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S e p t e m b e r 2 011, V o l . 5 2
DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS
Ali Stack/highlights
Cav Credit Union now open for business
A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT: Seniors Carlos Diaz, Jeiyi Wu and Laura Yut prepare to complete their first client transaction after the official opening of the Cav Credit Union at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011. The students act as tellers at the Cav Credit Union (CCU) where students, parents, faculty or anyone with an account can withdraw and deposit money. “We have a responsibility to provide excellent service to the student body,” Diaz said, whose sister Rosemary Diaz, senior, is also a volunteer for the CCU.
By Gretel Sanchez
The volunteers were chosen through a process of interbuild a sound financial base in school. views with SFEFCU employees and were trained over the At the ceremony Principal Adolfo Costa and Region IV summer to prepare them for the technical skills associated Superintendent Alex Martinez, Ph.D., spoke of the opportu On September 14, Principal Adolfo Costa cut the with operating a credit union. These students will be able to nities the credit union would give students: internships and red ribbon to mark the grand opening of the brand open accounts and process transactions, but they will only the chance for students to learn to “manage their dollars and new Cavalier Credit Union (CCU), which gives have limited access and will not be able to see account balnot depend on parents”. students the opportunity to deposit and manage ances, past deposits or withdrawals. “Having a credit union at school will their money with checking and saving accounts in Still, some express skepticism teach students, beginning freshmen year, only school. about the administration of the credit the concept of saving up,” said junior An official branch of the South Florida Educaunion. Jake Mekin, president of Future Business tion Federal Credit Union (SFEFCU), the Cavalier “I hate to say it but I wouldn’t Leaders of America, the nationally recCredit Union is now open for business every Tuesday and trust students with my money. ognized high school and college business Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. All of its operations take Maybe if I knew more about it, [I club. “Putting just a little bit of money place in the room located on the left of the school’s main required to open would],” said senior Kevin Aznar. into an account every week will help entrance. Cav Credit student volunteer students have money to spend for junior an account at the “A credit union resembles a bank with the distinction senior Rosemary Diaz says she and senior year activities like college that it is on a smaller scale, does not charge monthly usCav Credit Union disagrees with any question to her tour, class rings, and homecoming, which age fees, and charges lower interest fees”, said Cav Credit or fellow students’ professional are all expensive.” Union volunteer and senior Kevin Kuchenbaur. conduct, arguing that the student Additionally, students who hold an SFEFCU employees oversee account management due volunteers are “highly intelligent” and were trained by “very account for over a year are eligible to participate in a raffle to privacy issues, but student volunteers are capable of setprofessional” SFEFCU staff. to win a full scholarship to any Florida state university. As ting up accounts and handling deposits and withdrawals. “With a supervisor present at all times, there should be an additional incentive, the Cav Credit Union offers AMC To open an account, a student must provide a $5 initial nothing to worry about,” Diaz said. movie vouchers for half-price tickets, $7.50 for new releases deposit, valid Florida identification, and social security However, many students do trust the school’s credit and $6.50 for all others. number. After students set up their accounts, they will be union, and every Tuesday and Wednesday the credit union’s In these harsh economic times, the Cav Credit Union able to deposit paychecks from their jobs or extra cash they office is filled with students conducting business. Instead hopes to prove itself as a viable source for scholars to begin made from selling old books. of having to go out of their way to find a bank, students can their financial education and earn a few dollars on the side.
news
STAFF WRITER
PG. 10 Cocooning takes yoga trend to new heights
PG. 8 The school’s sanitation squad works hard to keep us tidy
sports
insight
PG. 6 Is twenty-four hours enough time for a day’s activities?
features
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news
highlights September 2011
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Cafeteria Sanitation Investigation STAFF WRITER
There are some common misconceptions that school cafeterias are unsanitary and grimy but the school cafeteria is quite the opposite, always passing sanitary inspections and working to ensure its cleanliness is maintained. Because the cafeteria is prone to large amounts of filth that present health risks to students, the maintenance is treated very seriously. Both the old and new cafeterias are inspected by the Miami-Dade County Health Department every three months. The cafeterias are not given letter grades but are inspected on a pass or fail scale, and the school’s cafeteria has yet to receive anything but a passing grade. Food service inspections focus on pest control, food handling and the overall sanitation of the kitchen and cafeteria area. District kitchens and cafeteria receive biweekly service by a Board Pest Control vendor.
Despite the record of cleanliness, the majority of the students interviewed had complaints about the cafeteria. “[They are] giving less food and it’s not good and I think it is dirty and small,”, said senior Dave Kalmbach. The Health Department has a checklist of all the things that the cafeteria needs to have properly cleaned in order to pass inspections, dividing the cafeteria into different sections including the production area, serving area and storage area. Each has its own extensively detailed checklist. Each area has certain requirements that need to be fulfilled. In particular, the production area alone needs twenty requisites in order to pass. This includes everything from making sure spices
to be exempt inspection must be kept free of clutter and organized. Junior Jairo Mendoza said that he originally thought the cafeteria was “pretty dirty” and was surprised to find out that it had never failed an inspection. “Our cafeteria has always been outstanding. We’ve never failed an inspection,” said Athletic Director Louis Romero, who is also involved in various administrative duties involving the cafeteria inspections. Trenise Bryant, the fillin for the cafeteria manager, Annie Gantt, was not allowed to comment on the cleaning procedures of the cafeteria. However, upon entering the backroom after first lunch had finished, the production area looked as if not a single student had been served because it was so clean. Official Form Courtesy of MDCPS Dept. of Nutrition
By Scarlett Perez
are properly stored and labeled to having pots, pans, and utensils properly cleaned to having the slicer thoroughly sanitized and unplugged. Even the office area that many would expect
Nicole Sielsky/highlights Sielsky/highlights
Scantrons no longer used By Brooke Donner STAFF WRITER
The little white pieces of paper covered in skinny green boxes students are all so familiar with are now gone. The school is no longer using Scantron as its test management system. Instead, the school will be opting for Edusoft. According to Testing and Technology Director Lazaro Hernandez, the eight Scantron machines (used to calculate assessment scores) were packed up and shipped away this summer. With them also went the remaining test forms. The other nine machines at school are Edusoft scanners, and are already at the school because the district pays for Edusoft equipment and software, which was formerly only used for baseline assessments. “We were charged for the Scantron answer sheets, and because we bought so many, we were lent the machines, but now teachers just have to print out their own sheets instead of requesting and waiting for them,” said Hernandez. Edusoft is not only cheaper for the school than Scantron, but it allows more extensive amounts of data to be collected from tests than Scantron did. As well as a greater analysis of assessment results, Edusoft offers teachers the opportunity to incorporate their own tests with the Sunshine State Standard Benchmarks, showing them exactly where students are struggling, and where they are excelling. “I had been using Edusoft for three years. Once I learned how to create an answer sheet, I was good,” said science department head Iliana Gonzalez. The general consensus of students is a sense of indifference concerning the new test system. “It doesn’t really matter to me,” said sophomore Demond Collier about the switch from Scantron to Edusoft. Edusoft will not only improve upon the teachers’ accuracy of identifying benchmarks in need of more attention, but also save the school money.
