Issue 2, Vol. 65

Generations of Gables:

editorial board

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

Copy Editor

Business Manager

Social Media Manager Adviser

Features News Opinion Sports

The Scene Insight Online

Julia Volman

Hazel Grosell

Nathalie Schwart

William Hardie

Anaïs Jamali

Melissa Gonzalez

Arwen Law

Lily Goron

Alicia Fajardo

Olivia Simon

Emilia Kohnstamm

Alyssa Dopico

Isabela Duarte

staff writers

Audrey Schwart

Bridget Lopez

Chyler Campbell

Ciara Burton

Ella Levin

Genesis Barahona

Hailey Martinez

Juan Chavez

Lily-Jade Lecoultre

Milegny Salas

Maria Ardila

Natalia Quick

Paloma Morales

Samantha Sears

Cavaleon

Stacy Urbina Flickr

Alejandro Garcia Picryl

Rochelle Lopez

Florida Memory

Dali Restaurant

Adam Mendler

contributors publication policy

highlights is the official student-produced news magazine 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 on 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 by 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 the student staff members only. highlights welcomes reader feedback. All letters should be addressed to highlightscghs@gmail.com with the subject line “Letter to the Editor.” highlights reserves the right to publish any letter sent.

Mids Market offers a selection of vinyls along with their second hand clothing that visitors can listen to while shopping.

Reminiscing on Gables’ iconic history as its 75th

approaches What is your opinion? Tell us your point of view on a topic published in highlights by sending us an email addressed to highlightscghs@ gmail.com titled “Letter to the Editor.” We reserve the right to publish any letters sent.

closing out 2024

CHECKMATE: Sophomores Yuval Levin and Ricardo Bonilla demonstrate what the Chess Club has to offer by engaging in a match at the annual club fair.

FUN AND GAMES: During the Red Out Pep Rally, seniors Nicolas Delgado and Sebastian Druck demonstrate how to play Hungry Hungry Hippos.

COLLEGE PREP: A University of Alabama representative, Casie Tate, speaks to a group of upperclassmen about what the college offers.

SPIRITED SQUAD: Senior Emma Rivera, senior Melissa Hernandez and junior Serafina Baraloto cheer at the Pink Pep Rally for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I from the managing editor

F IT HAD TO BE CONDENSED INTO a single color, the Cavalier spirit would be red. It would be the same hue as the paint students flaunt on their faces at pep rallies, the iconic metal gates at the front of campus and the vibrant gloves of our mascot.

To me, red denotes courage, passion and vigor; in my opinion, the Cavalier spirit also boasts these virtues. These qualities are evident in each individual, past, present or future, who has walked the Gables halls, be they alumni, students or faculty. For decades to come, I am confident that incoming Cavaliers will uphold this nature and liveliness. Between a student’s first time stumbling over our alma mater and their last time bellowing the phrase “Coral Gables, hail,” the Cavalier spirit will unarguably take root and grow.

As an upperclassman at Gables, I can attest to the heart-like nature of our campus. Each year bright red senior students rush into their future, leaving behind high school but carrying with them experiences and lessons that will forever tint their lives. Simultaneously, new bright-eyed freshmen start their first year here, and by now, deep into the first semester, they boast a subtle red flush. You can hear their Cavalier spirit during football games and see it on Fridays when everyone abandons their polos for vibrant spirit shirts.

A popular metaphor for a formidable and eternal connection between people is an invisible string, and, according to East Asian mythology, this string is red also. Although the Cavalier spirit that binds every Gables kid may be invisible, I see it when my teachers are visited by students they had years ago. In fact,

the crimson string is almost blinding. These vibrant interactions show me that the Gables spirit has built a diverse network of people, joined together by their unique experiences as Cavaliers.

It’s Gables’ 75th Anniversary this year, and I can’t help but be in awe of the generational nature of our Cavalier spirit. Whether you’re an alumnus, teacher or student, the invisible web holding us all together, that thrives from our unabashed Gables pride, is maintained by you.

h

Sincerely,

Hazel Grosell Managing Editor

Anaïs Jamali/highlights

Anaïs Jamali/highlights

Natalia Quick/highlights

Maria Ardila/highlights

A Cavalier legend

Approaching retirement, former Gables teacher

Blackmon reflects on his journey

BY NATALIA QUICK, STAFF WRITER

THROUGHOUT HIS TIME AS a student and teacher at Gables, Daniel Blackmon left a significant impact on the school, guiding both faculty and students toward success. Within Gables, Blackmon was a remarkable teacher who taught his classes with pride. Not only did he play a memorable part in shaping Gables into what it is today, he assumed a key role in expanding the opportunities for his former Gables students.

Blackmon’s love for Gables began when he was a student at the school in 1966. As a Cavalier, Blackmon demonstrated his school spirit by being part of Interact, a community service club at Gables, and becoming a football trainer for the school’s state and national championship team. Before working as a teacher in 1977, Blackmon graduated with a degree in English Literature and European Background at Princeton University and studied German literature in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. During his time away from Gables, Blackmon started to consider returning to the school as a teacher.

“I always thought that the ideal job for me would be to come back and teach at Gables,” Blackmon said. “I identified myself very strongly with Gables.”

Finding his way back, Blackmon became an IB history teacher and a teacher for the Gables German program. He demonstrated intense passion when teaching, which kept students engaged, developing their enthusiasm to learn.

HALLTALK

The highlights staff records what students are talking about in the halls.

“Blackmon was the most intelligent history teacher and lecturer I had up to that point,” social studies teacher Aaron Miller said. “He is probably a big reason why I ended up liking history and doing what I do.”

Blackmon’s love for the Gables

MOTIVATING MENTOR:

Daniel Blackmon assists former Gables student Joana Huaman with her Extended Essay.

environment led him to remain a teacher at Gables for 39 years. Unfortunately, due to policy changes and interest rates in 2016, Blackmon had to retire from Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

“I swear air is my enemy because I keep tripping over it.”

“I might be vertically challenged, but it comes with a few perks.”

“At this point, you should just marry Google.”

Daniel

Although Blackmon is no longer a teacher at Gables, he touched the hearts of the many students and teachers he interacted with. During his time at Gables, Blackmon’s contributions extended beyond the classroom as he inspired many of his students to become teachers as well. One of his former students, Oscar de Armas, presently the IB history teacher at Gables, was given the opportunity to return to Gables and teach the same subject that Blackmon had once taught.

“Thank you [Blackmon] for passing the torch,” de Armas said. “I’m honored you trust me to continue what you did.”

Although leaving Gables was one of the most challenging decisions in Blackmon’s life, it did not extinguish his love for teaching. Following his departure from Gables, Blackmon began a new career at Doral Academy Preparatory School, forming their IB program.

“I helped create the IB program at Gables, and now I’ll get to create a new IB program at a second school,” Blackmon said.

As he approaches the milestone of his 50th year of teaching, Blackmon has begun to ponder the next chapter of his life, reflecting on how having held the title of a Cavalier, both as a student and teacher, has positively impacted his life.

The legacy of his inspirational and committed personality remains alive within the halls of Gables, ensuring that Blackmon’s influence will be felt for generations to come.

“Our shared brain cell is being put in foster care.”

“I wish I could Ctrl-Z that conversation.”

“If you’re not listening to the 1998 Mulan Soundtrack as study music, what are you doing?”

Courtesy of Cavaleon

Gables by the numbers highlights compiled information about Gables to demonstrate all that the Cavalier community has to offer

COMPILED BY WILLIAM HARDIE, BUSINESS MANAGER, AND ARWEN LAW, FEATURES EDITOR

7 Academies at Gables

A rated school CORAL GABLES

HIGH S C HOOL

#130 State ranking

Campus connections

A

variety of new clubs are emerging at Gables,

offering fresh opportunities for student involvement

BY ISABELA DUARTE, ONLINE EDITOR

EXTRACURRICULAR

activities have always been a great way for students to discover and explore their passions. These organizations improve leadership skills, offer students opportunities to engage in their community and connect peers with similar

interests. Extracurricular activities create a diverse landscape that is crucial for students’ high school experience.

With over 35 clubs, including multiple service-based groups such as Interact and Key Club, Gables is an epicenter of student involvement. This year, five new clubs were

introduced: Green Gables, TV Broadcast, Creative Writing, College-Bound Cavs and Computer Science. These new clubs hope to garner interest among the student body, offering additional communities for them to discover and develop their passions.

GREEN GABLES

Previously, Gables Earth was the resident climate-advocacy club on campus. However, last year, it morphed into the present-day Gables Wellness after the sponsor Elizabeth Kiely decided to reorient the club’s focus. This year, French teacher Florence Rouit revived Gables Earth’s mission, adding a unique spin to it and instating Green Gables. Her goal is to foster environmental awareness across the entire school, cultivating advocacy among students. Green Gables is an outlet for Rouit’s passion for climate initiatives. Club officers aim to create a space that improves the campus, students’ understanding of sustainability and the environment. Interested Gables students meet on the second Wednesday of every month in room 9209 to engage in activities that benefit the environment.

“I know a lot of students care about the environment in school and wish they could do more, so I chose to give the club a new pulse,” Rouit said.

CREATIVE WRITING

Originally established in 2017, the Creative Writing club returned from its seven-year hiatus this year with a compelling vision to provide students with a creative outlet. Serving as an extension of Catharsis, the school’s literary magazine, the club is open to all students, particularly those who experienced scheduling conflicts and could not join the publication’s staff. Additionally, the club helps members publish in Catharsis, where they can receive regional recognition for their writing. Sponsor Dennisse Silveira applies her experience as a creative writing teacher to mentor club members alongside her officers. Silveira has organized multiple activities including field trips, FSPA competitions and community service opportunities. Members of the Creative Writing club meet on the third Friday of every month.

“We hope members can let their creativity out and explore new ways to develop their writing skills while participating in activities they will all enjoy,” president Ana Betancourt said.

IsabelaDuarte/highlights IsabelaDuarte/highlights

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Despite widespread interest in computer science, Gables previously lacked a dedicated club for those passionate in the field. This new club offers guidance in coding and tutoring alongside opportunities such as internships in the field and computer science tournaments.

