Issue 4, Vol. 55

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highlights 4 5 0 B i r d R o a d , C o r a l G a b l e s , F L 3 314 6

Is Gables liberal?

TWICE

AS MANY DEMOCRATS AS REPUBLICANS

22%

Maggie Rivers/highlights

23% STUDENTS CHOSE THE MORE LIBERAL STANCE

ON 14 OUT OF 19

INDIVIDUAL POLITICAL ISSUES out of 140 students surveyed

Students SPEAK UP

-Marisel Lavizzari, junior

highlights conducted a political survey of students at the school in hopes of uncovering the general political climate of the student body. Based on a wide variety of current political issues, we compiled a list of political stances to determine where the school as a whole stands politically. Because the survey was intended to be a representation of the overall school population, it cannot cover the intricacies of every possible view on each individual political issue. Thus, it is important to note that the survey was based on responses that students considered closest to their actual views.

Overall, a basic analysis of these responses led to the conclusion that the majority of students’ views lean towards the left.

Recognizing the many factors that contribute to one’s political party affiliation—including family views, community influences, and basic social, economic, and moral values—survey results showed a correlation between party affiliation and the corresponding stances on the issues. Forty five percent of surveyed students identified as Democrats while 22 percent of students identified with the Republican Party. It is important to note that 23 percent of students identified as Independent. This is fairly indicative of the political party balance in Gallup Polls of the 2012 presidential election, which displayed 38 percent of voter registration

-Isaac Cimbler, senior

Compiled by Camila Lupi and Avery Budin

In an effort to get an idea about the school’s overall political climate, highlights surveyed 140 students about their affiliations and views. The results and their implications are presented below.

STAFF WRITER

“I think the school is liberal, and I am independent. I don’t agree with any ideals too strictly because they’re too one sided.

Immigration deters me the most; it’s too polarized.”

“Gables is very liberal and offers opportunities and education from around the world.

Everyone is open minded.”

D e c e m b e r 2 014 , V o l . 5 5

By Ali Band

features

GABLES HAS

Issue 4,

as Democrats, 25 percent as Republicans, and 33 percent as Independents. The school survey displayed a higher percentage of students lending themselves to the liberal perspective, but also showed a larger proportion of students who identified as Independents than as Republicans. This may be suggestive of Americans’ increasing shift to an independent status, which has come more at the expense of the Republican Party than the Democratic Party, as shown by a recent Gallup Poll.

When it comes down to the individual public policy issues, certain ones were dominated by high liberal responses and others generated overwhelmingly conservative responses. For example, in terms of foreign policy, a majority of students chose the option which supported the idea that the best way to ensure peace is through military strength, as opposed to the alternative of good diplomacy being the best way to promote peace. Additionally, despite the proportion of Republicans, students still greatly support the notion that homosexuality should be accepted by society, thus indicating that such Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) issues may be becoming less influenced by party affiliation and more by individual perspective. In regard to the immigration question, a majority of students surveyed showed their support for immigration as an enrichment of our nation.

Overall, it seems that most students, while liberal, have a moderate political stance. The two traditional parties by themselves do not fully represent what it means to be a Gables student politically.

“I tend to see the student body as more liberal than conservative. I’ve heard discussions on liberal health care, legalizing marijuana, and strong support of same sex marriage.”

-Caroline Bauwens, senior

Concession stand to open at school

In an effort to raise money for the boys’ an internship option through the concession stand as well. basketball team, head coach and business teacher The concessions will be sold out of a window that was Gaston Rodriguez is opening the Cavalier Corner originally made to sell tickets for basketball games, but has concession stand at the northeast entrance of the gym. not been used for many years. A $2,500 donation from State Business, Management, and Farm has been set in place to aid Information Technology Rodriguez with food purchases and It would be helping our students (BMIT) students will sell set up, but it has yet to be received. and helping our student-players snacks and drinks from 2:30-6:30 As of now, the production is being at the same time, so it would be p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, paid for with money fundraised by and until 4:30 p.m. on Fridays. the boys’ basketball team. a win-win.

Rodriguez said he came up with A paved seating area was Gaston Rodriguez, the idea to be able to bring in more constructed to accompany the Head Basketball Coach funds for the basketball team and to concession stand sales window with create an alternative for students who the help of an $800 supply donation go to the 7-Eleven near the school. from CEMEX. Rodriguez said he aims to make the area as “We figured; let’s do something that will be a somewhat inviting as possible by including a canopy over the window, healthier choice for our kids here. It would be helping our umbrellas for the table, and a large sign. students and helping our student-players at the same time, so it The ultimate goal of the snack sales is to provide money would be a win-win,” Rodriguez said. for the entire athletic department, as well as the basketball The stand will also be an opportunity for the BMIT team. Although no official date has been set, the grand opening students to earn community service hours and gain experience of the Cavalier Corner is being planned for the first week of with handling money. Rodriguez said he is hoping to provide school after winter break.

news

By Olivia Field STAFF WRITER

Olivia Field/highlights CAVALIER CORNER: The recently constructed patio accompanies the sales window behind the gym to make up the school’s new concession stand.

‘‘

P. 14

sports

Teachers get together to do after school workouts in the New Building.

upcoming events

DECEMBER MR. CORAL GABLES, 18 6:30 PM COLLEGE FORUM, 19 9 AM FIRST DAY OF 20 WINTER BREAK

Check it.

P. 20

A hidden treehouse in the mangroves can only be reached through the water.

P. 17

The Lady Cavaliers basketball team defeated the Braddock Bulldogs last week.

JANUARY LAST DAY OF 4 WINTER BREAK JUNIOR CLASS TRIP, 15 BUSCH GARDENS TEACHER PLANNING 16 DAY, NO SCHOOL Catharsis Literary Magazine

is accepting submissions!

If you have any kind of art or

Missed issues of

writing you would like to see published, come see

last year?

Ms. Zaldivar in room 9207.

highlights

Check out our online portfolio at www.issuu.com/gableshighlights

2

Amanda Victoria Gonzalez/highlights

features

the scene

December 2014

Natalie Viglucci/highlights

Bianca Mangravite/highlights

preview

highlights

news

highlights December 2014

3

Warner Bros. VP speaks on success

By Vanessa Vazquez STAFF WRITER

Recycling grows at Gables

By Savannah Payne STAFF WRITER

Gables Earth has recently begun a project to make recycling a higher priority at the school.

On Dec. 9 members of the club donated recycling bins to be placed around the school.

“Watching certain teachers assign massive amounts of homework throw away several reams’ worth of paper with a couple of assignments was appalling,” Gables Earth president, senior Nicolas Viglucci said.

Teachers requested to have an estimated 50 small bins. Members of the club had to buy two five-dollar-bins to aid in the project and were given five community service hours for their donation. Members will also get the opportunity to decorate and personalize the bins before they hand them over to the teachers. Teachers who have requested to receive a bin will be the first to get them, and any extras will be distributed among the rest of the teachers.

“We are such a large school, obviously we produce a lot of waste and most of our students don’t really know the process that [recycling] entails. This [project] is a good first place to learn,” language arts teacher Jenny Lopez-Ponce said.

Although the teachers will be in charge of getting their students to recycle paper, once a week Gables Earth members will dump the bins in a larger bin after school.

“Paper waste is a huge part of any school. With 3,500 students paper waste alone can reach hundreds of pounds weekly. The expectation with this program is to reduce waste, both to keep unnecessary material out of landfills and to help conserve lumber,” Viglucci said.

Congrats

Senior Marcos Balsera received a full-ride to Davidson College through the QuestBridge Scholarship program.

Six students received ‘Superiors” at Troupe’s District 8 Individual Events competition.

Seniors Logan Morris, Jose Balcazar and Valerie Montesino received all-paid tuition scholarship through Posse.

FBLA’s Parliamentary Procedures team won first place at the District competition on Dec. 6.

Bianca Mangravite/highlights

Senior Vice President and General Manager of Warner Bros. Pictures Latin America John Garcia spoke to Communication Arts Film and Digital Media (CAF&DM) academy students about the business behind movie and television production on Dec. 11 in the auditorium. His presentation, consisting of a DVD and slideshows, went through the various aspects of the production business, from dealing with competitors to various franchises Warner Bros. partners with.

Earlier in the year, the school’s administration asked mutiple business professionals to come speak to students.

Garcia responded and CAF&DM academy leader Ana Zuniga contacted him to set the date.

The company is based in Burbank, California but Garcia works around the world. He mainly works at the Warner Bros. Miami location. Before working for Warner Bros.

Latin America, he worked for Warner Bros. in London and

Madrid.

While technical difficulties were being taken care of, Garcia chatted one on one with the students, asking about production classes and activities offered at the school and about Warner Bros. rivalry with Walt Disney.

The official presentation began with a short video showing a compilation of various Warner Bros. films such as Harry Potter and The Great Gatsby.

Following the video, Garcia took the audience through a slide show with information on Warner Bros. franchises like Spiderman and the Lego Movie. The slide show also showed how much Warner Bros. hit movies make a year comapred to movies from competitors.

Using charts and graphs, Garcia showed the audience the financial part of Warner Bros. According to Garcia, it takes a minimum of $300 million dollars to make a movie.

“It’s interesting to see how he didn’t obviously start off being that successful but he told us [about] how he had to work his way to get up there,” sophomore Sofia Quevedo said.

WARNER BROS. ON TOP: Warner Bros. Vice President John Garcia displays the company’s annual gross income for 2013.

NEWS BRIEFS

Bike trail faces obstacles

By Susana Rudin STAFF WRITER

The Ludlam trail is a proposed 6.2-mile bike trail intended to go through the heart of Miami-Dade County. The project is being led by the Friends of the Ludlam Trail, a nonprofit coalition dedicated to the implementation of the trail. The Ludlam Trail is designed to serve as a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians to get to schools, parks and work. The trail will also include community gardens for leisure activities.

“The trail will [provide a] walkable service area to five greenways, five schools, four parks and two transit hubs,” according to the Ludlam Trail website.

The project, however, is facing many obstacles and the hearing with the county commissioners will take place on Dec. 4.

“The tracks, built by Henry Flagler in the 1920s and decommissioned by the Florida East Coast Railway in 2002, have taken center stage in a battle between residents and Flagler’s development company,” Miami Herald writer Jenny Staletovich said.

If the issues are resolved and the county commissioners approve the project at the December hearing then the plans will be forwarded to a couple more agencies for final approval.

District issues fewer tests

By Savannah Payne STAFF WRITER

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) recently canceled 24 annual assessments for grades 9-12. This decrease in testing will provide M-DCPS teachers with as much as four more hours of teaching a year for the Common Core classes.

“Our action here today, I think, restores some sanity and reasonableness to schooling.

It is being embraced and welcomed by our teachers. They feel they are being empowered with additional time to do what they love, which is [teaching],” Carvalho said at a meeting on Oct. 23.

Changes applied to the testing schedule include the combining of fall and winter interim assessments to produce a single mid-year assessment (MYA). Now there will be one English and language arts MYA before Winter Break and one science and social studies MYA in January after the break. These MYAs are expected to serve the same purpose as the interim tests.

Carvalho said that he believes that “having interim assessments on top of mandated state exams” takes away too much classroom time and he want to give back to the teachers in his district.

Gables students get HIP

By Mia Tolpin STAFF WRITER

Health Information Project (HIP), a new club at the school, is a non-profit organization based out of Miami. HIP’s purpose is to educate teens about health issues and encourage and assist them in accessing existing community health resources.