Nicole Sielsky/highlights Sielsky/highlights
CSI:
By Audrey Fernandez STAFF WRITER
The public school performance grades for the 2010-2011 school year are in. Unfortunately, it is projected that Coral Gables’ A rating will be demoted to a B. This possibility has left many students feeling baffled. Each school’s performance grade is determined through an evaluation of eight components, half of which measure student
achievement on the standardized exams taken at the end of the year and the other half focus on student learning gains made on those exams. The points made on each section are then added up and converted into a grade. In order to get an A, 525 or more points are required. Gables accumulated a total of 511 points, making it probable that the school will lose its A rating. In the hopes of regaining the prestige that came with being recognized as an A school, several students
feel compelled to put forth their maximum effort in every possible way this year. “I don’t think the school should’ve dropped from an A to a B after going from a C to an A in 2010. We all need to work harder, every single student and even the teachers,” said senior Jose Fong. The component requiring learning gains in the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) reading portion of the exam affected the grade Gables received the most. At least 50% of
the previous year’s bottom 25% did not make sufficient learning gains, this being the minimum amount needed in order to receive credit. “We are already taking the initiative to make sure that next year’s grade improves,” said Assistant Principal of Curriculum Nestor Diaz. “The word of the day, along with the requirement that Reading Plus be done every week are a part of the stronger emphasis that is being placed on improvement in English.”
Colleges to visit school NEWS By Casey Breznick COPY EDITOR
As students shift gears from the first month mayhem to October overdrive, filled with standardized testing and college applications in addition to regular school work, not a breath is to be caught by many seniors and juniors. On Friday Oct. 14 the school will be hosting a college fair in the gymnasium open to all juniors and seniors from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. In attendance will be over 50 colleges and universities, including the University of Chicago, Amherst, Tulane, Purdue, Rutgers, and nearly all of Florida’s private and public schools. This year marks the first in many that the school has been able to organize a college fair and has been able to do so mainly because of
involvement from the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). “The college fair is best for everybody,” said College Assistance Program (CAP) counselor Gail Payne in regards to which types of students are most benefitted by attending a college fair. Juniors and seniors will be called into the gymnasium by class throughout the day to attend the fair. Each school will have a booth, and students will have a block of time to visit booths and ask questions, much like the school’s curriculum fair. “It's important to know what you're going to walk into, especially when it's four years at an institution that for most people determines what they're going to do for the rest of their lives,” said junior Bernd Schirmer. A complete list of schools participating in the fair is available in the CAP room in the main office.
BRIEFS
Former student killed By Suzette Wanninkhof NEWS EDITOR
Former Gables student Armando Martin was killed Sept. 10 in a shooting near Flagler Memorial Cemetery. Allegedly he and another man got into an argument that provoked the gunfire, but no information is known about the other involved. According to French teacher Maria Fernandez, who taught Martin his sophomore year, the fight was regarding drag racing. Martin stopped attending Gables last year, but had attended the school since his freshman year. His friend, senior Henry Castro, spoke about their friendship and Martin’s future plans. “He wanted to leave to Central or South America to study to become a doctor. It’s sad to think to that someone you’ve known like that can be here one day and gone the next,” Castro said. A memorial service was held the week following his death.
highlights September 2011
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Crackdown a-coming: Administrators will now strictly enforce policies that have been long ignored by students By Audrey Fernandez A wide range of modifications that accompanied the beginning of the school year has caught everyone’s attention. The uniform policy, which in previous years students considered being mere words on a piece of paper, will now be heavily enforced throughout the whole year. In addition, wearing headphones or using any electronic devices during school hours is no longer permitted. While these disciplinary alterations have sparked fury in some students, others view it as something long overdue. “I feel that wearing uniform isn’t as bothersome as some people make it to be. Keeping up with the dress code will finally have us looking like an actual school,” said junior Michele Lee. The zero toleration of headphones, though, did not generate as many mixed feelings. Most students continue to question the purpose behind what some are beginning to refer to as “complete control”. Contrary to what many believe, the rule is not only being enforced by Coral Gables, but by all Miami-Dade county schools. “I still fail to understand what is so bad about lightening up
the school mood with a little music in between classes,” said junior Carson Morris. Due to the fact that an event of such great magnitude will ultimately effect the entire school population, questions are bound to rise. The school will now keep count of those students who are caught out of uniform. After the first infraction, a phone call will be made home. After, that LAYING DOWN THE LAW: Security guard Yaneth Gonzalez stops students by the front of the an indoor suspension will be school to inform them of the consequences of uniform violation. issued, which will remain on the student’s record. will be no such occurrence this year. “We want our students to disconnect from the matrix, “The school hasn’t had metal-detecting sweeps in the past and connect with the real world,” said Athletic Director Louis five years,” said Principal Adolfo Costa. Romero. Although students find relief in knowing that their jewelry In addition, several students claim to have received a phone and electronic devices will not be activating any metal-detectors call during the summer regarding metal detectors and impleany time soon, they will have to conform to the uniform policy menting random searches in school. It is safe to say that there that has always existed but will be fully enforced all year.
Nicole Sielsky/highlights Sielsky/highlights
STAFF WRITER
shi Let’s Make Su Courtesy of
Rolling in new lunch options By Scarlett Perez and Brooke Donner STAFF WRITERS
Cafeteria food is notorious for being unhealthy and unappetizing, but this year the school is dishing up a healthier alternative — sushi. Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has teamed up with local Japanese restaurant chain Sushi Maki to bring sushi to 13 public high schools in the county. The partnership between Sushi Maki and M-DCPS is a pilot program. The individual schools do not make money; instead, the Food and Nutrition Department and Sushi Maki keep all the profit. Since the sushi is being served on such a large scale, many students have expressed health concerns and doubts about freshness. But because it is cooked prior to transportation, the concerns are dismissed. Also, sushi is delivered every morning to each of the high schools, fresh and perfectly safe to eat. Sushi Maki created three new sushi rolls exclusively for the schools: the Veggie Roll, the Sweet ‘N Salmon Roll, and the Cali-Ocho
Roll (a spin off of the California Roll). Each box of sushi includes soy sauce and wasabi and costs $3. Sushi is sold in the new cafeteria and outside food booth. Students say they have mixed opinions over paying the extra dollar for sushi instead of the two dollars for other lunch options, such as pizza. As well as inconsistent views of the price for sushi, students also have different opinions over sushi itself. The mob of impatient students in line to buy it seems to affirm the popularity of in-school sushi, but some students remain firm in their refusal to even give it a try. “I hate sushi, it’s disgusting,” said sophomore Diana Galiano. Besides the school, there are 12 other public high schools in the county that are serving sushi. Among them are Miami Sunset Senior High, John A. Ferguson Senior High, MAST Academy, and Miami Killian Senior High. Depending on taste preferences, the new item on the cafeteria menu is either an exciting new choice, or just an unappetizing risk.
CYBER CURRICULUM Virtual School is now a requirement for graduation beginning with the freshman class By Maggie Rivers
“People are different. Virtual school has its limitations when it comes to certain student’s needs. So no, I don’t think it’s for everyone,” Starting with the class of 2015, students said junior Jostein Quintana whom has taken a will now be required to take one virtual virtual course in the past. course in order to be able to graduate. This Taking a virtual course does not require requirement is set by the Florida Legislature, students to have equipment at home either. for its digital education plans for the next The Virtual Lab in room F235 and the library five years. are available to students and they are equipped “I can only with everything surmise that with People are different. Virtual School students would the way the world has limitations when it comes to need. The school and public school makes taking these certain students needs. So no, I is changing [the courses something don’t think it’s for everyone, governor] is only any student can do. Jostein Quintana, trying to prepare Nestor Diaz, the students for coljunior Assistant Principal lege and outside of Curriculum, of college,” virexpressed hopes for tual school instructor Lashawn Kinder said. virtual courses and physical classes to merge While some freshmen are upset with someday. such a requirement, other freshman like Yoel “The best situation would be for it to be Lemas see virtual school more positively. a hybrid, parts of the course online and parts “I feel it’s a good thing in a way, because face-to-face. Probably in the future we will see you can concentrate a lot [more] and you more of this,” Diaz said. don’t have the distraction of talking classWhen asked what advice she would give mates,” Lemas said. students taking a virtual course for the first Regardless of the opinion that students time, senior Samantha Martinez said, “[The have about virtual school, the general concourse you choose] should be something that sensus is that students should be given the you know you can handle. Do what you are choice to take a virtual class or not. good at.” STAFF WRITER
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CLUB FAIR EXTRAVAGANZA
FAST PITCH
THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE
LOOKING OUT: Senior Manuel Sanchez watches the students, booths and festivities buzzing at Club Fair. “The games [...] keep the student body entertained while they gather information about the school’s extracurriculars,” said Sanchez.
