The chat newspaper december 2013 year 14 issue #5

Profiles: Girls Basketball, Boys Soccer, Boys Basketball Sports 20-21

PPCHS Jumps Into the New Year Features 26-27

Top 8 Events of 2013 Around the World News 33-34

The C.H.C. Staff Joshua Alleman Editor-in-Chief Melissa Sullivan Editor-in-Chief Victoria Alvarez Assistant Editor-in-Chief Jake Dreilinger - Layout Kyle Moss-Solomon - Video Managing Editors Chatter Daily News Maria Bozo Web Managing Editor Business Manager Mr. R. Simon - Layout Mr. F. Fagen - Content Mr. R. Simon - Video Advisers Mr. P. Bayer Principal

Table of Contents

Student Life..............................................................................3,4,5

Jaguars look toward the future during T.E.A.M.....................................................4

By The Grade 9th.....................................................................6,7

Building college confidence with T.E.A.M. work..................................................7

By The Grade 10th...................................................................8,9

PPCHS sophomore Monica Moljo: a star in the making...........................................9

Jake Dreilinger News Editor Chelsie Ramos Student Life Editor Anthony Kelleher Technology Editor Chelsi Chang Entertainment Editor Troy Bottom Sports Editor Gabriela Garcia Features Editor Looghermine Claude Lifestyle Editor

By The Grade 11th...............................................................10,11

Physics comes alive in Busch Gardens..............................................................11

By The Grade 12th...............................................................12,13

Don’t fret over the rejection mess....................................................................13

Andrea Bellorin Clubs Editor Alexys Nowak Proof-reader Carli Stander Photo Editor Armando Urena Graphics Editor Carmen Pettersen Cartoonist CONTENT STAFF: Brett Alayon, Matthew Deno, Tyra Green, Shakayla Lee, Maribel Maignan, Aaliyah Pasols, Melissa Pierce, Lauren Ramirez, Nicholas Rivera LAYOUT STAFF: Troy Bottom, Emily Deese, Jacob Morgenstern, Fernando Plata PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF: Peter Dourvetakis, Rebecca Gonzalez, Jonathan Harris, Alexis Monge-Rodriguez, Sydney Silverberg, Juan Tellez GRAPHIC STAFF: Matthew Perez, Daniel Vidal CHAT VIDEO NEWS STAFF: Christopher Fernandez,w Matthew Fernandez, Andres Gonzalez, Genesis Vesco

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

Entertainment.....................................................................14,15,16 Love is blind when you don’t catch the fire........................................................15

Sports............................................................................17,18,19,20,21 How boys hoops became a power at PPCHS.......................................................18

Lifestyle.................................................................................22,23,24 Blatantly blinded by beauty............................................................................23

Features.............................................................25,26,27,28,29,30,31 PPCHS jumps into the new year.................................................................26-27

Technology..........................................................................32,33,34

Drones fly through the Amazon.......................................................................33

News.......................................................................................35,36,37 Editorial: Is it possible to prevent school shootings?.............................................36

Clubs & Electives............................................................38,39,40 Jaguars jive for project Purify Poverty..............................................................39

Columns.........................................................................................41

School stress: is it worth it?...........................................................................41

Junior serviceman pays it forward, again and again

Alexandra Homleid Pageant Queen

Inside Student Life...

Aid Autism awareness one step at a time Darrell Gwynn Foundation brings awareness to PPCHS

Student Life

December 2013

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Jaguars look towards the future during T.E.A.M. school spirit and a sense of community, and ultimately to make a difference. When This 2013-2014 year, PPCHS has come leaving high school it is important for stuacross a new program where not only stu- dents to feel as though they have made their dents are united as Jaguars, but also as one mark, and even relayed their achievements T.E.A.M. In its second year, T.E.A.M- and mistakes on the upcoming class to make Teachers, Educators, Advisors, and Mentors- them better individuals.” has been designed to allow students an outlet The theme for T.E.A.M this year is “a dream to decide where their individual future lies, without a plan, is just a wish,” which clearly with the help of their mentors. A few weeks promotes the idea of mapping out each jagago, students were given their designated uar’s future endeavors early on. Starting with T.E.A.M. teacher, and have now settled into the budding freshman, it is to no surprise that the classroom where every T.E.A.M. meeting during their sessions they have been mewill be held for the rest of their high school ticulously working on the essentials of high careers. Each grade level has been keeping school: creating their action plan for high busy with specially made exercises with the grades, high GPA’s, and positive attitudes. goal of targeting their unique paths thus far, One step ahead, sophomores have been parand in gaining a clear vision of where they ticipating in their own activity. The guideaspire to be in their lives. Looking down lines to which are to create a Prezi presenthe line from seniors to underclassmen, all tation that answers the questions, “Who am students have also been thinking about their I as an individual? Which college best suits future through the program. my learning style, personality, interests, and strengths? What does my road to college look like from now until then?”

Based on the theme ‘College and Me’, the threeminute long presentation will be presented on December 10th where the winning team will be selected among sophomores and be granted a college themed T.E.A.M. at PPCHS: Freshmen Alexa Gonzalez (front) and Gaby Garcia (back) particpate dress down day. in T.EA.M. Photo by: Peter Dourvetakis Sophomore TayAs a supporter of the several purposes of the lor Horan exclaimed, "T.E.A.M is incredibly new program Mr. Bayer stated, “There are beneficial to me. We are currently discussing three goals that T.E.A.M targets at PPCHS: different colleges and how to find the right To develop an environment where students fit, which is something that I myself have feel a certain comfort level to look towards been struggling with. Working on our preteachers as their mentors in their educational sentation, I have learned what type of college lives as well as in their personal lives, build I need to look for."

Shakayla Lee STAFF WRITER

Experiencing the true feelings of the ex- T.E.A.M class that will earn the prize that pression “crunch time”, juniors have also seems to be popular among the participating been focusing on figure out who they are as class: a free prom ticket! people and the right university for them. Al- “I think the senior T.E.A.M project is really though 11th graders do not have a specific cool. I feel like it's allowing us to show othactivity, the assigned work sheets and sur- ers what it’s really like to be a senior, and veys are “designed to assist students and make sure they are on the right track to graduation and their aspiring colleges,” stated class of 2015 guidance counselor, Mrs. Perez.

At the peak of their high school careers, seniors have been entered into the ultimate T.E.A.M. activity that not only forces them to consider what they want out of their lives, but what they can pass down to future generations. The ques- Coming together: Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Haviland works with Emilio Falcon during tion at hand that has her T.E.A.M. class. Photo by: Peter Dourvetakis the entire 12th grade class digging deep is: how underclassmen- especially freshman“If you were to get to say one sentence at can build themselves academically to be graduation, what would you say?” Seniors successful when they make it to this point. will combine their individual videos with I personally am excited about letting people their T.E.A.M class to create a video legacy know what I have to say, and the prize is to leave behind something that they want to definitely an incentive!” exclaimed senior say about themselves, a word of advice to Stephanie Torres. underclassmen, or even to the world. Along In its first years, T.E.A.M has become a with Mr. Bayer, and Kapela, Mr. Quigley staple at PPCHS and is looked at as a neceshas played a huge role in the orchestration sary aspect of helping to develop students as of this project as he explained, “The goal of learners and as people. Mrs. Cabeza Sophothis activity is for the senior class to come more T.E.A.M organizer and English Teachtogether as a “team” and reflect on their lives er, encompassed the feelings of all Jaguars at charter and be able to figure out something at PPCHS as she stated “It is a privilege to they want to say, and really just find their see how they develop and become the people voice.” Of the videos, a panel of teachers they are meant to be. We can only hope our will choose the deserving finalists and when guidance will serve them well and help them the reviewed videos are narrowed down the to choose a path that is right for them. We choice, is then in the hands of the entire 12th want our students to choose a future college grade class. When the videos are broadcasted based on who they are as people and learners during the last team session of the first se- through inquiry and research. ” mester, the seniors will choose the winning

Darrell Gwynn Foundation brings awareness to PPCHS was hearing my dad’s story repeated. He [Alveiz] is going through what my dad has gone Walking, something most people take for through already. I was raised thinking that granted is what Derek Avilez, a Hollywood was normal the way my dad is, it’s normal to firefighter aspires to do each day. Step by me, it’s our life,” says senior Lucas Batista. step, Avilez is regaining his strength after an It was a sunny day in beautiful Hollywood, accident in which he obtained a severe neck South Florida, when Avilez, his wife and injury, hindering his ability to walk, move three young children decided to take a trip to his arms and other daily tasks that most peo- the beach. On this day, Avilez decided to go ple don’t think twice about. Avilez, who is a skim boarding while his young, hesitant famspeaker for the Darrell Gwynn Foundation, ily stood clear of the chilly ocean water. All visited PPCHS on November 19th to speak of his reservations seemed to disappear as he to a theatre full of students on preventing fu- repeatedly went board first against the wature spinal cord injuries and bring awareness ter, performing back flips and daring tricks. to the subject.

Avilez, a soccer enthusiast, who later moved on to be a kicker for his college football team lost the ability to kick from the 60 yard ever again on that sunny day in South Florida. Just three years ago, Derek Avilez fell head first towards the crashing waves below as he enjoyed one of his favorite past times and broke his neck, leading to his paralysis and inability to breathe on his own.

“I fell head first, I don’t remember anything except waking up face down in the water,” says Alveiz. “I instinctively started screaming for help but Sharing his story: Derek Avilez shared his tragic story with students soon realized I would run out of from all grade levels at PPCHS. Photo by: Matthew Fernandez air if I didn’t stop. Being a fire“Throughout the assembly I felt like I knew fighter, I was trained to hold my breath, I did everything they were talking about consider- it for as long as I could. I remember saying to ing my dad is a paraplegic. It was a great pre- myself that this was it, I was going to die. All sentation, people don’t realize how much it I could do was pray to God that my family could change someone’s life so it’s great that would be okay.” the school had it. I really connected because Fortunately, Alveiz’s wife, Priscilla, soon it talked about the troubles he faces every- came to the rescue with his fellow coworkers day such as his wife taking care of him. My soon arriving on the scene for assistance. Afmom does everything for my dad, I felt like I ter having CPR performed, Alveiz regained Melissa Sullivan EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

consciousness and was transported to the ries and how much he didn’t want to see fuhospital for immediate care. There, he spent ture generations continue to suffer with the months recovering in the intensive care unit same troubles he’s had. while on a ventilator.

“It was an opportunity for students to see “They said it was unlikely that I’d ever be the real life consequences of things that able to breathe on my own again. It was a would usually seem harmless. Life can be miracle when my ventilator was removed,” full of dangers, it really brought light to the says Alveiz. From there on, he continued im- subjects of texting and driving, I really beproving, slowly regaining the ability to move lieve something good came from the assemhis fingers and toes. “I remember being able bly, and that every student took something to move my big toe on my left foot, it seemed with them,” said Principal Bayer. so little to me. But, when the doctor came in he said ‘if your toes work, you walk’. I thought that was a huge accomplishment from what they originally said,” adds Alveiz.

Now, just three years after that fateful September day, Alveiz has regained the ability to walk with assistance. His long term goal is to walk on his own again and return to going on calls with his fellow firefighters. “I am working again at the station but it’s different because now I’m in the office doing paperwork. All I want is to go on a call Tragic Ending: Avilez’s career as a fire fighter was put on hold and return to doing what I really when he was injured. Photo by: Hollywood Fire Dept. love,” says Alveiz.

Along the way, Derek Alveiz hopes to conA subject that was often brought up was tinue sharing his story with others, in hope the dangers of texting and driving. Speakthat future injuries can be prevented. Dur- ers constantly warned how reckless driving ing his visit to PPCHS, Alveiz and a speaker could lead to long term negative effects, from the foundation presented a video to making it apparent to note that a wheelchair a group of students that filled the River of is more expensive than a car.

Grass auditorium. The foundation’s goal is “I see so many teenagers do reckless things, to provide support for people with paralysis they should think before they try to show off and prevent spinal cord injuries. The main or do something that can really change their focus they tried to bring across to the audi- life,” says Alveiz. “My accident could have ence was how quickly things can go wrong. been prevented if I would’ve thought before All throughout the presentation, students I acted. So many teenagers do things such as and faculty sat quietly while Alveiz spoke texting and driving without realizing their about his experience with spinal cord inju- endangering several lives.”

5 Student Life

December 2013

Aid Autism awareness one step at a time As a developmental disability, autism has taken over the lives of many and their loved For years, families all over the world have ones; leaving them with countless questions. learned to live with the challenges that en- Reasons as to why autism comes about and compass the day to day life of a person who how to cure it are at the center of these queshas developed autism. As a school and com- tions. For this reason, foundations like the munity, the Pembroke Pines Charter system, Dan Marino Foundation have been created, has created their very own team with the to help raise awareness for the disability well-known Dan Marino Foundation to help and funding for research. To help raise even increase awareness for the developmental more funds, the Charter Schools have all disorder through their event called the Walk- created their own team for the Dan Marino about Autism.

Foundation Walkabout Autism, in hopes that students and parents alike will donate to it, and come out to Sun Life Stadium on January 25th to participate in the walk. Students, teachers, and parents can join the Pembroke Pines Charter Schools ESE Team by going to http://goo. gl/BNu6Rg and make a donation.

However, the Charter family has also decided to take it one step further by creating their own autism walk, to allow for more students to participation, rather than just having a few go to the walk at Sun Life Stadium. “What we [the autism team] figured was that we Walkabout: Class of ‘13 graduates, Lucas D’Agostino, Alex Mangano wanted to have a big turnout for and Nick D’Agostino at the 2013 event. Photo by: Mr. Fagen the walk and to raise money, and To help raise awareness and money for the have a lot of people involved,” stated ESE foundation, Charter has also decided to cre- specialist Ms. Ostendorf. “However, we ate their own autism walk on January 23rd, don’t think it is practical to be able to get all to allow for more students to participate and of our students to go to the walk at Sun Life give back.

Stadium. So we decided to make our own

“Ultimately I would love to get at least 500 kids to participate in the walk, but I don’t see why everyone wouldn’t want too. It will be time that the students could get out of their class and walk around the track with their friends, will helping raise money for the foundation,” concluded Ms. Ostendorf. An additional benefit from the both walks is that the proceeds raised by the school, will also come back to help out the schools as well.

25% of the proceeds raised will be coming back to the Charter Schools ESE Departments, to help those in the programs succeed.

The meaning behind the walk is simple, “all we are hoping to do is raise awareness for a very important cause that effects so many people, including some of our classmates,” stated senior, Kelly McColman, who is a member of the Autism Team. So Jaguars of all kinds, come together and support this foundation in raising awareness for the cause.

Chelsie Ramos STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

Aiding Autism: Senior Flavio Hernandez with the Dolphins Head Coach, Joe Philbin at the last walk.

Photo Donated by: Flavio Hernandez

walk here at the school, and each of the campuses will have their own walk too, to allow more students to participate.”

These “walks” in each campus, will bring in more money for the Charter Schools team. To be able to participate at the walk at the high school, all students have to do is pay $2 for a ticket, to be able to spend all of their SSR time on January 23rd, walking around the schools track. Tickets for the walk will begin to be sold during both A and B lunches, two weeks prior to the walk.

Save the date: The 2014 Walkabout for Autism event will be held on January 25th. Photo by: Alex Monge

Junior serviceman pays it forward, again and again Alexandra Homleid: Pageant Queen manages to fit in local, weekly volunteering with Feeding South Florida. Here, Justis Some people are born with the desire to help works to sort donated food and load them others; they want to give back to the commu- onto trucks. The trucks then transport the nity for the sake of being a genuine person. food from the Feeding South Florida locaThey use their own joy and happiness to ben- tion in Hallandale Beach to 375 smaller food efit those who need it. banks in Palm Beach, Broward, and MiamiFrom hands-on projects to physical labor, Dade County. eleventh grader Justis Harrilal is up for the Justis Harrilal is not one who volunteers for challenge. Justis volunteers with multiple the sake of accumulating hours. Besides doorganizations and has even spent a summer ing it to benefit the community, he does it for abroad for volunteering purposes. He has the sake of pride and out of the goodness of been featured as Hands On Broward’s No- his heart. vember volunteer spotlight, for all his generJustis states, “I feel proud of myself that ous deeds. As for now, Justis Harrilal is fo- I can give back to my community. Despite cusing on building personal experiences and my being so young, I have been given many making himself a better-rounded individual. opportunities where I can benefit others.” In As stated by Harrilal himself, “My volun- the long run, all of Justis’ experiences and teering experiences started three years ago lessons will pay off. He is able to use his curwith the People to People Student Ambassa- rent knowledge to greater his understanding dor Program. This program is where students in the future. from the United States have the opportunity Whether it is in his home town or across to volunteer internationally with organiza- the Atlantic Ocean, Justis Harrilal embodies tions like Relay for Life. I completed 6 Relay a true serviceman. Justis’ work can be found for Life events in England, France, Belgium, in food banks all over South Florida, in an Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands orphanage in Ukraine, and in six different in the summer of my ninth grade year.”

European countries. Senior Sarah Pierce, who volunteers with Feeding South Florida as well states, “The supervisor in charge is always calling Justis’ name. He seems like a very reliable worker and you never see him slacking off.” He lives in the hereand-now sense, in the way that he does all that he can to give back to the community. Yet, he looks toward his future in terms of how his volunteering will help him in the work field and in the long run. On Tuesday, November 19, an ABC News local affiliate named Jen Herrera of WPLG interviewed Charter’s very Giving Back: Junior Justis Harrilal volunteers to help his local community. own, Justis Harrilal about Donated By: Justis Harrilal all of his volunteer work for their segment called “Pay it On top of spreading his care overseas, Justis Forward”. This segment features and honors Harrilal does DIY (Do It Yourself) projects selfless individuals in the community who do with Hands On Broward. He made Christ- an exceptional job at giving back: a descripmas stockings that were delivered to children tion that fits Justis Harrilal like a glove. from an orphanage in Ukraine and, he still Melissa Pierce STAFF WRITER

Maria Bozo and Melissa Sullivan WEB EDITOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Freshman Alexandra Homleid is the Miss Universe of Charter High. She’s a kind, softspoken individual in class. But when she isn’t in school, she is excelling in different types of pageants, ranging from local to international levels.

Pageant Queen: Charter’s very own, Alexandra Homleid (‘17) was names Miss Victory for Florida.

Donated By: Alexandra Homleid

“I enjoy competing in pageants so much.

I have the opportunity to meet people from all different kinds of places and everyone is extremely nice. I also like the atmosphere of the pageants; it’s such a competitive atmosphere, and I enjoy being competitive because it gives me such a rush,” explains Homleid.

Pageants have given Homleid opportunities she wouldn’t have had otherwise. After taking the title of Miss Victory for the state of Florida, she made an appearance in a Veterans Day Parade. In the parade, Homleid was broadcasted live on Television along with other winners from other divisions in the pageant. “The Veterans Day Parade was such an amazing experience. I had so much fun. I would wave at little kids standing along the street and they would get really excited. The experience made me feel like I was a Disney Princess,” describes Homleid.

Homleid hopes to continue competing and taking more titles at pageants, with the hopes of becoming Miss Universe. Homleid says, “My ultimate dream in pageants is to be eligible for Miss Universe, because that would mean that I would be representing the United States as Miss America. Winning the title and being named Miss Universe would be such a dream come true.”

With her drive and passion for competing in beauty pageants, Alexandra Homleid can make it all the way to the top and win the title of Miss Universe. Hopefully, one day she will accomplish her high goal and she will be representing her new found hobby with the highest achievement possible.

Homleid started competing in pageants in July of 2012 and has since then fallen in love with the competitive hobby. Since 2012, she has competed in four pageants: Miss America Coed, Cinderella Pageant, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, and Miss Victory State Teen. “My favorite pageant that I have competed in so far has to be the Cinderella Pageant because the judges were very friendly and easy to talk to. In a lot of pageants the judges tend to be stone faced,” says Homleid.

In Homleid’s first pageant, Cinderella Pageant, she came in Second Runner Up, while in her second pageant, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, she placed in the Top 15. In her third pageant, Miss Victory State Teen, she took home the crown of Miss Victory for Florida; and in her fourth pageant, Miss America Coed, she won Overall Parade: Alexandra Homleid(‘17) waves to the crowd gathered for the Veterans Day Parade. donated by: Alexandra Homleid and Optional Miss Talent.

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By the Grade 9th December 2013

Building college confidence with T.E.A.M-work

Melissa Pierce STAFF WRITER

As freshmen find their flow in high school, they concern themselves with their grades and their social lives. But how many of them consider the many options available for life after high school? How many of them think about college when they have just entered ninth grade? With the new

system of T.E.A.M. (Teachers as Educators, Advisors, and Mentors), students of all grades dedicate their SSR (Silent Sustained Reading) time to college planning.

On days when T.E.A.M. is to take place, students go to their mentor’s classroom instead of their third period teacher for SSR.

Freshman T.E.A.M. mentor Mrs. Portuondo says, “The ninth grade T.E.A.M. theme is ‘A goal without a plan is just a wish’.

We help ninth grade students set longterm goals and reach them using shortterm goals every week or so; goals can be academic or personal. The purpose overall

is to give students someone else to go to besides the guidance counselor. We get to know them on a more individual level.”

See T.E.A.M., Page 7

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By the Grade 9th December 2013

Building college confidence with T.E.A.M-work T.E.A.M. from page 6... goal to see if we accomplished them.”

Freshman are encouraged to investigate The ninth grade students however, have their own minds by determining what they an advantage. They are the only students in want to do in the future; this may be choosPembroke Pines Charter High School that ing a field of expertise or even specifying will have all four years of high school with a major.

Freshman Destinee Osson-Georges says, their T.E.A.M. teachers.

Freshman Jason Acosta states, “T.E.A.M. “I hope to accomplish all of my goals in will help me be successful because it lets college; I want to change the world in some me plan my goals early. I get a head start way and possibly even become a lawyer. that I probably wouldn’t have gotten on my My T.E.A.M. teacher helps me write down own as early as ninth grade.” Freshmen are my goals in order for me to determine if the earliest starters, for they will get the I actually met them when I am a senior.” most information out of this preparative Mentors make it a point to discuss requirements and expectations going into a colcourse. lege or university.

Making goals is not the only active part of participating in T.E.A.M.; freshmen must also work on their interactions with other people.

As one enters a college campus or university, the likes of it are that they don’t know many people; some don’t know anybody. T.E.A.M. gives students the opportunity to practice people relations, where they can learn how to Working hard: 9th grade student Anthony Gomez is working hard at Team, preparing for his future in college. Photo by: Peter Dourvetakis interact with others so that they don’t go into shock. The The way T.E.A.M. works is as follows— idea is to prevent them from feeling like students work in groups to set long-term small fish in a large pond.

Ninth grade student, Jake Rafford elabogoals while practicing social skills with rates: “In T.E.A.M., throughout the school their peers.

Freshman Cassandra Vrochidis explains, year we will work and learn to collaborate “I think T.E.A.M. is helpful because it is with other people. This skill will help us in direct planning for college. We wrote down the future so that we are comfortable workour goals and took a picture with them. ing with people we don’t know, which is When we are seniors, we will look at the something we’ll all have to do a lot in colMelissa Pierce STAFF WRITER

Educating the young minds: 9th grade guidance counselor Mrs. Scott helps educate the 9th graders about college choices and how to prepare for college in high school. Photo by: Peter Dourvetakis

lege. Going off to college gives you more freedom in choosing your classes and making decisions so T.E.A.M. will help us be prepared for that.” For the time being however, ninth grade students must learn how to deal with the people around them.

T.E.A.M. mentors urge the one-on-one interaction between peers in order to prepare them for the road ahead. If one can master the art of collaboration in high school, it will be easier to adapt on a larger-scaled college campus.

Ninth grade student, Nicole Gomez says, “Not only do we learn to work with people we don’t know in T.E.A.M., but we focus on how to deal with one another. We talk about social life in college and how to show respect to people of different genders and orientations. These skills help you deal with customers and such when you get a job.”

With the introduction of a new course comes many positive attributes. Teachers as Educators, Advisors, and Mentors

(T.E.A.M.) is a class devoted to inspiring college thinking as early as ninth grade.

This thirty-minute class during SSR manages to inform students about what they need to do in preparation for college and puts them ahead of all others by setting long-term goals. T.E.A.M contributes to social skills as well; it allows high school students to practice interacting with people of different cultures by working with their very peers. In the long run, this course will make students sure about what they want to do; they will go into college prepared and ready to experience new life.

Freshman Kailey Prendergast expresses her admiration for the course: “I think being a freshman in T.E.A.M. is a great way to start goals in life and help us reach them.

This program teaches us how to work with other students, think about grades, and prepare for college. We write about what we hope we will amount to in our four years of high school; hopefully T.E.A.M. will help us reach our expectations.”

There’s H.O.P.E. for freshmen Physical Education (H.O.P.E.) online.

Many 9th grade students are just now Every student dreams of the day when beginning to face the reality that they do they will walk across the stage at their have to complete the H.O.P.E and online high school graduation. They hope to get course requirements to graduate. So there accepted into their dream college and they is the inevitable question: should they take plan for their future. But, these dreams the class online? Sophomore Max Phau cannot be accomplished without meeting says yes, “I took the class online the sumgraduation requirements. Two of these mer before freshman year. It wasn’t as easy requirements are an online course and a as I expected it to be, but it was definitely physical education course. But what if manageable. I like the fact that now I am both of these courses could both be accom- set to have all my requirements out of the plished at once? That is exactly what many way by the end of senior year. I won’t have students are planning on doing by signing to worry about getting last minute course credits.”

On the other hand, sophomore Shubhi Kumar has different advice for freshmen: “I don’t recommend taking the course online.

The online course can be hard to keep up with when taking it alongside other classes. When taking the class in a school setting, the pace is comfortable and you always have a teacher there to guide you along.

Online Classes: All underclassmen are required to take an online class, and many The only downside is that you have choose to take H.O.P.E. online. Photo by: Sydney Silverberg to take it as one of up for the Health Opportunities through your electives and you still have to take an Lauren Ramirez STAFF WRITER

Challenge yourself: H.O.P.E. is a challenging course that pushes you to go that extra mile, whether it be doing push-ups or sit-ups. Photo by: Sydney Silverberg

online class to graduate.”