The Computer Science Club emphasizes collaborative projects where members can learn and socialize among peers with similar interests in club meetings every second Tuesday of the month in room 6218. The progress and success of club members within the technological field are the main focuses of the Computer Science Club. Whether students are interested in polishing their computer skills or are starting from ground zero, this club creates an environment for students to explore computer science.

“Computer science is one of the fastest growing fields right now, yet there are several barriers for people to join,” club sponsor Jolice Lewis said. “My club provides a space for everyone, so that they can learn, contribute and be a part of the modern world.”

Broadcast

Bursting with ideas and innovative content to launch each Cavalier morning, Gables Live is a publication at Gables focused on expanding its members’ audiovisual knowledge. The new Broadcast Club is an affiliate of Gables Live that gives students an additional space to explore their multi-media interests and passion. This organization meets on the third Thursday of every month in room 9227.

The club is beginning the year with exciting activities such as raffles to give back to students, ultimately fostering a greater sense of community through student engagement. In addition to providing students with equipment, such as cameras and tripods, to assist them in honing their skills, the Broadcast Club creates a collaborative zone on campus where students can foster a greater connection with their peers and develop their passion.

“I plan to adapt to what students show the most interest in,” club sponsor Natalie Abrahantes said. “If they want to learn more about video editing rather than filming, for example, we can tailor workshops to reflect those needs.”

COLLEGE-BOUND CAVS

In their final year of high school, the college application process may seem daunting and demanding to students. College-Bound Cavs provides an additional resource to students completing college applications. Alongside Gables’ College Assistance Program advisor and club sponsor, Sofia Sanz, club board members hope to promote college readiness among students of all grade levels through engaging activities and informational social media posts.

Participating in the club allows students to ask and receive answers to their questions from peers. The club also offers students the opportunity to broaden their insight into the college application process through guest speakers and trivia games. By meeting every second Tuesday of the month in room 6111, students learn to make the most of their college-readiness resources, such as college visits and the College Fair.

“Our club provides a needed space for students because it creates a low-pressure environment for students to have fun while learning about college,” Sanz said. h

GABLES NEWS IN BRIEF

BY ALYSSA DOPICO, INSIGHT EDITOR

FLORIDA COLLEGE RANKINGS

In a new ranking of U.S. universities, Florida institutions received high placements nationally. According to the Wall Street Journal’s America’s Best Colleges 2025 ranking, FIU has earned the No. 1 spot in Florida in two national placements, the highest score among all Florida universities. The University has improved its performance by ranking No. 6 among all universities, public or private, in social mobility and ranking No. 3 in overall student experience. These rankings show drastic improvement compared to its previous placement as No. 29 and No. 10 respectively.

“I think FIU got such a high ranking because of its supportive community and exceptional engineering program,” senior Edgar Dominguez said.

PTSA GREEN TEAM

In July 2024, Gables received a Gold Apple Designation by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as a result of the PTSA Green Team’s dedicated efforts.

“Advocating for green initiatives can strengthen community ties,” PTSA Committee chair Anita Chevalier said. “As families, our school and our city come together to support environmental efforts, creating a sense of collective purpose.”

Continuing to support environmentally-friendly activities for the 2024-2025 school year, the PTSA Green Team’s Green Action plan includes upholding recycling initiatives on campus. These eco-friendly implementations include composting in the school cafeteria and hosting a green week in April 2025.

LITTLE GABLES ANNEXATION

In a recent decisive outcome, Coral Gables declined the annexation, the process of bringing property into a city’s limits, of Little Gables. Voters declined the annexation of the area due to concerns about the economic viability and the possibility of losing money for the city during the first several years of the suggested plan. In contrast, those in support of the annexation believed that annexing Little Gables could boost tax revenue and help fund public services and infrastructure improvements, according to the Miami Herald.

“Instead of separating Little Gables from Coral Gables, we should all come together as one community instead of introducing new boundaries,” sophomore Ava Warner said. h h h

Congrats Cavs!

Congratulations to sophomore Victoria Fuller for becoming an ambassador of the Lucy Project, as well as being the designer for the charity’s logo. This organization focuses on providing resources to underprivileged children and families, and full access to reading intervention programs. In addition, the Lucy Project raised more than $4 million for illiterate kids.

The Gables varsity football team walks across the field after a game against Palmetto at Tropical Park, which ended in a score of 0-35.

Natalia Quick/highlights

Invasive species in Florida

Florida ecosystems are vulnerable to invasive species, encouraging hunting challenges to reduce their populations

BY ANAЇS JAMALI, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

LATELY, FLORIDA HAS FACED an environmental challenge due to an influx of invasive species. The state is exposed to these organisms due to its international ports, prevalence of exotic animal pet trading and subtropical hospitable climate. Invasive species, or nonnative organisms whose introduction causes harm to the environment, greatly disturb the ecosystem’s natural balance.

In recent years, Floridian communities have come together for unique annual challenges aimed at hunting specific wildlife to control the spread of invasive species. Offering prizes to individuals who catch the most non-native animals during these competitions encourages Floridians to take part in these hunting challenges.

Some well-known events include the Lionfish Challenge 2024 and the Florida Python Challenge 2024, which are both organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

According to The Nature Conservancy, Florida is the state with the most invasive species, harboring non-native animals such as pythons, toads, iguanas, plants and fish. These populations have drastically grown, damaging Florida’s ecosystems by outcompeting native wildlife.

“As an avid recreational python hunter, I’ve spent most of my free time in the Everglades hunting those snakes and learning everything there is to know about them,” python hunter Axel Pace said. “And I’ve

become painfully aware of the damage they do to the environment which just pushes me to go out there more often.”

Lionfish and pythons endanger Florida’s natural ecosystem. Lionfish are predatory reef

“

In areas such as the Everglades and beaches, organisms can grow unchecked for years giving invasive species time to affect the entire food web.

Eric Molina, biology teacher

fish that reduce the native fish population by targeting herbivorous fish that eat algae. This causes algae to overgrow on reefs, diminishing habitats of other vital organisms.

Similarly, pythons established a breeding population in south Florida and compete with native wildlife for resources, causing a severe decline in native populations.

“In areas such as the Everglades and

beaches, organisms can grow unchecked for years giving invasive species time to affect the entire food web,” biology teacher Eric Molina said.

The Lionfish 2024 Challenge ran from May 24, 2022, to Sep. 2, 2024. Throughout the challenge, eligible recreational and commercial divers harvested lionfish and received rewards for their efforts, the largest of theses prizes being $10,000. According to a press release from the FWC, 31,773 invasive lionfish were removed from Florida waters by only 285 divers. Prizes were awarded to participants depending on the number of lionfish caught.

Another notable hunting challenge is the Florida Python Challenge, which occurred over a 10-day period from Aug. 9 to 18, 2024. This challenge specifically targeted burmese pythons in the Everglades. This year, participants were able to remove 193 pythons from the environment.

“I’m surprised that I’ve only recently realized that there are hunting challenges where Floridians can get involved in conserving the native ecosystems,” senior Angelina Morffi said. “I definitely think that these challenges will grow and slowly reinforce some damaged environments.”

Florida’s ongoing fight against the spread of invasive species showcases the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. These challenges give the community opportunities to receive compensation while contributing to environmental conservation.

42% 33% 70% of current native species are impacted by invasive species.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

of invasive species in Florida account for the state’s total biomass.

Source: University of Florida

of native aquatic species are going extinct this century due to invasive species.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

MDCPS new security system

Miami-Dade County is considering AI, among other solutions, to enhance safety on campuses district-wide

BY NATHALIE SCHWART, COPY EDITOR

ER THE GUN VIOLENCE

Archive, 946 teens ages 12 to 17 in the U.S. have passed away due to gun violence in 2024 thus far. As shootings and violent incidents continue to occur in schools across the country, MiamiDade County is looking into various measures to keep students, teachers and staff members safe.

A new Florida state law, House Bill 1473: School Safety, which was put into effect on July 1, 2024, requires that all schools in the state keep classroom doors locked at all times and clearly mark the safest area within each classroom. These mandates were put in place as a way to lessen the impact that violent attacks have on schools across the state.

Additionally, following in the footsteps of Broward County, MDCPS began installing metal detectors in classrooms or at entrances of select schools. Although this initiative is merely a pilot project, it has the potential to significantly impact school safety. If successful, the program will be expanded to additional school sites.

Another screening option under consideration is the use of an artificial intelligence weapon detection program. The new system would implement AI softwares at schools across the district as a way to ensure the safety of students. This security measure could create a safer school environment, with less disruption of the school day due to time-consuming

students

searches or scans.

The ZeroEyes AI program connects to existing security cameras and monitors installed at schools across the district.

“I think [ZeroEyes’ weapon detection software] would be super beneficial to the school and the community,” freshman Stephanie Gregg said. “It would be really great to see AI being used for a good reason.”

The AI software was created by the company ZeroEyes. Following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018, the company was founded to build technology that would keep public spaces

DID YOU KNOW?

Source: World Population Review

speak up

Honestly, I would still be scared regardless of an AI or anything like that trying to lessen the impact of gun violence and its occurance.

protected from potential gun violence.

“I believe that [using ZeroEyes’ weapon detection software] would be a huge benefit to not only the school but also the officers that are around the area to prevent these weapons from coming to campus,” Gables resource officer Kyle Gerdts said. “Technology is advancing for the good, so if this new program were to be put in place, I would be a fan.”

As per CBS, due to the expensive price tag on ZeroEyes — $5 million for five years of protection, with an additional $17 million for staffing — some believe that the money would be better spent in other domains, such as sports or the arts.

“[ZeroEyes weapon detection software] would not be an invasion of privacy because they would only scan the bag, not go through the specific things in the bag,” Chief Police Explorer and junior Lyz Lopez said. “Kids are the future, so we may as well keep them safe.”

The implementation of new safety measures in schools demonstrates a step toward addressing concerns relating to gun violence. These new plans exemplify that when government, school districts and private companies seek innovative solutions to addressing gun violence in schools progress can be made. ZeroEyes was founded as a way to protect students from dangerous situations and the growing threat of mass shootings, and is solidifying its place in the world of security.