Teenage pregnancy, obesity, depression, diabetes, infertility, sexually transmitted infections, sexual assault, reproductive diseases, suicide, alcohol and drug addiction and cancer, are many of the public health concerns that can be addressed, and often prevented, with proper awareness and education. HIP’s goal is to prevent uninformed teens from mentally and/or physically harming themselves at an early age.

Member of HIP at school are upperclassmen who educate freshmen by teaching them a series of modules about health subjects. The topics range from information about the club itself, relationships, and reproductive health.

“HIP means a lot to me because it feels nice to be a role model and an informer to the freshmen that I teach,” president junior Brianna Leonard said. “Also I’m very interested in the medical field, health and being healthy.-- I feel that HIP is beneficial for all those involved, including myself.”

Since its start in 2009, HIP has worked with over 27,000 high school students in Miami-Dade County. During the 2014-2015 school year, HIP is working in about 40 high schools with 1,000 peer health educators to serve over 25,000 ninth graders.

“Since some ninth grade students are lacking health education, HIP fills in the gaps and gives them a well-rounded perspective on how to live a healthy life,” sponsor Sandy Leal said.

news

highlights

December 2014

MAƟ appoints new sponsor

By Sydney Scanlon STAFF WRITER

The school’s math honor society, Mu Alpha Theta (MAΘ), has recently undergone a change in advisor, from science department chair Orestes Mayo, to mathematics department chair Yanitza Herrera. This year, MAΘ has pledged to have a more organized and competitive club despite the changes being made. “[Math] is a very complex, yet wonderful subject, and I am happy to expose students to its beauty and usefulness in life,” Herrera said.

Herrera had been the MAΘ sponsor before, but three years ago handed the responsibility over to Mayo. She attributed the change to not having most of the MAΘ members as students, while Mayo did. Now, with alterations to her teaching schedule, Herrera said she feels more equipped to be the advisor.

Herrera said she wants to encourage members to compete in at least two competitions and will be holding practices at least once a week. The club will continue math and science tutoring, Mondays and Tuesdays after school, but will hold a larger focus on competing. According to Herrera, the club wants to give extra help to students to pass their End of Course (EOC) exams.

“We have a great group of dedicated students who strive hard to help others master mathematical concepts and they are eager to represent our school in competitions,” Herrera said.

Alexa Alcalay

Valerie Montesino

Marianna Babboni

Hanna Payne

Camilo Bacca

Lauren Perna

Marcos Balsera

Daniel Regalado

Caroline Bauwens

Thaiis Rodriguez

Sydney Campagna

Teague Scanlon

Ricardo Castro

Aliyah Symes

Eldrick Clapp

Jontavis Testa

Javier Cobas

Nicolas Viglucci

Allyssa Dobkins

Jessica Wang

Alexander Duran

Cyrus Zeledon

Adrianna Hernandez

Fall Frolics

School recognizes teachers of the year

By Ali Band STAFF WRITER

Ali Band/highlights

Seniors of Distinction

4

TIP-TOP TEACHERS: (Left) Teacher of the Year Mary Morrow conducts chorus students.

(Right) Rookie Teacher of the Year Oscar de Armas lectures his IB History students.

The Florida Teacher of the Year program recognizes the major contributions of excellent classroom teachers who have shown a superior ability to inspire a love for learning in their students of all backgrounds and capacities. This year the school has recognized Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Academy Leader Mary Morrow as its teacher of the year.

“It is a huge honor and something that was completely unexpected as far as I was concerned. You always want your students to perform well and respond to your efforts, but when your colleagues also take note of what you are accomplishing, even when they’re not in your classroom, it means an incredible amount. I am also now included with a group of people who I hold in very high regard; and that feels amazing,” Morrow said.

This award is given by the Florida Department of Education. Candidates for the honor must go through a specific process, including the completion of a nomination packet which is sent to district superintendents at the beginning of the school year. Nominations are usually taken from individual schools, where a teacher’s peers will nominate them, and then those candidates will proceed to the more vigorous selection process. In the past, when a teacher is selected as the district Teacher of the Year, they receive a stipend and two airline tickets to any place in the continental United States, sponsored by American Airlines.

After the faculty voted and district packets were submitted to the region, the school nominated Morrow, social studies teacher Kathryn Landsea, Special Education (SPED) teacher Ana Santamaria, social studies teacher Oscar de Armas. De Armas was named Rookie Teacher of the Year.

“It’s an honor to be selected by your peers. I never thought I would be a good teacher and it is an accolade. I work every single Sunday for several hours, building up lectures and mentally preparing myself for the week, and it just goes to show that if you work hard and are innovative and creative, someone is going to notice, and that is a pretty big deal,” de Armas said.

Principal Adolfo Costa said that many of the teachers that have been nominated in the past are those that were not only involved in teaching in the classroom, but also in sponsoring different clubs and sports; those that give of their own time for their students.

“These teachers exhibit qualities that are exemplary of someone worthy of this honor, including hard work and dedication, knowledge of their subject matter, and most importantly, caring for their students that they teach on a daily basis. It’s a great honor—a great way to highlight yourself and your school,” Costa said.

Courtesy of The Cavaleon DAZZLING DANCERS: (Left) Senior Gablettes Nina Llado, Sofia Sanz de Acedo and Carolina Cabello perform a contemporary dance to “No More Drama.” (Middle) Senior Karen Zapata dances with her second period dance class. (Top Right) Junior Gablette Marianna Kellogg shakes her poms to “Shake It Off.” (Bottom Right) The Gablettes dance with their sweethearts.

highlights December 2014

5

CGHS Class of ‘65 50th Reunion May1stand2nd,2015 www.Gables65reunion.com

(For more details)

opinion

highlights December 2014

6

Hip initiative requires more guidance STAFF

Editorial

Sex education classes were practically eradicated by the late ‘80s and have recently attempted an abrupt comeback in a hip new way. Unfortunately, while the program is well intentioned in explaining sensitive topics like sex and health, and is going strong, the school has not yet figured out the most effective way of disseminating the information to students.

The Health Information Project hopes to “promote candid conversation, address prevalent misconceptions, and connect students to reliable health resources.” The program has set forth a great resource for students and an interactive discussion that engages the school community, the manner in which it has been organized within the school needs revision.

Either a less scripted approach to discussion or better training

on the mentor’s behalf.

The school agreed to participate in the project for the first time this school year. HIP employees solicited student volunteers to lead PowerPoint presentations and class discussions with freshmen. Juniors and seniors participate in a training session to learn how to become Peer Health Educators (PHEs) in order engage students in conversations and make them feel secure and supported while discussing uncomfortable and controversial topics. But regrettably, some PHEs claim to have gotten involved for reasons other than health awareness, such as a break from class.

There is no question about the usefulness of the program and effect it has had on freshman students. Despite covering uncomfortable topics, teachers claim that their students often continue the discussion amongst themselves even after the presenters have left the classroom.

The best way to improve the program within the school lies almost entirely with the members running the club. Some PHEs show little to no real concern or interest in health. If they were required to go through a more rigorous training process to be better educated about the information they

preach to freshmen, the program would not only be more effective, but more openly accepted throughout all grade levels. Senior club members should organize afterschool training sessions that require them to undergo the HIP classes led by an official adult instructor and complete the same lessons they ask their freshmen participants to do. Allowing students to share their opinions and interact beyond the scripted lesson could also encourage more conversational discussion.

“If we had the same presenters each class it would make it more comfortable to open up. If they showed us that they care about what they’re saying, and don’t always read from a script, and familiarize themselves with the kids they’re instructing, HIP could really make a difference,” freshman Dan Leiferman said.

If the school plans on participating it ought to do it right.

Freshmen are being informed about things they don’t know, and able to feel included and share experiences, questions, or concerns with their peers. While the program isn’t perfect, it makes a lasting impact on the school, and students appear to be taking advantage of it as best possible.

School library lacks availability due to testing Commentary by Joey Lancaster STAFF WRITER

Unfortunately for the students in this school we are seriously lacking in a department that is paramount to the education process due to the fact that there is not a single place in our school where students can study, collaborate and inquire.

The school’s library has taken a drastic turn for the worse as it is now a fully evolved testing center where the concept of aiding students on their academic journey has come to be a lost cause.

Over the past few years of attending the school, I have found that the amount of time dedicated to testing in the library has increased dramatically to the point where nearly 4 out of every 5 of my visits are greeted by a sign informing the student body that the library is closed due to testing. It doesn’t matter if there is only one student or 50 of them taking some sort of standardized test on the limited number of computers; the library is shut down either way.

Convenience is another item regarding this school’s library issue. According to testing administrator Africa Andrews, rather than varying the testing environment, the school finds it ideal to assign the library as the designated testing site. It is understood that nothing can be done about the amount of testing being done, but is the library really so unimportant that occasionally displacing

highlights

students in the computer labs is too much to ask coming from those who rely on the school’s resources to get work done?

The library should not be the place where standardized testing trumps the students’ use of the computers. Yes, one could argue that the 58 students taking End of Course exam retakes or the makeups are technically using the computers for educational purposes, but what about the other 3000+ students who are not testing and may not have access to a computer at home? Those students will have to go out of their way to another library in order to get their work done while the one in our school is operated counterproductively.

The validity of a library as a whole also comes down to the reading material available at the students’ disposal. Andrews said that only a handful of students check out books for research purposes. This lack of interest clearly reflects the quality of research material available to the average inquisitor.

Despite the extensive list of controversies the school’s library has attained, “there is simply nothing that can be done,” Counselor Dan Finora said. “Students have the opportunity to take higher or lower level classes that they would not be able to anywhere else thanks to the school’s computer labs.” So unless students choose to surrender the freedom to earn their required credits by enrolling in online classes in school, the library will have to remain as is; a bureaucratic control zone.

Dade County’s correctional corruption Commentary by Susana Rudin STAFF WRITER

ADVISORY BOARD: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

BUSINESS MANAGER

COPY EDITOR

Brooke Donner

Maria Ovalle

Maggie Rivers

Cyrus Zeledon

ADVISER

Melissa Gonzalez

SECTION EDITORS: NEWS

OPINION

INSIGHT

FEATURES

SPORTS

THE SCENE

Camila Lupi

Raquel Braun Francis Pérez

Stephan Chamberlin

Bianca Mangravite Laura Acosta

Staff Writers:

Ali Band, Eleonor Bauwens, Avery Budin, Octavio Castro, Marko Ciklovan, Daniel Delgado, Rachel Ellis, Olivia Field, Sabrina Fiske, Amanda-Victoria Gonzalez, Leila Iskandarani, Maya Iskandarani, Joey Lancaster, Angelika Menendez, Jordan Payne, Savannah Payne, Susana Rudin, Araceli Sanchez, Sydney Scanlon, Kasandra Scholz, Mia Tolpin, Vanessa Vazquez, Natalie Viglucci, Sofia Viglucci

Contributors: Cavaleon, CavsConnect

highlights is the official student-produced newspaper at Coral Gables Senior High School published and produced by highlights staff members. highlights has been established as a designated public forum for student journalists to educate and inform their readers of issues of concern to their audience and dissemination of news and ideas to the entire school community.

As the producer of a scholastic publication, highlights subscribes to the responsibilities set forth in the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers.