The H.O.P.E. online class is through Florida Virtual Schools (FLVS). FLVS is a completely free online school for anyone in Kindergarten through 12th grade. The virtual school divides H.O.P.E., as well as other courses, into two segments. You can choose to take one segment for half a credit or both segments for a full credit.

Just because the class is online doesn’t mean a student can slack off. At least one assignment is required to be turned in every week. If a student takes more than one week to submit an assignment, that student

is at risk of being dropped from the class.

Being dropped from a class appears as a fail on a student’s transcript, which can negatively affect the student’s grade point average, and therefore their chances of getting into the college of their choice.

H.O.P.E. through FLVS is a great opportunity to complete two course requirements at once, although it isn’t the class for everyone. When deciding what classes to take online and what classes to take in school, the students from the class of 2017 should weigh their options.

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PPCHS sophomore Monica Moljo: a star in the making Maria Bozo & Lauren Ramirez WEB MANAGING EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

The River of Grass Theatre falls silent as the voice of PPCHS sophomore Monica Moljo captivates the audience. But from the moment she hit the last note of the song

with ease, the sound of the audience was anything but silent. The roar of applause fills the room and a broad grin makes its way across Monica’s face, she knows she

did great. Monica Moljo has been singing since she learned how to talk, but last year at the band concert she finally showed her talent to others. “Monica is such a great

singer. She’s so humble too! I had no idea she had so much talent until I actually heard her sing at the band concert,” says Monica’s friend Anika Borromeo.

9 PPCHS sophomore Monica Moljo: a star in the making

By the Grade 10 December 2013

Maria Bozo & Lauren Ramirez WEB MANAGING EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

Since then, Moljo has showcased her talent at several events around PPCHS. She sang a song called “Bugle Boy” in a trio with seniors Tatiana Busamante and Hannah Rector at the 2013 PPCHS multicultural show and PPCHS Family Night football game. She also sang “A Part of Your World” at the biannual band concert, and has performed more songs with the Step Team, at the Drama Coffee Shop, Winter Fantasy, and at many parties. She has also taken her talent to other places; Moljo sang a parody of the infamous “Cup Song,” originally performed in Pitch Perfect by Anna Kendrick, for her AP Biology class along with fellow sophomores, Chinelo Osakwe, Saman Govaria, and Shubhi Kumar. On her Instagram account, Moljo can also be seen taking requests from her friends and later posting the short video clips for all of her followers to witness and enjoy.

To top it all off, Moljo recently made the decision to audition for America’s Got Talent, an American reality television series on the NBC television network, and part of the global British Got Talent franchise.

There, Moljo will showcase her vocal abilities with the hopes of making it onto the Live Shows. “I really want to be discovered. I love to sing and it is most definitely

something that I see myself doing for the rest of my life. My ultimate dream would be to land a record deal so that I can write and perform my songs for millions of people,” explains Moljo.

When Moljo is not singing, she is dedicating her time to help disabled children with two different organizations. The two organizations: Bit by Bit and Horses and Handicapped for Kiwanis. There, she engages in therapeutic horseback riding with several different kids. “Helping disabled children is also one of my biggest passions in life. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when they first get on the horse. It also makes me realize how lucky I am and how strong the kids are. They have it so much harder than everyone else and they still manage to be happy and have a good time. Not only do I teach little kids how to ride horses, but the kids teach me to be a better person and not take anything for granted. I love going horseback riding myself, so being able to volunteer my time and share something I love so much with those kids who aren’t as fortunate as me is something that really changes me as a person.” says Moljo.

Not only can Moljo sing and help the community: she is also a great student. Juggling several Advanced Placement classes

as a sophomore is hard to do all by itself, but she manages to do this all while maintaining an almost perfect GPA. “Although having a career in singing is a dream of mine, science is definitely one of my interests” says Moljo “I think that one day I could find a cure for cancer or come up with the latest scientific breakthrough.” Monica is a board member for the PPCHS science club and she enjoys studying both chemistry and biology. Through helping others, Monica has shown compassion.

Through her singing, Monica has shown that she will never give up on her dreams. Through her studies, Monica has shown dedication. It is clear that Monica Moljo is a valuable member of the Pembroke pines charter family and has potential for future greatness.

Monica Moljo is a student whose incredible talent and will to help Monica Moljo: Sophomore Monica Moljo wants to others make her an interesting express her talent to PPCHS. Photo by: Jonathan Harris person to be around. She enchants her audiences with melodic notes, land makes an impact on mentally dis- her name in lights, but for now PPCHS is abled children by teaching them to ride enjoying having her around, and bringing horses. Someday Monica Moljo will have smiles to people’s faces.

Sophomores in SGA Lauren Ramirez STAFF WRITER

The PPCHS Student Government Association is the group that plans everything from homecoming to pep rally, and at this very moment they are hard at work plan-

the club. The major success of this event, which was entirely planned by someone who just entered the class a few months ago, shows how hard work and dedication

it show the influence of everyone, not just upperclassmen.” says SGA member Sasha Sarran.

One of the reasons for the new sophomore leadership positions is the addition of a second SGA/ Leadership class. With more people in SGA, more students are needed to step into the leadership positions. The addition of the second class concerned many incoming members. Some of these students felt that if they were in a different class than the officers and SGA veterans, they would not play as big of a role in the association. Once the first quarter passed by smoothly, it became apparent that the separation between the two classes would not be an issue. The group is still as close as ever and every member has an equal role in making sure everything goes according to plan.

This year is one of the few years that the club has had a junior as president instead of a senior, this may be another reason why the opinions and input of the younger club members are being expressed now more than ever. “She was just one of us (sophomores) last year. She knows what it’s like to not always have your voice heard so she makes sure to include the sophomores and the less experienced class as much as possible when it comes to decision making.” says SGA member Isabel Feliciano in reference to President Sofia Lalinde (15’) The leadership class and their sponsor, Mr. Velasquez are proud of every member of the group and agree that the new members have really outdone themselves this year, sometimes even surpassing the SGA veterans.

SGA Sophomores: This year’s SGA sophomores hope to successfully lead their class through their second year. Photo by: Jonathan Harris

ning even more amazing events like Dancing with the Staff, and the SGA bake sale.

When it comes to the world of Student Government, the sophomores are the new kids on the block. The class of 2016 are currently the youngest students in the leadership class and are just beginning to learn how things work.

Usually, the sophomores don’t get the hang of the class until much later, but this year they have been soaring above and beyond. Sophomores such as Taylor Horan and Saman Govaria are even committee leaders, even though they have only recently entered the association. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication to become a committee leader as a sophomore” says Govaria, “I think that I have a shot at going far in student government, and maybe even being president my senior year.” Govaria’s committee organized the SGA bake sale at Pembroke Gardens and Hollywood Beach, an event that raised over 200 dollars for

really truly pay off.

Sophomore Taylor Horan is also an official club officer and holds the title of “Sophomore Representative”. Her job is to express the feelings of her fellow sophomore class members, to SGA, to make sure that the class is able to plan events that cater to students of all grade levels. In her committee, she organized the PPCHS homecoming dress drive that took place this past October and November. The drive was successful in collecting dresses for girls who could not afford homecoming and prom dresses.

“I’m not a committee leader or an officer, but I feel that even as a sophomore I have a voice in the school and I am able to take a part in planning events. I know that sophomores are an important part of our school and I’m glad that now they are able to have an even bigger voice. Having tenth graders as officers and leaders really gives the organization more diversity and helps

PPCHS SGA: All classes of SGA are looking forward to the second semester of the 2013-2014 school year.

Photo by: Jonathan Harris

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By the Grade 11th December 2013

Physics comes alive in Busch Gardens Maribel Maignan STAFF WRITER

On December 6th, 2013 PPCHS students were starting just another regular old day of school, while 100 very lucky physics students were on their way to the amusement park

Busch Gardens for the annual physics trip. Sponsored by PPCHS’ very own physics teacher Mr. Ramphall, the trip was a one day event held at the theme park for a day full of fun, adventure, and just a pinch of education.

Every year Busch Gardens invites professors from all over the United States to conduct experiments for the benefit of high school students.

Not only were the juniors attending the presentations, but they were also riding roller-coasters to calcu-

late G forces and kinetic energy to reinforce all the material students had learned in class this year.

See Busch Gardens, Page 11...

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By the Grade 11th December 2013

Physics comes alive in Busch Gardens Busch Gardens from Page 10...

events. Students were able to compare the rollercoasters dropping to a car going down a street, and used this new information to understand how a car can only go down “The trip is mostly to help us have a bet- the street due to friction between rubber ter understanding of what we learn in class. and the road. Just like how a roller-coaster We got to see what really goes on behind can only drop because of large amounts of the scenes and what it actually takes for a kinetic energy and gravitational potential roller-coaster to drop,” said junior, Estefa- energy, the wheels guide the coaster on the nia Ortiz. track for a smooth and easy ride.

The trip allowed students to see what Here comes the Coasters, “The best part they learned in class and apply it to the of the trip for me was the roller coasters bereal world. The professors presented all the cause they are one of my favorite things in the world. My favorite ride to go on was the Cheetah Hunt,” said junior, Tanner Redding. It seems like one of the most anticipated rides of all was the Montu, the inverted roller coaster that climbs high into the air and you have to hold to for a long twisting drop.

“The best ride I went on at Busch Gardens was the Montu. I was practically peeing my pants to get on it,” said Junior, Lauren Tripp.

“I was dying to go on the Montu, I mean Thrill Seekers: Juniors enjoy the newest rollar coaster: Cheetah Chase. the presentations were Donated By: Isabella Bobadilla fun and all because different ways of how physics applies to physics are supposed to be ‘fun’ but serinot only roller-coasters but also to real life ously it’s all about the roller-coasters,” said Maribel Maignan STAFF WRITER

classmate, Kristen Curiel.

Ramphall.

PPCHS were one of many schools who It was here and now it’s gone, but it will joined in on the fun on December 6, for never be forgotten. As the day of the field Busch Gardens annual Physics Day. Schools all over the country were in Tampa for the event, watching presentations, riding rollercoasters, and enjoying the wonderful amusement park.

The theme park was open to other park goers that day too, but was mostly reserved to schools celebrating physics day.

Students had the unique opportunity to experience the Gardens: Physics students take a trip to the well-known theme park Busch physics calculations Busch Gardens. Photo Donated By: Isabella Bobadilla performed in the experiments and throughout the theme park. trip arrived, PPCHS students could practiDr. David Wright, professor of physics at cally smell the excitement in the air even Tidewater Community College in Virginia, after the juniors left the school campus. along with other professors there, showed “The physics day trip was actually the The Physics in Motion show, which al- best field trip I have ever been on. It’s a lowed students the opportunity to conduct really great experience, watching the exexperiments. periments was really cool. I wish I could “The trip was a great way for students to go back, I will never forget that trip,” said have a visual effect of the examples they Senior, Alejandro Rojas, who went on the see in their textbook up close and personal. trip last year. The junior class were surely The professors leading the tests was able to gossiping all about the trip when they got show the kids new ways of how amazing back to show everyone just how much fun physics really is,” said physics teacher, Mr. they had at Busch Gardens.

Juniors working as a T.E.A.M. Lauren Ramirez STAFF WRITER

asked the students to participate in an interest survey. This survey helps students Many of the students in the PPCHS class to determine what careers they would like of 2015 are just beginning to figure out to pursue. The survey included 96 differwhat they want to study in college and ent job descriptions and asked the students where they want to go with their life. Luck- to rate their interest in each job on a scale ily, the T.E.A.M. class is there to help them of 1-5. At the end of the survey they were along this journey. In the class, juniors are asked to calculate their points and deterasked to look at the big picture and plan out mine if they were interested in artistic, their future. conventional, enterprising, investigative, The class of 2015 T.E.A.M. teachers have realistic, or social career paths. Once they have determined their ideal career path, they have a better idea of what jobs would be of interest to them.

"The purpose of T.E.A.M. is to help us prepare for our future all the way from college until we are out in the real world. The T.E.A.M. teachers have been a big help when assisting us in deciding where we want to go with our lives" says junior Phoebe Mishler.

The class of 2015 isn’t only planning for their future; they are also taking the time to reflect on their past. The T.E.A.M. classes engaged in an activity in which they compared where they are in the present to where they were sophomore year as far as academics, behavior, and their overall mindset.

“The reflecting activity was really interesting. It really made me look back at my experience last year, and compare and contrast it to my experience this year. It was T.E.A.M.: Mr. Lawrence guides his T.E.A.M. class in the right direc- surprising how much I really tion. Photo By: Alex Monge

have changed without even noticing it” says junior Sofia Gangotena.

This is the first year every student has been assigned a T.E.A.M. teacher who will stay with them for the rest of their high school experience. The class of 2015 PPCHS students have experienced a school year without T.E.A.M., a school year when T.E.A.M. took place in a student’s homeroom class, and this school year with the new T.E.A.M. system.

“T.E.A.M. has been great this year. It made me look at my academic future and my past from a whole new perspective. It’s been a really big help. When I entered the school in 9th grade we didn’t have T.E.A.M., so I really didn’t know what to expect from it.

The actual experience has far exceeded my

expectations and I learned so much useful information that I never would have known had it not been for the class. I like the fact that we now have a teacher who will stay with us for all of high school. It gives all of us a mentor to turn to whenever we have questions or need help.” says junior Camille Haynes.

“T.E.A.M. is an amazing program not only for juniors but for students of all grades, it’s a great way for students to be able to have an opportunity to ask any questions they might have about college, careers, or anything they need help with in their life” says junior Emily Rangel. The junior class is very appreciative of the fact that, unlike other schools, PPCHS offers them a class that can help them to plan for their future.

T.E.A.M. Creates Bonds: Juniors come together as one in their T.E.A.M. classes. Photo By: Peter Dourvetakis

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By the Grade 12th December 2013

Don’t fret over the rejection mess

awaited decision day. With many colleges’ decision days coming up As the application season for se- quickly, the fear of whether or not niors has begun to slowly die down, the person has been accepted or rewhat now haunts them is the long jected is what fills the thoughts of Chelsie Ramos STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

many seniors. However, if a student is unfortunately rejected from their dream school, or better yet, any school, they should not worry about it because it isn’t the end. Rejection

is just an obstacle in life that everyone is faced with, no matter the circumstance.

See College Rejection, Page 13...

Don’t fret over the rejection mess College Rejection from Page 12...

“I would feel disappointed if I were to not get accepted into my ‘dream’ school, but there are plenty of other colleges to choose from. So for all I know, there might even be another school out there that could give me Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Our a better experience than my first choice,” greatest glory is not in never failing, but in said senior Adrian Mati. rising up every time we fall.” If rejection • Focus on the future: Just beis to occur to anyone, then they should not cause a person was not able to attend their allow it to overwhelm them. Here are some first choice school doesn’t mean that their future is ruined.

When it comes to a person’s future, their regular four years in college doesn’t decide what happens after. Instead, it is their graduate school that matters the most. According to former school superintendent Tom Vander Ark said, “A formal education may help you get your first job.

You’re on your own after that,” (TIME. com). It doesn’t matter what college you go to for your undergraduate degree that truly influences what you will do in life later on.

“If I were to get rejected from my ‘dream’ school, then I would try to figure out why I was reCollege Rejection: As college approval letters come in, seniors try and cope with rejection from some of their favorite colleges.

Photo By: Jonathan Harris jected, and work on Chelsie Ramos STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

tips for seniors to help cope with rejection blues.

• It isn’t the end of the world: Even if a rejection letter is what a senior receives from their “dream” school, that doesn’t mean that this is the end. Instead they should think about their Plan B, and where else they could find themselves enjoying their next four years of their life.

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By the Grade 12th December 2013

improving myself in whatever area it was.

Then I would do really well in whichever school I would end up going to, and focus on getting into a top graduate school because at the end of the day, that is the most important thing,” said senior Courtney Merolle.

• Entertain yourself: To help cope with the rejection, the best way is to throw yourself into things that make you happy.

Whether that is shopping, volunteering, or playing a sport, spend time doing what you love. The benefit of this would be that the person would find themselves smiling from the joy that they feel from the activities that they are doing, rather than frowning over the knowledge of their rejection.

Past jaguar alumni even have a few words to help this year’s senior class deal with the thought of rejection. “Dealing with rejection, all starts with preparing for it.

You have to understand that miracles very rarely happen when it comes to college acceptance. You can’t put all your eggs in one basket; however, you can still love your first choice! But you have to have a little side love for your backup school. So if you’re rejected, don’t let it kill your drive to succeed; work as hard as you ever have, so that you could one day even transfer to that school, if that is still where you want to go,” said class of 2013 alumnus Kyler Hevia.

As decision day’s inch closer and closer to senior’s hearts, the idea of rejection should be something that all seniors must learn to cope with. If a person is lucky enough to get accepted into all of their choices, then congratulations; however, for those of you that unfortunately receive the dreadful rejection letter, don’t fret, just keep moving forward.

A lasting memory for the Class of 2014 Melissa Sullivan EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Since PPCHS first opened its doors in 2000, many traditions have been created amongst the different grade levels. From putting bubbles in the fountain to making uniquely decorated crowns, seniors throughout the years have participated in Charter traditions full heartedly. On December 3rd, the Class of 2014 met in the PPCHS gym to put all of their memories made over the past four years into one, lasting photo.

One by one seniors shuffled into the gym to participate in one of the biggest moments of their senior year. Students were directed to the left or the right depending on whether they were wearing a white or black shirt. From there, Yearbook students along with a Foxmar representative placed students in a specified layout. Once completed, the entire graduating class formed

the number fourteen.

For many seniors the moment brought upon the realization that they’re leaving PPCHS and moving on to the real world.

All across the gym, seniors could be seen taking pictures of themselves with their best friends to remember the special moment.

“Stepping into the gym was so bittersweet,” says senior Laura Smith. “It’s hard to believe that we’re going to be graduating in just a few months. Taking the Senior Panoramic really made me realize that I’m going to be leaving high school soon, we’re all growing up.”

The panoramic is the first of many events that seniors participate in during their last year at PPCHS and marks the beginning of the end for them. Together, the Class of 2014 has come a long way from the first days of their freshman year. Students still have many memorable moments to look

Senior Panorama: The class of 2014 students gather together to create a memory that will never be forgotten. Donated By: Natasha Viloria

forward to, including the senior trip, prom and most importantly, graduation.

“The panoramic was just the beginning of senior year, we have so much more to do before we graduate,” says senior Joel

Maiz. “The Class of 2014 has more memories to make before they say goodbye to Charter.”

Love is blind when you don’t catch the fire Chelsi Chang & Gaby Garcia ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR AND FEATURES EDITOR

The brush of their hands and touching of their lips and right on cue, the audience squeals with excitement. Girls donned with Team Peeta or Team Gale shirts rush to see what they think is a star crossed lovers’ story with a pretty fairy tale ending. What many of those sweet little preteens fail to see is that Catching Fire captures more than just a passionate love triangle; it takes a jab at our society’s corruption.

Everything about the Hunger Games screams satire. The directors, producers and designers all accept what the author of the Hunger Games book series, Suzanne Collins was trying to convey about society.

Collins says that the Hunger Games “tack-

les issues like severe poverty, starvation, oppression, and the effects of war among others” (Powell.com). All the characters in the movie have become numb to the idea of killing because it has become a part of their society. In their totalitarian government, people are killed on a daily basis and no one feels the need to question it. Why? The hunger games. In the games, children kill children on live television in a man-made dome and receive sponsorships based on their appearance on a talk show. Then, one winner is celebrated for killing countless people with families, friends and futures, and is heavily publicized as a “hero.” The exposure to the annual games desensitizes the citizens of the Capitol and the districts to the idea of bloodshed and brutal, heartless murder. “Because these games happen every year, it’s more like a spectator sport

more than mass killings—which is what it is. It’s sad that these people celebrate this instead of seeing what is really happening, which is brutal murder,” said senior, Amanda Hernandez. This way, President Snow and the rest of the government can order the killing of, really, anyone without much opposition because that’s just the way life is. In this way, Suzanne Collins satirizes war. In war, we overlook the idea that we are killing people with sons, daughters, brothers, and mothers because we dehumanize them as the “enemy.”

Similar to when Caeser Flickerman, the blue haired over the top Hunger Games announcer and commentator, calls Katniss and Peeta his “favorites” in Catching Fire.

Almost everyone in the Capitol has the one tribute they are rooting for to win, making it morally okay for them to kill other

tributes because their favorite has to win.

The Hunger Games are not only celebrated but anticipated. People in the Capitol look forward to this event, mostly because no one they know are actually in the games.

They watch as people they only know from a ten minute interview with Caeser literally fight to survive. They publicize it and talk about how important the games are, much like war is talked about as being important and necessary for our safety. These parallels are no coincidence, Collins made these references on purpose to open the eyes of her target audience—the youth of America, in other words, the future leaders of America—to make a change. She wanted them to realize the stupidity of their ways and try to make a change.

See Love is Blind, Page 15

Inside Entertainment...

The Walking Dead

Celebrity Resolutions

Gunning Down Childhood Innocence

15

Entertainment December 2013

Love is blind when you don’t catch the fire Love is Blind from page 15...

Chelsi Chang & Gaby Garcia ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR AND FEATURES EDITOR

While 24 innocent and naïve teenagers are fighting for their lives, the joyful people of the Capitol just so conveniently turn the other way to fight for what they think matters: their lifestyle. Their main concerns range from the decadent cupcake their blinding white teeth will be biting into and whether or not the gold flakes in their hair will fall out as they chew their precious pastry. What Collins and the screenwriter seem to be getting across is that our society is a lazy and selfish one that chooses to ignore the matters that would seem to take too much valuable energy and effort out of them. The real problems of the world—starvation, neglect, war, and discrimination—are nonexistent to the people of the Capitol because they choose to blur it out of their narrow vision. Instead, they

Graphic by: Armando Urena

choose to dedicate their time to dressing in the most ridiculous outfits, growing

out their bedazzled fingernails to absurd lengths and drowning themselves in superficial luxuries that they don’t deserve in any way. Take for example Effie, one of Katniss and Peeta’s trainers/mentors for the second year in a row.

As things come down to a boil, and the time before Katniss’ and Peeta’s second Hunger Games runs out, Effie vainly concerns herself with finding “something gold” for Haymitch and Peeta. This seems to be one of the only meaningful things that Effie’s large head of pasty hair could manage to contribute to her team. One striking moment where the satire is loud and in the audiences’ faces is when Katniss and Peeta go to the party at President Snow’s home

and the members of the Capitol offer them more food than they can eat. When Katniss turns down yet another frivolous pastry, the members of the Capitol offer her a purple drink that will allow her to throw up her previous meals so she can enjoy more food. Meanwhile, members of the district continue to scrounge for the tiniest morsel of bread. “That part was really striking to me, all I could think of was the first Hunger Games when Katniss and Gale got excited over a piece of bread. It’s pathetic how they are so self-absorbed,” said sophomore Jessica Naylor.

The Hunger Games offers way more than a love story to its millions of viewers and fans: it offers a warning. Collins carefully crafted this storyline with not only the intentions of pleasing her readers and viewers, but also to create a wakeup call. The events Collins and the film’s director illustrate inside and outside of the arena highlight our world’s real issues that must be seen to. They raise the question: who will be the next Katniss? Who will be the one person to make all the difference?

Gunning down childhood innocence The Walking Dead Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

You’re sitting in a cooled, dark theatre gluing your eyes to a bright screen, and enjoying the newest PG-13 blockbuster.

Throughout the film, the gun-toting main character has shot everyone whom he believes needed to be killed. You think nothing of it and enjoy the film. Even though the movie was nothing to you, should those scenes be shown to kids? This question is the basis for the outrage and controversy to

Graphic by: Armando Urena

“I think it does effect kids, but it also depends on who sees it, because some people are more perceptive to certain things than others. I think it affects the younger generation more because when you are older you know what things are and aren’t right, but when you are younger and not sure and you see these things in movies, it becomes accepted and they think that if they try, it its acceptable,” says Film Appreciation Club president, Emily Asaro.

There is also the concern that R rated movies are less violent than PG13 ones. ABC News says that sex and swearing will still receive the R rating, but gun violence is most likely to get PG-13. “American culture treats sexuality–even and sometimes especially consensual sexuality–as if it’s more dangerous to minors is an important one.” (thingprogress.org) “With R rated movies, companies know that they’re targeted for adults, and they aren’t really into car chases and gun violence as teens are. It’s a give or take situation, people go and see the movies with all the violence, and in turn, movie makers create movies with more violence and more bloodshed,” says Asaro.

In the end, it’s a person’s choice whether or not to watch the violence present in

a new study published in the journal pediatrics. The study claims that there is more gun violence in PG-13 movies than in R rated ones, and that gun violence in PG13 movies has tripled since 1985 (boston. com).

Many parents and caregivers are blaming Hollywood for the amount of violence in the films. The claims are supported from the study that shows that the amount of gun shots per hour in PG-13 movies has gone up from one to three. The finger is being pointed at them because they are the ones churning out these blockbuster films. It is believes that Hollywood is “…breeding a culture of violence…” (ABC News) and desensitizing kids and young adults with scenes of shootings.

U.S. history teacher Mrs. DeTurk said, “I do see the difference from when I was a kid watching PG and PG-13 movies, to the movies today.

By watching these movies, children disassociate from the reality of gun violence and they don’t understand PG 13 Going on 18: Movies that are made for children have increased in violence. Photo by: Sydney Silverberg it. Then when they hear of gun violence in the real world they don’t un- movies. There are obviously more movies derstand that it’s actually harmful because out there than the ones with the gun-toting they’ve been desensitized because of the characters, and we do have control over movies.” what they see in the media.

Melissa Sullivan EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For years, society has had an obsession with slouching, brain-eating zombies. The media has practically killed the trend by covering the topic with the same story line over and over again. On October 31st, 2010 this all changed when the first episode of The Walking Dead aired in America. Based on a successful comic series, the show was instantly a hit with critics everywhere for its unique post-apocalyptic society overrun with undead creatures.

