highlights August 2021
PATRIA Y VIDA
IN THIS ISSUE MEET THE BOARD Page 4
BILLIONAIRE SPACE EXPLORATION Page 14
Osvaldo Rodriguez, an ‘84 Gables alumn, fled Cuba alone at the age of 15
Issue 1, Volume 62 | Coral Gables SHS | 450 Bird Road, Coral Gables, FL 33146
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highlights
Issue 1 Vol. 62 Aug 2021
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.
editorial board
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Business Manager Social Media Manager Adviser Features News Opinion Sports The Scene Insight Online
Natalia Pallas Marta Rodriguez Marcela Rondon Rafael Sans Cristel Cantarero Melissa Gonzalez DeeAnne Montero Grace Rodriguez Maria Jose Cestero Alexander Brazda Alexandra Roa Isabella Morales Olivia Rebull & Gregoire Winston
staff writers Chiara Abad-Sanchez, Lenox Balzebre, Tiffany Beh, Carolina Castro, Andrea Delgado, Manuel Espinoza, Juan Fajardo, Santiago Giraldo, Alia Gamez, Alana Gonzalez, Emily Kardjan, Micaela Montero, Alexa Orozco, Georgia Rau, Francesca Rico, Sofia Rodriguez, Nathalie Schwart, Marcos Synder, Austin Yagoda
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.
contributors Hans Korpola Eduardo Hernandez
Contents features
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Embracing a boat lifestyle Civic engagement and New Voters
news
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Looking into building regulations
Miami-Dade facing mass evictions
11
opinion
14
A billionare space race Should vaccines be mandated?
16
sports
19
Unfair advantages with sportswear
Introducing Gables’ new coaches
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the scene
23
Immerse yourself with art Dunbar’s Old Books
insight
32
The S.O.S. Cuban Movement Courtesy of Eduardo Hernandez
2 preview
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SUMMER TRAINING
Swift Swimming: Senior Andrea Muñoz-Baratoll takes a quick breath as she continues perfecting her freestyle stroke at Ransom Everglades, in preparation for her upcoming meets.
Cristel Cantarero/ highlights
Ready to Race: Senior Patrick Couto runs laps to increase endurance around the Gables’ Pavilion for the 2021-2022 cross country season.
Grind Time: Football Coach Oluwatoyin Bryant
spots Senior Adrian Sanchez as he strains holding the heavy weight during conditioning.
3 pictures
Meet the 2021-2022
MAM
GIRLBOSS
XO XO
ABEA R
SAVAGE
STIC ENTHUSIA Natalia Pallas
Editor-in-Chief
Marta Rodriguez
Managing Editor
EY L I SM
Melissa Gonzalez Advisor
e uniqu
Marcela Rondon
Copy Editor
AMBITIOUS
swag DeeAnne Montero
Grace Rodriguez
Features Editor
News Editor
CH N E R
F
PRINCE
SS
Alia Gamez
Content Editor
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DETERMINED María José Cestero
Opinion Editor
Alexander Brazda
Sports Editor
Co-Online Editor
Alexandra Roa
The Scene Editor
B A D DI E
SOCIABLE Gregoire Winston
Isabella Morales
Insight Editor
Olivia Rebull
Co-Online Editor
Rafael Sans
Business Manager
te a n sio
as Cantarero pCristel
Socal Media Manager
Suite life on deck
Senior Hans Korpela dives into the boat life living his life at sea BY ALEXA OROZCO, STAFF WRITER
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AKING UP TO THE SOUND of waves crashing and the sight of dolphins jumping out of the water is Hans Korpela’s regular morning view. While the “boat life” is typically a persons’ weekend getaway, this is a part of senior Hans Korpela’s everyday lifestyle. Being born into this way of life, Korpela did not undergo an adjustment period. Attracted to Miami’s sunny weather and blue skies, Korpela and his family have always resided near the Coconut Grove area, docking their 75 Hatteras boat at the Dinner Key Marina. Following both tradition and superstition, their boat is named The Best to prevent bad luck out on sea, and it has kept the family safe for Korpela’s 17 years living on it.
“I would say my backyard is other people’s wish sometimes,” Korpela said. Recently transferring from Law Enforcement Officers Memorial High School to Coral Gables Senior High last year, Korpela enjoys the change of environment he hoped to find, while abiding by a schedule that allows him to get to land and school on time. With handy skills, such as knowing how to steer a boat since the age of six and eventually receiving his boating license at 11 years old, he can easily transport himself from sea to shore in the span of five minutes and make his way to school in less than an hour. Rain or shine, Korpela’s unique lifestyle is one he was truly built for. Aside from waking up to a breathtaking view, one of Korpela’s favorite things about living on a boat is the opportunity he has to save people from drowning. Interacting with people who handle boats on a daily basis made him grow an appreciation for how short life can be when the unexpected happens. Earlier in the year, coming face to face with an issue involving his father and a boat fire heavily impacted Korpela’s outlook on his lifestyle. Thankful to be in the right place at the right time, he was able to rescue his unconscious father from the
water due to a freak accident that happened while working on a boat. “[Seeing my father in the ocean], it stood out to me as a sign to be a better person and [I] grew more mature [from the experience],” Korpela said. Apart from being on watch for potential incidents, Korpela enjoys having the company of sea animals, who visit his home on a daily basis. In fact, he considers them an enjoyable aspect of living at sea. Another advantage is his easy access to take a swim in the ocean or advance in his fishing techniques. “One of my favorite things is when I can wake up in the morning, and the dolphins will come and splash water on my dog and I,” Korpela said. When thinking about his future, Korpela invisions taking over his family’s 30-year, boat-salvage business in Miami, Atlantis Marine Towing and Salvage. Passionate about first-response rescuing, he would be the third generation in his family to continue the boat business. Wanting to stick with what he knows best, he would also like to learn more about real estate and earn a license in that area to possibly make a living out of buying and selling boats down the road. At the end of the day, home is where the heart is and Korpela’s heart belongs to the ocean. h
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HALL TALK
The highlights staff records what students are talking about during class sessions.
