Issue 1, Vol. 64

Georgia Rau

Camila Perez-Clavarino

Nathalie Schwart

Anaïs Jamali

Melissa Gonzalez

Julia Volman

Divya Dave

Ava Volman

Alexander Brazda

Carolina Castro

Juan Fajardo

Manuel Espinoza

Alyssa Dopico & Santiago Giraldo

staff writers

Alexandra Fels

Alicia Fajardo

Andrea Mase

Arwen Law

Emilia Kohnstamm

Hazel Grosell

Juan Chavez

Isabela Duarte

Lily Goron

Maria Ardila

Marie Weisson

Natalia Pavon

Olivia Simon

Samantha Sears

Solal Benkemoun

Stacy Urbina

William Hardie

contributors

Joshua Castillo

Kenneth Silva

Lauren Kaler

Jayden Soloman

Bianca Benson

Getty Images

Andrea Winkeljohn

publication policy

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

summer scenes

AS LOCALS, IT CAN BECOME

easy to tune out the aspects of Miami that make it one-of-akind. From Wynwood’s countless murals and Downtown’s vibrant nightlife to Little Havana’s Latin cuisine and Little Haiti’s independent art galleries, we often pay no mind to the unique scenes around us.

Nevertheless, Miami’s infuence reaches far past the borders of the 305. Miami’s music scene, giving rise to artists such as Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez, is a testament to the city’s blend of cultures that earned it the name “The Gateway to the Americas.” With infuences from the Caribbean to South America, Miami has served as a conduit, bringing the Latin American sound to the world stage (page 28).

For generations, our hometown has inspired artists, each infuenced by those that

from the editor-in-chief

came before them. For one, senior Cayetano Burneo was inspired by his family and surroundings when designing his fashion line, “Ardonée de la Sociéte” (page 6). Hosting events from Miami Swim Week to Art Basel, Miami is the perfect backdrop for budding artists of all mediums.

Still, Miami’s cultural infuences transcend the arts and bleed into sports, as evidenced by Argentine soccer star and GOAT Lionel Messi’s arrival in the city as a player for the Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami (page 19). As the city’s Latin population continues to further the club’s growth, his transfer has inspired “Messi Mania.” Looking towards the future, Miami also anticipates a new women’s soccer team and the larger growth of women’s sports in the city (page 20).

Of course, the “Capital of Latin America’’

would not be complete without its food. Miami is bursting at the seams with restaurants that provide customers with tastes from around the world. Markets such as The Citadel, Julia & Henry’s and Okeydokey offer guests a variety of cuisines in one place (page 26).

As the school year begins and we near the end of our high school years and possibly our time in Miami, take the time to appreciate the city and all it offers. Buy tickets for a local show, attend your favorite team’s next game or go to the new restaurant that opened down the street. Our city is home to infnite possibilities, but it is up to us to explore them.

sincerely, Emily Kardjian Editor-in-Chief

SKILLFUL STRETCHING: The Gablettes dance team begins their summer practice.

GOOD TIMES AND TIE DYE: Senior Joshua Grant and junior Angelina Morff dye shirts at the Academy of Finance summer camp for incoming freshmen.

LIVELY LAUNCH: Biology teacher Eric Molina shoots team USA’s bottle rocket into the air at the IB Honor Society’s annual Cav Camp.

SUMMER SIGNING: Class of 2023 graduate Justin Ruiz signs to Finger Lakes Community College for volleyball.

Anaïs Jamali/highlights

Anaïs Jamali/highlights

Anaïs Jamali/highlights

Anaïs Jamali/highlights

MEET THE BOARD

Emily Kardjian Editor-in-Chief

Georgia Rau Managing Editor

Melissa Gonzalez Adviser

Camila Perez-Clavarino Copy Editor

Julia Volman Features Editor

Divya Dave News Editor

Ava Volman Opinion Editor

Alexander Brazda Sports Editor

Juan Fajardo Insight Editor

Santiago Giraldo Co-online Editor

Carolina Castro The Scene Editor

Alyssa Dopico Co-online editor

Anaїs Jamali Social Media Manager

Manuel Espinoza Content Editor

Design by Julia Volman/highlights

Nathalie Schwart Business Manager

Discovering design Entering the world of fashion, senior Cayetano Burneo creates his own clothing line that explores artistic social commentary

BY NATALIA PAVON, STAFF WRITER

IN A SOCIETY FULL OF MANY different styles and fashions, senior Cayetano Burneo found his own form of self-expression this summer. Developing and showcasing his artistic qualities, Burneo expresses himself in the form of fashion.

During summer break, Burneo launched his “clothing timeline,” which uses his designs to represent eras of his life. Each crafted to express a specifc message, these designs are reworked garments that are stitched together to make his own design.

Growing up in an artistic environment, fashion has become a passion of Burneo’s. His grandmother, a jeweler, would take him to fabric stores as a child, which sparked his interest in design. Burneo channels his ideas through the fabric and materials he uses, creating designs that feel deeply personal.

“I associate events of my life with my

HALLTALK

The highlights staff records what students are talking about over break.

pieces,” Burneo said. “They are all emotions that linger in my head that I apply to fabrics.”

On July 26, Burneo showcased his frst piece, “Ardonnée De La Sociéte,” or “Abandoned from Society.” The pieces were modeled and photographed with the assistance of Burneo’s friends.

“My visual interpretation turned into a feeling when I saw myself wearing his stunning creation,” model and Gables alum Kiera Auad said.

The pieces were showcased on the line’s offcial Instagram page, @cayetanoburneofalca. Through “Ardonnée De La Sociéte”, Burneo communicates the feeling of abandonment when one’s emotions are neglected or ignored.

“I have always loved what it means to put on a piece of clothing that makes you feel like yourself,” Burneo said. “I will say that my garments are to be worn when you are secure enough with yourself to step outside and be

“Mi Mojo Dojo Casa House es tu Mojo Dojo Casa House.”

“California Pizza Kitchen closing was the greatest loss of COVID... excluding people.”

“I don’t know what I said, I wasn’t listening to myself.”

noticeable to the fullest extent.”

Burneo’s inspiration comes from feelings of being different in a society. He hopes to inspire his audience to feel that being unique is not something to be ashamed of. In a society of people with a variety of opinions and judgements, standing out may be seen negatively. Through his designs, Burneo shows the value of turning one’s own differences into empowering and positive qualities.

Burneo continues to explore his passion with each new design he adds to his clothing line. Embarking on this passion project has not only allowed this young designer to express himself in a unique and personal way but continues to allow him to spread his message through his own medium.

“If I saw Ellen Degeneres at Disney World, it would probably ruin my trip.”

“Are you deaf? Wait, no. Mute? Wait nevermind. You just had food in your mouth.”

“I put the rizz in aneurysm.”

I associate events of my life with my pieces; they are all emotions that linger in my head that I apply to fabrics.

Cayetano Burneo, senior

MODELING: Gables alum Kiera Auad models pieces from Burneo’s collection.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Burneo sets up a shot with his model and photographer.

Courtesy of Joshua Castillo

Courtesy of Kenneth Silva

Design by Julia Volman/highlights

THE GABLES QUIZ

BY ANAЇS JAMALI, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Wherein theschoolisthe

What is the name of the newsmagazine at Gables?

What school spirit title is passed down to a chosen senior each year?

‘Fresh’ out of middle school, you have minimal knowledge of Gables. As the year continues, you will grow your Cavalier expertise.

Whose iconic line is “y el ID?”

What is the biggest superstition?school

As a second-year Gables student, you’ve earned the title of Cavalier. This year, you will continue to develop and embrace your knowledge.

As a new upperclassman, your knowledge about Gables is admirable. You are well acquainted with your school and have only the best kept Gables secrets left to learn.

With a hard-earned, deep understanding of Gables, you know the school like the back of your hand. You embody what it means to be a true Cavalier.

CGHS CGHS CGHS CGHS

GABLES NEWS IN BRIEF

BY LILY GORON, STAFF WRITER

BANNED BOOKS LIBRARY

In July 2023, six activists created a library of banned books outside a YMCA center in Florida. The teens hope to prevent academic censorship and the issues with the view of LGBTQ+ people. After the Individual Freedom Act and House Bill 1557 banned teaching about gender identity and racism, the district banned over 350 books containing such content, as per the iami New Times. oping to stife the effects of book banning, the project currently holds 150 books that will be replaced by donations.

“People in the community deserve to see themselves represented within the media, including literature, and should not be frowned upon,” senior Moon Anderson said.

NEW STUDENT LOAN PLAN

The Supreme Court rejected President Joe Biden’s student loan plan, which was going to relieve about 43 million people of debt, as per the Associated Press. A new plan was created in July 2023. When loan repayments resume following a pause placed in March 2022, current students and former students will have a 12-month grace period in which the Biden loan plan will help with missing payments and losing points on credit reports. Borrowers would get any unpaid debt canceled by the government after making payments for more than 20 years, while the inital plan only included 10 years.

“I would love to attend and leave college without any worries of impending and expensive student loans,” junior Stacey Simelanang said.

Congrats, Cavs!

Congratulations to the teachers and faculty for receiving their renovated staff lounge, which was unvelied on Aug. 14. The Coral Gables Senior High class of 1972 raised $12,600 for the lounge. The Coral Gables Senior High PTSA and Friends of Gables, an alumni association, also made monetary contributions. Furthermore, John and Pam Admire made a donation of $30,000. The names of all donors who helped fund the lounge are located on a plaque inside the new room.

MIAMI-DADE POPULATION

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, Miami has been losing residents due to increasing housing costs and job losses. In fact, about 61% of people in Miami spend 30% or more of their income on rent, according to Business Insider. Miami-Dade County has lost almost 80,000 people through net migration to other parts of Florida or other states. Unemployment rates continue to increase while household incomes rise. This leaves space for potential buyers up in the higher class, thus increasing the housing prices.

