August highlights2022 LIVING, BREATHING CORPORATION$ IN THIS ISSUE FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE Page 5 El MUSEO DEL DISCO Page 24 Issue 1, Volume 63 | Coral Gables SHS | 450 Bird Road, Coral Gables, FL 33146
hhighlights SocialBusinessManagingEditor-in-ChiefEditorCopyEditorManagerMediaManagerContentEditorAdviserFeaturesNewsOpinionSportsTheSceneInsightOnline editorial board Maria Jose Cestero Isabella Morales Marcela Rondon Rafael J. Sans, Jr. Cristel SantiagoCarolinaJuanLenoxAlexanderAvaEmilyGeorgiaMelissaManuelCantareroEspinozaGonzalezRauKardjianVolmanBrazdaBalzebreFajardoCastro&Giraldo staff writers Adrian Perez Adriel Cortes Alyssa Dopico Anais Jamali Austin Yagoda Camila Perez-Clavarino ChiaraFrancescaDivyaAbad-SanchezDaveRicoHazelGrosellIsabelaDuarte Julia Volman Lily Goron Lucas NathalieMicaelaBetancourtMonteroSchwartSarynMooreSamanthaSearsSelaPeña Sofia Rodriguez Valentina Araujo Valentina Ponton 2 preview contributors Avani DavidTembeKuper publication policy highlights is the official student-produced news magazine at Coral Gables Senior High School published and produced by highlights staff members. highlights has been established as a designated public forum for student journalists to educate and inform their readers on issues of concern to their audience and dissemination of news and ideas to the entire school community. As the producer of a scholastic publication, highlights subscribes to the responsibilities set forth by the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers. According to Miami-Dade County Public School Policy, student media is not subject to prior review by administration or district personnel and as such, all content is determined by and reflects the views of the student staff members only. highlights welcomes reader feedback. All letters should be addressed to highlightscghs@gmail.com with the subject line “Letter to the Editor.” highlights reserves the right to publish any letter sent. Contents Issue Volume1 63 August 2022 6 features An aspiring fashion designer, junior Avani Tembe uses clothing to express themself in a different way news 9 Bright Futures now accepts work hours 10Supreme Court decisions opinion 14 Disney adults: nostalgia or cult? 16Misogyny in the media sports 19 Flavia Jimenez’s soccer journey 20Cavalier fan guide the scene L’ Artisane Bakery & Bistro offers authentic and delicious French pastries whilst maintaining a completely vegan menu23 insight 28 Corporations taking over What is your opinion? Tell us your point of view on a topic published in highlights with an email titled “Letter to the Editor.” We reserve the right to publish any letters sent to this email. On the cover: Juan Fajardo/highlights Hazel Grosell/highlights Courtesy of Avani Tembe Erika Diaz Leonel MatthewRodríguezCastano Mia Aguilar PolinaTwitterKoporova
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Sincerely, Maria Jose Cestero Editor-in-Chief Cristel Cantarero/highlights of Erika Diaz of Mathew Castano
GETTING READY: The Gablettes dance team attend the Universal Dance Association in order to prepare for their upcoming season.
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SPIKING STRONG: Senior Yulian Ochoa spikes a ball at his teammate, junior Gio Bernile, during Phoenix Volleyball’s summer practice at school.
CHEERING ON: As his team, Britain, performs their final Cav Camp skits, senior Armando Camejo enourages them while on stage.
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IFE DOES NOT COME WITH an ultimate survival guide. If it did, I would have probably been saved from some rather regrettable life choices, both in haircuts and in actions. As the beginning of senior year is in full swing, I have spent most of my time answering some common questions like: Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? Are you excited for what is to come? Though these questions typically come from a place of genuine interest, I can never fully stop the feelings of anxiety and worry that take over me as I realize I do not know the answer to any of those inquiries. Most of the time, I look at people’s expectant eyes and answer something that will both satiate their curiosity and halt any further questions, but I know what I say is not the truth. If I am being honest, I do not know what I am doing, where I want to go or even where I envision myself once I leave Gables. One day I am perfectly content in an urban landscape, grabbing coffee every morning before the craziness of my job overtakes me. Another day, and I am more than happy to live out the rest of my days eating croissants in front of the Eiffel Tower. It is okay to not know. Embrace it with all of your strength. It is the art of not knowing what we are doing that pushes us to new people, challenges and experiences. If life had given me a mold to fit into, I would be itching to break out of it, desperate to venture past the expectations that have been set for me. This is not to say that you should not welcome help as it comes. In fact, finding a group of people that, like you, frequently have no idea what they are doing, is key to flourishing in any environment. Equally as important, you must also find people that have been in your shoes and are eager to share the wisdom they have gained along the way. Just like that: a beautiful cycle of people that are just as lost as they are knowledgeable. Though most days I do not know the answer of what lies ahead, I do know one thing: I am working to figure it out. Senior year will come with its challenges, but I believe it is our fervor to thrive as people that pushes us to learn, grow and explore beyond our limits. So the next time someone asks you a question, know it is perfectly okay to respond with I do not know.
from the editors
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LENDING A HAND: Academy of Finance (AOF) students distribute pizza to incoming freshmen during AOF camp.
Hazel Grosell/highlights
summer prep
Maria jose Cestero Editor-in-ChiEf Isabella morales Managing editor Melissa gonzalez adviser lenox balzebre the sCene editor alexander brazda sports editor ava volMan opinion editor emily kardjian news editor georgia rau features editor juan fajardo insight editor marCela rondon copy editor Meet the Board 4 features Rau/Georgia highlights h features santiago giraldo co-online editor carolina castro co-online editor cristel cantarero social media manager rafael j. sans, jr. business manager manuel espinoza content editor
• Extracurriculars: There are a multitude of clubs and sports that are the right fit for each Cavalier. Keep yourself active at the school by partaking in these activities as it will make your high school experience more fulfilling. If you are in need of more information, check to see if that extracurricular activity has an Instagram since they most likely do. h
EDITOR The ultimate freshman survival guide E
• 7-Eleven and Merrick Park: If you are in need of a quick snack or place to hang out after school, 7/11 and Merrick Park are both within walking distance. Expect to see several other Cavaliers enjoying their time after school.
Essentials
“Calling guys by their name makes them feel too important.”
“They know I would be too powerful with my wisdom teeth.”
• Sweater: These classrooms can get really cold, really fast, which is why it is important to keep yourself warm in style. We recommend hoodies within our school colors which are gray, crimson, black and white.
VERY YEAR, THE CAVALIER family attracts a new set of freshmen full of potential for their high school career that lies ahead. As newly enrolled Cavaliers, this change is just the beginning of the best four years the class of 2026 will experience. Of course, such a change in atmosphere is bound to incite nervousness as entering high school involves integrating oneself into a new environment. Especially at a school as big as Gables, this can come accross as intimidating for newcomers. Therefore, this guide goes out to all the freshmen who are entering Gables this year. highlights would like to give the incoming class a warm welcome to what most students here call their second home.
• Vending Machine: Near the little theater and 4000 building, there is a vending machine that dispenses all sorts of drinks. They accept Apple Pay, which means one could pay without cash.
BY MANUEL ESPINOZA, CONTENT
“They invited me to the junior Olympics but I was too busy.”
“Gemini Rights by Steve Lacy is convincing me I shouldn’t have those.”
“I’m taking IB chem to figure out what Beyoncé put in this album.”
• Counselors: Every student has an assigned counselor. In the event you have any questions or concerns regarding courses, extracurriculars or anything else, always feel free to reach out to them through e-mail or in their office.
HALLTALK
The highlights staff records what students are talking about in the halls.
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• Social Media: Follow all the publications on Instagram, including @highlightscghs. This is where news and content from our school gets published daily. Along with that, follow the freshman class Instagram, @cghs2026. These are great ways to inform yourself about what is happening around school.
• Phone and Laptop: Here at Gables, technology has increasingly becoming a vital part of everyday classroom life, so it is important to have these handy. If you do not have a laptop, the school lends touch-screen laptops at the start of the year. h food for thought • Breakfast: Breakfast is free and open to students starting at 6:45 a.m. There is also the pavilion and other tables around the school for Cavaliers to sit around and wait for the bell to ring.
GeorgiaRau/ highlights
TIPS AND TRICKS
“The badminton team has Wii sports to thank for my athleticism.”
• Water bottle: Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day is essential to maintaining your focus in class. The best part is, there are bottle fillers all around the school! Feel free to refill anytime.
“Everyone deserves representation and shouldn’t deserve to struggle to just express themselves,” Tembe said.
Courtesy of Avani Tembe
Avani Tembe Rau/Georgia highlights
Often, Tembe struggles to find clothes that they like in a petite enough size. Because of this, they work to create inclusive, gender-less clothing that also encompasses many sizes to fit all body types.
There are some aspects of the fashion industry that Tembe hopes to change with their work. They believe that the way humans treat the Earth is unethical, and the fashion industry is a massive contributor to the overflowing landfills around the world with the large amounts of waste produced by clothing manufacturers. Making clothes more ecofriendly and affordable is something they aspire to do further in their fashion career.
For Tembe, the most challenging part of the design process is achieving one hundred percent uniqueness. Because many designers form their ideas from similar origins, Tembe overcomes this problem by avoiding trends, and sticks to more personal sources of inspiration to make their designs their“Ifown.you plan on being known for your fashion design, you have to have it be very personal. Your work should be so unique that if you name dropped it, anyone could know it is yours,” Tembe said. In the future, Tembe hopes to continue learning about fashion design and entrepreneurship in order to eventually own their own fashion label.
I BY ALYSSA DOPICO, STAFF WRITER
T IS SAID THAT ART IS COMING face to face with yourself. For some, this is facing a paint splattered canvas or an intricately drawn sketch. For these two creative Gables students, junior Avani Tembe and freshman Polina Koporova, it is coming face to face with a clothed mannequin or an animated character. For teenagers, it is exceedingly important that one finds a way to express themselves. Whether this is through a creative, academic, or athletic outlet, Gables students do this well. Following months of interest in their respective arts, both Tembe and Koporova have cultivated their skills throughout the summer. Tembe attended a fashion program with the Parsons School of Design at the New School in New York and has also used resources provided by Gables through elective classes to learn more about their passion. Koporova, whose interest was sparked only six months ago, has quickly thrown themself into the world of animation and enrolled in a program at Arts for Learning Miami, where they have embarked on several different projects.Asboth fashion and animation offer much room for creativity, it is very important to both individuals that they represent their own personal flare. Tembe and Koporova aspire to embark on careers involving either fashion design or animation. Furthermore, they look forward to making impacts in each field, changing them for the better based on their own observations and challenges.
