Issue 1, Vol. 54

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SHAKEN TO THE CORE

highlights

The idea behind CCSS is to unite as many states as possible under common expectations, rather than have a patchwork of mixed standards for different locations. The standards are made to be concise so that parents, students, and teachers alike are able to understand them. They are designed to help students prepare to enter the next phase of their education or the workforce. The National Governor’s Association and

STAFF WRITER

news

On July 27, 2010, the Florida State Board of Education approved the adoption of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English/ Language Arts and Mathematics. Florida has been slowly phasing out the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and full implementation of the CCSS test is expected led the CCSS initiative and governors to take place for freshmen and sophomores in and education the 2014-2015 school commissioners year. I think the transition is continue to lead New curriculum probably going to be very the initiative. The is already in smooth. Common Core federal government development, but there Standards is all about good was not involved in will be no actual testing teaching. the development of changes this year in CCSS. There has Assistant Principal, Florida. Several states been backlash and Nestor Diaz were chosen this year arguments among politicians about was not one of them. whether the test is a good idea for the state. This past summer, seminars were held for “It’s a shame that the state is politicizing teachers to learn about the new curriculum. the concept of Common Core education “I think the transition is probably going because all it really is is a set of national to be very smooth. Common Core Standards standards. We’re the only western is all about good teaching,” said Assistant industrialized nation that does not have Principal Nestor Diaz.

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national standards,” said Science Department Chair Orestes Mayo. The issue presented by CCSS is that the testing period is approximately 20 school days long. It also coincides with Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate testing, as well as End Of Course (EOC) assessments. Implementation of the new standards will cost the state an estimated additional $67.7 million, according to an analysis by the Thomas Fordham Institute. For students this year, there will still be FCAT Reading for freshmen and sophomores, FCAT Writing for sophomores, and EOCs for Algebra I, Unites States History, Geometry, and Biology. “I’d rather it be harder than the FCAT,” said sophomore Evan Caldwell. For high school math, CCSS cover numbers and quantity, algebra, functions, modeling, geometry, and statistics and probability. For English/Language Arts, it covers reading, writing, speaking, listening, language, media, and technology. and four territories have fully adopted CCSS for English/Language Arts and Mathematics. The only states not to do so yet are Alaska, Minnesota, Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia.

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CAVALIER FAMILY

news IN OUR THOUGHTS: Late highlights

donation. They expect these details to be worked out shortly after the school year begins, and once they are, contributions in her name will be welcome.

PG. 13 The Band of Distinction takes the

sports

features

PG. 11

Room 504 was known as “her room” and it was in that very classroom that she inspired so many of her students through her passion and dedication to teaching and the school. Shortly after Adams passed away, her family, through her husband and son, asked for donations to be made to both the American Diabetes Foundation and the school’s library. It was a request from Adams herself to have these contributions made, especially to the school’s library because she knew the money would go to good use.

the scene

On July 12 former highlights adviser, Marlene Adams, passed away due to diabetes and heart disease at age 73. After her passing, her family chose to donate to the school’s library. Adams began working at the school in 1962, and besides being the adviser for both highlights and yearbook, she was the coach and sponsor for the school’s chess team. She worked as an intern for The Miami News and brought her journalism expertise to the classroom as she continued to teach journalism at the school until she retired in 1995. “She was a spirited Cavalier,” said Adams’s son Robertson Adams, “she took me to many of the [football] games when I was a boy.” STAFF WRITER

PG. 15 Tropical Chinese offers an affordable array of Dim Sum







insight

highlights August, 2013

7

decoded: highlights has investigated the well known and meticulously followed code of social behavior. The code has been deciphered and shocking truths are now exposed. It is with this knowledge that both males and females are able to handle the daily struggles that face them, encouraging optimal relationships, the do’s and dont’s of public image, and the attitude needed to attain personal success.


insight

highlights GYM

GYM

RELATIONSHIPS

SPORTS WITHOUT BALLS

CARS

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COOKING, CLEANING, SANDWHICH MAKING, LAUNDRY, IRONING, ROMANCE.

