was done randomly. However, this year, Assistant Principal Debra Santoro, who is in charge of the master scheduling, decided to base privileges off of grade level; this new system gave juniors morning privilege and seniors afternoon privilege.

“The change actually helped with the scheduling,” Santoro said. “We wanted to make it a little more unified, and this was the best way to go about it.”

Santoro said administration collectively decided that if junior and senior privilege was split, classes could be organized more effectively. Senior classes are now placed predominantly in the morning, and junior classes are clustered in the afternoon.

“We changed it, so we can schedule the kids and classes they need to have more [organized],” Santoro said. “This helps me assign the students to their correct classes.”

Santoro said in previous years, students would overwhelm their counselors and

ILLUSTRATION BY ANNABELLE DANIELS-ROSENBERG

the office to switch their privilege times.

She said assigning a specific privilege to each grade level helps keep students from demanding new schedules.

“Students would ask their counselors to switch their privilege and made me place classes during all hours of the day,” Santoro said. “[Scheduling] became very confusing and hard to keep up with.”

Another change was the elimination of the colored lanyards, which would indicate whether or not a student had morning, afternoon or no privilege.

Santoro said the administrators felt that the colored lanyards didn’t work to their benefit last year when identifying whether

students had morning or afternoon privilege.

“Students would sometimes forget [the colored lanyards] or swap them with friends, so we wanted to make sure the person leaving campus is actually permitted to do so,” Santoro said.

Junior Andrea Kimmel said she does not like the new schedule because she no longer can benefit from leaving school early. She said the change in privilege scheduling affects the way she uses her time for school work.

“I liked the way it was last year because I could have [been given] afternoon privilege,” Kimmel said. “I would rather

have afternoon privilege because I can get more done rather than when I wake up early.”

Kimmel said morning privilege misaligns her sleeping schedule and makes it harder to get up in the morning.

She said she only uses her privilege time for sleep.

“I would rather get up early every day, so I can do more [in the afternoon], like go to the gym and study, instead of sleep in,” Kimmel said. “Morning privilege just seems like a waste of time.”

Unlike Kimmel, senior Lauren Bruzual said she believes that seniors, being the oldest, deserve to have privilege in the afternoon.

“I like having senior privilege because it is easier for me,” Bruzual said. “I have it eighth hour, so I can usually leave to do things with that time that would benefit me most.”

Bruzual said she is excited for this upcoming year and plans to use her privilege to better herself in school.

She wants to get as much work done as possible.

“Privilege lets me go home and study for an upcoming test without being distracted,” Bruzual said. “With this being my senior year, I don’t want to fall behind in my studies.”

Matches made through friendship event

BY DREW ROACH NEWS / ARTS & ENT. PHOTO EDITOR

To welcome and connect new members of the club, Best Buddies held its annual Speed Friendship event on Sept. 12 in the courtyard. The purpose of this event is to encourage new members to meet and find their buddy for the year.

While directing the event, senior and Recording Secretary Diego Estrada said he was inspired to watch the buddies form friendships with the members.

“My favorite part of the event was seeing how much fun the buddies were having talking and laughing with old and new faces,” Estrada said. “I got to sit with two buddies at my table who were extremely funny and super friendly, so I had an amazing time.”

About 25 members along with 20 buddies participated in the event. During five different rounds, the members spent five minutes at each table talking to the buddies.

“Even though I had to stay at my assigned table during the five rounds, I knew the other officers would make sure the buddies were having fun at their tables,” Estrada said. “The five-minute rounds created a welcoming atmosphere for the buddies, so they were able to open up with the members which was the goal of this event.”

At the end of the event, the members

wrote down the buddies they connected with. On Sept. 26, the buddies will be officially assigned through an interview process. Best Buddies adviser and Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher Ellen Eiss said the Speed Friendship event is a vital step in initiating the bond between members.

“Best Buddies would not be Best Buddies without the Speed Friendship event in the beginning of the year,” Eiss said. “A big part of this club is forming relationships, and this event is the essence of that.”

Estrada said the attendees seemed invested in their conversations throughout the event and he was happy to see members forming bonds early on in the year.

“I absolutely think this event was a success because I saw so many smiles on the faces of the buddies,” Estrada said.

“Whenever someone said something funny, everyone at the table laughed, and I could tell the buddies were having a great time meeting the members.”

Like Estrada, junior Samantha DeLuca said her favorite part of the club is interacting with the buddies as she enjoys seeing their faces light up during these activities.

“Ever since I joined Best Buddies freshman year, I have loved every second of every event,” DeLuca said. “Spending time with these buddies at something

PHOTO BY DREW ROACH

DYNAMIC DUO:: Sophomore Justin Lowney and junior Samantha DeLuca reconnect at the annual Best Buddies Speed Friendship event in the courtyard on Sept. 12.

like the Speed Friendship event makes me so happy, and I can’t get that feeling anywhere else.”

DeLuca said she was able to further her friendship with buddy Justin Lowney during the event. During the speed rounds, she talked to Lowney about what he did over the summer.

“I met Justin last year, and he made me fall in love with this club because of how much fun I have hanging out with him and he makes me laugh,” DeLuca said.

“When I got to his table, he gave me the

biggest hug. Talking to him about what he did over the summer definitely made our friendship grow a lot.”

To continue the success of this club, Estrada said he hopes the Speed Friendship event will continue for years to come at the Bay. “This occasion is important for not only the members, but also the buddies to see if a certain friendship will work,” Estrada said. “This is really what the club is about, and I am so lucky to be a leader in it.”

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College visits inform potential applicants

BY LAUREN PABIAN ONLINE NEWS EDITOR

Throughout the months of September and October, representatives from over 50 universities have been hosting seminars to share information with students about their school in the College and Career Center. Broward Advisors for Continuing Education (BRACE) adviser Shari Bush said she advises students to attend visits, especially for colleges they are interested in.

“These visits are valuable for students because not only is the admissions [representative] going to share information with them about the school, new programs and how to get in, but they are the person dedicated to South Florida and Cypress Bay,” Bush said. “These representatives are extremely knowledgeable, so it is the perfect time for students to ask any specific questions they have.”

Visits occur throughout the school day. Bush takes notes at each college visit and sends them in an email to all students in case they were unable to attend.

“I know these meetings may be at inconvenient times for students since they occur throughout the day, so I take notes at each visit and email them in case anyone missed a meeting they hoped to go to,” Bush said. “I also enjoy learning more and more about each school every year.”

As seniors begin to wrap up applications, Bush said students may attend college visits to have any final questions answered before they must

submit. She added students can find these sessions beneficial to helping them in the college application process.

“It is vital for seniors to attend [these visits] as they are getting ready to press the submit button on their application and obtain any last minute information and get some quick tips,” Bush said. “While [seniors] are in the thick of it, this is a great resource to have where they can ask the college directly.”

Senior Jason Blum said he has attended college visits for schools he has applied to and for those he is interested in attending.

Blum said he believes these meetings are important because they give students an extra layer of information and an ability to speak face-to-face with admissions counselors.

“Going to these visits has given me unique insight on individual schools, what they offer and their application process, which I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else,” Blum said.

Even though visits are mainly held to help seniors as they are in the midst of the application process, underclassmen are welcome to attend college visits as well.

Bush said she believes these visits are beneficial for students of all ages.

“Underclassmen are able to get information about the school, find out if it’s for them, and get the benefit of hearing the questions seniors are asking so they know what they need to do going forward,” Bush said.

Junior Maddie DeLuca said attending these visits motivated her to continue doing well in school, so she can meet

PHOTO BY KARLA SOBERON

NEXT FOUR: Juniors and seniors gather in the College and Career Center as Yale University representative Jill Carrera speaks on behalf of the admissions department. Carrera informed participants on the application process along with the programs and scholarships available to the students.

the standards of universities, including the University of Florida and Tulane University.

“Hearing the requirements of each school made me feel stressed, but it motivated me to continue working hard, so I can meet all the necessary stats,” DeLuca said. “Going to these visits made it seem so real to me.”

Being a junior, DeLuca said she thought it was beneficial to go to college visits, so she could find out about each school before she sets her goal on any specific one.

“Hearing about each school’s strong programs and extracurriculars they offer helped me to find out where I would fit best,” DeLuca said. “I’m planning on touring a few schools, so this made it easier to decide which I should make an effort to visit.”

After many years of being a BRACE adviser, Bush said she is always eager

to meet new admissions counselors and establish connections with them as to benefit students at the Bay. “The most important part of my job is forming relationships with these admissions counselors from all over,” Bush said. “Not only can they have a good understanding of Cypress Bay, who we are and what our students have to offer, but I get to advocate for our students if I have a good relationship with them and am knowledgeable about their school.”

Blum said these visits get him excited to see what the future holds and for his college years. After attending the visit to his dream school, the University of Florida, Blum said he felt more confident and eager to hear back from them.

“Going to these visits gets seniors excited for next year and to hear back from schools,” Blum said. “It makes college feel more real which can be nerve wracking, but ultimately is very exciting.”

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Club bonds through team exercises

BY ILYSSA MANN

Officers and members of the Bay’s Student Government Association (SGA) spent the morning of Sept. 15 participating in team building exercises and activities to bond with fellow students. The annual retreat was held at Hunter’s Pointe Park in Weston Hills. Junior and Human Resource Manager Jack McMahon said this event helps SGA members connect outside of the classroom.

“It’s really cool that we have this event at the beginning of each year because, I think it sets us up for success for the rest of the school year,” McMahon said. “It forces us to go outside of our comfort zone and build a strong connection with everyone. It becomes useful in our future projects because we’ve made this foundation for our relationship already.”

“

I think the event is useful because it’s a time for everyone to meet and spend time with one another, it brings everyone together, and forces us out of our comfort zone.

“

-Senior and First Vice President of SGA Callie Carpinteri At the event, members were split up into teams and competed in various games, including tug of war, capture the whale and water balloon toss. There were also smaller games and events held, such as a dance battle and ships and sailors, which is a game similar to Simon Says where the students try to follow given commands without messing up.

“Personally, my favorite part was the dance battle that happens [in the beginning of] any SGA event,” McMahon said. “It truly makes me feel like I’m part of a big family, as we all laugh and dance.”

The event split the students into ten teams based on different colors that ranged from orange to purple. Different officers and members were assigned to be captains of a team.

“The teams were a great way to randomly assign members and it furthered the point of the retreat which is to get everyone to meet one another,” McMahon said. “It was really fun making the team names too because we got to be really creative with them.”

SGA adviser Danielle Nascimento oversaw the event to ensure that the students planned everything. However, she said the students were the ones who really ran the event and made it possible.

“I definitely think the event is important [because] it’s a tradition that the older people look forward to,” Nascimento said. “I think it’s definitely important for people to start meeting each other since they’re going to be working with [one another] over the year.”

Nascimento said the students oversaw creating the event’s schedule, collecting supplies, developing games and planning lunch. The students also set up tents, distributed information about the event and reserved the location.

“The students are in charge of the whole thing, so the responsibility is everything,” Nascimento said. “They learn in SGA how to put on events and projects, and they’re applying those skills by putting together the retreat.”

Senior and First Vice President of SGA Callie Carpinteri worked with other students in Human Resources to set up and run the event. Carpinteri was in charge of bringing supplies to decorate her tent and getting her teammates something to wear.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SARAH GIBSON

GO TEAM: Student Government Association members sit in their assigned color as they cheer on their team members during the club retreat. The event took place at Hunter’s Pointe Park in Weston Hills on Sept. 15. There were several different activities including tug of war and water balloon toss.

“I enjoyed these responsibilities because it was fun to work in a more creative, bright way when decorating the tent and [dressing my] teammates,” Carpinteri said. “It felt really rewarding to see the end result.”

With an organization of over 130 members spread across four classes, Carpinteri said it is difficult to meet everyone involved. However, she said events like the retreat facilitate the daunting process of getting to know everyone.

“I think the event is useful because, it’s a time for everyone to meet and spend time with one another,” Carpinteri said “The event brings everyone together and forces us to step out of our comfort zone to do something fun.”

Carpinteri said her favorite part was the team building activities at the retreat and hopes SGA will create more at the

event in the future.

“I think the games helped us bond with one another, but I would add even more games designed to help us get to know each other better, and not just have activities meant to get us to work together,” Carpinteri said.

McMahon said the retreat helped members meet and reconnect with one another. He said it was a great way to spend a morning with friends outside of the classroom.

“What I like the most about the retreat is the competitiveness of everyone, as everyone wants to win,” McMahon said.

“It brings out this sort of fierce attitude, and it allows us to break down emotional barriers that would otherwise make it difficult to bond with one another.”

Blood drive furthers scientific research PR MANAGER

To fund further research for the Zika virus, the Bay hosted a Blood Drive on Sept. 13 and 14, where over 150 teachers and students donated blood. The drive was done through the company OneBlood, which has several mobile buses based throughout the state where the drawing takes place. Future Medical Practitioners Club adviser and teacher-behavioral support specialist Nori Suarez said she was surprised by the drive’s large turnout.

“Being the first blood drive of the year, we were not expecting as much participation from the students as we did; this has set the standards for the future drives of this year,” Suarez said.

“Although our club is not fully set up yet, our members put in an abundance of efforts to advertise the drive.”

Suarez said donating blood is beneficial to participants since a free check up is included before that informs them about their iron levels, cholesterol and blood pressure.

“It never hurts to get a free checkup to see how the body is doing, and if for some reason someone does not meet requirements after the check up is done, knowing what went wrong is super beneficial when going to the doctor,”

Suarez said. “Donating is super easy and can only help the body out.”

Each donating session took about an hour and a half so students needed a pass signed by their teacher in order to partake in the event. Junior Sydney Ure said she thought the process was long, but she knew it was for a good cause.

“The donating took longer than I expected, and I ended up missing some of my eighth period,” Ure said. “The line for the bus was only a couple students long when I went, but it felt like an eternity. I was so nervous and it was so hot outside that I hoped the experience would be worth it.”

“

Not only was I donating blood, but I was making a major change to the community.

“

BY KARLA SOBERON

-junior Sydney Ure Participants in the blood drive received free shirts and snacks. Junior Jack Ross said that these items make giving blood an even better experience.

“It seems very elementary to want something as simple as a shirt, but it did make the experience more worth it

PHOTO BY KARLA SOBERON

CAUGHT RED-HANDED: The Blood Drive took place on Sept. 13 and 14, with the “Big Red Bus” parked behind the Student Government Association room.

Over 150 students and teachers participated in the drive.

in my opinion,” Ross said. “Although last year they gave out pizza, this year’s donation was still a fun and memorable experience.”

Ure said she donated because she takes any opportunity to help out another person and was excited by the possibility of her blood eventually saving a life or contributing to a study.

“I love helping other people because I like the idea that I can impact a life in the easiest ways, but this experience was so unique to me,” Ure said. “Not only was I donating blood but I was making a major change to the community. Ever since [I participated in] the Blood Drive, I will 100 percent be at the next drives the Bay hosts and try to bring my friends to participate too.”

Like Ure, Ross said he was happy to participate in the Blood Drive for the second year in a row because it was a rewarding experience and plans on encouraging his friends to participate in the drive, as well as donating his own blood to future drives.

“I do a lot of charity work in general, but this experience is second to none; I am unable to describe how good it feels to know that my blood is making a difference in another person’s life,” Ross said. “Some people make a big deal about getting their blood drawn, but it is only a little prick on the arm, and the nurses help maintain a calm atmosphere on the bus to prevent stress.”

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College Night simplifies application process

BY LAUREN PABIAN

ONLINE NEWS EDITOR

To inform students and parents about the college admissions process, Broward Advisors for Continuing Education (BRACE) Adviser Shari Bush hosted the annual College Night. Bush held these sessions on Sept. 13 for juniors and seniors and Sept. 20 for freshmen and sophomores. To accommodate all students, BRACE adviser Ysabella Herrera ran additional sessions in Spanish.

“College Night is one of my favorite nights of the year,” Bush said. “Seeing parents walk in with worried faces and walk out seeming much more confident and collected makes me feel like I’m doing my job by helping these families stay calm as they begin this process.”

Bush said the goal of College Night is to reassure students and parents who are taking on the seemingly daunting application process. She said she hopes that by informing them, it will simplify applying to college.

“The presentation is always overwhelming since it’s so much material and information at one time, which is the exact opposite of what we’re trying to do,” Bush said. “Many students and parents are here to absorb information, so we hope to make them feel more comfortable.”

Over 700 people attended each night of the event. Bush said she decided to split the meeting into two nights due to the large number of attendees and the different topics she wanted to discuss for upper and lower classmen.

“In the past we’ve seen that we can’t get everybody in, so we decided to change

it to be two nights,” Bush said. “Also, it allowed for all of the material to be more geared and appropriate for each specific group.”

Bush and Herrera presented a PowerPoint which contained information on the college admissions process including essays, test scores and Florida schools. Bush said she tried to include as much information as she could without overwhelming parents and students.

“I know how stressful it can be for students to find out information about each of the pieces of the application, such as finding your fit and knowing what the schools are looking for, so I am here to answer all of these questions and more,” Bush said.

Senior Josie Clancy said she chose to attend College Night since she wanted to learn more about the essays and the overall application process, which she is currently going through.

“There are so many aspects to this process, and it has become very overwhelming to keep up with everything,” Clancy said. “College Night was extremely informational and made me feel better about the overall process, but hearing about all of the stats of students admitted to certain schools made me nervous about where I will get [accepted].”

Clancy said she is eager to take this new information and use it to her advantage when applying. She said she appreciates Bush’s work to help students understand the many aspects of college admissions. “l am now more informed on the

PHOTO BY DREW ROACH

APPLY YOURSELF: Broward Advisors for Continuing Education Adviser Shari Bush informs students and parents on the college application process. College Night was hosted on Sept. 13 for juniors and seniors and Sept. 20 for freshmen and sophomores.

different types of applications, the average scores required by certain schools and exactly what each university is looking for,” Clancy said. “I’m so glad I went and would for sure recommend other students to go, since it will help me so much when I start applying.”

Karen Gibson, junior Sarah Gibson’s mom, said she attended College Night to stay up-to-date with any changes to the admissions process. Gibson said she wants to ensure she stays informed because the process continues to evolve throughout the years, “I’ve attended two College Nights in the past with my older daughter, and even though it was tempting to just review Mrs. Bush’s PowerPoint online, I thought it was important that we made sure we were knowledgeable about this process,” Gibson said. “Going to this event also helped motivate us to start thinking about the process as it is quickly approaching.”

Gibson said she felt overwhelmed, yet excited when she began imagining

all of the opportunities available for her daughter.

“Attending helped make the process feel more real and got me excited to see what the future holds for Sarah,” Gibson said. “I think Mrs. Bush offers so much energy and information, and it is useful for students and parents to be reminded about what tasks are required for college applications and all of the resources [the] Bay offers to help get through it.”

Bush said she believes this year’s College Night was a success as it helped inform students and parents. She said she hopes to continue to serve as a resource throughout the college application process.

“There’s a lot of confusion about the college application process and how to navigate through high school, so the point of this evening is to clarify both of those,” Bush said. “I’ve gotten great feedback from both parents and students and am eager to improve [College Night] for future years.”

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Marine Corps educate potential recruits

BY GOWRI ABHINANDA

The United States Marine Corps Recruitment team set up a trailer at the Bay on Sept. 5 to inform students about the process of joining the military.

Sergeant Jose A. Vasquez, a Marine Corps recruiter, said the purpose of the event was to raise awareness about the Marine Corps. He said joining the army at a young age changed his life for the better, and he hopes he can give that same chance to other young adults.

“The kids here have an amazing opportunity to join us,” Sgt. Vasquez said.

“We were not just here to recruit students, we were here to help out Cypress Bay as a school as well.”

The trailer had a physical fitness station, which included a pullup competition and a gun simulation. Freshman Eva Ventrella said she enjoyed the simulation because it showed her what it’s like to be a Marine.

“It was awesome; they taught you how to hold, aim and shoot,” Ventrella said. “I also loved watching students doing pull ups. It’s a way to prove yourself to others.”

Sergeant Joane Gray, a career liaison in the Marine Corps, spoke with seniors and juniors at the event to inform them about the different career opportunities available through the Marine Corps.

She said it was important to encourage students to join because the Marine Corps can help them grow as people and gain confidence.

“There are so many opportunities and jobs available to become a successful person, and this is what I hope kids got from this event,” Sgt. Gray said. “More than 300 jobs are available, and the wait times to get processed are a case by

case scenario, but it’s all worth the wait because the memories are great.”

Sgt. Gray informed students about the recruiting process, jobs, education and scholarships. She said she made sure to offer information about the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corp scholarship, in which students can receive a $180,000 check accepted by any school that offers the scholarship.

“It’s a huge deal, and it’s awesome having your hard work paid off,” Sgt. Gray said.

Ventrella said she was excited to see the recruiters at school, as her family has a long line of members who have served in the military. She said she was pleased to see other students learning more about the opportunity and becoming interested in joining.

“The Army and Navy are like family and to be part of the Marines is even better,” Ventrella said. “You learn life lessons on the way, go places and do things a lot of people have never done.”

Sgt. Gray said there are many misconceptions about joining the Marine Corps, such as the large amount of work and the lack of social activity. However, she said she aimed to inform students at the event that this is not the case; in fact, she said she loves the freedom granted as part of being in the Marine Corps.

“There’s a lot of incentive, they give paid leave, and we work regular 9 to 5 shifts,” Sgt. Gray said. “The big takeaway is the conviction that, ‘Yes I can be something.’”

Sgt. Gray said the Marine Corps shatters many of society’s labels because anyone can join no matter race or gender.

She said she believes this an important

PHOTOS BY GOWRI ABHINANDA

SIR YES SIR: (From top) Marine Corps Sergeants inform students about opportunities through the Marine Corps at the recruitment event on Sept. 5.

