Honoring Our First Responders One Year Later
First responders play a key role in keeping us safe especially when tragedy strikes. Exactly one year after the tragedy, PPCHS decided to honor these first responders and invite them to have a free breakfast to thank them for their service... Continue reading in Voices Versus Violence on pg. 8
The C.H.C. Staff Ainsley McCormick Editor -in-Chief Brittany Evelyn Managing Editors - Content & Layout Chatter Daily News Ariana Ortiz Web Managing Editor Ariana Ortiz - Content Maxine Martinez - Layout Business Managers Mr. J. Harris - Layout Mr. F. Fagen - Content Mr. J. Harris - Video Advisors Mr. P. Bayer Principal
Sports: Pg. 6
Caroline Kadir News Editor Paolo Barrera Student Life Editor Alan Mathew Technology Editor Jordan Alberti Sports Editor
Student Life:
Florencia Azcurra and Emma Caulfield Features Editor
A Star on Broadway
Sofia Azcurra Entertainment Editor
New Food Items! I Choose You!
Sophia Cortes Lifestyle Editor Rachel Rivera Voices Versus Violence Brianna Butler and Kiersten Warren Community Outreach Justin Dourvetakis- The CHAT Andres Alfonso - Web Photo Editors Justin Pierce Graphics Editor CONTENT STAFF: Austin Basso, Brianna Butler, Emma Caulfield, Sophia Cortes, Rebekah Jacob, Caroline Kadir, Maxine Martinez, Michael Muela, Arianna Ozuna, Aidan Ryan, Kimani Dodd LAYOUT STAFF: Monica Lazada, Rebekah Jacob, Caroline Kadir, Lillian McCormick, Brittany Evelyn, Ainsley McCormick
Features: What it’s Like Being Black Student in America Today 400 Years of Perseverance for Black History
Sports:
PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF: Nicholas Amad, Aijah Harper, Aryiel Bryant, Maya Cabrera, Francesca Brito
Boys Basketball dribbles down the Road to the Championship
GRAPHIC STAFF: Rosa Gomez, Henry Severe, Jasmin Bleus, Taylor Causey, Matthew Morales, Carolina Othon
PPCHS Superstars In and Out of the Classroom
CARTOONIST: Mariana Riano The C.H.A.T. is an official publication of the Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS). The content of our newspaper is not necessarily the opinions of our advisers and administration. The C.H.A.T. staff welcomes any comments to the editors and/or staff. The C.H.A.T is a publication of C.H.C (Charter High Communications) sponsored by the Communications & Technology Department of PPCHS. Pembroke Pines Charter High School 17189 Sheridan Street Pembroke Pines, FL 33331 Phone: 954-538-3700 Email: ppchsnewspaper@gmail.com Twitter: @ppchsnewspaper Instagram: @ppchsnewspaper The CHAT welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be signed. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for poor taste, libel, and space. Drop off letters in room C113 or send an email to ppchsnewspaper@gmail.com
Voices Versus Violence: And Still I hope‌ On the one year anniversary of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas PPCHS Gives Back to First Responders
News: Surprise Snow Slams Hawaii Islands Vaccines and the Vicious Fight Against Them
Student Life 3
New Food Items! I Choose You!
CHARTER HIGH ACADEMIC TIMES
Brianna Butler & Sophia Cortes Staff Writer & Lifestyle Editor
Throughout the week of February 11th
to 15th, select students at Pines Charter were able to make the lunch menu their own by participating in a “Student Choice” program. The program was sponsored by Chartwells, an organization whose purpose is to provide nutritious and delicious meals for students all across the country while teaching them the ways to healthier living. During homeroom, certain classes were selected to enter the cafeteria where they were greeted with three different meals to choose from. After taste testing each item, each student casted a vote for their favorite dish, and the winner was to be introduced as a menu item in the cafeteria in the near future. While all three of the meals were chicken sandwiches, they each had different styles and flavors. First on the menu was Bok Choy, an Asian inspired dish with a perfect combination of both sweet and savory. The chicken was topped with coleslaw, which aided in embellishing the taste and making the meal even more enjoyable. To junior Maegan Teeling, this was her favorite of all three possible selections: “In my opinion, The Bok Choy was the most creative and flavorful of the bunch. When I took my first bite, the unique flavor appealed to me immediately...I think it’s wonderful that Chartwells is asking students what appeals to us the most instead of implementing menu items without our opinions. The fact that they are constantly changing what appears for lunch is really refreshing, and it ensures that students don’t get bored or sick of the food being provided.” Senior Christian Laverde agreed with Maegan,
“The Bok Choy was my all-time favorite of the three. I loved how in a simple sandwich you can get all these flavors in just one bite.” Christian also expressed his admiration for the school to be offering the taste testing: “I think it’s really cool how they’re trying to introduce new foods this way. It was such a fun and interactive experience, I hope for future students they continue to do this!” The second item was The Roost, a favor-
Photo By: Justin Dourvetakis ite among students by a significant amount. It appeared to be one of the more simplistic options, solely containing chicken and a pickle inside the sandwich. However, students were delighted with how everything came together once they tried the meal, and its kick of spiciness separated this one from the rest. Many also commented on the quality of the sandwich and how it reminded them of restaurants they would
Former Jag Steals the Show at Grammy’s Rebekah Jacob Clubs Editor
The popular “go big or go home” exhor-
tation seems to be nothing short of inevitable for Charter students in shooting for the stars and excelling at their careers. PPCHS Alum Marcus Lomax, class of 2005, was just recently nominated by the Grammys in recognition of his song with all-time famous producer Zedd and singer Maren Morris titled “The Middle.” He ended up taking home Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Collaboration all in one swoop. However, Lomax’s success didn’t simply land in the palm of his hand, but was rather a resilient journey that started right here in the halls of Charter High. For Marcus, PPCHS not only acted as an institution for education and learning purposes, but primarily as a stepping stone into furthering his career. Lomax expressed on behalf of his days at Charter High. “I feel like my social skills were definitely honed at Charter dealing with my peers and the faculty. I learned to be on time and prepared (thanks for those detentions, I learned that there are consequences for all my actions… seriously though). Also being involved in the TV production crew and having the task to deliver the morning announcements to the school everyday taught me responsibility. I’ve carried that responsibility over to delivering music to the world constantly.” Charter has evidently prepared Lomax for his promising future that is unsurprisingly already in the works
Donated By: Marcus Lomax