“I think Miami’s reputation may experience a decline as a result of the population loss if the city is perceived as less vibrant and economically viable,” sophomore Selena Feal said.

h h

June Thomson Morris, a Coral Gables Senior High alumna, thanks Friends of Gables and the PTSA for assisting in the funding and creation of the new teacher’s lounge.

Anaïs Jamali/highlights

SAT and AP exams turn digital

BY ALEXANDER BRAZDA, SPORTS

DESPITE BEING OFFERED IN A paper-and-pencil format for nearly 100 years, the SAT, alongside a range of Advanced Placement exams, will be taken by students digitally during the 2023-2024 school year. Since its debut in 1926, the SAT has become a staple in the lives of high schoolers and college admissions across the globe.

Over the past few years, and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, SAT tests have seemingly become much less important in college admissions processes, as universities have either temporarily or permanently gone testoptional. This means that they do not require and will not necessarily penalize a student for not submitting standardized scores with their application.

Nonetheless, the SAT continues to play an important role, as it was taken by over 1.7 million high schoolers in 2022, according to College Board. The College Board has subsequently decided to shift the SAT entirely to digital testing starting in 2024. This new version of the SAT has been adapted to better ft the needs of students, as it will only be two hours, as opposed to the current exam, which is three hours long without accounting for break time. Furthermore, every math question on the digital test can now be answered with a calculator, while the paper exam includes both calculator and non-calculator sections, as per the Princeton Review.

“I personally prefer paper based exams over digital and I think that going digital is a poor decision,” senior Audrey Lezcano said. “So, I’m glad that the SAT going fully digital won’t affect my grade.”

A new computer-adaptive feature allows the SAT to customize to the abilities of each

The SAT will now be adaptive, and each section will now be divided up into modules. Questions given on the next module will be based on the accuracy of the answers on previous modules.

College Board

student. f a student does better on the frst section of the test, the questions following will be more diffcult but will also be worth more points. This strategy was implemented to encourage students to try harder and make educated guesses on questions they might not

know the answers to, seeing as it might beneft them later.

The College Board has also been shifting toward digital AP exams, which began once COVID-19 started in March 2020 and schools could not offer in-person tests. These tests were offered in a digital format this past year on the Bluebook testing app with subjects including AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Literature and Composition and AP European History. Despite having been offered digitally earlier than the SAT, some AP exams will continue to be offered in a paper-and-pencil format, giving students and teachers the option to choose how they want to take the test. Technological errors in past digital tests that negatively impacted scores have allowed the College Board to assess possible diffculties and resolve them before changing the SAT to a digital format, according to USA Today.

“I think it’s going to be the future and will take time to adjust,” IB and AP psychology teacher Scott Nelson said. “As long as the teacher and students are aware from the beginning, I think it’s an easy adjustment.”

Major shifts to digital testing have yet to be implemented globally, and although the frst digital AT tests were offered internationally in the spring of 2023, it will not be until spring 2024 that the United States joins in on this change.

EDITOR

College Board has decided to make several AP exams and every SAT exam completely digital during the spring of 2024

I worry the change to computerized testing for the SAT may leave room for technology errors.

“ Courtesy ofLaurenKaler “ Lauren Kaler, sophomore

I see how digital testing could be a good change because it’s adaptive. I would rather take the paper test.

C ourtesy ofJaydenSolomon “ “

students speak up

DID YOU KNOW?

Source:

Affrmative action banned

The S reme o rt r led that affrmati e action is in colle e admissions, so ni ersities start to e lore ne alternati es

BY SA A THA SEARS, STAFF WRITER

THE SUPREME COURT RULED against the practice of affrmative action, a race-conscious college admissions system used to ensure diversity, consequently affecting future generations of college students.

Affrmative action is the use of procedures to improve the educational or employment opportunities of members of certain groups, such as minorities, to make up for the effects of long standing discrimination against such groups. After almost years of affrmative action in admissions processes at universities, the upreme ourt has reached a verdict.

After reaching a 6-3 decision, the judges ended affrmative action in higher level education. This case, led by dward Blum from the tudents for air Admissions organi ation, sued both the niversity of North arolina and arvard niversity for discrimination towards Asian American applicants. Blum states that considering race in a holistic college application process, in order to gain diversity, violates the qual rotection lause, as per the American ivil iberties nion.

qual opportunities are often not enough. Affrmative action allowed minority groups a better chance of having the same opportunities as the rest of the ma ority population,” ollege Assistance rogram counselor ofa an de Acedo said.

n recent years, it has been a topic of discussion in college admissions. Affrmative action was intended to be in the best interest of the minority population by giving them

more opportunities to get into colleges as well as fostering more diverse campuses, allowing for more mindful and well rounded adults that have been e posed to a variety of cultures. utting a stop to race conscious admissions would cause numbers of certain students of color to decrease, especially Black students

understanding adults,” senior Gloria aky said.

hile this decision may not affect students currently at universities, it will affect current and future high school seniors, who will be the frst to see this change. There will not be much of a difference with the admissions process besides a few new questions added to the application. The ma ority of the changes will take place behind the scenes in the way that applications are evaluated.

at arvard, as per a document fled with the upreme ourt. Additionally diversity on campuses would decline due to the removal of affrimative action in the college process, as per N . iversity is important to a college campus, as the lack of e posure to a variety of perspectives can lead to a less educational environment, as per . . News orld Report.

aving a diverse campus is important as it promotes inclusivity and gets the students e posed to people from different cultures and backgrounds, leading them to be more

ome universities in states where affrmative action was already banned already have measures in place. olleges in these locations have begun programs to recruit low income students, attributing race to wealth. hile colleges cannot consider race as an isolated factor in the admissions process, they can allow students to talk about their race in their college application essays as well as how their race has impacted their life e periences, such as the hardships they faced as a result of it, as per The New ork Times.

e defnitely should look at race in college applications to ensure a diverse learning environment, but it should not be the determining factor for whether or not a child gets into a college,” unior Naomi Gale said.

The upreme ourt’s ruling on affrmative action will have several impacts on future college students and could potentially limit the diversity on college campuses. owever, colleges are fnding new and improved ways to maintain diversity among their campuses and ensure a fair admissions process.

h

DID YOU KNOW?

Source: Time magazine

In , the ni ersit of alifornia, Ber ele fo nd o t that the end of affrmati e action red ced the o erall enrollment of African American and His anic st dents in alifornia schools In addition, it also decreased these st dents rad ation rates and a es earned after colle e

Ha in a di erse cam s is im ortant as it romotes incl si it and ets the st dents e osed to eo le from different c lt res and bac ro nds Gloria Zaky, senior

“

Burning through marine life

After the record heat this summer, a heat wave is endangering corals, fsh and other marine animals off the coast of Florida

BY HAZEL GROSELL, STAFF WRITER

ON JULY 24, SEAWATER OFF the coast of south Florida registered at 101 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature comparable to the typical hot tub. In the past, the record seawater temperature during July was about 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Marine heat waves translate to higher temperatures on land as well. Thus, physical education classes, outdoor sports and class to class commutes will become more challenging to organize than before, as per CBS News.

“The current heat wave started very early in the season,” said Martin Grosell, Chair of the Department of Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Miami. “This is a concern because the high ocean temperatures will likely continue until autumn. A lot of organisms can handle stress from heat for a certain period of time, but if the stress extends beyond that time, it is really damaging.”

especially susceptible to temperature changes. According to NOAA, stressed coral will expel the algae living within them in a process called coral bleaching. As a result, their colors will fade, exposing their white exoskeleton. This phenomenon increases the coral’s vulnerability to malnourishment and disease, the World Wildlife Fund says.

“A lot of coral starts to die as water temperatures rise,” coral lab advisor and biology teacher Eric Molina said. “There are two parts to a coral. There is the organism that lives within the hard exoskeleton, and then there is the algae that lives on top of that. The algae dies in hot water, leaving the more resistant coral to fend for itself.”

The algae can return and revive the corals. However, the likelihood of the algae’s return decreases the longer the heat wave lasts. According to the NOAA, marine heat waves such as this one are becoming longer, warmer and more frequent. These conditions are making it diffcult for coral to recover.

“Coral reefs are incredible ecosystems that provide shelter for nearly a quarter of the ocean’s wildlife,” senior Griffn Byrd said. “On top of that, they protect coastlines from storms that cause fooding and erosion. Their disappearance would be harmful.”

quick facts

According to the NOAA marine heat waves are a natural occurrence. However, oceans are known to absorb 90% of heat from the atmosphere; this can cause warmer heat waves. When water gets too warm, it becomes hypoxic, meaning the water contains a very low amount of oxygen.

According to the National Institutes of Health, marine organisms need more oxygen in warm water because heat speeds up biochemical reactions, like breathing. Eventually, this excess demand will lead to an oxygen shortage. In extreme cases, the water will become anoxic, or will contain no oxygen, which can lead to mass mortality of fsh and benthic organisms, like coral, that live on the bottom of the ocean.

Sensitive organisms like coral are

Another issue magnifed by marine heat waves are algal blooms. According to NOAA, when colonies of algae grow out of control, they may produce toxins that can have debilitating effects on people and animals. These events are called hazardous algal blooms, and they can be generated by marine heat waves.

Hazardous algal blooms have the capacity to impair or even close commercial or recreational fshing of specifc species. According to the Center for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation, this could result in fnancial losses for fshing, aquaculture and tourism businesses.

Although marine heat waves are a natural occurrence, global warming has rapidly intensifed their effects on the planet. Now, marine heat waves are more dangerous for marine organisms, ecosystems and industries.

Coral is extremely sensitive to temperature change. A higher temperature can lead to coral bleaching, causing the coral to turn white.

Source: CNN News

Today, the ocean has absorbed 90% of the heat released by greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: United Nations

can

Source: National Library of Medicine

Coral reefs are incredible ecosystems that provide shelter for nearly a quarter of the ocean’s wildlife.

Griffn Byrd, senior

Temperature

affect the desire for a fsh to obtain food, the digestion process and how they store energy.

