Issue 6, Vol. 60

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IN THIS ISSUE

M A Y

An unorthdox senior year, pg. 13

2 0 2 0

Equestrian Cavaliers, pg. 18

GENERATION

Coral Gables SHS | Issue 6, Volume 60 | 450 Bird Road, Coral Gables, FL 33146

highlights

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preview

editorial board Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Business Manager Social Media Manager Adviser Online Features News Opinion Sports The Scene Insight

Alexandra Torres Estelle Erwich Ruben Escobar Grace Rodriguez Melissa Gonzalez Natalia Pallas Hanna Ebrahimi Oraida Rodriguez Kevin Monjarrez Sara Ebrahimi Arianna Peña Aya Hamza & Isabella Villarroel

staff writers

Isabella Ahumada Camila Aitken Lisbeth Arrieta Barbara Borja Mercedes Debesa Dilan Denham Sharon Florez Alia Gamez Sandra Hanuschik Laura Hernandez Miguel Lemus Alma Martinez Jonathan Mesa

Isabella Morales Thomas Morcillo Melanie Nunez Alexa Orozco Celine Perez Addys Plata Nataly Rabelo Marta Rodriguez Isabel Quintanilla Maya Shah Emma Vela Gregoire Winston Austin Yagoda

contributors

Isabel Donner Vivian Frederique

In this issue

Jason Jackson Solomon Hill Dimitris Biamby

Manuel Jackson Angelina Bonilla

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.

pg.18

Courtesy of Isabel Donner

Features 4 The effects of Coronavirus on Gables 6 Light and refreshing summer recipes

News 9 The seniors are off to college 10 The 2020 political face-off: Trump vs. Biden

Opinion 12 Is our current sex-ed system enough?

14 highlights gives advice to each grade

Sports 18 Gables athletes commit to college 22 The Coronavirus NBA debaucle

The Scene 24 Verde Market: the eco-friendly way to shop 26 How to support small businesses

Insight 28 The effect of media overload on Gen-Z

highlights 3

from the editors

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS T

he world seems to be on pause as the increasingly difficult battle with coronavirus unfolds and events continue to be cancelled.

Although our last few months have not exactly been typical, our accomplishments and contributions to society will not go unnoticed. Yes, our time in room 9220 — made most memorable by countless bags of burnt popcorn, an overwhelming number of ‘Isas’ and a slightly haunting stick of Mrs. Gonzalez — was cut short. Even with this, however, highlights rose above, earning us our second CAF&DM Field Day win and an AllFlorida ranking for a third year in a row. We finally earned our reputation of “nice highlights”, and despite a few bumps in the road, our staff will go down in history as one of the amazing, interesting and occasionally dysfunctional groups of people we’ve ever met. highlights, this one’s for you.

To our graduating seniors, whether we have spent one or four years together, you have truly shaped highlights into what it is. Mercedes, Celine, Isa Q and Miguel — though your time in highlights was relatively short, your work ethic, artistic talent, positive attitudes and willingness to collaborate helped build a truly welcoming atmosphere. And now, to the true spirit of highlights - Kevin’s Korner. Thomas, your skills with a camera were invaluable, and we will always be grateful for your willingness to run around school and take pictures, as well as your dedication to competing with Kevin for the loudest laugh in the class. Oraida, your incredible talent has made news unique and creative, and your opening and welcoming spirit has added greatly to the highlights atmosphere. Dilan and Mesa, though your humor may be unorthodox, it left an impression on the class forever — with the Harambe and XXXTentacion story going down in history as one of the greatest op-eds ever written. Alexander, your enthusiasm, kindness and dedication to highlights is unmatched. It is wonderful to know that the future president of the United States is a highlights alum.

And finally, the Korner’s namesake, Kevin, you have helped create the environment that highlights is today. Your humor and personality have made you a pillar of highlights’ history and your skill in writing and editing for opinion will not be forgotten. The Korner will live on forever.

To our new board, you all truly earned your positions. Marta and Grace, you have already proved yourselves as the ultimate social media dream team. We couldn’t have asked for anyone better to lead our “Insta-Face” (as Gonzo would say). Isa M, we always joked about how you could take our jobs as EIC and Managing, but in all honesty, we weren’t joking. You are more than ready to take the reigns of online, and you have a great partner to do so with. Greg, thank you for always making us laugh with you unique and extremely vague story ideas. I have no doubt that you and Isa will take online to the next level. Natalia, from the moment you joined highlights, you have reminded us so much of ourselves, and we could not be more confident in your ability to be a great Business Manager. Nataly, your creativity and kindness never fails to amaze us. Keep doing you, and your job as Features Editor will come easy. Alma, apart from being

the queen of amazing hair, your layout skills and dedication to highlights made it clear that you are the perfect fit for News. Sharon, everything you did this year truly earns the title of “hot fire flames.” Your outspokenness and strong work ethic makes you more than capable to take on Opinion, and follow in the footsteps of Ben and Kevin. Hanna… I mean Sara, although your intense fanaticism for the Miami Heat might one day get you arrested, your passion for sports came in handy this year. Keep working hard and burning your popcorn and the spirit of highlights will live on. Arianna, not only did you earn the title of best dressed 80s child, your stunning layouts and artistic abilities always made us shed a tear of joy. Isa V, not once have we seen a frown on your face. You are more than ready to take on Insight on your own, and we know you’ll do it with a smile.

Aya, you are truly inspiring. Despite having so much on your plate, you never failed to meet highlights deadlines. Your love for AP Style will serve you well as Copy Editor. Hanna, your attention to detail, commitment to highlights and decisiveness will greatly help you as Managing Editor. Keep leading with purpose, trusting your instincts, and working hard and the magazine will be incredible.

Gonzo, thank you so much for your unwavering support for us and for the entire staff. highlights would not be what it is without you. Thank you for pushing us to always strive for greatness, and to become better people everyday. Your sense of humor and quirkiness brightened our days and we will always appreciate your selflessness as a teacher. Also, thanks for putting up with our crazy selves, and occasionally getting us lunch.

We love you!

Alexandra, at the beginning of this year together I could not have imagined how close we would now become. After all the ups and downs, simultaneous mental breakdowns and fits of delusional laughter, I can genuinely say there is no one else I would have rather led this year with.

You are one of the most selfless, brave and strong people I know, and I am proud to be your friend. Thank you for always being there for me, doing more than you needed to and letting me occasionally leave class to buy concert tickets. You are going to be an amazing Editor-in-Chief again next year and I cannot wait to watch what you do. Never doubt yourself and your strength.

Love to you always, your big sister, Estelle Estelle, not only were you my partner-in-crime, but you also became one of my best friends. Our dynamic this year was unmatched, and I could not have asked for a better Managing Editor. Your amazing dance skills (take that with a grain of salt) and your need to call everyone and everything “chicken” made my year, and everyone else’s, all-the-more memorable. Your “hot fire flames” personality will definitely be missed.

Although I’m a little upset that I did not get to say bye to you in person, I know for a fact that I’ll see you soon, and we’ll get to fight over the black cushion chair in our corner of room 9220 once again.

Love, your chicken, Alexandra

EstelleErwich

ESTELLE ERWICH, MANAGING EDITOR AlexandraT

ALEXANDRA TORRES, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

4 features

C O R O N A

Amid the COVID-19 school shutdown, highlights looks into how the student body is being impacted

BY LISBETH ARRIETA AND GREGOIRE WINSTON, STAFF WRITERS

HEN PICTURING THE end of the school year, students often imagine celebrations of their accomplishments, not an international quarantine period amid a pandemic that puts the lives of billions at risk. With nearly four million confirmed cases of COVID-19— commonly known as the coronavirus— in the United States, this pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of daily life.

Many institutions, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have advised the public to take precautionary measures by

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staying at home, practicing social distancing and maintaining good hygiene. For this reason, all schools in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) have been closed since March 16 and will continue to remain closed through the end of the school year. The student body, faculty and staff are forced to explore unfamiliar grounds as the pandemic has made daily life anything but ordinary.

To determine the impact COVID-19 has on the school’s community, highlights shares the narratives of those most impacted by the pandemic.

IMPACT ON testing state-wide testing

At a press conference on March 17, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the cancellation of both End-of-Course (EOC) exams and Florida Standardized Assessments (FSA) for this academic year. Instead of these state-administered tests, the Florida Department of Education will evaluate final course grades. Students will receive the grade

they have earned based on coursework.

“I was supposed to take the biology, reading and writing FSAs and the Geometry EOC. Honestly, I’m terrified. Since they decided to cancel the tests I’m scared that they are going to postpone it until next year,” freshman Katherine Martinez said.

international baccalaureate testing

On March 23, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization announced that the May 2020 examinations will no longer be held, devastating hundreds of juniors and seniors within the school’s program.

The new scoring system will be calculated using the relationship between coursework, predicted grades and subject grades according to IB International.

“I have complete faith that our teachers did everything they could to make sure students have every opportunity to correct and polish their [Internal Assessments] before their final submissions,” IB

coordinator Diana Van Wyk said.

With no examinations being held, some students worry about how they will be able to afford college.

For students committed to in-state universities, earning their IB diploma means they qualify for the highest level of the Bright Futures scholarship towards their education. Without any remaining control on their test scores, students are left with uncertainty.

“I was depending on paying for my college education with the Bright Futures scholarship. Now, I am worried about how I will be able to pay for college,” senior Ketty Dones said.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT testing

For the first time in history, Advanced Placement (AP) testing will be held as open-note exams and administered online. The exams, scheduled to begin on May 11, thus test new academic skills that leave many students anxious about their scores. With just one free-response segment for each exam, there is little room to mess up.

“I already stressed myself out through the year about how scary the test will be and now it doesn’t seem as daunting,” freshman Allan Kaplan said. “I have mixed feelings about the changes. Despite the fact that it’s much shorter. I dislike that the entirety

of the grade is in one document-based question. I would’ve preferred an LEQ or multiple choice questions.”

Due to current circumstances, the College Board has been providing students with free, real-time AP review sessions, hosted by AP teachers across the nation. The purpose of these sessions are to help students to cover the remaining topics of their respective AP classes.

“I personally like [the videos]...they pretty much go by the curriculum so it’s not far from what I learned when we’re in class,” sophomore Karla Martinez said.

“I learn a lot from the 40-minute videos and the information is covered well.”

IMPACT ON staff Following the school closure due to COVID-19, teachers have been forced to significantly adjust their teaching methods.

Instead, their new realities entail digital schooling platforms, virtual instruction methods and packed email inboxes.

All teachers are required to have an online platform where their students can access their coursework and other educational information.

However, some teachers are facing challenges learning how to transform their classrooms digitally.

