The chat newspaper september 2013 year 14 issue #2

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Cost of Security: Freedom Features Pages 10-11 ‘Mini Mozart’s’ Merry Melodies News Pages 2-3 Pilar Sanchez: A Story of Triumph Lifestyle 12-13

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‘Mini Mozart's’ merry melodies

Aaliyah Pasols STAFF WRITER

In this corner, stands a heavy 500 pound, four foot piano. This piano has been used for decades, and is as challenging to play as ever. And in this corner, stands a five year old talented kindergartner. This boy has fingers that seem to be passed down from Mozart himself...Watch out piano, you’re going down!

Jacob Valezquez is a seemingly normal five year old boy, living in Pembroke Pines, until you sit him

Common Core is put on park

down in front of a piano. He has been dubbed the name “Mini Mozart” and “Baby Beethoven” by magazines and newspapers globally. He first started gaining attention when his dad, Willie Velazquez, started posting videos of his son’s piano playing on YouTube. Then one day, Velazquez decided to show a friend one of Jacob’s videos. This friend happened to be an anchor man from Channel 10 News, and the journey began from there. “The next day, Channel 10 News called

and wanted to do a story on Jacob. It was 10:00 on Thursday, and they wanted to interview him later that day at 11:00. On Friday, Good Morning America wanted us to fly out to do the show in New York City. Then CNN called and wanted us to do a story on Monday. The View called after that, and it’s just been hectic since there. But now things are slowing down,” Tina Velazquez laughed. It’s been an adventure for the Valezquez family, but things aren’t about to stop right

Gun violence: Washington’s Navy Yard massacre

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

See Mini Mozart, Page 3

UM, UF crack nation’s top 50

‘Mini Mozart's’ merry melodies Mini Mozart from Page 2...

Aaliyah Pasols STAFF WRITER

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

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

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

Not only does the young music prodigy have a musical talent, but he has another talent as well: photographic memory. After studying a sonata, all it takes for Jacob to retain that information is three weeks! In fact, his memory is so good, that while in the middle of playing a musical piece, he’ll tend to look away from the piano keys, to instead sneak a peek at his parents and

crack them a smile! This factor is a huge benefit to Jacob and has opened many doors for him in addition to his fantastic piano playing. He recently got accepted into the American College of Musicians- a nonprofit organization for piano teachers and students. He had to audition for entry, and did so by memorizing 10 classical pieces.

(Sun Sentinel) While many students can’t even remember what their homework for Biology is, little Jacob Valezquez is memorizing 10 classical pieces of music (Sun Sentinel).

What makes Jacob’s talent even more remarkable is that he was previously diagnosed with high-functioning autism.

High-functioning autism is a less severe type of autism that causes the person to experience problems in speech and motor skills, among other things (WebMD.com).

For the last year and a half, Jacob has been given biomedical treatment to help with his autism diagnosis.

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

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

Jacob’s autism diagnosis and his age are two of many factors that make his piano playing so worthy of applause. “This story is an inspiration that shows that no matter what your age, you can still be capable of

3 News

September 2013

accomplishing things. You can still have a most of the kids know who he is. I think it’s talent, and more importantly, a passion,” a good thing because older kids will hopeChristian Yeh, a junior, adds. Yeh has been fully take care of him and protect him,” his playing piano for 11 years and shares that mom states. her piano is her own route of escape and is a The future of the Valezquez family is lookvery “peaceful pastime” for her. The same ing to be a bright one. But will Jacob conis also true with Jacob; his piano works as tinue to pursue a life in music? “Music is a an outlet for him, as stated by his mother. part of him and he shows it in everything He tends to play the piano a certain way he does. Even when he’s playing video depending on his emotion. “He’s very en- games he’s humming the songs from them. ergetic. So naturally, he prefers songs that Everything revolves around music for him, have a faster pace. Playing the piano helps so I think he will do something with music him to get past anxiety, and if he’s angry, as an adult,” Mrs. Valezquez confirms. As he’ll play hard or low notes. I can tell how time goes on, and Jacob grows older, only he’s feeling just by the way he plays,” Mrs. he can decide whether or not he wants to Valezquez expresses. continue to embark on this musical advenMoreover, Pines Charter isn’t the first to ture. But if he does make the choice to go recognize this virtuoso’s near-impeccable along with it, following in the footsteps of talent; in addition to starring on Good his favorite composer: Beethoven, he’ll be Morning America, and The View, he was making headlines for a very long time. also featured in the British newspaper the Daily Mail. Also, the YouTube videos featuring him have been gaining a lot of attention from the public.

One of his videos, in which he is playing a piece composed

by Muzio Clementi, has already reached 36, 132 views! Obviously this quiet Pembroke Pines boy is on the road to stardom. “Everybody Follow your Passion: 5-year-old Jacob Velazquez is a piano playing prodigy. He wants to say hi to can play many symphonies from piano legends, like Mozart and Beethoven. Photo him at school, and by: Carli Stander

UM, UF crack nation’s top 50 %), student selectivity (12.5%), financial resources (10%), graduation rate perforIt is that time of year again! Seniors are mance (7.5%), and alumni giving rate busy filling out their college applications, (5%). The undergraduate academic repugathering and documenting everything tation is how well the school looks to the they have done and accomplished in the public. The freshman retention rate shows past three and a half years academically how many students return to the college for along with extra-curricular activities. Like their sophomore year. Faculty resources is millions of seniors vying for the top spots the amount of resources that are given to in prestigious universities, colleges and the professors to teach their students. Stuuniversities throughout the United States dent selectivity is how the school selects compete with each other to be ranked the students and what types of students are sebest. According to US News World Re- lected. Financial resources are how much port, two of our own Florida schools were money is allotted to be used for each sturanked in the top dent and how the 50 colleges in college uses that the nation, the money. GraduaUniversity of tion rate perforMiami (#47) and mance is how the University of many students Florida (#49). graduate on time.

According to Alumni giving their website, rate is how much The US News money alumni is World Report giving back to Ranking Systheir college. All tems methodolthese factors are ogy of ranking brought together schools is based and compared off of multiple to create the US factors.

The World News schools are first Report National categorized by University rankmission, which ings.

Top in the Nation: The University of Miami and the Univermeans what type sity of Florida are both placed in the top 50 universities in the The University of university the nation. Photo by: Peter Dourvetakis of Miami, numschool is such ber 47, is located as a national university, liberal arts col- in Coral Gables. UM is a private university lege, regional university etc. Then they are with a variety of academic majors rangrated by multiple factors. The first factor ing from Human Development, to Marine is based on undergraduate academic repu- Science to Engineering. It has a freshtation (22.5%), then freshman retention man class of about 2,000 each year, so the rate (22.5%), next is faculty resources (20 campus is smaller than a large Ivy League Anthony Kelleher TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

campus and provides students with a more one-on-one individualized approach to education. UM is in South Florida so applying PPCHS seniors have the option of commuting to school while living at home or living in the dorms. Senior and UM fan Taylor Cowheard says “I am applying to UM; it is my dream school. My family is die hard UM fans. My dad graduated from there and my grandma worked there. I personally like the fact that UM is above UF because I have been pretty much raised to not like them. I still think UF is a good school, but nothing compares. Even though UM is nationally ranked, I don’t think that more teens are going to apply there. Students and teenagers tend to be closed minded and just want to go away so that they don’t live with their parents. Students are also turned off from this school because it is expensive but there is so many opportunities for financial aid and scholarships to reduce the cost.” According to collegeboard.com, UM has a 40% acceptance rate. The accepted average students’ high school weighted GPA is 4.2, the average SAT score for reading and math is 12701410, the average ACT composite score is 29-32. Since the University of Miami is a private school, one must pay the hefty price of a private education, which is about $60,000 per year, without scholarships and other grants. (www.miami.edu) Moving on from South Florida, the University of Florida is number 49 on the national rankings. The school is located in Gainesville which is about a 5 1/2 hour drive from South Florida. The school also has a variety of academic majors to fit every students’ interests and needs. Spanish teacher Mrs. Ciafre says “I am very happy that my daughter, who attends UF, goes to a school that is nationally ranked and rec-

ognized for its strong academics. I hope that seniors at PPCHS and all around the United States apply to this really great school.” The University of Florida has a much larger student body than UM. With a freshman class of about 6,000, you will find much diversity amongst the students.

UF has recently started a new unique program called Innovation Academy. This program focuses on entrepreneurship, leadership, and ethics, and creativity while giving you the college experience and preparing you for a future career with your major. One of the major differences of this program is that students in this program go to UF in the spring and summer semesters leaving the fall free for anything such as online classes and study abroad programs.

According to collegeboard.com, UF has a 44% acceptance rate. Their average SAT score is 1810-2080 for all three sections (reading, math, and writing). The average ACT composite score is 27-29. The average GPA is a 4.0-4.4 as recalculated by the school. (ufl.edu) Since UF is a part of the State University System, the cost is equivalent to that of public school tuition.

Overall, UM and UF are both highly ranked colleges in the nation as well as in the state. Each school has their own qualities that make it a great school. They both also have some similarities such as academic rigor and school pride. They also have many differences such as academic standards for admission, location, student population size, and so much more. Most PPCHS seniors are very interested in these two rival schools and some may have one of these schools as their dream school. Selecting a college is a big decision and students should thoroughly review all aspects of their future school before choosing to be there for the next four years of their lives.

News September 2013

4

Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Yet another incident of gun violence: Washington’s Navy Yard massacre ran a federal background check on Alexis and it came back clear.” Investigators have said that sometime before the shooting occurred, Alexis had etched phrases onto his gun. The Washington Post says “The phrases were “Better off this way” and “My ELF (extremely low frequency) weapon”, according to the officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity…” The investigators are hoping that with these messages

On Monday September 16, 2013, people entered the Washington D.C. Navy Yard in order to begin another day of work just like any other day. What they weren’t expecting was a mass shooting. 34-year-old Aaron Alexis walked into the yard with a concealed weapon, and with it he was able to shoot and kill 12 people and injured 8 others. No one ever expects a catastrophe to happen—especially not one in America’s capital; however, this tragedy is another one of America’s grievances that makes the hearts of citizens very heavy.

According to CBS News, Alexis, the shooter, was a Navy employee from 2007 to 2011 and currently worked as a military contractor with a Fort Lauderdale based firm called The Experts. As a contractor, Alexis was able to kept close relation with the navy as he was frequently there to work. The reaGraphic by: Armando Urena son Alexis is no longer in the Navy can be equated to an honor- they will be able to find a motive for the able discharge even though many sources shooting. tell news reporters that Alexis had an anOn the day of the shooting, Alexis drove gry, vengeful, and frustrated streak. ABC to the Yard base and arrived there in the news says a Seattle detective had spoken early morning. The New York Times said to Alexis’ father in the past was told that that the The Washington Naval Yard base “…his son had experienced anger manage- is located only 1.5 miles from the U.S. ment problems that the family believed Capitol Building and a few miles away was associated with PTSD.” Alexis has from the White House. When he arrived, also had a history of gun violence, and the Alexis walked straight towards Building same ABC news article shows that he had 197 which houses the Naval Sea Systems been arrested twice—once in Fort Worth, Command headquarters. Alexis was able to and once in Seattle—for charges relating enter without a double take because of his to a firearm. security card. CBS news says that “…he A lot of what Alexis did recently, prior was carrying a bag, which investigators beto the shooting, also raises concern. Alexis lieve contained the disassembled shotgun had moved into the Washington D.C. area he would later use to launch his attack.” only three weeks before the massacre. He Alexis headed to a bathroom, and there he was there as a subcontractor for the Wash- was able to assemble his shotgun. Police ington Navy Yard and had an access key claim that Alexis walked up to the fourth to enter buildings. Only two days before floor of the building, where he would be he opened fire, Alexis was seen practicing able to see many workers because the at the Sharpshooters Small Arms Range in level overlooked an atrium that at the moLorton, Virginia which is located about 15 ment had workers drinking coffee or eatmiles from the Yard. CBS news said that ing breakfast. The fourth floor also gave “the gun range’s attorney said the store him an advantage because he was able to

shoot down to the workers and also shoot across to whoever might be approaching him from other walkways. Then, while on the balcony overlooking the atrium, Alexis fired the first shots from his gun.

Senior Jessica Lozama says “I feel like he was upset about something and that was a motive for everything. I think that he got that job on purpose to find out how he could get into the building and everything and then he planned his attack. I feel like there is no reason for him to have killed so many people. I understand he might’ve wanted to make a point, but I believe that he could’ve done that peacefully and without violence.”

The first 911 emergency calls for the shooting were placed at 8:15 in the morning. Alexis was first confronted by D.C. police officers and NCIS. While being chased, he moved from his post on the fourth floor and went down the stairs escaping capture.

During his run, Alexis managed to shoot and kill a security guard and after he died, Alexis took the man’s gun. After 20 minutes of futile searching by police, a Washington D.C. police officer as well as a U.S. park officer found Alexis and opened fire.

Their gunshots killed him.

Social studies teacher Mrs. Hyacinth says “I thought it was sad that more gun violence happened and I was confused on how this could happen on a military base. I’m hoping that this will enlighten the fact that this happens and shed some light on this subject. There will probably be some security changes because of the incident to prevent others from walking in so easily onto military bases.”

Alexis managed to murder 12 people in total during the massacre. 11 of them were Navy Yard employees, and one was a security guard. Those victims are Michael Arnold, age 59; Martin Bodrog, age 54; Arthur Daniels, age 51; Sylvia Frasier, age 53; Kathleen Gaarde, age 62; John R. Johnson, age 73; Mary Francis DeLorenzo Knight, age 51; Frank Kohler, age 50; Vishnu Pandit, age 61; Kenneth Proctor, age 46; Gerald Read, age 58; and Richard Michael Ridgell, age 52. Of the civilians that Alexis wounded, a police officer who was shot in both legs is getting better, a woman wounded in the shoulder has improved her condition from fair to good,

and another women grazed in the head by a bullet was released Tuesday, September 17.

Only three days after the shooting, employees at the Washington Navy Yard—except those who work at Building 197—returned to work. Even while their working, police and investigators are still looking into the shooting. With clues about Alexis’ unstable mental health and the messages he left on his gun, they are trying to piece together a solution for the problem. With new leads coming out constantly, officials are on their way to accomplishing the goal of finding a motive for the massacre. They have uncovered that Alexis suffered from depression, paranoia, insomnia and was repeatedly treated for them. A lead about security includes that The New York Daily News says that “The company that did a background check on the Washington Navy Yard shooter had also vetted Edward Snowden, the government contractor who leaked information about secret U.S. surveillance programs.”

“With the ongoing investigations, police officers, investigators, and regular people are going to realize just how crazy and messed up he was. As time goes on we will uncover more and more behind Alexis,” says senior Ashley Greaner.

With another shooting at their doorsteps, American citizens are looking towards lawmakers to fix this situation; however the New York Daily news states that “lawmakers were reluctant to take on the National Rifle Association and their allies again.” The hesitant manners of politicians are stirring up anger in relatives of victims in the Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting.

The school shooting is still fresh in their minds, and with this tragedy they are looking for elected officials to come together and really make a resolution to all the gun violence that is occurring.

To help appease the pain, Aaron Alexis’ mother has released a statement to the public about the tragedy. She shares the same burden as all the other Americans grieving to yet another shooting incident. Cathleen Alexis, gave this apology: “I don’t know why he did what he did, and I’ll never be able to ask him why. Aaron is now in a place where he can never do harm to anyone, and for that I am glad…To the families of the victims, I am so, so very sorry that this has happened. My heart is broken.” Somehow, we as a nation are going to have to continue on with our lives despite the disaster that occurred.

Common Core is put on park Maria Bozo and Lauren Ramirez BUSINESS MANAGER AND STAFF WRITER

For a generation of high school students who grew up taking the FCAT, the news that there will be a new set of K-12 standards implemented in all of Florida’s Public School System came as a shock to many.

These new standards are called Common Core. Teachers have already began to modify their classrooms to accommodate a new standardized test that was supposed to be administered in the 2014-2015 school year.

However, Governor Rick Scott has made a drastic modification to the plans of Common Core and has left students at PPCHS with a sense of uncertainty.

An executive order was announced on Monday, September 23rd, 2013 that could affect everything from teacher evaluations to school grades. In a letter to Gary Chartrand, the Chairman of the State Board of Education, Governor Scott states that he would like Florida to have a new standardized test that “meets the needs of Florida students, parents and teachers, not the needs of the federal government or other states.” The PARCC exam was supposed to replace the FCAT, due to the fact that it coincided with Common Core. (sunsenti-

nel.com) According to the Sun-Sentinel, the PARCC exam (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for Colleges and Careers) helps to compare the academic levels of students in the state of Florida to students in other states and promotes college readiness and critical thinking. Now that the PARCC will no longer be administered, there is a rise of questions as to what test will be administered.

“As a student, I want to know what’s going to happen in the future. I know the Common Core is new, but I think that I should know what I’m being tested on in order to prepare for it,” says Sophomore Faith Marrero. Apparently, Marrero is not alone. Sophomore Holly Perkins agrees with her. She responds, “The thought of not knowing what exam is going to be administered scares me. Standardized tests are so important, so I have a right to know what exam I’m going to have to take.”

Governor Scott has made a drastic change; seeing that he has been a leader in the PARCC group from the time it was proposed, his sudden switch has caused some heads to turn. He abruptly switched sides to favor PARCC’s opponents, stating that

he wanted to end “overreach by the federal in public schools everywhere. After all, government.” However, his action did not students need to being preparing, teachers come as a complete shock considering that need to begin teaching what will be covthe rest of Florida’s Legislature displayed ered on the test, and parents need to begin great opposition from the start. The state hiring tutors. of Florida needs to come to a conclusion and choose a new test by March, so that the changes will be ready for the 2014-2015 school year. Once Common Core is put into full effect, a numerous amount of new tests will have to be created and reviewed before the final product is administered.

