The CHAT April Edition 2016-17 issue # 7

You Are Not Alone... ead hey spr t o d y Wh e? about m s r o m u r They don’t deserve a goodbye

They just don’t

understand...

sten?

ybody li Why doesn’t an Will th

ey not

ice if i ’m

gone?

I need help. .....

Features Pgs 14-17: Spotlights on Mental Health Awareness

Student Life Pgs 6-9: Spring Pep Rally

Nadira Danticat - Content Sarah Barrocas - Content Cristina Feliciano - Layout Sofia Alfonso - Layout Managing Editors Chatter Daily News Evan Samuels Web Managing Editor Brittany Evelyn - Content Sarah Barrocas - Layout Business Managers Mr. J. Harris - Layout Mr. F. Fagen - Content Mr. J. Harris - Video Advisors Mr. P. Bayer Principal

David Cha-Kim News Editor Alexa Infante Student Life Editor LJ Lemmers Technology Editor

Contents

The C.H.C. Staff

Relay4Life: Look out for a recap in our next issue!!!

Stud Li

Cristine Alayon Sports Editor Cristina Feliciano Features Editor Maria Acosta-Rubio Clubs Editor Ainsley McCormick Community Outreach

Student Life:

Samuel Eliacin - The CHAT Eric Hernandez - Web Photo Editors Katie Perez Graphics Editor

Content Staff: Jordan Alberti, Florencia Azcurra, Sofia Azcurra, Paolo Barrera, Roselle Curiel, Mason Feldman, Matthew Hernandez, Janae McDonnough, Frank Mora, Christopher Nappi, Andres Perez, Amanda Rodriguez, Diego Salazar Layout Staff: Jose Bozo, Tomas Eiletz Bottaro, Sarah Barrocas, Esteban Gangotena Photography Staff: Julian Barcelo, Justin Dourvetakis, Omar Loutfi, Giulia Marcondes

SGA Pep Rally Squad Presents: SGA Pep Rally Sleeping in the ‘Busch’es

Features:

GRAPHIC STAFF: Nicole Mercadal, Micheal Perez, Justin Pierce

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: chc.ppchs@gmail.com Twitter: @_theCHATter Instagram: @thechatnews 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 chc.ppchs@gmail.com

Parents and Professionals Against Mental Illness Social Media Suicides Signal Cry for Help

Clubs & Electives: Adopt a Disability to Show Your Support Elective Spotlight: Dominators of Debate

dent ife

Sports: Pg 20

Features: Pg 15

Sports: Is Sports More Mental or Physical?

Water Polo tournament honors former captain, friend

Entertainment: Ed ‘Sheer’an Success Wanna Bite? : Blue Ginger Restaurant Review

News: The Planets Next Door White House Review

Sleeping in the ‘Busch’es Brittany Evelyn Business Manager - Content

The Busch Gardens Sleepover Field trip, held on March 24th through the 25th, was offered to any, and all,

interested freshmen and sophomores. The trip entails a fun, interactive, and educational adventure that culminates with a sleepover in the theme park. Students will be able to enjoy the theme park on the following day, the 25th, before returning to Pembroke Pines.

There were limited spots available as a payment of $24 was due by Tuesday, February 28. Due to a limited amount of space, the slots were filled on a first come first serve basis. Park admission, accommodations inside the theme park, meal passes, and the activities included for the sleepover were included in the price. The payment was collected after school in U225, Ms. Heising’s classroom.

As the facilitator for the AICE Travel and Tourism class, Ms. Heising is the sponsor for all seven trips that are going on in the class. Such trips include the Busch Gardens field trip, a college tour trip, trips for the second and third grade classes from the FSU campus, trips to Vizcaya and Morikami Gardens, and a summer travel expo on March 23. “This year the students in the class

were broken up into groups, and they h on their respective projects all year. Th for planning all aspects of the trip, a the "Travel Agents" during the events, This particular trip was planned by Hinds, Maria Jesus Rojas, Jamie McG sell, and Juliana Foinquinos. The gro was to suggest a trip in which student visit The University of South Florida spend time in the Busch Gardens Park Jada presented a different idea to her offer an unusual option for students. ing the Busch Gardens website I fou sleepovers that they hold at theme pa field trip was very different and some has never experienced before,” said Ja tled on the Busch Gardens trip for it w park that offered a sleepover progr program, the girls were able to create experience that is unlike any other off the past. The enthusiastic response wil more creative field trips, such as this students in the future.

Exlporing the ‘Busch’es: The AICE Travel & Tourism class planned a student-oranized, overnight field trip to Busch Gardens.

Photo Donated By: Maria Jesus-Rojas

Science Teacher Wins Award to Explore Indon Maria Acosta-Rubio Clubs Editor

At PPCHS, many of the teachers constantly rise above and beyond the normal teaching expectat PPCHS Pre-AICE and AICE Biology teacher, has been declared the winner of the IREX Award, an awa

teachers who are dedicated to their work. Ms. Rago had the fortune of finding out about this program at in International and Intercultural Education at FIU. The program is funded by the United States De Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The scholarship involves a yearlong participation, which i global education course, an international travel experience, and the creation of a global education guid use.

To apply, teachers must be currently employed at the elementary, middle, or high school level, must be er with five or more years of teaching experience by the end of the 2016-2017 school year, must be a US currently reside and teach in the United States. This program allows teachers to become leaders in educ scale. Global education is integral to building skills that allow students to grow, and teachers are known resource to empower students. The TGC program, or Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, state in they “equip teachers to bring an international perspective to their schools through targeted training, ex and global collaboration.”

As head of the science department of PPCHS Mrs. HD commented, “I’m very happy to hear that she Ms. Rago is a hard-working teacher, and to think that a teacher in the science department won make I’m excited to see what she will achieve in the future. I know as a teacher and a person, she’s most d achievement.”

Teacher Travels to Indonesia: The IREX program started in 1968 to bridge geopolitical divides by fostering the exchange of scholars, t Ms. Rago, a PPCHS teacher and recipient of and ideas. This purpose still stands today, and Ms.Rago has portrayed that in her teaching career by t the IREX award, was granted the opportunity such as Florida, New York, California, Missouri, and Switzerland. “I was super excited when I found ou to travel abrad and conduct science lectures overseas. for this award 3 years in a row and finally got it for the first time! They have over 470 applicants an Photo By: Samuel Eliacin chosen from across the U.S.,” exclaimed Ms. Rago. Applicants from 39 different states in the United S Ms. Rago was one in three teachers in Florida to receive the honor. She was selected as Broward County High School Educator of the year in 2010, and now winning the IREX award can be added onto her lis From Switzerland to Indonesia, Ms. Rago is sure to bring the happiness of learning to students. The IREX doesn’t only feature Indonesia, but a vast majority of countries in Asia su Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste, and many more. Indonesia is a diverse country religiously, ethnically, and culturally. It is made up of over 17,000 islands with being inhabited. Even though Indonesia shares many differences from PPCHS, Ms. Rago no stranger to diversity.

“The school I worked at in Switzerland was very diverse as well. Students came from all over for the summer camp such as countries as Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Russia, etc. They spoke v besides english. However, I am a bit nervous. A big difference will be the educational system. Since I worked at an American school in Switzerland, the format was very similar to here. In are typically open-air, with 40-45 students in each class. So I am a bit nervous and excited to teach in a contrast environment to that of air conditioned schools,” said Ms. Rago. When in Switzerland, she had taught at an expensive private boarding school. Now as she plans to travel to Indonesia, She anticipates over being able to teach in a different environment.

Although the award is pleasant in itself, the real prize is to see a different area of the world, states Ms.Rago. “I can’t wait to see things I have read about up close. For examples, thin species of rainforest in Borneo, orangutans, komodo dragons, etc. Also to view things such as how the palm oil industries is causing loss of rainforest and biodiversity for the country’s will be phenomenal,” she gushed. Ms. Rago has always had a love for science and children, which becomes clear through tutoring and working with kids before her time as a teacher. Sh in the outdoors, and is fascinated with learning about the human body, diseases, and anything else. She never wanted to work in a hospital so she viewed other alternatives, hence lookin career. As she dove into researching a job that she wanted, becoming a teacher fit like a glove. Teaching showed Ms.Rago that she could be creative when helping students learn about so was passionate about.

From travelling and teaching all over the world, to creating fun and lasting memories in PPCHS, Ms. Rago is a teacher that PPCHS students could never complain about. Her chari dedication for teaching others goes far and beyond. Her future endeavors lead her to Indonesia, which allows her to explore its beauty within and outside the classroom.

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Celebrating Student Success Florencia Azcurra Sofia Azcurra Staff Writers

have been working hey are responsible and are considered ,” she said. y sophomores Jada Gregor, Janan Vasoup’s original idea ts were allowed to a (USF), and then k nearby. However, r group, hoping to “As I was browsund out about the ark. I felt like this ething that charter ada. The group setwas the only theme ram. Through this a unique field trip fered at Charter in ll hopefully inspire s one, for Charter

nesia

tion. Ms. Rago, a ard that recognizes t her Masters class epartment of State includes an online de for community

e a full-time teachS citizen, and must cation on a global n to be the greatest n their website that xperience abroad,

e won this award. es me very proud. deserving for this

teachers, students, teaching in places ut I won! I applied nd I am one of 70 States applied, and y's Environmental st of successes. uch as Cambodia, only 780 of them

various languages ndonesian schools n Ms. Rago taught

ngs such as native s economic means he cherishes being ng into a teaching omething that she

isma, passion, and

Outstanding Seniors Awarded Leaders: The most elite of seniors were recognized for their outstanding leadership capabilities at an exlusive awards ceremony organized by SGA. Photo Donated By: Diego Burga

T

raditions are essentially the heart of Charter, so it is no surprise that PPCHS is starting a new a tradition this year. Graduating students from the class of 2017 who have shown extreme dedication towards their academics and have excelled profoundly within them have been awarded the chance to be honored at PPCHS’s very first specialized Outstanding Leadership Awards Ceremony.

The idea to host this event, originally Mr. Bayer’s, began through the combined efforts of administration and Charter’s very own Student Government Association. Mr. Bayer commented that, “I realized was that our students were being lost in the mass of students recognized in one very long, impersonal ceremony. As a Charter school, one of our great strengths is the ability to make school more personable. That ‘small school atmosphere’ is one of the things that makes us so different from the mega-schools.”

Because this was the first time that Charter has hosted an event like this, the student organizers and sponsors, such as the student committee chair of the ceremony Alexa Binko, was very nervous but also excited to witness its positive outcome from the staff and seniors. All fingers were crossed that this would be a successful event in hopes for future seniors getting recognized for their impactful efforts. While there is a senior awards ceremony in May that all seniors are invited to for their academic accolades, and a senior yearbook signing that same day, the faculty and staff wanted to hold an additional, small ceremony to recognize four chosen students.

Charter is already setting the expectations high, considering only four seniors of the entire senior student body were invited to this leadership ceremony.

In order to be even considered for a nomination, the seniors would have had to already put themselves out there. Mr. Curry, the sponsor of the event, says, “Although it is difficult to express the qualifications someone must possess in order for someone to get this award because we have so many great student leaders on campus, but this person should be everyone someone knows.” The four seniors nominated- Diego Burga, Sofia Mohammad, Sarah Duval, and Shreeya Singh- have shown tremendous leadership while also providing a dedicated interest in their school.

The nominated seniors have certainly shown their dedication towards helping others by volunteering and participating in clubs like Student Government Association and HOSA. Sofia Mohammed, an active officer in HOSA, has expressed her dedication by constantly showing her endless work with the club.

She has been in charge of events like the health fair that takes place at PPCHS. Taking opportunities is vital for these seniors and she unquestionably took the opportunity of taking all science courses available at PPCHS. Sofia, who is also nominated for the Silver Knight Award for science, has gained a sum of around 200 hours at her time at Pines Charter High School. Sarah Duval, who is an active member Black Student Union, commented, “I wouldn’t call myself exceptional, I just try my best to be an active member of clubs and participate in school activities. When I see an opportunity for change, I take it.” While Sarah was busy with her club, student Diego Burga was wasting no time in ensuring SGA had an eventful year. He was named SGA Recording Secretary his junior year and President of the club just last year. He has worked alongside his fellow officers with events such as homecoming, which sold the most amount of tickets in Charter homecoming history. Diego and his SGA cohorts worked hard to raise $4,000 for a non-profit organization called Honor Flight Network, which sends WWII veterans to the WWII memorial in Washington D.C. for free. Diego is also currently the ISC president. “I feel very honored and humbled to be invited to such an event. When I found out only four students would be nominated out of 400+ I was kind of in shock…being grouped with these incredible leaders made me feel special because they are my peers and I know they have gone above and beyond to exceed their expectations,” commented Diego. The two other seniors, Shreeya and Sarah, have also proven themselves worthy of the award. They have participated in clubs like NHS, Model UN, and Peer Counseling Club as well as other organizations. Shreeya Singh has dominated the debate floor, conquering awards in Congressional Debate that had secured her a first place ranking in the Florida State Tournament.