Nicole Sielsky/highlights Sielsky/highlights
Nicole Sielsky/highlights Sielsky/highlights
Nicole Sielsky/highlights Sielsky/highlights AIMING FOR THE TARGET: The Best Buddies and Interact Booth attracted many new recruits with a dunk tank that soaked several teachers and administrators, a tradition that they have maintained over the past few years.
DROPPIN’ IT DOWN
MOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’: Junior Carlos Baez dances to the beat of the drum line to attract students to the Gables Players booth. Baez, as well as the other Gables Players, dressed up in carnie attire for their circus theme.
opinion
highlights September 2011
A new club takes
SHAPE By Giulia Heyward STAFF WRITER
Community service clubs are without a doubt important for students. The problem is whether or not it is fair the school’s only club focused on Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgendered(LGBT) awareness has been taken out when yet another community service club has been put in?` “Our club, SHAPE, will emphasize [our] main goals; helping the local community and assisting our high school campus,” said junior Maxim Seitter, SHAPE’s first president. SHAPE will pick a new local charity to help each year and will begin “Cavs helping Cavs”, an online tutoring program for students, and a school beautification project. SHAPE will become the third community service club the school has along with Interact and Key club. If all three clubs focus on community service then is it basically just three
identical clubs with different names attached to each one? “Every club focuses on a need that has to be met. There is no way that one club can effectively do that,” said Stephanie Cosgrove, World History and International Relations teacher and the new advisor for Key Club. While the school has added SHAPE, they have discontinued Gay-Straight Alliance Many people think that budget cuts were the reason why GSA is no longer here. “We’ve been cutting down clubs for years,” said Ana Suarez, Activities Director, “The GSA was let go because of lack of interest.” GSA had 30 members last year and while it may not have been as many as the number of students in Interact or Key Club, it had enough student participation and was unique to the school. “GSA was the only club that provided a safe place for students of all sexual orientations,” said Elizabeth Lacker, GSA’s former advisor. “The students were disappointed.”
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! P U K A E SP
What do you think about the role of a new community service club in a school that already has two?
“It’s better because there is more of a variety available for the students.” -Rodrigo Prida, sophomore
“It’s useless, they should come up with more creative clubs.” - Michael Monteagudo, junior Compiled by Orso Raymo
Class of 2015 disagrees with the new online class requirement By Maggie Rivers STAFF WRITER
Being a freshman is hard enough, with adjusting to all the workload, a new big school, and new friends. This year also brings many policy changes applicable to the incoming freshman class, the class of 2015, has everything from new tests being adapted to new graduation requirements. With so many new programs and tests being tried out first on the class of 2015, it seems as if we freshman are Florida’s guinea pigs. The new End of Course (EOC)assessments that are being put into action are awfully inconvenient. Florida decided to do away with the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests (FCAT) we grew up with and became accustomed to, and replaced it with EOCs. Now instead of being tested to see if we are on grade level, EOCs are all about what course students
are currently taking, whether it is a ninth grade level course or a higher level class. Although we only currently have the math FCAT replaced with the EOC, it is already upsetting. The Algebra EOC, for example, is a pass or fail test. Fail the test and flunk the class, regardless of you final class grade. This type of test does not allow teachers and student to go at a pace at which everyone feels comfortable, and students are forced to cram in all the things they must know by the end of the year. This is very stressful and doesn’t allow the teacher to go over concepts with students more so they fully understand them. The virtual course is also a burden, as if students already did not have enough graduation requirements to meet. We already have to give up class periods, such as electives, for other requirements, and now we have yet another. Out of the many classes that virtual school may seem to offer, there seems to be a sever lack in enjoyable classes. As much as the state of Florida might be trying to prepare student for the future, they don’t seem to understand how bothersome it is dealing with a virtual course. Everyone’s way of learning is
different and some just are not comfortable learning in front of a computer screen. Some students need physical interaction with a teacher and someone to push them to get their assignments done, whereas in virtual school, students must be independent. Although some may find virtual school a suitable choice for themselves, this is not true for everyone else. So far there is no escaping taking a virtual course for freshman, but you can take the easy way out. Less challenging classes are available such as Drivers Education, which also lowers your insurance rate. Take classes that you are really good at and that you can independently work in. As for EOCs, you can take courses during the summer with Miami-Dade College and get ahead in a subject such as math or science and try to avoid taking an EOC, but you would have to have finished Chemistry and be in Pre-Calculus by sophomore year and in order to do this. All we freshman really want is for Florida to stop picking on us. We are tired of being the experiment generation and we can do without all the new tests and requirements.
CLUB
FAIR By Sophia Aitken MANAGING EDITOR
Nicole Sielsky/highlights FESTIVITIES (clockwise from top): (1) Senior Christian Ortega commands the crowd as ringmaster for Gables Players. (2) Seniors Michael Capote, Pedro Lopez, Bryan Mejia, Mateus Tuon, and Jamar Jones set up shop in order to recruit new club members for 5000 Role Models. (3) Senior Carlos Rodriguez jams with the school drumline at the Tri-M Music Honor Society booth.
Club fair is a yearly event featuring a bounce house, henna tattoos, candy and multi-colored flyers that attempt to lure students into joining clubs. But, the effectiveness of these charms is arbitrarily measured. Each club has a signup sheet that they desperately try to fill with names, ID numbers and debateably real email addresses. By signing this paper the students is in no way obligated to be a loyal club member—not even to attend the first meeting. But, they do get to take a few candies from the basket on the club’s display table or demand a henna tattoo. For this, club fair is a useless event for both clubs and students (although the students do get the better end of the bargain). “Out of the 57 people who signed up at club fair I think 20 showed up and judging from last year’s experience, only about 10 will show up next time,” said senior Michael Moran, event and competition coordinator for SNHS. Club fair does not disseminate the club’s purpose or monthly activities in an informative way; instead allures like Key Club’s croquetas
is ineffective and should be replaced with a more creative solution or Chinese Club’s free fortune cookies detract from the point of having an event dedicated to recruiting new club members. In order to do this, all club board members should organize a speed dating type program that students can sign up for. The speed dating would consist of 10 minute rotations where clubs would tell students about what the club’s purpose is, what the requirements are and what to expect at the first meeting. Students would get a much more acquainted with clubs and the responsibilities that come with being a club member. Now, I can understand how organizing an event that is more than a table, some decorative signs and plate of cookies could be a challenge so instead; trim the ornamental frill and the gifts from club displays and have a flyer at the beginning of the year with each club’s website or Facebook page that has all the club information, photos from past events, and any other persuasions that will give students a real picture of what the club does. This way, students have to make an effort, albeit slight, to get acquainted with clubs of interest and will be more likely attend the first meeting. It may not be fancy or an excuse to parade around in a Morphsuit but, it will recruit students who are genuinely interested in the club’s purpose rather than its snow cones.