After three incredibly successful seasons on AMC, the fourth season of the Walking Dead launched on October 13th, 2013. The season was full of more action and more

what was going to happen. I was hoping that Hershel wouldn’t be killed, that maybe The Governor would spare him his life. When it actually happened I couldn’t believe it, I couldn’t believe it actually happened. All I could do was sit on my couch and scream ‘no!’ at the TV. I love The Walking Dead and will definitely miss having Hershel on the show, he was one of my favorite characters,” said senior Chris Freire.

Many onlookers were disappointed by the loss of such a large character in the series while others were pleased with the outcome of the finale. “I was really relieved when Hershel died,” said senior Xan Taylor. “He was a great character, but without his death, The Governor would’ve proba-

Back from the Dead: The class of 2013 roamed the hallways as zombies last year. Photo by: Adrian Tabraue

drama than ever before as the beloved main characters struggled for survival. It wasn’t until the midseason finale that audiences everywhere were brought to the very edge of their seats in shock and disbelief. The episode, Too Far Gone, hit air on a Sunday just like every other, but had a lasting effect on fans of the series.

Hershel Greene, a main character of the series was tragically murdered during the finale by the treacherous villain, The Governor. As the villain slowly raised his blade to Hershel’s neck, fans were left hanging in anticipation.

“I never read the comics so I wasn’t sure

bly still been alive. I’d rather Hershel have died then another character.”

The midseason finale proved to be extremely successful, bringing in over twelve million viewers between the ages of 18 and 49. With the long and popular reputation that the series has gained, the anticipation for the next episode is at an all time. Students across Charter and people around the United States eagerly await the continuation of Season 4, which will resume again on February 9th, 2014.

Entertainment December 2013

16 Celebrities New Year’s Resolution Survey Students were asked to create fictional New Year’s Resolutions for celebrities stating what they can improve upon this year.

Miley Cyrus

Kim Kardashian “Think of another way to shock parents.”

“Realize that she is still Hannah Montana.”

“Put more clothes on.”

“Chop that tongue off.”

Graphic by: Matthew Perez

“Read any book.”

“Stay with Kanye more than 72 days.”

“Stop crying so much.”

“Change your baby’s name.”

Graphic by: Armando Urena

Kanye West

Drake

“Find another lover other than himself.”

“Smile sometime.”

“Meet the real Jesus.”

“Interrupt Taylor Swift at the CMA’s.”

Graphic by: Armando Urena

“He should get a tissue box and go to sleep.”

“Get a last name.”

“Get new friends.”

“Go back to Degrassi.”

Graphic by: Matthew Perez

Inside the VS fashion show: All access Andrea Bellorin CLUBS EDITOR

It was the night we’ve all been waiting for: the angels, glitter, music, and glam, all came to life on one night, on one runway. The 18th Annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show which aired on December 10, exceeded every viewer’s expectations.

Actually taking place back in November, the fashion show had not been revealed until December 10th. Although many photos were released, all VS fans anxiously awaited to watch the spectacular annual show.

The show’s premier set-back is due to necessary pre-recording and editing that needs to be made before the public eye views the spectacular for themselves.

The show kicked off with a powerful performance by Fall Out Boy featuring Taylor Swift which introduced the first of the six-themed sections, “British Invasion.”

Opening up the show was one of Victoria Secret’s most recognized models, Candice Swanepoel, sporting the astonishing $10 million Royal Fantasy Bra. Up next was “Shipwrecked” with an impacting music performance by A Great Big World. This segment included masterful angel wings that glided through the runway with a dramatic back drop of a sinking ship while “Say Something” was angelically played

on the grand piano by A Great Big World.

During a short break, VS introduced their new holiday commercial which was filmed in the streets of Paris, France. To complement the newly aired holiday commercial, “Parisian Nights” was the following segment in the show. Filled with red hues and lustful looks influenced by Paris itself, “Parisian Nights” depicted exactly what the lingerie line is all about: fierce sensuality and romance.

Out came the bird feathers and explosions of colors with “Birds of Paradise” accompanied by another performance by Fall Out Boy. Second to last was the youthful “Pink Network” with a performance by Neon Jungle, a British girl group who landed the charts with their hit single “Trouble.”

Last, but certainly not least, was “Snow Angels.” Taylor Swift sang during the finale alongside supermodels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Lily Aldridge, Lindsay Ellingson, Behati Prinsloo, and several more.

“I was disappointed to see that Miranda Kerr wasn’t walking in the show. I love her and recently heard about everything going on in her life like her divorce, it broke my heart. Besides that, I thought the show was amazing,” says VS fan, Anesia Saunders.

“Although the performances weren’t so great this year.”

“Snow Angels” was a beautiful segment that truly ended the fashion show with an impact on all its audience. The outfits glittered and sparkled from head to toe in whites and silvers, bringing out the true beauty and extravagance in the Victoria Secret’s lingerie line.

“I absolutely loved the show, it was beautiful and made my night. Out of all the themed segments, snow angels was my favorite. The all-white outfits made the models look like real angels. It was beautiful,” said senior, Tiffany Verdera.

Behind the scenes footage reveals models had been training months and months in advance for the fashion show. Of course, with a personal trainer and strict diet plans, anyone can look good Representing the Angels: Sophomore Danica Simon shows off her VS walking down the runway in bag as she awaits the show. Photo by: Jonathan Harris tiny undergarments. At the end of the night, the VS Fashion Show made Most importantly, the show once again many women want to cry, maybe run 4 proved that VS will always live up to its miles at the gym the next day, and possibly name and continue to be one of the most stuff their face with a cupcake or burger. prominent brands in the world.

Q & A with PPCHS alumni Gary and Edmund Entin, screenplays writers of the Geography Club therapeutic purpose for the kids who feel alone but serves as a mirror to those who Q: Where did you come up with the idea are perpetuating the problem. To accomfor the movie? plish that we've focused on making this an A: “Geography Club” entertaining film first. It is based on a novel of isn't a PSA by any means. the same title by the auThe film was made with thor, Brent Hartinger. every type of teenager When we came across in mind. We want them the novel, we were just to have a great time but 19. It had the same proalso walk away with a found effect on us that it little more understanding had had on many of its of the world we live in. readers. Here was a story Q: Are you planning on that spoke to the teenage creating other films in outliers of the world in the near future? a mainstream way. We A: We shot another film knew immediately that this year called Sins of this would be something 2002-2003 Yearbook Archive Our Youth. It tells the we’d love to adapt for story of four teenage the big screen. boys who accidentally kill a young boy Q: What should viewers take from your while recreationally shooting assault rifles. film after watching it?

The film stars Lucas Till (X-Men First A: The themes of this film are very ap- Class), Joel Courtney (Super 8), Mitchell parent. This film thrusts itself into the Musso (Hannah Montana) and Ally Sheedy anti-bullying debate by following charac- which the teachers will recognize from the ters that are faced with the kinds of social cult classic The Breakfast Club. challenges that most kids can relate to. Our Q: What is your connection to Pembroke hope is that this film not only serves some Pines Charter High?

Questions by: Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

A: We attended school at PPCHS. Of cally, we've also seen that the bullied teencourse, it was a different world back then: ager isn't the maudlin type. There's a mettle Mr. Bayer was just vice principal. Mrs. there that didn't exist before. In Geography Thomas had her own class. Also, black Club the character Russel finds the strength uniform shirts were unreflected in so many teenimaginable to us jaguars agers who have discovsuffering with the limited ered the power in standing selection of maroon, gray up for themselves. By the or white. end of the movie, RusQ: How does this movie sel acts as the mascot not affect Pembroke Pines just for teenagers strugCharter High? gling with their sexuality A: We hope this film has but for teenagers, period. the same effect on the The film also follows a students of Pines Charboy with weight issues, a ter that it does on anyone reticent kid searching for who watches it. The idea his voice, and a girl who is that we treat others with just wants to be loved. So 2002-2003 Yearbook Archive respect. The message is if the gay teenager ignited an elementary one but for the conversation, it's led some reason we as a society are so far from to an inexorable fight for overall inclusion. putting that simple idea into practice.

That said, there's a long way to go. This Q: What are your hopes for the future of fight is more of a war. While we've seen gay rights? huge strides made in the battle for marriage A: Our hopes for gay rights actually ex- equality, the epidemic of teen suicides as a tended to our hopes for humanity. In the result of bullying is as alive as ever. So it last decade or so the "gay teenager" has isn’t just a matter of equality for the gay become the face of bullying. While so community, it’s a matter of equality, pemany of those stories have ended tragi- riod.

How boys hoops became a power at PPCHS Troy Bottom SPORTS EDITOR

If one were to stroll through the streets of South Florida, almost every house would most likely have a basketball hoop out in front. Some with shiny glass backboards and others with tattered nets held together by small strands of rope. But no matter the playing conditions, there are always young kids chucking the ball up at that hoop, dreaming for a swish, dreaming for that buzzer beater, and dreaming that this game

they love takes them far in life. Of all these little kids shooting around, a few will go to play high school ball and even fewer will go on to play at the collegiate level. To find those college bound athletes is rare, even in a recruiting hot spot like South Florida. But somehow a couple of these athletes have pounced all the way to Pines Charter high school where they have turned those childhood dreams into a reality, while also electrifying a student body of 1700 plus with their stellar play on the hardwood.

Now to fully grasp the impact of PCB on

this school, you must first look back in this schools young athletic history. Originally structured as an academics only institution, Pines Charter Basketball was never even a possibility. Soon after athletics were adopted by the Charter community, the program was slow to get going in being a contender with other schools in the area. Football produced average seasons, along with soccer, and baseball. Softball was slow to get going but after a few years proved to be a platform of success in making run after run into the playoffs. And then there was bas-

ketball. A program with no true image, the team struggled in its early years. It wasn’t until the 2011 season when every team, coach, and scout put Pines Charter on their radar. With runs into the playoffs in 2011 and 2012, the Jaguars began selling out home games, and transforming Charter into a basketball school.

See Boys Hoops Page 18

Inside Sports...

More than just a game

Collage of College Chaos

Freshman makes waves at states

Sports December 2013

18

Boys Hoops from page 17...

Troy Bottom SPORTS EDITOR

How boys hoops became a power at PPCHS repeated success with back to back playoff appearances.

But a coach is only as good as his team makes him look. Sure they’re a major component, but this team’s legacy has been built around stars such as Kelsey Wilkinson, Justin Satchell, Amari Bryant, Haanif Cheatham, and Peter Buckley; players that have played or are playing in a Jaguar uniform and helped form the identity of PCB. This movement all kind of started with the acquisition of combo guard and high profile recruit Haanif Cheatham who came during the 2012-2013 season. Currently a junior, Cheatham helped persuade other high profile athletes to join the movement.

The 6’5 stud currently holds offers from Miami, Alabama, UCF, Georgia, Murray State, USF, and Pitt. His freshman year Cheatham played at American Heritage and earned recognition as a rising star. After his transfer, the Jags successfully filled a big role after the departure of guard Am-

So we’re finally here at the 2013 season, but not that many familiar faces step out onto the court, and that is because there isn’t. Out of the 12 guys on the roster 5 are returning players and only 4 out of 12 of these players went to the Charter middle school. Student after student, each member of the starting lineup found their way to the front doors of PPCHS sooner or later.

From all over the County these elite players walked into our signature orange and white buildings to be a part of something great, to be a part of an emerging dynasty.

This program was not solidified with time, but instead from an abrupt change in coaching and personnel. Like most players on the roster, Head Coach Dave Rocca also migrated to Charter in a hope to generate success. In a magical season, the team was able to go from back to back 3-23 seasons and put up 19 wins with only 4 losses, and earned the programs first district championship in Roccas first year in 2011.

Rocca came from an assistant coaching job at Christ the King Regional High School which has produced NBA stars like Lamar Odom and Speedy Claxton. Coming a long way from New York, Rocca helped transform a team that accepted losing, into one that strives for Shoot away: Senior Joshua Martinez adds insult to injury with a jumper greatness. After the against Boynton Beach in a blowout. Photo By: Jonathan Harris 2011 season the Jaguars

ter Buckley, parted ways with Pines Crest, he also was followed by the speedy Dimitri Harper. The 6 foot Harper really is an explosive player that gets things going and has benefitted the Jags greatly this season.

You need some greatness if you are going to represent the famed number 23 on a basketball court, and so far Harper has shown definite glimpses of that.

The other guard on the court is junior Marcel Denbow. The 6’0 Denbow came up through the Charter system and dominated for the middle school team. An immediate standout, Denbow was quickly recognized by many private schools across the county, and he decided to go to the University School. After one year as a Sun, Denbow returned back to his roots and joined the Jaguar community once again.

The final player on the Jaguars starting 5 is Mathew Johnson. Johnson along with fellow teammate Hannif 25 point buck: Senior Peter Buckley has made an impact Cheatham both play on the much from the first day he stepped in the court with a double-double respected Nike Florida travel team. already in the young season with 25 points and 12 rebounds.

Photo By: Jonathan Harris Johnson delivers a strong threat from beyond the arc and came here his ari Bryant who went on to play at Texas State. Cheatham proved he was not just freshman year and is currently a sophomore, hype with stellar play in last year’s season and the youngest starter for the Jags.

These men have helped carry on the torch of and leading his team into the playoffs. greatness that the basketball program has esNext you had the departure last season of the tall and athletic Justin Satchell who tablished. From all over, these groups of indireally delivered the Jags a spark when viduals have gathered here to capture greatthey needed it. He was a sharp shooter ness and with only one loss coming from a that could also bring down rebound after team ranked in the top ten of the state, the rebound with his large frame. The 6’6 possibilities are endless. As the Jaguars go on Satchell went on to be a Missouri State their quest for a state title, the school just has Grizzly, leaving another void for the Jags to sit back and admire a group of people on to fill. The team got their answer when a mission to etch their names in the history Pine Crest transfer Peter Buckley walked books forever. through Charter’s doors. Already his stats from his time at Pine Crest have drastically increased. When the now senior, Pe-

Florida Sports Recap Jake Dreilinger NEWS EDITOR/MANAGING EDITOR LAYOUT

The State of Florida is known for their sports and their success. Having a major presence in each major sport, including college, Floridian sports teams have gathered a large fan base. As each season is off to a great start, here is a recap of the 20132014 season.

The Miami Heat, the reigning champions of the NBA for the past two years, are starting out the season 14-5. Lead by the best player in the league, LeBron James, the Heat are looking to win their third straight championship. James leads the team in points per game (25.7), assists per game (6.1), and rebounds per game (5.7). With Derick Rose returning to the Chicago Bulls from injury and the Indiana Pacers nearly beating the Heat in the NBA playoffs last year, the Heat have some big obstacles standing in their way of a repeated championship. But behind the likes of Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James, the Heat are still proven to be one of the most dominant teams in NBA history.

“I feel like they are on the right path to win their third championship in a row,” said junior Noah Levy. “Being a Heat fan,

I’ve seen throughout the past few years that The state of Florida also has amazing colthere have been improvements in the past.” lege football teams. The Florida State SemThe NFL season has had its ups and down inoles are ranked number one in the country this year, but near the top of it all is the and is playing in the BCS Championship Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins are just game, Miami at one point was ranked one of seven 7th, but The team competGators came ing for the off of their 6th spot in the worst season NFL playoffs in the history for the AFC. of the school, Led by quarplagued by terback Ryan injury.

The Tannehill with Seminoles are 3315 passing led by redyards on the shirt freshman year, the Dolquarterback phins gave a Jameis Winrecord of 7-6. ston, who is a If Miami stays Heisman canahead of the didate.

The pack and con- Florida sports are heating up: If you’re a sports fan in South Hurricanes are tinues to play Florida you have been enjoying some of the best athletic competition led by senior the way they seen in years from all of the major sports. quarterback are playing, Graphic By: Carmen Pettersen Stephan MorMiami could ris and senior make its first playoff appearance since receiver Allen Hurns. The Florida State 2008. The rest of the schedule for the Dol- Seminoles will face the Auburn Tigers phins is fairly easy, playing the New Eng- in the BCS Championship game, and the land Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and the New Miami Hurricanes will face the Louisville York Jets.

Cardinals in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

In college basketball, the Florida Gators are ranked 15th in the nation. Top players, like seniors Patric Young and Mike Rosario, drive this good basketball team towards success. But injury and team suspensions have limited the potential of the Florida Gators. The Gators are 6-2 so far this season. In Tallahassee, the Florida State Seminoles are also playing well. Led by senior guard Ian Miller, who averages 15.3 points a game, these Seminoles are on the right path, starting out 5-3. Miami Basketball is on a slightly different path.

The 5-5 Hurricanes are trying to stay above .500 and make either the March Madness Tournament or the NIT. The team is led by senior Rion Brown, who leads the team in points per game, assists per game, and rebounds per game.

“Miami is in a rebuilding year,” said junior Cameron McCarthy. “The team is made up of mostly freshman. I think that they will do decent in the NIT.” So far, sports teams in Florida are having great seasons. Most Floridian teams are near the top of their sport and have a shot to make it far in the playoffs. Each team is tasting its own success and using it to fuel their play. These teams are proving, once again, that Florida is a great sporting state.

More than just a game ESPN.com reports that Incognito continuously bullied Martin in person and over the STAFF WRITER phone with several racial, expletive comInspiration tends to be something in life ments. Also, the team’s front office is in that many athletes and even those who do question with head coach Joe Philbin and not play a sport tend to lean on when going general manager Jeff Ireland considering through the toughest of times. Whether it’s they would even let something like this lifting that dumbbell in the weight room occur. Really? These guys are supposed to to complete that last rep of the day or get- be professional football players, but with ting that final problem correct on the SAT behavior like this, there is a possibility that to complete your these guys will high school journever see the ney, the inspirafield again. Fortion that people tunately for Mirefer to can come ami, all of their from moving players comstories of a footmented on the ball player. For situation saying example, when that they had linebacker Mark several issues Herzlich won his with Martin even battle with cancer though he was the and was on his one getting bulway to the NFL lied in this case. he touched many Whatever the arpeople. Unfortuticles, shows, or nately, we do not documents may live in a perfect say, they should world, especially have never had when it comes to Fish gone bad: the debate over the bullying case between this dilemma. It sports. Bullying, Richie incognito (pictured left) and Johnathan Martin (pictured does not matter harassing, and right) has caused a national uproar and left a huge hole in the whether you like tormenting have Dolphins offensive line. Graphic By: Daniel Vidal the Dolphins or been major isnot, this is detrisues as of late in sports at every level, even mental to the league and its fans. at the top.

“I think that this situation couldn’t have What a complete circus it has been in come at a worse time. With all the offenMiami these past weeks as two offensive sive line problems the Dolphins already linemen Richie Incognito and Johnathan have, losing two starters is terrible and the Martin have been in a bullying scandal. negative publicity towards the team isn’t Yes, two grown man who are both over six helping either. The team is focusing on the feet and 300 pounds are in this situation. wrong things,” says disappointed fan and Reporters say that Martin walked out of senior Nicolas Bastidas. the Dolphins facilities after having enough PPCHS and its athletes are strong advoof the so-called “continued bullying.” cates when it comes to anti-bullying. It’s Brett Alayon

19

Sports December 2013

beyond important to realize that poor ac- ball, one of the most moving kids you will tions like the ones some of the Dolphin’s ever hear about, Jack Hoffman, rumbled players made will eventually just create his way for a touchdown. For years, Hoffdivision amongst one another in the locker man has been through so many rough times room and out on the field. No matter what going through countless hours of surgeries sport you play, sportsmanship is the key; to fight his way through such a terrible dismost importantly within your own team. ease. The Nebraska Cornhuskers were hit Junior Caroline Cabeza knows all about with the realization of how touching a mowinning and sportsmanship as the PPCHS ment that truly was for them as Jack may swim team had one of their most success- be the strongest kid they will ever meet, no ful seasons in school history. matter what his physical size is.

“I think it’s really important for teams to Just a couple states east of Nebraska in remain as one because it keeps every in- Olivet, Michigan, the players of the Olivet dividual athlete’s Middle School attitude positive football team had and when you have come up with a positive attitude, one of the most you perform better strange, yet motias a whole.” Cavating plays of all beza stated. time. At the beginIt’s truly amazing ning of October, that high school quarterback Parker students have this Smith was well on much maturity and his way to a touchrealization that down as he sudbullying in sports denly stopped at is just so careless. the one yard line.

But again, not evWhy would he do erything in this this? Student Keith world is perfect.

Orr at Olivet MidHowever, not evdle School is the erything is corrupt reason why. On a either. Despite the Fins up: Die hard Dolphins fan, Senior Nico Bastidas, regular basis, Keith is concerned that the absence of Incognito and Martin several unpleasing could hurt their chances to make the playoffs. Photo By: deals with learnheadlines as of late, Jonathan Harris ing disabilities and the sports world still boundary issues as produces a number of heart-warming sto- well. But on the field at that moment, those ries that contrast the cheating, cruel, and characteristics of Keith were put aside as dark world of professional sports. Back in he was given the ball on the very next play early April, players on the Nebraska foot- to walk his way for the score. The lives of ball team during training camp voluntarily people that witnessed this were changed offered to allow a current 7-year-old patient forever, mine as well. This shows sports who was and is battling brain cancer to run fans and the rest of the world that the sports 69 yards into the end zone. With the help of we play are much more than just a game; the Nebraska players on both sides of the they are life.

Freshman makes waves at States Collage of College Chaos Jake Dreilinger NEWS EDITOR/MANAGING EDITOR

stroke. That is an incredible achievement, especially since Lucas is a freshman. His drive and determination to be the best is a leading factor in Lucas’s success. For five years, he has been training for this moment to be successful. His hard work has certainly paid off, and there is only one way Lucas wants to go.

“I want to get better,” said Lucas. “I need to work harder so that I can get better. I want to only go up and do better next season.”

Lucas has had a tremendous swim season as a freshman and proved that he can be a major driving force for the entire team. All it takes is one person to inspire others, and the swim team may have found their inspiration in freshman Juan Lucas.

When freshman Juan Lucas came to PPCHS for his first day of high school, he didn’t know what to expect. It would be a tough year, getting familiar with the campus, knowing what to do and where to go, and getting involved in after school activities. Fast forward a few months, and Lucas has a new apprehension. After swimming with the PPCHS swim team, Lucas has made it past Districts, past Regionals, and all the way to States.

On November 15th, Lucas traveled to Stuart, Florida to compete in States alongside sophomore Lilliana Calero. Lucas competes in the 200 meter freestyle and 100 meter backstroke and has his fastest recorded time as 1:47:94 for the 200 meter freestyle and 54:69 100 meter backstroke. After years of training, Lucas was ready to represent his school at States.

“I enjoy swimming on this team,” said Lucas. “It’s a lot fun and I know most of the people on the team.”

Lucas’s journey began five years ago for the South Florida Aquatics club. Practices in the South Florida Aquatics club were more difficult than those at PPCHS, but these hard practices benefitted Lucas and made him the swimmer that he is today.

“I started swimming at the South Florida Aquatics club because a friend of mine, Joshue Kon (14’), who goes to PPCHS, wanted me to swim with him,” said Lucas. “He inspired me to get better and better Young gun: the new kid on the block, freshman Juan Lucas, is at what I do.” showing that no matter his age, he has what it takes to swim past At States, Lucas finished 11th over- his competition who have years of experience on him. Photo By: all in the 200 meter freestyle and Jonathan Harris 24th overall in the 100 meter back-

Brett Alayon STAFF WRITER

Ohio State’s team had a letdown in the Big Ten Championship game against Michigan State. Now, Ohio State is face with a scrappy Clemson team in the Orange Bowl and Michigan State go head-to-head with Stanford in the “Grand Daddy” of all the bowl, the 100th annual Rose Bowl. It’s quite surprising and awkward that Alabama won’t be in the National Championship game; however, they will go up against Oklahoma in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Last year’s Heisman winner Johnny Manziel

It seems as if every college football seasons gets wilder and wilder as the years go by. There is no better way to finish the BCS – Bowl Championship Series – with a National Championship game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Auburn Tigers. Before January 6, 2014 for the national title, all across the country there will be 38 bowl games starting on December 21, 2013 all the way to January 5, 2014.

At many points in the season, Miami Hurricane fans thought the “U” was back; however, the Canes went on a three game skid after starting 7-0. With a final record of 9-3, Miami is set to play Louisville on December 28 in the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando, FL. The only other team in Florida other than Miami and FSU the will be making a bowl appearance is UCF. Yes, Seminoles face war eagles: The highly anticipated National Champithe University of Central onship will take place on January 6th 2014 and gives the Florida State Florida, not the Gators. In Seminoles a chance to put to end the SEC’s 7 year national Champion tough contest against Bay- winning streak. Graphic By: Daniel Vidal lor in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, I have the will collide with the Duke Blue Devils in Knights losing by a landslide. Things will the Chick-Fil-A Bowl and Oklahoma State be different for the Canes as I see them tak- will wrap up their season against the Mising don Louisville and quarterback Terry souri Tigers. In all of the intriguing matchBridgewater in a nail-biting finish. ups, I will take Ohio State, Stanford, Ala“Even though the Canes weren’t able to bama, Texas A&M, and Missouri. make it all the way, their season was very When all is said and done, FSU WILL successful. I’m hoping they can pull out the take down the Auburn Tigers and quarterW against Louisville in their bowl game,” back Jameis Winston WILL win the Heissaid senior Davin Miret. man award. Until next year, where the BCS Down go the Buckeyes! For a team that will no longer be implemented. was just minutes away from winning 25 straight games and clinching a spot in the National Championship, Urban Meyer’s

Sports

December 2013

Sports P

20 Girls Basketball

Boys S

Auviance Lindo

Jeilyn Perez

Lauren Martinez

Bryan Wallace

Freshman Auviance Lindo has been playing basketball since she was six. After trying dancing and soccer, Lindo tried basketball after her mother persuaded her to play. After playing for a while and developed her skills, Lindo tried out for a travel team, the G-nation. She never looked back.

Lindo plays forward and point guard for the girls’ basketball team, and averages about 18 points a game. “Playing travel basketball doesn’t compare to playing high school basketball,” said Lindo. “High school is more work. I have to contribute more.”

This is Lindo’s first year playing high school basketball, and she finds it pretty easy to be a freshman playing on a high school team.

Basketball, though, isn’t the only high school sport she wants to play. “I’m interested in flag football and track as well,” said Lindo.