The seniors all met on Thursday, March 16th at 6:30 p.m. on the steps of the River of Grass, awaiting for the ceremony to begin. The Outstanding Leadership Awards was a family event -- each student was allowed to invite five people. The seniors heard speeches from Mr. Bayer, and the teachers who nominated them. Each student had a teacher sponsor who awarded them their award. Shreeya Singh was introduced by Ms. Schwab and Sofia Mohammed was introduced by Mr. Schwartz, Ms. Hernanez-Davis and Ms. Ramirez. Sara Duval was introduced by Ms. Saye and Diego Burga was introduced by Mr. Curry. The students later enjoyed refreshments and small appetizers with everyone invited and had pictures taken.

These four seniors were chosen out of 400 exceptional students to accept the Outstanding Senior Leadership Award. The seniors heard speeches from Mr. Bayer, the teachers who nominated them, and later enjoyed small refreshments with everyone present. These promising students truly have gone above and beyond to show their dedication towards their school. All four seniors have surely exceeded these requirements and have proven what being a true lead entails. The two foot bronze jaguar award have certainly been awarded to the most respected of students, and these seniors will not fail to uphold these standards or continue to shine amongst their peers.

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Student Life

The SGA Pep Rally Squad Maria Acosta-Rubio

P

Clubs Editor

ep rallies are the common denominator in which high school students from any club, sport, elective, or academic standing can join together to celebrate and show off their school spirit in support for each other. SGA takes on the difficult and time consuming task of creating the event that results in the perfect pep rally every year, twice a year. PPCHS’ pep rallies are one of the most talked about events in school, and each time there’s a new element of surprise students are quick to gawk about and continue returning to.

“As the chair committee head for this pep rally, my schedule is pretty hectic.

I’m in charge of picking the talent, organizing the clubs, getting all the sports involved, and so on. I also have to create the schedule and to top it all off, I’m in charge of ticket sales and distribution. Being chair committee head are big shoes to fill all year long,” said chair committee Luz Torres with a exhausting smile. SGA began preparing for this even the previous year. The chair committee head of last year’s pep rallies wrote in a binder about everything that had to be done from start to finish, giving each new committee head an outline of what to do in the timeframe assigned. From casting auditions to staying in constant communication with clubs, the chair committee head is often buzzing around with plans and activities.

Of course, PPCHS isn’t a stranger to coordinating pep rallies. The spring pep rally is the second rally SGA has held this year, and many students were eager to find out what would be different. Luz mentioned that traditional pep rallies always feature the same highlighting clubs and sports that make it a “true rally,” but she wanted spring pep rally to carry a uniqueness of its own. The spring pep rally featured the debate team for the first time walking across the auditorium, as well as usual favorites such as a sneak peak of PPCHS’ Drama Production “Hamlet: Zombie Killer of Denmark.” SGA is experienced in terms of creativity and attention attracting events, so how does SGA seem to keep Charter intrigued every year? The process, although simple, takes time and input from much of the student body. Themes are chosen by the incoming SGA class, narrowing the available choices down to four themes. Later, a Juno quiz is sent out to the student body where kids can decide which theme is best for homecoming as well as rallies. But, the club’s personal projects are different. SGA members are allowed to bring up ideas that they have with the board, and then if the idea seems well-thought out and planned, the SGA board allows them to try and see if it works. In addition to it, SGA is a part of the overall state SGA organization and are required to do a set of projects that has been set out for them.

However, this year’s spring pep rally project was a rather special and more personal bonding moment to Charter students of all class. One of SGA’s members Chris Alegria, has recently been diagnosed with brain cancer, and SGA decided that all of the rally’s proceeds would go to their extended SGA family member.

“I think around the whole entire school it was an instant ‘we have to help him’ moment. He’s such a likeable person with a wonderful personality. He’s a great person to have around and he’s part of the SGA family. So many of us knew when the news came out that we wanted to help fundraise or at least show him how much support he has. Even if we aren’t related by blood, all of SGA is a family, and we knew that we had to help one of our own,” said SGA President Diego Burga.

SGA raised $1,936.35 in tickets for pep rally to donate for Chris; not counting the money raised off of the t-shirts sales to help support him. Charter also showed their support during the rally, with rally-goers chanting “Team Chris” wildly and loudly as a member filmed it and sent it to Chris who was in the hospital at the time.

The spring pep rally consisted of a tropical theme background, with Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride from the Lilo and Stitch film, filling the auditorium with excitement as students trickled into their seats. The walls were decorated with sparkly pineapples, sunglasses, palm trees, and #TeamChris Banners posted everywhere. SGA participants wore leis, flowers in their hair, and a green grass skirt to match the mood, performing the infamous Hula Dance from Lilo and Stitch, taking students back to their childhood fun. Students were pleasantly surprised to see the PPCHS’ step team make a revival with the song “I Can’t Dance” from High School Musical, adding more nostalgia to the audience. The pep rally seemed almost like a homecoming game indoors, as each spring sport broke through a banner and was welcomed with massive applause. Although the rally consisted of jaw dropping moments such as teams doing backflips, contests, and dance offs, the sole purpose of the rally overcame all of these fun activities. “We did this all to help Chris.

Of course the pep rally is something we do every year to bond our school, but Chris was the one person we wanted to uplift the most,” said SGA’s Corresponding Secretary Mia Gonzalez.

With the spring pep rally all wrapped up, and the decorations taken off, the echoing rumble of students chanting “Team Chris” can be heard bouncing off the walls as the overflowing support continues to creep up in everyday conversation. Charter in Paradise became a paradise full of moral support for one of SGA’s own personal traveler.

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Student Life

d Presents: Charter in Paradise

Photos By: Samuel Eliacin Aijah Harper

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Student Life

The SGA Pep Rally Squad

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Photos B

Student Life

d Presents: Charter in Paradise

By: Samuel Eliacin Aijah Harper

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Student Life

Exams? Don’t Fear... Students are He Mason Feldman and Diego Salazar Staff Writers

Freshman Jayme Villafane

“I

Sophomore Elias Urena

“I

Junior Ross Mishler

“I

Freshman Sebastian Alvarez

“I

go over all the notes I take in class and then I get a good night rest to keep my mind fresh.”

study two days in advanced and then I go over it a couple of times before I go to bed.”

f the test is based on memorizing then I would either study Quizlets online or I would make flashcards.”

study for my tests by using study guides handed by my teachers, reading over and over all my notes, and using the textbooks as a resource.”

Senior Jonathan Herbert

Junior Natalie Jimenez

Freshman Ashley Perez

Senior Matthew Morin

“I study in groups because we all share ideas and we brainstorm so we can

“I take two weeks in advance to study for exams and write out outlines/

all score well on our exams.”

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summaries with key details of chapters from my classes that I don't remember much of.”

“I

study for exams by going over my notes, my textbook, and searching up videos on YouTube.”

“D

uring baseball season I usually go home and study the study guide and then have someone quiz me without me looking at the material.”

Here!

Sophomore Kate De Leon

At Pines Charter, we often peer over the lives of the people we walk past every day. That boy you see in S building could do something amazing on the weekends, and the girl you always see roaming in the cafeteria could have an interesting secret, but you would never know. To combat this lack of exploration, we brought back a concept from our newspaper’s past. We randomly selected a student from a student directory, interviewed them, and THIS is their story.

Everyone Has a Story: Richard Evans Jr. Paolo Barrera Staff Writer

The popularized cliché of surviving high school “correctly” by either being a wallflower or by striking the popularity mine is somewhat evident at Pines Charter… with a few exceptions. Senior

“When I prepare for exams and tests, I make sure I review the material needed for the task. I also make sure that if I don't understand the section, I go to my teachers and ask them to go over the section thoroughly.”

Junior Imani Marable

Richard Evans Jr. is one of these exceptions.

A laid back personality and a low profile is a distinct trait in describing Richard. However, the upperclassman wouldn’t want to change a thing. “I’m not really involved in school clubs or any sports [team], but I’ve enjoyed my high school experience,” commented Richard.

Taking on the heavy load of three AP classes and three honors classes, Evans has been grinding in his books to chase a future doing what he enjoys. “My favorite subject would be math,” said Evans, “because I hope to get paid doing it as a computer engineer.” Though he has no dream school, his dream as a future computer engineer will hopefully lead him to whichever college will provide him with the best opportunities possible. So close to making this dream a reality, Richard’s biggest enemy, however, is more than just his hefty course load but a bad case of senioritis instead. “The senioritis definitely hit me second quarter,” laughed Evans. The symptoms hit him early, unfortunately, but they have fortunately not affected his grades as he continues to exhibit true merit in his work no matter the time of the school year.

Outside of school, Richard’s appreciation for a relaxed perspective continues. His involvement goes further than at school, however, with an active volunteering role at his church. He also makes money every now and then playing around with his area of specialty. “Once or twice a month, my cousin and I fix computers,” shared Richard.

Other hobbies of his include playing video games and going out to Photo By: Samuel Eliacin play basketball or football with his friends when free time presents itself. “My favorite memories playing would be crossing my friends up when we play basketball together,” chuckled Evans.

Taking a deeper look into the personality and identity of who Richard Evans Jr. is, you’ll discover a playful and laid back guy who’s working to secure a future for himself in computer engineering. “I don’t have any solid goals for the future besides going to college. I know for sure I’m going to college,” Richard reiterated. As he prepares to end his high school career at Pines Charter, he leaves his mark as another talented technology student. He also leaves final words of advice, said in typical Richard fashion: “For

Chelsea Frank: An SAT Superstar Andres Perez and Matthew Hernandez

S

“T he best way for me to study is by using flashcards; it is interactive and the

best way to retain information so that I can get the highest grade possible on a standardized test or any exam.”

Staff Writer

coring above 1500 on the SAT is a goal that many high schoolers dream about, but very few achieve. Chelsea Frank, a junior at PPCHS, achieved that far-fetched dream when she received a 1520 on the January SAT. Frank’s goal is to get into an Ivy League university and continue her education after high school.

Preparing for this test took months of prep classes over the summer to enhance her readiness. On her first attempt at a high score on the SAT, Frank received a 1420 out of a possible 1600. Frank said, “I wanted to have a score that was at least in the 1500s, but at least 1550 would have been ideal. I just barely met my goal, but I am thrilled and excited for what the future holds.”

Conquering the SAT: Frank has been pushed and encouraged to study by her mother. With months Junior Chelsea Frank studied long and hard for her SAT, earning her one of the top of preparation classes and practice tests, she was able to fulfill her and her scores of her graduating class. mother’s dreams. Frank said, “I’d really like to go to either Duke University Photo By: Aijah Harper or Yale University. These are my two dream Ivy League schools. Hopefully, with my score, I will be able to get into either of these schools.” Duke’s 25th percentile for the SAT is a 1440, and their 75th percentile is a 1570. For Yale, their 25th percentile is a 1430, and their 75th percentile is a 1590. Frank has decided she will not take the SAT again, and she has been trying to the best of her ability to help others with tips and pointers to get the best score possible. In the future, Frank would love to embark on a career in the medical field just like her parents, and this amazing SAT score will surely guide her in the right direction.

Chelsea Frank has proven that if you put your mind to something you can achieve it. She has set goals and soared above them. Her SAT score of 1520 shows that hard work truly pays off in the end. Students all over PPCHS see her as an example to stay focused and work hard on setting yourself up for success in the future.

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Parents and

A Word from the Features Editor

Graphic by: Katie Perez

Cristina Feliciano

W

e all have had that moment in class when notifications of Twitter or Instagram flutter our lock screens. The temptation of checking your phone during a lecture eats away at you. But as soon as the bell hits 2:00 PM, the phones flip up and the thumbs commence their little dance. 94% of teenagers around the world have some form of social media on their mobile devices or computers. Teenagers have been known to be reckless or lazy while on their social media accounts. However, there are so many different outlets in today’s day and age that any teenager can genuinely make a difference in a person’s life. One thing that teens have the ability to change is the suicide rate across the nation and world.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, each year 44,193 Americans die from suicide.

Suicide of any age can be caused by a number of things –depression, a bipolar disorder, or a personality disorder.

