Issue 1, Vol. 58 by highlights Newsmagazine

highlights

THe DEEPEr education DILEMMA SANCTUARY CITIES Many are outraged as MiamiDade County Mayor Carlos Giménez followed federal orders to abide by the country’s immigration enforcement rules. PAGE 13

Issue 1, Volume 58 Sept. 2017

FALL SPORTS

With rising expectations as the season inches closer, the school’s fall sports teams prepare rigorously prepare for the new year. PAGE 20

POP UP PAINT

Painting is made easy at Miami’s new Pop Up Paint Shop, where class sessions taught by professional artists are available to people of all ages. PAGE 25

Coral Gables SHS 450 Bird Road, Coral Gables, FL 33146

2 preview features

sports

Junior Nikita Leus-Oliva and senior William Breslin started a club for teen democrats in Miami-Dade.

highlights Copy Editor Jack Band woos the Gablettes with his elegant take on the art of dance.

Coral Gables Mayor Raúl J. ValdésFauli answers questions about his political plans.

Sports and politics begin to mesh as players begin to use their sport as a platform for protest.

news

the scene

Miami-Dade County addresses climate change after the U.S.’s exit from the Paris Climate Accord.

Vicky’s House in Coconut Grove serves milkshakes in a recreation of the owner’s childhood home.

Facing pressure from the federal government, Miami-Dade County has renounced its sanctuary status.

The school goes antique with three of Miami’s best stops for shopping vintage.

opinion 14

With Florida’s 27th Congressional district seat up for grabs, candidates scramble to gain power.

Limited to a North-South system, Miami-Dade Transit must decide how to expand to West Miami.

ON THE COVER

insight 28

In comparing students’ options in secondary education, the books on the right show a specialized curriculum, while the books on the left show a generalized variety.

Faced with the choice of specializing or generalizing their schedules, students find themselves caught between two paths in deciding how to approach their educational and professional future.

FIND US ONLINE

advisory board

staff writers

Editor-in-Chief Leila Iskandarani Managing Editor Vanessa Vazquez Copy Editor Jack Band Business Manager Amanda Pallas Social Media Manager Audrey Weigel Adviser Melissa Gonzalez Features Sofia Viglucci News Angelle Garcia Opinion Benjamin Estrada Sports Dylan Carol The Scene Natalie Viglucci Insight Alejandra Orozco & Sutton Payne Online Karina Wu

Makayla Bell Tatiana Campos Daniel Cortes Dilan Denham Estelle Erwich Ruben Escobar Sophia Heilman Kevin Monjarrez Thomas Morcillo Savannah Payne Arianna Peña Alejandro Prida Mathilde Requier Cecilia Rodriguez Sara Saliamonas Alexander Sutton Alexandra Torres Mariam Vela Jenna Weber Alfredo Wolfermann

highlights @highlightscghs @highlightscghs

What’s your opinion? Send us an email with the subject line “Letter to the Editor” at highlightscghs@gmail.com. We reserve the right to publish any letters sent to this email.

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 in the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers. According to Miami-Dade County 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, student staff members only. highlights welcomes reader feedback. All letters should be addressed to highlightscghs@gmail.com with the subject line “Letter to the Editor.” highlights reserves the right to publish any letters sent to this email.

Looking to advertise in highlights? Get in touch with us at highlightscghs@gmail. com for advertising opportunities

TIME TO BUY A YEARBOOK! Yearbooks will be sold for $55 until October 31 Come to room 9222 with cash or check, or order online at www.yearbookordercenter.com School Code #1354

4 features

Gables teens on the political scene

Junior Nikita Leus-Oliva and senior William Breslin redirects her political involvement toward the establishment of a new democratic club

By Mariam Vela, Staff Writer

TRIVING TO REMAIN civically engaged in the local ongoings of Miami-Dade, junior Nikita Leus-Oliva and senior William Breslin recently launched the club “Miami-Dade Teen Dems,” which held their first meeting Aug. 4 at Leus’Oliva’s home. The club is comprised of a group of high school students identifying as Democrats from all across the county, who discuss current political issues during monthly meetings and will participate in activities such as phone banks, canvassing events and workshops all organized by Leus-Oliva and Breslin. “We realized that there is an incredible [lack] of civic teenage engagement around so we figured that we would start an organization that provided teenagers an opportunity to engage. There is a Miami-Dade Young Democrats, but they only include people over 18, and even then a lot of their meetings are at bars, so anyone under 21 is basically excluded,” Breslin said. Sixty students have already signed up to join, both from Gables and other schools in Miami-Dade, and are expecting to earn multiple community service hours for each event they partake in. MD Teen Dems is the first

non-school sponsored club solely for high school students in the county to be associated with a political party. “Since there are no clubs at Gables with party affiliation, I think this club will be a great opportunity for students with strong opinions and beliefs to finally have an official platform in which they can voice them through,” junior Pablo Hanono said. Since it will not be coming from the school, the funding for activities and events will derive from the $5 dues voting members must pay in order to be initiated into the club. “I think it’s fine that MD Teen Dems isn’t sponsored by Gables because now we have more wiggle room and freedom to do certain things as opposed to being restricted by forms and difficult processes within the school,” Marissa Singer-Rosenberg said. Among the many events the club plans to organize, one of the most predominant is phonebanks, which consist of calling potential voters and volunteers for local elections, or calling Democrat representatives themselves. The first phone bank hosted by the club took place on Aug. 25 to elect Senate District 40 candidate Annette Taddeo. The club will also organize canvassing events, where members will

features 5

Mariam Vela/highlights

to graduate college without being thousands of dollars in debt, then you should step up. If you’re a teen that wants to stay on your parent’s health insurance, and have it at an affordable rate, then you should step up. If you’re a teen that wants to see our society embrace diversity and reject... bigotry ... then you should definitely step up- now more than ever,” Breslin said. MD Teen Dems plans on establishing a board just as their school sponsored counterparts would, and has positions like secretary, treasurer and committee person open. In order to become a board member or simply sign up to volunteer, one can contact Leus-Oliva and Breslin either via email (mdteens@gmail.com) or visit their website (MDTeenDems. com) and fill out the form. They also have a Twitter and Instagram page set

POLITICAL POWWOW: Nikita Leus-

Olivia and William Breslin present and discuss their itinerary for the year at the first meeting (top left and bottom right, respectively).

up (both usernamesware @mdteendems) and post pictures and updates there regularly for members to see. “Decisions that are made daily by lawmakers directly affect us. Just because we can’t vote, does not mean our voices should go unheard. We have the ability to influence how other people vote, and make sure politicians know that our opinions, stances, and efforts should matter to them… Teens have more power than we are given credit for. It’s time to start using it,” Leus-Oliva said. Long term, the goal and focus of MD Teen Dems is to get teenagers across the county involved in the political process. By educating and empowering these teens, Leus-Oliva and Breslin hope to introduce a new generational wave of informed and active citizens. h

Mariam Vela/highlights

go door to door to talk to constituents affiliated with the Democratic Party and recruit volunteers, urging them to get out and vote for local representatives. MD Teen Dems plans to host “nonpolitical” workshops as well, in which professionals will be brought in to teach students important skills such as resume building and networking. Leus-Oliva is not new to the political scene, as she already has some experience under her belt. Not only was she elected communications director for the Young Democrats of America (YDA) National High School Caucus, she also attended the YDA High School Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C. over the summer, various workshops and trainings in Miami and the YDA National Convention in Dallas, where she helped run a campaign under the executive vice president. Her first main project on the political spectrum however, was as a fellow during the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign in the Coral Way area, where she registered voters, informed citizens of the candidate’s platform through canvassing and even hosted her own debate watch parties and phonebanks. “We’d like to show teens that staying involved in politics in between elections, as opposed to only during elections, is so important- if not more important. Elections are the first step, but holding those elected accountable is the next,” Leus-Oliva said. Leus-Oliva was also in charge of managing volunteers, an experience she claims pushed her to delve deeper into the political realm and ultimately form MD Teen Dems with Breslin. “If you’re a teen that wants

6 features

highlights meets the mayor Mayor Raúl J. Valdés Fauli gives the scoop on his motives and plans for Coral Gables

By Audrey Weigel, Social Media Manager What motivated you to run for mayor?

“I think that the city needed to be brought into the 21st century, or into the 20th century. There were many things to do... I wanted to bring innovation, I wanted to bring art, I wanted to improve public safety... there is global warming and I wanted to get back involved. Education is another big issue. I wanted to do things.”

What role does the City of Coral Gables play in public school funding for decisions or management?

“That’s the school board... That’s not us. About 40 percent of the taxes we pay go to the School Board. I think we’re very badly treated by the School Board in Coral Gables. We have a reputation of being filthy rich and that’s not right. Whether you’re rich or poor, you deserve to send your kid into public education... We should have room in our Coral Gables schools for Coral Gables kids.”

What do you think was the main reason that there were only 200 votes that affected your mayorial race?

“One interesting statistic is that we have 8,700 people voting and 7,000 of those were 50 years and older. So under 50 years only 1,700 voted, what is that, 20 percent? That’s pathetic. The lack of involvement of our youth in politics, which I think is generalized in the county... it’s pathetic. I keep trying, but the youth have to get involved... if they want to better their lives, if they want to live in a better place. They have to get involved.”

