Issue 4, Vol. 63

editorial board

Maria Jose Cestero

Isabella Morales

Marcela Rondon

Rafael J. Sans, Jr.

Cristel Cantarero

Manuel Espinoza

Melissa Gonzalez

Georgia Rau

Emily Kardjian

Ava Volman

Alexander Brazda

Lenox Balzebre

Juan Fajardo

Carolina Castro & Santiago Giraldo

staff writers

Adrian Perez

Adriel Cortes

Alyssa Dopico

Anais Jamali

Austin Yagoda

Camila Perez-Clavarino

Chiara Abad-Sanchez

Divya Dave

Francesca Rico

Hazel Grosell

Isabela Duarte

Julia Volman

Lily Goron

Lucas Betancourt

Micaela Montero

Nathalie Schwart

Saryn Moore

Samantha Sears

Sela Peña

Sofia Rodriguez

Valentina Araujo

Valentina Ponton

contributors

publication policy

highlights is the official student-produced news magazine at Coral Gables Senior High School published and produced by highlights staff members. highlights has been established as a designated public forum for student journalists to educate and inform their readers on issues of concern to their audience and dissemination of news and ideas to the entire school community. As the producer of a scholastic publication, highlights subscribes to the responsibilities set forth by the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers. According to Miami-Dade County Public School Policy, student media is not subject to prior review by administration or district personnel and as such, all content is determined by and reflects the views of the student staff members only. highlights welcomes reader feedback. All letters should be addressed to highlightscghs@gmail.com with the subject line “Letter

The girls basketball team celebrated their

night versus Barbara Goleman High

on Jan. 12.

Valentina Ponton/highlights

Marcela Rondon/highlights

winter recap

CHEERFUL CELEBRATION: At the annual Mr. Coral Gables show on Dec. 21, 2022, contestants surround senior Brendan GroffVazquez after he was crowned the winner.

CURTAIN CALL: Juniors Kayla Castro and Dominick Rodriguez watch seniors Alejandro Garnier and Katherine Rodriguez exchange lines during their Troupe show “Not Your Average Zombie Apocalypse” on Dec. 14, 2022.

SERVING AND SLAYING: During their holiday party on Dec. 20, 2022, Interact club members received food as a warm welcome to winter break.

ARTIST AT WORK: Senior Domenika Solis paints a replica of “Girl with a Pearl Earring” during the Art Walk hosted by Catharsis on Jan. 12.

Micaela Montero/highlights Cristel Cantarero/highlights

Valentina Araujo/highlights Adriel Cortes/highlights

Valen ne’s gift guide

BY MICAELA MONTERO, STAFF WRITER

Courtesy

Earning the spotlight

Troupe 0476 triumphs at the District Thespians Competition, expecting success at the state competition in March

BY MICAELA MONTERO, STAFF WRITER

FOR DECADES, GABLES HAS been a place that promotes self expression, and Troupe 0476, an acting, writing and performance class during fourth period, is no exception. This audition-based class admits from 27 to 32 students every year and takes place in room 4126, known as the little theater. Under Fine Arts Department Chair Tracey Barrow’s instruction, the 2022-2023 school year has been the most successful in its recent history.

Students rehearse in the courtyard outside the room, or as Troupe students like to call it, “The Backyard.” From solo to collaborative pieces, students perform a variety of works but are typically given the freedom to choose what they want to work on for competitions. Categories include comedy, drama and musical numbers.

The classes include performing on stage and getting feedback from Barrow or from fellow members. On Dec. 14-15, they held their performance entitled “Not Your Average Zombie Apocalypse” and their Individual Event showcase exhibiting student’s creativity and skills. The consistent efforts from the class have fueled many members’ creativity.

“Getting to watch other performers and gain experience expands your perspective of the infinite possibilities of characters to bring into the world,” senior Amelie Joelle said.

From Nov. 16-19, 2022, Troupe competed in the district eight thespians competition. Organized by District Chair Gary Graff, the competition holds over 1,500 students from 50 different schools. Though Gables has attended in prior years, 2022 was the most successful in

HALLTALK

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

the last 20 years, with 31 performances being awarded the superior title and one comedy duo, president Alejandro Garnier and senior David Pasternac, receiving top honors.

“This particular troupe was committed from the very first day, looking for pieces and coming in prepared,” Barrow said.

Each category of performance is evaluated by judges using a 30-point system. If the group reaches 26 points, they qualify for a superior title and can move on to the state’s performance. Members were given the ability to perform in a maximum of four categories, and their efforts have evidently paid off.

“I was an actor in someone’s student directed performance. I did the solo musical piece, the small group musical and an ensemble scene,” First Lieutenant José Sanchez said.

For Sanchez, three of his performances received the superior title. Despite the high number of qualifiers, only six can perform at the state competition in Tampa, Fla., which will be held on March 15-18. These students have been picked by Barrow through a thorough evaluation based on which she believes have the most potential for success in competition. Despite this, all qualifying members will be welcome to support their fellow troupe members by going to states.

Troupe 0476 hopes to succeed at the state competition in March. In the meantime, they will cultivate their passion by writing, acting and inspiring creativity and collaboration.

For Gables students hoping to express creativity through performance, auditions are held in February and the sign up sheet is posted in Barrow’s room, 4126.

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“The tarot readings on my ‘For You’ page just love feeding into my delusions.”

“My sister could always armpit fart, but that’s because she was gross and sweaty all the time.”

“Are your lobotomy scars new?”

MURDER MYSTERY: Troupe students perform a drama scene in their November showcase.

CLOSE CAST: As zombies take senior Brendan Groff-Vazquez, the cast huddles together.

STAGE SHOCK: Characters in Troupe’s December show find out about the zombie apocalypse.

“Don’t you think he kind of moves like one of those town jesters?”

“So I bought another pet brain for good measure, because what’s $400? I’m seven!”

“I go crazy with my Subway Surfers keys.”

Georgia Rau/highlights

Micaela Montero/highlights

Micaela Montero/highlights

Granting Gables

Friends of Gables High supports the school by raising funds and fostering alumni to student relationships

BY NATHALIE SCHWART, STAFF WRITER

GIVING BACK TO THE community can impact all kinds of people. This is especially true when the work an organization contributes to a school and helps afford school inrastructure improvements and opportunities for students. Friends of Gables High is a small group of committed alumni, parents and volunteers dedicated to making Gables better for the students, faculty and community. Through their continuous support, the school is home to an array of innovative and impactful programs.

FOGH works to create a harmonious school environment. The organization supports Gables through fundraising from various events and functions that they host at individuals’ homes and through commercial establishments. The opportunities that FOGH has given to students and faculty are innumerable, such as the funding they provide student groups like wrestling, soccer, FBLA and highlights through grants of up to $2,000 to assist their activities.

“Friends of Gables has granted me every grant that I’ve ever asked for. Usually it’s to help a program here in school or to help send kids to in-state and out of state college tours. They’ve also given us grants to help send the CAP advisor to some training,” Student Activities Director Ana Suarez said.

One of the biggest impacts that FOGH has made on the school was their push to ensure that the 6000 building could get the renovations that it needed to ensure a modern

and comfortable learning environment for everyone. They did this by advocating for a completely new building and lobbying former MDCPS Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. They also funded a new golf cart for the athletic department.

FOGH works hard to create a lasting impact on the school and the students, which is inspired by the pride they have for Gables and the impact made on them since most of the board members and volunteers are Gables alumni. They want to keep the Cavalier legacy alive for years to come in honor of their own experience.

“After graduating, I knew my journey at Gables was far from over. I credit a lot of my growth as an individual to what I learned as a student, therefore I knew I wanted to give back in some way,” alumna and FOGH Social Media Director Natalie Abrahantes said.

Although there are many alumni on the board, Chairman Tom Parker is not one of them. Instead, he is a proud Gables parent. Parker believes that Gables is a very special place with a dedicated staff and a diverse group of students.

“Kids at the school need to know that their community cares about them. The financial support is vital to a fully enriching experience,” Parker said.

One of FOGH’s most popular and impactful events is the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where

GeorgiaRau/highlights

graduates who have excelled in their chosen fields and continued the Gables legacy by giving back to their communities are inducted into the Gables Hall of Fame.

People feel inspired when they see someone who used to be in their shoes successful and happy, because it represents what current students can achieve. This feeling of pride goes both ways, as the alumni feel a sense of giving back in their efforts to help others.

In addition to direct support, FOGH also fosters lasting connections to Gables. For example, Hall of Fame inductee and Gables alumnus Ron Yacoub offers some students internships at his practice, Pinecrest Physical Therapy. Furthermore, when in need of more volunteers, alumni look to students for help, beginning a strong and integral association between FOGH and the students it supports.

The dedication and hardwork that FOGH demonstrates is seen across all aspects of Gables. Recieiving funds for everything from school facilities to extracurriculars, Gables is stronger because of its friends.

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Contributions to Gables

Helped raise the construction budget at Gables to $30 million.

Source: Friends of Gables High

Georgia Rau/highlights

Added new picnic tables, clean pavers, and improved landscaping in a student eating area.

Source: Friends of Gables High

6 features

FRIENDLY FACES: Last year’s Friends of Gables High board stands in front of the Cavalier statue.

Courtesy of Friends of Gables High

Compiled by Georgia Rau/highlights

Learning the ropes

Assistant Principal Richard Martinez continues his first year at Gables and makes connecting with pupils his top priority

BY VALENTINA PONTON, STAFF WRITER

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF variables that keep Gables running like a well-oiled machine, one being an efficient administration. In his debut year at Gables, Assistant Principal Richard Martinez enjoys the successes and challenges of his new role, learning just as the students of Gables do.

After graduating from MAST Academy, the University of Miami and Florida International University, Martinez initially went to law school but decided to become a teacher after falling in love with the career, starting by instructing science classes for IB fifth graders, then advanced mathematics at various middle schools. Afterward, Martinez transferred to Coral Park Senior High, where he became a Magnet Leader.

Looking for an expansion in his career, Martinez applied to change school placement. School system applications are different from other types of job applications, as applicants do not get to choose where they go. Instead, it is based on the skills the school board sees in an applicant. In taking into account his administrative qualities, the school board thought he would fit in well at Gables in administration.