Work hours expanded for minors

Florida legislators enact a new bill that eases work restrictions on underage employees

BY HAILEY MARTINEZ, STAFF WRITER

THE NEWLY IMPLEMENTED House Bill 49, relaxes limitations on work hours for underage employees, causing some concerns for those affected. Citizens are questioning whether the risks to their health, safety and education are worth the longer shifts.

HB 49 went into effect July 1, 2024, and will allow parents, guardians or superintendents to waive the 30-hour work week limitation for 16 and 17-year-olds, letting them work more than eight hours on school nights. This allows teenagers the opportunity to have more control over their schedules. Minors that work eight hours a day will also be allocated a 30-minute break after four hours.

“It’s a little bit disappointing seeing as the laws for shorter hours were put in place for a reason,” junior Sara Gomez said. “Schools are more rigorous now; there’s no reason for the work-life of a student to be the same.”

by causing mental illness or leading to a deterioration in social skills, according to the National Education Association.

“It won’t really affect your education because you’re choosing to work for the most part,” junior Santiago Paguaga said. “If you choose the extra hours and see a decline in your grades you should drop the hours and focus on school more.”

These worries for teenagers have made the legislation quite controversial. As a result, petitions have popped up in opposition to the bill. One of these petitions, “Don’t Weaken Florida’s Child Labor Laws”, has reached over 2,500 signatures.

However, with the need to obtain permission from the teens’ guardians or superintendent, teenager’s autonomy and personal choice is not absolute.

22.5% of high school students were employed in Florida in October 2023.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Sara Gomez, junior “

It’s a little bit disappointing seeing as the laws for shorter hours were put in place for a reason.

While this new bill is well-intended, it may cause unforeseen side effects. According to Walden University, as students begin to work longer hours, their grades may drop, and the longer hours may cause harm to physical and mental health. Students who work more than 20 hours a week suffer from reduced academic performance and the added stress of holding a job, which may have detrimental effects on their well-being.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, overworking can lead to higher cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. An increase in this hormone can cause brain fog, high blood pressure and other health issues. Working long hours as well as being a full time student can be a lot to put on a teenager.

With added responsibilities, teenagers seem to have less time for extracurriculars and social activities. Over time, this begins to have negative effects on their mental health

This new bill also provides an opportunity for lower-income families to supplement their earnings and allow students to save money for their futures. Additionally, it gives minors the chance to learn about responsibility and the value of money. According to the Raising Children Network, increasing responsibility is an important step in young adulthood.

“I think the new bill is both good and bad. It allows children to make more money and subsidize their parent’s income if they have a low-paying job or come from a poor background,” sophomore Nathaniel Woods said.

There are many pros and cons to the House Bill 49. However, this could apply to any newly introduced legislation. Floridian students have to wait and see how this new piece of the puzzle will affect the state they call home.

45% of high school students report they feel overwhelmed about their tasks.

Source: Cross River Therapy of high school students have a job for at least a portion of the year.

30%

Source: Walden University

Third spaces disturbed

Precious third spaces have been disturbed in recent years with the shopping, as well as the urbanization of state parks

Written by staff writer Samantha Sears.

THIRD SPACES ARE AN ever-present aspect of one’s social life. Ranging from study spots like the Coral Gables Library to relaxing storefronts like Barnes and Noble, third spaces are locations outside of one’s home, which is denoted a first space, and one’s school or workplace, also known as a second space.

Third spaces include malls, restaurants, parks and other green spaces. Common third spaces frequented by Gables students include Merrick Park, Miracle Mile, Dolphin Mall, CocoWalk and Sunset Place.

Recently, Sunset Place was threatened as a third space as it was purchased by real estate developer Alex Vadia in 2020, as per the Miami Herald. Vadia has plans to transform the once bustling shopping center, which served as a social space for teens, into housing with apartments available to buy and rent, as well as a hotel for tourists. This pipeline from social haven to housing is becoming increasingly common, with many other stores that have lost business to online shopping meeting the same fate.

The City of South Miami ordered thhe

This article reflects the opinions of the highlights 2024-2025 staff.

demolition of Sunset Place, a shopping mall home to classics such as AMC Theaters and GameTime, as per the Miami Herald. This has come as a shock to the many who considered it the ideal spot to kick back and watch a movie or play a few arcade games. With plans to turn it into multiple residential buildings, locals worry that their neigbhorhood may be losing its charm.

With the demolition of Sunset Place, the Gables community would also lose Tea and Poets which is a tea house that often hosts small local artists, bands and poets, allowing them to express their ideas and showcase their work.

Many local artists thrive in the otherwise eerily quiet Sunset Place because of Tea and Poets open mic nights, which draw patrons to the establishment to enjoy performances from up--and-coming artists, musicians, poets and comedians. Bands such as Strictly Monkey Business, Vertigo and Forthwall, among others, debuted at Tea and Poets and frequently attend open mic nights.

While it may not be the first thing expected when hearing the phrase third spaces, the COVID-19 pandemic had a large impact on the social aspect of students’ lives. Students did not have access to third spaces as they were required to stay within the

confine of their homes. The COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to the rise of online shopping as the population was subjected to a nationwide quarantine, with students learning through Zoom and adults working from home, that restricted their access to brickand-mortar-shops. Online shopping remains popular due to its convenience, which has led to the fall of many shops within malls such as Sunset Place, further contributing to the threat third spaces are under.

The rise in online shopping intersected with the increase in social media use, leading to the commercialization of online platforms, like the newly unveiled TikTok shop, which threatened third spaces further. As more people spent increasing amounts of time online, the appeal of convenient and easily accessible digital platforms grew. The 2022 Annual Retail Trade Survey conducted by the United States Census Bureau revealed that e-commerce sales increased by 43% in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated the shift toward society’s overuse of social media platforms, leading to a decline in physical social interaction. In a survey conducted by the University of West Florida, it was concluded that up to 74% of

50% of public spaces have been replaced by commercial properties

25%

Source: NBC6 of people in Miami-Dade County have access to a public park.

Source: The Miami Herald

the demolition of malls due to online

small businesses had to shut down during the pandemic. Even as the pandemic eased, online platforms continued to thrive, while many small businesses struggled to compete. According to the findings of Priority 5, Action 3 of the Thrive305 post-pandemic action plan, rising costs in Miami-Dade have forced some businesses to operate from home, blurring the lines between personal and professional spaces, further decreasing the amount of social interaction one recieves daily.

Due to the combined effects of increased social media use and online consumerism, the interactions fostered by in-person shopping has been reduced. This dehumanization of the shopping process limits society’s ability to transition back to daily social interaction, which is the leading purpose of third spaces.

“If you go back to the 80s, to the malls when I was in high school, I don’t think that malls have been relevant in the last 20 years,” psychology teacher Scott Nelson said. “My third space would have been soccer but I think that’s starting to change.”

pressure and stress levels.

“It’s impacted my life,” senior Dimitra Boutsis said. “In some ways, simply because I connect with nature. In others, because it recharges my battery and makes me happy.”

State parks are integral to people of all ages, not just teens as their minds develop. They serve as a place to relax in nature with friends and family or even alone. A new law revealed on Aug. 20 by the Tampa Bay Times, known as the “Great Outdoors Initiative” aims to put natural green spaces at risk by replacing them with golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts, according to NBC Miami. The loss of these spaces will hinder students’ access to nature and the hiking trails that reside within these parks. While this bill will create more hotels and recreational areas, it will reduce the acreage of forestry in these parks, impacting the amount of nature that students and residents will have access to when looking to decompress.

I f you go back to the 80s to the malls when I was in high school, I don’t think that malls have been relevant in the last 20 years. My third space would have been soccer, but I think that’s starting to change.

Outdoor third spaces such as state parks have also come under siege as of late. Locations with access to nature often serve as a place for people to decompress from the stresses of life with a variety of activities such as hiking, swimming, geocaching and camping. With all the stressors that students endure from academic responsibilites, outlets such as hiking and swimming can prove invaluable in decompressing from stress and preventing burnout. The National Institue of Health states that even a light hike can help decrease blood

Scott Nelson, Pyschology teacher “ h

“Third spaces are significant to me because they bring me peace,” sophomore Dairy Villeda said. “I’m able to relieve all stress and enjoy the moment.”

Overall, third spaces have been threatened for a long time, but the community must fight back and save the spaces which they socialize within. These spaces are vital for fostering connections and promoting inclusivity.

opposable thumbs

Blankets

“The coziest way to ignore homework”

- Natalia Quick, Staff Writer

Sunday Scaries

“I have some things to say to my Friday night self”

- Bridget Lopez, Staff Writer

Joker 2

“Such a bad romance”

- Juan Chavez, Staff Writer

Design by Alicia Fajardo/highlights

Miami’s rudery ranking

Miami ranks as the rudest city in the United States, scoring high on a national survey by Preply, unsurprisingly to locals

COMMENTARY

BY

N MIAMI, rudeness never sleeps. The chaotic cityscape, characterized by daily gridlocked traffic and sweltering heat, boasts inflamed tempers and consistent sass. A recent survey by Preply found that Miami’s inhabitants are the rudest individuals in the United States, averaging 9.88 out of 10 on a rudeness scale.

The rudeness scale was compiled by measuring multiple mannerisms, including one’s tendency to follow traffic laws and the general volume of their voice in public. In a similar Preply survey, which was conducted in 2022, Miami was not included in the top 30 rudest cities in the United States. Since then, skyrocketing prices, tourism and social media have caused Miamians’ stereotypical impatience to grow tenfold.

“I believe it’s the harsh lifestyle here that is perceived as rude,” junior Jefferson Sanchez said. “Although I have gotten used to it, it can get annoying sometimes finding those drivers that weird you out.”

In Miami, Spanish is the most commonly spoken language, with approximately 70% of residents speaking Spanish, as per Silver Bay Translations. However, the city’s linguistic disposition comes with its issues. Language barriers can exacerbate disputes ranging from deciding occupancy rights to a parking space or deciphering a restaurant menu.

Moreover, Miami traffic is infamous, distinguished by honking, lengthy wait times at traffic lights and roads clogged

JUAN CHAVEZ, STAFF WRITER

with frustrated drivers. According to Inrix, Miami ranked as the eighth most congested city in the world in 2022. This combination of poorly timed traffic signals and its occupants’ risky driving contributes to congestion, and as commuters wait in never-ending traffic, tempers flare exponentially.