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SPORTS WITH BALLS

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DEEP FEELINGS

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highlights dives into the minds of a typical boy and girl, showcasing both the differences and the similarities. S RL

CHOCOLATE RELATIONSHIPS

E P

CHICK FLICKS

and dis ways to b handled; but only one way i acceptable accord

embarrassed in public, i better to put on a façade an push through, or succumb to

out of town?

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GOSSIP

8

August 2013

PARKING

When girls get down and dirty the claws come

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BAD DRIVING

OUT OF 50 GIRLS SURVEYED

STAFF WRITER

Regardless of gender, social survival far too often becomes more than simply scraping by, passing classes, and staying away from any

From understanding the aspects of being single, to getting ripped or being broke, how well one follows the Guy Code is often the deciding factor to

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of lows on the emotional spectrum, attempting to make sense of anything or instigate an argument in an attempt to defend

Being single is like being a soaring bird in the sky, looking for its prey. I am free to hunt wherever I choose to.

Simon Zerdoun, junior

For the sake of all your fellow peers who are bound to their sure-to-be soul mates (otherwise known as girlfriends), you as a free man have a duty not only to embrace the open “Being single is like being a soaring bird

aren’t always allowed to,” said junior Simon challenge that is being a single male is understanding how to handle the opposite sex; this complex species may demand everything from perfect behavior to being prepared for

of every month as far away from the girl as possible,” says senior Cole

It is during the highs that the fun begins, and the challenge of making the high

push it; girls like a guy in charge but not a guy open market as well as gaining advantage and bragging rights over other males is easy task, however, and the combination of relentless dedication to exercise as well as top quality nutrition is often too much for many of us guys (explaining some males’ permanent

part of the male species is managing your

51%

money to parties to (what should be) What it comes down to, ultimately, is your willingness to either get a job, or somehow rake in the money to pay for your

COMFORT HER

decide that working 30 hours a week is not worth that dream car or even the hottest girl in your English class, stick to thriving off your parents’ allowance or making a nice home out of your couch, because it’s likely where you will be spending most of your Saturday nights

HIDE IN A C

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When an animal is too big, my bird friends

“I try my best to spend this one

Life is going to drain your wallet quicker than any new video game consoles

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yourself on the single scene, it is important to understand every

When the girl you have your eyes on is feeling in any way too emotional every so often, being prepared and calm means being able

12%

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our youth into adulthood and beyond, both the female and male genders must abide by some

their varying emotions; these range from their periodic “highs” to very their very

#g

Commentary by Javier Fernandez

DO YOU

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highlights

August, 2013

Commentary by Avery Budin INSIGHT CO-EDITOR

will give you a reality check. “Don’t say anything about someone you wouldn’t want to be said to you. Everything you say will get

The unspoken However, gossip is nothing without its source: the secret. Everybody has them, nobody can keep code of girl them. Everyone loves a good secret, but no one likes a tattle tale, so either keep it locked up or behavior don’t get caught. It is no surprise that secrets and gossip tie together the ever popular role that is being social climbing plays in a girl’s social career; that being said, play hard or go home. Part of revealed – girl being on top of the social ladder revolves around who you hang out with and how many code. Apart from followers you have on Instagram, so add everyone and once they add you back, press the everyday social delete. expectations, women have To top off the girl code list lies the infamous sleepover. Contrary to popular heir own rulebook. Public triumph coming prepared with popcorn, cookie dough, and 50 percent of the junk saster both have a variety of food aisle, or are unwilling to cover your face be in unnatural goop, you can leave. Don’t say anything about t “It’s all about the junk food, but someone you wouldn’t want to is be said to you. Everything you careful not to eat anything that will ding keep you locked in the bathroom for say will get back to you.

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is it nd the

Elizabeth Wurmser, senior

ent on appearance good or bad,

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girls say:

DO YOU FOLLOW A GUY CODE?