Depression is the leading cause of teenage suicide. Most teens who have been interviewed after a suicide attempt say that what causes teen suicide are feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Many of these feelings can also be portrayed on the computer screen. Any social media whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, or even YouTube, it is not very common to come across a friend or family member who’s suicidal. However, that’s not to say that it does not happen.

Senior Carmen Quesada mentioned that “nowadays, the kids that might have suicidal thoughts are less likely to speak out on social media in fear of being humiliated or embarrassed for having those types of emotions. Many teenagers have turned depression into a joke that you see all over memes as something “relatable” or funny. I think this contributes to the suicide rate increasing because these individuals feel like they don’t have a safe and healthy outlet for their thoughts”.

There are many ways to prevent this horrific act from happening. According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, when approaching a situation where a suicidal tweet was posted, it is important to contact a lifeline center. You can also encourage them to call the lifeline themselves. If the postings continue, seek a mental health professional and contact the social media safety team who can speak to your friend or family member. Remember, people who take their lives don’t want to die –they just want to stop the pain and hurting. Teenagers suffering from any mental health illness are susceptible to feeling useless and like they are not worthy of the life given to them. Depending on the person, they can either be direct or hidden with their emotions. If a tweet similar to “I just can’t take it anymore” or “I won’t be in your way much longer” is posted, that is a key indicator that something is not right. Suicidal teens tend to believe that social media platforms allow them to have a larger audience.

This is usually the point where the suicidal teen is not being taken seriously by friends and family. Any post that seems a bit strange and bizarre should be viewed with caution. It is imperative that the suicide prevention hotlines are given to these teens to help reassure them that there is help (sucidepreventionlifeline.org).

As a high school principal, Mr. Bayer has had to deal with different types of emotions that circle around campus. Bayer believes that teens continue to use social media as their final platform because “it is a simple way to evoke an immediate response from a large group –which is why I think social media has become the primary form for ALL sharing in the younger portions of our population. So the question is more about how we interact on every level.”

The immediate buzz from a notification alert naturally summons us to unlock our cell phones to check on the latest social media updates. While these applications open a portal for many to share their latest stories, these postings –often times filled with emoticons, characters, and punctuation– uncover a meaning that is so much deeper than its ostensible appearance. For anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, self-harm, or contemplating suicide, just know you are not alone. You are worthy. You are loved. Just as a semicolon is used to represent a sentence that the author could have ended but chose not to, you are the author and the story is your life; don’t let yours, or somebody else's, be over.

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Parent Worksh Different speakers severity of teenage Donated By: Princ

Features Editor

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n March 1, 2017, The Alliance for Eating Disorder held it morning boasted beautiful Florida weather, it was remembered disorders. This walk carried a heavier significance this year for i attendance remembered the tangible spirit of McGowans as her The clear, blue skies and intermittent cycles of wind rallied 70 Although the walk was small in number, its size did not match awareness towards this fight. Before the start of the walk, a poetr treatment center that Zoe was admitted into in North Carolina. T of children who had from this fatal disease that day. While the M be overall empowering. After the reading, the coordinator of the the attention of Zoe’s passing, they were also comforted by the sister. “After coming off of the stage, it was so comforting to be said Aja McGowans, senior and sister of Zoe. The walk, a little over a mile, was entirely dedicated to Zoe. He of their spirited member as they walked through the park. Music the walk came to an end. Aja found entertainment, however, in her and her family.

Freshman and one of Zoe’s closest friends, Racquel Robertson a lot of feelings that I had been suppressing for a while but it also which does go unnoticed compared to many other diseases. It w makes me want to help anybody else that has to go through the An eating disorder- defined as any range of psychological diso complicated than its explanation claims it to be. Because the de Victims are not cured by this diseases by simply eating more b secure enough solution. Aja urges people "to know that eating control of someone's life and those around them. Fighting eating and help those that are affected by this disease. " Zoe’s team raised a total of $600 while the total money accu dedicated in Zoe’s honor where people could write framed note the ground, it will forever embody the wholesome spirit of Zoe

d Professionals Against Mental Illness Paolo Barrera Staff Writer

Itonconfide the growing struggle against mental illness among teenagers, the most potent weapon against mental diseases like depression and bipolar disorder, is a trusted adult in. Pembroke Pines Charter understands this, and hosted a workshop helping adults become an ally to sons and daughters with mental illness.

hop: came to discuss the e suicide. cipal Bayer

The “Parenting Your Teen” event was sponsored by the Memorial Healthcare System (MHS), and took place on February 22 at PPCHS. The school counseling office collaborated with Dr. Rube from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH), and held the event as a way to present vital information straight from professionals to concerned parents and guardians. Over 75 parents, and some teachers were in attendance for the two presentations, in which the important truths about mental illness were shared to the community. The event was a success in getting possibly-lifesaving information to the masses, but also shed light on the unknown truths of mental illness.

“Spreading awareness is key. As professional educators, we are dedicated to creating a healthy, conducive learning environment for all students. As such, we must be vigilant and proactive in our efforts,” said Ms. Scott, guidance counselor at PPCHS One of the sessions was titled “Staying Connected to Your Teens”, and was hosted by Alina Shaw and Joshua Plantz of the Memorial Healthcare System. The presentation was meant to discuss the communication between parents and teenagers, the problems of substance abuse, and hurdles in the way of a stable communicative relationship between them both. Speaker, Mr. Plantz, gave his presentation from the perspective of a licensed mental health counselor and a Manager of the Community Services Department. His 16 years in the mental health/social services field gave him credible expertise in the field, supervising mental illnesses like depression and addiction in all ages and paths of life. His specialty has been in the teenage field, in which his advice impacts students the most. Alina Shaw also shares expertise in the same field, with work in the teen pregnancy prevention department and the substance abuse prevention team under her belt. Both presenters shared experiences, advice, and truths about the community’s work with mental illness to expose and assist parents in dealing with those instances. One of the attendees of this presentation, Mr. Bayer, comments,” It meant a lot to me to have the experts offer assistance and advice because growing up is hard when everything goes right! And, as I'm sure any teen will tell you, life never goes right all the time!”

The second 40 minute session was titled “Pieces of the Teen Struggle”. Like the title suggests, the discussion highlighted the risks of self-injury, the reality of suicide, and facts about on adolescent depression through the eyes of a teenager. A different perspective helped those in attendance to empathize with a different set of circumstances in mind. The presenter was one of the organizers, Dr. David Rube from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Dr. Rube drew experience from his years of work in the department of adolescent psychiatry. Dr. David Rube is the current Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at JDCH, and has worked before doing the same. His specialty in this area captivated parents and teachers alike, in which he shared the technical and human aspects of the difficult teenage environment. “The advice and insight shared by Dr. Rube is very valuable and very much appreciated,” said Mr. Bayer.

Workshops such as the one that PPCHS hosted, delved deep into the science and harsh reality of mental illness in teenagers. From the whos to the whys of depression, to the secret complexity of self-injury, these speakers were the voice of the millions of high schoolers and middle schoolers struggling with the effects of mental disease.

Counselors like Ms. Scott take on the role as one of the unofficial officials the school has to interact with mental illness in the student body. She attended the workshop as a way to improve her job. “There is always more to learn, more to understand, and perhaps even an entire component that we will never understand,” commented Ms.Scott. The information presented goes further than just the immediate implications, for it sets an example for parents and teachers alike.

Though not every case of addiction or bipolar disorder is the same, a strong parent or guardian is a must in the midst of a growing population of teenagers being diagnosed with a disease of the mind. “Access to support, services, and treatment have and continue to be a barrier for many,” said Ms.Scott,” [But] I'd like to see us continue on this journey to break these barriers.” With the help of professionals dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illness, a growing force against this “epidemic” among students has a strong upper hand.

A Walk to Remember

Sarah Barrocas Editor-In-Chief

ts annual walk at the Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, Florida. While this Saturday d not for its favorable conditions but for the walk that raised awareness towards eating it was in honor of one of our very own fallen angels, Zoe McGowans. Charter students in r warm, loving, and artistic attitude comforted those who were in support of her.

00 participants to walk on this beautiful day for an event with a more noteworthy cause. h the integral strength of the crowd that encouraged each other to continue expressing ry reading was recited by an employee from the Veritas Collaborative, the eating disorder The poem touched upon the struggles of suffering from an eating disorder and the number McGowans family described the poem as being very long and sad, they also explained it e walk brought the McGowans family up on stage. While the family was confronted with crowd that was there to support them and fight this battle in honor of their daughter and e able to see my best friends waiting for me with open arms. I truly love them so much,”

er team, consisting of family and friends, carried a giant banner in front of them in honor c was played, food was cooked, and booths for different treatment centers were set up as n climbing trees and hula hooping with some of her closest friends that came to support

n, reflects on her experience at the walk, stating, “It was difficult because it brought forth o felt good that we were doing something to help raise awareness about eating disorders, was very meaningful to me because seeing Zoe go through something that was so horrible same thing. But most importantly, I felt like I was still making her proud.” orders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits- is a disease that is far more efinition downsizes its effects, it is often times that eating disorders are taken too lightly. but rather seeking a series of psychological help. Even then, however, treatment is not a disorders can affect anyone regardless of gender, race, or class. It's a disease that takes g disorders is not just a personal issue, so it is important for family and friends to support

umulated for this event was a whopping $50,000! In its closing, a tree was planted and es for her and hang it on the tree's branches. While this tree will remain to be planted in McGowans as her charisma and soul will continue to impress those who pass by her.

In Honor of Zoe: The Broward community united in remembrance of Zoe. Donated By: Carissa Kaminsky

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Features

“When someone is feeling down, what can you do to lift them up?”

Alexa Infante & Matthew Hernandez Student Life Editor & Staff Writer

S evere depression is not that common amongst teens but it can occur and be deadly. It’s important for people to be there for others when they are down and upset because one simple “Hello” can save another person’s life. Anti-bullying week is an event which brings awareness to social inclusion and how to help mitigate the growing issue of bullying. Spending time with someone and acknowledging them is all it takes to make that person’s day better.

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Freshman Matteo Hernandez

Sophomore Lauren Barrera

“When people are down I think the best thing to do is to have the best communication: talk to them about the problem and be understanding. It’s not always good to give out advice right away, most of the time it helps more than just be one who listens.”

“I would make sure they know to think positively and if they can’t then, I would do anything I can to help them think positively.”

Junior Amanda Cabus

Senior Matthew Menocal

“Whenever someone is down I always try to listen to them first and then give them my opinion on the issue. It is always good to listen to the person and make them laugh a bit so they have some positive thoughts to keep in mind rather than negative ones.”

“Normally if a friend of mine is going through a rough time I’ll try to crack a few inside jokes that we have to get them to smile or offer to just talk to them if they feel the need to get something off their chest.”

Photos By: Omar Loutfi & Giulia Marcondes

Features

A Reflection from the Managing Editor Nadira Danticat Managing Editor-Content

Iinn302016, a federal data analysis found that the U.S. suicide rate surged to the highest it has been years.

These results are daunting and harrowing, yet no one seems to be talking about it. No one talks about the days where getting out of bed seems virtually impossible. No one talks about moments where we are surrounded by friends, but still feel inexplicably alone. And for some reason, we don’t talk about the days where our heads and hearts hurt so bad, causing tears and anguish.

We don’t talk about these things, even though these are the things that make us undoubtedly human.

If your back hurts, you go to the chiropractor. If your vision is blurry, you go to the optometrist. Why is it that when we don’t feel well mentally, we’re going to “grow out of it” or we need to “be more thankful for what we have”?

Something must be done about this detrimental mindset. As someone who deals with depression every day, I urge everyone reading this to change the narrative and combat the stigma. Mental illness is not something to be taken lightly and simply talking about it can elicit a huge change. Therapy isn’t a bad word and can make the world of a difference to someone.

If therapy is not an option, then simply reaching out to a trusted friend or adult can drastically improve the lives of anyone struggling. The vast spectrum that human compassion can cultivate is underrated. I think once we realize that all feelings are valid and worthy, we can truly start to change the dangerous rising trends of suicide and self-harm. I can’t say for sure, whether it “gets better,” but the second we all decide to stop ignoring the glaring issue at hand and simply address it, it will absolutely get easier.

Photo By: Samuel Eliacin

Charter Alumna: My OCD Diary Anonymous

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Charter Alum

t never dawned on me that my mind could work differently than my peers. We are surrounded by old wives’ tales: step on a back, you’ll break your mothers back, don’t walk under a ladder or break a mirror unless you’re prepared to face years of bad luck, and avoid crossing paths with a black cat. It was not until the phrase “knock on wood” began infiltrating my every day life that I realized that maybe I took these old wives’ tales and superstitions a little more seriously and much too literally than everybody else did.