Gables students share how they found ways to express themselves through different art forms over the summer
Fluent in the arts
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Since the age of seven, junior Avani Tembe has always dreamed of starting their own line of affordable and environmentally friendly clothing. Now, their dream has started to become a reality as they learn more about fashion design at Gables. Taking Design, Education and Hospitality Academy Leader Ayleen Monzon’s Principles of Fashion Design Services class has allowed them to learn about patterns and sewing, both imperative to becoming a successful designer. For Tembe, clothing is an important way to express themself. They find fashion to be a powerful way to channel creativity, and considers how even the simplest outfits can lead to assumptions and interpretations about a person by anyone who looks at them. Tembe’s design process starts with a silhouette and a croquis — a blank figure to use as a canvas. From there, they add elements inspired by movies, shapes, animals, time eras and even music to get the feel of the design across. Most of their clothing designs tend to look futuristic, unique and androgynous.“Ithinkof my models as aliens who wear things that haven’t been seen by anyone before,” Tembe said. One of their favorite projects is a corset made out of recycled materials—used clothes, fabrics and zip ties. Throughout the design of the corset, they saw how easy it is to use household items to create a wearable piece of art.
They also find that clothing is often divided strictly between the gender binaries of male and female, without many options in between. In addition there is a lack of a wide enough range of sizes for all body types.
“About half a year ago I realized I wanted to create my own animations and this summer I found the Arts for Learning internship, which enabled me to do that,” Koporova said.
The process of creating their animations involved designing the characters, thinking of an idea for the story, drawing the individual frames, stitching the project together and adding sound with animation software, patience, dedication and of course, creativity.
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How
“The hardest thing to learn was how to work with After Effects, which was the program for editing the animation we used, but in the end I figured it out,” Koporova said.
Koporova is most proud of their final animation, a three-day long project that resulted in an animated short featuring the character Blink Blink, who they designed. Blink Blink is drawn short, with lavender hair, a pea green complexion and simple ensemble. In approximately one minute, viewers see Blink Blink faced with the simple problem of not having enough money to buy milk, solving it by getting a job to earn some money, only to find that his efforts were pointless in the end, because the store had closed.His reaction and emotional response to each turn of events helps viewers understand him as a character and therefore understand what the animator would do in that Koporovasituation.
“I guess how Blink Blink acts just felt like me,” Koporova said. Koporova enjoyed animating during the internship enough that they are looking into a career in animation, perhaps as a digital artist or a cartoon animator. For now, they will carry on learning more about animating. They aim to become better at drawing, more skilled at working with animation softwares and continue to make more animations. Koporova’s advice for anyone at Gables who is interested in animation is to not work on the individual frames for too long because in the end each one is only seen for less than a “Overall,second.just have fun with your animation,” Koporova said.
During the six week internship, Koporova mastered a variety of skills that would enable them to create their own animations, such as how to make a character turn around and how to make the character walk.
platformsanimationstarted:getHelpfultouse • Procreate: helps to draw the frames and design characters.animation • Adobe Premiere Pro: helps to add sound to animation videos. • Adobe After Effects: used to edit the animation efficiently
Courtesy of Polina Koporova BLINK BLINK: One frame of Koporova’s animation shows their character, Blink Blink, getting milk at the grocery store.
Fascinated by the essence of cartoons, freshman Polina Koporova quickly found that they wanted to learn more about how cartoons were created. For the past six months, they have been interested in making their own animations, culminating in the opportunity of a lifetime. Inspired by their love of cartoons, Koporova took part in an internship at Arts for Learning Miami, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching through the arts. At this internship, they learned how to animate and express their creativity through their art over the summer.
Scan this QR code for more of Polina and Avani’s designs to
Polina Koporova
Throughout the short, Blink Blink goes through several emotional states: relaxed, stressed, sad and a neutral state. To Koporova, Blink Blink reflects who they are, how they think and feel, and what their mood was as they designed the animation. For example, Blink Blink sometimes appears to be sad or lonely to the audience but in reality is content with where he is, a feeling that Koporova often relates to.
Courtesy of Polina Koporova
has found that animation is a form of their selfexpression. As they designed and animated their character, Koporova realized that Blink Blink is notably similar to them in terms of how he reacts problems with his emotions and actions.
On July 28, 2022, the city of Miami turned 126 years old. Founded by Julia Tuttle in 1896, it is the only major city in the United States founded by a woman. Though Miami’s feminist history is complex, it was forever changed when Daniella Levine Cava became its first female mayor. Levine Cava aims to ensure women can access equal opportunities and keep making a difference. Despite improvements to the opportunities offered to women since the mayor’s election, room remains for progress.
Nathalie Schwart/highlights
Congratulations to junior Daniela Pinero for earning first place for her fashion design and photography in her internship for Arts Institute of Miami this past July.
UPCOMINGDATES 8 news NEWS REVIEW IN BRIEF
BY NATHALIE SCHWART, STAFF WRITER
Congrats, Cavs!
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“Miami being founded by a woman should be celebrated and I am proud we are taking steps forward,” sophomore Claudia Travieso said.
MIAMI’S FEMALE FIRSTS
Congratulations to sophomores Evan Noval and Jeremy Smith for making Jerry’s Rising Stars’ list for their notable plays in football.
“Climate change is real, and it is something that affects every aspect of the world we live in,” junior Anderson Sanchez said. news h h
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Effective July 1, the state of Florida can ticket those playing loud music in their cars. According to Florida Trooper Steve Montiero, officers have can take action if music from a vehicle can be heard from over 25 feet away. Lawmakers believe loud music causes accidents and consider avoiding disrupting drivers the most important aspect of this law. Like many other states, Florida tracks traffic infractions with a point system. If one accumulates too many points, consequences occur. As a result, drivers can be fined between $114 and $116 for loud music.
KAMALA HARRIS AT FIU Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, came to Florida International University to speak about the effects of global warming on Aug. 1, 2022. According to PBS, Harris is concerned about the track the planet is on due to climate change, and has called it an urgent crisis that must be resolved. Due to this, she is giving states $1 billion to combat effects of global warming. Current effects of climate change that Miami is facing are a heat wave and a rise in hurricanes. Harris is attempting to save the most vulnerable places, especially Miami.
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Standing in front of the Cav Man statue at the front of the school, Principal Tony Ullivarri celebrates the school’s recent “A” rating by the Florida Department of Education.
“This law is reasonable because it allows the music to be loud as long as it is not heard from a distance,” sophomore Melissa Hernandez said.
Congratulations to the school’s students and staff for contributing to making the school one of five traditional, non-magnet high schools to earn an “A” rating for the previous school year.
A DRIVING DISTRACTION
“Most jobs, no matter the pay, teach students important life lessons they can take with them to college and beyond,” College Assistance Program counselor Sofia Sanz de AcedoOverall,said. this bill turned law will allow more working students who may not have the time and ability to complete community service hours a chance at higher education.
O news 9 students speak up “ “ MANY NEED TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THEIR FAMILY AND DON’T HAVE ENOUGH EXTRA TIME TO GET SERVICE HOURS. Mia JuniorAguilar, EmilyKardjian/highlights “ “ THIS IS GREAT BECAUSE IT ALLOWS THOSE WITHOUT TIME TO GET COMMUNITY SERVICE TO FULFILL THE QUOTA. Talah SophomorePharaon, CourtesyofMiaAguilar NathalieSchwart/highlights $ EmilyKardjian/highlights$ EmilyKardjian/highlights h
BY DIVYA DAVE, STAFF WRITER N JUNE 27, 2022, GOV. RON DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 461 bill into law, allowing high school students to use hours from paid work in place of community service in order to qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship. This expansion will apply to the graduating class of 2023 and those after.
Established in 1997, Florida Bright Futures is a program pertaining only to Florida high school students. Bright Futures allows them to earn merit-based scholarships to the state’s public universities. The program is sponsored by the Florida Lottery and helps students pay tuition, as stated on Gov. De Santis’ official website.
“[Working students from low-income families] should not be denied the opportunity to qualify for a scholarship just because their socioeconomic background makes it more difficult to be able to do this type of volunteer work,” DeSantis said at the bill signing on JuneThis27.new law also removed the previously required civics qualification — where students had to create a plan for personal involvement in learning about where they live or addressing a particular issue and then to reflect and look back upon the experience. This is no longer a requirement, though students may still complete it, according to the Florida Phoenix.
There are several scholarship levels students can qualify for within Bright Futures, each with its own requirements. The most rigorous level is Florida Academic Scholars, which pays for 100% of a student’s college tuition as well as associatedCurrently,fees. students must be able to maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, earn a 29 on the ACT or 1330 on the SAT and complete at least 100 service hours to qualify, as stated by PrepScholar. This new law expands upon requirements for students by allowing them to submit paid work instead of volunteer hours, regardless of scholarship level. During the 2021-2022 school year the state of Florida gave about $650 million to about 120,000 students, as mentioned by the Orlando Sentinel.
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program has now expanded its qualifications to accept students’ paid work
“[HB 461] will benefit me by allowing me to not have to do as many community service hours for a scholarship, when I’m already working a job almost every single day,” sophomore Lucas Nuñez said. The law will particularly benefit working students from low-income backgrounds. Many of them work to support their families and may not have the chance to pursue higher education without a scholarship due to the financial burdens associated with it. Due to this amendment, they can use the hours they have worked towards earning a scholarship and more students from low-income backgrounds will be able to pursue higher education.
“Students want to have their own money, so they want to get a job. It makes sense to use that to their benefit when considering the financial burdens of attending university,” senior Sofia Bronstein said.
Since many students with jobs struggle to balance the demands of both school and work, having to complete a certain number of community service hours was just another thing they had to worry about. Now, they have more access and opportunities to apply to and attend a public college in Florida.
Broadening bright futures
The U.S. Supreme Court recently finished their 2021-22 term at will soon be evident in American society. highlights presents the
“The Court made it easier to obtain a license to carry a firearm in New York’s public spaces,” New York State Attorney General Letitia James said on her official website, ag.ny.gov. According to the Miami Herald, this ruling will facilitate the passing of ‘constitutional carry’ in Florida, allowing citizens to carry weapons without obtaining a permit. This case was the first Supreme Court case that dealt with the second amendment since 2010 and was a 6-3 decision with all the conservative justices in the affirmative.
