Issue 2, Vol.53 by highlights Newsmagazine

highlights

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

Issue 2,

O c t o b e r 2 012 , V o l . 5 3

Healthy food initiatives and peanut ban disrupt lunchtime order

have been cited as the chief upset to the lunch-time distribution of students. As a combined result, thousands of students were forced to seek lunch and eat it in what were described as time-pressed and overcrowded After a six week adjustment period to new conditions. local and national school lunch regulations, the In order to lessen overcrowding in the cafeterias, school has arranged for the sale of new food the school opened a new lunch line serving school-made choices in place of those that were banned or pizza and other foods, such as flatbread sandwiches and removed from this year’s school lunch offerings. mini-burgers, during the week of Sept. 17 in the pavilion Over the summer, the Healthy School where Papa John’s Pizza used to be served. Meals Act, a federal law banning school lunch “We added that line again products that can be so that should alleviate the associated with “adult diseases” We added [another] line issue. [The food sold in the like diabetes and obesity, went again so that should alleviate line] is something the students into effect. Pursuant to the law, the the issue. [The food sold] is prefer,” said Principal Adolfo school can no longer serve food something the students prefer. Costa. from outside vendors, like Papa It is also reported that local John’s Pizza, whose foods fail to Adolfo Costa, independent franchisee of Papa pass these standards. Additionally, Principal John’s Pizza Jeremy Barna at the beginning of the school year, stated in a Sept. 22 Parent the school’s administration enacted Teacher Student Association the nut and lentil product ban, now meeting that efforts were being made to develop “low fat effective on school grounds. cheese [pizza] that complies with the [Healthy School The new regulations had contributed to, according Meals Act].” to some students, growing lunch lines and an overall The two changes to the school’s lunch program come inaccessibility of school lunch. For several weeks, the amid reported widespread discontent among the students absence of pavilion-served Papa John’s Pizza and under-

IN A NUTSHELL

By Casey Breznick & Araceli Sanchez

news

COPY EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

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stocked nut-and-lentil-product free vending machines

opinion

PG. 4 Police give students unfair jaywalking tickets on Riviera Drive

PG. 10 highlights’ own Cyrus Zeledon dances with the Gablettes & Co.

Election connection: Register to vote, volunteer By Raquel Braun STAFF WRITER

With the presidential election quickly approaching, it is crucial that everyone eligible exercises their right to vote. Social studies teacher Stephanie Cosgrove is working in collaboration with Univision and School Board Member Raquel Regalado to register those students who are eligible and interested in voting. This registration will take place in room F342 on Oct. 4 only. Students may pre-register to vote if they are United States citizens and are at least 16 years of age, but may only vote in the November presidential election if they are 18 years old. Students can also register to vote online (see below) or at post offices, public libraries and individual campaign offices. Voter registration forms must be submitted by Oct. 9 in order to receive a Voter Registration Card before Election Day on Nov. 6. To register or pre-register to vote online, visit www.election.dos.state.fl.us/voter-registration.

insight

journals. Some classes write in the journals daily, while in other classes students summarize “how they helped their bodies over the weekend.” In one of PE teacher Eulalia Albalate’s DE Fitness classes, each student has an iPad and pedometer, which the school received from a federal grant. Students with the pedometers record how much they walk, and have a goal of 10,000 steps a day. “Keeping a record of everything is good because you can see if you’re improving or doing worse, so eventually you can get better,” said sophomore Eduardo Crespo. Albalate’s classes plan to make a fitness commercial for the announcements “so for 30 seconds the whole school is moving together,” she said. They will also be attending a Diabetes Awareness Walk on Nov. 16. Though many PE classes are participating in the Let’s Move! campaign, a few did not alter or add to their lesson plans in any way. Participating classes were limited to the changes they could make by budget restraints and equipment shortages. “I believe the campaign would be more effective and enticing to students if we had the equipment that CrossFit and other fitness centers have,” said PE teacher Tracy Watkins.

sports

First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign aims to end childhood obesity by improving nutrition in schools and encouraging children to get active. The campaign, launched in February of 2010, does not legally require schools to follow its guidelines, though monetary awards are given to schools that achieve certification in the Healthier US School Challenge. Four thousand schools achieved the certification last school year. This school year, to coincide with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act being put into effect, the MiamiDade County Public Schools District asked all schools to participate in the Let’s Move! campaign. Classes in the Physical Education Department at Gables have added components corresponding with the campaign to their lesson plans. Students in Dual Enrollment (DE) Fundamentals of Fitness, aerobics, health, weight training, and some of the general physical education (PE) classes are tracking their exercise and food intake levels in activity and nutrition

percent of students have not been caught with peanut products, although 49 percent have brought them to school. Out of 250 student surveyed.

the scene

‘Let’s Move!’ campaign motivates P.E. classes HEAD NEWS WRITER

percent of students said they wait in line for more than 15 minutes to buy their lunch. Lunch is 30 minutes long.

‘Plans in Practice’ is continued on page 2.

GABLES GETS ACTIVE

By Brooke Donner

68 40 100

percent of students said the lunchtime changes have made it more difficult or nearly impossible to buy their lunch.

PG. 12 A Wynwood café provides free literature to patrons

news

highlights October 2012

Lunchtime order disrupted by food changes By Casey Breznick and Araceli Sanchez COPY EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

yes

Do you buy lunch at school?

yes

no survey out of 250

Francis Perez/highlights

lunch menus. Students also say they feel the peanut ban and the healthy food standards were not in good taste, and many say they do not understand why the ban is in effect if its enforcement has been passive. Although no surveyed students say they have been caught with peanut products, 49 percent have had them on campus. A highlights investigation revealed an official Miami Dade County Public Schools document from 2010 entitled “Food and Nutrition Procedures” instructing school principals and food service managers not to institute school bans of allergenic products because such bans create “a false sense of security”. The school, however, will go forward with the ban and has extended its reach to school events like the Nov. 5 Homecoming dance, which will feature a peanut-free dinner menu that is in compliance with the new policy.

Do you feel the healthy food intiative was the right thing to do?

Mariana Londono/highlights

over the new lunch regulations and the school’s handling of them. A recent highlights poll revealed that 68 percent of surveyed students feel it is now more difficult or nearly impossible to obtain school lunch, and a majority of students felt both the peanut ban and the healthy food standards were “not the right thing to do”. “We still have school-made pizza but if they sold pizza from [outside vendors] I would be happy,” said freshman Maya-Sophia Cardenas. Some students say the lack of communication between administration and students has left them confused over the new lunch and food rules at the school. Efforts were made in the beginning of the year to inform students and parents of the peanut ban, including an informational paper sent home late into the year on Sept. 12. Students say no such effort was made to explain the new school

Bryce Donner/Contributor

‘Plans in Practice’ is continued from page 1.

Do you think the peanut ban was the right thing to do?

LUNCH LINE BLUES: The healthy food initiative and peanut ban has left students with limited food options, creating crowds and chaos at the cafeteria window as students struggle to get through. With the majority of students buying their lunch at school, they now have to wait in tightly packed lunch lines for up to fifteen minutes, and some students do not get their food.