Students participated in strength competitions and gun simulations, exposing them to tasks of an actual Marine.

message she tells students while She breaks the double standard for female recruiting. soldiers out there. Just do it; anyone can “Anyone can be an asset to us be a Marine.” regardless of their gender,” Sgt. Gray said.

“My colleague is short, but she’s a beast.

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LIA classes help inform elementary schools

BY RACHEL ALEXANDER Latinos in Action (LIA) has been a

class offered at the Bay for many years which entails biweekly visits to local elementary schools, including Eagle Point and Manatee Bay, to empower Latino youth through college and career readiness.

Students must apply to be accepted into LIA; due to the overwhelming amount of applications in years prior, the class extended to form an affiliated club called Latinos in Action Beginnings.

Students in LIA have been promoting the new, service-centered club through the use of social media.

“

The vision for this year is to take advantage of the resources we have in our community. We provide a platform for people to put themselves out there and have the opportunity to change to the world.

“

-senior Leyla Feiz

“The vision for this year is to take advantage of the resources we have in our community,” Senior, LIA and LIA Beginnings President Leyla Feiz said.

“We provide a platform for people to put themselves out there and have the opportunity to change to the world.”

Class members get assigned an elementary-aged student that needs help in the classroom. Class and future club member junior, Carolina Garcia said she worked with a student that was struggling in school last year, so she felt inspired to reinforce the idea of the importance of school and tutored him until he improved.

“For this boy, focusing and paying attention in his class was difficult and this caused him to not enjoy school,” Garcia said. “Helping him, showed me that I have a passion for helping kids succeed in the huge world they live in.”

LIA expanded to accommodate 40 students in each period since only four periods are available and there has been an even greater amount of students interested in the course than in previous years.

“Speaking another language gives you a huge benefit and allows you to help so many people by listening to new perspectives,” Feiz said. “By extending the class we have more hands on deck and more opportunities to take advantage of what LIA has to offer.”

In addition to visiting elementary schools, the class and club organizes toy drives to raise money for various causes to give back to the community.

“Two years ago, we did a toy drive and it opened my eyes to the direct impact I can have on my community,” Feiz said.

“It showed me from that day forward that this is what I wanted to lead and it was amazing to see how we all came together as a community to donate toys.”

Feiz said when she originally joined the class two years ago, she didn’t know

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LEYLA FEIZ

THE FAMI(LIA)

(From left) Latinos in Action officers seniors VISITS FAU: Abigail Orduz, Sofia Serna, Daniela Quintero, Leyla Feiz, Arianna Rivandeneira, Aranzta Antonorsi, Valentina Villarroel, junior Ana Rubin and senior Isabella Restrepo visit the Florida Atlantic University football field while attending their annual conference.

what it entailed and only ended up joining after a meeting she went to because she had no ride home from school that day.

“I listened in on the meeting and loved what they stood for and it was a class that would push one’s limits in the aspects of self-growth,” Feiz said. “I was always very shy and had a lot to say but didn’t want to voice it because I didn’t know how until I joined LIA and later became President.”

Three years ago, LIA teacher and adviser Sgt. Maj. Cruz said he heard about LIA being an initiative from the White House to address the educational disparities faced by the Hispanic community. Sgt. Maj. Cruz said after finding out only 16 percent of Hispanics graduate from college in the U.S., he was motivated to take action and

evoke a change in the lives of Hispanic community members.

“I decided to teach LIA [at the Bay] and become the club adviser because it seemed like a great opportunity to help my fellow Latino brothers and sisters,” Cruz said. “[LIA] is a unique club because they are geared to not only do community service, but also mentor and tutor [other students].”

Garcia said she joined the class and club because she loves helping the kids and the club gives her additional opportunities to help individuals.

“LIA has impacted the way I view other cultures,” Garcia said. “[It] has taught me who I am and who I want to be. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities the program provides to give back [to my community].”

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y t i l a n o s r e p h t i parking w Senior parking spot decorations allow upperclassmen to express themselves on campus.

BY NYAH HARDMON FEATURES EDITOR

For senior Zachary Fishman, morning car rides to school are never spent alone.

During each trip, he is accompanied by his twin sisters: Taylor and Kylie. Because the trio has shared their car for the past year, Fishman said it only made sense that the triplets also divided their senior parking spot among themselves.

“I share it with my siblings who are also seniors here,” Fishman said. “We purposely decorated the spot so that each of us had a specific part that was ours.”

The Fishman’s collaboratively executed their vision on Aug. 11 when they partook in the senior spot decorating event on campus. Their spot is separated into three sections, each portion a different color: purple, green and blue.

The siblings said they based the design of the spot off their mutual love for bright patterns, completing the look by writing their names in the segment that correlated to their favorite color. The back of the spot is dedicated to the component that connects the triplets: their last name.

“The three of us came up with the idea together,” Fishman said. “ We divided it into sections so that each of us could have our own part of the spot.”

Fishman said the personalization of subsections of the spot allowed the siblings to make the spot special to them in unique ways. He believes senior spots can speak volumes about the students who own them, offering a glimpse of their character. By dividing something that all three of them shared, Fishman said they were able to convey their individual identities.

“Senior spots represent who you are as a person,” Fishman said. “It is a piece of art that expresses a person’s personality.

Others can learn about a student’s favorite color or what that student is interested in just by looking at their spot.”

Fishman said he had been looking forward to designing his parking place since his freshman year on campus.

He said the tradition is a way for underclassmen to step up and officially take on the role of an upperclassman.

“All throughout high school, you see other seniors having their own individual spot and you wish you had one too, so I was excited to finally have my own spot,” Fishman said. “It was special because it was one of those events that only happen once and mark the beginning of senior year.”

While Fishman connects to his spot through his familial relations, senior Stefanie Assakawa said her parking decorations relate to her culture.

“I knew that I wanted to incorporate my nationality into my spot,” Assakawa said. “I had the design for what I was going to do since I was a freshman.”

Assakawa’s spot is divided into two sections. The first section features the image of the Japanese flag, a nod to her heritage. On the other half, the Brazilian flag is displayed, as Assakawa is also half Brazilian.

“It represents how one half of me belongs to Brazil while the other half is rooted in Japan,” Assakawa said. “Even though it’s only two pictures, it holds a lot of meaning.”

The spot next to Assakawa’s belongs

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LEXI GLADSTONE

PHOTOS BY NYAH HARDMON

MAKE YOUR MARK: (Clockwise from top left) senior Lexi Gladstone bedecked her spot with her last name surrounded by paint splatter. Senior Stefanie Assakawa integrated her dual nationalities into her space by painting the Brazilian flag on one half of the spot and the Japanese flag on the other half. She said the parking spot enabled her to express her ties to both countries. Senior Zachary Fishman shares his senior parking spot with his twin sisters. The front of the spot is divided according to the siblings’ favorite colors while the back of the spot is labeled with the trio’s last name.

to her friend, senior Julian De Oliveira.

Since both girls are Brazilian, the pair formulated a way to represent their shared nationality by dividing their national flag between their two spots. The half of Assakawa’s space that portrays the Brazilian flag connects to De Oliveira’s spot that exhibits the other half of the image.

“With the design, I’m able to express both who I am as a person and also my friendship with Stef,” De Oliveira said.

“It shows my bond with her and my home country.”

AP Studio Art Drawing and 2D Design teacher Amiee Sarajian said the decorating tradition is an excellent way of getting students to summarize who they are in a fun way. She said the process is a way in which students can use creative expression in a practical application.

“Students are essentially designing a

logo for themselves and others,” Sarajian said. “It incorporates techniques that I actually teach like package design or logo design into a practical and relevant situation.”

Sarajian said that while artistic talent isn’t necessarily required to participate in spot adorning, she can tell which spots were done by those with backgrounds in art because their creativity and learned expression shine through.

“Some spots definitely show a great appreciation of art,” Sarajian said. “I think it would be interesting for them to appropriate a famous art style or movement in their design.”

Although Fishman said he also noticed the more intricately decorated spots like the ones Sarajian mentioned, he said he does not believe elaborate designs are requirements for this form of selfexpression.

“I’ve always appreciated art, but I don’t think you need [an] artistic background to decorate a spot,” Fishman said. “It only matters what it means to you.”

Sarajian said she agrees that the spots hold different levels of importance to different people, as they represent students’ distinct ways of choosing how they want to claim their space on campus.

She said this provides a sense of belonging to the school, allowing students to make their mark and imprint their “visual voice” on campus.

“I enjoy seeing the diversity of students express themselves visually,” Sarajian said. “When I park on that end of campus, I get to see all of the beautiful parking spots. It brightens my day, and I’m sure it does the same for the students and other faculty.”

14 THE CIRCUIT

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OCTOBER 2018

Teachers use engaging classroom techniques ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR

From personating characters in novels and creating handmade clay pencil holders, Creative Writing teacher Joyce Seigel said she enjoys utilizing alternative techniques toward teaching. She said one of her favorite assignments was having students create sock puppets.

“I just use them as props sometimes when the moment moves me,” Seigel said. “Sometimes I use them to express different emotions or sometimes I actually play characters in whatever we’re talking about.”

Along with the crafts, Seigel said her humor and voice separate her from other instructors on campus. She said her creativity and comedic abilities in and out of the classroom enable her to conquer daily challenges.

“My reliance upon my sense of humor gets me through different obstacles that may be a problem if I didn’t have the sense of humor I have,” Seigel said. “I have never been able to balance my checkbook but I’ve always been creative.

I think that’s something I’ll wear on my sleeve for a long time.”

One of Seigel’s students and junior Rachel Levitz said she loves having Seigel as a teacher. She said her teacher’s personality and creativity make the class more entertaining and eccentric.

“She has a unique way of teaching that makes learning from her not only fun but interesting,” Levitz said. “I love the way she teaches because it makes the class so

much more enjoyable.”

Levitz said Seigel’s unconventional teaching methods and keen ability to spark creativity in her students makes her an unforgettable instructor at the Bay. “I like that she inspires us to write and encourages us to let our feelings out on paper,” Levitz said.

“

She has a unique way of teaching that makes learning from her not only fun but interesting. I love the way she teaches because it makes the class so much more enjoyable.

“

BY SABRINA BLANDON

-junior Rachel Levitz Similar to Seigel, United States Government teacher Hana Casey said she enjoys livening up her classroom and create meaningful bonds with her students.

“I feel like I’m very compassionate about the [students’] backgrounds,” Casey said. “With that in mind, I feel like I understand them better.”

Casey said she prefers to treat her students like friends, showing that she respects them and understands more of what they are going through as teenagers in high school.

PHOTO BY SABRINA BLANDON

PUPPET MASTER: Creative Writing teacher Joyce Seigel invents characters and stories with handmade puppets for her students. By using her puppets, Seigel said she adds a flare to her teaching methods.

“Many of my students think that I’m different from other teachers because I understand them more and I respect them,” Casey said. “I feel like I can understand what students are going through, so I speak to them as a friend and not a teacher. I want them to consider me as both.”

Junior Isabella Gomez said Casey is an amazing teacher to have as a study

hall teacher because she can relate to her more and she feels Casey genuinely cares for her students.

“She has a teenage spirit and she actually cares about her students,” Gomez said. “She’s not like any other study hall teacher. She uses the hour and a half to help us improve ourselves.”

OCTOBER 2018

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Activities pave pathway to careers

BY JESSICA SOBEL ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For senior Larissa Sallowicz, an emergency eye surgery served as a turning point in her life. While she said other kids her age wanted to become astronauts or chefs, her positive experience at the hospital initiated her desire to become a doctor.

“My time [at the hospital] was as good as it could have been due to the doctor on duty,” Sallowicz said. “The way the pediatric surgeon spoke to me and comforted me is one of the many reasons I want to become a pediatric surgeon. I want to be able to provide other kids with the same care I received.”

While Sallowicz’s interest in the medical field began when she was young, she said it was not until she joined the Bay’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program that she knew she wanted to turn her dream into a reality.

“Participating in HOSA built my passion for the medical field by giving me a taste of the exciting knowledge I would be studying,” Sallowicz said. “At such a young age, [HOSA] reassured me that being a doctor is something I truly wanted to do.”

Health Science teacher and HOSA Adviser Carol Warnock said it is important for aspiring health professionals, such as Sallowicz, to get involved with the program. Through competitions and the Allied Health Assisting Program, she said HOSA gives students a structural and educational background on many medical careers.

“Whether a student wants to be a veterinarian, a dentist or a doctor, HOSA provides with them the resources they need to be successful,” Warnock said.

“The program allows them to network with people who have similar interests and teaches them how to prepare themselves for their futures.”

Beyond the medical knowledge obtained in HOSA, Warnock said students develop important characteristics through several volunteer opportunities.

“When somebody wants to become a healthcare professional, one of the main qualities they need to possess is altruism, or having a sense of giving back to the community,” Warnock said. “[Therefore], in HOSA we offer a variety of activities to promote this.”

In conjunction with volunteering, Sallowicz said taking part in regional and state competitions has helped her gain the communication skills pivotal in all medical careers.

“HOSA competitions have taught me how to speak publicly and network with others. When I first chose to compete back in my sophomore year, I had a fear of public speaking, but through diligent practice, I conquered my fear,” Sallowicz said. “Now, I am far more comfortable working with others, which will be something I have to do regularly in my future career.”

PHoTo suBMiTTeD By laRissa sallowiCz

PHoTo suBMiTTeD By NiCHolas RaMos

GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE: (From top) senior Larissa Sallowicz practices cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the Heart Health Day hosted by the Bay’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) on Feb. 2. Sallowicz said this is one of the many skills she has learned in HOSA that will help her with her future medical career. Junior Nicholas Ramos films a live event segment of the Bay’s Dance Marathon for Cypress Bay Television Production.

Unlike Sallowicz, junior Nicholas Ramos’ passion for broadcasting was not sparked until he joined Cypress Bay Television Production (CBTV) his freshman year. However, he said it has had a significant impact on his life ever since.

“I used to be shy with people, but CBTV made me an extrovert,” Ramos said. “By being in CBTV and Aftershock, I started to learn to become professional and relaxed in front of a camera or in front of [people] when I was interviewing them.”

By pushing himself to acquire more skills, Ramos said CBTV has become much more than a class to him.

“Being in CBTV is not about doing the bare minimum to get a grade,” Ramos

said. “When you are involved, you learn valuable experience that really does help you. It is not just the curriculum, but it is competitions, live events, socials and a family.”

Like Ramos, alumnus Drew Marsh participated in CBTV in high school. From being hired as a Creative Production Intern for the Indiana University Men’s Basketball team to working with professional artist Waka Flocka Flame, Marsh said he has had several opportunities in the media field since graduating from the Bay. “I would not be where I am today if it were not for the CBTV program.

The leadership I had acquired is what prepared me for what could be thrown at me today,” Marsh said. “Whether it be

good or bad experiences, I could not have been more prepared to take them on.”

Through witnessing alumni such as Marsh become successful in the field, Ramos said he is encouraged to continue working toward his goals.

“Seeing alumni succeed inspires me to go and learn even more,” Ramos said.

“It just motivates me and makes me feel as if I can make it in this industry.”

In addition to seeing alumni prosper, Ramos said excelling in various broadcasting competitions has shown him his true potential.

“By winning [competitions], it shows me that I really do have it in me to be in that great career,” Ramos said. “[Competitions] also show you what skills you need to improve on and how you can stand out from the rest of the crowd.”

Through improving CBTV’s content and giving students an outlook on pragmatic occurrences, Ramos said CBTV adviser Taiwo Cummings has impacted him and his desire for television broadcasting. “[Mr. Cummings] gives us an outlook on real-world experiences. He has helped us improve our content and teaches us different techniques that people use in the field,” Ramos said. “He sees the passion people have and he pushes them to get out of their shells and get more involved.”

Similar to Ramos, Sallowicz said she has gained tremendous insight from her multiple HOSA teachers.

“My wonderful teachers have helped me prepare for my future career by exposing me to what it has to offer,” Sallowicz said. “They show me different aspects of the medical field and ensure that I am actively competing and participating in all HOSA activities to expand my knowledge.”

As the Bay’s HOSA teachers have a variety of professional backgrounds, Warnock said they each offer unique perspectives to students such as Sallowicz.

“The knowledge us HOSA teachers have together is an advantage over other schools because we can give students insights into specific things that we have experienced in our careers,” Warnock said. “[Students] ask us questions and they like to hear our stories because it makes it more personalized in the classroom.”

Whether a HOSA student or a CBTV student, Marsh said he encourages students to embrace their failures, as they will lead to growth in the future.

“If it were not for my many obstacles, there is no way I would have been able to grow and learn as fast as I did, and I am continuing to learn and get better every single day,” Marsh said. “If you are interested in pursuing a career in a certain field, but do not have the experience, just ‘do’. Your passion and drive to do more and get better will pave your path to becoming an expert in any field you want to pursue.”

16 THE CIRCUIT

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OCTOBER 2018

Students evolve via academic pursuits

BY KIRSTEN BEY

Throughout her four years at the Bay, senior Lizka Smith said she has evolved into a mature young adult with the guidance of her peers and influence of certain clubs and teachers. After joining certain clubs freshman year, Smith said it shaped her life in multiple ways and helped her become better prepared for her future.

“I think I’ve changed a lot. [During] freshman year, I think I was really nervous about going into high school,” Smith said. “And now that I’m in senior year, it’s chill.”

Since freshman year, Smith said she has noticed a shift from being nervous to feeling more comfortable and welcome on campus. She said this change is due to her increased participation in schoolrelated activities.

“First I joined Habitat for Humanity, and now, UNICEF,” Smith said. “These clubs really helped me be more relaxed at school.”

How have you evolved in high school?

Amanda Bojorquez Freshman “After joining HOSA, I will be able to learn more about sports medicine.”

Jordan Parrs Sophomore “Joining the marching band has made me become aware of the interest I have in the music field.”

“

I think I’ve changed a lot.

[During] freshman year, I think I was really nervous about going into high school, and now that I’m in senior year, it’s chill.

“

-senior Lizka Smith

United States Government and Economics teacher Hana Casey said she has watched as freshmen go from nervous newcomers to grown adults and learn important life lessons along the way.

“Many freshmen are nervous on their first day of high school. They’re uncomfortable being surrounded by tons of older kids,” Casey said. “As they grow and mature, they become less nervous around the school, but they become more nervous about what happens after.

They’re worried about colleges, moving out and everything else that comes with being an adult.”

After many years of teaching at the Bay, Casey said she understands the frustrations her students have of trying to manage their high school courses with their social life. She tries to guide her students by giving them abundant service hour opportunities and chances for homework passes to ease anxiety of applying to colleges.

“The way these students develop is interesting to watch,” Casey said. “From where they start to where they end up, it’s always a journey for them and for me

Gillian Glater Junior “After participating in the varsity cheer team, I learned how to manage my time, which has also helped me evolve to high school.”

Lexi Gladstone Senior “In my senior year of high school, I went from a newbie in SGA to the chair of Lightning Oscars. This is a clear representation of how I have grown throughout my four years of high school.”

GRAPHIC BY JOLIE SONKIN

to see so many of them change over the years.”

Senior Lara Novack said she has experienced this transformation firsthand as she enters her final year with more knowledge and expectations of her future.

“When I started freshman year, I thought it was going to be like middle school,” Novack said. “When I started senior year, now I know what I’m doing.”

Novack said after years of experience at the Bay, she is able to provide anxious underclassmen with words of advice.

“Drama is the worst thing you can possibly do to yourself,” Novack said.

“Get friends who stay out of it. High school is a much better experience if

you focus on your classes and do your homework.”

Novack said she started out nervous to become involved in many school-related activities. However, she said she quickly branched out and joined the chorus, which is now her favorite part of the school day.

“Chorus has become one of the main things I enjoy about coming to school,” Novack said. “I get to hang out with my friends for some time while we rehearse songs.”

Like Novack, Smith said she also utilized after-school programs for her own personal growth. She said she was able to expand her social circles while giving back to the community through clubs like Habitat for Humanity.

“Habitat [for Humanity] gives me something fun to do on weekends and helps me get service hours. It’s really shown me some cool things I can use later on,” Smith said.

Novack said she notices the change in herself throughout high school and how greatly she has evolved as an individual while learning and growing at the Bay. She said her involvement in the chorus has further prepared her for her future.

“Chorus has helped me manage my time better. I know how long I should take doing homework and how long I should practice my songs and still have time to do things I like,” Novack said. “Getting into stuff after school really opens up a lot of possibilities and it’s great.”

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In this issue’s recurring segment that gives students an opportunity to learn more about the teachers they see every day, staffer Sophia Handley interviews Creative Writing and English Honors teacher Joyce Seigel.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I’ve been asked this many times through the years, but teaching for me was an accident. I was in a different industry when I moved from New York to Florida and had to finish my degree from New York Brooklyn College. I took an education course just because it was available at Nova Southeastern University and I loved it. I got my degree, but when I was working in the clothing industry, the company went bankrupt and I needed a job. I didn’t know what to do, so I went and substituted [in teaching] because I had the credentials to do that. I fell in love with the kids, the atmosphere and the opportunity to teach. I went back to school and got the rest of the courses I needed

to start substituting in a thirty-onehundred position, which is a permanent substitute. They were building a new school close to where I was substituting, and the new principal offered me the opportunity to interview, so that’s how it all started.

if not more than I inspire them. I also have learned that we have to appreciate all opportunities in life to learn, grow and stretch our minds. This has given me a chance to do that. I will cherish this field and this profession, as long as I live.

What motivates you to write?

I have been writing since I was born.

I’ve been writing poetry, stories and articles throughout my life. I have all kinds of weird freelance publications.

I wrote a photo novel and it came out in three different languages. I wrote the story which I call Fotonovel and they asked me to construct it on a sixth-grade reading level and then they filmed it with actors. I have written just about anything you can think of, wherever I find the trigger to write.

What other passions do you have aside from writing?

I love watching movies and television. I go through one to two movies a weekend. I don’t see it as mindmushing when you watch television because I see it as being creative. I like to figure out what the ending might be.

