The CHAT newspaper March issue year 16 issue #6

I-M-P-E-R-T-I-N-E-N-C-E spells victory for PPCHS

Maria Bozo Editor-in-Chief Emily Deese - Layout Looghermine Claude - Content Matthew Fernandez & Genisis Vesco - Video Managing Editors Chatter Daily News Taylor Horan Web Managing Editor Sarah Barrocas - Content Sofia Alfonso - Layout Business Manager Mr. J. Harris - Layout Mr. F. Fagen - Content Mr. J. Harris - Video Advisors Mr. P. Bayer Principal David Cha-Kim News Editor Hayley Hartwell Student Life Editor LJ Lemmers Technology Editor

Contents

The C.H.C. Staff

Melissa Pierce Entertainment Editor Matthew Deno Sports Editor Nick Rivera Features Editor Cristina Feliciano Lifestyle Editor Cristine Alayon Clubs Editor

Student Life:

Lauren Cookley Community Outreach Sydney Silverberg - The CHAT Jonathan Harris - Web Photo Editors Matthew Perez Graphics Editor

CONTENT STAFF: Maria Acosta-Rubio, Cristine Alayon, Sarah Barrocas, Nadira Danticat, Mason Feldman, Matthew Hernandez, Alexa Unfante, Abigail Johnson, Frank Mora, Amanda Peralta, Lauren Ramirez, Evan Samuels LAYOUT STAFF: Sofia Alfonso, Jose Bozo, Lauren Cookley, Madison Duke, Esteban Gangotena

School Survival Guide: Ideal Backpack Edition A new tradition Bee-gins at PPCHS

Lifestyle:

PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF: Elizabeth Gamez, Eric Hernandez, Nicole Hernandez, Kristen Miles GRAPHIC STAFF: Nicole Mercadal, Natalie Laurent, Katie Perez CHAT VIDEO NEWS STAFF: Samuel Eliacin, Cristina Feliciano, Omar Loufti, Christopher Rundell 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

Devin Demenezes: Exploring his Underwater Home Ditching the Dreaded Day of Love

Technology: Square Enix 2016: A Fantasy of a year Gaming Review: February-March

Pg

Studen

g4

Sports: Pg 12

nt Life

Sports:

Clubs and Electives: Pg 10

Features:

Positive Peetoom Will Play Again!

Alumni achieving greatness: Aramis Garcia

NHL and NBA Playoff Review

Marcus Lomax: the Music Making Charter Alumnus

News:

Entertainment:

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders: The Race to Primaries

Reality TV: Read it and Weep

North Zika Virus Hitting the World hydrogen bomb tests rattle U.S.

The Best Twitter Feuds of 2014-2016

Clubs & Electives: NEHS Flips through Pages with Young One’s Inside a Week: Best Buddies Makes Their Mark

A new tradition Bee-gins at PPCHS Maria Bozo

Tuesday, February 24 began with 15 students sitting in their first period block in coordinating uniform colors eagerly awaiting for the homeroom Editor-in-Chief

th

dismissal bell to ring for a whole new reason. Immediately after homeroom, the 15 students who were attending the Senior v. Senior spelling bee at Southwest Focal Point Community Center were to report to Mr. Curry’s room. This event was a first for both the students at PPCHS and the seniors at Focal Point.

At 10 a.m. the students boarded one of the infamous white City of Pembroke Pines vans and officially began a day that proved to be memorable for all parties involved.

Upon arriving at the center, the students were greeted by countless smiling faces and were given a tour of the center by Suzanne Felix, activities coordinator. Students were able to see everything from the gym, to workouts designed specifically for seniors who are unable to exercise while standing, and even got to peek into the room for seniors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Following, students enjoyed a lunch that consisted of chicken and rice with plantains, and salad, and a choice of vanilla or chocolate cake for dessert. The high school seniors were able to eat with the senior citizens they would be competing against.

“Eating lunch with the seniors was a really cute experience. The supervisor told the people at my table about a man named Richard who was sitting next to me. He is completely blind yet is very active and happy all of the time.

Talking to him completely brightened my day. He kept reassuring his fellow seniors as well as the students how the spelling bee was going to be very fun and casual, which it definitely was,” said senior and contestant Saman Govaria.

At around 12 p.m., everyone was instructed to make their way to the room where the spelling bee would be held. All of the participants then received their numbers and were individually called to the stage. Then, the spelling bee began. The first contestant was senior Grecia Valencia, who correctly spelled “miscellaneous”. As time, words, and contestants passed, PPCHS students quickly found themselves in a tough situation; they were outnumbered by the Focal Point seniors. The words were split into three categories: easy, medium, and hard. The words ranged from “partition” to “carnivorous” to “infallibility” to “gastroenterology” to “delicatessen”.

The Focal Point seniors’ lead slowly dwindled, and the PPCHS seniors maintained the highest amount of time without anyone on their team being eliminated. It came down to three PPCHS seniors, Hayley Hartwell, Frances Acevedo, and Saman Govaria, against three Focal Point seniors. After the words “rheumatism” and “precocious” were called, Hartwell found herself to be the only PPCHS senior on the stage against Focal Point seniors Dixie Silcox and Edward Riccardi. After Silcox missed a letter in “entrepreneur” and Riccardi missed one in “carnivorous”, Hartwell was left with only one word to secure her win, “impertinence”. Hartwell spelled the word correctly and was named the First Place winner of the first ever Senior v. Senior spelling bee.

“I did not expect to win at all but I’m happy I was able to represent PPCHS and secure a win for us. It was a really nerve wracking experience every time I would go up to spell a word because I obviously didn’t know what I was going to get. I got even more nervous as the number of people on my team got smaller and smaller, but after it was just me against the [Focal Point] seniors, I knew I had to pull through and spell whatever word I got correctly for my school,” said Hartwell.

The event was put on by PPCHS’ Student Government Association (SGA) and Jay Shechter. The head of the Senior Spelling Bee Committee is senior Taylor Horan, who played the biggest role in PPCHS to make the event possible. “I believe that the spelling bee went really well despite the fact that we were working on a lot of time constraints, but we were able to overcome it.

I think that everyone that went had a good time, and I’m excited to see what becomes of the event in future years,” said senior Taylor Horan.

The other major player in orchestrating the event was Jay Shechter. “I am shocked that the young people won. I felt that my seniors would win.

They were great and they proved that we can have faith in the next generation. Not only are they smart, but they did great under pressure. It wasn’t easy sitting in the audience watching the event; I was even breaking a sweat. I can’t imagine how they felt coming here and being in front of everyone. This time, the young people won, but next time, I think we’re going to win,” said Shechter, the director at Focal Point.

PPCHS is definitely proud of Hartwell for winning, but the experience all of the students who attended the trip extended much more than just winning in a spelling bee against the Focal Point seniors. It was a unique and insightful experience that students will remember for a lifetime.

4

Photos by: Maria Bozo

School Survival Guide: Ideal Backpack Edition Sarah Barrocas

Seven hours of school, six classes a day, five hours of sleep, four hours of homework, three hours of studying, two hours of sports, and only one hour left for eating. The everyday school slate is enough to drain a student Staff Writer

mentally, while the heavyweights of a school backpack drags them down physically. While it may be draining and deadly to carry around a bouldering backpack all day, it is the everyday necessities of a successful school backpack that keep students alive.

Phone chargers are essential for the survival of a typical school day. Students are always on their phones texting their friends, looking up homework answers, or keeping up with their daily streaks on Snapchat. Like technology nowadays, phone chargers are useful but at the same time unreliable. Students spend countless hours on their devices during the school day, so when your phone quickly runs out of battery a phone charger is needed to re-boost!

Freshman Samantha Pratts noted, “Before I leave the house I always make sure I have my phone and charger with me. I honestly don’t know how I would survive the school day without them. My phone doesn’t only keep me entertained but it’s also become my outlet for many of my school assignments that I have to turn in online; however, I use my phone so much throughout the day the battery does tend to run out pretty quickly.”

Headphones are the newest trend walking the halls of Charter this school year. PPCHS students are always keeping up to date on the latest hits and newest album releases. Whether it’s walking in between classes or during lunch talking with your friends, headphones are always needed so you can secretly listen to your own Spotify playlist.

Sophomore Diego Algarin comments, “I constantly have my headphones in during the school day. Headphones allow me to listen to music which distracts me from the craziness of a typical school day.”

Gum has been and always will be a hot commodity at Pines Charter. It is often times students don’t go through a school day without hearing and also ignoring the routine question, “Hey do you have gum?” Students want gum to chew nonchalantly during class or brighten their breaths after lunch. Gum wrappers fill trashcans as students open and chew a pack of gum per day. Whether it is Trident, Orbit, or Extra, gum is the ultimate backpack addition that will not only make your breath smell good but welcome new friends who want a piece.

For those of you who are taking a physical education class, perfume or cologne is a necessity. Sprays and perfumes are needed in order to smell good throughout the day when having those early morning HOPE classes. In addition to perfume, girls are also always carrying around chapstick. With the new cold weather that has been welcoming Florida, chapstick is a necessity for the soft touch of a girl’s lips.

Junior Anthony Bombardiere said, “I have P.E. sixth period and still carry cologne around with me to make sure I smell good. When you walk into the boy’s locker room you are swarmed with the aroma of AXE cologne and I am sure I can guarantee you that the same applies for the girl’s locker rooms.”

No matter what crazy contents that you find in a backpack throughout the day, make sure you fill your backpack with the survival tools necessary to endure the school day.

Photo by: Sydney Silverberg

Scholarships for Seniors: Serious Savings Looghermine Claude

Even though seniors are done with all their college applications, it’s not time to slack off. The Class of 2016 should be looking for different scholarships to offset the enormous costs of attending a university. To help seniors get as much free money as they can, here is a list of scholarships with upcoming deadlines.

Managing Editor - Content

ACS Scholars Program: “ACS awards renewable scholarships to underrepresented minority students who want to enter the fields of chemistry or chemistry-related fields...

African American, Hispanic, or American Indian high school seniors or college freshman, sophomores, or juniors pursuing a college degree in the chemical sciences or chemical technology are eligible to apply” (acs.org).

Deadline: March 1 Amount: $5,000 Barbara Wiedner and Dorothy Vandercook Peace Scholarship: “Awards...for high school seniors and college freshmen with demonstrated leadership and personal initiative in activities involving: Peace and Social Justice, Nuclear Disarmament, and/or Conflict Resolution” (peacescholarships.org).

Deadline: March 1 Amount: $250 or $500 Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships: Renewable scholarships for “outstanding [black] high-school seniors who are interested in pursuing careers in... engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs (such as finance, business administration, or marketing)” (microsoft.com).

Deadline: March 1 Amount: $5,000

Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship: A scholarship for students age 16 to 25 who are U.S. citizens and have a GPA of 2.5 or greater (odenzascholarships.com).

Deadline: March 30 Amount: $500 Janice M. Scott Memorial Scholarships: A scholarship for students who “have demonstrated leadership abilities through participating in community services or other extra curricular activities” and whose “combined adjusted income of the parent(s) cannot exceed $50,000” (scholarshipmentor.com) Deadline: March 31 Amount: $2,500 Khan Roven, LLP Scholarship: A scholarship for “graduating high school seniors in good standing who hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and are planning on attending an accredited post-secondary institution” (khanroven.com).

Deadline: April 15 Amount: $500 Replace My Contacts Academic Scholarship: Students who want to apply to this scholarship need to take a short quiz and complete a 400-600 word essay in order to be considered (replacemycontacts.com).

Deadline: April 15 Amount: $1000

College is Power (CIP) Scholarship: A scholarship that can be used for “tuition, books, room and board, computers or anything else related to your education” (collegeispower. com) that only requires a 150 word statement.

Deadline: May 31 Amount: $1,000 AWeber Email Marketing Scholarship: This scholarship, which is focused on how people will communicate in the future, asks applicants to complete a survey and write an essay in 500 words or fewer in order to be considered (aweber.com).