DO YOU FOLLOW A GIRL CODE?

YES NO

YES

IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS

NO

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR GIRL IS IN A “BAD MOOD?” AND BE EXTRA NICE STAY AWAY

CORNER AND THROW CHOCOLATE AT HER WORKOUT? 33% 25%

Jacob Sorensen, sophomore

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Girls gossip; the second they caught up in the drama. Karma

Gabriela Diaz, junior

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in a good mood, so is everyone iets can be personally

The worst thing guys do to each other is put girlfriends before their friends.

Following girl code means if your friend likes a guy, you don’t like that guy.

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out and earrings get tossed

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tecting yourself is far more

Bliss Aruj. If hair is not put up in a bun, wedgies are not being picked, pizza boxes are not being emptied at record pace and farting is not openly accepted, then there is no sleepover. The older women get, the more useful the code becomes. So moms, grandmas, and teens have the tools necessary to survive anything from a bad hair day, to driving, to being single. So follow the code or lose your following.

Maria Ovalle/highlights

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12%

43%

29%

49%

IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS DO YOU GOSSIP?

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22% 45% 33%

ONLY WHEN THE NEWS IS WORTH SPREADING OF COURSE NOT DOESN’T EVERYONE?

OF COURSE, GOTTA KEEP A HOT BOD FOR THE CHICKS JUST ENOUGH TO KEEP THE CHUB AWAY NOPE, MY BEST FRIEND IS MY COUCH

guys say: COMPILED BY RAQUEL BRAUN

22%

IF HE STANDS YOU UP... CONVINCE YOURSELF THAT HE GOT INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT DENIAL, HE’S STILL COMING

18% 62%

20%

FORGET HIM, THERE ARE OTHER FISH IN THE SEA

OUT OF 50 GUYS SURVEYED


features

Hello

high school Once again the school year has arrived and highlights is here to inform freshmen of the do’s & don’ts and what to expect from the coming year.

Spotlight:

Zachary Shoenblatt

highlights August 2013

Ali

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By Ali Band & Bianca Mangravite STAFF WRITERS

In a high school full of students, insane classmates, and gross school bathrooms, Ali and Bianca try to do the impossible: to create a guide to help freshmen survive school. It is probably safe to say that most students at one point in their pre-high school life have experienced the inevitable anxiety associated with high school. Worrying about their classes, teachers, and social status, freshmen have good reason to be nervous. Plus, there is always the possibility of getting lost on the

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transition for me is that Gables is such a big school compared to my middle school, [Carver],” said freshman Francesca Galliano. But you are not alone because there are about 1,000 other scared freshman, too, and

PROTIPS 1. Work Load:

time. We upperclassmen have all experienced a notable shortage of sleep over years of dealing with last minute essays for English classes and typed lab reports for science, so the habit of procrastination is not highly recommended. 2. First Impressions:

teacher’s personalities early so it is easy to avoid the naughty list. Zachary Shoenblatt/contributor

3. Learn how to walk... fast: to class on time.You will learn that there are certain hallways that guarantee navigating the school is now the least of our worries. 4. Enjoy! You will be surprised how fast high school goes, so enjoy every minute as much as you can.

DROWNING IN OXYTOCIN DREAMS: (Left) Junior Zachary Shoenblatt and his Drowning The Colussus bandmate David Goldfarb go skating. (Right) second bandmate Sam Berler who helped form their most recent project, Oxytocin Dreams.

By Remy Fuentes FEATURES EDITOR

You may have never heard of psychedelic electrogoth music merged into an years ago Shoenblatt realized that electronic music represented our generation project was a duo by the name of Drowning the Colossus, which he created noise surrounded by static. Shoenblatt’s most recent project with his friend Sam Berler, Oxytocin Dreams, explores the indie rap genre. downloaded illegally off the internet is the passion that Shoenblatt expresses

Schoenblatt. I felt a sort of synchronicity with the music. Every beat is melodious, triggering an automatic peaceful vibe within me. Both projects are similar, but at the same time each has a distinct difference; his newer project focuses more on raw rap verses which differs from the more instrumental Drowning the Colossus. Every all of a sudden you are whipped into a completely new progression so that you song seems to have its own personality, which is what Schoenblatt was going for.