The Supreme Court’s term in review
BY SANTIAGO GIRALDO, CO-ONLINE EDITOR
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Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
The ruling made on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned the 50 and 20 year old precedents of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. These cases had previously reaffirmed a woman’s federal right to an abortion under the fourteenth amendment and their reversal has left reproductive rights in the hands of individual state governments. Instead of being a guaranteed right across the country, each state legislature is now able to decide for itself whether or not to restrict abortion access. The vote in favor of Dobbs was decided by a 6-3 vote where all the liberal justices dissented. “Upholding past precedents no longer seems to hold any importance to the Court,” junior Charlee Trowbridge said.
by the numbers highlights surveyed 217 students in August 2022 regarding the Supreme Court’s recent term of students feel recent decisions will impactpersonallythem 83% 81% of opinionreflectCourt’sbelievestudentstherulingspublic
New York State Rifle & Pistol Assoc. v. Bruen Justice Thomas wrote the majority opinion for New York State Rifle & Pistol Assoc. V. Bruen, which decided that New York’s concealed carry law — requiring citizens to have a license for firearms small enough to be concealed — violated the 14th amendment. Thomas clarified that guns can be regulated in instances such as government buildings or schools, yet did not specify where else bans may be allowed.
HEN THE SUPREME COURT FINALIZED ITS TERM at the end of June 2022, several notable cases had been decided. Highly debated issues, such as abortion, the second amendment, climate change and the separation of church and state were discussed throughout the summer. highlights has summarized the major cases and their effects.
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“People are extremely upset and feel unheard by this decision since it doesn’t account for the negative effects of carbon emissions,” sophomore Sameera Martinez said.
rulingsofagreestudentswithnonetherecent
Compiled by Emily Kardjian/highlights of students believe Dobbs v. Jackson is the decision that will most impact Florida’s students Emily Kardjian/
Moreover, the court will be deciding on the independent state legislature theory, which could decide that states can run elections without following federal election guidelines, as reported by Politico. If this were to occur, it would subvert the democratic process and prevent state supreme courts from regulating state elections. The next term appears to brew just as much discussion in the near future than the last. of students beieve the structure and function of the Court should be altered of h
news 11 at the end of June. The ramifications of their recent decisions the major decisions and their implications for the student body
What’s next?
94%44% 89%
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West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency
The ruling for West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency decided that the EPA is no longer authorized to regulate and restrict carbon emissions without congressional approval. This limits the power of the EPA and according to the Department of Energy conflicts with President Joe Biden’s goal to run the nation’s power grid on clean energy by 2035. This ruling was again decided by the 6-3 conservative majority.
Carson v. Makin
Chief Justice Roberts wrote the majority opinion for Carson v. Makin, in which the court ruled the state of Maine’s town tuition program unconstitutional because it violates the first amendment. This struck down the provision restricting religious schools from receiving public grants extended to other schools, as reported by the Washington Post. The Court’s decision means that Maine is obligated to fund religious schools’ tuition, dismantling the veil between church and state in public education.
“The Supreme Court is representing a minority. The public should not be funding religious education,” senior Brendan Groff-Vazquez said.
For the Supreme Court’s 2023 term, which begins Oct. 3, the Court is poised to decide cases on issues such as affirmative action, which would particularly impact the Gables population. Affirmative action is a program used by universities that places value on an applicant’s race/ethnic background for the benefit of minority students. This is significant since the minority composition of Gables is 89%, according to GreatSchools.org.
“The metrorail only goes east and west, meaning it doesn’t reach important and well trafficked areas such as Miami Beach and further west,” junior and public transit user Amalia Garrido said. One of the main reasons the metro system is such an issue with students is the absurdly high cost. A monthly metrocard costs $112, according to Miami-Dade County.
12 opinion h This article
PERLASOPHOMORESANTOS, “ Ava Volman/highlights
Considering the fact that over 62% of Gables students are considered low-income, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, facing such fees can be detrimental to their quality of Studentslife.are then left with less money that can be used to pay for necessities, such as school fees. Not to mention, these outrageous prices greatly impact the adults in the lives of students, as it is now their responsibility to figure out how to pay their fares or to find a new transit
FOR WOULDTHESESTUDENTS,CHANGESMEANMORESACRIFICES.
STAFF-ED: Waiting on a metro miracle
Anothermethod.pointto consider is that public transit is exponentially better for the environment, so having a faulty transportation system is forcing citizens to use less ecofriendly options. A one-passenger car emits 89 pounds of carbon dioxide per 100 miles, while a bus full of people only emits 14 pounds, according to the Reason Foundation. The less carbon emissions produced through using public transport means less global warming will occur, slowing its harmful effects on the planet and Althoughsociety.there are more alternatives, such as the Coral Gables trolley system, it only travels within the limited confinements of downtown Coral Gables. Students have the option of using other modes of transit such as carpool, Uber or biking, but for numerous reasons these cannot always be a primary source of travel. Whether these methods are too expensive or inconvenient, the only real solution for students is a dependable public transportation system Advocating for a new and improved transit system is advocating for a new and improved Miami-Dade County. reflects the opinion of the highlights 2022-2023 staff. Written by staff writer Julia Volman.
N A CITY STRUCTURED around the use of cars, public transportation options in MiamiDade are less than ideal. Limited choices hinder the academic and social lives of Gables students. The recent reduction of the available vehicles and metro staff in the public transportation system has negatively impacted the community’s ability to use these forms of transit on a daily basis. Upcoming changes to the Miami-Dade metro system have been announced to start on Aug. 8 and things are not looking good for riders. The arrival frequency of the orange and green lines have been extended to every 15 minutes, as opposed to the previous schedule of every eight to 10 minutes. Wait times have increased further to every 30 minutes during eveningThesehours.two lines will also be combined between Earlington Heights and Dadeland South stations. As for on the weekends, only the orange line will run between the two stops during this time. These new unforeseen implementations were abruptly announced on the Miami-Dade Service Updates website. Pushing arrival times and closing or merging lines will inevitably create confusion and force daily commuters to change their schedules entirely. Miami Metrobuses are also taking a turn for the worse after 39 bus route cuts have occurred over this past year, according to Streetsblog U.S.A. Miami-Dade claims all of these cutbacks and reductions are due to the lack of operators, maintenance personnel, mechanics and support staff, according to the Miami Herald. Furthermore, bus stops are now even farther away than before due to the recent downsizing of Miami-Dade public bus routes. This pattern of scarcity continues with there only being one running metrorail in a 2,500 square mile county, making metro stops few and far between.“For students, these changes would mean more sacrifices,” sophomore Perla Santos said. Students will now be forced to wake up and arrive home at preposterous hours on already exhaustingly long school days. In addition they will lose access to parts of the limited sectors of Miami the metro reaches when lines are disabled or merged. Students will then have limited areas they can reach because they are confined to the minute geographical area of public transit.
The metrorail and buses in Miami-Dade county are worsening by the day, impeding on the academic lives of Gables students who use public transport I
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“I don’t see how putting them on a secluded island will benefit anyone, especially when there are plenty of other suitable lots with far better infrastructure,” junior Lorenzo Londono said. Virginia Key is recognized as a historical park and preservation, which protect the wildlife that inhabits the island. The park is overseen by the The Virginia Key Beach Trust; it began to protect the area when ideas for private development in the park arose, according to the Virginia Key Beach Park’s website. Bringing residency into the park will disturb the natural cycle that many have worked so hard to keep safe.
Virginia Key’s new residents
students speak up
“I believe this will open the door to development on the island and in the coming years we’ll see the island paved over and turned into condos for the ultra-wealthy. We will lose one of the most important historic sites in Miami,” operations manager of Virginia Key Outdoor Center Bradley Luft said. The concern for the preserved areas should not be overlooked. As a result of the plan, pollution in the bay will increase and these animals’ habitats will be compromised.
The human disturbance in these areas will likely intimidate the current wildlife from their natural routine. Areas such as the corner of NW 71th St. and NW 5th Pl. were also potential candidates for the project. This location has a fenced in empty lot and acceptance from the Florida Department of Transportation. The site at 2451 NW 7th Ave. in Allapattah was also considered; the location has services nearby and a shorter walk to public transit, according to the city of Miami-Dade’s proposal. Clearly Virginia Key is not the optimal location. Although the plan to build shelter for people experiencing homelessness has good intent behind it, the negatives of the plan largely outweigh the benefits. Implementing this plan puts the safeties of people experiencing homelessness and the inhabitants of Virginia Key at risk.
COMMENTARY
inprevalenthasOMELESSNESSbeenaissueMiamifor many years. All living things should be entitled to personal safety, but in the near future, people experiencing homelessness will face threats to such entitlements, namely hurricanes, limited resources, lack of access to public transportation and will be forced to interrupt ecosystems. These are all crucial issues that will arise due to the establishment of tiny homes on Virginia Key for people experiencing homelessness. On July 25, Miami-Dade officials voted to build 50-100 tiny homes on Virginia Key, located between the Virginia Key Beach Park and Virginia Key Outdoor Center, according to WPLG Local 10 news. These homes will become residencies for people experiencing homelessness in Miami. However, this plan will not suffice to meet the needs of all groups involved and affected by this. This location clearly has many faults. Transportation is a huge factor, as Virginia Key is about a two mile walk to the closest public transit. Vital necessities such as medical care, grocery stores and job opportunities are just a few of the key resources that are miles from where the residency will take place. Additionally, the location of Virginia Key can be deemed unsafe for those living there. Considering that Virginia Key is an island, residents are at risk during any heavy weather and flooding during a natural disaster. Given that there is also a Miami-Dade County wastewater treatment facility on the island, living near a waste management building can potentially be dangerous for civilians’ health.