“I really want to play all three sports.”

As the 2013-2014 season opens up, Lindo is out to prove why she belongs on this girls’ basketball team.

For many, stepping on the court and hearing the squeaking of basketball shoes is simply a hobby to pass the time. However, for center forward, Jeilyn Perez, this isn’t the case.

From the tender age of eight years old, Perez’s father put her into the sport and instantly she fell in love. People like her father and coach, Kevin really inspired and pushed her to continue playing the game. They pushed her to her limits and forced her to work to become the outstanding player she is now. As a mere sophomore, Perez has made such an impact on the varsity girls’ basketball team that she is now team captain.

Perez belives that her best attribute to the team is her encouraging words: “I think I bring positivity to the team,” says Perez.

“I lift the girls up when they miss a shot or make a bad play.”

However, Jeilyn doesn’t plan to stop any time soon. She plans to follow her passion all the way to college and eventually overseas. Although she doesn’t know exactly where she plans to go, all she knows is that she loves the game. “It’s my passion. I don’t know where I’d be without it.”

What started out as a small hobby with her best friend, playing basketball has become more than just a ball and a hoop for sophomore Lauren Martinez. Thanks to that one friend, Martinez has uncovered her talent and true passion for the sport. Playing basketball ever since she was 11 years old, Martinez realized that she was good enough to play competitively and decided to try out for the Charter girls’ team.

“This is my first year on the school’s team and I have really enjoyed it so far. At first, I was really nervous, but the team has taken me in and we have formed a tight bond.” comments Martinez.

The point guard has been a key factor in the team’s success during the first few games, averaging 7 points and double-digit assists.

Something that she can definitely improve on is her ball handling, as she has given up the ball one too many times. Martinez hopes for her success to help the team win their District championship. All Martinez can is keep on playing lights out, which for her, isn’t that difficult.

When the Pines Charter boys’ soccer team takes the field, people might not notice one of their standout players. With his electric speed, it is hard for fans not to keep their eyes focused on senior player Bryan Wallace. Wallace’s quickness is what lead him to trying the sport as his father realized his son’s gift and had him apply it in soccer.

Although his dad played baseball, Wallace thought the sport was too slow paced.

“I chose to play soccer because it is a physical and very fast paced game. The speed that I have is a really good asset for playing soccer. It is the sport that best fits my athletic abilities,” comments Wallace.

Before joining the Jags in his sophomore year, Wallace played travel soccer for ten years at West Pines and Plantation. With this year being his final year of high school, Wallace believes that the team will have a shot at making it to States. For himself, Wallace needs to stay healthy as he has been battling a nagging hamstring injury. He recently made his return to the field and hopes to stay there for the rest of the season.

Cristine Alayon

Kyla Wilkinson

Michelle Jammal

Andre Blackman

The girls’ varsity basketball team at PPCHS is full of young players with much life and energy every time they take the court. Freshman Cristine Alayon instantly provides the spark the team needs as Alayon’s sweet touch from three-point range gets things going. Since the age of just seven, Alayon has been involved in several different sports, but her true athletic talent fit ideally in basketball.

“We don’t have much experience on our team, but our coach has done a great job of keeping us together and focusing on each game and practice,” said Alayon.

Alayon consistently puts up numbers as her outside shot has proven to be a deep threat against her opponents. The Lady Jags are 2-4 with strong wins against Miramar and Western as the team’s shooting guard is looking to get them above the .500 mark. Although much buzz is created around all of Pines Charter’s sports, the girls’ basketball team is getting much attention lately with their rising star Cristine Alayon leading the way.

When Wilkinson stepped onto the glossy waxed courts in middle school, it was as if she was finally initiated into the basketball community.

“My family is a basketball family,” says the tenth grade forward, “It was only natural that I started playing when I did.”

Her older brother and well known Charter graduate Kelsley Wilkinson left some pretty big shoes for her to fill when he played on the Pines Charter boys basketball team a couple of years ago. Now, Kyra is taking the spotlight in the Jaguars’ gym as a sophomore starter for the girls’ squad.

“My god sister is who I look to for inspiration,” she claims, “She plays in the WNBA and is just so good at what she does.”

Although the young player doesn’t have any set future plans for her basketball career, she says anything is possible. For now, she just plans on having fun and leading the Jaguars to victory.

Since the age of 10, when Michelle Jammal first played for the basketball team, she knew she had a passion for the game. She has been playing ever since she could remember.

“When I play basketball, it makes me happy. I like to have fun when playing and it has just been something I’ve loved for so long. I love playing and especially playing with my team,” Jammal stated.

Her favorite player from the NBA is Dwayne Wade and she admires his skills and influence on the game of basketball. Jammal doesn’t know what to expect for this season of Varsity basketball but she sees major potential in the team and she feels it will be a good and final season for her. She loves working with her team and practicing to make sure that they are at their best game.

Sagemont is one of their biggest competitors that the girls’ basketball team will face but she feels that “the team has been working so hard together and we have bonded so well as a team and have become a family that I feel confident about our team.”

Senior Andre Blackman says he can’t recall a day he wasn’t playing soccer. He has spent the majority of his life dedicated to the sport and jokingly calls soccer “his girlfriend.”

Soccer has opened many doors for this promising player, including lifelong friendships and even traveling to Panama to play for the World Cup qualifiers. However, just one team isn’t good enough for this center back player; Blackman represents his heritage by also playing for the Barbados National Team. It’s Blackman’s passion and dedication to soccer that have made him the perfect captain for the 2013-2014 PPCHS varsity soccer team. Blackman’s brings about a positive energy, experience and an intensity that inspires others to step up their game.

The road to his success hasn’t always been smooth, however, like many players he has had his share of doubts. “Some days I ask myself what am I even doing this for but then I get on the field and I remember how much I love it… For some reason I just always come back to it,” he said. Remember this player’s name because you may be cheering it from the stands of the World Cup in the near future.

Profiles

21 Sports Boys Basketball

Soccer

December 2013

Jose Buitrago

Peter Buckley

Dimitri Harper

Frederic Guerrier

At the age of just five years old, junior soccer player at PPCHS Jose Buitrago not only found his favorite sport, but also his first love.

Every athlete at PPCHS has their dreams and desires to achieve the greatest marks ever, and Buitrago does just that day in and day out. Buitrago stresses to play his hardest every time he steps between the lines and to go all out after every ball. Every game brings opportunity for the skilled soccer player, but Buitrago realizes that this isn’t a sport anyone can play; which makes him appreciate it that much more.

“Our team is really good this year. We just have to work harder and get more chemistry with the new additions to the roster. If we do that, other teams need to watch out,” he said.

As for college, Buitrago isn’t sure where exactly he would like to go yet. However, he’s sure of one thing: no one will get in his path towards success this season.

Intimidation is something in sports that every athlete at PPCHS knows not to have.

However, when teams go up against PCB, they cannot help but feel intimated when they see 6’7 center Peter Buckley. Buckley transferred from Pine Crest during the summer along with junior Dimitri Harper as Buckley described it as “an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.” Since 6th grade at St. Andrews middle school, Buckley has put all he’s got into the sport and is ready to reach his lifelong dream and play in college while focusing on his academics. Buckley also mentions after college, he will not pursue the NBA. “Skill wise, I think we are equal to or better than every team we play. It all comes down to a matter of us coming out mentally prepared once the playoffs start,” Buckley said.

Buckley is putting up outstanding numbers this season averaging a double-double with over ten points, ten rebounds, and even a few assists and blocks per game. He has proven to be one of the best athletes PPCHS has ever witnessed and with the hard work Buckley puts in day in and day out, we may just be watching him for much longer than high school.

The PPCHS boys’ varsity basketball team is full of talent and promise, and one player that definitely puts that to use is junior guard Dimitri Harper. Coming from Pine Crest this year, Harper is a newcomer that has already made his presence felt. He has helped the team jump out to a 4-1 start, which includes a 19 point game.

“I feel that our start to the season couldn’t have gone any better. We are undefeated and hope to stay that way as we try to achieve our goal of making it to states.” says Harper.

Learning how to dribble and shoot when he was only 3 years old, Harper has been playing competitive basketball since the beginning of grade school. He knew that basketball was something he could play at a professional level when he was competing with high school athletes when he was only in the 6th grade. Harpers pure shooting ability is what really catches people’s eyes. One thing that he needs to improve on in order for the team to make to the next level is his communication and leadership on the court. With his strong work ethic, he can certainly do that.

Every athlete searches for that second chance, another shot to prove their talents and show what they can do. Senior Frederic Guerrier is playing out his second chance and the Jaguars are grateful he is. Struggling with grades early in his high school career, he was forced to miss the game he loved for two years. Now most people might’ve just abandoned the game, but that was never a thought for this Small Forward. He worked out constantly and made sure his game on the courts didn’t suffer from, but more importantly he took care of business in the classroom and made himself eligible for the 2013 season.

Now unlike a lot of players on the Jags roster, Guerrier didn’t transfer to Charter but instead went through the elementary and middle school system. Playing on the middle school team, Guerrier stood out and the high school coaches anticipated his arrival. Now in his return, Guerrier is ready to provide PPCHS with his talents that they’ve been waiting for.

“I’m ready to get back to my game on the court and I know I have a lot to catch up on,” added Guerrier. “But I know if I work hard I can make a difference for our team and hopefully make it to play college ball.”

Lyndon-John Lemmers

Marcel Denbow

Haanif Cheatham

Matthew Johnson

Freshman Lyndon-John Lemmers, or LJ, is a young talent for the PPCHS boys’ soccer team. As a freshman, LJ has earned a starting position on this team as a midfielder. LJ’s journey started when he was two years old, playing soccer because his parents really influenced him to get into the sport. His dad, who inspired LJ to continue playing soccer, plays the game with a few of his friends.

“I didn’t want to play at first, but they threatened to take away my toys and my videogames, so I gave it a shot,” said LJ. When LJ was younger, he played defense.

The change in positions from a defensemen to a midfielder really affected LJ because he had to “run more.” His athleticism, though, helped him overcome this obstacle and shape him into the player he is today. LJ started playing for the school last year when he was still in middle school.

“I want to get better,” said LJ. “I want to win districts and hopefully win states.”

For now, LJ is only concerned with making this team better through good practices and performing well in games.

For junior basketball player Marcel Denbow, there are no words to describe the feeling of stepping on the court right before a big game, with the fans cheering on, and the team getting pumped up. The star point guard for the PPCHS boys’ varsity basketball team has always dreamed of being in moments just like that. Wanting to play the sport ever since he got a basketball as a gift, it’s what he has worked so hard to accomplish. Denbow’s dad has been his main support system, pushing him to do better every day.

“I’m left handed, which I think is an advantage in basketball, but my dad really wants me to improve on my right hand. It’s very important to be an all-around player instead of one who is good in only certain areas.” says Denbow.

The lefty’s favorite part of the game is being with his teammates and when the fans cheer him on. In terms of college, he definitely wants to continue playing basketball, but as for what school, he is still undecided.

If he continues to shine here at Charter, his decision will become a lot harder, but in a good way.

A point guard is considered by many as the quarterback on the basketball court. He’s the one that gets the plays going, the one that gets hose points on the board, and the game changer. With PCB being one of the best teams in the county, there is no doubt they needed someone to fill those high requirements, but they got more, way more. Since junior Haanif Cheatham stepped on the hard wood, he instantly answered the question to everyone how good he truly is.

Currently the 6’5 Cheatham holds offers from schools like Miami, Alabama, Georgia, and Pitt. The undecided junior has come a long way from the day he first picked up a basketball at the age of 6. His father got him into the game and the rest is really history.

With hard work and dedication the star made his way through Charters doors. But the journey sure isn’t finished here.

“I think so far the most memorable moment for me has been the double overtime win over Flanagan,” said Cheatham. “I’m hoping to change that though when we make it to states this year.”

With Cheatham leading this team, that isn’t just a dream for PCB but reality.

Every team has that one player that brings passion, heart and dedication every time they come out to play. For PCB, that player is sophomore Matthew Johnson. In fifth grade, Johnson found the game of basketball, and has been putting in ample time and effort ever since. When he came to PPCHS, Johnson was the only freshman to make the varsity team. By putting in work at practices and on his own time, he earned his spot as a starter on the team. His main positions are point guard and shooting guard, and he brings impressive speed and energy to the court.

This year, the team has been incredibly supportive so far and Johnson hopes to “have an undefeated regular season and win states.”

Aside from school basketball, this student athlete has to balance his academics and social life as well as his travel team- Nike Team Florida. The tight schedule does not phase Johnson considering his team is like a second family. On and off the court, he enjoys being surrounded by his teammates.

“Being with my team on the court is my favorite part about the sport itself because they’re all basically like family to me,” Johnson said.

Page Name Month 2013

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Blatantly blinded by beauty Alexys Nowak PROOF-READER

Every single morning, we wake up and drag our tired bodies to the bathroom, turn on the blinding light and take a look at ourselves in the mirror. Everyone sees something different. Some see an average person looking back at them, some a person’s whose extraordinarily beautiful, but why should this make a difference in how we go about our lives? A look in the mirror gives someone an idea of how everyone else sees them. A simple glance can determine whether someone will decide to approach another person or not. The point is simple: beauty on the outside has proved to be a determining factor all throughout the world.

No matter what people may say, it is impossible to say someone’s looks are not what catches a person’s attention first. It is not anyone’s fault, but the simple fact is that someone’s physical appearance

Inside Lifestyle...

is what we first lay our eyes on. Nobody can see someone’s personality through their looks, but many people refrain from even speaking to a person if they are not physically attracted to them. The idea of beauty is present in groups of friends and quite often in relationships. We all know that one group of girls that go above and beyond every morning to look stunning for school, and everyone notices. Why do they do this? Because they feel as if their looks are what have gotten them this far in the social aspect of life. If everyone in the school knows of you for your luscious hair, why not make it look perfect every day?

It’s not like they can see what is going on in your head through your eyes. The guys all drool over these girls, and each of them sets their eye on one that they will hopefully grow a bond with. I emphasize the word “hopefully;” who could really know they will like someone just based on how they look? The guys are so blinded by the way girls flip their hair that they may be missing

the real person they would have chemistry with simply because they never gave them a second thought. The same goes for girls; if a guy is not tall with big arms and perfect teeth, forget about it.

While this trend of beautiful girls and guys being placed on a pedestal even at school is a scary thought, the idea of beauty taking over is present in other aspects of the world as well. Things like characters on TV shows and even the type of shows people tune into in general are being affected by who looks the best. Actors and actresses that are casted for roles are almost always easy on the eyes. Would the director of Gossip Girl cast Chuck Bass as someone who was not to drool over? I highly doubt it. Even if he was the most charismatic guy on the show, people would not pay as much interest to his personality. To put this concept into perspective, close your eyes.

Think of the Miss Universe Pageant. Imagine tons of breath taking beauties walking across the stage in bikinis and skimpy

dresses, smiling at the judges and winking at the audience. They answer questions by putting themselves in the lime light, smile and wave and call it a day. Now, think of the National Spelling Bee. A group of people in conservative, professional clothing stand behind podiums. Some have glasses, some braces, and they all have an uncanny way of spelling words that these “perfect” girls in the pageant may have never heard of. But which channel is the majority of the population going to tune into? Certainly the pageant, because who wants to listen to people spell when they can watch these flawless women strut across a stage? Not many people, considering I never hear anyone talking about how close someone was to spelling a word correctly.

See Beauty, Page 23

Even blood donations descriminate

Recipies that will be a hit for the holidays

Are fears the parents’ or the child’s?

Blatantly blinded by beauty Beauty from page 22...

The world of music is also extremely impacted by people’s looks. Obviously you cannot see the artist while they are singing on the radio, but the words of their songs prove my point. When do you ever hear someone singing about how someone is lacking beauty? Never. “Beautiful girls all over the world…,” “You are so beautiful girl…,” and other lyrics in popular songs almost always talk about a girl’s looks. I have never heard a song talking about how smart or good at a sport someone is, but forget it, they have a perfect smile so what does it matter?

Beauty has even gone as far as taking over the world of athletics. Something that used to be for the enjoyment of the people both watching and playing has sadly been taken

over by physical appearances. The ability of players may be overlooked because they are not perfect in the way they look, and others may be lifted because they look great even sweating. One example of this is the famous USA women’s soccer star Alex Morgan. Don’t get me wrong, I am fully aware of the talent that Morgan possesses.

However, some people have yet to see her play, and still speak of how much they love her. Soccer players around the world began wearing pink pre wrap on their heads just hoping to look more like her. In my opinion, the Brazilian player Marta is most definitely as strong on the field as Morgan, but every time I mention her to someone, they have opinions on her looks rather than her playing style. Their comments are ugly to say the least. Sports magazines will feature Morgan every week, but why not put other

Are fears the parent’s or the child’s? a phobia has the ability to be passed on.

Based on prior knowledge however, sciPicture Matt Damon crying like a baby, ence teacher at Pines Charter High, Mrs. weeping and rocking back and forth all Larmony, questions this.

She states, “I think because of snakes that phobias are on the set of “We something that the Bought a Zoo” mind develops over (www.mnn.com). time. You have a Where did this fear of something urgent fear come that comes natufrom? What would rally, such as being cause a grown afraid of something man to shriek at like spiders or even the sight of snakes balloons. Phobias when he is considhowever are not in erably larger than your genes; just bethem? According cause your parent is to the Mother Naafraid of something ture Network, “All doesn’t necessarily humans have a ‘genetic phobia’ of Phobias: Little does Jordan Corona (‘15) know that his mean that you will be. Despite this, if snakes, due partly phobia of spiders may be linked with his mom. you grew up with to a long evolu- Photo by: Peter Dourvetakis. tionary history in which pythons preyed a parent who constantly overreacted to a on people.” In other words, phobias are fear, the stress associated with that reaction hereditary and can be passed on from one can be passed on. Thus, making it more likely for a child to have a similar phobia generation to the next.

However, junior Taylor Torres doesn’t to their parent.”

Although Mrs. Larmony and Torres are in seem to buy this new scientific conclusion. She states, “I don’t think phobias are the same boat when it comes to hereditary hereditary simply because my mom has phobias, many scientists are actively pursuclaustrophobia and I don’t. Phobias are ing this theory. Phobias could really just be believed to be ‘hereditary’ mainly because ‘hereditary’ in the mind; seeing that a parthey are forced on you. If your parent is ent is afraid of something can trigger that afraid of dogs and they tell you that dogs same fear in the child. That would make are vicious and terrible, then you will most the idea of hereditary phobias a ‘mental’ theory. Despite this, the scientists still need likely be afraid of dogs too.”

Researchers found that immediate rela- more research to prove this theory correct. tives of someone with a phobia are three Concrete facts are necessary to believe this times more likely to develop it than some- idea in its totality. (www.phobias.about. one who does not have that phobia in their com) In the meanwhile, just hope that scifamily tree. (www.phobias.about.com) entists don’t start hypothesizing that every Links between panic disorders and anxiety child is an exact clone of their parent; from disorders have also been made proving that head to toe.

Melissa Pierce STAFF WRITER

23

Lifestyle December

players who are also successful on their pages? It’s because the publishers truly believe people will lose interest in their magazine because they are not featuring picture perfect athletes.

The fact that beauty has basically taken over aspects of everyday life is obscure to me. Someone should not be put up so high in everyone’s perspective just be- Blinded by beauty: Looks are what society notices first about a person. cause they flash a perfect Photo by: Sydney Silverberg smile. There is no doubt in my mind that these girls may or may not understand. if we met people with a blindfold over our Write a song about imperfections and see eyes, we would have different groups of how many hits it gets; not many I predict. friends. If we cover our eyes when watch- Let’s face is, if the world was blind, there ing Miss Universe, all that would be heard would be no “beauty” to do it for us. is the attempt at answering questions that

Sublime is anything but subpar

with an entrée and finishing with one of their several desserts. My favorite would When I was a vegetarian, I was constantly by far have to be the Frito Misto, a deliin search of new meals that included things cious appetizer with crispy cauliflower, besides the mundane veggie burgers and chili sauce and sesame seeds. Unless othmeatless pasta. I found comfort in the erwise informed, it is impossible to tell that promises of enjoyable vegan dining that the chili sauce is in fact made without chili.

As for entrees, my favorite is the reef Sublime advertised to the public. Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Sublime is tacos, the perfect combination of seafood now one of my favorite restaurants, even with an Asian flare. This entrée features tempura sea vegetable tofu, flour tortillas, though I am no longer a vegetarian.

The unique concept of a modern, vegan- a mix of vegetables and jasmine rice. It’s friendly environment that Sublime has to the perfect meal for anyone looking for offer appeals to all audiences- meat and something low in cholesterol and high in flavor. It’s a great mix of dairy consuming or not. sweet, spicy and savorWhen I first visited the ing flavors. comfortable and welNow to my favorite coming restaurant, I was part of the meal: dessert. surprised at the large Sublime offers a varivariety of menu items. I ety of different desserts was shocked to see items ranging from chocolate such as cheesecake and cake to pumpkin cheesetacos on the menu of a cake. It still baffles me restaurant that’s spin was how it’s possible to providing meals without make these sweets withthe use of animal prodout eggs, milk, etc., but ucts. I thought for sure that the food would be Sublime: Sublime proved itself as a great the flavor is definitely there, despite the ablack luster and bland just vegan restaurant. Photo by: Alex Monge as other vegan and vegetarian products but sence in ingredients. The chocolate nirvana was happily surprised to instead find items cake is to die for, and anyone who goes and that were healthy, reasonably priced and doesn’t try this rich dessert is missing out.

The plate is served with a fluffy chocolate seemingly delicious.

My mother, a food connoisseur who was cake, a delicious and light butter crème less than eager to try a meal free of any topping, and is finished off with a dark meat or dairy products, was extremely chocolate ganache.

Overall, Sublime is the perfect restaurant hesitant but overall enjoyed the entire experience. After our first visit, we were both for anyone looking to try something new.

It’s a healthy, cost effective way to enjoy hooked.

Now, we often visit the restaurant in a nice meal that you may have otherwise hopes of getting our fill of healthy and de- never had. Everyone should try this delilicious food. For anyone planning to visit cious, and unique restaurant sometime in this unique restaurant I highly recommend their lifetime. starting with an appetizer and following it Melissa Sullivan EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Even blood donations discriminate Aaliyah Pasols STAFF WRITER

Imagine having a right taken away from you. It might be hard to imagine, so take a trip through time and think of all of the instances in which rights have been taken away from others. Native Americans were denied the right to live peacefully on their own land, African Americans were denied the right to be treated equally as human beings, and women were denied the right to vote. To be discriminated against and denied the same rights as everyone else is to be alienated from society. To be overlooked and only worth a shrug or two. In the past, these groups of people managed to successfully change the minds of society to support them, and in exchange they were granted the rights that they had always deserved. You would think that this mistake would not occur in history again, but it is happening right now, as you read the words on this page.

Homosexuals have been the victims of hatred and accusations for many years, and only recently, have things started to turn up for them. Currently, gay marriage is becoming legal in more and more states, the

most recent one being Illinois on November 20th, 2013. But it appears that even though more people are becoming open to the idea of homosexuality, old laws still remain to stand in the way of equality.

The blood drive is an event that is much anticipated for every year at PPCHS. The bus makes its way onto campus, and hundreds of students sign up, ready to save lives. It’s a great day for many students, but maybe not so much for the non-straight students roaming Charter. By taking one look at the blood donation pamphlets, it becomes evident that homosexuals are apparently, not able to donate blood. On the pamphlet, under “Do Not Donate If You:” is a list of people not eligible to donate blood. And one sentence clearly reads, “Do not donate if you are a male who has had sexual contact with another male, even once, since 1977.”

“When I first found out about this rule, I felt alienated and hurt. My immediate reaction was shock. I couldn’t believe that even though blood is so desperately necessary, they wouldn’t take my blood, even though they test the blood before they give it to people who need it,” Student #1

shared. This ban is not very well known, but it should be. It’s an old rule that dates back to 1983, when the federal government banned gay men from donating blood. It was a different time, a different age, and a different society, when people were afraid of the unknown, and prejudice towards homosexuals was more concentrated and common. Today, in 2013, so many aspects have changed, and this ban should be one of them.

So why does it still exist? This ban was supposedly put into motion because the FDA argues that “gay men are at an increased risk of certain transfusion transmissible infections like AIDS and hepatitis B” (Menshealth.com) However, there are now tests that can be done to check the blood before giving it to someone in need. This ban may have been necessary at the peak of the AIDS crisis in the 80’s, but now with accurate tests available, this ban is outdated, and downright discriminatory.

“If a homosexual wants to save a life by donating his own blood is it a crime? There’s no reason

why this ban should still be in effect today.

It’s denying a person of their rights based off of their sexuality,” Student #2 boldly explained.

Being a ban that isn’t very well known, the process to get it lifted will be a hard one, but as always, the fight for rights will never die down. Student #1 says that he will continue to stand up for what he thinks is right, and get this atrocious ban lifted once and for all. “I feel the restriction is wrong. I feel the restriction is discriminatory. And I feel that the restriction is going to be repealed. But if it doesn’t happen soon, I will do whatever I can to make it happen.”

Graphic by: Armando Urena

24 Recipes that will be a hit for the holidays December

Lifestyle

Shakayla Lee STAFF WRITER

As the air cools, and Floridians dust off their favorite winter coat and pull out their boots the time to celebrate the holidays is here. As people find themselves ensconced in the holiday spirit the opportunity to soak in the good times that friends and family share, and dish out the family recipes that you have waited all year to indulge in is here! Foods and desserts of all kinds fill the plates of those wrapped up in the holiday spirit, and before you know it you have acquired much more than a sweet tooth. Packages of delicate treats adorned ‘From: Me, To: You’ make their way to loved ones, showing off their favorite recipes new and old in a time of giving. Whether you gather around the table or send out much awaited holiday sweets, these unique delicacies will be a hit for the holidays!