With March fast approaching; PPCHS students urge Florida to come to a conclusion and end the long waiting that End of PARCC: Florida Governor Rick Scott has decided to remove the PARCC exam the state has caused from Common Core and replace it with a new test. Graphic by: Armando Urena

Sports

Sports Profiles: Swimming and Cross Country Leysha Caraballo: Swimming

Lilliana Calero: Swimming

Andy Iglesias: Cross Country

Justin Ortiz: Cross Country

The rush athletes get whenever they step out on to the court or field is considered one of the best feelings in sports. Junior Leysha Caraballo gets this rush, but it comes in the cold waters of the swimming pool. In just 5th grade, Caraballo had to make a decision on whether or not she will continue her swimming career or if she would play soccer instead. For her teammates and her coaches, it appears as if she made the right decision. Caraballo said, “Swimming is something I’ve stuck with for almost 7 years and although it’s been hard work moving up it’s worth it to know how far I’ve made it at big competitions like regionals.” Caraballo truly loves her teammates and even though it is an individual sport, she truly believes teammates are very important. Caraballo emphasizes the fact that being a leader for the inexperienced freshman is important and she knows that they look up to her. Quality leadership doesn’t come naturally to athletes; they must prove it on a daily basis, and the Jaguars are lucky enough to have that in their junior star.

There is a proverb that says: “If you can’t find what you’re looking for, keep looking, because eventually you’ll find it.”

These words definitely apply to sophomore swimmer Lilliana Calero. During the summer of the 5th grade, after trying multiple sports, she realized that swimming was finally the right one for her. “I didn’t want to be in a sport that everyone was playing.

I chose swimming because it was something different.” says Calero. Once she started to get the hang of it, she knew that this was something that she wanted to pursue competitively. With her parents cheering her on, Calero has worked really hard to get to where she is now. Her goal is to take the team past districts by improving on her weakest stroke, the backstroke, and strengthening her best stroke, the freestyle.

“For myself, I want to improve my time in the 500m freestyle, but I think as a team, we can make some waves this year.” If she, along with the team, continues to train hard, that goal can become attainable.

Senior cross country runner Andrew Iglesias has been the superstar for PPCHS ever since he was a freshman. In eighth grade, Iglesias began running five kilometer races under the supervision of Head Coach Joe Hazera. From here, Coach Hazera helped mold Iglesias’ talent into a fierce runner that has literally ran away county records and state accolades. As for the expectations of the team, Andy is looking to win Counties and eventually the State Championship despite tough competition from rivals Belen Jesuit and St. Thomas Aquinas. Iglesias is rebounding off of a quad injury last year that sidelined him for a handful of races.

Despite the injury, he has received loads of attention from universities across the nation including FSU and even Oregon, but it’s up to him to perform and finish out his high school career with a bang. “I love all the excitement of the big pressure that goes along with playing this sport and it has been really cool for me. I’m always willing to use my past experiences to help out the newcomers,” stated Iglesias. Take note of this guy because soon enough, more than just PPCHS students will know his name.

It’s not typical to find a very talented cross country runner who just got into the sport in high school, however, PPCHS surely has one of them. Junior Justin Ortiz fell in love with the sport just a year ago in September. Justin loves it because he realizes it take more than just motivation to stay with this sport and to have a strong Coach in Joseph Hazera, it makes his part easier. Being ranked 10th in the state is a true honor for the cross country team and for Justin who is relatively new to the sport. It just adds to his love for the sport. “We hope to get as fast as we can by the end of the season to have a good shot at winning it all. We are determined to catch our competitors because as a whole, much work has been put in over the summer,” said Justin. Clearly this athlete is prepared for this season and it’s his time to prove to his teammates he’s ready for the big moment.

Also in Sports:

Jake Silverberg: Riding to the top

Say Hey to May

October’s sports schedule

Sports September 2013

6

Sports Profiles: Swimming and Cross Country All Headshots By: Carli Stander

Victoria Hill: Swimming

Danny Arango: Cross country

Junior Victoria Hill has been swimming since the age of ten. Ever since she swam for the city, Hill has developed into a top swimmer for the PPCHS swim team. When she first started swimming, her parents motivated her to keep getting better and better as each year passed. Now, Hill is a leader of the team in the 100 yard, freestyle event.

Swimming back and forth in a 50 yard pool can get tiring, but Hill is excelling in this event. With her average time at around 59 seconds, her fastest time ever was recorded at 57 seconds. Now, as Hill is in her third year on the team, she looks to help bring the swim team back to districts.

“Swimming is a great hobby for me. It keeps me active and gives me something to do,” said Hill.

“Swimming fast in the 100 yard freestyle isn’t easy, but continuing to practice really does help.”

Nicole Cordoba: Swimming

Performing well on a team that is ranked 10th in the state is incredible. Junior Danny Arango competes in the 5k race for the PPCHS track team, recording his fastest time ever at 18:20. Running a total of 3.1 miles is an incredible feat of stamina, and it all started when Arango joined the team his freshman year. His brother—who was a junior at the time—convinced the young Arango, who had no previous athletic experience, to join the track team. Once on the team, the track coach motivated Arango to go that extra mile and compete in the 5k race. “The important thing to remember is to keep up your stamina. Don’t be afraid to burn out. When you’re tired, continue going, but go faster. Keep working on your stamina and it will increase the more you work on it,” Arango said.

Carlos Penaranda: Cross country Motivation is key when you’re grinding it out in the cold waters at 5 a.m. before school starts.

This is exactly what senior Nicole Cordoba provides the swimming team with on a daily basis.

Nicole started swimming in 7th grade, but after she moved to Portugal it got very complicated and she wasn’t able to compete until high school came around. Fortunately for the Jags, Nicole is a captain on the girls swim team as she constantly pushes the younger ones to their full potential. Nicole said, “Our district is a little easier this year, so we’re hoping to go undefeated. I’m a sprinter, so I always do the 50 meter freestyle, the 100 meter freestyle, and the relays.” With great leadership skills and pure athleticism, Nicole sets the ideal example of how to correctly behave and perform out in the pool. Jumping into a pool is looked at as a relaxing thing to do nowadays, but Nicole doesn’t see it like that. She sees it as an opportunity to be successful.

Melissa Gonzalez: Swimming As her right hand hits the water in unison with her left leg and her right leg hits the water in unison with her left hand, Melissa Gonzalez races to the other end of the pool. Being one of the top five swimmers at Pembroke Pines Charter High School, Gonzalez says, “It’s harder getting me out of the water than getting me in.” Swimming comes naturally to Melissa, considering that she got her start at an early age. At the age of nine, Melissa Gonzalez began swimming and loved it right away. Despite this, she left the sport to play soccer for a year while dutifully attending the Comets swim team at the Charter High swimming pool. She states, “I love the sport because I can relate to it; I’ve grown up with it. I’ve been in the water since my grandfather taught me how to swim in his pool.” When Melissa is in the water she is focused on one thing and one thing only—the wall. Gonzalez’s mindset is always where it needs to be. When she is racing in her events, she thinks of the time that needs to be on that scoreboard when she hits the wall and is constantly thinking about her technique and efficiency during practice. All of these are admirable qualities that contribute to Melissa Gonzalez being one of the top five swimmers at PPCHS.

On the Pines Charter boys cross country team, there is one runner who is making waves every time he takes a step; his name is Carlos Penaranda. Starting out as an eager 9th grader who was trying to get involved, current junior Carlos Penaranda has taken advantage of an opportunity.

He is not only one of the top runners at the school, but also one of the top in the state. With a passion for running and the willingness to train, nothing can stand in the way of Carlos Penaranda; having a twin brother who is also is in the sport helps too. “My brother also being in cross country definitely makes me want to win more so I can have bragging rights,” says Carlos Penaranda. His goal is to become one of the top six runners in the state and receive an athletic scholarship to the University of Florida. When asked if he was better than his brother, it took less than a second for him to say “I’m for sure better than him. There’s not a doubt in my mind.” It is that kind of attitude that has Carlos Penaranda running into the Promised Land.

Daniel Penaranda: Cross country “I don’t want to go!” For many students, this is a common phrase spoken right after waking up for school. For junior Daniel Penaranda, it is the exact opposite. When he wakes up, he looks forward to the day ahead of him; and in that day is his favorite activity, running.

Penaranda doesn’t just run for the heck of it, in fact, has been racing for the Pines Charter Cross Country team for three years. He has been one of the most consist runners for the team, placing towards the top in almost every meet. Having the support of his family and the drive to beat teammate and brother, Carlos, is what has motivated Penaranda to be the best. Even though he has been successful at many meets, Penaranda still believes there is room for improvement. “I know that I have not reached my full potential yet. It is going to take a lot more training for me to get to where I want to be.” says Penaranda. If he continues his incredible work ethic, he will exceed his potential and be flying high into college.

Fantasy Football: America’s pastime Jake Dreilinger NEWS EDITOR/MANAGING EDITOR LAYOUT

As millions are watching their televisions—anxiously waiting for their favorite teams to play—many sit at their computers, tracking each and every game. These people nervously watch as the stats of their favorite players change every minute, and watch as their chances of winning dwindle.

These people aren’t stat trackers, they are fantasy football owners.

Fantasy football is a computer game where players of NFL teams are drafted by people in a league to be on their teams. These teams compete with each other and the team that has the best record is the first seed in the playoffs, where the team that wins the championship wins the league. Fantasy leagues can range anywhere from four teams to twelve teams; some teams also pool together money as a prize for the winner.

Fantasy football has affected students at PPCHS. The PPCHS football team has a league going on between some players and their friends. The participants in the league are seniors Troy Bottom, John Jablonka, John

Davis, Flavio Hernandez, Dylan Fernandez, and Michael Lopez. Juniors Brett Alayon and Sebastian Cubillos and sophomores Nicolas Cerulia and Jake Bottom also take part in the league. With bragging rights on the line, many of the members are excited

Graphic By: Carmen Petterson

for the season.

Being on the same team and seeing each other every day adds to the intensity of the fantasy football league for the football players. There is that increase in pressure, that determination to manage a better team than everyone else. For the Pines Charter

football players, it’s the love of the game and their friendship that makes playing in this league very special.

They have that special connection to fantasy football, mostly because they play football themselves.

“This is my first year playing fantasy football and I love it!” said Fernandez. “I like how you can make your own team with good players from other NFL teams. Our league is mostly for bragging rights; it is very competitive and we all love that competition.”

For many, fantasy football is just a game, but for others, it is serious. According to ESPN, there is a group of close friends in Nebraska who play fantasy football together, but the price for finishing in last place is severe.

Each member signs a contract stating that the loser must be tattooed anywhere of their choosing, but the other people get to decide what the tattoo is. These groups of friends have been

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September 2013

doing this rituals for years now, and it is just as competitive now as it was then. In 2010, the loser of the league got a tattoo of a unicorn and a rainbow. Last year, the loser had to get a tattoo of Justin Bieber with “#yoloswag”. Usually, the price of winning would be a lot of cash, but these friends play for permanent markings.

Fantasy football can get serious, but those who play it at PPCHS usually play to be able to boast or for money.

“It’s very challenging being in a league with football experts, but the bragging rights definitely motivate me to try my best. I’ve been playing since I was 10 years old and feel that I am flying under the radar,” comments Nico Cerulia.

As the football season starts, so does the excitement of fantasy football.

The fact that you can draft your favorite players to help you win draws many into the fun and enjoyment of fantasy football. Cheers can be heard from miles away, and the fun of the game brings many into the fantasy football community. Picking up, dropping, and trading players makes the owners feel like an actual NFL team owner. Game on.

Day in the life of a Jags football player Troy Bottom SPORTS EDITOR

ing.

Friday, 6 o’clock sharp, alarm clocks holler and PPCHS football players crawl out On that final high-pitched whistle, both of bed with the thought of the game in their teams line up at midfield to shake hands, heads. They slip on their fierce black jerone side with heads staring down into the seys and head off to school, focused and turf and the other with heads lifted up high envisioning the plays in their heads. Once with pride. The fans that shuffle out of the in class it’s hard not to let your mind drift shiny bleachers only see one thing, a win- in between the tedious math lectures and ning team and a losing team. The thing English lessons. about a scoreboard is that it doesn’t capture Finally the clocks strike 2 and students the game, it captures the score. Nowhere pour out of their classes and into their cars on that maroon block of machinery does it or pile onto buses, but not the football team. mention how much effort each team gave At 2:15, the weight-training room doors or how many tears would be shed for the slam shut, and the team sits in darkness, team that got the short end of the stick; just eyes closed—blasting pregame music. The two simple numbers that has one team cel- atmosphere is one of focus, as players rid ebrating for the night, and the other sulk- themselves of all thoughts of the previous school day and onto the objective ahead. A timer sounds and players transition to the 4 white boards where specific position groups review strategy for the game ahead. Following that, the Jags make the walk Game Day Tradition: The Jags pump themselves up before each game by hudfrom the weight dling together. Photo By: Rebecca Gonzalez room to the

Graphic By Armando Urena

cafeteria, where carbs and protein await, freshly cooked. After every player is served their pregame meal, the team clasps hand and bow their heads for a prayer. Midway through the meal, two seniors stand up and all eyes turn to them as they describe what football means to them and gives words of inspiration. At the conclusion of the meal, the team divides into two groups with the lineman going over game plan with Coach Bruns and skill players getting their ankles and wrists taped up by Coach Benji. After 30 minutes of discussion, the two groups rotate.

After both groups are dressed, there is some downtime with players walking through their assignments, hydrating or just closing their eyes and concentrating on the game to come. At around 5:45, special team players dismiss themselves from the silent locker room and go under the lights to work on their snaps and kicks. At 6:10 the rest of the team joins the specialists under the goal post awaiting the whistle from Coach Bell to begin their dynamic warm up. That is then followed by a quick hitting session and a run through of plays to get the body ready. After a quick hydration break, the team arranges back into its two lines and marches back to the locker room where they will cool down for the last 10 minutes before kickoff. The team then again lines up to make the final walk, but this time with the PPCHS band leading the

charge. Once on the turf, emotions run high as the team huddles under the goalpost and begins their chants. After the final scream, the Jaguars charge through a banner decorated by the cheer squad and line up on the sideline. The teams’ four captains stomp to midfield to meet the opposing teams’ captains and decide who will get the ball to start the half. The refs dismiss the players and both sides line up shoulder to shoulder, hands over hearts and listen to the playing of the National Anthem. On that final note, helmets are raised high in the air; as the song comes to an end, players are locked in, head, focus, and body ready for the game.

When football players are spotted on game days, it should be no surprise that they will be all business. These guys are a family after all, a family that has been with each other every day after school lifting and conditioning. With no offseason, these groups of guys have become brothers, improving their bodies and football talents for over a complete year. The team is focused on game day for many reasons, to earn a scholarship, remember their assignments, and to capture their goal; not just to win later that night, but to finally remove the label that has been placed on the team. It’s a label of losers, a label that has Charter students mocking the team, and a label that fuels the group of individuals to silence the doubters.

Sports September 2013

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Troy Bottom SPORTS EDITOR

With homecoming right around the corner, many PPCHS students are picking out their limos and party buses, ready to show up to the event in style and with class. But if it was up to senior Jake Silverberg, he would prefer his Cervelo R3 Road Bike, the same one that has helped make him the

Jake Silverberg: Riding to the top calls watching Lance Armstrong compete and the way it inspired him to hop off the couch and onto a bike. Silverberg then scuffled through his Bar Mitzvah money he received that year and invested in a bike. A few months later he entered his first race, and the rest is history.

Silverberg’s summer campaign started with a humbling eighth place finish at Na-

Finding your Passion: Senior Jake Silverberg competes in major biking events as he makes his way closer to his dreams. Photo Donated By: Sydney Silverberg

person he is today.

Jake Silverberg’s career as a competitive racer began in the summer of 2009 while sitting around watching the most famous international cycling competition in the world, the Tour de France. He re-

tionals in Wisconsin in mid-July. In August, Jake headed off with the Garmin development team, to Belgium where he won a race in a town called Erondegem which helped gain some confidence that was lost in his previous outing in Nationals.

Frechette puts the team on his back

Say Hey to May Brett Alayon STAFF WRITER

“The most difficult thing to do in professional sports is to become a legend.” – junior Anthony Garcia.

At the age of 36 years old, the most recognizable boxer of the present day Floyd “Money” Mayweather has accomplished feats that other athletes only dream of.

With an outstanding 17 year career, Mayweather is 45-0-0 including 26 total knockouts. Yes, that is more than half of his boxing matches. Despite these numbers, critics believed that his undefeated record may have come to an end on Saturday, September 14th against a 23-years old named Canelo Alvarez. However, Mayweather proved these critics very wrong; 41 million dollars wrong.

Pressure tends to be something Mayweather has been able to seize throughout his entire career. In Las Vegas on that Saturday night, Mayweather had a load of confidence heading into the ring. He and Alvarez both knew this was the prime boxing match of the year and for the young Alvarez, it would be the biggest of his career up to date.

Income is not and never will be an issue for these two men; howev- Graphic By: Armando Urena er, Canelo had all types of issues in the ring on the biggest stage of his career. Did the pressure get to him? One may not know; but Floyd sure did, and he didn’t waste any time.

Big-time boxing fan senior Tony Torres said, “Pound for pound, Floyd “Money” Mayweather is one of the greatest fighters ever. At 45-0, he’s a technician. As for Canelo Alvarez, he has a bright future but he wasn’t ready to fight someone like May.” In the early rounds, Mayweather was easily jabbing at Alvarez and even more easily defending and avoiding the Mexican’s punches. The atmosphere was like no other in Las Vegas that night as the primetime

“So next I’m off to San Paulo, Brazil in the upcoming month,” said Silverberg. “It consists of three difficult events and I can’t wait for the experience; it will really challenge me but I’m highly motivated.”

After a hopefully strong visit to Brazil, Silverberg will return back to his home turf, for the much anticipated Florida State Championships where he will compete in the pro category. Just recently, Jake achieved another huge mile- Leading the Competition: Jake Silverberg competes with the best of the best in category one level races. Photo Donated By: Sydney Silverberg stone in his career where he was given the title as a category sue a career where I can help people live 1 level racer, also known as the elite level, healthier and happier lifestyles, but for where the best racers in the world compete. right now, it’s all cycling,” explained SilAfter October, well it’s all still biking for verberg.