Martinez describes the switch from educator to administrator as challenging due to the new responsibility owed to thousands of students, not just regarding their classes, but their behavior as well. As assistant principal, Martinez ensures safety for students and faculty, interacts with and guides faculty and addresses daily issues such as indoor suspension.

“When I decided to switch schools and

realized I had been placed at Gables and I felt happier than ever being given an opportunity to be part of one of the top schools with a great community and great alumni,” Martinez said.

Martinez wants to be an influential member of the Gables community. He is committed to making Gables a top-tier school by showing strong dedication in his efforts to do so. For example, he helps organize school transportation by making sure school buses are scheduled accordingly for every event.

“Mr. Martinez is a hard worker and a team player, willing to help whenever needed. He is firm, but only when dealing with discipline issues,” athletic director Louis Romero said.

Martinez also focuses on maintaining relationships with alumni, believing they can serve as role models for current Gables students. Moreover, he aims to be a role model for students himself. He takes time outside of school hours to support students and is skilled at managing his job in front of students. Martinez pushes to be part of events at the school. He attends club meetings, athletic events and administrative events to interact more with what goes on at Gables.

“Our administrators show their impact on running our school by enforcing their policies on us to maintain a healthy environment, and keeping a content relationship with us students,” junior Isabella Barros said.

While many of Martinez’s interests lie in his educational career, he is also passionate about his hobbies, specifically boating, water skiing and skin diving, which involves diving underwater without a body suit, just using an aqualung and flippers. With such activities, he enjoys fishing and cruising around with

Martinez’s fun facts

childhood dream job: astronaut or navy pilot

favorite food: Sushi, especially nigiri

ValentinaPonton/highlights

his family on their boat. These passions are reminiscent of his youth and his upbringing in Miami, spending much of his time in the Florida Keys, even taking scuba diving lessons as an extracurricular in high school.

Gables is known for its dynamic community and Martinez is no exception. He makes sure his part of the Gables culture is impactful and eye-opening for students. He hopes to give students more information and resources when it comes to school by giving honest feedback to those who ask.

“My advice would be to stay focused and true to the ultimate goal, which is to graduate and earn scholarships. Although students are looking through the micro-lens right now, the guidance of their macro-lens is much clearer,” Martinez said.

Despite being new to Gables, the welcoming environment made Martinez feel as if he was part of a family. Getting to sign off the announcements with the iconic “always remember, go Cavs!” was when Martinez officially felt like a Cavalier.

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hidden talent: ping pong

Favorite song: “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over” by lenny kravitz

NEWS REVIEW IN BRIEF

BY SAMANTHA SEARS, STAFF WRITER

VERSAILLES’ VALLS

Felipe Valls Sr., born in Cuba in 1933, came to Miami in 1947, aiming to create a space to remind Cubans of home. Vall’s idea came to life through the restaurant and Cuban haven, Versailles, where Cubans are able to eat traditional food and feel part of a larger community. Over the years, Versailles has become engrained in Miami’s culture, being dubbed “The World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant” by the Sun Sentinel. After leaving his mark on Miami’s people and culture, Valls passed away on Nov. 26, 2022 at 89 years of age.

“Valls’ passing could affect the culture of Miami because Versailles is a staple in the Latino community,’’ freshman Adriana Garcia said.

CAVALIER TEST PREP

The National Honor Society’s Cavalier Prep Initiative is a new program being introduced to Gables that is meant to establish a standardized test preparation library. Through the program, students will donate old test preparation books in exchange for service hours. Students registered for these tests can visit CAP Advisor Sofia Sanz de Acedo in room 6111 to check out the books and then return them after testing. This new library will give students a free, accessible way to study while further motivating them.

“I think it will motivate the students to prepare for the tests because they won’t have to buy new books. Instead, they will have access to them in the CAP office,” Sanz de Acedo said.

Congrats, Cavs!

Congratulations to seniors Angel Li and Julie Maldonado for earning QuestBridge scholarships to attend Princeton University and Northwestern University, respectively.

Congratulations to the Cavalier Battalion’s Female Color Guard for earning second place in their first drill competition of the year on Dec. 10, 2022.

A PAUSE ON PAYMENTS

Though the Biden Administration has long aimed to forgive student loan debts, blocks by Congress have led to six extensions on the temporary pause on payments. This hold began in March 2020, aiming to give relief to those struggling economically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pause has now been extended for 60 days until the implementation of the student loan forgiveness program scheduled to restart in January, according to The Hill. If unable to proceed with the policy, payments will begin again 60 days after the beginning of June 2023.

“It is safe to say that this would help future generations as it would allow for some breathing room financially,” senior Kimberly Law said.

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Congratulations to sophomore Michelle Hernandez for founding her non-profit organization Elia Tase’s Hope that aims to unite students of different cultures.

Emily Kardjian/highlights Seniors Angel Li and Julie Maldonado celebrate their admissions and scholarships to Princeton University and Northwestern University through the QuestBridge Program.

The brand new school board

United by common goals and interests, three new members have joined the Miami-Dade County Public School Board

BY ADRIAN PEREZ, STAFF WRITER

LAST FALL, THE MIAMI-DADE County School Board introduced three new members: Roberto Alonso, Monica Colucci and Daniel Espino. Making up one-third of the board, the new leaders of the MDC school system aim to support parental rights in schools and emphasize a more transparent curriculum.

Roberto Alonso won the primary election for the representative of District 4, the northeastern area of Miami-Dade, on Aug. 23, 2022. He assumed office on Nov. 28, 2022, ending Perla Tabares Hantman’s 26-year run on the board. Born and raised in Florida, Alonso attended Miami-Dade College and Florida International University, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

Making good use of his degree, Alonso has developed education software by co-founding Hero K-12 and developing SchoolMint, a platform that manages and increases student enrollment. When interviewed by Grant Miller from Community News Network, Alonso stated his aims to bring parents’ voices to the board, pay teachers adequately and incorporate technology into education.

“I expect a different approach to public schools and the manner in which they are regulated. That may entail a boost in teacher salary and appreciation as well as student safety,” sophomore Andres Rodriguez said.

Monica Colucci, another winner of the August primaries, replaced Marta Perez, a board member since 1998. With a passion for bringing out students’ potential, Colucci has taught in MDCPS for 26 years, as stated by the Miami-Dade Public School System’s website.

During her career, she has contributed to her community by mentoring teachers, providing parent workshops and writing curriculum for the University of Miami.

DID YOU KNOW?

Source: Miami-Dade County Public Schools

“Because of her experience, I think that she might be more aware of the realities of what schools are really like for teachers, administrators and students,” Assistant Principal Jocelyn Figueroa said.

Outside the classroom, Colucci has strong ties with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, having served in the Executive Office and as Special Assistant to the Lieutenant Governor. According to WLRN, she aims to protect students’ innocence and believes religion should be emphasized in education. She also prioritizes safety and raising teacher salaries.

Unlike his colleagues, Daniel Espino was directly appointed by DeSantis on Nov. 21, 2022, taking the seat held by Christi Fraga. With a Juris Doctor, a professional law degree, from Nova Southeastern University, Espino has an extensive background in law. Based on information from Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin + Tapanes Law Firm, he has served as the city attorney of Doral, Miami Springs and North Miami Beach and is the Chairman

meet the board

of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, giving him an understanding of public policy and making change.

As a father of four, Espino has experienced the effects of the pandemic on students’ mental health, motivating him to give parents a central role in students’ education. In his brief remarks during the new board member installation ceremony, Espino stated that his goals include giving parents a greater voice on the board to improve students’ education and make up for time lost during the pandemic.

“Parents’ voices should have an impact, but I also think the new board should take the students’ opinions into consideration,” freshman Santiago Moncada said.

The new members, all endorsed by DeSantis, share a belief in bringing the school system “back to basics.” As stated by the Miami Herald, Alonso and Colucci believe in opposing extreme agendas and keeping the focus of educators on core subjects such as math and reading. Moreover, they plan to improve and advocate for parents rights by making the curriculum more transparent and appropriate for young students and giving parents a louder voice on the board.

Since the newcomers’ installation to the board, the new leaders have already made efforts to increase transparency for parents. For instance, at the school board’s installation ceremony and organizational meeting, Alonso proposed subdividing meetings to create shorter ones more accessible to parents. In essence, the new MDCPS board members aim to increase transparency and give parents more power over their students’ education.

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Source: MDCPS

Source: MDCPS

Compiled by Emily Kardjian/highlights

The school board is made up of nine members publicly elected by their districts

Roberto Alonso Alonso founded “Miami Lakes Cars for a Cure,” a non-profit that raises funds for cancer research

Source: MDCPS

Monica Colucci Colucci helped develop the University of Miami’s “Science for All” Program

Daniel Espino Espino became the

youngest elected official in Miami Springs’ history at the age of 26

Gables renovations’ next steps

Gables will continue to undergo renovations in upcoming years, aiming to create a more effective learning environment

BY DIVYA DAVE, STAFF WRITER

GABLES FIRST OPENED ITS doors to students in 1950 and, as of recently, the school stands as the fifth-largest high school in MiamiDade County, according to Niche. Gables is now facing a full renovation that will change the Spanish-style structure the school was built around by adding a modern touch. Phase one of this restoration included the renovation of the 6000 building which was completed in 2021.

Starting in January of 2023, renovations began across the school, ranging from the auditorium and the band and chorus rooms to the media center and the front of the school. This mainly includes the older buildings that have not yet been renovated.

“I think the buildings in the front should be renovated because it would bring new and fresh scenery to the school and could change the perspective through which people see Gables,” sophomore Emily Gutierrez said.

Since the renovation of the 6000s building has been completed, Phase two of the project has begun. This phase entails the renovation of the bathrooms and the installation of a new air-conditioning unit in different parts of the school. Windows from the band room to the building facing Bird Road will also be replaced and the interior of the hallways will be renovated and re-painted, with

additional electrical upgrades. Additionally, a new gas system and fume hoods, ventilation systems that limit exposure to hazardous chemicals used for experiments, will be installed in science classrooms on the east part of campus. Furthermore, there will be upgrades to the fire alarm, additional security cameras installed and a replacement of the fence along the south part of school.