When I started middle school, I instantaneously became consumed by the thought of getting Straight A’s in every single one of my classes. At the young age of 12, when most pre teens are looking forward to their first middle school dance or the excitement that comes with getting to wear a new set of Charter uniform colors, I was constantly worried about my grades. I repeatedly told myself that if I got a B in class, I was not good enough which essentially led me to believe that I had failed the class and myself. These thoughts ultimately lead to perpetual anxiousness. The only way I knew how to curb this anxiety was by knocking on wood. Whenever someone would complement me, or talk about how hard I was working, or acknowledge one of my successes, I would repeatedly knock on wood to ensure that they would not jinx me. I created this association that if I did not knock on wood, something bad would happen to me or to someone I loved.

This is what people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder often refer to as a ritual. I was so anxious that any positivity in my life would be destroyed if I didn’t knock on wood. Knocking on wood curbed this anxiety.

To any outsider, this may seem completely absurd. To an outsider, knocking on wood is a superstition, but to me it had greater implications. From my perspective, it was a control mechanism. It allowed me to feel like I had control over my anxiety; it was the only thing that would allow me to feel like if I repeatedly knocked on wood, something good would happen in my life, especially relating to school and my grades.

This is why I would repeatedly knock on wood whenever I felt anxious or uneasy about a situation. This is Graphic by: Katie Perez where the compulsion in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder came into play.

The more I realized that my rituals helped ease my anxiety, the more rituals I began to develop.

I would repeatedly wash my hands until they were raw, until I felt like I had washed away all of the germs from them. I would flicker my bedroom light on and off until it felt “safe,” until I felt like nothing bad would result from my actions. I would continuously check that I turned off the stove, unplugged the toaster oven, locked the door, and unplugged my straightener. After checking these appliances 14 times, I knew that it was safe for me to leave the house. 14 was my lucky number growing up, my rituals were always done in intervals of 14. Activities that would take people 5 minutes to complete took me nearly double the amount of time because I had to always factor in the time for my rituals. In hindsight, it is astounding to think how much time I spent on my rituals throughout middle school. It was exhausting. It was draining. It felt like I was a prisoner to my own thoughts.

My mind would constantly tell me that if I didn’t complete my rituals, or if I didn’t complete them the right way, that something bad would happen. These unwanted thoughts and urges inundating my everyday life is where the obsessions came in to play.

One day, before I started high school, I thought about my OCD and realized that I was tired, that I was being beat down every day by my own thoughts, obsessions, rituals, and compulsions. I knew that there was no way I could continue living this way, especially with my classes getting continuously more difficult and the pressure to succeed only mounting. I decided to talk to my mom about my rituals and the thoughts constantly swirling in my head. I decided that it was time to get help and to find better ways to maintain my anxiety that didn’t involve spending hours a day completing nonsensical rituals. Rituals that, while I believed were imperative to my well-being, had in fact no bearing on the state of the universe. I began seeing a psychologist who helped me realize the magnitude of my rituals and just how much they were controlling my life. Together, we found healthy ways for me to alleviate my anxiety. I started running, training and completing my first half marathon at the age of 20. I started meditating before bed, teaching me how to control my thoughts rather then letting them run away from me. I began to recognize just how irrational my fears were and how irrational my rituals were. When I started making this connection, it became easier to control my anxiety and therefore control my OCD. I am not free from OCD by any means. This is something that I will always have to live with, something that gnaws at me whenever I start to feel stressed or overwhelmed.

Whenever I start to feel anxious, I get the reoccurring feeling to create a ritual to ease this anxiety, just like I did when I was 12 years old. However, being able to freely discuss my OCD has given me the confidence to find healthy and productive ways to cope with my anxiety. I have been given the opportunity to take control over my life in a way that allows me to enjoy it to the fullest, rather than controlling it in a way that takes hours from my day to complete rituals. While OCD will always be a part of me, it does not need to be a defining part of me. I am a daughter, a sister, a grand daughter, a niece, a girlfriend, a law school student, and a friend. As I now sit here, as a soon to be 23 year old law student, I have come to realize that I am so much more than my OCD. Throughout my past experiences and personal struggles, I have learned to embrace that I am not a prisoner to my obsessions. This understating has given me the freedom to enjoy life to the fullest. For those of you who may suffer from OCD like me, I urge you to find healthy ways to manage your anxiety. Talk to someone, whether it’s a friend, a parent, a guidance counselor, or psychological professional. I promise that speaking out and communicating your problems and/or concerns about the state of your mental health offers many more rewarding effects than suffering in silence.

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Actions Speak Louder Than Words Swati Kumar

W e’ve all heard the saying “actions speak louder than words”, but how far have we understood and experienced what this phrase truly means?

PPCHS American Sign Language II, III, and IV classes and club came together on Tuesday, March 14th, to present “Lights, Camera, Sign!” Filled with costumes, dancing, and music Staff Writer

signed from all ages and genres, the ASL show consisted of common movie songs including classics like “Over the Rainbow” from the Wizard of Oz and love songs such as “You’re The One That I Want” from Grease. Raising excitement with “feel good” and women empowering songs, as well as capturing the audience with songs from action, children’s, and sci-fi movies, the ASL show was quite the hit, bringing in loud cheers and lots of applause.

The show’s theme was focused on movies and famous Deaf actors and actresses whose names were displayed on Hollywood stars around the auditorium. “We strive to show what a beautiful and interesting language ASL is,” says ASL teacher Mrs. Kimberly Russo. “We are also trying to educate people that there are Deaf and Hard-Of-Hearing people who become famous actors and actresses.”

American Sign Language, often underestimated for an expressionless mode of communication due to its lack of tone and emotion, was presented and received in a new light during the show. “I was amazed how you can still communicate perfectly even without one of your senses,” expresses freshman Natalie Fernandez who went to an ASL show for the first time. “What I thought sign language was before was just a way to communicate without emotions, due to the fact that you couldn't actually express your emotions while speaking with different tones in your voice. But I was wrong. I had the pleasure to experience a powerful language that can be expressed perfectly fine, even without speaking!”

Striving to bring showcase true emotion and character, all the students who took part in the show had to work hard, and put in long hours of preparation and practice to bring about the best of their ability in “speaking” their language through their actions. “Sign language is more than just moving fingers or hands,” Mrs. Russo explained. “It involves body shifting and various facial expressions that must be learned and utilized correctly to convey the proper meaning and message.” Preparations for the show began back in October and became full-fledged, heavy practices starting December. Sophomore Samantha Burkett, and ASL II student who is performed in the show for the first time, explained that all the students had to put in “lots and lots of work every day, constantly practicing in and out of school.”

Coordination and preparation for this show took quite a toll on the students, as well as the teachers. “It is challenging to get everyone to understand the importance of the work that must be done in order for the show to be excellent, not just good,” says Mrs. Russo. Moreover, featuring students in grades 10th, 11th, and 12th, the show serves as a time consuming pursuit that students must show dedication to, while keeping up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Though a challenging experience, the ASL show brought the students and teachers a sense of satisfaction and achievement. Mrs. Russo believes that the fulfilling part is seeing the final product after the students have put in the time and dedication to learning, not only their signs and facial expressions, but the choreography to go along with that.

All the hard work certainly paid off paving the way for a successful show that served as an enjoyable and memorable experience for many. “I had an amazing experience watching the show! I really enjoyed all of the dances! I liked the music and the choreography to go with it,” expresses Natalie. Freshman Jena Manning also found the show entertaining saying that she often forgot to sign her applause and rather clapped in her excitement. “It was amazing to seeing how people can express themselves in a whole other way. I really enjoyed every song that they performed,” she says.

“Lights, Camera, Sign!” raised awareness to the school and community about American Sign Language and Deaf Culture as well as provided an entertaining event that can be enjoyed by the Deaf community.

Exhibiting a new perspective, the ASL show changed people’s views on sign language and highlighted the theme that actions do indeed speak louder than words. “What you do says a lot more to people than what you say,” says Samantha. “People will remember the actions.”

ASL Show: Putting blood, sweat, In a world consisting of 6,500 different languages and mediums of communication, actions precede and tears in their performance, the words in terms of connection. American Sign Language, in which signs are to eyes as words are to ears, ASL students made lasting impressions during the showcase. highlights the ability of actions to speak louder than words. Using signs to express themselves, people can Photo by: Justin Dourvetakis convey more than what words could ever communicate naturally.

Elective Spotlight: Dominators of Debate Maria Acosta-Rubio Clubs Editor

Broward County is known to foster the ultimate contenders when it comes to Debate students. From intense rounds and trips to constantly working hard around the clock, Debate students aren’t given enough credit that they deserve. Three particular debate students have rose above and beyond in PPCHS’ debate team. Debaters Shreeya Singh, Jordan Farenhem,

and Stephen Scopa conquered a total of seven awards to add to the PPCHS’ team collection stashed in their debate room. The three students were taken by Mrs. Schwab to Gulf Breeze, Florida to compete in the state tournament. While competing against other debaters, each Charter student shined in their own limelight. Although a popular elective, the majority of students still don’t fully grab the concept of what happens. “It’s almost like the Hunger Games, you can’t really explain what District 12 is like to people in District 3,” stated PPCHS debate teacher, Mrs.Schwab.

In the Lincoln-Douglas event, Jordan Farenhem took home a semifinalist trophy and Stephen Scopa won a finalist trophy. These achievements scored them a third and second place state title. Scopa and Farenhem also took home Best Speaker awards; Scopa winning second and Farenhem winning third, yet again. As bright as these male debaters may be, Shreeya Singh shined the brightest, winning awards in the Congressional Debate that placed her as first in the State Tournament. “It’s a bit surreal and ironic in the sense that the first time I ever placed in a tournament was in the State tournament my sophomore year. I had placed sixth and ever since then I worked hard to try to place first. Now that I’ve finally achieved it after three years, it does feel cool to know that my win has made my placing come full circle,” commented senior Shreeya Singh. In Congressional Debate, students act as if they are a part of Congress and write legislative bills that are then debated upon in both the affirmative and negated side. Students have to go through many rounds in order to reach the final stage in which they decide a winner. Shreeya’s win caused up quite a stir, making it known that in a male dominated subject, women can persevere through and come out on top.

Although these PPCHS students shined brightly, behind every great debater is a great mentor. Mrs. Schwab also received an award due to her students’ achievements. It was the first time Mrs. Schwab has ever received the coach’s eagle trophy in a State Tournament. The three debaters, all now soon to be PPCHS alumni, expressed just how much this elective has changed who they are and how they think. Mrs. Schwab, in agreement with her students, pitched in her own thoughts, expressing that “Debate is kind of like a not-so-secret secret club. Many kids are a part of it but only they truly know how tournaments work, or how anything works in this area. They learn from each other, they grow, and they become part of a bigger community. Kids in our school have friends all across the country, it’s an extended family,” All in all, these debaters truly dominated the floor and brought home multitudes of success, confidence, and greater aspirations to achieve further success in the debating rink. Not only will these Debate Tournament: Our seniors go on to do great things, but they all will leave behind a legacy in the process, leaving team is great, there’s no debate! behind some of the biggest shoes for future debaters to fill.

Donated by: Mrs. Schwab

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Charter Caught Green-Handed Jordan Alberti & Evan Samuels

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Lifestyle Editor & Managing Editor - Web

his year’s Environmental Week, taking place from March 6th-10th, focused on raising money to install a water bottle filling station. By installing this system, SGA hopes to help the environment and reduce plastic waste. Throughout Charter, daily activities were held each day after school to promote a green lifestyle and raise environmental awareness. These events included handing out green wristbands on Monday and filling water bottle stations on Friday. On Monday, SGA eased Charter student into the upcoming week in by passing out a green piece of string. This act was a reminder to all to live a green lifestyle through reducing, reusing, and recycling.

On Tuesday, students had the opportunity to participate in a campus clean up. Whoever collected the most waste received a prize. Students had to pick up supplies in room U225. This is SGA’s first year hosting this event, and now more than ever do students need to understand why taking care of our environment is important. Sophomore and SGA member Alexa Binko said, “We started this program to raise awareness for environmental week. Our goal was to make students more informed about the nature around us and we thought what better way to do that than each day this week.”

Awareness for the Earth continued as Wednesday became known as “Waste-Not Wednesday”. Students made wallets out of empty cartons of orange juice or milk in the U-speak zone are in U-Building. Senior Esperanza Padron, a PPCHS student who attended 3 out of the five days, stated, “This is a great week for the environment and for charter to give back to the world, I’m looking forward for the movie on Friday. Not only do I get to learn more, but I get to see how we can help save our earth.” The U- building was filled with plenty of students as they all made wallets, showing the trendy style off to their friends afterwards.