So while most students think of their Jake, and that’s one thing he is confident cars as a way of transportation or just as a will be in his future.

“After high school, I plan to fully invest simple vehicle, Silverberg sees his bike as myself in cycling for a good period of time way more than just a way to commute. He so I have no regrets. It’s my dream to be- sees it as a part of who he is, a part of his come a professional and ride in the Tour identity, and a part of the ride he is taking de France or Giro D’italia one day. I want to his dreams. a college education and would like to pur-

fight featured big blows to both boxers, but the majority to the red head (Alvarez.)

Although Canelo was never knocked out, Mayweather was the clear winner. Floyd’s intense presence in the ring despite being just 5’8” terrifies his opponents. Over the years, boxing fans have learned from this rich man that his work ethic is ten times stronger than his average opponent. It comes to a point where boxing comes natural to the Mayweather.

At the end of the match Saturday night, three judges handed out their scorecards. It turned out to be a majority decision, meaning not every judge thought Mayweather won. Questionably, judge C.J. Ross had a draw meaning the boxing match was a tie (114-114.) The other two judges had scores that would prove to me more realistic of 116-112 and 117-111, clearly having an overwhelming victory towards Mayweather’s side. Ross resigned recently due to the

constant pressure from professional boxing officials for his inaccurate scorecards, reported ESPN.com.

PPCHS basketball player junior Marcel Denbow said, “Floyd was clearly the better fighter and Canelo missed basically half of his punches because Mayweather was too quick for him.”

Mayweather has been the clear winner in every match he’s ever competed in; that’s what makes him the best of his era. As for the all-time great, that question still remains. One thing’s for sure: Floyd “Money” Mayweather will always be in the conversation.

Alexys Nowak COPY EDITOR

girls JV coach. He worked hand in hand with coach V to build a foundation for the For years, the Boys Varsity Soccer team Varsity team. Now, with all of this experiat PPCHS has flourished into a well-oiled ence under his belt, he agreed to take the machine with their intense practices and position to coach the Varsity boys. passion on the field. Unbelievable talent “It was not a difficult decision for me along with hard work has brought excite- to coach the boys. They have had a great ment to more than just the team; the stu- team in the past years and I feel that my dent body, parents, and of course the coach job is to tweak what they have been doing are all impacted by their success. This year while keeping the winning tradition going brings changes to the Jaguar’s team as they strong,” said Frechette. have been given a new coach to work with With a wife and two daughters—one in them throughout the season. With Coach high school and one in college—and over Lemmon movten years of ing away, it working with was necessary girls, it is easy to to find someone say that moving who could fill to the boy’s side his shoes. The of the game will new coach is bring changes someone who for Frechette. has had soc“For me, the cer in his blood comparison befor his whole tween the boy’s life. He has not and girl’s game only played, is that the boys but coached the play quicker. game for years, However, the and he has been boys and girls a part of the teams at PPCHS Charter Family are both very as well. He is motivated and a man who has do great things passion and will as a whole,” go the extra mile Frechette exfor his team. plained.

Paul Frechette As for his goals will be taking for this season, the team on his Frechette hopes back for this upto win Districts coming season. and make it to Frechette be- Old Team, New Coach: The new soccer coach Paul Frechette will the state tourgan coaching in do his best to continue the success of the team and coach them all nament. Also, 1987 in Miami the way to states. Photo Donated By: Paul Frechette he is extremely Shores. There, excited for his he coached the recreational and travel team to play in the new stadium. Overall, teams for two years. While living in Mi- from what he has seen so far, “the boys are ami, he was the head coach for the boys very willing to go the extra mile to get to Varsity team at Miami Country Day School the next level.” for five years. When he moved to Broward, With the season soon approaching, prephe became the head coach for the girls arations towards try-outs have begun.

Varsity soccer team at Archbishop McCar- With a new coach comes a fresh start, so thy High School, holding the position for the boys will be working their hardest to eleven years. impress Frechette as he pulls out his clip Two years ago, Frechette joined the Char- board on the days of try-outs, finding those ter family when he took the position as the whom will ensure a successful season.

The Cost of Security: Freedom in America The Patriot Act

Patriot Act not the final say

Choosing safety over privacy

Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Troy Bottom SPORTS EDITOR

It seems as though the conspirators were correct. All their speculation about how Big Brother watching over us, hacking into our cameras, and reading all our emails is right—at least partially. Back in 2001, President George W. Bush signed the USA Patriot Act into action. The act had been put into law about a month after the September 11 attacks. According to howstuffworks.com, the Patriot Act “allows the interception of communications if they’re related to terrorist activities and allows law-enforcement agencies to share information related to terrorist activities with federal authorities.” But what the Act of Congress doesn’t specify is the intrusion of privacy and the unconstitutional acts that happen because of it. The Patriot Act is wrongfully searching through Americans’ phone calls, messages, emails, and voice-mails, and most of it is for nothing.

Approximately 40 days after two planes forever changed this country; the United States government passed the Patriot Act on October 21st. The Acts are designed to give the government of the United States a better opportunity to investigate and crack down on potential terrorist attacks. These provisions issued by congress entitles the government to have more freedoms such as tapping into innocent Americans cellular devices and even go as far as strapping GPS devices to suspects of interest, which was famously debated about in the United States v. Antonie Jones court case.

See Patriot Act, Pages 10 & 11

Inside Features...

Big Brother not so far off in this New World

Uniting and Strengthening America: What rose out of the ashes of 9/11

Snowden reveals national privacy

Features

September 2013

10

The Cost of Security:

The Pat

Patriot Act from page 9...

Patriot Act not the final say Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Photo by: Carli Stander

Before you yell, let me explain that I fully support acts that are taken on by this country to hinder terrorist attacks and espionage; however, I feel that the Patriot Act has just gone too far. The Patriot Act leaves too much to chance and may not be the most comprehensive way to track and intercept messages. Amendment IV of the US Constitution states that “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated…” But just imagine what might happen when racist and bigoted officials get the chance to utilize their power to search and seize information from innocent Americans. Look at this year’s Miss America competition. Just because she was from Indian descent and wasn’t a white

women, people on social networks began associating her with the 9/11 attacks, al-Qaeda, and Muslim extremists. Any of those people could be government officials just waiting at the slightest chance for one Muslim American to send a text or email about attacking or spying on the U.S. and then wrongfully take them into custody and say it’s because they suspect the person of having something to do with terrorist attacks.

Another problem that arises with the Patriot Act is the mistreatment of religious and political institutions. Even though Amendment I on the Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”, since the passing of the Patriot Act the government is able to monitor groups who they believe might be causing criminal activity.

This especially targets all of the mosques in America, as well as revolution-type organizations, and the aforementioned conspirators who may meet together to discuss ideas. The innocent members of the groups or houses of worships may not only be profiled or harassed, they may also have their constitutional rights violated. This only increases the intolerance and discrimination present today in U.S. society. Also, who wants to be watched over by a government official in the middle of a prayer or while talking in a group of peers? It sounds very intrusive and downright disturbing. The U.S. government had the right idea when they wrote the USA PATRIOT Act, but enacting it in the real world doesn’t play out to be as good as it sounds.

Not only is the Patriot Act unconstitutional, it violates the privacy of American citizens.

We keep passwords and locks on our email accounts, social media accounts, and phones to keep what we send to others or keep for ourselves personal and secure. Mail gets delivered in a sealed envelope for a reason!

But the government is using the Patriot Act to search through personal messages if they even have the slightest hint of terrorist action. To me it seems irrational for people to have to unknowingly gone through this process, and it feels like getting the full body search while going through airport security.

It should also worry you that at one point in time U.S. officials might’ve been listening to one of your phone calls or a voicemail message. This is all possible through Section 201 of the law which states that the government has “Authority to intercept wire, oral, and electronic communications relating to terrorism.”

Senior Sarah Duque doesn’t agree with my view on the Patriot Act. She says “After we went over what the Patriot Act says in my American Government class, it showed me that people are willing to sacrifice their privacy for the security of their country and I feel that it’s a necessary evil.”

Emails and text messages aren’t the only thing the government is tracking. With the request of a court order that citizens don’t even know of, government officials have the capabilities to access extremely personal information like medical or educational records. Senator Russ Feingold made a speech against the Patriot Act saying “…under this bill, the government can compel the disclosure of the personal records of anyone—perhaps someone who worked with, or lived

next door to, or went to school with, or sat on an airplane with, or has even been seen in the company of, or whose phone number was called by—the target of the investigation.” Since these actions are taken without knowledge, there is very little regulation and a lot of leeway when it comes to what someone believes links them to a terrorist or a spy.

To improve the Patriot Act and help to make it more comfortable for regular citizens, there are many amendments that could be added. First Congress should specify what counts as a link to a terrorist or espionage group. Searching people just because they sat next to a spy or a terrorist should not constitute a search. Another possibility to improve the law is to block internet searches that are directly related to harming someone. Allowing searches for things like ‘how to make a bomb’ can lead to no good, so by blocking then the government can stop terrorism at the source. The government should also provide hardcore evidence to the public for why they are searching. Withholding evidence from the public should not be allowed because it limits the regulations that could be put. One of the final things is that the government should inform the people on the basics of what happens during the review process so that American citizens feel less afraid of their government.

Conspirators will have their way unless the government takes action to reform the Patriot Act. By taking into account the faults of the law, and applying different improvements suggested not only by me but also by others, the Patriot Act can become an acceptable and correct way for the United States and their government to track down terrorists and spies.

Big Brother not so far off in this New World Snowden reveals national privacy Aaliyah Pasols STAFF WRITER

Fictional literature hasn’t always been, well, fictional. In some cases, books and movies seem to predict events that happen years later. Now, lines are being drawn between literature and current events once again. Fear of government spies can be seen in different movies and books. Now the possible dangers that were predicted seem to be happening right before Americans.

In the book 1984 by George Orwell, the

Photo by: Carli Stander

readers are dragged into a pitiful world of despair and mandatory routines. A world watched closely under a microscope by Big Brother, with so many restrictions that the word “freedom” does not exist. In the novel, “telescreens” were devices that were mandatory to have in every room and spewed out propaganda, but also had the ability to watch the owner’s every move. If something suspicious or forbidden was done, the person would immediately be arrested.

Today, 99% of households possess at least one television, (StatisticBrain.com) and they are constantly spewing out advertisements to their viewers. This can be compared to the “telescreens” from 1984, but as far as anyone knows, the government isn’t listening in on conversations just yet. Besides this similarity, many others could be drawn, and it’s terrifying to think that with the wrong person in power, the world can easily become one like 1984.

Small interceptions from the government like phone tapping can turn into something larger than anyone could have expected.

Previous works of literature such as movies, books, and songs can vouch for this, as they too predicted this Patriot Act scandal.

Diving into another terrifying dystopia,

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley shows readers how Darwinism can be taken to an extreme. In this futuristic society, called “the World State,” people are characterized into different categories: Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons. Alphas are the good-looking, strong majority of the people, while Epsilons fall towards the bottom of the social ladder, rounding up the weak and the unattractive. The life of the people revolve around three main things: a drug called soma (a drug that sends the user into an escape from reality), sex, and the fact that everyone’s life and freedom is controlled by the government, or as referred to in the book: “the World Controllers.” The Director and the World Controllers, well, control everyone’s choices, and before anything is done it has to be confirmed with them. For instance, if a person wants to leave the city they live in, they have to confirm it with the Director first. By allowing the government and NSA to spy on the citizens, they would have the power necessary to control the people like puppets. This is the fact that leaves many wide-eyed, and shaking because of the similarity to novels.

Many people are split when it comes to deciding how they feel towards the Patriot Act. But something that is noticeable right off the bat is that the controversy over the Patriot Act is based solely on values. Which do you value more: Safety or privacy?

“I am a firm believer in the American right to guaranteed privacy. However, I am willing to give up just a few of my ‘inalienable rights’ in order to gain certain securities and keep myself safe from the danger that is the human population,” junior R.J. Reyes strongly states. His argument is also a viewpoint that many people share. They believe that the government should be able to take these precautionary measures to guarantee American safety. But to many others, the risk is one that is simply too scary to take.

Not much can be said about what the people will do in response, but the endless questions keep ringing throughout everyone’s heads.

The answers are not entirely verified, and are thick with different opinions, but one thing is for sure: “America will progress just as we always have” (junior R.J. Reyes).

Jake Dreilinger NEWS EDITOR/MANAGING EDITOR

In May 2013, Edward Snowden did what many thought to be impossible. Snowden, a computer specialist and former CIA and NSA employee, released classified information on how the government is spying on the public through a simple PowerPoint, making top secret information understandable.

At the time of the NSA leeks, Snowden was on temporary leave from the NSA for epilepsy after suffering a series of seizures, which his mother also had years prior to the leaks (nbc.com). He went to Hong Kong during his time off, and waited as the world realized that he was the one the leaked information from the NSA. After leaving Hong Kong, Snowden went to Russia, who offered Snowden asylum. According to NBC, Snowden leaked information about a NSA surveillance system, PRISM, which can look through online sites, like Facebook, to find possible terrorists because of suspicious activity. This was a reaction to the events that occurred on September 11th, 2001. Snowden released in a PowerPoint what PRISM was and exactly how PRISM was being used to spy on the public (polymic.com). In this PowerPoint, Snowden stated that websites, such as Google, Facebook, Skype, AOL, and YouTube, have been used by PRISM to gather information on the people. Even Microsoft and Apple are being used by PRISM. With the general public now knowing that the government could be spying on them at any moment, a national sense of nervousness shrouds over the citizens of the United States.

Although intended to stop the spreading of terrorism to the U.S., PRISM has caused most people to become worried and more cautious about what they say in general.

Snowden is now hiding in Russia, who has offered asylum to Snowden as long as he “stops harming their American friends” (cnn.com). According to nbcnews.com, Snowden has the privilege of traveling all over Russia without being recognized. “The fact that Snowden is in Russia means that he

knows he did something wrong. I think he should go to prison if he returns to the United States,” said freshman Edward Brown. With Snowden in Russia, there is now a possibility that Snowden could share information about the United States to Vladimir Putin and the Russian government. The tension of the postCold War era is still at large between these two major powerhouses. The United States is trying to get Russia to hand over Snowden so that they can try him for treason and leaking information about top secret U.S. projects (cnn.com).

The issue of privacy strikes in most conversations involving Edward Snowden. His leaks have informed the people of the United States that the government is monitoring every post, text or website they look up. One of the fundamental U.S. rights is privacy. Even though privacy is no longer an issue to the government during the post 9-11 era, many PPCHS students believe that the government has no rights to spy on the general public.

“The fact that the government is spying on us scares me a bit,” said junior Matthew Earle. “I feel used to it though because I know it has been happening for a long time. This doesn’t surprise me anymore, but still, it’s a

Graphic by: Matthew Perez

bit alarming.”

Now, as Snowden lives peacefully in Russia, the United States is in political disorder, with many people expressing their anger about what the government is doing. Snowden has left America, sharing the truth about what his previous employers are doing. This is yet another political issue being discussed in America, which could sway public opinion about the government.

11 Features

: Freedom in America

triot Act

Patriot Act from page 9...

September 2013

Choosing safety over privacy Troy Bottom SPORTS EDITOR

Photo by: Carli Stander

“The Act itself does play a crucial part in homeland defense,” stated an anonymous coach here at Pines Charter who is also Counterterrorism Analyst with 17 years’ experience within the intelligence community. “There are radical extremists within the United States that warrant monitoring and as a result, numerous terrorist attacks were disrupted thanks to the Act.” The issues with the Acts that are under questioning are the fact that they violate the United States constitution. Another issue is the conspiracy theory supposedly behind the bill. An alleged allegation states that in that month after 9/11 the Act was passed without going through Congress. The main theory of this conspiracy is that the bill was signed while the papers were still warm from the

printer, which means congress was unable to even review the Act before being passed along. The argument says that the events on September 11th made government act irrational and bypass the regular process of issuing something that will leave such a major impact. Despite the unconstitutional claims, I feel it is completely justified considering the circumstances. During the most worrisome time in the U.S., the government reacted the way they should’ve, immediately.

Every Government official was ridiculed on how something this tragic could occur on our home land. There have been countless documentaries produced about these events including one in particular titled 102 minutes which discusses text messages and phone calls between the hijackers. The Patriot Act is designed to see those messages, signal Intelligence agencies and stop the execution of terrorist plots. If this system was in place back in 2001, 2,977 innocent Americans could still be on earth today, and saved a national heart break. And now 12 years later we are still left with the Patriot Act holding strong, shooting down the opposing side with one strong fact, it has worked.

Since it was initiated 12 years ago agencies, such as the FBI and CIA, announced that over 20 terrorist plots have been discovered and destroyed. The Act enables the government to monitor emails, phone calls, and other media outlets. It gives the government ability to detect any homegrown terrorists along with international extremists and their threats to the United States.

Act joke about its ability to be eavesdropping on everyday conversations. While they may do this, unless you’re plotting a terrorist attack, the government does not care about your calls to your mom. I think these provisions are necessary in the fact that the U.S. is not the most loved country out there, and even have American born terrorists that have plotted to take the lives of innocent people.

Because of this reality, I believe we should give the government this right.

“The Patriot Act touches almost everything from more funding for businesses that are affected by terrorist attacks all the way to funding for affected families of terrorist attacks.

The main reason the Patriot Act was put in place was to prevent future terrorist attacks on U.S. soil and overseas attacks on Americans. With the Act, we would try to stop the attacks before they take place to prevent American deaths,” said CNN political analyst Jamie Crawford in a recent article discussing this heated debate.

When it comes down to it, one cannot deny that the Patriot Act is essential. It tries to prevent events such as 9/11 from happening and when they do, such as the Boston Marathon bombing, the Act helps establish a faster path to find the culprit. Another benefit with the Act is its ability to be changed and altered, such as the many improvements that were made in 2005. Yes it clashes with the Constitution but it allows us citizens to be at a piece of mind and sorry if you disagree but I would rather be safe than sorry.

“The issue with the common American is that

they do not understand the true intention of the act and sees it as another way the government is slowly taking away more and more rights.