Student Activities plans SAT field trial testing By Mariana Londono STAFF WRITER

As the school year routine slowly settles in, the new student government has been planning to try to smoothly execute the school year activities. This year’s class representatives have introduced new events for different grades as well as planned to improve last year’s events – all of which is done under the consent of Activities Director Ana Suarez. When asked about student involvement, the Student Council and class representatives seemed enthusiastic about creating a more inclusive environment. “Activities is really trying to push for school spirit so that really involves everyone – every board, every class and the activities members,” said Sophomore Class President Alyssa Dobkins. Dobkins, recognizing that sophomore year is known for its dormant activities agenda, assures students that she and the sophomore board will try make it more memorable. Some of Sophomore officers plan for the year to include treat days every month and carnival-themed treat days every semester. Dobkins also said the class trip to Universal Studios is the “most anticipated

activity of the year” for the sophomore class. The junior class representatives plan to continue traditional junior activities, like the College Tour, the annual class trip to Busch Gardens, and the ring ceremony. Cole Scanlon, Junior Class President, confirmed that the junior class College Tour has been restructured – the representatives have updated the hotels, restaurants and even some of the colleges to visit. “We learn from the previous classes to find out what worked and didn’t work,” said Scanlon. The senior class of 2013 has updated traditional events, such as prom, in addition to having incorporated new ones into their calendar. “We’ve decided to step it up and make these events 10 times more memorable,” said Senior Class President Gabriella Gonzalez. The list of senior activities is extensive, including treat days, senior Coffee House, senior movie night, senior picnic, senior spirit week, Grad Bash, and graduation. “This is our final year, we want to make it special and we also want to show all of the other classes that when you become a senior you’re going to feel this special too,” said Student Council President Brooke Nelson. The freshmen class will vote for its class officers positions on Oct. 2.

Sophomores were placed in SAT field trials to help College Board decide which new questions to include in future SAT tests.

with the intent to use them on future SAT exams. “It was definitely worthwhile because it will STAFF WRITER help me prepare for the real SAT by telling me what areas I should work on,” said sophomore On Thursday Sept. 27, sophomores took Samantha Orozco after the test on Thursday. part in an SAT field trial test at the school The SAT Field Trial helps test makers decide instead of attending regular classes. which new questions to use, but it also gives The SAT is a college admission test run by students taking it the advantage of a free SAT test the College Board, and is recognized around the without colleges being able to see their scores. world as a standardized test that best reflects a “I’m not against the SAT field test. It gives student’s knowledge. the sophomores an extra The College Board contacted Testing Chair I’m not against the SAT Field practice for the actual SAT,” said Hernandez. Lazaro Hernandez Test. It serves sophomores Certain freshmen, because of the school’s an extra practice for the sophomores, and juniors demographics and asked actual SAT. will take the Preliminary if the school would like Lazaro Hernandez, SAT/National Merit to participate in the field Testing Chair Scholarship Qualifying trial. Test (PSAT/NMSQT) on Most students take Oct. 17. the SAT in their junior While sophomores were taking the field and senior years as the test is an important test, the remaining students engaged in various factor for college admissions. Students are activities depending on their grade. Freshmen tested on the core subjects of reading, math, and had a Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test writing. But during the field trial, sophomores (FCAT) reviews, juniors registered for College were exposed to new test questions. The test Assistance Program (CAP) e-mail and seniors served as an experiment for the College Board watched a presentation by Miami-Dade College. to see responses to differently styled questions

By Francis Perez

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THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

BREAKING IT DOWN: Gables Hype Man, Brandon Penn, gets down and exictes the crowd with his smooth dance moves and big smile. Along with Cav Man, the Hype Man is trying to revive the school’s pep spirit to encourage the football team.

Francis Perez/highlights

Mariana Londono/highlights

Mariana Londono/highlights SMILING WITH SPIRIT: Color guard members Nicole Sanchez and Samantha Sierra show their school spirit and pump up the crowd in the auditorium for the pep rally against the Northwestern Bulls.

HANDS IN THE AIR

TWERKIN’ IT

POMS AND SMILES

CHEERING CAVS: Senior Dianne Garriga and juniors Yulissa Yaques and Gabrielle Matute gave the performers on stage big cheers as they showed their enthusiasm for the school’s football team.

highlights October 2012

Classes jumped to Edmodo By Brooke Donner HEAD NEWS WRITER

This school year, in response to rumors that ClassJump, the popular educational web site for teachers and students, will soon be shutting down, many teachers switched to the “safe social networking for schools” website named Edmodo. During a faculty meeting in late summer, Technology Coordinator Lazaro Hernandez informed teachers that ClassJump is lacking funds, and is requesting donations from teachers and students who use the website. According to ClassJump’s news page, the website is a non-profit public charity, and “if ClassJump doesn’t have enough money to pay for our server, the lights go out. We aren’t here any more.” Hernandez advised teachers to switch from ClassJump to either Edmodo or PassTheNotes. The majority of teachers

chose Edmodo. PassTheNotes, a new company, is currently in the piloting phase. Representatives from PassTheNotes attended the faculty meeting in late summer to get feedback from teachers and suggested changes already being implemented on the website. Edmodo and PassTheNotes are both entirely free. Edmodo has features similar to Facebook; it gives users the option to have a profile picture, and allows students and teachers to share content and post on their class pages. Edmodo, unlike ClassJump, lets students turn in assignments directly to the website. There is also an Edmodo application for smartphones. “I like the functionality of grading papers and giving back comments without anyone having to print anything,” said social studies teacher Kathryn Landsea, who also said that she thought students would like Edmodo

Students

because of its similarity to Facebook. Teachers who do not use Edmodo or ClassJump use other websites like TeacherWeb, have their own website, or do not use a website at all. Social studies teacher Daniel Blackmon has a teacher page on Dadeschools.net, and science teacher Natalie De La Vega pays for one website for all of her biology classes. “Ideally, my website has yearround materials for each of my classes, whereas those programs need to be continuously updated,” said De La Vega. Student preference is split in half between ClassJump and Edmodo. Students who prefer ClassJump said it is simpler, whereas students who prefer Edmodo said it is more organized. “I have all my classes [on Edmodo], so I can keep all my teachers in one place rather than jumping from page to page,” said sophomore Fidel Lozano.

NEWS BRIEFS

National Merit Scholars By Ali Stack EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Out of 16,000 nationwide scholars, four students from the school have been named National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalists. The four seniors – Casey Breznick, Mireille Ferry-Johnson, Andrew Langen and Eric Ponce – were selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation based on their Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores from junior year on a “state representational basis”, meaning they were of the highest scoring students in the state of Florida. In order to advance to the final round to qualify for $2500 in scholarship money, the students must complete an application and submit SAT scores that confirm their PSAT/NMSQT performance.

Cavs Connect takes off By Christina Parodi STAFF WRITER

CavsConnect is a new addition to the Communication Arts, Film and Digital Media (CAF&DM) Academy. It is the school’s new media web site and is dedicated to informing the students, faculty and community about upcoming school events and news. Created during the 2011-2012 school year, this site is a way for all CAF&DM strands, film, newspaper, literary magazine, TV production and yearbook to come together through one medium. The articles are mainly centered on upcoming events and sport scores. “This is a place for students to get up-to-the-minute news and should be taken advantage of,” said English teacher Camille Betances, the creator of this site.

New cheerleading coach By Eleanor Bauwens

SPEAK UP

“With Edmodo, it is easier to access homework and contact teachers without e-mail hassle” -Emily Wu, freshman

“Both [websites] are annoying because [they’re] time consuming and teachers expect you to go on everyday,” -David Webel, freshman

“I prefer ClassJump because it’s easier to use and Edmodo is weird because it looks like Facebook,”

-Manuela Granador-Toban, sophomore Compiled by Araceli Sanchez, Rachel Ellis, Mia Tolpin

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STAFF WRITER

After Lauren Noval, AP World History teacher and cheerleading coach, decided to step down from her coaching duties, the school’s cheerleading squad was taken over by Mercy Monzon, the childcare and fashion-design teacher. “I love her. I had her last year as a teacher and again this year and she is amazing,” said sophomore cheerleader Jessica Crespo when asked about her opinion of Mercy Monzon as the new coach. Noval had been coaching the squad for eight years and last decided to step down in order to spend more time with her kids. Now, she only hopes that the squad keeps the traditions she taught them and will always try to be a mentor to them. Monzon however said that she wants to to “bring significant changes to the squad.”

Dual Enrollment benefits By Gaby Martinez STAFF WRITER

Although the Dual Enrollment program at our school has been providing students access to the Florida International University (FIU) campus library for four years, many students that they are entitled to full access to their library and resource centers as well as students enrolled with FIU. However, in order to be able to access the FIU resources, students must visit the campus and request an FIU student ID card. This card will allow them to have the proper identification when on campus. “We are hoping to do a field trip to FIU to get the student IDs within the first nine weeks,” said Preston Scanlon, Dual-Enrollment English teacher.