The extent to which rudeness is associated with Miami is a phenomenon unique to Florida. In the recent study, Tampa also ranked highly, placing as the third rudest city in the United States. The chaotic nature of Florida has contributed to an environment with the perfect conditions for frustration. In fact, the rudeness observed in these cities is likely a reflection of the state’s culture.

“From the Florida cities I’ve visited, it is pretty much the exact same as Miami,” junior Liam Mendez-Sanchez said. “The environments are pretty much the same; I can see why Miami and Tampa rank so high on this list.”

60%

In pop culture, Florida stands as the epicenter for unhinged residents, as seen in the “Florida Man” fad, an internet phenomenon highlighting the many strange behaviors of native Floridians. The absurdity of the “Florida Man” allows non-Floridians to imagine Floridians as Southerners with rich accents, capable of domesticating alligators and riding out hurricanes. In Miami, this phenomenon adopts a similar role due to the nightlife and touristic atmosphere of the city.

The perception of rudeness in Miami is a unique characteristic of the city that defines its environment, which is influenced by a blend of urban chaos and erratic public experiences. The influx of behavioral infractions that arise from interactions between natives and tourists all blend together to make Miami, Miami.

40% of Miami residents report having witnessed drivers ignore basic traffic rules.

Source: University of Miami of tourists visiting Miami have reported interacting with rude locals.

Source: The Miami Herald

Artists assemble

Gables advocates against the cut of grants and funds in art education

COMMENTARY BY PALOMA MORALES, STAFF

WRITER

TOMAKE

an audience feel emotion through creative expression has always been a coveted yet overlooked talent, often deemed unnecessary in society. While signing the state’s budget on July 12, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed 32 million dollars in cultural and art-based grants, denying students the scholastic opportunity of an arts education. Programs and courses available at Gables, such as Digital Illustration and Advanced Placement Art and Design provide the means to pursue this field of expertise. This decrease in funding has led to budget cuts in which many locally beloved establishments have suffered economically. Popular art businesses in the heart of Coral Gables have all been damaged by this legislation. For instance, the Coral Gables Art Cinema lost more than $100,000 in 2024, as stated by NBC Miami, jeopardizing Florida’s art, culture and entertainment industries.

consequently prompting local and statefunded theaters to decrease hourly pay or close the curtains forever.

At Gables, classes such as creative writing facilitate important skills, such as thinking outside the box. Art education has benefits outside of academic settings, as well, as stated by U.S. News. In fact, 97% of business leaders recognize that creativity is a valuable skill in the workforce.

“Exposure to the arts teaches empathy, problem-solving, and how to work with others,” Fine Arts department chair Tracey Barrow-Schoenblatt said. “It is immeasurable with all the skills and qualities it teaches.”

90% of Americans think that the arts are vital to a well-rounded education.

Source: Americans for the Arts

Education in all forms of art is essential in some way to most people’s future within their occupation. Therefore, limiting art funding for schools is crippling the quality of schools’ education and students’ ability to contribute to society in meaningful ways in the future.

Alicia’s Archive

Beneath the waves: The untold story of Sir Francis Drake’s Miami connection

Commentary by Alicia Fajardo, Opinion Editor

Miami might be famous for its beaches and nightlife, but beneath the surface you’ll find a pirate’s tale or two. The name Sir Francis Drake, England’s most notorious privateer, still echoes through South Florida’s history, despite him never stepping foot here. So, why does Drake’s legend persist in Miami?

Back in 1586, Drake led a brutal raid on St. Augustine, far north of Miami. The attack was part of his mission to disrupt Spanish control in the New World. To the Spanish, he was a pirate; though to the English, he was a hero. Either way, his actions sent ripples through Florida’s future, weakening Spain’s grip and leaving room for new power plays that shaped the region’s destiny.

“I find it very concerning, losing so much funding for an already underfunded branch of education,” Troupe president Danelys Beaz said. “It continues to influence the already obvious silencing of creative voices within schools and ones everyday.”

DeSantis and Florida legislators justified denying cultural and art-based grants with their dislike of the Fringe Festival, which takes place in Orlando and Tampa and features drag performances. One could argue that he could have only cut funds to that specific festival rather than hundreds of establishments,

Authenticated by Americans For The Arts, SAT scores were also positively affected by the study of art and music, as students who take four years of art and music average almost 100 points better on their SAT than students who have not engaged in art. This increase can be attributed to engagement in arts courses improving one’s general knowledge.

Cutting art funding not only diminishes creative opportunities for students, but also weakens the development of critical skills. Preserving arts education is vital for fostering innovative individuals.

h

But, here’s where it gets interesting! Over the years, legends of Drake’s buried treasure started swirling around Miami’s shores. Was it Drake himself who hid gold here, or other pirates who followed his path? No one knows for sure, but that hasn’t stopped treasure hunters from searching for his riches. The allure of untold wealth buried beneath the sands has captivated imaginations for centuries.

Today, Drake’s name still looms large, a reminder that Miami’s history isn’t just about glitz and glamor. It’s also about daring adventures, pirate raids and the age-old hope of hidden treasure that may still lie beneath its waters.

Teen Instagram accounts: a helpful platform

Will Instagram’s introduction of teen accounts make the platform concerns regarding online safety on social media?

COMMENTARY BY LILY-JADE LECOULTRE, STAFF WRITER

USERS CAN freely share content with others on the Instagram platform. As with any unregulated online expression, it could potentially be detrimental to the development of minors who use the platform. As a result, Instagram is working with companies across the world to install regulatory technologies for minors, creating specific teen accounts controlled by parents. Age-specific settings were implemented on Sept. 17, 2024, in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia, and starting in January 2025, all other countries that utilize the platform.

Instagram is trying to protect its teen users by making a radical decision, declaring that all users under 18 years old must have a teen account, and any user under 16 years old will need their parents’ approval to change their account settings. These settings include automatically making accounts private, regulations on the amount of time teens can spend on Instagram, an automatically set sleeping mode and a setting that restricts the content they can see, as stated by ABC News.

“I don’t want to invite the Internet into my private life, and I think a lot of people don’t understand the long-term consequences behind having their lives online,” sophomore

Sol Ramirez said.

According to Yale Medicine, media can deteriorate teens mental health through a lack of sleep. Instagram decided to take action, hoping to reassure parents. Teen accounts place strict time restrictions on content, which can only be dismissed with parental approval. As a result, teens’ screen time will be reduced.

DID YOU KNOW?

Adolescents who spend more than three hours on social media face the risk of mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

the user can put a daily limit on the time they can spend on the app.

However, those restrictions can be easily overridden.

Newport Academy states that, between 2010 and 2015, depression and suicide rates increased exponentially alongside the rise of social media. From this research, psychologists concluded that an increase in susceptibility to these mental health issues is related to the time teenagers spend on social media.

Source: U.S. Department of Health

“I think that spending too much time on social media can affect and influence us badly,” senior Sebastian Druck said. “So, I like the time restrictions and sleep mode that comes with the teen accounts as it will probably improve the teens’ mental health.”

Instagram has warnings for sensitive content and a time management page where

students speak up

AliciaFajardo/highlights “

“ I generally love social media as an entertainment form, but age restrictions are important to keep younger kids safe.

“I believe that restrictions can offer several advantages, helping to ensure a safer and healthier online experience,” geometry teacher Lisa Barrocas said. “I believe that it will provide protection from inappropriate content.”

Instagram’s actions to make its platform more secure for teenagers are now much harder to avoid without parental approval. Teenagers will not be able to view content that is not appropriate for their age and will no longer be able to spend as much time as they want on Instagram. Those restrictions are no longer a choice, whether teenagers like it or not. The decisions will now only be up to the parents.

Lily-Jade Lecoultre/highlights“ “ The new restrictions can lead teens to avoid going through bad emotions because of negative posts.

Gabriella Mendez, sophomore

Design by Alicia Fajardo/highlights

Mia Ruissanchez, sophomore

platform or harmful influence?

safe for young users, or will the initiative fail to address

COMMENTARY BY ELLA LEVIN, STAFF WRITER

NEW initiative by Instagram to protect adolescents from the dangers of the internet via teen accounts does not effectively address all of the privacy and content exposure problems rampant on today’s social media platforms. Aspects of this setting are meant to remove explicit content from minors’ feeds. However, it falls short of fully resolving the broader issues of privacy and harmful content exposure.

Limiting the influence of strangers who partake in cyberbullying or online harassment have is crucial to protecting the emotional state of teenagers. This setting is meant to protect teenagers from hurtful messages or comments that could affect their overall wellbeing. However, these accounts only serve to allow parents to see who is messaging their children, inefficiently disrupting their privacy.

“This new initiative makes all teen accounts private, but that does not change who these minors choose to accept as followers on their page,” freshman Alejandra Perez said. “That will make this pointless.”

Many wonder how Meta, Instagram’s parent company, will accomplish any change with this new setting. Students can easily switch to any other social media platform

when their screen time on Instagram, restricted by features of the teen account, is used up. Additionally, all teens receive a notification when they have been online for 60 minutes, but it does not stop them from using the app.

Meta claims to have developed a way to verify students’ age, but minors have figured out how to get around teen account security.

California Companies

DID YOU KNOW?

More than half of teens today say that social media would be hard to give up.

Source: Pew Research Center

also reports that they are creating technology that uncovers teen accounts pretending to be adults. Minors can always just create an adult account from the start. Teen accounts will not make Instagram safer to use because there are so many loopholes around them.

“ This new update gives us the illusion that it’s working to protect kids, but it’s really not doing anything.

Gabriel Rodriguez, film teacher

Another negative effect of this setting is the restrictions on content. Most young people get their information from social media, but when content is limited, students will not be as aware of current events. For example, many minors used Instagram to obtain information on the 2024 presidential election. Even though students cannot vote, it is still vital for them to have information about the world around them.

“I’ve found that Finstas have become a way for people to bypass restrictions, giving them access to the information they want without the limitations of official platforms,” sophomore Lucas Galindez said.

The prevalence of cyberbullying, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and eating disorders are predominant concerns that new Instagram protocols are designed to take care of. Unrealistic standards put forth by social media cause students to feel insecure. The teen setting will do nothing to address this issue because explicit content does not include individuals who promote these harmful standards.