What projects are you working on right now that will affect the city in the long term?

“I’m working on many projects and maybe I’ll forget something but I would like to attract younger people to the city and there are many ways of doing that. One of them is what we’re doing in Miracle Mile... Another one is changing our zoning code... I’m also very involved in resiliency and global warming... I am also doing an innovation council in order to bring the city into the 21st century... I’m trying to bring art to Coral Gables... and we are trying to cut down on traffic.”

While you were attending high school, what activities were you involved in?

Audrey Weigel/highlights

MR. MAYOR:

Mayor Raúl J. Valdés Fauli works to improve the community in his office.

“I had a very weird high school. Very weird high school. I started high school in Cuba, and I played sports and then my parents sent me to upstate New York for two years, then I went back to Cuba and then Castro came and I came here and graduated from a school that’s not there anymore, Archbishop Curley High school on Second Avenue and 59th Street. I went to three and a half schools in four years.”

Do you believe practicing law gave you more experience in politics?

“Experience, no, but I do believe it gave me a good background on politics. The legal profession teaches you to spot the issues and divide what’s important and what’s not important and look for solutions and get to the bottom of things. And that’s very important in politics.” h

features 7

Emoji movie falls flat on its smiley face

Released in July of this year, “The Emoji Movie” currently spans movie theater screens, and highlights responds with the “thumbs down” emoji By Daniel Cortes, Staff Writer

ATCHING THE EMOJI MOVIE is like staring into a deep dark abyss full of corporate Hollywood decisions, endless product placement and terrible jokes. This movie was doomed from the start. Just the very idea of a movie about emojis will make anyone above the age of five reconsider their faith in big budget Hollywood films. It shows how low a studio is willing to go to make a quick buck. The movie follows the struggles of Gene, a “meh” emoji, who lives in the world of Textopolis, but whose faulty programming keeps him from fitting in. With the help of some of his fellow emojis, Gene sets off to be reprogrammed before he is deleted. Along the way, the characters pass through multiple apps that are pretty much blatant advertisements plastered throughout the film. I remember when the first trailer for this film was uploaded onto YouTube; it had an overwhelming amount of dislikes, and my faith in humanity was restored temporarily. Nevertheless, I watched the film. Just finding people to watch the movie was a hassle, as no one wanted to pay money to watch it, and I do not blame them. So I had to endure the movie by myself, which made the experience even worse because I could not even laugh at it ironically the way I usually would with friends. Despite how negative I have been, the animation for this film is surprisingly polished. The world the movie constructs shows that substantial effort was put into the animation department at Sony. However, the same cannot be said about the writing. The film

Notable Critic Reviews Vox “It’s amazing that we can put a man on the moon but movies like this still somehow get made.”

RogerEbert.com “A work so completely devoid of wit, style, intelligence or basic entertainment value that it makes that movie based on the Angry Birds app seem like a pure artistic statement by comparison.”

ScreenCrush “‘The Emoji Movie’ Review: We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Poop Emoji.” Compiled by Sofia Viglucci

is so pandering that I found myself groaning the entire hour and a half I was there. The “jokes” this film provided are nothing short of mindlessly predictable, with monkey emoji professing their diligence in “monkey business” and poop emoji chanting, “we’re number two.” The comedy sent my face into a perpetual cringe, and I am relatively certain it imploded. The movie follows an overused cookie cutter plot. A character feels left out, leaves the comfort of his digital world to travel to a new part of the digital world only to meet a rebellious female lead who relates to him. They then decide to team up so that their digital world does not get deleted forever. If you thought I just described the plot to Disney’s “Wreck it Ralph,” you would be correct. If you thought I just described the plot to “The Emoji Movie” you would also be correct, except that “The Emoji Movie” lacks fleshed out characters and an interesting premise. The movie also shares striking similarities to the plots of “The Lego Movie” and “Inside Out,” which shows just how mundane the storyline of this film is. It is a shame to see the talent that is wasted in making forgettable animated movies. Once, studios were finding their footing. Now, studios have found their footing and don’t want to let it go. It is for this reason that so many animated films are either sequels, reboots or have a plot so simple that a toddler could have thought it up. “The Emoji Movie” makes this issue abundantly clear. A pandering idea with an overdone plot makes for a film I believe everyone should skip. Do not watch “The Emoji Movie.” h

Daniel Cortes/highlights

HALL >> talk The highlights staff records what students are talking about in the hallways between periods.

BLOCK 1

BLOCK 2

“Just because it’s surrounded by water doesn’t mean it’s an island.”

“I’m showing up late to my own funeral.”

“Yes, me sneeze.”

“Can we sell him a P.E. shirt, do we trust him?”

“That’s the most ridiculous “I know it’s fraud, but she’s my thing I’ve ever heard. That’s mom.” like Splenda.”

8 news

NHS members leave their mark

Angelle Garcia/highlights

National Honor Society makes school improvements by painting floors and walls

PAINT PARTY: National Honor Society board members spends their Saturday, Aug. 12, painting the school in order to get it ready for the new school year.

News Briefs

news 9

By Amanda Pallas, Business Manager

New teachers start new year

TARTING THIS SCHOOL YEAR, the school is welcoming 12 new teachers to several different departments, including math, English, world languages and physical education, and is in the process of hiring more. For world languages, the new teachers include International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) Spanish teacher Jalier Sanchez- Madrigal and Lauren Phipps-Redondo, who is teaching pre-IB and DE French. For math, Michael Nesmith, Margarita Hernandez and Ilan Grapel all joined the school’s staff. Also joining the English department: new DE English teacher David Dresner and IB teacher Brigette Kinney, alumna of the school. “I’m just looking forward to getting to know everybody... I love IB, so participating again is really exciting,” Kinney said. The employment of 12 teachers for the 2017- 2018 school year was a decrease from the 23 teachers that were hired last year. For more information on the upcoming school year and a complete list of new teachers, visit the highlights tab on CavsConnect. h

Congratulations Senior Yanik Ariste received the highest Community Service Award at the FBLA National Convention. Senior Eric Jimenez won a national title for #BankOnIt at the National Academy of Finance (NAF) Convention.

The Gablettes were named Elite level at the American Dance Alliance Camp.

School grade improves from C to B this year

OR THE PAST TWO YEARS, the school’s performance grade has fluctuated, but this past year it improved to a B. During the 2015-2016 academic year, the school was dropped to a C after Miami-Dade County Public Schools changed their criteria for grading schools. After serious dedication to academic programs, the school was finally able to improve for the 2017-2018 school year. According to Assistant Principal Nestor Diaz, the school improved in almost every single area, especially in math. The performance grade of the school is based on students’ achievement on End of Course

tests (EOC) and graduation rates. This year the school has high hopes of raising its ranking back to an A. The school has even come up with a motto in order to motivate the students. “Our thing for next year is ‘It is T.I.M.E for an A’. We are going to put more emphasis on professional development and data driven instruction,” Diaz said. The school was not the only one to improve this year. The Florida Department of Education released the grades of all schools in Florida, showing much improvement. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho also announced that this year there were no F schools in Miami Dade County. h

Upcoming Events SEPT. 1

SEPT. 6

SEPT. 7

Varsity football game vs. Edison

First magazine collection

SEPT. 8

SEPT. 16

SEPT. 20

CAF&DM carwash

Club Fair

SEPT. 27

SEPT. 28

Junior ring payment

Early Release

Picture day Junior ring orders

Picture day Varsity football game vs. Killian SEPT. 22 Sophomore treat day Varsity football game vs. Palmetto

Open House

Varsity football vs. Miami Beach Source: CavsConnect

10 news

Climate change heats up Miami

Historically hot summer follows the removal of the United States from the Paris Climate Accord By Ruben Escobar, Staff Writer

N AUGUST 18, PRESIDENT endorsed the PCA and said their cities Donald J. Trump announced would still pursue the the accord’s goals the United States’ (US) on pollution reduction. The Conference withdrawal from the Paris Climate of Mayors, a meeting of city mayors Accord (PCA), an agreement written from across the country, convened for by the United Nations Framework its yearly gathering after issuing a string Convention on Climate Change of statements endorsing the accord. (UNFCCC) addressing the causes of After being asked about the PCA, climate change, including greenhouse Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos gas emissions, overuse of fossil fuels Gimenez declined to join other local and irresponsible leaders in calling waste disposal. for the President to DID YOU KNOW? stick with the global The PCA intends to deal against By the year 2060, it is alliance with the causes estimated that sea levels climate change. by recommending As Flroida’s top along Florida’s coastline that participating politicians negate could rise an additional 9 climate nations adopt green change, inches to 2 feet. the annual average energy sources, cut Source: Climate Reality Project down on greenhouse temperature of Florida gas emissions and has been predicted limit the rise of global temperatures. It to rise another 4.3 degrees by 2050 if was adopted by concensus in Paris on carbon pollution continues unabated. Dec. 12, 2015 by 196 countires. Precipitation has also increased by 8 The president said the country percent since the first half of the 20th should remain “the world’s leader on century and is predicted to rise another environmental issues” but said the 21 percent by the end of the 21st century. agreement must be renegotiated into Researchers at the University of something that “protects our country Florida have found that sea levels in and its taxpayers.” the Southeast, including Miami, rose After the president’s announcement, six times faster than the rate of global mayors across the country publicly increase between 2011 and 2015.