“A new air-conditioning unit in my math class and newer bathrooms would benefit me and all other students at Gables by improving our experience here,” freshman Lua Lara said.

This redevelopment process is being largely funded by a general obligation bond, a bond issued by the municipal government in order to obtain money for certain projects which may not already have a direct revenue stream.

On Nov. 6, 2022, Miami-Dade County

Public Schools asked voters in the county to invest in their schools. About 70% of voters supported this action, approving a $1.2 billion General Obligation Bond. The impact of this will be minimal for homeowners, while providing stable jobs for many, according to the official MDCPS website. Along with the numerous changes, this funding will assist with obtaining modern technology, adding new buildings and expanding the student capacity of the county’s schools. In all, the budget allocated for Gables will be $48,000,000.

Moreover, the plan for the continuation of normal school functions during the renovation entails that, while school is in session, a few classes will be temporarily relocated (i.e., the band room). However, interruptions will be minimal, as all major air-conditioning renovations will occur in the summer.

“There will be a more conducive learning environment. We will have brand new classrooms and the building will get the aesthetic upgrades that the students, staff, and community deserve,” Principal Tony Ullivarri said. Gables is hoping to close its doors to these renovations towards the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. After this large-scale project is completed, underclassmen, new Cavaliers, alumni, faculty and staff will be able to enjoy the new amenities added to campus.

students speak up

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“ THE RENOVATIONS WILL GIVE STUDENTS A BETTER ENVIRONMENT AND I’M EXCITED TO SEE THEM Kevin Mancia, Junior

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highlights

highlights

Keith Hernandez, Sophomore

Emily Kardjian/highlights

Gables goes Green

A new composting initiative led by the Green Coalition strives to make Gables a more environmentally conscious school

BY JULIA VOLMAN, STAFF WRITER

IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE GABLES an environmentally friendly community, the student-led Green Coalition has put forth a composting initiative that aims to turn the school’s food waste into fertilizer. This program’s ultimate goal is helping the school reduce its carbon footprint.

Approved by Principal Tony Ullivarri, the mission to give Gables a green thumb starts with reducing, reusing and recycling food scraps on campus. Composting is the act of quickening the decomposition of organic materials and using the end product as fertilizer, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. This will be done by placing designated composting bins in the cafeteria kitchens for staff and students to throw leftover food into.

“The Green Coalition wants to create an environment where people understand composting and engage with it to reduce the school’s food waste and carbon foot-print,” junior and leader of the initiative Gabriela McGrath said.

Agriculture, 30% to 40% of the United States’ yearly food supply is discarded in landfills to decompose, emitting the greenhouse gas as a byproduct. This large amount of released methane keeps heat trapped in the atmosphere. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, this process is known as global warming. Through this program, the school will limit their waste output and their contribution to the release of harmful gasses.

“With this program providing an easily accessible way to help the planet, people may start to participate and recycle food waste more,” freshman Hannah PascualFlores said.

WITH THIS PROGRAM PROVIDING AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE WAY TO HELP THE PLANET, PEOPLE MAY START TO PARTICIPATE AND RECYCLE FOOD WASTE MORE.

quick facts

Launched Jan. 12, 2023, this program began with kitchen staff and participating students being taught about composting by Green Coalition members. This seminar was led by Green Coalition members and Xavier De Roos, founder of Renuable, a community composting program. This organization offers curb-side pick-up for organic waste, composting it into fertilizer. Renuable will collect Gables’ accumulated food waste periodically and compost it at their facilities.

“Being taught about and contributing to composting through a school organization allows me to be knowledgeable and help out the environment, which I wouldn’t be able to do if I were to have to research and do it on my own,” junior Ambar Solano said.

Among the largest drawbacks of food waste is the resulting production of methane. According to the United States Department of

Food scraps, grass clippings, dry leaves and more can be composted

In addition, this project will create natural fertilizer, reducing the need for its chemical counterpart. Composting converts a harmful methane source into an ingredient for plant growth, decreasing the need for fertilizers with damaging elements.

“When searching for a solution, most people try to replace something harmful, but they need to be thinking about how to repurpose what they already have; this is exactly what composting does,” science teacher and Gables Earth Club sponsor Elizabeth Kiely said.

Collecting food scraps to compost on campus has already been implemented in two other schools in the county, making Gables the third. This budding initiative is open for any student at Gables to join and volunteer to keep this mission running. Students can join the project by contacting gablesprojectgreen@ gmail.com.

Looking towards the future, further action to make Gables greener includes recycling in classrooms and reducing air pollution made by buses. These issues are hoping to be addressed by the Green Coalition in upcoming projects. One step at a time, Gables and its students and staff are reducing their negative impact on the environment by working together for a common cause.

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Source: The Environmental Protection Agency

composting,

decompose

Source: The Environmental Protection Agency

Compost, if well cared for, can be used within three to five months

Source: The Environmental Protection Agency

Compiled by Emily Kardjian/highlights

Before

materials must be broken up so they can

Emily Kardjian/highlights

Emily Kardjian/highlights

HANNAH PASCUALFLORES, FRESHMAN

Emily Kardjian/highlights

STAFF-ED: Looking for red flags

TEACHERS WHO HAVE HUNG up Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ and national flags as symbols of support and inclusivity in their classrooms may soon be ordered to remove them. Pressure from parents, school boards and proposals such as Miami-Dade County’s H-7 bill have spearheaded this flag-banning movement, despite the fact that these flags provide immeasurable educational value.

If a teacher wants to display solidarity with a group in their classroom, they can put up certain flags, such as LGBTQ+ pride flags. Doing so is a helpful gesture that can foster positive effects in students, such as creating a welcoming space in an environment where they may experience bullying, which is constructive to their mental health, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

Additionally, flags of different countries are often on display for educational purposes and to share different cultures. Education in certain topics, such as geography and world history, would only harbor narrow perspectives if flags from different nations were no longer allowed in the classroom.

“Having flags from other countries hung up in classrooms helps promote cultural awareness and understanding, as well as allows for international students to feel included,” freshman Alejandro Monroy said.

A motive for the recent flag-banning movement is to keep classrooms politically “neutral,” as stated by the recent H-7 bill in Miami Dade County. However, this flawed logic is oftentimes targeting LGBTQ+ pride and BLM flags, which many parents have deemed as tools of indoctrination, according

anything. It’s just my way of saying ‘Hey, you’re welcome here,’ to have a flag up,” GSA sponsor Tracey Barrow-Schoenblatt said.

These attempted bans primarily stem from irritated parents and politicians, who threaten administrators and teachers with lawsuits for displaying their flags. Many teachers will be faced with no choice but to remove their flags or face the possibility of losing their job, as stated by the H-7 bill. Through putting this pressure on hardworking educators because of some fabric rectangles, the flag banning movement does more harm than good.

to Education Week. However, these flags are only showing support for marginalized communities, not displaying any partisan ideologies.

“I feel the need to let anyone who enters my theater know that this is a safe space, that everyone is welcome regardless of gender, sexuality, race, religion,

Many parents rally behind the flawed ideals of the item H-7 that was considered in Miami Dade County Public Schools. Eulalia Jimenez, leader of the Miami chapter of the conservative parents-rights group Moms for Liberty, asserted that the flag policy would be put into place to remind the school board that schools should not be used to impose political agendas on children, according to the Miami Herald. In reality, these flags’ purpose is to promote diversity and to expand education.

Fortunately, the school board has moved away from the H-7 bill, permitting inclusivity throughout Dade County classrooms. However, considering these bans shows school boards are willing to uphold the archaic concepts of bigotry in schools, despite the threat to students’ educational experience.

opposable thumbs

The flag banning movement will have unintended consequences that negatively affect students

Spotify Wrapped

“Sleep Sounds was my top artist.”

-Alyssa Dopico, Staff Writer

Shakespeare

“I can make up words too.”

-Lucas Betancourt, Staff Writer

Rubik’s Cubes

“I don’t need more problems to solve right now.”

-Nathalie Schwart, Staff Writer

IT’S JUST MY WAY OF SAYING ‘HEY, YOU’RE WELCOME HERE’ TO HAVE A FLAG UP. TRACEY BARROWSCHOENBLATT, GSA SPONSOR

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Florida’s current climate

Several factors currently threaten the well-being of Florida’s climate, and if left alone they will greatly harm the state

SEA LEVEL RISE

RED TIDE

Red Tide is a harmful algae bloom along Florida’s west coast.

The toxins within the algae bloom harm nervous systems after consumption.

100

miles of red tide can spread along the Florida coastline.

3 Over million fish have been removed from waterways.

2.4% of Florida land is at risk of flooding due to rises in sea level.

The leading cause of sea level rise is greenhouse gas emissions.

8 inches

Sea level is higher today than it was in 1950.

INVASIVE SPECIES

500+ Invasive species currently inhabit the state of Florida.

Burmese Python: This invasive snake population occupies Florida’s Everglades.

Lionfish: These predatory reef fish wipe out native fish populations and disrupt the food chain.

Green Iguana: The burrows of these reptiles disrupt the foundation of Florida’s infrastructure.

SOURCES:

SeaLevelRise.org, Tampa Bay’s National Public Radio, Massachusetts institute of Technology, Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, National Invasive Species Information Center, National Wildlife Federation, Visit Florida, NASA

Data compilation by staff writer Lily Goron.

A divided media: Have journalists gotten more

BETANCOURT,

ITTED SUITS and pristinely perfect smiles, news anchors provide Americans with daily regurgitations of politically polarizing rhetoric. Every story is an opportunity to propagandize, every day a new way to skew reality; the dilution of ethical journalism reveals infections of partisan bias through the media.

Whether it is liberals complaining about Fox News or conservatives fighting CNN, Americans are acutely aware of the bias that proliferates the media. A recent Gallup poll revealed that around 60% of all Americans have little to no trust in mass media.