“You lied to me, an OB/GYN is NOT a baby doctor!”
“What is it called when a person cyber bullies someone but in real life?”
“Rick rick rick rick rick rick, rick and morty.”
“Getting a parking decal should be an olympic sport.”
“Ms. Kiely is gone and learning chemistry goes with her.”
“Life really went downhill after Cars was released.”
features 5
We have our right! Why not use it?
The non-profit organization, New Voters, is providing more civic engagement opportunities for students through voter registration events and summits BY NATALIA PALLAS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND NATHALIE SCHWART, STAFF WRITER
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NEGATIVE STIGMA HAS surrounded the youth population and their civic engagements efforts for years, yet New Voters, a non-partisan, student-run organization helps alleviate that misconception. Founded in 2018, New Voters’ main goal is to increase the youth vote across the nation, whether it be organizing voter registration
drives, posting digestible content about current events, planning youth summits or more currently planning a vaccine hesitancy campaign. These steady changes have been noted. According to the Harvard Kennedy School, Institute of Politics recent poll, 36% of the 18 to 29 year olds surveyed consider themselves politically engaged compared to 26% in 2009.
Taking this into account New Voters still continues to pursue their main initiative and have managed to work with over 50,000 highschools one being Coral Gables Senior High. Behind the scenes at the school these seniors Abigail Felan and Lauren Gregorio and junior Lucia Chico have taken the initiative to be politically active, similar to adults, alongside New Voters.
A passion for civic engagement had always been brewing in Abigail Felan’s head, yet with seemingly nowhere to go or start, it wasn’t until a field trip to Harvard Model Congress (HMC) her sophomore year where she encountered a life-changing opportunity. At HMC, Felan came in contact with Jahnavi Rao, the president and founder of New Voters, resulting in a summer internship that same year. Felan first started as a social media intern and while she was new to graphic design, she did not let this obstacle stop her from pursuing her interest in communications. “I knew very minimal things about [design],” Felan said. “My first project with them was learning how to make graphics, learning how to package the message in an appealing way. All those things and beyond that...I continued with communications.” Subsequently, Felan proceeded with creating two social media posts a day during the past election, gradually managing the New Voters website and pursuing partnerships which led her to become the director of communications in 2020. The job consists of leading a group of 13 interns composed of high school and college students and several departments, first being a press team. This group emails approximately 30 to 50 journalists a day, or whenever an article about vaccines is produced. The social media team is in charge of promoting similar messages on Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and TikTok while simultaneously not trying to sound repetitive. The internal communications team is currently working on a Wikipedia page to improve their Search Engine Optimization (SEO), meaning the organization would be the top search when anyone looked them up. There is never too much to juggle with Felan. At the beginning of 2021, Rao approached Felan about a vaccine hesitancy drive as the youth population was shown to have the lowest vaccination rates during the pandemic. According to US News, 12 to 15 year olds are only 25% fully vaccinated, the lowest in any age demographic. Thus, the need to craft a memorable slogan was necessary to reach their audience and maximize impact. “[Rao] had a zoom meeting and wrote down every
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single synonym for youth, every single synonym for vaccines, [eventually landing on] ‘Teens get the Vaccine’,” Felan said. “It’s catchy, it’s appealing and it’s personalized.” Besides bringing awareness to the vaccination issue at hand, this campaign serves as a way to combat misinformation that has become evermore prevalent. For example, informing their audience about the time span between the two doses, and staying safe between them as one cannot be vaccinated if sick. The campaign constantly updates the ages eligible for vaccination, persuading people to make better informed decisions. “There is no need to be aggressive and assertive [about vaccination],” Felan said. Teens get the Vaccine’s main goal is to not isolate the unvaccinated but rather open a floor for conversation, especially at school. Felan is appreciative of this project, as she was able to speak to former director of the CDC, Dr. Tom Friedan and the White House. She hopes that in the future, New Voters is able to get 50 press mentions as well as being partnered with the White House. On her personal journey, she aims to be the director of communications at the White House or work in the non-profit sector. “New Voters has been so helpful for me realizing my potential and giving me the confidence to speak to adults about important issues and not being talked over...[they] helped me find my passion because I was interested in [politics] but I didn’t know what I could do to make a change,” Felan said. “I love seeing how someone can care so much about something and ultimately impact things on For more information visit: a national level.” https://www.new-voters.org
el Cantarero st /highlights Cri
ABIGAIL FELAN
LAUREN GREGORIO Non-fiction books marked the start of senior Lauren Gregorio’s path to civic engagement – specifically combatting voter disenfranchisement and suppression. Among the several books Gregorio read, she found political activists, such as Angela Davis and Gloria Steinem’s memoirs’ mesmerizing. They helped her realize that she needed to take action, not only for herself, but for her school and community. Also meeting Rao during HMC, the two shared the same passion for wanting to tackle voter civic engagement as they became more aware of the systematic problems within the United States. Learning that voter disenfranchisement stems from food security, climate change and gentrification, Gregorio became an intern, when she realized she had to become part of the team and make a change. Now, as the Chief of Staff, she sends updates to all departments within the