Uniting and Strengthening America: What rose out of the ashes of 9/11 Gabriela Garcia FEATURES EDITOR

“I know people make a big deal out of the Act and I just think those people are looking at it selfishly when they make those judgments,” said senior Nikki Brito. “They think the government is just snooping around your stuff when in reality they are just using the files to keep everyone safer. If you have nothing to hide, I don’t see the big deal.”

The issue with the common American is that they do not understand the true intention of the act and sees it as another way the government is slowly taking away more and more rights. Explained by Justice.gov, The Patriot Act allows investigators to use the tools that were already available to investigate organized crime and drug trafficking. Which means before the Act was passed; FBI and CIA had the ability execute a wire tap into well documented drug traffickers and Mafia members, but were prohibited from tapping into suspected terrorists and even convicted terrorist plotters. The Patriot Act also in-

ment can effectively protect their country.

Technically, the act should’ve expired in 2005 due to a sunset clause that was incorporated in it. However, in 2006 the majority of the laws were revived and many were made permanent along with the countless alterations it received. A Domestic Security Enhancement Act also known as Patriot Act II was drafted by the Department of Justice yet never reached the hands of Congress.

Whether or not the Patriot Act has actually performed its duties has been an ongoing debate for years. Many believe the government has been successful in this doing due to the lack of terrorism attacks since the falling of the Twin Towers. On the other side of the spectrum, other Americans believe it acts as proof of the government betraying its people and going back on its promises for natural rights. Regardless on what everyone chooses to believe, one thing is for certain: the Patriot

When two hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers on September 11th, 2001, the after math resulted to be a lot more than just shattered windows and scraps of metal.

Dreams fell apart, lives were forever lost, and the overwhelming sense of despair and hopelessness that fell upon the country was more suffocating than the ashes that fell to the ground on that terrifying Tuesday morning. The American government was in a state of alarm and realized if they didn’t do something quick, the United States as they knew it would begin to spiral downwards. This is where the Patriot Act comes in—as the first attempt to stitch our nation back together.

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.

It’s surprisingly easier said than done. The Patriot Act was passed just over a month after the September 11th attacks as a way to pacify and restore hope in Americans. Split into ten parts, the act covers extensive ground about new methods of protection that many Americans don’t agree with.

For example, Title II of the act gives the government the ability to give delayed Change in Policies: After the tragic 9/11 attacks, American has changed its policies on notification of protection by passing the Patriot Act. Graphic by: Armando Urena search warrants.

That is, they could possibly search a sus- Act was passed in an attempt to put together pect’s house and not notify him until after the the country that had fallen apart on that Tuessearch was conducted. Many say that basic day morning. Today, it seems that the ongonatural rights and promised freedoms are be- ing quarrels and whispers of deceit is only ing violated, while others seem to think that tearing America apart. this is the only modern way that the govern-

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creased the penalties for those who commit terrorist crimes and allows federal agents to follow sophisticated terrorists trained to evade detection. Blogs, twitter accounts, and memes have been made that trash the

Attack on privacy rocks our nation’s faith Chelsi Chang ENTERTAINEMENT EDITOR

America stood mighty and tall amongst all other nations around the globe. It stood as the world’s biggest super power and Americans took confidence in that; it was reflected in the way U.S. citizens talked and felt towards their country. But the world watched America go down—in more ways than one—on

Attack on privacy: The American people have become

worried that the NSA is spying on them. Nobody feels safe. Photo by: Jonathan Harris

September 11th, 2001. Al Qaeda’s attacks not only killed hundreds of people, it killed something a little more abstract: The American Spirit. The massive blow to America’s stomach struck a most sensitive nerve; everyday life would never be the same.

After Edward Snowden, an American computer specialist and former CIA and NSA employee, disclosed classified information about The National Security Association and their taking drastic measures to keep our nation from another horrific event like 9/11, the nation shifted. People that once thought they could trust their country began to question: “am I really getting the privacy that I think I am?” Words, text messages, and emails are now more likely to be coded or contain less information than they used to.

“I think people are probably not going to be as open about their information, because they went from saying whatever they want to now having to be careful about what they say. Now there’s an extra person reading the email,” said Tanner Redding (’15).

Chances are, people are going to try to dig up more information on the NSA’s endeavors

only to be shocked about how little privacy they really have. The conspiracies have already started swirling around about how the NSA receives their intelligence: “I’ve heard people say that they believe that the next iPhone is probably going to directly send all of our information to the National Security Agency. That may be a little farfetched, but then again, no one would have believed the NSA was spying on us so intently like they were,” said, senior Sarah Duque.

Snowden’s leaked secrets left American citizens feeling raw and naked and under the Government’s huge microscope. “I believe the government is invading our privacy by knowing and investigating every aspect of our lives,” said senior, Melanie Almonte.

This blow to America’s already plummeting morale has added a whole new element to the literary and artistic world. “9/11 definitely caused a shift. People are more cynical and fearful in their writing but also, intentionally polite and tolerant on the surface. I believe that this whole NSA situation is going to exacerbate that even more. At this point, people know that the things that they write will get them into trouble and the brave will do it anyway—the fearful will be too scared to write it. These issues, the NSA leaking and 9/11, are similar. There are issues that need to be addressed, and some people are willing to go there,” said English teacher, Mrs. Sunshine Phelps.

These spies know names, telephone numbers, and even have old emails that people wrote to their best friends in the eighth grade.

They know it all. “Now we won’t be able to distinguish whether someone is a friend or a spy because they find you suspicious for whatever reason,” said senior Nick Torres.

American culture is about to take a huge turn in a completely different direction; a direction that will be led by shock and a disturbance in what was once calm waters. Many Americans watched as dictators and tyrants all over the world, scrutinizing its inhabitants every move, thinking, “my country will never do that to me,” “I feel bad for the people of that country.” Now it seems like the question is more likely to become: “what isn’t my country doing to me?” That will cause problems that have only just begun to unfold.

Lifestyle September 2013

4

Pilar Sanchez: a story of triumph A young girl finds herself at the doctor’s office again and again, completely unaware of the fact that she has a life threatening illness.

After the doctors’ appointments become less frequent, she finds out

that she will have to go through this entire experience all over again.

This was the life of Pilar Sanchez, a sophomore here at PPCHS. Diagnosed with leukemia when she was six, Sanchez has overcome great

obstacles most people have never faced. Sanchez says, “I remember I was in first grade and I didn’t know what it [leukemia] was. My mom just always said “We have to go to the doctor,” so I just dealt with it. It

hit me when I went to the doctor’s when I was 10 and I found out I had relapsed.”

See Sanchez, Page 13

Inside Lifestyle...

Germany: the lean, green, renewable energy machine

Cancer stricken celebrities

13 Lifestyle

Pilar Sanchez: a story of Triumph

September 2013

Sanchez from page 12...

Most of Sanchez’s early days were spent in a hotel room provided by St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Research Center in Memphis, Tennessee, a nonprofit organization for cancer patients that was conveniently located near the hospitals.

Throughout the five years that she underwent treatment, her days were not the usual days of children her age.

“The doctors would book me for a full day of procedures. I would take a bus from the hotel to the hospital. Once I was there, I would just sit in a chair receiving my chemo, or doing radiation. I would spend my entire day at the hospital. Most of the days it was from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. But it was fun because the doctors and nurses were always upbeat, so it rubbed off on us. They had different rooms for different activities.

I loved arts and crafts when I was little, so I was always in that room,” explained Sanchez.

In order to recover, she went through three years of chemotherapy for the first time she was diagnosed. When she relapsed, the doctors wiped out her immune system and gave her loads of radiation. She was able to only do radiation the second time because her brother donated his bone marrow.

“I’m grateful that my brother and I were a perfect match because if not, I would have had to do another round of chemo. Chemo is bad because it can damage your organs, so doing it again would have been risky,” says Sanchez. Thanks to her brother’s bone marrow and the radiation, Sanchez will be officially cancer-free on December 12th, 2013.

When describing how she felt throughout the experience, she says, “I was really upset about it [the relapse] because I

missed all of my friends. Added up all to- just had to happen, that’s what I thought it gether, I missed four years of school. The was. I see my friends now, [going through only elementary years that I completed similar situations.] It broke my heart when completely were kindergarten and fourth grade, so I was just really upset about everything happening all over again.

I did homeschool for the years that I missed. A teacher would come to my house and teach me. But it was still different, I wanted to be with my friends, I didn’t learn as much, and I was not learning the same curriculum that everyone else was. I just wanted to be a normal kid,” describes Sanchez.

Although Sanchez comes across as a strong individual, she admits “It is really hard thinking about it. Even now, it’s hard talking about it.

But when I was little it didn’t seem like such a bad thing. I just Pilar Sanchez: Pilar Sanchez(‘16) stands strong as a cancer survivor. thought that it Photo By: Alex Monge

Mrs. Torres [PPCHS History teacher] got sick. When Mariana Gonzalez [a Charter student who lost her battle to cancer] passed away, it really broke my heart too.

I used to walk the survivor lap at Relay for Life with her. It gets so hard seeing get people get sick, because I know what it’s like. It’s so hard to deal with it because it affects everything, everything in your life.

But it has taught me a lot. I’m not glad that I had cancer but I learned from it, so I feel like I’ve become wiser from it.”

Relay for Life is an organization that raises money and awareness of all different types of cancer. Its goal is to help kids like Sanchez recover and live their lives and do anything that they’ve always wanted to do.

“I love Relay. I joined Relay for Life when I was in the fourth grade. I loved it from the start. I met Mariana Gonzalez and Maria Osorio during those years; they were so nice. I joined again in sixth grade, and I’ve been a part of the club ever since. Not only does the club raise money and awareness, but it gives students an opportunity to talk about their experiences. There are about three or four other survivors in the club so I know that I will always have someone to talk to. It’s just that there are so many other members who have been affected by it, whether it’s their family members or themselves, it gives us a bond like no other,” describes Sanchez.

Relay for Life will continue its efforts to put an end to childhood cancer. With all of the money and awareness that the club has raised, they are definitely on the right path.

A normal child asks for video games and Barbie’s throughout their childhood, but the only thing a cancer patient wants more than anything is so be a normal, healthy kid.

September holds hopeful future for devastating disease Melissa Sullivan WEB MANAGING EDITOR

Every year, thousands of children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. To bring tribute and awareness to those struggling with pediatric cancer, the month of September has been recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, in the U.S., 13,000 citizens under the age of 21 are diagnosed with cancer every year.

“I never realized how many children suffered from cancer; more people need to be aware of how common the disease is,” said senior, Nicolas Torres. “It affects so many people across the United States and the world, and I think it’s time for people to realize that something has to be done. Recognizing this month as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a great start to a hopeful and positive future.”

Even more alarming, approximately twenty-five percent of people diagnosed in this age group will not survive. As of August 2013, President Barack Obama nationally recognized September as Childhood Can-

cer Awareness Month in a proclamation to carrying this progress forward. We are posted by the White House. The goal is to funding extensive research into the causes bring awareness to those struggling with the difficult disease and to raise funds needed to further research and development.

“I think it’s good that September is now Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I don’t think everyone realizes how common cancer in children is. People are always fundraising for breast cancer and more common types of cancer, but organizations involving child patients is much less common.

Hopefully, this will help people get involved and bring more awareness to other types of cancer,” said sophomore Daniel Rodriguez.

Cancer is a brutal disease that is difficult for not only the patient but also everyone involved in the patient’s life.

Families, friends and communities are all affected by childhood cancer which can lead into different categories of adulthood cancer including those that affect the lung, breast and colon.

In his proclamation, President Obama said “My Administration is dedicated Graphic By: Armando Urena

of childhood cancer and its safest and most effective treatments. We also remain committed to easing financial burdens on families supporting a loved one with cancer.”

With the month now being nationally recognized for raising emphasis to childhood cancer, an increase in funds for research can be expected, as well as increase in attention brought to those suffering from different types of cancer. Organizations such as CURE International, dedicated to research in cancer development and providing families with financial support, will benefit greatly from fundraisers for childhood cancer awareness. Hopefully, with several events and fundraisers taking place, much needed awareness will be brought to childhood cancer.

Lifestyle September 2013 Anthony Kelleher TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

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Cancer stricken celebrities Graphics By: Matthew Perez

Celebrities all around the world are perceived as people with perfect lives, living without worries or cares because they have everything, but the truth is they are vulnerable to illnesses just like the average person. Just like the rest of the world, celebrities go through hardships and strife, emotional heartbreaks, and life-threatening illnesses. Freshman Abigayle Zamor says “I feel that celebrities have the same struggle as regular people when it comes to fighting cancer, but sometimes it may be harder for them because they feel the obligation to let the public know how they are doing and their road to remission and recovery.” In Hollywood, there are many celebrities who have been diagnosed with cancer. Some have beaten the disease and have continued on to do great things and some have lost the battle and have left a legacy behind. Here are a few celebrities who are survivors of their experience with cancer: Angelina Jolie: Angelina Jolie is a wellknown star in Hollywood today. She played Jane Smith in Mr. and Mrs. Smith and played the character of Evelyn Salt in the hit movie, Salt. She is also known as a beauty icon all around the U.S. and as a U.N. ambassador. Even though she was not diagnosed with cancer, she had a double mastectomy after testing positive for the gene pertaining to breast cancer, causing her to be at risk for developing it, according to People Magazine. Angelina received the procedure as a precautionary measure because her mother died at a young age from breast cancer.

Robin Roberts: Robin Roberts is an empowering woman who has fought two battles of this disease. She is best known for being one of the hosts on Good Morning America. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and beat it in the same year. In 2012, she was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

MDS is pre-leukemia (blood cancer) according to CNN. Currently, she is back at work at Good Morning America full time and seems to be doing well. She has documented her journey with this disease and has been a positive and powerful role model for many.

Christina Applegate: Christina Applegate, actress since very young, is known for being in shows like Married with Children and in more recent times the hit movie Hall Pass with Owen Wilson. Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer when her doctors found a lump in her breasts. She underwent a double mastectomy in July of 2008. Ever since, she has created her own fundraiser called Right Action for Women to raise awareness about breast cancer. She is both a role model and an advocate for finding a cure, according to Access Hollywood.

Guiliana Rancic: Guiliana Rancic is known for being a great model for women everywhere. She is a hostess for E! News, and star of her own reality show with husband and Apprentice winner Bill Rancic, called Guiliana and Bill. In 2011, Guiliana was diagnosed with breast cancer and was given a double mastectomy to remove the cancer. Her journey was documented on her reality show. She is currently cancer free and has had her first child since battling the disease.

Robert De Niro: Robert De Niro is known for acting in multiple hit movies such as the Godfather Part II, Meet the Fockers, Goodfellas, etc. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003 at the age of 60.

Luckily, his cancer was diagnosed at a very early stage due to his regular doctor checkups. De Niro has had successful surgery to remove the cancer, according to Access Hollywood and Everyday Health.

Overall, cancer is a disease that can happen to anyone, even celebrities. There are numerous amounts of charities and fundraisers such as the American Cancer Society and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) that raise awareness about cancer and collect funds in hopes of finding a cure.

Senior Natasha Viloria says “I think it is great that there are so many charities to help raise awareness and find a cure for cancer. I also like how celebrities share their stories about their diagnosis with cancer it shows people that celebrities are just human and it gives inspiration to those who are battling cancer.”

In addition, everyone is susceptible to cancer, at any age, any gender, any ethnicitity; no one is safe from it. Diagnosing cancer early makes it easier for treatment and gives a person a higher chance for survival. Celebrities are not the only ones that can speak out about cancer, everyone has a voice, speak up and be heard . . . HELP FIND A CURE!

Germany: the lean, green, renewable energy machine Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

For the 7 billion people living on earth, energy powers their entire day. From the electric coffee pot to the car, energy makes the world go round. However, the usual supplies of energy like oil and natural gas are running out. The United States has been trying to deploy renewable energy sources like wind, hydroelectric, and solar power, but they’re lagging behind compared to other countries. Germany, for example, is one of the forerunners of switching to renewable resources. As the world’s biggest industrial economy, the country is taking a large initiative in trying to minimize their carbon footprint.

One of the newest programs for Germany is the Energiewende which translates into “energy transformation.” According to carbonbrief.org, the goal of the Energiewinde is to “…cut emissions, ramp up renewable electricity, and halve energy consumption, all while keeping the economy afloat.” With the program, Germany will be switching their forms of energy from oil, natural gas, and nuclear to more renewable resources like wind, solar, and water.

The program covers 40 years and a lot of changes to the German energy supply.

Even though the country’s energy supply is 38 percent oil (eoearth.org), they are on their way to improving the earth. Eoearth. org says that in 2011 Germany was the largest European producer of non-hydro

renewable electricity, wind energy and biofuels. Germany is also the largest solar electricity producer in the world. The country also plans to phase out their nuclear energy supply by 2020 by following the plan set by The Energiewende.

Not only will the Energiewende switch the sources of energy, it will reduce the amount of energy that Germany is producing in total. Carbonbrief.org says that the German government is imposing strict standards on electrical appliances and is only allowing the most efficient ones to reach consumers in the market. They have also opened a power consumption market allowing companies to “bid to reduce demand at peak times.” The article also says that the market would emit and cost less than backing up renewable sources of energy with fossil fuels.

“I think that it’s always a good idea for countries to look for different sources of energy. It’s an idea that I always support and I like it when countries like Germany take the initiative to help reduce the carbon footprint,” says AP Environmental Science teacher Mrs. Haviland.

One village in Germany is already far ahead of the rest of the country with renewable resources. The town of Wildpoldsried, Germany generates 321% more energy than it needs, according to an article by inhabitat.com . The village started improving their energy usage back in 1997, and now has nine community buildings with solar panels, seven windmills, 190 private

households with solar panels, three small hydroelectric power plants, an ecological flood zone, and a natural waste water system. Naturalnews.com says that Wildpoldsried now sells the excess energy to the national power grid for a whopping $5.7 million.

“It’s so cool that that town is producing so much energy, while over here we’re still struggling to fix Gulf Coast towns after the oil spill. There is definitely a lag in finding renewable resources here in America.

Germany and other countries in Europe are ahead of us and we need to catch up to fix

Graphic By: Matthew Perez

the environment,” says sophomore Seda Makarova.