According to Miami-Dade County Public School policy, student media is not subject to prior-review by administration or district personnel and as such, all content is determined by, and reflects the views of, student staff members only. highlights welcomes reader feedback. All letters should be addressed to melissa_gonzalez@dadeschools.net Press Affiliations: Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, NSPA Hall of Fame, Florida Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll

All Hallow’s Eve is a notorious night of dark magic, but out of an evening filled with cheap polyester costumes and corn syrup filled candy comes an actual horror story. On the night of Oct. 31 a convicted felon serving two life sentences for a series of assault and battery charges escaped the Dade Correctional Institution. This was one of many alarming events that ultimately led to the warden being fired. Dade Correctional, upon further inspection, has proven to be an inhumane facility with fundamental problems rooted in not only the guards blatant disregard for basic prisoner rights but also the administration’s desperate attempt to cover up every scandal.

In June 2012, a Dade Correctional Institution inmate died in a burning hot shower after being locked in the shower for two hours as punishment for defecating in his cell. The water, upon further investigation proved to be over 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

The water was so scorching that when the inmate’s body was found, portions of his skin had burned off according to other inmates and prison workers. It was later revealed that the inmate begged to be let out while the prison guards allegedly taunted him. This sort of punishment is in no way legal or anywhere in the guards jurisdiction.

This past July another inmate died in suspicious circumstances. Latar Valentine was found in his cell strangled to death. Valentine had previously requested to be transferred from

by the numbers 32

Guards accused of criminal misconduct in Florida state prisons Compiled by Stephan Chamberlin

his cell because his cellmate had already threatened to kill him.

These threats are extremely serious and meant to be looked into, but Dade Correctional Institution obviously did not follow this protocol.

In September, Richard Mair committed suicide by hanging himself from an air conditioning event inside his Dade County prison cell. Mairs suicide letter, which he sowed into his boxers, details the physical and sexual abuse he and other inmates suffered at the hands of the prison guards.

In September, Disability Rights Florida sued the Dade Correctional Institution on grounds that inmates with mental illness have been tortured and abused for years.

However, Dade Correctional Institution is a small fraction of a big problem. The Florida Department of Corrections has proven to be so riddled with scandals that the only solution would seem to be to replace every single person involved; unfortunately that’s just not a realistic option. Along with the Dade correctional warden being fired, the Department of Corrections of Florida Secretary, Michael Crews, has stepped down. This resignation is the result of yearlong accusations that under Crews’s administration several inmates have been starved, tortured, denied medical treatment and killed by corrections officers.

To rid the system of this deep rooted corruption there needs to be an in depth investigation into the Dade Correctional Institution, not just of the guards but also of the administration.

All persons found guilty of unjust behavior need to be fired and a complete reform needs to be put in place. This reform must include and abide by all legal standards.

85

Inmate death investigations over one year old still open

151

Causes of death listed as “pending” for prisoners in 2014

Source: Huffington Post, Florida Department of Corrections

opinion

highlights December 2014

Total ban on tobacco

7

Legislators in a few municipalities in the United States are considering imposing a total ban on the sale of tobacco, opening a nation-wide debate on prohibition. Should we value individual rights over public health concerns?

Commentary by Danny Delgado

Commentary by Maya Iskandarani

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

YES

Tobacco users weigh down the public health system with the health issues they bring upon themselves by smoking. It is for their benefit that any government—local, state, or federal—passes anti-tobacco legislation.

Regardless, all healthcare-dependent smokers are ethically required to adhere to a law passed in their interest by the government.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States,” with health risks including coronary heart disease, stroke, and “cancer almost anywhere in the body.” Information along these lines is more than accessible; it is practically thrown in the faces of anyone who drives by a CVS Pharmacy or who leaves the TV on during commercial breaks.

The preventable health problems associated with tobacco, which smokers clearly cannot avoid being aware of, burden the public health system unnecessarily. The system is responsible for everyone—smokers included—who rely on it, so it is ethical both for the government (which presides over the public health system) to pass legislation that prevents people from harming themselves and for those who rely on the system to follow such legislation.

Tobacco does not have to be banned to the point of eternal damnation for a ban to be effective; it is naïve to think that the total ban of a substance that was once so ingrained in American culture would immediately be widely agreed upon or obeyed.

Moreover, a total tobacco ban would uselessly strain law enforcement and overload prisons with people who would have committed nothing but a misdemeanor. Simply establishing tobacco as illegal, even to a seemingly insignificant degree, speeds up a process that has already been gradually happening: universal contempt for the use of tobacco. According to the CDC, 18.1 percent of high school students surveyed in 2011 admitted to smoking cigarettes, as compared to 34.8 percent in 1999—a mere 12 years earlier. People (teens included) already disapprove of tobacco; a legal prescription would simply be a tangible representation of that disapproval.

As far as punishment, smoking a cigarette would merit nothing but a small fine. This is more effective than a total ban: law enforcement would not be preoccupied arresting citizens, yet it is a potent enough punishment to force the idea of tobacco’s illegality to penetrate, whether or not the process of doing so takes time. Smokers would spend the money they once used for cigarette packs to pay fines instead; they would not lose any money, nor would they suddenly be labeled as less productive members of society for doing their duty as citizens. If anything, smokers would be considered more productive than before as they wouldn’t have the health problems springing from their smoking habits.

NO

Implementing a ban on the use and sale of tobacco would not only be ineffective, but would ultimately prove the counterproductive nature of all bans on drugs. The War on Drugs in the U.S. has resulted in the disproportionate persecution of minorities for drug offenses. Banning tobacco would not only add to the injustice and absurdity of the War on Drugs, it simply would not benefit our system in the way that its proponents claim. While many people argue that the use of tobacco adds an unfair burden on taxpayers because of the Medicare treatments that many tobacco smokers will possibly receive, the consequences of making the substance illegal far outweigh the benefit of eliminating that social responsibility.

For one thing, banning tobacco would criminalize something that does not really need to be criminalized. If tobacco were to become illegal, crime rates will increase resulting in the arrest of otherwise productive members of society. Essentially, tobacco smokers are not a menace to society and making tobacco illegal treats them as such. Adding in unnecessary laws leads to more unnecessary incarcerations, which results in people losing their jobs, employers losing money, and, as a result, prices being raised. In effect, this ban is bad for the economy, and would not benefit the nation as a whole in the long run. It would punish citizens arbitrarily for committing a truly victimless crime.

Standing against the ban is not about endorsing the use of a drug or about sanctifying tobacco smokers. It is about highlighting the absurdity of a system that can inconsistently decide what individuals are allowed to ingest and do with their bodies.

It’s not the job of the federal government to place restrictions on an individual’s freedom over his or her own body, no matter what tangential, distant impact it may have on national healthcare.

An example of a failed attempt by the government to try and restrict the use of a certain substance was back in the 1920s with the prohibition on alcohol. This policy experiment was later repealed due to its lack of efficient enforcement, and because it did nothing to make alcohol less prominent. An effect known as the “forbidden fruit” effect can be seen as an explanation as to why banning a certain commodity is ineffectual. It produces a tendency for consumers to desire the product that has been forbidden to them, and essentially increases demand for the product and therefore increases its value. This means that more money would be flowing in the black market and distributors of the illicit substance would be empowered by the money that they’re receiving from citizens willing to break the law to acquire said commodity.

It is arbitrary what we decide is legal and what is not. While I am in favor of taking measures to reduce secondhand smoke, to educate people on the dangers of smoking and to ultimately live in a nicotine free society, it is unrealistic and futile to think that a ban will achieve that.

TWO VIEWS

Military recruiters on campus raise questions Commentary by Maggie Rivers MANAGING EDITOR

The diversity of post-secondary path options are represented fairly well at the school. A variety of resources available to students who want to go to college, vocational school, and the armed forces, among other choices, make it easier for students to make a decision about what they want to do after high school. College representatives are continuously visiting the campus and facilitating conversation with interested students. Vocational schools set up tables in front of the New Building during lunches to disseminate information and applications. The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) plans and runs the school’s annual college and career fairs. The recruiting presence for the armed forces, such as the US Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force, however, seems to be more about making the armed forces seem fun.

Within the past few years, recruiting techniques of the Armed Forces have included bringing military vehicles in the patio in front of the new building and allowing students to climb around on them, setting up physical competitions during lunch where students see who can do the most pull-ups, and hosting a casual concert in the auditorium with a sergeant concert singer. Yet, with the seriousness and discipline that the military stands for, their recruiting techniques seem severely inappropriate.

For example, at the recent concert given in the auditorium, students were offered CDs in exchange for filling out interest forms for the Army, which trivializes the decision of joining the army, or equates the thought of joining the army with a CD. Yet when a student does decide to join the Armed Forces, that is a binding contract that must be fulfilled, and future training and eventual active duty, fail to have the fun and attraction that the recruitment techniques at the school have shown. Military vehicles on the battlefield lose the cool factor they had in front of the new building during photo-ops.

It is understandable why the armed forces choose to use these types of recruiting techniques; they are attempting to refute the popular idea that military service is used as a punishment to teenagers (“You better shape up or you’re headed to military school.”) or that military service fails to balance personal sacrifice with personal rewards, both of which are not necessarily true. But that doesn’t change the fact that there needs to be a change in the military’s presence at the school. Students need a better representation of the military’s values, work ethic, and level of commitment.

U.S. and Chinese relations are key to reducing carbon emissions Commentary by Stephan Chamberlin OPINION EDITOR

Getting major powers to agree on greenhouse gas emissions rarely has any long lasting effects. Cooperative climate efforts like the 1997 Kyoto treaty don’t produce substantial change despite the international good will. However, the deal struck between the U.S. and China to reduce carbon emissions just a few weeks ago shows promise, and although China has the bravado of a newcomer on the world stage, they’ve demonstrated to the world that they’re ready to come to terms with being a responsible major power. In future agreements and cooperative ventures the United States should try not to shy away from China, and look more at what we’ve accomplished together than how threatening they may appear alone.

It was clear that the Chinese didn’t strike this deal out of the goodness of their hearts and concern for the environment. Agreeing to reduce their carbon footprint alongside the U.S. was a purely political move to get on our good side. Nonetheless, it doesn’t change the fact that this deal might help save the planet. China is the leading producer of carbon emissions, and contributes 50 percent more to the atmosphere each year than we do. It would have been all too easy for China to decline and enjoy being a rising power with a booming manufacturing

by the numbers 41

Percent of world’s carbon emitted by U.S. and China combined Compiled by Stephan Chamberlin

industry. Instead they made the choice that earned them respect in the eyes of the international community.

The point here is that China isn’t the big, looming, certain doom that many Americans think it is. It proves that while they’re at the center of every maritime territorial dispute in the Asia-Pacific, and while they’ve been acting aggressively toward Japanese islands in the past few weeks, they still want to keep good ties with us and our allies. In discussions with U.S. officials, Chinese president Xi Jinping frequently uses the term “great power relationship” and that these ties require a “respect for each countries core interests.” It’s at this point where American negotiators start shying away because we don’t know what China’s “core interests” are. We have to be mindful that China can be as much of an ally as it can be potential trouble, and that this climate deal is evidence that getting closer to China isn’t such a bad thing.

Strong ties with the rising Asian power lead to diffused tensions and a healthier planet. While I’m not advocating that we buddy up to them completely, because they are still out looking to grow their territory and influence, I don’t see why America should be afraid of a relationship with China where two great powers are cooperating and not competing. If a “great power relationship” means a combined effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and an opportunity to cut them even further, everyone who wants to help save the planet from climate change should be on board.

1,000

Number of gigawatts in renewable energy China must deploy to hold up the deal Source: Huffington Post

opinion

highlights December 2014

Rehabilitate veteran affairs

Stephan says

Acceptance rates mislead students

Commentary by Stephan Chamberlin OPINION EDITOR

As a high school student, it’s hard to find an escape from other stressed teenagers talking about getting into college. Everywhere you look someone’s huddled in a corner with SAT flashcards, or sitting in class pretending to listen to the teacher’s lecture while simultaneously working on the common app.