WRITER H opinion 13 h MnySaroore/ highlights “ “ THIS PLAN IS DISRUPTIVE TO THEHOMELESSNESSEXPERIENCINGPEOPLEANDWILDLIFE. Yinelys Esquivel, Senior MnyrSaoore/ highlights “ “ THE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING TO LIVE THERE ARE GOING TO BE FAR FROM MANY NECESSITIES. Genesis Mercado, Senior DID YOU KNOW? Miami-Dade County has a total of 7,627 homeless persons. Source:ContinuumMiami-DadeofCare Ava Volman/highlights
Commissioners have voted to relocate the city’s people experiencing homelessness to “tiny homes” in Virginia Key BY SARYN MOORE, STAFF
Disney adults: cultish obsession or sweet
Corporations like Disney are notorious for their relentless profit seeking business practices, capitalizing on every opportunity to increase their company’s revenue. So when given the opportunity to replace the prophet with Mickey Mouse, they jump without a secondDisneythought.merchandise acts as a physical personification of these fictional characters, encouraging their devoted followers to buy their deities for at home access. They even go so far as to offer Disney themed funeral services, practically usurping one of religion’s key roles in society to turn a profit. Though, it must be clarified that not everyone who enjoys Disney and its entertainment properties is a part of a cult. Simply being a “Toy Story” or “Cinderella” fan does not constitute a label of such negative connotation. Furthermore, other content fandoms are in no way cults themselves and many of them have developed communities where people feel included and welcomed, practicing healthy escapism. Crafting a personality entirely around a corporation which has monopolized the entertainment industry is clearly abnormal. Given the power Disney holds, one cannot help but feel as if Disney adults are victims of a complex marketing scheme crafted to further expand said corporate power. The dystopia of late-stage capitalism has provided the conditions for the exploitation of vulnerable people, who in alienated desperation for a sense of community attach themselves to whatever they can, forming a cult in the process.
“I think that some of these adults, I can’t speak for all of them, but some have had a lot of traumatic experiences as a child and this is just them living out their childhoods in their thirties and forties,” film teacher Gabriel Rodriguez said. Disney adults are a symptom of a step toward capitalist instituions instead of religious ones. All hail Mickey Mouse.
Considering all the expenses most Disney World visits entail, the monetary cost of Disney adults’ devotion can reach up to $22,800 a year, based on prices compiled from disneyparks.com, an absurd price comparable to what many cults demand of theirHowever,members.before going around labeling an entire group of people, it must first be established what that label means. As defined by Merriam-Webster, a cult is considered “a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious” and a “great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work.” Considering the devotion Disney adults hold towards their corporation of choice, they fit both definitions quite well.
Disney’s reappropriation of religious mythos may remove their association with any particular religion, but the stories contain the same metaphysical appeal.
As the phenomenon of “Disney adults” has become increasingly or not their fanhood is a well disguised cult or simply adults
COMMENTARY BY LUCAS BETANCOURT, STAFF WRITER h 14 opinion Ava Volman/highlights E
VERY pilgrimagemakeyoungthousandsYEAR,ofadultsthetotheirholy land: Orlando, Fla. Upon arrival, they make their offerings and receive a day pass, often crying in emotional excitement as they come upon Cinderella’s Castle, the altar of Mickey Mouse.Whether due to a lack of meaningful childhood experiences or an overconsumption of Disney entertainment, Disney adults have developed an emotional, almost childlike attachment to their favorite Disney characters. This emotional attachment leads to some rather interesting choices, including the dedication of entire rooms to Disney merchandise and traveling to Disney World in Florida more than 30 times.
“I think exclusively watching Disney content is a bit cultish. The film industry has much to offer, so only watching things distributed by Disney just seems out of place in today’s society,” senior Amy Rodriguez said. But this zealous devotion by Disney adults should come as no surprise. Many of the deities they worship, i.e. Disney characters, trace their genealogy as stories back to religious mythologies of various cultures. Take “Beauty and the Beast,” a story derived from the myth of Cupid and his lover Psyche, both of whom being ancient Greek deities. Or the circle of life from “The Lion King,” which is oddly similar to Saṃsāra, a concept of cyclical life present in Hinduism, Buddhism and other Indian religions. There’s even Biblical allusions in classic Disney movies — most blatantly seen in Snow White’s eating of a cursed apple, just like Eve.
The difference is, instead of worshiping a religious deity or following a set of beliefs, those who consume these stories worship the beloved characters within these retellings alongside the company that produced them.
There is nothing I love more than my daily crossword puzzle. The second I step into highlights I am already buzzing with anticipation for the biggest competition of my life: who can complete it the fastest. The overwhelming joy when I see the look of disappointment on news editor Emily Kardjian’s face as I have once again secured a faster time than her is unmatched. However, my daily ritual has been faced with an unprecedented disruption: my brokeness. The USA Today crossword is a bonding exercise among highlights’ staff. It has made us laugh, it has made us cry, it has made us scream in anguish, but it also has brought us closer together. Somewhat. You can only imagine the look of horror on my face when I opened my laptop, opened the glorious USA Today website, only to find that I only get two free puzzles weekly. Unlike the previous allure of free daily crossword puzzles, the evil corporation known as USA Today has now decided that a $2.99 subscription is needed in order to access their daily puzzles. How am I supposed to satiate my need for proving my overwhelming superiority in word games if the only way I can do so is by emptying my already barren wallet? Now don’t get me wrong, I realize $2.99 is barely any money in the grand scheme of things. However, I would rather die than sacrifice any money to corporate greed. The capitalistic focus of today’s society is inherently wrong and I won’t stand for it (if you want to hear me rant about this further, check out page 28!) This is my official protest. Not to mention, I am very broke and wouldn’t be able to pay anyway, but that is besides the point.I think it is time we take up our pitchforks and storm the USA Today headquarters. USA Today, if you’re reading this, please give me free crosswords for life. Or else.
childhood nostalgia? increasingly common, many question whether adults reminiscing their long lost youth
For many busy parents such as Garcia, oftentimes the best way to have some time away from the kids is to become one for just a little bit. Many factors play into why someone can feel stressed out and overworked, and for those who have the opportunity, there is no harm in reliving the joy Disney can bring to their inner child. According to a survey done by disneywithdavesdaughters.com, a Disney World visitor site, 42% of all adult park visitors would rather take the trip without their kids rather than with them. This statistic is an indicator of how people feel about how much enjoyment can come out of a theme park designed for
Personal experience varies, but for many parkgoers the drastic change from their daily work routine to a different world offers a unique and refreshing change of pace and break from stress that no other attraction could possibly match.
oncultureDisneyproblemStavrinosGableshavingbecausetheyareI’mwho“Honestly,children.whocaresitwasintendedfor?justsaying,hatersgoingtohateandcansaywhateverthey’renotfun,butweare,”alumnaMicaelasaid.Anotherprevalentwithbeingaadultisthenewofhatebroughtthroughtheinternet by younger generations. No good thing can happen outside of the 12-18 age range without being constantly attacked for not appearing “with it” or “hip” enough. This is the same case as dad joke culture and insurance ad commercials, which remain peak comedy and should never change. Disney adults have only just been officially added to this list, the sole reason being that it seems “immature.”
In more intelligent terms, the principle of “no harm, no foul” holds true in this situation and the unnecessary hate for Disney adults comes from a source of misdirected jealousy. The kids just cannot find joy in the little things anymore. Maybe when they grow up and do some nice long introspection, they will join the fun in their own childlike ways.
COMMENTARYCapitalismCrosswordBYAVAVOLMAN,OPINIONEDITOR
HONESTLY, WHO CARES WHO IT WAS INTENDED FOR? I’M JUST SAYING, HATERS ARE GOING TO HATE AND THEY CAN SAY WHATEVER BECAUSE THEY’RE NOT HAVING FUN, BUT WE ARE. MICAELAGABLESSTAVRINOS,ALUMNA “ h
ANTICSAVA’S
COMMENTARY BY AUSTIN YAGODA, STAFF WRITER h HERE IS NOTHING EQUAL to the magic a child feels when first stepping into Disney World and seeing Cinderella’s castle. Their tiny toddler brain suddenly realizes that the desire rooted deep in their mind by their favorite movies is becoming a reality. This realization turns what one thought was just a theme park into a living dream, filled to the brim with the locations and characters one never thought could be reached. However, as people age and mature, the magic will turn to silliness for most. But for those who continue to believe, Disney World remains a beacon of joy and excitement throughout their Despitelife.the choice to enjoy Disney World being a harmless one, some will claim that doing such is cultish and regressive, mentally moving backwards when the mind should be maturing. Disney adults, who are the target for such offenses, will often receive more hate from simpletons who have never tasted joy in their miserable lives than happiness from an enchanted wonderland. It really does not matter where one finds peace and inner satisfaction, even if it involves wearing mouse ears and slow dancing with adults in costumes.
“When I lived in Orlando I would bring my kids all the time [to Disney]. Now I live in the Gables and the trip might feel just as worth it as before,” Gables parent Alana Garcia said. “In fact, without the kids I might finally enjoy some rides without hearing shrieking every second.”
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“It’s horrifying to imagine that anyone could possibly be any more radical than Andrew Tate, but I do imagine that once people are exposed to him and accept his ideas, they’ll be open to more,” senior Maria Odio said.
Andrew Tate, the host of the podcast “Jet Talk with Andrew Tate” and founder of “Hustlers University,” a program advertised as self help, has recently received unexpected attention from all sides of the internet.
Social media platforms have become an unfiltered outlet To make their opinions known, they effectively spew
Misogyny in the media
Tate.
Commentary on women’s incompetence for anything other than domestic “duties” has become extremely normalized in the younger generation, promoting unwarranted bigotry. A new form of such media has surfaced — in podcasts. Man-children between the approximate ages of 20 and 35 have found it necessary to speak ludicrously on a topic they know next to nothing about: women. They make outlandish claims, like how men are inherently smarter than women, describing women as property and utilizing violent, demeaning terms to describe them. Even more ironically, these shells of men do so all while claiming to be “alphas” and heroes to their gender.
Framing himself as a self-help guru, Tate also seems unqualified and lacks credentials to justify his platform. Needless to say, he should have nothing close to the audience he holds, especially not one of such an impressionable nature. The fact of the matter is that social
According to a 2021 survey conducted by Common Sense Media, teenagers ages 13 to 18 spend an average of eight hours and 39 minutes a day on social media, and this continues to increase. During these hours of scrolling, they can come across a wide range of media, some of which is harmless, such as food content, dance trends and memes. However, the dangerous side of social media is just as prevalent.Problematic and misogynistic content comes in many forms, often inconspicuous to its viewers.
viewpoints,extremisttakes”andforNFAMOUSits“hotsocialmedia, specifically podcasts, have become even more controversial with misogynistic content growing in popularity. Sensationalists gain traction by speaking of women in ways that seem to erase the gender equality progress of the last hundred Unfortunately,years.such content gains the bulk of its engagement in young, impressionable teenage boys, indoctrinating the group into a mindset of extremist opinions. Essentially, the demographic begins viewing mildly controversial videos and the content being suggested begins to get gradually more extreme, making its way to alt-right forums such as 4chan and QAnon. However, this content has become acceptable in today’s mainstream social media platforms.