Donald Trump

Marco Rubio

President of the United States

United States Senator for Florida

“The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non competitive.”

“The climate is changing, but one of the reasons that the climate is changing, is that the climate is always changing. There’s never a time when the climate has not changed.”

Rick Scott

Govenor of Florida

“We have spent too much money, over 350 million dollars, to deal with sea level rise... climate change just isn’t true” ”

“I THINK THAT

CLIMATE CHANGE COULD BE DANGEROUS FOR US BECAUSE IT MELTS GLACIERS AND BY DOING SO, THE MELTED ICE EXPANDS INTO OCEANS AND IS SLOWLY OVERFLOWING PLACES SURROUNDED BY WATER SUCH AS FLORIDA.”

ALYSSA CAMACHO, SOPHOMORE

Florida’s coasts are slowly being taken by the ocean as the ice caps melt, causing the sea level to rise. According to the Florida State University Florida Climate Center, the increase in temperature heats the ocean which, in turn, causes the water around Florida and adjacent islands to rise, attracting tropical storms that could be detrimental. Other studies show that warming will increase the effects of El Niño, an irregularly ocurring series of climatic changes characterized by unusually warm weather and hurricanes. A new study from the University of Miami found that flooding in Miami Beach has soared since 2006— 400 percent from high tides and 33 percent from rain. The increased flooding, calculated from insurance claims, media reports and tidal gauges, stems from a regional rise in sea levels well above global increases and serves as a warning that future sea rise will likely happen. Recently, Miami-Dade commissioners gave Mayor Gimenez a second chance to back the PCA by proposing a legislation to support the accord and its goal of limiting the planet’s warming to under two degrees Celsius by the end of the century, countering Trump’s rejection of the nonbinding agreement. h

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

United States Represenatative for Florida

“South Florida is directly impacted by sea level rise and coastal flooding. We need a long term strategy against climate change.”

Carlos Giménez Miami-Dade County Mayor

“Let’s be clear, sealevel rise is a very serious concern for Miami-Dade County and all of South Florida...It’s not a theory, It’s a fact. We live it every day.”

Source: @Ileanaroslehtinen via Twitter, The Miami Herald, CNN, @DonaldJTrump via Twitter

news 11

Florida’s Coastlines and climate progression

1940

-Average temperature for Aug. 1940: 82° F -Average precipitation for Aug. 1940: 6.3 inches

2017

-Average temperature for Aug. 2017: 86° F -Average precipitation for Aug. 2017: 10.2 inches

2100

-Average temperature for Aug. 2100: 94.8° F -Average precipitation for Aug. 2100: 13.1 inches Compiled by Angelle Garcia Source: FSU Climate Center, WUnderground,Climate Central

12 news

Miami loses sanctuary status

Dade County recieves word from Washington that it will no longer be treated as a sanctuary city By Thomas Morcillo, Staff Writer

INCE AUG. 4, THE TRUMP political and legal analysts advised that administration has stopped Gimenez should not have made the considering Miami-Dade change in policy, since an injunction County (MDC) a “sanctuary city,” a city has been placed by a federal judge and that intentionally does not cooperate multiple local governments have sued with federal immigration authorities. because of the Trump administration’s The change was made evident in a letter new policies. received by Miami-Dade County Mayor One particular federal grant, Carlos Gimenez from acting Assistant the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice U.S. Attorney General Alan Hanson Assistance Grant (JAG) program, was explaining how there is “no evidence that adjusted such that qualifying cities [MDC] is currently out of compliance must require local law enforcement to with section 1373,” an Immigration give jail access to federal immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy authorities, as well as a 48 hour advance that requires local law enforcement warning of the release of an inmate to comply with requests to extend the sought for deportation. Gimenez detentions of announced on Aug. local inmates 5 that MDC’s DID YOU KNOW? compliance with sought for The only other sanctuary these requirements deportation and to share communities in Florida makes the county immigration are Gainesville in Alachua eligible for the information $481,387 grant. County and Jacksonville in with federal Although Clay County . the change now authorities. Source: Center for Immigration makes T h e MDC’s Studies i m m i g r a t i o n transition began with an MDC policies coincide policy change made by Gimenez and with Donald Trump’s immigration the MDC commission on Feb. 17, agenda and policies, Gimenez claims which was made in response to pressure that MDC police will not “become from the Trump administration. Local immigration officers.” MDC is the only governments that refuse to comply large local authority to have adjusted its with immigration policies, the Trump immigration policy in compliance with administration announced on Jan. 25, the Trump administration’s policies. will face federal funding cuts and denial The Trump administration has yet to for federal grants. announce any actual losses of funding The original MDC sanctuary policy, tied to local sanctuary immigration which had been in place since 2013, policies. allowed MDC law enforcement to refuse Further federal immigration policy to comply with federal detainer requests is currently being discussed. One from ICE. Now, MDC law enforcement pending piece of federal legislation, is to honor all federal detainer requests House Bill 3004, also known as Kate’s and work with ICE, as stated in section Law, has been passed the House of 1373. The new county policy was Representatives and is awaiting a criticized by immigration advocates, Senate vote. The bill is named after who said Cuban-born Gimenez Kathryn Steinle, who was killed by was betraying Miami’s heritage of an illegal immigrant who had been welcoming immigrants and advocating previously deported multiple times. for the acceptance of outsiders. The bill includes increased penalties Gimenez stated that the county had for undocumented citizens who are no other choice because it would risk detained and reported to federal millions in federal funding. Multiple authorities. h

the road to losing sanctuary status:

Feb. 25 2016

A main platform of Donald Trump’s campaign was limtiting the amount of illegal immigrants in the U.S., having said on CNN that how “We have at least 11 million people in this country that came in illegally. They will go out.”

Jan. 25 2017

Donald Trump signs an executive order aimed at cracking down on “sanctuary cities,” threatning to impose sanctions.

Jul. 25 2017

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announces that applicant cities for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants will be required to certify that they’ll cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

Aug. 7 2017

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez announces that MiamiDade County will no longer act as a sanctuary city and will comply with all ICE agent requests Compiled by Angelle Garcia Source: CNN, Miami Herald, Politifact

Daniel Cortes/highlights

13 opinion

Closing the gates

In a consequential sequence of events, Mayor Gimenez renounces Miami’s “sanctuary” status Commentary by Jack Band, Copy Editor

IAMI’S streets echoed with protests following an Aug. 4 letter to Mayor Carlos Gimenez from the Department of Justice that described the mayor’s new allegiance to President Donald Trump’s immigration policy. The mayor’s controversial decision followed an official warning by the president, stating that should “sanctuary cities” refuse to comply with federal immigration legislation, they will receive funding cuts and will be looked at as a hindrance to the federal government. One criterion for an American city to be considered a sanctuary city is their refusal to hold undocumented immigrants for United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities following the placement of a detainer request by the ICE. After the arrest of said immigrants, sanctuary city officials refuse to grant federal authorities access to the prisoners, hence their “sanctuary.” It is at the discretion of the county jail as to whether they will hold the immigrant for ICE authorities.

Since the beginning of his presidential campaign, Trump has made a considerable effort towards condemning illegal immigration into the United States. Threatening to build a wall on the Mexican border and imposing a temporary ban on immigration from a list of Muslim-majority countries, the president has emphasized his animosity towards unauthorized immigration. However, since its genesis, Miami has been a hub for immigrants. Miami has accepted millions of Cuban immigrants for decades as they fled from the hostility of the Castro regime. Taking in more immigrants every day, Miami has become a Latinomajority city in which 70 percent of the population is Hispanic, according to NBC News. For Trump, Miami’s demographics are a nightmare. A majority-immigrant city directly contradicts the message he has repeatedly tried to convey: that Americans must remain wary of the wave of immigrants entering the country. The citizens of Miami were once proud to represent a place of refuge for undocumented immigrants. Hence, the blatant disappointment in Cuban-born

DID YOU KNOW?