opinion
highlights September 2011
Foul fumes infecting the bathrooms
STAFF
Editorial
By Giulia Heyward and Remy Fuentes STAFF WRITERS
The school has once again become a victim of budget cuts and the rapidly deteriorating public education system. Rather than prolonging failure, the time has come for a shift regarding the nature of the problems that plague this school and others just like it across the country. Across the nation, public schools have been a repeated target of austerity measures. As states scramble to balance budgets in Washington, our very own school lies in the cross-hairs of increased budget cuts. In fact, the school no longer qualifies as a Title I school and now has $300,000 less in funding this year. There is no way to argue that the current weight of regulation does more good than bad. Obviously the school needs to buy certain goods and services after salaries are deducted from budgets, but does it really need to hand out to each and every student a mound of papers the first day of school? This most likely amounts to some enlightened bureaucrat’s logic explains why it is necessary to squeeze schools dry. The teachers and administrators do not run their families this way, wasting what’s costly and necessary. They and no one else would run a business this way either. So it seems that they have been tossed, blindfolded and hands tied, into a room with no door to get out. Even if our school misappropriates funds, in the end everyone is going to argue that the wrong amount of money is going to the wrong thing. Therefore, means, not ends, are to be analyzed and then fixed. Doing so would show why there is little this or any school
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can do to combat the horrors of government micromanagement, and it shows that, like students, schools and government go into panic mode because of procrastination. As any student knows, the only means of ridding of procrastination is to simply stop doing it, not beat around the bush. To put it simply, the government overregulates, causes inflation, and does other things that hurt the overall economy which in turn hurt the schools. After creating myriad problems, the government then has to shovel more money into the education system, which usually causes more problems than it solves. Finally, when there is not enough money to create the illusion of problem-solving, the government must enact fiscal responsibility. By then schools cannot cope without increased funding. This sums up the problem, and the solution is as easy to define as the problem. Stop the cause, and then the effect won’t happen anymore. Because pessimism and pragmatism tend to go hand in hand, it seems that the situation will continue to worsen. Even if current trends experience a 180 degree reverse, chaos would ensue. Thus the correct maneuvers must be carried out in the correct time frames, but the day for that is far away.
Classes overcrowded; AP and IB class caps removed
Lately, it has been a common sight to see students covering their noses next to the second floor bathroom. In a day, the hallway had become a toxic wasteland. The stench, which was somehow is at its strongest in the girl’s bathroom, has caused some students to take drastic measures. Students were willing to climb a flight of stairs to use either a first or third floor bathroom instead of enduring five minutes in the infested bathroom. Students were not the only ones who noticed, teachers who have classes on the second floor are also appalled by the apparent lack of consideration by the schools janitorial service. Yet some teachers have no idea why their students walk into class ranting about the second floor. Only problem is, the janitorial service is not at fault here. “In the sewer line, there is a water trap, and after a while it dries out and the trap is closed. So, what we needed to do was open the trap and dump a bucket of water in,” said building manager Joseph Evans. So will students ever have to experience the smelly stench of a stinky second floor again? If they do, the faculty is prepared. “We have a spare bucket in the office,” Evans said, “Just in case it happens again.”
to comply with regulations. “We are in the process of being more efficient with our opCOPY EDITOR erations. The state funding formula is a huge hindrance since For once, a step down the right path has it has not increased in the past several years,” said Principal been taken. Despite being a baby step, axAdolfo Costa. ing away class caps represents a shift away Interestingly, the school, in light of increased budget cuts, from tax, spend, and regulate towards fiscal is working to become more efficient, but the state has clearly responsibility. not, since outdated formulas and non-educational education Last April, Bill 1466 amended the Class initiatives keep them preoccupied. Size Amendment Bill, allowing courses nonessential to regular The public should demand that what they are currently high school graduation (Tallahassee defines which courses paying for goes to what they are told it is going to -- public these are) to have classes exceed 25 students. Naturally, uproar education. This is what ended class caps, and now citizens of followed because Advanced Placement, foreign language, and Florida will not have to pay billions to enforce an education other ‘extra-curricular’ courses are now program that has nothing to do overflowing with students. with education. The state funding formula is a The underlying motive of Bill 1466 If the money had really gone huge hindrance since it has not was to slash wasteful spending. Accordto education, each of Florida’s 67 increased in the past several ing to the Miami Herald, from 2003 school districts would have seen years. to 2010 over $15 billion was spent to $31 million per year for each of enforce class size regulations. those seven years. In the MiamiAdolfo Costa, The figure is astounding, and when Dade school district alone, that principal viewed with its purpose, it is infuriating. would have amounted to roughly All of that $15 billion went to enforce $77 thousand per public school a nonessential program backed by an inefficient bureaucracy per year. rather than to educating. Correlation doesn’t imply causation, Class caps were originally supposed to increase test scores but it must be more than coincidence that in the year class by creating better learning environments. This matter is of an caps reached this school, it dropped from being A rated to B entirely different subject, but what can be said is that no matrated. ter what the intentions were, the more local, the better. Let the However, the real problem is not the class caps, but the schools figure out what is best for them, not Tallahassee. ridiculous amount of bureaucracy that bogs down public There are two morals to the story: one, class caps were education. Rather than making sure students know how to manever going to work, and, two, it is extremely foolish to give nipulate math equations, administrators and teachers have to government the money and opportunity to try to add more to focus on manipulating schedules and open classrooms in order the long list of things it cannot handle.
By Casey Breznick
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A few classes without caps:
-All AP and IB classes -Certain elective classes like cooking and physical education -Communication Technology classes
highlights ADVISORY BOARD:
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MANAGING EDITOR
BUSINESS MANAGER
ADVISER
Ali Stack
James Ziv
SECTION EDITORS:
Sophia Aitken
Melissa Nieves
NEWS
FEATURES
OPINION
SPORTS
Suzette Wanninkhof
David Perlmutter
INSIGHT
Chris Cowen, Jorge Galavis
MULTIMEDIA
Nicole Sielsky
Andrea Biondi Nick Arias, Gene Liu
THE SCENE
Mary Koehnk
COPY
Casey Brenick
Public Relations Coordinator: Andy Fernandez Staff Members:
Deanna Breiter, Brooke Donner, Audrey Fernandez, Remy Fuentes, Lukas Georgatos, Giulia Heyward, Andrea Martinez, Eylin Martinez, Scarlett Perez, Leslie Ramos, Orso Raymo, Nicolas Rivero, Maggie Rivers, Gretel Sanchez highlights is the official publication of Coral Gables Senior High, 450 Bird Rd.,Coral Gables, FL 33146. Call (305) 443-4871 ext. 2383, email melissanieves@ dadeschools.net for ad rates. highlights accepts all legal advertisements. If a mistake occurs, the ad will be reprinted, free of charge, in the following issue. Subscriptions are available for $15 annually. Opinions expressed on the editorial page do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints or official policies of the school. highlights is an open forum and welcomes readers’ opinions on all topics. Letters to the editor should not exceed 200 words and must be signed, but names may be withheld on request and with the concurrence of the editorial board. The editors reserve the right to reject, edit and condense letters. All letters should be turned in to the F237 mailbox. highlights strives to represent all groups fairly. Men and women of all races and nationalities will be represented with the same respect and dignity. This publication avoids racial identification except when it is essential to communication.