go to outside of school. “It was definitely the best option present,” starts freshman Nicholas Chavez. “The Roost was honestly really good. If I see it in the cafeteria, I would definitely start buying lunch often. I’m not used to seeing the school offer a spicy alternative to the normal plain chicken sandwich, but I can’t say I’m disappointed. This would be a great way to branch off and have our menu include an item like we’ve never seen before.” The
of becoming even bigger and better. Starting as just an ordinary high school student, Lomax has certainly built his way to the top and endured through several trials within the process of becoming who he is today. “The road to this Grammy nomination was not quick or easy. I’ve written and produced thousands of songs that no one will ever hear. I became very resilient and used all of the opposition I faced on my journey as fuel to propel me to the next level. After 6 years of producing records for artists such as Maroon 5, Chris Brown, 5SOS and more, the Recording Academy (Grammys) chose to recognize us with 3 nominations for our song with Zedd and Maren Morris “The Middle” (Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Collaboration). One of the best parts of the process is watching the artist perform your song in front of an arena of people, which I was lucky enough to see this song performed live by Zedd at Club Omnia in Las Vegas last year. It was unbelievable,” Lomax confesses. Although the journey wasn’t easy, the ending reaped benefits far greater than any of the obstacles Lomax faced and conquered, and constantly motivated Lomax to do more. Leaving a message for PPCHS students and faculty, friends and loved ones, the Charter family certainly wasn’t forgotten. Lomax earnestly expressed, “I have to thank the Charter faculty, Mr. Bayer, and the entire staff who take the extra time to tell us students that there is something special about us and we can do great things in life with discipline, hard work, and consistency. That goes such a long way! Also the Pembroke Pines community has been super supportive of me in my career and I’m very grateful. Always my family and friends who’ve been in my life since day one. There’s nothing more important than that.” Despite Lomax moving on to do bigger and better things for countless individuals on a global level, what he thought was the ending of his standard high school experience was rather the start to a successful beginning of ultimately changing the world for the better and being able to share that experience with everyone around him as well.
Roost ended up becoming the winner, almost doubling the amount of votes for its competitors. This means Chartwells has plans to introduce a menu with new twists on favorite chicken dishes, prepared in a variety of ways—roasted, baked, grilled, sautéed, and braised. As popular as The Roost was, a close competitor was the Bacon Melt, which caught many students by surprise with its
interesting combinations of flavors. The Melt delivers the classic club flavors that everyone loves, with your standard bacon and cheese, but adds in a fresh spark of flavor with sweet bell peppers that made it an instant favorite for many students. “I think my favorite will have to be the Melt,” said sophomore Emma Mengotti, “it was really interesting because it had bell peppers in it, something that isn’t seen in your regular melt. I think they added an extra sweet kick and while it was noticeable, it didn’t overpower the overall flavor of the sandwich.” Emma continued by stating that adding more choices to the menu in this manner was a wonderful new way of introducing students to different types of food. “The taste testing is really cool and should be implemented more in the future. It’s a great way to give students more control over what they put into their bodies.” And the Bacon Melt is just another tasteful example of this: its delectable peppers, pared with the warm crunchiness of the grilled bun, the smoothness of the melted cheddar cheese, and the lovable saltiness of the bacon came together to create a tasty sandwich with an array of interesting and new flavors. Thanks to the wonderful Chartwells food organization, students were able to exercise their right of choice to help provide new and interesting foods for their peers. With the ever so popular Roost winning the students’ spicy votes, many are excitedly awaiting for its grand flaming hot entrance, whether it be in the coming months or next school year.
PPCHS Alum Starring on Broadway Sofia Azcurra entertainment
It’s no secret that there’s talent coursing
through Charter’s hallways. Part of that talent made its way all the way up north to New York, where class of 2017 alumni Johanna Moise was casted into the Broadway Company of Hamilton: An American Musical. The performer has had a path filled with goals and hard work that has definitely paid off. It's quite common knowledge that the career of acting/performing is filled with more uncertainty than absolutes. However, it doesn't diminish the intensity and difficulty of performing. Since she was young, the idea of being a part of a theatre cast has always been a dream Johanna kept alive in the back of her mind. “It was an even bigger dream to possibly perform on Broadway,” revealed the alumni. The possibility became a reality when she flew up to New York last February to try out for the Equity Chorus Call (the company Hamilton is under). Although she wasn't seen that February, she left her headshot and resume. A sense of hope still burned within her. Come November, Johanna received the email that essentially changed her future for the better. The company not only invited her to dance, but also asked her to sing for them later on. In the following week Johanna was called back to New York to complete her final dance call and sing for them one last time. After anticipating the call that could arrive anytime, the singer received her official call on January 2nd, inviting her to be a part of the Hamilton cast. Close to a month later, Moise had her debut on Broadway on February 16th. “It’s been my dream forever. The fact that right as I celebrated my 20th birthday and replanted my goals I got the call, meant the world to me,” commented Moise. The company casted her as a swing for all the ensemble women, meaning she covers every girl in the ensemble, Women 1-5. It’s a tricky job, as she has to separate each girl and know all the patterns, entrances, exits, notes and prop movements of each Woman. “The cast is extremely nice and make you feel really welcomed,” she said. Johanna now resides in New York under a half year contract with Hamilton, which is also extendable. “Because it can be ex-
Editor
tended,” she said, “it’s exciting to see what will come next.” The thrilling preparation for her debut on Broadway was filled with perfecting her skills in singing and dancing. Moise revealed that a usual work day on Broadway depends on what the Company Management needs to accomplish in a certain time frame. Preparing for Hamilton, the dancer was in the studio learning the show 7:30-10:30 am, as well as music rehearsal from 2:00-5:00 pm. “We get a schedule every week so we can plan accordingly,” she said. As of now, Johanna will continue living her dreams in New York, performing for Hamilton until her contract ends. Although it’s not a permanent job, her devotion to performing has gotten her to her biggest dream and Johanna will continue reaching for the stars.