Designed by Divya Dave/highlights

STAFF-ED: Learning since lockdown

The lingering impact of COVID-19 on education is an issue that the district is yet to address

Written by staff writer Nathalie Schwart. This article refects the opinion of the highlights 2023-2024 staff.

ALTHOUGH IT HAS BEEN three years since the COVID-19 lockdown, students are still missing prerequisite knowledge and their study skills have lapsed due to online learning and school disruptions during the pandemic. Many districts are not adequately addressing these learning gaps, putting the burden on teachers and students. The lack of resources and specialized programs may exacerbate the situation, leaving educators and students feeling overwhelmed.

According to a study by Nature Human Behavior, students lost about 35% of a normal school year’s worth of learning when inperson learning stopped during the public health crisis.

Throughout Florida, this alarming trend is noticeable. The Florida Department of Education stated that only 51% of students in grades three through eight received acceptable or above marks on state math examinations in 2021, which is a 10% decline from the results from 2019. A three-point drop from two years prior, 52% of students in grades three through 10 received passing grades in language arts.

According to this data, the impact of a student’s declining grades might be diffcult to recover from, which will affect high school learning and beyond. Students currently have to learn fundamental prerequisites that they missed due to the pandemic in addition to the current year of coursework.

As stated by Associated Press News, the average student still would need the equivalent of 4.1 additional months of schooling to catch up in reading and 4.5 months for math.

This problem goes beyond adding more to the curriculum, it is

about addressing the issue and altering the curriculum to suit the new needs of students post-pandemic who are lacking knowledge of fundamentals. The curriculum has not adapted with the students. Since students are lacking prerequisite knowledge that is vital to build

to bridge the gap of learning loss caused by the pandemic, a feasible solution would be to amend the use of standardized testing. A “teach-to-the-test” mentality is fostered by the traditional method, which places excessive pressure on both students and teachers. This strategy teaches solely to pass the exam, not allowing for students and teachers to fll in the learning loss brought on by months of delayed education in the pandemic.

There needs to be changes implemented to alter the aim of standardized examinations rather than just utilizing them as the main indicator of student and instructor performance.

The already implemented standardized testing can be used as a diagnostic tool, rather than a one-size-fts-all evaluation scale. By leveraging these assessments to identify students who are struggling and in need of extra support, the district can allocate resources towards these specifc students. Furthermore, any resources that are already available can be publicized more to students, as many are unaware of any preexisting resources to aid them.

new knowledge, they need more attention on certain subjects. The same curriculum as before the pandemic is not feasible for learning anymore.

In order

“I feel that the district has not done enough to help students that were set back from the pandemic. I saw no resources available to the students,” sophomore Sela Peña said.

Teachers and students need help to bridge the large achievement loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. They do not have the expertise and resources to handle this issue alone. Tailored interventions and targeted tutoring sessions can be provided to students who require assistance.

h

I feel that the district has not done enough to help students that were set back from the pandemic. I saw no resources available to the students Sela Peña, sophomore

Design by Ava Volman/highlights

“Barbie” poses progress

FTER excelling in nearly every job known to man, from fight attendant to frefghter, Barbie’s latest title is controversial: feminist. The “Barbie” movie’s compelling message sweeps across the country as armies of pink-clad fans fock to the theaters with promises of patriarchal reform; however, the movie will not infuence the change it swears by.

On July 21, “Barbie” was released. Not only did it break several box offce records, including the frst $1 billion movie from a sole female director and the biggest opening weekend for a flm directed by a woman, according to CBS, but NPR also reports that around 70% of all ticket sales were women.

Early on in the movie, Barbie discovers that something is wrong with her. She starts thinking about death, develops cellulite and becomes fat-footed. In an attempt to fx the issues, Barbie travels from Barbieland, a female-run community, to the real world and discovers that things are much different than she thought — most jobs are male dominated and women are not respected in society.

Barbie covers important issues, like the imbalance of job distribution, beauty standards and the lack of respect awarded to women in society. Because of this, the flm is receiving a lot of praise — and criticism — for its message.

“A lot of people, especially my friends, were crying or felt very emotional after the movie,” junior Celina Richardson said.

Despite the public’s strong opinions, the flm is relatively surface level. Of course, it is hard to make a movie about plastic dolls carry a heavy, deep message. At the very least, “Barbie” portrays issues of feminism in a positive light, explicitly bringing these ideas into mainstream media, in which they are rarely addressed. Regardless of one’s personal feelings, this is indisputably the frst movie of its kind, and it does a good job balancing serious topics with humor.

“The ‘Barbie’ movie was really able

to convey the message of womanhood in a humorous manner,” senior Jasmine Rizo said. “ It felt lighthearted.”

After her journey, Barbie returns to a completely male-run society and subservient, brainwashed women. She then discovers this is because the patriarchy has invaded Barbieland through Ken. Eventually, the

female-run societies by acknowledging that matriarchies are not the solution to the world’s problems.

Additionally, the movie features women of all ages, colors and sizes in a successful attempt to show feminism as it applies to all women. “Barbie” does a good job of universalizing its message and unifying the female-dominant audience.

Overall, “Barbie” deserves its positive feedback. However, it is important to realize that the flm will make limited, if any, progress. It will not inspire a “Barbie” bill and wake men up to the female reality. “Barbie” alone will not make any real change, but feminist ideals being in the mainstream media is undoubtedly promising.

confict is resolved, and Barbieland becomes normal again. However, the Barbies learn that there is still much progress to be made in the real world in terms of gender equality. In Barbieland, they also realize that both genders must be given rights in order to run a successful community.

“I do not believe that the ‘Barbie’ movie is going to be the defning factor of change,” senior Penelope Acevedo said. “I do think it will bring us one step closer to an ideal world, where the patriarchy does not exist.”

Films like “Mean Girls” and “Clueless” seem to villainize femininity, so giving young women movies that embrace femininity is a positive thing.

The flm also combats age-old claims that feminists are man-haters who want fully

The blockbuster is a pioneering flm in explicitly present feminist ideas, but it does not promise any real change

COMMENTARY BY GEORGIA RAU, MANAGING EDITOR A

I do not believe that the ‘Barbie’ movie is going to be the defning factor of change. I do think it will bring us one step closer to an ideal world, where the patriarchy does not exist.

Penelope Acevedo, Senior

TWO VIEWS: Scam or pathway to success?

in the application

COMMENTARY BY CAROLINA CASTRO, THE SCENE EDITOR

IGH SCHOOL students around the nation are constantly on the hunt for things to add to their college resume in an effort to stand out to the university of their choosing. When looking at a school’s “summer immersion program” open to them, many are susceptible to the falsehood that these programs will help them gain entry to the host school. In reality, they are getting charged thousands of dollars to live out this fantasy for a week with no certainty of ever returning.

Pre-college programs, while not often promoted as such, are seen as guaranteed feeder programs, raising the chances of acceptance for all that attend. When paying absurdly high prices to stay on campus, one would expect compensation other than free dining hall food. Instead, they are met with the disappointment of being pooled with all other candidates who didn’t accept the same invitation sent to everyone’s emails.

Top schools such as Princeton, Harvard and Georgetown capitalize off of the dreams of students looking to attend their prestigious academies, knowing the acceptance to their “competitive” program excite any student. By the time January comes along, however, these same students will be met with disappointment when the undergraduate admissions process

Hdoesn’t treat them as kindly as expected.

“While most programs do include a talk with the admissions team from that school, many students misinterpret this as ‘making connections’ and assume the school will remember them and accept them, which is not the case,” Matriculate college counselor Luna Karshis said.

According to the College Board, receiving invitations to events and programs hosted by one’s choice school is as easy as signing up to the newsletter available to everyone on their website. Though signing up may feel like one is entering a pool of candidates who will then be carefully selected to attend, this would be a grave misconception. Schools tend to fx on those who are interested in their programs, reaching out knowing they are most likely to put in the money or effort to attend, even unexpectedly targeting low-income students, according to the Washington Monthly.

Stanford University, among the most prestigious institutions in the country, goes as far as to promote their “fundraising guides” for those who are unable to afford the tuition. Rather than offer scholarships or fnancial aid packages, Stanford pushes students to raise money in their communities, whether through local or online efforts. On fundraising websites, one can fnd several posts dedicated to pre-college programs published by students under the idea that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that will help them eventually attend the school of their choosing.

“I have heard that your chances at

opposable thumbs

-Juan Chavez, Staff Writer

[being accepted to the program’s] school are drastically increased,” senior Laura Ridoux said.

While this is not explicitly said by most host schools, many pre-college programs are promoted to students who believe they can put their experience on their application, and these schools typically do not negate these notions. When looking at the websites for these programs, many do not clarify their role in the college admissions process, or they claim to be helpful in other ways. The Harvard pre-college program, for example, claims that, while they can’t explicitly help in the admissions process, they are able to showcase a student’s abilities and rigor, trying to twist the narrative in order to still make students believe their program is worthwhile.

Pre-college programs can be benefcial in many ways, introducing students to prospective campuses and professors to ease their transition from high school to college. Otherwise, these programs are largely misleading and created with the intention of profting off of vulnerable applicants.

While paid pre-college programs may give students some valuable experiences that would help them acclimate to the college lifestyle, they prey on defenseless, tired students going to the ends of the earth for ways to stand out to admissions offcers. While giving them the comfort of getting accepted somewhere, these programs leave students in the dust by the time actual college applications open with no certainty of getting in again.

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“Truth hurts.”

-Santiago Giraldo, Online Editor

Pre-college programs are meant to immerse high school summer, but many misinterpret its true beneft

students in the college lifestyle for a application process — are they really worth it?

COMMENTARY BY ALICIA FAJARDO, STAFF WRITER

SOON-TO-BE COLLEGE

students often enroll in pre-college summer camps at prestigious universities to get a taste of campus lifestyle and explore interesting courses that offer an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experience before they fnally leave the nest. While they have not been proven to help with college applications, they do give a feel for how the campus operates and give the future student a better sense of what attending the school will be like.