Part of the rise in bias can be attributed to the organization of news media as a whole. Large media companies, as they exist today, are not the valiant arbiters of truth that they portray themselves to be. These businesses simply chase clicks and dollars, competing to produce stories that will gain them the most views, attention and profit.

“I believe there are certain stories, such the Watergate scandal, that can be considered true journalism, without excess bias being instilled into them,” Quill & Scroll faculty sponsor

FAna Zuniga said. “However, journalism is a business, and at the end of the day what sells is what will be published, which obviously leads to bias.”

However, according to an article in the Harvard Business Review, money is not the primary cause of the media’s growing bias, rather, it is the pursuit of connectedness within a publisher’s overall narrative and “brand.” Mass media companies create a political “image” for themselves, a biased framework for all of their stories. In turn, people who view the world through a similar framework will find a particular network’s reporting appealing.

“I think mass media reports news in a way that appeals to their target audience,” senior Jazzmin Chaves said. “I wouldn’t trust news coming from a source that I know tries to appeal to a certain group of people.”

The aforementioned “branding” inherent to modern journalism was strikingly visible during its coverage of the Biden administration’s recent motions to forgive student loan debt. Outlets like Fox News and the Washington Post, having branded themselves conservative, ran segments and wrote stories denouncing the plan as fiscally irresponsible, while ignoring the ways it will aid many struggling Americans. Their liberal counterparts, like CNN and MSNBC, equally reported on brand, uncritically praising Biden’s

students speak up

proposal without acknowledging its relatively small-scale outreach. Again, media companies continuously demonstrate the bias pervading American journalism, never veering from its preset program, printing the same stories in different shades of red and blue. What results is a media that twists slivers of truth into savory bundles of disinformation for loyal and starved consumers.

Amidst the issues that plague America, media corporations have manufactured a calculated game of biased rhetoric. White smiles in bow ties fiddle with puppets dangling on the tips of strings, their viewers flailing in desperation to cut the rope

highlights

“

“ A JOURNALIST’S OPINIONS WILL ALWAYS BE SLIGHTLY PORTRAYED IN WHAT THEY SAY.

Rebecca Tembras, Junior

highlights

“

“

THE INTENSITY OF CURRENT POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS MAKES THE MEDIA SEEM INCREASINGLY BIASED.

Allan Kaplan, Senior

Amid surges of increasingly hostile political have begun to wonder if such explicitly polarizing

COMMENTARY BY LUCAS

STAFF WRITER

46%

of all Americans think the media biased.

Source: Gallup

more biased?

AS A RESULT OF TECHNOLOGY and increased access to information, many have noted and heavily critiqued the amount of political bias within journalism and its recent rise. However, the increase in bias within news sources is an illusion, as it has been prevalent for many decades. The sole change is recently polarizing events, which is making it easier to recognize the biases these supposedly reputable sources have always held.

“I think the general public is aware of journalism bias, but it’s not something that’s talked about often because I feel like no one cares,” freshman Avril Donner said.

COMMENTARY BY FRANCESCA RICO, STAFF WRITER

“For people that agree with the views of the journalist, seeing their bias won’t make them think badly of the work.”

Journalism bias can be found as far back as the 1890s, when U.S. newspapers spread false information through blaming the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine on the nation of Spain, leading to the Spanish-American War, according to the Public Broadcasting Service. Similarly, during the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, Fox News’s opinion segment hosts avoided addressing how misinformation spread about the legitimacy of the 2020 Presidential election results largely led to these riots, according to The Washington Post. It is clear that bias has always gotten in the way of factual reporting, as news outlets have sensationalized historical events for over a century.

“Bias affects journalism because you’re not getting straightforward information, you’re just getting sides and opinions rather than facts,” sophomore Maxie Nolet said. Liberal news outlets, such as MSNBC, have consistently sustained bias. According to a study conducted by Pew Research Center in 2012, 85% of MSNBC’s broadcast was allocated to “opinion” rather than just news, which MSNBC is thought to provide as it is advertised as a news outlet. Moreover, the report explains that for every single positive story MSNBC reported about 2012 Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney, 23 negative ones were written by

them during his campaign. MSNBC’s biases did not skyrocket in the last decade, but rather remained very liberal. Bias has been an established issue before the 2016 U.S. presidential election, thus overflowing bias in journalism is not a new concept.

“Ithink journalism bias gives a one-sided story which doesn’t allow people to see or hear about other perspectives,” junior Stephanie Morales said.

Fox News’s bias can also be found at its origins. The network was created in 1996 to stand as a cable news source offering opposing perspectives from that of CNN, which was liberal-leaning, according to The Washington Post. Therefore, Fox News started out as a conservative network, with strong ties to Republican leaders that influence the content they produce. Thus, bias has not increased, but has remained a constant and dominant force in the news industry.

Political bias in journalism has been prominent prior to recent polarizing events and the rise of social media. This is an ongoing issue woven into the core of journalism for centuries. The solution to this is not to recognize a nonexistent increase in bias, but rather to acknowledge its origins and lifespan in order to dismantle it.

“ “ IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP A CLEAR MIND WHILE WRITING TO PREVENT JOURNALISM BIAS.

Patrick Heydasch, Senior

highlights

“ “ AS CERTAIN IDEAS HAVE BECOME NORMALIZED, SO HAS JOURNALISM BIAS.

Ruben Cruz, Junior

discourse entering mainstream media, many polarizing bias has always been expressed in the news

A culture of entitlement

COMMENTARY BY GEORGIA RAU, FEATURES

ITH today’s youth gaining social awareness, celebrities are often called out for inappropriate or offensive behavior. For many stars — most recently, actor Kit Connor — unwarranted queerbaiting allegations have compelled a response regarding their sexuality, a deeply personal discussion that such figures are often unprepared for.

The original definition of the term “queerbaiting” is the deliberate inclusion of same-sex relationships which are seemingly romantic in media as a way to capture the attention of LGBTQ+ audiences, while never explicitly labeling the characters as gay or bisexual in order to maintain uncertainty among viewers, according to Oxford Languages. However, it has evolved to mean to pretend to experience same-sex attraction to gain attention.

“Queerbaiting, I feel, is an overused term that can cause people to not fully express themselves in fear of being accused of it,” senior Parker D’Alemberte said.

In 2021, singer Billie Eilish released the music video for her song, “Lost Cause,” featuring Eilish with a group of girls at a slumber party. After posting a promotion on Instagram captioned “I love girls,” fans flooded the comments, some of whom were accusing the celebrity of queerbaiting and others who defended Eilish. According to the Independent, some comments even asked if this was her “coming out” — a term used to describe a person in the LGBTQ+ community sharing their sexuality publicly. Not only is this a premature assumption based on the inconspicuous nature of her caption, but it also invades the singer’s privacy and implies that fans are owed an explanation of her sexuality, which they are not.

More recently, the Netflix original “Heartstopper”

Waired, starring Kit Connor and his co-star, Joe Locke, as a gay couple. Though Connor decided not to label his sexuality publicly, The Guardian reports that fans accused Connor of queerbaiting after he was seen holding hands with a new female co-star — implying that he was only performing as queer for attention

I think some of you missed the point of the show. Bye.”

“Opening up about sexuality is very personal, so the celebrities should be the ones to decide whether or not they express it openly, not the fans,” junior Dylan Martinez said. With widespread internet activism and acceptance of different sexualities, people tend to forget how dangerous coming out can be. The UCLA Williams Institute of Law reports that those in the LGBTQ+ community are four times more likely to be victims of violent crime. Everyone, even celebrities, has a right to keep their sexuality private, especially given the inherent dangers of coming out.

“I believe that it’s unfair and out of line for fans to force celebrities to come out or open up about their sexuality because it’s a personal matter,” sophomore Andrea Winkeljohn said.

and that he was not gay or bisexual. However, assuming that Connor is straight because of this situation ignores the definition of bisexuality. Following a social media break, he took to Twitter, stating, “I’m bi. Congrats for forcing an 18-year-old to out himself.

One of the more concerning parts of this issue is the entitled nature of these accusations. Fans believe that they have a personal relationship with the celebrities they admire. Through tabloids, fans can obtain the most minute details of a public figure’s life — from relationship speculations to what they wore to the grocery store.

However, this does not give fans the right to harass celebrities to gather any undisclosed detail of their life. Furthermore, one cannot help but wonder if allegations of queerbaiting are meant to prompt the celebrity to disclose homosexuality and are somewhat self-serving for certain fans, as they crave further closeness with their favorite actors, singers or athletes.

Source: Yale School of Public Health

Pressuring celebrities to come out is not the activism many seem to think it is and is harmful to the celebrities as well as the LGBTQ+ community, causing irreparable damage on both sides. Even in situations in which a celebrity is being offensive or insensitive, there is a way to call out problematic situations without forcing them out of their comfort zones.

Following queerbaiting accusations, many celebrities feel forced to come out of the closet despite their lack of readiness

EDITOR

83%

QUEERBAITING, I FEEL, IS AN OVERUSED TERM THAT CAN CAUSE PEOPLE NOT TO FULLY EXPRESS THEMSELVES IN FEAR OF BEING ACCUSED OF IT.

PARKER DALEMBERTE, SENIOR

of LGBTQ+ people keep their sexuality hidden from all or most of the people in their life

Bad blood with Ticketmaster

Taylor Swift fans know heartbreak all too well following an issue-filled ticket sale

COMMENTARY BY CAMILA PEREZ-CLAVARINO, STAFF WRITER

TAYLOR

Swift fans’ wildest dreams came true with the announcement of the artist’s upcoming Eras Tour. I and many other fans were prepared to do whatever we could to experience the closest thing to a spiritual awakening: a Taylor Swift concert. Unfortunately, most were left with sweet nothing when tragedy struck during Ticketmaster’s sale of tickets, with long wait times and website glitches, causing Swifties to turn red. Government officials, however, were more concerned about the potential violation of antitrust laws by Ticketmaster’s parent company.