Donated By: Johanna Moise
Donated By: Johanna Moise
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Features CHARTER HIGH ACADEMIC TIMES
The Kings of the Future:
How MLK Jr.’s Protests Relate to Today’s Protests Florencia Azcurra
Sixty one years ago Martin Luther
King was fatally shot and with him took all the greatness he embodied, but left behind a legacy that decades later has been molded to fight the societal problems faced in this day and age. As his principles and beliefs are celebrated through the unfaltering peaceful protests carried out in the nation today, this Black History Month, King is remembered for the tremendous influence that he has had in the growth of the Black community which has expanded into essentially all movements led by the youth of America. Looking back on history, revolutions have typically been measured in some form of violence. But if there is anything Martin Luther King taught the people of the U.S, it’s the importance of nonviolent action. This was a crucial aspect for the civil rights movement, in which quiet rebellion was a powerful way for people of color to revolt against the prejudice them and their community endured. The most prevalent example in black history of a small, but impactful rebellion was Rosa Parks. When Parks decided to not give up her seat to a white individual, by not using any form of violence or aggression, but just simply not moving from the seat she fairly got, she was using the idea of peaceful protest. This was just the beginning, but the whole concept of fighting these injustices with non-violent acts was born quickly. According to King himself, “Our use of passive resistance in Montgomery,” King told TIME, “is not based on resistance to get rights for ourselves, but to achieve friendship with the men who are denying
Co-Features Editor
us our rights, and change them through friendship and a bond of Christian understanding before God.” The purpose behind his aims were to demonstrate some form of unity. Not to not add fuel to the fires by showing how the prejudice affected them. While racism and discrimination are active problems in society today that still need fixing, it is worthy to note that b l a c k representation and voices have c o m e a long way than c o m pared to sixty one y e a r s a g o . These issues are still being vocalized and spread by activists but they do not remain as the major national crisis. Over recent years, school shootings have become the norm and mass shootings a daily occurrence. In response to this growing problem of gun violence, the youth of America has taken into their own hands to the push for change since lawmakers and government representatives didn’t. “My own passion in advocating for gun control has been fueled by the great leaders of the past like him. Even when the world stood against him, he raised his voice and stood up for his
Stepping into Culture T
day,” says senior Leanna Basanta. According to David Hogg, the King in this movement one could say, demonstrating their anger of students being shot and killed at school at these government representatives is the only way they'd be able to push their message since the officials didn't listen 20 years ago when Columbine happened and haven't listened now when Stoneman happened. Only their anger and frustrations mustn't be mistaken for violence. These students advocating for change have protested tirelessly with clever signs and words to raise awareness fast. “It only takes one person and one voice to create a movement. The things we stand up for may be different, but today's fight is one like King’s alike that took courageous voices to speak up,” said sophomore Pawnline Alcime. They've organized marches and speeches across the nation to reach the different audiences in the country. Their fight for the end of shootings in America have been loud but peaceful. It can be said that King gave them the guidebook to protest this way and have a proper voice. It's important to use the right given to the people of the United States of protest correctly or unfortunately it could very well result in violence and backlash. Martin Luther King set the stage for advocating for these problems differently. This black history month as King is celebrated, his beliefs are thanked through the following of his peaceful protests. The causes advocated today are different, but today’s fights against the status quo remain a tough one that is still being fought with powerful voices.
Important Influential People in Black History Florencia Azcurra
Emma Caulfield
Co-Features Editor
Co-Features Editor
he Pines Charter Step-Team has been around for many years here at the school. Their performances have always been very unique as they are based on an African cultural dance that uses the body as an instrument. If anybody has seen this incredible team perform, then they would know that this basically means creating intricate rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps, and the spoken word. Stepping has been around for hundreds of years and that is what makes their performances so distinctive. Featured in the school pep rally and many other events and competitions, the step team is always perfecting their moves to represent their unique culture. As mentioned, the step team was featured in the fall pep rally on October 18th, 2018. Their act consisted of stepping to their own beats as done in the African culture. However, in today’s culture they even included modern day dance moves and songs in their routine. According to Step Afrika!, stepping is beginning to evolve meaning the routines are expanding to include modern styles such as hip hop and tap to then grab the attention of other audiences. Freshman Kaitlyn Ayebah said, “The best part is the choreography because it combines African stepping with modern dancing. Learning it is hard but we practice numerous times a week.” The step team has a strong bond, and they get along very well. Planning the choreography takes time for step team captain Sequia Copeland. Copeland said,
beliefs,” says junior Naveen Farook. As a result from countless lives lost due to firearms and masses of people fearing to go to a mall, concert or airport, the March for Our Lives movement was born. The students, mainly from Stoneman Douglas, leading this movement to end gun violence have taken after what others in history have done, without realizing that in a way, they too are following the ideas of Martin Luther King. The students of Parkland and the rest of the Graphic By: Henry Severe n a t i o n fighting the lack of gun control have shaped this idea if peaceful protesting and have taken a relatively different approach than King did. Instead of executing the concept of quiet rebellion, students today have clearly expressed their anger and frustrations towards the members of Congress, state lawmakers, government officials -- anyone in charge who has the ability to restrict gun laws in some form, but haven't. “Martin Luther King Jr. is a man who has left his mark on this world forever. His courage and strength to stand up in the face of adversity inspires students to this
“Planning our routine does take time because I like to watch old step shows to get a feel for the African culture stepping has. I use those moves and combine them with modern dances to grab the attention of the full charter audience.” The history behind African stepping was to create bonds among other Africans. It gave them something to keep them close and together especially when times were rough. Junior Jordyn Matrosimone said, “Being on the step team exposed me to not only a new type of dance but to a new friendship to form with everybody on the team. Being on the team is both a fun and learning experience because I learned a lot about the history of stepping as well as how the moves go.” Since actual music was not around back when stepping was first made, Africans still wanted to come up with a way to keep the traditional aspect of their own culture. That is how using their whole bodies to create sounds and beats came to be. They all came up with the steps and beats together which is where their bond is the strongest. Copeland said, “This is my first year with the step team, and I love leading the charge with them. I propose the ideas but we all work as a group to make them better and I think that is what the African culture of stepping is all about.” Overall, the way Africans worked to step together was as a team just like the Pines Charter step team. The rhythmic stepping is something everyone enjoys watching and cheering along to.