I like to laugh and I like to be intrigued.

Good writing works for good TV and film, and I feel like I’m part of the film sometimes. I also write about movies on Facebook and friends of mine say, ‘why don’t you just critique movies and start a blog?’ It’s something I might consider doing because I really love it.

How long have you been teaching, and what have you learned from teaching?

I have been teaching for 35 years, and learned that age is only a number.

Being around students and youth all day keeps you young. They inspire me,

How do you like to incorporate creative writing into your English class?

I think that writing is a life skill

and we have to be creative in all facets of life. We are always artists at work. When we eat, when we think, when we play, when we dress; wherever we are, we’re thinking of imaginative writing pieces in our brains. So, you have to write about any topic you are immersed in.

How will you incorporate your passion for writing in your life after you retire at the end of this year?

I have already gotten a head start on this. This summer, for example, I was sending in poems every day to Blue Mountain Arts, which is a greeting card line, and out of maybe 45 of my submissions, they sent me a contract for one of my poems. I’m going to continue writing poetry for greeting cards and maybe I’ll start my own line. I have always wanted to decorate switch plates that you put on lights, and I have this vision of painting them and writing little lines of poetry on them and then selling them at the art show.

18 THE CIRCUIT

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OCTOBER 2018

Poet publishes personal anthology

BY ALEXIS EPSTEIN NEWS COPY EDITOR

Ever since elementary school, senior Emily Seggio said she has dreamed of writing her own poetry anthology. On June 6, her dream became a reality when she self-published her book, Why We Play with Fire, a collection of pieces that explore her emotions over the past few years.

“I started really taking [my writing] seriously after my eighth grade English teacher told me I had a way with words,” Seggio said. “It just took a little encouragement to give me the push I needed.”

Her anthology explores the reasons behind making decisions. Seggio said this is what inspired the name of her book.

“My collection of poetry was an artistic expression of the human condition, our behavior as individuals and how our choices impact our present and future,” Seggio said. “Choosing to stay in a situation, confront someone about how you feel, be angry or forgive, all of these are decisions I analyze through my writing.”

Why We Play with Fire was published through Createspace, a publishing company that works in partnership with Amazon. Seggio said the joint venture would allow her to get her book out to a larger audience. She also promoted her book on outlets like Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram.

“It’s a wonderful company that helped me to launch my book,” Seggio said. “My book is on shelves all around the country thanks to amazing people who think my book is worth sharing.”

Since most of her poetry deals with issues close to her heart, Seggio said she was nervous publishing a book containing such intimate details of her life. However, she said she discovered her writing connected with many others facing similar life decisions.

“It was such a weird sensation that anyone who picked up my book would know the most intimate details of my life,” Seggio said. “Being able to inspire people through my work has made it all worth it.”

Two months after the release of her anthology, Seggio’s mother and Spanish teacher, Mileidy Milone, said she is incredibly proud of her daughter and her accomplishments.

“The book has been such a success and so many people have reached out to us and said they are excited to read the book,” Milone said.

Since the release of her book, Seggio said her confidence in herself and in her writing has increased. She said she is grateful for the opportunity to publish her writing and encourages other young writers to do so as well.

“My book has helped me not only recognize the value of my writing, but the

GIRL ON FIRE: (From top) senior Emily Seggio hosted a book signing event at her house on July 28 and autographed her poetry anthology, Why We Play With Fire, which came out June 6. She started her book when she was in eighth grade after her Language Arts teacher told her she had talent and a potential to succeed. Forty people attended the event. Friends and family that have known her since she was young came for her most recent endeavor. She said the support she received was heartwarming and inspired her throughout the publishing process to help her chase after her lifetime dream of producing a collection of poetry. She opened the first box of her books as soon as they arrived in the mail. She said she was ecstatic to see the finished product in person because she had worked so hard to achieve it.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY EMILY SEGGIO

importance of sharing and communicating Both Seggio and her mother said they your story with others, because they may were hesitant when deciding whether or be experiencing something not to publish the book similar,” Seggio said. “I hope since Seggio’s poetry to inspire my readers and is based off of her peers to follow their dreams personal experiences. and take risks as the feeling However, her mother you get out of it is amazing.” said she thought it was Like Seggio, Milone said a great opportunity for she also noticed an increase her daughter to learn in her daughter’s self esteem and grow. after the positive feedback she “As a parent, I received from readers. believe that we should “So many people have let our kids spread their crossed her path and admired wings and fly,” Milone her talent,” Milone said. “The said. “This was my way way she’s viewed her power of letting her get out has changed as she now there.” believes [in herself] more.”

Seggio said she is

grateful for all of the admiration she is receiving from her readers and peers and it has made the whole journey worthwhile.

“People I haven’t spoken to for years have contacted me to say how much my book has impacted them and how much they related on a personal level to my poetry,” Seggio said. “That kind of feedback has meant the absolute world to me.”

Looking ahead, Seggio said her passion for writing is undying, thus she hopes to continue writing and eventually publish another book.

“I will never stop writing,” Seggio said. “There will always be new material as long as life continues to keep me inspired.”

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Class of 2017

‘I wanted to do something bigger and have an impact on this world.’

Alumnus Derek Altiery Rodiguez serves in the U.S. Military to defend his country.

BY CHRISTINA PUGLIESE

Alumnus Derek Altiery Rodriguez, who graduated in the class of 2017, said he always dreamed of fighting for his country by being an infantryman- a soldier who fights on foot using handheld weapons. Right after graduating from the Bay, he said he tried to make this lifelong aspiration a reality.

“My whole life, since I was about ten years old, I wanted to join the United States military,” Rodriguez said. “When I was a little kid, I wanted to be a superhero, but when I found out those weren’t real, I wanted [to be] the next best thing.”

After his senior year of high school, when he decided to enlist in the Army, Rodriguez visited a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for a required physical and mental health screening.

However, he was issued a hearing test and did not pass this examination due to an aesthetic auditory injury in his left ear which impacted his hearing abilities.

When he failed, he was denied entrance into the Army.

“I was nervous and I didn’t think I was going to make it,” Rodriguez said. “Them questioning my ear made me more nervous, and I failed the hearing test.”

Rodriguez said this impediment completely obliterated his plans for his future career. Since his childhood fantasy of enlisting in the Army had been shut down, he said he felt lost and unsure of what path to take next.

“When the United States Army told me I couldn’t join, I think it was one of the worst days of my life,” Rodriguez said. “After I had worked super hard to graduate two years of high school in about four months and lose 70 pounds of weight, it was soul-crushing.”

Although it was not his original career choice, Rodriguez said he decided to attend Broward College and study to become a first responder which is the first person designated to respond to any type of emergency. However, he again hit another roadblock because his paperwork was not up to date and the hospital he said he wanted to work for, denied him entry.

Since he was rejected from the hospital, he said he wanted to give his military career another chance.

“I just wanted to pursue my passion of being in the military, so I applied for the other branches,” Rodriguez said. “And I

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY DEREK ALTIERY RODRIGUEZ

MILITARY MUSCLE: (From top) alumnus Derek Altiery Rodriguez participated in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) activities after school while he was a student at the Bay. Rodriguez carries weighted wooden planks across campus in order to improve non-verbal communication skills and strength building.

found out from the Navy, that the Army was never supposed to disqualify me.”

According to Rodriguez, when applying for admission into the Navy, he discovered that his hearing injury was not an adequate cause for being denied from the Army. Rodriquez should currently be serving in Iraq, but due to MEPS’ mistake, he said it cost him a long and difficult year. Now, he is enlisted in the Navy and his next step is to attend boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago.

“It is about two months of preparing for life on a naval ship,” Rodriguez said.

“I’m not sure what they will be doing on the ship because I want to be a combat medic, which will not require me to be primarily onboard a ship.”

Rodriguez said that there are not many classes that can prepare someone for such an intense line of work. However, he did take Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) when he attended the Bay. JROTC Instructor retired Major Mario Ochoa said Rodriguez was a

motivated and dedicated worker who exemplified the key qualities necessary for succeeding in the military.

“He would always be at practices early and stay late,” Ochoa said. “He would show leadership qualities even when he wasn’t in charge. He would try to get the job done and teach other cadets in the process.”

Ochoa said he encouraged Rodriguez to participate in an internship at the United States Southern Command during his junior year at the Bay, where he learned how the joint engineers worked to lead the headquarters of the Southern Command.

“While he worked at U.S. Southern Command, he really wanted to join the Army,” Ochoa said. “And after his medical issue, he continued to work hard and now he is enlisted in the Navy.”

Before attending this internship, Rodriguez said he was unsure of which military branch he would want to join, but after the internship he knew the Army was where he wanted to be.

“JROTC didn’t affect my decision of joining the military, I always knew I was going to join. However, a lot of the time I put into it helped me decide on the branch,” Rodriguez said. “I wanted to do something bigger and have an impact on this world.”

After his denial from the military, Rodriguez said he briefly considered joining the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as he believed this was the closest he could get to being in the Army.

“I thought if I couldn’t join the military I would try to get my foot in the door for the CIA and attempt to be a spy,” Rodriguez said.

Once Rodriguez was accepted into the military, he said he dropped the CIA career path and began figuring out his employment and position.

“My contract to the military is an Enlistment,” Rodriguez said. “I belong to the military from dusk until dawn.”

Rodriguez said he wanted to devote all his time to the military, which is why he chose Enlistment. He said he looks forward to his future in the military and is excited to begin supporting his country in any way he can.

“I genuinely never considered anything besides the U.S. military,” Rodriguez said. “It is all I am; it is all I do.”

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FEATURES Tuition: $49,993

Q&A with a current student

ACT Composite: 28-33

OCTOBER 2018

Undergraduate Enrollment: 18,862 SAT Composite: 1310-1470

Percent of applicants admitted: 24%

PHOTO COURTESY OF HTTPS://COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC) is the nation’s first public university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Cypress Bay class of 2016 graduate Danielle Bush is a junior attending the university, where she is double majoring in public policy and peace, war and defense. She spoke to The Circuit’s Julia Winton via phone call about her experience at the university so far.

Why did you choose to apply and attend UNC? I knew I wanted to go out of the state, but it was going to be a matter of where I got in and where I got some financial aid.

When I was touring schools, UNC stuck out to me because it embodies everything a college should be about: strong academics, fun sports and community service. The weather is great here and they took a lot of my credits from high school so I was able to come into UNC a

year ahead. I knew I would thrive here. I feel like I have really found a home away from home here at Chapel Hill.

What is your advice to freshmen attending the university?

Soak up every minute because four years goes by very quickly. Try new things, maybe join a club or organization that sounds interesting to them. Be open to new experiences because that is really what college is all about.

What do you think is the most unique part about UNC? There is such a comradery in school spirit during basketball and football games. Everyone is decked out in Carolina blue, and I think everyone here is genuinely happy to be attending this university. I have never heard anyone say a negative thing about coming here. It really is what is nicknamed “The Southern Part of Heaven”

because people are so nice and excited about what they’re doing here. They are doing phenomenal things whether it is what they’re majoring in, what they’re researching or what community service organization they are involved in. I think that is the most unique part about the school. Everyone is happy to be there and there is a huge sense of school spirit.

What was the most difficult part of transitioning from high school to college?

In college, you have a lot more free time than in high school so I think the hardest part was figuring out what I can get involved in but not overloading myself at the same time. Also figuring out what my niche would be, whether it was a sorority, job on campus or a student organization. Figuring out where I am going to find my group of friends, and what I am going to spend my time doing because in high school you are very

programmed. You go to school, you go to your after-school activity, whether it is playing an instrument or sports, and then you go home and do your homework.

How have you grown as a person while studying at UNC? I think college in general teaches you to be independent more than anything because you no longer have your parents there to jump in and fix issues or problems you may have. Also, it teaches you time management because it is easy to get involved in tons of different things in school, whether it is Greek life, community service organizations or athletics. On top of that, you’re balancing your academics, so you have to learn timemanagement skills, planning your days in advance, planning when you’re going to study for tests and when you’re going to do homework because it is easy to get off track.

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OCTOBER 2018

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THE THINGS THEY CARRIED

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FEATURING MELANY ESTYR UNO-PEAKE 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, staffer Sabrina Oliveri interviews sophomore Melany Estyr Uno-Peake to discover the meaning behind five items.

Baseball Cap Uno-Peake carries a cap in her backpack every other day. This one specifically is from Washington D.C., where she bought it during a field trip to the city. While she was there, she visited Gallaudet University, a university for the education of the deaf and hard-ofhearing. She said she wears the hat a lot because it reminds her of the kids she met at the university, whom she formed a bond with.

“Most of my dreams are to help others, and this actually reminds me of a moment that I was there helping the deaf kids,” UnoPeake said. “This really reminds me of how I can change lives.”

art pouch Since Uno-Peake is an artist, she said she never leaves home without her art pouch. Providing a place to store many of her favorite metallic Sharpies and pens, she said the case holds a special place in her heart.

Uno-Peake said she is protective of her tools because it has a huge meaning to her.

“I don’t let anyone touch my pencil case,” Uno-Peake said. “These are things that are off limits for people, and it helps me when I’m feeling down.”

storybook Uno-Peake said she enjoys writing about what is happening in her life, so she carries around a storybook in her backpack for whenever inspiration strikes. She keeps all of her passages and stories in a folder that she titled “Dear Life.” She said she journals because it forces her to express what is bothering her, and helps her attempt to change it.

“I wrote this at a time when life was really overwhelming for me,” Uno-Peake said. “I wrote about how all of this was affecting me and the way I was feeling. It does help me feel better to just write about it.”

colorful reminders Uno-Peake keeps colorful sticky notes in her bag as constant reminders of her tasks and intentions. She said she feels more organized when she plans out her goals.

“It’s a way for me to set up a goal for this year, and keep myself on track of what I need to do in school and in life,” Uno-Peake said.

favorite book Uno-Peake was gifted the book, “A Life That Matters: Inspiration and Encouragement for Living with Purpose” by Kimberley Woodhouse from her friend. She said the book helps cheer her up, so she keeps it with her throughout the day as a quick pickme-up whenever she has the time to read.

“I read a chapter per day,” Uno-Peake said. “I find a way to relate it to how I am really feeling about life and my issues right now.”

“

These are things that are off limits for people, and it helps me when I’m feeling down.

”

-sophomore Melany Estyr Uno-Peake

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OCTOBER 2018

f n e v a n r e l l k a n j a k

seen

campus

BY SOPHIE GAER LAYOUT EDITOR

With the start of the school year comes back-to-school shopping, including not only the purchasing of new outfits, but also new backpacks. Recently, students have been sporting the Fjallraven Kanken, a backpack that is frequently seen around the halls of the Bay. The bags contain multiple pockets and functional features that make them different from ordinary backpacks.

Sophomore Juliet Bell said she appreciates all of the features the bags offer.

“When I was getting ready to come back to school, I was looking all over for the perfect backpack. I’ve heard of these before, so I checked them out and ended up really liking them,” Bell said. “They’re really cute and functional at the same time because they have a lot of compartments to easily store your things.”

Fjallraven Kanken backpacks are originally from Sweden. United States History teacher Timothy Petraitis said he has a greater appreciation for these

Sophomore Jamie Keller

backpacks not because of how they look, but because of where they are from.

“I’ve been going back and forth to Sweden since I was around 14 years old, and seeing the backpacks around every time I went made them special,” Petraitis said.

While on his frequent trips to Sweden, Petraitis said he tried to look for a backpack, but he had difficulty finding one. When he finally received one of his own, he said it was truly meaningful.

“When I went to Sweden, I looked all over through the outlet shops and couldn’t find one,” Petraitis said. “So when we got home, my daughter gave me one as a gift which made it really sentimental.”

Over the past few years, the Fjallraven Kanken backpacks have become more well known in the United States.

Sophomore Jennifer Blardonis said her Fjallraven Kanken was a must-add to her wardrobe and complemented her style perfectly.

“When I saw these backpacks, I knew I immediately had to get one because they’re so useful and trendy,” Blardonis

Senior Madison Liebman

said. “I like trendy brands, and when I found this one, I was excited to add it to my list.”

While Blardonis said she loves the bag partly for its popularity, Petraitis said he does not like the backpacks as much now since they are not as unique.

“I like the backpack a lot less now that it’s trendy,” Petraitis said.

“When I first got it, it wasn’t a trendy thing, but now that [the United States] has discovered it, I appreciate it less because I’m not into trends.”

According to the product’s website, the idea for the backpack developed out of a want for a bag that would mix well with nature.

The founder, Åke Nordin, said he wanted to create a bag that could hold a lot of gear, but still sat nicely and comfortably on the back.

Although the vision of the backpack

United States History teacher Timothy Petraitis

was to inspire consumers to experience nature, students at the Bay utilize it for different reasons.

“The backpack is extremely comfy and allows me to carry all of my school supplies with no problem,” Bell said. “I am able to fit everything comfortably and it is really easy on my back.”

Sophomore Jennifer Blardonis Sophomore Colton Tanner PHOTOS BY CIRCUIT STAFF

OCTOBER 2018

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Families reunite in foreign countries

BY JESUS RIVERO

Some students at the Bay utilize their time off during summer vacation to venture out of the state, or even the country, returning to their hometowns. Sophomore Gabriela Merino said her summer visit to Ecuador allowed her reminisce among her family and friends.

“It is my home country and all my family lives there. I moved [to Weston] when I was one year old,” Merino said. “I love hanging out with all my friends, my aunts, uncles and cousins there.”

Along with spending time with her family, Merino said she likes to make the most of her vacation by exploring the country, like road tripping to Casa Blanca, a beach not too far from Merino’s hometown.

“I went to the beach, but I live in Quito which is the capital, so it takes about six hours to get to the beach in a car,” Merino said. “The car ride to Casa Blanca, was super fun.”

Since most of Merino’s family lives in Quito, she said she enjoys seeing them as often as she can while there over the summer. She said it’s important for her to see her loved ones, especially her grandma who was in recovery from a fall.

“I was mostly excited to see my grand-

trying to make it up to him.”

Because it was the first and last time Dohi would see her family until next summer, she said they tried to squeeze a year’s worth of memories into two months.

“My crazy big family always does this thing where we rent a whole wing of a hotel and we just have the time of our lives for a weekend,” Dohi said. “Trying to do everything in the short amount of time of two months was not an easy task, but it was fun to accomplish.”

Similar to students, faculty members, such as Geometry teacher Lauren Bender PHOTO SUBMITTED BY GABRIELA MARINO also returned to their roots. Bender said she aspired to relive her glory days of life PERU-SAL: Sophomore Gabriela Merino spends her summer break visiting in New York by being with her family extended family in her hometown in Quito, Ecuador. and visiting sentimental places like the ma because she is sick and she fell,” Me- scuba dived. We also walked around the Storm King Art Center. rino said. “When me and my mom went, forest of Sao Paulo,” Dohi said. “We usu“This summer, I visited all my family we noticed that she was recovering well ally do all these types of activities when and old friends,” Bender said. “I stayed and she was the happiest I’ve ever seen we go to Brazil because that is stuff we up there for one week. I was excited to her.” can’t do at home.” visit all my favorite places.”

Like Merino, sophomore Camila Since Dohi had not been to Brazil in Even though Bender ventures to her Dohi said she ventures to her hometown over two years, she said it was important roots each year, she said she looks forto partake in adventures. She said she for her to visit with her cousins whom she ward to the yearly trip and to seeing her traveled back to Brazil for the first time had not seen in a while. family and friends back home. in years to reconnect with her family and “I missed a lot of my cousins growing “Going home is really fun. Visiting go on exotic excursions. up, so I was trying to catch up on that,” my family and friends was a great expe“I went to Brazil where we went on Dohi said. “I missed one of my cousin’s rience,” Bender said “I try to go annually, all these family trips to the beach and we graduation from medical school, so I was and each year is a new adventure.”

Campus programs provide experience

BY HANNAH ZIFRONY FEATURES / ONLINE OPINION COPY EDITOR

During the summer break, junior Alexa Mazloff continued her education across the country while attending an academic program at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). She said this opportunity was a life changing experience where she studied at her dream school and made long lasting memories.

“My program at UCLA really opened my horizons to new experiences,” Mazloff said. “I truly learned so much from my program this summer.”

Summer programs allow students to take classes during their time off from school at colleges they may be interested in attending in the future. Mazloff said her program increased her love and passion to attend UCLA one day.

“UCLA has always been my dream school,” Mazloff said. “Living on campus for two weeks gave me a better sense of the campus and the surrounding area, making this school an even more desired option for me.”

Mazloff took classes in a variety

of subjects, such as law and college prep, during her time at the university. The program allowed her to handpick the courses she deemed interesting.

“I have always had a strong passion for law,” Mazloff said. “This program allowed me to take courses on my dream campus in my dream major.”

Many colleges host programs such as this one to allow students the chance to live on the campuses of major universities.

Weston advisor for West Coast Connection, a company that specializes in touring teens across the country, Ira Solomon said these pre-college programs are one of his company’s most popular choices for summer adventures.

“High school students love to attend on-campus summer experiences through our company,” Solomon said. “We feel as though these programs offer the closest thing to a college experience a high school student can find during their summer break.”

Along with summer programs, students also intern for major companies and local figures. Senior Callie Carpinteri interned for a Florida Governor Candidate Philip Levine.

“Politics has always been something

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY HANNAH ZIFRONY

LA LOVE: Junior Alexa Mazloff explores Los Angeles with her new friends.

Mazloff met students similar to her while pursuing her studies at the University of California Los Angeles.

that I find extremely interesting, so interning for Levine this summer gave me special insight into the process of running for such a high position in government,” Carpinteri said. “I learned more in my weeks working for Levine than I could ever even imagine.”

Carpinteri worked with Levine throughout her entire summer. She said she helped the candidate campaign for the upcoming primary election, and she worked in his campaign office assisting with anything his campaign team needed.