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4 opinion Jaywalking your way to a ticket highlights October 2012

Commentary by Nicolas Rivero OPINION EDITOR

I’m sure you’ve seen them. No doubt you have watched in stunned disbelief as a distant figure approaches a quiet, unsuspecting suburban street, looks both ways for witnesses, and then crosses at the middle of the block, literally dozens of feet away from the nearest crosswalk. The worst part: our very school is the scene of the crime. These hardened jaywalkers are a blight on the neighborhood. With streets so lawless, you would think they were stalking the alleyways of Gotham City, not sleepy Coral Gables. But with no Batman and Robin to save the day, who will step in to stop this frightening crime wave? Enter the Coral Gables police department. You know these selfless men and women as the ones you call when you find out the teenagers down the street are trying to throw a party or your neighbors’ dog is barking too loud. Thankfully, these veteran

enforcers are here to clean up the streets. putting themselves in harm’s way by stepping into traffic, They’re making fast progress, too. Just ask Freshman Gabi wouldn’t it be punishment enough to get run over by a car? Saliamonas, who received a $77 ticket for jaywalking on the In fact, wouldn’t students be more safe if the police directed first day of school. “I had no idea that the police were patrolling them towards the crosswalk rather than just waiting for them the sides of the schools giving out to jaywalk and then handing them a $77 tickets. The security guard had told ticket?” If they keep doing what they us to cross where we did and the If everybody thought like that, are doing now, I don’t think police officer still pulled us over. If police officers would never fill their many students will listen or they keep up what they are doing ticket quotas. Besides, all the money the pay attention to the officers. now, I don’t think many students tickets generate goes towards worthy will listen or pay attention to the public projects, like buying everybody on Gabi Saliamonas, officers.” the police force identical sunglasses, or freshman That’s right, it’s a $77 ticket. funding the city’s Committee to Decide The only thing these pedestrian what Shade of Yellow you are Allowed to desperados will respond to is an Paint your House. absurd fine for a crime they probably weren’t even sure they We can all breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Coral were committing. No warnings, no second chances. That’s Gables’s finest are on the case. For all your hard work and called being tough on crime. dedication to protecting the community, stopping real crimes “But Nico,” I hear you asking, “isn’t that a ridiculously high every day at 2:20, let me be the first to sincerely thank the Coral price to pay for this minor infraction? If they were seriously Gables Police Department from the very bottom of my heart.

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Lukas Georgatos/highlights WHAT’S MISSING: In an attempt to recreate the iconic cover of the Beatles album, Abbey Road, highlights staff members (from left) senior Gene Liu and juniors Nicolas Riverso, Orso Raymo and Anthony Concia demonstrate the heinous crime that is threatning the community and sending many student-delinquents home with a $77 jaywalking ticket.

highlights ADVISORY BOARD:

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ADVISER

BUSINESS MANAGER

COPY

Ali Stack

Aj Ziv

SECTION EDITORS:

Melissa Nieves

Casey Breznick

NEWS

OPINION

FEATURES

SPORTS

Scarlet Perez, Brooke Donner Yaremy Fuentes

INSIGHT

Deanna Breiter, Audrey Fernandez

Nicolar Rivero, Orso Raymo Gene Liu, Lukas Georgatos

THE SCENE

Maggie Rivers

Staff Members: Laura Acosta, Phillip Aitken, Eleonor Bauwens, Andrea Biondi, Raquel Braun, Stephan Chamberlin, Anthony Concia, Rachel Ellis, Rachel English, Mariana Lodono, Gabrielle Martinez, Christina Parodi, Jordan Payne, Francis Perez, Araceli Sanchez, Mia Tolpin, Cyrus Zeledon Contributors: Dan Milewski, Liam Murray 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.

Requiring magazine sales is an unnecessary burden

STAFF

Editorial

The first day of school marks day one of every student’s countdown to the more exciting days of the school year: class trips, dances, and other activities. Each event comes with its own individual price tag and, because the best things in life are not actually free, we have to bite the bullet and pay. In an attempt to balance out the cost of these activities and keep them from rising, the school has implemented a school-wide magazine fundraiser in which students must sell a minimum of two magazines (three for seniors). Students who turn in their money on the earlier collection dates are entered in a raffle to win prizes such as free lunch for a week or free event tickets to encourage participation, but there’s a catch: sales are required for participation in any activity. With costs rising for everything you can think of, the idea of a fundraiser to lessen the financial burden on students seems pretty tempting. However, it’s just another strain on those who

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

Liam Murray/Contributor

can afford these activities. Magazine sales should be optional, targeted towards those who want the prizes or for whom money is an issue. Incentivizing magazine sales with prizes and putting the money towards the school’s share in paying for activities is one thing, but, as if the lack of some light reading material to occupy their time wasn’t punishment enough, denying them the right to participate in field trips sans sales is not fair. Students should be given these privileges as a reward for worthy academic achievement and good behavior, yet those subpar magazine salesmen that could not find a customer or could not afford to buy any themselves are lumped with the VIP members of CSI and are put on the same level as students who get in fights, deal drugs, and eat peanuts. Ideally, if magazine sales became optional, you could sell them and receive a discounted cost on field trips. This would retain the benefit to cash-strapped students who would not have to pay the full price for activities, but without forcing the rest of the student body to become magazine salesmen. Unfortunately, Student Activities does not have the man power or the will power to implement such a system that would be a more sensible method of raising money for the school.

highlights October 2012

Campaign ads: Necessary or bothersome?

From billboards to YouTube videos, there is no escaping campaign advertising. But should they have such a presence in our everyday lives? OPINION EDITOR

YES

We’ve all been there: You’re on the internet, minding your own business, just trying to watch an adorable cat video on your favorite video streaming website, when all of a sudden a vicious presidential campaign attack ad starts playing on screen, and there’s no option to skip the video. Amid scenes of factories shutting down and senior citizens struggling to pay their bills, a voice-over paints a picture of the apocalyptic hellscape America will become if the opponent (either Mitt Romney or Barack Obama, both are guilty of these ridiculous ads) is elected president. What was that, YouTube? I was just

trying to watch a kitten play with bubble wrap. This is the opposite of what I wanted. Not only are these ads distasteful, they are misleading and, almost without fail, entirely irrelevant. They hint that Obama is a socialist out to destroy capitalism in America, or they replay a clip of Romney saying “I like firing people” out of context. They shamelessly try to pass the ads off as a legitimate argument. Rather than debate issues, both candidates are attacking the other, creating a wholly unproductive debate designed to shock the country into weakening its support for the opposing candidate. This is no way to get citizens involved in the democratic process. Seeing the next leader of the free world bickering like a kindergartener with his opponent will (and rightfully should) cause potential voters

to question their faith in the electoral process. At best, people will oppose a candidate based on irrational fear or rage drummed up by an ad based in half-truths and slanted figures. Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not naïve. Politics is a dirty game, and there is nothing wrong with a good attack ad. But these ads are an insult to the country’s intelligence, assuming the only way to win an American vote is to twist your opponent’s words into some awful political gaffe that doesn’t actually represent their opinion on anything. These ads are more than annoying; they are toxic to the political process and should not be on the air.

The mock ads featured on this page are intended to be satirical and do not represent the views of highlights or its contributors. Artwork by Lukas Georgatos.