Online class platforms such as Edmodo, Google Classroom and Zoom have been useful tools for a certain degree of connectivity with their students. Nonetheless, many miss the social interaction of the traditional classroom, as they are more difficult to recreate in a distance-learning setting.

“I miss interacting with the students. Every single one has just so much character. The student body is, hands down, the best part of the job,” history teacher Oscar De Armas said.

With face-to-face interactions impossible, some teachers worry about the motivation their students have on a daily basis.

“I am saying this from seeing my son and his struggles and can only imagine high school students are stressed as well. For those who learn on their own this is fine, but for visual learners and those who need guidance, I know this is a struggle,” reading teacher Yvette Camacho said.

“I think the biggest problem is the students losing motivation.”

In addition to virtual classes, some teachers have opted to prerecord lessons and post them on sites like YouTube, to accomodate for students who face difficult circumstances. This has also been a favorable teaching method for teachers with young children because they are able to ensure less interruptions.

“It’s hard for kids to adapt and so I don’t see that they are being very efficient but I am sure it will get better the longer we have online school,” NAF lead teacher Natasha Lopez said.

IMPACT ON Sports

meals from food sites

Source: Local 10 News

85% of students nation-wide have at least one cancelled exam

Source: Washington Post

The district has distributed over 100,000 laptops and 11,000 smart phones

Source: Hechinger Report

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meal locations

seasons have

throughout

been affected

miami-dade

sat and act exams have been cancelled between the

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months of april and june

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time-lapse videos, members of the team record their workouts and conditioning regimens. Similarly, the cheerleading team uses Zoom to verbally interact as they practice their routines.

“Cheerleading is a very physical sport so it’s really weird practicing at home but we’re making the best of it,” junior Jasmine Morales said. “We have weekly workouts Monday through Friday, usually targeting specific muscles.We also do yoga in order to relax and strengthen our flexibility.”

Further, many students rely on sports to help them fund their college educations. With high hopes, some Cavalier athletes work towards attaining scholarships that could serve as a bridge to an athletic career.

“While this season stopped us from playing, I still work out everyday, go to the school to kick and make sure I am ready for FIU. I hope this all blows over before June so I can move on to the campus and start my journey at FIU,” senior baseball player Matthew Enriquez said. h

71% of students qualify for free

Ha nna

There will not be a home run for the school’s baseball team or any other spring-session sport this school year given the COVID-19 restrictions.

With baseball, softball, track and field, tennis and many other sporting events and competitions being cancelled, Cavalier athletes are unable to showcase their talents.

Among the extensive list of cancelled events is the annual Gablette Revue showcase presented by the school’s award-winning dance team.

The event that was scheduled to take place on April 22 and 23, was one that many senior members looked forward to, as they worked tirelessly to make some final memories with their teammates.

“I am the most upset about the Gablette Revue, because it was the last chance to see the seniors. It’s a really sad ending to the year; it was what we were all waiting for,” junior Gablette Gabby D’arcangelo said.

Nonetheless, the Gablettes still hold daily practices to stay in shape and focus on future goals. Using

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features

s light

The artist behind the “Blueboy Brown” 6 features Former art teacher David Greg Taylor uses his artistic expertise towards his new series of graphic novels

BY BARBARA BORJA, STAFF WRITER

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HILE STUDENTS TYPICALLY expect nothing more than a solemn substitute to fill in for their absent teachers, those who leave a classroom l e d b y t h e school’s former a r t

teacher David Greg Taylor often find themselves inspired by his artwork and creativity.

Maintaining an active role in Miami’s art community for over 60 years, Taylor is currently in the midst of finishing a series of nine graphic novels that he has been working on throughout his career, the most recent titled “Blueboy Brown.”

Inspired by his father’s embelished accounts of his life, Taylor’s graphic series depicts the daring character traits of his paternal grand-uncle through the life of a 12-year-old boy with the physical features an older man. The authorial decision to portray the protagonist as an emerging teenager is significant in the plot of the comics given Taylor’s 25-year career working with high schoolers. It stands as an ode to the delicate intricacy of a maturing child’s mind.

Outlining the social climate in the period since the Civil War, Taylor visually presents the personal adventures of his ancestors in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas through his vivid use of etching techniques—a form of printmaking —which he learned in his time at the Pratt Institute among many other lessons.

“A professor once told me that she did not believe in my art, explaining that it was because it was only about the good, and nobody cared about that,” Taylor said.

Taylor now considers this as the best compliment he has received and holds the encounter as inspiration for a common theme

in his art: perseverance.

“One of the things this novel is about is why this world is so messed up and what we can do about it,” Taylor said. “We cannot really change the world but we can change small pockets of the world by the things we do.”

Shadowing the artistic techniques of famous artists like Rembrandt, Picasso and Matisse, Taylor classifies his work as part of the Silver Age given his use of etching style enhanced with digital coloring.

With his pencil-drawn sketches, which are later scanned and imported into Photoshop to add color, Taylor’s art is comparable to that of Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee. He had devised a method to make it look like his art was made with watercolors.

Wishing he had more insightful art teachers as an adolescent, Taylor is passionate about providing students—whether he knows them for a day or an entire semester— with the resources they need to excel in pursuing art.

“I really learned how to become an artist when I started teaching. When you become a teacher is when you realize the quality of the teaching that you received,” Taylor said.

After studying art at the Pratt Institute, Taylor pursued a career as an art teacher at various schools across the district including the New World School of the Arts and Miami-Dade College.

His main focus with his work, whether he is sketching or teaching is to make an impact on his community’s collective understanding of art.

“Maybe [my art] will plant a seed [of inspiration], maybe my old man’s insight will help some kid, that is why I make art,” Taylor said. h

CREATIVE COMICS: David Greg Taylor’s characters Blueboy Brown and his brother Jobie are running because they’re afraid of danger.

HOME TALK The highlights staff records what students are talking about during online class sessions.

“You guys will have senior skip day, we have senior skip months. We are not the same.”

“My teachers can’t see my tears anymore but the water damage on my computer can.”

“At least I can’t be punished for breaking the 10/20 rule anymore.”

“Good morning everyone, who wants a room tour?”

“Forget college, I don’t even have a full ride to my house!”

“I’m sorry, sir. I left my homework at home.”

Scan below for a video tutorial of the recipes below.

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y Tropical Bowl Ingredients: • 3/4 cup frozen mango • 1/2 cup frozen pineapple • 1/3 cup greek yogurt • Optional: toasted almond slices and coconut flakes Instructions: 1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

2. Top will toasted almond slices and fruit of your choice.

Summer Pops Ingredients: • 2 cups fresh blueberries • 1 tbsp honey • 3 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt • Ice pop molds Instructions: 1. In a blender, mix combine blueberries, yogurt and honey.

2. Pour the blueberry mixture to fill half of an ice pop mold.

3. Freeze for at least four hours.

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news

NEWS REVIEW

BY ALIA GAMEZ, STAFF WRITER

UNDER-PREPARED AND UNEMPLOYED IN FLORIDA

MIAMI-DADE RATED WORST COMMUTE IN THE COUNTRY

MDCPS ENROLLMENT IN SCHOOLS DECLINING

The nation-wide wave of unemployment rates has hit Florida in recent weeks. Florida’s overworked labor department is suffering an influx of hundreds of thousands of calls and filings for unemployment. The state pays one of the lowest benefits in the nation, capping at $275 a week, but some do not get to that point, with a website that is slowed down from the influx and only paying a fraction of those filings.

“I’ll soon have to go back to work and possibly get sick even though it would be dangerous for me since I have [had] pulmonary fibrosis. All so I can pay my bills,” senior Christian Garcia said.

Moovit is an app whose mission it is to paint a real-time picture of the fastest and best mode of transportation.

Through location services, the app can tell its users which routes are the best for them. The app has amassed data from all over the country, Miami included, in its 2019 Global Public Transport Report.

The city of Miami has consistently proved to have the longest transit wait time, at an average of at 16.43 minutes spent idle. Miami was also ranked first in having the longest average distance for a trip in the United States. This pattern continues in other modes of transportation as Miami ranked #1 in having the longest average distance in walked journeys as well.

For the past five years, districtwide student enrollment from kindergarten through 12th grade has been steadily declining in MiamiDade County Public Schools (MDCPS). There are still large numbers of people pouring into Florida, but many of those come without children.

According to Miami Today News, those that do come with children have been been enrolling in alternative options such as homeschooling, charter schools and online classes. This lack of student enrollment can be in part attributed to the drop in birth rates during the 2008 recession.

Want to read more? Check out more great stories online!

Distancing from Zoom

As the number of Zoom users increases, safety concerns regarding the application continue to rise

Popular Spanish shows A look into how Spanish T.V. helps in promoting Hispanic & Latin culture

highlights quarantine kitchen

Classic yet innovative dishes with no need for special equipment or skills that are sure to satisfy

FOLLOW US ONLINE Read our online stories: www.cavsconnect.com/category/highlightssubmissions/ Instagram: @highlightscghs Twitter: @highlightscghs

scan to visit our online content!

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news

After four years of hard work, the class of 2020 have been accepted into many schools across the country.

Barbara Borja/highligh

ts

*Based off responses from the Senior CAP survey as of April 30th

The h denotes all the universities in which highlights seniors have accepted admission to.

Agnes Scott College American University Appalachian University Arizona State University Babson College Barry University Berry College Brown University College of William & Mary Columbia University Cornell University Curry College

Davidson College Dartmouth College Duke University Eckerd College Elon University Emerson College Florida Atlantic University Florida International University h Florida State University Fordham University Harvard University George Mason University Goucher University John Hopkins University Kennesaw State University Lake Forest College Lehigh University Lynn University Miami-Dade College Mount Holyoke College

New College of Florida New York University Northwestern University h Oxford University Pace University Penn State University Pomona College Princeton University Purdue University Rhodes College Ringling College of Art and Design Seton Hall University Simmons University Stetson Unversity Suffolk University Syracuse University Swarthmore College The George Washington University The Ohio State University

The University of Chicago The University of Texas at Austin The University of Utah University of Central Florida University of Colorado Boulder University of Florida h University of Maryland University of Miami h University of Michigan University of Oregon University of Portland University of Pennsylvania University of Southern California University South Florida University of Tampa Westminster College of Utah University of Pennsylvania Yale University

10 news news

Meet the 2020 presidential

As the ballot date approaches, highlights the two candidates for the 2020

BY SANDRA HANUSCHIK AND AUSTIN YAGODA, STAFF WRITERS

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onald J. Trump is the 45th President of the United States and the Republican candidate for the 2020 elections. Prior to his first term in office, he was a real estate developer, reality star, entrepreneur, author and television personality. With a degree from the Wharton School of Business, he built upon his father’s entities under the Trump Organization and quickly became a millionaire. Trump won the 2016 election without holding prior political office, yet in 2019 he was impeached by the House of Representatives. The slogan for his campaign is “Keep America Great!”