“Although Levine lost the primary elections, being involved in the whole process taught me how much hard work really does pay off,” Carpinteri said. “It

showed me everything I need to know about the process of running for governor, or being involved in political elections in general.”

While Mazloff and Carpinteri both attended academic programs during their summer, Solomon said summer experiences are not just for educational purposes, but they are for the memories made and the impacts left on the students in the end.

“Our number one priority is to give each and every child attending one of our programs the summer of a lifetime,” Solomon said. “We strongly believe that these programs will allow for just that.”

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IN WITH THE

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NEWNEW OCTOBER 2018

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YEAR,

OPPORTUNITIES Students search for new experiences in everyday life.

BY CASSIDY SHELDON MANAGING EDITOR

Whether it is solving puzzles or deciphering mysteries, AICE Thinking Skills teacher Lisa Herron said she is always searching for new opportunities to expand her knowledge. Earlier in her career, Herron said she aspired to become an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). While she did not become an agent exactly, she now is teaching an FBI-related course at the Bay: AICE Information and Technology.“I applied to be an agent years ago and was very close to becoming one, so I’ve always had an interest in that area,” Herron said. “I also have a background in computer science, I minored in it in college, so when this opportunity opened up, it kind of just fit right in.”

The newly offered course focuses on computer software and cyber security, tying in how the FBI utilizes this to investigate security crimes. Herron said she is excited to be teaching new material and to be training potential FBI recruits.

“I am looking forward to seeing how we integrate more of the FBI material because right now we are in the introductory material,” Herron said. “I am looking forward to integrate what we know with actual cases with the FBI because the students could potentially use these skills to get them an internship which could lead them to a job with the government.”

Since the curriculum has never been taught at the Bay before, Herron said she and her students are still working

out the kinks. However, she said she and her students are grateful for this experience and learning opportunity.

“We are just figuring it out as we go because it is a brand new course, so we are having a good time learning it,” Herron said. “The kids are learning a lot and I am learning a lot too.”

Like Herron, senior Nicole Straight said she started her year off with a load of advanced responsibilities. As the Student Government Association (SGA) President, Straight said this leadership role has led to a lot of undertakings like preparing for Homecoming and other school-wide events. However, despite the to-do lists, she said she is pleased with her position.

“Having all of the responsibilities that I do, it is actually really stressful.

I keep a list of everything that needs to be done and keep checking it off as the days go by,” Straight said. “I really like what I am doing and the opportunities I have as president I enjoy.”

Through her role this year, Straight said the presidency has enabled her to partake in even more activities around the Bay. She said the confidence she has gained from this experience inspired her to take action around town as well.

“Being SGA President has been really great so far. It has given me more opportunities to get involved in other things,” Straight said. “I was able to host my own town hall this summer after the shooting at Douglas and I have had more opportunities to make new friends with everyone in SGA.” With Homecoming week and pep rally around the corner, Straight said she feels overwhelmed by all the

tasks she needs to complete. However, she said she knows it will be worth it in the end once she sees her peers enjoying the spirit days and dance.

She said she hopes to leave a positive legacy in SGA come graduation time.

“The stress can be kind of hard sometimes, but you just push through it and wait till the end of the year when it’s all worth it,” Straight said. “What motivates me is leaving my mark on the school and in SGA by the end of this year.”

Similar to Straight, senior Katelyn Malone said she aspires to leave a lasting impact on the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students whom she has been working with this year through her peer counselling class. Malone said she had been searching for a way to work with these kids when she discovered this opportunity at the end of last year.

“I love engaging with the ESE students because they are the most kindhearted individuals, and I had always wondered if there was a class that involved this,” Malone said. “Signing up for classes last year, I asked my counselor if there was an opportunity to do so and there was. I’m so happy I asked because it’s the best class yet.”

After starting the class this fall, Malone said her favorite part of her day is talking and working with the students. She said she is thankful for this chance to give back to her community and help make the ESE students smile.

“I love the feeling of making them happy and talking while walking the track or doing other activities to hear about their day,” Malone said. “Since

the beginning of the school year, I’ve gotten to know them so well. Just from them being so sweet to seeing their smiles makes me so happy.”

From teaching how to shoot hoops to arts and crafts activities, Malone said it is empowering to help the students learn and grow. While working alongside the students, Malone said this rewarding opportunity has taught her something new every day.

“I always try and teach them new things I know they aren’t so familiar with like teaching how to shoot a basketball,” Malone said. “Seeing how happy they are to see me or to do things, motivates me to want to have fun with them and teach them new things. I’m looking forward to more laughter and fun moments.”

Herron, like Malone, said she strives to find new opportunities in everyday life simply by stepping outside of her comfort zone and trying something different. She said she believes it is important for students and adults to continue searching for new experiences in life and to always continue learning.

“My new year’s resolution, which I have kept for the last 15 years, is to do something different, so I just try and find new opportunities every day,” Herron said. “I always love to learn something from the kids and even if it’s a subject I’ve taught before, they bring something new to me every day and I learn something new from them all the time.”

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JUST KNEEL IT

Nike’s advertisement with Colin Kaepernick sparks controversy and sales.

Usually when commercials interrupt television programs they become ignored and unnoticed until the program returns to broadcast. However, Nike’s latest advertisement during week 1 of the National Football League’s (NFL) season stirred up just as much attention as the games themselves. Nike’s commercial featured multiple high-profile athletes such as Lebron James, Serena Williams and Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick’s appearance was a rare circumstance that Nike boldly approached. Although Kaepernick hasn’t actually played for an NFL team since the 2016 season, his career on the field and actions off of it still remain as topics of controversy almost three years later.

During the 2016 NFL season, Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the National Anthem was in response to a variety of racial injustices and police brutality in the United States. Kaepernick drew a significant amount of protest from fans and viewers, including the President of the United States. Although people took offense and objected Kaepernick, many people, including myself, backed him as a brave promoter for justice, racial equality and the first amendment.

During Kaepernick’s leave from the NFL, the buzz and controversy over the issue died down, until Nike decided to use the ex-Quarterback in their Just-DoIt advertising campaign. Kaepernick’s appearance in the ad included the line: “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” This dialogue directly refers to Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the National Anthem, which eventually cost him his job and future career in the NFL. Nike not only resumed the controversy over Kaepernick’s 2016 actions, but it also joined him against the protestors opposing him. Nike received a great amount of support as well as some disapproval, highlighted in videos of upset consumers burning Nike products. I not only respect Nike’s bravery for risking its business in support of Kaepernick, but for also remaining loyal to him over the years. Every team and organization in the NFL have turned on Kaepernick’s on the field talents and off the field charisma, in fear of receiving backlash, but Nike boldly kept him and used him on sponsorship despite the risk.

Nike and Kaepernick have both used their wide platforms to support issues that are subject to controversy, which is why I respect the two immensely. Neither of them holds an interest in letting the opposing viewpoint of closed-minded individuals control their outreach on their own opinions. Both Nike and Kaepernick have risked significant economic opportunities in order to stand up for what they believe in.

The impact these two have made is existent in our local communities, in which high school varsity players are given an additional responsibility to either use their platform to express opinions similar to Kaepernick’s or his opposers.

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Boys’ golf team drives into its mid-season

BY BRIAN KESSLER SPORTS EDITOR

The Bay boys’ varsity golf team began its 2018-2019 campaign 5-4 including wins against South Broward High School, West Broward High School, Nova High School, McArthur High School and Everglades High School. The Lightning have six more matches left on its regular season schedule before regionals and states.

“The team has been playing pretty well so far, as long as we hit the fairway we should see success,” senior Justin Fisher said. “We have a long way to go before our season ends, so the team and I are looking to improve our record before the postseason.”

The Lightning’s roster consists of seven players, including two seniors, four juniors and one freshman. The senior captains of the team, Fisher and David McDermott expressed their roles in leading the team on and off the course.

“Since I’m a senior captain, it’s my responsibility to show the younger players on the team basic tips to play better and get more comfortable playing for the team,” Fisher said. “The younger players on the team have been showing great

improvement and consistency in their game.”

During its home games and practices, the Lightning play at Weston Hills Country Club after school. Practices last around two hours, in which the team works on improving its chipping and putting.

“Practices are incredibly helpful in improving our game and bonding with the rest of the team,” McDermott said. “If there was one thing the team has to work on it’s improving its long putts. Once we’re on the green, we should finish in two putts maximum.”

As well as the senior captains on the team, the Lightning’s Head Coach Steve Evans leads and manages the team throughout the season. This is Evans’ second season as the head coach, in which the team reached regionals to close its 2017-2018 season.

“Coach Evans is a great and knowledgeable golfer, and he helps prepare us significantly to succeed on the course and in life,” junior Matthew Norman said.

The Lighting’s average score throughout its first nine regular season games is 45 through nine holes. The team’s individual score leader is junior

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ETHAN GAEr

JUST TAP IT IN: (From left) freshman Devin Pabian, junior Matthew Norman, junior Ethan Gaer, senior David McDermott, senior Justin Fisher, junior Tomas Quilaqueo, junior Juan Gonzales and Head Coach Steve Evans gather at Weston Hills Country Club on Sept. 26 prior to the Lightning’s match against West Broward High School.

Ethan Gaer, with an average of 42 through nine holes.

“The team’s success this season has come from a wide consistency of great play and healthy internal competition,” Fisher said. “All of the players on the team compete to achieve their best score every game.”

As the team reaches the second half of its season, it aims toward its goal of reaching states. Last season, the team wound up one spot out of states, which

fueled its fire this season.

“Our main goal from the start of the season is definitely to reach states and give ourselves the potential to win,” McDermott said. “Coming up short last season was a huge motivator this year.”

The Lightning returns to the course on October 4th against Cardinal Gibbons High School, in which the team will look to improve its record in order to make a push for states.

Lightning basketball approaches tryouts

BY JAKE MILLER AD DESIGNER

With the Boy’s basketball team tryouts scheduled for Nov. 5th, players are training to secure their spot on the team for the upcoming season. According to Varsity Coach, Jason Looky, it takes a special set of skills to make the team, including hard work and dedication.

“Some skills that [the coaches] look for in students that are trying out for the team include their ability to make smart plays in addition to knowing how to play the sport and what it means to be a part of a basketball team,” Looky said. “Students must show maximum effort and as much dedication as possible to ensure a spot on the team.”

In the pre-season, Looky trains the team to keep all the players in shape. He said this helps the players stay focused and maintain their strength.

“The team and I are in the weight room three times a week, in addition to the conditioning we do three times a week,” Looky said. “The team mainly tries to work on their agility, which includes practice techniques such as short and long distance running and workouts.”

The Lightning have secured the district championship title four times in a

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ZACH COHEN

BOUNCE BACK: During the Lightning’s 2017-2018 season, former player Isaiah Kirby completed a one-handed dunk against the team’s rival Western High School. Kirby’s play went on to be one of the Lightning’s most replayed highlights of last season. The team will hold its tryouts in November in order to replace Kirby as well as last year’s seniors.

row, and Looky said the team hopes to win that title again. However, he said the win will not come without adversity.

“There will be a lot of new faces [this season], so it will definitely be a challenge,” Looky said. “We won’t know ex-

actly what to expect until about mid-November and we won’t know exactly what we are working with until about January.”

Sophomore Ryan Clancy said he is setting his goals high this season and hopes to accomplish great things. He said

his main objective is to be in the starting lineup.

“Before the season starts, I am trying to train and get to the gym every, single day. I go the gym to play some pickup basketball and overall, to lift weights and condition,” Clancy said. “Additionally, I have been attending all of the pre-season practices that the team has been having.”

Like Clancy, sophomore Jared Foster is hopeful to make the team again this fall.

“I feel excited for tryouts, especially this year because it’s a new year and a new beginning,” Foster said. “The team as a whole is really trying to accomplish a lot this season.”

Foster said he enjoys playing for the Bay because of the coaches and the overall atmosphere.

“I am excited to play for the team next season if I make it this year,” Foster said.

“Being able to play with new members of the team allows for good opportunities for team bonding. It also implements responsibility and adversity.”

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Lightning football catches stride

BY CHLOE WAIN AD ORGANIZER

As the Bay’s varsity football team begins its season with a 3-2 record, the Lightning are overcoming a major transition with a new coaching staff. For its first game of the season, the Lightning traveled to Cooper City High School and recorded a 23-20 victory.

“I think we played great in the second half to come back and win,” Head Coach Joshua Shapiro said. “I think the blocked field goal midway through the fourth quarter sparked our energy tremendously and our players realized what needed to be done in order to win the game.”

For its first home game and third game of the season, the Lightning played Pembroke Pines Charter on Sept. 14, while recording another win by a score of 56-0. Assistant Coach Carlos Menendez said the team did well overall and was able to keep the opponents from scoring.

“As a whole, I think defensively we played very well and we were well prepared,” Menendez said.

The Lightning’s first loss of the season was against Plantation High School on Sept. 1 by a score of 46-6. At halftime, the Lightning were losing 7-3. Junior Andrew Tannir said the team should not have given up as many points as it did, which resulted from small errors.

“At the end of the game, we had many mistakes such as turnovers and missed tackles that cost us the game,” Tannir said. “During the game, it is easy to shake off those mistakes and go to the next play, but they add up once the game concludes.”

PHOTO BY SOPHIE GAER

BLUE 42:

The Lightning defense lines up against McArthur High School’s starting offense on Aug. 17 at the Bay’s home field. The team fell to McArthur 35-0, which brought its record to 0-1. Coach Joshua Shapiro said he hopes to get more players involved and improve on last season’s record.

The Lightning dropped it’s second game of the season 42-20 on the road against Miramar High School on Sept.

28. Menendez said the team was not as prepared mentally as it had been in prior weeks.

“The previous two opponents being Pembroke Pines Charter and Coral Springs High School were not as difficult to match up,” Menendez said. “I believe the team overall learned what it is like

to work together on a higher and more physical level which can prepare us for future games.”

The Lightning practice every day after school for over two hours. During practice the players lift weights, learn techniques and watch films to prepare for the next game. Shapiro said he tries to model a set routine each week to prepare for the next game.

“Our practice schedule is well thought

out,” Menendez said. “Shapiro and I get together every day prior to practice to make sure that we are both getting what we need on both sides of the ball.”

As the season progresses, the players watch film from previous games to make changes to the offense and defense. Junior Sean Pursell said practices are becoming more intense because there are not as many once the season begins.

“Mentality is what has changed the most with the team since the season began,” Pursell said. “As a team, we have a lot better work ethic and we act more as a family.”

Shapiro expressed his goal for the team based on the remaining schedule of the season which is to make playoffs and record a winning record.

“Besides winning, I would love to see how many of these players we can get out and go play college football that want to,” Shapiro said. “Obviously, you always want to win and you do everything to try and win.”

The Lightning return to the field on Oct. 5 against its rival, Western High School. Menendez said there is no need to motivate the players because of its rivalry and the team is seeking revenge from last year’s loss.

“Since it is my first year as a coach, I do not understand the rivalry as well as the players do, but the players have already advised me on what to expect,” Menendez said. “The boys are very excited as well and hopefully we can come out with a win.”

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WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM

Varsity teams hold annual tryouts

BY GOWRI ABHINANDA

in her abilities to make the team after practicing to perfect every dance move As the Lightning baseball team began and chant. their season, players began prepping for the tryouts on Sept.6 and Sept.7 at the Vista Park baseball field. Senior Tyler Consistent workouts Goldberg expressed the physical and and practices are key mental commitment it takes to make a to reaching a level of varsity team at The Bay. “Consistent workouts and practices physical shape that is are key to reaching a level of physical required for an incoming shape that is required for an incoming player. player,” Goldberg said.

Along with the physical capabilities, Goldberg said it is important for players -senior Tyler Goldberg to exhibit professional demeanors and “I prepped by practicing the cheer and maintain a positive mindset. This could potentially determine who makes the dance till I knew it by heart and I could do it while smiling and staying sharp,” team.

“A player with a good attitude and Vargas said. “It’s pretty exhausting and discipline is the type of athlete that the it’s a lot to remember but once you get it, coaches are looking for during tryouts,” it doesn’t go away and it’s part of you and it comes naturally.”

Goldberg said.

Like Vargas, sophomore Summer Similar to the baseball team, the Lightning girls’ cheer team conducted Steere and freshman Frankie Alvarez tryouts in preparation for the upcoming prepped for cross country tryouts which Varsity and Junior Varsity (JV) football were held on Aug. 29 at Vista Park. To season. Freshman Grace Vargas said she make the team, Steere and Alvarez had to was nervous about trying out since the complete a two-mile trial run along with event lasted an entire week and there were other potential team members.

“Success comes with practice and a only around 70 spots open on the team.

However, she said she was confident great support system,” Steere said. “The

“

PHOTO BY GOWRI ABHINANDA

DREAM TEAM: (From left) juniors Joaquin Monque and Jesus Pacheco work on their pitching skills during the baseball team’s tryouts. The players go through a variety of drills during tryouts such as batting, pitching and fielding.

Most of the tryouts ended in scrimmages, where the coaches are able to see who would be a good asset to the team. The Lightning’s varsity sports teams hold open tryouts to anyone aspiring to join the teams.

two mile trial run makes me feel like I am putting the literal steps for success and it makes me and the team as a whole feel confident. It’s a nice scenic run as well.”

After qualifying for the team, Alvarez said he looks forward to the rest of the season with his teammates. From the start, he said he began bonding with many of his teammates and the cross-country team has become his second family.

“We all have a nice bond and it’s all pretty cool. It’s a huge family,” Alvarez said. “We practice at the beach together and we offer rides to one another even though we just met. It’s that homey feeling that you will always be there for each other no matter what.”

“

Boys hockey team begins new season “Since we lost a good amount of our star senior players this year, we have a void that our new players have to fill,” Andijch said. “We try to incorporate a variety of new team members and returners, so we have an equal balance.”

BY DYLAN SREBNICK SPORTS COPY EDITOR

“

PhoTo subMiTTed by dyLan brandes

PUCKER UP: (From left) seniors Jonathan Galante, Kyle andijch and dylan brandes hit the ice to participate in hockey team tryouts on aug. 30.

last year’s mistakes by being cautious and smart with its new team additions.

“Our team did lack some key skills that would have helped us advance farther towards the finals, so that’s why we are trying to perfect those problems early on this year so we don’t have them again,” Andijch said. “This year, we are hopeful we will advance even farther than we did last year, and to do that, we must be strategic with our decisions moving forward.”

The actual tryouts consisted of scrimmages, drills and conditioning

workouts. Brandes said these tryouts are viable ways of seeing who will be the best fit for the team.

“Tryouts help us to see who can actually handle the sport and who would thrive and do well on the team as well,” Brandes said. “The scrimmages we hold at tryouts are the best ways for us to see who can handle the intensity of real game time scenarios.”

According to Andijch, the team is going to have a lot of new faces this year which should help it add new talent and skill.

Tryouts help us to see who can actually handle the sport and who would thrive and do well on the team as well.

“

The Lightning varsity hockey team commenced team tryouts on August 30th.

For senior forward, Dylan Brandes, the team is hoping to add some more talent and skill to its lineup in order to better its chances to make it to the playoffs later on in the season.

“We had a pretty good team last year, but we wanted to advance a lot farther than we did last year,” Brandes said. “At this year’s tryouts, we are confident that we will select a variety of new and fresh teammates that can add some new talent and skill to the squad.”

Although the team hosts tryouts every year in late August, Brandes said this year’s tryouts feel especially sentimental, being that he is a senior.

“I’ve been on the team every single year throughout my high school career, and I feel even more anxious and excited for this year’s season to kickoff than I ever have before,” Brandes said. “Although it’s kind of sad it’s my last year playing for the team, I feel really confident that this season will be a success and we’ll hopefully advance pretty far.”

According to senior defender Kyle Andijch, the team is attempting to perfect

-senior Dylan Brandes Senior forward Jory Lindekugel said his favorite part about the team’s tryouts is seeing how many people come out, play and show passion for the sport.

“I think one of the main reasons why we always have such good team chemistry is that we all love and appreciate the sport of hockey,” Lindekugel said. “When we look at who we should add to the team, we always take into consideration who shows love and dedication to not only the team, but to the sport as well.”

OCTOBER 2018

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Spectacle at US Open diminishes Osaka’s victory against Williams

The Cleveland Browns are improving in every aspect including on the field

What started off as a competitive match between 23-time Grand Slam title winner Serena Williams and the less experienced 20-year-old Japanese American Naomi Osaka, quickly turned into mayhem.

It was the Women’s United States (U.S.) Open Finals in which Osaka had won the first set 6-2. During the second game of the second set, Umpire Carlos Ramos called Williams for a code violation of receiving illegal coaching. Williams attempted to explain to Ramos that it was a misunderstanding, as she stated, “I don’t cheat to win. I’d rather lose.”

However, Ramos did not overturn his ruling. After losing the fifth game of the second set, Williams smashed her racket out of frustration, resulting in a point penalty which gave Osaka a 15-0 lead in the upcoming game. Falsely believing Ramos had retracted her first code violation, Williams continued to argue with him. She accused Ramos of stealing a point from her, which resulted in him taking an entire game from the decorated American, giving Osaka a 5-3 lead in the second set; two games later, Osaka won the match.

Throughout the past decade, the Cleveland Browns have been the laughing stock of the National Football League (NFL) every season. Whether it is a quarterback catastrophe or an organizational issue, the Browns just have not been able to perform. In fact, they have only won a single regular season game out of its last 32 games played. To put this into perspective, winning eight games over the course of one season is considered average, in which the Browns did not win one game throughout its whole season last year.

While the Browns have been completely horrific in the past, its near future is bright. During the offseason they drafted Heisman Trophy winning Quarterback Baker Mayfield and managed to acquire other big playmakers such as Jarvis Landry and Carlos Hyde.

These players also fit in with the younger players like tight-end David Njoku. The biggest piece of the puzzle that will determine the Cleveland Browns’ success however, will be Mayfield.