With the Energiewende and the town of Wildpoldsried, Germany is the clear forerunner for protecting the environment through renewable resources. By currently cutting greenhouse gasses, Germany is on the path that many other countries, like the United States, are just testing out. As the leader, Germany is setting a path for other countries to follow and improve our world.

Hopefully, more countries will follow suit and the earth will become a better place for tomorrow.

Student Life September 2013

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Drumm roll please: Project inspires kindness, confidence Nicholas Rivera STAFF WRITER

How does a simple act of kindness affect anyone? Something as simple as holding a door open for someone may not seem like much, but the truth is, such a simple gesture can make someone’s day. One teacher wanted to take it a step further. English teacher Ms. Drumm decided to assign a project to her English II honors students, but this project was not your average cup of Joe. The assignment is to participate in the 21-day kindness challenge. The goal

is simple: be kind. By just doing one act of kindness a day for 21 days, the students can change the lives of people around them while altering their own at the same time.

The challenge began on September 11th, 2013, when students received a small plastic bag as they walked into Ms. Drumm’s class. The bag contained a kiss, to represent sweetness; a smile sticker, a lifesaver, gold stars, and five smile cards, which are small slips to pass on to someone as an act of kindness. The challenge, although the word may give off the impression of difficulty, is not a head scratcher: do a random

The C. H. A. T. Staff

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Chelsi Chang Entertainment Editor Troy Bottom Sports Editor Gabriela Garcia Features Editor Looghermine Claude Lifestyle Editor Andrea Bellorin Clubs Editor Alexys Nowak Copy Editor

act of kindness each day for 21 days. The idea came from a volunteer-based organization called KindSpring, whose purpose is simply to be kind.

Sophomore Dylan Carter says, “It has helped me realize how easily I can make a person’s day. Something as simple as giving someone a piece of candy or a compliment can completely change their attitude.”

Ms. Drumm came across the idea after reading an annual project that she assigns at the beginning of the year: a user manual. The user manual is a project that Ms.

Carmen Pettersen Cartoonist

CONTENT STAFF: Brett Alayon, Maria Bozo, Mathew Deno, Tyra Green, Shakayla Lee, Maribel Maignan, Aaliyah Pasols, Melissa Pierce, Lauren Ramirez, Nicholas Rivera LAYOUT STAFF: Maria Bozo, Emily Deese, Jacob Morgenstern, Alexys Nowak, Fernando Plata PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF: Peter Dourvetakis, Rebecca Gonzalez, Jonathan Harris, Alexis Monge-Rodriguez, Sydney Silverberg, Juan Tellez, Daniel Vidal GRAPHIC STAFF: Matthew Perez VIDEO STAFF: Troy Bottom, Matthew Gonzalez, Genesis Vesco

Fernandez, Andres

Drumm uses to get to know her students on a more personal level. From there, she learned more about her students and realized that many of them wanted to make a difference in their community, but didn’t know how. So Ms. Drumm decided to try and find a way to incorporate kindness into her class and so she researched the word “kindness” and found the website of the non-profit organization, kindspring.org, that holds a kindness challenge every year.

See Kindness on page 16...

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@yahoo.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@yahoo.com

Student Life September 2013

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Drumm roll please: Project inspires kindness, confidence Kindness from page 15...

visual way of noticing what we are doing,” that I had made his day and he found out says Drumm. “They have asked that I send that I was the one who left the note so he in documentation and our final presenta- thanked me and gave me a present. It made tion to their organization and they want to me feel really happy inside.”

“I thought, ‘how fun would it be for my possibly make us a member school since The newfound kindness around PPCHS students to challenge themselves to do a there aren’t many. They are also sending goes to show that a simple friendly gesture random act of kindness each day?’ Part of in one hundred bracelets so that we could can create a domino effect in the communithe purpose is that this actually creates a start it on our own.” ty. Such generous acts can inspire someone community of people being kind together, “Originally I was looking at it as else to do the same thing or something sima strict project, but I didn’t want ilar. It is so easy to be nice to someone and kindness to be seen as a chore. It it doesn’t only have to last 21 days. Ms. has become more of a group effort. I Drumm says “I’ve already accomplished think that little by little it’s affecting more than I’ve wanted to. I can’t ask for almost all of the different groups of more than to see my students being kind members that we have in our Pines and not only that, but feeling better about Charter community and I think that themselves.” it is actually trickling outward into our greater community as well,” says Ms. Drumm.

In our school, students have done everything from sending an anonymous note to someone to telling someone that they are special. The students are realizing that by making someone else’s day, they are completely transforming themselves as well.

According to a test called Helping hands: Ms. Drumm hands out cards and directions to her students to begin the Kindness Challenge. Photo by: the Gratitude Experiment, Juan Tellez people who do something in the community as well as students that nice to someone actually feel which we are hoping will create a culture have been affected by school shootings better than the person who they shift in our community,” says Ms. Drumm. over the past few years. The organization were being generous to. (www.

She notified the organization after decid- uses green bracelets that read “Creating a thegratitudeexperiment.com) Caing to participate. “Kindspring themselves, Culture Shift.” Similar to “Smile Cards,” mila Vazquez says “[Being more when I told them I was doing this, sent a the bracelets are meant to start with a sin- generous] has helped me with personalized note and thanked us for em- gle participant, and spread throughout the personal things that I am dealing barking on this endeavor together. They community when someone is seen doing with, as well as what other people said they’ve never had a class participate, an act of kindness. “This is another way are going through. For example, I Kindness Challenge brings more helping hands: Sophomore so we are the first one that they know of to to get the message out that kindness does left a random note in my class for Mickey Pagon helps sophomore Dayna-Leise Lawrence after falldo it as a group. They also sent us a smile make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a someone else to read. It turns out ing and dropping her belongings. Photo by: Juan Tellez Nicholas Rivera STAFF WRITER

deck, which is a deck of cards and each one has a different kindness act, so if you ever run out of ideas, you could pick up one from the deck.”

Aside from Kindspring, another organization called Actively Caring for People (AC4P) reached out to Ms. Drumm. This is an organization that was started by people

Guidance counselors brace themselves for new positions Melissa Pierce STAFF WRITER

As the 2013-2014 school year buckles down, classes at the top and bottom of the pyramid adjust to changes in the guidance department. Mr. Greenbaum’s departure from his BRACE advisor and senior guidance counselor positions has made way for changes in the guidance department. Ms. Scott, as well as the promotions to BRACE advisors Mrs. Thomas and Ms. Peacock.

As well as this, room was made for Ms. Perez in the new guidance counselor position for the class of 2015. With an entire year ahead, the new heads of these positions have everlasting potential.

As Mrs. Thomas moved up to senior guidance counselor and to BRACE advisor with Ms. Peacock, space was made for Ms. Scott as freshman guidance counselor.

Previously, Mrs. Thomas was the guidance counselor for the class of 2014 up until their senior year. From here Mr. Greenbaum would take over and Mrs. Thomas would

Ms. Thomas - Senior Guidance Counselor and BRACE Advisor

go to the freshman class of 2017. With new responsibilities on her plate, Mrs. Thomas can no longer fill this position and thus, Ms. Scott is welcomed to Charter High. In excitement for the road ahead of her, Ms. Scott states, “I really hope to engage the students; I like to express myself and let the students know about my open-door policy.

I want a friendly yet authoritative relationship with my students while creating a welcoming environment. Students should be comfortable coming to me with ideas, concerns, questions; anything and everything so I can help them work through it.”

The junior class of 2015 now has Ms. Perez as their source of guidance. She is responsible for keeping them on track and preparing them for their senior year, in which they will be handed off to Mrs. Thomas and Ms. Peacock when the time comes. She states, “My number one job is to ensure that the juniors are on the right track for graduation; I look at their GPA, their classes, and what they want to do in the future. I align their graduation to what the universities need and make sure they

Ms. Scott - Freshman Guidance Counselor

are on target with SAT, ACT, or anything having to do with test scores. I am more than willing to make sure that students go above and beyond.”

While the freshman class of 2017 enters high school with a willing and enthusiastic counselor, the seniors prepare for their departure into the real world with Mrs. Thomas and Ms. Peacock. “My primary responsibility is to help guide the juniors and seniors through the college application process of finding a school that fits their specific needs. We help them figure out how to access scholarships, specifically Bright Futures, as well as scholarships offered inside and outside of Charter. I look forward to working with students one-on-one, connecting them with college representatives, and helping them to get pertinent information about what they need to do,” says new BRACE advisor Ms. Peacock. Organizing their papers and managing time wisely is crucial for seniors in their final year of high school. They begin thinking about their life and the courses they want to follow upon branching off into a higher level of aca-

Ms. Peacock- BRACE Advisor

demics. Along with Ms. Peacock filling in the BRACE advisor role, Mrs. Thomas, is also stepping into the role as well. “I am very excited to work with the seniors because I have seen them since ninth grade and I can’t wait to see when they graduate.

Ms. Peacock has wonderful ideas in how she wants to assist the students while planning for college. I think all the pieces of the puzzle are coming together for the benefit of the students,” stated Mrs. Thomas.

Whether it’s steering the new class of freshman in the right direction or leading the seniors into a successful plan of action as adulthood approaches, the guidance department is there to help students at all times. With Ms. Scott and Ms. Perez’s ambition and drive for success, the classes of 2017 and 2015 will be prepared for Mrs. Thomas and Ms. Peacock’s advice and effective structure when it’s time to become an upperclassman. Any and every counselor can provide assistance in an area of trouble; thus, Ms. Scott, Mrs. Thomas, Ms. Perez, and Ms. Peacock are well equipped for their positions this year.

Ms. Perez- Junior Guidance Counselor

17 Student Life

Don’t stress over the college mess ways to be organized are: creating to-do lists in order of what is most important to what’s least important, making personal While freshman, sophomores, and ju- deadlines, and keeping things in specific niors get into the groove of the 2013-2014 places. school year, seniors are busy finalizing • Flexibility is key: In life, things university choices, working on college never really go as planned. As seniors applications, rebegin to apply taking standardto colleges and ized tests, and receive their anwriting lengthy swers, its imporcollege essays. tant to remember Along with to just be open that, seniors and accepting are also busy with any and all with their high outcomes. If a school courses, student gets acAP classes, cepted into their and even dual dream school enrollment then congratulaclasses. With so tions, but if they much work undon’t then they der their belts, can always keep many seniors looking, there are left wonderwill always be a ing how to deal school that will with all of the want them. pre-collegiate “One of the most stress. The most important things important thing Piles and piles of stress: College application deadlines begin to remember is for seniors to to crowd seniors, but there are ways to avoid the stress. Photo that it’s not the remember dur- by: Sydney Silverberg end of the world ing such a stressif you don’t get acful time is to stay organized and breathe. cepted into a certain college,” said PPCHS To help the class of 2014 reach their goals alumnus Julian Graves, (’13). “Last year I with as little stress as possible, here are kept telling myself that no matter what, I’m some tips to help get through the applica- going to college. And that really helped me tion process: get through the stressful admissions pro• Become a monster with organiza- cess. Now, I’m more than happy at FAU tion: At this age, seniors should know that and I’m loving every moment that I’m when organized, work is done better and here.” faster. It may sound like a cliché tip, but if • Keep yourself busy: Awaiting a person is organized about what they have answers from colleges can be really nerveto do, when it’s time to do it, and when the wracking, so it’s important for seniors to work is being done, they have already tak- make sure that they’re not just loungen their first steps to success. Some simple ing around waiting by the computer and mailboxes all day. Seniors can join a few Victoria Alvarez ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

September 2013

clubs, go out with friends, and participate is the comparison of different universities. in sports. Instead of stressing about the ac- Each school has a different campus life, ceptance letters, they can use their time to different student body, and different classjust have fun and make memories with the es. Comparing colleges can cause seniors’ important people in their lives. Taking their to get the wrong idea about a certain unimind off of applications while they are versity. It’s best to research the college, ask under review will help lower a student’s a few opinions, and apply if it sounds like stress levels. the right fit. There’s no need to make a list • Don’t make comparisons: As stu- that compares one college to another, bedents’ peers get their acceptance letters and cause in the end, there are no similarities. they await for their own, it’s vital that they The college process is one that takes a lot do not compare themselves to their friends. out of a person; it can physically and menJust because a friend has good grades and gets accepted, does not mean that it is impossible or any harder for the student to get accepted into the same school. Doing so could cause the student to overthink their entire situation and add more stress on their mind and body.

“The admissions process College stress takes over: Senior Daniela Contreras begins to stress out as college apis very unpre- plications and deadlines come closing in on her. Photo by: Sydeny Silverberg dictable,” said alumnus Francisco Gornes. “Sometimes, people that ex- tally drain them. But seniors cannot allow pect to get in, don’t get in and the people their futures to burden their present. As that don’t expect to get in do. You never re- seniors fill out applications and get ready ally know. That’s why it’s important to not for their collegiate futures, it’s important to overthink it, and to not compare yourself to remember that no matter how much work your friends. Just wait it out, and when you there is to do or what the outcome is of an get your answer you’ll know.” application, breathing and relaxing can Another important comparison to not make help them get through this crazy path.

The water tower gets ‘Face Bombed’?

Chelsie Ramos STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

other projects, but to him, the water tower art stood out the most. “I think it’s something fun that they are doing throughout the city and something that people will start to pick up on. I am glad that we are a part of it since we are a part of the city,”

“unifying factor for everyone in the city,” said Ms. Slaughter. “No matter what, if you see something smiling at you on a building, you are going to smile back,” finished Ms. Slaughter, who hopes to have people enjoy this form of art.

It is not every day that when you look up at a water tower you see a smiling face looking back at you. However, this is what the PPCHS water tower by the school football stadium will look like for weeks to come.

With the help of artist Todd Brittingham, the schools water tower, which is at center stage for all to see at home football games, will get a new twist. On September 23rd, Brittingham came out to “face-bomb,” a process of putting up two eyes and a smile, on the tower. But the towers new personalization will not be permanent; the face-bombing project will be up and smiling until around November 22nd, 2013.

This face-bombing project is one that has been taking place all around the city of Pembroke Pines in a multitude of locations such as City Hall and the Pines Recreation Center. The project came to be when Jill Slaughter, Curator of Special Projects for Pembroke Pines, met Mr. Brittingham two years ago, and de- Smiling back at fans: New Face Boming project adds a new face to the PPCHS Water Tower. Photo by: Carli Stander cided to create this face-bombing project as a companion piece to the artist’s stated Principal Bayer.

“I think the face-bombing is pretty cool!” future exhibition. From then, Principal The smiling face that will be decorating exclaims senior Shelby Watson. “It is an Bayer began to get into contact with Ms. the schools water tower is made up of ordi- interesting form of expression and I think a Slaughter when they began speaking of nary materials such as felt, and is seen as a lot of students will feel that way too. Also,

seeing a funny face on the tower will make the games a little more interesting and possibly put people in a lighter mood, and it will definitely add something new and unique to the home games.”

As for game days at the stadium, the football team will have a new accessory hanging above them, but that won’t let them get in the way of their job on the field.

“On the field, I am going to be 100% focused on the game and so will my teammates. But I think that the audience will get a good kick out of the water tower art and find it interesting.

For me, I am going to enjoy it, since I have always had an interest in people doing things out of the norm,” stated Adrian Mati, senior and varsity football player. As for the crowd, the new addition will give a unique twist to games, “I think that it is going to make many laugh and entertain the entire crowd during the games,” said junior Justin Correa.

The face-bombing is another way to show the uniqueness that comes with PPCHS. But since this project is only temporary, Principal Bayer hopes to one day paint the tower with Jaguar Pride. For now though, a smiling face on the water tower will do just fine for anyone willing to smile back at it.

Student Life September 2013

18

Gabriela Garcia FEATURES EDITOR

When Lori Johnson (’14) hit the “Share” button on Instagram on September 10th, 2013, she was doing more than just crossing her fingers for a lot of likes on her post.

A simple nine words changed Lori’s life and the way her friends, family and peers would perceive her forever: “Today marks one year of me being cancer free.”

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

After waking up the next day post-surgery, Lori learned that the doctors were able to successfully remove the tumor. She also learned to be thankful for the bittersweet piece of news she was about to hear.

Beating cancer: Lori Johnson (‘14) received a certificate of completion after finishing her last chemotherapy session. Photo donated by: Lori Johnson

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

Choriocarcinoma is a rare but extremely aggressive malignant tumor that develops inside of the uterus of women. In Lori’s case however, this particular kind of cancer was even more uncommon, due to the fact that it normally occurs in women who are pregnant. Obviously, that was not the case for Lori; her HCG hormone levels—one of the main indicators of this cancer—rose above normal on their own.

“The cancer has spread to your lungs,” the doctors would say. “ The good news is that it didn’t spread to your brain or your liver, and you still have a chance.”

This was when Lori decided to fight harder—not let herself become the victim.

After putting much thought into it, Lori decided to only inform four of her closest friends about what she had been through, including fellow PPCHS peers, Diamond Cunningham and Tionna Salmon. “I just don’t share a lot of things and this was no exception,” explains Lori. “I didn’t want people to treat me differently or for people to think I was helpless or they couldn’t be near me. I didn’t want any preferential treatment from teachers or anyone questioning me, none of that.”

The next couple of months began what treatment, and reunites with her former was to be a long journey for Lori. Spending caretakers and nurses to help other patients every weekend at the hospital and missing feel better. She claims that if anything, this a handful of days of school every other bump in the road has become her motivaweek were the least of her worries. Hav- tor, something to get her going. ing to use an IV as a way to take all five “My parents were everything to me during of her chemotherapy medications, Lori’s this time in my life, I would’ve honestly veins began to darken and bruise her arms. never made it through without them. I’d Pants and sweaters became her daily attire like to thank my closest friends for always as one of the side effects to her medications supporting me and respecting my decision was high sensibility to the sun. Slowly but to keep this private for as long as I had to. surely, Lori shed almost all of the hair on her body along with her pride.