Amassing close to four million followers on Instagram, Tate has made his presence known on various platforms, whether it be from his own account, where he posts about his “alpha male” qualities, such as his disregard for breakfast, or from the accounts of his adoring fans, who seem to pay more attention to Tate than the women they have so many opinions about.In the past, Tate has been called out for insensitive, racist and homophobic tweets, according to The Sun. In addition, the British Broadcasting Company reports that Tate himself was allegedly kicked off the show “Big Brother” in 2016 for a video that surfaced of him hitting a woman with a belt, which he claims was a joke. Even if this is true, making light of domestic abuse is unacceptable in any form. According to The Guardian, Tate’s previous romantic partners have alleged that he has been physically abusive towards them.
COMMENTARY BY GEORGIA RAU, FEATURES EDITOR I 16 opinion Ava Volman/highlights 4,230,981 VIEWERS
for misogynists, such as polarizing podcast host Andrew spew extremely flawed ideologies to impressionable teenagers between the approximate ages of 20 and 35 have found it necessary to speak ludicrously on a topic they know next to nothing about: women. An Amnesty poll reports that 33% of women in the United States alone have experienced a form of harassment or abuse on social media platforms. Since people can remain anonymous online, they tend to feel more comfortable being hostile in nature. This anonymity also allows users to post content justifying violence towards women.
The Gender Action Portal asserts that anonymity has been linked to higher levels of online aggression and incivility, which comes as no surprise.
The Center on Gender Equity and Health explains that many people use Twitter as an outlet for their biases, with hate speech targeting female politicians, journalists and feminists. Clearly, misogyny online has prevailed and continues to affect and influence social media users. Moreover, it affects people’s safety and presents an undeniable danger to women who use social media. “As social media aids in the spread of knowledge, it also helps the spread of misinformation and ideologies like misogyny,” junior Sadie Arce said. There are various ways this behavior online is considered dangerous. Primarily, posts and comments which are hostile themselves present a danger to women, especially if the post is directed at one woman in particular. Secondly, this content reaches a young audience, training the next generation of misogynistic men. Since teenagers are on social media so much, they are bound to come across such dangerous content, inevitably falling into a rabbit hole of sexist content. This introduces impressionable children to misogyny and has the power to convince them this new school of thought is completely acceptable. Furthermore, this content seems to be curated for the teen audience — short videos with eye-catching graphics and buzzwords to draw them in. The Washington Post warns that far-right extremist groups use social media to recruit new members, targeting children as young as 11 years old. Members of these groups will go as far as to communicate directly with them, but the process starts with the “dark humor” of the internet, deemed harmless memes which are supposedly all in good fun, although this is clearly not “Misogynytrue. is often being disguised behind other views, which allows it to be easier spread to younger people,” junior Griffin Byrd said. There is a growing importance of stopping the spread of misinformation with regard to misogyny, as not doing so will only revert society back to an age of unfiltered prejudice. h
Editor To Be or Not to Be “Art thou -IsabelaB?”NathanielMorales,ManagingEditor Sleep Away Camp “Grow Features-Georgiaup.”Rau,Editor IT’S HORRIFYING TO IMAGINE THAT ANYONE COULD POSSIBLY BE MORE RADICAL THAN ANDREW TATE, BUT I DO IMAGINE THAT ONCE PEOPLE ARE EXPOSED TO HIM AND ACCEPT HIS IDEAS, THEY’LL BE OPEN TO MORE. MARIASENIORODIO, “
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The Atlantic reports that in 2012, an Icelandic woman, Thorlaug Agustsdottir, found a Facebook group called “Men are better than women” on which one post showed a young woman chained up, beaten and bloody. Enraged, Agustsdottir made her own post calling out the group. Within days, an image of Agustsdottir’s own face appeared on the group, edited to make her seem like she had been beaten. Comments under the post made remarks such as “women are like grass, they need to be beaten/cut regularly,” as well as other violent assertions.
opposable wouldn’t want to live out their Sue Sylvester-Carolinafantasy?”Castro, Co-Online
While social media platforms may have gotten better at enforcing guidelines in the past ten years, people have also gotten better at keeping such behavior under the radar, but ultimately making the same points. Comments like those under the post of Agustsdottir’s face are still extremely common today.
On July 7, United States women’s national soccer star Megan Rapinoe and United States Olympic gymnast Simone Biles received the Presidential Medal of Freedom to honor their fight for equality and justice. Megan Rapinoe plays and is co-captain for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Rapinoe was recognized for fighting for equal pay for the U.S. Women’s and Men’s National teams and being an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial Simonejustice.Biles, the most decorated Olympic gymnast in history, was the first African-American to earn the all-around title. President Joe Biden recognized her athletic achievements, but granted her the award for advocating for gender pay equality, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights and victims of sexual assult. “I think they will inspire young athletes to work hard and not be afraid to show who they are,” freshman Emma Velasquez said.
The Brittney Griner case
h sports
On July 31, iconic NBA player Bill Russell peacefully passed away. Russell played for the Boston Celtics for 13 years and became the first Black player to coach any major sport by coaching the Celtics.In his professional career, Russell won 11 championships, earned five NBA MVP awards and an Olympic gold medal and the NBA All-Star MVP Award to name a few. However, his more significant achievements were off the court and in the field of civil rights. Russell marched with Martin Luther King in 1963, offered support for ending segregation in schools in Boston and has been a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. “Bill was always a positive role model, I never heard anything bad about him. Sad to see him go,” athletic director Louis Romero said.
athlete spotlight
upcoming events 25 Aug. 30 Aug. 1 Sept. 17 Sept. AmericangameFootballvs GirlsmatchVolleyball@KROP Swim meet @GardensHialeah Cross
BY ADRIAN PEREZ, STAFF WRITER SpanishCountryRiverInvitational
Presidential Medal of Honor
Anthony Roles-Fotso, Junior Sport: Cross Accomplishments:CountryTop runner on Gables team, ninth best runner in region and 2021 GMAC team
The legacy of Bill Russell
“Had Griner been just another tourist in the same situation, she would have just been fined,” senior Gloria Arce said.
WNBA player Brittney Griner was arrested on Feb.17 for carrying vape cartridges with cannabis oil in Russia. The U.S. government states that she was wrongfully detained and is making efforts to release her. In an effort to help release Griner, the U.S. has offered to swap her with a Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout, but no deal has been reached. Since July 1, Griner has been on trial and pled guilty, but argued that she did not intentionally pack the cartridges. As of Aug. 4, Russian judges found Griner guilty of the drug charges and sentenced her to nine years in prison.
5Krunner-upsPersonal record: 19:00 Sp rtshighlights briefs h Isabe l la Mora les/ highlights h h 18 sports
“I felt like a professional player walking out the tunnel and singing my national anthem,” Jimenez said. The national team brought about extremely difficult challenges that Jimenez was not used to. Practices were a lot more intense, timely and exhausting. Apart from that, her new teammates had various forms of playing, such as the 4-3-3 formation, that she had to get accustomed to.
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BY SOFIA RODRIGUEZ, STAFF WRITER
“In the Nicaraguan national team there was a head coach, assistant coach, physical preparator, tactical coach, goalkeeper coach, physical therapist and a doctor. Meanwhile at Gables there is only one head coach,” Jimenez said. After long hours spent training and playing hard games, Flavia and her team made history by reaching the quarterfinals of the World Cup qualifiers. This not only brought tremendous joy to the girls but for Nicaraguan women as a
Although Jimenez has faced hardships throughout her soccer career, specifically when she had to sit out for three months in 2019 because of a severe ankle sprain, she never let the eagerness of stepping back onto the field go. She wants to be able to continue to do what she is best at with new teammates and coaches who will help guide her along the way.
Nicaraguan prodigy on the pitch
For the next time that she gets an opportunity like this, she will continue to train since she knows there is always room for improvement. As for the future, Jimenez aspires to continue to work hard to get into a D1 school with an scholarship.athletic Alexa
As a 10-year soccer player, Flavia Jimenez aspires to play professionally after being on the National Nicaraguan team
“Since she was young, she was competitive, ambitious and humble in which even the rivals along with their parents would respect her,” Jimenez’s brother Steve Jimenez said. In addition to playing for many soccer clubs, being the cocaptain for the Lady Cavaliers soccer team is something Jimenez finds extremely meaningful. Gables athletics inspired her to pursue higher goals, such as trying out for the Nicaraguan national soccer team.Starting towards the end of December of her junior year, Jimenez’s uncle introduced her name to the Nicaraguan Football Federation in hopes that his niece could play where she had longed to for years. Jimenez’s father then received the exciting call that she would begin to prepare for the U17 World Cup qualifiers later in April.
URROUNDED BY SOCCER her entire life, senior and co-captain of the Lady Cavaliers soccer team Flavia Jimenez would spend hours of her childhood playing outside alongside her cousins and friends while living in Nicaragua. Although much of her freetime was occupied by the sport, she did not start playing competitively until she came to the United States at the age of seven. Now as a player on the U17 Nicaragua team, Jimenez is able to pursue her anticipated professional career. Both taught and motivated by her older brother, Jimenez began to play with different clubs within Miami as a center midfielder, just like her brother had. She started playing on a boys team with the Panthers Soccer Academy, then moved on to the boys Doral Soccer Club. In 2016 she was in the Paris Saint-Germain Academy, where the majority of her skills developed. Now, playing in F.C. Prime on a girls team has become a new experience for Jimenez. For a player, having to switch from coach to coach becomes challenging, but it never took the opportunity away from Jimenez to learn new styles of playing soccer.
h CourtesyofLeonelRamírez sports 19
In Nicaragua, Jimenez got to the Estadio Nacional de fútbol in Managua, the country’s main soccer stadium, where she received her uniforms, met her teammates and started the process of her physical tests in order to begin playing. She then got into the routine of the team’s practices throughout the week along with the different soccer matches.