Deadline: May 31 Amount: $1,000 PicMonkey College Scholarship: To enter PicMonkey’s third annual scholarship competition, “submit your favorite photo and write a 250-500 word story behind the photo for a chance to win” (picmonkey.com) Deadline: June 30 Amount: $1,000 Flavor of the Month Scholarship: In honor of National Ice Cream Month, Unigo is asking that students thirteen and older write about what kind of ice cream flavor you would be to win a scholarship (unigo.com) Deadline: July 31 Amount: $1,500

5

Charter Alumni: W

Class of 2011: Aramis Garcia

Class of 2010:

Nick R

Day after day, we repeat the similar cycle of waking up, going to begin. This is true of Rafael Batista, a Charter graduate of 2010. Eigh

Features

Matthew Deno

For athletes at Pines Charter, playing a sport for the high school team can be a life changing decision. It seems to be that every year a few athletes stand out among the rest and become recognized. In large part due Sports Editor

to Pines Charter’s amazing athletic program, these athletes will be able to continue pursuing their respective sports at the next level. In baseball, there is one recent example that comes to mind when discussing Charter athletes that have continued their success beyond high school. This example is class of 2011 Pines Charter alum and baseball star Aramis Garcia.

Garcia, a catcher and designated hitter, is one of the top prospects in the San Francisco Giants organization as he was drafted by them in the 2nd round (52 overall) in the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft. He currently plays on the San Jose Giants, which are a minor league affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. In 2011, Garcia was drafted straight out of high school in the 20th round of the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, but decided to play college baseball at Florida International University (FIU) on a full scholarship instead. As a senior at Charter, he was named team MVP as well as All-County First-Team by the Miami Herald and the Sun-Sentinel. He finished his high school career with an incredible .414 batting average.

“I have to give a large amount of credit to Pines Charter and my amazing coaches I had when I was there.

I wouldn’t be the player I am today if it wasn’t for them. They guided me on the right path and prepared me for the hardships of collegiate and minor league baseball,” said Garcia.

At FIU, Garcia turned many heads as he was one of the team’s most consistent players due to his ability to provide solid catching, a great arm, and most prominently, an outstanding bat that can hit for power and average. In his senior year at the school, Garcia was an All-American and Conference USA's Player of the Year, as well as a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award, given to the nation's top collegiate catcher. He hit .368 with 14 doubles, eight home runs and 37 RBIs, leading the conference in average and slugging percentage (.626). Truly leaving a lasting legacy on the school, Garcia became the second-highest drafted player in the history of the FIU baseball program (Josh Banks at 50th in 2003) when the Giants took him with the 52nd pick.

After the Giants selected Garcia in the draft, the team signed him to a contract with a $1.1 million signing bonus. Beginning the 2015 season with the Augusta Green Jackets of the Class A South Atlantic League, Garcia showed off his immense amount of potential and was named a midseason All-Star. Due to his exceptional performance, he received a midseason promotion to the San Jose Giants of the Class A-Advanced California League, where he finished the rest of the 2015 season. As the new season approaches, Garcia has been given an invitation to the Giants’ spring training in 2016 as a non-roster player. Here he hopes to do well enough to receive another promotion to the Class AA team or even the Class AAA team. If all goes well, Garcia believes that he will reach the big leagues within the next 2 years.

“I just have to keep improving my game by staying focused and practicing continuously. I believe that I have the abilities to reach the major league, but I need to go through the process first, which can be harsh at times,” said Garcia.

With players like Garcia achieving greatness at the next level, it makes many people take for granted how rare and special these athletes are. Most students who play sports during their high school years don’t continue it into college and the pros. For the select few like PC alum Aramis Garcia, that is not the case. Being given the foundation for success by Charter’s remarkable athletic program, Garcia was able to pursue and excel in baseball at FIU and now in the minor leagues. It will only be a matter of time before he becomes the first player in Pines Charter history to play in the MLB.

6

our pillows. Taking an Uber, Batista travels from his apartment comple Economics, a non-profit organization. Day after day, as we study, Batis it to his home of eight months in Nairobi, Kenya.

As a teenager, Batista was very involved in high school. During his s get Pines Charter to become aware of those living in poverty. Rather th public in order to get policies passed that will improve the conditions he served as president of the class of 2010 for his junior and senior ye Honor Society in 11th grade and President the following year.

Following graduation, Batista attended Florida State University wit International Relations with a minor in Psychology. Like in high schoo a part of the fraternity Pi Kappa Phi, he became vice president of the fr opportunity to study for a semester at Koc University in Istanbul, Turk “It was fantastic. It was a culture that was different than the one we’re mind but it really got me thinking in a slightly different way especiall and why that is. Ultimately, an important answer that I got was that peo it seems that the culture is very different. I think the experience in Turk Out of FSU, Batista continued his education in England, earning his wick. It was after earning his Masters that Batista wanted to put his st “I had always been in a classroom, and I kind of wanted to get out and behavior. I wanted to get some opportunity to do that. So then, I start that was working in behavioral economics cross-culture, and I found t The Buscara Center for Behavioral Economics, named after the Sw with other African countries, while also trying to apply known behavio those living under poor conditions. Batista also tries to study and unde is better off. Through various projects in the slums, he is able to study “Those are some of the coolest projects that you get to work on becau that we have is just these commercials asking for money, and they m people are living in misery or have moments of misery, most of the t there’s people selling stuff, everyone’s smiling, people are laughing, a Studying the behavior of people who have lived such drastically diffe the United States allowed Batista to develop a different perspective o different people who are living different lives. Some of these people ar guard for the apartment building that Batista lives in or a construction day, for example, are living day by day trying to support their families “One of the most profound ideas that I’ve come to accept is that in te pretty convinced that if I was living in a condition of poverty or in a co making decisions similar to these people. For many, it’s very easy to a it somehow. Maybe they did, but I don’t know if that’s true of many c Back in Pembroke Pines, people are subjected to privileged lives, bu do not always determine our paths in the future.

“People tend to think that in high school you have to be very involve thing to stand out and at the end of the day it’s only true to some ext going to stand out.”

While only having lived in Kenya for eight months, Batista sees no e take an individual, and for Batista, his work has only just begun.

Where are they now?

Rafael Batista

Class of 2005: Marcus Lomax

Rivera

s

Editor

school, and going home to sleep. When our days end, however, others ht hours ahead, Batista wakes up to begin working as our heads reach ex through crowded Kenyan streets to the Busara Center for Behavioral sta takes what his education and experience has taught him and applies

sophomore year, Batista worked with the organization ONE to try and han focusing on raising money, ONE aims to promote awareness to the of families living in poverty, particularly in Africa. In student council, ears. At the same time, Batista became Vice President of the National

th intentions to study political science, which eventually switched to ol, Batista was involved with the student body in college. While he was raternity council. It was his senior year of college when Batista got the key. e used to in the United States. I think it’s cliché to say that it opened my ly in human behavior and how people may think and act in differently ople tend to act more the same than different even though on the outside key got me really interested in this idea of cross-culture,” said Batista.

Masters in Behavior and Economic Science at the University of Wartudies to the test. d see what I could do with this because it was all about studying human ted seeking other opportunities. I was keen on finding an organization the BCBE where I’m working at now,” said Batista. wahili word for wisdom, Buscara, looks into poverty in Kenya, along oral insights to the context of poverty to improve the quality of life for erstand the behavior of people in poverty as opposed to someone who y the behavior of these people while simultaneously assisting them. use coming from the United States, a lot of times the image of poverty make it look like it’s the saddest place in the world, and while a lot of time you walk into the slum area and there’s a lot of music going on, and it’s quite a positive atmosphere.” erent lives as Batista and others who grew up in developed nations like of the world and how people live. Everyday Batista is subject to many re hardworking, honest people just trying to make a living. The security n worker who may make only four dollars from working an eight hour s and live the best life that they can. erms of how people make their choices in life and their decisions, I’m ondition of financial scarcity where money was tight all the time, I’d be assume that because someone is poor they deserve it or they’ve earned cases.” ut anyone can make a difference in the world. Our lives as adolescents

ed or you have to take all of these AP classes or you have to do sometent. Ultimately if you find something that you’re interested in you’re

end to his work in the near future. It’s impossible to tell where life will

Nadira Danticat

F

Staff Writer

or obvious reasons, most Charter students know of Nick Jonas, Pitbull, Chris Brown, Fifth Harmony and Jason Derulo. What they don’t know, is the man behind all of those hit makers started off where we are every day, Pembroke Pines Charter High School. Marcus Lomax (‘05) is part of the Grammy, Juno, and ASCAP award winning recording and songwriting team, The Monsters & Strangerz. Lomax is responsible for writing and producing popular tracks like “Levels” by Nick Jonas, which hit number 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Song chart and “Fun” by Pitbull ft. Chris Brown, a Top 40 hit. However, before he went on to do all those remarkable things he started off just as we all have—on our peach and white campus.

During his time at PPCHS from 2001-2005, Marcus Lomax had several memorable experiences. He took the now unavailable keyboard class, where he developed his early skills as a music creator. His teacher knew he had an interest for creating music and allowed him to sequence a new beat every morning on the keyboard, then present it to the class at the end of the period. He also was on the prestigious Pines Charter Basketball team. The values he learned on the basketball court alongside my teammates remain with him to this very day.

While in high school, Lomax also met someone who later became a vital ally in his illustrious road to success.

“I met ‘Coffee’ of the Strangerz when I was in high school. He attended Flanagan High and we met through my teammate Miguel at his New Year's Eve party. Through conversation we discovered we both wanted to make music so we decided to link up and write something together. Needless to say we vibed well because we're still writing together 11 years later,” said Lomax.

Once he finally threw his maroon cap in the air and graduated, Lomax enrolled at Florida International University where he majored in Music Technology. From there, Monsters and Strangerz team came about.

His original partner of the Strangerz, Coffee, and he did a writing session with another local Production team called "The Monsters". His now manager, Lex Borrero, suggested they work together so they listened and that was a pivotal moment in all of their careers. They ended up working the next day, and then the next, and now they are still rocking today.

“When we sit down to create, it's always based on a point of inspiration. It could be an old rap lyric, or a cool melody, or someone could be fooling around making a funny song fooling around, and another person will say, ‘Wait, that's actually good, someone record that!’ More often than not, our process is to find the best vocal melody to a chord progression or simple track idea. After the melody is established we will then put lyrics to that melody and create the instrumental track around the song,” said Lomax Marcus Lomax’s career has been nothing less than immensely successful and entertaining. His biggest hit to date, “Fun” by Pitbull and Chris Brown, was a song he especially enjoyed making. He and his team wrote the entire tune to an acoustic bass guitar that was playing at the time. They channeled an old school, Michael Jackson and Gloria Estefan vibe to create that particular song. Now based in Los Angeles, California, Lomax has gotten the opportunity to work with the world’s most recognizable musicians.

“I have had several artist who I thoroughly enjoy working with. Nick Jonas, Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Chris Brown, Fifth Harmony, Bebe Rexha and JenCarlos Canela are definitely among some of my favorite artist collaborators,” said Lomax.

As for the music industry, Lomax looks forward to what the future may bring and would love to work with a fellow Charter alumni one day. The best advice he has to give to anyone in the music business is first and foremost, to follow their passion. He wants prospective musicians to be students forever and learn as much as they can about what's happening in the music industry. He urges everyone to really try think outside the box because that is how hits are made. Marcus Lomax is the perfect example of the creativity and excellence that can be made on Jaguar Way.

7

Inside a Week: Best Buddies Makes Their Mark Cristine Alayon & Cristina Feliciano

B est Buddies is a purposeful club that builds and spreads disability awareness in the community. This past school week, February 8th-12th, Best Buddies hosted Clubs Editor & Lifestyle Editor

Disability Awareness Week. Members and other students adopted a disability for the day, such as an arm sling or a mouth piece that won't allow them to speak. “The reason that we took part in this act is to spread awareness and equality around PPCHS to make everyone feel and be equal regardless of their disadvantages,” said club member Hadley Rosendall (‘17).

Around the halls you may have noticed students wearing goggles while holding a white cane to give off the illusion to be visually impaired. Along with that, arm slings, ear muffs, and mouth accessories were being worn that would prohibit those students from talking throughout the whole day. “Seeing students around campus with those attachments, I was confused at first, but once I was told why they were wearing that, I realized it’s for a great reason because it makes you realize how hard it is for the people who have to live with their disability,” said junior Gemanika Noizy.

In order to have participated, students visited Mrs. Santiago’s room, S2014, and randomly picked a piece of paper from a bucket with the written disability on it.