Sweat Records will be hosting an event on Sept. 21 in which both Drowning in Colossus and Oxytocin Dreams will be performing. Schoenblatt to let him showcase his talents. Both projects have SoundCloud pages which I with your underlying emotions.

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highlights August 2013

Get over your summer hangover STAFF WRITER

As the summer ends there comes the devastating realization that school is about to start and those late nights students do not know is that there are ways to hang on to the last bit of summer. Taking your precious school-free weekends and keeping summer alive is the perfect way to stay away from stress at the start of the school year. A summer afternoon spent laying out on a striped towel next to your best friend under South Florida’s blazing hot sun is not something that is limited to just summertime. We take for granted that we live in a city where many dream of vacationing in. So instead of moping around because school started to ruin the free time we crave try spending Saturday or Sunday afternoon letting loose and relaxing in the same way. “I want to go to the beach as much as I can on the weekends once school starts so that I can enjoy what is left of the summer sun,” said sophomore Lauren Kerzner. Vacationing is another aspect of summer that seems to cease once school kicks off, but it does not have to be that way. In fact, there are over a dozen vacation spots in South Florida that are less than a two hour drive away. Extend your summer by taking advantage of our glorious long weekends to visit places like the Keys or Naples. “This summer I did a lot,” said sophomore Alia Intriago, “and on the weekends [during the school year] I will still go to the beach, parties, and nearby getaways like Marco Island and Key West.”

Besides the beach, what about lazy mornings and sleeping in until one o’clock every day? Although we may not be able to sleep in until the early afternoon on school days, weekends provide the perfect opportunity to catch up on that sleep lost during the school week. According to junior Sydney Campagna; many students, including her, spend their summer mornings in bed watching

little piece of summer with me.” Some students believe that if they leave their homework for the last minute it makes it easier to loosen up on Friday nights and Saturdays and just spend them as they would spend any other summer day. Other students, on the contrary, think it’s simpler to get their school work over with Friday afternoon and night so that they can ease their minds and better enjoy the weekend. “People underestimate the weekend because they feel [that] the short time period outside of school isn’t enough. They don’t get to sleep enough, they don’t get to be out enough, and they have to be conscious about the homework they have to do while in the summer, they’re worry free,” said senior Angelo Lopez. When compared to summer, weekends may be shorter, but they are open to many of the same cherished summer activities. So try taking a trip to the mall with your friends, or the beach with your family, or even a small trip to somewhere nearby—anything you can do to hold on to summer as tight as you can and not let it go.

A new Brazilian exchange student will be roaming the halls this school year with hopes of soaking in the American culture.

By Araceli Sanchez

As a newcomer to the American scene, junior Danilo Masson, hailing from Campinas, Sao Paolo, Brazil, will be spending a year as an exchange student at the school. “I have always wanted to study abroad, and the exchange to the USA came at the right time,” Masson said. “I’ve always wanted to study in an American high school and learn, and live the culture!” Masson’s dreams came true when he was picked by the Rotary Youth STAFF WRITER

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Interact Club at the school. Danilo He arrived Aug.11, with only junior one week to prepare for the new school year. The Interact Club and Masson’s host families greeted him at the airport in order to make him feel welcomed to a foreign city. The week before school started a member of the club showed him around the school so he but he is excited to be an American high school student and expects that the experience will soon enough make him feel

Michelle Zaldivar

about getting up or doing any kind of school work. “I will probably still spend my weekend mornings

Gables adopts:

>>

Spotlight:

at home. had the support of my family, but I think I will enjoy this year with my new family,” said Masson. it has cheaper clothes, and it is hotter than where he lives. The Brazilian student enjoys the activities that most high school students do, including watching movies, swimming, and hanging out with his friends. During his time in Miami he hopes to become

Masson,

and to make new friends. After his

technical courses in order to attend a good university, and to grow up to become a better person. “I know that the exchange program will help me achieve all my dreams,” said Masson. Masson is willing to meet as many people as possible in order to have a proper experience in our school. So if you see a blond kid with glasses who seems a little lost, make sure to say hello.