South Florida is the metropolitan area with the fifth-largest population of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Source: Pew Research Center

Gimenez following his renouncement of Miami’s title as a sanctuary city. “Unfortunately, [immigrants] are going to have to travel a lot further to reach another sanctuary city when Miami should have just stayed one,” junior Rachele Angolini said. Many understood Gimenez’s compliance with Trump’s demand as a betrayal to his Cuban upbringing and Miami’s diversity. While peoples’ frustrations are valid, it could be argued that Gimenez was trying to reserve federal funding for the wellbeing of the city. However, the funds provided by the “FY 2017 Byrne JAG grant,”— worth about $481,347— which are allocated towards law enforcement, prosecution and other justice programs may not be as important to the majority of Miami, as the undocumented immigrants are. With other cities opposing Trump and federal authorities, it is a massive letdown that Mayor Gimenez did not take the same risk other cities are willing to take for the sake of his citizens. It is still unsure whether Mayor Gimenez’s primary intention was the guarantee of the federal grant or the favor of the president. As for now, it appears to be the latter. h

14 opinion

2018: A race of uncertainty

Politicians from both sides of the aisle hope to secure the soon-to-be vacant District 27 seat Commentary by Alexander Sutton, Staff Writer

L O R I D A analysts believe it may be hard for her to Democrats gain a large base as a conservative in a have a liberal district. chance to secure Prepared for a serious scuffle, the a seat in the Democrats have begun assembling their U.S. House of fair share of political pugilists. One Representatives that of their frontrunners is Mary Barzee has been held by Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Flores, a private attorney and former (R) for 28 years. Securing District 27, Florida Circuit judge. which encompasses Coral Gables, “I have served this community for South Miami, Miami Beach and other practically my entire professional life, major parts of the greater Miami area, 20 years or so. I was a public defender would be a crucial step towards taking for 12 years [and] I was a judge for control of the House. eight years, so I’ve demonstrated my A heavily-contested election is commitment to public service,” Barzee coming. Nine candidates have already Flores said. announced their campaigns for the A steadfast Democrat, Barzee 2018 Congressional election in District Flores believes that “our politics and 27. There is a reason politicians are our politicians have gotten too small, beginning to cling to this district: [and] the challenges that we face in this Republicans have controlled Congress district and in this nation are too big.” for years, and the 2018 elections are Other Democratic candidates the most immediate opportunity the include Jose Javier Rodriguez, a Florida Democrats will have to stage a return to State Senator; Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, power. Ros-Lehtinen’s spot needs to be a Miami Beach commissioner; Matt filled, and Republicans are searching for Haggman, a political outsider and a suitable replacement. Among them is former program director of Miami’s Republican candidate Raquel Regalado, Knight Foundation; and Michael who, like Ros-Lehtinen, lies on the Hepburn, an academic adviser for the moderate side of the spectrum. University of Miami. “One of the critiques about me According to the New York Times, has been that I am not someone that is the 2018 Congressional race in District hyper-partisan, in 27 is the “best any way, shape Democratic pick-up or form. What I DID YOU KNOW? opportunity in the care about is the The U.S. House of country.” Regalado issues,” Regalado disagrees, believing Representatives has been that voters will cast said. led by Republicans for six their ballots with Also vying for the Republican years. Democrats occupy policy, not party, on nomination are 194 seats, while Republicans their minds. Bruno Barreiro, “I think hold 241. Republicans the Miamican Source: History, Art & Archives, The Dade County keep the seat. U.S. House of Representatives Commissioner People choose their for District 5, candidate based on and Maria Peiro, an elementary school the issues– not based on the letter next teacher. Barreiro has reached across to their name,” Regalado said. the aisle many times, sometimes siding Initially, it looks good for the against the traditional stances of the Democrats– in the 2016 presidential party. Peiro is, by far, the most right- election, Hillary Clinton won the district leaning candidate running, and political by 20 points. Multiple expert predictions

“OUR POLTICS AND OUR POLITICANS HAVE GOTTEN TOO SMALL [AND] THE CHALLENGES THAT WE FACE IN THIS DISTRICT AND THIS NATION ARE TOO BIG.” MARY BARZEE FLORES, DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE

see District 27 leaning Democratic. In spite of this, Republicans may have an edge, as they are statistically more likely to go out and vote than their liberal counterparts. What Republicans should ultimately be doing to win District 27 is emphasizing the issues that resonate with Miami voters. The considerable lead that Democrats have in District 27 will be an immense hurdle, but if the Republican nominee can channel the same energy that Ros-Lehtinen did to win 14 times in a row, they have a fighting chance. Democrats likewise should remain wary. Though their advantage in the district is tremendous, it will be important to campaign as though this were a right-leaning district. Extensive campaigning is the key to securing victory in 2018. It is a long road until anyone will be able to tell which candidate will be successful. The current candidates are surrounded by uncertainty as to who will have the best chance of winning the district. “I think any candidate is able to win any seat– not just the seat I am retiring from– so every campaign should be a spirited one and a contest of ideas. When we discuss our vision for our nation, the American people are the true winners,” Ros-Lehtinen said. November 2018 is over a year away. Even today, however, there are lessons to be learned from this election. Regalado wants students to understand that “instead of complaining about government, and creating memes– which are hilarious, and I love– they should vote.” If on nothing else, Barzee Flores and Regalado agree here. “Don’t be apathetic. Be energized, be inquisitive, and care about your community and your future,” Barzee Flores said. It is vital that we all pay attention to politics, especially this election, because the race for District 27 will be one of the fiercest in the nation. h

a C n d e h i d t a t e tes e M

opinion 15

Learn more about some of the people who are running for Florida’s District 27 seat in 2018

Bruno Barreiro (R)

Aims to improve housing and transit infrastructure

Has served in public office since 1992

Background in transportation administration

Worked on the Marlins Park stadium deal

Mary Barzee Flores (D)

Wants to fight climate change and support public education

Former federal judge nominee

Is a private practice attorney

Coral Gables Senior High School alumna

Raquel Regalado (R) Ran for county mayor in 2016

Daughter of Miami mayor Tomás Regalado

Previously has won two races for state congressional offices

Member of the Florida Senate

Compiled by Alexander Sutton and Benjamin Estrada

$ Top priorities are health care and climate change

Served in the Peace Corps

Source: Ballotpedia, The Miami Herald, Miami New Times, Sun Sentinel

Benjamin Estrada/highlights

Former Miami-Dade school board member

José Javier Rodríguez (D)

Intends to fight the high cost of living in Miami

16 opinion

Two trains forward, one bus back County efforts to improve public transit have proven to be both excellent and questionable Commentary by Kevin Monjarrez, Staff Writer

HE MANY benefits of a good public transit system are definitely worth the required investment, as they reduce the carbon footprint and facilitate the needs of those who do not own a car. Unfortunately when people think Miami, apart from the beaches, Little Havana and Wynwood, they think of how difficult it is travel to any of these locations. Miami is not exactly known for its superb public transit. The

metrorail is so infamous it earned the nickname “the metro fail,” bus cycles tend to be excruciatingly long and the transit vehicles are aging rapidly. While the Miami public transit system as a whole does seem to be improving, Miami-Dade County (MDC) has also undoubtedly made questionable decisions that set the system back. For one, MDC is currently addressing a major issue with its metrorail system. The metro fails to adequately serve east and west Miami, getting public transit riders traveling west as far as the halfway point to their

UPS AND DOWNS Palmetto

Hialeah

Tri-Rail

Northside

Okeechobee

Brownsville Allapattah Santa Clara Culmer Government Center Brickell

Source: MDC Dept. of Transportation and Public Works

The Metrorail and Metromover systems run north and south, but do not serve western Miami. Expanding rail westward is too expensive, and alternatives are being explored. Adrienne Arsht Center Museum Park

Eleventh Street

Earlington Heights

Civic Center

Since 2013, Miami-Dade Transit ridership has decreased by about 17 percent.

School Board

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Miami International Airport

destination. “I don’t mind having to walk, [the metro rail] gets you to general locations,” junior Nataly Brenes said. “But you have to walk quite a bit or transition into other forms of public transport depending on where you are headed.” It is naive to think that MDC would fix this by expanding the metrorail, simply because the heavy cost of adding rails makes it impossible to reach every single neighborhood. Despite the inviability of expanding the rail system, the Strategic Miami Area Rapid

DID YOU KNOW?

Historic Overtown/ Lyric Theatre

Vizcaya Coconut Grove

Park West Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr.

Freedom Tower

Government Center

Metromover Brickell Loop

University

Dadeland South

Bayfront Park

Fifth Street Eighth Street

Dadeland North

First Street

Third Street Knight Center

Douglas Road

South Miami

College/Bayside

Tenth Street/ Promenade

Miami-Dade County

Metrorail

Omni Loop Inner Loop

Brickell Financial District

Benjamin Estrada/highlights

Courtesy of Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works

opinion 17

Transit (SMART) plan aims to do just that. Through rail, they plan to connect Miami Beach to Downtown Miami, Dadeland South to Florida City and Florida City to Florida International University. “The SMART plan is an infrastructure investment program that aims to improve transportation, mobility and will provide a worldclass system that supports economic growth and competitiveness in a global arena by expanding the county’s rapid transit system,” Karla Damian, the spokesperson for the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works, said. While the dazzling benefits of the proposed rail expansion would usually warrant its investment, several concerns become apparent when looking at the metrorail’s past. Rail expansion has been a tried and tested initiative in Miami since 2002, when the half penny tax— a sales tax that increased the tax on purchased goods by a half-penny per dollar— was introduced to help expand the metrorail. The cost of expanding the metrorail was underestimated, and the money was realotted to train and bus

ROUTE REVOLUTION:

Newly proposed bus terminals would bridge the transit gap between Miami’s east and west.

operations, along with maintenance for the existing metrorail. In the end, the only expansion made was the addition of the orange line, which connects the Metrorail to Miami International Airport. Attempts to expand the metrorail have been so cost ineffective that MDC mayor Carlos Gimenez has openly favored dropping the SMART plan. The use of the half penny tax has also been heavily criticized since its implementation, as it led to the 25 cent metromover fare being abolished. As a result, taxpayers were left to subsidize free rides. Moreover, according to the Miami Herald, in 2015, 37 percent of the sales tax was used for “projects.” Most of the projects were debt payments for the construction of the orange line, which amounted to $1.5 billion, while municipalities were left with a 20 percent cut to handle their transit needs. Although Gimenez had the right idea in abandoning heavy rail, his fixation with implementing driverless car technology in shuttles is questionable at best. Gimenez has said that autonomous vehicles could make

transit systems obsolete, including the metro rail and so he naturally sides against the SMART plan. While this technology is coming sooner rather than later, it is still premature and not ready to be implemented. MDC has planned to solve the transportation problem by establishing new bus terminals in West Miami. The bus terminals would connect the west to the metrorail in the east, giving transit users more flexibility. According to Damian, the bus terminals would connect commuters from West Miami to economic opportunities in the east. “[New bus terminals] are going to provide [3 lines of] express bus service from the West going to the East… where we have jobs. For instance the Civics Center area, the Miami intermodal center area and the downtown area,” Damian said. Many people in MDC depend on public transit. It is important that we continue expanding and connecting public transit if we want to reap the benefits of an effective system. To provide riders with more options and accessibility in their commutes, progress is a top priority. h

opposable thumbs Spanglish “That’s como se sabe que someone’s from Miami.”

