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.