Richard Allen (1760-1831) – He founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church as the first independent black denomination in the U.S. that allowed free blacks to worship without racial oppression. He was a writer, educator, and minister who also supported national organizations for political strategies. Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) - Became a national leader for the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York. It proved slaves intellectuality by proving himself a worthy writer, social reformer, orator and statesman who promoted the cause of abolition. Duke Ellington (1899-1974) – He was the leader of a jazz orchestra as well as a pianist and composer. He became known as a significant figure in the history of jazz with his orchestras that toured internationally. Jesse Owens (1913-1980) - Owens was a track and field athlete who attended the Olympics 4 times as well as won 4 gold medals. He was recognized as the most successful and fastest track and field athlete of all time. Katherine Johnson (1918 - present) – He was a mathematician whose calculations of orbital mathematics as an employee for NASA were crucial and significant to some of the first, most important U.S. manned space flights. Henrietta Lacks (1920-1951) – She was the African American woman whose cancer cells are what started the HeLa Cell Line. It’s the first immortalized cell line and became one of the most important cell lines in history. With no consent ever used, this medical research also furthered concerns about patients’ rights and privacy. James Baldwin (1924-2987) - As a writer, poet, playwright, and activist James Baldwin revealed the ugly truth behind racism through his literature. He explored racial, sexual and class distinctions in society with his works. Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) - Became the first African American Congresswoman elected into the United States Congress. She also represented New York’s 12th Congressional district and was the first black candidate for a major political party for a presidential race. Maya Angelou (1928-2014) - As a poet, writer, singer, memoirist and civil rights activist, Angelou spoke her voice through her writing and talents as an actress and performer as well. She was up for Grammy’s and even the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) – Ali was a professional boxer, activist and philanthropist. He was one of the greatest boxers of all time. He refused to be drafted into the U.S. Military, used his religious beliefs as reason, and expressed his strong opposition to U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. He was also nominated for two Grammy nominations. Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) – Known as the Queen of Soul, Franklin was a distinguished singer, songwriter actress, and civil rights activist. She became the most charted female in history with her very well established music.
Making a Beat: Step team performs at the 2018 fall pep rally. Photo By: Nico Amad
Michael Jordan (1963- present) - He is an American former basketball player who played 16 seasons in the NBA and became a well-established athlete who’s made it into the hall of fame and a part of an Olympic team. Jordan is known as the best basketball player of all time, making him the third richest African American in the world.
Graphic By: Taylor Causey
Features 5
400 Years of Perseverance for Black History
CHARTER HIGH ACADEMIC TIMES
Ainsley McCormick Editor-In-Chief
1619 - The first African men and women arrived by ship in Virginia. Thus began a four-hundred-year struggle for equal rights and opportunity for African-Americans, a struggle which continues to the present day.
1624 - The first black children born in the United States, named William (last name unknown) was baptized into the Anglican faith. The birth and arrival of more Africans led to “the emergence of racialized politics, law and a bifurcated society,” (USAToday. com).
1776 - It is estimated that 100,000 enslaved African-American men and women escaped their masters during the Revolutionary War.
1704 - The first school for freed and enslaved African-Americans is established by a French colonist, Elias Neau, in New York. This began the movement of educating African-Americans that was important because many could not read or write.
1823 - Alexander Twilight from Corinth, Vermont graduates from Vermont’s Middlebury College and becomes the first black person to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college.
1865 - Slavery is abolished after the passing of the 13th Amendment by Abraham Lincoln.
1954 - In the court case Brown v. Board of Education, the justices unanimously ruled that segregation in schools is unconstitutional. This helped establish “separate-butequal” institution were not in fact equal but actually against the law.
1921 - Bessie Coleman went to France in 1919 to find a flight school and returned in 1921 as the first Black civilian to be a licensed pilot. She received lots of attention from the press, showing that a black woman can be successful. She had a goal of opening an African-American flying school and only performed her events for desegregated crowds.
1966 - Constance Baker Motley becomes the first black woman to be appointed a federal judge. Prior to this, she graduated from Columbia Law School and represented Martin Luther King Jr. She also became a law clerk for Thurgood Marshall.
1992 – Mae C Jemison was the first African-American woman to travel into space when she went into orbit abroad the Space Shuttle Endeavor. She is an American Engineer, Physician, and Nasa Astronaut.
2008 - Barack Obama is elected the first black President of the United States. He faced a lot of controversy in his running, especially over the debate of whether or not he was a citizen of the United States.
2002 - Halle Berry is the first black woman to win Best Actress for “Monster’s Ball.” She said, “This moment is so much bigger than me. This moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll… it’s for every nameless, faceless woman of color who now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened,” (ThoughtCO. com).
2012 – Black Lives Matter movement officially begins after the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin and after Zimmerman was found not guilty of the murder.
2019 - The mark of 400 years of black history is celebrated in February of 2019.