Swift announced that there would be three opportunities to get tickets to her upcoming tour: two presales, one open only to select fans and the other to those with a Capital One card, and a general sale, which is open to all. When entering these sales, fans must wait in a queue before they can begin selecting tickets. According to Ticketmaster, millions applied for the first presale, and the lucky ones, including myself, were selected and sent a code needed to enter the sale. The

first sale occurred on Nov. 15, 2022, and after an excruciating six-hour-long staredown between me and the message telling me there were “2000+ people ahead of you” in the queue, my code did not work. Fans encountered numerous other glitches, such as when some were about to complete their purchases, believing they were out of the woods, they were kicked off the site and forced to rejoin the queue, as reported by the Washington Post. Ticketmaster blamed these issues on unexpected site traffic, though Swift later stated that she had been assured by Ticketmaster that they were ready for it and could handle the demand.

“Ticketmaster is the one who chose how many people got selected for the presale, so how can they say they didn’t expect the demand?” senior Sophie Gonzalez said. Although these problems left many fans ticketless after the first two presales, they were ready to continue the great war in general sales. However, the hope of it all was lost when Ticketmaster announced that they were canceled due to lack of inventory. Upon hearing the news, I wondered how Ticketmaster could be so casually cruel in the name of being honest.

The indignation toward Ticketmaster began due to fans’ haunted experiences during ticket sales, but quickly grew into a complication regarding the legality of Ticketmaster’s merger with Live Nation, formerly the world’s largest concert promoter, in 2010. As fans began to make their complaints public, lawmakers also began to speak out against Ticketmaster, claiming it was engaging in illicit affairs through a monopoly on the live music industry that violates anti-trust laws.

“Ticketmaster is using fans’ love for their favorite artists to extort high payments from them,” junior Jasmine Brizo said.

The results of the legal affairs involving the company have yet to be revealed, so we do not know if Ticketmaster’s monopoly will last evermore. Nonetheless, one thing is clear: Swifties and Ticketmaster are never getting back together… like ever.

h

My Resolutions

COMMENTARY BY AVA VOLMAN, OPINION EDITOR

Everyone knows the phrase “new year, new me,” but I’m taking it to another level. I, like everyone else on the planet, have never onced followed through with my new years resolutions, but this year, I can feel something will be different. I am determined to make 2023 my year and here’s how it’s going to go down.

First off, the CAF&DM field day trophy is as good as ours. highlights staff has taken it upon ourselves to start a rigorous military training program fit for Navy SEALs, and we are determined to bring the glory back to highlights athletics. Once our pull-up bar is installed, it’s over for all of the other publications.

Secondly, I will make sure to dominate everyone in my contacts in Word Hunt. If I have your phone number, you can run but you can’t hide. Soon enough you’ll feel my Word Hunt wrath and realize what it truly feels like to be devastatingly humbled.

Lastly, I am going to do everything in my power to secure the prestigious honor of being dubbed highlights’s littest editor. I know I have some tough competition, but with a few more layouts and a couple of sleepless nights, I guarantee I’ll secure my rightfully-deserved position. Also, I’m sure I can bribe Maria Jose Cestero into submission.

In reality, I really do want to make 2023 one of the best years yet. I am determined to pursue my goals, resolutions or not, and make a lifetime’s worth of memories.

h

Can you find all -- Taylor Swift references? See them all here!

Sp rts

BY SOFIA RODRIGUEZ, STAFF WRITER

Messi rumored transfer to Inter Miami

Argentina’s national to spend the last months of the if he accepts the offer with

athlete spotlight

Gabriel Chang,

Do you know who the GOAT is?

ROWDS cheer and shriek as their favorite players are ready to compete. To some, the Greatest of All Time may be Michael Jordan or Lebron James in basketball or Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in soccer. Yet, people still bicker about who the best is, some for silly reasons, making it obvious that this immature debate will never end.

In professional basketball, there is a widespread debate on who should hold the honored title of the GOAT: retired Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan or current Los Angeles Laker Lebron James. These players played in different times, so the people who were able to experience Jordan’s crazy dunk in 1987 from the free throw line will probably argue that he is better. However, this is an assumption based mainly on nostalgia and the fact that they probably cannot work a modern television.

Not calling myself a LeBron fan, but those Jordan fans with a middle schooler’s sense of humor further their silly argument by calling James “LeMickey James” simply because they discount his championship win in 2020 in Orlando, Fla., home to Disney World. They argue that James can only win with a “superteam” or under fake circumstances.

This shows how obsessive fans of either player will find silly ways to try to prove why either Jordan or James should not be labeled the

GOAT of basketball, seemingly forgetting the fact that either player would destroy them in a one-on-one game.

“I don’t think the GOAT debate will ever be solved because there are so many players. For example Lebron James and Michael Jordan both played in different times so you can’t really compare the two,” freshman Veronica Trueba said.

After the recent World Cup, many have decided on their own terms that the debate over the greatest soccer player of all time is over. While Ronaldo was “crying in his car” after Portugal’s elimination from the World Cup, according to a Morocco fan, Argentina finally got the win that many think they deserved. On top of scoring his jaw dropping “encara Messi” goal back in 2007, Messi carried Argentina with seven goals in

the tournament, seemingly leaving Ronaldo and his one World Cup goal in the dust.

However, it clearly is not fair to discount Ronaldo’s place in this debate largely based on his performance in a single tournament, especially considering his one of a kind bicycle goal for Real Madrid in 2018 in the Champions League. This proves how fans will take either player’s best moment and compare it to the other’s worst moment to win an argument that they just do not have the soccer experience to win.

All sports have their selection of possible GOATS and their fanatics will fight to the death just to defend their beloved athlete that is completely unaware of their existence. To paint a picture, in a soccer match in June 2019, a fan ran onto the field to have his back signed by his lord and savior Messi, just before being taken away by security and likely charged of a crime.

Another example of a not so successful run in with a devotee and their icon was in a NBA game in Nov. 2017, when a 10-year-old tried to get his jersey signed by Stephen Curry, who unfortunately ignored the fan and went about his business.

As many new sports stars start showcasing their abilities on the big stage, new debates about who the future GOAT might be form, proving that these pointless arguments will truly never end. So, instead of wasting time and energy having a debate with no future resolution, fans should find something a little more productive to do, like work on their own skills.

“Honestly, I think that this debate has gotten out of hand. People bash other players because they are not their favorite or they think that they are not the real GOAT,” junior shooting guard Savannah Villarreal said.

For decades, sports fans have argued and failed to agree on who the greatest of all time is in each respective sport

COMMENTARY BY SELA PEÑA, STAFF WRITER

Dominating during senior night In their last home game of the season against Barbara Goleman, the Lady Cavaliers secured a 48-8 victory

BY VALENTINA ARAUJO, STAFF WRITER

ON THURSDAY, JAN.12, THE Lady Cavaliers basketball team played their very last home game against Barbara Goleman Senior High School and celebrated their senior night. Channeling their energy from previous victories, the ladies stepped onto the court ready to secure a final home victory.

“We look forward to a great game and encourage everyone to come out and support our seniors in their last home game,” coach Lisa Nanninga said before the game.

Once the first quarter began, Goleman won the jump ball, giving them the first possession. The Lady Cavaliers remained firm and focused, and soon after, stole the ball before Goleman could score. In an attempt to regain possession, Goleman tipped the ball out of bounds. Once the ball was inbounded, the Cavaliers made a few passes, leading senior guard Isabella Morales to make the first basket of the game with a two-pointer, giving the Cavaliers a 2-0 lead.

Goleman had good ball movement but the Cavalier defensive prowess overtook them. Due to their great communication and blocking skills, the first quarter was a success for Gables as they ended it with a lead of 6-5.

“The first quarter was very different from the other three mainly because we were still getting used to playing with an audience, but

after a couple minutes we got the hang of things,” senior center Gloria Arce said.

The Cavaliers started the second quarter with possession of the ball since Goleman won the jump ball at the beginning of the first quarter. With the Lady Cavs consistently jumping for defensive rebounds, they were able to make fast breaks and score quick points. Meanwhile, the audience cheered them on and showed great school spirit coupled with the animated chants of the cheerleaders. With 45 seconds left in the second quarter, Gables had a comfortable lead 17-5. Basket after basket, free throw after free throw, the second quarter came to an end with a score of 19-5, Goleman trailing behind by 14 points.

“I’m not even the biggest sports person but the game had me hooked,” junior Katelyn Mesa said. “I was really feeling the tension in the second quarter; it was like I couldn’t look away.”

As the third quarter approached, the Cavaliers and coach Nanninga reflected on their performance in the first half. Nanninga went over all of their strategies for staying focused on their opponents’ plays and reinforcing their own. When the loud speaker blared, signaling the end of halftime, the team gathered and chanted before stepping on the court to begin the second half.

After eight entertaining minutes for

the fans, the Lady Cavaliers maintained the lead, scoring 12 points in the third quarter. Quickly transitioning into the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers began their last quarter at home with a positive mindset and a big lead against their opponents. Ending with a final score of 48-8, the Cavaliers lined up next to Goleman to shake hands and demonstrate good sportsmanship.

The Lady Cavaliers ended the game with a smile on their faces as everyone cheered and congratulated the seniors for winning their last home game. The post-game senior night festivities included the seniors Gloria Arce, Melanie Garcia, Isabella Morales and Audrey Simon walking down the gym with their families as they received their own speech from principal Tony Ullivari. They all received flowers, crowns and posters from their families, friends and the Lady Cavaliers junior varsity team for all the great things they have accomplished during their time on the basketball team.

“The team did really well and it was great to see so much support from the fans. There was a lot of growth as a team this year and it really showed,” parent Lemay Arce said.

POSING PROUD: Seniors Isabela Morales, Audrey Simon, Gloria Arce and Melanie Garcia smile together to celebrate their special night

FOLLOWING THROUGH: Junior Tykira Mitchel makes a free throw and advances the Cavaliers’ lead to 30-6 late in the third quarter

Politics in sports Fans leaving and viewership declining, politics and sports just do not mix

COMMENTARY BY ADRIEL CORTES, STAFF WRITER

FOR YEARS, SPORTS have been a source of unity between families and friends. However, after seeing different instances like the LGBTQ+ discrimination because of Qatar’s political views or anti-American sentiments before NBA games, it is hard to ignore the political tensions that take away from the fun of the sport. Sports and politics should remain completely separate to maintain the community aspect of sports that fans love so much.