-Alexander Sutton, Staff Writer

LeJeune apartment construction “Science classes now need subtitles.”

-Alfredo Wolfermann, Staff Writer

Watching a solar eclipse “When did staring at the sun become so complicated?” -Benjamin Estrada, Opinion Editor

Tough morning classes “I like to think, but not this early.”

-Tatiana Campos, Staff Writer

18 opinion

STAFF-ED: Environmental latency

While initiatives aim to help Miami through planting trees, lack of involvement could be debilitating 60 million

trees are currently planted on streets throughout the US

Four tons

of oxygen are produced by one acre of forest

Six tons

of carbon dioxide are absorbed by one acre of forest

12 percent

Ten percent

increase in spending among shoppers in well-landscaped areas

increase in property values when a mature tree is present

Compiled by Alejandro Prida

e vic t Ser Fores riculture ent of Ag Source: U.S. Departm

then New York City (NYC) Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed PlaNYC as part of his efforts to increase the city’s sustainability. The most important of PlaNYC’s objectives was the planting of one million trees by 2017, a goal it accomplished about two years ahead of schedule. MTM’s lack of success thus far in comparison to PlaNYC’s comes as a result of three interconnected shortcomings. For one, the campaign is incredibly off-pace to meet its goal. With just three years left of their self-allotted timeline, approximately 243,824 trees have been planted, about 24 percent of the one million proposed. This comes as a direct result of their focus on campaigning to promote the benefits of and encourage tree planting while tracking how many trees have been planted, rather than an acting body working to increase canopy coverage. Moreover, the campaign lacks sufficient funding to successfully market itself on a large scale. And where PlaNYC had the help of large corporate sponsors like Toyota, TD Bank and Jet Blue to spread the word and provide financial support, MTM has not been able to achieve the same level of participation from its sponsors. Miami’s elected officials and their constituents need to get this initiative on the minds of Miamians if they are to find success. “I have heard about this, [but] I think it could be better advertised. I think its something that could have been done with the right advertising and marketing,” biology teacher Eric Molina said. Though well intentioned and certainly necessary, MTM is not doing enough to make its goal a reality. A lack of widespread public outreach has stifled progress, and success can only be achieved through a viral marketing endeavor. Citizens must be informed so that they can act to help tree plantings thrive in their communities. If MDC and the parks department are serious about this goal and not just using it as a talking point, they must act swiftly and decisively lest our city become one of empty promises. h

BY THE NUMBERS

NOTHER SWELTERING summer comes to a close, and the evergreen topic of conversation that is our city’s hot, humid climate is fresh on the minds of all who call Miami home. With canopy coverage at 14 percent, less than half what American Forests recommends for an urban environment, the Miami-Dade County Community Advisory Board saw an opportunity to act and began a tree planting campaign called Million Trees Miami (MTM). MTM operates with the goal of achieving a 30 percent urban canopy in Miami by planting one million trees throughout the county by 2020. For a county on the front lines of the climate change crisis, Miami is surprisingly inactive on environmental policy and funding. This is where MTM will be of most help: the campaign has the potential of benefitting local communities long-term. Cooler climate, reduced carbon dioxide and absorption of odors and pollutant gases like nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and ammonia are a few plausible upsides. Wildlife is also a potential beneficiary of MTM, as the planting of trees promotes biodiversity and creates habitats for animals. If attained, MTM’s goal would prove economically beneficial. The presence of trees and other foliage have been correlated with higher pedestrian traffic, increasing revenue for local businesses. They also keep Miami’s beaches, the city’s most important tourist attractions, free of physical waste by reducing runoff. This is especially critical in urban areas, where the abundant waste present is washed into drainage systems by precipitation and, thus, neighboring bodies of water. The same trait is of benefit to marine life and bodies of water because runoff and the pollution it causes can be detrimental to marine ecosystems, harming South Florida’s diverse marine life and coral populations. Miami is not the only American metropolis to acknowledge a deficiency of trees in its streets. In April 2007,

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sports 19

Band dances into spotlight

highlights Copy Editor Jack Band shows off his talent in his first Gablettes practice By Cecilia Rodriguez, Staff Writer

ABLETTES’ NEWEST Julia Andrada said. Discovering such a vast reserve dancer, highlights Copy Editor Jack Band, has of unexpected talent within an hour discovered his inner dancing spirit. is virtually unheard of. According to When Band first stepped in the room, junior Catherine Otaño, he demonstrated he felt a rush of confidence even as a certain techniques and movements pool of sweat gathered around his feet. that only few dancers ever have had The dancers instantly approached him, the confidence to showcase. Although and seemed to feed off his unusual unable to touch his toes, Band showed confidence and excitement as they off a level of flexibility that rivaled that prepared to start the practice. It is not of the most seasoned dancers on the every day that an outsider shows up to Gablettes squad, surprising even the a Gablette practice but Band looked copy editor himself. Band could not help but notice the poised to make an impact and the practice commenced shortly thereafter. wide eyes and open mouths in response As soon as the practice started, Band to his superb dancing skills. His unique demonstrated his own personal moves, style, consisting of many arm flails and aggressive which brought leg kicks, struck all eyes, some “I THINK I HAVE A REAL awe into those intrigued and some repulsed, SHOT AT MAKING THE watching, seeing something like on his lanky body TEAM NEXT YEAR. I MAY that had never parts flying all NOT BE ABLE TO BEND been witnessed in over the dance floor. Since Band OR JUMP LIKE THE the dance room. Despite this, he had no previous GABLETTES, YET, BUT I stayed humble dance experience, WILL MAKE IT, I WILL BE and continued his own dance creativity came A GABLETTE.” to dance like a dog trying to into play. His JACK BAND, catch his own actions were COPY EDITOR tail. In addition, so original attending that that, instead of mimicking the captain’s exact practice made Band realize that he instructions, the Gablettes aimed for a simply cannot think of a life without performance as captivating as Band’s. dance and will consider joining the team His performance, which had most people this upcoming year. “I think I have a real shot at making questioning his motor skills, caught the the team next year. I may not be able eye of Coach Veronica Montes. “Jack ranks amongst the highest to bend or jump like the Gablettes, yet, on the team, technique wise. He could but I will make it, I will be a Gablette,” definitely keep up with the officers and Band said. Although the dancers were taken possibly my captain,” Montes said. The dancers, astounded with the aback by his abilities, they also looked newcomer’s capturing rain dance, were at his gifts in a positive light. Since mindful of the dancing phenom in their Band is so skilled, the team is optimistic presence. Band inspired a hightened that he can assist them in gaining level of innovation and creativity, as another national title. He was invited to the Gablettes tried to impress Montes as join in on any upcoming practices of his much as his unconventional routine did. choice and they hope to convince him in “Jack’s presence on the dance floor joining this year’s team. One thing is for made me nervous and I felt intimidated. certain, the Gablettes are holding a spot Honestly, he might be able to get my for the freakishly talented highlights position without even trying out,” junior copy editor. h

EFFORTLESS EXCELLENCE:

(From Top) Jack Band leads the class through their dance routine; inspires junior Dominique Babin to stretch as far as possible; stretches, gearing himself up for a spectacular performance; and shows the proper form for the Chakrasana yoga pose. Cecilia Rodriguez/highlights

20 sports

Teams warm up for fall season Football, volleyball and cross country start practicing for their upcoming year By Sophia Heilman, Staff Writer

TALENTED TACKLERS:

Sophia Heilman/highlights

After a three month off-season, the girls’ volleyball team is getting ready for the coming season. According to head coach Monica De La Vega, the main team goals for this year are to make districts and compete with schools which hold year-round clubs such as Lourdes, Ferguson and Southwest, coinciding with the high expectations of team captain Isa Venero. “One of my goals and expectations for this year is to compete with Lourdes and maybe

Football players clap it up for the start of a new season.

beat them the first time ever,” head coach Monica De La Vega said. The team’s first game took place on Aug. 21 and their second official game was Aug. 24 against Southwest. Playing against schools with year-round training programs will be a challenge for the team, since they have a less rigorous training regimen. With the help of the varsity veterans, the incoming underclassmen have role models for the coming year as well as more seasons in the future.

FINISHING FAST:

Savannah Payne /highlights

Abigail Civil (left) and Britney Lamey (right) get a head start on summer practices.

FTER PREPARING since late June, the school’s football team is ready to begin the season. Aside from practicing from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. on weekdays during summer, the team attended a single-day program at the University of Florida. The team won their first preseason game against Mater Academy at Coral Park on Aug. 18, 24-0, in preparation for their first official game against South Dade on Aug. 25th.