Activities continued through Thursday and Friday during and after school. Environmental Week has truly made a difference in the school with even teachers turning an eye to view the events. Mr. Parks, an English teacher, said “It was a really cool event and it is good to see students trying to preserve and help the environment. Not only does it get students more involved, but it helps them become more self-aware in how they live,” Environmental week at Pines Charter especially helped to raised awareness to students about the Flint, Michigan water crisis. This event showed students the importance of water to our environment, and that by reducing, reusing, and recycling students can slowly start to save the Earth.

This week students from all grades took this opportunity and without a doubt left their carbon footprint on Charter’s campus! Students are hoping that this week will continue as annual event as Pines Charter’s SGA continues to find Graphic by: Nicole Mercadal success with these activities.

Adopt a Disability to Show Your Support Ainsley McCormick

Walking through the halls of S building, you almost collide with someone using a walking stick and wearing dark glasses. You think to yourself, “Is this person new to Charter? I’ve never seen them at school before,” as you hurry to your next class. The abundance of people seen around school with temporary disabilities are not new students, but are rather taking part Community Outreach

in Best Buddies’ Disability Week. Disability Week is a week in which students are temporarily given disabilities by wearing blinded eye glasses, arm slings, and other obstacle-creating items. This week went on from March 6th to the 10th and was being hosted by Best Buddies, a club at PPCHS that is a branch of the International Best Buddies nonprofit organization.

Best Buddies has more than 30 members, and is popular among students who love helping others in their community. Run by Mrs. Santiago, the club meets every other Tuesday in her classroom. The goal of Best Buddies is to “enrich the lives of youth and adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities,” according to BestBuddies.org. The club President, Jonathan Tapanes, has been in Best Buddies for four years and has taken part in Disability Week each year. Senior Daniela Suarez has been in Best Buddies since her freshman year, and she is the main leader of Disability Week. She set up a link for students who are interested in undergoing an eye opening experience. Here, anyone can sign up to experience a day as someone with a disability.

For many, experiencing the day with a disability can be a challenge. Sophomore Maria Rojas was given the challenge of being partially blind on Monday. She had to wear dark glasses that had blurry spots on them, which interfered with her ability to see as she normally does. “I really understand now what it is like to live with a disability. It was extremely hard for me to live like this for one day, let alone all my life,” Maria said. Students were given disabilities such as blindness and deafness, varying in their levels of difficulty for each. For many students, it also showed them how a disability interrupts their learning abilities. Trying to copy down notes in math was “a moment of realization of how hard it is for people with physical disabilities,” said Maria. Sophomore Jada Hinds had to have a friend guide her around school, which showed her what it would be like to live as a blind person and helped her understand the difficult tasks they must go through each day. However, Charter students aren’t the only ones affected by Disability Week. Some teachers find it extremely distracting for the students they are trying to teach to, and this can interrupt their learning plans. Chemistry teacher Ms. Morales believes that it is a great experience for students, but learning comes first. “It doesn’t bother me that students are doing Disability Week, but if they are learning something important they can take the certain items off so it doesn’t conflict with students learning the material.”

In addition, some students find the idea of adopting a disability offensive and disrespectful. Senior Daniela Suarez said, “We received mostly positive results; however, some of the board members have told us that students find it offensive to pretend to have a disability, but that's the whole point of why we have this week. It’s so people can have this eye opening experience of what it is like to live with one.”

But for most teachers, this week is a time of learning and appreciation for those living with a disability. The majority of teachers do not find the students’ activities as disrupting, but rather admire their strength in trying something difficult. For most of the science department, having students understand what it is like to have a disability is important. Based on the fact that a majority of the science teachers teach their students about the body and how it functions, it is great for them to be able to experience a different way of living.

This is the second year that Best Buddies has done a Disability Week. Both years, it has been extremely successful, and students have cherished the experiences they’ve gotten from participating. Junior Justin Montoto said, “It was really cool to see that Best Buddies is continuing it. It seemed like students took it more seriously this year, and I heard that Mrs. Santiago is checking random classes to make sure the kids are following the rules. It’s definitely an expansion of last year’s Disability Week.” At the end of the day, participating students are required to bring their supplies back to room S204. Students are responsible for any damages or loses, but the engaged students who are involved are not likely to cause a problem. In addition to adopting disabilities, Best Buddies sold Autism Awareness bracelets. For only $2, students could purchase a bracelet with all profits going to the Autism Speaks Foundation. Students can be seen wearing these bracelets around school and showing their support for the disability that affects 1 in 68 children in the United States.

Throughout the week of March 6th through the 10th, Best Buddies has given students multiple Disability Week: opportunities to show their support for people living with disabilities; from adopting a disability Charter students outshined for the day to purchasing a bracelet. Disability awareness was seen all throughout the school. their disabilities.

Whether you participated or not, the week ended in success as a majority of students understood Photo by: Aijah Harper what it was like to live with a disability.

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South Florida Teams Roller Coaster R

Is Sports More Mental or Physical?

Mason Feldman & Christopher Nappi

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Lifestyle Editor

ports isn’t just a game of success and failures. It is how you respond to the negative thoughts wandering through your mind and how you never stop running when your body is aching just short of the finish line. It is a test of your mental and physical limits when out there on the playing grounds. The way you prepare for a game, or simply a jog, could determine whether it’s a make or break. A common controversial question that may run through athletes minds is: “Is it more mental or physical?”

Some say it’s half and half, while others claim it is purely mental or purely physical.

When you look on the outside, it is clear that being athletic and strong can affect your physical performance. When you look on the inside, sports can be a test of how much your mind can bare. For example, if the mind is saying to quit, it is a test of whether that’ll be listened to or not. On the other hand, the physicality aspect might affect performance by your body not allowing you to get to a ball quicker.

To break it down, there are ways to push your mental limits. It all starts the night before.

Depending on what time you decide to go to sleep, that extra hour of sleep can help you focus and concentrate the next day during the game. When you wake up, having a specific plan on how you want your day to go can be beneficial. Starting with a healthy breakfast can not only help your body gain stamina but it can also affect how precise your brain functions through a full activity. Member of the PPCHS baseball team Maxwell Romero (‘19) said, “I have to make sure I eat a proper meal so I have energy for the game.

Mentally, I have to prepare my mind to accept hardship because baseball is a game. To

Bronze or Smarts: Senior Tommy Bayer shows that you can have brains and strength on and off the feild.

Photo By: Samuel Elacin

flourish, you will face obstacles many times so you must be able to recognize the fact of it. Baseball is 90% mental and 10% physical in my opinion. I always say that to myself before I play each game.”

Adding on to the mental side, sports can be a matter of strategizing. A wise pre-game mental exercise to practice is to analyze the weaknesses of the other team and build off of that. It doesn’t matter if you can lift the heaviest weights in the weight room, but if you cannot be smart out on the playing field those weights don’t mean a thing. What matters, though, is having the mental stability to push through those doubtful roaming whispers throughout your head.

On the other side of the field, physical abilities are factors as well when being an athlete.

Some sports require the training and the qualities of being in shape. For example, if you are a brainiac and weak on the physical side, you will not be able to perform successfully.

Solutions to that would be to get stronger and put in the extra time to work out in the weight room and condition. Football player Giovanni Narace (‘17) comments how he prepares for his games, “Right after school, I immediately head over to the football field.

For a couple hours I will be doing exercises such as cardio and strength drills. Also, I am in our schools weight training class, so that helps me build up for football season.”

There will be many instances in all sports that involve the abilities of being both mental and physical. Being smart and being tough are two strong qualities to being successful in sports. As said before, it is extremely controversial if sports is more towards the mental or physical side. Either way, having a mental state of mind will lead to achievements as well as being physically built. Every athlete differs with their limits, but the way you ignore the gossip of your mind saying “I’ll never make the shot” and the way you lift that last

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Jordan Alberti

Staff Writers

I

n South Florida, there are four major sports teams and each one is going their own direction. The Dolphins are heading into free agency, while the Marlins are on the complete opposite side of the spectrum due to their season starting in less than a month.

Meanwhile, the Heat and Panthers are in midseason form as they gear up for a run at the playoffs. Each team has their own trend and whether they are going up or down, it will be evaluated.

The Miami Dolphins are heading into the upcoming free agency and draft period after coming off of a stellar start to Adam Gase’s coaching tenure in Miami.

The Dolphins started out 1-4 and looked destined to have another disappointing season under an inexperienced head coach, an inconsistent quarterback, and a baffling running back situation.

Then, the Pittsburgh Steelers came to town and in the matchup, the Dolphins offense blew up and scored 30 points to beat the Steelers 30-15. They would follow this up by winning nine of the last 11 and making the playoffs Graphic By: Nicole Mercadal for the first time since winning the AFC East in 2008.

The Fins ended up losing in the playoffs to the very team that started their win streak, the Pittsburgh Steelers, 30-12. Despite that, the Dolphins made a run like no other. This offseason, the team will look to improve on their prior success and get some more key pieces to make a division title run and possibly place even deeper into the playoffs. They will be looking to add some defensive players such as a linebacker or defensive end to pair with Cameron Wake at the left end position. There have been rumors lately that are linking the Dolphins to New England Patriots linebacker and free agent Dont'a Hightower. This would be a key addition for the Dolphins as they would have a true middle linebacker to help stop the run as they had an abysmal defense, ranked 30th in stopping runs in 2016. The Dolphins will face the tough task of trying to dethrone the Patriots in the East, but to do this it starts by building a strong team through the draft and free agency. Based off this, the trend for the Dolphins is an optimistic uphill direction.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Marlins are starting their season in less than a month with Opening Day on April 3rd against the Washington Nationals. They will have either have Edison Volquez or Wei-Yen Chen on the mound for the game. This will be one of the toughest seasons for the Marlins, as this will be their first without ace, Jose Fernandez, following his fatal crash at the end of last season. He left behind some of his best friends and teammates like Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna. No pitcher the Marlins have will be able to recreate the energy and passion Jose pitched with, but as a unit they hope they can put together a great year. Sophomore Kevin Castillo said, “It won’t be the same without Fernandez, but I hope they can rally around

the tragedy to have a w of the best young out Marcell Ozuna, and G bound from one of his batted only .240 with a Miami fans are used to winning team this yea the Marlins will return for them to be a real

and four points out of in the East. The Panthe and gear up for the pla at the head coach posi has been questioned se Gallant, which has bee year, making it a very his methods of not usi teach, and also they cr players effectively. In fender Reilly Smith fo loss to the Rangers on with only 2.4 goals per kill percentage, with a get a downhill route fo they might be on the u The last team in Sou ing the season with a and looking to make th years. They are led by resurgent Goran Dragi Fans were begging for dle of January, and th playoffs for their incre will have to retain their off what they have, alo Heat do just so and co trend will stand as is.

To wrap it up, South but they have futures

s on The Ride

Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton also looks to reworst statistical seasons of his career as he a mere 27 home runs, nothing close to what o. The Marlins are trying to be a low key ar, but this doesn’t seem like the year that n. There is too much going against the team tic post-season contender. The Marlins are they have been, but that can change with om a young core and a possible sale of the team.

The forgotten of the four South Florida teams are the Florida Panthers. They have a solid young core centered around Alexsander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Aaron Ekblad, along with the free agency signing of Jonathan Marchessault and trade deadline acquisition Thomas Vanek, who was a former Detroit Red Wing star winger.

The Panthers sit at a record of 33-3411 and four points out of the last were all important wild card spots in the East. The Panthers have the depth to pull out some games ayoff run, but they do have a huge question ition, with GM Tom Rowe at the helm. He everal times for being the one to fire Gerard en one of the only head coach firings of the slow season in the NHL. Critics question ing morning skate-arounds to practice and riticize how he might not connect with the n the latest incident, Rowe called out deor a “lackluster performance” in their 5-2 March 7th. The team is 25th in the league r game, but they lead the league for penalty an amazing 86.7% kill rate. The Panthers or their trend at this point in the season, but upswing very soon. uth Florida is the Miami Heat. After starta weak 11-30 record, they are now 37-39 he playoffs for the 5th time in the last five y breakout star Dion Waiters, along with a ic and brick-wall center Hassan Whiteside. r the Heat to go full tank mode in the midhey did just so. Now, they must make the edible win streak to mean anything. They r key players, especially Waiters, and build ong with snatching talent in the draft. If the ontinue on their winning path, their uphill

h Florida teams are generally downswing, and they could be on the upswing if they ores and make good free agency signings, tions. Despite the adversity for the teams, k forward to the future of South Florida are always worth the wait.