Maya Iskandarani/highlights

By Camila Lupi

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TAKING OVER CATHARSIS: New Catharsis sponsor, Michelle Zaldivar, is honored to have been chosen as the sponsor because she believes it is a great publication.

By Maya Iskandarani STAFF WRITER

The most recent addition to the school’s English department takes on the role of adviser for the school’s literary magazine, Catharsis. Michelle Zaldivar, once a student of the school herself, returned during the 2012Vidal during Vidal’s maternity leave. She took over all of Vidal’s classes without any previous personal teaching experience other than the preparation she received at Florida International University. probably the luckiest thing that could have ever happened to me,” said Zaldivar. “It’s like I’m back in high school, just on the other side of the classroom. I’m ecstatic to be here.” When Camile Betances came to Zaldivar asking her to take the spot as adviser for Catharsis, Zaldivar thought it was too good to be true. “[Catharsis is] a nationally recognized publication; I have never done creative writing before, but literature is something that I am very passionate about and to help students express that and be published and put their work out there, to really come into themselves, it’s really exciting,” said Zaldivar. Zaldivar intends to be as hands-off as she can with the Catharsis publication, to be there for guidance and to keep the students on task and positive while interfering with their work as little as possible. “I’m really not trying to take over; I’m trying to let it be, at its core, a student produced and run publication,” said Zaldivar, “the Catharsis editors are really in full control of everything. As soon as they start to stray off from where they need to be, I try to refocus and bring them back together. I want to help them develop their ideas; I don’t want to impose mine.” The legacy left behind by Betances will surely live on in future Catharsis publications, but not without the fresh input and insight of Zaldivar.

Getting around the dreaded school uniform By Remy Fuentes FEATURES EDITOR

There is a way around uniforms if you feel trapped called a uniform waiver. This waiver was intended for those whose religion requires them to wear certain clothing pertaining to their beliefs or for those who cannot afford to purchase uniforms because they come from low income families. Now, any one can apply for a waiver due to their constitutional rights. The school uniform seems to exist to to control the indecency that short shorts and saggy pants create. It also prevents intruders from coming into the school. This is why every year parents vote yes on having uniform at the school. The fact is that many students take the uniform

choices to be similar to school colors and clothes to reduce the risk of attracting unwanted attention from security guards. Not wearing uniform may seem like an easy task to accomplish, and it can actually lead to severe anxiety when a security accidently locks eyes with you. It is questionable why anyone would go make an effort to look nice only to be dodging behind columns once any form of authority is within a 50 foot radius. Waivers allow students to be exempted from the uniform policy as long as their parent has a conversation with the principal, Adolfo Costa, in which he would accept or reject the application. This must be done within a certain time frame during the summer prior to the start of the school year all the way up to 30 days after the school year has started. The waiver must be carried around at all times and is only good for one school year. This waiver still follows the Miami-Dade County Public Schools

dress code rules which do not allow revealing clothes or anything that might disturb the learning environment. Principals are understanding and will have a meeting with any parent trying to persuade them into allowing their child to obtain a uniform waiver. However, this does not mean that every student is eligible or will be approved. “We’ve never had to sign a uniform waiver because we are relaxed when it comes to uniform,” said Assistant Principal Aida Diaz. Several students went into a frenzy when asked what they thought would happen if suddenly more than half of the school’s population decided to apply for a waiver. “I would want to get one but I would feel bad because I know I don’t need it,” said senior Isabella Maldonado. Some thought that our privileges might be taken away, but some hopefuls believe that if this were to happen our school would be uniform free to avoid having to go through the process of approving so many waivers.