Aside from winning games, head coach Tim Neal has other goals regarding how he would like his team to grow and prosper. “I’d also like to develop these guys into better people. More productive for the school, for themselves, their families, just make them into good young men,” Neal said. This is important to Coach Neal because having his players be successful off the field will benefit them on the field and will ultimately lead to a succesful season.

SPIKING SEASON:

The girls volleyball team sets up for a successful year.

Boys’ and girls’ cross country are preparing for the upcoming season after a seven week summer training period. Their first meet was on Aug. 25 against MAST Academy and their next meet is on Sept. 1 against Youth Fair International. Daily practices consist of running three to four miles Monday to Saturday during official practices and on their own time. According to head coach Scott Nelson, the team wants to regain the District Champion title and

Sophia Heilman/highlights

take it to the state playoffs. At last year’s Districts, the boys’ team came in first and the girls’ team placed second. Although both teams had set very high standards in previous years, Nelson believes his current team will succeed and build on past successes. The whole team put in hard work over the summer in order to achieve this. “The goals are always for them to improve on what they have done in the past,” Nelson said. h

sports 21

Derek Jeter buys the Fish

New Marlins ownership looks to reverse years of mismanagment and bad play Commentary by Jack Band, Copy Editor

ARLINS f a n s from all over South Florida anxiously waited as a pending deal between former Yankees’ star Derek Jeter and previous Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria came to fruition. While the $1.2 billion deal is raising many eyebrows, it seems evident that with Jeter at the helm of the Miami-based organization, the team can potentially rise to be serious contenders in the upcoming seasons. As a former Yankees shortstop, Jeter understands what it takes to win. A fivetime World Series Champion, he is set to lead the team and take over all baseballrelated operations while fellow investor Bruce Sherman is ready to be the control person for the Marlins’ new ownership group and will head all administrative operations. Michael Jordan, the current owner of the Charlotte Hornets basketball team, is also part of the group that bought the Marlins, bringing more of a winning pedigree on top of Jeter. For many, the sale of the Marlins could have come much sooner. Following Loria’s purchase of the Marlins in 2002, the team celebrated one World Series Championship before falling into a cycle of mediocrity, where they did not make the playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons. Loria’s reputation as owner has eroded as Marlins fans have yet to see a winning team produced by him in the past decade. The tipping point for the former Marlins ownership was the tragic death of former Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez. The death reportedly took a huge toll on Loria and drove him to sell the team. While the motivation for Loria’s sale of the team may be unclear, one thing is certain, he made a pretty penny with this deal. Following his original purchase of the team in 2002 for $158 million, he is expected to make approximately a $1.1 billion profit off the new deal. In February, Loria agreed to sell the Marlins to the Kushner family. However, following discussion between Loria and President Donald Trump about potential

DID YOU KNOW?

The Marlins defeated Derek Jeter’s New York Yankees in the 2003 World Series, 4-2. Source: Baseball Reference

ambassadorship in France for Loria, the deal between the Kushner family and Loria fell through. Currently ranked No. 2 in the National League East division, the Marlins have a record of 58-61. While many consider the record to be average, it ranks well among the many other seasons the team played under Loria and may be a sign of good things to come under new and improved ownership. Jeter, who formerly played under the leadership of notable Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, hopes to emulate the management style of his former owner. As for now, Jeter’s management prowess has yet to be revealed, but what he lacks in executive experience, he makes up for in championship pedigree and name recognition, something that could turn the organization around. Jeter’s impressive accolades and his career as a MLB player will potentially play a huge role in his bid for direct leadership of the players on the team, something he has desired for a long time. In addition to unrivaled baseball acumen, Jeter will inherit a team built around a young core of talented position players such as Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich and Dee Gordon. Having this foundation gives the new ownership the ability to quickly rebuild the team and mold a losing team into a contender quicker than is considered normal for a team going through a sale. While new ownership of the team is something that should be welcomed by Marlins fans, for now, the team must play out the rest of the season without focusing on distractions off the diamond and prove themselves to the Jeter group as valuable assets to a winning team. With a strong core of young and talented players and good front office leadership provided by Jeter, the team should be able to compete for World Series rings in the next five years. If Jeter’s illustrious playing career has anything to say about his leadership abilities, the Marlins could see a lot of success in the future. h

by the numbers

$940 million

the current value of the Marlins Derek Jeter was a

14-time AllStar and 5-time World Series champion

The Marlins contributed

$155 million

of the

$515 million

cost of constructing Marlins Park

2003

was the last year the Marlins made the playoffs

Source: Forbes, Ball Parks of Baseball, MLB Compiled by Jack Band

22 sports

Angsty Athletes take a seat

Athletes sometimes use games as a political platform, but is this the right way to protest? Commentary By Arianna Peña, Staff Writer

N RECENT years a new wave of protests has sparked controversy and debate among sports fans nationwide. Currently, one of the most contentiously debated protests is former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem before games, prompting anger and support from fans. While athletes protest during big-time sporting events to advance their message, sports should unify fans, not divide them according to the political views of an individual. Protests do not have a place in sports, and the way athletes are choosing to voice their opinions is less than ideal. A contentiously protested topic among athletes in recent years has been race relations in the country. Although Kaepernick has been the most highprofile protester, there have been other instances where athletes have expressed their opinions on the topic. One of the most notable ones was the St. Louis

Rams players holding their hands up during an entrance to a game, showing solidarity to the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” protests in December of 2014. This particular demonstration garnered major backlash from fans and media alike, who argued that the protest had absolutely no place at a football game. The National Football League (NFL) decided not to fine or suspend the five players involved, a mistake considering the fact that politics and sports should not mix. In this case, a fine should have been administered, not only to punish the players, but discourage others from following suit as well as conveying a strong position against political protests in the league. To deter athletes from protesting, the Olympic Committee’s official charter, states that “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.” Although not always followed, this is a good rule in principle, considering it separates sports and politics. This rule should not only be continued by the Olympic Committee,

Makayla

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students speak up s

“

THEY HAVE A LOT OF INFLUENCE OVER PEOPLE, AND IF THEY BELIEVE IN SOMETHING AND THEY HAVE THE MEDIUM TO DO SO, ESPECIALLY IN THIS POLITICAL CLIMATE, THEY HAVE TO USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY.

-Marta D’Ocon, Senior

“

DID YOU KNOW?

There were 15 NFL players who protested in some way during the national anthem in Week 17 of the 2016 NFL season Source: ESPN

but it should also be implemented by all American sporting leagues such as the NFL. Instituting this type of regulation would have a positive impact overall, as it would discourage any form of political discourse which ultimately divides fans instead of bringing them together. In 2012, after the death of Trayvon Martin, the Miami Heat staged a protest on social media, posting a picture of players wearing hoodies with their heads bowed. This protest brought plenty of attention to the issue without causing the uproar which usually comes with in game demonstrations. Using social media, as the Heat did, is one of the most effective ways of showing solidarity to a movement, as it still engages large swaths of people and informs them about the athlete’s message without imposing it on fans during a game. Most athletes have huge followings on social media, and choosing to protest this way brings attention to important issues without generating nearly as much controversy, which detracts from the real issue. “I think that they have such a large outlet in the media and that they have

“

I THINK IT’S A GOOD WAY TO GET A MESSAGE ACROSS BECAUSE YOU’RE ENCOURAGING THEM AND I THINK THAT’S WHAT A TEAM PLAYER NEEDS BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T HAVE SUPPORT THEN WHAT YOU ARE PLAYING?

-Jazielle Gamez, sophomore

“

sports 23

Athletic protests: a recent history Over the years, athletes have stood up for what they believe in at the Olympics, important games and other notable sporting events. Featured below are four events in which athletes have protested in response to political turmoil

so much coverage and that would be the wisest way to protest because they can actually voice their opinion much easier,â&#x20AC;? junior Thomas Harley said. Athletes themselves have a relatively large platform and are able to get their message out to many of their fans, but protesting in games takes away from the overall message. When athletes protest during games, the controversy surrounding the demonstration itself overshadows the ideals behind it, which are often of importance. Sporting events are places where people should be able to bond, have fun and escape from the politically charged social landscape. While most of the issues brought up by athletes are important and should in fact be discussed, there is no way that protests should occur during sporting events themselves. Any important issues that athletes feel the need to act upon should be discussed or protested through social media or the press. This proves a more effective way of advocating for change or establishing a message since it allows for explanation and debate, rather than relying on a polarizing symbol such as a raised fist or sitting for the national anthem. Seeing as athletes have a big voice in the media, using it to advocate for issues they deem important reaches many fans and allows for an explanation of their position, which is not possible during polarizing in game demonstrations. Rather than polarizing their fan base through pregame protests, athletes should use their presence on social media or in the press to share their opinion on an issue. Protesting during sporting event should be considered a violation of the sanctity of sports and should be punished in the form of a fine or even a suspension. This would deter athletes from protesting before games, which would seperate the world of politics from high profile sporting events. In game protests have no place in sports, and should be left for the press and social media where a more positive effect can be achieved. h

1906 Irish long-jumper Peter Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor scaled the flagpole and waved the Irish flag in response to having to represent Great Britain.