organization, and maintains connections with all old partnerships. She is hoping to ensure that every student has the chance to have their voices heard in elections. Gregorio addressed both voter disenfranchisement and food insecurity, while reaching a wider audience during her collaboration with Feeding America and March for Our Lives. Gregorio has been a very versatile member of New Voters. She has organized two summits; one in Florida and one in New York. While still focusing on voter disenfranchisement, she also centered both summits on other topics. The Florida summit centered on climate change and gun regulation, meanwhile the New York Summit concentrated on climate change and food insecurity. Both events were divided into three main sessions, each of which featured a guest speaker. The multitude of celebrity guest speakers Gregorio obtained included pop singer, Lauren Jauregui and TV actor, Brandon Flynn, to come use their voice and help raise awareness on these important issues. Gregorio’s reason behind bringing an
abundance of important issues to the attention of the community is because of her frustration from people who don’t actively participate in making a change in the community, yet still complain about politicians and unresolved issues. The need to inform the public, is the most important thing one can do for Gregorio and New Voters as their main purpose lies with youth civic engagement and voting — the ultimate way to share your voice. “It’s not just picking a person, you’re picking a person to represent you and your family,” Gregorio said. Although she doesn’t aspire to pursue a career in politics, Gregorio will always be talking about voting and voter suppression. Ensuring that these conversations will keep happening at Gables, Gregorio will always remember the lessons she has learned through her involvement with New Voters. “You don’t have to know it all; you just have to know a little bit, and take baby steps in order to be engaged in what’s going on in this world,” Gregorio said.
LUCIA CHICO halie Nat
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As the youth vote became a hot-button issue in public schools, junior Lucia Chico found her passion in politics through New Voters after helping them run a student voter registration drive at Gables for the 2020 election. Her first success was a registration d r i v e , where Chico registered 40 Gables students as first time voters. It was a challenge that seemed insurmountable, but Chico persevered. Now, working with New Voters as an internal communications intern, she is managing outreach, such as newsletters and media relations. Whether she is contacting people, or updating her director, s highlight
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Chico ensures that gets the job done. “They want us to know how [voter] registration works, they want us to be engaged in what’s happening in our politics, so that we can make a better decision when we’re going to the polls,” Chico said. Chico believes that youth voices are crucial to standing up against voter suppression and increasing civic engagement in our school and community, because the youth voice is often overlooked as a voting block. She believes there could be a lot more civic participation, especially among our youth. As a result, bringing in an organization that works to provide information to our community is essential. Chico knows that even though it might not always seem like it, every vote counts. An example of this is in Alaska, where the state House race was won by four votes out of 10,000. While New Voters is a nonpartisan group, it focuses on issues affecting young people such as climate change. Being the most important issue to her, Chico says that climate change is one of the
most pressing issues young people should pay attention to. Especially after the release of the UN report, where the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change asserted that humans are driving climate change in the harshest terms ever due to industrial activity. Although climate change is not one of New Voters’ current target projects, they are hoping to maybe address the alarming issue in the future. A takeaway that Chico has from being a part of New Voters is how they inspire her to keep her peers and community informed. Chico appreciates the opportunity to spend her time engaged in activities that will have a lasting impact on not only herself, but on her community, her school and on the nation as a whole. “It’s definitely brought a new type of work to my life,” Chico said. “Now I have time for my schoolwork, my after school activities, my family, my friends, but I also have a little bit of time to do work that impacts the nation.” h
features 7
News Review In Brief
BY AUSTIN YAGODA, STAFF WRITER
HOPE Scholarship Policies Change
Grace Rodriguez / highlights
Since 2018, the HOPE scholarship has been available for students who were bullied or harassed in school to transfer to a new school. Recently, a new bill is being considered that would allow anti-mask students to transfer to private schools with lenient rules about wearing masks. This new system could provide a way for students who are uncomfortable wearing masks to relocate them to a place that gives them the freedom to remove their mask.
Taliban Takeover After the U.S. military pulled out of Afghanistan on President Biden’s orders, the Taliban has captured the majority of cities in Afghanistan and are now moving onto the capital of Kabul. Droves of citizens are using any means possible to flee the country. The Taliban has been at war with the U.S. for 20 years, but have just now made immense progress in gaining control over Afghanistan. While the United States is assisting with the evacuation, U.S. citizens are not being given rescue priority and will be grouped together with anyone else trying to leave.
Culinary teachers Mercy Vera and Michael Flores-Interiano organize cookbooks for the new school year.