After choosing, the student would then proceed to get the certain tools to have an insight on what it feels like to really have that disability in everyday life. They would also be handed a lanyard which indicated the program called “Cheer,” where you become visually impaired or temporarily lose the use of your arm or any other factor. Disability Awareness Week participant, Adrianna Robles (‘16) said “I found a new appreciation for the little things in life. I didn’t realize how much harder life is for an amputee. Going a day without my dominant arm was beyond difficult for me. I couldn’t write, give my friends a proper hug, or even simply keep my boog back on my shoulders. I’m glad I could spread awareness for the less fortunate and I’m happy I decided to have a hand in Disability Awareness Week.”

The Best Buddies Club has stuck around for a long time, first opening up 3 years ago in the 2012-2013 school year. The goal as a club is to build one on one friendships among disabled and nondisabled buddies. In efforts to accomplish the goal, the club works with disabled children, helping them participate in things other people refer to as “normal.” Things such as playing sports or even going out to the movies. Club member Jonathan Tapanes comments “We help the kids by coordinating events like walks, cheer week, and getting people involved through school and throughout the community.”

Upcoming events for the club are the Autism Walk at charter, which will be held during homeroom for $2. Along with that tradition, there will be a Friendship Walk soon to come for all to take part in to benefit those in need. The biggest event approaching will be the Best Buddies Friendship Ball at Marlins Park. This big hoorah will be a prom for kids with disabilities, reaching from students in Broward County and Dade County.

“Overall I think the disability awareness week has being going really good,” commented club sponsor Mrs. Santiago. “Being that it’s our first year doing this, it started small at first, but then it blew up and everyone wanted to engage in the experience. It is extremely refreshing to see this being successful.” To know that one club can make a huge impact on many lives and reach out to many hearts here at PPCHS, is a great matter. Best Buddies sends a meaningful message to others.

People learn from the club that it’s ok to be yourself even if you have disadvantages. Disability Awareness Week had impacted all of PPCHS and spread the word that it’s acceptable to be who you are and that we are all equally unique.

8

Best Buddies makes their mark: Best Buddies is a club that bring disability awarness to the community. Photos by: Elizabeth Gamez

‘The (NEHS) Bu

Abigail Johnson

T he new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, caused a great hype from Star Wars fanatics and others wanting to sink their teeth in to the newest installment of one of the most Staff Writer

well-known sci-fi movie series in pop culture. Despite the movie being released more than a month ago, the commotion caused by the movie still remains. As of late, National English Honor Society has been selling buttons with the phrase “Metaphors Be with You.” The buttons cost two dollars each and were sold Wednesday, February 10th at the Poetry Slam.

However, those who didn’t go will still have a chance to purchase one.

The buttons are handmade and designed by students with different pictures of characters and quotes. NEHS will also be selling buttons during lunch for the rest of the week until there are no more buttons to be sold. This is to be an ongoing project, with new designs and new quotes as the year goes on, soon, buttons will be sold with quotes having to do with love by different authors and characters for the month of February.

“What I like about the buttons is that soon, we’ll have more quotes and designs, so they’ll be really personalized,” said Sevval Ercin, a junior.

After the Star Wars themed buttons run out, there will be even more made by NEHS, with its students continuing to find new quotes and thinking of new designs to match them, with new buttons being themed for Valentine’s Day or simply with encouraging messages. The buttons and their designs have impressed and intrigued students.

“The buttons NEHS are selling are really cute and I like the design on them. If you’re thinking of buying one, go ahead,” suggested Katie Coleman, a sophomore, regarding the buttons and their tremendous appeal.

Many of the clubs and organizations on campus have found their own way to raise money for their activities or for a charity. National English Honor society has found a new way to do so that is fun and creative. With the buttons designs and quotes, the members of NEHS can put their own spin on profound or well-known quotes from authors and others, and can share their work with other students by selling them. As new designs are being made and showcased students can support National English Honor Society by purchasing their own button during lunch and wearing them around campus.

NEHS Flips through Pa

Paolo BARR

R eaching back to last school year, PPCHS teacher Ms. Sarah Phelps had personally organized a program where a group of Charter students would read to help struggling kindergart-

Staff Writ

eners. PPCES-FSU campus teacher Mrs. Infante’s class, would be read to once a week at the Elementary campus. This 2015-2016 school year, the program has taken shape to something even bigger than before.

Being appointed as advisor to PPCHS's new chapter of the National English Honor Society (NEHS), Ms. Sarah Phelps decided to transform her small project to a voluntary reading program for all NEHS members. According to Mrs. Phelps herself, she comments that the reading program has “grown so much already. It’s great to see the progress we’ve made this year compared to last year.”

From sophomores to seniors, members have established a new project and new tradition in partnering with the PPCES-FSU campus. A steady group of NEHS members go to the elementary school on every Thursday. A typical reading day would start with the High school day ending and then the group of students volunteering to read take off to the elementary school.

Members grab one of the beginner level books that was collected by the club and meet up with the kindergartener they’ve read to in previous weeks.

“We've done our best to match up the same high schooler with the same kindergartner each week so that each pair can establish a good rapport. It’s important so that that each volunteer can more accurately gauge the individual needs and the growth of his or her young reading partner,” said Ms. Sarah Phelps on their efforts to keeping the kindergarteners and their partners together.

The privilege to read to the kindergarten students offered to students have had an impact on both the members and the kindergarteners. Ms. Sarah Phelps regards the program as a success and talks about the rewarding experience on both ends. The kindergarteners have the pleasure of having extra reading time and the luxury of having a partnership with an older student.

For the NEHS members, they get real world leadership experience, and significant work with young kids. The program also provides a learning experience for the kindergarten class and entire NEHS. Little children in the class learn to read better, while members learn how something as small as reading to kids can spark change.

Ms. Sarah Phelps said herself that “High schoolers get to learn how simple commitment and dedication can produce meaningful change.”

The future of the program and NEHS is yet to be seen, but there are still goals and hopes to be met this year. NEHS’s mission is to spread a love for literature and to advocate literacy. So far, the reading program has been an instrument in doing that, as well as the first step in bigger things for the club. In partnership with Mrs. Infante and the PPCES-FSU kindergarten team, the reading program is set to excel for the rest of the year, and more to come. As for the new NEHS members who volunteered to partake in reading to the kids, they show hope for the reading program expanding even more than Ms. Phelps has seen.

“It feels good to know that we're doing something there that really matters, both to those kids and to us!” concluded Ms. Sarah Phelps.

uttons Awaken’

Slamming Into History Nick Rivera & Melissa Pierce

D immed lights, an intimate atmosphere, and an empty stage set the scene for Pembroke Pines Charter’s very first Poetry Slam put on by the National English Honor Society.

Features Editor & Entertainment Editor

The (NEHS) Buttons Awaken: The buttons are all made

by NEHS members. Photo By: Johnathan Harris

ages with Young Ones

ARRERA

ter

NEHS flips pages with young ones: Lindsey Adams reads a book to a kindergartner. Photo by: Jonathan Harris

Members started showing up at 3:30 pm, some never leaving campus at all in order to transform the library auditorium into a venue for poetic expression. It struck a few minutes after 5:30 pm, and the slamming began!

The opening performance of the slam on Wednesday, February 10th was sophomore Adrian Torres singing and playing guitar to his original song “Swept Away”. After Torres’s performance came the first category of the night: the free verse category. Free verse poems are those without meter or rhyme, and this category saw readings from senior Joelle Lawrence and junior Johanna Moise amongst many others.

After the free verse category came round one of the Poetry Out Loud Recitation Contest.

Participants in this category were required to recite two selected published poems, one per each round of the night. The judges, Ms. Schwab, Ms. Phelps and her husband, Ms. Yanez, and Ms. Portuondo, were given the job of selecting a winner of the two rounds at the end of the night. This winner would advance to the state-level competition in March and then to the national competition, if eligible, in Washington D.C. for the chance to win $20,000 in scholarship money. The Poetry Out Loud contest is a partnership between The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation with U.S. state arts agencies that encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation (poetryoutloud.org).

After this came the rhymed verse, haiku, and cinquain categories. However, junior Johanna Moise would move herself and the audience to tears in the spoken word category to follow. Moise’s “It takes one” detailed her journey to loving herself, from elementary school to the present, and the forces that worked against her. Momentarily paused by tears at certain points in her performance, Moise delivered the message that one must love oneself no matter the obstacles one must endure. Junior Sarah Duval spoken word poem entitled “Notice of eviction” challenged rape culture and the idea that how a girl dresses makes her deserving of such a violation, while sophomore Arielle Monserrate spoken word poem “My Name” was a thought-provoking performance on domestic abuse.

“I think this helped me to get the words that I have to say out. I started writing poetry in middle school in 7th grade, and in 9th grade it started becoming more serious. In middle school I was writing for fun, but then I started gaining things to actually write about. I just think the way that the words are put together and the different meanings of words that you can mix and match is really cool,” said junior Johanna Moise.

Following spoken word came the ekphrastic, Poetry Out Loud Round two, villanelle, sestina, two-voice, and ode categories. Senior Lawrence Marable’s “Ode to Space Jam” concluded the final category and the night as he took the stage by storm. Marable started out speaking, but was singing his ode to the tune of the Space Jam theme song all while serenading the picture of Michael Jordan on the projector by the time he was done. Marable literally dropped the mic, signaling the end of the slam.

“As I waited to be called up, I felt extremely nervous, but when I got on stage in front of everyone, I felt incredibly less nervous. I realized that it’s really not hard to do. The whole experience overall was really fun and we actually have some really amazing poets at our school,” said senior Taj Ali, who performed a sestina.

At the end, NEHS sponsor Ms. Phelps then took the stage to reveal the first place winners for each category: -Two voices: Senior Kadia Chambers -Cinquain: Junior Shreeya Singh - Haiku: Junior Anette Mago -Ode: Junior Anette Mago -Ekphrastic: Senior Jana Ambré -Sestina: Junior Justrina Villarta -Rhymed Verse: Sophomore Arielle Monserrate -Free Verse: Junior Johanna Moise -Spoken Word: Junior Shreeya Singh -Poetry Out Loud: Senior Jana Ambré As audience members and participants exited the building at 7:30 pm, volunteers cleared the place out in record time. The National English Honor Society’s Poetry Slam is the first to go down in PPCHS's history books.

Slamming into history: Jana Ambre won Ekphrastic and Poetry Out Loud categories. Donated By: Kailee Needham

9

Clubs

BSU Takes Charter into the Afrofuture Taylor Horan

Managing Editor - Web

F

ebruary is Black History Month and PPCHS' Black Student Union (BSU) had been hard at work to prepare this year's Black History Showcase. From auditions for the show to multiple after school rehearsals, they were constantly busy. All of this hard work paid off when it came time for the night they were all waiting for- the night of the Black History Showcase.

"At last night’s show, some of PPCHS best talent in music, fashion, and poetry was displayed. The theme of the show was Afrofuturism, which is a blend of science fiction and ancient African culture. Afro-futuristic music tends to be soulful and that was reflected in many of the night’s performances. A lot of hard work and dedication went into the show and I hope everyone enjoyed it,” shared Black Student Union (BSU) club president Sarah Duval (’17). The BSU board found the theme by inspiration from Tumblr and literature they had read.

At 7pm on February 25th, the doors open to the River of Grass Auditorium. Security guard Ms. Clark collected tickets at the door and students and proud parents took their seats to watch the show. The show began promptly at 7:05pm with a video presentation about what black history month means the PPCHS students. After the video, an introduction was done by BSU president junior Sarah Duval, Vice President senior Joelle Lawrence, and Historian senior Kristina Lawrence. In their introduction, they payed honor to African-American pioneers such as the first African-American women to receive a Ph.D. In the U.S., Sadie Tanner Mossell. Following their introduction, it was time for the first performance of the evening. Junior Timya Taylor sang the song "Killing Me Softly." She sang the song acapella, encouraging the audience to sign and clap along.

This performance was followed by the PPCHS Dance Team performing an African inspired dance.

Junior Chloe Stephany Parent then performed a Jackson 5 hit, “I’ll Be There.” Following these musical performance, the two fashion club co-presidents took the stage in style. They spoke on the collaboration of BSU and Fashion Club to create a Fashion Show during the Showcase. The fashion show was titled "A Walk into the Future." Several students from various grades walked the stage.

After the fashion show, there was a 15 minute intermission with complementary cake and soda. Students gathered in the lobby of the ROG to snack on cake and sip the bubbly carbonated beverages. Following intermission, the patrons of the BSU Showcase migrated back to their seats. The show was back on!