TWO VIEWS

of all the people that you could reach through television and social media – the voter turnout would be tremendous if even half of the people who didn’t vote last election voted this election. The ads are necessary to remind people that the political scene is important. People seem to forget that the product they are selling in these advertisements is free, that this product will be a part of your daily life whether you choose it or not. They also forget that this same product will be the commander in chief of all the armed forces, the entire U.S. nuclear arsenal, and most importantly, its economy. The basis for the opposition to the ads is that the ads focus much more on the candidate than on said candidate’s policies and views. Regardless, the ads expose information that reveals how that candidate chose his policies

Commentary by Stephan Chamberlin STAFF WRITER

Recently, anyone who has spent time browsing the internet or watching TV has seen a defaming political ad aimed at the opposing candidate’s platform or candidate himself. They appear on the most popular internet sites, on billboards, and on virtually every TV channel. Many claim that these ads are annoying, useless and devoid of any real solutions whatsoever.But while these advertisements may be annoying, they are a necessity to the American political process. The ads’ detractors claim that they are redundant, and while they may appear frequently, it is these redundancies and repetitions that get the American people’s attention. Only 41 percent of registered voters voted in the 2010 presidential election. Think

and how he will eventually run the country. Saying that the advertisements are a testament to the low quality American political system is a bit misguided. Firstly, the American political scene has always been a fighting ground; history shows that mudslinging is nothing new. John Adams’ supporters claimed that a Jefferson presidency would result in murder, robbery, rape, and adultery. John Quincy Adams was accused of having procured prostitutes for the Russian Czar. Even in the earliest American elections, negativity has played a vital role in the collective decision of the people. The advertisements have always been about the people running, and therein, their political views. Yes, what we should be focusing on are the candidates’ standpoints, but because the personal lives of the candidates are closely tied to their standpoints, I would argue that they are equally important.

Commentary by Nicolas Rivero

Boy Scout gay Healthy foods initiative: ban outrageous from fast food to fasting Commentary by Stephan Chamberlin STAFF WRITER

A Boy Scout who completed his Eagle Project and attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest in scouting, had his badge rescinded by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) after he came out as openly gay. Achieving the rank of Eagle, to those who don’t know, requires years of work and an immeasurable amount of dedication, but it all amounted to nothing because of the BSA’s homophobic policies. Because the BSA policy is so discriminative against homosexuals, the youth of the program that learn these values may grow up to be intolerant of other people’s sexual orientation. The Boy Scout Law says that a scout should be “trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent,” and being kicked out of the Boy Scouts means violating one of these commitments. Which one of these qualities do homosexuals not possess by virtue of being homosexual? To say that a gay person cannot be any of the qualities that the Boy Scouts are looking for is false, and moreover, blatant discrimination. The argument that the BSA makes is that being gay is not part of the Boy Scout mission. The barring of homosexuals from joining or participating in the Boy Scouts only demonstrates narrow-mindedness. In addition, for the Boy Scouts to say that someone’s morals aren’t straight defies its own policies, because part of being morally straight is not attacking someone else’s morals. I would even say that the BSA policy makers are as “morally crooked” as anyone they discriminate against. In all fairness, at the local level, the BSA’s anti-gay policies aren’t taken as seriously. But at the executive level, this close-mindedness proves to be a barrier to homosexuals who wish to take part in the same activities and receive the same recognition as heterosexuals. The policy is wrongly targeting homosexuals, and it is a testament to the discrimination that so many have to endure.

Commentary by Laura Acosta STAFF WRITER

Even after peanuts were banned from school, our lunch continues to be limited by food regulations aimed at creating a healthier diet for students. Having actual healthy food in school would be great, but all that really means for us is bland, tasteless food that could only seem appetizing if students were forced to eat in the dark. These impractical measures have created new issues during lunch, namely, extremely long lines for food that is virtually the same as it was before. With 33.1 percent of Floridian children being overweight or obese according to statehealthfacts.org, it makes sense to try to inspire healthy eating habits while they are young, but limiting foods in school is not the way to do it. Lunch is not the only meal students eat. Students make unhealthy choices outside of school, eating fast food and calorie-laden snacks. Placing regulations on their school lunch does not limit their ability to eat some greasy pizza right after 2:20. After the removal of pizza in our school, some students simply do not eat at school anymore. These students have no way of getting enough calories to last them an entire day at school, which will make them tired in their classes and cause them to focus on their rumbling stomachs instead of the essay due in ten minutes. Although the school has gone through measures to keep students healthy, candy sales continue. The most commonly sold candies are Skittles and Starburst, both with about 250 calories per pack and about 30 grams of sugar. Between the two, that is a quarter of a cup of sugar. How is that better than a slice of pizza with only 5 grams of sugar? Teachers are also giving students a doughnut if they donate a dollar to the United Way, but insist they are not selling. Either way, Krispy

What’s in

Yuca chips Chex Mix Nutrigrain bars Cinnamon Toast Crunch

What’s out

Pop Tarts Peanut granola bars Sour cream chips Salt and vinegar chips Fruit snacks Lemonade Ice cream Kreme is undermining the push for a healthy diet. The vending machines have largely been emptied out, save for the Popcorner bags which have about 130 calories, give or take 10 depending on the flavor. The Powerade also remains, and seems to have low calorie counts and sugar, but any liquid with such startling colors has to have unhealthy amounts of food dye. Overall, getting rid of certain foods is not a good choice for the school. Students are already adapted to their lunches, and having them changed is resulting in long lines and moody children throughout the halls.

insight

highlights October 2012

The2012Elect Commentary by Ali Stack EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Politicians, principals and parents alike play the same broken record: “Your generation is the future of our country.” This not-so-subtle call to action by alleged authority figures is often blown off by high school students who are not yet eligible to vote and, quite frankly, do not care. Apathy is rampant among teenagers – as the 2012 presidential election approaches, it not only becomes more apparent but also incredibly more dangerous. While I acknowledge that only eight percent of our student body will be of voting age for the election, the remainder of our demographic ought to be informed. The next President of the United States will hold the power to initiate and shut down several solutions to complex issues that will, come 2013 (and for some, adulthood), directly affect our lives. Americans and American politicians have a tendency to use the “right here, right now” approach to tackling and voting on issues. In other words, voters and policymakers are more likely to want to deal with situations that presently have an impact on their lives rather than thinking a generation down the road. The problem? We are that generation down the road. The decisions made by the President of the United States and the United States Congress will, in most cases, go into effect when we are adults in the workforce – and although we have little to no say now, we will undoubtedly be forced

to deal with the consequences of baby boomers’ actions. Consider the national debt crisis. This country’s $16 trillion debt certainly did not accumulate entirely over the last four years – excessive spending for decades has left the United States in a deep hole that both parties acknowledge. There are, however, several approaches to ‘tightening the belt’, and both President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney have outlined different but specific areas wherein they would propose serious budget cuts. These include (but are not

WHY SHOULD I

While my partiality may be clear, I urge readers to form their own opinions – do your research and support a cause. A worthwhile approach to addressing (and coming to terms with) the incredibly polarized and politicized economic, social, and international concerns facing our nation is to read and weigh the facts. While it is true the media often warps sound bytes and photo-ops to cater to a particular party’s interests, the policies and voting records of candidates for election are available to the public. Engage others in political debate, and do not be afraid to back down and come back later with a refined argument. Do not, however, pick up on a particular political stance simply because it ‘runs in the family’. Parents are not immune to ignorance. Beware of deep-seated prejudices rooted in formative experiences as young adults – while it may sound Freudian, oftentimes parents are unwilling to recognize that times have in fact changed. That is not to say that parents are not an essential source of information, but I would consider them analogous to Wikipedia – use them as a jumpingoff point for your inquiry. Forming independent opinions and building a repertoire of reasoned arguments for one’s beliefs is a critical life skill that, by what I make of the world, can prepare us for getting by on our own. And so, we are left with an empty ballot, but also a voice. While a single vote may not decide an election, a vote as part of a collective behind a candidate or a particular issue will. Because this election is so critical to the environment we will mature in, it is important that we invest time in weighing the options and most importantly, informing others.

CARE?