Bianca Mangravite/highlights

The school uniform is a controverisal issue for many students. While the uniform policy does allow the freedom to wear accessories as long as they do not promote any sort of violence or indecency, some students feel it strips

policy very loosely. Serving detention is not fun, which is one of the reasons why students who alter their uniform or just

EVOLUTION OF THE UNIFORM: Senior Bryan Medina (right) wears his uniform even though it is a buttondown shirt. Junior Ismael Rosario (left) wears a non-uniform white v-neck which might not get noticed, but will most likely get him a detention. Unlike both of the guys, senior Isabella Maldonado (middle) is completly out of uniform, wearing small shorts and a shirt with a logo.


features

>>

highlights August 2013

It’s not too late to get involved

By Angelika Menendez STAFF WRITER

any activities that are going on around campus can be intimidating. Whether you are a freshman or a new transfer student, you may not be aware of the activities and classes in the school and may lose opportunities to participate in them. It may seem that it is too late to get involved because so many things are already going on and many classes or teams seem full, but it is not. In fact, activities like, Cheerleading, Gablettes and Co., Chorus, and CavsConnect are still open to new students. Our award winning cheerleading team and Gablettes and Co. will be having fall tryouts for the dancers that missed out on the spring tryouts. The Gablettes and Co. tryout will be on Aug. 28 at 2:30 p.m. in the dance room. Dance teacher, Mo Marmesh, said that the tryout application will be up on the Gablettes and Co website. A one to two minute solo should be prepared for the audition that shows off your best dance abilities and what you will be adding to the team. Cheer will also be having their tryouts on Sept. 3-5 for students with past cheer experience. According to Lorena Riveros, one of the cheer coaches, a cheer, a chant, and a dance will be taught to the students. They will be assessed on that along with their stunts, tumbles, and jumps, such as toe touches and pikes. Other classes that need applications or auditions range from our very own journalism classes to our award winning chorus. For these classes you will need to talk to Mary Morrow, the chorus teacher, Ana Suarez, the CavsConnect advisor, or Michelle Zaldivar, the Catharsis adviser. Applicants have already been chosen, but spots are always available for new students that bring a new creativity to the table. For chorus, Morrow has said that she week of school. There are still spots available in Gables Chorale and spots for males in Cav Singers. “Gables Chorale is a good place for freshman to start. It’s not advanced, but it’s not the elective. It is challenging and a good start for freshman,” said Morrow. On top of all these tryouts and activities, students Activities Director, Ana Suarez, said that new clubs, such as Art club and Chess club, have been set up and are looking for new members who can eventually turn into board members. Club fair will take place on Sept. 29 during both lunches to help students get involved in extracurricular activities. Also, freshman elections are taking place in October, so students can begin to run for positions in the council. It is never too late to get involved, so get ready for tryouts and go talk to advisers as soon as possible.

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Senior goals Incoming seniors face the usual responsibilities like college applications and the endless onslaught of homework. Some know they can take on anything and have goals for the year set before them aside from their school requirements. By Remy Fuentes & Haley Manning FEATURES EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

Graduating: the pivotal accomplishment that every student hopes to one day achieve. Along the way there are

Angelika Menendez/highlights HARD AT WORK: (Top) Gablettes & Co. practice their routines during the yearly intensive week. (Bottom) CAV Singers, Women’s Ensemble & Gables Choral gather during the last week of summer to learn songs for competition.

graduate with all the requirements. Senior year is where students make it or break it, and most seniors have other goals that they wish to achieve aside from graduating. “My goals this year are to use my time wisely, enjoy everything because it’s my last year, and be fully [a] part of my activities and sports,” said senior Kamila Garcia. Not all seniors worry about the present; some are more concerned about preparing for the future. After graduation, they may have other goals before college to make them more prepared. Some seniors participate in internships during school or the summer before college in order to gain more experience on their soon-to-be major. “After graduation, I would like to do law internships and take some courses for law, so I can be experienced for college,” said senior Lorraine Cruz. Going straight to college and interning is not the answer for everybody. Some would like to take a massive break from school and just lay low for a while until they are ready to continue with their studies. “I would like to go back to my country, Poland, after graduating, have a vacation, and then come back and start to settle and get a job and go to college,” said Garcia. It goes without saying that senior year is full of stress and responsibility but most students have the will to take on senior year and come out having achieved all their goals.