Press Affiliations: Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, NSPA Hall of Fame, Florida Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll
insight
highlights September 2011
6
A procrastination generation By Deanna Breiter STAFF WRITER
Come the new school year, most students set goals and resolutions for themselves, many of which are school-oriented. A popular goal is to stop procrastinating. But let’s be serious: is it even possible? We have all been there, about to start an assignment when we feel that inevitable urge to check Facebook. What we think will only be a quick click turns into endless hours of scrolling down our news feeds and, before we know it, we are more familiar with what our 800 friends are doing rather than with those 50 years of history we need to know by tomorrow. To procrastinate means to put off intentionally and habitually, which basically means we are fully aware of what we have to do but we just do not want to do it so we put it off. Unfortunately, whatever we put off will still be there waiting for us, and we know it, which leads to the question of the century: why do we procrastinate? Procrastination is caused by many different factors. Obvious factors include difficulty and appeal of the task as well as distractions that deter us from completing what we need to. Like most students, junior Nicholas Johnson believes procrastination is the result of “pure laziness” and lack of motivation from “less interesting classes”. What may come as a surprise to many
are some underlying factors that cause procrastination, such as problems prioritizing, indecisiveness, fear of failure and even low self-confidence. Do not worry, you are not alone. Studies done by the University of Calgary show that 95% of the population are procrastinators, and over 20% are affected by chronic procrastination. Because it affects such a wide range of people, it may seem normal, but what you probably do not know is that it can negatively affect your health and well-being. For starters, the anticipation and pressure of meeting deadlines leads to major stress. Johnson believes his procrastination tremendously affects his grades ever since he started high school. Our survey showed that out of 100 people surveyed, almost half believe procrastination has negatively impacted their happiness and one in five admit to noticing extremely negative effects. Procrastination even affects self-esteem. A large number of students have fallen so deeply into a routine of procrastinating that they do not believe there is a way out. “It is impossible to stop procrastinating because I’ve done it for so long,” said Johnson. Although it cannot be fixed in the snap of your fingers, procrastination can be stopped. So before you put off tonight’s homework, think about how all the not-soharmless procrastination you have fallen victim to affects you, and see if you can kick the habit before it kicks you.
Compiled by Deanna Breiter and Nicole Sielsky
A day in the life of a Cavalier By Eylin Martinez
Having spent lunch studying, Suarez walked into AP Spanish Language, only to immediately take her quiz then eat the lunch Senior Vanessa Suarez is entirely the she could not have earlier. opposite of the average upperclassmen with Her last block, AP European History, a nasty bout of senioritis. Suarez juggles a seems to exhaust her completely. As the day myriad of activities including participating comes to an end, Suarez changes into her runin the cross country team, being secretary of ning clothes and heads to cross country pracInteract, holding the prestigious position of tice. If it was cancelled, club meetings usually vice-president of the Science National Honor take up some time out of her afternoon. Society, and being a valued member of the “Since I get barely any sleep I have infiNational Honor Society. nite amounts of time [during the night] to do Suarez let highlights track her daily afhomework, eat, and enjoy the remnants of a fairs on one of her busiest days through text social life,” said Suarez sarcastically. messages and Facebook messages. Although She wakes up Suarez has a full at 6 a.m. to shower On average I get about 5 hours of schedule she does and have breakfast sleep on weekdays more or less. not cease to add and hurry to school Vanessa Suarez, things to her list, with her mom as the senior as she has recently chauffeur. Right off become an Interact the bat in the morndistrict council member. ings, she finds distractions. Predictably, she Suarez is but one of the numerous stuis delayed by a bus that always seems to beat dents in the school with jam packed schedules her to a light, causing her to catch a red light who appear to not get enough sleep. each morning. “No, with football practice, basketball As Suarez arrives to school, more than practice, working out three times a week and likely a minute or two late, she has to run homework, I have no time [to sleep],” said through the crowded halls to arrive drained senior Julian Rodriguez. to her first class of the day, Dual Enrollment Students like these accomplish a lot, yet Writing Rhetoric. Following that, Suarez their lack of a regular sleeping pattern may moves on to Advanced Placement Environbe something to be concerned with. Do they mental Science where she learned she would need more sleep? Would they be able to be having a quiz next period. manage their time better if they could sleep “Everything seemed fine until I realized more? Maybe, but students like Suarez and that I had a quiz and homework due for next period which for me equaled no lunch,” said a Rodriguez have set their goals and are doing everything possible to achieve them. disgruntled Suarez. STAFF WRITER
‘‘
ARE 24 ENOU
As students work time-consuming en forgotten just how s
highlights September 2011
7
Eyes wide shut STAFF WRITER
The average person lives to be 79 years old. About one-third of this time is spent sleeping. Unaware of the harm concealed behind useless wakefulness, many consider lying in bed with their eyes closed to be the epitome of aloofness. What they do not know: our sleeping pattern, often neglected during heavy workloads or a late night out, is the aspect that can easily be manipulated when it comes to time management. “I try to go to sleep at 10 pm and wake up at 5:30 a.m.,” said sophomore Tatiana Suarez, who controls her sleep through the idea that consistency must be present in the amount of time slept. This requires going to sleep and waking up at the same time daily. “I rely on my body to tell me when I am tired and wake up when I feel rested,” said junior Yoselin Cuervo, who listens solely to her body’s needs. Sleep and productivity go hand in hand. A constant desire to be productive greatly influences the amount of sleep we get. However, it must become apparent at one point or another that neither of the aforemen-
93%
of students get fewer than 9.5 hours of sleep.
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tioned patterns are useful in achieving maximum productivity. A deeper look into the first approach demonstrates that not always will you be tired at night, and listening to our bodies might leave us getting more sleep than we actually need. The optimal solution for getting the most out of a day without jeopardizing the amount of sleep needed to function involves combining both methods: going to sleep only when feeling completely listless and waking up at a fixed time. It may seem like sleep would be lost if we were to go to sleep at whatever time seen fit and wake up at the same time everyday, but in actuality, we will have found a way to get the needed amount of sleep. Following this approach proves extremely effective for students who constantly find themselves having to stay up late. Say you were to go to sleep at 11 p.m. one night. Having to wake up at a pre-determined time (5 a.m., for example) will automatically leave you feeling sleepier come the next day, which will in turn let you get more sleep the next night. Many have found that following this method has them feeling much more rested, since they are asleep the entire time they are in bed, something any high school student can look forward to.
Z
By Audrey Fernandez
k in an increasingly nvironment, it is often short a day actually is.
Nicole Sielsky/highlights
of students feel that they receive enough sleep.
100 students polled
13%
HOURS UGH?
27%
82%
of students feel tired during the day.
of students say they start assignments long before they are due.