Holiday OREO Stuffed Cupcakes

Ingredients: • 24 Holiday OREO cookies (Winter Edition with red cream) • 1 box red velvet cake mix • 1 cup marshmallow crème • 1-1/2 cups COOL WHIP, thawed Cook Time: 20 minutes Serves: 24 cupcakes

Peppermint Candy Cane Bark

Ingredients: • 2 lbs white chocolate (preferably Guittard brand white chocolate chips- they seem to melt smoother) • 12 candy canes, crushed into 1/4 inch pieces • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (1/2 tsp. if using oil)

Cupcakes are a fun treat that can be indulged in at any time of year. These red velvet cupcakes however, pack a surprise gift inside that will have kids and adults alike ever so thankful. This simple recipe serves as a twist to the typical red velvet cupcake that will yield results nothing short of scrumptious! http://foodfamilyfinds.com/recipe-holiday-oreo-stuffed-cupcakes/

Nothing spells out Christmas more than a good old-fashion candy cane. Usually adorned on Christmas trees, these versatile minty treats even make their way into marshmallow filled mugs of Hot Coco and-in this case- even a simple and delicious peppermint bark! http://www.food.com/recipe/peppermint-candy-cane-bark-15489

Steps: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 2. Line two cupcake baking pans with liners and place one OREO with the design facing down into each liner.

3. Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box.

4. Pour 2 tablespoons of cake batter over each cookie.

5. Bake 15 – 20 minutes, until a toothpick entered in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool.

6. Microwave marshmallow crème for 15 seconds and whisk with COOL WHIP. 7. Remove the cupcakes from the liners and slice in half and put a dollop of the filling between the layers.

Steps: 1. Melt white chocolate either in a double boiler or in a bowl over a pot of boiling water.

2. Stir in crushed candy cane and peppermint flavoring into melted white chocolate.

3. Line a 11x17" baking pan with wax paper.

4. Pour and spread chocolate mixture onto wax paper.

5. Chill until firm and break into pieces.

6. Refrigerate until ready to serve

Hanukkah Doughnuts - Sufganiot (Parve)

Holiday Eggnog

Ingredients: • 25 grams (1 ounce) yeast • 1 Tbsp. sugar • 1 Tbsp. water • 1 Tbsp. flour • 3 cups flour • 50 grams (1/4 cup) margarine, melted • dash of salt • 3 Tablespoons sugar • 2 egg yolks • 1 1/4 cups water (room temperature) • jelly (strawberry is recommended) • oil for frying (canola is recommended) • powdered sugar

Ingredients: 2 cups milk 1/4 cup sweetened, condensed milk 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 5 whole cloves 4 egg yolks 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Whether you are feeling for a delicious dessert, or are giving in to a tempting donut in the celebration of the eight days of a traditional Hanukkah celebration, this recipe will be a hit! These delectable bites are called, Sufganiot which are deep-fried jelly doughnuts that are traditionally eaten during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. http://kosherfood.about.com/od/hanukkah/r/han_lsufganiot.htm

After a hearty holiday meal, what better way than to wash it all down with a mug of homemade eggnog? Sipping away as the infamous white milk mustache graces smiling faces, each taste makes each moment sweeter and sweeter. Whether dipped in French toast, or served cold straight out a glass, this beverage is nothing short of delicious. Forget about the typical store bought cans that sit on dusty shelves for weeks, and try out this fresh recipe of the delicious drink that will have tasters going back for more! http://www.asweetpeachef.com/drinks/non-alcoholic-eggnog/

Steps: 1. To make the dough: Combine the first four ingredients in a bowl. Mix well, cover, and wait until it rises.

2. In another bowl, mix 3 cups of flour with the melted margarine, salt, sugar and egg yolks.

3. Combine the yeast mixture with the flour mixture. Slowly add water while stirring.

4. When batter is smooth, cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit and rise.

1. To make the doughnuts: After the batter has risen, pour it onto a floured surface and roll it out.

2. Use a glass with a small opening to cut out circles of the dough.

3. Place a drop of jelly in the middle of each circle, and then cover with another circle of dough. ***Make sure that 2 circles attach well to form a closed ball with jelly in the middle*** 4. Cover the doughnuts with a towel and let rise.

1. To fry the doughnuts: Heat oil in a deep pot until very hot.

2. Drop the doughnuts into the oil and fry on both sides until brown.

3. Remove with a slotted spoon and sprinkle with powdered sugar. ***TIP: After you make the dough, only fry a few at a time. Store the rest of the dough in the refrigerator.

Steps: 1. Combine milk, cloves, cinnamon and condensed milk over low heat in a deep sauce pan until the mixture is no longer chilled and is heated through.

2. Slowly increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a low boil (Careful not to allow a high rolling boil.)

3. In a bowl, combine the eggs and sugar.

4. Beat eggs using a stand mixer or electric mixer or your hands until lightened in color and fluffy.

5. Slowly temper the eggs by adding about 1 tbsp. at a time of the hot milk mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. 6. Once enough of the milk mixture is in the egg mixture, pour it all back into the sauce pan.

7. Heat over medium heat for 3-5 minutes and stirring frequently until thickened. You will know its thick when you can leave a clean line on the back of a spoon 8. Add the heavy whipping cream, nutmeg and vanilla extract to the mixture and keep on lowmedium heat 9. Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer to catch the spices.

10. Put in fridge to chill ***Serve cold. Garnish with additional grated nutmeg if desired.

Makes 2 servings

Dangers of Drinking for energy Nick Rivera STAFF WRITER

Late nights are often difficult for students.

It can be a struggle to stay awake finishing homework or a long project. Sometimes, it might just be easier to grab a can of Red Bull to get through the next few hours. Some people would go to their fridge and take a can without a second thought. What people may not realize is that recent studies show that these energy drinks may be more dangerous than scientists first suspected. Energy drinks are known to help keep people awake and alert. With so many options to choose from, such as Red Bull and Monster, more and more people are picking up a can.

“I admit that I’ll drink a Monster once in a blue

moon, but other than that, I am against most energy drinks. I can understand that other students may drink them more often, maybe if they are studying for a big test, but I know that they are especially packed with caffeine and sugar. I don’t think people should drink them as often as they do,” says sophomore Samantha Mateesco.

Three of the main ingredients in most energy drinks are taurine, caffeine, and sugar (caffeineinformer.com). A standard can of Red Bull is 250ml, which includes 80 milligrams of caffeine. Acting as a stimulant, the caffeine serves to help make the drinker more alert. Taurine is an amino acid that is also found naturally in the body. The amino acid is believed to enhance overall performance of

an individual. In a regular size, there is about 1000 milligrams of taurine (energydrink.redbull.com).

According to consumer.healthday.com, recent studies in Germany show that, along with sugar, this combination of ingredients can be extremely dangerous. This short boost of energy may cause an excessive strain on the heart. During the study, scientists tested drinks with this combination of ingredients as well as with modified amounts of the ingredients. They found that those who drank a can with the standard amount of ingredients showed an extreme increase in heart rate within an hour.

“I didn’t realize how dangerous these drinks could be. I always heard the rumors that it was bad to drink too much. It makes me happy to

know that I’m not interested in ever trying any of these drinks, but I’m slightly worried for people that drink multiple cans a day. It might be difficult for them to stop,” says junior Samantha Billings.

Doctors say that consumers should limit themselves to about two cans a day. Warnings are steered towards teenagers and young adults as well as to those with known heart disease. Nearly 21,000 have been to the hospital with incidents caused by energy drinks, most of which have been people aged 18-25 (consumer.healthday). With risks including an irregular heartbeat, wearing the heart down, and high blood pressure (Seattle Times), it is encouraged to be careful when you pick up the next can.

What is your New Year’s Resolution?

Do you follow through with your resolutions?

Inside Features...

PPCHS jumps into a New Year CHC Awards: Top Stories of 2013

Features

December 2013

26

PPCHS jumps in

What is your New Year’s resolution for 2014?

Romeo Augustin (‘14) : “My main goal is just to be a nicer guy. I want to get back to how I started and reverse the affects high school has cursed me with. I realized that I should have been myself from the start because all that time I spent trying to gain these friends was a waste their still not here in the end and I’ve been very successful and wouldn’t turn back.”

Sarah Duque (‘14): “My New Year’s resolution for this year are to get straight A’s at least once, eat a healthier food, and read more books in my free time. Honestly they haven’t been easy to fulfill because although I do eat healthy at times, getting straight A’s hasn’t happened yet. Hopefully 2014 will change!”

Alec Secada (‘16): “This year, I want to change my diet.

I want to eat less junk food to better my health and feel better about myself. I’ve had this New Year’s resolution for a couple of years now and I hope this is the year that I finally accomplish my goal.”

Giselle La Hoz (‘16): “My New Year’s resolution is to continue to get good grades this year and to be more active in school. I’d also like to take on more responsibility to challenge myself, and find more volunteering opportunities.”

Joshua Wronker (‘14): My goal is to make sure that I do well in life and I live happy and keep my grades in school. I usually keep my goals, sometimes I may slack in them, but as long as I’m happy it doesn’t really matter to me.

Nathalie Deligero (‘17): “I really enjoy making many different things in art. I like doing anything having to do with art. So this year I would really like my New Year’s Resolution to be to improve on my artistic abilities.”

Top 8 events of Victoria Alvarez ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SACS Accredidation - March 6th On March 6th, 2013, after a week of interviews and evaluations, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) gave the Pembroke Pines Charter School District full accreditation – the highest accreditation a district can receive – for the next five years. All of the Pembroke Pines Charter Schools had been working hard toward this goal and it was the third time that PPCHS received the highest accreditation, but the first time that the entire district received it.

Save Our Schools - June In the summer of 2013, the Pembroke Pines Charter System came together in a fight to stay united. Under the threat of becoming a part of Charter Schools USA, something that would result in many changes, the Pembroke Pines Charter System fought against. As a result, Save Our Schools was birthed. With only one goal in mind, this organization is raising money to help keep Pines Charter alive through various fundraisers and generous donations. This fight has united all of the Pines Charter Schools and as a result, has made the family bond stronger.

Softball Team Competes at States - May 11th In 2012, the girls softball team brought home PPCHS’ first ever team State title. However, in 2013 when they fought their way through the season and made it to State Finals yet again, they were unable to get past Columbia High School with the final score of the game being 6-2 in Columbia’s favor. Although the loss was not expected, the team and PPCHS was proud of their hard work that was put in all season.

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Stadium opens for first game - August 23rd After months of planning and building, PPCHS was able to claim their own home stadium this year. To the bers of the Jaguar family, this new field is more tha a patch of grass used for athletic events, it’s a place home. The first home football game marked the beg of a new era for PPCHS, bringing in a ribbon-cuttin emony, the PPCHS Marching Band, and amazing ha performances.

nto the New Year

27 Features

December 2013

Do you actually follow through with your resolution?

Taylor Liquori (‘15): “I haven’t really accomplished my goals very well in previous years. I wasn’t able to accomplish my goal of raising my grades because I was too focussed on friends and my family. I hope to follow through with my resolution this year!”

Alexander Rose (‘14): “My New Year’s resolution is to assemble and design a teleportation device which will take me to the secondary stasis of the moon. In the past, I have failed. Horribly. So I don’t think I’ve been too successful in completing my resolutions in previous years.”

Patricia Yordan (‘15): “I don’t really follow through with the resolutions I set. I end up breaking them really soon after I make them. I follow my resolution for a couple months and then end up giving up because I become occupied with other things.”

Michael Guzman (‘16): “Normally, I don’t follow through with the resolutions I make. I feel like every year people only make resolutions for the hype of it all.

No one ends up sticking to it in the end. I think it’s just a waste of my time.”

Mollie Rivera (‘15): “I’m not really good with keeping my New Year’s resolutions. Usually in the beginning of the year I’ll try to do them, but I’ll end up forgetting about them and I won’t carry out with my goals.”

Melvin Lattimore (‘14): “I don’t like resolutions. Any day is a good day to make a lifestyle change. It doesn’t make sense to wait until the end of the year to start fixing your problems. I make resolutions the instant the thought occurs to me. I’ve been trying to learn Spanish since last Summer by studying every day. Quizá sere capaz mentener un conversacion en uno meses.”

2013 at PPCHS

irit Week - October 21st through October 24th ear’s Spirit Week allowed students to transform into from different cultures, well-known super heroes, and up with their wannabe twins. With unique and well t-out theme days, Spirit Week brought out the crazifits and happiest moods all across the PPCHS campus. niors and Super Seniors both battled to claim the camtheirs as they each strived to win the title of best class This Spirit Week is definitely one for the books!

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The Great “Jagsby” Homecoming - October 26th On October 26th, 2013, PPCHS students all arrived in their best dresses and fanciest ties at the Bonaventure Resort and Spa to dance and enjoy a night full of pure Gatsby. The Great Jagsby Homecoming dance sold hundreds of tickets to various students. With a theme based off of the 1920’s, Jaguars from all grades enjoyed an amazing night with friends, making memories that will last forever.

Volleyball team comepetes at Districts - October 25th For the first time ever, the girls Varsity Volleyball team won a District title this year against the Boynton Beach Tigers. After making to the District game in previous seasons but never taking home the win, these Jaguars worked extremely hard all season to make sure they brought home a win this year.

After intense training sessions and long hours spent at practice, there’s no doubt that these girls deserved to take home the trophy.

Cross Country competes at States - November 15th After working extremely hard all season and making sure that they worked together towards their goal of making it to States, The Boys Cross Country team came 12th in the state at the State Championships this year. Performing at their best, the Cross Country team was happy with the outcome of States. Next year, these Jaguars hope to make it even further and come out on top, and with hard work and dedication, they may do just that

Features

December 2013

CHC Awards: Top

28

Student Life Lori Johnson: the quiet survivor

Gabriela Garcia FEATURES EDITOR

When Lori Johnson (’14) hit the “Share” button on Instagram on September 10th, 2013, she was doing more than just crossing her fingers for a lot of likes on her post. A simple nine words changed Lori’s life and the way her friends, family and peers would perceive her forever: “Today marks one year of me being cancer free.”

While every other sophomore was stressing about their AP exams and their plans for the summer, Lori Johnson was sitting in a cold hospital room, living her worst nightmare. “I was diagnosed with choriocarcinoma in the uterus and the ovaries on May 17th, 2012,” she testifies, “It started off at Stage 4, and spread to my lungs later on.”

Choriocarcinoma is a rare but extremely aggressive malignant tumor that develops inside of the uterus of women. In Lori’s case however, this particular kind of cancer was even more uncommon, due to the fact that it normally occurs in women who are pregnant.

Obviously, that was not the case for Lori; her HCG hormone levels—one of the main indicators of this cancer—rose above normal on their own.

“They called me in on a Friday, a couple of days after they had taken my first couple of blood tests. The second I got to the hospital they were rushing me into surgery,” says Lori. “My HCG levels were at 480,000 when the average woman in labor’s level stands at 165,000.”

After waking up the next day post-surgery, Lori learned that the doctors were able to successfully remove the tumor. She also learned to be thankful for the bittersweet piece of news she was about to hear. “The cancer has spread to your lungs,” the doctors would say. “ The good news is that it didn’t spread to your brain or your liver, and you still have a chance.”

This was when Lori decided to fight harder—not let herself become the victim. After putting much thought into it, Lori decided to only inform four of her closest friends about what she had been through, including fellow PPCHS peers, Diamond Cunningham and Tionna Salmon. “I just don’t share a lot of

things and this was no exception,” explains Lori. “I didn’t want people to treat me differently or for people to think I was helpless or they couldn’t be near me. I didn’t want any preferential treatment from teachers or anyone questioning me, none of that.”

The next couple of months began what was to be a long journey for Lori. Spending every weekend at the hospital and missing a handful of days of school every other week were the least of her worries. Having to use an IV as a way to take all five of her chemotherapy medications, Lori’s veins began to darken and bruise her arms. Pants and sweaters became her daily attire as one of the side effects to her medications was high sensibility to the sun. Slowly but surely, Lori shed almost all of the hair on her body along with her pride.

“Looking back, I wish I had had more faith in my doctors,” says Lori, “I didn’t handle the situation mentally too well, but really I should have been more grateful. I could’ve had a hysterectomy at 16, or maybe not have reacted to the chemo treatments as well, or even possibly lost my life to this.”

On September 10th, 2012, Lori received her last treatment for choriocarcinoma—ever.

One year later, on September 10th, 2013, Lori decided it was time to open the floodgates and finally let her peers and loved ones know what had affected her life so significantly not too long ago.

“The one year mark is one of the most important dates when you go into remission—it actually assures you that there’s a 99% of the cancer never coming back.

It was something I was really looking forward to and I figured that since I had to acknowledge this part of my life at some point, it might as well have been then.”

Although the cancer has left both physical and emotional scars in Lori’s past, she has decided to turn this entire ordeal into something positive. In her free time, Lori returns to the Memorial Regional Hospital, to the very same floor where she received treatment, and reunites with her former caretakers and nurses to help other patients feel better.

She claims that if anything, this bump in the road has become her motivator, something to get her going.

“My parents were everything to me during this time in my life, I would’ve honestly never made it through without them. I’d like to thank my closest friends for always supporting me and respecting my decision to keep this private for as long as I had to. And I’d like to thank my best friend Tionna, who called my mother that one day I was crying in the cafeteria due to extreme abdomen pains.

Without her, I would’ve never gone to the doctor and I don’t know where I’d be now.”

The bruised and black veins may still be visible, but they certainly do not triumph over Lori’s strong heart.

Entertainment Bad publicity is the key to no longevity

Chelsie Ramos STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

It happens every day. I turn on the T.V. and there it is again; another story of some random celebrity acting up once more. They are either going around dressed in the skimpiest of clothing options, throwing F Bombs to all that surround them, or doing performances that raise more eyebrows and jaw drops than hands for applauses. This has become the pop culture world that our society has now thrived themselves on for some odd reason.

To me, stars are just under the impression that any form of publicity whether it be good or bad, is still good publicity. However, these celebs are just hurting themselves more now with these absurd acts, rather than benefiting from them.

Take teen queen Miley Cyrus as an example. After her risqué performance on the 2013 VMA’s and her recently released music video for her single, Wrecking Ball, where she appeared nude for half of the video. Many fans have begun to be turned off by her, deeming her behavior as rude and somewhat alarming. As a fan of the long running Disney Show, Hannah Montana, I had a hard time seeing Miley Cyrus’ performance at the VMA’s, as well as the video for her singles We Can’t Stop and Wrecking Ball. Both songs have catchy beats that draw in the audience and Wrecking Ball has a good lyrical story as well; however, once you come across the videos, the songs take a turn for the worse. It is these moments that make me question why it is that these celebrities find it okay to act in this manner.

Miley Cyrus once had the world at her finger tips, and some might argue that she continues to, however, with her risqué mannerisms that she continues to flaunt, these future opportunities may just slip out of her fingertips.

This behavior to some may seem normal for her age, but Miley is still a professional, and is in the business world. So, by Miley acting in these ways she jeopardizes her chance of making an influential and ground-breaking

movie and/or music deal in the future. Her behavior has even drawn some Internet users away from wanting to see the daily headlines of Ms. Cyrus. So, Google Chrome came up with a way to help those individuals out.

With a new extension launched called “No Cyrus,” the user will be able to have all mentioning’s of Miley Cyrus’ name or anything related to her, be crossed off with the hashtag symbol or other random numbers or symbols

(entertainment.time.com). Clearly, her crazy behavior has brought an enormous amount of attention to Miley, which has only hurt her more than benefitted her.

The story of Amanda Bynes was a similar one as to Miley Cyrus. She was the child star who sky-rocketed in the movie industry; however, as of recently the actress went off the walls. It began with a multitude of DUI charges that seemed to be occurring frequently, to later Twitter rants against a multitude of celebrities. These absurd attacks drew attention from many and had multiple media outlets following her every mishap. After recent events such as setting a fire on a neighbors front yard she was hospitalized and was

put into a psychiatric ward. Now, Amanda Bynes has been trying to convince the public that her behavior and Twitter rants have all just been an act (nydailynews.com). If this is the case then her behavior only makes me question how effective she believes that her “act” has been working out for her. However, this attention that she is gaining has now been casted in a negative light rather than the positive one that she would have been aiming for. “In the case of Amanda Bynes publicity for her has been negative. No one respects her anymore as an actress, instead people just begin to focusing on the crazy stuff that she is doing instead of her talents. Amanda Bynes was a great actress and her movies were hilarious, but now when people think of her and they automatically just think drugs,” stated junior, Sofia Lalinde.

Some celebrities may think that all publicity is good publicity, but when the media attention begins to focus on the flaws and missteps that the star is taking, then this “publicity” is no longer beneficial to the celebrity anymore. Instead, this attention and crazy acts that they are committing just become stunts that hurt the longevity of their careers.

“I would have to say that publicity for these celebrities is negative because it sets a really bad example for the people who look up to them.

In the case of Miley Cyrus her fan base has always consisted of little girls, and a lot of them started watching her at the age of 6 and now they are our age, so the way that she is acting like strutting around in no clothes is bad for her fan base to see. It begins to set this new norm that shouldn’t really be there, and it puts a lot of negative light on Miley and attention but not for the right reasons,” said senior Britney Muniz.

p Stories of 2013 News ‘Mini Mozart’s’ merry melodies Aaliyah Pasols STAFF WRITER

In this corner, stands a heavy 500 pound, four foot piano. This piano has been used for decades, and is as challenging to play as ever.

And in this corner, stands a five year old talented kindergartner. This boy has fingers that seem to be passed down from Mozart himself...Watch out piano, you’re going down!

Jacob Valezquez is a seemingly normal five year old boy, living in Pembroke Pines, until you sit him down in front of a piano. He has been dubbed the name “Mini Mozart” and “Baby Beethoven” by magazines and newspapers globally. He first started gaining attention when his dad, Willie Velazquez, started posting videos of his son’s piano playing on YouTube. Then one day, Velazquez decided to show a friend one of Jacob’s videos. This friend happened to be an anchor man from Channel 10 News, and the journey began from there. “The next day, Channel 10 News called and wanted to do a story on Jacob. It was 10:00 on Thursday, and they wanted to interview him later that day at 11:00. On Friday, Good Morning America wanted us to fly out to do the show in New York City. Then CNN called and wanted us to do a story on Monday. The View called after that, and it’s just been hectic since there. But now things are slowing down,” Tina Velazquez laughed.

It’s been an adventure for the Valezquez family, but things aren’t about to stop right there.

According to Mrs. Velazquez, Jacob is being entered into various competitions, two of them being in the Big Apple. After the auditions, if he makes it into the final round, he’ll have the honor to play in the famous, luxurious, Carnegie Hall.

Jacob first started to play the piano about a year ago. Mrs. Valezquez states that one night she heard someone playing, and thought that it was her husband. To her surprise, she looked, only to find Jacob sitting at the bench playing a song her husband had been rehearsing the night before. After learning about Jacob’s knack for the piano, his parents hired piano teacher, Jaffird Sierra of Pembroke Pines.

“I feel very blessed that we became aware of Jacob’s talent at such an early age. Now we can guide him and help him to grow in the right direction,” Tina Valezquez shared.

By catching Jacob’s love for music at such an early age, it gives them the opportunity to give him lots of practice, so that one day he can make it big. However, Jacob isn’t the only one in the family who discovered his skill at a young age. His father, Willie Valezquez, started playing when he was about seven years old. And according to Mrs. Valezquez, he was even in a contemporary 90’s rock band. Now he just plays sparingly, as a hobby, and this is what prompted Jacob to sit upon that bench one night and spontaneously tap away at the keys.

Not only does the young music prodigy have a musical talent, but he has another talent as well: photographic memory. After studying a sonata, all it takes for Jacob to retain that information is three weeks! In fact, his memory is so good, that while in the middle of playing a musical piece, he’ll tend to look away from the piano keys, to instead sneak a peek at his parents and crack them a smile! This factor is a huge benefit to Jacob and has opened many doors for him in addition to his fantastic piano playing. He recently got accepted into the American College of Musicians- a non-profit organization for piano teachers and students. He had to audition for entry, and did so by memorizing 10 classical pieces. (Sun Sentinel) While many students can’t even remember what their homework for Biology is, little Jacob

Valezquez is memorizing 10 classical pieces of music (Sun Sentinel).

What makes Jacob’s talent even more remarkable is that he was previously diagnosed with high-functioning autism. Highfunctioning autism is a less severe type of autism that causes the person to experience problems in speech and motor skills, among other things (WebMD.com). For the last year and a half, Jacob has been given biomedical treatment to help with his autism diagnosis.

Mrs. Valezquez informs: “Most people don’t know about it, but biomedical treatment can do wonders for kids with autism.

It’s helped him a lot.” He hasn’t been back for a second diagnosis yet, but his parents and pediatrician say that they feel that Jacob doesn’t meet the criteria to receive that diagnosis. According to Mrs. Velazquez, Jacob acts and speaks normal and is very outgoing.

“He only has a few quirky things about him,” she jokes.

Jacob’s autism diagnosis and his age are two of many factors that make his piano playing so worthy of applause. “This story is an inspiration that shows that no matter what your age, you can still be capable of accomplishing things. You can still have a talent, and more importantly, a passion,” Christian Yeh, a junior, adds. Yeh has been playing piano for 11 years and shares that her piano is her own route of escape and is a very “peaceful pastime” for her. The same is also true with Jacob; his piano works as an outlet for him, as stated by his mother. He tends to play the piano a certain way depending on his emotion. “He’s very energetic. So naturally, he prefers songs that have a faster pace. Playing the piano helps him to get past anxiety, and if he’s angry, he’ll play hard or low notes. I can tell how he’s feeling just by the way he plays,” Mrs. Valezquez expresses.

Moreover, Pines Charter isn’t the first to recognize this virtuoso’s near-impeccable talent; in addition to starring on Good Morning America, and The View, he was also featured in the British newspaper the Daily Mail. Also, the YouTube videos featuring him have been gaining a lot of attention from the public. One of his videos, in which he is playing a piece composed by Muzio Cle-

menti, has already reached 36, 132 views!

Obviously this quiet Pembroke Pines boy is on the road to stardom. “Everybody wants to say hi to him at school, and most of the kids know who he is. I think it’s a good thing because older kids will hopefully take care of him and protect him,” his mom states.