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

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

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

“The one year mark is one of the most important dates when you go into remission—it actually Loss of hair but not pride: Cancer may have taken Johnson’s hair, but her assures you that there’s a pride and strength still remain. Photo Donated by: Lori Johnson 99% of the cancer never coming back. It was something I was really And I’d like to thank my best friend Tionlooking forward to and I figured that since na, who called my mother that one day I I had to acknowledge this part of my life was crying in the cafeteria due to extreme at some point, it might as well have been abdomen pains. Without her, I would’ve never gone to the doctor and I don’t know then.”

Although the cancer has left both physi- where I’d be now.”

The bruised and black veins may still be cal and emotional scars in Lori’s past, she has decided to turn this entire ordeal into visible, but they certainly do not triumph something positive. In her free time, Lori over Lori’s strong heart. returns to the Memorial Regional Hospital, to the very same floor where she received

Charter’s SAT scores higher than the national average Melissa Sullivan WEB MANAGING EDITOR

“We’ve found the program we have here to be beneficial to students, it’s given them the extra practice they need to succeed.

Pembroke Pines Charter High School’s Practicing has especially helped (PPCHS) motto is College, Citizenstudents learn their vocabulary and ship, Community. The common goal familiarity with the questions found within every student from the first day on tests such as the SAT and ACT. of freshman year is to do well, prepare By preparing for these tests, stufor tests and plan to further their educadents can be provided with scholtion at a university, college, or technical arships and gain access to colleges school. This common goal proved to be they’re interested in,” said English reached, when PPCHS became recogteacher and BRACE Advisor, Ms. nized in both the state and the nation as Peacock. a school with highly ranked SAT scores SAT Prep programs have been for the past several years. The school provided to all grade levels, and can has risen above the state and national be thanked for the rise in scores, as levels for SAT scores by improving well as teacher dedication to helptheir scores and standing out amongst ing students improve in all subject other schools nationwide. areas. PPCHS provides after school “I always knew that our school SAT Prep programs and in class [PPCHS] rose high above all others in practice that focuses on math and education, but I never knew we were so reading, and has also once provided far apart from other schools. I’m proud SAT classes in previous years. to say that I am graduating from a high “Scores will only continue to grow school that stands out amongst locally SAT scores at Charter rise: Junior Taylor Alfonso takes a practice test, hoping to raise her SAT scores before the next exam.

Photo by: Rebecaa Gonzalez if the school keeps providing us and nationally ranked schools for its with the resources we need to suctest scores,” said senior Kelly McColtion, scores have risen from 493 in 2009 to The scores have gained PPCHS notoriety man.

515 in 2013. While the writing scores have as a school that provides an excellent edu- ceed. When I take the SAT, I know I will The math score has risen from 499 in also risen drastically for the school, im- cational program and prepares students for be completely prepared,” said sophomore Daniel Rodriguez.

2009 to 521 in 2013. For the reading sec- proving from 490 in 2009 to 504 in 2013. colleges or technical schools.

Page Name Month 2013

#

Chelsie

VS

Bad publicity is the key to no longevity

Chelsi

There’s no such thing as bad publicity

Chelsie Ramos STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

Chelsi Chang ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

It happens every day. I turn on the T.V. and there it is again; another story of some random celebrity acting up once more. They are either going around dressed in the skimpiest of clothing options, throwing F Bombs to all that surround them, or doing performances that raise more eyebrows and jaw drops than hands for applauses. This has become the pop culture world that our society has now thrived themselves on for some odd reason. To me, stars are just under the impression that any form of publicity whether it be good or bad, is still good publicity. However, these celebs are just hurting themselves more now with these absurd acts, rather than benefiting from them.

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

Go ahead and type the words “Miley Cyrus” into Google right now. If you did, over 8 million hits pop up instantly. Miley Cyrus is one of the countless celebrities to go off the deep end in the past couple of months from “twerking” in strange and offensive music videos, to stripping down to bra and underwear on the VMAs. Sure, most people would agree that Cyrus has become a bit of a laughing stock, but laughing stock has a net worth of $150 million dollars for prancing around in the nude doing absolutely nothing. Oddly enough—it works for her.

Like many A-listers in Hollywood, making a complete fool of yourself gets you exactly what you want—attention. It’s a formula celebrities have been using for years when they fear they are becoming irrelevant. Brittney Spears shaved her head, Amanda Bynes went on tweeting rampages and Miley Cyrus chopped off her hair and started dancing with giant teddy bears. The audience practically hands them the check as they watch these celebrities just turn into train wrecks. “[I think] its good publicity—for them. It helps them stay famous and helps them be known. It leaves things that are memorable, like when you think of Miley Cyrus you will always think of the VMA performance. You’ll remember her change from Hannah Montana to who she is now. They’re doing their job as celebrities to stay relevant and making a statement whether good or bad,” said senior, Janique Tang-How. See Publicity, Page 20

Also in Entertainment...

Paparazzi law changes Hollywood

Runway Rundown

Girl on Fire Twerks her way to Fame

20 Entertainment September 2013

Bad publicity is the key to no longevity VS There’s no such thing as bad publicity Publicity from page 19...

This behavior to some may seem normal for her age, but Miley is still a professional, and is in the business world. So, by Miley acting in these ways she jeopardizes her chance of making an influential and ground-breaking movie and/or music deal in the future. Her behavior has even drawn some Internet users away from wanting to see the daily headlines of Ms. Cyrus.

So, Google Chrome came up with a way to help those individuals out. With a new extension launched called “No Cyrus,” the user will be able to have all mentioning’s of Miley Cyrus’ name or anything related to her, be crossed off with the hashtag symbol or other random numbers or symbols (entertainment.time. com). Clearly, her crazy behavior has brought an enormous amount of attention to Miley, which has only hurt her more than benGraphic by: Matthew Perez efitted her.

The story of Amanda Bynes was a similar one as to Miley Cyrus. She was the child star who skyrocketed in the movie industry; however, as of recently the actress went off the walls. It began with a multitude of DUI charges that seemed to be occurring frequently, to later Twitter rants against a multitude of celebrities. These absurd attacks drew attention from many and had multiple media outlets following her every mishap. After recent events such as setting a fire on a neighbors front yard she was hospitalized and was put into a psychiatric ward. Now, Amanda Bynes has been trying to convince the public that her behavior and Twitter rants have all just been an act (nydailynews.com).

If this is the case then her behavior only makes me question how effective she believes that her “act” has been working out for her. However, this attention that she is gaining has now been casted in a negative light rather than the positive one that she

would have been aiming for. “In the case of Amanda Bynes publicity for her has been negative. No one respects her anymore as an actress, instead people just begin to focusing on the crazy stuff that she is doing instead of her talents. Amanda Bynes was a great actress and her movies were hilarious, but now when people think of her and they automatically just think drugs,” stated junior, Sofia Lalinde.

Some celebrities may think that all public-

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

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

People find a certain pleasure in watch- well. Amanda Bynes’ new routine of taking superstars go under, but that’s what ing everything to Twitter to express her they’re here for. They provide constant rather crude and bizarre opinions got her 1 entertainment from the mundane rigors of million followers in just one day (intouch“real life” no matter how stupid they look. weekly.com). It has also reserved her space Celebrities, with their inexhaustible riches in almost every magazine with speculation and often over publicized life, don’t have on whether or not she needs to seek medito worry about solecism because they are cal attention. Now, any magazine would in a league of their own. While an aver- pay through the roof for an interview with age person’s job is to keep the spotlight off Bynes. of themselves, celebrities are in a pool of Maybe it’s the speculation, the mystery other A-listers and every one of them has that one may never know the whole truth. a “look at me” sign permanently taped to No one will ever know why Miley Cyrus their chest. These “look at me” signs are chopped off her long locks and became so often what makes them the most money. eccentric. But in the meantime, it’s fun to For example, even though everyone pretty speculate, to make our presumptions of much unanimously agreed that Cyrus’s what happened. Maybe Liam made her go performance on the 2013 VMA’s was dis- crazy, maybe she was tired of being in the tasteful and downright strange, she still spotlight. The truth is, the only person that broke the record for the most viewers in will ever know is Cyrus. Maybe that’s just the least amount of time, with 100 million the fun of it, not knowing, but guessing and views within 6 days for her music video making our own truths. for the song Wrecking Ball (eonline.com).

Crazy behavior from a famous person “It’s amusing. I’m sure the VMAs got good makes them a little less god-like and more ratings because of Cyrus’ performance. It flawed. It leaves people hooked on their was all over Twitter and everyone was talk- every move and gets them more viewers. ing about her. Most people tuned in just Whether they are “haters” or “fans” they for her,” exclaimed tenth grader, Alexan- are still talking about them. When a person der Martinek, Was the whole performance takes time out of their day to talk about a a plan to incite interest in Cyrus for her famous person, whether they’re praising upcoming music video? The world may never know.

The thing is, after seeing numerous tweets and overhearing other’s comments, almost every single person who turned on their computer to watch Wrecking Ball, knew that Cyrus was going to be swinging on a wrecking ball naked and making out with a hammer. So if they knew exactly how outlandish it would be, why watch? Curiosity.

Many of the 118 million views just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. They also Graphic by: Matthew Perez wanted to be able to talk about it in case it came up in conversation, and their individuality or bashing their latest with Cyrus’s latest prominence, it would. mistake, they are doing what the celebrity Her weirdness is expected to bring her in wants them to do—make them relevant. a lot of money when her album “Bangerz” That’s what keeps all eyes on them, being drops and it’s all because of the magazine significant; in this day and age, you don’t and press coverage she has received. need talent, just something to keeping peoIt works for her and other celebrities as ple wanting them to come back for more.

Paparazzi law changes Hollywood The world of entertainment comes with a huge load of baggage called “fame.” HolAs a star’s fame rises, there is a greater lywood starlets, Halle Berry and Jennifer demand for insight on that celebrity. TMZ, Gardener have experienced the firsthand People Magazine and television shows account of being tormented by men who such as Access Hollywood provide an expose them. According to the Huffingeasy way to learn about what every starlet ton Post, after a custody dispute with exis doing. Pictures that highlight flaws and boyfriend Gabriele, Halle Berry and her headlines filled with gossip have a way of daughter Nahla were approached by the making these personalities less of a person paparazzi. They belligerently harassed her and more of a billboard poster. Countless daughter asking questions like “How do photographers follow celebrities with cam- you feel, Nahla? You may not see your faeras trying to snap the next embarrassing ther again. How do you feel about that?” picture. These photographers will do any- However, this wouldn’t be the first time the thing for the next shot, screaming slurs that actress has been hounded by these photogonly intend to upset; when does the line raphers. But this time proved to be disreof personal evasiveness blur into plain ha- spectful and violating. Berry took action rassment? and teamed up with Jennifer Gardner, who has bad experience with the paparazzi as well, to redefine harassment and protect children from paparazzi.

They argued that their children are not responsible for being in the limelight and should not be Paparazzi: The wishes of celebrities everywhere have been answered with a new law controlling paparazzi. traumatized by Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez Tyra Green STAFF WRITER

these “strange men.”

Paparazzi are the monsters of Hollywood, the bad guys of the limelight. Rapper, Kanye West was recently captured on camera tyrannically screaming “do not talk!” to someone filming him at the airport and blocking the screen from his face (amp.cbs.local.com). This altercation led to a lawsuit filed by the person holding the camera, and Kanye West defends his actions by claiming he felt that he was threatened, the photographer made him “believe his safety was in immediate danger.” Justin Bieber has also made the news numerous times this year for getting into altercations with the paparazzi. One incident famous incident took place as Justin was leaving his hotel in London, England, paparazzi approached his van screaming “go back to America, little moron.” Bieber, enraged by the comments, leapt out of his SUV screaming back colorful words and punching the air while being held back by his bodyguard. The next morning Justin tweeted “Sometimes when people r shoving cameras in your face all day and yelling the worst thing possible at u…well I’m human.” (metro.co.uk) These men who stalk the celebrities have chosen their professions as fearless cameramen who live off of that one picture that captures the makeup-less model or the cellulite peeking through the shorts of our favorite artist.

“Sometimes they go too far,” says senior, Frederic Guerrier, “I think they forget that the celebrities are people just like them.”

One example of an extreme case that shocked the world was in 1997, Princess Diana’s life was cut short under a French over pass when her Mercedes was fleeing from a pack of photographers, and all three passengers were killed. However, new laws are on the rise to ensure that incidents like this don’t reoccur.

The new Paparazzi law labeled, SB 606 would create a barrier of celeb’s private life. According to the Huffington Post, the law, if passed, makes it easier to open restraining orders and increases jail and financial penalties for photographers. Pictures of children under the age of sixteen whose parents are in a Hollywood profession will also be regulated. On Tuesday, August 13th, 2013 the proposition passed the upper legislature and moved to the assembly appropriates committee. “I like looking in People Magazine at all of the stars little children, I hope these pictures won’t go extinct. Sometimes us regular people are curious about their lives,” says junior, Kamille Catala.

The proposed law will transform Hollywood and the whole entertainment industry in general; stricter regulations will create a safer environment and finally keep the paparazzi at arm’s length.

21 Entertainment

Runway Rundown

September 2013

were soon to flourfashion week ion blogger who is fortunate enough to be ish immediately in NYC, any- attending the popular meet in NYC. Junior, after fashion week one can say that Emily Castellano, has had her very own Edgy, distinctive, and feminine are just was over. Crop some things the blog for about a year now, cleverly named a few words that can describe the Mer- tops, sheer fabrics, models wear are Stylishly in Love. cedes Benz New York Fashion Week that bold prints and kind of crazy “I can’t even express how excited I am concluded in mid-September with a bang. patterns all comand even weird. to go to New York for such a prestigious The all trendy, high-heeled spring 2014 plemented world To the public meeting. All my hard work and dedication collections were launched and showcased renowned models’ they might not finally paid off and it feels great. I wish to by an assortment of designers in the course silhouettes such as seem very fash- continue my blog to make it more popular of seven days in New York. The exhibi- Behati Prinsloo and ionable, but I and make it even bigger,” said blogger Emtion of these anticipated collections were Karen Alexander. guess to the ily Castellano (’15).

Each and every in the Lincoln Center and other locales makeup artists The blog has been featured on the official throughout New York City. The debut of runway had a conand designers Lucky Magazine website for cutest outfit more than 100 spring 2014 collections can trasting theme that it seemed like a of the day and editors favorite picked by be quite overwhelming but there was noth- contributed to the different out-of- Lucky Magazine’s very own representative ing that stopped prominent fashion icons designer’s unique the-box idea,” editors. No wonder the blog has a whopThe from attending. Vogue Editor-in-Chief collections. said senior Fa- ping 75,000 followers. Follow her remarkAnna Wintour was seen sitting front row Kate Spade runway biola Moleiro. able fashion blog at http://stylishlyinlove. at Derek Lam’s show as well as in many show, in particular, To wrap up blogspot.com/ . other shows during the week. The appear- displayed a relaxfashion week, Let the countdown begin anew until fashance of significant people such as Wintour ing getaway theme photographers ion week comes by again as fashionistas capri-inspired really gives MBFW its distinguished name of and bloggers prepare for new fashion trends to be seen lemon grove patin the fashion industry. nationwide be- in store front windows and on the cover of “I love the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. terns. The colgan to publish Vogue. Whether it be floral patterns or tiny As a fashionista, seeing all the new cloth- lection’s tropical MBFW on well- crop tops, all must wait and see what is next ing lines that are going to start trending in flower print dresses known social in the line of the famed fashion industries. a few months is a wonderful thing. Watch- greatly tribute to networks such Mercedes Benz Fashion Week will always ing all the models walk down the runway the Havana nights- Passion for Fashion: Senior Gabriela Duarte is inspired as Instagram, E be acknowledged for its outstanding runmakes me want to go to New York and see themed collection. by the models of Fashion Week to join the PPCHS Fashion News, Pinterest, way shows and timeless collections. it for myself. It must be amazing to be able One can say that it Club. Photo donated by: Emily Castellano and many more. A shopper never knows what’s next when to attend a show,” said senior Nina Salcic- greatly resembled the exquisite Daisy Bu- Photographers have released photos of each it comes to Vera Wang’s astonishing wedchanan taste with a bit of spice. cioli. and every runway show while bloggers cri- ding dresses and Christian Louboutin’s sky Not only did the MBFW clothes stand tiqued and reviewed the showcased collec- high crazy priced heels.

Fashion icons, designers, and celebrities all kept an eye out for rising trends that out, but so did the hair and makeup. From tions. Subsequently occurring shortly after Rapunzel long fashion week is hair to no hair the ShopStyle. at all, design- com Bloggers ers were sure Meet. This blogto make their gers meet ocmodels look curs annually a nothing like few weeks after your average MBFW is coni n d i v i d u a l s . cluded. During When it came this time, varito makeup, it ous successful was all about fashion bloggers, v a r i c o l o r e d such as Rachel eye shadows Zoe, teach other and lip col- bloggers how to ors that were make a business unlikely to be out of their blog. seen on an av- Roaming our very own school Passion for Fashion: Durante poses for the camera for Fashion Club. She is inspired New Style: Sophomore Maycee Smith shows off her fashion during Fashon Week. While erage day. posing for the camera, Smith shows off her new style to PPCHS. Photo Donated by: Em“When it halls is a well- by the idea of Fashion Week to show off her fashion. Photo Donated by: Emily Casily Castellano comes to recognized fash- tellano Andrea Bellorin CLUBS AND ELECTIVES EDITOR

Girl on fire twerks her way to fame Shakayla Lee STAFF WRITER

The equivalent of an epidemic that has cemented its place throughout our recent generation, dancing has evolved from the innocent 1920’s style Foxtrot to the not so innocent 2013 twerking. This present day dance move has kids raving and parents cringing nationwide. Along with the word “selfie”, this dance craze was recently added to the Oxford dictionary defined as: dancing to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip

Graphic by: Matthew Perez

movements and a low, squatting, stance.

Videos constantly go viral featuring those who have perfected their well-rehearsed moves in the mirror.

One video seemed to have caught the world’s eye as it quickly became one of the most popular viral videos of this year, reaching 9 million views in the first week of publication. Starting as innocent as a girl in yoga pants, dancing to a steady beat in her room escalated to her attempt at doing a headstand on the wall and eventually up in flames- literally. The moment that has burned this girls name in the books of infamous pursuits at the dance happened as she gyrated upside down and fell into a glass table that was gracefully lit by a candle.