1968 Runners John Carlos and Tommie Smith held up their fists in solidarity with the Black Power movement on the Olympic podium

2014 Los Angeles Clippers players took off all team apparel and wore their practice shirts inside out to protest former owner Donald Sterlingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s racist remarks.

2016 Colin Kaeperanick sat down during the national anthem before each game in last football season to protest police brutality and crumbling race relations in the US.

Source: ESPN Compiled by Dilan Denham, Mathilde Recquier and Alexandra Torres

24 the scene

Timeless Treats

Alexandra Torres/highlights

Vicky’s House puts a new spin on the classic 80’s milkshake

By Alexandra Torres, Staff Writer

ATTHEW KUSCHER IS fortunate that his mother never threw anything away. She held on to kitchen cabinets, floral wallpaper and even her washing machine, all of which now furnish Vicky’s House, a relatively new milkshake shop in Coconut Grove. Located at 3190 Commodore Plaza, Vicky’s House is an 80s-inspired milkshake shop that replicates Kuscher’s childhood home. The walls are covered in autumn flowers and, although the yellow and orange floor do not quite match the wallpaper, they add to the shop’s vintage feel. Old Nesquik containers and McCormick spices line the walls, and a 1986 calendar hangs next to a vibrant yellow landline phone. A collection of photos and other mementos- including an antique Galaga arcade machine, G.I. Joe military figures, old report cards, childhood soccer photos, a grocery list and a “Reagan-Bush ‘84” sticker- make the space exceptionally realistic and reminiscent of 80s culture. “I wanted to open a place that was a dedication to my mom and the happy times I had as a child, so I decided to

make Vicky’s House based on my last childhood home, which is what it is,” Kuscher said. The shop’s most popular milkshake, “E.T. Goes to the Movies to Watch the Goonies,” is a salted caramel shake with chocolate cake icing around the rim, topped with whipped cream, popcorn, cola gummies, Reese’s pieces, Baby Ruth and drizzled with Hershey’s chocolate syrup. The shop also offers limited edition milkshakes, like a strawberry shake based off the 80s film “Pretty in Pink,” featuring a frosting-coated rim covered in pink sprinkles and topped with whipped cream, pink chocolate pearls, marshmallows, a pink lollipop, a strawberry filled cupcake and a picture of actress Molly Ringwald. The menu even caters to the vegan crowd with a secret vegan menu that has chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” themed cookies. The first Wednesday of every month, Vicky’s House hosts tasting rooms from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. where people come to try local snacks and beverages. In the most recent tasting room, Vicky’s House handed out free

cupcakes from Lola the Baker’s cupcake shop to all those who came. Apart from milkshakes, the shop offers everything from root beer floats to ice cream sandwiches. The prices vary significantly between menu items, with one of the cheapest items being a colada cuban coffee at $3, and the priciest, a specialty milkshake at $15. Vicky’s House incorporates sweet nostalgia with exotic, over-the-top treats for a flavorful experience. With this novel idea, Kuscher proves that the 80s are here to stay. h

the verdict price range

$2-$15

atmosphere

Cozy

address

3190 Commodore Plaza

wesbite

vickyshouse. com

rating

BACK TO THE 80S: From the pictures hanging up on the fridge to the wallpaper, everything in Vicky’s House is almost an exact replica of the owner’s home.

the scene 25

Art Made Easy

With the recently opened Pop Up Paint Shop, people of all ages can turn their creativity into art By Natalie Viglucci, The Scene Editor and Jenna Weber, Staff Writer

N THE SECOND FLOOR of Sunset Place Mall, an unassuming shop sits with its plain walls and lack of outward decoration, though the bland exterior gives little insight into what the inside has to offer. As the front doors open, the array of colors and paintings that live within Pop Up Paint Shop greet the customers, giving them a taste of what they have the chance to create. Located at 5701 Sunset Dr., owners Sheri Nudell and Joanna Carbone recently opened up Pop Up Paint Shop’s doors and are teaching art to locals and tourists alike. Catering to people of all ages, the shop offers two-hour class sessions ranging from $20 to $45 with a variety of themes to paint, such as sunsets at the beach, a kitten’s furry face or the Northern Lights— the most popular theme, according to Nudell. The walls within the space are overlaid with paintings created from past classes, and tables with easels, blank canvases and paintbrushes are set out on the floor. The shop takes walk-ins and appointments, the benefit of an appointment being a one-on-one painting session with a professional artist rather than a group class. Aside from paint classes, Pop Up Paint Shop partners with nonprofit organizations and charities, such as

Kids in Distress and the American Heart Association, in an effort to give back to those in need. Nudell and Carbone have always been interested in helping their community, so they figured that this was the best way. “We just thought we’d give back to the community, it’s just the right thing to do,” Nudell said. The idea for Pop Up Paint Shop came to be as Nudell and Carbone consistently found themselves having conversations with individuals who wanted to paint, but felt that it was too difficult. The owners realized they could help people like those they spoke with take advantage of their unknown potential. Now, Nudell and Carbone hope to find success with their new business as they “Bring Out The Artist In You. h

the verdict

PAINTING PERFECTION: Sheri Nudell focuses as she puts the finishing touches on her work of art.

price range

$20 - $45

atmosphere

Alluring

address

5701 Sunset Dr.

wesbite

popuppaintshop. com

rating

Jenna Weber/highlights

26 the scene

' miami s neat antiques From Wynwood to Hialeah to Downtown, antique shops are making a comeback By Alfredo Wolfermann, Staff Writer

OSTLY FOREIGN AND obviously outdated to high school students are antiques: collectible items that have gained value as a result of their old age. In order to be classified as an antique, the object or item must be at least 100 years old. Alongside antiques come vintage and retro items, products or objects dating from as early as the 50s. Antiques include anything from China to old trading cards to textiles and have a very wide price range. From days past, they are often characterized as nostalgic or peculiar in nature. In the eyes of a regular high schooler, items like these may seem like irrelevant

CD players or dusty furniture and vinyl. However, to the trained eye, they are worthy of salvaging. Although antiques have the connotation of being more valuable than other items on the basis of old age, there are many vintage and retro items that are worth much more based on demand, especially since they may evoke more emotion than items over a hundred years old. highlights explored three antique shops in Wynwood, Hialeah and Downtown Miami that are accessible to high school students and are perfect for finding unique pieces to add to a home or bedroom.

Stoneage Antiques

AQUATIC ANTIQUES:

Amid a messy rundown lot lies a multitude of nautical treasures waiting to be discovered. Alfredo Wolfermann/highlights

Hidden deep down South River Drive between Downtown Miami and Hialeah lies a weary and messy lot filled with a variety of every kind of nautical item imaginable. Stoneage Antiques, located near Miami International Airport, has been in business for over 50 years and specializes in nautical items ranging anywhere from old, metal diving helmets to buoy lights and signs. On top of their ocean-oriented selection, customers can also find Americana- things associated with the culture and history of Americataxidermy, African masks, carvings, fossils and similar objects behind the lotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chain-link fence. Inside their rundown warehouse, collectibles are lined up every wall. To see everything, customers must weave through a dimly lit network of paths lined with anchors, lanterns, and even Spanish war cannons. Stoneage Antiquesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stock is so plentiful that they have created an online virtual tour through which customers can find items they are interested in to purchase. If this

is the case, buyers can schedule a convenient pick up time. There is a different oddity hidden in every corner, many of which have even been used as movie and commercial props, according to the business. The perfect place for anyone wishing to incorporate a maritime theme to their room or home, Stoneage Antiques is open from 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. on Monday through Friday, and is closed on the weekends.

the verdict price range

About $5 to about $5,000

atmosphere

Dark and dusty

address

3236 NW S. River Dr.

wesbite

http://www. stoneageantiques.com

rating

the scene 27 Cherry Picked Vintage Market

CHERRY CHARM:

Alfredo Wolfermann/highlights

A storefront striped in red and white, the Cherry Picked Market offers a wide variety of vintage and antique articles.

Andrea’s Old Town Antiques Offering a relaxed selection, including porcelain, rugs, religious paintings, lamps, China and more, Andrea’s Old Town Antiques & Collectibles is located at 162 NW 29th St. Nested in the Wynwood Art District near Downtown Miami, the shop has been open for more than 10 years, making the owners hardened veterans in their field. Like most antique shops, Andrea’s is packed to the brim with collectibles. At the front of the store, customers are met with white lifesize statues of eagles, and around the back, by a glass door with cameras and a doorbell. Resting immediately inside the entrance is a set of stairs, cramped with massive paintings and mirrors on either side, with a variety of sculptures, small statues and flower pots on the edge of each step. The entrance gives the customer a glimpse of what is to come at the top of the staircase: a room cluttered with a multitude of selections displayed on glass shelves, wood shelves,

and even on the floor- a disarray commonplace to most antique stores around the country. Though disorganized, Andrea’s Old Town Antiques offers a unique selection, including porcelain and sports memorabilia. Customers are sure to find what they are searching for if they bring the patience necessary to look through the hundreds of disorganized yet valuable items. h

the verdict price range

About $5 to about $5,000

atmosphere

Grandmotherly

address

162 NW 29th St

wesbite

Facebook

rating

A 10-minute drive from Stone Age Antiques is the Cherry Picked Vintage Market, situated in Hialeah off of Okeechobee Road, the shop offers a more conventional setting, a street shop marked by red and white stripes on the exterior. Through the display windows customers can get a glimpse of the assortment of items and memorabilia waiting inside. These include 70s and 80s vinyl, safari chairs, lamps, typewriters, vintage cameras and more. The overhead lamps and cramped interior go to show the extensive selection of antiquities inside. As in any vintage and antique shop, items here can go for as low as a few bucks to as high as several hundred dollars. The ‘cherry picked’ market also offers rentals of goods in stock. The business is open from 12 P.M. to 6 P.M. on Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 12 P.M. to 7 P.M. on Saturdays, and from 12 P.M. to

5 P.M. on Sundays. Although parking is scarce along the street, the shop also has a backdoor entrance where there is parking available. More organized than most antique stores, if you are looking for authentic and unique antique items, Cherry Picked Vintage Market is the place to go.

the verdict price range

About $5-about $5,000

atmosphere

Crowded

address

13 SE 1st Ave

wesbite

Facebook

rating

28 insight

BREADTH VS

DEPTH

Leila Iskandarani & Alejandra Orozco/highlights

BY: KEVIN MONJARREZ & SUTTON PAYNE

insight 29

in all stages of educational development, students can choose between pursuing a specific focus or broadening oneself over several subject areas. in this debate between specialization and generalization, one will find that there are merits to both.