New Teacher Salaries Increase Rookie teachers are earning higher salaries as a means of encouraging them to become full-time teachers. As more experienced teachers have retired and left the Florida school system, Gov. Ron DeSantis included $550 million to fund salary increases. These salary increases have increased by $50 million since last year. Some experienced teachers have felt snubbed by the raise, as they did not earn any benefits from the budget raise, while aspiring teachers are excited for the new opportunity. As it stands, Florida has the fifth lowest teacher salary out of all 50 states in the country, which the budget increase is trying to change.
EXTRA CONTENT AT @highlightscghs The Lady Cavaliers volleyball team played against the MAST Academy Mako Sharks on November 19, 2020.
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Labor Day
Senior College Night
September September Congrats, Cavs! Congratulations to sophomore Catalina Quinteros for winning a bronze medal in field hockey at the 2021 AAU Junior Olympic Games. Congratulations to freshman Sophie Deleon-Urban for ranking #13 out of 300 sailors qualified to sail in Argentina.
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September
September
Teacher Planning Day
Club Fair Day
EXTRA CONTENT AT @highlightscghs
Senior Crown Montage Reel
Seniors posed with their hand-crafted crowns on Senior Crown Day, August 27, in front of a display in the auditorium. Cristel Cantarero / highlights
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Evictions Throughout Miami-Dade
Residents in Miami-Dade may face evictions in October when the second eviction moratorium ends. BY FRANCESCA RICO, STAFF WRITER
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ESIDENTS ALL OVER MIAMIDade County (MDC) have been protected from eviction by their landlords since Sept. 4, 2020 by two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-issued eviction moratoriums. These legal orders do not allow landlords to evict residents for a given amount of time. However, the second moratorium will end on Oct. 3, 2021, putting these low-income residents at risk. The first eviction moratorium was issued by the CDC on Sept. 4, 2020 because of the rising unemployment rate across the U.S. as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It expired on July 31 of this year because the CDC did not expect citizens to be as financially affected by the pandemic as they were when the moratorium was issued the previous year. However, as COVID-19 cases rose across the country, the CDC ordered a second moratorium for areas that have high transmission rates of COVID-19, such as MDC, on Aug. 3. Both moratoriums protect residents whose income was lowered as a result of the pandemic, leaving them with an income of $99,000 or less. This also applies to the tenants who have faced other challenges due to COVID-19. The current moratorium will end on Oct. 3, 2021. If the COVID-19 transmission rates lower significantly for 14 days straight throughout MDC, the moratorium will end sooner, however there are still residents and
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
renters in MDC who will not be able to pay their rents by the October deadline. “I think the eviction moratoriums are necessary because there has been a huge rise in COVID-19 cases,“ junior Lucas Paez said. “People are still out of work and looking for jobs that might not be available because of COVID-19.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Residents who have not filled out their executed declaration forms but still qualify for extended rent periods due to the eviction moratorium can be evicted regardless of their situation, since they do not have the required paperwork to protect them from eviction. Source: The Miami Herald
According to The Florida Bar, experts have predicted that landlords will file evictions as quickly as possible and at a very high rate, leading to a mass eviction of low-income renters all across the county. These residents will face challenges, such as difficulties finding a new place to live and
paying back rent. Finding another place to live in Miami may be an issue for evicted residents because many people from across the country who have moved to Miami in the last year can afford to pay high rents that locals may not be able to afford. Local residents will have to compete among themselves and with out-of-towners to find somewhere to live. Homelessness is an issue that plagues many soon-to-be evictees if they’re unable to find a place to stay in ample time. “I don’t like the idea [of the moratorium ending in October] because you don’t know what’s going to happen to the people,” sophomore Natalia Pavon said. “They’re going to lose their homes and they can’t financially help themselves because they don’t have jobs.” Landlords have been able to evict residents despite the eviction moratoriums. Many residents did not sign an executed declaration form, an official legal form the CDC created for residents who qualify for eviction protection. These forms are needed in order for tenants to prove to their landlords that they are eligible to be protected from eviction. The government provided landlords and tenants who were earning less money because of the pandemic with a total of $46 billion in relief. However, according to The Miami Herald, all of Florida’s relief money has not been distributed to the people in need, so landlords and renters continue to struggle without governmental support. h
EVICTION NOTICE
Internal Services Department September 29, 2021
Dear Tenant, You are hereby advised that you must vacate your home and remove all personal belongings by sunset on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Anyone who remains on the property past sunset on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 will be subject to trespassing and any personal belongings left will be confiscated and destroyed. Sincerely, Miami-Dade County Officials Information Courtesy of Miami-Dade County
Grace Rodriguez / highlights
news 9
Catalyst for Change: Champlain Towers After the building collapse in Surfside, residents plead for new ways for buildings to be inspected and regulated. BY SANTIAGO GIRALDO, STAFF WRITER
10 news
Santiago Giraldo / highlights
I have a friend who lives in the Champlain Towers South condominium. She was in the building when it collapsed.