Overall, teen accounts will not be popular with parents or children once they actually implement it. The idea of this setting makes families feel safe, while in reality it barely changes anything.

highlights “

Any teen can find their way around these restrictions. They won’t help at all.

“ Sophie Space, freshman h

SPORTS BRIEFS

BY LILY GORON, NEWS EDITOR

Electronics in school sports

This past spring, the National Federation of State High School Associations announced changes in technology for high school sports. Starting in the 2025 season, on-field communication between players and coaches will be available for high school softball and baseball teams.

“I think this will have a positive impact on sports overall and offer a more accurate display of data,” senior Samira Martinez said. “This new technology will definitely be able to

help with tracking the athletes’ stats, making it easier to update information quickly.”

This new rule offers more efficiency and strategy on the field, as softball and baseball high school coaches will be able to communicate with their catcher throughout the inning. The only restriction is that no other players may use the device. The NFHS is implementing this rule to eliminate field conditions without impacting the game flow.

Rising volleyball stars

Seniors filling out scholarship applications this year are accompanied by two accomplished juniors. University scouts have contacted Gables volleyball players Isabella Cruz and Bianca Benson, the varsity middle blocker and outside blocker respectively, regarding possible Division I scholarships.

“I’m excited to play against such experienced players as it isn’t based on age anymore,” Cruz said.

Both players started to compete in volleyball during their eighth grade

year, and their passion for volleyball has only grown. Since then, Cruz and Benson have gone up the ranks of the school’s team, with Cruz being ranked No.1 in district statistics for hitting percentage, blocking and kills.

As they navigate the recruiting process, both players seek balance in their lives on and off the court.

“This passion of mine comes with time management,” Benson said. “I just get as much work done as fast as possible along with being focused on academics.” h

athlete spotlight

Alejandro Garcia, junior Sport: Bowling Accomplishments:

Garcia has led the Gables Bowling team to victory in multiple matches, recently earning a record-high score of 280 points against Braddock on Oct. 7 and a score of 235 points against Cutler Bay.

SYNCED UP: Ready to tackle the season, Isabella Cruz and Bianca

pose together for volleyball media day.

Courtesy of Alejandro Garcia

h

William Hardie/highlights

Design by Olivia Simon/highlights

Benson

Miami’s football forge

Miami has become the top source of NFL talent, producing more professional football players than any other city

BY JUAN CHAVEZ, STAFF WRITER

AS THE LEADING CITY IN THE United States for producing NFL talent, Miami consistently sends more student-athletes to play in professional leagues than any other city. According to the NFL, 17 athletes from Miami are going to the NFL in the 2024 season. This is a reflection of a long-standing standard of excellence for football in Miami, where young athletes are trained from an early age to compete at the highest level. The city’s contribution to the NFL has become more significant due to top-tier coaching and the city’s highly competitive high school football scene.

“The players at Gables do put in the effort in football and improve in their ability to play,” assistant football coach Alton Strachan said. “We have produced talented winners that have had successful careers before and now, and I know it’s something we are continuing.”

Upon entering high school, studentathletes are presented with elite programs responsible for the professional development of multiple football players over the years.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Miami Central Senior High School are seen as some of the best schools for students with athletic aspirations, considering their football teams have consistently ranked among the best in the nation by MaxPreps. Schools with such programs grant athletes the opportunity to enjoy elite equipment and coaches who help young players with the technical aspects of the game, as well as the mental and emotional discipline needed to move on to rigorous levels

quick facts

of competition. International Management Group Academy, a high school and a training complex specializing in athletic development, exemplifies this. It produced more NFL talent than any other school for the 2024 season, nurturing three athletes for the league.

SOUNDLY STRATEGIZING:

Assistant football coach Alton Strachan prepares the team for the upcoming play against Palmetto.

Gables is responsible for its share of talented athletes who have pursued careers at the highest competitive level and fulfilled the greatest of achievements in the NFL. Gables alumni who have gone to the NFL include the 2022 Super Bowl winner with the Los

At the start of the 2024 NFL season, Miami high schools produced the most players on Kickoff Weekend rosters with a total of 17.

Source: NFL

Angeles Rams, Gregory “Buddy” Howell, and San Francisco 49ers Hall of Famer, Frank Gore. These players competed in the pinnacle of football competition, receiving highly prestigious awards.

"Buddy has helped in coaching our football team during practices a lot," varsity football cornerback and senior Evan Noval said. "His love for the game and experience in the NFL and CFL gives me and the team that motivation to go all out in games.”

Despite the opportunities that Miami offers young athletes, becoming a professional player remains difficult. Athletes have to endure a high level of competition, which can place extreme amounts of pressure on students with unrecognized potential. Players in Miami compete against familiar local talent and some of the best young athletes in the nation. This level of competition requires student-athletes to push through difficult physical and mental stressors.

“I know Miami has a whole culture for sports, especially for football,” junior Jaden Johnson said. “It was very hard when I used to play football while in school because it was so demanding for both sports and school.”

Miami’s deeply ingrained football culture remains pivotal in making the city a top source of talent. There is always a flow of competitive and hungry talent flowing into college leagues and the NFL, and Miami will continue to shape the future of professional football by producing athletes prepared to reach the competitive pinnacle of the sport.

Florida high schools produced a total of 176 NFL players this year, with IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida producing the most of any school.

Source: NFL

Design by Olivia Simon/highlights

Natalia Quick/highlights

TWO VIEWS: Youth sports: building balance

With parents putting their children in sports at an early age, the question health, education and self-esteem has arisen

COMMENTARY BY CHYLER CAMPBELL, STAFF WRITER

ARENTS ARE often encouraged to enroll their kids in sports at a young age to promote discipline, confidence and leadership skills. Even though these are positive attributes, there is a negative side to the cultivation of these traits that needs to be addressed. Ultimately, the harms of enrolling unwilling children in sports outweigh the potential benefits it can bring them.

Young athletes face a large risk to their safety, as there are many possible injuries one can sustain from playing sports. Kids who are actively engaged in sports are significantly more likely to get injured than those who are not, with more than 3.5 million kids 14 and under getting hurt annually, as per Stanford Children’s Health. Additionally, the injuries that come with sports are the second leading cause of emergency room visits for children. Overall, the risk of life-threatening injuries are higher for children enrolled in sports.

“I have uncles that have messed up their fingers and noses playing sports, and it has never been the same for them after that,” junior Marco Molinet said.

While death due to a sports-related issue may be rare, that does not mean that injuries cannot have long lasting effects on kids. Many of the deaths and long-term health issues associated with sports are due to brain injuries, which can range from concussions to repeated head trauma. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons states that sports cause

21% of brain injuries in America among children alone. Depending on the severity of these injuries, children could be impacted well into adulthood.

Additionally, according to Kindbridge Behavioral Health, parents who have kids enrolled in sports can experience just as much stress as their children. Parents can become extremely anxious due to the time and money sports require of them. The average family spends $883 annually on these extracurriculars and devotes large portions of time to taking their kids to competitions and practices, as per the Aspen Institute.

“My mom traveling to come see me participate in sports was challenging,” wrestling coach Thomas Hardy said. “There were times we didn’t have transportation. Looking back on it, it played a role in my performance.”

Furthermore, the psychological impact of sports can put kids in harm’s way. In some cases, the competitive and high-pressure environment of sports can lead children to develop a detrimental obsession with the idea of failing, processing it in an incredibly harmful way. According to the National Library of Medicine, the mentality developed from this intense training is very unhealthy and can lead to social isolation, extreme stress, burnouts, mood swings and a lack of motivation.

“Sports can be a big responsibility and the pressure from them can cause athletes a lot of stress,” junior Yara Korse said.

Although there are some benefits sports

students speak up MilegnySalas/highlights “

“ Parents pushing their kids into sports super young can add way too much pressure.

can bring to children, the downsides that come along outweigh them. Many children are put at risk for severe injuries, negative psychological effects and additional pressure because of their involvement in sports, and parents gain stress because of this too. Ultimately, enrolling children in sports is damaging for everyone involved.

Consuelo Ugarte, senior OliviaSimon/highlights “ “ Pressuring kids into sports too young can cause them to burnout early. Cristina Hernandez, sophomore

balance or burnout?

question of whether these activities are detrimental to kids’

COMMENTARY BY MILEGNY SALAS, STAFF WRITER

LAYING

sports from a young age can offer a lot of benefits. Many students at Gables are enrolled in or have played a sport at the school. While some say that the pressure and possible negatives of playing sports outweigh the benefits, the positives of being an athlete are more impactful to students. In most cases, playing sports from a young age benefits

children because athleticism encourages the development of important values, improves mental and physical health and increases social skills.

One of the main benefits of playing a sport from a young age is that it teaches children responsibility, among other important values. When children start playing sports, they can develop skills such as learning how to work as a team, discipline and resilience. Learning these skills as young children will help them in the future, as they are all important for creating productive habits and interacting with others, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

“Starting to play or participating in sports when you’re young has many benefits mentally and physically, as you exercise and train your body while being disciplined to push and take risks to win,” junior Daniel Wu said.

a lot about life and not to give up,” junior Israel Candia said. “I used to be very fat and clinically obese so sports helped a lot.”

Additionally, sports positively affect mental health, as practicing a sport and being active helps reduce depression and other mental health issues, as per the National Library of Medicine. When a person is doing a physical activity, they are exercising both their body and mind, helping reduce stress, improve mood and contribute to a higher self-esteem.

“A lot of people think that when they are exercising they’re just working on their body, but the reality is that when people exercise they work their entire body, including their brain,” Gables counselor Maria E. Bergouignan said.

Furthermore, sports can help children improve their physicality and overall health. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the intense exercise that sports require benefits children’s development, helping to prevent health conditions such as poor cardiovascular health, childhood obesity and more. These physical benefits are especially important for growing children, as they contribute to the body’s development and promote healthy lifestyles for kids.

“Playing a sport since a young age is good because it helps with staying active and developing a stronger mindset; it teaches you

“ Sports help kids get involved with exercise and a healthy lifestyle at a young age.