Quarterbacks are like the point guards of football. As long as Baker drives the team as he is supposed to, and becomes the leader that is expected to be, there is no doubt that the Browns will improve in the 2018-2019 NFL season. They may even have a chance of contending in the playoffs, which is a huge accomplishment for any NFL team. Aside from the players, the Browns also have a ridiculous fan base who, even when they lost every single game last season, still showed up and showed insane support.

The Cleveland crowd will be influential in some of their home games if they are anything near what they are expected to be. In addition to this, John Dorsey, the Browns General Manager, brings a winning mentality to the locker room and will make intelligent decisions throughout the season that will help the

and women should be treated equally in sports, but athletes should not be measuring themselves based on what they think they can get away with.

As I watched Williams become unhinged, all I could think about was how badly I felt for Osaka. Although the rising player was the winner of the Women’s U.S. Open— making herself the first Japanese person to win a Grand Slam singles tournament— the on-court drama diminished her victory. What should’ve been the happiest moment of her life was marred by the events that took place.

While it was not Williams’ intention, her actions significantly undermined Osaka’s achievement.

Instead of cheering for Osaka, the young girl who fought passionately for every point she earned to win the match, the crowd booed. While the crowd may not have been booing her, she still stood there ashamed. It was Osaka’s dream to one day make it to the U.S. Open finals and compete against her idol Serena Williams; this dream had finally become a reality, yet the joy seemed to be taken away from her. She stood at the award ceremony clearly disturbed with her hat covering her face in order to disguise her tears. All she could say was, “I’m sorry, I know that Bottom Line: was cheering for her and I’m Athletes should inspire everyone sorry it had to end like this.” She turned change, but not at the to Williams and said, “I’m really grateful expense of other players. I was able to play with you. Thank you.”

This was painful to observe. Osaka or any After the match, Williams justified other athlete should never have to apoloher actions by claiming she was advo- gize for his/her successes.

While this match should be rememcating for equal gender rights. She believed the umpire made a sexist call on bered for Osaka’s glorious win, it will the court, leading to her emotional plea. forever be recognized for the spectacle While Williams is undeniably a role that took place. Athletes should continue model as an athlete and a parent, she to use their platforms to inspire change, was wrong in focusing on the fact that but not at the expense of the integrity of males might be able to get away with the the game and the accomplishments of same actions as females. Of course men other players.

FACE OFF

Browns to stay on track. As the Browns are in the AFC North division, they definitely have some formidable opponents to make it past if they want to get to the play-offs.

For example, the Pittsburgh Steelers have star players Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le’veon Bell, as well as an outstanding defense. These are some key elements that may create a major obstacle in the path of the Browns. Also included in the AFC North are the Ravens and the Bengals.

Bottom Line: The Cleveland Browns are finally rising in talent and competition.

While they aren’t the teams that everyone fears around the league, they can still cause some problems. Moreover, these are just the teams in their division, but there are going to be some games that should easy for them to win, such as week seven against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Nonetheless, if the Browns manage to overcome these obstacles, they will be in a good spot to come back into the picture of the “good teams” of the NFL. Despite previous disappointing seasons, the Cleveland Browns are building a new winning culture through draft picks, free agency signees, a new coaching staff and a motivated front office. The rest of the league will have to adjust to actually having to compete against the Browns to earn a victory, instead of taking wins for granted in prior years.

I expect the Browns to win at least six games this season, and make a playoff push at the end of the season to get its fan base excited about its new contender.

Is the JBA a beneficial NO YES addition to the sports When it comes to the debate over the Junior Basketball world?

The Junior Basketball Association (JBA) is now added Association (JBA), and whether or not it is a sufficient stage

to the list of basketball leagues around the world. This league is a bit different from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the D-League and the National Basketball Association (NBA) in that it allows young aspiring athletes to play basketball for their home city.

Lavar Ball, the father of Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball, founded the league. For the most part, it’s for players who can’t afford college and it is a way for athletes make it big. The JBA has only been around for about a year and already has great support. Another aspect of the JBA that the NCAA doesn’t have is honesty. With all the scandals the NCAA has dealt with in the past, such as the Louisville Pitino scandal, scouts are starting to look at JBA players because of their clean play. The JBA attendance is not great, but it will only grow with time. Typically, no arena is filled in the first year, so the low turnout was expected. Once conversation gets going about the JBA by Lavar Ball and his sons, LaMelo and LiAngelo, the fanbase will pick up and the talent level will surely increase as well. The JBA is not only an opportunity for players to earn early paychecks, but also to improve their skills before signing with a professional team in the NBA or overseas. The JBA will only grow with time and it is on its way toward being a big-time league.

-Ethan Gaer

in the transition process from high school to the National Basketball Association (NBA), it is clear that it has not lived up to the hype. Throughout the majority of this year, there haven’t been many fans showing up to the games or getting involved with the teams. Although many people feel that history is on the side of the JBA, it is going to be much harder to attract more players in the future with the numbers that they dragged in. Alongside the attendance deficit, they have not promoted the names of the players involved in the league in a remarkable way. Unlike the NCAA, which has several players whom are known around the country, and even the world, the JBA only has a couple of names that are really talked about, including Lamelo and Liangelo Ball.

In addition, the players of the JBA will eventually realize that they will have a greater chance of being able to support themselves in the future if they take the normal path (NCAA to the NBA), than if they attempt to make if from the JBA (on a terribly low salary) to the NBA. This is due to the fact that there are not nearly as many NBA scouts at JBA games than there are at NCAA games, especially the big ones.

This is important because in the sports world, scouts are everything. For these reasons, the JBA has not, and will not live up to the hype that was once placed around it.

-Robbie Solomon

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OCTOBER 2018

ATHLETES TO WATCH DAVID MCDERMOTT When did you start playing golf?

I started playing gold when I was around seven years old.

What is your favorite part about playing golf?

There’s always something you can improve on. The game is so alluring because it plays with your emotions and forces you to overcome them.

Do you have any pre-match rituals?

I like taking one or two balls and putting a lot before a match. Other than that, I like blasting some music in my car on my way to the match to help get me in the zone.

What keeps you motivated?

I really don’t think too much about motivation. I guess failure fuels me, just because it lights a fire under me to improve my game..

What is your ultimate goal for the season?

Play every shot the best that I can. As for a team goal, we all obviously want to win states. That’s always the goal.

How do you balance school and golf?

Golf is very time-consuming. It’s forced me to get a lot done in a limited amount of time.

-Sophie Gaer Class of 2020 Height: 6’1’’

GOAL: PLACE FIRST AT STATES HEIGHT: 5’11’’ TEAM: BOYS GOLF CLASS OF 2019

REANNE DENNIS

How long have you been playing golf?

I’ve only been playing golf for about two years, but I think I have progressed very well as a golfer in this short amount of time.

How does it feel to make the team as a Freshman?

It feels really good to make the team as a freshman because I know all of the hard work I’ve put in has paid off. It’s so special to make such a small team my first year at Cypress.

What’s your favorite aspect of being on the team?

My favorite aspect is just the experience. I have met so many great people and learned lots of valuable tricks and lessons that I couldn’t get anywhere else.

What’s your favorite thing about golf?

I love golf because one day you could play bad and the next you could do great, and it feels amazing when you play well. You can’t really tell who is going to win the match beforehand, which makes the sport very unpredictable and motivates me to play my best every time.

How did you prepare for this upcoming season?

I have been taking private lessons, going to classes, and playing a lot on my own to improve my game. I also compete in South Florida [Professional Golfers Association] tournaments and other local events.

-Devin Pabian

GOAL: TO IMPROVE HER GAME HEIGHT: 5’5’’ TEAM: GIRLS GOLF CLASS OF 2022

FALL SEASON STATISTICS Varsity Football (3-2)

Girls Varsity Volleyball (14-2)

Boys Varsity Golf (5-4)

Cooper City

W

St. Thomas Aquinas

L

Nova

W

Coral Springs

W

Cardinal Gibbons

L

Pembroke Pines Charter

L

Pembroke Pines Charter

W

Archbishop McCarthy

W

Everglades

W

Plantation

L

Piper

W

Western

L

Miramar

L

South Plantation

W

South Broward

W

Western

W

Coral Springs Charter

W

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OCTOBER 2018

CONTINUING

the arts

IN COLLEGE

BY JENNA FRIEDMAN ARTS & ENT. EDITOR

When junior Paige Sam became involved with the Bay’s Sound of Thunder, she was not sure that she would want to pursue the field of music after high school. However, she said because of her dedication and love for the band program, she now hopes she can get enough scholarship money to go to school for her passion.

“I think colleges are attracted to people who play lesser known instruments,” Sam said. “I play the oboe, which isn’t very popular, primarily so I can get scholarship money. I hope that can help me get more scholarships from schools who want me in their marching band.”

Sam said she believes going to college specifically for band can help her secure opportunities in her future, such as meeting and performing with famous artists. She said she hopes to one day be able to make associations with people in the music industry through the school that she attends. She said she would like to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

“I know that through certain schools, I will be able to make connections, which can hopefully provide me with more opportunities for my future,” Sam said.

Like Sam, junior Charlie Seldin said he would like to pursue his love for the arts by attending a university based on their musical theater program. He said he hopes to maintain his passion as a career after college. “[Arts and entertainment] is definitely what I want to pursue when I grow up because the feeling of getting a smile out of someone is something

I really thrive off of,” Seldin said. “It makes me really happy knowing that I can entertain others.”

Seldin said he was unsure about whether he would continue with musical theater as a profession because mostly everyone in his family went to law school.

He said it was only this past summer at Camp Walden in New York when he came to the realization that he wanted to follow his dreams of being an entertainer. He said his camp friends inspired him to follow his dreams after they discussed their futures together.

“I realized that when I grow up, I don’t want to be sitting behind a desk; my biggest fear is that I will end up doing something I’m not passionate about,” Seldin said. “I know that I can do something more with my life and my love for musical theater.”

Band director Jonathan Dor said he always encourages his students to apply to colleges specifically for their band programs due to high availability of scholarships; he said students may even be paid to be a part of their school’s marching band.

“For band students, there are a lot of opportunities to get scholarships even if they do not study music at the college,” Dor said. “I think if a student is passionate about band, they should go to college for it.”

Dor said going to school for the arts is a great idea for students because he believes it will lead to success in their futures. He said he often encourages students to apply to the University of Florida and Florida State University (FSU) for their band programs.

“If a student is really into band, they should definitely go to college for it because I believe people are more successful when they are doing something they care about,” Dor said. “If music is that passion, they should pursue it.”

Similar to Dor, Seldin said he believes going to college for the arts will open doors for his future. Seldin said he hopes to attend a school in-state for the arts; he is considering the University of Central Florida (UCF), FSU and the University of South Florida (USF) for their musical theater programs.

“I think that there’s a lot of ideologies and bad views towards attending college for the arts and musical theater, but I don’t understand why,” Seldin said. “I believe that college will be the gateway to success for my future.”

GRAPHIC BY AMANDA MORGAN

Rapper’s passing used to advocate against addiction Before rapper Mac Miller’s tragic death on Sept. 7 due to drug abuse, he was not as well known or recognizable as he is today. Miller’s album, titled “Swimming”, was released shortly before his death on Aug. 3, the same date that rapper Travis Scott’s album “Astroworld” dropped.

Although it did get minimal recognition, “Swimming” was not nearly as popular as “Astroworld”, and some people ridiculed Miller for releasing his music on the same day. However, this all changed on the day Mac Miller passed; his album skyrocketed to number one on the top charts as people decided to purchase his music due to his death. Although he did have a supportive fan base while he was alive, the amount of people talking about his music increased once he passed away.

Sadly, the artist was never able to witness his recent stardom. While purchasing his music made the rapper well-known, it does not serve the purpose of advocating against addiction. Instead of buying and appreciating Miller’s album, fans should be spreading the message that drug abuse is a serious issue.

On the other hand, several celebrities such as Elton John, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar performed meaningful tributes to Miller at their own concerts in support of him and to express their thoughts on the issue of addiction. They believe this is a perfect way to honor Miller’s life and death, as it brings light to the seriousness of the situation. Also, these concerts have a large audience, so the message is displayed to many people and could greatly affect someone suffering with drug abuse. Miller had been struggling with addiction for a great amount of time before he eventually overdosed, and many of the celebrities discussed the severities of drug abuse during their tributes to the late artist.

Another way celebrities and fans have honored Miller and his death is through social media platforms. Pop singer and Miller’s ex-girlfriend Ariana Grande posted on her Instagram account a video of them together with a caption including the statement, “I’m so sorry I couldn’t fix you or take your pain away.” Several other celebrities posted about Miller’s passing as well, which is an efficient way to bring attention to the issue of drug abuse and overdose to followers; celebrities’ posts are shared with a large audience due to the popularity of their accounts.

On Oct. 31, several artists such as Chance the Rapper, Travis Scott, John Mayer, SZA and more will be holding a tribute concert named “Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life” at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. The funds from this performance will go towards the Mac Miller Circles Fund, created by Miller’s family and the Pittsburgh Foundation, and will be used to provide resources and arts education to youth in areas where they previously were not offered. This will definitely be a beneficial concert and tribute, as it will end up helping others in the long run while also honoring Miller.

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OCTOBER 2018

Cosmetics establish artistic outlet

BY CHLOE WAIN AD ORGANIZER

For senior Vanessa Renslow, makeup is an outlet to express herself by creating different looks and publishing her art on social media. She said she found her passion for makeup during her sophomore year and developed an Instagram account under the username @vanessarenslowmua. Renslow now posts on this account weekly, and she said it has evolved into more than a just makeup page.

“I consider my Instagram more of a beauty blog that has a center focus on makeup,” Renslow said. “I often post my opinion on certain products, rather than just posting me applying it. I also interact with my followers by talking to them as well, in order to give them a more influential experience.”

Renslow said she discovered her interest in cosmetics when she had her makeup professionally done for a wedding. She said she was fascinated by her transition and how the makeup artist used cosmetics to compliment her outfit.

“I was able to see the techniques and the process of completing a look,” Renslow said. “I became very intrigued in researching more about enhancing beauty through the use of makeup. I researched by mimicking other approaches from makeup artists on YouTube.”

Similar to Renslow, junior Sophie Solarana developed a passion for makeup by watching YouTube videos from Manuel Gutierrez, Laura Lee, and Rachel Cooper.

Solarana has a Snapchat where she posts frequently about different makeup styles and products. She said she used to have an Instagram account dedicated to makeup, but she deleted it.

“I like posting on Snapchat better because I feel more individuals my age are more on Snapchat than Instagram,” Solarana said. “I feel I am getting more people to watch my videos through Snapchat and more publicity as well.”

Solarana said she posts about the

“

Makeup is my passion and what I love to do in my free time; it is such a great stress reliever.

“

-Geometry and Algebra II teacher Evonne Pankowski products she uses for specific occasions, such as attending a formal event. She said she posts her routine by going through each individual product as she is applying the cosmetics to her face.

“I used to not put in my videos what

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY VANESSA RENSLOW

WORK OF ART: Senior Vanessa Renslow started her makeup journey after completing a course at the Academy of Glam in Miami during her sophomore year. With the exposure she received from this class, she recreates different makeup looks and incorporate her own unique style. Renslow has been using her social media platforms to gain attention and support.

I used,” Solarana said. “Many of my followers would continue to always ask me the products I was using, so therefore I began to include it in my videos. I think that by posting these products, people who are not very experienced with makeup can see products that may be suitable for them to use.”

Solarana said she continues to share her knowledge of makeup because of the positive feedback she receives. She said her social media presence has helped her promote her business of doing makeup, which she began in eighth grade.

“People are constantly giving me positive comments on the looks that I complete,” Solarana said. “The more I post, the more people see my makeup, and the more business I receive. Posting on social media has helped my business tremendously.”

During her sophomore year, Renslow completed a course in multimedia makeup at the Academy of Glam in Miami. From October to March, Renslow took night classes three times a week to master makeup techniques, such as

applying makeup to certain areas and creating special effects.

“I wanted to take my abilities in doing makeup to the next level,” Renslow said.

“By going to school, I felt it would help me learn more about different types of makeup as well as completed looks to help me become better at doing makeup.”

During class, Renslow said she learned techniques for keeping her makeup materials sanitary, and she received advice on how to be more efficient by using less makeup. Renslow said the school provided insight on what it’s like to be a professional makeup artist.

“Learning how to complete looks in a fast-paced environment and being able to mix different colors based on skin, eye and hair color helped me the most,” Renslow said.

Renslow said she gained confidence in her abilities, which led her to establish a business through her Instagram and her website. Renslow said she continues to be inspired by the positive feedback she receives from individuals about her makeup.

“Many students [at the Bay] had already found what they are passionate about, which made me search for mine,” Renslow said. “I was fortunate enough to be able to find an extracurricular I enjoy to spend my free time with.”

Before school, Renslow begins her day around 5:30 AM in order to complete makeup that lasts. She said she has used makeup as a stress reliever and a way to express herself throughout high school.

“Makeup is a way I can be creative because nothing is permanent,” Renslow said. “Instead of painting on a canvas, I paint on my face. You can constantly change the way you want to appear to others.”

Like Renslow and Solarana, Geometry and Algebra II teacher Evonne Pankowski said she began to explore her passion for makeup by watching YouTube videos from Jaclyn Hill and Carli Bybel on how to apply cosmetics. Pankowski posts videos of herself doing makeup on her private Instagram story.

“Makeup is my passion and what I love to do in my free time; it is such a great stress reliever,” Pankowski said. “I post my routines to help others and to ensure my followers are confident in themselves in every way possible.”

Pankowski films two different segments on her Instagram: “Face of the Day” and “Before and After” on both her regular Instagram as well as her Instagram story. She said “Face of the Day” shows her own finished makeup look for the day, while she uses the “Before and After” segment to show her clients’ transitions from no makeup to completed looks.

“I love these two segments because it really shows day-to-day looks as well as special looks that I complete on others for events,” Pankowski said. “I feel these segments are the most popular on my Instagram because it shows looks that I have used in the past that have looked good in my opinion.”

Pankowski said she often tries out new makeup products and shares her results on her Instagram. She said she enjoys recommending products she finds useful, such as primer, to help her followers.

“My favorite makeup products include moisturizer and primer,” Pankowski said.

“These two products can truly define specific features as well as highlight them. Any product that can make your face look natural goes a long way.”

Solarana said cosmetics have provided her with a creative outlet. She said she hopes to pursue a career in this field, such as becoming a professional makeup artist or writing about makeup.

“What I enjoy about makeup is how creative you can be,” Solarana said.

“Everyone has their thing, and this is my thing. This is my form of art.”

A&E Calendar Albums

Movies

Concerts

“Bottle It In” by Kurt Vile, Oct. 12 “Masters of the Sun” by The Black Eyed Peas, Oct. 12 “How to Dress Well” by The Anteroom, Oct. 19 “Nuthin To Prove” by Lil Yachty, Oct. 19

“First Man,” Oct. 12 “Bad Times at the El Royale,” Oct. 12 “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Nov. 2 “The Nutcracker,” Nov. 2 “The Grinch,” Nov. 9 “Mary Queen of Scots,” Dec. 7

Kevin Hart: The Irresponsible Tour, Oct. 13 @ AmericanAirlines Arena BearTooth: The Disease Tour, Oct. 16 @ Revolution Live J Quiles, The Fillmore Miami Beach, Oct. 20 @ Jackie Gleason Theater

OCTOBER 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE CIRCUIT

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Drama programs intensify passion ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

After spending her underclassman career pursuing drama at the Bay, junior Kathleen Valiant said she knew the summer between her sophomore and junior year in high school would best be utilized attending a drama intensive.

Valiant spent two weeks at Florida State University (FSU) expanding her musical theater skills, which helped solidify her decision to pursue drama in her future collegiate endeavors.

“FSU is not only one of the top schools for musical theatre, but also one of my dream schools, so I knew I had to audition for this summer program,” Valiant said.

Drama and American Musical Theatre (AMT) adviser Cynthia Lutwin said summer intensives are the perfect course of action for students who are considering pursuing a career in drama after high school.

“Considering it is so expensive and so intense in a period of one or two weeks, I would not say [a drama intensive] is for someone who just thinks drama is fun,” Lutwin said. “It is more for someone who wants a career in drama.”

Lutwin said she encourages her students to look for a university they may be potentially interested in attending someday, then research the programs they offer. Different universities focus on acting, dancing or singing individually, whereas others offer a broader coverage of all aspects of drama.

“A lot of programs are on college campuses, so it is up to the student to reach out to these schools and see what kind of offerings they have, and they can even go online and look this up by searching

for summer intensive theater programs,” Lutwin said. “Finding a school that offers the perfect fit is something that is very important considering the student will spend an extended amount of time there over summer break.”

Senior Kyleigh Jehlicka said although she has not attended one of these programs, she knows that auditioning for one is a serious decision that requires careful consideration.

“I have not auditioned for one of these programs thus far because they are very costly,” Jehlicka said. “Since I’m a senior, I do not have a lot of time remaining before college to take time out of my summer because I am busy doing other things like applying for college.”

“

I became friends with people from all over the country who share the same passion as I do, and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world.

“

BY LUCY CELENTANO

-junior Kathleen Valiant Jehlicka said she has high aspirations to study at a school that offers her enhanced opportunities for drama and musical theater. She said these programs would help her get a job in the field following graduation.

“I definitely want to go into performing, but I don’t want to major in drama or musical theater specifically,”

Photo SUbmitted by Kathleen Valiant

DRAMA QUEEN:

Junior Kathleen Valiant performs at her final show during the two week summer drama intensive program at Florida State University. Valiant furthered her dramatic skills through various activities such as mock shows, improv training and interacting with other drama students.

Jehlicka said. “For this reason, I have not attended an intensive.”

Lutwin said these programs are the most beneficial for the students she has taught for multiple years. She said under the direction of a new professor, individuals can pick up information that she has not yet instilled in them.

“For four years they have me and I give them everything I can like the training and everything I can do,” Lutwin said.