the scene Co

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By Sydney Scanlon STAFF WRITER

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August 2013

Miami Chinese restaurant, guests are ushered to their table to the sounds of Louis Armstrong, where they are poured tea and offered food almost immediately. A small army of waiters dash around the restaurant, rolling past

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This is lunch at Tropical Chinese, not your typical order-offthe-menu restaurant. Owned by two generations of family members for over 28 years, the food is as close to the authentic Hong Kong experience as one can get in Miami. Dim sum is a style of Cantonese food that is served in bite-sized portions, placed in steamer baskets or on plates ready-to-eat. When a cart comes up to a table, the waiter explains what they have in the cart, which could be anything from chicken dumplings to chicken feet, all unprocessed and made with fresh ingredients. Once guests decide what they want, the waiter takes note of it on a card that remains on the table, charging the table per plate. highlights recommends trying the light and airy roast pork buns, as well as the duck; “[Tropical Chinese] is relaxing, with the lights low,� said Raphael, a Cantonese for 25 years. He mentions that Tropical Chinese gets a mix of tourists and local Chinese residents, who all come back for more. The customary Cantonese style restaurant serves lunch from 11:30 to 3:30 and dinner from 5:00 to 10:30. On weekends, the restaurant gets packed with people waiting to sample all different kinds of dim sum, so be prepared for a line. Even if you cannot make it to lunch, Tropical Chinese offers some of their most popular dim sum options on their dinner menu. Whether you want a light snack, a hearty meal, or just want to mix it up from your regular Chipotle run, Tropical Chinese Restaurant will satisfy your hunger and widen your cultural awareness.

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By Maria Ovalle STAFF WRITER

Flying and soaring through the air has never been easier with

people to new heights of exhilaration. This swing-like apparatus allows your body to fully

acrobat.

environment in 2006. The school will be at Bayfront Park starting in

Baggy clothes, jewelry, and lotion are not recommended due to the fact that it would

do summersaults onto the safety net. All classes require a reservation and people can choose from having one two-hour class for $50 or 20 classes for $800. Classes start by teaching the basic tricks, and if the person is ready, one can attempt a catch. This is when the professional catcher is swinging on their knees and the person jumps into the air with their arms stretched towards them. events and parties could also be reserved for a two-hour event for 10 people for $400 and $20 for every other additional person.


the scene

highlights August 2013

16

SCREENS, STARS, AND SHOWS

ALTERNATIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN MIAMI

Miracle Theatre brings back the classics By Laura Acosta

An unmistakable Coral Gables landmark, the Miracle Theatre on Miracle Mile is currently home to the Actor’s Playhouse, where plays and musicals have been performed for almost 20 THE SCENE EDITOR

in 1948 as a community movie theater and this year the theatre is bringing the big screen back to Coral Gables. Starting on Aug. 31, the Miracle Theatre will be screening a series of 10 movies, all

Laura Acosta/highlights

series is “Jaws”, which shocked moviegoers at the Miracle Theatre when the thriller played there 38 years ago. back a few decades, there are also more recent Gatsby.” The movies will be playing for only one weekend each month, with the exception of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” which have one-time only screenings for Halloween and Christmas. Saturday screenings

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: The Miracle Theatre branches out from plays with a new series of movies premiering on Aug. 31 for those who are fans of classics.

BLAST FROM THE PAST:

Aliyah Symes/Contributor

The return of the Drive-in

MOVIE MADNESS: The original Blue Starlite Drive-In in Austin, Texas is coming to Miami, offering moviegoers an authentic 60s movie experience.