Sofia Gomez, Freshman
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students speak up
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OLLOWING THE COLLAPSE OF the way of drafting legislation proposals, which the Champlain South Tower that took included creating a government fund where place in Surfside, residents living in associations could borrow money to complete Miami-Dade County (MDC) share structural changes in a timely manner. Another concerns that similar events may occur in their commissioner proposed a rule that residential condominiums or buildings. In response, MDC buildings would be required to follow, in order commissioners proposed new regulations to to maintain logs of occupants and update it prevent further tragedies regarding building every six months. An additional requirement was collapses in the city of Miami. proposed for private inspectors to notify MiamiOn Thursday, June 24, 2021 the inhabitants Dade regulators if they discovered structural on the other side of the Champlain Towers dangers in any building. Multiple plans are in South woke up to a pool of rubble. Accordingly, place to cut time in half and mandate 20 year residents of oceanfront properties grew certifications instead of 40 year ones. frightened regarding the safety of their buildings. “I believe some municipalities at the moment The event lives in the back of are already planning on residents’ heads. reducing the 40 year Under current MDC code certification, it would make 8-11, all buildings except feel safer,” recent I’M WATCHING NETFLIX people single-family residences, evacuee of the Bay County AT 3 A.M. AND I HEAR Courthouse, Judge Antonio duplexes and minor structures that are 40 years or older must NOISES COMING Arzola said. be recertified by the building While in other commFROM OUTSIDE OF unities, official. When any structure such as in Key MY BUILDING. I’M WAY Biscayne and Miami becomes 41 years old it is required to be recertified MORE PARANOID AND Beach, several building every 10 years after the first have AWARE THAN BEFORE. administrations recertification. This code was already begun to review CLARA BOMBICCI, also noticed in 2018 when their ways of bettering the the last certification of the process of recertification. SOPHOMORE Champlain Towers South Several property occurred three years before its management companies are collapse. considering changing their policies to require an Frank Morabito, the engineer that conducted inspection of a building’s foundation. an inspection of the Champlain Towers South “Building codes are being updated to make back in October of 2018, discovered that the the security of our lives more certain.” Key building’s pool deck and outdoor planters were Biscayne resident Santiago Dillon said. “My not sloped to facilitate proper water drainage, community has become more aware that a thing which would lead to “major structural damage” like Surfside could occur at any moment.” over time. Moreover, Miami-Dade and Broward CounDisregarding Morabito’s findings, a month ties are the only counties in the state of Florida later from his inspection, recertification inspector that require local building officials to recertify Rosendo Prieto reviewed the report conducted the structural integrity of buildings. On the by Morabito. Prieto made his own conclusion contrary, most municipalities in Florida do not at the Champlain Towers South condominium require a recertification of commercial buildings, association meeting that, according to the Miami like Saraosta and Manatee Counties. Herald, “he believed the building was in very “This is because the Florida Legislature good shape.” He has now been placed on leave is reluctant to pass laws that slow down by the private firm CAP Government Inc., a firm condominium construction and sales,” that provides building department services to Hallandale lawyer Eric Glazer said in the government clients, who first hired him for the Tallahassee Democrat. job. The fate of the enactment of the legislative In reaction to views expressed by the public proposals is unknown. If it fails to pass, more regarding concerns over building codes, MDC collapses could take place in the future. In commissioners were alarmed by the fact that the contrast, if passed, this could be the next step in event occurred. Legislative action was taken in more effective precautions and regulations. h
Some buildings do need renovations and they’re not paid attention to until tragedies like Surfside occur.
Arianna Boffill, Senior
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Hoping for a Better Future
A recent scholarship allows students to transfer out of a Florida public school into a private school at a minimal cost. BY GREGOIRE WINSTON, CO-ONLINE EDITOR
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HE HOPE SCHOLARSHIP provides an alternative for students that feel threatened, assaulted, harassed or bullied within Florida public schools. Established in 2018, this plan allows students to transfer out of their respective establishments into a private school approved by the scholarship’s regulations. According to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), the scholarship presents a potential way for students to ensure their safety and well-being during their gradeschool years. This opportunity was granted following multiple incidents of harassment and assault around public schools located in Georgia and Indiana, with Florida following suit by implementing the program through the passing of Statute 1002.40(6). Fully funded by motor vehicle purchases, sales taxes were donated to Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs). This program is the nation’s first specifically for students who are victims of bullying or violence while on campus. As stated by EdChoice, each motor-vehicle buyer has a defined cap for how much they can contribute per purchase: $105. Sales taxes directly withdrawn from leases and rentals do not fall under the eligibility for contributions to the scholarship, and motorcycles, trucks, trailers and other large-frame vehicles do not apply. “I think the program is very just due to the fact that a student’s mental health is much more important than anything else, especially when the issue has gotten to a point where the student has to transfer out of the school,” sophomore Joseph Arana said. Awards following the submission of the
application are granted on a first come, first serve basis. The SFO’s official website has outlined its specific obligations for applicants. Prioritizing renewing students, establishing a date by when the parent must confirm continuation of the program, submitting quarterly reports to the FLDOE and tracking student progress are some of the many obligations necessary to claim the scholarship. Furthermore, the maximum amount granted to funding education per student stands between $6,673 and $7,169.
DID YOU KNOW?