“To have another instructor from another program giving them information as well is an incredible experience I highly recommend.”

Valiant said the instruction she received from the professors at FSU is irreplaceable. She said she cherishes every moment from her two-week intensive.

“The phenomenal professors at FSU

taught me new techniques in the singing, acting and dancing fields,” Valiant said. “Their critique is something I will appreciate for many years to come.”

Valiant said she made lasting relationships with people she would never have met if she did not attend the FSU summer intensive. Gaining confidence in her ability to make new friends among a group of strangers made Valiant feel more comfortable about pursuing drama in college and leaving home.

“Besides the professors, the other students at the program helped me feel more confident and comfortable in the musical theatre world,” Valiant said. “I became friends with people from all over the country who share the same passion as I do, and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world.”

The music in your ears “‘Non Stop’ by Drake is a great song to listen to because it has a great beat and amazing lyrics.

I always listen to it with my friends, and it always puts us in a great mood and gets us really hyped up.”

-freshman Logan Nau “‘Sicko Mode’ by Travis Scott and Drake is a great song. The song really pumps me up and puts me in a great mood.”

-senior CJ Machado

“‘Eastside’ is such an amazing song because it is catchy. Halsey and Khalid are two of my favorite artists at the moment.”

-sophomore Chloe Griffin

“‘Jessie’s Girl’ by Rick Springfield has always been one of my favorites because it’s such a fun song with amazing lyrics that I have been listening to for years.”

-junior Zoe Golomb

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OCTOBER 2018

Band prepares for upcoming affairs

BY SANDRA TALLEDO

To begin the marching band season, the Bay’s Sound of Thunder Band performed at the Falcon Sound Competition on Oct. 6. Senior and flute player Daniel Ramos said band members put in a lot of hours to prepare.

“Sometimes we have full days of practice, but at the end of the day it’s really worth it,” Ramos said. “We’re like a family, and I wouldn’t want to spend my high school career any other way.”

Band members practice every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and sometimes Saturday depending on how much they need to prepare. Senior and tuba player Michael Haves said they will be performing at three football games in October, and they have been meticulously rehearsing for these events.

“

Sometimes we have full days of practice, but at the end of the day it’s really worth it. We’re like a family, and I wouldn’t want to spend my high school career any other way.

“

-senior Daniel Ramos “Wind ensemble is doing a song that constantly changes its timing, so it’s difficult to time and play, but we’re

working diligently to prepare for it,” Haves said. “We have three songs in one show that we have to make sure flow together.”

Ramos said it is important to rehearse before pep rallies and football games so the band can impress the crowd.

He said he is always happy to see their hard work pay off at performances and competitions. He said he hopes they can keep improving their show and continue to grow upon their mistakes.

“We have camps and four hour rehearsals that are tiring, but they are needed to execute these songs so well,” Ramos said. “We’re hoping to make at least top three in these competitions, but that doesn’t come easy.”

In addition to the football games, the marching band will be performing at the national Bands of America (BOA) competition on Oct. 12 and 13. Band director Michael Scott said he believes the marching band has worked hard for this contest and they are thankful to have the opportunity to perform at BOA. “We’ve been preparing, and we have [the BOA competition] soon which we are excited to perform at,” Scott said.

“This is perfect because we get a run through at the football game to make sure everything is running smoothly.”

Scott said he is proud of the band’s preparations for BOA because it is a large-scale competition. He said he hopes the band will continue to have more confidence in their performances this year, as in previous years, they lacked confidence which was evident in their productions.

PHOTO BY SANDRA TALLEDO

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: The Sound of Thunder band practices during class time for their upcoming performances at the Bay’s football games and the Bands of America (BOA) competition. They also hold practices three to four days throughout the week after school and occasionally over the weekend.

They plan on competing at BOA on Oct. 13 at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

“We are in a really good position this year compared to last year when we had just arrived, so we had to rush everything,” Scott said. “This year, we can take our time and take advantage of our fortunate position.”

Scott said he is excited for the Sound of Thunder’s upcoming events because he feels that the members are prepared. Scott

said he hopes they can start the year off strong and set a standard for the rest of their competitions and performances.

“We have a lot coming up in October, and we hope that we can keep perfecting our performances,” Scott said. “We’ll keep adding to the show to make it even better.”

OCTOBER 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Newfound channels gain popularity videos and trailers. He said he hopes to increase the number of videos on his channel.

“Something I want to improve [is] the consistency of content being put up,” Milan said. “This is unrealistic because I have so many classes on top of that and little time left, if any.”

Film and English teacher Gregory Moore said he was surprised by his students’ filmmaking skills on their YouTube channels. He said these channels encourage students to branch out more, but they need to be careful online.

BY SABRINA BLANDON ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR

“

Even though it’s small and there’s barely anything on it, I want to make it better; I’m willing to have good content.

“

When it comes to famous YouTubers, senior Miguel Batista’s favorites are Jacksepticeye and Markiplier. Batista said he wanted to be recognized like his idols which led him to create his own channel, Glitch_01. His channel includes guitar music, animated videos and howto videos for card tricks.

“I really love my channel because it has content that I want, and I feel like I will improve it later to expand the variety,” Batista said. “All those big YouTube stars just made me want to create my own version of content.”

Batista said his channel currently has seven videos so he would like to post more. He said some of his videos are only a few seconds long and he aims to upload longer videos in the future.

“Some of them aren’t that long but I want to upload more, so it’ll become a better YouTube channel and it can appeal to more audience members,” Batista said.

“I like what I’ve been posting because I feel like even though it’s a small thing, it’s important to me somehow.”

Batista said he discovered his passion for creating online content when he recorded his first how-to video of a card trick. He created the video with his friends in middle school.

“It seemed stupid at the time, but it was one of my greatest achievements because that’s when I realized my love for film,” Batista said. “One of the YouTubers responded and that made me really happy.”

Batista said he hopes to further

-senior Miguel Batista expand his YouTube channel to have more content, especially how-to videos.

He said he hopes to gain more subscribers in the future by posting more videos.

“Even though it’s small and there’s barely anything on it, I want to make it better; I’m willing to have good content,” Batista said. “I want to have content that will make people happy to watch, so they respond.”

Like Batista, sophomore Dean Milan also has a YouTube channel, which he

uses under his personal name. Milan’s channel has been up for two years, and it includes music videos and projects from Aftershock, the weekly show of Cypress Bay Television.

“The whole point is just to publish anything I put together for others to see,” Milan said. “I want the audience to enjoy the videos I post on my channel.”

Milan said his channel includes projects from school as well as videos he created just for fun, such as films, music

“I think [the YouTube channels] are good, but they need to be cautious in what they post and view,” Moore said. “Much like anything out on the Internet, they need to be safe.”

Moore said he was impressed by what students had to offer on their own YouTube channels. Some student channels Moore has seen contain videos such as music videos.

“I’m inspired by these students because they are achieving their dreams,” Moore said. “For those who wish to excel in this, they already have a head start.”

Celebrities meet enthusiastic fans

BY GABBY SONKIN ONLINE ARTS & ENT. EDITOR

Ever since she could remember, junior Sophie Solarana had a strong connection to the band Imagine Dragons and hoped for a chance to meet these artists. On Aug. 9, she had this opportunity at a meet and greet before their concert at the Coral Sky Amphitheater in West Palm Beach.

“I felt so special when I was allowed backstage before the concert started, to meet my idols,” Solarana said. “It was surreal to me because I always imagined this day would come, but I never thought it would actually happen.”

In order to receive backstage tickets, fans needed to spend extra money and get their tickets in advance. Solarana said the meet and greet was extremely exclusive because only a limited number of people were allowed backstage to meet the band. After meeting the band members, everyone was allowed to take a picture and receive an autograph.

“I loved how the backstage area was set up because there was a wall blocking the band, so you could not actually see everyone until you turned the corner,” Solarana said. “This made the entire experience more suspenseful and exciting to me.”

Solarana said she has a been a fan of Imagine Dragons since their first album

release in 2012. She said her love for the band’s music made her meet and greet experience more special.

“I find their songs to have such a unique sound, and their music is about things I can relate to,” Solarana said.

“I love that the band never changed too much from their original style.”

On the other hand, junior Charlie Seldin said he was not phased when he ran into former Disney Channel star and current actor Jake T. Austin. Seldin said he remembered Jake T. Austin from the show “Wizards of Waverly Place.”

“Even though I did love the show, I am not one to become starstruck,” Seldin said. “They are just people like us who happen to be talented and express their talent to the world.”

Seldin said he saw Austin at Sawgrass Mills Mall during the spring of 2014.

Austin was shopping with his family and friends when Seldin had this encounter.

“It was an odd environment because I did not expect to see a celebrity walking around the mall I shop at,” Seldin said.

“I just quickly said hello to him and continued my shopping.”

Math teacher Ari Novick said he had the opportunity to meet Maya Angelou, a famous American Poet, singer and civil rights activist of her time. Novick attended Duke University, and every fall, Angelou would give an address to the

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SOPHIE SOLARANA

IMAGINE THAT: Junior Sophie Solarana and freshman Jackie Solarana backstage while meeting the band Imagine Dragons during their concert on Aug. 9 at the Coral Sky Amphitheater in West Palm Beach.

incoming freshman class during their first week at school.

“I was privileged enough to meet with Ms. Angelou before her passing,” Novick said. “I was amazed at her patience when she allowed every student the chance to have a brief conservation with her.”

Novick said he was grateful to meet Angelou because her speeches increased his knowledge of her work and made him value her poems more.

“Her poetry was something I had appreciated when I read it in high school, but after hearing her speak in person, I had a greater respect for her,” Novick said.

Besides meeting Angelou as a freshman at Duke, Novick said he had another encounter with her during his

other years at the school.

“My friends and I really wanted another chance to meet her, so we decided to sit near the parking lot where she usually walked to her car,” Novick said. “We just wanted to thank her again for giving us great advice on our future endeavors.”

Novick said he will always remember these encounters because they had such a positive effect on him and his friends.

“I value meeting celebrities because I view them as stars and find their talents to be very special,” Novick said. “The insight I have gained from meeting such a famous woman will always be important to me.”

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OCTOBER 2018

Gray paint covers up student murals As the new school year approached, the Bay transformed its walls to a shade of solid gray. The walls in the courtyard were previously covered with colorful paint and murals created by students.

Although Principal Charles Scott Neely said the school had not been repainted in 17 years, some students and faculty are not content with the change.

“I’ve heard a lot of my older friends talk negatively about the new gray walls,” freshman Isabella Chiappini said. “Many of them have said that in a way, Cypress Bay doesn’t feel the same.”

Being a freshman, Chiappini said she never had the opportunity to experience the art. She said she was upset that they painted over them right before she enrolled in the Bay. “I was definitely looking forward to the murals; before I came to Cypress Bay, people would always talk about the cool paintings on the walls and how it gave the school a more animated feel,” Chiappini said. “I remember seeing social media posts with the murals in the background and thinking they were really cool.”

Chiappini said she thinks the walls are dull, almost as if the life and color had been drained from them. Even though she was not exposed to the murals often, Chiappini said she believes that older students are upset with the change.

“I had been on campus before officially becoming a student, so I immediately noticed something was off once I walked in on orientation day,” Chiappini said. “I think that since older students were used to having vibrant walls around campus, having them replaced with a monotonous gray color made them feel like something was missing.”

Unlike Chiappini, junior Sarah Gibson said she recognizes that the painting was mandatory. However, Gibson said if it were up to her, she would have chosen to keep the murals on the walls.

“At first, it was a shock to see Cypress Bay without the murals because it is the only way I have ever known our school,” Gibson said. “I do understand that our administration needed to complete the past due paint job.”

The walls were previously covered with geometric shapes and patterns, as well as waves, to represent the theme of the Bay. Being an upperclassman, Gibson said she became accustomed to seeing the colorful walls when she walked outside between classes.

“It feels very different walking into Cypress Bay with all the walls painted gray,” Gibson said. “I feel like the atmosphere has shifted as the decorated walls always brightened my mood.”

Gibson said the walls were more than decoration.

To her, they were a visual representation that made a statement for the school and demonstrated the talents of the Bay’s students.

“The murals were a Cypress Bay signature,” Gibson said. “They served as fun photo backdrops for every occasion and were visually appealing for social media like Instagram.”

The murals were created by former art students at the Bay going into the 20162017 school year. Gibson said she feels bad for the students who took their time and efforts to paint the large murals.

“I am sure the artists feel sad to have their art work covered up,” Gibson said.

“So much thought, creativity and long hours of hard work went into those murals.”

For Band Director Jonathan Dor, the mural in the band room had a greater significance than just a painting. Dor said he was sad to see the mural simply covered up because it was a tribute.

“In the band room, we dedicated paintings and murals to a previous student, Pedro Maldonado, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago,” Dor said. “They should have reached out to us to ask if we had a special thing with the mural or any certain meaning behind it.”

Dor said he was very upset that the band members and directors were not previously told about the paint job that occurred over the summer. There is, however, still a large picture of Maldonado hanging in the band hall.

“At the end of the day, they painted the entire school without really notifying anyone,” Dor said. “We personalized our band room, so it was just disappointing.”

Dor said it feels like the Bay is missing

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DREW ROACH

“

The students here are very creative people, so by painting the school solid colors, it takes away creativity that represents who we are as a school.

“

BY ANNABELLE DANIELS-ROSENBERG GRAPHICS EDITOR

-Band Director Jonathan Dor something without the murals and artistic aspects of the school. He said the paintings represented the involved students who participate in many extracurriculars and more than just plain academics.

“The students here are very creative people, so by painting the school solid colors, it takes away creativity that represents who we are as a school,” Dor said.

According to Gibson, without the murals, there is a deficit of creativeness on the Bay’s campus. She said the school should take action and look at the paint job as a new opportunity.

“I think that the new generation of National Art [Honor] Society students should take on the project of repainting the murals and make new designs to leave

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SYDNEY KRON

PICTURE PERFECT: (From top) juniors Drew Roach, Ashleigh Crane, Sam DeLuca and Sydney Kron stand in front of the once painted school walls. After 17 years without renovations, the murals were covered up with gray paint.

their own legacy on our campus,” Gibson ate a student poll to see how our student said. “SGA could also host a meeting body would best like to see the situation about what to do about the murals or cre- handled.”

OCTOBER 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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J. Cole addresses social issues on KOD Tour

BY CHLOE WAIN AD ORGANIZER

J. Cole, the moniker of Jermaine Lamarr Cole, performed a powerful and energy-filled concert on Aug. 9 at the American Airlines Arena. Miami was the first stop on his major “KOD” Tour.

Prior to J. Cole’s appearance, rappers Jaden Smith, Young Thug, Earthgang and Kill Edward served as opening acts. Actor Will Smith made a special appearance during his son’s set. The two family members sang a duet of “Icon,” which allowed J. Cole to successfully start his set with an energetic crowd.

The show began with footage of impoverished areas across the United States, emphasizing how J. Cole was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The rapper lived in an underprivileged neighborhood, where he suffered from discrimination. The songs in his new album describe his experiences in Fayetteville, which were a central focus of his concert.

His orchestra was hidden in the back of the stage as the opening song, “Intro,” played. This was a great track to introduce his new album as it highlights the overall message of the album: the pain he experienced throughout his life and how he attempted to overcome it. The opening track built up momentum for the performance to come.

The rapper walked on stage after “Intro” with no background music or instruments, just holding a microphone.

As he entered, he began to sing the album’s outro, “Window Pain.” This intriguing introduction was a brilliant way to transition into his opening speech regarding the personal significance of his new album.

The stage design added to the concert by making it more visually pleasing.

Balloons spelling “KOD” hung directly above the stage. Along with the balloons, a tapestry listed the three different meanings of the “KOD” acronym; one being, “Kill Our Demons.”

The rapper kept the show interesting through the use of his music and speeches in between songs. These personal stories did not slow the performance down, but rather added to the momentum. Overall, his monologues highlighted social issues that he encountered during his adolescent years, such as police brutality and racism.

J. Cole’s set was career-spanning, showcasing songs from past albums, such as “A Tale of 2 Citiez,” “Wet Dreams” and “Power Trip.” By performing older songs, he continued to express his gratitude to the audience members who have been fans since the beginning of his career.

J. Cole sang only six songs from his new album, including “KOD,” “Kevin’s Heart” and “Motiv8.” He was extremely energetic by dancing throughout each song and bouncing to the beat. Along with his lively performances, he continued to explain the significance of his lyrics from his new songs. The inclusion of these songs made the concert more exciting and upbeat.

Light fixtures and special effects made the show more visually pleasing and compelling to watch. Often, the colors of the light fixtures changed and flashed based on the beat of the music. The screens on stage additionally provided amusing pre-recorded programs that went in sync with the lyrics of each song. The programs provided more content overall to the show, making it more entertaining.

The rapper finished with one of his highest-charting songs, “No Role

PHOTOS BY CHLOE WAIN

Can’t get enough: Rap artist J. Cole ends his concert by performing his hit song, “No Role Modelz,” on Aug. 9 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.

Modelz.” The song chosen was a perfect ending to a wonderful show, contributing to his animated persona. The lyrics themselves mirrored the concert as a whole, describing J. Cole’s major experiences that shaped his life.

Through the use of powerful lyrics and speeches about his harsh upbringing, J.

Cole successfully achieved a meaningful performance. He was able to compare his compelling music to social issues, such as gun control and racism, which he said was an attempt to empower the audience to take a stand. Overall, J. Cole managed to provide a personal look into his pain and overall life experiences.

The circuiT recommends “Eastside” Khalid, Benny Blanco & Halsey R&B “Eastside” consists of smooth, upbeat and positive vibes, telling a story about a couple falling in love. With its infectious rhythm and groovy beats, this track encompasses everything an uplifting

“BEBE” 6ix9ine (feat. Anuel AA) Urbano Latino

Hip-hop and rap artist 6ix9ine collaborate with Latin rap artist Anuel AA to create an unexpected, upbeat and captivating Latin track. Both artists bring a unique and authentic tone in each verse of the song.

“On My Mind” Jorja Smith & Preditah Indie

The light beat and sweet vocals make “On My Mind” a pleasant and relaxing song. With refreshing lyrics and enchanting beats, Jorja Smith and Preditah sync their talents to share new and innovative music with this track.

“One Kiss (R3HAB Remix)” Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa Dance

R3HAB remixes the original tune of “One Kiss” to make the song full of energy and electronic rhythms. The track contains both catchy lyrics and uplifting beat drops. Overall, the ‘’One Kiss’’ remix is lively and a continuously good vibe.

“Sicko Mode” Travis Scott Hip-Hop

Collaborating with R&B and hip-hop artist Drake, Travis Scott’s track has a unique tempo with multiple beat changes, differing from any other song in his newest album, “Astroworld.”

Both artists have a distinct voice which combine to create the perfect collaboration within the lyrics and tone of “Sicko Mode.”

An ongoing feature that includes lesser known songs by popular artists and songs from up and coming artists.

This month’s playlist was compiled by staffer Hannah Lassner.

“Electricity” Silk City, Dua Lipa (feat. Diplo & Mark Ronson) Pop

An infectious and addicting song that features pop artist Dua Lipa and DJ Diplo, “Electricity” is the perfect track for dancing. The two distinct artists work with producer Mark Ronson to make the ideal pop song with a contagious chorus and

“High” Young Thug (feat. Elton John) Hip-Hop / R&B / Soft Rock Hip-hop artist Young Thug remixes soft rock artist Elton John’s “Rocket Man” from 1972. In “High,” the two vocals of the totally opposing genres combine to create a masterpiece. This collaboration redefines the hip-hop artist’s six-song album titled “On the Rvn.”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER 2018

Picture the Possibilities The Circuit’s staff reviews opportunity-themed movies.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

“McFarland, USA”

BY RACHEL SILVERMAN

BY DREW ROACH

OPINION / ARTS & ENT. COPY EDITOR

NEWS / ARTS & ENT. PHOTO EDITOR

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a 2005 spinoff of the original “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” is a great rendition of the classic story that comically provides a twist on the original film. Taking place on a global scale, Willy Wonka (Johnny Depp) announces the release of 5 Golden Tickets that can be found in his popular chocolate treat, the Wonka Bar. Anyone who possesses a golden ticket, plus one guest, will be granted access to the Wonka Factory for a special VIP tour. This causes a global uproar since the odds of winning are so low. Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore), an underprivileged child, finds the last Golden Ticket. He and his Grandpa Joe (David Kelly) are among 4 other winners and their guests to enter the factory. Once in the confectionary emporium, the visitors are able to experience all of the secrets that Mr. Wonka has in his factory. The unique sweet treats and innovative candy technology help move the plot along. With each creative aspect of the Tim Burton directed, film comes excitement and an advance in the storyline. The special effects in the movie are amazing, and they make the movie seem all the more magical. The PG-rated movie makes use of some borderline frightening scenes that some young children could find unsettling, which is why this rating is a perfect match for the movie. Overall, the film is a great update on a classic movie, and it is definitely worth a watch for viewers of any age.

Based off a true story filled with hope, dedication and determination, “McFarland, USA” is an inspirational movie about a newly-employed coach and his underdog track team. After football coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) gets fired from his job, he packs up with his family of four and moves to the poor town of McFarland, California, in search of another opportunity. Living in a primarily Hispanic neighborhood, White begins his new job as a life science teacher and assistant football coach at McFarland High. While coaching, White witnesses some of his students running at a remarkable pace; White begins coaching the seven boys as a new track team. Throughout the movie, the track team bonds and continues to become more motivated through their practices. Although the movie has a predictable ending, it is intriguing due to its many heartfelt and sincere scenes. Not only was the film directed well, but the actors portrayed a convincing message that new opportunities and determination can lead to impressive results. The characters’ diverse backgrounds drive the plot of the movie by creating unexpected relationships that lead to impactful bonds. As each scene unfolds, the characters begin to not only break through their cultural barriers, but overcome them. In the end credits, the director Niki Caro included real-life pictures of the people represented in the movie, which made it more authentic. Overall, this film is a perfect example of how an opportunity can come out of the blue and end up changing a life for the better.