For some students, college can be the frst time that many of them are living away from their family, so these programs allow them to experience what that is like. For better or for worse, this might be the frst exposure these students have had to independent living. Although it can be inaccessible for some to try living in a dorm situation, it is a good life experience to help teach future students the importance of cleanliness and communicating with their fellow housemates. Furthermore, experiences such as these are vital in the development of personal independence for young adults, something crucial they will carry with them into college.

Pre-college programs also make for great networking opportunities. According to a recent Forbes interview with Robin Rose, a faculty member of Brown University’s School of Professional Studies, students from all over the country who participate in their summer courses get to know people of all different backgrounds and build connections with possible future professors and other students they may encounter in the professional world.

“Meeting people from all over the country opens your eyes,” senior Amalia Garrido said.

Students can also fnd themselves partaking in more intellectual conversations that a university campus commands. Classroom discussions can sometimes veer off topic, but being in a classroom where everyone wants to be there is a great way to

Design by Ava Volman/highlights

AVA’S ANTICS

Help wanted

COMMENTARY BY AVA VOLMAN, OPINION EDITOR

to start challenging one’s intellectuality.

Rose also revealed that oftentimes, university students will attend these courses to catch up on credits or for the academic challenge, giving even more opportunities for conversations to enhance and change one’s opinion.

As you might have gathered from my previous columns, I love to win. From crossword challenges to besting copy editor Camila Perez-Clavarino at word hunt, I am unhealthily obsessed with mental games. And now, I have a new wheelhouse to conquer: trivia night.

YES

Since many colleges obviously hope to fnd future students at their schools, they are bound to offer courses that refect their most renowned programs. Georgetown alone boasts courses on diagnostic medicine, the thought process of an attorney, international relations and much more.

Most Americans are familiar with the feeling of regretting an ill-picked college major. As per a Federal Reserve survey, 44% of college graduates regret their majors. People tend to misjudge their major choices due to many reasons, such as money or their parents. After a few weeks on campus learning about different areas of study, students can make more informed decisions about what career they want to pursue.

The sad truth is that many Americans end up hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, having wasted four years trying to shake that feeling that they are not really pursuing their passion. Of course, these programs are not cheap, but they are a great long-term investment for the indecisive student who is not sure what they want to study.

Amid the chaos of their fnal teenage years, students are trying to make the transition between high school and university as seamless as possible. From networking with students from all over the country and expert-level professors to getting to take fascinating classes, a pre-college course is the best option for any student who wants to ensure they are enrolling in the best courses for them.

It all began with writing a newsletter. Over the summer I started a magazine internship and was tasked with writing the weekly newsletter. I had to search for events online, and after scouring EventBrite like a madwoman, I came across a local trivia night. Even though this activity might seem as if it is reserved for the geriatric, I became instantly fascinated and determined on building the trivia dream team.

Out of the four members per team, we have already assembled three of the fnest trivia pedigree. First we have Saryn Moore, professional photographer and The Sims Mobile addict. Ask her anything about piracy or Robert Pattinson. I dare you. Next up is Juan Fajardo, our resident horticulturalist who talks in riddles I can’t understand half the time. He has endless knowledge about any pop culture reference in the last century and got a fve on APUSH, so he’s basically a historical genius. And fnally, there’s me: Jeopardy lover with a ton of random tidbits of knowledge that even I don’t know where they came from. Together, we are the Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade of trivia night.

However, we are still looking to expand our team (and our knowledge) by recruiting a fourth member. We need someone quick on their feet (to fgure out the surprisingly complicated buzzer), intelligent and preferably with knowledge in areas we lack (defnitely math).

The application process will include a full-length resume, three interviews, and a trivia match against Juan about The Doors (you’re guaranteed a loss there). If you’re interested in this prestigious position, stop by the highlights classroom during sixth period to be put to the test.

Florida: where freedom goes to die

COMMENTARY BY SANTIAGO GIRALDO, ONLINE EDITOR

LORIDA has radically changed its political geography in the last six years. While Hillary Clinton only lost the state by 1.2% in 2016, Gov. Ron Desantis was reelected in 2022 by

F19% and won historically Democratic MiamiDade County by 11%. These changes have resulted in the Republican Party controlling both chambers of the legislature, governorship chambers and a Republican supermajority in the legislature.

As the political tides have shifted, so have the state’s views on issues pertaining

EDUCATIONAL CHANGES

Remaking education has been Gov. Desantis’s priority in the past two years. It began with the 2022 Parental Rights in Education bill, which banned teaching about gender or sexuality from kindergarten through third grade.

Desantis and his legislative counterparts ensured they were just trying to protect children and give parents a more signifcant say in their children’s education, as reported by NPR. This promise soon dissipated as Desantis expanded the law. Neither gender identity nor sexual orientation can be taught until grade 12.

This limitation caused the College Board to say that AP Psychology cannot be taught in Florida. Only days later, the Florida Department of Education walked back on its decision to not allow the teaching of sexuality and gender identity in public schools, allowing

the course to be taught in its entirety.

Nevertheless, the Desantis administration had approved removing thousands of Floridian students’ opportunities to receive a collegelevel class and removing parents’ freedom to enroll their children in such electives.

Furthermore, schools will now be prohibited from requiring teachers’ and students’ pronouns to match someone’s gender identity, as reported by NBC Miami News.

Continuing his crusade against “critical race theory” via the Higher Education Act (Senate Bill 266), the Governor has banned state colleges from using state or federal funding for diversity programs.

The law only exemplifes the state government’s intent to restrict Florida from becoming a more inclusive and diverse state by removing vehicles for diversity and inclusion in the state’s institutions of enlightenment.

to education, women, and immigration. Gov. Desantis has made it his goal to rebrand Florida as the “free state of Florida,” according to his “State of the State” address, and even more pronounced in his current presidential run. Yet, his version of freedom seems narrow as he makes the case to the rest of the nation of how “free” Florida is.

84% of LGBTQ+ students report harassment in a school setting due to their sexuality or gender identity.

Source: Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network

“Diversity, equity and inclusion programs are crucial as when people are exposed to diverse perspectives, they become more openminded,” senior Charlee Trowbridge said.

Starting July 1, new Florida laws regarding immigration, went into effect, and their ramifcations may have

students speak up

highlights “

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The only way to change the law is to vote. Go vote!

Frank Cipriani, history teacher

SantiagoGiraldo/highlights “

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The abortion limit does not give women the appropriate amount of time to make decisions over their bodies.

Ciara Oveido, senior

women’s rights

education have catastrophic impacts on the state and Miami

CHANGES FOR WOMEN

Nothing is more ironic than calling Florida the “freest” state in the nation while half the state’s population does not fully experience these freedoms. The legislature accomplished this by passing both a 15-week and, subsequently, a 6-week abortion ban via the Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality Act (House Bill 5) and the Heartbeat Protection Act (SB 300) in the past two years.

Nothing is free about restricting a woman’s right to reproductive healthcare and bodily autonomy. By doing so, the state actively endangers women by not allowing them to have critical reproductive healthcare and criminalizes doctors for performing a potentially life-saving procedure.

As illustrated in the Washington Post, Deborah Dorbert, who was told that her baby

would die at birth, was denied an abortion. Under Florida’s law, if there is a heartbeat by 15 weeks, an abortion cannot be conducted. If the procedure were to have been conducted, the doctors who performed it could have faced prison time. Her son lived for 99 minutes.

Currently, the state is being sued by the American Civil Liberties Union for violating the Florida Constitution’s right to privacy, according to the ACLU. The 15week and 6-week bans are currently on hold as enforcement depends on a ruling by the Florida Supreme Court, according to the University of South Florida.

Yet, this attack affects women of all ages, as under House Bill 1069, the teaching of female menstruation is banned before the sixth grade, as reported by NBC Miami News. Not

CHANGES FOR IMMIGRANTS

Immigration has always been a touchy subject in the United States. Yet, the effects can be seen in almost every street in Miami, a city of immigrants who have played an essential role in the state’s development and industrial success. Senate Bill 1718 seeks to reign in on immigrant involvement in the Florida economy.

According to the New York Times, the new law requires hospitals to inquire about patients’ immigration status and record associated healthcare expenses. To accomplish this, it compels employers to utilize electronic

databases for detecting unauthorized hires or risk penalties. Florida’s agriculture and construction industries and small businesses have been directly impacted by the law, as their primary source of labor comes from undocumented immigrants.

As illustrated in the Wall Street Journal, Florida’s agricultural and construction industries report experiencing a labor shortage due to migrant workers leaving the state fearing deportation. The freedom from fear no longer exists in Florida as businesses worry for their economic well-being and migrants

33%

0f pregnant women do not know they are pregnant at six weeks gestation.

only is Florida limiting bodily autonomy but also simply learning about one’s body.

“I do not think discussions of sexuality or gender identity should be restricted in schools. These discussions can be life-saving and clarifying for people who are growing up and do not know who they are yet,” junior Helen Carmona said.

are concerned about their ability to work in the state. h

28%

Source: University of California San Francisco of Florida’s essential workers are immigrants.

Source: Center for Migration Studies

immigration,

and public

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“ Delaying an essential step in someone’s life, like sexual education, will only lead to ignorance.

Emmanuelle Desmet, senior

highlights

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Immigrants are coming to America to fnd freedom and opportunity. Being unable to work and have a normal life is extremely disappointing. Emma Rivera, junior

SPORTS BRIEFS

BY NATHALIE SCHWART, BUSINESS MANAGER

upcoming events

Aug. 30

Cross country meet @ MAST Academy

Sept. 1

Boys football game @ Coral Park

Simone Biles returns

During the 2021 Summer Olympics, Simone Biles announced a hiatus from gymnastics to address her mental health. She had the “twisties,” a mental block that gymnasts experience when they lose spatial awareness during an event. Making a strong return to gymnastics on Aug. 5, 2023, in the U.S. Classic, she won the beams portion and the all-around foor exercise.