The future of the Valezquez family is looking to be a bright one. But will Jacob continue to pursue a life in music? “Music is a part of him and he shows it in everything he does. Even when he’s playing video games he’s humming the songs from them. Everything revolves around music for him, so I think he will do something with music as an adult,” Mrs. Valezquez confirms. As time goes on, and Jacob grows older, only he can decide whether or not he wants to continue to embark on this musical adventure. But if he does make the choice to go along with it, following in the footsteps of his favorite composer: Beethoven, he’ll be making headlines for a very long time.

29 Features

December 2013

Clubs & Electives A splash of diversity at PPCHS Aaliyah Pasols STAFF WRITER

On October 10th, the crowd filed into the River of Grass Auditorium excitedly, already stirring up a loud buzz of chatter as they anticipated the showcase. Teachers, faculty and students quickly filled up the seats in the spacious auditorium, and parents and siblings followed, holding balloons and flowers for their loved ones that were performing.

At 7:15 p.m., the lights dimmed, the voices came to a halt, and the spotlight shifted to center stage. A fun-filled Multicultural Night was about to begin.

The wait was finally over as the first performer took the stage. Senior Nicole Pollard began by singing the beautiful French song “Non, Je ne regrette rien” by Edith Piaf. Performing along with Nicole was the PPCHS band, and judging by the crowd’s enthusiastic awe-inspired cheers, this performance was a great way to kick off the night. After the song came to an end, R.J. Reyes, the host for the night, hopped onstage and was began to hype up the crowd for the next performance.

Another talented singer at Charter, senior Natasha Viloria, stood in the spotlight, microphone in hand, ready to shine.

While combining some salsa into her movement, Natasha belted out “La Vida es un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz. The crowd went wild with recognition of the famous song. Parents and teachers were soon smiling and singing along, and even some children were seen dancing in their seats as this catchy Spanish hit was sung. Clearly shown, hard work does pay off. “I practiced and went over the song many times with the band and my backup singers in Mr. Daughtery’s class,” said Viloria. As most performers are, she was nervous before going onstage, but once the first few words left her mouth she was “in the zone” and ready to rock the house.

Next up was the Latin Dance Team, as the high energy of the night continued on.

This was the Latin Dance Team’s first performance out of three, and they lured in the audience in with a fast-paced, fun song. The guys, dressed in a classy black and white, dipped and swayed the girls as they spun across the stage to the rhythm of the music.

“I loved the Latin Dance routines because it was exciting to see my peers and friends doing their best performances. It was interesting to see how far they’ve come in just a matter of weeks,” junior Jessica Flores said.

The crowd seemed to love them too as they clapped and cheered along with the music.

Following the first Latin Dance performance was senior Isabell Vasquez, singing another classic Spanish song “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony. Isabell sung her heart out and the crowd joined her, singing along “Voy a reír, voy a bailar, vivir mi vida, lalalala,” which in English translates to, “I’m gonna laugh, I’m gonna dance [I’m gonna] live my life, la, la, la, la.” After Isabell’s upbeat performance, yet another singer was up at the microphone, ready to awe the audience. Sophomore Nicole FairFoot sang a cover of Dean Martin’s charming, popular song “Sway.” A loud applause from the audience sounded, and the curtains closed once more. Advanced Latin Dance was now up to take up the stage for Round two and show off their hip-shaking skills. One of the newest team members who performed was senior Stephanie Torres. She expresses that her team is like a family, and that they have pep talks to get them riled up before their fiery dancing begins. “Before our performance we were all in a circle backstage doing a family prayer.

Then our captains, Eddie [Montserrat] and Maria [Moreno], gave the whole team a pep talk. They were telling us that they had faith

in us, and that they knew that we could do it.

They really expressed that they were proud of our team, and that made the whole night worthwhile,” Torres shares.

PPCHS’ beloved drum line rolled onto the scene, taking up the whole stage as they lined up, drums ready and armed. People loved the catchy beat, as they moved to the rhythm of the drums from their seats. And after a promising women’s trio performed by Tatianna Bustamante (’14), Monica Moljo (’16) and Hanna Rector (’14), Ladies of Essence, the PPCHS step team, was next onstage. The girls tore down the house with their stomping and clapping, as they gave the auditorium a new fiercer kind of energy. The Ladies of Essence is always one to wow the crowd. Team member and junior Samantha Czerwonko expressed her pride in her team. “We had to practice for two very long weeks to be able to prepare for this performance, so I knew we were going to do awesome. We nailed it and

I’m extremely proud of my team,” Samantha said.

Sashaying onto the stage from behind the curtains was the next performer: Valentina Giraldo. This was a special treat for Charter because Valentina doesn’t attend PPCHS. She attended Pembroke Pines Charter Central Middle School, but switched to West Broward High School to attend high school there. Because of her natural talent at belly dancing, she’s called back to perform year after year. Her Charter ties have resulted in her return to wow the crowd with her “impeccable” belly dancing. “My favorite performer was without a doubt Valentina [Giraldo]. She’s extremely talented at belly dancing. Just watching her move amazed me and made me want to become a belly dancer!” senior Natasha Viloria shares. Valentina danced to two songs, and at the end she struck a pose, making the crowd go wild.

After Valentina’s performance, how could one top that? The Finale of the Latin Dance team sure did the job. Dancing to one final last song, they dipped and slid across the stage smoothly, electrifying the crowd. And just when the music stopped and the audience thought it was over, a new song blasted from the speakers, and more Latin Dance team members paraded out from the backdoors of the stage. All carrying various flags from different countries, they danced in the aisles between the two crowds of people, and all came around to meet up front on the stage. With the different flags waving in the air, and the spotlight shining on the closeknit dance team, it was a finale that put the icing on the cake.

“Multicultural Night is put together every year to showcase the wide variety of talents that this school possesses within its students.

It’s also featured every year to express and educate people of the different cultures that this school contains. It’s an entertaining way for people to get a chance to view some different styles [of the arts] from other nationalities,” junior Samantha Czerwonko expressed. And with that, yet another amazing and unique Multicultural Night was a success. “It was an amazing show and I really enjoyed it. I think everyone in the audience learned something and took a piece of the show away with them as they drove home that night,” Jessica Flores said. The night of October 10th will not be easily forgotten.

Features

December 2013

CHC Awards: Top

30 Lifestyle

The world is bitter, and not just on Twitter Alexys Nowak COPY EDITOR

“I hate it when…,” “That is so ugly…,” “I can’t stand her....” These negative phrases are just a microcosm of comments that fly out of teenagers’ mouths at a pace that almost seems natural. Saying it is not enough, however. The responses that people receive towards their negative opinions are taken more seriously than positive ones, and in return are spread around, affecting others’ outlooks on the situation. In this day and age, it seems as if the more popular opinion always leans toward the negative end of the spectrum.

To me, one of the main contributors to negative opinions are social media sites such as

Twitter. I myself am guilty of putting my opinion out there when I am frustrated or annoyed, rather than when something enjoyable happens. Instead of going to someone for advice, people turn to Twitter to rant about the problem that has come up. In turn, they receive multiple retweets and replies, showing that people agree with their negative opinion. Goodreads.com proves my point when it states, “Negative impressions are like germs. That means, rude gestures and remarks have the ability to spread like wildfire, infecting not just you, but everyone around you. And in the Twittersphere, a negative tweet, retweet or hashtag can travel around the world at lightning speed. Twitter’s multiplier effect enables those negative germs to spread faster and be more impactful than ever before.”

Having negative thoughts is normal, as we are all human, but putting them out there for everyone to see is seen as acceptable rather than inappropriate. There has to be a reason for everyone being so open with the bad things that happen, and that is the fact that they feel it will relate them to others more than the good. Everyone can relate to being upset at one point or another with their parents, but not everyone will say out in the open how much they love them. While it is harsh, that is the truth. People are less ashamed of their negative thoughts, because they feel as if everyone has them. The ratio of negative to positive thoughts that go through someone’s mind may be even, but when it comes to the public eye, people seem as if they are blooming with negativity.

Twitter is not the only thing to be infected with negativity. When it comes to society in general, the good goes unnoticed because the bad is so much more “relatable.” This concept fits in perfectly with the idea of relation-

ships and stereotyping.

Another scenario where negativity is huge is in a relationship. A boy and a girl may feel extremely happy together, but they mainly express their feelings only to each other.

When a guy is happy with his relationship with his girlfriend, he still may turn to his friends, making a rude remark that will make him seem “cool” in their eyes. If he was to look at them and say something sweet, chances are he would be hit back with laughter and jokes making fun of him. So he simply says something that is not true because he does not want to look lame in front of his friends.

The idea of stereotyping is solely based on the negative view of a certain ethnic group or person in general.

There are jokes made regarding race or sexuality, and let me tell you, none of them are based on positive opinions. Since the people making these jokes are most commonly not part of the ethnic group, they all join together in what is one, big group of hateful comments. To them, it is not a big deal at the moment because they are not saying anything to the person’s face, but the idea is still out there, and it’s wrong.

Junior Andres Vizcaino agrees with me strongly on this topic. “When we look at the idea of stereotypes, it is all based on the negative outlooks of a situation. For example, in the movie The Blind Side, Michael Oher is immediately looked at as a bad person just because he is a big, African American male.

Almost his whole school feels this way about him just because of how he looks. The only person to look at him as a real individual is the woman that takes him into her home. That

shows the difference between the whole society compared to one person willing to look past what everyone is saying and look at the real person they are facing,” said Vizcaino.

Negativity is all around the world. There is not a day that goes by that someone does not confront me with an opinion they want me to agree with, or something negative that they have heard. It is time for society to stop looking at the amount of retweets, or acceptance from a group of friends as part of their standards for what they think. If people put their positive thoughts out there, the world will more than likely be a more pleasant place.

Technology Is the future written in code?

Video games offer prophecy

Joshua Alleman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As early as 1990, video games have been foreshadowing what was sure to come in the near future. A video game that isn’t very well known anymore called Smash TV anticipated the rise of reality television a decade before its time. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake had fuel-producing algae in their game that was able to produce gasoline and in 2012, algae fuel began to be used at four gas stations in San Francisco. Deus Ex, a game released in 2000, had a New York skyline that was missing the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center; since the September 11 attacks took place in 2001, this game was said to have predicted it would happen. In the story arc of the game, it was stated that terrorists had destroyed them; a direct line from one of the cut scenes states: “they want us scared, man. They want every person in the Western World terrified some terrorist is going to attack us in our homes.” These events that happened in the past may have just been coincidences, but the overwhelming amount of story arcs from different games that coincide with the same main plot points in the future is where viewers can agree that it gets really interesting. “Video games don’t predict the future, but they may have an influence on its outcome. Since a lot of games are based on science and real facts, it is totally possible that they have depicted what will happen in the future,” says senior Kurt Davis. “All video game designers have different ways of perceiving what may happen, hence games like Halo and Dead Space being different. This timeline was created unintentionally and I don’t think it will be very reliable.”

2020s: In these years, robotics become so advanced that the lines between human and robot begin to blur with Mega Man and his brother, Proto Man. “Many video games try to be as realistic as possible, so it’s no wonder that some prophecies come true. I wouldn’t be surprised (or upset) if someone becomes a real-life Mega Man within my lifetime,” says senior Caleb Kramer. In 2021, nanotechnology begins to drastically evolve, allowing implementation in military and civilian life, linking to Nano Breaker, a PS2 game. 2027 is when things radically change; with Deus Ex: Human Revolution, man is mixed with machine. Humans are upgraded to be able to perform superhuman abilities, polarizing the world in a debate about the ethics of human alteration and augmentation. Toward the end of the decade, enhanced humans are tested when super criminals rise in Captain Commando and biologically enhanced rebels show up in Haze.

2030s-2080s: The technological progress of the decade before slams to a halt and the world is crippled by the lack of fossil fuels.

Some countries will turn to space for a solution, looking for fuel and colonizing Mars.

This is evident games like Carnage Heart, Machine Hunter, Red Faction, and the Halo series. While some counties focus on other worlds, other stay focused on Earth; this leads to wars for domination over the natural resources that are left in Killzone 2 and Fallout. The need for petroleum sends the world into a nuclear apocalypse, which is referred to as World War Three by a game titled Star Ocean: the Last Hope. 2077 is the breaking point—the United States and China desperately lash out against each other and the world sends out a flurry of panic warheads, putting the world in a state of nuclear

and radioactive chaos. Scared civilians literally have to bury themselves under ground in Fallout’s vaults and Metro 2033’s subways to survive this onslaught. In the years that follow, things go from bad to worse—a lot worse. Humanity must turn on itself as the radiation from the warheads cause viruses to mutate, taking over both living and dead hosts; the new enemies are the neighbors, friends, and family that have been infected.

2090s-2140s: During this point in the timeline, not much happens because humans are stuck underground, just trying to survive.

“Humans need to respect nuclear power.

It is much bigger and more powerful than us, and more importantly, it is not forgiving. The prospect of living underground is frightening, but I can hope that the human race doesn’t take risks that may result in an extreme change to the way we do life,” says Kramer. Warzone 2100, Metal Warriors, and Battlefield 2142 all feature the rebuilding of society and battles on the surface involving mech-suits due to the fact that it would be unsafe for humans to walk around on the surface unprotected.

2150s-2300s: Radiation has subsided and a newly humbled human society slowly starts to return to the surface, trying to piece together a civilization and still searching for a solution to their limited resources; that solution comes from outer space. The mining operations that started on Earth and Mars prior to the Great War of 2077, or World War Three are put back into action and alien artifacts are discovered in the 2140s. Alien artifacts like Dead Space’s black marker in 2214 or Mass Effect’s prothean technology in 2148 opens up a door to space and assures the world that it is most certainly not alone in this universe or multiverse. The alien discoveries lead human technology toward faster than light travel, or light speed travel and Mass Effect proves that Pluto is not just a wannabe planet, but more of an interstellar bus stop. In 2186, humans successfully join an alien council and then successfully kill an alien council and destroy the galaxy-wide railroad, rendering the human race unable to travel between star systems. In the following years, the UNSC, or United Nations Space Command scientists from Halo reinvent the prothean technology that was lost and open up the universe for exploration with the Shaw-Fijukawa Slipspace Drive in 2291, but this time the universe isn’t so eager to see the human race.

2300s-2500s: Humans are constantly met with alien races that they have to destroy or be destroyed by with the Nechromorphs of Dead Space in 2508 and the Flood and Covenant aliens from the Halo series in 2525.

“I am not looking forward to warring with aliens. If we encounter aliens—and I think it’s clear that they will be coming to us—that means they’re a whole lot more advanced than us; we wouldn’t have a chance,” says Kramer. Opening the door to space has opened a dangerous can of worms for the human race, but only time will tell what really happens.

“Video game victories are short-lived. It is easy to think of games existing in a vacuum and that when you beat the final boss and the credits roll, you’re done and you’ve saved the universe, but one thing to remember is that you’re just playing out a chapter in a much larger timeline consisting of all other video games,” says ‘MatPat.’

p Stories of 2013 Sports ACLs: Tearing apart the next generation of athletes

Troy Bottom SPORTS EDITOR

Pop. Scream. Plop. These three sounds haunt athletes at every level. It starts with the pop; a bad cut or direct blow that slices the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, most commonly known as the ACL. Then the scream; the ear-deafening holler from the athlete as the instant pain suddenly mixes with the realization of a dragged out process of recovery.

Finally the plop, the symbolic fall of an athlete and his future all in one movement. ACL tears have become one of the most common injuries in almost every contact and collision sport; and in recent studies done by ESPN.com; this trend will not be slowing down anytime soon.

The issue of ACL tears is being discussed from little leagues all the way up to the professional level all across the United States in almost every sport.

The explanation for why ACL tears have been increasing year after year have eluded doctors and added confusion to this puzzle. There are a few possible explanations, but unfortunately they offer no real easy solution. The consequences of injury can be life changing and no one knows this better than senior and captain of the football team, Dylan Fernandez.

“It’s a horrible feeling and it has really hurt my career,” Fernandez stated. “It was in a playoff game and I was on defense defending an option play. The running back received a pitch followed by a quick cut and I tried to do the same but my leg just got stuck planted in the ground. I made the tackle but when I began to jog off the field I felt my leg all wob-

bly and I fell back down.”

There are two types of ACL tears, those that are caused by a collision and then the ones that are a result of a sharp cut or bad landing.

In Fernandez’s case, his injury . Collision ACL injuries are categorized as more violent and 40% of collision tears result in what is called a “terrible triad.” A terrible triad is basically a hit, much like the publicized impact on South Carolinas Marcus Lattimore a year ago, which tore his ACL, MCL, and Meniscus all in one blow to the knee. The time table for any ACL injury, collision or not, is anywhere from eight months to the

one year mark.

“We have many different ways we test if an athlete has suffered a tear. The most common test is usually done on the field where the athlete goes down and is called a ‘Lachman’s test.’ Here we grab the thigh and tibia and

moving the tibia trying to shift it forward.

The ACL is what prevents movement of the tibia so we test to see if the ACL allows movement or opens up, if so, it is torn,” explained Head Athletic Trainer, Coach Benji Sloan.

Collisions are inevitable in sports like soccer and football, but the reasons why the collisions are causing more and more tears is explained by two theories. One is that kids nowadays are being trained too hard. Elite high school programs lift, condition, and work their athletes at levels that rival college universities. The simple fact is that with time, science has been able to study and strengthen every muscle possible in a male or female, allowing for a far more enhanced athlete. With more rigorous training comes a more significant toll on an i n d i v i d u a l ’s body. The other theory also corresponds with the fact that athletes today are being over trained.

The average teenager is faster, stronger, and more agile than ever before.

This equates to all these young athletes running at speeds they’re not meant to reach until a more mature age, and as a result, they make cuts so fast and quick that their ligaments are not strong enough to support it.

More and more research has been under way to tackle this subject. The most common places to see these injuries are on the soccer field, football field, and basketball courts.

With more and more tests constructed, hopefully scientists can tear apart the subject once and for all, and help sideline these injuries that have sidelined many of our nation’s next top athletes.

31 Features

December 2013

Features Jaguar pride finally finds its way home Alexys Nowak and Victoria Alvarez PROOF READER AND ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“This stadium gives us a new identity. We no longer have to play on other schools’ fields, we finally have a home.” – Stephan Montes (’14) After months of anticipation, the new PPCHS stadium was finally ready for its first home football game, the “Charter Bowl,” against Somerset Academy. The silence that filled the stadium and empty bleachers before the game began was nothing compared to what was soon to come; a night full of cheers, screams, and pure Jaguar pride.

An hour before the game, Jaguar parent volunteers arrived at the field to help prep the concession stand for what was to be a busy night. Soon after, lines began to form on the home side of the box office. Whispers of “I can’t wait to see it,” and “I’m so excited” snuck their way into the gates as smiles spread across the many Jaguar faces. Covered head-to-toe in maroon, black, and white, the Jags flooded into the stadium, ready for the opening ceremony and a night filled with fun. As fans took their seats in the never-been-used bleachers, preparations for the ribbon cutting ceremony began as Mayor Ortis and City Commissioners Angelo Castillo and Iris Siple expressed their excitement for PPCHS. At 6:10 p.m., the ribbon was cut, symbolizing the official opening of the stadium. At this moment, the field was no longer just a plan or construction in progress; it was finally home, finally something for PPCHS to call their own.

“It’s an incredible feeling, I couldn’t be prouder of our amazing school. Being the first SGA president to have the opportunity to experience this field is such an honor, and it will definitely bring tremendous school spirit,” said junior Sofia Lalinde.

As the crowd continued to grow over the passing minutes, it was time for the Jaguar football team to enter the field. To get the crowd rallied up, the band members created a long lane for the football players to

run through. At the end of the lane stood the cheerleaders, holding up a sign that read “Beat the Panthers.” Although the school wished for a win, it was clear that this game was going to mean something more than just a win or a loss; it was the start of something new. The Jaguars ran onto the field and through the lane with intensity and enthusiasm, responding positively to the loud cheering from the large number of fans surrounding them. After the Star Spangled Banner was played, and the football team raised their helmets to the sky, it was time to start the game.

“I think if they believe they can do it from the bottom of their hearts then they can. I love to see spirit coming from the players, cheerleaders, band members and fans,” said

sophomore Colin Webb at his first Charter football game.

The whistle was blown, and still, fans continued to flood into the stadium, having to lean up against the fence of the home team’s sideline. As the football was launched into the air, fans began to shout and scream, showing off their new and improved Jaguar pride. Shouts of “Go Jags!” and “you’ve got this Jaguars!” spread throughout the stands and flooded the ears of everyone in the stadium.

The intensity that the crowd brought nev-

er died down; the cheerleaders continued to pump everyone up, and the announcer brought energy as he gave a play by play of the entire game. By the second quarter, the attendance at the game had grown so high, fans were no longer able to enter the home side of the field and were forced to take seats on the visitor’s side. It was not until half time that all Jaguar fans were allowed to leave their seats and take over their home territory.

The marching band then took the field for their anticipated halftime performance of the theme song from Pixar’s “The Incredibles.”

Their performance lit up the field and got the entire crowd amped up for the next half of the game.

“Performing on the field was definitely a rush. Playing in front of such a huge crowd was a little intimidating but it was nice to hear their cheers and see the enjoyment on their faces as we played the song,” said sophomore Veronica Gayoso.

Students and parents were not the only people to show up at the Charter Bowl. Teachers not only from the middle school, but from every Charter campus arrived at the field as well as Charter alumna, Allison Tomey (’13).

“It’s really exciting to be at the game tonight. Even though I didn’t have the chance to experience it in my own high school years, seeing it now is still a great experience for me,” said Tomey. “I’m so happy for all the Jags that have this, they’re extremely lucky.”

As the game neared the final whistle, the crowd became anxious to see what the final score would be. Fans were standing up in the stands as the last seconds went down on the score board. “5…4…3…2…1…” The first preseason game was over, with a score of 8 to 4, with the Panthers taking home the win.

Despite the outcome of the game, the crowd still showed incredible support for the team.

The end result does not change the fact that the game has marked a historical event in Charter history; the presence of a new home.

As the fans emptied out of the stadium and began their journeys home, the only thing on anyone’s mind was the thought of the next home game, and hopefully the next win.

Page Name Month 2013

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Drones fly through the Amazon Lauren Ramirez STAFF WRITER

Imagine a world where a package that was ordered online could be delivered to a doorstep within a matter of minutes. The popular online retailer Amazon says such a future is not as fictional as one might think.

On the CBS show "60 minutes", Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced a new project Amazon is currently working on called Prime Air. This new seemingly science

fictional technology uses GPS coordinates to deliver packages from an amazon warehouse to someone's doorstep. The Prime Air drone itself appears to be a small helicopter-like object called a quadricopter that can pick up any package weighing less than five pounds and transport it almost instantaneously.

While this is an amazing technological

advancement, it is still years away from being released. The GPS technology has been raising eyebrows with some major questions. "How are they going to avoid the drones landing on someone's home or car?” wonders senior Dymin Richardson.

Even the simplest things take much consideration when designing this technology, even the simplest questions such as "who

Also in Technology...

Are cell phones our puppet masters?

will ring the doorbell when the package arrives?” a question posed by sophomore Angelo Paparazzi, will take years of hard work to find answers to. “It would speed up delivery of online orders, but the technology is at least three or four years away.”

Bezos said to 60 Minutes correspondent Charlie Rose.

33

Great gadget guide: Top Holiday gifts Tyra Green STAFF WRITER

Xbox One

The holiday season is in full affect and the season of giving gifts officially arrives. As December rolls in, the eagerness to wake up during the holidays to untie bows and unwrap presents fills the year but before the joy of unwrapping, comes the anxiety of buying.

No more looking past the aisles filled with flat screens and computers, this year has been all about technology and what better gift to give than the latest editions of electronics?

Whether it’s for communication, listening or reading, 2013 has presented a gadget to match everyone needs. From smartphones to headphones, you can never go wrong with technology, here are the top 4 electronic gadgets of this year that would make a perfect edition under the tree.

For all of the gamers, the latest Xbox has come with upgrades and new features that are beyond futuristic. The unification of the Xbox organization and Microsoft has earned this new gaming network as the “the complete all-in-one-games and entertainment system.” With brand new innovative features, the world of movies, TV, games and music is uniting. To begin a simple voice command can turn your gaming system on, when you walk in the room the system immediately identifies with you and personalizes your screen to all of your favorites. And while you are playing a game you can watch television, multi-tasking, snapping two experiences together.

Price: $499.99

Innergie PocketCell Portable Charger

Photo by: Sydney Silverberg

In this day and age of technology, smart gadgets are being used for more than 8+ a day to prevent your electronic from dying Innergie developed a sleek portable charger that is easy to carry around and easy to use. “My phone is always dying, so I’ve been looking for a charger that I can bring anywhere that is small and efficient.” Says junior Damian Walters. This charger can charge tablets and any smart phone and comes with a microUSB, macro-USB and apple cable to plug in any of the devices. It has enough juice to recharge your phone up to 15 hours of and tablet by 5 hours of power. Efficient and Effective after 10 seconds of no use it turns off to save energy. Also ensuring the means of portable, it is the size of a two pink erasers.

Price: $59.99

Technology December 2013

Graphic by: Matthew Perez

Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

This is an e-reader like no other and according to Chrismastoys2013. hubpages.com “one of the most popular gifts of the year.” This 7-inch e-reader does more than hold books; it’s the perfect multimedia device for entertainment. The kindle has the ability to download over 1000 books; it is a product of Amazon who has the title of being the biggest online book distributor. Not Graphic by: Armando Urena only is it a library but you can also watch movies that can be shown beautifully through its high-resolution color display and listen to music through its powerful speakers. It is light, thin and incredibly easy to hold making it a perfect life tablet.

Price: $229.99

Urbeats by Dre

Walking through the halls, there is not one student that does not have headphones. Specialized for all of the music lovers, Urbeats takes listening to music to another level. Full range audio and clear noise isolation these headphones were carefully created to block out the outside noise distraction and present to you a concert to your ears every single day. Effectively transmitting sounds to your ears but not missing the style factor, the headphones are also ultra light, durable and tangle free. You can even personalize your beats with your favorite color at beatsbydre.com Price: $99.95

Photo by: Sydney Silverberg

As the year comes to a close and the holiday season comes around these four gifts are enough to bring joy and smiles to this grand occasion. “I think the best gifts to give are electronics and technology, they get used a lot more and the world is basically based on technology now” says junior Wesley Haber. Out all of the numerous gifts possible these tech-toys will be right in season for a tech-savvy holiday.