Ironically, it’s actually the most prepared students who stress the most.

The notion that good students have a hard time getting into good schools is perpetuated by acceptance rate numbers, which paint a poor picture of what your actual chances are of getting in. That one figure makes good universities seem like that much more of a gamble, and in fact actually hurts your chances of getting in as students send out more applications to compensate.

The reason qualified students worry about getting into schools which match their grades and test scores is institutions like Harvard having a 5.9 percent acceptance rate, Stanford a 5.07, and Yale a 6.3.

The trend over the past few years doesn’t bode well for those numbers either, they’ve been in steady decline. Similar Ivy Leagues and other prestigious universities boast about having low acceptance rates as if it somehow makes them more desirable that they’ve rejected more people. Having such low percentages is equated with being top-tier, and schools that have the lowest rates are considered better than those with higher ones. Now that Stanford has a lower rate than Harvard does, some are starting to look at it like the new “it” school for engineering and technology.

Having a lower acceptance rate, however, does not mean that one choice of college is better than another. Washington University had a 17 percent acceptance rate, and was ranked 14th nationally. Notre Dame admitted 21 percent of applicants, and the University of Michigan, one of the top schools in the nation for science and engineering, admitted 32 percent. Clearly, prestige isn’t about having low rates.

The reality of the situation is that well qualified students get into top schools the same way they did 20 years ago. The drastic drop in acceptance rates comes from under-qualified students sending in applications electronically to every school they can find. It’s a vicious circle, low acceptance rates drive students to submit more applications to more schools hoping to increase their chances of getting in, and lower the rates even further. While the problem is that students who aren’t qualified end up submitting applications anyway, universities don’t help the situation when they cite low acceptance rates as indicators of a school’s prestige.

The entire situation is actually tremendously beneficial to the universities, not only to look more exclusive, but also because of the financial incentive. An application to Harvard costs $75, and with 35,000 students having submitted just this year, the institustion has brought in $2.6 million in fees alone.

Seeing this from a high school student’s perspective is scary. I overhear conversations between qualified seniors—students with high GPAs, solid test scores, and a staggering number of logged community service hours—talking about how their chances of getting into their school of choice are slim to none. What’s even more discouraging is that most students aren’t nearly as qualified as they are. The propagation of, and boastfulness about, acceptance rates has a tangibly profound impact on the minds of those students who aren’t in the uppermost percentile. Those numbers provoke anxiety in college hopefuls, and contribute to the tidal wave of applications they end up sending out to try and get into at least one school.

Students speak up:

“

“

Some colleges have high rates because they’re popular, it doesn’t determine your odds of getting in, more so how many people apply.

“

“

-William Midence, Senior

Schools with low acceptance rates rack up their application prices to make a profit, but all it does is give the school a more intimidating reputation.

-Samuel Cajina, Senior

Compiled by Avery Budin

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Commentary by Avery Budin STAFF WRITER

Veterans; the men and women who have served our country in the military, protected our land and fought for our citizens, always seem to be stuck with the short end of the stick when it comes to their earned rights. According to the Miami Herald, Veteran’s Rehabilitation Hospitals have been called out for their “failure to monitor patients, provide sufficient staff, control access to the facility or even curb illicit drug use among patients.”

If veterans agree to partake in rehabilitation programs, it would only seem reasonable that hospital security and mindfulness of patient whereabouts be efficiently organized. Having issues with escaping patients and easy access to street drugs hardly seems like the best way to help the veteran community. The city of Miami alone has reported several deaths of committed veterans due to heroine overdoses and the inability to attain doctor’s appointments.

The issue of vets dying because of delayed diagnosis and treatment encouraged President Barack Obama to declare an investigation. Unfortunately, the complaints made about Veteran Affairs (VA) Hospitals have been ignored until now. For an organization coined for corruption since the early 1920s, it is concerning that the agency has not made an effort to clean up its act.

Veteran’s care continues to be brushed under the rug and disregarded by state legislation. If the administration could replace its representatives and demand reparations for government’s lack of involvement and carelessness, VA centers may actually have a chance of repairing their poor reputation. Veteran hospitals have a responsibility to provide care in a timely matter, but unproven rumors about secret exclusive waiting lists and lack of electronic records has only made it harder for justice to be served.

According to CBS News, the issue of poor scheduling for doctor’s appointments has been revised, allowing “veterans who have been waiting more than 30 days for treatment or who live more than 40 miles from a VA facility to seek treatment from a private physician,” while also paying the cost of any expenses.

Mid term elections gone awry Commentary by Daniel Delgado STAFF WRITER

These past midterm elections we saw Republicans take control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is a rather humiliating verdict on Obama’s second term. Things could not have gone any worse for the Democrats.

Low voter turnouts, low approval ratings, and desperate disassociation from the president by people within his party are things that plagued the Democrats this election cycle. All of this may seem somewhat strange considering the state of the nation compared to when President Obama first took office, but mushy-middle of the lane Democrats lost elections because they were to afraid to stand up and protect middle-class America from Wall Street.

First, let’s analyze and answer the question posed

by Mitt Romney last presidential election: Are you better off now than you were four years ago? With a growing economy, booming stock market, decreasing unemployment rate and healthy public finances, at least by European standards, the answer seems to be a resounding “Yes,” and voting in 2012 went accordingly.

This is also not taking into account several advances in different social issues including big steps towards the legalization of gay marriage and marijuana. However, even though the country is possibly in better shape now, economically, than it was in 2012 or 2008, voters this time around did not respond in line with this reasoning.

For one thing, it is very clear that even though the

numbers indicate a strong and growing economy the majority of people are not truly feeling the growth. The median household income is achingly stagnant; insecurities about the market are being fostered by loaded language and silly political rhetoric that warn of catastrophes every time the president does something remotely reasonable. Ultimately, when stigma about the country heading down the wrong road prevails, it is the president’s party that takes the blame, even when members of the opposite party have fake filibusters, shut down the government, and talk about green eggs and ham.

Additionally, the constant onslaught of negative ads by both parties has created a sense of frustration among voters. It is even worse that Democrats gave into this mudslinging strategy instead of boasting about what they have accomplished—saved the American auto industry, passed a better and more effective healthcare law, and I’d add immigration reform, but once again the Republican blockade of reasonable legislature has made it difficult to pass this type of reform.

With the most unproductive Congress since 1947, and a new one recently elected, still toasting for their triumphs, it is naïve to believe that anything will change now that there has been an alteration in Congress.

For the next two years the Republican Party will try to pass as many Wall Street friendly bills as possible, like they’ve done with their most recent 1.1 trillion dollar budget. The Democratic Party must become the champion that Americans are yearning for in Congress if they plan on winning in 2016.

Race protests flare in Miami Commentary by Maya Iskandarani STAFF WRITER

Other than the disruption in the flow of traffic, the recent protests that have taken place in South Florida to join those nationwide in objection to alleged police brutality are something to approve of. They are indicative of a local willingness to have a voice in politics, and they are not likely to escalate to a worrisome degree because of, ironically, the cooperation of local Miami police.

As part of the Shut it Down rallies that have been popping up across the country, three protests took place over the weekend of Miami Art Week; the largest demonstration occurred on Friday and increased to a volume of more than 800 protestors. All three protests were peaceful, with demonstrators generally employing emotional instead of physical tactics; for example, lying still on the street, and singing the 1978 civil rights anthem Ella’s song. Local police responded by blocking off east and westbound traffic on I-195, as well as Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami Avenue, and Northeast Second Avenue, so demonstrators could march without interference.

The main objects of the protests were the judicial decisions not to indict former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson for the shooting death of Michael Brown in Missouri nor the New York City police officer who ought to have been charged for the chokehold-induced asphyxiation of Eric Garner, as well as the year-old death-by-Taser of local graffiti artist Israel “Reefa” Hernandez Llach in Miami Beach.

These local protests have followed the positive nationwide trend of keeping the spotlight on an issue that is clearly in need of as much attention as possible: the abuse of power by local law enforcement. As long as the demonstrations continue to be peaceful, local lawmakers cannot brush off the pressing need to reform nor justify postponement by accusing protestors of violent tactics. Unlike in the continuously chaotic predicament in Ferguson, in which looting protestors and the involved law enforcement departments do not seem to be able to come to a consensus, Miami protestors have exhibited their capacities for self-control and organization, prompting police to respond likewise with a willingness to encourage and collaborate.

The protests are also a valuable opportunity for citizens to learn to exercise their right to demonstration, a priceless ability that leads voters to recognize their own potential to change the politics that so often seem exclusive to those they elect into office. Because of this opportunity, it will remain selfish to denounce the protests until they become unnecessarily violent—which they will not, because of the well-appreciated efforts of Miami police.

insight

highlights

December 2014

HELLO my name is

DIVERSITY Everyone is different and has their own story. Some people share common features like hair and eye color, while others share names. highlights selected two names- Daniel Rodriguez and Alex Gonzalezto uncover just how multifaceted Gables’ population is.

9

10 insight MEET ALEX GONZALEZ AND DANIEL RODRIGUEZ highlights

December 2014

To show that the school is a widely diverse place to attend high school, highlights chose two names and explored the personalities of the students with those names. Although they share the same “What makes me different name, each one of the students has unique is I am a young, respectable personality traits, interests and aspirations that gentlemen. I study very hard, I am kind of humble and quiet. separate them from the crowd.

I am not that popular, I like to stay on the low-key but I think it is going to work out in the future for me and I will be very successful.”

“My spirit animal is the Komodo dragon because the Komodo dragon has strength and it is little and it is a very strong, symbolic animal that reminds me of myself.”

“My biggest flaw is that I am honestly too nice to people and sometimes people take advantage of it and I don't realize it because I am too nice.

I like to help everyone out, but I think I shouldn't because some people are really bad and they don't deserve to get help, but I do. I am too nice.”

“I really like soccer and every aspect of it, not just playing.

I also like the tactical part and the coaching, which I would want to do at some point in the future. I would like to coach kids. I am interested in the athletic point of view: working out, being healthy and staying fit are my main interests.”

Daniel Rodriguez, sophomore

In 10 years, I will be working at an immigration law firm. I would do the interviews for people who want to become citizens.

My aunt works there, she showed me the job.

Soccer is the main thing that makes me happy. I forget about everything else.

My favorite holiday is Christmas because I always go to Nicaragua to visit my family. Everything in Nicaragua is free and open.

All the kids are running around and there is no police anywhere.

My brother just died two days ago. He is 18. You probably heard about it, it came out on the news.

We were literally the same.

Everything about us is the same.

We talk the same, we act the same, we look the same, we grew up the same.

My interests are cooking, wrestling, and Chipotle.

I was on the wrestling team for six months, from the end of junior year to last summer, but then I sprained my shoulder and got a job…at Chipotle.

Culinary, Vera, and Angel changed my path. Angel got me into wrestling, Vera and Angel got me into food.

Because of them I have an interest in restaurants and sports. Without Angel I wouldn't be taking the Navy as seriously as I am. He taught me a lot about discipline.

In ten years, I want to be in the Navy.

My grandfather went to the Navy, my father went to the Navy, and my uncle went to the Navy. The American Navy.