Rodriguez, sophomore

Salas/

Joining a sport can also be beneficial for children by helping them make new friends and improve their social skills, building interpersonal bonds. Another benefit of playing team sports is meeting people with similar interests and creating a community of like-minded individuals. These friendships can help children become happier and more comfortable socializing, according to Scripps.

Sports can be very beneficial for the development of children, helping them with their physical and mental health, as well as providing them with benefits such as a strong community of peers. This gives them important skills for their future, helping them in countless ways and preparing them for the rest of their lives.

“ “ Sports are good for developing physical condition and enhancing creativity. Abril Tovar, junior h

Design by Olivia Simon/highlights

The downfall of sports officials

A referee shortage, primarily caused by spectator behavior, is making it difficult for high school leagues to run properly

BY GENESIS BARAHONA, STAFF WRITER

AREGIONAL REFEREE

shortage is impacting sports across Florida high schools, and many believe that the issue starts with the spectators. When attending or playing, one would expect the crowd to cheer if their team wins and remain neutral if they lose. However, some parents tend to get aggressive or harass referees over their decisions, leading to heated altercations. Lately, these altercations have become so frequent that many referees have quit, leaving a major gap in the high school officiating field.

“Sometimes, when the referees make a call the parents will start going back and forth with them,” junior varsity volleyball player and sophomore Nereah Buces said.

The number of referees actively officiating is dropping at an exponential rate. According to the Tampa Bay Times, just shy of 8,000 referees currently work at the high school level, down more than 400 from the 2015 to 2016 season. This downward trend does not look promising for the future of high school sports, especially considering the amount of games schools host around the state.

“The reason so many high school referees are leaving their jobs is because they don’t get paid nearly enough to deal with the parents and coaches,” varsity water polo player and sophomore Federico Galeazzi said.

Another reason many referees have moved away from the field is COVID-19. The pandemic massively affected high school sports, as all athletes and referees were prohibited from playing and officiating because of quarantine. COVID-19 forced referees to stay inside due to health concerns, causing many of them to lose their careers and primary sources of income. After quarantine, many referees did not return to their jobs because of their age, as many were already near retirement at the start

of the pandemic.

Referees also experience a lot of pressure from spectators because their calls can make some people hysterical, leading to disrespect and aggression toward the referee. The lack of respect spectators have for the referees due to a controversial call or play can put a lot of pressure on the officiator, creating a stressful and tense environment when they are simply trying to do their job.

“Referees get a lot of hate if they call any cards or fouls,” wrestler and junior Osvaldo Ricardo said. “The spectators have something to do with the shortage, the fact is that they are always calling them names.”

Spectators are not only having verbal altercations with referees. They have reached the point where these disagreements are becoming physical. Las Vegas Basketball referee Perry Woodward was attacked two days after a recreational basketball game when a coach took issue with his officiating, according to ESPN. Due to these types of incidents, many referees have quit, as they do not see any point in continuing their job if they also have to fear the actions of coaches and parents.

DID YOU KNOW?

68.81% of referees believe that sportsmanship has worsened over time, with over half of all respondents having feared for their safety as a referee.

Source: National Federation of State High School Associations

As a result of the shortage of sports officials, many games can no longer run smoothly, forcing many schools to postpone or cancel them entirely. Justin Martin, athletic director at Key West High School, was forced to juggle rescheduling, relocating and canceling matches last winter due to the shortage, according to Keys Weekly. This prevalent issue in the high school sports community begs the question: is anyone trying to fix the problem? One possible solution is a program created in 2022 led by RefRaps, incorporating courses on becoming a sports official in high schools and colleges. Schools around the country have partnered with this company, creating elective courses to help students understand the process of becoming a sports official. These courses are expected to alleviate the shortage of referees by 2026.

The shortage of sports officials in Florida high schools might be positively impacted by this program, but, currently, teams around the state are still dealing with the shortage of officials. Due to spectator behavior, stressful environments and COVID-19, the lack of referees continues to affect all Florida high school sports, making it harder for tournaments and sports leagues to run effectively throughout the state. h

Design by Olivia Simon/highlights

Unleashing creativity with clay Hidden within the trees of Miami’s most artistic area, Sugar Water studio offers extraordinary pottery classes

BY AUDREY SCHWART, STAFF WRITER

POTTERY IS A HISTORIC tradition that dates back nearly 15,000 years. However, Sugar Water Studios, a multidisciplinary art studio located in a vintage Miami House in Wynwood, is a relatively new company that offers classes teaching this calming art form. The location’s giant windows and stunning furniture create an irreplicable warm and welcoming environment.

Sugar Water Studios’ co-founders Lizzie Czerpak and Tatiana Cardona met while taking pottery classes after college. The pair wanted to find a place to create pottery without spending an excessive amount of money on supplies. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful in their search, so they landed on opening their own business, hoping to entice potters searching for the same type of studio.

Cardona and Czerpak originally bought the house- turned-studio from a Miami family who were passionate about the use of pattern and color in their home.

The studio

has a wide array of chevron tiles that are sure to catch patrons’ eye with their unique patterns.

Cardona and Czerpak, both very talented potters, wanted Sugar Water Studios to offer classes for all levels of pottery. Whether one has never touched clay before or if they have been practicing pottery their whole life, all are welcome to take classes.

“The beauty with all of this is just having the community within pottery,” Czerpak said. “You make connections and you learn exponentially faster.”

For monthly classes, instead of the usual $450 a month, Sugar Water Studios charges only $300 a month. The perks that come with the monthly fee make the payment worth it. With this membership, one is provided with their first 25 pounds of clay free of charge, access to a pottery wheel and is permitted to store all of their pottery in the studio to dry. Sugar Water Studios offers classes taught by both co-founders, as well as a fantastic teacher, Andrew Medina. Medina loves working with clay on the wheel and teaching intricate techniques.

“Ceramics sparks different parts of your brain that gives you an opportunity to look at the world in another direction,” Gables ceramics teacher Janet

SPIN AND SHAPE: Step into the world of pottery by utlizing the provided wheels at Sugar Water Studios.

POSING WITH POTTERY: Co-owner

Visitors are also welcome to purchase a studio day-pass for prices ranging from $35 to $50 depending on how much is included. If one is looking for a day-pass with clay, tools and paint included, the price would be $50.

Although the entire ceramics process can be challenging to immediately pick up, Sugar Water Studios strives to go through the process with its patrons, demonstrating that pottery can be an amazing form of relaxation for anyone willing to try.

“Ceramics gives me a place to zone out,” senior Alice Hernandez said. “I feel that I am at the most with Earth when I am sculpting with clay. With all the stress from school, ceramics has really helped me manage my anxiety level.”

With the large demand for housing in Miami, many art studios are being sold to construct apartments. This is affecting Miami culture tremendously, given that the original colorful style evident in the city’s architecture is being replaced by new bland buildings. Sugar Water Studios is sadly not in a permanent location, as the area is being sold to build a condominium, though they already have plans for relocation.

Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

Lizzie Czerpak stands with colorful pots, vases and bowls made in her classes.

Audrey Schwart/highlights

Audrey Schwart/highlights h

Pinecrest fresh finds

Pinecrest Wayside Market, a beloved local stand, offers

vibrant produce and refreshing shakes

BY STACY URBINA, STAFF WRITER

BETWEEN THE TREE-LINED streets of Pinecrest lies a quaint neighborhood spot known as Pinecrest Wayside Market.

Situated at 10070 SW 57th Ave, the market offers a variety of goods including fresh fruits, vegetables, house-made shakes, smoothies and frosty ice cream, as well as snow cones, which are perfect for anyone craving a cold, sugary delight in the Miami heat.

Established in 1948, the market began as a small popular produce stand in the neighborhood, known for their fresh mangoes, bananas, apples and other fruits.

Today, they are widely celebrated for their iconic shakes, boasting flavors such as peach, pineapple and mamey, as well as their most popular flavor, strawberry. In fact, their vibrant, classic sign out front even mentions their status as “home of the famous strawberry shake”.

Aside from the shakes, individuals can conveniently line up in front of the stand to purchase other delicious foods such as croissants and muffins. Many of these goods are sold in partnership with other nearby markets and bakeries. For example, every winter, Wayside sells cinnamon rolls from Knaus Berry Farm, a Homestead location notorious for their rolls, but also their long lines. Wayside offers an option for those who do not wish to make the journey to Homestead, working Berry

increase their reach across South Florida. Over the past 70 years, despite its smaller original concept, the market has evolved,

I would describe it as a nice place you could go to with friends to enjoy a variety of food and treats, while enjoying the nice shade and breeze. Maykol Triana, junior “

expanding its menu to host over 50 items.

“I would describe it as a place you could go with friends to enjoy a variety of food and treats, while enjoying the nice shade and breeze,” junior Maykol Triana said.

friends, chatting under the bright red umbrellas and tables out front.

Additionally, the market is located with a cyclist pathway right across the road, making Wayside the perfect place to break and relax with a refreshment after a long bike ride.

“The market just kind of calls to you, even if you aren’t familiar with its positive reputation, it immediately looks like a great place to explore and escape the heat,” senior Danelys Baez said.

Several foods that individuals have favored over the years include the aforementioned strawberry shake, tuna salad with cranberries, curry chicken salad and snacks such as pastelitos, pies, sandwiches and cookies.

“A popular snack in the market that I enjoy is the fresh acai bowl,” senior Alex Hernandez said. “It’s favored for its delicious combination of fruity flavors, health benefits and refreshing quality, making it a perfect choice for a quick, nutritious treat.”

The market also contains a small section known as the juice bar, with fruit and vegetable flavors to choose from including carrot, watermelon, tomato and grapefruit.

As a relic to Miami and the community, Pinecrest Wayside Market always leaves customers happy and coming

Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

Spin your style

Mids Market, an essential Little River vintage store, offers a unique approach

to thrift shopping

BY CIARA BURTON, STAFF WRITER

THE NEVERENDING RACKS OF clothes and stacks of vinyl records within the bright yellow walls of Mids Market bring in visitors from near and far. A twist on classic thrift shops, Mids Market offers not only sustainable, affordable clothing but also an area to play video games, a vinyl listening space and even a mini-museum: “The National Museum of Mids”.