A Dream Come True at NSU Mason Feldman Staff Writer

There a lot of people who deserve to have their dream come true. If anyone deserves to be treated with this gift specifically, it would have to be senior and, most important,

leukemia cancer survivor Antonio Peetoom.

Nothing can compare to the obstacles Peetoom has had to face the past two years of high school. It has been tough battling cancer, but a wonderful surprise was coming his way. The Nova Southeastern University baseball team had a surprise in store for him on sunny Saturday, March 18.

NSU teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to make Peetoom’s dream come true. The day started off by taking him and the whole Jags varsity team into the NSU Sharks dugout. Everyone interacted with the players, but no other player was more involved than Antonio himself. The joy on his face was priceless, as all the Sharks players greeted him and made him feel like he was part of the NSU team. Peetoom said, “It was a very special day and I am very thankful for what NSU did for me, it’s definitely a day in the books that I will never forget.” As the day progressed, the coaching staff for the Sharks presented Peetoom with his own NSU baseball jersey. At that moment, he took off a Jaguar jersey #35 to replace it with a Shark jersey, which proudly displayed #15 on the back.

Jaguars baseball coach Carlos Iglesias had a few words to say about the memorable day. “It was an amazing event. I was very proud of the tremendous support that Antonio continues to receive from his teammates, parents, fans, and the coaches. The thing that stood out for me was how happy everyone was for Antonio,” he said.

Shortly after receiving his official jersey, the NSU baseball athletes invited Peetoom to step up to the pitcher's mound to throw out the first pitch. After he unleashed his pitch, the crowd went wild with signs of “A-N-T-O-N-I-O” lifted in the air as he threw the first strike. Kyle Kilbourne, NSU player and right-handed pitcher, was particularly touched by the Make-A-Wish event for Antonio. Kilbourne said, “What an amazing day it was to see the effect that we can have come to life in front of our eyes. It was extremely humbling to see the light in Antonio’s eyes during the celebration, and I am honored to be a part of it. I hope Antonio enjoyed the experience and I sure hope he enjoys the boat he received. This can serve as just one example of many in which a community rallied around a cause and was able to have an enormous impact on a young man’s life. It truly was an incredible day.”

A very important perspective on how the whole event came together was sought out by Antonio’s mother, Liz Peetoom. “Antonio was completely surprised. He knew he was going to get a boat, but to receive it with that much love and thoughtfulness was the best ever! He really had no idea at all what was planned for him on that Saturday. Even myself, I was completely overwhelmed! To see what everyone at NSU had planned for Antonio was truly beautiful. They were all so warm and welcoming. Then for me to see his teammates arrive was truly touching and special. Everything was planned to perfection. Many thanks to Coach Iglesias and the varsity baseball team for making the surprise happen. Our entire family will have this as a lifetime memory,” she proudly commented.

The boat gift was a 17-foot Mako Skiff with a 60 horse power motor. Peetoom was thrilled to have received the boat as a gift and looks forward to many bright, sunny days just like Saturday out on the water. This gift and these moments are sure to help Antonio continue his fight in remission as he rides down the calm Florida seas.

Cheering On: Senior Antiono Peetoom gets cheered on by his family and teammates.

Donation By: Nova Baseball

Jersey: Peetoom is given an honorary team jersey.

Donated By: NOVA Baseball

Water Polo Tournament Honors Former Captain and Friend Cristine Alayon

T

Sports Editor

he first annual Forza Stefano Water Polo Tournament was held from March 10th-13th in PPCHS’ backyard. The tournament was run by the Forza Stefano foundation along with the Pines Charter sports department and the city of Pembroke Pines. The high schools involved were Pines Charter, South Broward, Cypress Bay, Northeast, and Spanish River. It kicked off at 2 p.m. with the Jags against Cypress Bay and at 3 p.m., the Lady Jags played South Broward. After playing both on Friday and Saturday, the boys ended with a record of 3-1 and the girls went 2-2.

Team member Marcos Pagella (‘17) said “We were very glad to see tons of students, friends, alumni, and family come out and support our school, as well as the foundation that supports it. It was a lot of fun to be out at the pool all day playing in front of everyone touched by the South Florida water polo community.”

The tournament was very important to the team and audience due to the cause. Ever since the passing of the team’s old captain and friend, Stefano, his family has been running the Forza Stefano foundation to help other student athletes who are battling similar illnesses. Their effort and dedication to the community and the sport is the reason this tournament was such a success. They also decided that they would give half the profits to Chris Alegria, whom they have been closely working together in his battle as well. This tournament and beneficial weekend was all about those that are fighting for a chance to live doing what they love.

Play your heart out: PPCHS Waterpolo Team plays their hearts out to honor a friend.

Photo By: Sofia Alfonso

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Sports How Does Sports Improve Your Mental Health?

Andres Perez Staff Writer

1. E ngaging in sports has shown the ability to diminish depression and improve mental stability. Research has shown that

Timeline: Charter’s Athletic Success 2016-2017 Cristine Alayon

Throughout every school year, Pines Charter is always setting new records in athletics. Whether it’s winning championships, going undefeated, or creating Sports Editor

history, the athletic talent is incredible. This 2016-2017 year is far from over, but to those teams and individuals who made a mark during their season, we would like to present that success on a timeline for Pines Charter:

the physical activity will decrease the symptoms of depression. 1

Golf

2. P articipating in sports not only helps with being fit, but it also improves mental confidence and self-perception. 1

10/11: Placed 2nd and 3rd in Districts

Golf

10/17: Individual Regional Champion

Girls’ Cross Country

3. E xercising and being active in sports decreases mental stress by releasing a chemical called norepinephrine; the primary chemical that moderates the brain's response to stress. 2

Girls’ Volleyball

10/20: District Championship Runner Up 10/20: Placed top 5 in Districts

Boys Swimming

Girls’ Volleyball

10/20: District Championship Runner Up

10/25: Regional Semi-Finals

4. A

lack of happiness can be turned around quick with the help of physical activities. As you exercise, endorphins are released which gives you the feeling of happiness. 2

I

n PPCHS there is a studentis a starter for the school’s wate so much to the 9-1 record that to be a scorer in the water, and Tommy’s great sportsmanship and teammates Marcos Pagella cause of him we have achieved keeps on playing, there is no st While the team player tries t teammate Stefano Dioguardi sa believe that one of our squad m matter what age and grade, is p a tournament honoring him to s water polo season and he seeks stop striving to further expand

Boys Swimming

10/27: Regional Champions

Girls’ Cross Country

10/29: Placed 26th in Regionals

Golf

Boys Swimming

10/31-11/2: Placed 14th in States

November: States Round

Boys’ Cross Country

November: Placed 90th in Regionals

Boys’ Cross Country

November: Placed 15th in Districts

Girls’ Soccer

Graphic By: Nicole Mercadal

5. Being active with sports and exercise boosts memory and the ability to learn new ideas and concepts. Releasing sweat increases the production of cells in the hippocampus which is responsible for memory and learning. 2

1/20: District Championship Runner Up

Boys Soccer

1/24: District Championship Runner Up

Boys Soccer

2/4: Regional Semi-Finals

Girls’ Soccer

6. P laying sports during the day increases relaxation because those activities tell the brain around 5-6 hours later that it is

1/26: Regional Quarterfinals

time to sleep. 2

7. C

onsistently being active helps the brain prevent degeneration diseases in the brain, such as Alzheimer’s, later on in life.

8. S ports and exercise increases your concentration and critical thinking as you age. 2 1.

(1-2) http://www.livestrong.com/article/533488-how-dosports-affect-us-mentally/ 2.

(3-8) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/27/mental-health-benefits-exercise_n_2956099.html

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Boys’ Basketball

2/8: District Championship Runner Up

Boys’ Basketball

2/21: Regional Semi-Finals

Boys’ Water Polo

Boys’ Water Polo

3/28: District Champions

3/31: Regional Finals Runner Up

Photo By: Robson Lopez

Boys’ Volleyball

*T he team holds a 7-3 record. With a great start to their season, it’s going to take an army to stop these athletes.

Flag Football

*T he Lady Jags are ranked 16th in the state and are undefeated with a record of 6-0.

Photos By: Yearbook

F

loating in the water with t He may only have four years o pro. Aside from being a lifelon recommended he try out. Whe himself smiling in a new positi Pagella said, “I don't have ma on earning my law degree, but school has only done once, but get to.” The super star recalls b the year he was on the first star neck-in neck matches are the ty There is no doubt that Pagella him to the top this water polo s this year, Marcos Pagella will c

Waterpolo’s Top Four

Thomas Bayer

By: Samuel Eliacin

Briana Gonzalez

Photo By: Mr. Bayer

-athlete that is highly known. Water polo player and senior Tommy Bayer er polo team and one of the focal players on the squad. He has contributed the team currently holds. Bayer is the team’s point position so it is his job he fulfills his responsibility just so. p results in his strong chemistry with everyone, especially his best friend a and Robert Smith. Robert said, “I am glad that he joined the squad. Beso much and I always learn something new from him. As long as Tommy opping our team.” to remain optimistic, a tragedy occurred when Tommy’s dear friend and adly passed away last year from cancer. Tommy said, “I still do not want to members actually passed away. Every member of the water polo team, no part of our family. Losing Stefano was like losing a brother and we hosted show respect to our fallen brother.” Tommy has been great throughout his s to improve every day. The superstar holds a bright future and refuses to his talent in the water.

Photo By: Samuel Eliacin

By: Omar Loutfi

Photo By: Sofia Alfonso

S

ophomore Briana Gonzalez is one of the most talented athletes to play on this year’s girl’s water polo team. Last year as a freshman, and years preceding that, Briana was first inspired to play when she began to watch all of PPCHS’s water polo games. These past matches included her brother and PPCHS alum Colin Gonzalez, who was the former captain for the boy’s team. Colin graduated from Charter last year, so Briana promises to keep her family’s passion in the water for the next three years. From watching her brother play, she decided to try out for the girl’s water polo team.

Entering this year, she had no experience in the water playing water polo, so Brianna asked Colin to assist in training her: “My brother plays a big factor in my life, especially with what he taught me about water polo,” she said. Soon after tryouts were over, she not only found out that she made the team but that she had also secured a starting spot for the upcoming games this spring season.

In this 2016-2017 season, Briana starts as the flat or the two spot position, which are also known as the scorer of the team. After practicing for a couple of weeks, Briana said that, “The girls team has formed a really close bond and we all work together outside and in in the water not as teammates, but also as sisters.” Briana will continue to play until her senior year and hopes to lead the Lady Jaguars to a state title this year.

Tasha Echeverria

Marcos Pagella

oto

Sports

Photo By: Ashely Clements

he number nine stamped proudly on his back lies senior Marcos Pagella. of experience as a water polo athlete, but he dominates in the pool like a g swimmer, Pagella was introduced to the sport after his club swim coach n he finally got to high school, he joined the summer program and found on- hole set. any aspirations with water polo after high school because I want to focus I want to be able to lead our team to states this year. This is something our it was years ago. It's something we all dream for and are working hard to back to his sophomore year as his favorite water polo memory. This was rting team and took home the district title after a hard fought battle; these ypes of games Pagella craves. a’s passionate heart, incredible skill, and absolute determination will take season. Even though he may be hanging up his swimsuit for the final time continue to make PPCHS proud.

Photo By: Omar Loutfi

Photo By: Sofia Alfonso

T

asha Echeverria, a junior at PPCHS, is one of the stars of the water polo team. Tasha began playing as a sophomore, and a year later is now one of the best on the team. Her hard work and determination has allowed her to excel in the sport she loves. Tasha first started playing water polo because her friend urged her to go to the team meeting since she did not want to go alone. She had recently thought about playing, so it was a good opportunity for her as well. At the meeting, Tasha got to meet the team captains and the coach. She talked to them for a while, and slowly but surely, she fell in love with the sport.

The one thing this athlete admires most about the game is the teamwork involved: “With every team that I am a part of, we work on our chemistry during practices and try our hardest. We know if we don’t try our hardest in practice, we will not perform in the game as we’d like. So in that sense, we all help each other out,” she said.

As captain, Tasha hopes to be the leader her team is comfortable with, she added, “I know I haven’t played as long as some of the other girls, but it has changed me as a person and I am grateful for that.”

Tasha and the water polo team are looking forward to a great season and are hopeful to come out on top.