Immigration:

Terrorism:

Cyber-Security:

Immigration is a major concern for Trump. He hopes to reduce both legal and illegal Economy: immigration and plans to Economy: continue taking executive Trump has has implemented implemented tax tax action to reshape asylum, Trump cutting deportation, etc. cutting and and strict strict economic economic policies, policies, which which he he says says have have spurred growth, growth, innovation, innovation, spurred and and employment, employment, even even though though national national debt debt and and budget budget deficit deficit have have increased. increased.

Trump has many problems with a many large U.S. technology companies, arguing that they are conspiring to defeat him in the 2020 election responsible.

Trump has pushed towards increased domestic surveillance, expanded use Defense: of drone strikes in Africa and Defense: the Middle East, and greater limits on immigration and Trump has increased the Trump has increased the refugee admissions. military efforts by pushing military efforts by pushing for increases to defense for increases to defense spending, spending, major major new new weapons programs, weapons programs, and and new branch branch focused focused on on aa new space. space.

DONALD J TRUMP 2016 2016

.

Elected Elected President President of of the the United United States of America.

States of America.

2017 2017 Signs Signs the the tax tax cut cut bill bill into into law. law.

2019 2019 Declares Declares national national emergency emergency to to build border around build border around Mexico.

Mexico.

2019 2019 Oraida Rodriguez/high Rodriguez/highlights Oraida lights

Becomes Becomes the the 3rd 3rd President President to to be impeached by the be impeached by the House House of of Representatives.

Representatives.

.

For more on the candidates, visit us online.

candidates

11 news

shares the political views of presidential election

J

oseph “Joe” Biden served as the 47th Vice-President of the United States under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017 and is the Democratic candidate for the 2020 election. He started his political career in 1970 as a member of the New Castle County council in Delaware at the age of 27. He was then elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972 as a representative for the state of Delaware. He served for 35 years, later joining the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1975, as well as the Senate Judiciary Committee until 1995. He ran for president in 1988, but dropped out due to plagiarism charges.

Terrorism:

Immigration:

Cyber-Security:

Biden does not agree with Trump’s current approach towards immigrants and asylum seekers as he supports comprehensive immigration reform,

Biden thinks government should be pressuring technology companies Defense: Economy: to change their tendency around privacy, surveillance, Biden believes that a and hate speech.

Biden supports some U.S. cautious economy enables military interventions abroad the United States to lead the but he is emphasizing the world, saying that importance of diplomacy and “economic security is working through alliances national security.” and global institutions.

.

Biden has been adamant about of a strategy he called “counterterrorism plus.” This approach emphasizes fighting terrorist networks in foreign countries using small groups of U.S. special forces and aggressive air strikes rather than large troops.

JOE BIDEN 1972

Elected as a Delaware Senator at the age of 29.

1990

Biden introduced the Bill for Violence Against Women Act which was then signed by President Clinton.

2008 Becomes Vice-President of the United States under Barack Obama.

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2020

Now the Democratic candidate to face President Trump after candidate Bernie Sanders dropped out of the presidential race.

Oraida Rodriguez/highlights

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opinion

STAFF-ED: Abstinence-Only

Miami-Dade’s lack of an comprehensive sex-ed program keeps students from creating healthy sexual relationships

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HE DEBATE OVER THE BEST way to execute sexual education for adolescents in public education has evolved into a widely-argued issue in recent years. The issue in question has become a debate based on ethical and moral beliefs. However, regardless of personal grievances, effective sexual education must be tailored to meet the needs of the current generation of young adults, including those who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Abstinence only education— selfenforced restraint from indulging in sexual activities — is a commonly-imposed form of sexual education that perpetuates fear in teenagers’ minds through talk of the “horrific consequences” of sex rather than informing students on safer sex practices by offering valuable instruction and guidance.

Miami-Dade County has not yet adopted a comprehensive sex education system that would require necessary information regarding sex to be taught.

Although the school incorporates proper sexual education on a variety of subjects through the Health Information Project (HIP), this program is only offered at a small portion of schools.

Those who are in favor of abstinenceonly courses being taught in schools often do so due to the belief that it will aid in reducing the number of partners an individual has, and therefore lead to lower rates of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

However, this could not be further from the truth — as teenagers are not phased by the imposition of abstinence.

The practice of enforcing abstinence-only as a form of sexual education has led to the formation of a youth culture that represses sexuality instead of normalizing it. However, the current generation of young adults is more likely to denounce this mindset. Ninety-seven percent of Americans from 1994 to 2003 had premarital sex, as reported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Abstinence is not commonly practiced or plausible in today’s society, which proves that adaptations must be made that embrace the modern lifestyle practiced by most young adults today in the present-day.

Programs that advocate for abstinenceonly often also impose heterosexual marriage as the only plausible context in which sex is acceptable. However, today’s youth includes a diverse pool of people, including those belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. Sexual education programs in place at many schools often do not take LGBTQ+ individuals into consideration. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than 40% of high schools and fewer than one in six middle schools teach all of the required topics put in place by the CDC that are crucial for young people, which includes those focused on LGBTQ+ issues.

“As a bisexual man, just learning how sexual intercourse between same-sex couples works would have helped me,” senior Virgilio Davila said. “Also, abstinence is nonexistent in high school, so teaching us how to put on a condom would probably be more useful.”

According to the Human Rights Campaign, 60% of LGBTQ+ youth reported feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The lack of information and representation faced by these young adults can result in feelings of exclusion,

and eventually extensive issues regarding mental health. In South Florida, at least 4.2% of the population identifies as being part of the LGBTQ+ community, as reported by the Miami Times, which makes the LGBTQ+ community a small but substantial portion of the population in need of guidance tailored to them.

An absence of general adequate sexual education, especially during the prime phase of adolescence, may have detrimental, life-altering effects including unexpected pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STI).

According to the CDC, although the rate of teenage pregnancies in the United States has dropped in recent years, it is still substantially higher than in other western, industrialized nations, proving that the enforcement of abstinence-only, in the grand scheme of things, has not been an effective method in reducing teenage pregnancies. The CDC also reported more than two million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in 2016 in the United States with Florida ranking top 10 in the syphilis category, marking 2016 as the year with the highest STI rates in the nation.

Without suitable sexual education, young adults are deprived of necessary instruction and guidance that is pivotal during adolescence, a prime phase in mental development. The enforcement of purely abstinence as a method of sexual education is outdated, ineffective and attempts to push a specific narrative that no longer aligns with the ideals of American youth. The reality is that young adults are each distinct and require personalized sexual education rather than a cut and dry method. Abstinence-only is not productive in informing young adults about sex, nor does it keep them safe. h

BY THE NUMBERS: 1 in 4

teens contract an STD every year in the U.S.

Teens 15 to 24 account for

50% of all new STDs in the

US, even though represent 25% of the sexually experienced population Sources: Center for Disease Control

13

opinion

2020 Under Construction

The memorable class of 2020 may be down, but they are also out (of school).

COMMENTARY BY ESTELLE ERWICH, MANAGING EDITOR

S

E N I O R year is often a highly anticipated, slightly over-hyped and exciting chapter that high schoolers are encouraged to dream about from their first step on campus in freshman year. But the Cavalier class of 2020 has had quite a different experience than the typical graduating class, as the disease which was eventually our peril was much more severe than senioritis.

Prom, senior picnic, senior skip day, your last first day of school, graduation and memories that will supposedly last a lifetime, that is what senior year promised.

Our class also held the enviable position of being the class of 2020 - a round number, a new decade and a year that was prime for slogans. (“We have 20/20 vision?” An instant classic.) The year itself seemed to be full of exciting events from the Olympics, to an election, a World Cup and the turn of the new decade. This beginning of a new chapter of life was brimming with possibilities - but instead of another roaring twenties, it more closely resembles the Great Depression.

The school year started out on an interesting foot, as we went back to school by the beach! Well, maybe not the actual beach, but there was definitely sand. Lots of sand. And a crane. The school was under construction, which meant areas were closed off and hallways were definitely cozier than before. We readily accepted hazard signs instead of the expected firstday-back senior photo booth, even if going to school in a construction site meant a significantly longer walk to the parking lot.

After the initial shock of the backto-school season subsided, the most stressful part of the year began for many seniors as college applications demanded their attention. The next several months consisted of deadlines, stress and then some more stress. But finally, January rolled around and our class victoriously submitted their last applications.

It was time for the part of senior year everyone had told us about, the High School Musical-Esque montage to roll

by in flashes of spring break trips, promposals, cap and gown fittings and spirit week costumes.

Our graduation caps were swapped out for face masks, however, and we were given a sort of senior skip day, except instead of skipping a day it was the rest of the school year.

When our teachers warned us we might not return to school, and to say our goodbyes now, few believed them. Little did we know, that day would include our last trudges up the third-floor stairs, lunchtime slushies and quests to find a bathroom that had toilet paper. We ungratefully experienced our last day of school with our classmates and teachers - something that, even with our supposed “20/20 vision,” we could not have possibly seen coming.

Though the end of our high school years did not follow the highly-anticipated route, the class of 2020 has still made the best out of the situation.

While attempts to remedy our situation through virtual proms and graduation ceremonies are slightly more annoying than actually effective, the senior class has found ways to stay connected.

With Zoom classes and virtual hangouts, Instagram bingo games, online decision day and a spirit week hosted on social media, we have managed to make the most out of our situation. Certainly, there are plus sides to these circumstances, like catching up on all of the sleep lost over the past three years and signing into school without worrying if you remembered to bring your ID. Our senior year may have been slightly doomed from the start, but our class has proved to be resilient in the face of change and challenge. Many have found ways to reach out to others in this time, reflect, meditate, develop new hobbies and deepen relationships. Others are learning valuable skills like coping through humor and adapting to uncertainty. So whether you have learned to crochet, set a personal new record for hours slept or watched 15 movies which feature Adam Sandler, be proud of the way you have adapted to your circumstances.

This was not the year expected, and there is not much to say that can help change that. But the class of 2020, be proud of your achievements throughout high school and now. Not only are you earning a high school diploma, but you are also graduating with a certificate in surviving a global pandemic, and that is something the class of 2019 definitely cannot say. Although, they did get a prom. So maybe they still win. h

Kevin’s Korner To the New Opinion Editor

W

ith tears in my eyes and a keyboard in hand, I must reluctantly announce my retirement. My final year in highlights and my first as opinion editor has been a blast, memorable in more ways than one, and I’ll cherish all the moments writing Kevin’s Korner for years to come. Fortunately, while I am gone, the opinion section remains, and I’m extremely glad I get to pass it on to Sharon Florez, someone who I’m sure will take the section well past the (very, very high) bar I set.