What it’s Like Being a Black Student in America Today Around 43.6 million American citizens
identify as being African-Americans or have some type of African descent, giving the United States one of the highest African populations in the world. Even though that number may seem like a lot, it doesn’t compare to the 325.7 million total Americans, thus giving African-Americans the minority group title. There is always judgement being a part of a minority. Whether you’re Hispanic, Native-American, Muslim, or anywhere in between, being African-American has its struggles and benefits. One of the best things to me about being an African American in the USA today are the opportunities available from the rich creative history. Models, singers, dancers, politicians, or anyone in the public eye have more opportunities than ever before, and the amount of those are expected to increase greatly within the next decade. Seeing these people making a difference makes me think that I can do anything and that my goals are never too high. It’s inspiring to see people in the news industry be successful and proud of where they come from, like Robin Roberts from “Good Morning America” in New York City. It’s really cool to see black models and entertainers go to award shows and amaze everyone, like actress Nupita Nyong’O, especially in bright colors like red or yellow. Music is also something originating from my culture that I’m proud of. The rap and R & B music that almost everyone listens to originated from the streets of the Bronx in the 70s and 80s. African-Americans were the pioneers in modern rap and R&B music that is extremely popular. According to an entertainment article by Four over Four, DJ Kool Herc is credited for kicking off the start of the genre in 1979. He used two record turntables to create beats to recite lyrics over and the rest was history as new labels were created and artists emerged all around the country. Even in the 21st century, we still go leaps and bounds from what we ever thought was possible, like electing the first African-American president in American history for two terms, former president Barack Obama. In this aspect, growing up as a black American in today’s day and age is a rollercoaster that has yet to come down because the culture is just beginning to be
Kiersten Warren Community Outreach
immensely appreciated and shown through various forms of art. A win for black culture! This helps students embrace who they are and creates a more accepting environment rather than one where they need to hide away in fear because of the color of the skin they have. However, with every good thing comes a bad thing, one of them being the discrimination and stereotypes that occur to African-Americans. Recently, our current politicians have been under fire for “blackface” – the action of using makeup to make a nonblack performer play a black role. Interpretations have been seen at parties and embedded in history. It is uncomfortable hear these things being a student, especially when people like Ralph Northam, the governor of Virginia, is found doing blackface in a high school yearbook. It makes me think: can some of my classmates do something as insensitive? The history of blackface originated in the 1830, a few decades before the civil war, when white men would paint their faces with black paint and over-line their lips to become “black.” These men were often slave owners and their intention was to intimidate African-Americans from fighting for their freedom. It’s disappointing when you see in the news of people mimicking blackface because we’ve worked so hard to establish that we’re not like that. The men would act like monkeys, a stereotype that
African-Americans endure, insinuating that they all act crazy, untamed and need to be “controlled” by treating us like “animals.” This is why it is so offensive to see headlines in the news where sadly many people are seen doing it from times that weren’t even that long ago, which shows the tremendous work that needs to be done in order for African-Americans to really feel “equal.” Seeing such a discriminative and racist demonstration from a political platform can be scary and belittling for people of color, especially students who are looking to vote or simply looking for a place among society and are instead met with politicians and others who mock them, and think it’s okay to continue to represent us. Students at Pines Charter, or essentially all over the world, are affected by their skin color every day, whether it be big or small. There is a stereotype that AfricanAmericans are not as smart and well behaved as the rest, and there are assumptions that black people wear “fake hair” when their hair looks nice, when in reality this is far from the truth, and as if other cultures sometimes don’t wear extensions or wigs even to make their hair look nice. People think some black people are ‘ghetto’ and act untamed and hostile towards everyone, and it’s really offensive frankly. It gets tiring having to be stared at sometimes and thought of as different. These stereotypes
Graphic By: Henry Severe
of African-Americans are disappointing to hear and are completely untrue. When it comes to college, sometimes I feel pressure from my family to go to an HBCU, or historically black college and universities. The ones in Florida include Bethune-Cookman University, Florida A & M University, Florida Memorial University, Edward Waters College, and so much more. Since my parents and some members of my family went to one, they encourage me to go to one for the “full black experience” they say, so that I can be proud of my culture. My family also says that if I want to join a sorority in college, I should join a historically black sorority, or rush National Panhellenic. Every time I hear this I think how much of a shame it is that everything is constantly defined by our race or ethnicity, and these are the moments when I really feel like a minority. This Black History Month the nation celebrates the achievements of AfricanAmericans and shows awareness of what is left to do. This means banishing the stereotypes, discrimination, and showing more love and respect towards the culture and achievements. While the African-American community has come a long way, it has a long way to go. The students of the country today, or in this case, more locally, Pines Charter, hold the voices to evoke change.
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Sports CHARTER HIGH ACADEMIC TIMES
Jags Late Comeback Falls Just Short In From of Packed Home Crowd Michael Muela
O
Staff Writer
n the night of February 26th, there was an atmosphere like none other in the PPCHS gym as the Jaguar’s basketball team hosted a regional playoff game for the first time in school history. They faced North Miami in the Regional Semifinals and looked to shock the world by advancing to regional finals. The Jags staged a stout comeback in the third quarter, but ultimately fell, 69-62. Coming into the game, North Miami had an overall record of 20-7, while the Jags had a record of 11-14. To get to the regional semis, Charter beat Miami by a score of 69-58 in overtime, and North Miami beat Miramar by a score of 68-66 in second overtime. After the first quarter of the game, North Miami led 17-14. Junior Amarachi Ujagbor and senior Justin Debuck led the Jags in scoring with 20 and 14 points. Freshman Geoff Sprouse also scored 13 points. Senior Shamyr Touze said, “I think we played hard but we just weren’t hitting shots throughout the game, but I’m always proud of my teammates and how we played. Sometimes [the shot] just doesn’t go in.” PPCHS trailed at halftime, 34-20. In the third quarter, North Miami began to break the game open and lead 46-37 entering the fourth quarter. The Jags made a late comeback, but it wasn’t enough, as North Miami came away with the victory. PPCHS also expects a lot from the team next year, as they’ll look to repeat their same success from this remarkable season. Regular season of Basketball is now officially over. Overall, they ended up with a record of 9-13 in their regular season. They placed 2nd in their district for the regular season but West Broward was right behind them to take 3rd place. The coaches did a lot for the team to get them ready for this year’s playoffs such as re-watching films over and over again to study to prepare for the teams that are coming up in the playoffs. Senior Shamyr Touze commented that if the team had won regionals “the team would be the first basketball team at Charter to do it.” The Jaguars fought hard throughout their playoff season, and advanced as far as they could. The night of the regional semifinals the gymnasium was packed with spectators and fans cheering on the Jaguars. Hopefully next season they will continue even further.