The second half of the show began with a duet by juniors Savannah Dozier and Paulyanna Severe of “Isn't She Lovely”

by Stevie Wonder. Then, senior Miles Marrion sang the song “Glory” by Kayne West and Common. It should be noted that American Sign Language is the third most used language in the United States, behind English and Spanish. Following this, BSU advisor Ms. Chancellor took the opportunity to speak on the importance of Black History show and the Showcase for it that BSU hosts at PPCHS each and every year. Then, along with BSU president Sarah Duval, she introduced the poetry portion of the show.

The first poem was read by senior Chinelo Osakwe. She read her poem "Silence." A poem titled "Crayon Box" by junior Karines Ayala-Trias was spoken vividly. She started by saying the poem was solely based on crayons. She took the personality of several colors, such as pink and orange. Then, she discussed that the white crayon is shoved to the bottom of the box and rarely used, but white supremacy is still a thing. She ended the poem by saying that we need every color to create a rainbow.

She earned a standing ovation for her poem. The final poem was "What if We Were Blind?" read by senior Kadia Chambers. Following the three poems was the announcement of the winners of the Black History Month poetry contest. Third place was awarded to Ayala-Trias. Second place was awarded to chambers. First place was award to Osakwe. Each winner was awarded a Publix Gift Certificate. After announcing the poetry contest winners, it was time for the final performance of the night- the PPCHS Step Team. The Step Team concluded the night with traditional beats and even a few fresh new moves.

“For the fashion show, the clothes came directly from Nigeria so we really got the feel of the Afro influence. It was an awesome experience to work with others and get into modeling,” shared senior Stephanie McDonald, who modeled in the show.

Every year, BSU puts hard work and dedication into creating the Black History Showcase and this year was no different.

With a collaboration with Fashion Club, a poetry contest, and several musical performances, there was something for everyone to enjoy and feel impacted by at the show.

10

Photos by: Nicole Hernandez

The New Reign

Clubs

Amanda Peralta Staff Writer

A

s Charter students, you may have heard of main events such as Pep Rally, Snowbowl, Homecoming, and probably many more. Those endless amount of flyers and campaigning posters you see posted on the hallway walls are all due to the Student Government Association (S.G.A). Each year S.G.A is put under new “management,” elections are held for all office positions and the person to fill the positions are decided by the student body. The positions up for grasp are: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording/Corresponding Secretary and Senator.

Elections are typically held in the middle of the year so that the experienced position holders can be able train the new ones. This school year, like previous years, the positions will be up for grabs, but certain positions such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Senior Senator are held by seniors so they must be filled by underclassmen. To speed up the voting process, a new addition to the voting system this year was that all students voted on the website, Juno, instead of on paper.

As usual, the campaign has rules that each candidate must abide to, such as posters must be appropriate and there cannot be any sabotaging at another person’s campaign. Students are encouraged to vote for those who they think will do the best job, not necessarily for their friends. S.G.A. director and Social Studies teacher, Mr. Curry said “I am excited to see the new leaders. Every year the people in charge do a great job and I am sure next school year will be no different.”

Running for S.G.A. positions is a process like no other. On Wednesday, February 17th, Mr. Curry held a meeting to inform all candidates about the rules they must obey. The general voting is set to take place on Thursday, February 25th and the voting for absent students on Friday, February 26th. All students will vote during their 6th period class. Results are predicted to be announced on Monday, February 29th, if not sooner. The memorable senior’s giving up their positions this year are Saman Govarria (President), Ariana Noda (Vice President), Taylor Horan (Treasurer), and Maria Pilar Sanchez (Senior Senator).

“This year I’m running against one of my close friend, Victoria Max, for SGA Vice President,” said junior Skylar Cannon. “Although throughout this process we are both being very mature, it still creates a little bit of tension considering this is both something we really want. I’m more excited than I am nervous,” she comments. “And I know regardless of whether I win or lose, the job of S.G.A. Vice President will be in great hands.”

Election decisions finally came out: President - Diego Burga, Vice President - Skylar Cannon, Recording Secretary - Chanoan Sumonthee, Corresponding Secretary - Mia Gonzalez, Treasurer - Joseph Tinghitella, Historian - Elizabeth Garcia, Parliamentarian - Gabriela Torres, Senior Senator - Christopher Alegria, Junior Senator - Chinaelo Chukwuelue, Sophomore Senator - Lauren Sadler. Congratulations to all these candidates who will be in charge of homecoming and all the exciting events students look forward to. Let’s make the 2016-2017 school year a great one!

Photos by: Nicole Hernandez

11

The Collar

Peyton’s Legacy F

Graphic by: Katie Perez

or decades, thousands of athletes have su brain injury. Researchers might have found a w The collar was inspired by studies of animals from a helmet (medgadget.com). Woodpeckers the brain doesn’t slosh (technologyreview.com “I like the idea of this collar. It can help athlet hope this neck collar works,” said junior Aspen The idea for the neck collar is a U-shaped dev gentle compression to the jugular veins, reducin and creates a protective wall for the brain. The Researchers have tested rat models and their st “If this neck collar comes out and works, it co from brain injuries so this could be a game cha The efficiency of the neck collar will be chall a person’s symptoms. Gregor Myer, director of raphy and advanced magnetic resonance imagi group does not. However, the company Myer the experiment.

The full range of this neck collar isn’t clear ye the neck collar to come into athletes daily lives

Spring S

Graphic by: Nicole Mercadal

Ma

Matthew Hernandez

P

Staff Writer

eyton Manning is from New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up playing football and watching his father, Archie Manning play in the NFL. Peyton also has two brothers, an older brother named Cooper Manning and a younger brother, Eli Manning, who plays for the New York Giants. Peyton loved playing and watching the game of football that is so dearly loved in the great state of Louisiana. Peyton immediately caught on with the sport and from a very young age has been playing football. Peyton was a stud in high school as he was awarded several national accolades and he wore the number 18 in honor of his older brother, Cooper who had to give up football because of spinal stenosis.

His younger brother, Eli, also wore 18 when he was the QB for the high school and that number is now retired and hanging in the school gym. Peyton went on to attend the University of Tennessee and performed at a stellar level for the Vols. He attended Tennessee for 4 years, got his degree, and then went into the NFL draft. Manning was selected 1st overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1998 NFL Draft.

Manning performed at a high level in the NFL for as many years as any fan of his could ask for. Yes, there were the sad and emotional times for Peyton and the Colts, such as when he lost the Super Bowl in 2009, but no season felt as good as the 2006 for the Colts when Peyton led them to a 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears. For Broncos fans, it started of rough but at the same time it wasn’t. Manning and the Broncos offense set so many records that 2013 season it was through the roof, but lost in the Super Bowl to the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 43-8.

However, this past year was a completely different story. The Broncos had a subpar offense, but they had the number 1 ranked defense in the NFL, this was as good a defense as any other to play. The Broncos, in Super Bowl 50, went on to defeat the Carolina Panthers by a score of 24-10. Peyton’s brother, Eli, said before Super Bowl 50, “He’s kind of changed the game. He has 5 MVPs and Super Bowl appearances and won a lot of football games, thrown a lot of touchdowns, and he’s played at a high level for a long, long time.”

Peyton has made his mark on the NFL in a variety of ways.

He holds the record for most career passing yards, most career touchdown passes, most career wins by a quarterback, and has 5 AP NFL MVP awards which is the most ever. Peyton holds many more records and has done it all in a professional manner.

Many fans of football around the world believe Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California was the last NFL game Manning will ever play in. Peyton’s father, Archie Manning after the Super Bowl said, “I think Peyton’s done in Denver...he’s maybe done everywhere. That’s my guess.” It’s almost daunting how perfect the end to this script could be, the profound and admirable Peyton Manning leaves the game he dedicated his life to with a win in Super Bowl 50. Peyton, thanks for the ride. Farewell, Sheriff.

12

S

pring is in the air. It’s time to get outside and get moving. Spring sports at Pines Charter are underway in baseba softball, lacrosse, and water polo.

Baseball: The opening day Varsity game on February 9th was met with much excitement as junior Antonio Peetoo threw out the “first pitch”. Peetoom is currently undergoing treatment for A.L. Leukemia and will not compete th spring season. He will hopefully be back in the fall after a full recovery. Peetoom managed to stay and cheer on th team as they won 1-0 against the University School. Varsity’s second game was much more challenging and difficult an resulted in a loss. The team has already enjoyed the high of a victory and will re-group after the defeat to continue o the path towards a state championship. Varsity is a small, young team that will continue to fight hard for success. Whe asked about his feelings on Varsity’s season, sophomore Angel Padron replied, “The season is going good, but we are young team and will learn and get experience as the season progresses.” JV’s opening day double header on Februa 13th against Western resulted in 10-10 and 6-6 ties. They are a young team, but are organized and have strong skills.

Softball: Girls Softball has begun and they are out there swinging with their first two games ending in a win. Openin day was on February 5th against Cypress Bay and it was a blow-out game with the Lady Jags winning 15-0. The second game against Cooper City wasn’t the best of games, but they came away with a 2-0 win. The team is made up

NHL and NBA P Evan Samuels & Frank Mora

As the NHL and NBA just wrapped up their annual All-star games, it now seems like no better time to give a play Washington Capitals (hockey) are thrashing these two world of sports. These two are not only surpassing record win Staff Writers

going to be a year of two record breaking teams.

In the NBA, the playoff race is shaping up to be a tight one in the Eastern Conference. LeBron James and the Clevela the All-Star break begin play on Friday and are currently riding a 3 game winning streak. At the 2,3, and 4 spots are Raptors, at 35-17, are led by Demar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. They are a great offensive team who can really score led by their young backcourt of Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley. They sit at 32-23. The Atlanta Hawks are 31-24 a and 7 are the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls. The Heat ended the first half of the season on a two ga Chris Bosh has blood clots. The Pacers and Bulls are separated by only half a game as they sit at 28-25 and 27-25 r the Bulls are led by their backcourt of Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler. The Charlotte Hornets are clinging to the last right now as they have won 7 of their last 10.

The Western Conference on the other hand is very top heavy. At the top there are the Warriors and the San Antoni lost less than 10 games throughout this part of the season and they don’t look like they are slowing down anytime soo 40-14 and 35-18. Both teams are led by a pair of Super stars in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul a Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, and the Portland Trailblazers. The final seed in the Western Conference, was Bryce Davis said, “I am extremely excited to watch the playoffs and my excitement continues to “Heat” up as the pla In the NHL, the playoff race is beginning to come together. The Eastern League starts off with the Washington Capita 41 wins and 10 losses, with a league high 86 points. The most surprising team at the number two seed, the Florida Pa score is aweing the hockey world. The New York Rangers have a record of 32 wins and 18 losses, and 70 points. Then and with 31 wins and 20 losses, and 68 points. Detroit Red Wings and the New York Islanders are in a tight battle for th wins and 19 losses and 67 points, but the Islanders aren’t far from behind holding a 30 win and 19 loss record, but wi seed with a 29-22, and 65 points. One of the most disappointing teams in the league, at the eighth seed, led by Sidney In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars led by Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, come in at 37 wins and 15 losses a the dominant trio of Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and Jonathan Toews. With the third seed, the St. Louis Blues come fourth seed is the Los Angeles Kings, who are led by Tyler Toffoli and Anze kopitar. At the fifth seed is the Anaheim and seventh seeds are the San Jose Sharks and the Nashville Predators. The Colorado Predators are the eighth seed, a Perez said, “I can’t wait to see the hockey playoffs come together. The final months are being played, so hopefully the second half of the year. Let’s go Rangers!”

r that Can

LJ Lemmers Technology Editor

uffered from brain injury. Despite helmets supposedly being able to protect the heads of many athletes, they do little to prevent way through several years of animal studies and developing a neck collar that could protect the brains of athletes and soldiers. s that tolerate repeated blows which showed that increasing the amount of blood in the brain and cushion it in a way different s and bighorn sheep are able to withstand high impact blows to the head by changing the volume and pressure inside the skull so m). tes like me who play lacrosse or even for people who play football, hockey, rugby, and any other type of rough contact sports. I n Oudshoorn. vice that fits comfortably around the back and sides of the neck and having a tighter fit between the brain and the skull. It applies ng the amount of blood flowing back to the heart after every beat. With the flow restricted, the pressure around the brain increases re’s less room for the brain to move around, decreasing the chances of traumatic contact with the inner skull (medgadget.com). tudies showed that jugular compression leads to reduced signs of brain injury (technologyreview.com). ould help prevent many injuries people have suffered from before. I have read articles and seen on TV of athletes who have died anger,” said junior Jordan Cueto. lenging because there isn’t much information about the connection between the signs of injury detected via advanced MRI and f the human performance laboratory at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, is conducting human studies. It uses electroencephaloging to capture information about the brains of athletes. In a given experiment, one group of players wear the collar and a control was working with, Q3 Innovations, no longer has any relation with him so Myer is separate from the product development of

et. More studies need to be made for the collar to be approved and ready to be used by many athletes. It will take some time for s, but hopefully in the future it will be useful to prevent many brain injuries from happening.