To lead opinion is a heavy task, being the largest section in the magazine with the most room for error. Every issue there will be a disaster, but through this, you will learn not only to cope with stress, but ride that wave of stress all the way to the finish line.

I’m sure there will be days where you will want to pull your hair out and punch a hole through your very slow laptop, but fret not.

While these are heavy burdens we set upon you, with your commitment to perfection, I’m sure you’ll take to the job quickly.

What I’m most eager for you to take over though, is Kevin’s Korner. This column has been the height of my highlights career, and has been voted “The Best Part of highlights” by 2019-2020 opinion editors anonymous. It is an opportunity to write about whatever you want; a liberty which I had never been afforded in my years of high school outside of my Extended Essay, which is considerably less fun to write.

I’m eager to see where you take this freedom, even if you use it to rename the column.

I’m tempted to give you tips and pointers, but I think I’ll hold back, both because it would insult your talent, and the problems I encountered were very unique and named Dilan Denham. One piece of advice I will give you though is to enjoy your time to the fullest. It’ll be a roller coaster of emotions, but make sure to have fun with it. It’ll go by so fast, you’d swear it only lasted three-fourths of the year h

14

opinion

Words from the way out As the year comes to a close, highlights members reflect on the past year and offer insight into next year

Sophomores

A

COMMENTARY BY MELANIE NUÑEZ, STAFF WRITER

FTER NARROWLY surviving the occasional horrors of freshman year, sophomore year can seem like a long-awaited and well-deserved rest. Although this is true, sophomore year can also be the perfect opportunity to learn from the mistakes of your freshman year, developing a strong work ethic that will help you thrive in the coming year and put you on a path to discovering your true passions and desired career choice.

Now that the stress of starting at a new school and adapting to a new environment is lifted off your shoulders, sophomore year allows you to put your focus on the things that interest you. Although it may seem scary and even overwhelming, discovering the things that you are passionate about is what will make the rest of your high school experience truly fun and enriching.

Join a club, sport or organization that sparks excitement and curiosity in you. Explore opportunities offered not only at school but all over the community and city. Sophomore year is the perfect chance to explore new creative and intellectual endeavours considering that

you do not have the pressures of adapting to a new environment that accompanies freshman year or the momentous stress of college preparations common during junior year.

“

SOPHOMORE YEAR IS THE PERFECT CHANCE TO EXPLORE NEW CREATIVE AND INTELECTUAL ENDEAVORS, MELANIE NUÑEZ, SOPHOMORE

Also remember to take sophomore year as a chance to improve your work ethic. Now that freshman year is over, it is expected of you to be responsible for your work and you must be able to manage your time efficiently. Sophomore year is an opportune time to cast aside bad habits that result in unproductivity and procrastination

and replace them with useful study patterns and organizational skills. Something that might come in handy when attempting to establish productive work habits is keeping a detailed planner to help organize your week for maximum efficiency.

By working in advance, creating schedules, and limiting distractions, procrastination will prove to be much easier to control.

Although sophomore year may seem like it lacks any true challenges or as if it is the simplest year of high school, this mindset may lead to rationalizations and hurt the quality of your work. Think of sophomore year as a year to prepare for what is going to be expected of you in the coming year, which includes being more responsible with assignments and deadlines and dealing with a large workload that mimics college-level tasks. If done right, these new skills will help you manage your way through junior year.

With proper preparation and determination, sophomore year is nothing to fear. Be open to new opportunities, learn from your mistakes and take chances that may help you find your calling.

Sophomore year is often taken for granted, so appreciate the many opportunities it can offer you and the time it gives you to grow as a person. h

15

opinion

Juniors

T

COMMENTARY BY SHARON FLOREZ, STAFF WRITER

HROUGHOUT YOUR HIGH school experience, it is probable that junior year will be the most intense year you face. Everyone will warn you of the same things — to avoid procrastination, perfect time management and prioritize doing homework on time — but preparing academically is only part of making junior year successful.

Besides the mountains of workload which you have no choice but to deal with, you will become more self-aware and see the world through a different lense. You will experience moments of existential dread and anxiety, feeling like a slave to the system, and seriously questioning whether all your work is worth anything. Still, you will learn more about how the world works, the different paths you can take in life, and you will begin making significant connections as you branch out and try new things.

Your friendships this year will be taken to the next level. You will make new memories, meet new people and experience how exciting

Y

being a teenager is. This year can truly help you make future connections in the professional world, through internships or people you know going into fields relevant to the ones you may wish to pursue .

“

TRY TO TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME ... TRY TO SAVE SENIORITIS FOR SENIOR YEAR. SHARON FLOREZ, JUNIOR

Try to take it one step at a time. Many times you will not want to complete assignments, but try to save senioritis for senior year. You will feel like giving up because there is so much on your plate. Even if the future feels distant, it is important to remember that it is influenced by the decisions you are taking in the present.

Keep in mind the importance of being in touch

with what good mental health means and how to de-stress in healthy ways. You will be exposed to different kinds of coping mechanisms, many of which can be harmful to you and others around you. Instead of giving in, appreciate nature, go on walks alone, or even get a cat. You could also join a sport, do yoga or meditate to stay mindful and help with feelings of being overwhelmed.

It is also important to remember that you are not the only person that will be feeling the pressure, everyone else will be too, so reach out to friends, family and trusted teachers for support and guidance when you need it. Your friends who share similar classes to you can help you, and if you have older friends that have already passed your current classes, their advice can come in handy.

You have probably heard that junior year is what “makes or breaks” you. And this is true — you will make mistakes, you will break down, and probably consider dropping out. Still, you will have moments of victory and accomplishment, laughter and joy. Most importantly, you will get through it, one day at a time, having built character and resilience in the process. h

SeniorS

COMMENTARY BY ALEXANDER SUTTON, STAFF WRITER

OU’VE MADE IT through five years of elementary school, three more of middle school and three of high school. Your entire academic career has been building up to this moment: the final stretch, the 12th year of school.

Senior year — probably, the last time you’ll ever have to wake up before 7 a.m. for class.

What many underclassmen and juniors don’t know about senior year, however, is that even though it can be the easiest year of high school for some, it’s the hardest year at the same time.

Everybody knows why the last year of high school is the best: prom, senior picnic, Gradbash, your GPA being ‘frozen’.

But the struggles that come along with being in your final year often come as an unexpected slap in the face to juniors eager for the senior-year experience.

A tough part about getting through senior year is knowing that after four years of perseverance, you’re going to have to do it all over again the next year. College looms over all seniors from even before the first day of school, and it’s all too easy to let the fear of the unknown paralyze you — but the best way to make it through the

college college they’re always

admissions process is to work on your essays and applications well before due and to remember that Ms. Driver is there if you have questions or feel lost.

“

THE BENEFITS OF BEING A SENIOR, HOWEVER, ARE FAR GREATER THAN ANY STRUGGLE THAT THE YEAR MIGHT BRING ALEXANDER SUTTON, SENIOR

Senioritis is another struggle unique to the final year of high school, and it threatens to derail all the hard work you’ve done in the past three years. Senioritis is real, and chances are high that you will get it. If you prepare for the lack of motivation you’ll face in advance, then when senioritis hits, you won’t be thrown off track. Make a game-plan to help yourself focus so that you can

return to it when you find yourself distracted, and when you begin to feel less motivated, remind yourself that there are only a few months left..

The benefits of being a senior, however, are far greater than any struggle that the year might bring. Seniors get the best activities and field trips, hands down. Gradbash can be an expensive trip, but it’s worth the cost. Having the opportunity to spend some of your final months with your best friends at Universal Studios is the perfect way to connect with those who mean a lot to you. Senior picnic, which your newly elected student government has promised to bring back, is a high school student’s dream: coming to school in swimming clothes, watching movies in the auditorium, free cereal in unlimited quantity and outdoor games to play on the field. Prom, too, is a quintessential high school experience that comes along with senior year. If there’s one year to not break the 10/20 rule, it’s this one!

So, on Aug. 24, 2020, march proudly into school with a crown on your head. It may only be made of cardboard, but that crown is much more than an obnoxious senior year tradition. Having the privilege to wear one of those crowns signifies the hard work you’ve done for three years, and the excitement that the year has yet in store. h

16

opinion

COMMENTARY BY JONATHAN MESA, STAFF WRITER

S

URELY, NO student could have predicted losing a quarter of their 2019-2020 school year.

Many parents and teachers have expressed concern for their students’ education, but what they fail to consider is that these precautions must be taken to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As can be seen through current consequences, there has already been a lack of action taken to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and more should be done to slow its spread.

Now, it is clear to see among countries that have had the longest time exposure to the virus that the ones that acted the fastest and most efficiently are in the best state of recovery from the pandemic. An example of this is Thailand, one of the first countries to be exposed, and now has the widest available testing for its citizens according to the World Health Organization.

Countries like Thailand are arguably in the best position because of their immediate action and testing of citizens.

Instead of following their example, the actions of the U.S. are slugish in comparison. As of mid-May the virus

NO

is already widespread within the U.S. and the death toll is just above 85,000.

Immediate social distancing came in the closure of gathering places such as schools, gyms and restaurants. The mistake on the part of the U.S. government was enacting these changes too late. These implementations will help to slow the spread of the virus, but if they had been implemented earlier, it is likely that there would be a much smaller threat to deal with in the states.

Meanwhile, the heads of the U.S. government are busy arguing with each other over the U.S.’s handling of the situation, with Democrats calling the Trump administration’s reaction to it one of incompetence, and President Donald Trump accusing the left of politicizing the coronavirus.

In recent news, the government is making

TWO VIEWS: Coronavirus recovery As the U.S. slowly succeeds in combating the COVID-19 epidemic, are we taking the best path towards a full recovery? the foolhardy decision to reopen social spaces like beaches in some places in Florida, such as Jacksonville. This preemptive decision to reopen social spaces is not only careless but dangerous.

The opening of Social spaces before a decline in the spread of the virus has even happened could very well lead to a second, deadlier wave of contaminations.

If other places here in Florida choose to follow Jacksonville’s example, Florida may become the new COVID-19 hot spot.

Understandably, the longer the population is quarantined, the more it economically falls into decline, with certain businesses like restaurants and movie theaters having been predicted to fall into bankruptcy should the shutdown continue for several more months. But the government should be able to make the

correct decision and prioritize people’s safety.