There has been a series of security forces in Qatar that have been violating the rights of LGBTQ+ soccer fans watching the World Cup. According to an article published by the Human Rights Watch, stadium security officers have been inflicting verbal and physical abuse, as well as denying legal counsel and medical care for LGBTQ+ soccer fans holding rainbow flags throughout the tournament.

the way they feel politically about something, associations such as the NBA advertising social and political issues can have more negative consequences than benefits.

For example, a game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers in the 2020 playoffs saw a 41 percent decrease in viewership compared to games in 2019 since the social justice campaigns started according to a Newsweek article. Making the statement as important as the event can lead to a decline in ratings and interest in sports, which decreases viewership and can cause more disinterest in social dilemmas. According to a Newsweek poll, 34.5% of people have been watching less sports in 2021 due to social justice campaigns.

DID YOU KNOW?

Only about 27% of all fans agree that they want to hear about political opinions of people involved when they tune into sports.

Additionally, according to the Washington Post, any fan wearing a rainbow symbol or holding a rainbow flag that represents the LGBTQ+ community have been denied entry into the stadiums and confronted by public officials. However, according to CNN, a Qatari government official told them prior to the World Cup that Qatar would be inclusive and open to all fans, regardless of their background. Qatari officials should not take away the rights of visiting LGBTQ+ fans because of the country’s unjust politics, especially if they promised to accept them beforehand. By breaking their promise to be inclusive and arresting those fans that were simply representing their identities, Qatar unneccesarily brought politics into the game of soccer and hindered the ability of some to just enjoy the game they love.

Source: Forbes

Yet, this does not mean that all political statements should be removed from sports games. For example, the national anthem is sung at the beginning of every sports game. The history behind that goes back to World War II. The national anthem would be sung only once in major events like the World Series in the Major League Baseball organization, but out of respect for the lives lost in the war, the MLB decided to begin singing the national anthem at the beginning of every game as a sign of patriotism and unity in the country.

Nowadays, there are people that refuse to stand up for the national anthem in sports games making the tradition more political than it has to be, taking away from the fun of the game. Instead of using sports to unite fans behind a common opinion or cause, people are trying to use every opportunity they have to showcase their political opinions and take away from the focus of the game.

by the numbers

highlights surveyed 169 students in December 2022 regarding politics in sports

71% of students do not agree with Qatar’s policies in the World Cup.

59% of students believe that players and their actions should be separated from their sport.

83% of students have noticed negative impacts politics have had on sports.

“Qatar agreed to set aside their internal politics to make an inclusive place for the World Cup and I don’t think they fulfilled their side of the deal,” senior Thomas Cancino said.

Going beyond the 2022 World Cup, political statements like supporting the Black Lives Matter movement have been promoted by the National Basketball Association. Although players and commentators always have the right to express

“The national anthem should not be taken away as it is a representation of a nation. People have the right to voice their opinions, however it should not be the main focus in sports games,” JROTC student John Trueba said.

Sports are a way to form bonds with others and enjoy watching something together as simple as a ball game. Political talk should not use sports as a platform to voice an opinion since it almost always takes away from the fun of the game.

78% believe politics should not be brought up in sports.

Compiled by Alexander Brazda/highlights

Offering “berry” healthy bowls

Located just a few blocks from Gables, Ernie’s Acai provides delicious and nutritious options for students

BY ANAIS JAMALI, STAFF WRITER

ERNIE’S AÇAÍ

IS

AN UP-ANDcoming business in the City of Coral Gables whose mission is to serve delicious bowls using only the highest and freshest quality ingredients. With its close proximity to the school, Ernie’s Açaí is a perfect place to visit after school to refresh.

The owner, Hernando Caicedo and employees take great pride in offering Miami a new and healthy market of açaí bowls. They are passionate and proud of their products which they hope widen accross Miami culture.

“I’m a Miami local, born and raised and açaí is very popular on the West coast, so everywhere you go there is açaí and I wanted to be one of the first to have a shop that sells only açaí in Miami,” Caicedo said.

Açaí is a berry originally from rainforests in South America and is known to be a superfood because it contains antioxidants and fiber which reduce swelling, boosts energy and stimulates the immune system. Superfoods are beneficial for those who need power throughout the day. The owner of Ernie’s Açaí came across an açaí soft serve mix in Arizona which he now includes in all the bowls served.

The menu consists of flavorful bowls which include their proprietary açaí mix and fruits as well as protein bars and tea.

“I started going recently, mostly before soccer practice with my

other teammates because it makes me feel refreshed and energized,” sophomore Julia Nason said.

The most popular bowls are the “Automatic” and the “Tropicalista.” The fan favorite bowl is The Automatic, pictured on the bottom left, which includes their proprietary açaí mix, strawberries, banana, granola and honey. The Tropicalista, pictured on the bottom right, consists of their proprietary mix topped with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, toasted coconut, granola and coconut oil. They only use 100% organic, vegan and dairy free products.

Without any added toppings, a smallsized bowl is $12, a regular-sized bowl is $13.50 and a large bowl is $15.

While this store is known for its extraordinary açaí bowls, they also offer açaí smoothies, drinks like coffee and tea and other small snacks such as cookies, bars and granola. The regular sized açaí smoothies are $9, drinks range from $3.50 to $9 and snacks range from $2.50 to $10. The store also includes a 10% discount for all students.

Ernie’s Açaí also offers a fantastic instore experience with an immediate welcome upon entering. The cozy like ambiance with small tables and stools inside and outside, welcoming customers to sit, eat and enjoy.

They are located at 4141 Laguna St., Coral Gables and offer take-out or curbside pick-up. They are open on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Mondays to Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“The atmosphere of Ernie’s Açai is very fun and inviting, it’s definitely a space anyone can come to, to grab a bowl and just hangout with friends or by themselves,” team member Sophia Hussain said.

Coconut

As a new business, the store is thriving. Ernie’s fair prices, originality and variety of açaí bowls makes the store worth visiting.

I STARTED GOING RECENTLY, MOSTLY BEFORE SOCCER PRACTICE WITH MY OTHER TEAMMATES BECAUSE IT MAKES ME FEEL REFRESHED AND ENERGIZED.

“ AnaísJamali/highlights

Handmade and flavorful, the unique cinnamon buns of Rolled offer a new take on a classic dessert

BY ISABELA DUARTE, STAFF WRITER

OFFICIALLY OPENED ON October 24, 2022, Rolled is offering a new perspective on the already classic and loved cinnamon buns.

Founded by Andrew Gonzalez, who also founded Night Owl Cookies, Rolled was created to broaden the field of sweets from cookies to cinnamon buns. Gonzalez started his first project, Night Owl Cookies, with the hopes of bringing something relatively new to the Miami dessert scene.

With Night Owl Cookies being successful, he expanded with a focus on cinnamon buns. Before Rolled, few establishments offered cinnamon buns but, now his new creative venture is closer to people in Miami.

The unique essence of Rolled is present in the flavor combinations offered through their handmade buns. As a place for everyone, their 10 assorted flavors adapt to the preferences of a variety of customers.

With nine sweet flavors and one savory flavor, their menu includes the original sticky, cookies & cream, funfetti cake, chocolate hazelnut, guava y queso, tres leches, bacon scotch, cafecito, ham and Night Owl, which

entails a cookie dough filling, milk glaze topped with a crushed chocolate chip Night Owl cookie. All 10 cinnamon bun flavors are sold for $4.99.

Despite setting their focus on their cinnamon buns, they now offer customers coffee. They serve coffee and tea which like their buns can easily adapt to a variety of preferences. From coffees that are considered a staple like Americanos and Espressos to their iced tea with unique flavors Strawberry Blast and Peach Paradise, there is a drink for every customer.

“Letting customers know that there is something different for various kinds of people is what I want customers at Rolled to know from their experience here,” staff Ruben Dario Silguero Chiquin said.

Moreover, some flavors reflect the food culture present in Miami, such as the Cafecito, which includes Miami’s coffee culture with the classic espresso taste brought by the filling and topping. The unusual combinations present in the food culture in Miami can also be seen with their ham flavor bun which includes a ham béchamel filling, topped with fresh herbs and garlic butter, pictured on the

COOKIES & CREAM: A traditional flavor and a beloved bun meet in a flavorful paradise.

bottom left.

Moreover, Rolled ensures customers the best quality cinnamon buns as they are handmade by the staff, offering the best quality to all their customers.

“The pleasant environment and the wafting smell of handmade cinnamon buns welcome you into the store. And their splendid service really put the topping on the cake,” junior Natalie Muniz said.

Cinnamon roll lovers will enjoy this as they are able to have a familiar taste of the bun while trying a new unique flavor. Rolled hopes to add a new perspective on the already beloved classic cinnamon rolls.

Rolled offers customers with the best cinnamon bun experience at 10524 SW 8th St. near the Florida International University South campus from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday. They also offer online ordering with home delivery, or pick up in store.

As a recently opened business with the clear objective of diversifying Miami customers’ dessert options, Rolled has done just that with their extensive and unique combinations of handmade buns.

GUAVA GOOD: A Hispanic twist on the classic American buns.

TRES BIEN: Tres leches and three flavors of deliciousness in one bun.

SAVOR THE FLAVOR: A bountiful bun for those needed a savory ham flavored snack.

Isabela Duarte/highlights

Modernized Minigolf

A never seen before take on traditional minigolf with techinfused balls and courses to change

BY JULIA VOLMAN, STAFF WRITER

PUTTSHACK, A NEW MIAMI scene open since Oct. 24, 2022, a offers new way to play America’s favorite pastime, minigolf.

The indoor minigolf experience at Brickell City Centre stands out with a unique technological spin on traditional putt putt. Technology is intertwined with the game through the founders’ creation, Trackaball™, eliminating the hassle of score keeping with a pencil and paper with microchipped golf balls.

Puttshack offers three nine-hole courses to play: Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire; the Sapphire being entirely distinct from the Emerald and Ruby, which differ in one hole.