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Ed ‘Sheer’an Success Swati Kumar Staff Writer

E

d Sheeran’s latest album, ÷ (Divide), is truly raking the charts in the music industry. As the album has only been available for one week, it’s already 2017’s best-selling album. Across the globe, the mathematical-themed album is breaking a streaming record and is on its way to becoming the fastest-selling album by an English artist.

Released on March 3rd and produced by Atlantic Records, Ed Sheeran’s album features 12 songs: “Eraser,” “Castle on the Hill,” “Dive,” “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” “Galway Girl,” “Happier,” “Hearts Don’t Break Around Here,” “New Man,” “What Do I Know,” “How Would You Feel,” and “Supermarket Flowers.” The deluxe edition of Divide also comes with an additional four tracks: “Barcelona,” “Bibla Be Ye Ye,” “Nancy Mulligan,” and “Save Myself.” “Ever since Ed Sheeran announced the release date of his album I was ecstatic. I literally counted down the days until it was released. The night before, I stayed up until 12:00 A.M to listen to it for the first time. I was so excited to finally hear his new music, and I absolutely loved the album.” exclaimed freshman and Ed Sheeran fan Danielle Porres.

Following its release, “Shape of You” has become a hit, topping the charts in over 40 countries. “Castle on the Hill” landed a No. 2 spot as well.

Sheeran’s Divide contains songs that are close to his heart.

Delving into brutal honesty, Sheeran raps about fame, drugs, and fried food in the song “Eraser.” His other song, “How Do You Feel,” which he originally wrote to keep his girlfriend entertained on her way to the airport, made it on the record. Sheeran received lots of praise from fans from the release of his innovative album.

Acclaimed as the first blockbuster album of 2017, Divide is becoming a worldwide hit.

Not only has it sold many records but it has become the latest example of the revolution of music streaming. In addition to selling 322,000 copies in the U.S. by March 9th, Divide smashed Spotify’s record for the most streams in a single week with 375 million global downloads. The album also sold 232,000 copies on its first day- more than any artist's album did in a single week in 2016. “I was very happy and pleased to hear about Ed's successes and the records that he's broken. He is such a talented singer that couldn't be overlooked, so I'm not surprised at his accomplishments,” says freshman Naveen Farook, “I hope to continue hearing of his outstanding achievements as he keeps producing music!”

Having returned to the charts with his hit singles and latest album, Sheeran revealed that he’s heading off on a world tour in North America, Italy, and the UK. “I'm really excited that Ed Sheeran is touring North America,” expresses Porres. She plans to attend his concert at the American Airlines arena on August 30th. Though this will be her second Ed Sheeran concert, so her eagerness and enthusiasm has not yet ceased. “I'm really looking forward to seeing him perform his new album Divide because I believe it's one of his best ones yet,” she says. “He has a beautiful stage presence and can make the crowd go crazy.”

Releasing mathematical themed albums seems to be ironically surpassing his numbers. Not only has Divide broken Graphic by: Michael Perez records and won top places in charts around the world, but it has also captured the hearts of many, increasing the diversity and number of his fanbase. He added, multiplied, and is now dividing his success.

What math symbol is going next on his record? Whether the title is Subtract, Pie, or even Theta, its success will be no surprise.

Praise the Lorde

Janae McDonnough Staff Writer

A

fter a long three year break, Lorde is back and better than ever. The young girl from New Zealand is ready to give her fans what they have long been waiting for. Reports that Lorde is preparing to release her sophomore album, Melodrama, has everyone buzzing.

Her newly released single “Green Light” gives fans a sneak peek of the sounds they might hear in her new album. Lorde is set to enter the scene again, performing in festivals like Coachella, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Governors Ball, the Free Press Summer Fest, and many more. Lorde sets the example, along with many other artists, that taking a break to find yourself can really help with your musical career in a positive way.

Finding inspiration in the crazy year she had, Lorde was able to relate her own experiences to her fans through music. In the past year, her experiences came with a variety of new feelings. This is portrayed through the tile of her album, Melodrama. As a lot has happened in her life, it was important to showcase to her fans her transition from a teenager to young adult. “I can't wait to hear the new and improved Lorde and the new music she is releasing,” said freshman Alexis Bustamante. Lorde mentions that “Green Light” signals the first time that she has released a song about the emotional toll a breakup leaves.

The lyrics aim to explore pain that can’t always be explicitly defined. Lorde admits the song is about the moments immediately after your life changes and focuses on the small things. Looking back, things that once seemed major now mean nothing. Playing a key role, Lorde co-wrote “Green Light” with Jack Antonoff and Joel Little who also appeared on her debut studio album, Pure Heroine.

After three years, Lorde is set to kick off her tour of live shows at Coachella. “I think it's awesome that after three years of not being in the lime light, Lorde will be performing at Coachella for the second time,” said sophomore Kelsey Sutherland. Coachella is an annual music and art festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California- more specifically the Colorado Desert.

As it has been three years since she released new music and appeared live, Lorde’s fans are eager to see her comeback. As always, we can expect Lorde to come out better than ever. As the artists emerges out of her hiatus, we can anticipate new sounds and new stories to be told through her music.

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Graphic by: Katie Perez

Wanna Bite? : Blue Ginger Restaurant Review Paolo Barrera Staff Writer

N

ot necessarily a new sight in town is the Blue Ginger restaurant. Offering locations options, with meats like a NY strip steak and beef to seafood choices such as scallops and in both Pembroke Pines and Miramar area, the restaurant offers Asian cuisine that is shrimp. Vegetable tempura is also offered for vegan and vegetarian customers. “I enjoy their vegetable tempura when I go [to Blue Ginpresented in a traditional restaurant setting and ger]. I appreciate their vegetarian options, while features a revolving, conveyer belt sushi bar. the rest of my family normally gets the more popRated a 4.5/5 on Zomato, Blue Ginger boasts ular dishes,” said sophomore vegetarian Camila a menu as creative as the restaurant’s “sushi Franco. river,” according to the Zagat restaurant reDesserts at Blue Ginger are as Asian influenced view. Blue Ginger’s overall menu follows your as all the other dishes on the menu. Fried treats typical three course cuisine with appetizers, include condensed milk covered Thai donuts, entrees, and desserts. Appetizers can be prefried tempura ice cream, and deep fried tempura pared hot, with dishes like Korean style Galbee cheesecake. The restaurant serves cool treats like (short ribs), fried Japanes Gyoza, and calamari the popular mochi ice cream, which are glutinous tempura. Blue Ginger also serves cold starters, rice covered ice cream balls. These delicacies such as a spicy crunch bowl of chopped tuna or come in flavors ranging from classic chocolate to a sashimi or sushi sampler with pieces of the green tea. chef’s choosing. “I normally order the Gyoza For a delectable experience in Asian cuisine, and Shumai when I go [to Blue Ginger] to start look no further than the Blue Ginger restauthings off. I wish the servings were bigger but rant. Its location in the plaza, near the Cinemark they taste good nonetheless,” commented sophhotspot, makes the sushi spot especially attracomore Maney Wu. tive to Charter students looking for a great spot Though the dishes may lack in serving size, to dine in close to school. Though a little more their unique taste definitely makes up for its heavy on the wallet than one would like, a meal shortcomings. Sushi also finds itself as an enfull of interesting and delicious flavors is guarantrée on the menu, as it’s a restaurant specialty teed. Break out your chopsticks and prepare for a that has been praised since its national Zagat meal ready to be enjoyed at Blue Ginger! review in 2015. The entrees, besides sushi, are Graphic by: Nicole Mercadal categorized into three groups: Japanese Katsu, Japanese Tempura, and Japanese Teriyaki.

These three categories don’t lack in high quality

In The Know

HMembers as Fame Taken Louis in One Direction? of One Direction have been considered teenage

Maria Acosta-Rubio Clubs Edtor

heartthrobs for five years and counting. From eleven-yearold girls crying over the attractive young men to dedicated fans who stay up voting for their award shows, these band members have the most dedicated fan base. However, this might soon change. Louis Tomlinson, a member of One Direction, has recently been arrested for an altercation with the paparazzi. “It’s insane! Recently it seems everyone has only wanted him to fail. He’s been scrutinized by the media time and time again. It’s really sad to see people reach to such lengths to harm a celebrity and their loved ones just so they can have their name in the headlines,” mentioned sophomore Adriana Garcia. The singer is already facing harsh headlines for dating Danielle Campbell instead of staying with ex-girlfriend Briana Jungwirth, mother of Tomlinson’s first-born son, Freddie. Tomlinson’s lawyer released a statement to the public following the news of his arrest claiming, “The paparazzi provoked and caused the altercation that occurred. While the altercation was going on with the paps, three other individuals were attacking his girlfriend during this incident and he came to her defense, causing airport security to intervene.”

Tomlinson will appear in court on March 29th to settle the dispute; however, this may not be the last time we see Tomlinson in the headlines. With past allegations of Tomlinson using abusive substances and alcohol, fame might be leading Louis towards a downwards spiral.

Deadpool 2 Trailer: Funny or Just Bad? Ryan Reynolds has delighted audiences once again with the surprising reveal of a second Deadpool movie. The first trailer was revealed to the public on March 4th, 2017, mocking the well-known Superman changing moment.

However, as much as the media adores Ryan Reynolds for marrying Blake lively, being an amazing father, and having a witty and sarcastic nature, many fans aren’t pleased.

Graphics by: Taylor Causey

Some took to twitter to discuss their distaste with tweets like, “There’s a Deadpool 2? Why does God hate us?” and, “I truly hate that Deadpool 2 teaser thing. Why did I do that to myself?” While many fans were seen with straight faces watching the teaser trailer, others could not stop laughing. Fans took to Snapchat and Instagram to express their delight.

Whether fans find Reynolds humorous or not, one question still remains, what is Deadpool up to now?

Nicki Vs. Remy: 10-Year Feud Many people may not be aware of the fact that the Queen of Rap’s feud with Remy Ma started ten years ago. The feud started all the way back in 2007 when Minaj released her track “Dirty Money.” Although Nicki never revealed that the jab at Remy was actually about her, she freestyled it over Terror Squad’s “Yeah Yeah Yeah” beat, a signature beat linked to Remy. Remy was arrested in 2008 on multiple charges, but it didn’t stop her from accepting an interview from prison in which she claimed that she would get Nicki back for the rap in “Dirty Money.” As promised, Remy released several diss tracks about Minaj in 2015 and most recently released “shETHER” in 2017. Minaj clapped back with lyrics about Remy in Gucci Man’s “Make Love” and in Jason Derulo’s “Swalla.” Such lyrics include “Bless her heart, she throwin shots but every line sucks.” Although it seems like the Queen of Rap has taken this feud lightly, Remy appears to have taken it personally. She even appeared on the Wendy William’s Show to discuss Nicki, explaining that she was trying to damage her financially, making her unable to even feed her family.

Remy has made it a point to get the last word in, stating that Nicki’s career was over and that her grandmother taught her to “never speak ill of the dead.”

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Weekend Review Brittany Evelyn Entertainment Editor

Tensions Rising Between European Leaders The diplomatic feud between Turkey and the Netherlands continues to escalate as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused its ally of sacrificing Turkish-Dutch relations. The dispute first erupted when the Netherlands barred a plane carrying Turkey’s foreign minister from landing. They claim to have cancelled the flight due to concerns about public order at an address by the foreign minister. In response, President Erdogan accused the Dutch of Islamophobia and compared them to the Nazis. In the weeks prior to this dispute, Germany cancelled Turkish rallies, causing Erdogan to accuse the government of Nazism. (CNN) New Utah Bigamy Law Passes Senate after 'Sister Wives' Suit A bill expanding Utah’s anti-bigamy law passed the state Senate on Thursday, March 9. A revision to the law states that a qualified bigamist will be granted penalties for cases involving fraud, abuse, and human trafficking. The current law considers bigamy to be when a married man weds someone “spiritually,” or when he cohabitates with someone. The law will now state that a person is guilty of bigamy if he or she lives with a spouse while legally married to someone else. The bill also states that in cases where domestic or sexual abuse and other factors occur, the crime becomes a second-degree felony rather than a third-degree. It exempts those who leave bigamous relationships because of fear for their safety or because they are a minor. (CNN) South Korea's Ousted Leader Leaves Presidential Palace South Korean President Park Geun-hye left the presidential palace on March 12. His departure came two days after the country’s Constitutional Court removed her from office as result of a corruption scandal. She was formally removed from office on March 10 after lawmakers filed a motion for impeachment back in December. The motion was filed on the grounds of suspicions that she colluded with a confidante to extort money and favors from companies, thus allowing the individual to secretly manipulate state affairs.