Cavalier Fan Guide highlights compiled a guide to help fellow Cavaliers navigate their spirit and cheer on their sports teams BY CRISTEL CANTARERO, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER AND VALENTINA PONTON, STAFF WRITER SiGnS and poSterS CHantS to know Cristel Cantarero/ highlights - “Can’t hide my Cavalier pride” - “Always remember, Go Cavs!” - “Now entering Cavalier territory” - “Watch the door, #14 is ready to -score!”“Wedon’t keep calm, it’s winning -season!”“Fridays are for the Cavaliers” - “Let’s go Gables, let’s go!” - “We are fired up!” - “Cavaliers for the win!” - “Crushing Cavaliers!” - “Count on the Cavs win!” - “Whose house? Our house!” - “Be aggressive! Be be Aggressive!” - “Go Cavs, go go go Cavs” - “C-A-V-S go Cavs” - ”Gables let’s rock it, get up get up, don’t stop it” - “Stomp, and scream, for the Ga bles team” - “Move from side to side and show that Gables pride” - “Red, and white, CGHS let’s fight” - “G-O Let’s go Cavs G-O Cavs” Cristel Cantarero/ highlights 20 sports
Clothing and aCCessories how to buy ti AlexanderBrazda/ highlights Cristel Cantarero/ highlights Alexander Brazda/ highlights - Cow bells - Whistles - Foam fingers - Thunder Sticks - Hand clappers - Pom poms - Cavalier spirit shirts - Face paint - Wigs - Cheerleading t-shirts - Jerseys - Red, black or gray clothing - Sport-specific spirit shirt - SPORTS GAMES GoFan.com - PEP RALLIES sure you wear clothes that fit the theme of the pep rally. Tickets can usually be bought from teachers Erika Diaz, Yvette Camacho, Ayleen Monzon or Alysia D’Alemberte - GABLETTE SHOWS: visit your favorite Gablette or Mr. Coral Gables participant CourtesyofDavidKuper
Athletes take on the heat
This summer’s increasing temperatures have been taking a toll on the health and safety of student athletes in Miami BY RAFAEL J. SANS, JR., BUSINESS MANAGER
NCREASING AT AN ALARMING rate, temperatures in Miami this past summer reached record highs for the year exceeding 90°F, according to the National Weather Service. With this in mind, the state of health for student athletes can be at risk if proper measures are not taken to ensure their safety when practicing outdoors in extreme heat conditions.
“Weenvironment.alwayshave the heat index to check and if the temperature is too high, coaches are alerted to give breaks, hydrate players and make sure they’re safe,” Scavo said. “At the high school level, you need to be careful that players don’t overheat. If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion, you need to get them off the field immediately and monitor them.”
Many heat-related injuries, such as hyperthermia, occur more frequently in Miami compared to other parts of the state. According to the Institute of Food and Agricultural Science of the University of Florida, MiamiDade County made up 7% of the heat-related deaths from 2010-2020, compared to Lee County’s 3%. “This year has probably been the hottest I’ve experienced while playing at Gables,” senior varsity football player Reynaldo Gimenez said. “The younger guys feel it [the heat] more than veterans because they haven’t trained in the heat, so conditioning is crucial for them to play during the year.”
Because of these increased temperatures, those at the high school and university level of athletics have made efforts to acclimate to and operate in extreme heat while minimizing the risk of injury. While athletes cannot change the abnormal weather, their safety can still be improved and fortified with proper health monitoring and safety practices.
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The training and practice of the school’s athletes during the summer is used to fortify the skills necessary to perform on the field during the school year. However, players need to take the proper precautions to ensure their safety in the intense heat conditions they endure. Though conditioning is paramount to accustom players to extreme conditions, proper resources and protocols need to be prepared to prevent athletes from having a heat related Accordingemergency.toAlexia Clark, the school’s head athletic trainer, athletes, specifically football players, are most prone to heat stroke in extreme temperatures. Because of this being the leading cause of death in high school athletics, the state of Florida passed the Zachary Martin Act which requires high schools part of the Florida High School Athletic Association to establish protocols that protect players from experiencing heat illness and potential lasting effects from it. Because of the act, the school’s athletics use WetBulb Globe Temperature, a chart created as a part of the Zachary Martin Act, that measures heat stress, as a means of gauging the flow of practices and determining the rules all athletes should“Thisfollow.summer has been more intense with the heat than previous summers,” Clark said. “We have normally been told the time to avoid heat is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Our practices start at 9:30 a.m. and along with other schools, we had to cancel or set a onehour limit for practice because of how hot it has been.”Beyond the bounds of Gables, other institutions with athletic programs including the University of Miami (UM) also have to focus on the health and safety of their players. According to the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Training of UM, Vincent “Vinny” Scavo, the university has onsite staff in their athletics department to treat students. In addition to nutritionists and other health professionals that monitor players physical health, they also have staff in charge of assessing the conditions of where they are playing to determine if practices should go on and for how long. The staff practice what is known as an emergency action plan to coordinate with paramedics and health staff on where to go in the event of an emergency. Most high schools do not have this extent of resources to monitor athletes, but the precautions these larger institutions take can serve as an example on what is necessary to ensure athletes practice in a safe
“The L’Artisane Brownie with chocolate brownie, hazelnut crunchy, vanilla pears and hazelnut chantilly is delicious, so delicious,” NostiUnsurprisingly,said. the in-person experience at this bakery is worth dropping in on. Mellow French music plays as singles, couples and families alike enjoy their food. In fact, many of L’Artisane’s clientele and staff are not vegan.“At first I thought I wouldn’t like it because I wasn’t really into vegan food… but after working here I’ve been to multiple vegan places,” employee Jose* said. Through dedication to detail and perfectionism, the L’Artisane Bakery and Bistro has nurtured a welcoming environment. Their moderately priced $5 to $20 dishes and desserts encourage non-vegans to dip their toes in the ever-growing industry.
BY HAZEL GROSELL, STAFF WRITER hthe scene
HazelGrosell/highlights
A butterless bakery Lounge at L’Artisane Bakery and Bistro, a morally sound French bakery just a block away from Miracle Mile h F RENCH CUISINE IS renowned for its buttery textures, cream-stuffed pastries and rich flavors. Chef Carolina Molea, owner and founder of the L’Artisane Bakery & Bistro, creates French dishes and desserts that are almost exact clones of those in France. The difference? Molea’s baking is completely vegan.It began as an idea in Molea’s grandmother’s kitchen. In a home where food was the center of every celebration, her grandmother taught her how to use herbs and spices to create mouthwatering dishes. She ingrained in Molea the great responsibility to nourish the bodies and souls of those she cooksThatfor.nourishment and attention to detail carries into the bakery itself. Pastel pillows rest on leather sofas, golden pendants cast light on the graphics hanging on the wall and a parade of pastries sit on display near the entrance of the bakery. Their sugary scent hovers in the air and lingers onto customers when they leave.
THE MORAL MACARONS: The airy bite of the most well known French delicacy, macarons, has been turned lighter with the calm consciousness of vegan.
PAIN AU CHOCOLAT: A tastful decorated delight and modern take on its chocolate Frenchy forebearer for breakfast or brunch treat on any day.
“I love the ambiance, the tranquility, the elegance and the attention to detail. It’s just so cozy,” customer Christina Nosti said. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. many curious nonvegans are beckoned into the store by the pink sign glowing over 2526 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Some are turned away by the fear of uncertainty of veganism. In fact, many people still view vegan food as inedible. For the business, this misconception is still a difficult thing to overcome.
“A lot of people think that vegan food isn’t as good but really it’s just regular food without animal products. It’s still delicious,” general manager Camila Sosa said. Because of veganism’s defamation, outreach is very important for L’Artisane. Molea and Sosa discuss ways to help the bakery flourish. They have worked with one another for three years and in that period alone, they have begun shipping their delicacies across the U.S. and their croissants attract nationwide attention. Online customers will even travel to Miami to visit the L’Artisane Bakery and Bistro.
As the first vegan French bakery in the U.S., L’Artisane has brought new meaning to French cuisine.
THE CRUFFIN: Croissant? Muffin? More like cruffin. With a vegan creamy center, the sweet and scrumptous cruffin offers the palate a bit of both airy and dense worlds in one bite.
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“My favorite thing forever is the wild mushroom croissant. It has a truffle sauce on it and I have a lot of people that I recommend it to who aren’t vegan and they’re ‘like this is the best thing I’ve ever had,’” Sosa said. Crowd favorites include the “Miss Dior”, the Pain au Chocolat, the L’Artisane Brownie”and, if someone’s palate is a little pickier than most, the plain croissant is an excellent option. In 2019, it was ranked the “Best Croissant in Miami” by a community vote in the Miami New Times.
“[L’Artisane] food means butter and cream and richness,” Nosti said. “Except without the butter and cream.” the scene 23
* Employee did not want to disclose their last name.
El DISCO LINK UP: Browse the collection at El Museo del Press pause and visit
The solution is simple — purchasing music in its physical form through vinyl and SuchCDs. tangible music items can be purchased at El Museo del Disco — a music emporium selling everything a music lover needs, including records, CDs and band t-shirts located at 1301 SW 70th Ave. Yet, with an evenpasserbytheofwarehousestorefrontunassuminginthedistrictCoralTerrace,averagemaynotacknowledgethe windowless shop on a drive past. But lying within the white and orange exterior is a sprawling 10,000-square-foot music depot.
“Our most popular genre is definitely Spanish music, particularly Cuban salsa. But our pop rock section is also very popular,” employee Marta*Thesaid. store’s merchandise consists of brand new records at reasonable prices, with newer releases being more costly than older albums. However, El Museo del Disco does not break the bank at an affordable price point for quality music. For newer, more popular CDs, the average price is $16 while vinyls of equal popularity are typically $27. The store does have an online shopping site, yet many customers prefer physical in-store browsing. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Sunday, the store makes an attempt to allowing anyone to visit their collection despite time issues.
Miami’s self proclaimed music museum attracts music lovers and potential melomaniacs alike
VINYL VISION: Stacked up all along the walls are decades worth of musical history.
HE CHALLENGE OF finding a good album to queue next on Spotify is one of the most universal experiences known to man. The most inconvenient bother is scrolling through countless playlists to find the perfect song, proving tedious to those hoping to get a quick music fix.
“El Museo del Disco definitely has more history to it. Its been open for decades and its so beautiful to see how the history of El Museo is thriving,” senior Brianna Duardo said. El Museo del Disco prides itself on being the largest collection of records in South Florida. The store itself is filled with rows of records and the walls lined with posters and merchandise. The rows are organized by genre and country of origin, a large portion of those being LatinHowever,countries.for those not searching for a Spanish vinyl, the store also sells classic rock albums, metal, pop, indie and many other discreet genres. From underground musicians to the latest top hits, El Museo del Disco has it all.