Each player is given a Trackaball™ golf ball to putt that is linked to their game keeping track of the strokes and calculating the score, shown on a screen positioned above each hole. This concept was created by the Jolliffe brothers, founders of TopGolf, in collaboration with Adam Breeden, the creator of All Star Lanes bowling and other venues.

“The technology inside our golf balls is patented and trademarked, so Puttshack is the only place where this unique technology is,” Puttshack GameTech Noah said.

While staying true to the original putt putt concept, many holes incorporate games like roulette and triva themes. While putting into a roulette wheel, a player’s ball may land on red or black and depending on if the minigolfer lands on the winning color, their ball is tunneled closer or farther from the hole.

LenoxBalzeb

the putt putt game

hole presents a question to a player at the start of their turn, then the player putts toward the path labeled true or false in response to the question. Points are gained or lost for the respective correct or incorrect answers.

Unlike most minigolf locations, the highest score wins on these courses. Putters earn points depending on shots per hole, such as 50 points for a hole in one, 40 points for a hole in two and so on. One can lose points from special features on the green such as shortcuts called Supertubes and setbacks called Hazard Traps.

Instead of putting directly to the last hole, usually in more than one stroke, one would aim for the Supertube, a difficulty- positioned hole in the middle of the course that assures a player a hole in one. This may be harder to get to,

but if reached it directs the ball to the end hole.

These shortcuts are usually blocked by Hazard Traps, holes that add an element of risk to aiming for a Supertube. They will sabotage a game if putted into by puting the ball through a tunnel, landing it farther from the end hole and losing the player points.

“My favorite part about Puttshack is the score being calculated for you and that you aren’t rushed through the course since it is only nine holes,” customer Ally said.

Whether before, during or after a round of putt putt, players can enjoy globally inspired cuisine and drinks on the course or in the lounge. These menu items include but not limited to falafel cakes, buffalo chicken dip, margherita flatbreads and chicken sandwiches all ranging from $10 to $19.

Neon lights and television screens hung around the location give the courses an eyecatching ambiance completed with a DJ that creates an environment catered to youthful clientele as opposed to the more mundane atmosphere of traditional minigolf.

For trivia, the screen above the

Located at 701 S Miami Avenue, Brickell City Centre, a round of minigolf at Puttshack is priced at $18 for players 13 and older and $10 for 12 and under. They are open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for customers under 21; for those 21 and over they are open until 12 a.m. Sundays to Wednesdays and 1 a.m. Thursdays to Saturdays. Parties of 12 or more must get a group booking. Dishes from around the world and the future of minigolf awaits at Puttshack.

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the scene 25

highlights

Building a safe haven for artists and a community for all to enjoy, The Artisan’s Playhouse offers art for everyone

BY CHIARA ABAD-SANCHEZ, STAFF WRITER

NOT OFTEN IS THERE A PLACE for complete free expression outside of the art world, but The Artisan’s Playhouse’s integration of an artists’ dream studio and reality fits the image quite perfectly. They offer classes in an array of mediums for all artists of all levels to try.

During the day, the studio operates as the original store Miami Fabrics, selling fabrics of all colors and designs. At 3 p.m., the doors open to the community, transitioning from a grandmother’s dream to an artisan’s playhouse. The owners of Artisan’s Playhouse, Ruben Pazo and Iovanna Romero, were able

to accomplish the dual use of the space since Pazo took over his family business of Miami Fabrics.

Pazo and Romero always trifled in art and took inspiration when witnessing others perform their art, specifically ceramics. They enjoyed creating pottery with friends and family, wanting to offer other people the same beautiful experiences they had. So, their goal became to create a safe haven for those wanting to share their artful passions with the community.

“Once we began to teach, I started to see people’s faces and the memories they were creating. That made me want to continue

Artists Community

At first, the Artisan’s Playhouse was known as Miami Pottery as they strictly kept to ceramics, Romero and Pazo’s main passion. However, they eventually expanded their hobbies to provide more to the customers, which is when it became more of a playhouse for artists to let creativity flow.

Artisan’s Playhouse offers its studio to other instructors and artisans who want to practice their craft, such as teaching shuffledancing, miniature painting, soap-making and candle-making. All of these crafts have been offered here for all to enjoy and explore. This is how Artisan’s Playhouse supports their community; they allow instructors to use their space and give them the resources necessary to practice and teach their craft.

The ambiance of Artisan’s Playhouse is like no other. They utilize every facet of the room to support local artists with home-made objects on every shelf and surface available; ranging from mirrors to masquerade masks to tiny frogs on the walls and installations hanging from the ceiling, some made of bicycles, paper dragons and carnival characters.

All of the paintings on the walls are made by local artists and can be purchased, another way they support their local artist community. Highlights displays some of these paintings within the frames on the page.

Oftentimes the unique classes are given

with relatively short notice and are few and far between. However, on their website there is a calendar with their classes and bookings, walk-in are not welcome. With a schedule and times that change every week, they are open every day except Monday.

A customer’s art experience is not limited to the class they book karaoke, accompanied by a stage and band set-up filled with multiple guitars, drums and a microphone stand. Anyone is free to sing their hearts out and experience the vocal art as they practice the physical art form within their class.

Booking an event would be preferred if coming in with a large group of 10 or more. For whichever class, refreshments and snacks ranging from hot pockets to green tea to detox juices are available for purchase at the Artisan’s Cafe.

The classes may be a bit pricey, but it is all worth it considering what’s being taught, the experience and the anecdote that can be brought home at the end of it.

The Artisan’s Playhouse prides itself on creating a community that incorperates

instructing and allow people to express themselves,” Pazo said.

Rather than creating an entirely new store, he merged this idea with the previous establishment to create the perfect partnership for an art studio, with the fabric store providing yarn, a location, and other materials and the studio providing community expression. The studio officially opened on Jan. 2021 and is located at 2456 W. 8th Court, Hialeah, FL 33010.

highlights delves more into the insight of the community at Artisan’s Playhouse and provides some enlightenment into the tufting and pottery classes offered.

all aspects that remotely fulfill the definition of Art. The playhouse allows all to inquire in the Art verse.

COMFORTING COMMUNITY: With a intiving atmosphere, The Artisans Playhouse matches the vibe with the tribe.

Lenox Balzebre/highlights

Rug tufting

If a room feels empty, a rug might be the perfect solution, as they bring a sense of comfort and warmth to any living space. However when it comes to making a rug, the process may seem intimidating. The Artisan’s Playhouse offers a unique rugtufting class for any level artist to take.

The process is relatively simple with the instructors nearby to teach the process smoothly. Rug-tufting is when loops of yarn are pulled through the rug’s backing material with a tufting gun, which shoots out the yarn into the backing. The process can be lengthy as it is composed of two classes, but with the right company, it can be fun.

The class starts with an introduction and safety precautions from the instructor, as students are working with a heavy tufting gun. From there, students get some practice on the test frame to understand how a tufting gun works. Then, a projector is used to trace out whatever image students desire to create. With a wide selection of yarn, courtesy of the Miami Fabrics store collaboration, customers can pick out colors for their rug. Once the image is traced, the students will fill it in with the tufting gun the following class.

“Taking the rug tufting class was such an amazing experience. Ruben was very patient and friendly with me when I asked for help

Pottery-making

The art of pottery is said to be therapeutic and is considered to be a form of meditation. The medium allows for a more physical art form rather than painting as one works directly with the clay.

The best part of throwing on the wheel is that at the end of the whole process, something is created. It probably won’t be perfect and probably will not turn out how it was desired to, but that just means there’s something to improve on. Pottery is a skill that can be mastered with enough determination, passion and time.

There is a two-hour introductory class that usually goes from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for new students that teaches pottery basics. Artisan’s Playhouse may have classes for beginners, but they let advanced students experiment or help them perfect their craft.

“We go out of our way to allow students to continue practicing on more advanced things if they want to practice it,” Pazo said.

Whichever one of the instructors present will teach different techniques and will explain the step by step process of ceramics. This includes centering, pulling walls, surface decoration and glazing. The instructors are always willing to help and enjoy enhancing their customers’ experiences in hopes that they love and appreciate the craft

which I really appreciated,” customer

Gabriella Rodriguez said.

The art studio provides yarn, fabric, a tufting frame and a tufting gun. All that is needed to be brought in is two to three design ideas. Customers are welcome to bring their own yarn of choice to the second class, when they will be filling in their design, but it must be a size four yarn.

After taking this class, a “rug wrap-up” session will be needed, however, it is included in the initial price of $75. The second class includes putting together finishing touches, such as applying a rug backing and trimming the visible surface of the rug. If younger than 13, a parent is required to supervise rug tufting.

Along with the unlimited amount of

designs that could go on a rug, the amount of colors that can be used are limitless. Whether it be a pokemon or a self portait, a rug can be made into anything. However, the best part is the unique experience of rug tufting.

as much as they do.

After taking this class, a glazing class will have to be taken, which is done with a bisque firing to ensure there is no more water in the clay. Upon glazing completion, customers are allowed to decorate their pieces. This is also the opportunity to pick up and take home one’s pottery creations.

The initial class is $40.64. However, the glazing class adds an additional $10. One must book both classes individually on the Artisan’s Playhouse’s website.

The Artisan’s Playhouse allows those to experience Art to the fullest extent.

LenoxBalzebre/highlights

TOUGH TUFTING: Experimenting with a new medium, this artisan explores the wonders of tufting in making a cheetah.

Logging in to A social media reality

BY SARYN MOORE, STAFF WRITER

JuanFajardo/highlights

SOCIETY

IS FULLY IMMERESED

in the digital environment of social media. Once seen as a trendy but inconsequential development, the digital age is now the standard rather than a novelty. The lives of all users, at least the amount that they share, are accessible with just a couple of clicks and swipes on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Reality is now so intertwined with digital communications that they set the standard for how people interact with each other. Additionally, the participation and devotion of individuals on this never ending internet carousel inevitably leads to wide-scale shifts in societal reactions and decisions. Demonstrated by the influence of both the individual and the collective, these platforms are strengthened both by number of users and relevance by promoting the idea of being unique as long as this perceived uniqueness fits in with everyone else.