ZZ
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Doctor’s corner By Eylin Martinez STAFF WRITER
The school bell rings at 7:15 a.m. By 7:20, most teachers are already giving lectures and expecting students to be participating actively in class. Students, on the other hand, get to school expecting teachers to say “We have nothing to do today; you can do as you please.” More often than not, if you hear that you are still dreaming. Students usually find it very hard to perform at their best in the morning, and are usually drained and over-worked from no sleep the night before. When asked why they are so tired and cannot function, they blame homework, but the only reason that they are that tired is because of the lack of sleep many receive; evidence of this matter has been proven by doctors. “Teenagers need at least 9.25 hours of shut-eye to function properly in school” said Dr. Tara Aronson in her article “Wake Up, Sleepy Teens”. Teens are expected to get around nine
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hours of sleep yet tend to receive less than 6.9 hours. Pupils blame school and the excessive amount of homework that is sometimes given out, but we must consider talking about the time teens spend on computers, social networks, texting, watching television and talking on the phone. But teens, it is not completely your fault. Scientists on the other hand have discovered a biological factor as to why teenagers fall asleep so late: “Adolescents don’t feel hormonally sleepy until 11 or 12. It has to do with circadian rhythms that govern every cell in the body. There are no management techniques that can change basic cellular rhythms. Why fight it?” said Dr. Kyla Wahlstrom, at the University of Minnesota whom Aronson quoted in her article. With such information, students may have a new way of explaining their many sleepless nights, and even parents may find comfort in knowing that there is nothing wrong with their children.
features
highlights September 2011
IN REMEMBRANCE OF 9/11
HALL >> t a l k
Multimedia Editor Nicole Sielsky records what she hears in the hallways during passing periods. Remi Fuentes/highlights
BLOCK 1
>>
“I woke up on a bench, man! That ain’t normal!”
>>
“You’re such a creative little platypus…”
BLOCK 2
>> >>
IN RETROSPECT: Students reminisce about the tragic events ten years ago. Although sophomore Ilia Bibas (bottom right) was only in kindergarten, he remembers September 11 and understands both its past and current implications. Freshman Daniel Regalado, (top center) signs his name in remembrance of the day so long ago. Sophomore Yesenia Echeverria and sophomore Dayde Moreno (bottom center) write messages on the white board to commemorate the fallen heroes. Nearly 3000 people died in the attacks and even today firefighters, policemen, and citizen still feel the effects the attacks had on both their health and psyche.
WANNA SEE TAYLOR?
>>
“WWJD... What would Jose do...” “I have the gift of osmosis. That’s why I sleep in class.” “I was riding my bike down Crandon and I saw some kid pooping.”
Find the Taylor Swift lyric hidden in highlights and come to room F237 for a chance to win Taylor Swift concert tickets!
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highlights
Leslie Ramos/highlights
September 2011
By Orso Raymo
9
SANITATION SQUAD The career of a custodian is one of the least appreciated, yet most important jobs in the school. Let us look into the life of these heroes.
STAFF WRITER
amenities like scented hand soap and soft toilet paper be banned. “Years ago we used good products, the scented stuff, now the district forces us to use an all-in-one odorless germicide and other generic products because we don’t know who may be allergic to what,” said Assistant Principal Joseph Evans. While it is extremely evident the bathrooms are not in stellar conditions, it has become evident that the blame cannot be rested on the school staff. The sanitizers far surpass their fair share, hoping that students might learn to respect the Sanitation Squad and continue the cycle of cleanliness.
We want the best for all of you. We wish you all long and successful careers and that you won’t have to go through so many hardships.
Nicole Sielsky/highlights
Reason for the classic phrase “Miss, can I go to the bathroom?”, the restrooms are without a doubt the most frequented facilities in the schools. Among the dirty stalls are stamped vulgar slogans, prompting the question, who cleans all the bathrooms? With the school populated beyond capacity with over 3000 students, the strain on the restrooms and related supplies is growing. The few students who do not sleep between classes can be treated to the rare spectacle of a cart being nudged through enormous crowds by a mysterious individual. While many students like to refer to the staff members with the j-word, the cart pushers might prefer “the sanitation squad”. A force for cleanliness and goodliness armed with unscented germicide spray and the infallible will to do good, the squad is in play. Tasked with keeping the halls, classrooms, and bathrooms grime-free, they do their duty faithfully and clean 32 rest rooms twice a day. Often times, their carts flaunt a bright yellow bag filled with the discarded remains of the day’s cafeteria special, or a half-dozen wooden things that vaguely resemble mops. Even rarer is finding them equipped with a load of fresh bathroom supplies. When it comes time to switch in new supplies, the Sanitation Squad’s efforts are welcomed by immediately wasted supplies, and so the cycle continues. “We try to do our best, but we get zero cooperation from the student body,” said Sanitation Squad member Alex Bello. Thanks to budget limitations and student allergy related issues the county school board has decided that frivolous
CLEANING UP OUR ACT: Custodians Roberto and Castillo lounge in their chamber of secrets. Castillo has the day shift, while Roberto has the night shift and they both work hours a day to keep our school in tip-top shape.
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sports
highlights
September 2011
Coral Gables Cavaliers
By Eylin Martinez and Ali Stack STAFF WRITER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Cavalier varsity football team will be facing the Miami High Stingarees on Oct. 29 for the all-important, almost war-like, homecoming game. To prepare for this upcoming showdown, General (and head coach of the varsity football team) Joe Montoya and Colonels Roger Pollard, Twin Bryant, Carlos Molenero, Steve Comagna and Al Tongue lay down tactics, talk logistics, and plan on-the-field tactics and strategy with the team. The Coral Gables football battalion has been preparing for what coaches and players expect to be a series of victories, if all goes well at their daily two hour practices. “We have not really been practicing any differently for the homecoming game, but our practices always have high intensity. Players are always working hard,” said junior Ryan Franics, member of the varsity football team. During the week, the offense commits to memory flanking maneuvers while the defense memorizes the various blitzing techniques, studying each one before the game and executing these strategies on the battlefield. After Saturday practices, coaches meet up to come up with strategies for the upcoming skirmish. The team also watches videos of their previous games and observes mistakes in the execution of their tactics. Thus, they are able to draft new plays in cooperation with each player’s strengths and weaknesses. Coaches also analyze game footage from the other team: reconnaissance, football style. The naïve
Miami High Stingarees
Miami High Stingarees, however, know not of the Cavalier’s prebattle preparations — they still plan to come out on top. “We go into every game planning to do our best and expecting to win.” said senior and starting center for the Miami High Stingarees, Ali Abughanieh. Much like the Cavaliers, the Stingarees hold practice after school and have additional practices on Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. According to Abughanieh, his lieutenants work to ensure, more than anything, that their players are dedicated both mentally and physically days in advance for important games, but are not going to any extremes preparing for the epic battle at Curtis Park. “The team is basically coming into the game like if it was any other game, focused and determined.” said Abughanieh. Over-confidence does not seem to be an issue for the High’s battalion. The Cavalier troops are modest and are, by no means, taking this match lightly — the school has not been able to win the District Championship since the 2006 season. Last year, the Cavaliers lost to the Miami High varsity football squad, losing a playoff birth and crucial territory. “The year we won districts, the team was like a family; they were accountable for each other’s actions, knowing that everything each of them did affected the team’s outcomes considerably,” said General Montoya. This year’s brigade has the talent to crush the enemy, but talent will not suffice — unification and a sense of patriotism will bring the troops home laden with the spoils of war.