Over 1,800 scholarships have been awarded since the HOPE scholarship’s establishment, with over 1,900 schools participting in the program. Source: Step Up For Students However, these numbers are subject to change on a yearly basis, since the total awarded depends on a percentage (from 8596%) of all of Florida’s SFOs unweighted amounts. Thus, student funding is proportional to how much SFOs receive from taxpayers per year. For instance, as reported by the FLDOE, 2019 had 129 students participate in the program, while 2020 had 436. 2021 currently stands at 393 as of August 2021. While the clear increase could be due to a variety of factors, the global spread of COVID-19 is rumored to be a significant circumstance in recent enrollments of students
in the program. Due to the uncertainty surrounding public education and school protocols during the pandemic, it is highly possible that this represents a cause for the rise in both applicants and recipients of the scholarship. As reported by The Miami Herald, Governor Ron DeSantis has approved a policy on Aug. 6, 2021 allowing vouchers for “COVID-19 harassment” to be issued throughout the state. In other words, instances where a student has been exposed to unfavorable COVID-19 protocol at their respective schools stand ground as means of receiving the voucher. Students now have the ability to transfer from their previous school to an institution where a preferred COVID-19 protocol is enforced. In order to combat the strong possibility of seeing an exodus of public school students in the coming months, counties such as Broward and Miami-Dade have defied Gov. DeSantis’ executive order regarding COVID-19 protocols, consequently having school funds withheld by the state from being used during the academic year. “I’m willing to accept the price to pay [withholding of state funds] if the exchange is the health and well being of our teachers,” superintendent Alberto Carvalho said. The Hope Scholarship presents a realistic, inclusive and comprehensive way for public school students to exit hostile environments, saving themselves from potential danger or harassment in the classroom setting or at school. Nonetheless, in recent times, it has transformed into a COVID-19 debate where students now seek earning the scholarship as a means of evading particular COVID-19 protocols. h
quick facts Natalia Pallas/highlights
werment ily Empo The Fam , started m s Progra Scholarship rs was ke a m policy by Florida ents who to aid stud developed waitlist. ip scholarsh e th n o e er w
From 2020-202 1 exactly 1,425 schools were eligi ble for the HOPE Scholarship Pr ogram and this is likely to expand in the following years. Source
: Ed ch
oice
news 11
STAFF-ED: Climate crisis
President Biden is pushing for policies to lessen the severity of climate change, presenting a challenge for Florida’s infrastructure.
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OREST FIRES RAVAGE THE planet. Temperatures reach new extremes every year. Glaciers are melting. Though putting a complete stop to the inexorable future of the Earth is growing evermore impractical, many governments have taken it upon themselves to find solutions. As politicians dispute over the remedies needed to lessen the severity of these catastrophic effects, they overlook many of the obstacles cities face along the way. In a recent plan to progress with a greener way of living, President Biden has been pushing for half of the United States’ vehicle fleet owned by citizens to be electric by 2030, an ambitious goal that ultimately has too many flaws. Though Biden seeks to decrease carbon emissions and improve the United States’ renewable energy industry, many states like Florida do not have the sufficient resources or infrastructure to support electric vehicles. With the recent building collapse in Surfside resulting in the loss of many lives, it is evident that Miami’s older buildings are not made to house the necessary technology for electric vehicles, most notably lithium battery charging ports. With fragile, outdated buildings that can unpredictably flood or collapse, increasing the
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amount of electric vehicles in buildings and consequently installing charging ports would create more wariness for structural accidents within these buildings, thus halting Biden’s
change, electric vehicles burn carbon, which in turn releases harmful gases into the environment. “Electric vehicles are not sustainable in the long run because carbon is being released into the atmosphere when they charge,” junior Sarai Moro said. “Pollution is also being released into the atmosphere because power ELECTRIC plants, that provide energy for the chargers, also release carbon.” VEHICLES ARE NOT According to a study done by Bloomberg SUSTAINABLE IN THE Magazine, a Tesla Model S driving 1000 LONG RUN BECAUSE miles would burn 286 pounds of coal to power the voyage, compared to the 40 gallons of CARBON IS BEING gasoline it would take a gas car to drive the RELEASED INTO THE same distance. ATMOSPHERE WHEN With the many conditions Biden ignored to push the increase of electrical vehicles, THEY CHARGE. questions arise surrounding what politicians SARAI MORO, could do to combat climate change in a more JUNIOR efficient and cost effective way. The answer is simple: invest in efficient and accessible public transportation. plan to increase electric vehicles in all U.S. Expanding Miami’s Metro westward, cities. connecting Kendall and Downtown Miami, The environmental impact of electric ve- would provide economic growth for the city, hicles on the Earth is something that Biden not to mention workers would feel more enhas failed to take into consideration. While couraged to work in the aforementioned areas. lessening the emissions of CO2 from vehiWith better public transportation, resicles is a strategic method to combat climate dents would feel more inclined to reduce car usage, saving drivers an average of $9,823 annually on car maintenance and fuel payments, according to the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). “I believe that for this current and assessing how stingy the transportation in Florida is, that should be our main focus,” sophomore Amalia Garrido said. Growing awareness of the damages climate change has on Miami, calls for electric vehicles on the road is a miscalculated plan that does more harm than good. Rather than pushing for electric vehicles, policymakers should focus on funding efficient and clean public transportation, guaranteeing a green and sustainable future for Florida’s next generations to enjoy. h Maria Jose Cestero/highlights
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The path to success
Blue-collar professions are equal to white-collar professions, despite the stereotype surrounding the former. COMMENTARY BY GREGOIRE WINSTON, CO-ONLINE EDITOR
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O MANY parents consistently working under the scorching sun in less than favorable conditions is an undesired future for their children. Stemming from the belief that jobs like plumbers, repairmen and mechanics, among others, are inferior to the jobs that require university, many feel obligated to pursue higher education in order to succeed. Yet, these positions prove to be just as fruitful as their counterparts for building the foundations of white collar professions, both literally and figuratively. Over the last several decades, stigmas around both blue collar and white collar jobs have significantly affected what job sectors future generations aspire to be part of. Nonetheless, an increasing number of professions in the industrial sector are earning higher or equal median salaries than any other.