The vintage thrift store located at 7200 NW 2nd Ave, is open every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., except for Mondays. Mids Market was born from two previous retail stores named Drift Vintage Outlet and Vintage Grails, both owned by the current manager of Mids Market, Evelyn Frankel. Mids first opened its doors in August of 2024 and is planning on expanding across the United States, bringing a wonderful thrifting experience to all.

Thanks to her experience creating and evolving her older shops, Frankel is extremely confident in her market, as she already has a large following of loyal customers from her previous projects. Offering a wide selection of clothes, from Disney tees to denim jackets,

VINTAGE

VINYLS: Mids Market offers unique, classic clothing and a wide array of vintage records.

Mids Market ensures there is something for every shopper.

Sustainability, an important aspect of the realm of thrifting, is seen in most traditional second-hand stores. Following suit, Mids Market takes every step it can to promote eco-friendly shopping. They gather many of their items from rag houses, which contain clothes that other thrift shops could not sell, and also accept walk-in donations from their customers, which are later sorted individually by their employees to see which fit the requirements to be resold in their market.

When walking into the store, one can notice the clothing divided into themed sections, which range from music to branded tees and hoodies. The price of the items in their bins range from $6 to $12, and they have a variety of prices for their racks, ranging from $15 to $80. This accessibility for all customers was a must for Frankel so that everyone could find their special piece. Further emphasizing their goal to be sustainable, Mids Market also offers a rebuild station in their store, which invites visitors to alter their clothes with provided instruments. Customers can bring their clothes or even the ones bought directly from the market to be altered. This is a wonderful opportunity to design and customize new or used clothing to reflect individual style.

DIVISIONS AND DISCOVERY:

“We’re really into sustainability and really just promoting circular fashion,” Frankel said. “A lot of people, at first, don’t know how terrible shopping fast fashion can be.”

Fabricated especially for a youthful audience, Mids Market also offers visitors a space to relax and take a break by playing a favorite video game or picking out a vinyl record from their selection of hundreds, even allowing the opportunity for patrons to use their provided record players. This is a unique twist to classic markets because not many thrift shops in Miami offer these hands-on activities.

“I really enjoyed that, especially because we don’t have a lot of music stores in Miami,” junior Sofia Alessi said.

Additionally, Mids Market offers many

different events, like a Sip & Swap, where attendees can donate clothes and exchange them for items available at the market. There are also entertaining DJ sets on weekends and a coffee shop within the building.

“It’s pretty cool, like they have music playing, they set up coffee sometimes,” said employee Nicholas Vasquez. “When it’s busy everyone is drinking coffee and shopping, which is really the most fun thing to do.”

Given the innovative activities Mids Market offers and their wide selections, it is perfect for any student seeking a productive and sustainable shopping trip.

Mids seperates its clothing in a way that makes it easy to find niche pieces. h

INFINITE OPTIONS:

The diverse selection of clothing at Mids Market allows any visitor to find the perfect piece.

Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

Ciara Burton/highlights

Ciara Burton/highlights

Ciara Burton/highlights

Culinary crossroads

Embodying its status as an intercultural city, Miami’s fusion restaurants seamlessly combine a variety of cuisines

BY JULIANA MOORE, STAFF WRITER, AND EMILIA KOHNSTAMM, THE SCENE EDITOR

PASSING THROUGH THE bustling streets of Miami, one’s senses are immediately overcome with enticing sights, smells and sounds.

Each neighborhood is littered with signs in Haitian Creole, Spanish and English. The smells of Cuban, Mexican, Japanese and Bahamian food waft through the strips of

restaurants. Music of various genres plays loudly from store speakers and stages, from Celia Cruz to classic country.

Miami is overall considered a cultural melting pot, with residents from across the globe bringing their customs and their cooking with them to the city. Its multiculturalism is most evident in its food, and it does not fall short when it comes to restaurants that mix and match flavors and cultures, establishing a harmony of cuisines.

Tropirollz

Whether one is interested in a combination of Caribbean staples and traditional Japanese sushi, varying Latin American cultures mixed together or a combination of cuisines from across Asia, the culturally rich restaurants available in Miami provide a perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of fusion.

Tropirollz, Pilon Miami and 107 Taste are all locations where one can enjoy a wonderful meal and also experience the different cultures each place has to share.

Located in a small kitchen about 20 minutes away from Gables, Tropirollz is a mom-and-pop business owned by chefs Alden and Camela Chance. The pair originally founded the business at home in 2020, with $100 and a dream. Together, they continued to pursue their goals and have grown their business exponentially.

Evident in the menu items available for purchase, the attention they have recieved over the years is well deserved. The concept is as unique as they come.

“I’ve been cooking for over 20 years,” Chance said. “I started when I came from Jamaica. In 2004, I got my first job as a dishwasher. From there I worked my way all the way up to head chef, to starting restaurants.

PILON PERFECTIONS: Pilon

Miami’s lomo saltado, “Number 8” pizza and house cheesecake are all outstanding menu options .

It’s been an amazing journey. We’ve faced and overcame so many challenges.”

Chef Chance chose to found Tropirollz as he wanted to present Caribbean cuisine to the rest of Miami in both a delicious and affordable way, while still respecting his Chinese and Thai roots in his cooking style.

Following this ambition, Chance and his team were able to formulate a unique and delicious concept: Caribbean sushi.

Inside each Tropi roll are additions like churrasco, jerk chicken, mashed green plantains, shredded meat and more.

Another one of their novel inventions is the “Tropsubi”, or “sushi sandwich”, which includes a filling, like meat or plantains, that is wrapped in sushi rice and seaweed.

Along with these items, Tropirollz also offers a Caribbean twist on wontons, a variety of bowls and, for those with a sweet tooth, guava and churro Thai donuts.

“I think my favorite dish is the tripleta,” employee Chelsea Torres said. “You really want to see how fusion gets inside of sushi? Take the tripleta sandwich from Puerto Rico and put it in a sushi roll like we do.”

However, it is not simply the gastronomy that makes this location unique. The restaurant itself operates as a “ghost kitchen”, meaning that visitors can choose to dine in or order online. This makes Tropirollz an ideal spot for those who are interested in enjoying a unique bite but do not feel like dining in.

Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

Photo credit: Emilia Kohnstamm and Juliana Moore/highlights

Pilon Miami

Located in Kendall, Pilon Miami offers delicious Latin fusion dishes and Napoli-style pizza. Their goal is to honor their Hispanic roots while simultaneously celebrating the union of two different cultures.

“Latin American fusion really relies on the way that immigrants in Miami have come to make community with those of their own countries/cultures or of those outside of them,” sophomore Milo Harley said. “There is a really big presence of Latin fusion in Miami in places like Pilon and even outside of food, and that fusion brings to light the best, unique

elements of each culture, acknowledging differences but uniting flavor palletes.”

Each Pilon plate contains a variety of elements from Latin American cuisines and combines them seamlessly to create irresistible masterpieces.

Visitors often opt to try their delicious entrees such as the “Los Dates”, which are dates stuffed with pork sausage and wrapped in bacon. They are served on top of a tangy bleu cheese cream.

Another option is one of their main courses like their mouth-watering weekly specials, such as a lomo saltado, which is a Peruvian dish of cubed meat

107 Taste

Just a short trolley ride away from Gables, 107 Taste, first established in 2016 by chef Yu Bi and Dr. Tingjun Lei, offers home-style Asian fusion.

Bi and Lei, both FIU alumni, bonded over their love of food while attending university, and when they decided to open their restaurant wanted to pay tribute to the street that brought them together. Their first location, right by FIU, was located on 107th Ave., the same street where they settled together in their first home, serving as the inspiration behind the restaurant name.

Since then, 107 Taste has expanded to both Brickell and the Gables, as Bi and Lei share their passion for Asian cuisine with the

served on top of a sliced tomato and red onions. Instead of the potato fries that the meal typically includes, in Pilon’s lomo saltado there is creamy corn below.

As for the pizza, a popular item is their “La Numero #8”, which consists of shallots, honey and four different cheeses.

Additionally, Pilon often has live music at night, hosting many local artists. Every Sunday at brunch, there is a live DJ.

This restaurant is a perfect location to experience with others if one is interested in an eatery with reasonable prices but satisfying portions.

FLAUNTING FUSION: Both 107 Taste and Tropirollz present incredible examples of culinary fusion through items like Carribean sushi rolls , Donburi rice and bao buns.

rest of South Florida.

The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. all week. Its environment is very welcoming, with helpful employees eager to answer questions, cozy seating and relaxing music. The menu is diverse, offering a variety of appetizers, rice dishes, wok noodles, ramens, drinks and desserts. Each plate ranges from $8 to $16. Every item also has a small flag beside it on the menu, showing visitors what Asian country the dish originates from. Some of their most popular items include the sweet, spicy and crispy General 107 chicken, which is Chinese American, Thai pineapple fried rice, Korean sweet ‘n hot sticky wings, Japanese shoyu ramen and, for

dessert, taro basque cheesecake, which is Yu’s own recipe. A favorite drink is their ramune, which is a Japanese carbonated soda that comes in flavors such as lychee, melon and orange.

“The vibes here are so special,” employee Tom Wang said. “The owner really wanted to represent Asian fusion. Nowadays, if a restaurant only focuses on one culture, they may have a limited audience, but with a concept like the fusion here, you can appeal to more people.”

Perfect for a fun dinner or lunch out with friends or family, 107 Taste provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy incredible Asian cuisine from across the continent.

Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

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Accessorizing with pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, senior Kevin Caffey focuses intently in a game against Christopher Columbus High School’s Explorers on Friday, Oct. 11, anticipating the next play.

William Hardie/highlights

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Design by Alyssa Dopico/highlights

Courtesy of Cavaleon

Courtesy of Cavaleon

Courtesy of Cavaleon

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Courtesy of Cavaleon

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Courtesy of Cavaleon Courtesy of Miami Herald Courtesy of Dali Restaurant

As Gables reaches its 75th anniversary, highlights reflects on the school’s history, iconic moments and accomplishments

N MIAMI’S SOUTHERN border, Coral Gables Senior High proudly stands 75 years strong as an institute of education, motivating and empowering its students to become the next successful figures of the world. Through high student achievement and academic excellence, just as its motto implies, Gables prepares its students to become leaders of society and integral members of the multicultural community.