(FOX News) High-Profile U.S Prosecutor Fired Federal prosecutor Preet Bharara was asked to remain in his post by President Donald Trump. However, on March 10 he was included in a list of prosecutors appointed by former President Barack Obama and asked by the Department of Justice to step down.

According to Bharara, he, along with 45 other prosecutors, refused to resign when asked by the Trump administration. Their refusal resulted in their dismissal. This came as a surprise to many for US Presidents often replace appointees of the previous administration; this is the first time that such a replacement has been taken to this far extent. (BBC) Trump Travel Ban: Judge Declines to Reinstate Ruling Seattle district judge James Robart has declined to issue an emergency order banning President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban. Judge Robart issued that the order in effect halted the implementation of the first ban. Judge Robart was asked to extend his decision on the first ban, but he refused. He claims that a complaint or motion would have to be filed before he would be able to make a ruling decision.

The Department of Justice argued that since the initial travel ban had been revoked, the first ruling no longer applies. (BBC)

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Why is Israel so Imp David Cha-Kim

Jewish people make up such a small percentage of the US population, yet so much of American politics is centered around th modern American Jews vote for Democrats; they are liberal, secularized, not nearly as orthodoxically religious as their previou News Editor

tions, are not marrying within their religion nearly 50% of the time, are often involved in the press, and have very little ties to Isr wealthier, upper class Jews, including many of whom are involved in medical specializations, vote Republican and the orthodox Jews almost always vote Republican due to the GOP’s loyalty to Israel and their emphasis on Judeo-Christian values. Barack O been criticized by the orthodox community and accused of “abandoning” Israel in recent years. In contrast, moderate Jews vo whelmingly for Barack Obama in both 2008 and 2012 (NBC).

Even Americans who are hardly informed at all in terms of foreign policy will often hear the name Israel, but little realize its im to the United States or the conflict it imposes. So, what exactly is Israel and why is it so important?

After World War II, the US, UK, and its allies helped to establish a Jewish state in the Middle East for European Jews fleeing pe dividing the land of Palestine into two states. However, the Arabs living there already refused this agreement. The Jewish peop titled to the land for religious and historical reasons, and the Palestinians feel entitled to it because it is all they have ever known too, have Muslim religious connections to Jerusalem (CNN). So what does this mean for the United States? Why do we never h take their side when it seems almost all of the United Nations is against them?

The US sides with Israel because we see a lot of ourselves in them: a liberal, representative democracy with fair elections, a fr economy, freedom of speech and press, and civil liberties, civil rights, and justice held as important values. Their system, simil has flourished, and has helped us to flourish in sync, with Israel coming to see one of the best economies, one of the best educat tems, one of the highest standards of living, and one of the highest life expectancies among the nations of the world.

Israel is also one of our most important allies in an area of the world where an ally is greatly needed. Their intelligence agencies a the world’s best, their military is the best in the Middle East (often due to experience they wish they didn’t have), and they kn than any country how to deal with counterterrorism, valuable to us on an immeasurable scale as we strike back against jihadi ra “Israel is the only ally we have left in the Middle East,” says senior Ryan Pujols. “They’re a piece of the West in a part of the hates the West, and they need our complete and utter support.”

And economy and military aside, religiously, the bond between Christianity and Judaism goes ages back into history. While A founded on Christian principles and ideology and that the majority of the country remains Christian. For Christians, Israel is con his crucifixion and his resurrection. Christians (and the Bible itself) regard Israel as the land of God and Jesus’s people, the Jew and consider it nothing less than their duty as Christians to stand with Israel and her people.

So what’s the problem?

Imagine your family has lived in a house for many generations, but when you came to own it, you were intensely harassed an so important to you, and you decide to ask one of your powerful friends to help you get that house back, but someone, with their your historical connection to it, so your powerful friend splits the house two, forces you to share a kitchen together (Jerusalem), better at fighting). This is a simplified version of what has happened in Israel; the Israeli military has been much better equipped “Israel” has multiplied in size by several times (MSNBC).

The left argues that this is a continuation of evil themes of capitalist European colonialism, and that no religion can justify ki hundred years.

“Using verses from an old book does not justify what has happened to the Palestinian people,” says senior Karina Ruiz. “Zion same ridiculous concept of people colonizing land they feel they have the right to do so.”

American Democrats are far more pro-Israel than the left on a global scale, but they see a dire problem in what has been happen John Kerry have stopped physical violence temporarily at times, but the tensions themselves stand strong. Islam itself also has ends (FOX).

The election of President Trump marks the election of a very outspoken pro-Israel leader, and the effects of his presidency on recognized fact by nearly all, but the extent to which their strength over Palestine should reach remains in heated debate.

The Planets Next D Sofia & Florencia Azcurra

While getting out of your comfort zone is hard for some people, wrapping your mind around the fact that there could very blowing. Only forty light years away, seven water-containing planets have been discovered floating around a single star.

Staff Writers

As of March 3rd, NASA.gov revealed that astronomers have discovered a star with seven Earth-like planets not very from Ear may be able to support organic life. The solar system is said to have rocky planets and a mass that could be described as an icy sn further observations could lead scientists into knowing if any of the three habitable planets have liquid water on them. Science do not rotate. The stay positioned in one place, either facing the ultra-cool dwarf in the middle or away from it. But one questio NASA has long conducted researches to find new and habitable places, in the Milky Way, such as TRAPPIST-1, the dwarf star between the planets. The discovery of these planets have raised several questions around PPCHS. “I think that other life is possible and that it can lead to huge advancements but I don’t think other interaction is safe,” said fres iels, who is currently taking Earth and Space science.

While Daniels believes that finding other life may not be a safe route, the discovery of other life would be a major step and p entists at NASA. The new planets’ atmospheres hint that other life may already be there. Looking for possible future life on oth difficult considering scientists mainly look for planets that orbit around a centered star and that are earth typically close to Earth Science teacher Mrs. Ramos said, “Science has been advancing for years now. The discovery of these planets can lead to an e of interstellar life. Just like species evolve of Earth, it would be interesting to see changes that occur on the TRAPPIST-1 system. reality is that we would not be able to visit 40 light years away in our lifetime. Maybe one day we'll be able to send our mind rath Although interaction may seem close to impossible NASA won’t give up. It’s been long said that Earth is not alone and rese want to prove it correct.

With the seven discovered new planets come bearing exciting discoveries for scientists. While these planets could affect hum the near future, has anyone stopped to think about how it could affect us, the people living on Earth? If human life is guaranteed seven planets, what is the next step? Scientists aren’t sure what the outcome would be if life could be possible on the planets.

“This discovery is really amazing. It gives us an expansion to what we really know and it tests our possibilities for future life o can also gain new kinds of resources from them,” said senior Abnel Hidalgo.

Even if scientists do not make any advancements in discovering possible life in these new planets, they for sure will learn more life from flourishing on other planets besides Earth and more about the properties on the planets. Every minute that passes, e older, our resources are depleting, and the idea of not being able to live on this planet for eternity becomes more and more reali The discovery alone has been a great feat for scientists and the world’s frenzy will undoubtedly last a while. The seven planets will certainly keep scientists busy but have also opened a new kind of curiosity and interest for people all over the world.

portant?

White House Review Nadira Danticat Managing Editor

he Jewish people and based around both them and Israel. The majority of Trump unveils 2018 budget us generaPresident Trump revealed his budget proposal to Congress on Thursday, March 18. As expected, the Department rael. Some of Defense was granted a heavy bonus, with an $52 billion increase. Additionally, the Department of Homeland x, religious Security received a 6.8% increase from 2017 to focus on the detaining of illegal immigrants. He is also requesting Obama has Congress approve $1.5 billion for his wall across the Mexican border. In addition to these additions, Trump also oted overmade widespread cuts in many areas including the Environmental Protection Agency, the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (which includes the United Nations and climate change programs), mportance the Department of Agriculture, and many more. His cut decisions were met with much scrutiny from Republicans and Democrats alike. (Fortune) ersecution, ple feel enNo evidence of alleged wiretap scandal n and they The Senate Intelligence Committee chairman, highest ranking hesitate to Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, and the Speaker of the House all say that there is no evidence of President ree market Trump’s claim that Obama wiretapped his building last year. In lar to ours, an interview on “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” Speaktional syser Paul Ryan said, “"We have not seen any evidence that there was a wiretap or a (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) court are among order against Trump Tower or somebody in Trump Tower.” The G raphic by : N icole M ercadal now better members of the Senate Intelligence Committee agreed, saying in adicals. a joint statement that "based on the information available to us, world that we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either Graphic by: Justin Pierce America has no established religion, it is unquestionable that the US was before or after Election Day 2016." (CNN) nsidered holy because of its association with Jesus, his birth, his ministry, ws. American evangelicals passionately support and love the Jewish state, Judges block revised travel ban A federal judge in Hawaii issued a restraining order against the enforcement of the main components of Trump’s revised travel ban mere hours before it was to be set in effect. This move was followed by a Maryland federal nd forced to leave. You spend many years away from that house that was judge’s decision to lock certain parts of the executive order. U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson of Hawaii, own children, life, career, has moved into it, and he now owns it, despite who happens to be a Muslim leader in the community, rejected claims that the new directive does not target those , and you and your roommate fight non-stop (except you are much, much who follow the religion of Islam because it is centralized on six countries that account for less than 9 percent of the d than the Palestinians, and the territory of Palestine that was considered world's Muslims. Hours later, U.S. District Court Judge Theodore Chuang of Maryland ruled that Trump's order violated a specific federal law by blocking the issuance of immigrant visas from the six targeted countries. Both icking out innocent people from where they have been living for several judges are Obama’s appointees. (Politico)

A Brother’s Betrayal?

nism is an evil ideology of entitlement and history has already seen this

ning to the innocent people on both ends. Attempts by Secretary of State strong ties to Jerusalem, and the feeling of entitlement is strong on both

n this region will be interesting to watch. Israel as an important ally is a

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rth. Three of these seven planets are in the habitable zone, meaning they nowball-like world. It’s not known if the water is rich enough to drink, but Daily was quick to add that although very similar to Earth, these planets on still remains, are we alone? r that is centered in

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Graphic by: Katie Perez

LJ Lemmers

N

Technology Editor

ot many people on earth have to worry about assassins trying to kill them. Kim Jong Nam was walking through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport getting ready to go on a flight. Under the fake name of Kim Chol, Nam was traveling to the Chinese territory of Macau. However, he failed to see the universal and compulsory land.

In a large crowd, two Asian women, Siti Aisyah, 25, from Indonesia, and Doan Thi Huong, 28, from Vietnam, killed Kim Jong Nam. One woman grabbed Nam from behind and the other put a cloth with toxic over his face. Kim Jong Nam reported to the terminal station feeling sick and was sent to a first-aid station. He was strapped to a stretcher and sent to the nearest hospital. He died on the way (Time).

Both women claimed that they were part of a TV prank and were paid $90 to do the assassination. Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Baker said that it was impossible for them to think it was a prank because the women washed their hands fully aware that the cloth was toxic.

“I believe that it was North Korea who sent the people to kill Kim Jong Nam’s brother. If Kim Jong Nam was the next person in line to Graphic by: Justin Pierce succeed the throne, it would make sense to kill him. North’s Korea’s government is failing and Kim Jong Nam being killed by North Korea could make sense,” said senior Mincheska Felipe.

Kim Jong Nam was seen as a potential leader for North Korea, but has lived in exile by his brother Kim Jong Un. North Korea is assumed to be the one to send out the assassination (BBC). North Korea recently said that it was the United States and South Korea who killed Nam. North Korea’s ambassador Kim In Ryong said that the United States are one of the few countries that can manufacture VX and that it has stockpiled chemical weapons in South Korea, which could have provided the chemical agent for the attack on Kim Jong Nam (USA Today). He also claimed that the VX agent, which has a high toxicity, would have killed bystanders and the assassins.

“I don’t know how I would feel if I had a sibling that would try to kill me. If Kim Jong Un and North Korea sent assassins to kill Kim Jong Nam, it would increase tensions with North Korean officials,” said senior Mary Elise.

The assassination has increased tensions between North Korea and Malaysia. Malaysian police believe that the women were recruited by North Korean agents. The police are looking for seven North Koreans. The Malaysians have rejected North Korea’s government's demands to hand over the body.

The assassin’s motive for killing Kim Jong Nam still remains unclear. The United Nations are investigating to find out who the killer actually is. There have been multiple suspects. Ri Ji Hyon, son of a former North Korean ambassador for Vietnam, is the latest suspect in the killing of Kim Jong Nam. For now, the identity of the killer remains unknown as investigators are continuing to examine the murderer.

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