>>51

percent of students hold the same political views as their parents

percent of students who voted for an Independent candidate do not have the same political views as their parents

>>31

of student voters believe their vote cannot make a difference

Presidential Ballot

*168 students participated in this mock election

71%

President BARACK OBAma (D) Vice president joe biden (D)

18% independent candidate 11%

Governor mitt romney (R-ma) representative paul ryan (R-WI) (Green, libertarian, etc.)

Compiled by Deanna Breiter and Audrey Fernandez

83>>

limited to) tax cuts, education funds, health care, oil drilling and alternative energy research. We will be burdened with the effects of their decisions and will, when we are middle-aged and out of touch, have to answer to the calls of a country with severed international ties, a limited oil supply, or growing socioeconomic class disparity.

highlights October 2012

tion:

With the campaigning process in full SWING and the presidential election just around the corner, highlights takes an in-depth look at the importance of voting and each candidate’s take on key issues.

DEMOCRAT

PLATFORMS 69% 17% of students surveyed identify themselves as a Democrat

of students surveyed identify themselves as a Republican

REPUBLICAN

for dummies

E C O N O M I C S President Barack Obama is planning a federal work-sharing program, allowing companies to keep employees for less hours as opposed to laying off the masses. He also plans to eliminate tax breaks for millionaires by observing the Buffett rule, and implementing highter tax rates for those whose annual income exceeds $1 million. He plans to cut the deficit by $1.5 trillion through tax reforms.

SAME-SEX President Obama has affirmed his support for same-sex marriage. The party platform includes the repeal of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, in order to extend all federal protections to same sex couples.

In order to create jobs, Repubulican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney plans to cut the corporate tax rate, an annual tax on the income of business entities. Romney intends to lessen government expenditures to the bare minimum. He will also require that the government not spend money that will, in the long run, require America to borrow funds from foreign countries.

MARRIaGE Mitt Romney opposes same-sex marriage. He believes that marriage should be “traditional”, between a man and a woman. He believes that the basic benefits of a union should be available to homosexual couples, but they should not be legally considered married.

I M M I G R A T I O N President Obama is set on repairing the current immigration system by increasing security at the borders. He does, however, plan to uphold the Dream Act, which allows illegal immigrants to become US citizens on the condition that they succeed at receiving a college degree or serve two years in the military.

Mitt Romney’s platform calls for the completion of a border along the U.S.Mexico line and an end to in-state tuition for undocumented students. The platform also plans to ban policies that create sanctuary cities in which public officials are prohibited from inquiring about an individual’s immigration.

H E A L T H C A R E President Obama aims to make healthcare more affordable to the middle and lower class through Obamacare, They also aim to prohibit the refusal of coverage based on a pre-existing medical condition.

Mitt Romney believes in allowing states and not the federal government to regulate insurance markets and to care for the uninsured. The limits and regulations for private insurance and Medicaid will be more flexible.

Sources: CBS News, Republicancandidates.org, Huffington Post, Mittromney.com, CNN Money, Democratic Party Platform, Republican Party Platform

Compiled by Andy Biondi and Rachel English

features

highlights

October 2012

Foreign exchance students

Fu te en s/ gh hi

DYNAMIC DUOS

Spotlight: y m Re

From the big screen to high school halls:

h lig

By Laura Acosta & Rachel English

The Sophomores Sophomore jokesters, Alexander Duran and Fabio Rivero Ochoa, prove that friendship is not always based on the length of time you have spent with one another. “As of now, I’d say it’s been 24 minutes, but it feels like forever,” said Duran. Mostly, Duran and Ochoa can be found joking around in class or in the halls for “a quick joust” followed by “lots of high fives, because we are legendary.” Their peers tend to compare them to Napoleon and Pedro from the movie Napoleon Dynamite, but highlights begs to differ. Napoleon and Pedro have their funny moments, but the real-life high school duo are not similar to the loser-geeks from the movie. The thought of parting from each other almost stifled a tear. “Without Fabio, my life would have an apparent lack of Fabios,” said Duran. The Juniors Juniors Karen Casanueva and Elizabeth Alvarez have known each other since their diaper days but became inseparable at age three. “…We were practically raised together, so it’s really hard to imagine life without each other,” said Casanueva. Casanueva and Alvarez have known each other all their lives, they are very dependent on one another. Around each other, their faces are bright and cheery, always happy and eager to inform each other of the latest bits of their lives. Their peers often compare the high school duo to Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne from the nineties movie Dumb and Dumber and highlights agrees. Unlike the movie duo, Casanueva and Alvarez are completely literate but their silliness, playfulness

and even slight cluelessness can easily be compared to that of Harry and Lloyd. The Seniors Seniors Carlos Baez and Roberto Alfonzo have been best friends since their sophomore year when Alfonzo transferred to the school and they started talking in their theatre class. On the stage, they seem to share the same mind, perfectly acting out scenes to make the audience laugh. Their slapstick humor that anyone can enjoy makes them seem like Bert and Ernie. Baez says they act like Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys, and he insists he is Will Smith. “We have strange nicknames that we yell out at each other in the hall, we know where we are at all times, we finish each other’s thoughts, and we are always on the same page about things,” said Alfonzo. Even as Baez calls his best friend’s phone and reaches his voice mail, he mentions how they recorded the message together in Tampa. Their clothes tend to match unintentionally; they have rap battles through text message, and are attempting to create their own language.

SHOWING PRIDE: Ester Tothova proudly wears her Coral Gables golf team polo to show support for her team and her love of golf.

By Andrea Biondi STAFF WRITER

Our school is filled with a variety of ethnically diverse students, some of whose roots stretch to the far corners of the globe and whose lifestyles differ by vast degrees. With the addition of junior Ester Tothova to the school’s roster, these roots have been stretched further. Tothova was born and raised in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a country in southeast Europe, and has come to Miami as a foreign exchange student through the Open Hearts Language Academy (OHLA). OHLA is a school whose headquarters is here in Miami and aims to help people all over the world learn the English language the best way there is: by coming to the United States. While OHLA does offer courses at its headquarters, Tothova has chosen to study at the school and experience what a student’s life is like on the other side of the world. “This is actually my third time coming to Miami, but coming as a student is completely different,” said Tothova, who has never been in a school anywhere near as large and populated as this one, accustomed to being in a school with a mere 100 students. To put that in perspective, Tothova’s entire class back home could be put in the 600 hallway and still have room to move around. Although Tothova said she would “love” to stay here in Miami to complete her high school education, she believes that the difference between the two educational systems is just too great and permanent transfer is not plausible; however, she does hope to return to Miami to attend college on an athletic scholarship for golf. Tothova has been playing golf for six years and has already joined the school’s girls golf team. “I can’t stop practicing now just because I’m in Miami,” said Tothova, who in her short time here in Miami has already spent countless hours at the Biltmore golf course practicing with the team and on her own. Despite the differences between her life in Slovakia and the one she leads here, Tothova has yet to encounter any sort of cultural roadblocks and plans to enjoy the rest of her stay in Miami as much as she has the past couple of weeks. Tothova hopes that the friends and international connections she has made here will surpass the thousands of miles that will inevitably divide them.

The Teachers Apart from students being best friends, the teachers at school also share strong friendships. Lauren Noval and Elizabeth Lackner, social studies teachers here at the school, have become extremely close by giving each other advice about teaching tips, and even guy problems. “We team taught for four years and we could basically produce a show…we sang songs together… it was a great class,” said Noval. They compare themselves to Rachel and Monica from Friends, and highlights agrees. “She’s the sensible one,” said Lackner. The two teachers can always find time to laugh together, even while teaching. “I remember when we’d teach together, the way you’d [Lackner] say something I’d be laughing behind the desk and nobody would see me, like she’s just really funny,” said Noval.