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Want the real 1960s date feeling? to a drive-in. (Yes, just like the one in “Grease.”) With any luck your date will go better than John Travolta’s. The drive-in theater was extremely popular in 20th century American culture , where customers could watch the newest movies from the privacy and comfort of their cars, not to mention that the concession stand was always conveniently close by. What started off as an idea to recreate the classic charm that a drive-in brought to old school date nights led to quite a huge success in Austin, Texas. In fact the re-creator of this plan was so successful that he is now bringing this mini-urban drive-in to Miami. The Blue Starlite Drive-In will be located in Wynwood. The exact address and time of opening are yet to

rather quickly. To RSVP, access the website’s online ticket sales. Those interested in the free movies will not be charged. All refreshment sales and donations will be going towards the movie rental fees. The movies playing will be as follows: “Jaws,” Aug. 31-Sept. 1; “The Bad Seed,” Sept. 21-22; “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Oct. 26; “Annie Hall,” Nov. 23-24; “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Dec. 21; “A Star Is Born” (1954 version), Jan. 25-26; “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” March 15-16; “Midnight in Paris,” April 19-20; “The Great Gatsby,” May 17-18; “Something’s Gotta Give,” June 28-29. For more information, please visit the Actor’s Playhouse website. An affordable movie option for everyone, the movie collection playing at the Miracle Theatre is sure to attract a wide audience across Miami.

Stairway to the heavens By Araceli Sanchez

For decades, the Miami Science Museum has been the venue for

from 8 p.m. to midnight hourly. Viewers

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educational experiences for elementary and middle school students. Few people realize that some evenings, the museum hosts an eclectic multi-sensory display to stimulate Miami Science Museum comes to life with an electrifying mix of lasers, stars, and Rock and Roll. This thrilling fusion of lights and sounds is advertised to the South Florida community as “Fabulous First Fridays.” Starting at 7 p.m., the museum begins projecting free star shows on the massive planetarium walls. This presentation showcases constellations and other features of the Florida night sky. Following this, the museum welcomes visitors to attend a rooftop observatory session from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. For those seeking a more exciting display, a series of laser light and rock and roll spectacles are featured in the planetarium

the walls and ceiling by a vivid and shifting array of laser lights. These visual effects are accompanied by the popular classic rock rhythms of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley and Led Zeppelin. Unlike the star show and the outdoor observatory session, the laser show does cost a small fee of $8. The next Fabulous First Friday takes place at the museum Sept. 6. The upcoming laser show features a family-oriented “pop” music presentation at 8 p.m., followed by the music of the Beatles at 9 p.m., Pink Floyd: Echoes at 10 p.m., Bob Marley at 11 p.m., and Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at midnight. No reservations are necessary, and plenty of parking is available at the museum, which is easily accessible from the Vizcaya metro station. So for those seeking an exciting change from the same Friday night activities, a visit to a Fabulous First Friday event will be just the experience they are looking for.

homepage does guarantee that it is “Coming Soon.” The Blue Starlite will concentrate X/Y, childhood favorites, and drive-in classics like “The Breakfast Club,” “Princess Bride,” “Titanic,” “Jaws,” and “Back to the Future.” The prices are also very modest. You can load up your car with up to four people and only pay $25 for a movie night under the stars. For those without cars, never fear because walk in tickets are only $5. So not only are you getting a taste of the historical cherished American cinematic experience, but you are also saving a little cash. If you are ever in the mood to watch a classic or you just do not feel like making popcorn, come to Wynwood and enjoy The Blue Starlite Drive-In without ever having to step foot out of your car.

Courtesy of NASA

By Susana Rudin

of the movies are usually at 11:30 p.m., while Sunday shows are around 5 p.m. It is recommended that anyone who wants to attend should RSVP ahead of time on the

STARSTRUCK: Taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, this photo of gas pillars in the Carina Nebula is just a preview of the wonders of the universe that can be seen at the free planetarium shows during “Fabulous First Fridays” at the Miami Science Museum.


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