Sports 2016

ason

Feldman

Staff Writer

all,

om his his nd on en ea ary

ng eir of

all grades and looks like the winning combination of players.

Lacrosse: Lacrosse is off to a great start with two undefeated games. The first game was February 9th against Western which resulted in a win by forfeit. The second game against Piper ended in a 12-5 victory. When asked about the predictions for the team, Sophomore Albert Lougedo answered, “For the rest of the season we hope to keep winning and show what Pines Charter Lacrosse has been working towards for a long time.” The season runs through the end of March.

Water Polo: The first matches for the boys and girls water polo teams were held on February 11th against Pompano Beach. The boys’ team won 14-3 at home. The next game is at Western on February 17th. Both teams are made up of a mix of all grades. Junior Brandon Fratianni stated, “The whole season I feel that we are going to do great and have many wins. One of our stars Marcos Pagella is in the hospital with appendicitis and will miss the whole season and hopefully we will play well without him.”

Track has their first official quad meet on February 17th at Western. Girl’s flag football has just had tryouts and their season will begin soon. Check the PPCHS website under Athletics for dates, times and locations for spring sports.

Come out and cheer on the athletes as they compete for wins. Go Jags!

Playoff Review

yoff overview. The Golden State Warriors (basketball) and the ns by the all-star game, but also showing the world that this is

and Cavaliers lead the East with a 38-14 record. The Cavs after the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, and Atlanta Hawks. The e in big spurts. The Celtics play a fast paced game as they are and are a tough team to beat at home as they are 17-9. At 5, 6, ame losing streak and just got the bad news that their star man espectively. The Pacers are led by Superstar Paul George and playoff spot in the East. They are 27-26 and are playing great

io Spurs who are taking the league by storm. Both team have on. At third and fourth are the Thunder and clippers who sit at and DeAndre Jordan. The fifth, sixth, and seventh seed are the the Utah Jazz, with a record of 26 wins and 26 losses. Junior ayoffs do.” als led by leading goal scorer Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals have anthers with 72 points. Their speed, athleticism, and ability to n comes the Boston Bruins at the four seed, led by Brad Marchhe fifth seed. Right now the Red Wings gaining control with 29 ith 66 points. Then the New Jersey Devils come at the seventh Crosby, with a record of 28 wins and 19 losses, and 64 points. and 80 points. Chicago Blackhawks hold the second seed with e in with a record of 33 wins and 17 losses, and 75 points. The m Ducks, with 29 wins and 19 losses, and 66 points. The sixth nd hold a record of 29 wins and 26 losses. Sophomore Andres the New York Rangers start to gain even more momentum in Graphic by: Nicole Mercadal

Positive Peetoom Will Play Again!

Photo by: Eli Gamez

Mason Feldman Staff Writer

This is the most difficult story I about to write.

It is not as difficult or challenging as what my good

friend, baseball teammate, and PPCHS Junior Antonio Peetoom is dealing with. Antonio was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. This type of leukemia rapidly forms in immature white blood cells.

It has a very high success rate when treated.

A few weeks prior to his December 7, 2015 diagnosis, Antonio was feeling worn-out, achy, and had cold-like symptoms. He had just finished a tough fall baseball season playing for the school and a travel team. He figured it was just a virus, but in a matter of hours after going to the doctor that was not the case. Antonio is super strong, or should I say strongwilled. He always battled on the mound giving it 100% and now his focus is giving 100% to fighting this disease.

At the onset of his diagnosis a treatment plan of 6-9 months was formed followed by three years of maintenance. He was treated with chemotherapy and a type of steroid. He goes in for chemotherapy a few times a week and after has his blood drawn to check to make sure his numbers are rising. At first the drugs were administered through a port in his arm, but after one month the port was moved to his chest. Antonio informed his surgeon about where the placement of the port should go on his chest so as not to effect his pitching abilities.

I have visited with Antonio several times in the past few months and he has come out to the field. He is doing well. He is the same quiet guy with his great sense of humor who is always fun to hang out with.

Without a doubt, Antonio will be back as a strong starter for the PPCHS Varsity Baseball Team for his senior year. He expects nothing less of himself by coming back stronger with amazing pitching, hitting, and fielding.

When asked about how he is doing, Antonio replied, “I want everyone to know I’m feeling strong and I’m going to keep fighting.”

Every time I step on the field I think of you and all the courage you have. Our varsity team displays your initials on the side of our caps to let everyone know that you are an incredible asset as a Jag, even if you personally are not there at every game. Antonio threw out the first pitch at our first game of the season on February 9, 2016. It was great to see him out there on the mound.

He never let the pressure get to him on the field and in no way will he let this disease stand in his way of success and full remission. He has never lost his smile. Just as his hits are “going, going, gone” so will this disease.

Watch our world as with positivity and perseverance, Peetoom will be back pounding the mound! Always there for you #35.

13

Netflix R

Reality TV: Read it and Weep

Cristina

Lifesty

Sarah Barrocas and Alexa Infante Staff Writers

A lthough some people choose to suffer through a week of anxiety before finding out who will be eliminated from The Bachelor, many choose the easy way out and simply find

out beforehand by searching the internet. As reality shows are prerecorded, often times news about what is happening in the people’s lives release before the actual episode airs on TV. It is not rare for people to spoil the shows for themselves, but many people question the point of watching the show when the results are only a click away.

The cliff hangers may be what keeps a viewer watching the show, but that is not the entire reason that people watch the shows. Many still choose to watch reality shows merely for the entertainment, whether they spoil it for themselves or not. Psychology Today took a survey to attempt and uncover the true reason why Americans watch reality TV. “Reality TV allows Americans to fantasize about gaining status through automatic fame.

Ordinary people can watch the shows, see people like themselves and imagine that they too could become celebrities by being on television. It does not matter as much that the contestants often are shown in an unfavorable light; the fact that millions of Americans are paying attention means that the contestants are important.”

When fans of the TV show google the results, they are likely to still watch the show anyway. They do this to see how it goes down, test if the media portrays it as something different than the show, or for the genuine love of the show. Some people may want to keep the magic, and keep the winner of “American Race” a secret to themselves, but the information is available to them at any time.

“I would still watch reality television when the episodes air and not Google the drama. It is personally tempting to look up what is happening however it ruins the fun and unanticipated experiences that these crazy shows portray. For example, when I became invested in the reality dating game show The Bachelor I could easily previously Google who had won the competition. I however decided to refrain from social media because it would just ruin the exciting and surprising elements of the show that not many TV show genres portray today,” said sophomore Amanda Cabus.

On the other hand, unrestricted news of reality TV gives its viewers a spoiled preview of the show, having a predetermined expectation of what to see later on in the season.

Freshman Alex Mora and Big Brother fan fanatic commented, "Big brother is a game show competition and when I used go watch the live streams on the internet, I knew who got kicked off before the episode even aired. To me it was pointless to waste my time watching a TV series when I knew what was going to happen beforehand." Exploitation of social media is like giving the audience a detailed preview of the movie, already knowing what to expect from the show before even watching it.

Reality TV is infamous for its "bad people and even worse influence" reputation. When the paparazzi snapshot these reality TV stars carrying out their day to day lives, sometimes it is the captured pictures that portray more of a truth than the television show itself.

Reality TV shows are run by businesses that are notorious for scripting the show in order to make it more appealing and appreciated by the public. These networks operate an exploitative business that mass market and manipulate these "real people" lives for entertainment. By lying on screen, however, it is usually the paparazzi that cover the unhidden truth before the show airs. People do not watch reality TV because of the little reality that the shows actually portray on the network.

Those who hate reality TV, especially those series that are competitive game shows, hate the influence that social media has on television even more because it only enhances the negative camaraderie of the competition. Competitive shows bring out the worst in people, sitting on the ends of their seat, biting their fingernails, and chugging down popcorn as the viewers anxiously watch the competitors and await their verdict. We the audience however divulge and devour into the deception of reality TV because we all like to watch a train wreck. According to Inklingmedia.net, as a viewer we are similar to rubberneckers, driving down and minding our own business, but it's our sub conscience that tells us to slow down and watch. The viewers become voyeurs in this scandalous scheme.

Whether Ben chooses Olivia or Leah is public knowledge, but the audience is split between those who want to experience every on edge, nail biting moment, and those who choose to relieve their anxiety with the results and still watch the show or chose to avoid it entirely.

Graphic By: Katie Perez

A

iring from 2008-2012, Secret Life has still managed to be talked about by many teenagers all over the world. Created by Brenda Hampton, this teen drama series is about 15-year-old Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley) who gets pregnant at band camp with the popular Ricky Underwood (Daren Kagasoff). The series showcases how Amy goes through high school raising her child with the help of her parents and friends. While this show isn’t for young children, it shows important and valuable lessons for teens who may be in the same situation.

T

his ABC Family drama series is all about a journalist/repsorter, April Carver (Italia Ricci), who has her entire career ahead of her at the Boston Post Newspaper. With the pressure of trying to impress her stubborn editor, she is hit with terrible news from her uncle, Dr. George Carver (Steven Weber), who diagnoses her with leukemia. As if her life isn’t complicated enough with work, her building romance with co-worker Dominic (Richard Brancatisano), and her illness, April tries to mask it all with a smile so that her family will not worry about her. This show is very relatable to all of its viewers and gives a different perspective on someone with a life-threatening illness.

Album R

Nadira Da

Staff Wr

Graphic By: Natalie Laurent

Majid Jordan by Majid Jordan

Irresistible synth sounds and palpating beats are the defining characteristics of Canadian duo, Majid Jordan. The team is composed of Majid Al Maskati and Jordan Ullman,

14

Graphic By: Katie Perez

who both specialize in both producing and recording. They rose to fame in 2014, with their A Place Like This EP and feature on Drake’s smash hit, “Hold On We’re Going Home.” Now they have started 2016 by releasing their first major record and it will only goup from there. The album starts with “Learn From Each Other,” a sultry club jam that sets the tone for the vibe their music brings. Their sole feature on the album comes from none other than Drake, their mentor, with “My Love” which serves as the melancholy sequel to their previous feature. Despite the infectiousness of most of their songs, some fall flat like the repetitive “Shake, Shake, Shake” and the Boyz II Men-esque “Love Is Always There.” However, tracks like “Something About You,” “Warm,” and “Small Talk” electrify, redeeming the album’s lesser qualities. The two have managed to create their own genre of indie and R&B that is perfect for a late night drive with your boo of choice.

Reviews

A Game Changer: A New Kind of Reality Television

Feliciano

yle

Editor

Looghermine Claude Managing Editor - Content

W hen people think of reality television, the first shows that come to mind are Keeping up with the Kardashians, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and Dance Moms which docu-

T

he Blacklist is an action-packed, thrilling TV series about a former government agent/fugitive named Raymond Reddington (James Spader) who surrenders himself to the FBI, along with an offer they can’t refuse. Raymond, aka Red, gives the FBI an ultimatum, saying that he will help the agency lock up criminals as long as he speaks through Quantico graduate, Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone). The series goes through many different twists and turns as secrets are unraveled and bodies are discovered. Creator, Jon Bokenkamp, added just the right amount of suspense and eeriness within each episode to keep the audience at the edge of their seats and continues to do so every Thursday on NBC.

T

his romantic-comedy series developed by Jennie Snyder Urman is about a religious Latina virgin, Jane Villanueva, who becomes pregnant after being accidentally artificially inseminated, and the father is Jane’s crush from about 5 years ago. With the roller coaster of trying to have a baby and stay true to her faith, Jane is also trying to make a name for herself in the world of literature. Gina Rodriguez, who plays Jane, does an exceptional job of portraying a damsel in distress who is trying to conqueror all of her obstacles.