Movie review:

Robot & Frank at the Coral By Phillip Aitken Gables Art Cinema STAFF WRITER

The Coral Gables Art Cinema, located at 260 Aragon Avenue across from Books and Books, is a theatre that shows first-run independent films from the United States and abroad. Immediately upon arrival to the theatre, the sensation of art was channeled through the four large Doric columns and checkered tiles. To keep the Miami feel, two modestly giant palms stand proudly out front. I approached the box office and bought an $11 ticket to see Robot and Frank, winner of the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, a prize awarded to films that focus on technology and science. Greeted by the employees, who offered me beverages and popcorn, I was led into the entrance of the spacious theater. Taking a seat in the back, I had a great view to see Frank Langella. Robot and Frank is about an aging father and a retired burglar who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and is unable to take care of himself. The setting takes place in the near future where cell phones project holograms of callers, and where robots replace humans in various tasks.

Andrea Biondi/highlights

STAFF WRITER

Throughout a school day, it is not uncommon to see girls in pairs linked at the arm, whispering and giggling or to hear boys’ voices shouting to each other from across the hall only to give each other high fives and to slap each other’s backs moments later. In the school, you might even see the wackiest friends too; those who are always on missions together or are always cracking lame jokes might even remind you of famous movie duos.

Fed up with driving every weekend to help his father, Frank’s son gives him a robot caretaker. Rejecting it at first, Frank slowly warms up to the robot, and a friendship starts to take place. As the story unfolds, Frank realizes he can use his new friend to restart his career since the robot can’t distinguish between recreational activities and criminal ones. An innately fast learner, the robot quickly learns Frank’s burglary skills: unlocking doors, meticulously planning out heists and tripping house alarms. The dynamic duo accomplish two robberies, one of them focusing on a multimillion dollar piece of jewelry that arouses suspicion among the victim and the FBI. The bond between the two is genuinely represented towards the end because the robot sacrifices himself for the old man. The robot’s last words were, “You need to erase my memory Frank. Remember…I am not a human.” I walked slowly out of the theater reminiscing about the meaning of friendship. Tickets can be reserved online or be purchased at the door.

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features

highlights October 2012

By Jordan Payne STAFF WRITER

>> Lucia Rodriguez Fried steak, yucca, rice, beans, and Cuban coffee!

>>Emilia Sodo Q:

What do you think of the student’s attitudes towards you?

They’re mostly polite. Some are rude, but you can count the number of those students on one hand.

If you were principal for the day, what would you do with your power? I would help to improve the salary of the part-time workers here. We also need more lunch ladies.

lights

Q: A:

If you could cook your dream meal for the students, what would you make?

>>Annie Gantt Q:

Jordan Payn e/high

Cafeteria workers at the school are anonymous volunteers. They work long hours and toil away over the stove to make our lunch, but do not get the recognition they deserve. When asked what their favorite memory was from their time at the school thus far, they all replied citing the day Principal Costa gave every worker at Gables a gift card because “people usually forget about the cafeteria ladies.” highlights had the chance to sit down with four women to take a glimpse into their lives as lunch ladies.

Drawing up a new art club By Raquel Braun STAFF WRITER

Carlos Estevez Elsa Mora

Courtesy of The Art Club

Junior Katya Sarria, layout editor of Catharsis, is working towards starting a new art club at the school. The club’s name, The Art Club, is self-explanatory. The club expects to become official next school year under the condition that it acquires at least 30 or more members. The club will be having a pre-sign up period this year. “When more students become aware of the Art Club, especially with the help of the Club Fair... We’ll be able to determine if we can start this year. Otherwise, students will be able to participate in ongoing community service projects we will be sponsoring throughout the year,” said Sarria. The Art Club will act as an outlet for creative minds that may not have been able to express themselves previously. Sarria hopes that students will be able to showcase their artwork through various art competitions that occur throughout the school year. “I think students would be willing to enter their work

if they merely knew about [the competitions]. A lot of students are missing out on their chance of recognition,” said Sarria. The Art Club is targeting students that may need community service hours and do not mind “getting paint on their shirts every once in a while.” Sarria said that the club is setting up an after school art program at Coral Gables Elementary School and is also looking forward to working with local artists to create murals and mosaics at the school and around the city of Coral Gables. There will also be other smaller events throughout the year that will be kept a secret to “keep some sort of suspense.” The club not only welcomes artists, but art connoisseurs as well who will also participate in any opportunities offered by the club. “A lot of people would sign up to try something new and express themselves,” said freshman Rachel Navarro. Students interested in joining the Art Club can contact Sarria or stop by and see Jennifer Stapleton, the club sponsor, in room 804 for application information.

DRAFTING A NEW PLAN: The Art Club’s logo was acquired from tumblr and prepared by Sarria as a vector on illustrator. She said the original artist was happy to have his/her artwork used as the club’s logo.

September 7 - November 3 2012

Carlos Estevez the doors of perception are Always Open 2012 smoke, oil and pencil on canvas 50x120 inches

Pan American Art Projects 2450 NW 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33127 t: 305.573.2400 f: 305.573.0720 www.panamericanart.com miami@panamericanart.com

October 2012

SO CYRUS THINKS HE CAN

Gene Liu/highlights

sports

highlights

Commentary by Gene Liu SPORTS EDITOR

A common brainteaser, “Is dance really a sport?” seems to be fairly prominent when speaking of athletics. Sure, the technical requirements are met, but is this discipline difficult enough to be worthy of joining the likes of soccer and basketball in this prestigious category? To find out, highlights sent its own Cyrus Zeledon to fend for himself in the world of competitive dance, also known throughout this school as Gablette territory. My only requests for the suspiciously excited Mo Marmesh, Gablette head coach, were “the fewer splits, the better” and “not to break him”. Other than that, Zeledon was at their mercy. I asked senior Elizabeth Harley, Gablette captain, what young, innocent Zeledon would need to avoid embarrassment, to which she replied “flexibility and muscle.” “Most people don’t realize the physical strength required for dancing,” said Harley. Naturally, I did not warn him of the demanding physical requirements; the possible amusement from an unsuspecting

participant (or victim, rather) was too great. This trial practice had the potential to be very interesting. All athletes are familiar with pre-practice warm-ups and stretching, but the Gablette version of stretching was more of a superhuman art form than normal exercising precautions. Cryus, on the other hand, was not as spectacular. Despite all the encouragement and guidance from multiple Gablettes, he just couldn’t manage to maneuver himself into those contortionistlike positions. “His form definitely needed work, but his stamina was there,” said Marmesh. Following this poor display of flexibility, the actual skills portion started. There wasn’t much improvement Cyrus-wise. During these 30 or so minutes, he did, or at least attempted, straight kicks and leaps, pirouettes, tilt jumps, and alisicone turns. It was almost like watching a baby giraffe learning how to use its legs. Out of respect, I’ll skip the finer details of what I witnessed. Now that Zeledon ‘perfected’ his technique, we could transition to the core of the practice, the dancing. It quickly became clear he couldn’t figure out what he was supposed to do, and that was only during the formations. After running through the choreography step-by-step multiple times,

an unsure Zeledon asked if he should join the true Gablettes during an actual dance, music and all. Marmesh responded affirmatively and added the suggestion to “fake it ‘til you make it” as he clearly could not match her Gablettes. He most certainly did ‘fake it’. I could not have asked for a better two minutes. If I had to describe Zeledon’s enthusiastic yet lacking performance with one word, it would be ‘confusion’. The dance was simply too difficult for him to keep up, much less stay on rhythm. The recurring theme here is that dance is, in fact, difficult. Sure, everyone can move while music is playing, but there is an elite few who can match the pageantry. With hundreds of burned calories, probable muscle soreness, and a sticker symbolizing his valiant effort, Zeledon ended his career as a Gablette and left the sport of dance. “Cyrus represented the ‘Co’ of Gablettes & Co well. He fully dedicated himself until the very end when he helped clean instead of just leaving; it was very admirable,” said Marmesh. Students will have an opportunity to support and watch these athletes perform alongside other Gables athletes during varsity football games, and solo at Fall Frolics and the Gablette Revue on Nov. 20 and Apr. 25, respectively.