Girls soccer coach mystery STAFF WRITER
With a new soccer season quickly approaching, the girls varsity team will soon begin preparing for another successful season. After winning the majority of last year’s games, as well as clinching the district championship, the girls are ready to do it all again. The only thing stopping them is the mystery of who their coach will be. With the recent departure of former coach, Mercy Verazain, there is much confusion as to who will take her spot. Members of the soccer team have been kept in the dark and can only rely on rumors about who will lead them this season. “One of the rumors I’ve heard about our new coach was that it would be [Sylvia] Cuesta since rumor has it she played
as a goalie in college,” said senior soccer player Cassandra Gomez. However, thanks to the varsity soccer captain, senior Victoria Fernandez, the mystery has been solved. “The coaching staff has just shifted titles,” explained Fernandez, “Coach Eddy [Aguirre] is now the head coach with [Ayleen] Monzon as the team’s Assistant Soccer Administrator. This is a very drastic shift but we have to try our best to accommodate for these unfortunate changes.” Regardless of these changes, the girls are determined to win it all. “This year we would love to go all the way to states.” said Gomez. “To accomplish this, we need to persevere to be the best by putting our blood, sweat, and tears into everything we do.” As captain of the team, Fernandez hopes for the same results and is confi-
October
MARK THE DATE Varsity
4
Swimming vs. South Dade
Tues. at 3:30 p.m. at Tamiami Park Swimming Pool
CONCENTRATION: While watching the Gables varsity football team conduct practices, there is a serious attitude on and off the field in order to be better prepared for the all-important showdown against major rival, Miami High, for the homecoming game. Compiled by Eylin Martinez
CAVALIER STAT BOX
Varsity Football League Record 1-2
AUG 26 American Senior
vs
@ Coral Gables
SEPT 1 Gables
Gables Cavaliers
3 - 14 W Cavaliers vs Hialeah-Miami
13 - 27 L Palmetto vs Gables
@ Milander
SEPT 9 Miami
@ Tropical Park
20 - 19 L
Lakes
Cavaliers
Girls’ Volleyball League Record V: 1-4 JV: 2-3
Lukas Georgatos/highlights
By Deanna Breiter
RUNNING PLAYS: Nothing prepares players for battle to the same extent as practicing. The Gables Cavaliers squad does not take this lightly, especially with the hopes of claiming victory following each upcoming match for the remainder of the season.
Gene Liu/highlights
Scar le
tt P e
rez/
high
ligh
ts
VS
Pre-Game Prep Lukas Georgatos/highlights
Homecoming Clash
10
WANTED: Girls varsity soccer team may be without a coach despite heading into the upcoming season.
dent that these goal can be met. “Although we have new and rather challenging obstacles, I think we can do it,” Fernandez said. “A former captain once told me, ‘the beginning is always rough, but it will get better.’”
AUG 30 Barbara Coleman @ CGHS
SEPT 1 Gables
vs
Gables Cavaliers
V: 0 - 3 W JV: 0 - 2 W Cavaliers vs Miami Springs
@ Miami Springs
V: 0 - 3 L JV: 1 - 2 L vs Ronald W. Reagan
SEPT 6 Gables Cavaliers @ Reagan
V: 0 - 3 L JV: 0 - 3 L vs Gables Cavaliers
SEPT 7 John A. Ferguson
V: 3 - 2 L JV: 2 - 0 L vs Gables Cavaliers
@ CGHS
SEPT 13 Miami Senior High
V: 3 - 2 L
@ CGHS
JV: 1 - 2 W
Junior Varsity Football League Record 1-2
SEPT 7 Coral Park High
vs
SEPT 14 Central Senior High
vs
@ Tropical Park
@ Tropical Park
SEPT 21 Gables
Gables Cavaliers
0 - 36 W
Gables Cavaliers
32 - 0 L Cavaliers vs Columbus
@ Tropical Park
0 - 40 L
High
Stats from www.c2cschools.com
to support our athletic teams and cheer them on!
Boys’ Varsity
Girls’ Varsity
Varsity
6 11 12
Football
Volleyball
Thur. at 4:00 p.m. at South Miami Senior High
Tues. at 7:30 p.m. at South Dade Senior High
vs. South Miami
vs. South Dade
Golf
vs. Krop & Miami Springs
Wed. at 3:00 p.m. at Miami Springs Senior High
sports
highlights
September 2011
GRANTED:
Dual Enrollment Fitness and Wellness class receives $190,000 grant to purchase new equipment, including new iPads
By Lukas Georgatos
a college credit and use an iPad all at the same time,” said senior Guiliano Wright. Due to the novelty of the new iPads, their effectiveness regarding the class is not yet known. However, this new technology upgrade will definitely entice more students to sign up for the Dual Enrollment Fitness & Wellness class.
Shapiro’s influences
By Nicolas Rivero STAFF WRITER
Nevin Shapiro has been called a snake, a rapist, a jilted groupie, the scum of the Earth, and a “jock-sniffer wannabe.” Allegedly, he gave improper gifts to dozens of current and former UM football and basketball players ranging from cash and jewelry to an abortion for a prostitute Shapiro hired for a Miami athlete, all with the knowledge of UM’s coaching staff. The Hurricanes football team felt the consequences after a disappointing 32-24 loss to Maryland. Eight players have been suspended for up to six games, including stars Jacory Harris and Sean Spence. The loss of seven starters, mainly from the defensive squad, gave young players like Gables’s own Denzel Perryman a chance to prove themselves on the field. With three tackles, Perryman had a solid first appearance for Miami’s. “I always knew he had the potential to play,” said head football coach Joe Montoya, “watching him out there was very rewarding for me as a coach.” When asked if improper recruiting and illegal gifts were a problem at the high school level, Montoya quickly asserted, “It happens all the time. It happens even in the Pop Warner leagues.” “Accepting things from strangers could lead to controversy that can put me and the rest of my team into some trouble. It would give us a bad image,” said sophomore Jose Melendez of the JV football team. It seems that players at all levels can take example from this athlete’s integrity.
Present teacher, past athlete Stephanie Hofmann
Sport:
Sport:
1975
Alma mater:
Killian High
Is she a French teacher or cross country runner extraordinaire? If not for the many trophies in her classroom, Stephanie Hofmann’s love for crosscountry might have remained a secret. “It was like a love and hate relationship,” said Hofmann, “[Cross-country] was grueling, but after a race I was filled with satisfaction.” Much like other sports coaches, her coaches were quite demanding, but Hofmann feels they had a positive effect because the training made her a more disciplined and stronger person. “Sports are unifying and give opportunities to meet people you would have never met otherwise,” said Hofmann. Hofmann went on to coach Gables crosscountry from 1986 through 1991.
Graduating year: 1985
Alma mater:
Coral Gables
Now a Cavalier tennis coach, math teacher David Weiner played tennis on his high school team and even went on to play in college at Western Carolina University. Clearly, tennis was a sport that Weiner found enjoyable enough to stick with for the long-run. “I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Weiner. Some perks associated with joining the tennis team included making friends and spending time at the Biltmore Hotel. “Becoming active in school will decidedly enhance the high school experience,” said Weiner. Additionally, he mentioned that playing a sport in high school would give students something positive and productive to do with their time.
New spin on old yoga techniques
Graduating year: 1999
Alma mater:
Coral Gables
Former pitcher for his high school’s baseball team and now the varsity baseball head coach, Phillip Wisser is very passionate about baseball. The giant Cavalier baseball painting on his classroom wall is homage to that. “Baseball has been a passion of mine since I’ve grown up,” said Wisser. Being on the baseball team helped force Wisser to manage time between baseball and academics. “I had a very good coach who was strict, but in understandable situations,” said Wisser. He maintained a great relationship with his former coach and will often call him for advice. “Sports get you involved and can get you college opportunities,” said Wisser.
Fitness guide to the City Beautiful
By Yaremy Fuentes
Yaremy Fuentes/highlights
STAFF WRITER
On Aug 18, Good Morning America featured a special about a new workout craze called cocooning. It turns out cocooning is the slang term for anti-gravity yoga, where people are suspended from the ceiling by a silk sheet while they get into different positions that work muscles. Every cocooning class begins with the members relaxing in silk hammocks and ends with the student suspended upside down. . In Miami, there are only two gyms that offer cocooning, Crunch and Synergy. Synergy in Key Biscayne is less expensive than Crunch with the classes being $25. If you become a member of Synergy the class is only $14. At Synergy, classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and last about an hour. At Crunch, $63 membership would be required to take part in the antigravity fun. Isabel De Vengoechea and Paola Guerra have taken the anti-gravity yoga classes since Synergy opened.