The thirty seven second video known world-wide as the “Worst Twerk Fail EVER” on YouTube posted on September 3rd, has more than 12 million views,

countless reaction videos, and even news segments featured on its absurdity. “The fact that a girl twerking and catching on fire caught the attention of millions, despite everything that is going on in the world is mind-blowing. Even though I thought it was hilarious, I still can’t believe it. Portions of the news were cut out to make one girl internet famous,” said junior Alyssa Rogers.

What should have caused mass concern for the fate of the “girl on fire” spurred an entire nation of adults and students to share a moment of hysterical laughter. “When I first saw the video, I laughed so hard, I had tears in my eyes,” exclaimed junior Laren Fernandez. Although the video may be funny, the question of whether that then makes the inevitable chuckle completely innocent is up in the air. “To be honest, I wasn’t really worried about her health because if she was seriously hurt, the video wouldn’t have been posted right?” asked Fernandez.

After wiping away the tears of laughter and taking the scene off replay, the question of its reality spirals after considering the bizarre nature of the incident. Hilarious or not, what most people don’t know is the entire video was fake, and the joke’s on the viewers. The hoax was set up by the one and only Jimmy Kimmel--comedian, actor, and writer. He is the host and creator of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” a late-night talk show that airs on ABC, where he revealed

the actual five minute long uncut version to the prank that deceived millions. In his plan, he hired a courageous stunt woman named Daphne Avalon that posed as the teen in pink, “Caitlin Heller.” Just after she appeared to be terrified and the edited version cuts off, however, the extended version shows Jimmy saving the day with a fire extinguisher in a pink shirt and yoga pants to match. On his show he stated “We put it up and didn’t send it to any TV station. I didn’t tweet it, we didn’t put it on any websites. We just put it up on YouTube and let the magic happen.” Emphasizing the fact that the popularity of the video was set in the worlds hands, sophomore Elijah Chong stated, “Twerking has become entirely too popular in the public eye. At the end of the day after all these fail videos go viral and people make jokes about it, it’s still just a dance.”

Later on his late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel confessed that he was attempting to make twerking a thing of the past as he ended his broadcast by addressing victims of the prank with the statement, “Thank you for helping us deceive the world and hopefully put an end to twerking forever.”

His carefully played viral trick allowed him to pull one over on the entire world was one to go down in the books. However, whether the dance trend that most teens have fallen victim to secretly entertaining will be a thing of the past, has yet to be written.

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Is the future written in code?

Video games offer prophecy

Joshua Alleman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When video games are brought up, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it action, adventure, or violence? What about prophecies? Although prophecies do play roles in some video games and often tell the hero what they must do to fulfill their mission and save the world, those are only

a small part of the insights that are provided in the overall storyline; video games have set up real life prophecies that may come true in the future.

A timeline of every game based on when its story takes place was created by a YouTube Channel—The Game Theorists—and viewers found the results surprising. Different franchises and companies have all

Also in Technology...

contributed to the biggest story arc ever created: the story of the Earth and fate of the human race. Without any prior plans, the franchises prophesize about the same things happening in the world or to the human race at about the same times in the future. “The video game industry through their shared predictions has unintentionally created a sort of ‘Gamers’ Mayan Calendar’

that provides a disturbingly clear prediction of what will happen to you, to Earth, and to life as we know it in just a couple short centuries,” says Matthew ‘ MatPat’ Patrick, one of the Game Theorists.

See Prophecy, Page 23

Is the future written in code?

Video games offer prophecy

23 Technology

September 2013

Prophecy from page 22...

Joshua Alleman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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

“Video game victories are short-lived.

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

2020s: Technological progress. In these years, robotics become so advanced that the lines between human and robot begin to blur with Mega Man and his brother, Proto Man. “Many video games try to be as realistic as possible, so it’s no wonder that some prophecies come true. I wouldn’t be surprised (or upset) if someone becomes a real-life Mega Man within my lifetime,” says senior Caleb Kramer.

In 2021, nanotechnology begins to drastically evolve, allowing implementation in military and civilian life, linking to Nano Breaker, a PS2 game. 2027 is when things radically change; with Deus Ex: Human Revolution, man is mixed with machine. Humans are upgraded to be able to perform superhuman abilities, polarizing the world in a debate about the ethics of human alteration and augmentation. Toward the end of the decade, enhanced humans are tested when super criminals rise in Captain Commando and biologically enhanced rebels show up in Haze.

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

2030s-2080s: Resource wars. The technological progress of the decade before slams to a halt and the world is crippled by the lack of fossil fuels. Some countries will turn to space for a solution, looking for fuel and colonizing Mars.

This is evident games like Carnage Heart, Machine Hunter, Red Faction, and the Halo series.

While some counties focus on other worlds, other stay focused on Earth; this leads to wars for domination over the natural resources that are left in Killzone 2 and Fallout. The need for petroleum sends the world into a nuclear apocalypse, which is referred to as World War Three by a game titled Star Ocean: the Last Hope. 2077 is the breaking point—the United States and China desperately lash out against each other and the world sends out a flurry of panic warheads, putting the world in a state of nuclear and radioactive chaos. Scared civilians literally have to bury themselves under ground in Fallout’s vaults and Metro 2033’s subways to survive this onslaught. In the years that follow, things go from bad to worse—a lot worse.

Humanity must turn on itself as the radiation from the warheads cause viruses to mutate, taking over both living and dead hosts; the new enemies are the neighbors, friends, and family that have been infected.

2090s-2140s: Waiting underground. During this point in the timeline, not much happens because humans are stuck underground, just trying to survive. “Humans need to respect nuclear power. It is much bigger and more powerful than us, and more importantly, it is not forgiving. The prospect of living underground is frightening, but I can hope that the human race doesn’t take risks that may result in an extreme change to the way we do life,” says Kramer.

Warzone 2100, Metal Warriors, and Battlefield 2142 all feature the rebuilding of society and battles on the surface involving mech-suits due to the fact that it would be unsafe for humans to walk around on the surface unprotected.

2300s-2500s: Alien Wars. Humans are constantly met with alien races that they have to destroy or be destroyed by with the Nechromorphs of Dead Space in 2508 and the Flood and Covenant aliens from the Halo series in 2525. “I am not looking forward to warring with aliens. If we encounter aliens—and I think it’s clear that they will be coming to us— that means they’re a whole lot more advanced than us; we wouldn’t have a chance,” says Kramer. Opening the door to space has opened a dangerous can of worms for the human race, but only time will tell what really happens.

Gaming Prophecy: Video games like, Halo 3, Mega Man X, Deus Ex, are said to have predicted the future.

Graphic By: Matthew Perez

Innovation allows for interchangeable cell phone parts Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

The cell phone has a typical “circle of life” cycle. First it was an idea, then it was a revolution. Soon after, it became a smart device and now, it’s cast aside like all other technological advancements. As people discard old phones for faster processors, higher pixel ratios, and better touch screens, they unconsciously make a steady stream of waste that piles up. Factor in all the old computers, cameras, and media players, and there ends up being a lot of tech trash. The simple fact is that technology—like cell phones—isn’t made to last. Parts aren’t immortal and companies need a way to make more money, so after a certain period of time, everyone’s ready to upgrade to the latest and greatest.

Lost in the web of information crowding the new iPhones, an idea was pitched to the world about a phone that would last.

It’s neither Team Android nor Team Apple, more like Team OurPhone. To get the idea into a fully functional product, it would take a team of people from different companies and countries working together to improve phones for the user and the environment.

The Phoneblok is a groundbreaking idea for a phone, and—if put into production— will change the future of communication.

The Phoneblok is an idea created by David Hakkens to change the way humans use cell phones. Hakkens, a designer from the Netherlands, explains the simplicity of the Phoneblok in his YouTube video— which now has almost 13 million views.

The Phoneblok is made up of a base that

connects all the parts together, detachable their large camera because they bought a “bloks” that control features like phone professional one, they can just purchase a speed, Wi-Fi connectivity, storage space, smaller one, sell the large one, and maybe and a screen; all of these parts are held in improve the battery life with a larger blok place by two screws. The bloks transfer for that capability. It’s all up to the user and electrical signals from the four pins that their needs. they have to the base, which in turn affects “If the phone is actually developed, it will the phone by eibe a lot more ther increasing eco-friendly and the speed, giving it would be a lot Wi-Fi, allowing cheaper than the usage of a camphones that are era, or whatever available today. that particular With all that in blok is for. mind, I would no The revolutiondoubt purchase ary part of Hakthe phone,” says kens idea is that junior Isabella all the pieces of Bobadilla. the phone are The Blokstore, replaceable. If New Way to Increase Phones: The Phoneblox uses interthe online marthe Phonebloks changable parts to increase the features of a phone, like Wi-Fi ket used to buy screen cracks, connectivity and phone speed. Photo by: Jonathan Harris and sell bloks it can simply be and screens, is switched in for another screen, instead of also a profitable market for companies. getting a whole new phone. To get a larger Hakkens wants users to purchase bloks camera, the bloks can be rearragend and from different producers of that product. replaced to fit personal needs. This feature For example if someone wanted to buy a makes worldwide waste from tech prod- speaker for their phone, they could choose ucts decrease significantly. The phone is from companies like Beats, Sony, and Philcustomized to anyone’s needs; someone lips, depending on who they prefer. Phonewho only uses headphones can opt to not blok users would also have the choice behave a speaker and increase the size of an- tween a Nikon and a Canon camera for that other blok that affects the speed or battery blok. Say someone likes Cisco’s service life. Someone who needs a phone just for for Wi-Fi, they could buy their product for phone calls and text messaging can take that particular blok. out all the extra bloks for things like WiThe next step for Phonebloks is worldFi and Bluetooth and keep it simple. Now wide support. To get the Phoneblok into say that later, if a person wants to remove a functional product, Hakkens says he’ll

need the support from people including entrepreneurs, designers, CEO’s, developers, investors, and researchers to make the phone happen. For these people to turn their heads to this project, they need to see there is a market and a foreseeable profit in the near future for them. At this time, Hakkens has set up a Thunderclap account to help get the word out. With Thunderclap everyone who asks to support this project will send a message to their followers and friends worldwide at the same time which is set at October 29 at 10:00 am. Even with about one month left to gain supporters, Hakkens has gotten 697,835 people of his original goal 500 people. Despite the low goal, the Thunderclap beat the 50K mark in less than 24 hours. The social reach is currently 266,531,512 people according to Phonebloks’ Thunderclap page. Currently the goal is 700,000 supporters and every minute Hakkens page gets closer and closer to the goal.

Freshman Ryan Pujols says, “I would buy and support the phone because it’s an ingenious idea and plus it works with multiple companies and that combination makes it the phone of the future.”

The difference between the Phoneblok and other phones is that it helps both the environment and the users. This gives the Phoneblok the potential to be a real competitor in the phone market. Even with attention focused on the iPhones, there is enormous support for Hakkens new phone.

In the near future, the millions of cell phone users may consciously make a choice for the Phoneblok over iPhones, Androids, or Windows Phones.

Technology September 2013

24 Spam doesn’t always come in a can

Melissa Pierce STAFF WRITER

As your fingers move in a swift yet choppy motion across your phone’s keyboard, you get another text from one of your friends.

You move on to the next message and begin replying when you get a message that reads, “Jose im buyin/behicles.” You sigh and complete the tedious task of deleting the message while focusing on replying to your other friend’s message. While doing so, you wonder why you get so many messages of this sort and why they seem to come in so frequently. You ask yourself, am I the only person that gets these messages? Living in Broward County the answer is no. Most cell phone owners experience this daily and are likely to see a spam message almost every day.

According to Cloudmark, a company that tracks spam messages around the nation, the 954 Broward area code is one of the nation’s top targets for spam text messages.

The 786 and the 305 Miami area codes are within the top five for spam as well. Not only are these messages illegal, but for those who do not pay monthly for unlimited messaging, it can cost them patience and money every time they receive a text.

According to sunsentinel.com , Spokesman for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Mike Snyder says, “It is illegal for compa-

nies to send text mestion are Android sages to cell phones phones and unless the owner has phones backed given permission.”

by Google. An The 954 area code alternative for accounts for 2.1% of those who do not spam text messages own phones that received nationwide, are equipped for but how do frequent registering spam texters rid themselves numbers can folof these inconvenient low the advice of messages?

Mike Snyder who Sophomore Britnee says that by going Marius has a unique to fcc.gov/comoption when going plaints, you can about blocking these fill out a simple messages. As owner form and help the of the Samsung GalFCC identify and axy Note 2, Marius is put a stop to these able to register cerillegal messages. tain numbers as spam For a more dinumbers. Every time rect prevention to a text is sent from spam messages, this number, it is one can use the then blocked by her TrapCall service phone. requires We Buy Junk Cars: These messages spam the cell which “When I get spam phones of many 954 phone numbers. payment. What text messages, my Photo by: Daniel Vidal this service does first instinct is to ignore them. Then I go is it records messages and calls for more back and I normally delete them but now I direct information on spammers. Freshcan block the number completely. This re- man owner of the iPhone 5 Karina Sabassures me because spam messages tend to ourin says, “I knew from before that you put me on edge,” says Marius. could block calls and text messages from Other known phones that have this func- certain numbers if you received spam from

them. This is because I have the iOS 7 on my iPhone but if you don’t, you can’t block it from your physical phone.” Thus, TrapCall and the FCC website are the only ways to block spam if you are the owner of an iPhone that does not have iOS 7. AP Physics and AP Calculus teacher Mrs.Invernizzi is proactive when it comes to taking preventative measures against spam.

She says, “I am on a call list for my home phone where they can’t contact you with spam. If I get spam, I can call them and say that I am on the list and they can possibly get in trouble.”

Being on the receiving end of monotonous spam text messages can become a nuisance, especially since the 954 Broward area code and other Miami area codes receive a great deal of them compared to other counties across the nation. But by blocking numbers, deleting messages, or simply filling out an online form; you can relieve yourself of these messages of burden. As well as this, you can request to be on a list that will inform spam callers that they are not to call your number without consequence. Registering these spam numbers and filling out the form on fcc.gov/ complaints can get you onto this call list.

Whether you go about discontinuing these messages via TrapCall or by just filling out a form, you won’t be seeing much more of “Jose im buyin/behicles”.

Apple outdoes themselves with next-generation iPhones Jake Dreilinger NEWS EDITOR/MANAGING EDITOR LAYOUT

Last year, Apple released the latest addition to the iPhone family: the iPhone 5.

The iPhone 5 had hit the stores, and many people excitedly yanked them off the shelves to have the latest Apple product.

Now, months have passed and the iPhone 5—although still very popular—was losing its spot in the limelight. Nearly a few months after the release of the iPhone 5, Apple introduced its newest products to the world, the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C along with the new iOS 7.

The iOS 7 was announced by Apple CEO Tim Cook at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (nbcnews.com), and they really hyped up the product. This new operating system completely changes the appearance of the iPad and the iPhone, making it look brand new. There is now a parallax effect, where things will appear differently based on a person’s line of sight; the angle that a person is looking at the iPhone will affect how things are viewed. In addition to the parallax effect, the settings app can now be accessed by swiping down on the screen. Also, switching between apps now occurs in the middle of the screen. The app open up to mini little

tabs where if a person wishes to officially close a page, they can just slide the tab up.

According to Apple, the iOS 7 will make Apple products “simple, flat, and classy”.

Each folder zooms in when opened up, so apps in the folders can be viewed with ease. The iOS 7 will also keep track of the user’s app usage; if the phone notices that you use a certain app a lot, iOS will make sure to give the phone background power to keep the app up-to-date. The only negative effect of the iOS 7 is that it drains the iPhone’s battery quicker. More changes include the all new Airdrop Feature, where photos, videos and files can be exchanged with other iOS users, and a new Siri voice, which makes Siri sound more friendly and human.

“The iOS 7 looks more detailed and clear,” said freshman Allison Davis. “I like the three different types of cameras that comes with the new update. It makes iPhones better with its new look. I can’t wait to see how much better Safari has gotten with the new iOS 7 update. It’s going to be awesome.”

Just like with the iPhone 4, the iPhone 5 is being upgraded with the iPhone 5S. According to cnet.com , the iPhone 5S is “the fastest and most advanced Apple smartphone to date.” Ultimately, the iPhone 5S looks identical to the iPhone 5. The iPhone

iOS Upgrade: The new iOS 7 upgrade is sleek and stylish, improving the asthetic aspects of the music menu and the background. Photo by: Peter Dourvetakis

5S comes with an improved camera, a fingerprint sensor, and next generation central processing unit, CPU (cnet.com). It also comes with a free iWork app, which provides a way to create documents and presentations on a Mac or iOS device. With a new A7 chip, the iPhone 5S is the first 64bit smartphone in the world (apple.com).

The A7 chip gives the user better graphic performance twice as fast as the previous A6 chip. The camera has new features, like auto image stabilization, slow-motion video, and live video zoom. Even Face Time is now in High Definition. With the new iOS 7 coming out concurrently with the iPhone 5S, this new iPhone is going to make a big impact to iPhone users everywhere.

“I want the iPhone 5S because it looks more classy,” said freshman Gio Morgan.

“When the iPhone 5S comes out, I want to buy it in gold. I really like the finger touch and how advanced it looks. The 5S will be amazing and I think I will really like it.”

The other iPhone being released is the iPhone 5C. Apple defines the iPhone 5C as an iPhone “for the colorful.” The iPhone C has the same components as an iPhone 5; a four inch retina display, A6 chip, and 8 MP sight camera adds to the overall performance of the iPhone 5C. The iPhone 5C comes with the iOS7, and allows the user to pick their own phone color and case.

Overall, the iPhone 5C is cheaper than the iPhone 5S, and according to NBC, stores will hold more of the iPhone 5C. Both the iPhone 5S and the 5C have new additions that make it stand out compared to the iPhone 5. The new data processors and screen size are the biggest of these additions. The iPhone 5C is sure to make a lot of sales for those who want an updated version of the iPhone.