As a mental health advocate, Biles uses her position to promote positive change and dismantle mental health stigmas. Biles’ commitment to this

cause has not only increased awareness of the signifcance of mental health in sports but has also had a profound impact on the lives of countless people and athletes who have found comfort and inspiration in her story.

“I think Simone Biles’ story can teach student athletes that it’s okay to have mental health struggles and put yourself frst,” junior cheerleader Samira Martinez said. “It doesn’t make you weak, and it doesn’t mean you’re not good at what you do. You will come out stronger.”

Jaylen Brown’s historic salary

Jaylen Brown, the starting shooting guard for the Boston Celtics, recently became the highest-paid NBA player of all time. Brown was given a fve-year supermax contract of $305 million. The supermax permits teams to re-sign qualifed players to maximum fve-year contracts costing up to 35% of their own wage cap. This sparked controversy because Jaylen Brown is not the leading scorer of his own team. Additionally, due to the fact that this establishes a new

31 Aug.

Girls volleyball game vs. Braddock

Sep. 5

Girls volleyball game @ Terra

athlete spotlight

standard for player pay, this may be used as leverage by other players in contract discussions. Such high salaries for single players may put future strains on the teams’ overall budgets when acquiring other players.

“Although many people disagree, I think Brown’s abilities justify him being the highest-paid NBA player,” senior girls varsity basketball captain Savannah Villarreal said. “He averages about 25 points per game, which is pretty impressive to me.”

Bianca Benson, Sophomore Sport: Volleyball Accomplishments:

At 14 years old, Benson made the best U16 national team for the 305 Volleyball Club. She also received an honorable mention from the Miami Herald and was frst in the district for hitting percentage in the Gables 2022 season.

Courtesy of Getty Images

Courtesy of Bianca Benson

Messi meets Miami Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi decides to leave French club PSG to come play for Inter Miami CF

BY ANDREA MASE, STAFF WRITER

AFTER TWO YEARS OF playing for Paris Saint-Germain, worldfamous soccer player Lionel Messi signed with Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, or Inter Miami CF, on July 15. South Florida invited him in with open arms, hoping to incentivize higher revenue and popularity for U.S. Major League Soccer.

Scoring seven goals and one assist with Inter Miami and winning his frst four games on the team proves his profound positive effect. Messi is already the fourth-highest scorer after merely a month on the team, right under his newest ally, midfelder Robert Taylor. Playing with the World Cup star is a dream for many but has become a reality for the Finnish professional soccer player. According to Sky Sports, the 28-year-old has always aspired to play at the same level as his idol and now can receive mentorship from him, as shown in their 4-0 win against Atlanta United.

“I think Messi coming to Miami is benefcial because the players in the team will grow more and learn many things from him,” junior soccer player Ruben Sanchez said.

According to NPR, Messi’s contract with Inter Miami includes a $50 to $60 million annual salary, ownership of the club after he retires and a deal with Adidas. His contract

also includes a share of the profts of new subscribers to MLS broadcasting on Apple TV, according to Apple. This was done knowing that he would bring many new viewers and subscribers from around the world to the platform.

Furthermore, having Messi play for a team in Miami showcases the club to sponsors, creates higher revenue and boosts sales. According to ESPN, ticket prices for his frst game rose to more than 450% of the original cost, increasing from an average of around $50 to $712. Once news of his trade broke out, fans immediately bought more of his pink jerseys than any other player changing teams across all U.S. sports.

“The main focus has always been leagues and cups in Europe, but with Messi’s arrival, the MLS can become one of the top leagues in the world,” sophomore soccer player Mateo Blaschke said.

The current Inter Miami stadium, the Drive Pink Stadium located in Fort Lauderdale, has economically benefted tremendously since Messi joined the club. Following his arrival, tourism is expected to increase by 10%, meaning around 1.65 million additional tourists. According to Luxonomy, it is predicted that tourists will spend $400

million when they stay to watch him play. This will positively affect hospitality services, like hotels and restaurants, and increase job opportunities in these areas.

Since it became offcial that Messi was going to play for Inter Miami, an investment company known as Ares Management invested $75 million into this soccer club to help fund the new Miami Freedom Park stadium, according to Sports Business Journal. It plans to include 58 acres of public parks, restaurants, soccer felds and a 25,000-person stadium. With the donation, it will be 100% privately funded and will create 15,000 jobs. The opening date is predicted to be in the summer or fall of 2025. However, its location near the Miami International Airport may create heavy amounts of traffc after its construction.

“From what I’ve seen from the plans, it looks like it will have a lot of activities for the fans and the stadium will also be larger,” senior soccer player Vincenzo Domescu said.

It’s clear that Messi, having won the Ballon d’Or seven times and the Best FIFA Men’s Player award six times, has earned the respect of fans across the world, who expect him to have a major effect on Inter Miami and its community.

B I E N V E N I D O

Design by Alexander Brazda/highlights

Women’s soccer growth spreads

BY EMILY KARDJIAN,

DESPITE THE UNITED States Women’s National Team’s early exit from the Women’s World Cup on Aug. 6, 2023, the tournament has served to demonstrate the growth of women’s sports on both a local and global basis.

Hosted by Australia and New Zealand, this year’s Women’s World Cup began in late July and has already broken numerous records. According to Forbes, a predicted two billion viewers are expected to watch the tournament. This fgure is a drastic increase from the 1.12 billion viewers that FIFA estimates watched the 2019 tournament. In addition, the 2023 Women’s World Cup is expected to become the most attended standalone event in the history of women’s sports.

Though much of this growth has been occurring at a global scale, the expansion of women’s soccer is particularly evident in the United States. Yahoo! Sports reports that the USWNT’s opening match against Vietnam received an average of 5.26 million viewers throughout the game. More signifcantly, Fox’s coverage of the USWNT’s game against the Netherlands averaged 6.43 million viewers, reportedly earning it the record for the most-watched English broadcast of a women’s group stage match ever.

These record fgures occur despite games being diffcult to watch due to their occurrence between 1 and 7 a.m. in the United States’ time zones. Growing fanaticism and support for the women’s game have given way to such numbers, as soccer fans from across the

country have tuned in no matter the hour.

“I think it’s exciting to see women play a sport that is equally as exciting as the men’s side,” senior girls soccer captain Lenox Balzebre said. “Seeing younger children drawn to women’s sports and compelled by remarkable players with

$30,000 for their participation in the World Cup, a signifcant amount when considering the $14,000 average salary of professional women’s soccer players across the world. Furthermore, FIFA has stated that they are committed to reaching equal prize funds for the men and women in their respective 2026 and 2027 world cups. Currently, the USWNT is the only women’s team to receive equal pay relative to their male counterparts. This was only achieved through a landmark decision in May 2022 after a sixyear-long court battle, the New York Times said.

This growing economic expansion extends much further than individual player wages, as women’s soccer has also increased its impact on the global economy. For example, Football Federation Australia, the Australian governing body of soccer, estimates that the 2023 Women’s World Cup will generate over $400 million for Australia and New Zealand this year, a signifcant increase from the $311 million that FIFA reports the 2019 World Cup contributed to its host nation, France.

astonishment parallel to the men’s athletes shows the shift towards equality.”

Viewership is certainly not the only indicator of the growth in women’s soccer, as improvements to player wages and rewards have become increasingly signifcant in the past years. According to Associated Press News, all participating players will receive at least

“More large investments are needed for women’s sports to grow their viewers and impact,” senior Elisa Huget said.

Moreover, this signifcant upward trend has also been demonstrated on the club and league level. In FIFA’s Second Benchmarking Report on Women’s Football released in 2022, the organization reports that women’s clubs have seen a 33% average annual increase in their commercial revenue.

As demonstrated by this year’s Women’s World Cup, the growth and impact of women’s sports have skyrocketed

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Design by Alexander Brazda/highlights

Additionally, 77% of leagues had a title sponsor at the time of this report compared to the 66% that had them just a year prior. Steep increases in commercial investment in women’s soccer effectively demonstrate the increasing economic growth and revenue that have become standard in the sport.

On a local level in Miami, women’s soccer is also looking forward to the future expansion of an already thriving community. In the city, soccer remains a widely watched and played sport for girls and young women due to its year-round accessibility aand the infuence of Hispanic culture. Seeing as how 68% of soccer’s viewership worldwide was credited to Hispanic fans in 2017, the Hispanic community in Miami plays a large role in the sport’s prevalence, as per Sports Illustrated. The Florida High School Athletic Association reports that the state alone has over 500 high school girls soccer programs, many of which

quick facts

are based in South Florida.

Despite offering many programs for young girls and women to play the sport, Miami has yet to establish a professional women’s team. According to the Sun Sentinel, however, Inter Miami FC president and co-owner, David Beckham, reveals future plans for the funding of an expansion team of the National Women’s Soccer League in Miami. Contributing to the prominence of women’s soccer on a local level, this expansion would also work to beneft the growth and recognition of the women’s game nationwide.

“More youth and professional women’s soccer clubs in Miami would bring more attention to women’s soccer for all ages and motivate young girls to play soccer at a high school and college level,” Gables alumnus and Barry University Division II women’s soccer player Helena Macedo said.

While soccer remains at the forefront of the

media due to the World Cup and its relevance in Miami, numerous women’s sports have seen large increases in revenue and popularity in the past years. Women’s basketball, both at a collegiate and professional level, has been rapidly growing across the United States. This past year, ESPN reported that viewership of the collegiate women’s NCAA March Madness tournament was up 42% from the previous year, while the NBA stated that WNBA viewership this past season was up by 67% as well. Both of these numbers indicate a larger growth in women’s sports and their popularity across the country, opening a door for more opportunities.

Women’s sports have continuously seen major development on global, national and local scales, achieving vast improvements in pay and recognition while broadening their impact on the millions of young women watching across the world.