Danny Rodriguez, senior Daniel Rodriguez, senior

highlights

December 2014

11

ENHANCING EDUCATION THROUGH STUDENT DIVERSITY Commentary by Leila Iskanderani STAFF WRITER

As an advantageous and unappreciated aspect of the school, student kinds of people. When you go out to the real world that’s all it is, it’s just a pool of diversity.” diversity is a studen’s most accessible opportunity for learning. The Developing this sense of understanding for different cultures facilitates students’ future collection of different ethnicities, religions, and sexualities represented in the lives, especially in college and in the workforce. As they would have already seen such an school provide students with the chance to better understand what the real abundance of diversity, they would’ve already learned to tolerate, appreciate, accept, and world is like. By immersing students in diversity, recognize the prevalence of cultures that exist in the real world. the school is inadvertently exposing them to a “Out there, in the real world, there’s a lot of different kinds of Diversity offers people [the wide variety of perspectives and ideas, creating an open-minded people… it just helps you understand people and their sensitivities chance] to feel part of a community where anyone, of any background, can thrive. and it just gives you a different perspective on life. It’s not all one Ironically, the variety of students attending the school is one side,” senior Nadir Perez said. “It has [enhanced my high school whole, yet it still fosters a of the top complaints among those who consider themselves to be experience] in a way that you can associate yourself with different sense of individuality. intellectually and socially superior. These students fail to notice people, understand different cultures, and just participate in different that these small, seemingly annoying everyday occurrences are only things that you never thought you would ever be able to do.”

Stephanie Hofmann, a few of the many beneficial cultural representations there are in The prevalent diversity at the school offers students the Foreign Language the school. Gables Bhangra, Italian Club, National Spanish Honor opportunity to find their own identity. Exposure to different clubs, Department Chair Society, GSA— these organizations all contribute to our overall teams, and other organizations acts as a “taste test” for students, school experience, and give us a more accurate, well-represented allowing them to try different things, decide on what they enjoy, and understanding of the abundance of cultures represented at the blossom. school.

“Diversity offers people [the chance] to feel part of a whole, yet it still fosters a sense of “When you go off to college and when you go off to work in the real world, you meet all individuality,” Foreign Language Department Chair, Stephanie Hofmann said. kinds of people from everywhere,” freshman Alejandro Prida said. “You’ve talked to people like In the diverse and multifaceted population that is the school, it is possible to meet multiple that, and you can identify with them a little bit, and that sort of helps you be prepared to meet all students with the same names who have personality traits that are unique to only them.

‘‘

Compiled by Sydney Scanlon

My favorite thing about myself: I am straight forward, I say what I feel so people can know I like fish, they are my spirit animal, because they are cute and swim, and I like to swim.

I believe life is a set of random events, which makes me negative because people who think things are predetermined believe everything happens for a reason but I don’t.

My biggest critique is I am kind of mean and selfish.

Alexsa LeyvaGonzalez, freshman

I want to be a doctor. I don't like science, but the medical field is interesting, because there are so many jobs you can pick in the medical field.

My favorite subject is math, because I get it. If you show me an equation I will know how to solve it.

My ideal husband is Reggie Bush, I follow him on Instagram and he's all about family and football.

I am Dominican and Puerto Rican.

It’s a really feisty mix; it is unique.

My grandpa is Arabian. I am proud to be Dominican and Puerto Rican.

Alexandra Gonzalez, junior

My favorite holiday is Christmas because of all the stuff. I am a little materialistic, but not too much.

I don’t try hard enough in school because I am lazy.

I am Cuban by blood. My family is Cuban. I am Cuban so I am loud. When I am with my friends I make a lot of jokes and scream a lot.

In Cuba, I played basketball and went to parties.

I really want to go back.

Alexander Gonzalez, sophomore

12 features Gables gives a warm wilkommen highlights

December 2014

By Bianca Mangravite and Susana Rudin FEATURES EDITOR AND STAFF WRITER

Konrad Winter Sophmore Konrad Winter will stay in Miami for one semester before must pack up and go home, Bad Homburg vor der Höhe.

According to Winter, some differences between South Florida and Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, a small city in central Germany, have been physical.

“It is a lot bigger and hotter, and the streets here are very exact, in Germany we have uneven roads and the property lines don’t make sense,” Winter said.

Culturally, Germany has many unique regional identities.

“Germany is not a big country, but it’s big enough that each region has its own traditions. Oktoberfest is a bigger deal in the South mainly because it came from the South even before Germany was a country. Because of the different monarchies that took over, the traditions evolved differently,” Winter said.

Throughout his time in Miami, Winter has been able to connect with his fellow German foreign exchange students, even though they did not come from the same parts of Germany.

“The only difference between the other exchange students and me is our accents. For example, Wilhem is from the Berlin area and when he says ‘I’, which in German would sound like ‘ish’, but the people from Berlin say ‘ick’,” Winter said.

Lena Doerzback Sophmore Lena Doerzback ventured to America from Heidelberg, a city located in South West Germany. It is mostly known for its well-preserved castle and baroque Old Town.

According to Doerzback, Miami is considerably different than what she is used to, but it has been a pleasant experience.

“I like this city. It’s very beautiful and I really enjoy the weather,” Doerzback said.

The school system in America has been another factor she has had to adjust to. Lena explained that in her school in Heidelberg the course track leaves no room for choice or electives. At Gables, she takes fashion as an elective.

When asked about fashion in Germany she said “everyone dresses the same, but in Miami nobody cares and you can wear whatever you want. The people [here] are generally more open and in Germany the people are so serious.”

Wilhelm Schiele Sophmore Willhelm Schiele comes from the small town of Kuno, located close to Berlin.

“I come from the east part of Germany in a little village with only 300 people and it is pretty rural,” Schiele said.

Konrad Winter, Romy Schwarz, Willhelm Schiele, and Lena Doerzback are four German exchange students new to the school this year. They come from all over Germany and offer insight and perspective on their culture. In the following stories, highlights shares the different lives of these students and their transition to life in Miami.

Kuno Konrad Winter

Bad Homburg vor der Höhe

Wilhelm Schiele

Heidelberg

Calw Lena Doerzback

Romy Schwarz

Compiled by: Bianca Mangravite and Olivia Field

According to Schiele, coming from a farm, he finds the urban setting of Miami to be a refreshing change.

Willhelm participated in the exchange to learn about American culture and better his English language skills. He said that his English has already drastically improved in his short time here.

“Miami is warmer, you can swim here in the winter: that’s weird. The traffic here is horrible,” Schiele said when asked about the differences between German and Miami.

Romy Schwarz Sophmore Romy Schwarz traveled 8,000 miles to get to Miami from Calw to take part in the foreign exchange program.

According to Schwarz, the contrast between the two places

is very big. Calw is a small village in southwestern Germany with a population of roughly 5,000 people.

“I had no idea about what to expect from the United States, except that it was bigger,” Schwarz said.

Coming from such a rural town, Schwarz has had to adjust to the variety of customs commonly found in South Florida.

“When the first person came and kissed me on the cheek, I was so surprised. In Germany, we only hug if we know and like the person,” Schwarz said.

The transition has not been easy, but Schwarz keeps a positive attitude.

“It’s hard not seeing your family, but my host family is very nice. I bake a lot to remind myself of home,” Schwarz said.

highlights

December 2014

13

Applying to colleges abroad

By Eleonor Bauwens STAFF WRITER

Out of the 812 students in the class of 2015, most have applied to in-state colleges and few have taken on out-of-state applications. highlights found three students who are venturing beyond the U.S. borders and applying to colleges out of the country.

Eleonor Bauwens/highlights

Germany Senior Paula Berkhardt is planning to do what many college applicants have not even thought about: attending school in Germany.

Berkhardt moved to Miami from Germany when she was in ninth grade because of her father’s work, but has always planned to go back to her native country after high school.

In Germany, Berkhardt said she hopes to follow in the footsteps of her grandfather and study medicine in the hopes of becoming a doctor. As soon as she graduates next year in May, Berkhardt will hop onto a plane and head to Germany in order to complete a three month internship in a hospital as a requirement to enter medical programs in German schools.

“I like the way they teach, and, of course, not paying tuition is a big bonus. I like that you get to study your subject directly and are not required to take courses that have no relevance to your field,” Berkhardt said.

Her hopes do not stop there. She plans to move as many places as she can, while always keeping Germany as her home.

Canada This time next year, senior Romain Lecat hopes to be studying business at Concordia University, a school in Canada.

At Concordia, Lecat plans to take advantage of Concordia’s coop program that will allow him to work abroad for four months.

“I am really excited and I hope to end up there because it is one of best schools in business, I feel like today the best way to support yourself is through business. I like that there are no frats. It doesn’t have a crazy party scene, so I will be able to focus on my studies. I am not scared, but the weather up there gets very cold so it will be a huge change from Miami,” Lecat said.

Lecat was born in Saint Maurice, France and came to Miami five years ago with his father and younger brother.

“The mix of French and American culture in Canada will be ideal because it’s who I am,” Lecat said.

As a French citizen tuition, will be much cheaper for Lecat.

Lecat has been to Canada twice to visit the campus and go skiing.

Norway Senior Ann-Marie Bracho said she is anxiously waiting to graduate in order to fulfill her dream of moving to Europe and studying at the University of Oslo in Norway. She hopes to double-major in biology and international studies in order to someday work for the World Health Organization (WHO).

“I like that it combines science with politics; those are both intense passions of mine. I like that combination of bringing the world together,” Bracho said.

Bracho’s mother is Norwegian, Bracho hasbeen going to Norway every summer to visit her family there. With her Norwegian citizenship, Bracho will not have to worry about college tuition. She said she expects school there to have more emphasis on grades and students’ work.

“I am excited, but I don’t know what to expect, especially with the weather. I have never lived in a cold place before, but I am really going to try to immerse myself in the culture. I want to stay there long-term. I have to see how I accommodate to the culture, but I think I am going to like it,” Bracho said.

Gables students build businesses

By Sofia Viglucci STAFF WRITER

A number of the schools’ students have gotten a head start on their careers by creating their own unique businesses. Whether it’s capturing moments with the slide of a camera shutter, solving prevalent problems with the tap of a cell-phone screen, or baking savory cupcakes simply with a pair of hands, these students prove that anyone can achieve success, no matter what age.

Nestor Justiniani Senior Nestor Justiniani turned his knack for photography into his own business, spending his free time taking photographs for local clients and making money while doing so.

“Normally what happens is people call me and we schedule a date and discuss a price and theme,” Justiniani said.

From teenage girls in ruffled and bejeweled quincinera gowns to teenage boys who take part in both boxing and rapping, Justiniani has photographed a myriad of people for countless occasions.

“The business has been successful, a little hard to keep up with because of school, but aside from that everything is going great,” Justiniani said.

Justiani plans on going into the business field once he finishes school.

“My mother is the mastermind of business, basically I was born into [business], so I will definitely be continuing it in the future,” Justiniani said. “This experience has also opened up my perspective and motivated me to go into the business field.”

Jorge Troitino and Mark Hurtado After being assigned a project to create a business plan and compose an idea for Future Business Leaders of America, sophomores Jorge Troitino and Mark Hurtado decided to create a useful application for smart phones.

“Shortly after we were assigned the project, my phone was stolen at the park,” Troitino said.

“After I tried calling it I quickly noticed that the thief turned off my phone, so I couldn’t trace it.

So I asked myself, why there isn’t a solution to this issue and came up with the idea to make an app that solves the problem.”

Although the two are unable to reveal the exact functions of the application until all legal

HALL >> talk The highlights staff records what students are talking about in the hallways while passing between periods.

processes and patents are finalized, the main purpose of the app is to prevent smart phones from being turned off in order to avert situations similar to Troitino’s.