Phillip Wisser
Baseball
Courtesy of Cavaleon
Graduating year:
Sport:
Tennis
Courtesy of Cavaleon
Cross Country
David Weiner
Compiled by Lukas Georgatos
Courtesy of Cavaleon
About five years ago, the school was chosen to receive the Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grant for the creation of the Cavalier Wellness Center. “The original grant was worth $60,000 five years ago, an additional $40,000 three years ago, and an additional $90,000.00 this past school year to include $40.000 in Fitness equipment, $40,000 in Ipads with a Bretford AV Cart, and $10,000 for the HOP Sports Program,” said Dual Enrollment Fitness and Wellness teacher Eulalia Albalate. In other words, the course has received a large sum of money. This grant awards hundreds of thousands of dollars every year to multiple schools for the expansion and improvement of their physical education department. “The iPads will be used as a supplemental part of the course,” said Albalate. Each student enrolled in the class will receive his or her own iPad. As a bonus, they will be allowed to take these gadgets home. However, the iPads are not for keeps; the students will be required to return them during May, or about the end of the school year. “Technology in Physical Education is the wave of the future as students can research current trends in fitness and health and keep track of their food consumption and fitness activities,” said Albalate. The iPads are as much for work are they are for fun. In
addition to tracking their individual exercises and activities, students will be able to access and view PowerPoint presentations for the class’s textbook chapters and also be able to turn in weekly homework assignments via their iPads. One might think that the use of iPads is not beneficial to the students because their use involves little physical activity, but Albalate assured that physical education will always come first. The iPads are only there to assist the students in improving their health and fitness. Also, in order to prevent students from using the iPads for any other purpose than for the class, Albalate will be randomly checking the iPads’ usage history. “I was already enrolled in the class before I heard about the iPads. I am really excited because now I can exercise, gain
Gene Liu/highlights
STAFF WRITER
11
COCOONING: Members of the Synergy gym are suspended in the air while they enjoy the new anti-gravity yoga program.
“The beginning is challenging, then it gets easy and you get used to the hammock,” said De Vengoechea. Both girls did not know that anti-gravity yoga is often called “cocooning.”
Gables Fitness Located at 112 Valencia Avenue, Gables Fitness offers a non-intimidating environment for those who want a better body. A Gables Fit representative described the easy-going atmosphere. “Everyone has fun and a great sense of humor. We pride ourselves on our customer service.” Newcomers can try out Gables Fitness’s personal training for free before they decide if they want to continue. Classes offered include spinning, kickboxing, personal training, and weight-loss programs. Gables Run Club Every Monday night at seven, runners meet up at the Gables Fitness facility for a 3 mile run through the Gables. As they run through the Gables, they tour landmarks like the Biltmore hotel, Miracle Mile, and the Riviera Golf Course. As they run, members make friends and socialize.There are no fees and no need to sign up, to get started just show up and run. Azucar Aerobics & Conditioning Classes Gables residents dance their way to fitness with Azucar Aerobics and Conditioning Classes
at the Youth Center, located at 405 University Drive. “Blasting calories through high impact aerobic dance,” Azucar offers a fun alternative to the traditional gym. Convenient for any schedule, classes take place in the morning and in the evening. A month-long pass costs between $30 and $50, depending on resident and membership status. To register, call (305) 460-5600. The Fitness Center Those who have stood in the Youth Center’s indoor basketball court and looked up in wonder at the row of treadmills behind the second story glass above their heads may be surprised to know that it is part of a small fitness center with all the amenities of a regular gym, including a locker room and showers. Youth Center members have access to the fitness center, basketball courts, and discounts and priority registration on Fitness Center programs. Or, for $11.50 a day, guests may use the facilities. But of course, as sophomore Christopher Artiga points out, “the outdoor courts and a pick-up basketball game are always a free alternative.” Compiled by Nicolas Rivero
the scene
highlights September 2011
12
UNDERWATER WORLD
By Sophia Aitken MANAGING EDITOR
Situated on the coast of a pennisula, Miami is dependent on the Atlantic in many ways. It contributes to the fishing industry, keeps the flow of tourists steady and adds to the South Floridian culture. Plus, it allows for various underwater activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing. So close your eyes, escape this town for a little while.
Mary Koehnk/highlights
Breathing underwater may seem impossible to us landlubbers, but it has been made possible by a simple industrial design: a breathing tube attached to a mask. It is not as convenient as gills, but it does let you join the starfish, conchs and crabs we admire in aquariums without promoting the kidnapping of sea life from its natural habitat. We decided to put the equipment to the test and went snorkeling at the Key Biscayne Nature Center. We ventured over with our bathing suits, sun block and masks hoping for an underwater adventure to discover the sea life we were only familiar with from behind glass walls at the Miami Seaquarium. Cautiously wading into the water, we saw a school of mangrove snappers and once submerged, we were able to carefully observe a couple of spider crabs mingling in the seaweed. Swimming further out into the ocean, we caught sight of file fish and what we thought could be a barracuda but it might have just been wishful thinking. The encounters with these sea creatures ended up being a little too friendly. Mary Koehnk, The Scene Editor, ended up getting stung by giant Moon Jellies on three different parts of her body. Watching the jellyfish underwater from a safe distance was mesmerizing, but getting too close was extremely painful. Mary is still suffering the consequences with unyielding itchiness all over her buttocks. “It hurt,” said Koehnk carressing her behind. Their flower petal figure in the middle of their floating lilac body seemed harmless when we were kicking through the tall seaweed, but clearly, their tentacles were deceivingly poisonous. So, if you do decide to take our recommendation and go snorkeling the best time to avoid jellies is early in the morning. Plus, visibility is high and lucky snorkelers might be able to catch sight of a lone eel or those invasive lion fish.
SPOTLIGHT: Kristen Ferriera
“
world”
It’s very different, almost like another
By Remy Fuentes STAFF WRITER
Water sports do go beyond the pool--the ocean provides a natural and spontaneous field for many activities in Miami. Take junior Kristen Ferreira who has been scuba diving and surfing for about four years. Ferreira started surfing up in Port St. Lucie and likes it because she feels it is a completely different environment than land Remy Fuentes/highlights sports. Even though Ferreira is the only one in her family who surfs, she practices twice a month on the weekends. According to Ferreira, the best places to surf in Miami are South Beach in September and Palm Beach during the beginning of the year. “I just hope I don’t mess up; it’s just incredible and unreal,” she said when asked what it felt like to be inside a wave. Someday, Ferreira hopes to compete and place in surfing competitions. Aside from surfing, Ferreira also scuba dives in Key West. She has dived in the Bahamas because it is known for its beautiful coral reefs. Key West and Ft. Lauderdale are the best places to scuba dive, due to the variety of fish and Florida’s Barrier Reef. “It’s very different, almost like another world,” said Ferreira.
Best Diving Spots in South Florida Army Tank #1: Sunk June 1994, one of two Vietnam era tanks off the Miami Beach shoreline. DEMA Trader: Located three and a half miles off Key Biscayne, the DEMA trader is a 165 foot long freighter located in 80 feet of water. Half Moon Preserve: Once a glamorous floating saloon, the Half Moon now sits 150 feet beneath the water line after it sunk in 1930.