tremely challenging. Due to a rapid supply of college graduates, the limited availability in white-collar sectors such as management and desk professionals force companies to keep starting salaries at a lower rate than for positions in high demand. Furthermore, when factoring in the time spent going to university and ultimately getting a degree, blue collar workers, who often overlook college, enter specialized vocational schools. Consequently, they assure themselves a successful future as a professional in their respective field.
DID YOU KNOW?
66% of construction companies reported not having enough skilled or qualified workers to hire.
Source: The National Federation of Independent Businesses
According to Business Insider, jobs like mechanics, firefighters and policemen make earnings of between $70,000 and $90,000 as annual compensation. Comparatively, financial managers, technological operators and security analysts earn between $60,000 and $75,000 per year. From a financial standpoint, jobs with little to no university education are financially equivalent to jobs with a competent college diploma. “Defying the stereotype that manual jobs are inferior to behind-thedesk jobs should be our priority as future parents,” senior Eden Sobalvarro said. Moreover, finding a suitable profession in an increasingly competitive postgraduate world can turn out exMaria Jose Cestero/highlights
In 2019, The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that the mean salary for a tradeschool graduate was $76,220, drastically more than college graduates, making $51,347 per year. Decades prior to the emergence of modern-day desk employment, technical schools consistently offer quality training to young men and women eager to start their lives. Ranging from eight months to two years, these institutions guarantee a job right off the bat and those who follow this educational path thrive with lucrative jobs down the line. On the other hand, individuals who pursue higher education go on to have increased connections, resulting in exclusive business opportunities and an overall complete understanding of the world around them. Thanks to the plethora of subjects studied during their time in college, building relationships and establishing long-lasting bonds can prove worthwhile. Nonetheless, despite these substantial advantages, blue-collar jobs remain more desirable on account of salarial and flexible perks. “I think that the institutions that are focused on specializing jobs are actually pretty essential,” junior Mariana Gutierrez said. “The people that go to these schools end up with bigger knowledge about actual life and how it works.” In an increasingly capitalist market driven by wealth and influence, finding the right profession is an unquestionable part of the path to a good life. Jobs that are the backbone of the economy are in desperate need of workers. While many would turn towards a conventional white-collar career, overlooking blue-collar jobs could prove regretful. Due to its increased flexibility and relative uncompetitiveness, positions on the social hierarchy once considered “unfulfilling” should be top choices in today’s job hunt. h
opinion 13
The rise of space capitalism
As billionaires battle for space dominance, planet Earth suffers the consequences from the waste of resources. COMMENTARY BY ANDREA DELGADO, STAFF WRITER
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bles Earth vice president Ella Londono. This boost of egos has not only caused the Earth’s ozone layers to deplete, but is seen as a waste of resources by those who dedicate their lives to fixing issues, like world hunger. Hundreds of millions go to bed hungry every night, while Bezos and Branson are up in space. This scarcity of food has only gotten worse with the COVID-19 pandemic, so solving matters such as this one is even more in need. “I do think [the resources] could be put to better use, but right now I think they’re mainly just being used to flaunt the billionaire’s status and it’s about who can go the farthest in space a n d who has the most m o n e y, ” sophomore Gabriela Blanco said. However, numerous argue that this money is an investment o ter s in the future of science. e C ose Maria J Though this may be true, there are a plethora of scientific opportunities that would put the $5.5 billion dollars Bezos spent to better use. With a $193.3 billion net worth, $6 billion is only 3% of his total capital value, which truly showcases how little Bezos would have to give up to help. He, among others, has the capability to completely revolutionize things like COVID-19 research, scientific opportunity can wait. This billion-dollar project of Bezos and Branson, and soon Musk, however innovative, is extremely exclusive to the vastly wealthy for $250,000 a trip. After proving that a group of civilians can survive on a space voyage, these billionaires have and will continue to trademark it as a part of their mission to privatize the emerging space tourism industry and ignore Earth’s problems. Outer space used to be a place for dreamers, but now it’s at the expense of a suffering planet. h /h
resources. In the midst of continued and growing world hunger and soaring climate change, an unresolved pandemic is added to the mix. Yet, instead of using their wealth and power to help those less fortunate, the Earth’s billionaires have taken it upon themselves to invest in space exploration. Though they could easily save the world they live in, many of the economically elite have participated in a race to space, at the cost of the impoverished. When NASA launched the first astronaut into space in 1961, following this achievement seemed impossible. However, no longer needing NASA, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson have spent billions of dollars on developing their own rockets for immediate launch. Even though some argue that this is their hard earned money to spend, this profit was made off the backs of minimum wage workers who work endless hours for little com-