“Forrest Gump”

“The Wizard of Oz”

BY COLIN CRAWFORD

BY JULIA WINTON

Chronicling the life of a slow-witted yet optimistic Alabama man, “Forrest Gump” is worthy of its praise and recognition. Throughout the film, Tom Hanks remains sincere in his portrayal of Forrest, who finds himself at nearly every historical moment of the 60s and 70s and becomes a national celebrity. Forrest’s heart of gold is evident in his love for Jenny (Robin Wright) that perseveres throughout the years. His enduring friendship with Bubba (Mykelti Williamson) and Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise) with whom he starts Bubba Gump Shrimp shows just how much Forrest cares about his friends. Wright and Hanks did a phenomenal job at portraying Jenny and Forrest’s beautiful relationship, which is depicted as natural and true.

Zemeckis managed to fit in controversial moments of this time period such as Watergate, the Vietnam War and the integration of the University of Alabama. With the use of a black and white filter, it seems as if Forrest Gump had been inserted into a real vintage video. This movie truly is one of the greatest of all time because of its central theme: life can be difficult, but it is important to make the most of it, as Forrest did. He overcame other people’s limited expectations of him, changed the lives of others along the way and never lost his faith in the goodness of human beings. Overall, “Forrest Gump” is inspiring and a cinematic wonder that deserves watching.

“The Wizard of Oz” is a wonderful, iconic movie that follows the story of a girl and her quest to make her dreams come true. When a tornado arrives at Dorothy’s (Judy Garland) home in Kansas, she and her dog, Toto, get swept away to a new and vivid land called Oz. They follow the yellow brick road to meet the Wizard of Oz (Frank Morgan) who can help them return home. Along the way, Dorothy meets the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), Tin Man (Jack Haley) and Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), who all desire something from the wizard. When they do meet him, he sends them on a dangerous journey to steal a personal item from the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton). The classic 1939 movie was one of the first to be produced in color, which was significant at the time because it marked the point in history where movies could be viewed in color, rather than the normal black and white. The actors executed their parts with emotion and purpose throughout, making the movie truly memorable. The family movie features themes of home and friendship to make it a feel-good film. The film incorporates iconic symbols, such as Dorothy’s sparkling red shoes and the Wicked Witch of the West’s broomstick. The characters sing entertaining and heartwarming songs throughout to tell the tale. With famous lines like, “there’s no place like home” and “follow the yellow brick road,” the well-known movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” is a must-see.

“Mighty Ducks”

“Rocky”

BY HANNAH LASSNER

BY REECE KAUFFMAN

The 1992 film “Mighty Ducks” combines both drama and sports all into one. The movie proves that through teamwork, triumph is in reach. Lawyer Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez) is sentenced to coach a young hockey team for community service after getting caught driving under the influence.

Because Bombay was a failed ice-hockey star himself, he is initially reluctant to coach the team full of misfit children. The film includes many comedic aspects when the children appear to have no knowledge of how to skate or score in the rink. Bombay finally becomes encouraged to lead the team to victory; he brings his knowledge and talent onto the rink in hopes to inspire the diverse group. Throughout the film, hard work and dedication motivate the team to succeed on the ice. The young actors who portray the teammates depict the various personalities in the best way possible by portraying emotion and showing the humorous sides of each character. “Mighty Ducks” incorporates humorous and sentimental aspects, allowing for Bombay’s transformation to be the heart of the movie.

Overall, the film perfectly demonstrates the importance of dedication; the emotion and drive represented in this movie add to the powerful message that anything is possible.

“Rocky” is an inspirational movie about an underdog fighter’s journey to fulfill his dream. After the opponent of the heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), suffers an injury, Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) earns the opportunity of a lifetime to fight Apollo. Since this would be a very lucrative fight for Apollo, he wants to give the unknown fighter the chance to compete against him. Although he is out of shape, Rocky decides to train hard to show the world, his girlfriend Adrian Pennino (Talia Shire) and, most importantly, himself, that he can fight and that he is somebody. Rocky initially believes he has no chance of beating Apollo, so he works on improving his skills. Through Rocky’s hard work and determination, the film demonstrates the theme of perseverance. In addition to his great work writing the film, Stallone’s performance of Rocky is exceptional, highlighting the emotion and grit of the fighter. The film was directed incredibly well, with John Avildsen winning the Academy Award for Best Director in 1977. This movie demonstrates a strong message on never giving up no matter what the odds are. Rocky Balboa exceeded everyone’s expectation, including his own. “Rocky” is not only an uplifting movie, but it is also inspiring; therefore, this film is a must-see due to its many positive messages and lessons.

OCTOBER 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

AMT opens curtain for upcoming year

BY SABRINA OLIVIERI

With the school year in full swing, the drama and AMT (American Music Theatre) departments are getting ready for their small-scale events and three main productions. Drama teacher and AMT director Cynthia Lutwin said she hopes her students will be faced with more opportunities in the upcoming year.

“I always hope that students are going to be better performers and more confident; that’s always my goal,” Lutwin said. “They are going to learn even more this year.”

This year, AMT will be performing three large-scale productions in the spring: High School Musical, Mamma Mia and Into the Woods. Sophomore Daniel Parilli, who is in his second year of AMT, said he is extremely thrilled for the shows this year.

“I’m very excited to participate in the show my class is currently working on, which is High School Musical,” Parilli said. “I had a lot of fun last year, and I hope that all shows this year turn out amazing so that our program keeps growing and attracting more people.”

Sophomore Sydney Quildon, who played Ariel in AMT I’s production of

The Little Mermaid last year, said she has set many goals and expectations for her future in the Bay’s Drama Department.

She said she hopes to learn even more this year than she did in the past.

“Some of my hopes are to make people smile and try to expose the community to theatre,” Quildon said. “Maybe some people who didn’t know about us before will see [the productions] and decide to come again or to join our program.”

Auditions for AMT productions are held in class, while improvisation and oneact plays take place outside of the drama classroom. Lutwin said the department’s variety of opportunities allow students to gain important theater experience.

“Every year, there is something different because there are new people always doing new shows,” Lutwin said.

“The students are striving for new parts each year, and that’s why the drama department is never the same.”

Parilli said he has created many new bonds with other students at the Bay due to his experiences in AMT classes and productions. He said he has learned from his classmates and he hopes to continue to grow as an actor this year.

“Throughout the year, I made a lot of friends in my AMT class who have

41 WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM THE CIRCUIT

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SYDNEY QUILDON

FLOUNDERING AROUND: Sophomores Sydney Quildon and Roy De Olivera, playing Ariel and Eric respectively, perform in American Music Theatre (AMT) I’s production of “The Little Mermaid” during the 2017-2018 school year. This year, AMT will be putting on three large-scale productions: “High School Musical,” “Mamma Mia” and “Into the Woods.”

done theatre for years, and they told me that one of the best ways to prepare for an audition is to get as much criticism on it as possible,” Parilli said. “Now, when I have to prepare for an audition, I gather with some friends and we criticize and help each other with our auditions.”

Besides their productions, the drama and AMT departments will be holding more events, such as bonding events

and community service opportunities.

Quildon said the Bay’s drama program is spectacular because of the passion that students have for it.

“It is a program we are all very proud of,” Quildon said, “It has a level of quality and professionalism to our shows that makes it an absolutely wonderful experience.”

Electrifying album exhibits ‘sweet’ feelings “Sweetener”

BY KARLA SOBERON PR MANAGER

Ariana Grande’s newest album, “Sweetener,” is a new alternative sound deviating from her typical contemporary pop roots. Released on August 17, the album consists of 15 songs, all of which have exquisite style and encapsulate Grande’s distinct voice.

The album features several collaborations with other artists, such as “borderline” with Missy Elliot and “blazed” with Pharrell Williams. These songs with other artists demonstrate Grande’s diverse and flexible musical talents by presenting a distinct sound for each piece. “The light is coming,” which features Nicki Minaj, has a noticeably eccentric beat. In this tune, Grande strays from her usual style and raps most of the song. This unique voice gives the album a new perspective on Grande’s style and vocal range since it is the opposite of her typical high-note singing.

The most striking element of “Sweetener” is a hidden tribute to the bombing that occurred at Grande’s Manchester concert in 2017. The final track of the album, “get well soon,”

includes a full 40 seconds of dead noise that makes the song end at five minutes and 22 seconds, alluding to the date of the tragedy. The album also includes many songs that encourage optimism and ensure that everything will get better after devastation. One such track is “breathin,” which features a bright tone and catchy beats to show how Grande

dealt with her anxiety from the bombing.

The album features two chart-topping hit tracks: “no tears left to cry” and “God is a woman.” “no tears left to cry” is a catchy, joyful tune reflecting Grande’s new outlook on life. “God is a woman” has a brilliant message, empowering women to take charge, stick up for what they believe in and not care for society’s

standards. This song differs from any other single in the album, as it shows that Grande seeks to fight the stereotypes that women endure on a daily basis.

In comparison to her last album “Dangerous Woman,” “Sweetener” calls for a more open-minded ear because the sound differs from her previous soundtrack. The “Dangerous Woman” album has a classic and more instrumental sound, while the new quirky sound of “Sweetener” includes more futuristic and artificial beats. Looking past the eccentricity of the “Sweetener” album, Grande maintains one main aspect between albums: meaningful lyrics.

Each song has a message that is very personal to Grande, such as her tribute to her fiancé “pete davidson.” This romantic track discusses Grande’s relationship with her “soulmate.” This song shows how lucky she feels with Davidson, especially in the lyrics, “universe must have my back, fell from the sky into my lap.” The intimacy demonstrates that Grande can dive into her personal life through her lyrics and show what she is going through emotionally.

Overall, this album is electrifying to listen to because of the futuristic beats offered, along with personal connections to Grande and her life.

“Sweetener” is the most diverse and remarkable album that Grande has ever released, and it paves the way for her future endeavors in the music business.

42 THE CIRCUIT

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER 2018

Musical talents prompt creativity

BY RACHEL SUPNICK

Entering high school with three years of experience in Falcon Cove Middle School’s band program, freshman Isabella Chiappini said she is ready to take on the challenge of learning percussion and music theory this year at the Bay. Chiappini plays the guitar, ukulele and bass.

“I was in band from the beginning of sixth grade to the end of eighth grade, and I loved every second of it,” Chiappini said. “Percussion is something I’ve never played before, so this year is going to be a brand-new experience for me.”

Chiappini first picked up a guitar when she was eight years old. At first, she said she was not interested in playing music, despite taking private lessons. However, when she entered Rock Band class three years later at Falcon Cove Middle School, she said found her true passion for music.

“It’s one thing to be taking private lessons and playing by yourself, and it’s another thing to get together with other people and play,” Chiappini said. “You learn a lot about your own playing, other people’s playing and so much more.”

During her three years in the Rock Band program, Chiappini said she learned how to play the bass and ukulele while also advancing her dexterity on the electric guitar. She said she performed many times during her years in band, from playing in front of her class to performing for Falcon Cove students during lunch in the cafeteria.

“At first, performing in front of big audiences made me extremely anxious,” Chiappini said. “But after doing it repeatedly, I’ve learned to control that nervousness and have become a lot more comfortable with performing.

It also helped me improve my actual performance, since I was able to focus on my playing instead of everyone around me.”

Chiappini performed each school year at Winterfest, where Falcon Cove band students play for travelers at the Fort Lauderdale Airport. Outside of school, Chiappini also performs at recitals, her church and a home for adults with mental health disabilities. Her most recent showcase was at the Young At Art Museum in March with her band from Falcon Cove.

“As soon as we got on that stage and performed, I realized my band group in eighth grade was my favorite,” Chiappini said.

“We were so different from each other, but we could all come together and play music. It was not only

my favorite performance, but one of my favorite days ever.”

After being in Rock Band during her middle school years and continuing to take guitar lessons outside of school, Chiappini said music has become her passion. She said she now does not go a day without playing her instruments or listening to music, from reggae to alternative rock songs.

“Music is such a big part of my life,” Chiappini said. “As weird as it sounds, music is like a safe haven for me. Whether I’m listening to music or playing it, it always kind of distracts me from whatever is going on in my life and makes me feel at home.”

This year, Chiappini said she is going outside of her comfort zone by enrolling in Percussion Instrumental Ensemble 1 with Mr. Scott and Music Theory Honors with Mr. Dor. Chiappini said she entered the band program at the Bay to keep practicing music and expand her musical experience.

“There have been times when I am not motivated enough to pick up my guitar and play, but band has always been a way to keep me playing even if I don’t want to,” Chiappini said. “I joined band this year to not only learn percussion but to keep myself going and to experience something with new people in a bigger program that is taken a lot more seriously than it was in middle school.”

Chiappini said the Bay’s band program provides her with access to many new instruments, which she hopes will help expand her perspectives of auxiliary and pitched percussion this year.

“Trying different instruments opens up your eyes to things you would have never considered playing, but you end up wanting to play them after learning the basics of it,” Chiappini said. “It’s a really great way to be a well-rounded musician because it teaches you more than the instrument you came in wanting to play.”

Curtis Valenzuela, Chiappini’s private guitar teacher for six years, said he hopes the Bay’s band program will change the way Chiappini thinks about music and make her a better musician.

“Expanding into a new instrument, she’ll learn how to think of rhythms and how to phrase musical ideas in different ways,” Valenzuela said. “I think guitar players who can play other instruments

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ISABELLA CHIAPPINI

PLAY MY MUSIC: Freshman Isabella Chiappini practices playing her guitar to advance her musical abilities. After spending three years in the Falcon Cove Middle School band, Chiappini uses the fundamentals she learned to pursue different instruments.

open up to new ways of thinking. They’re able to think like maybe a percussionist, or a violinist, or a singer, and they can understand music a little bit differently.”

Valenzuela said he has watched Chiappini’s musical talents grow over the years, and he believes she will continue to improve and be successful.

“Isabella has come a long way and has advanced quite a bit,” Valenzuela. “I think her choice in music has really helped in pushing her to a much higher level. If she pushed herself, she could absolutely have a career in music after high school.”

Chiappini said she has many goals for her band classes this year. She said she plans to enjoy herself and develop many new musical skills along the way, from advancing her guitar playing to learning a new percussion instrument.

“I’ve been playing guitar for seven years and still haven’t learned all of the techniques, so starting on a brand-new

instrument, I’m going to be learning a lot,” Chiappini said. “I expect to learn a lot about percussion and a lot about music theory, and hopefully I can use that knowledge to make my own music and keep trying to be the best musician I can be.”

Chiappini said she used to be convinced she would become a doctor or a veterinarian. However, after three years in Falcon Cove’s band program, she said she was inspired to study music in high school and after she graduates.

“Band made me realize that I would like to pursue music in the future,” Chiappini said. “Once I realized music was something I really enjoyed, it opened up a new path for me. Now, I totally think I could be on my way to music school. I don’t see myself doing anything else.”

OCTOBER 2018

OPINION

43

THE CIRCUIT

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Expensive tutors create disadvantage When researching universities, many students come to find that their Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT) scores are one of the most considered factors that colleges look at during the admissions process. While students can take these tests multiple times throughout their sophomore, junior and senior years, many still have difficulties achieving their desired scores. Unfortunately for these students, tutoring for these standardized tests can be extremely difficult to afford; this essentially has an effect on the scores that students receive, giving wealthier students an unfair advantage in the testtaking process.

Although the Bay offers tutoring for cheaper prices, the professional and private tutors who can guarantee results often tutor for significantly higher amounts of money. At the Bay, there is a month-long course offered for $399.

Even for just one small-group tutoring session with other companies, prices can reach several hundreds of dollars. Many students cannot afford to attend these sessions, and this prevents their scores from improving as much as those who can afford tutoring.

According to an article from the New York Times, College Board spokesman Brian O’Reilly said that prep courses are important, even though they are expensive, so students can learn the format of the test before they take it.

This proves that preparatory courses and tutoring sessions are beneficial to test

Flash of brilliance

YES Juniors should be able to have the opportunity of having afternoon privilege, after having two years of a study hall period as an underclassman.

Stepping up to being an upperclassman should come with perks, like afternoon privilege. Having morning privilege only means sleeping in about an hour later than the rest of the school, which can be convenient, but it is not as beneficial as leaving before fourth or eighth period and going home, as this can help juniors get a head start on homework and studying.

Since juniors do not have reserved spots in the student lot, having morning privilege can make it difficult to find parking once the lot is already filled by everyone who starts school on time. Afternoon privilege comes with the advantage of avoiding the dreadful traffic that forms at the end of the day when all of the students are waiting to either leave the parking lot, or be picked up in the carpool line, forming a massive traffic jam. Although getting up early and being at school before seventhirty can be a pain, the ability to leave school and go home and be able to either take a nap or get ahead on homework can be advantageous for juniors. Juniors would have an easier schedule and more time to get work done if allowed to have afternoon privilege. Juniors should once again be granted this option as it is more beneficial than morning privilege.

-Karla Soberon

GRAPHIC BY ANNABELLE DANIELS-ROSENBERG

takers, creating an unfair disadvantage for those who struggle to afford it. Students can go online and find free resources to help with studying, but the professional tutoring sessions have proven to be more beneficial.

Private tutors for the SAT and ACT can help a student based on their individual strengths and weaknesses, whereas free online resources are not

accommodating in this way. Therefore, if a student wants to achieve higher scores, they may find the most success with these expensive tutoring sessions. Private sessions at Broward Tutorial Services are $210 for an hour and a half.

Another factor that can make students feel the need to pay inflated amounts of money for SAT and ACT prep courses is the competition between their classmates.

Should juniors be allowed to have afternoon privilege along with seniors?

ILLUSTRATION BY JEN SILVERMAN

Visit cbhscircuit.com to vote on this topic.

According to Time Online, parents may feel the need to pay for expensive tutoring sessions because it can give their child a competitive edge. This is another reason why students who can’t afford these classes are at a disadvantage. Often, they may not be able to compete with their classmates who have private tutors, as these students won’t be able to afford the resources to elevate their scores. This can have a large effect on where students attend college and the opportunities they receive in the future. When students can pay for these sessions, they have increased chances of being accepted to certain universities.

College Board’s website has a feature called College Search, where users can search for any college and see their highest-considered factors when they are deciding whether to admit a student.

For almost all colleges, standardized test scores are one of the most important parts of a student’s application. When students are being guaranteed improvements on their standardized tests with expensive tutoring, it can make their applications stand out in comparison to those who were unable to afford this privilege.

Overall, the extremely overpriced SAT and ACT tutoring is unfair for students who cannot afford it. Students with similar academic abilities can get profoundly different scores on standardized tests, simply because one was willing to pay high amounts for private tutoring sessions.

NO Juniors should not go back to having afternoon privilege along with the senior class. The junior class benefits from morning privilege since each student gets to arrive later than the underclassmen and the seniors. With the strenuous college application process just around the corner, sleep is a necessity for university aspiring students. Having morning privilege allows juniors to come into school right before the second hour of the school day instead of first period. This hour and a half could be utilized by students by getting some rest after long nights of homework and American College Testing (ACT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) preparation. Getting lunch and hanging out with friends, during their privilege period, before the other students leave school, is a benefit for seniors and a distraction for juniors. The senior class deserves to leave school earlier than everyone else because it is their last year on campus. Juniors on the other hand, need the morning off to get some sleep and be prepared to work hard on school days to keep up their GPAs for when they apply to colleges. The advantageous afternoon time off which seniors obtain give the junior class something to look forward to for their last year of high school. Having afternoon privilege as seniors, the junior class will work harder to ensure that their GPAs and grades are eligible for the senior year benefits.

-Hannah Lassner

44 THE CIRCUIT

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OPINION

OCTOBER 2018

News reports overexaggerate storms As afternoons become plagued by arbitrary thunderstorms that appear and then disappear out of thin air, it becomes increasingly clear that hurricane season is here. Fortunately for native Floridians, this annual shift in weather patterns is nothing new. Throughout the years, we have become accustomed to the heavy rainfall that displaces beaches and wind speeds that uproot trees. The beginning of this season comes with a checklist of what should be expected in the coming days. Adding an umbrella to your personal bag? Check. A flurry of flyers for shutter installation stuffed in your mailbox? Check. Crowds of people stocking up on water and canned goods at your local supermarket? Check.

Televisions perpetually tuned into local weather reports? Check.

As this time of year unravels, news channels begin to fill their packages with a surplus of weather updates on any and every scale - both global and local. As soon as the storm clouds roll in, so do news anchors bombarding the public with safety warnings that occasionally prove to be over-exaggerated. Climate reporting is essential in areas with unpredictable and sometimes unsafe shifts in the atmospheric norm. While there is no denying the importance of informing atrisk locations about impending weather patterns, there’s a line between public advisory and public manipulation.

When relaying dangerous forecasts, there should be some level of morality in considering how audiences will interpret the information news sources

are communicating. Many households direct their weather inquiries to a single channel, using that source as their sole reliable gauge for how they should react to imminent weather threats.

All is well when these channels relay accurate predictions that caution the public without instilling fear into them.

However, the issue arises when channels over-dramatize weather predictions, framing the patterns so that they appear to be a bigger issue than they actually are.

If someone were to view this overblown forecast, they would be intentionally led to believe they are in immediate danger and persuaded to take action that may not even be necessary.

By instilling fear into their audiences, manipulative stations can coax viewers to constantly check back at the media outlet, more so than they would have if they did not perceive themselves to be in danger.

This increases the ratings of the channel, and the producers are able to capitalize off of their viewers’ distress.

Furthermore, fabricated causes for concern can lead the public to take unnecessary action like stocking up on unneeded supplies or even leave their local area. While these precautions are very much beneficial when in the path of severe weather patterns, these safeguards lack meaning for those facing smallerscale storms.