Stimulus checks were a good initiative to at least slow down the decline of the economy but perhaps the government should provide more assistance to the businesses in need to keep them on their feet until quarantine ends.

“I understand the stress, both economically and socially that this quarantine has on families,” senior Ty Almedia said. “But if we want to prioritze the safety of vulnerable people like our grandparents we have to keep going.”

Recently, it has become more common to see anti-quarantine protests of people who want the country to be open again. As to be expected, whenever one of these protests happens, the number of new cases in the areas where it happens spikes, such as in Kentucky, where governor Andy Beshear announced 273 cases had emerged post-protest, the highest spike at the time. Protesting itself is

not the problem , though, and many of these protestors have just cause, wanting to go back to work. What causes these spikes is that many protestors don’t follow appropriate guidelines, gathering very clustered together without masks and not washing their hands after being near others. Since it is the people’s right to protest, the government could at least help them to protest in a way that minimizes danger to them and the people around them.

On the larger scale, all the actions taken by the government to help contain the virus and slow its spread have been done much too late, rendering them ineffective, as evidenced by America now leading the world in the number of publicly confirmed cases. The most logical course of action now is to stay quarantined and follow all safety precautions. This is not only to protect us but the people around us as well. h

17

opinion

COMMENTARY BY DILAN DENHAM, STAFF WRITER

A

S OF MAY 1, the United States has around four times the amount of confirmed COVID-19 cases than any country in the world. Standing at a monumental 1.4 million cases, there is no doubt that U.S. leadership has been shaky and less graceful than we would have hoped; however, the U.S. has done an upstanding job in mobilizing emergency care and procedure to contain the virus. Contrary to popular belief, our country made the best decisions with the information available, and is continuing to follow this trend in order to save the lives of people and its economy.

According to the Center for Disease

Control (CDC), the United States, which took early precautions to block travel towards the U.S. from infected areas of the world, played an essential role in fighting the spread of the coronavirus. However, even with early sanctions put in place as far back as January against China, many immigrants came through to America’s international hub in New York before the deadly virus could even be identified.

It is important to understand that the U.S. has some of the most traveled to locations in the world, and the virus traveled in silently before any precaution could have even been labeled.

At the time, the U.S. harbored several million travelers around the country for business and leisure travel before the coronavirus could even reach American media. Without the proper information, it would be extremely hard for the government to make effective decisions.

Although it is important for the government to make fast decisions during these times, it is also just as important that the government does not make poor decisions in haste. It would have been an ill-advised decision had the government closed down the country prematurely with only one reported case in the country. Now that we have gone through the greatest phase of coronavirus, we can see that the timing was spot-on, even though most media outlets are still criticizing the government for a situation the world could never have expected.

Now that the pandemic is being controlled, we need to put America’s focus back on the economy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. payrolls fell by a massive 22 million jobs just last month. After decades of lowering the American unemployment rate successfully, the efforts have been slashed in

BY THE NUMBERS: Miami-Dade’s unemployment rate more than doubled in March, from 1.5% in February to 3.7% Miami-Dade accounts for 36% of of Florida’s COVID-19 cases, with 71 in the school’s zipcode.

Sources: Florida Department of Health; Florida Department of Economic Opportunity weeks by the coronavirus — a catastrophic result of the pandemic the U.S. is facing.

In perspective, during the 2008 recession, the worst monthly loss only amounted to 800,000 jobs. Even when comparing the current monthly loss to the worst loss in the history of the U.S. in September of 1945, which reached a catastrophic two million jobs, the U.S. has never seen a loss in jobs this brutal. What used to be a 50-year low unemployment rate of 3.5% turned into a staggering 15%.

Numbers of this caliber are not even the only threat impacting the U.S. economy. The U.S. has seen the worst decline in gross domestic product in a decade and its worst retail sales report on record. It is currently impossible to foresee what the effects from this crisis will be.

However, taking note from the miniscule-

seeming recession of 2008 — which caused major bankruptcy around the nation and mass homelessness — the future does not currently look jovial for the U.S. economy unless action is taken to expedite the opening of the country.

Concern for the economy does not mean it is of any greater importance than the lives of the people; however, to ensure safety and security of the country, measures need to be taken to smooth out this pandemic’s impact. Seeing just how frightening the impact of the 1945 and 2008 recessions had on the country, this is a problem which needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Luckily, through the long and arduous months the citizens of the U.S. so valiantly endured

while quarantining and social distancing, the U.S. should be ready to reopen within the next month. Although it is still uncertain what the effects of reopening the country will be for the pandemic, one thing is for sure; it will greatly help combat the ongoing economic crisis that needs to be resolved.

In all, the U.S. now needs to focus on opening up the country to return things to normal. The U.S. is managing the pandemic tremendously well and now we have a new crisis to defeat— an unpredictable economic crisis. The U.S. now needs to come together as it did in fighting the frightening COVID-19 pandemic and fix the economy. h

YES

18

sports

Trailblazing Cavaliers

Horseback riding Cavaliers jump over barriers as they share their love for the equestrian sport and lifestyle

BY MARTA RODRIGUEZ AND ISABEL QUINTANILLA, STAFF WRITERS

A

N UNCOMMON YET lively sport, the adventurous spirit of horseback riding does not go unnoticed with many students at the school. As they dedicate themselves to the adventurous

sport of horseback riding, motivated equestrians pursue their passions of riding horses while simultaneously forming bonds with the animals they love.

While horseback riding, these student athletes develop their balance

and core strength. With the goal of connecting with nature and experiencing outdoor living, sophomore Vivian Frederique and freshman Isabel Donner who share their devotions to the equestrian lifestyle.

On a typical humid Miami morning, freshman Isabel Donner can be seen in the arena with a big smile on her face doing what she loves the most, horseback riding. However, this was not always the case. Although Donner has loved interacting with horses since she was young, she did not begin riding them until the age of 12, when her father discovered M&M Stables, a barn near their home.

Donner has been going to M&M Stables for two years and has lessons there every Saturday at 11 a.m. for approximately hours. two Because she does not have her

own horse, she uses the different horses that the barn has to offer. Her personal favorite is Brewster, a thoroughbred.

“I like [Brewster] the best because he is really sweet and has a good temperament, which helps a lot when it comes to riding and allows me to work best with him,” Donner said.

Having a special bond with the horses helps Donner win competitions. Donner has won several categories and been the champion as well as reserved champion at some competitions.

She mainly competes at different shows in the barn, but has also gone to shows at the Plantation Acres Saddle Club.

To Donner, it is important for the horses she has around her to feel comfortable and being around them, which is why she priortizes making extra time to participate in extra activities with them whenever she is at the barn. Before the lesson starts, Donner makes her way to Brewster’s stable and prepares him for the day.

Many times, she greets the horse by

giving him a treat or petting him, to relax him and show the horse some love.

Donner prepares with some walks

ISABEL DONNER

Courtesy of Isabel Donner

trotting. Depending on what her coach advises during the session, she practices cantering around the arena by moving the horse at a canter in a particular direction, or trotting ground points. Once Brewtser’s adrenaline is pumping, they practice for competitions and Donner then cools him down when the lesson is over.

“Horseback riding gives me a very calming, at peace feeling because of how focused you are on the horse. Everything else just slips your mind for a while,” Donner said.

Working so close to animals, Donner acknowledges the importance of taking care of her animals, as her safety depends on the horses’ movements.

When she was 12, she fell off a horse fracturing and dislocating her jaw. The fall made her feel as though she was not progressing, but with dedication, she during this sport has helped her become more aware of the horse’s reactions to stressful situations, so she tries to remain patient and she takes everything one step at a time when working on new tricks.

Donner has implemented this lesson into her everyday life, as she knows that she cannot rush into things and expect them to go smoothly, taking things slowly is mo “A life lesson I’ve learned from horseback riding is that perseverance is the key to success and can help anyone with anything,” Donner said.

19

sports

vivian frederique With the wind in her hair and the adrenaline rushing through her veins, sophomore Vivian Frederique rides her horse through the twisting and turning trails. Frederique has been riding horseback for 13 years, having developed a love for horses at an early age.

“I always loved horses as a child and wanted to become a professional rider.

My family and I were bored and decided to go horseback riding,” Frederique said.

“After that day my love for horses grew stronger leading me to where I am today.”

As she grew older, Frederique began self-training by enjoying adventures through the barn with her horses. Her family owns a barn in Southwest Ranches where she spends her time on weekends with her horses. Frederique has ten horses and one pony, her favorites include Dakota, Angel, Mia and Marley. She loves all breeds of horses but favors the American Quarter horse, such as Dakota, because of their comforting demeanor and companionship.

“Dakota and I have a crazy unbreakable bond and were always with each other no matter what. This one time he saved me by just running in front of me to stop the other horses from kicking me so that I wouldn’t get hurt,” Frederique said.

Frederique believes in more than just riding the horses for fun.

She prides herself in creating strong bonds with all of her horses by interacting with each of them individually to make sure there is a level of trust between the rider and the horse.

Her strongest skills in horseback riding are the confidence she maintains and her ability to bond with her horses, who she has even trained to do tricks.

“Dakota knows how to smile, give kisses, give hugs and run to me when I call him. Some of my other horses know how to smile and give a bow,” Frederique said.

Although Frederique does not plan on competing, she hopes to specialize in a field involving horses in the future

c t i v i t y . such as becoming a horse chiropractor. a “We have a barn that she visits every She wants to give back to horses as they have given her something valuable: peace. weekend. It’s somewhere peaceful and a “Being around horses makes you a place where you can clear your mind,” more patient and overall nicer person Marlon Frederique said. “I’m not as into horseback in general since horses can sense your riding anymore emotions and will I’VE FALLEN OFF, GOTTEN but my sister has feed off of them,” KICKED, BITTEN, STEPPED developed a love Frederique said. “I’ve for it that’s inspired ON AND PUSHED BY A her to pursue an learned how to read equestrian career.” people in the sense HORSE. BUT THROUGH IT that I know how to Horseback ALL, I’VE LEARNED THAT IF easily determine riding has filled YOU FALL OFF A HORSE YOU Frederique with how someone is,” Frederique said. lessons HAVE TO GET BACK UP AND valuable that she will keep H o w e v e r , HOP ON AGAIN BECAUSE throughout her Frederique is not IF NOT, THE HORSE WILL life. On her horse the only one who Frederique is has shared a passion KNOW THAT IT WILL WIN. unstoppable as she for horseback riding VIVIAN FREDERIQUE, speeds through in her family. Her SOPHOMORE the trails of her b r o t h e r, Marlon barn, jumping Frederique, has over any obstacle that may come also had his in between her and her horse.