Reviews

nticat

iter

ment the lives of people as they go about their day. But what about the other side of reality television? Most people don’t consider programs like The Bachelor, Survivor, Big Brother, or Project Runway to be reality TV, but they are. These “reality competition shows” are different from common reality TV in one major way: there is a prize to be won, whether it be money, fame, or a wedding. This end goal has put a curtain on viewers’ eyes that has kept them from seeing the manipulation behind these shows, and how similar reality competition shows are to most reality shows.

Many reality competition shows don’t get the same kind of hate that regular reality TV receives because it feels like there is some skill required to win and move on to the next round. “Everyone's high school has a girl who sings well enough that she could certainly hold her own on American Idol. Not everyone's high school has a marksman good enough to shoot a mini gumball off a golf tee at 35 feet — which two seasons of contestants have done on History Channel's Top Shot,” (vulture.com).

Other shows are able to avoid hate because they’re not seen as “trashy” and “vulgar” like shows such as Bad Girls Club, The Real Housewives of Orange County, and Jersey Shore.

“Competition series like ‘Top Chef,’ ‘Survivor,’ ‘The Amazing Race,’ ‘Project Runway,’ ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ ‘American Idol’ and others provide plenty of excitement and entertainment without much more shame than your average beach book. Many of those shows are also the only ones that whole families can watch together,” (sfgate.com).

“It changes the concept of reality TV drastically because you always have the people that go on the show only for the fame and not for the actual prize. Granted, all of these shows are excessively dramatized and at the end it's just a part of our pop culture. People sometimes just watch the show because it helps them escape from their own problems while they focus on other people issues,” said senior Sabrina Ferrero.

But the veil over people’s eyes hides some major problems. Sometimes, the biggest thing drawing people to these shows, the reward, isn’t even what it seems. According to realityblurred.com, multiple reality TV competition shows don’t actually award contestants the amount advertised. The actual prize of winning America’s Got Talent is about ⅓ of the advertised $1 million, “FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen has failed to award the announced prize during its first two seasons, while NBC’s For Love or Money offered a $1 million prize over 40 years, or a one-time payment of $800,000. And The Amazing Race once offered free gas for life, which turned out to be limited to $1,200 a year for 50 years” (realityblurred.com).

“I feel like all the shows are the same. I have a cousin who watches every season of Survivor and I don’t understand why because I feel like it’s the same thing again and again.

But I understand that for some people it provides them with opportunities that they didn’t have before because they have the chance to go on these shows,” said junior Sevval Ercin.

The competition aspect of these shows also hides the fact that they are also as scripted and produced as other reality television. A new show, UnREAL on Lifetime, takes a look at the truth behind this type of entertainment. The show documents the life of the producer of a Bachelor-like reality show called Everlasting. The producer, Rachel, is tasked with pushing buttons and manipulating the contestants in order to create “good TV” that will bring in viewers and drive up ratings. As the show continues, viewers are able to see how producers are able to create characters and events that seem so real and make them want more. Though the show may exaggerate some parts, it highlights what actually happens behind a lot of reality competition series.

The action and adventure that comes from reality competition shows makes many believe that they aren’t the same as the popular reality shows that receive a lot of hate. The reality is that though competition shows may provide a source of information that is more family friendly and educational, they encounter the same problems as regular reality TV and some problems of their own.

Graphic By: Natalie Laurent

This Is Acting by Sia

You know the lady who always covers her face with a colossal white wig at award shows? The one who leaves you baffled at her performances and videos, which always

feature dancers donning her signature hairstyle and conveying intense emotion? Yep, that’s Sia and she is crazy talented. The Australian ex-pat has become an American radio staple since her 2013 David Guetta smash, “Titanium.” From there, she has gained worldwide recognition and a large following of fascinated fans. This Is Acting is Sia’s seventh studio album and it begins with “Bird Set Free,” the emotionally charged anthem about releasing inhibitions when it comes to perfection. Some of her tracks either sparkle with inspirational excellence like “Alive,” her lead single or “Sweet Design,” which explodes with a 90’s R&B sample and potential to be a party banger. Though her voice is impeccable, she doesn’t exactly put it to use in songs like “Move Your Body” and “Cheap Trills.” However, the album’s redeeming quality is “Reaper,” the Kanye West produced track that is bound to be an instant classic.

Reality Tv: Catching up on all of the gossip.

Photo By: Jonathan Harris

15

Square Enix 2016: A Fantasy of a year David Cha-Kim

A

News Editor

fter the announcement of a Final Fantasy VII remake at E3 2015 in June and more and more news coming out little by little concerning Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III, the stock rates of Square Enix have never been higher.

As 2015 comes to a conclusion, the gaming world cannot help being restless with anticipation during the holiday season. There are many games to look forward to in the upcoming year, a lot of them coming from Japanese developer Square Enix, one of the biggest names in the game industry.

Square Enix is responsible for many huge game titles, spanning over a very wide period of time. Square Enix has helped to make games as early as the hit classic Space Invaders, which has been around since the late 1970s. However, Enix’s most popular franchise by far is the famous fantasy role-playing single-player Final Fantasy series, which has reigned for many years, starting in 1987 and continuing into the present. In addition to its large periodic span, Final Fantasy has created a huge influence over many platforms including the constantly evolving PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles as well as the PC. With its more than 110 million copies sold, Final Fantasy is the 8th bestselling video game series ever.

Each Final Fantasy game has had its own individual story with unique settings and main characters, but the corresponding games in the series keep similar themes, character names, and game mechanics, such as the turn-based combat system and open-world exploration. Final Fantasy plots usually center on a group of heroes battling a formidable oppressing evil while the story explores the characters’ internal struggles and relationships with one another.

While the development for Final Fantasy games is done solely in Japan, the series is one of the most symbolically international games of all time, always seeming to encompass aspects of history, languages, pop cultures, and mythologies of many locations around the world. The installments of the series have always been known to have great aesthetics respective to the year they were published in, passionate voice acting, heart-wrenching story-writing, beautiful soundtrack scores, and an insanely large amount of content per game.

Many critics and organizations consider Final Fantasy VII to be the best video game of all time, and the majority consider VII to at least be in the top three (Kotaku.com). Even though Final Fantasy VII was released in 1997, its impact reaches even games of our generation and it remains standing tall nearly twenty years later as one of the most influential games ever. The main protagonist of FFVII, Cloud Strife, was even brought in as a DLC character in Nintendo’s most recent installment of Super Smash Bros. on the Wii U. The official announcement of the current-gen console remake of Final Fantasy VII single-handedly rose the Square Enix stock market nearly five percent (cnbc.com).

In addition to all of the hype surrounding the series’ best game’s remake, the trailers for the first truly new game on the current generation of consoles, Final Fantasy XV, are also driving the gaming world insane. Being the first Final Fantasy game designed originally for the newer generation of consoles, the graphics give long-time FF fans a visual feast they are unaccustomed to yet grateful for.

FFXV also takes a darker spin in comparison to its predecessors, focusing on more realistic human characters and being based in a more realistic modern world. Similar to the Kingdom Hearts series, FFXV will have more action-integrated hack-and-slash gameplay, in contrast to the turn-based combat the series is famous for.

“I’ve always played MMO (massively multiplayer online) games growing up so when Enix made the Final Fantasy XIV mmo I downloaded and played the one month trial and it was amazing,” says junior Jose Hernandez. “After seeing the trailers for FFXV I might actually have to try one of the main installments.”

And while the trailers and news concerning FFXV is creating huge hype, Square Enix still has more in store for the near future.

Kingdom Hearts, also one of the best-selling franchises of all time, is arguably the most creative and unexpected cross-over series ever. The series combines the Final Fantasy Franchise with the Walt Disney franchise.

Square Enix and Disney collaborated for the first Kingdom Hearts game in 2002, giving rise to what would later be one of the most iconic crossovers in any form of media ever. Bringing in new characters of its own of course, the Kingdom Hearts series brought about a very unique plot in which the protagonist, Sora, a Kingdom Hearts original, would encounter worlds and characters of both Final Fantasy and Disney. Sora, who is guided by famous Disney characters Donald and Goofy, explores a universe crossing over various Disney settings based in a universe made specifically for the series. Many key characters from the many individual Final Fantasy games add twist to the plot and move the storyline forward, often even helping Sora’s trio.

“The fact that a crossover between Disney and RPG games even exists is crazy, and the fact that it’s so well done is even crazier,” says junior Jason Acosta. “It’s a weird combo, but for some reason it just works so well.”

While Kingdom Hearts is technically a spin-off of the bigger Final Fantasy series and takes many character and core gameplay elements from it, it has amassed a huge following as well and even arguably has more of an impact on our generation of gamers.

Kingdom Hearts III is set to release no later than 2017, and will bring new worlds into the game from more recent Disney movies like Big World 6 and Frozen.

While Final Fantasy XV is the only one confirmed for 2016, there is also a fair chance of Kingdom Hearts III and the FFVII remake releasing before 2017. Even if KHIII and FFVII Re: are postponed to 2017, the news building up to the release of both titles will be sure to stir up the gaming community regardless. Disregarding how the specific release dates end up turning out, the year of 2016 is set to be a massive one for the Square Enix company.

16

Graphic by: Matthew Perez

Gaming R February

David C

News E

• Naruto Shippuden Ultimate N One, Windows): The fourth and final i fighting-game genre series brings an ultim ular Naruto manga/anime series. Along series have had as much as impact on brings new characters to pit against each updated graphics on the next gen conso recently released manga ending of the s including being able to switch out your 3 in the middle of a combo chain.

“Naruto was my childhood, and it’s defin Davis. “But I’m content in being able to r a beautiful game.”

• Hyrule Warriors Legends (M crossover between Koei Tecmo’s Dynas of Zelda series, and in 2016 we are antici Being on the 3DS should put a unique tw map being present on the bottom half from the Wii U version of the game are The Wind Waker’s Tetra, King of Hyrul addition of the new crossbow-wielding mode now also has an original epilogue

• Pokken Tournament (March 1 ken are two series that many would not years ago, it has been done, and it has arcades machines in Japan last year in J Nintendo’s Wii U console this March. ai, the game pits characters from the Po one-on-one Tekken style match, fightin moves made popular by the Pokemon ga a strange twist on the second best-sellin be one of the most interesting crossovers “I’ve wanted a Pokemon game on the W really what I had in mind at first, seeing over,” says junior Aspen Oudshoorn. “It b battles’ and it will be cool to control the P commands like in the main series.”

• Street Fighter V (February 1 one-on-one fighting game series from C arcades, is also making its debut on the history. The game will feature 16 chara but there is also likely to be DLC in the fighting formula because they know the much, but they upgraded the game by frame-rate, bringing back the EX Gauge interactive arenas, making the game mor ment.

Review: y-March

Cha-Kim

Editor

Ninja Storm 4 (February 9th, PS4, Xbox installment in the Ultimate Ninja Storm mate ending to Masashi Kishimoto’s popwith Dragon Ball Z, few other Japanese the western world as Naruto has. UNS4 h other in ninja vs. ninja battles, massively oles, a caught up storyline along with the series, and many new combat alterations 3-man squad’s leader during combat, even

nitely sad to see it end,” says junior Bryce relive the experience again myself in such

March 25th, Nintendo 3DS) 2014 saw the sty Warriors series and Nintendo’s Legend ipating seeing it again on the portable 3DS. wist on the hack-and-slash series, with the of the console. Almost all the characters e present, along with the new additions of le, Toon Link, and Skull Kid, and even the female version of Link, Linkle. The story ending.

18th, Wii U): Although Pokemon and Tekhave predicted a crossover between a few s been done well. Pokken Tournament hit July and will finally release worldwide on Developed by Tekken’s developer, Bandokemon franchise against each other in a ng on Pokemon-themed arenas and using ames and show. While this may sound like ng video game franchise of all time, it may s we’ve seen in recent times.

Wii U since it came out, and while this isn’t all the gameplay on YouTube has won me brings a new, literal meaning to ‘Pokemon Pokemon themselves instead of shouting at

The Walking Suit offers huge step into the future Evan Samuels Staff Writer

Technology is improving our lives in ways we never thought were possible. A way technology is changing for the better is through the Suit X Phoenix. This invention allows paralyzed people from the waist down, an opportunity for a chance to walk. Inventions like these are truly amazing, and they show the world that anything is possible.

The Phoenix has many major features that help people with mobility disorders walk. A modular exoskeleton allowing the user to independently put on and remove each piece, weighs only 12.25 kg, allowing for greater agility, and is adjustable for different size users and can be easily configured to fit individual conditions. It also has an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to control standing up, sitting down, and walking (usbionics.com).