Don’t fix what isn’t broken Alexys Nowak PROOF-READER

Today, the world revolves around our cell phones. No matter what we’re doing, our phone is constantly in our reach. We go throughout our day missing beautiful aspects of life simply because our eyes are pointed down at a screen. One of the only places that you will find people conversing without a second of texting someone else is on an airplane, and this isn’t even their choice. The only reason people refrain from using their cell phones on planes is because of the law. However, according to huffingtonpost.com, the Florida Communications Commission (FCC) is considering lifting the ban of cell phone use on airplanes. To me, this is absolutely unacceptable. The FCC is saying that the original idea of phones causing interference with the planes might not be accurate. The simple fact that they are unsure if use of cell phones would cause damage to the plane is enough to say that the ban should remain.

According to a poll taken by the Huffington Post, 49% of people agree that phones should not be allowed on planes. I strongly agree with these voters. Not only is it a danger, but it is sad to say that people are that desperate to have constant contact with their cell phones. Passengers wait impatiently for the plane to land just so they

can text their friends about how much they missed them for the two hours that they were inbv flight. A few weeks ago, the plane I was on could not take off on time because one of the passengers refused to turn their phone off before receiving a text message. Now, by even announcing that the use of phones may be a possibility on planes, this is going to be a reoccurring event. People who do not know the full story will argue that it is safe to use their phones, and they will not turn them off.

Also, if it turns out that their thoughts are wrong, it will cause a huge debate from the 39% of people who voted for it.

The people who voted towards using their phones have already gained excitement, and there is no doubt that it will effect airlines even before the final results are announced. Instead of putting their phones away without question, passengers may fight back, saying that they believe it is not a danger to have their phones out. This will cause a debate throughout the passengers on the plane itself, which is just a microcosm of what will happen throughout the world. The FCC should not have even considered announcing their idea until they confirmed whether or not it was safe to use phones during the flight.

Graphic by: Jonathan Harris

Sophomore Rachel Lorenzo is one person who agrees with me on this topic. “I love my phone, and I love that I can talk to my friends whenever I want, but when it comes to being safe, I would give it up right away.

I never even thought twice about turning my phone off on the plane; that’s always just how it was,” said Lorenzo. “Now, with the changes that may be made, I feel like it will only hurt us. If it is proven that it actually is safe, people will lose even more contact with the real world. If it’s true that it’s not safe, then the people who wanted it will argue against the law and cause chaos.”

It’s simple; people would not be so into this idea if it had not been announced so early.

When on a plane, the majority of people are used to turning off their phones. Now, when the day comes that it is announced whether cell phones will be allowed or not, it will be chaos no matter what the outcome is. If the modern age was not so obsessed with their cell phones in the first place, this would never be such an issue. The FCC would never feel the need to explore whether or not it is safe to use your phones.

It has come to the point where people are willing to risk their safety for the simple task of sending a text message.

Technology December 2013

34

Drones fly through the Amazon

Hour_of_code bytes… (PPCHS)

Lauren Ramirez STAFF WRITER

Jake Dreilinger NEWS EDITOR/MANAGING EDITOR LAYOUT

The announcement of Amazon’s new ambitious project came as a surprise even to the 60 Minutes reporters. The producers of the show were aware that Bezos had a surprising announcement, but they had no idea just what was in store for them. “I only knew that there was a surprise coming. I had no idea what it was,” says 60 Minutes producer Draggan Mihailovich (cbsnews.com).

Amazon will have many obstacles to face along the road, but one of their main issues

The innovators and creative minds of the their website to help people become familpast predicted that this current age would iar with different aspects of the computer. be ruled by advanced technology. They According to code.org, Computer Science predicted that there would be flying cars Education Week is “a one-hour introducand holograms instead of phones. Their tion to computer science, designated to depredictions weren’t far off. Society has en- mystify ‘code’ and show that anyone can tered the age of technology, and at the cen- learn the basics to be a maker, a creator, an ter of this new age innovator.” is the highly cherComputer Sciished computer. ence Education Many people Week is observed have taken on the each year to honrole of making or the birthday and fixing these of computing computers, and pioneer Admiral their knowledge Grace Murray of the computer Hopper. To honis vast and poweror his memory, ful. Using many people will have coding languagthe opportunity es and custom to learn from shortcuts to make many tutorials, computers easier including how to for people to use, write computer the masters of programs, how to Cartoon by: Carmen Pettersen computer science make an iPhone create new and advanced computers every app on a web browser, and how to make year. The greatest way to ensure that com- a game. puters advance would be to teach others.

“It’s important to know how to use a Code.org is dedicating the week of Decem- computer because it can really benefit stuber 9th - December 15th to teach students dents in their futures,” said Matias Matias. and teachers how to use computer science “Many job fields require you to work with to their benefit. and have knowledge of computers.”

“Computer science teaches logic, proceTo participate in Computer Science Edudure, and cause and effect,” said Mr. Sands. cation Week, teachers will need to find a “It will help you make better decisions in tutorial online and have access to computlife because, through computer science, ers. Students will begin using the tutorials. you will know cause and effect. Computer The purpose of these tutorials is to promote science will also help you with problem interactive learning and encourage peer solving. Most problems can be solved by learning. The Hour of Code will teach stuusing systematic steps. Break large prob- dents “how technology works and how to lems into smaller, manageable chunks. It create software applications”. What makes teaches good life lessons, and how to ana- this program even better is that it trains the lyze and solve problems.” young minds of today for the inevitable fuEach day within this week for one hour, ture that awaits them. A future where comcode.org will be providing tutorials on puters are infused in everyday life.

are predicted only be able to travel within a ten mile radius of distribution centers, this means that those living in more remote locations will have to have their packages delivered traditionally until the technology improves.

Another question that has been posed about the Prime Air delivery system is whether the drones will be able to function in bad weather. Not only could the weather physically affect the drone’s mechanics, but it could also distort the GPS capabilities of the aircraft.

“Amazon's official statement doesn't address this obvious question. But Cummings says that to make the drones reliable in most weather conditions, Amazon would need to improve on currently available technology,” CNN reports.

Amazon is not the only company considering the Graphic by: Daniel Vidal possibility of drone based will be the Federal Aviation Administration deliveries; Domino’s Pizza has also tried (FAA). The FAA has strict rules regarding out the system with the “DomiCopter”, and the use of commercial unmanned aircrafts, they released a video of the copter deliverand the drones do not comply with these ing pizzas earlier this year, although their rules. Amazon will have a long battle ahead technology — like Amazon’s — is not yet of them when trying to get these drones le- ready for commercial use. In Australia, gally approved for use in the United States. a country with less strict aviation laws, "We'll be ready to enter commercial opera- drones are already in use by the popular tions as soon as the necessary regulations textbook company Zookal (CNN). are in place," Amazon reported to USA ToAlthough Bezos says that Prime Air delivday on December 1st, "Safety will be our ery is not something that is “right around top priority, and our vehicles will be built the corner”, it is expected to happen somewith multiple redundancies and designed time in the next ten years. Many are seeto commercial aviation standards." ing this advancement as the beginning of a Jeff Bezos announced that in the best science fictional age. The drones will make possible case, drone deliveries could be- online shopping faster, easier, and more gin taking place by 2015, but drone expert practical. Drones aren’t going to be cloudMissy Cummings told CNN that the 2015 ing the sky anytime soon, but the possibilprediction is a longshot. Not everyone will ity is enough to get the population buzzing. be eligible for drone delivery. The drones

Are cell phones our puppet masters?

Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

it is more convenient being that is small and portable. I use my text messaging and The terrible cliché is back: teens are ad- phone calls to connect with those I need dicted to cell phones and it’s controlling to speak to quickly, my email allows me their lives. Even though I roll my eyes at to know what’s going on. Whether it be in the thought of this idea, it’s true. Around school or in the mall, my calendar rememevery corner, people—especially teenag- bers all my dates so I don’t have to, and soers—can be found with their faces glue to cial network keeps me connected to all my friends and the celebrities that I follow. Even a few minutes without the subtle weight of my phone in my pocket drives me insane.

Yes, my phone is a large part of my life, but luckily for me, I don’t think that it has taken over my life. I know when to take a break and set my phone down. If I were to lose my phone, I would be devastated, but I would eventually get over it. I can’t say the same thing for some of A Limited View: Students pay more attention to their phones than what is my peers. It scares me that going on around them. Photo by: Jonathan Harris some people cannot function and move through their day without their tiny screens. With the continuation of ad- phone in their hands. It seems like teens vancements in technology, people are in- have their brains attached to their phones creasingly using their phones for all kinds sometimes. Teenagers act as if when they of activities such as ordering food, sched- don’t have their phones, they can’t funculing appointments, and even completing tion properly. presentations. With an increase in what Sophomore Joimichael Martin agrees with technology can do comes a decrease in the me. “I feel like teens are too connected to lives of teenagers. I don’t want to believe their phones. Their attachment to their dethat teenage lives are being taken over by vices is just really ridiculous. Everywhere phones, but sadly, that’s the truth.

I go, I see kids as young as nine years old For me personally, my phone is my ev- focused on their iPhones and Androids. It’s erything. Now that most computer pro- like no one can stop and talk to anyone else grams have adapted to work on phones, it anymore. Back before phones were popuhas become more advantageous to take my lar, people used to take time and visit or phone around wherever I go. I find myself write each other, but now, it’s like I have just doing everything on my phone because to yank my friends away from their phones

in order to talk to them for even two min- like a kid, but no that doesn’t mean you utes,” Martin states. can tell them to hurt themselves. Yes, your In life, there is more than just your phone teacher might not be the best, but no you and I feel like since smart phones rose can’t spread derogatory words about them. in popularity, people have begun to lose It’s the warped sense of mind that students sense of the real world. At events like par- have created around their phones that has ties, many will be glued to their phones caused them to lose reality. the whole time instead of talking to those As of right now I am worried, but I’m around them and enjoying the festivities. At concerts, most are too busy trying to capture the moment for Instagram and Twitter to even watch the performer like and take part in the experience. They are essentially paying to watch a concert through their phone, which they would do even if they didn’t go to the venue.

There are so many mainstream ideas telling kids to live in the here and now, but all they seem to do is live within the four corners Are phones the new friends?: Students stare at their phones all day, even when surrounded by friends at lunch. Photo by: Jonathan Harris of their phone.

Not only are phones ruining teens social lives, they are also caus- more afraid about what might come ahead. ing harm to the real world that they live in. New phones will keep on being unveiled, If you ask most teenagers, they’ll tell you and they are going to be getting better and that they would rather be texting than in better to the point where there will be nearschool. They back up their claims of not ly no communication that isn’t through cell wanting to be in school with a list of mil- phone world. I know it sounds extreme, but lionaire Harvard dropouts who have made with the way that teenagers are progresstheir way to fame and fortune. I’m sorry to ing in their lives will cell phones, it’s begive this wake up call, but in order to be a coming even more of a reality. Soon, all Harvard dropout; you would have had to teens could be permanently bent over their get into Harvard in the first place. And not phones and they won’t focus on what’s have kids lost focus on education, they are right in front of them. The cliché is one also using their phones for the wrong rea- that teens hate to address, but sadly it’s the sons. I know social networking can be used truth: teens are addicted to their phones. to express yourself, but students are taking And becoming less Smart. “expression” and “freedom of speech” to levels that are absurd. Yes, you may not

News Month 2013

32

Is it possible to prevent school shootings?

Typhoon Haiyan devastates the Philippines

Healthcare.gov gets no love

New information released on Sandy Hook shootings

News

December 2013

36

Typhoon Haiyan devastates the Philippines Maria Bozo and Lauren Ramirez WEB EDITOR AND STAFF WRITER

November 9th 2013 was the day the country of the Philippines took a turn for the worst.

Houses were destroyed, lives were lost; the country was left in a state of despair. No one was expecting that Super Typhoon Haiyan, a violent tropical storm, was going to pass through the country leaving millions devastated. The typhoon has changed the lives of thousands of people living in the area. The death toll of the storm is 151 as of November 10th, but this number is expected to rise to the thousands as the aftermath of the storm is cleared. However, Steven Rood, the Philippines country representative for the nonprofit Asia Foundation, is uncertain that they will ever know the exact total (NBC).

A super typhoon has surface winds that sustain speeds of more than 240 kilometers per hour for at least a minute, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. CNN is calling the typhoon “one of the strongest storms ever.” Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Yolanda, appeared to re-

tain much of its terrifying force as it moved west over the country, with sustained winds of 295 kilometers per hour, gusts as strong as 360 kilometers per hour. Haiyan’s wind strength makes it equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane,” writes CNN reporter Jethro Mullen. It was no surprise that the citizens of the southern region of the Philippines were left in desperation after the storm tore their cities apart. More than 100,000 people were left without homes and were forced to take shelter in evacuation centers.

“We estimate 1,000 people were killed in Tacloban and 200 in Samar province,” Gwendolyn Pang, secretary general of the Philippine Red Cross told CNN. The storm’s victims, which include 4.3 million people, were hit hard despite evacuating almost 800,000 citizens in preparation for the storm.

“The casualty figure will most likely increase as we get more information from remote areas, which have been cut off from communications,” Tomoo Hozumi, UNICEF’s Philippines representative told CNN reporters.

Many charities and relief organizations all

Healthcare.gov gets no love Aaliyah Pasols STAFF WRITER

It’s been on the news for the past two months, and has been the culprit causing many parents’ frustrations. Healthcare.gov has been experiencing problems over the last couple of months since its launch on October 1st, 2013. Citizens have been outraged over the countless numbers of errors that have occurred while navigating the website.

And it seemed that when one problem was fixed, another would pop up, adding to the frustration of the website users. Currently it seems to be running smoothly, or at least more smoothly than before, but the website now carries a bad rep.

Obamacare: The Obamacare website has been having difficulties. Photo by: Juan Tellez

“My parents tried to get on to the website many times only to encounter little problems each time like the continue buttons wouldn’t work, or the page wouldn’t load,” Samantha Melendez (’11) shared. In addition to the buttons not working and the pages not loading, there were many other complications that

over the world are doing everything in their power to help the Philippines get back on their feet. According to worldbank.org, the World Bank Group is mobilizing $500 million in financing and deploying global disaster experts to support the Philippines’ efforts to recover and rebuild the devastation. The World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said, “In the aftermath of the typhoon, we have seen courageous efforts by the people of the Philippines to get back on their feet. We are committed to support- Graphic by: Matthew Perez been absolutely terrible if it hit them. They ing the government in its effort to recover and rebuild, and to help Filipinos strengthen would most likely not have a house to live their resilience against increasingly frequent in, not to mention that their lives would be at risk; even the thought of that scares me,” extreme weather events.”

“I have family in the Philippines, but they says sophomore Kelcey Hernandez.

The Philippines have undergone so much live on the north part of the island and the storm hit the southern region so they were turmoil in the past couple of weeks, and who not affected too badly by it. But they are real- knows when the country will be able to rely disappointed that it happened because the cover from Typhoon Haiyan. We can only Philippines is already a poor country to begin wish for good to come out of this bad circumwith so after the storm it’s just going to get stance. If the world continues on the path that even worse. I’m so grateful that my family it is on, the Philippines are on the right track wasn’t affected by it because it would have to bounce back, stronger than ever.

Gone, but never forgotten

left many Americans stressed. Some users claimed they couldn’t create an account at all, or that when they did, they weren’t able to create a username and password. Another main problem was simply the navigation of the site. It was deemed too complicated and confusing by many people who attempted to log on (MarketWatch). Error pages were also all too frequent. David Auerbach, a writer for Slate.com explains, “The site claimed to be working, but after I started the registration process, I sat on a ‘Please Wait’ page for 10 minutes before being redirected to an error page: ‘Sorry, we can’t find that page on HealthCare.gov’” (Slate.com). This was a common problem that many people faced, and due to the high amount of errors and little success rate, the website earned a bad name.

“The website will be looked at negatively for a long time because of how many errors the visitors faced. My dad was so fed up with the website that after trying to create an account multiple times, he just gave up,” junior Geovani Hoyos explained. Although users had to endure hours of stress over the website, it seems to be running a bit more efficiently. Visitors of the site can now create accounts without their whole page freezing up. And even though there are still some minor errors that are being fixed, “the functionality of the site does appear to have improved considerably” (The New Yorker).

Healthcare.gov may have not been getting much love, but at least the site is up and running again!

Jake Dreilinger NEWS EDITOR/MANAGING EDITOR

On December 5th, the former South African president Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95. Mandela was an inspirational leader; a role model to those fighting for equal rights.

He helped to end apartheid, the segregation of the black South Africans and the white South Africans, and helped to set up democratic elections in South Africa. He participated in the country’s first democratic election, winning the election to become South Africa’s first inaugurated president.

One of the biggest things that made Mandela such an inspiration was that he never tried to seek revenge for apartheid. In office, Mandela was equally supportive for all races, never extracting revenge by taking away the rights of the white South Africans. For those who are being oppressed or deprived, Mandela was that one person people could turn to.

Mandela during his young adulthood was an active member of the African National Congress, an organization with the goal of ending apartheid in South Africa. At the beginning of his ANC career, Mandela participated in violent protests. Eventually he realized that peaceful protests would be much more efficient. Mandela was arrested for his peaceful protests. He was charged with treason and trying to overthrow the government.

He was sentenced to life in prison. Every day for the next 27 years, Mandela was beaten and tortured. When the government led by South African president at the time FW de Klerk decided to end apartheid due to more and more black South Africans protesting, Mandela was released from prison.

Most of the world’s leader were at Mandela’s funeral alongside millions of South

Graphic by: Armando Urena

Africans wishing to say their final goodbyes to their beloved hero. The world has lost a great man, one who altered the course of history, not just in South Africa, but all over the world.

Top 8 events of 201 Anthony Kelleher TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

President Obama’s Inauguration - January 20th Winning the 2012 November election against Mitt Romney, President Obama starts his second term and final Inauguration to the presidency. This took place at the Blue Room of the White House where thousands of people flocked from all over the country to see the marking of the next four years for the president and for the country.

Boston Marathon - April 15th Competitors and spectators alike were very excited about the annual Boston Marathon where runners take to the streets of Boston on a 26-mile route. Things turned to another direction when two bombs, 8 seconds apart, went off near the end of the marathon track and instead of running towards the finish line; racers were running away from it. The tragic events at the Boston Marathon caused 3 deaths and injured 264 people.

Pope Francis Inaugurated - March 19th After the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis was elected to be the 266th Pope for the Roman Catholic Church on March 13th. Pope Francis is considered to be a more liberal pope and is well liked by many followers of the Church.

Pope Francis is the first Pope to ever have a twitter account @Pontifex.

From D Cyrus s forman Miley C perform er, inclu teddy b

Royal Baby is born - July 22nd June 22nd marks a day in royal history when the Du of Cambridge, Kate Middleton gives birth to a future the throne, George Alexander Louis. The royal baby wa weighing 8 pounds and 6 ounces and is currently third for the English throne, only after his father Prince W who is second in line.

37 News

December 2013

CHAT Editorials: Is it possible to prevent school shootings?

Nicholas Rivera STAFF WRITER

This year alone there have been over 15 school shootings around the country. In just the past two decades there have been over 100 school shootings leaving hundreds dead or seriously injured. From the deadliest school shooting at Virginia tech in 2007, which left 33 people dead, to the most recent on November 13th at Brashear High School in Pittsburg leaving three wounded, every school shooting hurts people, both physically and emotionally. But with so many examples of school shootings, why haven’t we been able to prevent them? The main answer is that we simply don’t know what will provoke the shooter.

On the morning of December 14th 2012, a man, Adam Lanza, entered Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

The man, armed with a semi-automatic assault rifle and two handguns that he obtained

from his mother’s home, shot at innocent students and teachers killing 23 and injuring many others. It was an event that left the nation in tears. After the heartbreaking incident, many complained that gun control and lack of security were to blame. Although I agree that security should be increased and people should be limited to small handguns, if any, I don’t think it would have made a huge difference in this event.

It’s arguable that a sharp increase in school security may lead to the decrease of invaders with weapons entering a school, but the truth of the matter is that more times than not the shooter will come from inside the school.

Anyone can be hiding a dark side beneath their façade. Often times the person that is least suspected and that no one would have ever worried about prior will turn and horrify everyone with the ugly side that they have.

Fortunately, PPCHS is full of students and teachers that care, not only about other members of the Pines Charter community, but about our school itself. Although we aren’t necessarily in a position of worry, we know that there are people here willing to protect and defend.

“The most important thing that we do is that we are visible to everyone. We are very open with students talking to us. Before it gets to the point where a student would even think about bringing a weapon to school, they can come and talk to us and when kids come and talk to us, we are able to stop problems before they occur and make them feel comfortable,” says assistant principal, Mrs. Battle On October 21st when a 12 year-old middle

school student, Jose Reyes, brought a semiautomatic handgun to a school in Sparks, Nevada. According to The Epoch Times, Reyes was a straight A student with perfect attendance. What reason would he have to go into his school and shoot a beloved math teacher and two other students? Some say that he was made fun of for his stuttering, but the truth is that this is a minor form of bullying compared to hundreds of other students in the United States. This proves that everyone has different breaking points and that any student at any school can turn on the school, even when they are least expected to.

But if Reyes had someone to talk to, would the event have a different outcome.

Heroes, such as Antoinette Tuff, are the reason why some school shootings have been stopped or prevented. Tuff, who earned the title of a hero after she was able to prevent a school shooting by simply speaking to the shooter, is one example of the type of people that need to be in schools. By simply giving the gunman someone to talk to, she potential protected dozens of people.

One thing that is thought to help prevent school shootings is gun control. In most cases, the gun or guns used comes from within the shooter’s residence. If personal guns are just used for self-defense, as they are supposed to, then people should still have the right to use them. The problem occurs when the guns are used outside of their main purpose. It would be nearly impossible to rid the country of guns inside of homes because it is part of the second amendment: the right to bear arms. Again, it goes back to not know-

New information released on Sandy Hook shootings Matthew Deno STAFF WRITER

December 14th will mark the one year anniversary of the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings by estranged gunman Adam Lanza. The massacre left 20 firstgraders and six school employees dead, and electrified calls for stricter gun control raged on throughout the nation. Audio recordings of 911 calls released on December 4th, nearly one year after the second-deadliest school shooting in U.S. history, offered a view into the horror that day last December at Sandy Hook. The recording also revealed the calmness of the 911 dispatchers who received the first calls for help. Town dispatchers are heard peacefully responding to tense calls from school staff. Dispatchers assure them help is on the way and ask about the children.

According to CNN, staff members are told to stay inside the school and to take cover.

Gunfire is heard in at least two of the calls.

“It’s just unimaginable to think of what was going through these innocent people’s

minds. They didn’t deserve to go through this.” comments sophomore Cristina Villegas.

CNN also reports that the first 911 call was made at about 9:35 a.m., with the first police officers arriving at the school less than four minutes later, investigators said. The shooter, Adam Lanza, 20, shot himself less than five minutes after that call. An investigative report released last month on CNN described Lanza, a former Sandy Hook student, as an antisocial young man obsessed with mass killings. The report also found that Lanza kept “a spreadsheet with mass murders over the years listing information about each shooting”, acted alone, and carefully planned the rampage; however, it did not uncover a clear motive. Nancy Lanza told a witness the month before the shooting that her son would communicate with her only by email, even though they lived in the same house. She also said he hadn’t left the home in three months and no one was allowed in his room.

Police said Lanza shot his mother, Nancy,

sometime between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., using a .22-caliber rifle, states NBC. Then Lanza got into his car and drove a few miles to the school, armed with a Bushmaster rifle, a Glock 10-millimeter pistol, a Sig Sauer 9-millimeter pistol and a large supply of ammo, investigators said. Lanza then shot open the glass window on the lobby door at the school.

“I don’t understand why Lanza would commit such a horrific crime. I can’t think of any explanation for him doing this besides being mentally ill. Hopefully investigators come to a conclusion soon.” says freshman Paul Baines.

The NY Daily News reports that the release of the 911 details on December 4th involved calls made on lines from the school to police in Newtown. Other calls, including those directed to other law enforcement agencies, were not released.

During the week of December 2nd, Connecticut Superior Court Judge Eliot Prescott upheld the Connecticut Freedom of Informa-

ing when someone will use their gun for bad.

Guns should be used in the right way. They should not be getting into the wrong hands and unfortunately they do get into the wrong hand too often, and when they do, no one knows what that person is going to do.

Although it is believed that the solution would require years of trial and error and the introduction of metal detectors, security guards, and high quality security cameras, the answer may not be as complex.

“No matter what, there will be people, not only kids, but also adults, who feel like they don’t fit it. It’s our job as adults in the school to make sure that students don’t feel like they don’t belong. Even when I was in the classroom, if I had kids who were kept to themselves or really quiet, or looked depressed, I would go out of my way to make them feel comfortable and to make them feel happy. If every adult did that, I think we would all be okay. It’s difficult to do that because a lot of teachers feel like they are not here for that, and that they are only here to teach the kids.

I say that we need to stop hiring people who don’t care about kids. That is the solution,” says Battle.

As hard as we try to prevent these tragedies, eventually our efforts will likely not be enough because we are not trying the right things. Guns will always be available and there will always be people who will want to do harm. They may not be completely preventable, but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying. We just need to take a different approach. Only then will we take a step to make our schools safer.

tion Comm i s s i o n ’s ruling to release calls related to the shooting.

A state attorney had tried to block the release to shield the Graphic by: Matthew Perez victims’ families; the Associated Press had challenged authorities’ refusal to release the 911 tapes. The December 4th release, which was supervised by town attorneys, came in the wake of local opposition, and the judge’s ruling. The release left news organizations with hard choices about what to broadcast from the events of a shattering day in the lives of a small, quiet town and an entire nation.

13 around the World

Miley Cyrus shocks the world - August 25th Disney’s little angel to every parent’s nightmare, Miley shakes up the music industry with her unexpected pernce of her latest hit We Can’t Stop at this year’s VMA’s.