“I’ve fallen off, gotten kicked, bitten, fair share of the stepped on and pushed by a horse. But through it all, I’ve learned that if you fall off a horse you have to get back up and hop on again because if not, the horse will know that it will win,” Frederique said. h

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Courtesy of Vivian Frederick

20 sports

Committed.

Senior student-athletes across the school seize the opportunity to play their desired sports at the college-level

BY ISABELLA MORALES, STAFF WRITER

A

AFTER FOUR YEARS OF afterschool practice and dedication to their respective sports, senior student-athletes throughout the student body are preparing to start a new chapter in their lives, as they prepare for college.

By devoting both their time and effort to perfecting their skills, the school’s athletes have been recognized by colleges across the nation, allowing them to further their passion toward a

specific sport and play at a higher-level.

Maintaining such motivation for the past four years in high school is what allowed these athletes to be recruited by prosperous colleges, as they continue to strive for greatness as the days go on.

Standing out from athletes across the country, seniors Dimitris Biamby, Manuel Jackson and Angelina Bonilla have pushed themselves to further their athletic careers by earning their positions

on college-level teams, where they will be able to grow and better themselves along other aspiring athletes. For years, these Cavaliers have sacrificed their time staying at school until dark or practicing on the days off in order to perfect their skills.

In college, they will now continue their commitment to their preferred sport where they will go head-to-head against the next generation of young athletes.

Dimitris Biamby When he was six years old, senior Dimitris B i a m b y

esy

urt

Co

discovered his love for football after his mother signed him up to play. Since then, he has grown immensely as an athlete, making the All-Dade First Team as a junior and achieving over 130 tackles in his high school career. By committing his time to improve his skills during both the on and off season, Biamby’s work ethic was recognized by the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) University, a Division I school that offered Biamby a full scholarship to play football.

“I officially committed to Alabama A&M on Jan. 17, 2020. I feel as if I’m being brought into a family that will look out for me, and it [will really help me improve] since the competition is so high,” Biamby said.

Biamby’s ambition to continue playing football has been driven, since beginning, by what he loves the most about football — the competitive atmosphere. However, Biamby did not envision football being a part of his future until he was 13-years old, a time where he primarily focused on developing his fundamental skills as a linebacker. Building his D of

by iam

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itri im

skills from that point on is what allowed Biamby to understand that he was capable of pursuing a football career.

When Biamby began high school, he saw this as critical opportunity to continue developing his skills on the field.

“I joined my freshman year because my mom was friends with Coach Andres, the weight training room coach, and he was telling us that for the past three seasons, they had only lost a total of four games,” Biamby said. “We then decided to talk to Roger Pollard, the head football coach, and my mom was convinced this was the best environment for me.”

From that point on, Biamby began his rigorous training in football, which includes about 12 to 15 hours of practice per week. During the season, the team work on perfecting basic skills, such as tackling, blitzing, getting off blocks and footwork. The off-season is the time where they are able to focus on working out a different body part each day and improving their footwork and speed.

“He really took his senior year seriously in turning his work ethic up a notch. There were many days where Dimitris would arrive early or stay late, in order to get his supplemental work in,” head football coach Roger Pollard said.

21

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Manuel Jackson y of

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Growing up with a father that played minor league baseball and worked as the assistant manager for the Kansas City Royals, senior Manuel Jackson has always been surrounded by baseball. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jackson has lived up to this legacy and recently committed to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) as a catcher.

Through his diligence and preparation, Jackson has been able to commit to this Division 1 school, as well as achieving numerous successes including being named the school team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and making the AllDade First Team during his junior year. Additionally, Jackson had a batting average of 0.421 and successfully hit an average of two times per game.

“Manny has been a pleasure to coach the past for years,” head coach

Ernie Padron said. “His work ethic, as well as his desire to be the best player on the field, is contagious.

During the season, Jackson practices for three hours a day for at least five days every week, alongside his teammates and on his own during the offseason. This is when he takes the time to work on defensive drills and his overall hitting performance.

“Playing for Gables really helped me a lot. The head coach trusted me to have a starting role in the lineup.

I got a lot better and helped continue my love for the game,” Jackson said.

“The Gables team is my family.”

During the summer, Jackson will also be playing for a collegiate baseball league in California to better prepare himself for the competition ahead. Until then, he seeks to improve both his mentality and physical build on the Gables diamond.

lina B nge y of A

to better manage her time and how to become a better team player, qualities that will greatly help her in the future.

“Being a part of the team has really taught me how to be a student-athlete and focus on athletics and school work,” Bonilla said. “The other girls on the team mean a lot to me because they are the people that I am playing with in my high school years and the people I am improving with.”

Understanding the importance of balancing her time has led to Bonilla having outstanding performances on the diamond, which has allowed her to have such an organized work ethic and giving her maximum effort when playing on the field. Her time towards her passion helps her develop her skills as an athlete “Angie is that softball player who leads by example. She is the teammate you want to play well for,” assistant softball coach Monica De La Vega said. “It was a great four years coaching Angie; one of the best softball players to play for Gables and the first to take Gables to States,” As she transitions into becoming a student-athlete from high school to college, Bonilla hopes that playing at the college-level will help her improve her skills both on and off the field. h

es Court

With the support of her family backing her, senior Angelina Bonilla began to realize her true passion for softball, the age of 10, which eventually led to her joining the Lady Cavalier softball team her freshman year. Ever since, Bonilla has had outstanding performances on the diamond, including being on the First Team All-Dade as a freshman, sophomore and junior, and making the All-State team her junior year. By putting in tremendous amounts of effort toward this sport, Bonilla was recruited by Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) earlier in the year, where she has officially committed to play softball.

“I think the main reason as to why I was recruited by FGCU is because when I am on the field, it shows that I have such a passion for the game, which I could carry onto college and be a great player and teammate,” Bonilla said.

Being a part of the Lady Cavalier softball team has allowed Bonilla to improve her skills greatly, which has led to her being the starting pitcher for the varsity softball team.

“Since I am the pitcher, I am supposed to bring the team together and be the one to lead them. I am the person people look to during the game, because my performance decides whether we have a good chance at winning or not,” Bonilla said.

Joining the school’s team taught Bonilla several lessons, including how

onilla

Angelina Bonilla

22

sports

Dribbling the impacts of Covid-19

After the NBA’s abrupt shutdown in mid-March, thousands of workers face the direct impacts of the coronavirus COMMENTARY BY HANNA EBRAHIMI, FEATURES EDITOR

W

H I L E ensuring the safety of athletes and fans is the primary concern of the National Basketball (NBA) Association amid the coronavirus pandemic, the league’s abrupt decision to suspend the season on March 11 has precipitated an economic crisis for millions who are reliant on their revenue. With a subsequent halt to ticket, merchandise and concession sales, arena workers are plagued by far more than a virus; the need for revenue is crucial.

“Acting on the advice of the CDC, other federal, state and local authorities without delay was critical and it came at a great price,” Miami Heat television host and courtside reporter Jason Jackson said. families have sadly had to endure, but at the price of 15-18 regular season games.”

According to the Los Angeles Times, the average full-time arena employee works about 164 hours a season. While most NBA teams — including the Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn

Nets — have pledged to provide some type

the league’s hiatus would consequently

the men and women who work security, culinary or janitorial positions are nonetheless

industries, in addition to their arena workers.

“The legacy of the NBA is on the line, playoffs are coming up and this is when viewership is at an alltime high,” Miami Heat small forward Solomon Hill said. “The goal is to deliver in the safest way possible moving forward with the season, but not at the risk of endangering the lives of others.”

Facing up to $1 billion in losses, there is only one solution to the NBA’s current economic catastrophe: the playoffs need to be held. Whether the games are played without fans in attendance, or during the otherwise off-season and pre-season months, revenue needs to be made to compensate for the months of intermission. It is the only way teams could continue to support their arena employees for an extended period of time, should the quarantine period continue.

The return of the NBA playoffs will instill a sense of hope and normalcy in the country in a time when the routines and traditions that dictate normal life are nowhere to be found. It is a necessary leap towards economic recovery for not only the league, but everyone involved. h

within their unions. This is a particularly unimaginable feat given the magnitude of the COVID-19 public health crisis. With treatment plans for the virus amounting to as much as $20,000 for each infected person, the realities of facing unemployment are cruel.

“The NBA should give the money that was supposed to be used to advertise or sponsor events [to] pay employees at the varsity guard,

junior Patrick Flipse said.

postponement of games further hold a strain on television networks like ESPN, TNT and ABC who annually host NBA playoff games.

According to Forbes, these companies have combined to pay an estimated $2.6 billion would cause the NBA to cease their contractual commitments to broadcasters and eventually limit their ability to fund their teams. This is a major problem because

by the numbers

259

GAMES REMAINING IN THE 2019/20 NBA REGULAR SEASON

COMBINED LEAGUE GATE REVENUES LOST AS A RESULT OF THESE CANCELLATIONS

$350-450 MILLION

Courtesy of Statistica

TROPICAL TREASURES

23

the scene

Displaying unique vegetation from all around the world, the Kampong Botanical Garden is a tropical paradise nestled in Coconut Grove

BY CAMILA AITKEN, STAFF WRITER

T

HE FAIRCHILD-SWEENEY HOUSE on the Kampong Grounds botanical garden is an excellent place to enjoy a picnic surrounded by a variety of plants and trees. The Kampong’s lush gardens are bursting with rich and vibrant vegetation. The property welcomes guests and is unsurprisingly one of Coconut Grove’s popular destinations. The Kampong is very culturally significant in Miami because of its prominent incorporation of South East Asian culture in a mostly American and Hispanic setting of Miami.

The impressive Banyan tree in the center of the Kampong marks the entrance to the property.

A long driveway leads to a lily pond and then a gorgeously styled home which is very uniquely Asian-inspired. The Kampong has a stunning pool filled with glistening water with a slight green hue. At the edge of the property there is a yard lined with numerous plants along a view of the coast of Biscayne Bay. The Kampong offers guided tours throughout the botanical garden, from which an

appointment must be made. Self-driven tours are also available and picnics are welcome in the estate’s spacious gardens. Tours are given from November through the month of June.

The tropical garden is a treasure in the heart of Coconut Grove thanks to the efforts of the original owner, David Fairchild, and those who have preserved its cultural integrity since 1984.

“It was amazing to see so much color and nature in my city and I was happy to be able to wander the garden at my own pace to appreciate its history,” said junior Angela Alonso.

The self-guided tour is perfect if you wish to walk around the property at your leisure; however to hear about all of the Kampong’s history, it may be best to schedule a guided tour.