Photos By: Andy Alfonso
PPCHS Superstars In and Out of the Classroom Austin Basso and Michael Muela Staff Writers
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ecoming a BCAA Scholar Athlete for any high school student in Broward County is a huge achievement. PPCHS has produced some stellar athletes who have gone on to play professionally, such as Aramis Garcia of the San Francisco Giants. Now, the next generation of PPCHS athletes have been awarded with this same title. William Manuel is the starting quarterback for the PPCHS Varsity Football Team. He has played football since he was a little kid, and now his hard work in both the classroom and on the field are paying enormous dividends. “I’m honored to be a scholar athlete. It makes me feel like all my hard work athletically and academically has paid off.” William currently has a 5.25 GPA, and he never really gave college that much thought because he told himself that it was so far away. But now that it’s here, it all hit him at once. He is unsure of where he will be attending college. Being a swimmer takes tremendous strength and energy, and Sebastian Sevilla knows exactly what it takes - whether it’s hitting the water or hitting the books - to get the job done. “I’m extremely honored. I’m also grateful because so many people helped me on my way to become an athlete, and making it to States last year I was so grateful for everybody that helped me throughout the journey.” He has a 5.2 GPA, and he’s excited for college because he gets to pursue a major that he has a passion for,
but he’s also a little nervous because he’ll “The fact that I was even considered to be be far from home. a BCAA Scholar Athlete is mind blowing Tennis requires you to have plenty of to me, and I’m extremely grateful for evstamina and endurance, and Nika Ambre eryone that’s helped me get to where I am.” has more than plenty of both. She has a Luz has a 5.35 GPA and she’s always been tank full of it, as well as backups for late- looking forward to college, but it hasn’t game situations. “It’s an honor to be chosen exactly hit her yet that her whole environas a BCAA Scholar Athlete. All my hard ment is about to change. work and Senior Maxdedication well Romero has paid has been on off, and I the baseball couldn’t be team for h a p p i e r. ” four years. Nika has a He is ready 5.156 GPA, to go to colshe’s both lege and play excited baseball. and scared Nearing the about colend of high lege at the school, Maxsame time, well has a 4.6 but she feels GPA and is confident excited and that it will happy that he Photo By: Andy Alfonso provide her is a BCAA with many Scholar Athopportunities to help her achieve her goals. lete. Maxwell Romero commented, “It’s Water polo is one of the toughest sports truly an honor and I humbly appreciate to play. You need to be able to stay in the the nomination and award from Principal water for long periods at a time while also Bayer and Coach Bruns.” A lot of colleges being able to muster enough strength to and universities have offered Maxwell for throw the ball in the net. Luz Elietz-Botta- scholarships for baseball. Vanderbilt Uniro is one of the best players in the county. versity caught his eye so he will be attend-
ing Vanderbilt University next school year. He isn’t just going to play baseball. He is also going to study sports medicine and minor in business. Senior Isabella Devesa is a softball player for the softball team. While being on the softball team, she has managed to maintain a 4.5 GPA. This is going to be her last year on the team, but she will be going to college to play softball. She is going to be attending Elon University. Besides softball, she wants to go into the medical field for orthopedics, but she thinks that she will end up studying psychology. She is nervous to be going to college but she is excited to see what happens in the future. She was happy that she was a BCAA Scholar Athlete. She commented, “It is an honor! I am thankful that I was nominated by the school for such a great title.” Stephanie Alban was on the PPCHS volleyball team. She has a 4.67 weighted GPA. She is excited that she is going to be attending college. She believes that attending college next year is unreal. She hasn’t decided what college that she wants to go to but she is considering going to University of Central Florida or Florida International University. She commented that “When adults tell you ‘time flies,’ it really does.” She is glad that she has been chosen as a BCAA Scholar Athlete. It has been a dream of hers, and it was an awesome opportunity that she had received.
News 7
Reinventing the Way We Surprise Snow Slams Live With the Green New Hawaii Islands Deal
CHARTER HIGH ACADEMIC TIMES
Kiersten Warren
Aidan Ryan
Community Outreach
Staff Writer
Lately, PPCHS students have stepped
With climate change becoming a wide-
ly prominent issue in today’s economic climate, politicians are desperate to find new ways to reverse these environmental changes. There seem to be constant reminders now of the dangers that climate change poses to humanity whether it’s a deadly cold snap or a hole under an Antarctic glacier or a terrifying new report. One of the big issues for lawmakers imposed by these dangers is creating new legislation to reduce the effects of global warming. Now, the American politician and activist, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has come up with an innovative new plan that will hopefully remodel our economy and society for the better. Her plan is called the “Green New Deal.” It is what they foresee as a massive policy package that would remake the U.S. economy and eliminate all U.S. carbon emissions. What is this “Green New Deal” some have wondered. The Green New Deal is a set of proposed economic programs in the United States that aim to address climate change and economic inequality. “It is obvious that climate change is a problem in our country. We need to do something about it,” said sophomore Shannon Amor. The name refers to the New Deal, a set of social and economic reforms and public works projects undertaken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. The Green New Deal combines Roosevelt’s economic approach with modern ideas such as renewable energy and resource efficiency (revolvy.com). A previous policy similar to the Green New Deal was the 2008 tax incentive for solar panels. “The democrats always talk about how global warming is a huge problem, but they never propose a plan to stop it. The GND means we are one step closer to figuring out that plan,” stated junior Matthew Wong. The GND push has thrust climate change into the national conversation, put House Democrats on notice, and created an intense and escalating bandwagon effect. With a plethora of democrats now declaring their support of the proposition, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is under a lot of pressure to make her deal a reality, but not all politicians agree. Politicians on the opposite side of the political spectrum have also made their opinions on this Green New Deal very
Graphic By: Henry Severe
clear. Freshman Gianna Gato expressed, “The Republicans like to criticize, but until they come up with their own plan to fix these problems, they’re part of the problem indefinitely.” Benjamin Aaron Shapiro, American conservative political commentator, writer, and lawyer used the exact words, “The document happens to be fully insane,” when describing the proposal. He mocked Ocasio-Cortez on public television and also tweeted, “Whoever wrote AOC’s Green New Deal document is a full-scale idiot. There is no way to read that document as a rational person and think otherwise.” Following criticism from many members of the Republican Party, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez retracted her whole proposal. With climate change becoming a widely prominent issue in today’s economic climate, politicians have part of the immense responsibility of coming up with a plan to end this global conflict. Despite the division in opinion amongst politicians regarding Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal, the Green New Deal is the first step to altering the way we live and solving this global issue.