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EL MUSEO DEL DISCO DEFINITELY HAS MORE HISTORY TO IT. ITS BEEN OPEN FOR DECADES AND I THINK ITS SO BEAUTIFUL TO SEE HOW THE HISTORY OF EL MUSEO IS THRIVING BRIANNASENIORDUARDO, “ Marcela Rondon/highlights
The store was founded in 2001 by Hinsul Lazo, who first cultivated his love for music when he began collecting records as a teen. Lazo’s love of records and distaste for streaming platforms inspired him to open El Museo.
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“There were some genres that I didn’t even know were genres. That’s how large of a variety there is. There is something for everybody,” Duardo said. A room full of music is a melomaniac’s dream, manifesting itself as El Museo del Disco. The selection of music is fit for any crowd — from older music fans hoping to reminisce on some classics and children searching for the latest movie soundtrack. Yet for those who are not looking for anything specific, El Museo del Disco is the perfect spot to spend a Saturday afternoon getting lost in the world of music.
* Employee did not want to disclose their last name Lenox Balzebre/highlights
“We saw the theme of Blues and Jazz in New Orleans, so we developed a stage for different local bands to play and shifted the decor of the restaurant to reflect a New Orleans and cajun style,” Jose Rivero said. Through the years, Angela Rivero was in charge of looking for artists and booking them to play for the restaurant. Now, their restaurant has gained popularity and a lot of artists seek out the restaurant to see if they can play. Most of these artists are young and hope to use the stage as a way to get their voices heard.
Adriel Cortes/highlights /erbezlaBxoneL stgigihhlh AMBIENT AMPS: Beginning at 7 p.m., the amps turn on and the lights dim as the crowd awaits to be washed over by the soothing blues.
The Fish House Miami was established in 1996 by husband and wife, Jose and Angela Rivero. When he was around 18 years old, Jose Rivero felt his place was in the restaurant business after working in the hospitality industry at a very young age. After many years, he decided with his wife to start their own business close to their home. The idea of a seafood-centered restaurant came from his love of the beach, manifesting the scene with the different types of decorations and music that have to do with the ocean.
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Mikailo Kasha is an aspiring artist that moved to Miami a few years ago. He was invited by his friends to play and have jam sessions at The Fish House. Kasha is an upright and electric bass player and usually attends Wednesday sessions at The Fish House. “I love playing jazz because it presents an opportunity in which everyone’s individual voice and background comes together and I really appreciate the space and the atmosphere that the Fish House has created for bands to play,” Kasha said. Many of the employees themselves are also fond of the idea of having live entertainment.“It’snice that we always have a different rotation of bands that play so you can listen to different things,” Fernandez said.Credited by so many positive local reviews, it is safe to say that The Fish House is worth the trip. Expand your taste with a variety of seafood and enjoy the relaxing New Orleans and South Florida feel of the restaurant, as well as the pleasant employees taking your order. On Tuesdays to Sundays, The Fish House Miami is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., located at 10000 SW 56th St. in the Miller Road Plaza. Satisfy yourself with the rich and distinict instrumental blues and jazz music that The Fish House Miami offers.
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Other than distinctive seafood menu items, what makes The Fish House so unique is the live music in the restaurant. Jose Rivero and his wife were inspired by a trip to New Orleans in the early 2000s by the local music played in the bars that they visited.
Snazzy and jazzy experience Enjoy the fascinating mixture of cultures in both the music and seafood menu with The Fish House Miami CORTES, the scene
“We add these Peruvian twists on our menus because my wife is Peruvian and we try to display unique items on our menus merging our own cultures with the food,” Jose RiveroThesaid.Fish House’s top selling local dish is the Cuban style Mahi-mahi called the "Havana Banana Mahi", which is Mahi-mahi fish with rice, black beans and sweet plantains.
ITH THE DIMLY LIT atmosphere of a New Orleans joint and the light freshness of Miami’s seafood, The Fish House intersects such diverse experiences in an exclusive way. Immersed by a mix of culture in foods, scenery and music played by young local artists, customers encounter the delight of cultural assimilation.
STAFF WRITER
“Recommended dishes for any new customers would definitely have to be one of our rice bowls. You can choose different proteins like fish, shrimp or even chicken, if you don’t like fish,” employee Anthony Fernandez said. Menu items like their Mahi-mahi tacos have a unique Peruvian twist, which consists of Mahi-mahi fish, either grilled, blackened or fried on three floured tortillas with cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo and sour cream.
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Caffeine Culture Experience more than just an average cup of caffeine at these captivating and niche local cafes say tea and smile
Pink and white flowers and pastel colored cushions fill the ambience at Say Tea & Smile. As the perfect place to order boba tea and hang out with friends, the shop sets the scene for a relaxing time that would be complete with a cup of refreshing tea. Only a trolley ride away from Gables, Say Tea & Smile is located at 86 Miracle Mile. The shop’s location makes it very convenient for students that want to enjoy a nice drink and time with friends after a long day at school.The shop is open every day of the week except for Monday. On weekdays, Tuesday through Thursday, it is open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. During the weekend, on Friday and Saturday, it is open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday it opens at 12 p.m. and closes at 9 p.m, opening for early afternoon
Say Tea & Smile was the first bubble tea shop to open in the city, with its doors officially welcoming customers in October 2021.
In addition, these shops offer top-notch customer service, making it clear that the customers’ enjoyment is a priority. Each element, from the artistic design to the exquisite flavors, is a reflection of the complexity of the city of Miami and the variety of components that make it Offeringspecial.anewtype of caffeine culture to Miami, these shops welcome all open to a try a new flavor and form of refreshments. These shops introduce people to the modern, 21stcentury café. highlights presents two shops that do this best.
M BY FRANCESCA RICO AND SELA PEÑA, STAFF WRITERS
IAMI HAS TAKEN THE classic café and turned it on its head as many coffee and tea bars in the city are bringing new and fresh ideas to the city. From boba tea to internationallysourced coffee beans, these shops are connecting the community with the introduction of relatively uncommon drinks that appeal to all However,palates.these bubble tea and coffee shops embrace more than just delicious flavors. Drinking in style is prioritized in these artistic accepting cafés with aesthetics acting on the uniqueness and charm of their originality. Ranging themes inspired by nature to nostalgic trinkets, the decorations set the mood and pique the customers’ fascinations.
As the first and original bubble tea shop in Coral Gables, its significance is big for those who enjoy the refreshment.
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SERENE SCENE: Off Miracle Mile, the cozy welcoming enviroment invites people in for a refreshing drink.
The prices are also convenient for students as they range from only $5.75 up to $7.95. The shop offers a variety of delicious and unique blends of teas, appealing to a wide range of customers.“There are more than 40 types of boba tea offered to customers,” employee Ana Castillo said. “You can order them with different milks, but there are between 30 to 40 for the plainOneteas.”of the most popular drinks among customers is the black sugar bubble tea. The fan favorite is made with black tea, milk, sugar syrup and the iconic tapioca pearls. In addition, the shop’s delicious “Butterfly Pea Thai Tea” and “Ube Butterfly Latte” are very unique because they are not often found in other boba shops in Miami. Other than milk teas, the shop also offers fruit-based teas for those who prefer a drink without cream or milk. The shop also offers seven different toppings, including different bobas, tapioca pearls and more. “My go-to drink and the one I recommend to all my friends and family is the fruity strawberry tea with tapioca pearls and one hundred percent sweetness,” senior Gabriela Puns said. “Other than the boba tea, I really enjoy the nice decor and find the staff to be very welcoming, which really adds to the atmosphere of the shop.”
Francesca Rico/highlights the scene
“I wanted to open Say Tea & Smile for the people of Coral Gables,” owner Agustin Berton said. “The concept of bubble tea is relatively new and not well-known in this city as there are not many bubble tea shops in Miami and the type of drink we sell is not similar to most other refreshments sold in the city.”Between the proximity and the service, the shop provides a serene locale for studying, reading or meeting with others. The calm atmosphere allows one to collect their thoughts and satisfy their taste buds with a delightful refreshment.Offering a variety of teas and blends and giving attention to detail when it comes to the design and aesthetics, the shop is a delightful place for everyone. Although Say Tea & Smile has only been open for a short amount of time, it is quickly beginning to establish itself as a staple in the city and a favorite among those in the Coral Gables community.
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TREATS
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N’ TRINKETS: While sipping on a delightful refreshment, one can enjoy the local art and the nostagic trinkets I Think She Is has to offer.
Along with various coffee types to select from, ITSI keeps its prices at an affordable range, beginning at $3.50 and up to at $6. The Uniquely, they include add-on toppings for caramel.Inaddition to serving refreshing beverages, ITSI also sells food, items like sandwiches ranging in price from $7 to $15, sweets from the bakery priced between $3.50 and $9 and superfood or smoothie bowls ranging from $7 to $13. As part of their inclusivity rule, they also include vegan and vegetarian options, like the pitaya bowl and the vegan burger.
“We are mixing everything, the art, the quality of the food and coffee by adding the stuff we love,” Goya said. Making a stop at this cafe and rich atmosphere, it is the perfect spot for customers who are looking for more than an average cup.
MATCHA:MUCHO This bold green drink offers a that warms the soul. CUP-O-CCINO: This regulars.aordercoffeeclassicshopisalwaysgo-tofor SelaPeña/ Peña/ the
Customers can also purchase their coffee beans to make at home. coffee, “Great Circle Heart,”a chocolate Whether customers want to experience of Brickell, outdoor and indoor seating is available. These seats can accommodate anyone, as seating ranges from a comfy couch to a bar overlooking the busy streets of Miami. Customers can enjoy their time sitting in their preferred area while waiting for an employee to bring their order to the table.
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“The environment here is very different. We have all types of workers and customers Additionally, with locally sourced coffee and food, ITSI values the idea of supporting communities close by and keeping the ingredients known. Many of the beans are brought from small farms, with some of them being out-sourced. The more popular coffee from a farm in Africa. This out-sourcing of ingredients gives the selection at ITSI a fresh taste not found elsewhere.
Two years ago, owner Oscar Goya opened ITSI on 169 SW 7th St. with both his daughter and art in mind. Goya wanted the environment to feel as though everyone that enters is a part ITSI blends in perfectly in the streets of orBrickell.astatue of Yoda seen protecting the bags of matcha, the decor is intended to cohesively comforting. Goya took many of his experiences them into decor. As a result, he was inspired to add art to his place, making it one of the many elements that makes ITSI stand out among others in the city.
ESPRESSO:EXPRESSIVE For a wake-upquickcall, the espresso never falters.