Companies such as eBay and Citibank have both expressed interest in Hurtado and Troitino’s app. The two say they hope to reinvest their profit in order to sell their app on the market soon.

“It’s been a great experience that’s opened many doors, I finally understand the way a business is formed from the ground up and how it is maintained,” Troitino said.

Hurtado explained what he and Troitino have in store for the future of their app.

“We plan on continuing to develop our app, expanding to other platforms aside from just the iPhone, and we would like to invest in new companies like ours because we know it can be a struggle for capital and the best ideas need capital in order to blossom into thriving businesses,” said Hurtado. “From this experience I’ve learned that if you’re creative and hardworking you can be successful no matter your age, ethnicity, race, or religion,” Hurtado said.

Manuela Silva Senior Manuela Silva is yet another budding student taking on the world of business by storm. Silva manages her own cupcake business, baking all the mouth-watering goods herself.

“My business is a simple cupcake business where people can order the cupcakes and even personalize them,” Silva said. “I also make cupcakes in large numbers for parties and events.”

Between the demands of her schoolwork and the demands from customers for delectable cupcakes of all shapes, sizes, and flavors, Silva said it can be strenuous from time to time to manage the upkeep of her business.

“It can be difficult at times to juggle all of my priorities with the business,” Silva said. “If I have any requests during the week, I have to prepare myself and get my schoolwork done beforehand so I can finish everything on time.”

Silva said she enjoys baking, and has gained business experience and management skills from running her business. She said that she hopes to carry on what she has learned into the future ahead of her.

These students have demonstrated that age is not a barrier when it comes to creating one’s own business. It can be as simple as baking cupcakes, taking photographs, or building an app, or something entirely different.

BLOCK 1

BLOCK 2

• “We shared a womb, why can’t you share fries?”

• “He told me to lick it again, so I licked it again.”

• “I was really warm under that blanket statement.”

• “I think if I succeed at mediocracy, I’ll be happy.”

• “I love looking like an egg.”

• “Giving homework is tacky.”

• “My underwear is halfway down my butt, but I don’t want to stick my hand in there and pick it out.”

• “One day they’ll make it legal to marry your siblings, and when they do, we’re getting married.”

14 features Teachers test their strengths highlights

December 2014

By Sabrina Fiske STAFF WRITER

highlights witnessed first-hand some teachers’ unusual after-school routine; teacher Alysia D’ Alemberte and her “Cav Fit” team “boot camp” workout leave the teachers breathless. They sweat through the pain over the encouraging yells of their coach, D’Alemberte, and a soundtrack of the 2000s greatest hits. They sprawl themselves across the hallway and the New Building’s stair as they slowly struggle to complete the demanding workout of burpies, crunches and tire flipping.

After the 2:20 p.m. bell rings and the once crowded New their workout regimen.

Building hallways are deserted, teacher Alysia D’ Alemberte The usual 7-8 teachers, who anxiously break out a colorful can be heard yelling “Come on, ladies!” to her fellow “Cav Fit” array of neon colored yoga mats and massive sandbags, work trainees over Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way” song in the second out at “Cav Fit” after school in the 200 hall of the New Building floor during their “high intensity” workout. since most of their equipment, paid for by the “Cav Fit” team, is Their serious teacher personas soon dissolve when, the kept in the Activities Room nearby. “girls,” as D’Alemberte calls them, put on their workout According to D’Alemberte, she was not the only teacher clothes. The unlikely assortment of ladies, such as teacher wanting to make a change to be healthier; she started “Cav Fit” Africa Andrews and activities director Ana Suarez, sprawl two years ago after training for the ING marathon. themselves across the floors, “All of us wanted to start working sweating and dreading what D’ out, and it was very convenient and All of us wanted to start Alemberte will command next. very motivating to do it with a group working out, and it was While some dance across the of your co-workers and friends. It is a very convenient and very hallways doing burpies and healthy way of hanging out together,” motivating to do it with a crunches, others hobble around D’Alemberte said. “And then the girls group of co-workers and in pain as they run up and down just all started calling it ‘Cav Fit’.” friends the stairs struggling to carry hefty This year, the “Cav Fit” workout weight balls. team found a rival exercise group Alysia D’Alemberte, “Quote me on this: I hate Ms. in Principal Adolfo Costa and his Teacher D’ Alemberte,” Activities Director “Extreme Team.” They also work out Ana Suarez said as she attempted after school. to complete her set of crunches down the stairs of the New

“We challenged Mr. Costa’s ‘Extreme Team’ to Building with one of the weight balls. a workout competition, so we will see if that happens,” As startling it may seem, this nightmarish scene happens D’Alemberte said. “…I think that it has motivated other people almost every Monday, Wednesday, teacher planning day, and because they see us [workout].” during the summer.

In the two years that “Cav Fit” has been going on, it has “We all brought ideas from other workouts we’ve had. received much positive feedback from the participants.

Some people had been in cross-fit, or different boot camps and “Everyone feels stronger and healthier. When you are classes so we sort of combined that,” D’Alemberte said when following a healthy lifestyle, you’re better at work, you’re asked on the nature of the grueling workout. “And then people better with your family, and you’re better with your students come up with ideas and tell me, so we plan out another workout because it puts you in a better mood,” D’Alemberte said. … [we] just sort of combine it so it’s low impact cross-fit.”

“Cav Fit” will continue its workout regimen throughout In addition to the unusual “boot camp” workout, the the school year. They plan on taking a break during the teachers sometimes also have personal workout goals that they holiday season but resuming in the New Year, when all plan on must accomplish during the school day, such as completing 100 continuing their commitment to be healthier while encouraging squats between classes to make sure that the “girls” continue others to join them.

‘‘

Bianca Mangravite/highlights SCHOOL OF SQUAT: The Cav Fit members are whipped into shape as they work out in the lalls of the New Building.

Revealing the Biltmore’s history

By Kasandra Scholz STAFF WRITER

www.gablestutoring.com 1886 S Red Road Miami, FL 33155

(786) 972-1602

Be informed, be entertained, read the newpaper.

Kasandra Scholz/highlights

The Biltmore Hotel is a popular destination, well known for both its elegant architecture and the supernatural incidents that draw paranormal thrillseekers from across the country. It has been the site of countless tragedies, stemming from both its time spent as a U.S. Army veteran’s hospital during World War II and from other malicious incidents that have occurred there over the years. As a result, it is an alleged paranormal hotspot that has been plagued for decades by reports of ghostly apparitions and mysterious noises, in addition to flickering lights and free-swinging doors.

Located in the heart of Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel has been a historic Miami landmark since its creation in 1926. Built by John McEntee Bowman and George Merrick, the Biltmore enjoys a colorful past that spans over 80 years, and has functioned as a military hospital and medical school in addition to a four-star hotel and popular luxury resort. Even in light of its otherwise vibrant past, however, the Biltmore Hotel is most famous for its history of hauntings.

One of the most famous haunted sites at the Biltmore is the 13th floor, where gangsters Thomas Walsh and Edward Wilson ran an illicit speakeasy and casino during the Prohibition era.

The club thrived for years before a dispute between partners ended in Walsh’s murder in 1929. The

hotel’s elevator now has a supposed tendency of spontaneously travelling to the 13th floor, and Biltmore guests have reported smelling Walsh’s famed cigar smoke and seeing doors open and close on their own in unoccupied areas of the hotel.

The Biltmore is also famous for its World War II era ghosts. Guests have reported seeing or being tapped on the shoulder by men in army uniforms, only to look away for a moment and then turn back to an empty hall. The hotel has also seen its share of other disasters, including the story of a woman fell to her death from one of the numerous balconies and whose ghost is now rumored to wander the halls.

“I didn’t see anything myself, but I heard a lot of other people talking about the [haunting] rumors and the 13th floor,” junior Melissa Boza said.

The Biltmore has drawn ghost enthusiasts to Coral Gables for years, and it is a popular destination for those seeking a supernatural experience. Also catching the interests of architecture fanatics, the resort is a popular spot for paranormal thrill seekers and lovers of luxury hotels alike, and its famed history makes it a common Florida hotel destination.

“I think it is a beautiful hotel that is well known by many people,” junior Tomas Nieves said. “I know people who believe that it is haunted but I [personally] don’t.”

The Biltmore has a long and fascinating history that, coupled with its picturesque architecture and rumored paranormal activity, makes it a celebrated part of Coral Gables.

PARANORMAL PAST: The Biltmore’s infamous history of hosting to multiple supernatural incidents makes it on acclaimed landmark of Coral Gables.

highlights

December 2014

15

sports

highlights

December 2014

16

Importance of team chemistry in sports >> Speak up!

Commentary by Cyrus Zeledon

CAVALIER NOV 24 Cavaliers

vs 7-2 W

DEC 1

Cavaliers

vs 0-2 L

DEC 3

Coral Park

vs 2-4 W

@ Terra

@ Lourdes @ CGHS

Cavaliers Terra Lourdes Cavaliers

NOV 17 Miami High

vs 0-1 W

Cavaliers

NOV 21 Columbus

vs 1-1 T

Cavaliers

DEC 1 Cavaliers

vs 0-1 L

Columbus

DEC 3 Coral Park

vs 2-0 L

@ CGHS

@ Columbus @ CGHS

Cavaliers

Girls’ Basketball

NOV 24 Lourdes

vs Cavaliers 60-22 L

NOV 26 Cavaliers

vs 38-41 L

Edison

DEC 3 Southwest

vs 59-39 L

Cavaliers

Ferguson

vs 68-20 L

@ CGHS

@ Edison

@ CGHS

DEC 5

@ CGHS

Cavaliers

BATTING AT COLLEGE: Principal Adolfo Costa says some motivating words as senior Robert Montes signs with USF.

By Maria Ovalle BUSINESS MANAGER

On Nov. 18, nine seniors on the varsity baseball team signed with colleges to play baseball. College representatives, family members, and the school administration attended the signing in the school’s media center to celebrate this event.

“I have been committed to the University of Miami since sophomore year but it really didn’t hit me until the day I signed,” senior Andrew Cabezas said.

As head baseball coach, Philip Wisser said he has built a close relationship between his players to help guide them while also providing them with the opportunity to play baseball in college. He also emphasized the importance of finishing a college degree since a career in baseball does not last forever.

“For me, this is my championship; this is the state title, getting to see them have the opportunity to put on a college hat and see them further their career in the next level. It speaks louder than any win you can have,” Wisser said.

Of the nine who signed, Elih Marrero signed for Mississippi State, Jose Padron for Jackson State University, Anthony Valdes and Franky Montesino for Stillman College, and Carlos Perez for ASA College. Those who signed for school’s in Florida were Cabezas for the University of Miami, Robert “Coco” Montes for the University of South Florida, Rolando Rodriguez for Broward College, and Raymond Gonzalez for Palm Beach State College. Wisser said he expects the rest of the seniors who want to continue to play baseball to sign by the end of this season.

January

MARK THE DATE Boys Varsity

6

Compiled by Angelika Menendez

STAFF WRITER

Boys’ Soccer @ CGHS

Team chemistry because the star player needs a team to back them up.

-Allisa Martel, sophomore

Courtesy of CavsConnect

vs 5-0L

@ CGHS

“

-Jamary Varence, senior

By Octavio Castro

Girls’ Soccer Lourdes

“

Team chemistry is better because it takes a group to achieve a great goal.