Cyrus shocked the audience and viewers with both her mances, revealing a very different side of the pop singuding explicit dance routines involving twerking, giant bears, weird outfits and a foam finger.

utchess heir of as born in line William

Typhoon hits Philippines - November 8th Typhoon Haiyan hits the Philippines with strong winds and heavy precipitation, destroying many cities and towns and other areas, leaving the country in shambles. As of this week, the number of deaths caused by this storm is 5,719. Currently, the country is trying to get back on its feet and hopes for a speedy recovery.

Government Shutdown - October 1st to October 16th Conflicts in federal funding of Obamacare, led to the federal government shutting down entirely. The Senate and House of Representatives debated over the next year’s budget. Both the Republicans and Democrats couldn’t come to a decision until it was detrimental to the country.

Best year for Gay Rights - November 13th Governor of Hawaii, Neil Abercrombie signed a bill to legalize gay marriage. Hawaii became the 15th state (16 including Washington DC), to legalize gay marriage in the United States. Rhode Island, Delaware, Minnesota, Hawaii, and Illinois are all states that have passed the bill of same sex marriage this year.

Jaguars jive for Project Purify Poverty Gabriela Garcia FEATURES EDITOR

The eager line of spectators filed into the River of Grass auditorium obediently.

Yellow programs were passed out and the audience took their seats, marveling at the scheduled performances the paper promised. The overhead lights flickered on and off and Anesia Saunders (’14) took the

stage as host for the night.

A warm introduction was given by Saunders to all as she explained the heartwarming purpose behind that night’s event. In the annual Dance Benefit, the PPCHS Dance Team had once again partnered up with all Charter campuses to put on a show to benefit charity. However, this year’s benefitting charity is the new Project Purify Poverty, a new Christian organiza-

tion by Haiti’s Hope dedicated to securing clean water to the less fortunate in Haiti.

The curtain slid out of the way to reveal several lines of beaming nine and ten year olds. The PPCES-FSU’s Senior Dance Team, clad in black, kicked off the night’s festivities. Both boys and girls dominated the stage as a co-ed team, breaking it down to a catchy tune by Chris Brown.

As the applause died down, the PPCMS

dance crew strutted onto the stage in their sassy hot pink and black uniforms. Performing throwback pop hits like Britney Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U,” the girls made sure to impress and made everyone excited for them to return to the spotlight.

See Dance Team, Page 39

Also in Clubs...

Jaguar Joy for Jag Cup

Jaguars today, doctors of tomorrow

Art Basel is sure to dazzle

Jaguars jive for Project Purify Poverty Dance from page 38...

The curtains drowned the stage once again and the audience could barely contain their excitement. The main attraction was up next: the PPCHS Dance Team. The girls strolled out to heavy beats in their hip-hop segment of the night. Jams like “Tom Ford” and “Holy Grail” by Jay-Z echoed across the auditorium as the girls performed a killer routine led by captains Rebecca Rivero (’14) and Janique TangHow (’14).

“I am so proud of my team and the way they danced out there,” says dance team captain Rebecca Rivero (’14), “I’m ecstatic that all of our hard work is going to such a beautiful cause like Project Purify Poverty. This feeling is like no other.”

The roaring applause that followed the dance team’s performance was quickly silenced by a strict set of loud feet. The Ladies of Essence Step Team took the stage and demanded everyone’s undivided attention with their sharp movements and serious composures. In unison, the girls broke out into stomps and claps, orchestrating their own unique music themselves. Every boom, snap and clap vibrated off the walls, impressing the crowd by far with their unique talent.

“Year after year the girls continue to impress me,” said dance team sponsor, Mrs. Ellis. “We always have such a successful turn out and this year was no different. I’m happy the show went so well.”

The atmosphere slowed down a little bit when “Green Light” by Florence and the Machine and “Gravity” by John Mayer

where the guests could have the chance to visit a booth out in the lobby or listen to the PPCHS band and their snazzy melodies.

Dance On: The PPCHS dancers show of their skill on the big stage. Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez

strummed along. Pirouettes and leaps were only a few of the graceful stunts that the high school dancers were able to pull off.

Mollie Rivera (’15) led these girls in the classic lyrical dance—a nice contrast to all of the other quick beat performances that night.

A quick intermission was introduced

Calvary Chapel Sawgrass, the church that suggested Project Purify Poverty to Pines Charter in the first place, sold items such as notebooks, bows and candles to profit that organization in the lobby.

After fifteen minutes, the crowd was back and eager as ever to see what else the night had to offer. The voices of Ken-

39

Clubs December 2013

drick Lamar, Justin Timberlake and Drake guided the dancers in their R&B number.

This smooth performance was followed by PPCMS’ final piece of the night.

Dressed in their own flirty twist of suits and ties, the Pines Charter High dancers stepped into the spotlight one last time in their Pop performance. Hips swung, feet tapped and heads rolled to Justin Timberlake’s smash hit “Suit and Tie.” The girls sashayed off the stage as the auditorium’s deafening applause filled the air. The night ended with a bang—literally—when the talented PPCHS Drumline gave everyone a beat to walk out to.

Project Purify Poverty will be receiving 50% of all of the Dance Benefit’s profits.

These monies, along with the donations and profits from intermission, will go towards building wells in Haiti and finding sources of clean water for those who have been devastated with natural disaster.

“I find it so admirable that the dancers find a way to give back,” says senior spectator Alejandro Rojas, “I enjoyed watching the show this year and knowing my money was going to a good cause made it that much better.”

Overall, the Dance Benefit aided more than just those in Haiti. PPCHS came together in light of a lovely cause—that’s enough to get even the audience’s feet tapping.

Jaguar Joy for Jag Cup

Clubs Spotlight: Giving thanks this holiday season

This school year, coming to a Pines Charter High School near you…a new event like no other: JAG CUP. Grab your soccer balls, call up your friends, and head down to the PPCHS stadium because next year Jag Cup will be making its big debut. It’s expected to produce a big success based on the past popularity of two of the school year’s most anticipated events: the Tailgate party and Snowbowl. Jag Cup, a soccer tournament that is being held on January 16th, 2014, is a new event that was created by the Spanish Honor Society.

The Spanish Honor Society wanted to create a tournament to get a lot of people involved and cleverly came up with the idea this school year. “We came up with the idea of a tournament that would mimic the ‘World Cup.’ Since we are the Spanish Honor Society and from Hispanic countries, soccer is the biggest sport. Thus, the idea of Jag Cup came up, and everyone loved it!” Spanish Honor Society member Sofia LaLinde explained. The event is a mix of the Snowbowl tournament and Tailgate parties from the previous years. However, both events will still be taking place throughout the year. Before the Jag Cup, a mini tailgate will be set to take place before the game. And just like last year’s Snowbowl, two games will take place at once, as the four teams all rival against each oth-

- SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY: Toys for Tots Collection The Spanish Honor Society Toys for Tots collection will be extended until Monday, December 16th. Students have an opportunity to donate to an amazing cause which will help give presents to children who are not able to receive them this holiday season. The winning third period will be celebrated with a donut party. There are a few regulations which students must abide by to be able to donate to the Toys for Tots foundation: No military themed toys, no weapon related toys, no candy toys, and no

Aaliyah Pasols STAFF WRITER

er. Clubs are also welcome to participate.

They are encouraged to set up booths and sell items to fundraise for their clubs which will soon be organized.

However, with Jag Cup being 3 months away, the Spanish Honor Society is planning diligently to help set up for the huge event. They’re currently busy setting the prices and sign ups, brainstorming prize ideas, and thinking about the decorations.

The profits due to the ticket sales are going back to the Spanish Honor Society to help pay for things like future events and their club t-shirts. This is the first year that Jag Cup is taking place, making the 2013-2014 school year a bit more unique.

With talk of the new tournament spreading around school, it seems as if Charter is already gearing up for Jag Cup. There’s a lot of anticipation around it as the New Year is right around the corner. “Hopefully it’s going to be big. We basically picked up the slack from last year so it’s been hard bringing the club back up, but this is hopefully going to be one of our bigger events.

We’re definitely excited and expect a great turn out,” Spanish Honor Society president Christian Alvarez shared. As the Jags of PPCHS near December 31st, they’ll have more to look forward to besides a new year. A new Charter tradition will be awaiting them as well.

Vanessa Estevez: Senior Vanessa Estevez wants to make the jag Cup a huge success.

Photo by: Juan Tellez

Andrea Bellorin CLUBS EDITOR

science lab kits. Thank you for your kind donations!

- FIRST PRIORITY: Funds Collection During this holiday season, our school’s First Priority Club will be coordinating a collection to benefit a family in need. The club would like to make the funds available to the family by Wednesday December 18th, so the deadline to give the contributions is Monday, December 16th. If you would like to make a donation please see Kimberly Russo in room U-124 or Caren Alberto in the SWR Library Media Center.

Clubs December 2013

40

Art Basel is sure to dazzle

Jaguars today, doctors of tomorrow

On December 5th PPCHS AP Art His- offering diverse collections of artwork reptory, AP European History and other Art resenting every artistic medium, painting, students visited Art Basel in Miami Beach video/film, sculpture, installations, prints, on its official opening day. Art Basel is multiples, performance, and photography. considered to be the art world’s modern The quote by Margaret Wolfe Hungerford and contemporary premiere platform for stating, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholdcombining artists and art lover’s at one er”, holds true with in our high school’s time in one area. Art Basel takes place in field trip participants, what seemed to be three different continents, North America, a magnificent art piece to one student was Europe, and Asia. Mian insignificant piece ami Beach, one of the for another. Interprelocations, is located tations and appreciaat the nexus of North tion of each art piece America and South provided a unique ex(Latin) America, Hong perience. Sophomore Kong in the heart of Christina Villegas says Asia, and at the border “I truly had a wonderbetween Switzerland, ful experience going France and Germany to the Art Basel. There in Europe. was so much art there Wednesday, Decemthat it was mesmerber 4th was the VIP izing. It was my first preview of Art Basel time going to Art Bain Miami Beach which sel and I cannot wait to had an array of imporgo back again.” tant people such as As the PPCHS stuLeonardo DiCaprio in dents soon discovered, attendance. DiCaprio Art Basel is not solely was accompanied by contained in the MiEthan Suplee, star of ami Beach Convention “My Name is Earl”.

Center, instead it also Many famous celebrihas various exhibitions ties and art collectors Work of Art: Seniors Sarah Duque and Vanessa at museums, galleries are drawn to this South Estevez appreciate all the art at Art Basel. Donat- and distinct locations Florida event. Our own ed by: Vanessa estevez such as Collins Park PPCHS students that and Soundscape Park. were given the opportunity to experience Also, all throughout the Wynwood streets such an important show were truly mysti- art galleries have their doors open for pubfied. Senior Annelyn Martinez says “Art lic view. Art Basel is a meeting place for Basel was truly an amazing experience. It the international art world, including visiis my second year of going on this trip and tors, collectors, artists, art enthusiasts and the second year was a lot better than the of course the all-important student. There first. There was a lot of different forms of are over 50,000 visitors each year. Alcontemporary art that I liked and there was though Art Basel debuted in 1970, it is still some that was just utterly crazy.” going strong 43 years later.

Art Basel provides opportunities for visiThis year’s Art Basel in Miami Beach runs tors to see and view many types of exhi- through this Sunday December 8th, and is bitions. Art Basel has grown in the past sure to be a crowd pleaser. If you miss our decade in South Florida. There are more very own Miami Beach show, the next Art than 20 satellite art shows this year. This Basel event is scheduled in Hong Kong for year’s largest satellite fair is Art Miami May 15th-18th of 2014 and the original and Red Dot Art Fair. Both are located in Art Basel Europe location is scheduled for the heart of the Wynwood Art District and June 19th-22nd, 2014. Don’t miss out on also offer a wide array of exceptional art this year’s Art Basel and go view the beaupieces. For anyone interested in purchas- tiful art work for yourself. Just as Aristotle ing an art piece and is unable to attend the once said, “The aim of art is to represent show, there is an online catalog showcas- not the outward appearance of things, but ing 258 galleries. There are 8 show sectors their inward significance.”

Everyone has that one career that they dreamt of being since they were children.

When you’re young you may have aspirations to be a teacher or lawyer and even a doctor. However, for a selected group of PPCHS Jaguars they still have their eyes set on being medical physicians. Under the sponsor of Principal Bayer, ‘Jaguar Doctors of Tomorrow’ is a program created to help students remain on track to getting their doctorate in medicine.

Due to the fact that PPCHS offers limited career driven programs, Jag.Dot has proven to be a unique organization because it is one of the more specialized clubs at PPCHS. To become a member you must apply and have already taken AP Biology, which provides a small window to join.

Students who have proven their dedica-

Anthony Kelleher TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

Swirls of pastels, dashes of paint, and spots of ink combine on paper and canvas to create beautiful masterpieces. Creations of black and white, color, and everything in between make masterpieces pleasing to the eyes of every beholder. This is not the description of Van Gogh masterpieces, or the works at Art Basel, it’s the strokes of genius of Pembroke Pines Charter High’s art students. With skillful dots, swirls, splashes, and lines, these creative and talented teenagers seem to be only a few brush strokes away from international fame.

The following works are being shown at the 2014 Superintendent’s Advanced Placement Studio Art Exhibition. January 2 to February 1, 2014 at the Coral Springs Museum of Art in conjunction with Andres Dejardins and Snowflake Effect exhibitions. These PPCHS art students expressed the artistic abilities, and will be rewarded at the Coral Springs Center of the Arts Concert Hall on January 23, 2014. This sample of art may only be a few of the great works from Mrs. Vasquez’s classroom, but these are definitely a great sample of the capturing pieces coming out of her class.

Filled with bright greens and yellows,

excited that PPCHS students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine can interact with real doctors, hospitals, and other medical services. It provides them with an opportunity to shadow, observe, and garner experiences in the medical field that maybe they otherwise wouldn’t be able to get in high school.” Says President Deepthi Graham who co-runs the club with junior Mollie Bayer.

With the experience of witnessing a live surgery under their belt, the Doctors of tomorrow are moving on to bigger things.

As part of their many aspirations, they are moving forward to get every member CPR certified.

“Jag.Dot gives students an opportunity to explore the world of the medical field, and get real experience early on. The rising

Future Doctors: Students at PPCHS are training for a career in medicine through Jag.Dot. Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez

tion are selected to participate in activities such as observing surgeries, shadowing PA’s, touring local hospitals, and partaking in medical walks and fundraisers. Going on its third year, most jaguars previously didn’t know about the prestigious club that has given aspiring physicians the opportunity to expand into a world far beyond high school.

“Mollie Bayer shadowed our school doctor, Dr. Moya at his orthopedic office twice, and we got the idea to make a club that provides kids the opportunity to shadow doctors and observe surgeries. We’re really

generation has a promising future in the medical field, and I am looking forward to the activities that the students in Jag.Dot engage in while expanding their knowledge and planning for the future”, stated Mr. Bayer. The Doctors of Tomorrow look to focus more on expanding their horizons in the medical field all the while balancing the life of a high-school student. In hopes of developing this program as a whole, the club will be open up to sophomores in following years and will continue to take on bigger and better tasks.

Little ripples gleam as the sun shines on Kidd’s photograph of a peacock is an eye the puddle, and green plants and red leaves catching piece. While walking through contrast the dark neutral colors of the tree Flamingo Gardens one day, Kidd spotted root and the soil. the bird strutting through the grass. She At first sight, it’s a mess of cups and cards, captured the photo in the moment, never but after close examination, Franklin Gonrealizing the art that was the peacock. zalez’s still life photograph is a beautiful “I saw the peacock out of the corner of my eye and I just decided to take a picture of it. I loved the colors and the symmetry. I feel like it’s one of the beautiful things about nature: colors, patterns, and symmetry combine together in these gracious and amazing animals,” says Kidd.

A black and white masterpiece, Francesca Levy’s captures the innocence of childhood. Jets of water Daria Kidd: Sophomore Daria Kidd shows her expertise in her peacock spray around a little girl in a picture. Photo by: Juan Tellez floral bathing suit sporting a shower cap on her head. The smile on her face spreads from, ear to ear representation of Alice in Wonderland. A as she runs through the water. small Alice figure looks surprised in the A normal sight living in Florida, Andrea corner as a flow of playing cards erupts in Gonzalez’ close up photograph is a blend chaos from a teacup. Even though the picof lights, darks, and pops of green that ture is still, the movement in the picture is show the ground by a tree during the rain. very realistic and apparent.

“One of my main concepts in all of photography is ‘formal is fun’. For the Alice in Wonderland theme, I took a bunch pieces that were related in some way to Alice. The scene that is being entered is of when Alice is being attacked by the Queen’s army of card soldiers. I like the black and white color theme in the picture, because it gives it a more antique feel to it,” says Gonzalez.

Careful strokes accentuate Kiana Douglas’ roaring lions. The piece features a symmetrical design of two lions on each side roaring at each other. The black and white piece is a detailed representation of individual hairs, pointed canine teeth, and creases on the bridge of the nose. With open mouths and closed eyes, these lions look like a real-life photograph not a created work.

These pieces are definitely masterpieces that look like they should be signed by renowned, seasoned artists. PPCHS is graced with the superior talent and skill that is present in not only these five artists but all the students in the art classes. As these students continue to put out more paintings, carvings, photographs, and sketches, the hallways of M building, as well as local art galleries will be filled with the beautiful art of Pembroke Pines Charter High’s art students.

Create ‘till your artsalongcontent with rich blues and reds, Daria

Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Tyra Green STAFF WRITER

Chelsie vs. Chelsi

All-nighters all worth it in the end Chelsie Ramos STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

It is the constant struggle that all students know. We must wake-up before the sun has even ascended into the sky, and make it to class before the clock strikes 7:15 a.m. This is the constant day in and day out battle of spending about 7 hours a day in school, to only have to come home and continue the school day, with grueling amounts of homework, that slip into the wee hours of the night. This is when we ask ourselves, is this all really worth it? The stress, the constant worrying; will any of this even benefit us one day? The answer is simply, yes.

At the end of the day, all the hours that we spend fussing over our grades, will in the long run help us in our future. Whether it be short term or long term, the benefits that will arise from the constant stress of school, will undoubtedly end up helping us in one way or another. The benefits can range from anywhere as gaining a scholarship to landing a dream job. The constant pressure and hard work that we now put in school, will in some form or another be returned in ways that we cannot now imagine, but we will certainly benefit from in the future. For one, it will help us when entering college. For many, college can be a struggle. If you are not used to putting in long hours of homework or studying, college can certainly turn into a nightmare. These honor courses or AP classes that are keeping us busy, and keeping us up until wee hours of the night and even hindering a bit of our personal lives, are in many ways preparing us for the challenges that lie ahead.

Day in day and day out we are faced with the constant battle between keeping our eyes from shutting and our homework still needing to get done. If we’re lucky we might get 4 or 5 hours of sleep to wake up and start all over again. And yes, we ask ourselves why am I doing this? Well the answer is simple, “self-satisfaction” for one. The hard work pays off by means of good grades and a better GPA. Some might think that, that may not be good enough, but the truth of the matter is that if you’re lacking these, your chances of getting into a good college and earning a scholarship are unattainable. And the truth of the matter is that we can’t wait till our senior year to decide and make the sacrifice, the sacrifice must be made the moment we first enter high school.

We have to be honest with ourselves, times have changed and in order to get ahead in life today things are becoming more and more difficult. Without a college education the opportunities are limited. If we don’t push ourselves now and learn to strive for more, when we get to college we are just setting ourselves up for failure. College is hard

work, although for many they think that it will just be party central. But we need to be realistic, that party central will just lead to failure, failure in our classes and in the future, when it comes to getting a real job.

It is now that we need to learn to sacrifice ourselves and although we may want to slip into dreamland, instead of finishing our homework, or studying for a test, we need to realize that these benefits will outweigh the sacrifice.

For one, that college we’ve been dreaming of attending will become a reality. This reality of going to our dream college would become attainable, because we have become very familiar with the type of hard work and dedication that it takes into getting into it. It won’t come as a wake-up call that can later then turn into failure. All the long sleepless nights we have become so familiar with will soon be thought of as preparation for what is awaiting.

The idea of spending night after night, with study guides and textbooks, isn’t something that many people can see themselves doing. However, once you get into the habit of studying it will help you succeed in your future college classes. As I said before, our honor and AP classes now are the preparation that we need, to show us what college classes are really all about. The thirteen years that we spent in elementary, middle, and high school are all the stepping stones for the future. As the saying goes, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” and the same goes for study patterns. If you don’t learn how to properly study and manage your time, while still in the little leagues of high school, you won’t be able to learn in college.

Instead it will be too late, and worse comes to worse, and you can begin to fail classes.

In the end, having to either spend years and years in college, way past the common four year plan, or just end up dropping out altogether.

Not only will your constant stressing over school help you out for college, it will also benefit you when it comes to getting a job.

Some might see this as far-fetched, or too far out into the future; but in reality, what we do now as teenagers, impacts us forever.

If we learn to be hardworking, determined, and self-motivated, then there is nothing that can stop you from attaining your dream job. And it will also help you succeed in that job too. Having that type of personality and those characteristics in you, helps move you forward faster than others. In today’s world, everything is a competition and you have to be the best to succeed. So succeeding in high school, stressing out a few nights a week, and maintaining good grades, will in the end allow you to live the life you wish to have.

To succeed in life, means to attain everything that you want, and this could simply be done by having the same characteristics as it takes to maintaining a high GPA, or passing your math test with an A. It is determination that we learn from trying to succeed in school, which allows you to prosper in life. So the next time that you are battling between keeping your eyes from closing and pushing aside your textbook, think do you want to succeed in college, a job, and in life? If you want to, then fight through your constant yawns for a few more pages, and pass the test, because in the end of the day it will help you. Life is a domino effect, what you do one day will impact you down the road. So the stress, pressure, and anxiety that school puts on you right now, will help you become who you want to be in the future, and succeed in whatever path you take.

Stress isn’t worth the mess Chelsi Chang ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Stressed-filled nights fueled by heavily caffeinated drinks, staying up till 4 a.m. to finish that 2,000 word essay, and waking up at 6:30 a.m. every morning has become the norm for way too many students nowadays.

Most of us have simply forgotten what it means to slow down for just a minute and enjoy what is supposed to be the “best four years of our lives.”

I just can’t seem to understand why we as students lose sleep, have mental breakdowns, and practically break out into hives for a class that will ultimately end up being pushed to the back of our brains along with the scientific method and the quadratic equation. Yes, they will be used all throughout our high school career but afterwards, will they really be worth it? Is the stress really worth it? Too many times I have watched my friends break down into tears because they are so overwhelmed with the work that teachers pile on. They seem to be crushed underneath the enormous weight that homework, tests, projects, quizzes, essays and labs that bring about. And for what? To get a letter grade that seem to define who we are?

School is about learning, I won’t discredit that fact at all. But school is about way more than that, it’s about experience. Making friends, memories and finding out who you are and who you want to be all happen here in high school, but how can we do these things if we are trapped in the academia hell?

On multiple occasions I have had to give up a fun night with friends just because I had to stay home and finish an assignment. Coming from someone who feels weird if I’m not under some type of pressure, I understand that if school doesn’t bring you a little stress than you’re probably doing it wrong but students shouldn’t feel as stressed as they do today.

Walking around campus, I see real-life zombies. People are losing sleep and becoming physically sick because of the pressures that school brings about.

There are some classes that are worth the anxiety because they will ultimately help our future but some don’t deserve it. For example, government and economics is an extremely important class because it molds us into more effective and mindful future citizens. But classes where students learn concepts and ideas that will end up being forgotten at the quarter should not make students feel like they’re drowning in a room full of air. I don’t know how many students learn a lesson and after taking the test, completely forget the material and move on to the next chapter. If it was important to them, they would take the time to store the information in their long term memory. There is no pur-

pose in staying up until 3 a.m. studying for a test on a subject you will inevitably end up forgetting. It’s counterproductive.

Teachers and parents alike seem to attribute the unanimous hatred of school to a sense of laziness but the truth is: school is hard.

Older generations don’t seem to understand how much harder school is than it used to be. According to the Center for Advancing Health, only 8% of students get enough sleep. Eight percent. The rest are struggling to keep their grades up only so they can be considered for the college of their dreams.

Most adults went to school in a time when the United States was a super power, when we were one of the smartest countries. Now, we are falling behind devolving nations like China and India and the United States is trying to play catch up at our expense. They have increased school’s difficulty and have made getting into college a near impossible feat.

The truth is, nothing is worth losing sleep, getting sick, breaking out into hives, not eating and having mental breakdowns over.

These habits will follow us to college, grad school and eventually become the norm for us. This kind of abuse to our mental and physical health is and can be detrimental to us. High school is when life should be easy; we should be worried about enjoying life, going to parties, staying out past curfew, hanging out with friends before we are thrust into the beginnings of adulthood in college.

All this stress only contributes to an anxiety filled generation. It’s almost sad how many of my friends feel anxious, have eye twitches or yell at me for no reason because they are just so exhausted. According to slate.com, “The average high school kid today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the early 1950s.” I think what shocks me the most is that kids are becoming so stressed out and falling victim to mental disorders and still no changes have been made. High school kids are always thrown to the side; we are at that age where we are old enough to understand and develop opinions about the world around us, but no one cares to listen to us. So we just sit, trapped in these desks, struggling to stay awake, striving for perfection. It’s tiring, it’s exhausting and it’s wearisome. I feel as though I have reached the stress levels of an adult and I don’t even have a credit card yet!

Although some people say: “It’ll all be worth it in the end,” will it really? Will the sleepless nights, anxiety attacks and missed time with family really be worth it? When you look back on your high school experience ten or fifteen years down the line, will you remember what you studying when you stayed up until that ungodly hour in the morning? Will you think back and say, “Wow, I’m so glad I learned the parts of a cell”? Let’s be honest, most of us will never ever call upon that information ever again.

More than likely, we are all going to go college and be forced to learn it again because we all simply forgot it.

Sometimes, I truly believe school should bring you some stress. I do. But, I want to look back at my high school experience and know that I worked hard and I played hard.

The balance between the two has not been found for many of us and it’s getting a little scary. I don’t want to miss out on amazing memories with my family and friends just because I simply am too busy finishing my piles of homework. So I will wait patiently until schools find a happy medium for us stressed out students; in the meantime I’m going to try and catch up on my sleep.