This impact crosses into students’ lives when news stations warn schools about some record-breaking storm that does not live up to its hype, resulting in days or even a week of cancelled classes

ILLUSTRATION BY NYAH HARDMON

without the student body ever being in imminent danger. While the thrill of an unexpected break from school may sound appealing to some, the hysteria leading up to the days off is not worth it. This toll on students increases when they must now deal with the troubles accompanied by spontaneous trips they were pressured into taking to flee a storm that never came.

News stations should take caution when relaying key information to vulnerable populations. Instead of

initiating mass hysteria, outlets should value the importance of keeping the public calm and only suggesting drastic action when it is unavoidable. The more that stations report intense forecasts that never come to fruition, the less trust their audience will have in them, especially when it comes to the coverage of crucial happenings. In order to gain reliability, news stations should stick to relaying the facts and the facts only, pushing the bias aside.

Letters to the Editor School funding should go toward new technology for students to use in class

More coverage should be placed around campus to keep students dry during rain

anything online while on school campus. Construction on portables Having access to the Internet on campus should be done on weekends is vital to providing a good education.

The work on portables should be -Drew Soloman, sophomore done over the weekend and not during school hours. While I do not mind the Traffic in student parking lot workers fixing the portables, because I should be curbed appreciate their efforts to improve our Traffic in the student parking lot needs school and portables, I would encourto be changed. Each day after the bell, I age their work to be done over the weekhave to run to my car. If I do not, then end or after school hours. The reason I I will get trapped in 30 minutes of traf- say this is not because of the workers, fic isolated merely in the student parking since they are doing their job, but belot. When a couple hundred students are cause they will have supplies and mateall pulling out and exiting through only rials near the walkway or caution tape two gates, it becomes hectic. This kind of that can easily get kicked over or taken traffic causes stress and anxiety for many down due to how close the construction students like myself. If there were more is being done in relation to the walktraffic guards to help organize the student ways.

-Mikel Sienra, sophomore parking lot madness, or if additional gate openings were added, then it could save many students from getting home late and from aggressive driving habits.

-Jordan Dorfman, junior

Every year at the Bay, I have had at least one or two classes in the portables. I have had to walk from the top of the 800 building to portable 33 while it was pouring. You would think rain would not be a big deal until puddles start forming and everyone is shoving someone else, just so they can get under the overhang first. I have been late to class multiple times because of the rain, and when I arrived, I was drenched in water. When I am in a class, I prefer to be comfortable so I am able to obtain as much information as I can. Although this is a large problem to tackle, the school can possibly start by making the entire grass area in the middle concrete; we can leave the trees, but maybe a middle walkway could help as well. More coverage around the school Mirrors in the bathrooms should would prevent 4,800 students walking be cleaned regularly around at one time getting soaked and being late for class.

Art students should paint walls The mirrors in the bathroom should -Silvia Zervos, junior to liven up the campus be cleaned more often. Majority of the For a while Cypress has had a mirrors in the bathrooms at school look Students should have easier welcoming environment when walking dirty and are therefore not effective. access to Internet while into the court yard. The walls were When I go to the bathroom and use the at school painted with different designs by mirror, it is often difficult to see because Personally, I like to carry around my previous art classes through out the the mirrors are dirty. I think that when the bathrooms are cleaned the focus is own computer at school so that I can years. As a part of the new security more on other aspects in the bathroom keep everything together on one device. measures taken at [the Bay], the murals rather than the mirrors because students [However], every time I try to search have been painted over. Now the walls no do not touch the mirrors as often. Af- something on my computer at school, I longer display a feeling of vibrancy and ter a while the mirrors become extreme- cannot unless I connect my computer to a diversity, but rather a monotone beige ly filthy and if greater emphasis was hotspot. Given that there is not service in wall. The current art classes should start placed on cleaning the mirrors, it would most of the buildings at Cypress, hotspots a new project and re-paint the walls to be beneficial to students so that they can cannot be relied on. The school should bring back the beautiful environment use them to their full potential at school. provide an open Wi-Fi server for students Cypress now lacks. to use, so that they can easily access -Nicole Svensson, junior -Taylor Munger, junior

Cypress should use its funding on more practical and needed items such as new computers. Most of the computers at [the Bay] are extremely outdated; just logging on can take forever. For students that do not have their own computer, this is especially a problem. The computers in the carts, media center and classrooms all fail to properly work more times than not. Recently the school spent money on getting segways for the cops on campus.

This money could be better used for new computers. New computers would allow students to utilize the time they have on them to complete school work, instead of spending the time waiting for a screen to load.

-Drew Poisson, 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.

OCTOBER 2018

OPINION

45 WWW.CBHSCIRCUIT.COM THE CIRCUIT

Viewers are satiated with fat-shaming narratives promoting insecurities

Students true passions are undermined

by GPA and college pressure

A teenage girl goes from a size 20 to a size 2. She gains popularity and seeks revenge on those who bullied her when she was overweight. This is the plot of one of Netflix’s newest additions, “Insatiable.” Starring former Disney star Debby Ryan as Patty Bladell, this show garnered controversy online and rightfully so. Patty’s weight is the butt of a joke, promoting the idea that being fat makes a person unworthy.

This is a narrative that has occurred far too often in pop culture in countless movies and TV shows. The skinny girl gets the guy, while the heavier characters are bullied or ignored. Even on reality TV shows, like “The Bachelor,” the contestants are typically petite.

One of Netflix’s newest movies, “Sierra Burgess is a Loser,” seeks to break this pattern. The plot consists of the main character catfishing her love interest and pretending to be a skinny cheerleader. She ultimately discovers that she is beautiful despite her insecurities about her figure. Even though it has good intentions, the film misses the mark.

The entire concept of the movie is that a heavier teenager needs to pretend to be someone else to garner positive attention.

Pop culture should not glorify the perfect image of skinny girls. In the current era of social media, this ideal view of body types is increasingly omnipresent. All around us are beautiful images posted on Instagram and flawless actors screen. Younger people watching will grow up with a negative mentality, believing they need to look perfect in order to be liked and successful.

This attitude has increasingly negative effects on health. Adolescents might resort to eating disorders to achieve what they believe to be the ideal body figure.

According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from an eating

High school is the ideal time to learn.

Just simply, learn. Not about one specific subject that is geared toward your future career, but about many different subjects that can broaden your overall knowledge.

With the colossal amount of courses offered at the Bay, many of which are designed to encompass specific interests, students have the opportunity to take classes they are fascinated by and desire to learn about. However, with the pressures of maintaining a high GPA, many students sacrifice taking classes they’re actually interested in to have a more impressive resume to send to colleges.

As senior year has finally began, I am reflecting on all of the classes I have taken at the Bay, all of the areas I have been able to gain knowledge upon and the depth to which I have been taught in each course.

I noticed there are many courses offered which I would have loved to take like Holocaust History or Constitutional Law, but I have always been so concerned with attaining a high GPA that I overlooked taking these classes simply because they wouldn’t boost my class rank.

Electives are offered so students have the ability to choose some of their classes and are able to take something they’re interested in. For example, there are DECA courses which are business oriented, student government courses which are leadership oriented and Health Occupations Students of America courses which are health care oriented.

Though students may be interested in these areas, it is recognized by many that the individual courses offered within these categories are mostly honors-level courses. Students are discouraged to enroll in these courses since they prefer to take a college-level course which is deemed more impressive by colleges.

Additionally, students may opt to take extra core classes instead of electives

disorder at some time in their life. NEDA also reported that the number of anorexia nervosa cases among young women ages 15 to 19 has increased each decade since 1930, and the number of bulimia cases tripled between 1988 and 1993. As this statistic becomes more severe, popular films and shows need to work to praise all body types and discourage viewers from these self-harming practices.

While there are several shows and movies like “This is Us” and “Hairspray” that promote all body types, plus size actors are often underrepresented, with fit actors even playing larger characters. In “Insatiable,” Ryan is originally shown in a fat suit, painting her heavier character as an outrageous caricature solely meant for comedy. This is the case in many movies, such as “Just Friends” and “Shallow Hal,” where slim actors Ryan Reynolds and Gwyneth Paltrow are similarly dressed in exaggerated fat suits.

Shows and movies for people of all ages, especially teenagers, should promote healthy body image and encourage body

Bottom Line: Pop culture should not glorify thin body types positivity. Adolescents should grow up accepting all shapes and sizes, without the influence of social media and negative TV shows and movies. Most importantly, people should build each other up, not tear each other down with fat-shaming and cruel comments.

“Insatiable” was recently picked up for a second season, with some unfavorable responses on social media. Users have tweeted harsh criticisms, writing “that show doesn’t deserve to exist” and “we don’t want it.” Sorry Netflix, but enough is enough: I think we’re satiated with this fat-shaming narrative.

to keep up their core GPA. Instead of enrolling in an extra elective I felt I would be interested in, I chose to take a second science class this year to raise my credits and portray myself as a student who will go above and beyond. Moreover, going to a high school as competitive as the Bay, it is imperative that students keep up with their peers by taking high-level courses in all subjects, not only the ones they are interested in. Though I find myself most interested in math and science, I find myself in challenging classes in all subject areas.

Students should be able to take classes they want to take and are interested in, classes they believe they can benefit from and classes they walk into each day excited

Bottom Line: More emphasis should be put on taking courses students are interested in to learn more. It is too overwhelming for students to think about their GPA as being one of the deciding factors of their fate. With this much pressure, students will take many difficult courses to show colleges they are hard working students who take rigorous courses in core subject areas without even acknowledging the fact that there were other course options they would be more interested in.

There is no other time in life where people are given over 100 courses to choose from with freedom to enroll in classes they are interested in, not only required ones. Students should be taking advantage of this opportunity presented to them in high school and focus on studying what they are interested in rather than what will raise their academic standing.

Bottom Line: Seniors need to live in the moment, enjoy their final year of high school and make lasting memories, rather than placing too much importance on the future

Senior year should balance academics and memorable experiences The smile on my mom’s face was inexplicable as she came back from her 30-year high school reunion. After reminiscing with her classmates about her high school years, my mom--who can barely remember what we ate for dinner last night-- proudly shared specific details with my family about the homecoming float she worked on her junior year and the dress up days she participated in during her senior spirit week. This made me realize that these are the moments we will hold onto forever.

It seems like it was just yesterday when I was anxiously racing through the crowded hallways of the Bay, with my course schedule in hand, worrying

if I would ever find my classes and if my oversized backpack resembled a turtleback (the true tell of a freshman).

Although I was nervous to begin my high school journey, I looked forward to the numerous senior year milestones awaiting me. I envisioned painting my parking spot in the student lot, decking out in black from head to toe cheering for my class at the homecoming pep rally, throwing papers into the air with my class at the annual shaving cream fight, dressing up for prom with my best friends and finally walking across the stage and shaking Mr. Neely’s hand at graduation.

I watched and admired the seniors as they participated in all of these exciting

activities which seemed miles away from my reach. However, three short years later and now it is my turn.

Although our final year of high school can be perceived as a blast, the enjoyment of it is often masked by the overwhelming amount of college-related stress students undergo. Seniors are put under an immense amount of pressure to get into the ‘best’ college to set themselves up for the “best career” and the “best possible life”’ and there is no escaping from this.

Whether we are in school, home or any public place, every conversation consists of “do you know what colleges you are applying to?” or “what college do you want to attend?” It is never “how is the school year going?” or “are you excited for prom?” As students in high school, we often put too much emphasis on the future that we forget to enjoy what is right in front of us.

Senior year should be the perfect

mixture of studying and applying to college while simultaneously participating in the right of passage social events that come along with it. Of course getting into college is important, but everything always ends up working out the way it is supposed to when hard work and dedication are a part of the mix.

At the end of the day, the memories we make in 12th grade are the ones we will cherish and look back on most fondly and frequently, so it is important for us to give ourselves the opportunity to make them.

Now it is my turn. I am a senior painting my parking spot, spraying shaving cream with my classmates and dressing up for prom. It feels surreal, but I am finally here and I plan to make the most of it. This way, 30 years from now, I can proudly share these memories with my children too.

46 THE CIRCUIT

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OPINION

OCTOBER 2018

DROP AND GIVE ME ZEN

Yoga certification strengthens physical and mental capabilities.

When my alarm went off at 4 a.m. every morning for the entire month of July, most of my friends were just going to bed from their late-night summer extravaganzas. I, however, was packing my bag and heading to yoga.

I spent 200 hours of my summer vacation devoting myself to my yoga practice. For four years I have practiced Bikram yoga, which is a strict style of yoga consisting of 26 postures and two breathing exercises in 106 degrees. After training day in and day out for so many years, the series became second nature and the studio became my second home.

However, no matter how deep I got in a posture or how advanced my practice became, I felt that I needed more of a challenge in the yoga room. So, I decided to become a teacher.

I registered through the Urban Bliss School of yoga to participate in a certification course at my go-to yoga studio, the Hot Spot, in Fort Lauderdale.

Every morning for an entire month, I was getting to my yoga studio around 5 a.m. and preparing to take a 90-minute class.

That was only the beginning.

Following the morning class, I had lessons on the history of yoga, the meaning behind the yoga sutras, different lineages and human anatomy, all before the sun rose. By the end of the day, I took three full yoga classes, listened to lectures and completed in-depth posture clinics on every single pose in the Bikram series. When it was time to go home, I went straight to bed and prepared to do it all over again the next day.

Although this entire course was rough on my sleep schedule and my stamina, I not only grew as a yogi and an instructor,

but as a well-rounded individual. While studying all day and night, I worked on my educational skill set which I can now apply toward my classes in school and eventually in college.

While challenging myself in the heated room for over five hours a day, I boosted my endurance ability and pushed myself to surpass obstacles I never thought surmountable.

Now as a certified teacher, I overcome my meek nature as I stand in front of 30 students and guide them through their own practices. I am loud and proud as I lead them through these 26 postures.

Through this entire experience, my major gain has not been a teacher’s salary or even the Lululemon discount, it has truly been my confidence. I wouldn’t say I am an introvert exactly, but before this past July, when confronted by an adult, I would crack under pressure. My voice would go up at least two octaves higher and I would anxiously twirl my hair with my hands.

Now, I teach, guide and lead a group of over 30 peers, most of whom are much older than me. I speak loudly and assuredly because I know what I am doing, and I know how to instruct them.

The confidence and energetic energy I bring to class is evident to my students and reflects in their practice, and it is necessary for them to trust a 17-year-old teenager to guide them. I love to teach because I get to help others experience all the reasons why I first fell in love with yoga. I get to shape their minds and bodies into perfectly peaceful and strong practitioners.

The most surprising part of it all is when they actually listen. When I taught

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY CASSIDY SHELDON

NAMA-SLAY: After a whole month of 4 a.m. wake-up calls and posture clinics, senior Cassidy Sheldon became an official hot yoga instructor. She teaches regularly at the Hot Spot in Fort Lauderdale and has even led a special class for family and friends on the beach.

my first class, I had no idea how it would go, I was nervous and shaking, but as soon as I walked into the room and told the yogis to set the intention for their practice before beginning the series, they listened. I called out directives and instructions and watched as the students followed suit. By the end of the first class and my first “namaste,” all I could hear was a heaping round of applause from all the smiling, sweaty faces set before me.

Using my powerful words and directives to help fellow yoga students achieve a successful practice and state of mind warms my heart. Teaching has taught me how important it is to listen.

Now when I take class as a student, the words of my instructor are even more vital in expanding my practice and the depth and alignment of my postures.

The lesson of listening is not only important on my yoga mat, but off it as well. Paying attention and being attentive in the Bikram classes encourage me to listen more thoughtfully in school.

As a student and a teacher, I know how important it is to pay attention to detail and listen carefully. Through applying this to my academic career, my concentration during exams and lectures has drastically improved.

Everything I have learned and gained from my teacher certification course, I have applied to my life outside of the yoga studio. While expanding the strength, determination and flexibility of my postures and my overall practice, I have also utilized these tools toward my everyday life.

Looking forward, I hope to continue inspiring my peers to expand their yoga practice and to continue teaching throughout my life. Instructing yoga has become an integral part of my life and I hope to find ways to incorporate it into whatever my future holds.

Now, as I set my intention for my yoga career and my future, I can do so proudly and confidently.

OCTOBER 2018

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OPINION

THE CIRCUIT

Original poetry modeled on runway

When I was younger, long before I stumbled into my passion for writing, I wanted to be a fashion designer. Blame it on “Project Runway” reruns or weekend trips to Joanne’s Fabric Store, but for some odd reason I have always had vivid dreams of forming my own clothing brand, equipped with vibrant colors and dizzy patterns only a ten-year-old could conjure.

Once the vision was born, it didn’t take long for my imagination to take flight. Even though the early stages of my sketches came across as a wild clash of colors, I knew that if I were to actually do this, there needed to be an underlying purpose behind it all. I wanted to make clothing that would impact someone else’s life in one way or another. I wanted to create something more than just a plain white tee that would have my voice interwoven within the seams.

Years later, I had essentially abandoned this dream. The moment I realized I was better at writing with a pencil than using a sewing machine, I switched career paths and rarely looked back. However, I’ve always carried remnants of my past passion for fashion with me, whether it’s expressed in the clothes I wear or my aspirations to cover the glitz of fashion journalism. Even though I kept up with fashion trends, plans of my nonexistent clothing brand were balled up and thrown away to the very back of my mind in exchange for what I believed were much more realistic goals. Instead of fabric and sketch pads, I opted for notebooks, dedicating my time and effort to further my writing career.

While toying with different genres

of writing, something within the art of spoken word poetry seemed to stick with me. The art form gave me access to new and exciting opportunities that would have previously been unimaginable.

From being a guest speaker at a Broward mental health seminar to performing for Jason Taylor at his fundraiser, Parkland Cares, spoken word exposed me to situations where the impossible was suddenly possible in all the best ways.

As I continued to improve in my performance skills and build a reputation within my local spoken word community, the opportunities offered to me continued to grow exponentially. On Aug. 12, I was invited to perform at the urban fashion show, The Get Up, hosted by the Jason Taylor Foundation’s Bluapple Poetry Organization. While I was invited under the guise that I would just be performing a piece for the show, a week in advance of the show, I was informed that the organization would be utilizing the event to reveal their brand new line of clothing equipped with lines from some of their favorite poets- including me.

Speaking poems to a crowd of strangers holds a unique place in my heart, but seeing my original clothing line modeled on a runway is a completely different feeling. I’ve always wanted to find a way to integrate my art with the world of fashion, and when I was least expecting it, the opportunity to do so fell into my hands. Being the brains behind a phrase someone deems worthy enough to put on a tee-shirt is a tremendous honor I never would have guessed I’d be able to experience.

The merchandise, decorated with the

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

PROJECT POETRY: Senior Nyah Hardmon debuts a line of her poetry on clothing articles at the fashion show, The Get Up, hosted by the Jason Taylor Foundation’s Bluapple Poetry Organization. Clothing Artist Andres Santos implemented Hardmon’s poetry while designing the shirts that were modeled at the show on Aug. 12. The fashion show utilized phrases of poetry from many of the poets chosen by the Jason Taylor organization. Hardmon said she was shocked to see her poetry modeled on the runway since it was a surprise, but she said she was excited to see her words come to life in a completely different fashion.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY NYAH HARDMON

line “The next Shakespeare will be from the hood” from my poem “Shakespeare” explores the notion that the next genius will come from the most unexpected of places that people typically ignore.

It forces the audience to redefine their definition of intelligence by suggesting that brilliance can grow anywhere.

To see my message come to life and trickle into the lives of others through clothes makes me feel as if there is a

HYBRID EDITORS

Editor-in-Chief: Jessie Chaiet

Opinion Print/ A&E Copy Editor: Rachel Silverman

Managing Editor: Cassidy Sheldon

News Copy Editor: Alexis Epstein

News Editor: Casey Menten Features Editor: Nyah Hardmon

Opinion Online/ Features Copy Editor: Hannah Zifrony

Arts & Ent. Editor: Jenna Friedman

Sports Copy Editor: Dylan Srebnick

Sports Editor: Brian Kessler

Graphics/ Illustrations Editors: Jolie Sonkin, Annabelle Daniels-Rosenberg

Layout Editors: Amanda Morgan, Sophie Gaer

News/ A&E Photo Editor: Drew Roach

Ad Designer : Jake Miller

Sports/ Features Photo Editor: Sophia Busto

Ad Organizer: Chloe Wain

PR Managers: Remi Schwartz, Karla Soberon

Business Manager: Sofia Russ Adviser: Eileen Manella

Head Multimedia Editor: Shira Cohn

ONLINE EDITION EDITORS Editor-in-Chief: Jessica Sobel Managing Editor: Lucy Celentano News Editor: Lauren Pabian Features Editor: Sabrina Blandon Sports Editor: Robbie Solomon Arts & Ent. Editor: Gabby Sonkin

Visit cbhscircuit. com for more news, sports, feature, arts and entertainment and opinion stories.

bigger purpose behind my poetry. I’ve always said that if I somehow managed to fall into clothing design, I wanted to do it right and this opportunity allowed me to do just that. Not only am I able to expand my brand and build a foundation for a future in entrepreneurship, but more importantly, I take my powerful messages and display them on the backs of those who connect to my poem just as much as me.

STAFF WRITERS Gowri Abhinanda, Rachel Alexander, Abigail Ballard, Kirsten Bey, Anamaria Camara, Cristina Cimato, Colin Crawford, Heather Dennis, Camila Espinosa, Ethan Gaer, Luciana Garzon, Isabella Grogan, Sophia Handley, Samuel Hirshan, Tyler Jones, Reece Kauffman, Hannah Lassner, Courtney Levinson, Ilyssa Mann, Gabriella Mcmillan Romero, Tomas Monaco, Chloe Nowack, Sabrina Olivieri, Devin Pabian, Milena Pino, Christina Pugliese, Jesus Rivero, Lara Saade, Angela Santoro, Jennifer Silverman, Hannah Shulby, Rachel Supnick, Sandra Talledo, Darian Trabold, Alexandra Vazquez, Julia Winton

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OCTOBER 2018