The Kampong was created by David Fairchild, a renowned botanical researcher who traveled to places such as Southeast Asia to admire and study its flora. The botanical garden is located in a beautiful part of Coconut Grove at 4013 Douglas Rd. Aside from the Kampong’s beautiful assortment of plants, it also serves as a

mainland campus for the National Tropical Botanical Garden Association’s (NTBG) educational courses, providing a living classroom for universities. The house itself is a combination of Spanish as well as Southeast Asian influences because of the impression that Fairchild’s travels gave him.

David Fairchild played a very important role in Miami and brought exotic Asian plants to South Florida. For the most part, Fairchild and William J. Matheson brought exotic species such as fruiting trees from their extensive travels. Their plant expertise allowed them to predict what plants would work best in South Florida. By bringing these new plant species, people like Fairchild and Matheson helped to develop South Florida’s economy by producing new fruits that had never been sold at such a big capacity before.

When open, The Kampong offers tours Tuesday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, seniors and sudents (who have a school ID) only have to pay $15, while adults pay $20 and children pay $5. Currently, due to the Covid-19 closures, the gardens are not open however, daily updates are provided on their website.

The Kampong serves as a crucial center for tropical botany, partnering with Florida International University (FIU) . The new facility which FIU is creating alongside the Kampong will be a place for researchers to investigate the preservation of tree canopies, improving pollination, discovering new types of species, reducing the amount of toxic algal blooms and much more. Aside from the Kampong’s beautiful scenery, it is also a home for researchers and a piece of South Florida’s economic history. h

FABULOUS FOUNTAIN BOTANICAL BEAUTY

At the front of the Kampong Botanical Located at the front of the Kampong Garden sits a fountain decorated rocks Groundswith stands its most recognizable and tropical plants.a 22-ton baobab tree with red vines feature, hanging from every branch.

Aitken/ highlights Camila Aitken/

24

the scene

LIVING VERDE

Verde Market is a no-waste market located in South Miami with everything from food to household neccessities

BY GRACE RODRIGUEZ, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

A

QUAINT SHOP SITS IN A STRIP mall in South Miami waiting for the next eager customer to stroll in. Inside, the scent of essential oils fill the room while soft music plays. Although it may seem small, the shop has significant impact on the environment.

The way the market works is simple — customers enter with reusable bottles and bags and fill up on items they might need. Some products offered at the market are cleaning supplies, bath products, snacks, spices and coffee. Stored in taps or in jars, the only way to get these products is by bringing a reusable container or buying glass containers sold by the Market which can be bought certain prices.

“Verde makes it easier to live a zero waste lifestyle,” Catherine Seltzer, employee at the South Miami location, said. “Here, I’m able to bring my containers and just fill up without creating waste.”

Verde Market has two locations; one in Wynwood and one in South Miami. It was founded by best friends Martha Balaguer and Pamela Barrera with the goal of reducing consumer waste and promoting the reuse of single-use items.

“I like coming here because I use less waste than I would buying these products at any other store,” freshman Natalia Vazquez said. “There’s signs on the walls that remind me how much

waste I’m saving and how the efforts to reduce it help the planet.”

Founders Balaguer and Barrera were inspired by markets all around Europe with the same concept, and wanted to bring that idea to Miami. Verde sources the majority of their products locally, partnering with farmers from the South Florida area. Only a handful of products are from Europe, and one item is from China. Sourcing locally and supporting local farmers is another goal of Verde Market’s, aside from minimizing consumer waste.

With the effort to reduce waste, Verde Market offers a unique spin on the traditional marketplace. h

WHAT IS OFFERED AT THE MARKET:

Rodriguez/ highlights Grace Rodriguez/

SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING

Verde Market sells spices, utensils and many other household items, all with the goal of being zero-waste.

Home Cleaning Products Kombucha Fruit Juices Coffee Nut Butters Dried Fruits Olive Oils Balsamics Plants Brushes Reusable Bags Soaps Dog Treats Herbs and Spices Skincare Incense Honey

Tagging the past

25

the scene

Take a trip through time and witness the development of an art movement started by youth at the Museum of Graffiti in Wynwood

BY RUBEN ESCOBAR, BUSINESS MANAGER

N

ESTLED WITHIN THE LITERAL nooks and crannies of Wynwood’s walls, anyone can follow the creation of a colorful revolution that places an emphasis on self-expression and non-traditional calligraphy. Located within the artistic district the Museum of Graffiti (MoG) is covered in a with modern Graffiti strewn about the warehouse to showcase a timeline of the art’s development.

As visitors walk through the museum, they can witness the progression of graffiti from its origins in the 1960s - there are even preserved fragments of graffiti’s past in the form of used markers, spray paint cans and a subway door.

With the inclusion of historical facts, the museum’s curator Carlos Maer had the intention of not just decorating the walls with colorful graffiti, but to create “a learning experience.”

Maer hoped to place an emphasis on educating the community and telling the story from a primary source. “It’s very important in terms of how this story is told in a rather time-efficient manner,” Maer said. “[Graffiti] was all around my community in the South Bronx in the mid-“70s,” “[The museum] helps this community understand something that was already here before we came because this was an industrial area in Miami,” Maer said. “There already were graffiti practitioners here well before the Wynwood Walls came in and it was this art that gave this community value.”

Currently, there is only room for two exhibitions, according to co-founder and graffiti historian Alan Ket. “We are in a very small warehouse in Wynwood. We would like to have

ten times the space, so I could gladly present ten at the same time,” Ket said.

The two exhibits at the museum are proposed to change throughout the year. The MoG housed a collaboration with over seventy graffiti artists worldwide headed by Dave Persue and Wane Cod known as “Wet Paint.” In addition to Persue and Wane’s project, Sandra Fabara, dubbed Lady Pink, created a dark room within the museum fully painted using glow-in-

“

OUR MISSION IS TO EDUCATE NOT JUST THE PUBLIC THAT COMES IN HERE BUT ALSO EDUCATORS, CURATORS, ANYBODY THAT WORKS IN THE ARTS ABOUT THIS ART FORM AS WELL AS TO PRESERVE THIS ART FORM AND TO TELL THE STORIES THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN TOLD. ALAN KET, CO-FOUNDER

the-dark paint and a decorative giant blow-up cat in the corner of the room.

Upon arriving at the age of the modern graffiti art movement at the end of the experience, visitors can find themselves in a gift shop with a variety of books on graffiti, MoG merchandising and limited edition pieces of

ASTOUNDING ART

Escobar/ highlights Ruben Escobar/

art, among other items. There is also an online shop accessible through the museum’s website.

The online gift shop offers a wider variety of merchandising and do-it-yourself projects to bring the MoG experience to your living room floor.

The staff at the MoG consists entirely of local artists that create a wide variety of art from sculptures to comic book art to the most obvious, graffiti. From curators to tour guides, every staff member has a story to tell and a unique appreciation for the graffiti art movement. While visitors are invited to embark on their self-guided time travel adventure, the museum offers complimentary tours with the entrance fee that is just over $17 while children under 13 years of age enter for free.

The MoG is open all week long from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - with the exception of Tuesdays - so consider visiting and expect to find a new appreciation for an art form you don’t usually read about in class. h

A collection of TVs at the front of the museum show a piece about Graffiti in Museums while a separate installation imitates the New York subways

26

the scene

SMALL SUPPORT

Currently, the entire country is being affected by the COVID-19 closures, small restaurants seek the help of customers the most at this time

BY CELINE PEREZ AND MERCEDES DEBESA, STAFF WRITER

I

F YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES have been craving some unique food from your favorite small business, now is the best time to support. For many restaurants the struggle of COVID-19 is taking away customers and tourists that provide the revenue for these mom-and-pop shops. As these small buisnesses work through these trying times, customers are being encouraged to order take out, not only for their safety but to also help support these hardworking businesses and keep the economy afloat.

In order to keep the working environment safe, many have made extreme changes to ensure the safety of customers and workers.

Since restaurants are no longer allowed to host patrons, many have transitioned to offering take-out, curb-side, and delivery options.

Unfortunately, with the rapid decrease in customers, many restaurants are forced to limit their opening hours and layoff many of their staff workers. Some restaurants are not fortunate enough to stay open due to the piling debt and have since closed.

With the stress of being forced into quarantine and isolated from the typical Miami fun, the flavorful foods these local businesses have to offer will feel like home. Giving back to these restaurants will help these restaurants to survive through this quarantine while enjoying some delicious food. While these unprecedented times may seem scary or confusing, one of the best things any citizen stuck at home can do is order from their favorite local restuarant, instead of a big chain. h

ISLAND FLAVORS

“Corocoro frito con Arepas,” fried fish with a ground corn bread, is one of the many typical dishes offered at Islas del Caribe.

FRESH FOOD

Threefold Cafe includes fresh vegetables, eggs and bread in their baskets, allowing customers to create their own delicious meals.

Peña/ highlights Arianna Peña/

TAKE-OUT WITH A PURPOSE

Currently, businesses are delivering food to homes either through third-party companies or through their own workers. Now, more than ever, it is important to buy from these small busineses.

CHINESE CUISINE

Pekin Restuarant 2 offers many options for those who want to order out. Their Vegetable Chow Mein is a savory and filling option for customers.

Islas del Caribe Located at 4239 West Flagler Street, Coral Gables is Islas del Caribe. This five-star Miami staple offers a unique mix of Italian and Honduran food.

This dive offers food for as little as $10, making their cuisine affordable and delicious.

With options ranging from Baleadas (Honduran tortillas with fried red beans and a choice of meat) to Pescado a lo Macho (a dish containing

white fish, mussels, shrimp, clams and calamari in a red sauce served with rice and fried plantains) any stomach will be left satisfied.

The restaurant is run by a family and has been open for only two years. Since the pandemic hit, they are one of the many greatly affected by the lack customers. They are taking great measures to ensure the safety of the staff and customers with the option to deliver the food directly to

the customer’s home or order takeout.

“No matter what the circumstances, our goal is to provide the best quality and most hygienic final product,” co-owner Wilfredo Guevara said.

Islas del Caribe is currently using DoorDash and UberEats as its main method of delivery and are open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Pekin Restuarant 2 Pekin Restuarant 2 has been serving customers for years. This family-run business offers both delivery and takeout with their own services.

Located at 3640 NW 7th Street, provides an extensive menu as well as an Asian grocery store.

Due to reports of Covid-19 originating in China, unfounded xenophobia and

racism has increased towards these Asian communities and hurting many authentic and small businesses. An important thing to do at this time is to order from a local Chinese resturant and support their buisness.

This restaurant is one of the few Chinese restaurants open, with many already shut down because of the results of fear and prejudice.

Pekin Resturant 2 is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a moderate price range.

The food offered ranges from Szechuan Dishes (meat dishes served with white rice) to Chow Mein.