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Compiled by Emily Kardjian/highlights

Hiking above the rest

Andrea Winkeljohn treks her way through the

Beartooth

Mountains in Montana, where she spends her summers

BY WILLIAM HARDIE, STAFF WRITER

HIGH ABOVE

SEA LEVEL,

junior Andrea Winkeljohn fnds her way to the top of mountains in Montana. Although she lives in Miami, she vacations to the northwest region of the United States to relieve her hiking desires during the summer months.

With a scenic location in northern Wisconsin, the camp is appealing to people in neighboring states and even countries. From the base camp in Wisconsin, the hikers travel by bus to the Beartooth Mountains in Montana and begin their hike. Winkeljohn’s hiking trips allow her to not only relax and have fun but to also fnd new friends from many different places. There are camps available to those as young as 10 years old and teenagers as old as 18.

“I’ve made tons of friends at my camp since I’ve been going there for quite some time,” Winkeljohn said. “Most of my friends [in Miami] are outdoorsy and adventurous people, but very few go hiking.”

Hauling pounds of materials on their backs, Winkeljohn and her fellow hikers faced labor-intensive journeys full of surprises. On the Fourth of July, Winkeljohn came across some unexpected surprises such as snow and mountain goats, the latter of which shocked her to have seen hiking at such high altitudes.

After deciding where to sleep for the night, the hikers set up a tent. Each of them

sleeps on a sleeping pad, blown up manually, with a sleeping bag. With meals planned by camp coordinators that lasted up to 12 days, they visit centers to restock their supplies.

situations, she believed the environment was a place that helped her learn and strengthen fexibility, leadership, responsibility and resourcefulness skills. She uses abilities learned on the trail in aspects of her everyday life, especially in school.

“I can apply this to my school life when times become stressful because I can refect on how I felt during my hikes and how I managed to overcome them,” Winkeljohn said.

Without internet for over a month, Winkeljohn and her group would fnd themselves swimming, telling each other stories, making bracelets or reading when not on the trail. They each brought cameras, knowing that the opportunities to take pictures would be abundant. With stunning views all around her, they would take photos of the scenery and each other.

Winkeljohn prepared her own meal each day with the rations provided. When supplies would break, which was not often, they would have to solve the issue themselves. When there would be rips in items, such as sleeping bags, clothes and other materials, they would have to be sewn back together by the campers.

In this outdoor environment, stressful situations arise. However, while in these

“I notice everytime she comes back from hiking that her character has grown and she has a more peaceful mindset,” brother Charles Winkeljohn said.

Loving to spend her summers doing exercise and appreciating the great outdoors, Winkeljohn travels across the country to places like Montana and North Carolina where the mountain ranges are some of the best in the country. Enjoying breathtaking views for weeks on end allows her to truly become one with nature before returning to her home thousands of miles away.

Courtesyof Andrea Winkeljohn

I notice everytime she comes back from hiking that her character has grown and she has a more peaceful mindset. Charles Winkeljohn, senior

“

Courtesyof Andrea Winkeljohn

Courtesyof Andrea Winkeljohn

POINTING UP: Winkeljohn poses with her hiking sticks before continuing to use them to ascend the trail.

SPIRITS HIGH: Winkeljohn smiles for the camera while pausing to sip water connected to her hiking bag.

IN THE CLOUDS: Winkeljohn enjoys the view at high altitudes after fnishing her hike for the day.

Opening a new chapter

BY AVA VOLMAN, OPINION EDITOR

AFTER A COMPLETE renovation, the greatly anticipated opening of the Coral Gables Branch Library is fnally here. From cozy study spaces to an imaginative kids section, the Coral Gables Library is both a book lover’s paradise and a quickly growing community staple. The Coral Gables Library frst shut down in 2021. Nearly two years and more than $3 million in upgrades later, a multitude of new amenities have been installed, from private technology booths to brand new shelving and book collections. These improvements seamlessly blend both the old and the new features of the library, preserving the charming wooden elements while introducing modern furniture and a quartz front desk.

After stepping through the structure’s massive wooden doors, a classic element that was purposefully preserved in the remodeling, guests are greeted by a welcoming lobby with ample seating and librarians ready to recommend a great book. To further cater to all audiences, on one side lies the heart of the library while the other is a playful children’s section.

Within the main area, there are several conference rooms that can be used for group study and tables interspersed between rustic bookshelves. Brand-new computers sit in the middle of the vast room, with a variety of guest services such as printing or photocopying. The ambiance can only be described as warm, as guests are surrounded by others with their nose buried in a good book and a serene hush.

“At the end of the day, our goal as a library branch is to provide great usage of our space and resources.”

branch employee

Lucille Laso said.

“We intend to provide a

place for the public to use and enjoy.”

In the newly improved children’s section, a towering sculpture of a tree presides over the area, with colorful seating options placed throughout the room. The shelves have just been stocked with a brand-new selection of books, their spines not yet creased. Between the creative interior decorating and the abundance of literature, any child’s imagination is given the chance to run wild.

The library also hosts a wide selection of community events, from “All Things Board Games,” for those who love friendly competition, to “Not Your Mom’s Book Club,” for fantasy lovers. Even more essential

For hours of operation and activity calendars:

for students, the library offers a tutoring service every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learners can get academic help from certifed teachers who volunteer their time to ensure students get the proper resources they need.

Unlike most public libraries, the Coral Gables branch is in the midst of establishing a young adults section. While many libraries have a children’s section and an adults section, there is hardly ever an in-between. The Coral Gables Library aims to change that, with a space where like-minded young individuals can meet, collaborate and share their love of literature.

“The Coral Gables branch is one of the few public libraries that allow for a quiet study space and a cozy environment,” senior Saryn Moore said. “All of their amenities are fantastic and, with the reopening, everything is new and well organized.”

Although renovations took nearly two years, it was well worth the long wait. The Coral Gables Library is a welcoming environment for all members of the community, especially students looking for their next study space or somewhere to unwind with a great novel.

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After months of repairs, the Coral Gables Library is fnally open to all, proving to be well worth the wait

Design by Carolina Castro/highlights

READ AND UNWIND: Sit among the varied bookshelves and tune in.

STAYING TRUE: Through repairs, classic wooden details remain.

Ava Volman/highlights

Ava Volman/highlights

In search of an affordable, nutritious bite, pull up a stool at the counter of The Last Carrot, a reminder of the old Grove

BY EMILIA KOHNSTAMM, STAFF WRITER

THE BRIGHT ORANGE

exterior of The Last Carrot, a family-owned business that has been serving healthy, vegetarianfriendly and affordable eats since 1975, provides a warm welcome into the restaurant, whose interior packs a powerful punch of nostalgia. Typically seen at the counter conversing with the kind staff, customers can sip smoothies and take their pick of vegetarian meals or meat options.

While some might argue that with fresh, healthy food comes a high price tag, The Last Carrot is defying this stigma, keeping every item on the menu under $10. Their more popular items include the mixed veggie juice and immune booster shots, which contain natural, wholesome ingredients. Additionally, their chicken melt spinach pie is a common choice, but others may opt for the tuna pita, which comes with vegetables.

The dressing provided with meals is something that sets The Last Carrot apart from other restaurants. When the owner, Erin Compton, took over the business, her father left recipes for dressings but neglected to include any measurements, at which point Compton and her sister experimented for hours with the proportions until the sauces were just right. Today, you can get their tangy crimson House Herbal dressing or their creamy green vinaigrette alongside any meal of your choice.

A large percentage of The Last Carrot’s produce is locally sourced, guaranteeing delicious, fresh items year round. Additionally, all the recipes were created by the

getting fresh veggies and fruits out to our community,” Erin Compton said.

Erin Compton took over responsibility of the shop at 20 years old and has been keeping things running smoothly since then. Erin’s Compton’s son also spends his days working at the restaurant, with both generations being Gables alumni, class of 1999 and 2022 respectively. They still keep close ties with Gables and have catered events like Bridge 4 Peace in past years.

Something so distinctive about The Last Carrot is how deep their roots in the community run, with most patrons returning quite frequently. Further adding to the familial feeling the restaurant gives off, Erin Compton has been able to see customers go through different stages of their life, all keeping the Last Carrot and the friendships they’ve made with staff a constant.

“We do have a lot of regulars, like on a daily basis,” employee Zuleigha Rivero said. “They’re referring to me by my name, and I’m referring to them by their name.”

founder, Michael Compton, staying true to The Last Carrot’s original mission.

“[Starting the business] was just about

The restaurant has survived for almost 50 years despite the changes Coconut Grove has undergone. Their innovation, originality and welcoming environment is what has kept them afoat for so long, and they plan on continuing that through the future. You can fnd The Last Carrot in the heart of Coconut Grove, hopefully for many years to come.

Design by Carolina Castro/highlights

GOOD EATS: Among a varied menu, many opt for the delicious veggie pita.

WELCOME IN: With staff right across the counter, anyone can feel at home.

Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

Catering to diversify Food halls bring different cuisines and entertainment under the same roof to adapt to a versatile group of people

BY JUAN CHAVEZ AND ISABELA DUARTE, STAFF WRITERS

GATHERING NUMEROUS vendors under one roof offers a culinary adventure that caters to diverse tastes. This convenient arrangement provides a range of options. From various cuisines to unique products, exploration and discovery can fourish. Such hubs become thriving communities of choice and variety. Incorporating individual vendors into a settlement cultivates a tapestry of offerings, each with a distinct fair and personalized attention. This mosaic fosters local identity,

The Citadel

The several individual-owned vendors found at The Citadel are distinct and great opportunities for small businesses to grow. These vendors bring their own style, offerings and expertise, enriching the overall experience for consumers. By fostering healthy competition, vendors drive innovation, quality improvement and price effciency. Moreover, these vendors often have deep ties to their communities, promoting localized economic growth and creating a sense of identity.

The Citadel can be seen among a variety of community staples. With its grand opening in 2019, it is a modern one-and-a-half-acre location, where people can come in to dine and shop in the same building. The Citadel is home to an assortment of restaurants, shops, art galleries and many more experiences.