Baseball players Title IX's effect on sign off to college school's sports

STAT BOX NOV 21

What do students find more important when it comes to sports: star power or team chemistry?

“

When it comes down to team sports, the star player is usually the center of attention in and out of the game. The common misconception is that the star player “carries the team.” However, this is not the case; team sports (hence the name) require each player on the team, whether exceptional or mediocre, to play and compete as a unit, rather than individual star players who dominate the field and flaunt their talent.

It has become almost second-nature for sports fans to claim that one player is the heart and embodiment of a team. However, the blame lies with the sports fans who are at the center of this common misconception, claiming that each team needs at least one exceptional player to be considered a decent team.

More and more, basketball fans are trying to find the next Michael Jordan or claiming that if an amazing player does not win an NBA Championship, then he is not a good player at all. Additionally, this past FIFA World Cup the Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo was held to higher expectations than he could actually achieve—to win the World Cup. So it didn’t come as a surprise that many were upset with his performance, not realizing that he, like many other star

athletes, lacked a supporting team. Sure Ronaldo can kick one from 30 yards out, but that doesn’t make a difference when he’s up against 11 other players. The same applied to Neymar Jr. on Brazil’s national team, who got injured in the late rounds of the FIFA tournament; the Brazilian fans felt hoodwinked of another cup, which he was supposed to provide the hosting country.

Now, it is easy to blame one player for not playing at his or her best, but regardless of the performance, each player should not be placed at such high expectations. The individual player did not lose the match; it was a loss for the team. A perfect example of a player who was held to high expectations but could not win an NBA Championship is Allen Iverson in the 2001 NBA Finals. Iverson was up against the Los Angeles Lakers, who by far had a much better team than the Philadelphia 76ers. The result was as expected, the team with better chemistry beat the underdog with the superstar athlete, who arguably could have won the NBA Finals against any other team. Of course the Lakers had several exceptional players on their roster (e.g. Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Horace Grant), but the difference was in the outstanding team chemistry of the Lakers.

Yes, it is disheartening to see an exceptional athlete fail to lead his or her team to glory. Ultimately, in team sports, the sum of the parts is just that, not the other way around.

“

COPY EDITOR

Basketball

vs. Braddock Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Coral Gables Senior High

After 42 years, Title IX continues to shape the school’s sports department and student athletes participation nationwide. The statute dictates that schools must have female equivalents to male sports. An exclusion to this is football, as there is no female football team. Furthermore, Title IX requires equal facilities, financing, and equipment for male and female sports.

As of 2014, there are currently 13 sports for female athletes at the school. A recent addition includes bowling, with both male and female teams. Athletic director Louis Romero said he hopes to have more female sports in the future and plans to add a female flag football team. This is a significant difference to the amount of sports female students could participate in the early 1970s. Furthermore, Romero said he believes that there would be significantly less female sports without the implementation of Title IX. “Sometimes, female participation...is not readily supported. In a lot of certain communities and certain cultures, females are not encouraged to play sports, so I’m glad we have a high participation rate in almost all our sports,” Romero said.

Students, like junior Cassandra Gil, believe that having both a male and female sport has allowed the student population to be motivated and healthy. She says sports are a way to keep fit, and that there should not be a difference between male and female sports. Gil also thinks that sports can hold emotional importance and be a great way to develop social skills.

“Without sports I would feel lost, because they’re a main part of my life and if somebody took them away, I would feel like I’m missing a purpose. Sports bring people together; they’re a good source of community,” Gil said.

With this state statute, the outlook of many people has changed to a more egalitarian view of male and female sports. Romero said that all coaches require and expect the same from their athletes, “whether they’re coaching girls or boys.”

to watch our athletic teams rack up the points!

Girls Varsity

7

Basketball

vs. Lourdes Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy

Boys Varsity

Girls Varsity

8 13

Soccer

vs. Miami Beach Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at Coral Gables Senior High

Soccer

District semi-finals Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monsignor Edward Pace High School

highlights

December 2014

17

Lady Cavs defeat Bulldogs

By Amanda-Victoria Gonzalez STAFF WRITER

Amanda-Victoria Gonzalez/highlights NOTHING BUT NET: (Top) Lady Cavaliers huddle on Dec. 12 before the game against the Braddock Bulldogs. (Bottom) Junior Jessica Lansberg dribbles to later shoot a 3-pointer.

The Lady Cavaliers basketball team played Braddock on Dec. 12 in the school’s gym, with the Cavaliers winning 34-37.

The Bulldogs started off strong with a 4-point lead in the first quarter and a score of 6-2. Junior Jessica Landsberg made the first 3-pointer of the game during the second quarter, and the crowd cheered in support.

“Jessica’s 3-pointer was one of the first points for our team in the game and it kind of just got us going,” junior forward Taylor Fay said.

Towards the end of the second quarter, the Cavaliers led the game with a score of 12-22, and many fouls were given to both teams.

“We gave them a good fight and didn’t give up even though it was a close game,” junior forward Grace Howie said.

By the end of the third quarter, the Cavaliers stayed on top woth a score of 20-25. The girls’ basketball coach, Aj Sheppard, continuously gave the girls a pep talk during timeouts, which ended by the team putting their hands in the middle and raising them chanting “Finish!”

The team drilled “breaking the press” prior to the game which is supposed to improve ball handling under pressure.

“We went through our usual routines and just had to keep in mind that we needed to put forth 110 percent effort. If there’s anything we could’ve done better it would be to shake off the nerves, relax and just play the game,“ Fay said.

The crowd continued to cheer for the Lady Cavaliers as there were only minutes left on the clock during the fourth quarter.

“The game was so close and intense, but I don’t think the girls have ever played better. The crowd was so concentrated and cheered for every shot. It was nice seeing them do well and the look on their faces when they won was priceless,” junior Ariella Bibas said.

The team is well aware of the pressure to do well every game as they they’ve been “practicing to execute plays better and to improve as a team altogether,” Howie said.

This win means that the Lady Cavaliers are one step closer to districts. Now they must defeat the Coral Park Rams and the Southwest Eagles to make it to districts.

Fantasy sports raise rivalries Working out the orange way

By Angelika Menendez STAFF WRITER

Fantasy sports have created rivalries amongst some of the school’s seniors as they duel it out to determine who will be the champion of this year’s league.

Since the NFL season started on Sept. 4, a competition has flared up between college graduate Samantha Campagna and seniors Logan Morris, Sydney Campagna, Nikolas Rodriguez, Claudia Villegas, Jean Valverde, Robbie Levey, Austin Herrin, Juan Ramirez, and Carla Steighorst within their fantasy football league. “[My favorite part] is definitely the smack talk in between classes. You just smack talk a little bit and make friends,” Morris said.

Each member of the league went through a draft, where they picked what players would be on their team, controlled by the team manager, Morris. Each member chose names for their teams, such as “Pumpkin Spice Frapuccino” and “The Loganator 3000.” Statistics from the real games determine the winner of each match.

The members of the league said they believe that the team to beat is Villegas’s team, “The Fraps.” Her current record is 10-3, losing her 7-0 winning streak to Levey’s team, “Owen E Leven”, Sydney Campagna’s team “Pro Bowler” and Herrin’s team “The Faps.”

“I’m not a sore loser. I just really believe that I am the best in my fantasy football league, and I let people know,” Villegas said.

At the end of the season, the loser in the fantasy football league will receive a shirt with a picture of the winner’s face on it, and the winner will receive $50.

Senior Steven Teranciel started a fantasy basketball league with 20 of his friends. Some of the team names include senior Giulliana Rasua’s team “Team Thor” and junior Amanda Henry’s team “Shmurda.” The winner will also receive $50 and a shirt that is designed by the loser.

Currently, senior Bryan Corrales’s team “Young Cat Lover” is in first place.

“I feel like I know more about sports than the other guys,” Corrales said.

Teranciel said he is “terrified” of Corrales because he knows so much about basketball.

Corrales says his most valuable player is Jimmy Butler from the Chicago Bulls because he gets him many fantasy points.

By Rachel Ellis STAFF WRITER

Orange Theory Fitness (OTF) is a unique and affordable workout, with locations around the country including two in Coral Gables and Pinecrest. Opening for the first time in 2011 with the earliest classes starting as early as 5 a.m. and the latest concluding at 9 p.m., the one hour exercise classes focus on reaching maximum potential and workout goals.

At the beginning of each workout, each client receives a black heart rate monitor, referred to as a pod, attached to a thick elastic band, to be placed over the heart. The pod allows the client to be able to adjust his or her workout and decide to either excersise harder or decrease the amount of energy being exerted. The client’s heartbeat is monitored throughout the workout and is projected on a large screen in each studio.

“I go to Orange Theory Fitness a few times a week. I have to admit that I really enjoy going because there are so many different exercise techniques that I am able to try out every time I go workout,” senior Sasha Teman said.

During the 60-minute workout, multiple intervals of differently designed workouts are performed in order to produce 12-20 minutes of training at 84 percent or higher of your maximum heart rate, and to get the client in the “orange zone”, which indicates that the client has reached their maximum potential.

The philosophy behind the workout is to have each client leave the studio feeling accomplished and rejuvenated by having the ability to be self aware of the amount of calories burned, and the amount of measured effort put forward during the workout.

“My favorite part about working at OTF is the supportive atmosphere that I feel we have on a daily basis. Sometimes people will come in after a long day at work, and may not feel like working out, but at the end of the workout, everyone has a smile on their face,” OTF instructor Andrew De Vale said.

The fitness program is also backed by the post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) theory, which is what burns calories after working out. EPOC produces a workout “after burn” effect, which is an increased metabolic rate for 24-36 hours after the workout, allowing the client to lose up to 1200 calories and fill with endorphins.

Special Olympics

Francis Pérez/highlights GO HARD OR GO HOME: (Left) Junior Alejandro Arzola presents each middle school as they walk into the gym. (Top) Senior Melanie Hill congratulates one of the athletes after scoring points in an activity. (Bottom) Senior Natalie Escalona keeps score of the amount of free throws made by the athlete. (Right) Another athlete dribbles his way across the court.

the scene

highlights December 2014

18

A slice of Cuba

By Angelika Menendez STAFF WRITER

Angelika Menendez/highlights TASTY WITH A TWIST: (Top) One of Polo Norte’s specialty pizzas, this dish features a rarely seen pizza topping: shrimp. (Bottom) A plate filled with freshly made mariquitas.

Coral Way Comedy

By Leila Iskandarani STAFF WRITER

performance],” said Daniel Ferreira, one of the audience members picked to go on stage.

The cast members’ impeccable ability to keep the audience engrossed and animated is hidden in the many interactive games they play with the audience. The cast might interview an audience member and use that information to create several comedic manifestations of that audience member’s worst nightmare, or they might improvise a scene using random lines of dialogue provided by the audience.

“The improv that goes on is you come on stage with no idea what you’re going to do.

At all. The audience’s suggestions usually inspire something... We might interview an audience member and pull some inspiration,” Soska said.

The theater offers weekly shows and theater courses designed to train actors to audition for the Just the Funny cast.

These seven week courses, ranging from basic scene work to performance level improvisation, run from 7:30 to 10 p.m. weeknights, excluding Wednesday and Friday.

“A lot of the people in the cast, we were in the classes together… It’s really a fun, inclusive environment,” Soska said.

Never failing to make captivate an audience, Just the Funny is sure to cause tears of hilarity and laughter-induced stomach aches.

sometimes increases the possibility of being seated right away. Menus are already set at the table, so the customer can simply sit and order right away. After a short wait of 10-15 minutes, the waiter arrives at the table with large portions of food for every plate, and as customers eat Latin music can be heard playing throughout the restaurant.