Offering many variations of Chinese dishes, both traditional and more American Pekin Restaurant 2 is definetley an option for anyone’s next meal at home.

Threefold Cafe From Latte art to waffles, Threefold Cade is known for its aesthetic and photo-worthy food. The resttaurant is keeping its business running at six different locations in the greater Miami area, with no hopes of closing down.

“Our restaurant is down 98% in sales,” said co-owner Nick Sharp.

Due to the rapid decrease of in-house business, the cafe has incorporated affordable family meals and groceries that consist of fresh vegetables, fruits and perishable items to its menu.

These meal packages change on a daily basis with new options available and have free delivery throughout

Miami-Dade County. Even worried over the toilet paper shortage can be resolved as it can be bought alongside a family meal package.

The process is simple by visiting the Threefold Cafe website, a customer can pick one of the restuarants they would like to pick-up from (Giralda, South Miami, Palmetto Bay, Brave Church, Granada Church, Brickell or Allapattah). Then scrolling down there is a variety of options avaliable from Express Grocery Baskets to daily Protein Specials.

While the prices can range from $2.50 to $100 the ease is something that is comforting for many customers.

“I probably order food from here once a week, it is a next day delivery process but everything is delicious and fresh. It makes this crazy time a little more manageable,” customer Diane Cassanova said.

One of their most popular items is the Family Meal Basket. For $50 this basket comes with a main dish, a soup, salsa, sauce, two packets of pasta and two pounds of rice-enough to feed a family of five and still have leftovers.

Currently all Threefold Cafe locations are open for pick-up and delivery (with DoorDash and Postmates) from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m..

27

the scene

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE SMALL BUSINESS Order take-out through the restuarant itself: Working with the restuarant itself ensures all your money is going to them Support Them On Social Media: Follow, like and share their posts Tell Your Friends and Family: Tell everyone you know and improve sales Give Them Good Reviews: Every star counts, help boost their ratings Most Importantly Buy: No small business can succeed without customers, make sure you support them as much as big companies Other Businesses to Support P. Pole Pizza Sanguiche de Miami Mofongos Restuarant LoKal

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to feel or not to feel

BY SHARON FLOREZ, STAFF WRITER

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insight

As access to media grows with technology, those born in the 2000s are emotionally traumatized and desensitized by information overload.

W

HETHER TURNING ON THE TELEVISION conditions, economically, politically and means learning about a new global pandemic environmentally, all factors that play a role in the or another school shooting, young people decaying mental health of the still-young generation. are not as shocked by catastrophic events as one may “Honestly, no one cares about anything expect. The age group known as Generation Z was anymore,” sophomore Jonathan Burgos said. “The born into a pre-Columbine and pre-September 11 world world is falling apart and we distract ourselves with and were immediately thrust into an era of terror and superficial things that will help kill us in the long run.” constant political chaos. As a generation growing up A world of vanity and superficiality serves as an surrounded by such tenuous attempt to avoid the reality of circumstances, this budding current issues. According to age group has demonstrated doctor Gary Small, technology unique emotional qualities has little effect in helping people such as reduced reaction rates cope with trauma, as people are “CELL PHONES ARE to violence, seen significantly more likely to use the internet or TOOLS— THEY CAN LIFT less in older generations. social media in a way that helps YOUR UNDERSTANDING One of these emotional them feel better, also contributing states is known as to desensitization. As a result, it OF THE WORLD AND desensitization, a lack of intense be that people are learning COMPETENCE OR IT CAN could emotional response to negative to use technology in ways that GIVE YOU A SAFE PLACE are more harmful than helpful. events that are surrounding an individual. Generation Z “Tools are amoral, they’re TO COCOON YOURSELF is the first generation to be neutral,” social studies teacher WHERE YOU NEVER forced to continuously confront James Dunn said.

“Cell KNOW ANYTHING EXCEPT phones are tools— they can devastating news and crises as well as have unlimited THE THINGS YOU WANT TO lift your understanding of the information at their disposal world and competence or it HEAR.” due to the internet and social can give you a safe place to JAMES DUNN, SOCIAL media. Due to the endless cocoon yourself where you STUDIES TEACHER exposure to violence catalyzed never know anything except by the internet, this generation the things you want to hear.” has never experienced a According to a study done by world without constant anxiety, political tension and the University of Michigan, in the year 2000 empathy terrorism. According to Tracy M. Kennedy’s 2016 radically dropped among a college-age population, study published in Developmental Psychology, a lot of demonstrating that they reported rates of empathy of this consequential desensitization is not just a result of up to less than 40% than those surveyed 20 or 30 years the violence they have grown up seeing or what they prior. Meanwhile, as estimated by Our World in Data, have been conditioned to accept as reality, but [also the the influx of technology increased from 413 million constant rate at which the media feeds information to internet users in 2000 to over 3.4 billion in 2016. them, leading to feelings of apathy and helplessness]. The effects of the intensity of these dynamics have For example, since the Columbine school shooting, there exponentially affected any child with internet access have been more than 240 school shootings in the United born in this time period. In the face of trauma, these States. Although this is an issue alarming for everyone in issues need to be addressed within the generation, as the country, this generation pays the price emotionally. a way to fix the damage that has already been done Many young people feel no point in trying and to be sure that people are getting the mental help to change a world that is already in such bad they need so tragedies such as these come to an end.

“

30

Generation Desensitized The manifestation of numbness in Generation Z is mainly a result of the presence of contemporary technologies such as computers, cell phones and digital media since childhood. Violence in television and real life has been prevalent in the lives of most of Generation Z, leading to a lack of sympathy for its victims.

Setting an early basis for the link between violent media and physiological desensitization, psychologist Margaret Hanratty Thomas published a study in 1977 in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology to demonstrate the way that people’s bodies respond to reallife violence at a decreased rate when exposed to violent media. Typically, physiological reactions involve responses such as increased heart rate and skin conductance, a property of the skin by which it becomes more conducive to electricity when excited. After exposure to violent media, participants showed reduction in both factors when encountering real life violence.

To cope with the exposure to distressing news on television, this age group has developed

by the numbers Coronavirus was mentioned more than

41,000

times in all printed article texts in January 2020 source: TIME Magazine

Generation z spends an average of

4 hours and 15 minutes on their phones every day source: ClickZ

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- Courtney Webster, junior

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A lot of us rely on socia media to be informed about problems in the world but we aren’t making much of an effort to make a difference. I feel like it’s our time to change and make a positive impact on the world.

I feel like so many bad things have happened in the past and currently that we’ve gotten too used to it... we don’t want to get so emotionally attached and exhausted from what is going on with so little that we can do about it.

“

“

I think that the reason we make memes... is to help cope with what we really feel. We try to get a laugh out of things to try and feel better about the situation but what we feel on the inside is different.

“

uñez ha N ais f T

STUDENTS SPEAK UP

Co

notorious dark humor iconic, satirizing most, if not all, aspects of life and current events. It has evolved into a significant part of the culture of social media, often transmitted through memes, as a way to discuss and digest information.

An example of this dark humor are the recent COVID-19 memes, which according to W. Keith Campbell and Jean Twenge’s study on emerging adults, leaves older generations to label Generation Z as insensitive and self-centered without recognizing it to be the coping mechanism that it is.

The use of humor allows current events to be put into a digestible context, but what is worrying to older generations is the extent to which they are willing to go in the sake of humor. The Atlantic, The Washington Post and NBC News are some, but not all news sites featuring the popular genre for memes that war and human tragedies, a sensitive topic for many to discuss, not to mention humorize.

Still, Generation Z pushes beyond the boundaries of what is considered appropriate, further proving the desensitization towards the reality of violence and tragedy of the group.

“

insight

31

stress and hopelessness Since the September 11 attacks in New York, there has been an increase in the intensity of violent threats from other nations and an increase in political, religious and cultural tensions. The war in Iraq, the Stock Market Crash of 2008, bombings, school shootings, nuclear threats and melting glaciers all play a role in and directly fuel the desensitization of the entire generation.

A study conducted by the American Psychology Association (APA) on the impacts of violence on Generation Z found that “75 % of those in this age group report mass shootings as a significant source of stress, and nearly as many (72 %) say the same about school shootings or the possibility of them occurring.”

According to the Gun Violence Archive, in 2019 alone there were 417 mass shootings in the United States, all resulting in 15,381 deaths and 29,568 injuries. For many of those living this reality, it is hard to imagine a world where these problems do not exist.

Additionally, teens have become increasingly vocal about the issues surrounding them. As per the APA, Generation Z’s stress regarding the current state of the nation ranks at a 5.4 on a scale of 1 to 10, on par for the national average for adults overall.

However, they are the age group with the lowest poll turnout.

According to the United States Census Bureau, only 46.1% of 18 to 29-year-olds voted in the 2016 presidential election while 70% of their older counterparts aged 65 and older voted. The drastic political changes seen in the past two decades have been difficult to cope with and address, especially if younger generations are not doing the most they can as a result of desensitization.

“Our generation’s voting rates are lower than ever,” junior Kevin Arce said. “ I am of the opinion that it is because we feel so hopeless and that nothing we do will change anything.”

insight

by the numbers

highlights surveyed 264 students in April-May 2020 to determine the student body’s take on Generation Z’s desensitization.

53%

of students are subscribed to news outlets The media obviously portrays more bad news than good... has made me feel like there isn’t much good going on in the world.

- Samantha Gazda, Junior

Looking Towards the Future Mental health is a topic that many are attempting to destigmatize in recent years. Further mental health awareness could be a key factor in stimulating open-mindedness in youth and creating conversation about mental health issues, such as desensitization, which are applicable to anyone.

Part of the process in encouraging good mental health is watching the hours spent consuming media, having faceto-face interactions with people and being aware that there is more to an individual than beyond what is superficial.

An excellent way to help Generation Z is by encouraging them to vote and to become politically active to prevent the extension of the current desensitization issues to future generations as well. As a result, future generations could live in a more stable world and be less prone to having serious mental health issues at a young age.

Much of what is currently happening seems to be out of Generation Z’s control. For many young people world peace feels more of a fantasy than a possibility. Those currently holding office are making decisions for the future that will ultimately affect Generation Z and Generation Alpha, leading to either a peaceful future or a chaotic one. Either way, it is only in everyone’s best interest to strive for a better tomorrow. h

out of 264 surveyed

35.2%

of students watch the news every day I think there is an overload of information in the media and the vast majority of that information is negative.

-George Voicu, Sophomore out of 264 surveyed

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With everyone off campus for the rest of the school year, Gables has hadmore time to work on their new construction developments, including the demolition of old structures and the building of new ones.

Melissa Gonzalez / highlights