Silver lining in Palmetto loss Lacrossed out Rachel Ellis

Courtesy of TV Production

STAFF WRITER

LOCKDOWN: The Varsity Cav Football team prepares to defend against the Palmetto High Panthers offensive line during their away game at Tropical Park on Sept. 8. The Cavavaliers would go on to lose 28 to 14.

By Nicolas Rivero OPINION EDITOR

For a young, reenergized Cavalier football team and its new head coach, Roger Pollard, the early season 28-14 loss to the Palmetto Panthers contained a glimmer of hope. Following a 14-0 loss to the Jackson Generals in a one-sided preseason game and a one 42-6 rout at the hands of Southridge in the first game of the season, the Cavaliers took an early lead and remained competitive throughout the entire game against Palmetto. The Cavaliers wasted no time in putting themselves on top, forcing the Panthers to punt on their first drive and returning the kick for a touchdown. Following a successful extra point conversion, the lead was 7-0. Palmetto, however, responded quickly. After blocking a punt on a subsequent Cavalier possession, the Panthers had great field position to start a drive that eventually led them to the end zone and a tie game. Over the course of the half, the Panthers converted two more touchdowns while a stagnant Cavalier

offense struggled to score. At halftime, Gables trailed 21-14. With Palmetto at the goal line in the third quarter, threatening to take a 14 point lead, the Cavalier defense held its ground, eventually forcing and recovering a fumble on third-down to regain possession. On the resulting drive, the Cavaliers appeared to have tied the game with a touchdown pass, but the play was called back on an illegal shift penalty. The drive and the Cavaliers’ momentum stalled and Panthers scored on their next possession, setting up the final score of the game, 28-14. Head Coach Roger Pollard was unfazed by his team’s slow start to the season, saying that his athletes have played tremendously well and continued to work hard on the practice field. “Success is about effort,” he said. “Before long, everybody is going to see just how good this team really is.” Two weeks later, the team took the field at G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School and came away with their first win, a 21-0 victory featuring a Cavalier team playing at its full potential for the first time this season.

The school offers a wide range of sports that are readily available for aspiring athletes, but there are always a number of students who do not participate in a school sport because their passions are not an option. Lacrosse, a sport played at two other public schools in this district, is one of a few team sports the school does not offer. Last school year, a group of students have attempted to start a boy’s lacrosse team. The students created a petition calling for a new team; it has approximately 350 signatures. “I signed the petition last year and I was wondering what happened with it. It was definitely a good idea,” said senior Nicholas Johnson. Adding another sport may be beneficial for some, but budget cuts have already impacted the way money is spent for sports and related equipment. “They have been trying to make a lacrosse team for a while and it is conceivably financially impossible. I will have to cut a sport to make a sport, and that is just one of the many obstacles I will have to overcome,” said athletic director Louis Romero. Petition signees understand that it would be hard to fulfill due to the expenses of the sport, but they said they are willing to support the team through their own personal finances. Shortly after the signees found out that the school would not support a lacrosse team, they worked towards making a lacrosse club. “I had a sponsor but the school didn’t put forth any effort to make the club,” said junior and petition initiator Sebastian Courtier. However, according to Romero the school cannot establish a club that competes with other schools’ official teams. Despite difficulty with fulfilling requests, students are still permitted and encouraged to sign any petitions helping school.

highlights

October 2012

TWO VIEWS

To dope or not to dope? Commentary by Lukas Gerogatos

YES

The issue of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) in professional sports is not an issue as much as it is a perk. When the purpose of an athlete’s career is to entertain those who watch their sport, PEDs can make for a much more interesting show. What happened to the times when you could watch baseball and every time a player went up to the plate, he would hit a crowd pleasing homerun? In 1998, Mark McGwire hit 70 homeruns in a season while admittedly using steroids. Last year, the top home run hitter was Jose Bautista and he had a dismal 43 homeruns. I miss the days when players could hit so many homers and pitchers were throwing million mile an hour fast balls. Instead we have to watch players who disappoint the crowd with pathetic groundouts. But can you imagine Usain Bolt on steroids? I want to see him breaking the sound barrier as he sets a new world record every race. I want to see Dan Carpenter kicking a hundred yard field goal. I want to see Lebron James dunking from the three-point line. Professional sports is an entertainment business and if they have the materials to make their athletes faster and stronger, then

those performers would become that much more thrilling to watch and I am all for that. “We watch [sports] as a spectacle, so why not watch super humans play instead,” said junior Liam Murray. They say PEDs ruin the integrity of the game, but if every player is on steroids, then there is no unfair imbalance in skill if everyone is better. Integrity does not matter if the game relies on its fans and the fans want better entertainment. With PEDs, every game would be between the two best teams and it would always be just as awesome to watch. Maybe if the NFL allowed PED usage then some people would watch the Super Bowl for the game and not the commercials. And instead of watching a disappointing blowout, we will watch a game that goes into a nail-biting quadruple overtime. I want to watch something that keeps me coming back for more and if PEDs can accomplish this, then every professional sports league should consider allowing them. If they cannot please the fans without them, then I see no reason for them not to allow it, especially if it is going to make the industry more money. Simply said, PEDs make sports more interesting to watch. The more players that take them, the better chance I have to catch a home-run at a baseball game.

Commentary by Cyrus Zeledon STAFF WRITER

As sports fans, we go to games because we expect to see the finest and most exceptional performances from professional athletes. Most importantly, sports are physical and require coordination, strength, and endurance. In order to be at the top of the game, athletes must be proficient in of all of these qualities. We applaud and respect their bodily supremacy. When athletes use performance enhancing drugs (a trend more commonly known as doping) they ruin that image of supremacy. For example, if there was a drug that could improve the way musicians played, so that each piece was perfect and precise, that would destroy all feeling and imperfection that makes music such a beautiful art. People wouldn’t know what music really sounds like. The same applies to sports and when athletes use drugs to enhance their game. They destroy the uncertainty and drama of sport and the suspense brought by a losing team overcoming a deficit at the last few minutes of a game. They cheat the fans the experience of a fantastic game. The end result, the athletes that dope just poison the game for the sports fans. “It’s not necessary. There is no replacement for hard work. Anyone who wants

HEAD SPORTS WRITER

Tour de Andrea: circuit training By Andrea Biondi STAFF WRITER

This issue, we are going to make a slight change to the column. Rather than focus on a certain muscle, I would like to broaden your range for styles of exercise and provide some insight into one of the most effective cardio and muscle building methods of working out: circuit training. “It’s high intensity, so you’re burning a lot of fat while simultaneously building muscle,” said Jessica Rodriguez, a trainer at the local Crossfit gym in Coral Gables. Upon entering the Crossfit gym, the effectiveness of these workouts is quite quickly understood. You are suddenly

Five hand-stand push-ups (use wall to support body if necessary)

surrounded by dozens of fit and ripped individuals, all following Rodriguez’s instructions. However, circuit training is not confined to gyms likes Crossfit. You could just as easily apply this method of training at a normal gym equipped with only free weights. “It’s all about going in and doing set after set of more than one different exercise with only a few seconds of rest in between each set,” said Rodriguez. Although the Crossfit trainers are always changing their workout to avoid hitting a plateau of muscle growth, Rodriguez was able to provide me with one of the circuits she and her group performed that week and recommended that we attempt to complete it.

set of combined pull-ups repetitions of 3. Increasing 2. Aand10leg raises deadlifts per set (3,5,7)

to take shortcuts is not only cheating themselves, but also the team around them and the sport they're playing,” said athletic director Louis Romero. Not only does doping affect the game, but it also affects the way people perceive human greatness and who deserves awards for their achievements in their respective sports. For instance, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, both accused with doping, might be inducted to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. It is unfair to see these athletes win Hall of Fame recognition for athletic performances that weren’t truly their own. Just like Bonds and Clemens, Lance Armstrong is yet another recent case of an athlete who cheated in his sport to win. He allegedly doped to win his Tour de France titles, which raises questions as to whether his other titles were fairly won. “It hurts the sport because everyone will become a superior athlete,” said golf player and junior Brent Webber. Performance enhancing drugs in sports not only poisons the game, but also poisons the athletes. Liver failure and destruction of kidneys, along with high blood pressure, are all associated with doping. With the presence of doubt concerning athletes’ physical abilities, there is no sport. The exhibition just becomes another show with special effects.