The Citadel has one of the most vibrant environments in Miami, drawing in patrons from all over. Upon arrival, parking is readily available, perfect for the location. The restaurants that make up most of the Citadel offer a variety of food and drinks for people to enjoy at any time of day. Boasting a rooftop experience

stimulates economic dynamism and amplifes consumer choice.

Vendors at The Citadel, Julia and Henry’s and Okeydokey work together to commit to giving universal customer service and make sure that competition is limited and healthy. Within the food hall locations, stands like the United States Burger Service and Frice Cream, which offer a variety of foods, tend to coordinate prices over anything that they both sell, looking to maintain consistent affordability. These food halls collectively shape themselves into

captivating spaces that not only celebrate local entrepreneurship but also foster creativity and offer an impressive array of choices, making them indispensable to their essence and ongoing success.

Looking to bring all new favors and experiences to customers all in one place, food halls are made to cater to all. With modern twists and designs, these three have become staples in the Miami food scene. All opened recently, these have proven to grow quickly and win over all locals.

with a DJ, this is the perfect spot to watch the sunset and enjoy the classic Miami skyline.

If looking for breakfast or lunch, the Doña Posada bakery stand is perfect for mornings. They offer fresh juices and smoothies to drink, along with fresh sandwiches made with locally sourced bread, eggs and meat. Providing other fresh pastries including croissants, cakes, empanadas and croquetas, Doña Posada blends Miami’s classic cultural foods and other fan favorites.

“I love the concept that is in here,” the owner of Doña Posada, Michelle Cruz, said. “It is very family-oriented, basically like members,

everybody comes a lot, they are tied with the location and the vibe is really good. It is one of the best places to begin your business, for sure.”

For lunch and dinner, there are limitless possibilities to choose from, with choices like burgers, fries, sushi and ice cream. The USBS is perfect for takeout and dine-in, with a system where orders are carried out in lockers and special Bob’s Burgers stickers are used, creating a theme for the restaurant. The USBS offers a variety of burgers including vegan options. Sides include fries, chili, bacon bits and chicken nuggets.

When looking for a sweet treat, Frice Cream offers multiple favors and sizes of ice cream. The vendor also offers banana splits and milkshakes for a quick break alone. Pints and ice cream sandwiches are a few other menu items that are offered. The favors and sizes are endless, perfect for students to relax on any sweltering day in Miami.

Located at 8300 NE Second Ave., The Citadel is found in the southern section of Miami Shores, offering a vibrant experience to any tourist or citizen of Miami. Perfect to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Citadel is ideal for having a fun time with friends or family.

Design by Carolina Castro/highlights

TWO-IN-ONE: After enjoying a meal, check out the different shops available at The Citadel.

Juan Chavez/highlights

Julia and Henry’s

Julia and Henry’s, a newly opened food hall in the atmospheric downtown Miami, more specifcally . lagler St., features vendors in its fve-story building. The space is minimally decorated with white walls, clear fooring and a glass elevator in the center that captures the attention of visitors and adds to the modern ambiance. There is an ample list of noteworthy local and international vendors, ranging from Latin merican to sian cuisine. pening as recently as une , , they have been able to comfortably position themselves in downtown Miami’s bustling food industry. Despite ulia enry’s recent opening, the building was constructed in and is part of a long line of downtown history, remodeled to attract new clientele. ach of the building’s fve foors serve different purposes and are meant to transmit different emotions to visitors, hoping to give the gray area of Downtown Miami some life and leave visitors with the idea that it is far more than a food hall.

“I want people to feel like ulia enry’s was what Downtown needed to gain more liveliness once they leave,” concierge oanna Blancos said.

The basement foor includes more marketstyle restaurants, providing visitors with a perfect brunch or to-go spot. The second foor includes

Okeydokey

Serving as an innovative and pristine hangout spot, keydokey merges the idea of a food hall with the service standard seen in highquality restaurants. ithin their three-story building, you can fnd the international and varied menus of six different vendors.

uests can expect to be captivated by the laid-back vibes of the location. They manage to convey cozy energy with rustic decoration and multiple couch lounges as well as a touch of elegance brought by the lighting.

keydokey is great for any occasion, being the perfect meeting point for brunch with friends or a space to take oneself out and complete work.

The name of their brunch spot, “Coffee Break”, perfectly encapsulates what the stall transmits to visitors.

Neutral colors and cozy lighting distinguish the stall that provides visitors with staple brunch items all

an imaginative space with book and record stores, a stage for live performances and a children’s play area. s for the restaurants, this foor holds more staple vendors, serving items such as fries, Cuban cuisine and ice cream.

The third foor brings visitors even closer to diverse menus, as all seven restaurants found on this foor have completely different concepts and international favors. The fourth and ffth foors serve similar purposes, giving artists a space to create, featuring podcasts and rehearsal studios, among other useful services. Lastly, their rooftop area provides visitors with a picturesque view of the city.

ntertainment plays a big part in their charm, with a variety of activities that could easily cater to all age groups and enhance guests’ experiences. n Mondays, for example, they host a game night, with classic games like enga and uess ho. This activity provides guests with the perfect opportunity to interact and bond

with a variety of people.

“It is fun to have a place where food and entertainment can be done at the same time,” customer Soffa Moller said.

The concept of ulia enry’s hopes to give the gray area of Downtown Miami some life and leave visitors with the idea that it is far more than a food hall, which they accomplish by giving visitors a pleasing experience with their diverse sites.

day long like avocado toasts and a wide variety of salads like tuna break salads and reek signature salads.

Because of the large variety, you can either visit keydokey for an enjoyable and light breakfast or an exciting late-night dinner. Guests can also mix and match the different cuisines and options to make their very own unique plate perfectly tailored to their taste and needs.

“We want customers to feel at home and

incorporates a multitude of diverse sian favors and ingredients onto the fnal plates presented to visitors. Little Bird presents Latin merican cuisine in an intriguing and fresh way. hile their dishes primarily bring Cuban dishes like croquetas closer to visitors they still incorporate other Latin merican favors onto their menu like rgentinian ibeye and Mexican Birria Tacos.

ntertainment takes on a trendy new meaning in this location, offering a wide range of activities for all audiences. or instance, their new hip-hop yoga class starts on Sept. , occurring every Sunday at a.m. Participants will be able to enjoy a discount on brunch

Located at S ighth St., keydokey can easily be spotted in the buzzing and jammed area of Brickell due to their ingenious light-up logo, and is sure to draw in anyone looking

Design by Carolina Castro/highlights

LEVEL UP: Each foor of the multi-leveled Julia and Henry’s offers a brand new experience.

Isabela Duarte/highlights

FINDING THE MIAMI SOUND

BY CAMILA PEREZ-CLAVARINO, COPY EDITOR

Calling the city’s musicians to the streets, beaches and dancefoors, the sounds of Miami spread across an array of genres and cultures for all to hear

From its award-winning symphony orchestra by Collins Avenue to the effervescent Ultra Music Festival on Biscayne Boulevard, Miami stands tall as one of the nation’s musical epicenters, heavily infuenced by the city’s melting pot society. By offering unique rhythms and melodies, the international infuences that reached the city provided the fundamentals for developing the music culture seen today.

Throughout the 20th century, Caribbean and Latin American immigrants began arriving in the United States in large numbers. Due to its proximity to their homelands, many of these immigrants settled in Miami.

on the rise that created the conditions for artists to explore new ways of making music and thus put Miami on the map.

Miami’s music scene began with a recording company called Deep City Records in a neighborhood called Overtown. Though the company’s success was limited, it began Miami’s transition from a local sanctuary of global rhythms to one of the world’s music hot spots.

DID YOU KNOW?

Warner Music Group, Sony Music and Universal Music group all have two record labels based in Miami.

Among the major contributors are Cuban, Haitian and Jamaican immigrants. As they began to rebuild their lives in a new country, they maintained a frm grip on their musical traditions, which eventually integrated to create Miami’s current soundscape.

Source: Miami Herald

Inspired by the international infuences familiar to Miami’s population, subgenres like Latin pop and Miami bass emerged and thrived in the multicultural markets they sought out. These styles attracted listeners well past city borders, with some of the most notable names in pop and hip-hop, like Gloria Estefan and Kodak Black, fnding their sound within these blends of cultural makeup.

Quick Facts

Miami natives Trick Daddy and Trina collected charting hits pioneering

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the while billboard

booming unapologetic sound of Miami rap.

Source: Billboard

Whether one desires world music as it is played in its country of origin or wants to see how those same sounds can be reinspired through subgenres, there is no city more adept than Miami to deliver eclectic global rhythms.

Diversity was not the only player in developing Miami’s status as a music mecca. While this helped the music stand out, it was the enterprising power of a city

The spectrum of people living in the city has also created a wide range of music tastes that allow for the inclusion of diverse genres into Miami’s music scene.

On any night, one of Miami’s musical ensembles will likely play a concerto while electronic music and dancing shake the ground at a local nightclub.

Miami’s music scene embodies the harmony created by its cultural diversity and historical legacy.

students speak up

2

2 In 1989, Miami rap group Live Crew recorded the frst album to ever be deemed legally obscene, making the selling or performing of their music illegal. The reversal of this ruling guaranteed free speech rights for generations of musicians to come.

Source: NPR WLRN

Depending

highlights

Clavarino/highlights

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Even though Miami is a city, its diverse population makes it feel like there’s many countries within it; there are so many music options available.

Lucia Rodenberg, sophomore

Dominick Rodriguez, senior

Design by Juan Fajardo/highlights

on what part of Miami you go to, there will be different music playing for anyone of any culture to observe lots of different cultures.

Compiled by Juan Fajardo/highlights

WHAT WERE THE INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCES?

From its ubiquitous “cafecito” shops to its medley of dialects, the foundation of Miami is built upon the foreign cultures of its population.

Notably, Cubans and Cuban Americans comprise over half of Miami-Dade County’s population, according to estimates by Florida International University’s Cuban Research Institute. This dominance is due to the infux of Cuban immigrants since the Cuban Revolution of 1959. Since then, Miamian culture and Cuban culture have become increasingly fused.