outside in the morning, to find themselves shivering in their khaki shorts, feeling unequipped for the chilly breeze. Imagine if it snowed in south Florida, a region known for record heat and humidity. The world would be in a frenzy. Residents are currently trying to wrap their head around the ordeal, all while trying to stay properly dressed for cold temperatures. A similar situation became reality in Hawaii early Monday, February 11, as light snow touched the islands. As residents stepped outside that morning and saw the fluffy, delicate, and white snow, some were left wondering, is this the product of climate change? This winter has already proven to be one of the coldest on record, pummeling much of the northeast and west in layers of snow. The polar vortex has already done its damage to much of the US in these past weeks. Sophomore Amaya John says, “For my family that lives up north, the polar vortex has really impacted them. Now, only a few days later, there is snow seen in Hawaii? That’s so crazy, it like if it snowed here. Everyone would lose it and we’d be excited and worried if something worse was going on.” The most unusual aspect of the snow in Hawaii, aside from the fact that it snowed at all, is that the snow fell at such a low point: 6200 feet at a Hawaiian state park, the lowest snowfall ever recorded there. The powerful winds from the storm knocked down trees, branches, traffic lines, and power lines. (CNN) Even Hawaiian culture is being impacted, as trees that have been alive for over a century were uprooted from Kapiolani Park. Forecasters predicted that the strong winds would inevitably knock the roofs off of houses. Although Hawaii is known for their amazingly massive waves, surfers were warned against going out on the beach, as potentially deadly 60 foot waves made their way to shore. Freshman Molly Masson stated, “I believe that this is due to the climate change, when was the last time it snowed in Hawaii? What’s next, snow on Hollywood beach, or an earthquake in Miami? This matter just proves, like the algae bloom, that the weather everywhere is changing, and not for the better.” Oddly enough, this winter storm was no mere coincidence, as it happens every five years, and is predicted to happen again this month.
However, only part of the island is bracing for possible snow. Haleakala on Maui and Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island are on the lookout with updated winter storm warnings being posted. The superintendent of schools has even warned against going to the mountains up close. Junior Gabriella Reyes says, “I think that the fact that it snowed this year in Hawaii, with the combination of how brutal this winter has been this year, leaves me anxious for the rest of the 2019 seasons. Maybe this summer we’ll have record high temperatures in places with mild summers, or we’ll hit record lows for the summer here in Florida.” The snow in Hawaii also caused traffic jams for residents who wanted to evacuate or see the snow for themselves. In fact, another PPCHS student agrees on the topic. Senior Shelbi Munoz says, “It is concerning that unexpected things are occurring with the weather and this year has barely even begun. It makes me wonder: what is the rest of 2019’s weather going to look like? I think this is evidence that our climate is definitely changing, both here in the US and around the world.” In Maui, people hoping to see more snow will have to view it from a distance, as the park is now closed due to “extreme weather conditions,” park officials note. All in all, the snow in Hawaii last week came as a surprise to not only the native citizens of the state, but the rest of the country. This past winter season has influenced everyone, from the record snow in Minnesota to the chilly temperatures we feel on Florida mornings. While winter is nowhere near over, ending on March 20, Americans can expect more of the season’s surprises to unfold over the next 1.5 months. Make sure to check the weather before you leave, jags, because you never know when one will unfold!
Graphic By: Matthew Morales
Virginia Governor Admits to Wearing Black Face Brittany Evelyn Managing Editor
As
we entered the month of February, Black History Month, a scandal was also making its way into the government and headlines. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is receiving backlash from a yearbook photo that has recently resurfaced. In the photo published in the 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook, Northam and another individual, who hasn’t been named, can be seen dressed in blackface and the signature white hood, along with a robe of a KKK member. Placed next to the image is Northam’s quote, “‘there are more old drunks than old doctors in this world so I think I’ll have another beer.’” After the release of the 1984 photo, another image of Northam has surfaced; this time from his 1981 Virginia Military Institute college yearbook. On February 1st Northam released an apology statement. “Earlier today, a website published a photograph of me from my 1984 medical school yearbook in a costume that is clearly racist and offensive,” Northam said. “I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did
in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now.” (CNN) Northam then goes on to explain that he realizes the damage these images cause and hopes that he, along with the community, can work towards healing. “This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today and the values I have fought for throughout my career in the military, in medicine, and in public service. But I want to be clear, I understand how this decision shakes Virginians’ faith in that commitment.” He added, “I recognize that it will take time and serious effort to heal the damage this conduct has caused. I am ready to do that important work. The first step is to offer my sincerest apology and to state my absolute commitment to living up to the expectations Virginians set for me when they elected me to be their Governor.” (CNN) The news has left many shocked and prompted calls for Northam to resign. However, he has ignored such requests and instead hopes to direct the focus for the rest of his three years in office towards racial
tensions in the state and inequality. He is reportedly working with his cabinet on policies to help mend issues in the state and has spent time with black lawmakers to get
a better understanding of how minorities are treated across the United States. (USA Today) Graphic By: Rosa Gomez
8
Voices Versus Violence CHARTER HIGH ACADEMIC TIMES
PPCHS Gives Back to First Responders Ariana Ortiz Managing Editor - Web
On February 14, 2018, an active shooter
opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, ending the lives of seventeen students and staff members. Upon news of the incident, first responders including police officers, paramedics, and firefighters rushed to the scene. Paramedics were able to save the lives of students who were severely injured. Officers and S.W.A.T. members guided students who were in the school to safety and took custody of the shooter immediately. First responders play a key role in keeping us safe especially when tragedy strikes. Exactly one year after the tragedy, PPCHS decided to honor these first responders and invite them to have a free breakfast to thank them for their service. Pines Charter’s SGA wanted to make sure the responders felt our gratitude and appreciation especially on a day that weighs heavy on the hearts of our community. Junior and SGA member Carissa Kaminsky said, “We worked really hard to show the first responders how grateful we are for them, and I feel like we gave people a reason to smile on such a sad day.” As the first responders entered through the front office they were showered with gratitude with a big banner reading “Thank You, First Responders” with red hearts surrounding it. Only a few steps away was another banner even larger that read “First to respond, First in our Hearts.” Each and every responder entered and smiled seeing how loved they are by our community. Pembroke Pines Police Captain Al Xiques said, “Most first responders really feel uncomfortable for the recognition because we do our jobs without any want or desire for any notoriety. Our job is to keep the community safe, so getting this kind of recognition is a little bit uncomfortable but at the same time is humbling and we really, really appreciate it. We feel very fortunate to work for the city of Pembroke Pines because this community has been 100% supportive of our efforts.” Each and every officer expressed
their gratitude to our school for the recognition. An enormous spread of breakfast foods including bagels, pastries, eggs, bacon, hash browns, and more was laid out in the office as the first responders made their way to the fountain. In front of the food was a giant orange ribbon, the color to raise awareness for gun safety, with post it notes with notes of encouragement from students. Officers were welcome to all the food they pleased, served by SGA members. Outside, every table was decorated with origami hearts and thank you letters written by PPCHS students. Our very own Academic Village middle school helped decorate the events with their “pinwheels for peace.” The pinwheels were decorated with bright colors and messages of peace. In the center of the fountain was a poster for the pinwheels that read ‘May there be peace on earth so our first responders are called to duty only for terrors of nature and not the terrors of mankind.’ The pinwheels and origami hearts added a sense of community and love to the event, on a day that hits so close to home. Captain Mark Manning said, “On my way to work today I actually passed by Stoneman Douglas and those memories are still fresh. I have a daughter in middle school and it’s sad to know she’ll remember this day not as Valentine’s Day but as the anniversary of the Stoneman Douglas tragedy. As far as our role as first responders we have that potential for an incident to happen and we have the honor, the duty, and the privilege to respond.” For years to come, our entire community will recognize February 14 as a day of remembrance for MSD. The event as a whole was an amazing way to express gratitude for our first responders. PPCHS recognizes this tragic day as not only a reminder of the terrors of the world, but a reminder of those who are there for our community every day.
Photos By: Andy Alfonso
A Teacher’s Reflection
Marjory Stoneman Douglas One Year Later William Quigley SPECIAL TO THE CHAT
I know mothers who stand by their children’s beds at night, a hand soothingly laid upon the sleeping cheek, whispering a hope of protection: please, not, you, too And Still I Hope I have seen terrified children cowering in classroom corners and terrified politicians cowering to the NRA And Still I Hope I have felt the righteous indignation of parents who will never see their child alive again And Still I Hope I have watched men and women cling to their guns like it was the still living bodies of the kindergartners murdered by these same weapons And Still I Hope I have watched my school drill and prepare for our turn for IT to come And Still I hope I have listened to people give thoughts and prayers as though those do something and then do NOTHING else to stop the massacres And Still I Hope I have watched gun violence grow closer and closer to the gates of my school San Bernardino 2,670 miles away Los Vegas 2, 500 miles away Columbine 2,000 miles away Sandy Hook 1, 200 miles away Charleston 575 miles away Orlando 225 miles away Marjorie Stoneman Douglas 33 miles away And Still I hope I have felt lost, destroyed, enraged, numb, bitter, hateful, engulfed, overwhelmed,
paralyzed, grief-stricken, hopeless, helpless, hateful, angry, surrounded, sorrowful, sickened, saddened, after each bullet after each lifeless body fell crumpled and forgotten And Still I Hope I have seen a nation covered in the blood of teenagers, worshipers, concert-goers, discos dancers, workers, movie goers, and kindergartners And Still I Hope I have watched Presidents wipe away tears of shame and fury and others tweet words of indifference And Still I Hope I feel myself losing touch with a nation that values an AK-47 more than it does the lives of its 5, 6 and 7 year olds And Still I Hope I have felt the cold dread when a lockdown at my school has been announced, the look of fear on my student’s faces that IT was finally here And Still I Hope I have heard bullets fired and learned to tourniquet a bleeding wound and wondered why no one seems to care that the gaping wound that matters is the soul of a nation who throws up its hands and say there’s just nothing we can do And Still I Hope I have seen an entire generation of teenagers vilified for simply wanting to go to school and not have to worry about a person and a gun taking their lives And Still I Hope I have seen kids look to me for answers when I don’t even know how to grasp the questions: Why? How? Again? Here?
Will it be us? Will it ever stop? Why won’t anyone do something to make it end? Are we next? And Still I Hope I have heard the lies of those who believe a piece of metal has more importance and rights than a mother, father, police officer, priest, minister, child, nurse, doctor, you, me, us And Still I Hope I have watched moms drop their precious children off for another day of school and wondered how they could ever let go knowing what WE LET HAPPEN And Still I Hope I have seen monsters terrorize the hallways of too many schools only to realize the real monster are the ones who have the power to stop it but won’t And Still I Hope I have bled tears and cried drops of pain for names and people I will never meet but it doesn’t matter, there is too much money to be made for those who make the weapons of war And Still I Hope I am tired of being angry, I am exhausted at the indifference, I am over the ritual of another shooting in another place and another set of victim’s whose lives are cut short And Still I Hope I have felt, I have been, I have watched, I know, I have listened, I have heard, I am tired, I am sick of all of it, isn’t it enough, how many more are going to die, how many more kids, how many more places, how much more death can this country take, how many more times are we going to watch funerals and memorial services, how
much more social media are people going to fill with inane thoughts and prayers, how many more people have to die, honestly can the self-righteous tell me how many more people do guns have to kill before they join with us to say enough, how many how many how many? And Still I Hope… Why? Talk to a kid today, hear their resolve, look in their faces, know they have had enough, it may not be today or tomorrow but it will be soon and when this generation, massacred on Valentine’s Day, forced to rise up by men and woman who mock and disregard them, finally get to be in charge, then something will be done. Till then…I. Still. Hope. William Quigley 2/14/19