Gables opened its doors back in September of 1950, receiving students of then Ponce De Leon High School, and was built to accommodate the influx of people moving into the growing city of Coral Gables, ensuring that the educational needs of the entire population were met accordingly.

Before Gables was established, the area was merely a tent city for the construction workers building the high school’s infrastructure. The school’s construction ended just in time for the new students to begin their academic journey with Harry N. Rath, the first principal of Gables. Transitioning from his role as principal at Ponce De Leon High School, Rath oversaw the school’s construction.

Just nine years after the school’s opening, Rath was named “Principal of the Year” by Arthur C. Croft Publications, showing the extent to which he worked tirelessly to establish the foundation of Gables. He continued to believe this sentiment through

his career and his early retirement in 1963. Gables started with about 3,500 students on campus. The school grounds lacked greenery and open spaces at the beginning, but slowly new projects began to develop the campus while

Many of the students, especially those

that

are involved...

are

so instrumental in making our school

shine that they take

on

the job

like coworkers. Oscar de Armas, class of 2005 alum and history teacher

the student body did their part to keep school morale high. Throughout the years, programs and student-run clubs would participate in or run community service projects.

The 1950s Gables Crescent Club

sponsored a drive to collect clothes for migrant workers. Interact, a club that is still active on campus, promoted a Christmas dinner for a needy family and volunteered at the Crippled Children’s Society.

“Many of the students, especially those that are involved in clubs and activities, are so instrumental in making our school shine that they take on the job like co-workers,” contemporary history teacher and Gables class of 2005 alum Oscar de Armas said. “Students that come to these halls end up at the top institutions all across the country,”

In the 1960s, the Operation Amigo program, sponsored by the Miami Herald, was adopted by Gables students for two weeks. When twenty exchange students arrived from Honduras at the airport on Nov. 12, they were greeted by hundreds of Gables students. This program promoted inclusivity, diversity and open-mindedness among the younger generation found at Gables. Such work has established the school as a staple of the City of Coral Gables and has built the impressive reputation it has today. Gables is ranked No. 131 in public Florida high schools and is within the top 2,500 in the United States today, according to the U.S. News and World Report.

Between its astounding academics and extensive extracurriculars, Gables prepares students to draw from their high school experiences in their future roles in society from the moment they step through the ruby red gates.

Gables has a Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses available. of which are enrolled in at least one of the

Gables is an A-rated school with 3,000 students, 63%

93% 56.2 43 on the college readiness index. graduation rate and a ranking of

Courtesy of Dali Restaurant

Design by Alyssa Dopico/highlights

HOME OF THE CAVALIERS

Part of what makes Gables so special after 75 years is the variety it provides in its curriculum, including its many different academies. Gables is an International Baccalaureate Magnet School of Excellence, with one of the oldest IB programs in the county. The introduction of magnet programs like IB into public schools has led to increased government funding and improved the quality of public education, attracting families and students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

“I am proud to teach at Gables,” history teacher and Gables class of 2000 alum Lauren Noval said. “I love teaching at my high school. As a former student, Gables gave me some amazing memories and some of my most important relationships.”

The Academy of Finance, another magnet academy at Gables, is a career-focused program that prepares students for their immediate future. The AOF program is a member of the National Academy Foundation and within it has reached Katherine Blasik Distinguished Level, NAF’s highest level of achievement.

Gables has five other academies: Visual & Performing Arts, Health Science, Public Service & Law, Design, Education & Hospitality, Communication Arts, Film & Digital Media and the Business, Management & Information Technology.

Aside from magnet programs and academies, which each take a unique approach to preparing students for their experience outside of high school, Gables boasts a large selection of sports and clubs.

Dance groups have extensive roots in Gables, as seen with the Cavaliettes, a pep club and marching team that existed in the school’s early days. The Cavaliettes performed at halftime shows and community parades, leading the Gables Band of Distinction. Eventually, the Cavaliettes dissolved and the Gablettes Color Guard and baton-twirling

contemporary, hip hop and kick team, made up of majorly talented dancers who truly represent school spirit and the arts. The Gablettes today compete regionally, state-wide and nationally throughout January and February.

I am proud to teach at Gables... As a former student, Gables gave me some of my most important relationships.

Lauren Noval, class of 2000 alum and history teacher “

Majorettes were left as the band’s primary performing groups. Gables’ current premier dance team, the Gablettes, was founded in 1975 under the direction of Connie Mosure, the gymnastics teacher at the time.

In the early 1990s, the Gablettes transitioned from a drill team to a competitive dance team. Today, the Gablettes are a jazz,

GABLES MEMORIES

Teacher Rochelle Lopez shares a story passed down from her father-in-law, who graduated in 1958. As a senior prank, Richard Black managed to wrangle an alligator and unleash it in the courtyard before school. Black’s practical joke ended in no unintended or incidental damages or injury, Lopez notes that the alligator just traveled over to the nearest canal and swam away.

“It’s a wild story,” Lopez said. “I thought it was hilarious but dangerous.”

Vocational Department Head Lisette Delgado graduated in 1996, the very same year she recounts that the Quad City DJs released the single “C’mon n’ Ride The Train” from their debut album “Get On Up and Dance”. When Delgado was a student in high school, students could go off campus for their lunch period. She and her friends drove to the record store Spec’s Records and Tapes, which was located on the U.S. Route 1, and bought the single.

“We played it in the car about five thousand times,” Delgado said.

In addition to dance groups, Gables has long been home to outstanding publications. Catharsis is the resident literary magazine at Gables, and its history dates back to the 1960s. In March of 1966, the Creative Writing class and Literary Club launched Spectrum, Gables’ very first literary magazine. Creative Writing students were encouraged to submit their writing to the publication for peer editing and an opportunity to be published. The literary magazine was a way for students to express themselves freely, through prose, poetry and art. Today, Spectrum’s descendant, Catharsis, offers readers emotional and creative release through stunning art, photography and passionate storytelling.

The Gables yearbook, Cavaleon, retained their name from Ponce and was first introduced at the staff-sponsored Cavaleon Cavern, in June of 1951, where they distributed the first issue created at their new school. The Cavaleon is currently producing volume 84, representing years of both Ponce and Gables’ history.

Today, the yearbook staff, led by adviser Ana Zuniga, works towards continuing the legacy of the Gables yearbook as it evolves alongside the school. Despite several decades of change within the school, Cavaleon has always provided students with a meaningful memento to remember their time at Gables with.

Courtesy of Cavaleon

Courtesy of Cavaleon

Design by Alyssa Dopico/highlights

CAVALIERS OF DISTINCTION from the editor

One alumnus that Gables takes substantial pride in is the Class of 1996 graduate Maxine Clark, a successful entrepreneur and the founder of Build-ABear Workshop. In 1977, Clark established this teddy-bear-themed retail entertainment experience with nearly 500 stores globally, according to Friends of Gables.

Graduating in the class of 1968, Winston E. Scott was a retired US Navy Captain, Naval Aviator and former NASA astronaut, making him another notable alumni. In high school, Scott was a member of the Gables band and is remembered as one of Gables’ best trumpet players. Scott has spent a total of 24 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes in space, partaking in three spacewalks. Scott’s journey from high school trumpeter to NASA astronaut illustrates Gables’ affinity for creating and molding its students into future influential figures.

One player represents the legacy of Gables football spirit, Craig Curry. In 1965, Curry chose to attend an all-white Gables, after his high school, George Washington Carver High School, was closed due to court-mandated integration. Curry’s football journey at Gables began when Nick Kotys, the then-football coach, selected him to be the starting quarterback. Despite facing much criticism from people who wanted him to follow the tradition of non-integrated sports, Kotys stuck to his resolve. With Curry as the quarterback, Gables dominated the 1967 season with some of the highlights

being beating Christopher Columbus High School 39-0, and triumphing against Southwest Miami Senior High School in the Turkey Bowl 40-0, according to Friends of Gables. The now nine-time state champion football team was declared Team of the Century by the Florida High School Athletic Association and named the No. 1 high school football team in the U.S. by the National Sports News Service in Minneapolis.

Curry serves as an inspiration, refusing to let prejudice hinder his aspirations. Today, his journey is remembered as not just a great chapter in Gables’ legacy, but as an empowering story about how sports, such as football, can bring people from different backgrounds together and force them to look past their differences and strive for a common goal.

Another prominent alum was former Attorney General Janet Reno, who graduated from Gables in the year 1956. Reno was the captain of the school’s debate team and went on to be nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1993. Not only was Reno the first female Attorney General in the US, but also the second longest serving one, according to Friends of Gables.

These alumni exemplify how the qualities nurtured by Gables bring graduates prosperity. From the year of the school’s founding to its 75th anniversary, Gables has long provided students with a memorable high school experience to remember.

GABLES MEMORIES

Coach Hajji Ingraham graduated from Gables in 1996. He recounts that his best memories are of the competitive basketball and football games against Miami Senior High School. Students, parents and faculty members would pack the gym or the iconic Miami Orange Bowl stadium for games against Miami High, Gables’ biggest rival.

“The whole community came out,” Coach Ingraham said. “People would be waiting outside for scoring updates or trying to sneak in.”

Fine Arts Theater teacher, Tracey Barrow, graduated in 1984. One of her greatest high school memories is the story is when she acted alongside her father, Henry Barrow. Her father was also an alum of Gables, graduating in 1954, and was a theater student before Barrow herself. In Barrow’s senior year of high school, she got the lead in the school play. Barrow, portraying Anne Sullivan, with her father playing Dr. Michael Anagnos, performed “The Miracle Worker” for the school in the Little Theater at Gables together.

“It was amazing to be able to share something that we both love and to do it in a place that we both attended,” Barrow said.

Whether you are a freshman starting your journey at Gables, a senior approaching graduation or a reminiscing alum, you have expeirenced what a special school it is.

From challenging classes and various electives to a wide range of sports and clubs, there is something for everyone here at Gables. Besides the many options students have to express their interests, there is also room to find and build communities. From these meaningful connections we create lasting friendships that propel us far into our futures.

As our school reaches its 75th anniversary, now is a better time than ever to appreciate the impact Gables has on its students, staff and community. For the 75th year, always remember, Go Cavs!

Courtesy of Cavaleon

Courtesy of Cavaleon

Design by Alyssa Dopico/highlights