According to Berkeley news, “The Phoenix is very light, has motors for the hips and is electrically controlled for better and swifter movement. Users have the chance to control the movement of the leg and walk up to 1.1 miles per hour.” It has up to four hours continuously or eight hours intermittently of battery that gives users significant time to do activities in their daily lives. Sophomore Andres Perez when hearing about the Suit said, “This invention is truly amazing and is definitely an innovative idea that will help future generations.” The Suit X Phoenix is easily accessible and can be adjusted to any weight.

Berkeley News also states, “the Suit is fairly inexpensive from other mobility suits.” It’s $40,000 but is definitely worth the money, since it gives paralyzed people a chance to walk again. Twenty years ago an invention like this would’ve never been thought of, but fortunately as technology begins to grow, so does genius ideas. Sophomore Kristyn Alvarez says, “Knowing inventions like these are being made today show how great the world can be. Hopefully more technology will come out to help people with other disabilities as well. But, this is definitely a step in the right direction!”

The Suit X Phoenix was invented in early 2011, with the help of scientists from all over the world, the suit has been crafted to perfection. Whether it was giving users the accessibility to control movement, walk up to 1.1 miles per hour, or even having a long lasting battery, the suit has everything a paralyzed person needs to walk. Inventions like these will change the lives of people with disabilities for the better and that is truly what our world is about. Steve Jobs said it best, “the ones crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” The group of scientists in Berkeley were definitely the ones crazy enough, to ultimately change the lives of many.

Graphic by: Natalie Laurent

Jibo is Your Friend Taylor Horan

W

16th, PS4, Windows, Linux): The popular Capcom that has even seen publication in e next gen consoles for the first time in its acters at its launch, four of which are new, e near future. Capcom stuck to its original eir fans would be upset if they changed too of course improving the appearance and from the third installment, and also adding re realistic in terms of the playing environ-

Graphic by: Matthew Perez

Graphic by: Nicole Mercadal

Managing Editor - Web

hen people think of robots, they may think of crazy artificial intelligence trying to take over the world. However, Jibo is not going to try to take over America. Jibo is going to try and make friends. Think the Amazon Echo but much more. Jibo is being advertised as the world’s “first social robot.” There are many various applications that the Jibo has. From storing important dates and event to being a developer toy to try out various forms of code, the Jibo has a feature that is sure to spark the attention of everyone.

Jibo is advertised as being helpful for everyone. Jibo can “manage your life… And capture special moments” for adults, be a “responsive storyteller and playmate [using] movement, animation, and sound” for children, and can help seniors “live with greater independence and stay connected to [loved ones.]” Jibo is equipped with a microphone and camera. The purpose is to help keep a family connected by being a companion to the family. Jibo allows families to sync up their calendars and manage their lives. There is also storage room for photos and videos on the Jibo.

“I like the idea of a Jibo. I can leave funny videos for my family to see or even show them that I was having a productive day. I believe that there are many benefits to the Jibo,” senior Stefany Sandoval said.

While there seems to be many cool features and pros to Jibo, there are some cons as well. Cost is one con that has students hesitant. Jibo was crowdfunded through the website INDIEGOGO. The original campaign raised $3,711,958, which was 2288% of the original campaign back in 2014 (INDIEGOGO.com). The cost of this social robot… $749 and shipping. The Jibo comes with a battery and charging plate in addition to the Jibo.

Senior Shubhi Kumar does not see the point of bringing a social robot into family life. “I just tell my parent’s my schedule. I don’t see the point in having to tell Jibo my schedule, then Jibo telling my parents. I think Jibo decreases communication between members of a family.”

Technology is constantly evolving. The Jibo is just one example of how technology is changing the world as we know it. Maybe one day instead of having dry erase calendars and phone camera, we will be talking into our Jibos.

17

Who’s Your Match via Horoscopes?

Graphic By: Katie Perez

D Explorin

M any students at PPCHS have routines an to school, go to practice/work, do homework Amanda Peralta Staff Writer

Many people use horoscopes as a way to find matching personality traits, learning more about themselves and their loved ones in the process. Although everyone is born with a horoscope, not everyone knows their sign or their compatibility. There are apps and

websites such www.horoscope.com and www.astrology.com/horoscope that give daily horoscopes and describe which sign goes along best with another.

There are twelve different zodiac signs that correspond with the change as the sun is in front of or in constellations. Not every sign spends exactly a month in a constellation, so zodiac signs vary (earthsky.org). The zodiac signs start in January and end in December, starting with Capricorn. Signs are determined by the months and dates of a birthday, so friends may have the same sign depending on their birthday.

Capricorn: December 22- January 20 Aquarius: January 21- February 18 Pisces: February 19- March 20 Aries: March 21- April 19 Taurus: April 20- May 20 Gemini: May 21- June 21

Cancer: June 22- July 22 Leo: July 23- August 22 Virgo: August 23- September 22 Libra: September 22- October 21 Scorpio: October 23- November 21 Sagittarius: November 22- December 21

All signs are represented by an animal, for example the Taurus is a bull and Sagittarius is half human, half horse. Because each sign is represented by an animal not all signs are compatible. Taurus and Sagittarius are both headstrong signs therefore people of these two signs are most likely not friends and not dating. Cancer and Leo’s on the other hand can be great friends because the kindness of a Leo balances out with the emotional needs of a Cancer. www.astrology.com Each sign has one or two other signs that they connect with on a different level. Each sign has signs they will never connect with.

Capricorn match well with Taurus and Virgo, Aquarius with Gemini and Libra, Pisces with Scorpio and Cancer, Aries with Gemini and Leo, Gemini also match very well with Aquarius and Libra.

When picking a significant other or friend, it is important to find people to connect with, or friends that truly understand you and will not just cause problems. Being aware of your zodiac signs and reading your daily horoscope every day can help significantly by giving you incite as to what fate has in store for you.

The Latest Fashion Trends Maria Acosta-Rubio Staff Writer

T o be up with the times right now you need to be quick and fast just like a Jaguar, and Charter’s fashionistas are just that. Charter’s Student body and even some teachers have

18

Photo by: Jonathan Harris

been united as a whole in these latest fashion trends. From wearing fringe to bringing back high-waisted shorts to even throwing out spring’s vibrant colors, Charter’s students have taken it to a whole new level when it comes to fashion.

Fringe is definitely an accessory or aspect that has been currently seen making an appearance. It can be seen on shorts, bags, shorts etc. This 70’s look is making its fast comeback into Charter from appearing on book bags to even shoes.

High-waisted shorts are also making their appearance even if there aren’t summer months. The shorts act as a body shaper, giving you a nice long and lean streamlined look from head to toe. These shorts can be worn with a crop top, or a nice sophisticated blouse.

Girls have been seen showing off their Matte-lipstick and contouring that highlight their personal physical features and give them the opportunity to try non-vibrant colors, giving them an aura of looking calm and collected.

Boys haven’t had drastic fashion changes but they have officially given up on the sagging pants and backwards snapbacks hats. Boys are now dressing more semi-casual.

Wearing things such as Sperry’s, having North Face book bags and even having their hair with less gel, our Charter boys are strutting a more natural look. For boys, it’s all about how comfortable and cool you look, while also not seeming as if they put any effort at all into their outfit.

“We have witnessed all these trends not only inside of our club but outside of it too.

Whether it be meeting up in school or outside of school with school friends, everybody seems to agree that this is what’s in right now. My advice is that the fringe trend can apply to any part of an outfit. From bags to shoes and shorts to skirts, adding fringe gives an instant boho look” said junior Paulyana Severe.

swim team member Devin Demenezes lives through is a few miles out in the ocean with t Demenezes has been on a boat ever since the include –spear fishing, surfing, skim boardin Keys, and Naples. When asked why he loves I’ve grown up doing, and it feels like my life Once school lets out, you can pretty much ca is a sport in which the board looks just like a Demenezes’s father has been a large influen in the water. He was taught one of his favorit Florida Keys if he’s in the mood to spearfish. catch food. Depending on where you spearfis how long it usually takes him to catch a fish, Spearfishing is one of the more dangerous underwater diving that solely relies on the str “I started freediving when I was about eleve His goal is to reach about 70ft underwater an his breath for two minutes and ten seconds. necessary training, Demenezes was taught a takes him about ten minutes to prepare and m that he usually just clears his mind to think o “As I slowly make my way down, I can’t all something bad, I resurface to the boat,” he sa Although Demenezes seems to be very calm life. One thing that Demenezes tends to be sk “The most terrifying thing that has ever hap wearing cologne the day before or during a Friday night wearing cologne, forgetting that was about to go back down, there was a shar Demenezes started to crack jokes with his see the predator going in and out through his back in that day.

No matter what he encounters, Demenezes h and skim boarding that, to him, doesn’t com probably making waves and enjoying the sun

Devin Demenezes: ng his Underwater Home

Ditching the Dreaded Day of Love

Cristina Feliciano Lifestyle Editor

nd schedules in place for their everyday lives. For a typical Jag, this includes: wake up, go k, repeat. However, for others, their after school activities are a bit more exciting. Junior and s, breathes, and sleeps the water. The place where Demenezes goes to relax or think things the sea life. e doctor told his parents that he could take sun. The activities that Demenezes participates in ng, and free diving. Demenezes’s main hangout places are the Hollywood Inlet, The Florida s being in the water so much, Demenezes responds by saying that “it’s just something that estyle”. atch Demenezes at Hollywood Beach skim boarding with some of the locals. Skim boarding a surf board, just smaller and without fins, and is used to glide across the water’s surface. nce on his love for the salt life, and Demenezes tries to make his father proud while he’s out te activities, spearfishing, by his father when he was twelve. Demenezes usually goes to The Spearfishing has been a well-known technique that has been used throughout civilizations to sh, there are going to be different rules and regulations that have to be followed. When asked , Demenezes said “it all depends. My time frame can vary from 30 seconds to 30 minutes”. sports that Demenezes’s involved in, but he also does freediving. Freediving is a form of rength of the diver’s breath and how long they can hold it. en. Some people go to the gym to relax and relieve stress –I go freediving,” Demenezes said. nd try to hold his breath as long as possible. As of last year, Demenezes reached 50ft holding Freediving requires an immense amount of relaxation and focus. As he went through the few breathing exercises to ensure that he could hold his breath for a long period of time. It make sure that his heart rate calms down before he gets in the water. Demenezes explained of nothing or he thinks about how blessed his life has been so far. low myself to think of anything that will get me upset. As soon as I feel like I’m thinking of aid. m and serene throughout the waves, he has had moments where he has been scared for his keptical about is wearing cologne the day before or the day of him going out to free dive. ppened to me in the water was when I went freediving in The Keys. I have had this fear of dive because I’ve always thought that it released some sort of scent. I then went out one t I had a dive the next day. As I was diving, I resurfaced to the boat to get some air, and as I rk circling around where I had just been!” Demenezes exclaimed. mother saying the shark must have a crush on him. Demenezes then looks down again to s legs as he was treading water. Demenezes immediately got out of the water and didn’t get

has made the water his home. He finds adventure through spear fishing, surfing, free diving, mpare to anything else. So if you’re looking for Devin Demenezes, check the beach, he’s n.

Devin Demenezes: Exploring His Underwater Home Devin is here diving down to the ocean floor exploring a ship wreck. Donated By: Devin Demenezes

Donated By: Nadira Danticat

Looghermine Claude Managing Editor - Content

T hough Valentine’s Day is a popular day for couples to go all out when professing their love for their significant others, many all around the world aren’t too excited to celebrate.

In a poll of over 1,000 participants, 32% said they felt more dread than excitement on Valentine’s Day and 7% said they refused to celebrate the holiday at all (dallasnews. com). While some might just forget about Valentine’s Day altogether, others have taken to celebrating alternative holidays that honor different relationships that Valentine’s Day seems to forget about.

One of the biggest alternative Valentine’s Day celebrations is Galentine’s Day. The “holiday” is inspired by an episode of the TV show Parks & Recreation when the main character Leslie Knope takes time out on the day before Valentine’s Day to be with her girl friends on Galentine’s Day and celebrate their friendship and sisterly bond. The celebration picked up in the real world and now ladies all over spend time with each other on February 13. There are even sections of social media platforms dedicated to helping women plan and execute the perfect Galentine’s Day party. Everything from recipes for brunch to gifts to decorations can be found with a Galentine’s Day theme.