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ITHINK SHE IS
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Faced with the awakening smell of coffee sidewalks of brickell, customers divulged in a and trinkets around I Think She IS (ITSI), bring about childhood nostalgia. ITSI strives to be an inclusive coffee shop — it does not matter what you look like or where you are from, it is a place for everyone.
CORPORATIONSEVERYWHERE BY AVA VOLMAN, OPINION EDITORJuanFajardo/ highlightsh28 insight insight
Large companies are solely concerned with the interests of their shareholders rather than who they will affect. Unless limitations are set on corporate power, the dystopian reality of corporate dominance may soon come to fruition.
Compiled by Juan Fajardo/highlights insight 29 Source: Center for AccountabilityPolitical Pharmaceuticals/Health Products Oil & Gas Insurance of donations to 527 groups came from publicly traded companies, around $594 million 50% 68% of members of the 115th Congress who found jobs outside of government were hired by lobbying firms of S&P 1500 CEOs active on twitter have tweeted on social, environmental, or political issues Source: Public Citizen Source: National Bureau of Economic Research $187,414,530 million, 1,587 lobbyists TOP LOBBY SPENDERS BY INDUSTRY RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CORPORATIONS, GOVERNMENT AND SOCIAL MEDIA $98,930,382 million, 1,268 lobbyists $81,218,040million,764lobbyists $63,719,098 million, 747 lobbyists $63,509,692million,650lobbyists Source: Open Secrets Research Group Electronics Manufacturing and Equipment Electric Utilities Corporate power is beginning to supersede that of citizens, blurring the lines of democracy while shaping the future by the numbers 45% I T IS NO SECRET THAT corporations are not what they used to be. Recent years have seen the slow intermingling of companies with humanity, invading aspects of daily life and society. An imbalanced power structure has subsequently been created between corporate entities and people. Typically, a company’s designated purpose is to sell a service or product to a consumer. Nevertheless, the modern corporation has overpowered this standard, as they have become closely involved with the political and social factors of their consumer’s lives. Unlimited campaign donations alongside targeted social media advertisements are prime examples of such entanglements. Such interaction allows for corporations to slowly gain more power over their consumer base. Thus, the modern corporation not only finds power from the wealth it creates, but from its command of the choices made by citizens everyday.
The power of one individual is limited through laws and social constructs that have been established over the course of centuries. These regulations set on citizens are made to prevent an unjust seizure of power and have mostly been effective.
Corporations are neither public servants nor benefactors, outside of the confinements set by the ballot and legislation, they have the power to act in accordance to their own agendas rather than the voter’s. This is why the Nike corporation was able to donate $227,000 to the Republican Governors Association’s agenda against LGBTQ+ rights, while having a signature on the coalition for the Equality Act, according to the Center for Political Accountability. These actions directly oppose one another and mislead both political sides; however, due to the lack of accountability corporations are held to, they have no obligation to anyone but themselves.
When a voter elects a representative of their choosing, they expect that they will act accordingly with the motivations of those who put them in office. Similarly, consumers buy into markets where they find value in what they choose to purchase. These dynamics limit corruption because in each scenario, the consumer and the voter both have power of their own. Yet, as corporations begin to gain influence in both political and social spheres, their roles in the daily lives of each individual become so enlarged that it becomes almost impossible to escape their influence to make decisions for oneself.
Corporations further their influence over the people through a supposedly infallible process: democracy. The purpose of the democratic process is to prevent corruption and imbalances in governmental power; however, the rise of corporations has shaken the system to its core. Corporate power is a force in the system which has the capability to completely disrupt the democratic process.
“Big corporations are taking over smaller companies, making everything unoriginal and controlled,” junior Myrea Ghetti said.
CUTTING DOWN THE COMPETITION A WEALTH DEFINED DEMOCRACY 30 insight AvaVolman/highlights AvaVolman/highlights “ “ “ POLITICIANS FEEL OBLIGATED TO THEIR SPONSORS RATHER THAN THE PEOPLE. POLITICS ARE FOR US NOT CORPORATIONS.
It is apparent that the American capitalist economy is dominated by conglomerates rather than individual businesses. Monopolization as well as the absorption of other companies under one large corporate power structure has allowed for a complete takeover of the market, a cycle that is seemingly unbreakable. Unlike the regulations of the past which directed corporations, today’s laws have loosened and corporations are bound to themselves and their shareholders alone.
Marina FreshmanAstorga, Hazel SeniorHernandez,
students speak up
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“The government is meant to serve the people it was elected to represent rather than any corporate interests. Despite this, almost any entity with power, especially those with control over the distribution of information such as most modern social media will wield such power and influence politics for their own monetary benefit,” senior William Hudson said. This is also seen through the concept of “revolvers,” individuals who alternate between working for a corporation and the government sector that oversees it. This loophole gives revolvers the opportunity to cater governmental actions to the corporations they are involved with, compromising the integrity of the nation’s authoritative figures. In the same manner that political power is concentrated among a few individuals, it becomes more narrowly concentrated when corporations are the financiers. The door is open for corporate power to seize control of the election process.
The Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. The Federal Election Commission states that corporations may donate unlimited amounts to political campaigns, while an individual is capped at $10,000 per year. This gives multi-industry corporations the capacity to sway an election in favor of candidates with their best interests in mind.
Additionally, “buying” candidates to do a corporation’s bidding while in office becomes not just a concern, but a further threat to the integrity of a free election. Google donated over $283,000 to three separate groups that contributed towards electing Florida officials to oppose Roe v. Wade and vote in favor of strict abortion bans, according to Open Secrets Research Group. These candidates are not considering the best interest of the citizens who exercised their democratic right to put them in office. Instead, they prioritize the support of powerful corporations that in turn fund their campaigns. In effect, the reelection opportunities of a politician are deeply influenced by their decision to vote along the lines of the corporation’s desires. Therefore, said decision become almost coerced while individual citizens are left unaware.
In all legal senses, a corporation is essentially considered a human. Giving corporations this status understates the capabilities of corporations and undoubtedly limits the legal repercussions of corporations, as they do not act in accordance with what an individual would.
The definition of a corporation, as per the Corporate Finance Institute, is “a legal entity created by individuals, stockholders, or shareholders, with the purpose of operating for profit. Corporations are allowed to enter into contracts, sue and be sued, own assets, remit federal and state taxes, and borrow money from financial institutions.”
The power of a corporate monopoly is much more influential in today’s economic system than one might think. According to Business Insider, only ten companies control the prepackaged food industry, as they monopolize certain markets. In this manner, the illusion of choice is created in unknowing consumers. Similarly, Amazon, one of the largest corporations globally, maintains control of over 100 subsidiaries, ranging from Whole Foods supermarket to the production company MetroGoldwyn-Mayer, according to City Index.
A single corporation holding such strong control over multiple markets allows for domination of the modern economy, giving smaller competitor companies no chance at survival.
Likewise, it is easy to fall in love with the people that mass-produce your cellphones and keep a double quarter pounder with cheese at a one mile distance at all times, yet, rest assured that above your positive Yelp review; profit is the priority. As a corporation is empowered through its taking of the individual’s power, corralling your vote and dollar into limitedly liable pockets.
JuanSincerely,Fajardo Insight Editor AUDIENCEKNOWCORPORATIONSTHATABIGISONSOCIALMEDIAANDTHEYCANTARGETYOUNGPEOPLE.
LIKEABLECORPORATIONSSOCIALTHROUGHMEDIATRYTOFORMANIMAGETHATMAKESTHEMANDSHOWSTHEY’REHUMANTOO.INREALITY,THATISJUSTAWAYTOMANIPULATEPEOPLEINTONOTALWAYSHOLDINGTHEMACCOUNTABLE.
JUST A PAWN IN THEIR GAME insight 31 from the editor h “ “ Andrea SophomoreRotondaro, Courtesy of Twitter Courtesy of Twitter Courtesy of Twitter AvaVolman/highlights
Although a Google search feels like accessing endless sources of unfiltered information, at the end of the day Google is a corporation with its own best interests in mind. A Wall Street Journal study revealed that Google’s search engine is biased, as it manipulates search algorithms to hide sensitive topics from the autocomplete feature such as abortion and immigration. These limitations imply that Google has the ability to erase such information from being available on their platform.
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Corporate control is inescapable in a consumer’s life. Should corporate command continue to grow in the lives of consumers, alongside their influence on politics and economic domination, a future over the lives of many is not such a distant future.
When composing this story, we struggled to navigate the labyrinth of political action commitees, campaign finances and voting records. As we were essentially made to use the very tools of corporate hegemony to shed light on it, finding that there is no escape from the grasp of massive corporations and their political enablers. It is tough to say who regulates who in a world where politicians stand up to corporations by cutting their taxes.
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“Through social media, corporations try to form an image that makes them likable and shows they’re human too. In reality, that’s just a way to manipulate people into not always holding them accountable,” senior Mariam Aguilar said. Furthermore, the amount society relies on corporations to provide information and the lack of obligation held by corporations towards these individuals is an inevitable danger.
Corporations humanize themselves through infiltrating the social lives of consumers, using social media as a conduit to do so, as well as control what information consumers can access. In the past, this invasion only went so far as advertisements on an individual’s social media feed. Although this was effective in capturing the attention of consumers, the barrier between a corporation and consumers was still prominent. Recently, however, corporations have taken up creating their own social media accounts to post from in an eerily personal manner. Companies post as if they are a consumer’s friend, attempting to appear relatable to their consumer base. Namely Wendy’s, one of the largest fastfood chains, maintains a Twitter account where they are famous for insulting their competitors and replying to customers. The language used is not at all formal; rather, it uses modern vernacular and slang terms. Such interactions seem too intimate for a multi-billion dollar business to use, yet they result in exactly what they intend: making a customer feel valued. In reality, Wendy’s likely has no regard for what a customer posts, but rather, the money they will spend after an interaction. The corporate adoption of social media has ushered in a new age of advertising — one that is more invasive of consumer’s personal lives, with the naivety of the consumer being taken as a license to exploit.
Find us online Read our online stories at: https://www.cavsconnect.com/category/ highlightssubmissions/ Look at our multimedia content on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @highlightscghs What is your opinion? Tell us your point of view on a topic published in an email titled “Letter To The Editor.” We reserve the right to publish any letters sent to this email Want to advertise in our magazine? Have any questions? Email us! highlightscghs@gmail.com lightbox Coach Alton “Strong” correctdemonstratesStrachantheformforadrilltosophomoreEvanNoval.Theschool’sfootballteambeganpracticingatschoolonMonday,Aug.1startingat11a.m. Manuel Espinoza/highlights