One of the major forms of music that Cubans brought to Miami was the rumba, derived from a Spanish word for “party.” This music style, according to PBS, is characterized by its polyrhythmic percussion sounds, with its traditional form consisting of three drums and two sets of percussion sticks. In non-technical

terms, rumba music sounds like Calle Ocho coming alive at night with laughter, singing and an open invite to the dance foor. Additionally, son cubano, meaning “Cuban sound,” as World Music Central explains, emerged from a fusion of AfroCuban drumming and Spanish guitars. Cuban music’s emphasis on percussion set the standard for Miami’s upbeat, rhythmic sound.

In a quiet and boring town, perhaps these styles of music would have been swept under the rug, but Miami’s anything-goes energy accepted it with open arms. Cuban music has become such an important aspect of Miami’s culture that the body of the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz, was taken to the city after her death to allow her fellow Cuban exiles to pay their respects, according to NBC News. Similarly, Haitians were able to bring their compas style to Miami: brass instruments

and slower rhythms. With events like the Haitian Compas Festival and the monthly Sounds of Little Haiti, Haitian infuence is undeniably present in Miami’s music scene.

Jamaican music began to make its way to Miami in the 1970s when economic turmoil spurred another mass-migratory event. Jamaican immigrants brought the reggae style, which, as the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage explains, usually includes an average tempo of 80-110 beats per minute and can be identifed by its large amount of off-beat rhythms.

This style was furthered in Miami through Clint O’Neil, the godfather of reggae, who hosted a music program for the Miami radio station WLRNFM,“Sounds of the Caribbean,” for over two decades before passing away in 2004, according to Miami New Times.

HOW DID MIAMI DEVELOP A UNIQUE SOUND?

Throughout the past decades, musicians and producers have worked to bring the city’s music to the ears of listeners around the world.

In the 1960s, Overtown, a Black neighborhood often regarded as the Harlem of the South, set off the chain of events that led to Miami reaching its current status as a musical mecca.

According to the Adrienne Arsht Center, it was here in 1963 that Willie Clarke and Johnny Pearsall founded Deep City Records, the frst black-owned record label in Florida. This label was able to bring local talent to the forefront, popularizing artists like Betty Wright, a young soul singer whose song “Clean Up Woman” reached No.6 in the U.S.

Seeing this momentum, Henry Stone, a prominent fgure in the music industry,

VOLUME

MIAMI’s greatest Hits

created TK Records. As stated by Miami New Times, Stone’s focus on distribution helped bring Miami music to major cities like New York City and Chicago. Particularly, “Rock Your Baby,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 list in 1974. According to Tampa Bay Times, this was one of the frst extended dance-mixes, a longer format made for mixing by DJs.

The record established Miami as a major player in the disco movement and led to the development of disco icon KC and the Sunshine Band, which, as PBS reports, scored TK Records fve No.1 hits in the 1970s. The nightlife culture that was established in this period persists in Miami today.

Another pioneer of the Miami sound is Emilio Estefan. This Cuban producer is credited with fusing Latin music with English lyrics, earning him over 30 Grammy nominations. His rise to fame began when he helped found Miami Sound Machine. The band secured superstardom after the release of their sophomore album,“Primitive Love,” which featured their notorious song “Conga.”

Estefan went on to defne the genre, producing music by esteemed Hispanic artists, including Shakira, Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez.

Amos Larkins II is credited with inventing the Miami bass, a subgenre of hip-hop. Recording Arts Canada explains that this is a party-ready style with loud pulsating beats, usually between 100-140 beats per minute.

As he told Miami New Times, Larkins was producing a song called “Commin’ in Fresh” and left the tape running when experimenting with a Roland TR-808 bass.

The Miami bass sound was popularized by 2 Live Crew, a rap group that was best known for its provocative lyrics and a vulgarity that had the whole nation debating how far a line could go before becoming a verbal crime. In 1990, two members of the crew were arrested in Broward County after a U.S. district judge ruled that their album “As Nasty as They Wanna Be” was obscene, reports Forbes. After an appeal, however, the U.S. Circuit Court reversed the decision and maintained the city’s unfltered legacy.

1969 1972 1985 1999 2009

Rockstar Jim Morrison is arrested on stage at Diner Key Auditorium, defning the confict between Miami’s authorities and its burgeoning counterculture.

Source: Rolling Stone

TK Records is founded and produces multiple chart-topping disco hits that cement Miami as a global dance music capital.

Source: The Holywood Reporter

Gloria Estefan’s Miami Sound Machine releases “Conga,” sending Afro-Cuban rhythms with American production into the mainstream, proving that Miami coud deliver its own sound.

Source: Billboard

Catching the rise of electronic dance music, Ultra Festival is launched and puts Miami at the genre’s forefront.

Source: Miami New Times

Miami rapper Pitbull releases breakout album “Pitbull Starring in Rebelution,” reimagining Calle Ocho with unique Latin hip-hop

Source: Last.FM

Design by Juan Fajardo/highlights

Compiled by Juan Fajardo/highlights

his album

WHAT DOES MIAMI SOUND LIKE TODAY?

By the start of the century, through the work of people like Estefan and Larkins, Miami’s status as a city of music had been established. Since then, the number of musical experiences the city has to offer has only grown.

Miami’s scene is unique for the same reason the city itself is: its diversity. Those in Miami have the luxury of choosing between various diverse opportunities to enrich themselves with music, whether they want to head to the Adrienne Arsht Center to hear a symphony of strings or to the Hard Rock Stadium to hear the latest music from the world’s biggest musicians.

In a city like Ibiza, Spain, the music scene is undoubtedly defned by electronic sounds, while in Vienna, Austria, classical music evidently reigns as the primary genre. On the contrary, however, Miami’s music cannot be put into a box. With such a diverse population, there are such varied interests, leaving room in Miami’s music scene for all genres.

One example is the classical music scene found in Miami. With various ensembles, such as the Miami Symphony Orchestra and the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, there are countless opportunities for one to experience classical compositions live.

The Miami Symphony, now in its 34th season this year, is the offcial symphony orchestra of the city of Miami, as per the orchestra’s website. Founded by a Cuban composer, the orchestra stays true to Miami’s tradition of fusing with Latin American culture by blending Latin genres with other styles of music.

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra is another major player in Miami’s classical music scene. This ensemble is working to educate the next generation of Miamian musicians, offering fve educational programs that have touched the lives of over 50,000

students, according to the SFSO’s website.

“Coming from Venezuela, a country that emphasizes music education; Miami is one of the few cities that can provide a comforting, accepting environment and a music scene that lives up to that from my home country,” SFSO violinist Kenneth Jones Madrid said.

In sharp contrast, Miami has also become a prominent city for electronic music, especially during its Miami Music Week leading up to the renowned Ultra Music

enjoy an eventful week with the annual Winter Music Conference. According to the Grammy Awards, this is a week-long conference for professionals in the EDM industry to make connections, attend mixers and share new technology. Aside from the good times and creative spirit this event fosters, Ultra is also reported to contribute $79 million dollars annually to the county according to a Washington Economics Group study. Of course, opportunities to experience electronic music are available year round with clubs like Club Space and LIV Nightclub that connect the historic Park West neighborhood to Collins Avenue’s iconic beachfront. Because of this, on a weekend night, downtown Miami’s spirit is flled with neon lights, lively music and dancing revelers.

Although Deep City Records and TK Records have long closed down, Miami’s recording industry has not faltered. In fact, some of the biggest artists today often head to the Magic City to record their next big hit.

For example, Criteria Recording Studios’s website states that the studio was the birthplace of songs from albums like Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours’’ to Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III.” Another Miami studio, Studio 26, has been chosen by artists like Selena Gomez, Lil Baby and Lenny Kravitz to develop their songs.

2015 2023

Festival. Every year for a week in March, the city hosts a myriad of electronic dance music events in various nightclubs, hotels, pools and other venues. Attendees enjoy this week of partying as they build up their stamina for the three-day festival at Bayfront Park, as mentioned on the MMW website.

While EDM fans run around the various bacchanals, those in the music business also

The lives of musicians revolve around their music, and their choice of Miami studios to record it is a testament to the city’s standing as a music capital of the world.

Past the photo-ops and Billboard charts, one still fnds the essence of the Miami sound either immortalized in spray paint or on the faces of happy listeners.

“It brings me joy to hear the music of my people everywhere I go,” freshman double bass and alto saxophone player Jennifer Fundora said.

from the editor

style.

Rolling Loud Hip-Hop festival begins in Wynwood and excels from its championing of the soundcloud rap scene, of which South Florida was a major infuence. Source: Complex

“Queen of Salsa” and Miami icon, Celia Cruz is announced to be a fgure on the Quarter. These quarters will be distributed starting in 2024.

Sincerely,

Juan Fajardo Insight Editor

It is funny to imagine what Miami sounded like before developers threw some money at a swamp and decided to call it a city. Moreover, what kind of sunny southern paradise would we be without the Mountain Dew colored hypercars, counter revolutions and shopping mall shootouts that followed Henry Flagler’s great idea? The truth is likely that it would not have differed much from any other coastal refuge. The difference is that Miami actually went for it! Corny or legendary, the musicians of this city do not compromise their style for a rigid order, as those who preceded convinced America that the music coming out of Miami had value. From the bizarre events allowing an obnoxious but endearing bald guy saying “Dale” to top the charts, to 2 Live Crew’s battle for no word to be illegal in a composition, the purpose here is to indicate how the sounds of our city inspire a soundscape that lets everyone’s beat be heard. Whether this is your city of vice, magic or just the place your parents got real and settled, every pulsed note you hear is someone’s fantasy.

Design by Juan Fajardo/highlights

Source: United States Mint

Coming from Venezuela, a country that emphasizes music education; Miami is one of the few cities that can provide a comforting, accepting environment and a music scene that lives up to that from my home country, Kenneth Jones Madrid, SFSO violinist