ORTY YEARS ago, Theodore Schultz, the former chair of economics at the University of Chicago, a r g u e d that higher education gave students the chance to discover their talents. In the modern curriculum, students are caught between two paths of opprotunity. Presented with the option to either demonstrate complete devotion towards a field of study or choose a broad supply of knowledge, high school students are faced with a tough decision in advancing their education. In comes the conundrum where students must choose between generalizing and specializing. They may opt for a breadth of knowledge spanning over several subjects, thus making them a generalist, or a depth of knowledge in one restricted field, making them a specialist. Students may find themselves unsure of which path to pursue. Thankfully, secondary schooling does offer some aid in this deliberation in the form of core classes with a wide variety of electives, helping with dents make a more informed decision on a future study or profession and improving

match quality between a student’s interest and specialization. However, the debate between specialist versus generalist hardly ends after high school. The debacle persists past entry into the professional world. It is a crucial decision to make throughout several points in a student’s lifetime, and there is no “wrong” choice. Both paths have their merits and both offer equal opportunity for success.

GENERALISm Generalization is something to strive for before trying to settle down in one field. The notion that students must “broaden their horizons” perfectly encompasses the idea of generalism in a high school environment. In a study done by the National Bureau of Economic Research, researchers analyzed the effect of early generalization and early specialization on students. Two countries with vastly different education systems— Scotland, where students are required to study several different fields during the first two years of higher education, and England, where students begin higher education in a specified course of study— were studied. The researchers found that

DID YOU KNOW?

Surgeons, a specialist occupation, is the highest paying job in the U.S. with a median salary of $208,000 per year. Source: The United States Department of Labor

Scotland’s approach brought about better match quality and fewer education mismatches. The difference in field switches was also 6 percent less in Scotland than in England. In this sense, secondary school requirements like core classes and mandatory electives can be beneficial to students, as they provide students a broader scope of knowledge, thus decreasing the chances of future career changes. From a generalist standpoint, a student’s interest in his or her field of study is imperative to their academic and professional success. According to a study conducted by University of Wisonsin and Vanderbilt University professors, interest in a topic enhances learning, which leads to better performance and achievement by promoting attention, recall, task persistence and effort. Student interest is also important in its own right, as students have an incentive to learn when they enjoy what they study. This is why generalization is a great boon for certain undecided students— it allows them to touch upon various fields. This often improves match quality, their course selection and the trajectory of their education after high school. Generalists also have a diverse set of advantages in the professional world.

30 insight

“

[A SPECIALIZED CURRICULUM] HELPS YOU BE MORE INGRAINED WITH WHAT YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR CAREER, BASICALLY WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO END UP DOING FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. -Nidia Volmar, Junior

For one, generalists tend to have more transferable skills, which prove to be useful in periods of technological change. For example, in start-up companies generalists tend to be better because it is a job that requires more flexibility and creativity. Furthermore, according to a University of Pennsylvania professor Phillip Tetlock, generalists are better at predicting the outcome of issues, even outside their specific area of expertise. They also tend to be the leaders and managers within organizations, as they are able to aid and understand an entire team. Their broad array of knowledge also makes them indispensable to startup companies with limited staff. The main drawback of becoming a generalist is the risk factor involved, sacrificing high starting wages for occupational mobility. Generalists also outlive their usefulness as a company matures and acquires experts in every necessary field, thus weeding out the need for flexible employees.

SPEcialism For those who develop a specific interest early on, the benefits of specialization are magnified. Students who choose a career path quickly have more time to focus on a single subject, allowing them to acquire field-specific knowledge sooner. It is this skill acquisition that makes the early specialist stand out to universities and employers in a crowd of similar individuals. Many universities have implemented “Individual Major” programs in an attempt to tailor students’

“

coursework to a specific topic of study. These programs have achieved much success in centralizing each student’s focus, highlighting their individual fortés. The most notable advantage to specialization is higher pay. According to the United States Department of Labor, out of U.S.’s 20 top paying jobs, 17 of them are specialist positions. Companies also tend to most rely on specialists’ expertise, giving them more negotiating power and value to the company as a whole. In an age of constant employee reliance, many professions also prefer specialists because of their technical knowledge. Despite the benefits, specialists also suffer from career inflexibility, confinement to a job title and intense competition, as there are countless individuals competing for the same position. Another notorious drawback of specialists is the poor match quality due to their lack of knowledge in other subjects. Specialization should not be an overly arduous task for students, though it can easily grow into a difficult process. This is largely due to the pressure imposed on students to pick a career path sooner rather than later. In their quest, for quick, in-depth knowledge, some students dive prematurely into a narrow curriculum, limiting their future skill set, intellectual curiosity and, according to the British Psychological Society, career mobility. The poor match quality between a student’s interest and his or her field of study also increases the likelihood of an education mismatch, where students’ future occupations will not reflect their education.

most likely to have a full-time job:

STEM MAJORS

61% Of graduates pursue a masters degree within one year of graduating

51%

Of employed 2014 college graduates are in jobs that do not require a degree

most common college major:

business

STUDENT RESULTS 71%

Of students know what they want to pursue after high school

Of students choose classes that reflect what they want to pursue in the future

28%

61%

Of students consider themselves a specialist

Of studentsthink having general knowledge on several topics is better than focusing on one subject

90%

75%

Of students are comfortable being out of their comfort zone 361 people surveyed Surveyed on Aug. 16, 2017 Alejandra Orozco/highlights

insight 31

VOCation Should they have the interest, students also have the option of pursuing a vocational education. They may aspire to achieve success in specific occupations such as culinary arts, justice and electrical engineering. Vocational schooling also allows students to bypass prerequisites and focus purely on their chosen trade. This extra time afforded to students would theoretically ensure success in their chosen field. The extra time and focus is valued so highly that there are even vocational secondary schools, focused on helping students assimilate into the real world as rapidly as possible. It is because of the unusual nature of vocational schooling however, that it is pivotal that students find a balance between pursuing their career and acquiring a varied base knowledge. Because several students are pressured into specializations early, those who choose a vocational career unsure of their interest will most likely endure a career switch. Unfortunately for them, career switching is not a viable option due to their limited skill set. The Stanford Rural Education Action Program (REAP) has studied vocational schooling in China, and has confirmed the risk associated with this method of education. Despite the increase in funding of vocational schools by about $21 billion annually, students who opted for vocational schooling were more likely to drop out compared to students who opted for a more traditional schooling. It is crucial, especially for the

“

sake of students looking into vocational careers, that secondary school systems find a balance between specialization and generalization.

BALANce Balance is the basis for a successful education as well as career choice. Especially in the high school scenario, where students are not given much opportunity to choose their schedules and only get such freedom with their electives. Even though branching out in high school is important, students should not expect their diverse skillset to be of long-term use. It is important that students stay within the realm of their interests as well, as this is where they will find the most success. A student’s knowledge on carpentry will not aid them in a computer science field. It is the continued interest in a small variety of subjects that drives people to do more. Whether in high school, college, or in the professional world, there are merits to both generalists and specialists. Both groups are not mutually exclusive, and it is very much possible to enjoy the benefits of both. Students should not necessarily devote themselves to one track, rather it is crucial to use insight of both. Even above the allknowing generalist and the technically savvy specialist, it is the balanced individual— the specialized generalist or the generalized specialist— who flourishes, walking the tightrope between breadth and depth. h

I FEEL THAT YOU SHOULD STUDY MORE IN DEPTH BECAUSE HAVING SOME KNOWLEDGE ABOUT A LOT OF BROAD TOPICS DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN THAT YOU’LL DO YOUR JOB CORRECTLY, AND STUDYING IN DEPTH MEANS YOU CAN DO ONE PART OF YOUR JOB VERY WELL.

-Wendy Labarcena, Senior

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lightbox Seniors Andres Sanchez, Ivan Batista and Lucas Pinera pose for a picture in commemoration of their last first day of high school. Throughout the day, seniors donned elaborately decorated crowns in celebration of reaching senior year.