After the founders arrived from Cuba in 1992, Polo Norte started as a “heladeria” or ice cream parlor in Miami, making a name for themselves through their ice cream. They offer an assortment of dishes that include ice cream, such as their specialty ice cream “Ensalada,” five large scoops of ice cream.

Along with these, the most popular items on the menu are the Cuban pizzas. They offer the traditional options of cheese or pepperoni, but also offer their own pizzas, such as “langosta” or lobster and “Mixta” which is a pizza that includes all toppings. Some of the homemade ice cream flavors include strawberry, mango, and coconut almond.

All five locations are open on Tuesdays to Thursdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight. The restaurant also delivers to homes around the area for a $2 delivery fee.

Gelato in the Grove Olivia Field/highlights

Indistinguishable among the collection of businesses located on Coral Way, Just the Funny’s bland exterior is in no way as lively or distinct as the improvisation and sketch comedy that takes place on the theater’s quaint stage.A popular Miami improv club, Just the Funny is known for its animated interaction with the audience and hilarious improvisation comedy.

“Usually the ideas from me just come from…thinking, ‘what if I was a person who grew up in a family of beavers? What would that be like? What would I want to do? And play that as real as possible. Take something completely absurd, one little thing, and make that real. And that’s what’s fun about it,” director and cast member Kasey Soska said.

The cast’s devotion to providing the public with good-hearted humor is evident since none of the actors recives a salary.

All of the money generated by the theater through ticket sales, classes, and rentals goes directly towards funding the theater.

Shows are performed every Friday and Saturday night at 9 p.m., and last 90 minutes.

The small entrance fee of $12 ($10 online) is no large price to pay for the quality of entertainment given at the theater.

“The cast interacting with the audience made a better show because... the audience gets to give their own opinions and their own creative ideas to the show and see how it develops and translate it into [the

When walking into Polo Norte, customers are greeted with red booths and signs that show off Cuban culture, like a green sign that reads “Havana” and has a map of Cuba in gigantic block letters.

Priding itself in its heritage, Polo Norte offers authentic Cuban food made from family recipes with fresh ingredients.

Most known for its famous Cuban pizzas and ice creams, Polo Norte can be found in five South Florida locations: South Beach, Kendall, Sweetwater, Hialeah and Palm Springs.

Cuban pizza may seem like American pizza at first sight, but there are multiple differences. In a Cuban pizza, the dough is thicker and contains a specially made sauce.

Along with this, double the cheese is used and toppings are baked into the pizza, rather than being sprinkled on top.

The toppings at Polo Norte include shrimp, fried green plantains, lobster or picadillo. Polo Norte offers both full sized pizzas with eight slices and personal pizzas with four slices.

The restaurant is usually bustling with people, which occasionally causes a wait time. Some locations are larger than others and may contain outdoor seating, which

ORIGINALLY ORGANIC: Including three scoops of any gelato flavor and a shot of espresso, the “Affogato al Cafe” is a featured item on Bianco Gelato’s menu.

By Olivia Field STAFF WRITER

Bianco Gelato’s slogan reads: “Made with love, not chemicals.” This holds true for the newly opened café, which scoops up natural and organic gelato daily and pairs it with freshly brewed coffee and baked treats.

Located at 3137 Commodore Plaza in Coconut Grove, Bianco incorporates healthy ingredients and organic non-GMOs into their recipes. Their gelato is made with agave or sugar cane, enriched whole milk, coconut meat, nuts and fruits. With less than 8 percent fat and no hydrogenated fats, the flavors, which change monthly, range from guava with cream cheese to açaí and “Nocciola,” or hazelnut. This creamy concoction is also available in Popsicle form, which includes the current gelato flavors and other innovative tastes, one of them being the “Peanut Butter with Salted Caramel.” “Slim,” vegan options also sit alongside the milk gelatos and are made with almond milk and Stevia, like the “Nutella and Banana.” Other vegan options include their “Granitas,” which are made of shaved ice and come in flavors like pineapple and mint or mandarin and lemon.

“It’s all organic and gluten free and we keep out all the antibiotics and preservatives. People come asking specifically for the dairy free and vegan options,” manager Christopher Gonzalez said.

Alongside the innovative gelatos, Bianco’s modern interior is complimented by brightly colored chalkboards and various water color installments that display different menu items, like the “Affogato al Caffe,” which is three scoops of gelato with a shot of espresso poured on top. The clean white walls of the space actually embody the name of the store, as the Italian word “bianco” translates to white.

This gelato shop takes inspiration from one end of the earth to the other, but in particular, from the cultural hearths of Brazil and Italy. Owner Federico Di Franco was born into the gelato business in his home town of Milan, which is also the location of the first Bianco shop. His next destination was Brazil, where he opened another café and met his wife. Both locations’ atmospheres and ideas are heavily incorporated into the gelato flavors, like avocado with caramelized nuts and pear with gorgonzola cheese. “[Franco] lived in California for a while, but there was something about Miami that he liked; he liked the idea of the place. Then, he picked Coconut Grove because he thought it was a very nice neighborhood and that his gelato place would fit the environment perfectly,” Gonzalez said.

With his dedication to organic ingredients and unusually delicious flavors, Franco said he is already considering spreading his culture and mindset through more Bianco Gelato locations in the greater Miami area.

highlights December 2014

By Laura Acosta

Start

THE SCENE EDITOR

Are you going out to eat for...

KIDS’ CAMPS

With an endless amount of restaurants, cafes, and markets all around Miami, deciding on a place to eat can sometimes be a nearly impossible task. Follow this flow chart to quickly find a place for a quick snack or a full meal at a great restaurant.

WALKING TOURS

SPECIAL EVENTS

Let highlights pick the place to eat

BIKE TOURS

CONCERTS

EXHIBITS

WINE TASTINGS GALLERY NIGHTS 305.603.8067

lunch

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Pancakes or bagels?

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12/8/14 12:36 PM

Do you want to go somewhere nice, or do you just want a lot of food?

breakfast

dinner

19

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somewhere nice

www.acupuncturesofla.com

Bread+Butter, right off the Mile.

pancakes bagels S&S diner on Bird Road, just blocks away from the school. of course not

Burger & Beer Joint in Mary Brickell Village.

yes

A date, or a tourist who thinks Miami is cool?

so

The Bagel Emporium on US1.

fitcamp Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30 p.m. at Body Image

808 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL, 33134

DARAB El Palacio de los Jugos. Make your stomach happy.

a tourist

a date

Lulu in Wynwood.

much food

FREE

Just take them to Versailles. They’ll be excited.

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the scene

highlights December 2014

20

PADDLing to paradise: Miami's hidden wonders

By Natalie Viglucci STAFF WRITER

While paddling along the shoreline of Biscayne Bay, you will probably expect to see fish or a pelican, but instead you find yourself in a shaded cove, surrounded by mangrove trees with a huge four story structure coming up from the water. This is one of the various treehouses in Miami that you can reach only by boat.

Steps rising from the water lead up to a wooden platform coated in streaks of black spray paint.

Colorful jars filled with candles hang from strings, and a swing made from rope and a plank of wood sway from the branches.

Near the back of the platform, a ladder leads to the second level of the treehouse, a cozy area, where two red hammocks lay next to each other, giving off the feeling of a bungalow on the beach.

Two planks of wood nailed into the tree act as steps that lead to the third level, another wooden platform where you can see the sun peeking through the mangroves, and where various painted signs

hang. Just when it seems that this unique structure is complete, a flash of color catches your eye.

Wooden planks painted blue are precariously nailed into the trunk and lead up to the fourth and last level of the treehouse: a square of green netting at the very top of the tree, where one can lie and look out at the ocean, or look down at the water surrounding the house.

The sound of the wind in the leaves and the buzzing of mosquitoes are all that is heard, and the smell of the salt water and the beach fill the air, and the leaves of the mangroves block out the harsk rays of the sun from the calm and peaceful area.

The treehouse is located off of Matheson Hammock park, which is where to go to launch your kayak, paddleboard or boat. Once on the water, head south along the mangroves towards Snapper Creek, and keep an eye out for a wooden structure, hidden among the plant life.

Natalie Viglucci/highlights HIDDEN OASIS: Nestled within the mangroves along the shore of Biscayne Bay lies this treehouse, anonymously created and added to, which can only be accessible by paddleboard, kayak, or small boat. There are no set directions to the spot, as its location is only spread through word of mouth.

Vegetable medley

By Araceli Sanchez STAFF WRITER

Many Miami city-dwellers do not have the opportunity to realize the satisfaction of cultivating their own herbs, produce, and other edible greens in a garden built with their own hands. Unfortunately, most people do not even have the tools or means to build a garden in a place they can easily access every day.

Fortunately, South-Floridians in search of the freshest and purest produce can go to community gardens scattered across Miami in order to get their organic and locally grown food fix. These gardens also provide an opportunity to volunteer to improve the lives of people who would otherwise not have access to fresh organic fruits and vegetables.

Verde Community Farm Located in Homestead, Verde Community Farm is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved organic garden that strives to break down the barrier between a community and its food. The mission of the Verde Community Farm is to provide fresh produce to the Verde Gardens Community Housing Project, and also to provide employment and educational outreach to its members.

Their harvest includes carrots, lettuce, kale, broccoli, tomatoes, herbs, and bananas.

The farm gives anyone that wants to volunteer the chance to commit to something good for the community. For more information or to fill out the volunteer application for the 2014-15 growing season visit their website or email verdefarm@ urbanoasisproject.com Little Haiti Community Garden For people not able to drive out to Homestead, Little Haiti Community Garden holds its rightful place closer to the urban center as a one-third-of-an-acrevacant-lot-turned-bountiful-farm. From okra to melons and all kinds of fruits and vegetables, this garden does not lack in the diversity of its plants. To be planted in this plot, seeds must be organic and the fruits must be in season. With over 100 volunteers, the founders attempt to transform the Little Haiti community into a better place to live and eat. These collaborative efforts guarantee that some local restaurants can serve freshly picked salads and some Miami residents can enjoy organic fruits and vegetables at regional farmer’s markets.

Archery in the everglades

By Rachel Ellis STAFF WRITER

Located on 18 acres of land in Homestead, Florida, The Everglades Archery Club is a family oriented, private club that promotes the sport of archery to beginning and experienced shooters of all ages. The club opened over 50 years ago with the purpose of providing a safe, designated area for archery recreation and target practicing.

The club is a part of the National Field Archery Association (NFAA), which mandates the rules for archery shooting competition. There are elaborate rules and regulations that must be followed in order to continue to maintain archery membership, due to safety regulations for the well being of the shooters.

“One lesson is all it takes to learn the sport of archery. Here at the Everglades Archery Club, we teach Olympic style archery that becomes a part of so many people’s lives. Once you start learning the sport, you don’t stop,” Everglades Archery Club President John Luadicina said.

In order to have access to the

archery range, a membership through the club must be purchased. Each club member receives a key to the gate of the range and has open access to the range at all times, to practice new and old skills. While some club members compete in archery tournaments, others either participate in the sport of archery for recreational purposes or in preparation for hunting season.

Culinary Arts teacher, Mercy Vera, is a member of the club and practices at the range regularly.

“I got into it because I’m an outdoors person and I was always an Indian instead of a cowboy as a kid. I’ve been shooting for about two years now and I love it,” Vera said.

Prices vary by the amount of people registered per given group and whether you are a member, but novice shooters can schedule private or group lessons before becoming a member.