Every year when the newest iPhone is released, it instantly becomes a big hit to the public. It becomes so popular, and people realize that. A benefit of the popularity of iPhones can be used for a just cause. To raise money for charity, students at FAU sold spots in line for the release of the iPhone 5S and 5C. People would pay these students to wait in line outside of an Apple store, and all the money raised were sent to charity (huffingtonpost.com). As one of the most popular phone brands to date, the iPhone family keeps growing and getting better. Expect many things from the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C and iOS 7. These innovations of the popular software company can seriously affect the way humans view phones. The future is here and it’s in the form of Apple’s newest products, iOS 7, iPhone 5C, and iPhone 5S.

New and Improved: Apple has released their newest products to the public, the 5S and 5C. Photo by: Peter Dourvetakis

Technology Online class requirement expands students’ drive 25 September 2013 Tyra Green STAFF WRITER

Students are trading in paper for computer screens and pencils for keyboards. As the world evolves into a more technologically based platform, so does the education system. A new legislation is adding one online class to the list of requirements for highschool graduates. The change to virtual programs is transforming the new generation into skilled technological scholars.

Starting with the class of 2015, students are now required to take one online class in their high school career. It can be a half credit course or a full credit course, but the student must take the entire course.

For example, in HOPE you have to take both semesters in order to complete the online learning requirement. According to usnews.com , Florida along with Alabama, Michigan and recent signers of the legislation—Virginia and Idaho are making it mandatory for their students to take and pass one online course in order to earn their high school diploma. As the world is changing into a more digital era, the school board is implementing this requirement to help propel their students into the virtual world.

“It’ll help them work on their own and also develop time management. Students have to juggle six classes plus one, so in that aspect it is a positive. They have an un-

derstanding of the future,” says Guidance Counselor Mrs. Perez. Their post-secondary schooling of four years in college will include online assignments and even virtual teaching through a computer screen, so it’s critical for students to be ready to take

the online medium together. During one time in their life a student may visit Florida Virtual School. FLVS provides over 120 courses and a teacher to help succeed in that class. Lessons and tests are all submitted and worked on over the computer, providing a flexible and unique experience of education.

Some could argue that school is evolving in technology with the new installed requirements and clear advantages present.

Students who take an online course have the freedom to choose any class they want. FLVS presents classes in Middle School and High Schools. These classes include core classes like English, Mathematics, Sciences and Social StudVirtual Learning: Due to the new graduation requirement of taking one ies. In addition, FLVS proonline course, many students are taking their learning experience to the vides 18 elective classes to computers. Photo by: Peter Dourvetakis choose from along with Adon that challenge. vance Placement/Honors courses also. “I New programs are advancing the digital took HOPE online, and it was honestly the learning in our schools, starting with the easiest experience.” Says Junior Lawrence elementary learning tool FCAT Explorer, Nelson. The virtual learning experience to the University of Texas at Austin hy- also makes it easier to move at your own brid learning site Quest. Both websites mix pace with the help of a teacher who can be schooling with technology, making it easi- contacted by phone or email anytime of the er to blend learning, social networking and day.

Online courses allows the student to be more independent but can create more problems than the traditional in-classroom learning. What is learned is based directly on how active and responsible you are with the lessons. And with a sense of isolation, studying alone on a computer can make it easier to procrastinate or veer off into another website. Internet-based courses demand a stricter sense of self control. But for someone who does not have internet access at home, online classes seem impractical.

The upcoming generations are evolving into a virtual learning world, with over 620,000 students taking an online course in 2011-2012 according to Evergreen Education report, the age of internet popularity does not seem to be ending anytime soon.

As schools are being upgraded to classrooms of Mac computers and Dell tablets the quality of learning is also improving to a more interpersonal level.

“I like online classes, it’s quicker to get the classes over with.” said junior Chloe Fabien Technology is evolving both the outside world and education into a faster paced era. The new requirement of one online class will provide students with their own individualized path and guaranteed post- high school success.

Food that’s out of this world Nicholas Rivera STAFF WRITER

For thousands of years, agriculture has been a necessity for humans. From generation to generation, humans slowly became more advanced. People have developed a myriad of methods to effectively grow crops, from shifting cultivation to subsistence farming. Recently society has discovered yet another way to grow crops like never before; scientists are traveling 200 miles above Earth to do it. The wizard behind the magic is the Vegetable Production System, or Veggie.

Even though this isn’t the first attempt to grow food in outer space, this is the first time humans have come up with a way to possibly sustain the life of astronauts. With this out-of-this-world machine, astronauts will be able to grow romaine lettuce in outer space that could be eaten by humans.

Romaine lettuce will be placed under a pink LED light for approximately 28 days

before it will be ready for harvesting, but astronauts will not be able to consume it yet. The lettuce will have to be frozen during testing for any possible cosmetic bacteria. The American project is a collaboration between scientists from NASA and Orbital Technologies. NASA has plans to send the Veggie into space later this year, in December. “I think that the product will give astronauts a better way to live up there. I think it’s possible that we can expand this to other foods if it has come to this point.

In the past, they didn’t think projections were possible and you see that they have become a big part of our lives,” says sophomore Rebecca Pena. Despite the revolutionary product, the population might not see any benefits, at least not anytime soon.

According to an Agriculture and Biological Engineer at Cornell University named Jean Hunter, the cost to send food into outer space is about 10,000 dollars per pound and a lot of money can be saved by using

Veggie. That being said, it will be a while before enough lettuce will be grown to be able to sustain astronauts.

Earth-Space science teacher Mrs. Ramos says “As long as there is no bacteria that they can consume from it, then I think it will be fine because this way they are able to have a balanced meal.

I’m a little hesitant to see how pink LED light is going to making this.”

If the Veggie works correctly, it could lead to a variety of different foods being grown and consumed in outer space. “It really shows that science has come a long way,” says sophomore Michael Philogene. For now, humankind is taking one small step before taking a giant leap towards the future of space technology.

Space Lettuce: Scientists have figured out a way to grow lettuce in space, a promising first step to making life for astronauts in space easier. Graphic by: Armando Urena

Best Buddies looks past stereotypes Alexys Nowak COPY EDITOR

Day in and day out, students encounter new faces throughout the school day and everyday life. Unlike members in Best Buddies, not every student has the advantage of being able to volunteer with

disabled children. This year, PPCHS has incorporated a club that allows students to become friends with children that have disabilities. These students will make an effort to give the children an opportunity to have

friendships that they would not normally be able to have. They will accomplish this by simply treating these children just as they would treat one of their close friends. “Best Buddies� is a nonprofit organization

that is dedicated to creating opportunities for one-on-one friendships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

See Best Buddies, Page 27

Also in Clubs...

Book Club Turns a New Page

Club Community Hopes to Expand

27 Clubs

September 2013

Best Buddies looks past stereotypes Book club turns a new page Alexys Nowak COPY EDITOR

levitating the over-used word “retarded.”

This word originated as a medical term Best Buddies from page 26... used to define people who have intellectual Last year, a group of about fifteen students or developmental issues, but in this day including this year’s club Secretary, Patri- and age it has taken a turn for the worse cia Yordan, went to a park in Hialeah twice (nytimes.com). Now, young people espefor Best Buddies events. After participat- cially refer to “retarded” to have the same ing in an awareness walk and park clean- meaning as a word such as “moron.” Sciup, it was clear to them that they wanted ence teacher Mrs. Santiago, who sponsors to bring this beneficial the club, believes club to PPCHS. that this will be an Implementing this event that leaves an club into PPCHS has impression on evbrought excitement eryone who attends. and enthusiasm to “The word ‘retardstudents as they look ed’ is misused every forward to making single day. Having a difference in other a disability does privileged children’s not mean that they lives. The secretary of are not people. The Best Buddies has high purpose of our club expectations for what is to allow people the club will accomto be treated as inplish this school year. dividuals without “I’m so excited that having a label put this club came to our to them. Just as the school because we Making a Difference: Best buddies aims to help club name states, our have been looking children with disabilities feel like they don’t have main motive is truly into it for a year. It any disabilities at all. Photo by: Jonathan Harris to become ‘buddies’ is meant to help the with these children,” community and children with disabilities stated Mrs. Santiago. while also allowing the children with disBest Buddies has kicked off their year abilities to work alongside the club mem- by selecting their representatives and bers in their effort to better the community. brain storming ideas on how they should It is all a big circle of helping others and go about their club. Although applications creating bonds,” said Yordan. “This year have already been turned in, there will alwe hope to spread the word of ‘Best Bud- ways be a chance to join this organization dies’ to our school, because it really is a next year. All existing club members are great club.” looking forward to this fresh and friendly Best Buddies will be participating in mul- club. Best Buddies goal is to have everytiple events this year that will allow chil- one treat people with disabilities the right dren with disabilities to interact with oth- way outside of the club. PPCHS wishes ers. One major event that club members Best Buddies the best of luck as they kick will be participating in is aimed towards off their first year as an official club.

Lauren Ramirez STAFF WRITER

is a competition with book clubs from all around the area to see which team can retain the most knowledge about books they have read throughout the year. This year will be book club’s fourth year competing in Battle of the Books and they are hoping to win first place.

“In Book Club they recommend so many great books for us to read. I’m always looking to get my hands on a new book so this is a great opportunity for me to read and compare my thoughts on books with my peers,” says sophomore club member

Let the final school bell ring, and students can be found walking towards the library to gather around in the teen room every Wednesday afternoon. Here, book club members talk about books or plan service projects to help the community; constantly on the hunt for new novels to read.

The PPCHS book club has made various changes this school year to make the club even better. Recently, they have incorporated a group of numerous committees to get more tasks done, better organize the club, and plan more service projects. The new Book Club President, sophomore Taylor Horan, has big plans for the future of the club. “This year, the PPCHS Book Club has been reinvented,” says Horan. “With the installation of committees and committee chairs, I’m hoping that everyone can find their place in Book Club and contribute to the bigger project.” year, new future: The PPCHS Book Club is looking forward to The club was cheerful to New their reinvention and is ready to take on the 2013-2014 school year. gain several new members Photo by: Juan Tellez this year. With their advantage of a larger group of students, they are now able to complete more Monica Moljo. service projects and implement new activiFor anyone interested in joining the club, ties. there is no need to sign up because open “Students should know there is more to meetings are held every Wednesday from book club than just reading books,” said 2:15- 3:15p.m. in the library teen room, Horan. Along with reading, the book club located towards the back of the Southwest also has book discussions, helps the com- Regional library downstairs. All students munity, and participates in many exciting are welcome to join, and are encouraged to activities. become involved with the club. Take adAnnually, the club takes a field trip to an vantage of a great opportunity and join the event called Battle of the Books. This event book club!

Club community hopes to expand Nicholas Rivera STAFF WRITER

When the last school bell rings vigorously, students channel out of their classrooms and go their separate ways. Many rush to the bus loop while others go to the car line. Other students, however, stay behind because of either a meeting or event. With the new school year in full swing, clubs have already become a daily after-school activity. All clubs have immense diversities, anywhere ranging from making a difference in the community to those that are simply a hobby. Each year, certain students try to change that by adding new clubs. Despite the excessive amount of clubs, there is still not a club to satisfy everyone’s interests. Due to this, some students are extending their efforts to spread their hobbies and find others with the same interests.

According to College Confidential, there are many reasons to join a club. When someone joins a club in high school, they keep in mind that it will go on college applications. Aside from that, students know that a club provides great opportunities to help the community and have real world experiences. Above all, people like to be in clubs to meet other people because they likely share the same interests and will get the chance to see each other often. The various students throughout the school that want to bring about new clubs have very interesting ideas up their sleeve.

Sophomore Emily Asaro hopes to start a Film Appreciation Club sometime this school year. “I love movies and I want to major in Film Production when I attend college. Movies require so much hard work and it’s truly amazing to recognize how many people it took to create it. I hope

Model United Nations: Sophomores Looghermine Claude, Yasmeen Metellus, and Brianna Beach hope to inspire people with their new club. Photo by Daniel Vidal

that I can find other people who have a true passion toward understanding the film industry, or simply to find people who love movies as much as I do,” said Asaro.

Another hopeful club on the rise, Model United Nations, is an international club where people discuss world conflicts and try to resolve them. Sophomores Brianna Beach, Looghermine Claude, and Yasmeen Metellus are doing their best to make this club a part of our school. It is a club for people who wish to pursue international relations, politics, or even debate. The club gives students an opportunity to share their thoughts on current world issues and help apply those skills in the real world. Conferences will be held during certain club meetings when students will debate on real world problems, acting as different country representatives, and will follow the policies that the country follows to help resolve the

issue. People will prepare for these conferences at the club meetings. The program will be very structured and there will be a very specific way to go about conferences and how to prepare for them.

There is high anticipation for the Model United Nations from the founders and supporters. “Since there is no other club like this in the school, I’m excited to see how people react to it and how many people decide to join. I’m just really excited to see the outcome of the club and hopefully it’s a positive outcome,” says one of the founders, Yasmeen Metellus.

The inventors of these clubs intend to create them with a goal to change the dynamics of the school. Creating a larger variety and diversity of school clubs will help students branch out and become more involved.

Film Appreciation Club: Junior Emily Asaro wants to share her appreciation and love for film production by starting up a new club. Photo by: Daniel Vidal

Clubs September 2013

28

Andrea Bellorin CLUBS AND ELECTIVES EDITOR

“We the People of the United States,” is the dawn of one of the most significantly famed documents known to American society. September 17th, 1787 landmarks the day this document, The United States Constitution, was created by James Madison along with several others. Also known as Citizenship Day, Constitution day is celebrated every year on September 17th as a holiday to honor the constitution of our country. This incredibly powerful document was designed to protect our freedom by imposing law on those who wield political power. Without the constitution, there would be no United States and most of the nation would all have become British during the war of 1812. This year, 2013, marked the 226th Anniversary of the adop-

We the students... tion of the Constitution.

As lectures go on and on in American History classes about some war and some guy, there is still much more to learn about when it comes to the Constitution. Thanks to Mr. Quigley, all that changed this year.

When Constitution Day came around, teachers began to think of ways to dedicate time to the Constitution throughout the course of their classroom discussions, which is required by state law. Mr. Quigley clearly thought outside the box when he came up with his new and interactive idea never before seen at PPCHS. From 7:15 AM all the way until 2:00 PM, no matter where you were in school, you were hearing the constitution.

“When I got out of first period I remember hearing someone screaming out regulations and laws and thought it was kind of weird. As I got closer, I noticed that it

Reciting Excellence: Seniors Taylor Ligouri, Kali Cilli, and Ian Dameza are among many students who were standing at various locations, reciting the Constitution. Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez

was Andy Iglesias reading the constitution was going on, and think it was weird, but out loud. I thought it was really funny and they would walk by and think about what a different way of celebrating Constitution the weird thing was that was going on.

Day,” said sophomore Leysi Espinel.

All they would be thinking about was the Now one may ask, Constitution,” said how was all this Mr. Quigley, “The possible? Well, on idea was to make the Constitution Day, Constitution more standing high in the public and more incrowd atop milk carteresting.” toons and sometimes Surely enough, Mr. with a blow horn, Quigley was more AP Government/ than happy with Economics and Law the turnout of this Studies students year’s Constitution were reciting the Day. Who knew that Constitution aloud having students blarfor everyone to hear. ing aloud lines from Students volunteered the Constitution a week prior to the throughout the entire event and choose school day would be the time periods besuch an educating tween which they and amusing event? wished to speak and “Volunteering to with whom. After read the Constituvolunteering, they tion with two other recited in front of friends of mine was every building, the really fun. Unlike fountain, the steps my other classes of the U building, where we just talked and in every hallway Inspiring Others: Seniors Jynae Eadie and Annelyn about the subject, of every building. Martinez share the inspirational words of the Consti- Mr. Quigley gave us Anywhere you went, tution for all to hear. Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez a chance to do somethere was something completely difone somewhere reading or possibly even ferent. Although I didn’t understand most shouting lines from the Constitution. Be- of what I was reading and shouting, it was cause students were reading the entire text an interesting experience.” said senior Reof the Constitution from We the People to becca Rivero.

Amendment number 27, it took the entire All in all, Constitution Day events turned day to finish reciting the entire Constitu- out to be a grand success. The overall feel tion. of Constitution Day was very positive and “This year for Constitution Day, I wanted cheerful. Prosperous U.S. government to make the Constitution more alive, more and economics students will wait and see real, and more interactive. I knew students what’s next for next year’s Constitution would laugh at it, ignore it, wonder what Day activities.

Drama takes a lesson in math Chelsi Chang ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Every year, Drama teacher, Mrs. Kidd tries to put together a play which not only gives her drama kids some experience, but also provides a new and creative way for younger students to learn. This year, the Drama Department proudly presents The King of Arithmetic.

The play, targeted for children between the ages of 3 to 10 years old, will take place Saturday, October 12th, in room M115 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. The play follows the life of a king with daughters that refuse to learn about math. As they try to go through their day, avoiding math, they realize how important math really is in their daily lives. “I think it’s an excellent experience for the intermediate drama students to get some experience in front of a live audience, and it’s a great way to connect with the school and within the theatre family,” said director, Mrs. Kidd. This “children’s theatre” production will engage faculty

and staff member’s children through the joys of watching a play while learning the importance of math.

The play seems to be stirring up excitement for not only its audience members, but the cast as well: “I’m excited to be in this play because it’s my first play. We’ve been rehearsing a lot and it’s really taught me how to act. I play the snitch,” laughed senior Will Facey. For Facey, and many other kids in 5th period drama, it’s their first time taking the stage and hopefully not the last.

This one time only presentation of The King of Arithmetic is by reservation only, and has proved to spark some interest within the Charter family. “Reservations are filling up quickly,” said Mrs. Kidd. The King of Arithmetic is a small example of how theatre gives back to the community, with a free of cost show that helps children find a little fun in what some would call their worst subject. Hopefully, this play proves to be a plus for everyone!

Preparing for the New Year: From left to right: Kevin Sage, Stephanie Castillo, Samantha Wong, Alden Diaz. The Drama Club is in the middle of preparing for their next play, “The King of Arithmetic.” Photo by: Sydney Silverberg

Graphic by: Armando Urena