CAVALIER STAT BOX

Varsity Football League Record 1 - 3

AUG 31 SEPT 8

Cavaliers

@ Southridge

Cavaliers

vs Southridge 6 - 42 L

@ Tropical

vs Palmetto 14 - 28 L

@ Tropical

vs 42 - 0 L

SEPT 15 Northwestern SEPT 21

Braddock

Cavaliers

vs Cavaliers 0 - 21 W

@ CGHS

Girls Volleyball League Record 1 - 8

@ CGHS

AUG 30 Gene Liu/highlights

AUG 27 South Miami

SEPT 5

Cavaliers

@ Braddock

Cavalier

vs Cavaliers CANCELLED vs 0-3L

@ Varela

vs Felix 0-3L

@ CGHS

vs 3-0L

Cavaliers

@ Goleman

vs B. 3-0W

@ CGHS

vs 3-1L

Cavalier

SEPT 11 Miami Springs SEPT 13 SEPT 20

Braddock

Cavaliers Reagan

Varela

Goleman

Rest for 10 seconds and repeat circuit for 15 minutes total

October

MARK THE DATE Girls Varsity

to support our athletic teams and cheer them on! Varsity

Varsity

4 19 20

Volleyball

Swimming

Thurs. at 3:30 p.m. at Coral Gables Senior High

Thurs. at 3:30 p.m. at Tamiami Swimming Pool

vs. Miami Beach

Varsity

vs. Krop

X-Country

Football

Fri. at 3:30 p.m. at Larry & Penny Thompson Park

Sat. at 7:00 p.m. at Curtis Park Sports Complex

Youth Fair Invitational

vs. Columbus

the scene

highlights October 2012

Bookleggers check-in to Wynwood By Maggie Rivers coffee, books, and candlelight. A small, yet promising

¡Azucar!

‘‘

Sweat Records:

Taking a spin on comedy

By Laura Acosta STAFF WRITER

By Phillip Aitken STAFF WRITER

SABOR CUBANO: Colorful names and doodles adorn the walls of the Azucar Ice Cream Company.

Even from the outside, the Azucar Ice Cream Company draws you in with a 30-foot ice cream cone clinging to the side of the building, its painted surface glistening like real ice cream would in the Miami heat. Inside the eatery, the sweet smells of the ice cream fill your nose, and the cool air from the freezers make you forget all about the sweltering sun past the window and benches with guayabera cushions. The blackboard walls are filled with names, flavors, and random Cuban phrases, all written in chalk as colorful as their ice cream. On top of the traditional vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry most parlors have, Azucar has Cubaninfluenced flavors such as avocado, sweet plantain, and flan. Their signature flavor is Abuela Maria: vanilla ice cream with cream cheese, chunks of guava, and crushed Maria cookies. The owner, Suzanne Batlle, opened Azucar last year, carrying on her Cuban grandmother’s tradition of ice cream making. “We decided that we would do something totally different from anything else that I’ve seen in Miami,” said Batlle. After only one year, Azucar has received attention from local Miami magazines, newspapers, and blogs. According to Batlle, customers have reacted positively to her business, and some even cry upon eating the ice cream. From their ice cream to the old, balding men playing dominos across the street, visitors at Azucar can really feel how deeply Batlle’s Cuban culture is embedded in Miami.

Located in Little Haiti right next to Churchill’s Pub is indie record store, Sweat Records. Just 20 minutes away from our school, the little shop features a mural of faces in Sweat’s iconic green and purple. Sweat Records is one of Miami’s few, if not only, vinyl record stores, hard to find in a time where digitally downloaded music reigns. What Sweat offers is a place to meet people with eclectic tastes who prefer activities like chatting over a cup of joe while listening to their favorite record. One Tuesday night a month, at 8 p.m., laughs can be heard coming from within the record store. Sweat Record’s weekly comedy shows can be found filled with cute hipster couples, flocks of teenagers wearing multicolored Malcolm X glasses, and even a few middle-aged men and women. The standup takes place on a small stage at the back of the store that has been constructed by the charming employees who make Sweat Records a welcoming place. Employees operating the stage offer treats from Sweat Record’s own assortment of vegan snacks to visitors.

EYE BALLIN’ MUSIC: From the eclectic graffiti to the array of records, Sweat Record’s vivid decor attracts customers to its variety of events such as band performances and Emerge Miami meetings in addition to its comedy nights.

WHATEVER YOUR STYLE, YOU WILL ALWAYS LOOK BETTER WITH A BEAUTIFUL SMILE

bgartsite.com

The show starts when Daniel Reskin, the night’s host and first comedian, grabs the microphone from center stage. Reskin is a frequent comedian at Sweat Records and a man that likes to make jokes about odd people he sees at the park, his friend’s dog, and his dislike for Mitt Romney. “Bill Clinton smashed that DNC speech! The only way I’d vote Romney is if they replace Ryan with Billy boy and Romney with a sleepy kitty,” said Reskin, sharing his thoughts concerning the Democratic National Convention during his performance. As Reskin jumps off the stage, the crowd gives him a standing ovation chanting his name as he walks away from the back of the store. At around midnight, the comedy night guests flood out, music lovers place the vinyl back on their proper shelf, vegan snack lovers return the colorful porcelain plates they used, and the tireless employees close up for the night, only to reopen the store tomorrow. For those who did not get enough of Sweat Records and its chill vibe, the store also features bands and other events every week. For more information check out Sweat’s website at www. sweatrecordsmiami.com.

Maggie Rivers/highlights

Laura Acosta/highlights

Wynwood is most often known as the epicenter of Miami’s visual arts, and now with the help of a new “library on the run,” the literary arts have found a home in the area as well. Bookleggers, a new mobile library with a mission to provide the public with free books, has become Wynwood’s local literary hotspot thanks to founders David Gonzalez and Nathaniel Sandler. Once a month, the “Bookleggers” gather at Lester’s café right across from the Wynwood Walls for a night filled with

“The crowds at our events have been a great cross-section collection of books can be found lined and stacked of the city that I’ve never really seen anywhere else before. along a large table, providing Miami bibliophiles with a And part of what’s so great about Bookleggers is meeting chance to get cozy and discover a few new, uncommon reads. new people,” said Sandler. Bookleggers’ website even states that they are only looking According to Gonzalez, the Bookleggers events have for “the good stuff,” to add to their collection of weird, “gotten people excited about books again,” and for high fascinating, and little-known works. With the constantly school students who are often turned off to reading, rotating assortment of books, material stays interesting. One Bookleggers gives students a risk-free er can find books ranging from an obscure poet’s collection of opportunity to find the book that is just ibut ntr o c works to a novel about digging up a dead president’s grave. right for them. ki/ ws Gonzalez and Sandler were inspired to create “When I was in high school, il e Bookleggers from other we never had mobile libraries in other Harry Potter, If books like those can get parts of the country like or Twilight younger readers excited about the Librotraficantes in or The reading, maybe there’s hope Texas. Bookleggers was Hunger for the future after all. founded on the idea that Games, Nathaniel Sandler, everyone should have and those booklegger access to free books and were this is reflected in the books library’s honor system. that The honor system allows each person one free book to take became enormous home and keep. Book trading is also accepted. Additional cultural phenomenons books can be taken for a $2 donation. In the past two events built largely on the alone, over 700 books have been ‘checked out’. strength of teenage Being in Wynwood, these events have become a source readers,” said Gonzalez. of education for all - even though it is in the heart of an area “If books like those can get known for crime and economic deficit. Different people from younger readers excited about all over the city come to Bookleggers to share their love for reading, maybe there’s hope for books. the future after all.” Da n

THE SCENE EDITOR

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