The fundamental workings of social media are built off of algorithms, which according to Merriam-Webster, are complex mathematical codings done by a computer, working as each user’s personal researcher. The code picks up information on the engagement from each user to identify their interests.

Eventually, the algorithms of the media platform will begin to understand the user so well that they will supply the user with content formatted specifically for them.

This concept stretches into the world of digital marketing as the algorithm gets to know the user. Such programs can specify such effective ads to their feeds, that a business may then invest and hone in on the target audience found entirely by the individual’s relation to the digital.

As buyers are shown products tailored to their liking, an all encompassing string of mutual relationships are created. The process of collecting data from the user

DID YOU KNOW?

Revenue from digital marketing in 2018 was $107.5 Billion, 41% higher than revenue ammased from television and 71% higher than that of magazine revenue.

Source: Maryville University

and translating it into information that detects personality is a seamless operation where all the heavy work is assumed by internal algorithms powered by computer codes; while the user simply needs to absorb and react to the content provided. Naturally, this constructs a new normal that is today’s social-media based society.

Although the technology supporting algorithms is specific to the individual, social media platforms are interconnected and require the masses to maintain relevance and

keep algorithms going. Therefore, when a trend is taking off, it is the job of the algorithm to provide the user with relevant content that peaks interest and promotes circulation.

Namely, Facebook uses an algorithm called EdgeRank which takes into consideration the amount of time the user spent, the relationship with the content and how old the content is to determine what output to place on their feeds, according to Buffer.

Moreover, with the established relevance social media has in today’s society, lifestyles and jobs have developed surrounding it. From professional users that are the faces of the entertainment industry, to the agents and managers behind them, the opportunities that arise from social media are significant to the current state of employment.

Social media’s uses going further than posting a meal or sending a message, indicates a new form of entertainment that forms lives and occupations to the standard of a collective obsession with what the next person is up to.

“I believe social media is more unique today because of all the specific and specialized apps for people,” senior Justin Bohanan said.

Social media is the standard mode of interaction and connection today. By serving and defining the individual, algorithms predict what is wanted before it is even fathomed. Thus, serving the masses in a computer generated race to the next big thing.

students speak up

highlights

“

“ “

“ SOCIAL MEDIA HAS GIVEN PEOPLE THE PLATFORM TO POST THEIR OWN OPINIONS FROM POLITICAL DIVISIONS TO CREATIVITY

SOCIAL MEDIA HAS INFLUENCED WHAT I DO WHEN I HANG OUT WITH MY FRIENDS. WE USUALLY MAKE PLANS THAT CAME FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

Luana Gunther, Sophomore Anastasia Sakuray, Freshman

By promoting personalized consumption , alluring platforms maintain constant engagement and define what is normal

A RECOMMENDATION JUST FOR YOU

With any business, it is typical to establish good marketing and enticing features that cater to consumers’ wants. Apps such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook have all been built off of algorithms that make the app more appealing to each individual user.

Algorithms, in this context, deliver relatable content to each person, based on their previous searches and interests using mathematical codes, according to the Digital Marketing Institute. Therefore, a user remains in an everlasting routine of swipes and scrolls.

Algorithms create a feed that becomes more personalized and therefore, necessary to

each user. Thus, media apps inherently serve as efficient self-advertisement, as everything is catered to the user at a personal level.

According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, algorithms have developed a computer-based personality decorated by each user, which has shown to be more knowledgeable about the user than most of their closest relationships.

With that, there is no doubt that platforms will know what exact feed will pertain to and interest the user most, making it almost inevitable for the user to want to continue engaging with the app.

According to Bipper Media, Spotify

From the Code to the suit

Besides the internal ways algorithms make apps more compelling to the user, they also redirect advertising to be more digital because of how easy it is to display products to a target audience.

The increase of people joining social media creates easy accessibility to fast and widespread marketing. Therefore, making the use of digital advertisement over something like print ads and billboards far more efficient.

According to Lyfe Marketing, the total United States budget for digital marketing has increased to over $322 billion in comparison to the decreasing budget of billboards and print ads at $50 billion in 2022.

“It [digital marketing] is specifically redesigned to advertise to demographics with specific needs/interests for businesses.

“I curate strategic campaigns that

allow my client’s business to be in front of their consumers at all times,” founder and creative director of consulting agency Key Introductions Christina Key said.

When opening a website, a sidebar typically shows up asking the user to accept cookies. This acceptance is agreeing to track the actions and behaviors during the duration of the usage of the website then communicate that data with outside business to advertise and tailor content suggestions and ads to the user, according to Termly.

Cookies emerge from websites and different social media platforms that the user has installed to share interests and data associated with the user, according to Target Internet. Thus, making it easy to remind the person of that pair of shoes that they looked at for a little longer than usual or a perfume that they kept open on their tab.

by the numbers

$268 billion

30% of people around the world use social media

Source:Hootsuite

59% are expected to be spent on social media advertisment in 2023

Source: Statista

reviews its user’s time on a song using a 30-second rule to determine what songs interest that listener. The algorithm picks up on specific lyrics and tones of other songs and compares it to music the listener currently does and doesn’t like using it’s BiDirectional Auto-Regressive Transformer algorithm that goes by the name of BaRT. In this way, an algorithm systematically learns about and understand the individual.

Essentially, the platforms have cultivated such effortless ways for users to rapidly become hooked to the content that both the digital and physical world have been led into an indistinguishable ‘normal’ addiction.

Through that, platforms and websites jointly combine the collection of cookies and algorithms collected from the user to keep them going back or eventually purchasing the product on the website.

According to Google Developers, the extra letters in a URL that seem random are actually identifying the cookies that are being used on that particular site. Sets like “ga.js” are used to examine the amount of time spent on the website, remember the user and the value that searching that website has and plenty of other distinguishing factors that all establish a more complex understanding of the user’s interests.

Resulting from this binary bound relationship between buyer and seller, the power social media contains in distributing the exposure of products is too high for any business to stop advertising.

Source:Datareportal

30% of people on social media consider themselves to be influencers

Source: IZEA

Compiled by Juan Fajardo/highlights of internet users are reached by instagram ads

Collective interests

By nature, people are inclined to participate in what others are participating in, social media being the main proponent of this bandwagon effect.

On platforms like TikTok, niches in the algorithms often create subsections such as “BookTok,” a subgroup in the app that relates to all things literature. Typically, people hyper-fixate on the same book that is going viral at that moment.

On social media, it is difficult to not take part in a trend because the algorithm of each user’s feed will pump the most popular, therefore similar, content that pertains to what the user typically enjoys.

In BookTok, a notable name, Colleen Hoover, had her best-selling book, “It Ends With Us,” at number one for 151 weeks in the New York Times Best Sellers List. According

to an interview with Hoover in the NYT, she dedicates most of her success to BookTok and the fame of her novels from the app itself.

“Social media can be used for entertainment purposes on the app, but even more so to influence the decisions we make and what we do as a part of the app,” sophomore Santiago Gonzalez said.

According to Fox 5 New York, interviews of people that make or sell cheese detailed how in just a matter of a week these cheesemongers were nearly sold out of feta cheese when a viral cooking video of a quick feta cheese pasta recipe was posted. The receipe which created the sauce intrigued a large enough chunk of social media to sell out most of the stock of cheese.

These trends essentially serve as a reflection of society’s baseline and interests.

Something so bizarre as a specific cheese can leave supermarkets out of stock just because of the major power and influence social media has on today’s society. Although social media holds the power to distribute such ideas, it is the users that enforce it.

Seeing that social media is intertwined so heavily with real-world decisions, as a collective force, modern-day culture is highly persuaded by the opinion of each user. Eventually, that expression is clumped together to establish this major unified and unanimous agreement on what comes and goes. More users leech on to already formed conclusions on social media since this cycle of consuming, adopting and discarding occurs constantly through cyberspace with each click extending the length of time a trend will remain relevant.

The Compelling Media Life

Social media accounts are centered around the user who naturally has a stronger sense of self-identity with the platform when everything about the app is about them.

The gratification goes to their account or any other purpose that the user has curated to be publicized. Being appreciated is a human experience that every individual desires.

According to NBC News, appreciation makes people want to collaborate and challenges people to do more.

The more people post, the more interaction and compliments people receive in return. This maintains the relevance and constant use of apps. So users will continue creating content and publicizing their lives in return for likes.

Likes accumulated on social media can eventually become money, if the user gains enough followers. Influencers on platforms such as Youtube can often make $57,996 annually, according to ZipRecruiter.

“Children and even adults who only know the media can forget about the real world when getting so caught up with the superficial lives that social media depicts in most cases,” junior Emily Santiago said. Having this relevancy in society has made the lifestyle alluring to younger generations. The impact of influencers continues to feed the minds of social media users, as they are essentially their own spokesperson that encourages others to engage more in the app, so they can potentially have

49% of consumers depend on influencer recommendations on social media

from the editor

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that same lifestyle. According to a survey directed by Bloomberg, 86% of young people in America want to become social media influencers. Additionally, according to a study conducted by The Sun, about one-third of children and teens hope to be popular YouTubers in the future. It is evident that the influencer’s lifestyle and choices trickle down to society as a whole, puppeteering today’s culture and trends. Social media and its influence are a normalcy in society that affect the majority of people. Society has leaned towards placing importance on capturing and creating moments that are meant to fit a two-dimensional plane, effectively reducing each user to that level.

Juan Fajardo Insight Editor

Whether the purpose of social media is to unite the world, brainwash youth or expand the portfolios of Sillicone Valley venture capitalists is up to each tweeting person to decide. My only certainty is that these smooth edged, click-eliciting platforms and the experiences they foster are our reality. There is no longer a “dawn of the digital age” it is simply the world we live in. Moreover, no matter how funny it is that the more hyper-individual the internet’s binary code suggests its constituents to be, the more we become the same, it is far more laughable to think this is something new. Found in response to a world whose direction was decided decades prior to our conception, there is a responsibility to shift narratives towards figuring out if social media has democratized us or made us prisoners of our own design; whether to stick around or let the levee break. As a credit to biology, perhaps we were all born users.

insight 31