Senior Sasha Manning says “My friends and I have had our own Galentine’s celebration at lunch every year since freshman year. We all gather together and give each other little gifts. It’s our way of showing how much we love and care for each other”.

In China, a popular holiday for young people is Singles’ Day. The “anti-Valentine’s Day” festival takes place on November 11th (11/11) because the number one represents a person who is alone (cnn.com). According to Time, “students at Nanjing University started Singles’ Day in 1993 as a way to celebrate being single, largely by buying themselves presents”. In 2009, Singles’ Day erupted into a massive online shopping day when the “e-commerce giant” Alibaba joined in on the event (cnn.com). Now every year, young people spend tons of money on themselves to celebrate their lack of a romantic relationship. In 2014, Alibaba reported that “total value of goods transacted during its Singles' Day shopping festival was 91.2 billion yuan ($14.32 billion)”.

“I think the idea that you should only treat yourself one day a year is a little silly, but if single people want to celebrate being single that way and see it as a positive thing and not a way for them to fill the void because they’re lonely, then Singles’ Day is good for them” said senior Kelcey Hernandez.

A lesser known “holiday” is Black Day, which is celebrated in Korea. According to Forbes “On Black Day [April 14], unattached youth congregate at local restaurants and consume vast quantities of a cheap fast-food dish called jajangmyeon–the Korean interpretation of a Chinese recipe for noodles coated with a chunky dark sauce of pork, onions, black beans, sugar and MSG”. The holiday is in direct contrast to the traditional Korean celebration on February 14 when women give chocolates and sweets to their male love interests and on March 14 the men return the favor (forbes.com).

For those who aren’t too sold on the idea of Valentine’s Day, there are definitely some fun alternatives for them to participate in. From celebrating your girls, to pampering yourself, to stuffing your face full of food, people from all around the world are finding ways to fight back the guilt of spending their time and money on Cupid’s holiday.

19

The Weekend Review Melissa Pierce

Hillary Clinton and Be

Entertainment Editor

Robert Kennedy’s assassin to seek parole for the 14th time On February 10th, Robert Kennedy’s assassin Sirhan Sirhan sought parole for the fourteenth time, about forty eight years after the event took place. Kennedy was killed after winning the Democratic Presidential Primary in California, and his killer claims to not remember shooting him. Sirhan has been so unsuccessful in getting parole for his now life sentence because he has not shown any remorse (www.nbcnews.com).

A

s the 2016 primary election draws closer vember. The Republican side has got a plethor Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, or the often ridic Sanders have developed a fierce rivalry in the they plan on voting for March 15th, but some Millennials are people who were born betwe chance they are voting for Bernie Sanders. Th of ages 17-29 and 58% of those of ages 30-4 gender equality, income equality, and collegia and one of the ways he has amassed such a lar If you were on Twitter or Instagram in the p from posters posted in Los Angeles neighborh imagines the candidates would have, usually m and toilet paper to Iggy Azalea and Taylor Sw offense, calling the meme “sexist” and “unfair However, while it seems like Hillary has no Caucus with 49.9% of the votes. The breakdow erate approaches to the economy and the soci House experience of any candidate in the race to her current position as the 67th Secretary of “I plan on voting in March and I’m voting fo Bernie Sanders, who cannot prosper in our pre Despite the apparent overwhelming support, dislike Clinton due to her sudden changes on i and debates in an attempt to appeal to the you

Obama climate change rules blocked by Supreme Court After trying to pass legislation that would limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, President Barack Obama was blocked by the Supreme Court on February 9th. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan was also blocked due to lawsuits from twenty nine different states and from the energy industry. Climate change is now a problem for the president up there with immigration (www.cnn.com).

FBI offers security training for houses of worship On Tuesday, February 9th, one hundred sixty five faith leaders gathered at the Dallas FBI Headquarters to attend a new government program that provides security training for houses of worship. Places of worship are especially vulnerable to attack and the point of this program is to ensure that these places still maintain a welcoming environment while improving their security (www.nbcmiami.com).

German train crash In Bovaria, Germany on February 9th, two trains collided head-on killing ten people and critically injuring seventeen others. At least sixty three other people of the approximate 150 people on board suffered less serious injuries. The crash occurred on a single track line on a bend, and although the cause is not known, it can be assumed that the two train conductors were unable to see one another because of this curve (www.cnn.com).

Graphic by: Matthew Perez

Zika Virus Hitting th

Man with sword attacks elderly man A man in Lauderhill has been arrested after he was caught on camera beating an elderly man with a pole and a Swap Shop clerk with a sword. The suspect seemed to have no reason for attacking either victims. The store clerk had serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital while the old man returned home the next day with swollen, black-and-blue bruises and stitches (www.wsvn.com).

L

Johns Hopkins approved HIV organ transplants Doctors at Jonhs Hopkins University have been given the go ahead when it comes to performing HIV-positive to HIV-positive organ transplants. It will be the first in the country to do so and will help a multitude of people with HIV receive the medical treatment they are entitled to. This was made possible by the HOPE Act (HIV Organ Policy Equity Act) (www.cnn.com).

Elephant rampage spreads panic in India In an Indian town located in West Bengal, a wild elephant took a catastrophic stroll through a small neighborhood, trampling down walls of shacks and motorcycles. It took four tranquilizer shots to put the elephant unconsciousness and officials used a crane to gently return the animal to the forest.

20

“I support Bernie Sanders and I do not unders seem relatable to younger voters instead of tal Republicans tend to bring up Clinton’s role in didate and what she might do, given the presi many voters are wary of her.

Who will be the main candidate for the Dem get on the ticket and if older adults and senior are already registered as a Democrat by March news, whoever wins will change the course of

Graphic by: Natalie Laurent

ast year was the Ebola virus scare and now the Zika vi Uganda, but not many people have heard about it until now. R have also been reports in Brazil and have been seen in Indiana world and forcing health experts find a solution to this problem Zika is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Sy last for 2-7 days. Unlike Ebola, contracting the disease doesn’t about the virus is that it has been linked with microcephaly.

Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smalle that might have not developed properly. When a mother is pre the brain didn’t develop properly or stops growing after birth “Hearing about the Zika virus is a big concern for the world.

I hope we can solve quickly,” said junior Elizabeth Garcia.

The CDC has warned pregnant women to protect their babies the virus is spreading fast. For the rest of the population, the v the virus will have no symptoms at all. The rest will have mild President Obama has asked Congress for $1.8 billion to com and improving health care for low income pregnant women.

Caribbean (usatoday.com). When the Ebola outbreak happene the actions taken. He wants to be responsive to the Zika virus In early February of this year, Zika was spotted in Indiana, O be spread through unprotected sex, blood transfusions, or thro “It’s saddening that the Zika virus is affecting many babies aro anyone to suffer from microcephaly,” said junior Chinedu Eze As of right now there is no vaccine available for the Zika viru tious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, there could com).

ernie Sanders: The Race to Primaries Nadira Danticat Staff Writer

r and closer, prospective voters are slowly becoming sure of who they want on the ballot this coming Nora of colorful candidates to choose from whether it be the controversial Donald Trump, the often bickering culed Ben Carson. However, the Democratic candidates are few and fervent. Hillary Clinton and Bernie hopes of becoming victorious as the main candidate for the leftist party. Most voters are dead set on who are still left unclear on who is best fit to run the country and ultimately, the free world. een the late 1980’s and the early 2000’s. Of this group of people who vote Democrat, there is a very high his became apparent when, while he lost by .3% to Clinton, Sanders garnered 84% of the votes from those 44 in February's Iowa Caucus. Young voters appeal to the Vermont senator due to his views on abortion, ate tuition. Though a socialist in the White House is a nightmare for many, Bernie’s traction is undeniable rge following is the power of social media. past month, there’s a very high possibility you saw a viral meme called “Bernie or Hillary?” Originating hoods by comedian Jeff Wysaski in late January, the meme features a topic and the opinions the creator making Bernie’s favorable and Hillary’s negative and unappealing. The topics vary from everything lizards wift winning Album of the Year at this year’s Grammy’s. While most find the humor in the joke, some take r.” Like the elections, the opinions on the joke are fairly split. chance in our limited scope, she is actually the frontrunner for the Democratic Party. She won the Iowa wn of the votes derived from voters who were Caucasian, female, and 45 or older. Clinton has more modial issues our nation faces today, which is why she appeals to older voters. Also, she has the most White e-Republican or not. From being the First Lady for 8 years, then a New York senator for another 8 years, f State for 4 years, she is the most equipped in terms of credentials. or Hillary for so many reasons. She simply has the most experience and she has more realistic ideals than edominantly Republican Congress,” said senior Chelsea Graham. , Hillary Clinton has faced a lot of criticism in this campaign for many things. Bernie Sanders supporters important issues such as same-sex marriage and her tendency to make pop culture references in interviews unger voters.

stand why Hillary tries dabbing or ending a debate with “may the force be with you.” She is just trying to lking about the real issues,” said junior Andrea Roman. n the 2012 Benghazi attacks and their security time lapses. They view this as a reason not to trust the canidency. Though, a sinister ulterior motive on Clinton’s behalf for becoming president is highly unlikely,

mocratic Party truly is up in the air as of now. If more teens and young adults show up to vote, Bernie will citizens show up to vote, Hillary will be victorious. Jaguars, if you are 18 and wish to vote, make sure you h 15th, as Florida is a closed primary state. Whether you’re not into politics or you’re always glued to the f history and this country as we know it could change forever.

Graphic by: Matthew Perez

he World

New bill hopes to thwart school violence

LJ Lemmers

Nick Rivera

Technology Editor

irus causing panic around the world. The Zika virus was discovered 70 years ago in Recently, Zika has been spotted in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. There a and Ohio in the United States. The virus’ sudden outbreak is causing panic around the m. ymptoms of the disease are a mild fever, skin rash, and conjunctivitis. These symptoms t kill the person and some don’t even know they have it. But the reason for the concern

er than the average head of babies of the same age. The babies develop smaller brains egnant, the baby's head grows because the brain grows. Microcephaly occurs because (cdc.gov.com).

Many mothers could have their baby suffer from microcephaly. It’s a global issue that

by avoiding travel to South America, Central America, and Caribbean countries where virus isn’t a major threat. CDC Director Tom Frieden said that 80% of people who get d symptoms and the virus will remain in infected people’s blood for about a week. mbat the Zika virus through mosquito control programs, vaccine research, education, Obama wants $355 million of that to go to South America, Central America, and the ed, the US didn’t expect the virus to come into the nation, so Obama was angered by while avoiding alarm (nytimes.com).

Ohio, Tennessee and Delaware. Through those cases they found out that Zika can also ough mother and child during the birth process. ound the world. Especially in Brazil. No one deserves to live like that. I wouldn’t want enwa. us, but stated by Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infecd be one by the end of 2017 if people keep getting infected by the disease (usatoday.

Amongst an array of bullets coming from two students of Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, a man volunteering at the school on that particular day thought the same thing that Features Editor

hundreds of others thought--today may be my last day. Miraculously, Kevin Parker walked away from that day with nothing more than the terribly memories of the sights and sounds of that day.

Nearly 17 years later, Parker holds a seat in the House as a Republican from Washington State. With the memory still instilled into him, Parker had vowed to do whatever he could to prevent any similar tragedies from occurring. And so came the birth of Bill 2823; one that he believes is the key to this.

The bill, while only in its first stages, aims to prevent school shootings by providing an anonymous tip system. The system would work like most others, anyone who believes that they have information of any possible life threatening situation, but the difference is that they wouldn’t have to have any fear of giving away the information because they would be able to keep their identity hidden. Media would also not have access to the tip without permission from the tipper.

“I think it’s a good idea in theory, but I feel like it can be easily abused for people that aren’t actually doing anything bad. It could ruin the reputation of people if, say, they release names without any evidence for an accusation. I hope the system is more investigative to prevent this,” said senior Carlos Andreu.

The bill follows a similar system, Safe2Tell, which was implemented in Colorado after the Columbine attack. The program is a state-run nonprofit which has been extremely successful in preventing tragedies, drug and alcohol use, and teen suicide rates. Parker hopes that his bill will be able to spread this across all 50 states.

The bill, which would be run under the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, is still in the works, with estimated expenses still being calculated. If implemented, Bill 2823 could prove to be one of the most effective bills made to help the school system.

21