pensation. Bezos’ Amazon facilities pay their employees around $13 an hour which doesn’t sound too bad, but in the end, isn’t enough for the average American family to live off of annually. This doesn’t even begin to compare to the $5.5 billion Bezos spent on his space expedition. When thinking of the billionaire space race, many don’t consider the effect it has on our environment as these larger-than-life rockets launch into space. “Emissions by Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity vehicles contribute to the production of nitrous oxide, which is a significantly concerning greenhouse gas,” said reporter Andy Hirschfeld in an interview with the New York Times. Each rocket launch made by these billionaire space programs can expel up to 300 tons of carbon dioxide. This excess of carbon dioxide causes the temperatures on Earth to plummet to the extremes, whether it $ be extremely hot or frigidly cold. $ The abundance of space launches per year will only $ create more irreversible damage for humanity to deal with later. With that said, Richard Branson is only one of the multiple billionaires who have developed space technology and haven’t taken into account that their “space tourism” will only escalate the climate crisis. “I don’t think that [the advancements made by these billionaires is] worth the effect that it has on the environment, just because we’re at a place where we’ve already done so much destruction to the Earth and can’t afford destroying it anymore or our species isn’t going to survive,” said Ga$
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S THE world’s billionaires battle for space dominance, planet Earth suffers the consequences from the waste of
The inevitable return to theaters
Although some think movie theaters are a dying business, they are an experience that cannot be matched by online services. COMMENTARY BY GEORGIA RAU, STAFF WRITER
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INCE THEIR beginning, online streaming services like Netflix, HBO and Disney Plus have challenged the long tradition of going to a movie theatre. With the convenience of online streaming services combined with the health risks of theaters, many began to avoid them. However, due to the needs of those in the film industry and the desires of the audience, the move back to theaters is inevitable. As COVID-19 consumed the world, online streaming services dominated the film industry. According to the Wall Street Journal, in the U.S. alone in 2020, streaming subscriptions climbed to 308.6 million memberships, a 32% increase. Due to this, actors such as Scarlett Johansson publicly called out businesses like Disney for failing to meet the outlines of her contract. Her latest movie “Black Widow,” worked its way into people’s personal computers, resulting in her earning far less revenue for her work. The New York Times reports that Johansson was supposed to “receive an exclusive release in theaters for approximately 90 to 120 days.” However, this plan was scrapped with a hybrid release — putting the movie both in theaters and online — effectively producing a lower profit for the actors and producers involved, while generating more revenue for Disney. The fixed monthly fee of $8 for Disney
Plus, the streaming service involved, as opposed to the average movie theater pay-perview cost of $9.16, caused a significant drop in box office proceeds. Movie stars such as Johansson earn the majority of their money through these box office sales; the hybrid release cost Johnasson over $50 million, the New York Times reports. It is in the best interest of movie stars to contractually obligate a theatrical release. In addition, many view movie theaters as social activities. The movie theater ex-
NOW SHOWING
NETFLIX Maria Jose Cestero/highlights
perience — popcorn, reclining chairs and surround-sound-system simply cannot be matched by online streaming services. “What we try to do is enhance the festival experience by having talent from the film, so either a director or a star, ” said Kristin McCracken, digital content and publications director for multiple film festivals. Furthermore, an intense resurgence of the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s trends — psychedelic prints, scrunchies, bright eyeshadow among
others can be observed today. This is evidenced by the fierce revival that drive-in movie theaters met last year. Beginning in March of 2020, drive-in theaters “have enjoyed a renaissance amid the shutdowns,” The Atlantic reports. Entertainment designed to fit the 1950s lifestyle became all the rage, 70 years later. With the rapid modernization of media and the use of online streaming services, movie theaters are destined to become the next “vintage” trend, bringing in revenue for the film industry and the actors, directors and producers within them. Moreover, the theaters will experience a revival when COVID-19 is finally considered a nonthreat. “I don’t think [the experience] can be matched. It’s a different feel... going to a movie theater, you get that excitement,” junior Marcela Nieves said. Many believe that the convenience and low cost of streaming services outweigh the experience of going to a theater. After all, the basic Hulu monthly subscription fee is about half of the cost of a movie ticket. However, it remains abundantly clear that the theater is not going away any time soon. Not only is the experience heightened in theaters, but the film industry will be pushing for the return to theaters. There is a case to prove a potential symbiotic relationship between streaming services and the rest of the film industry. Although streaming services are here to stay, the move back to the big screen is inevitable. h
opposable thumbs Climate Change
Pitbull
Perfomative Activism
“More real estate for fish.” -Lenox Balzebre, Staff Writer
“Dale.” -Cristel Cantarero, Social Media Manager
“Because human rights match my aesthetic.” -Juan Fajardo, Staff Writer
opinion 15
TWO-VIEWS: The vaccine mandate debate
As vaccines continue to become available to the nation, many po quired in order to create a COVID-19 free society. COMMENTARY BY TIFFANY BEH, STAFF WRITER
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S THE COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the lives of people everywhere, many wonder if there is any end in sight. T h o u g h vaccines continue to be distributed daily, several are choosing to remain unprotected against this deadly virus, putting the lives of others at risk. Vaccines should be mandated in places like schools and businesses in order to help protect the general public, putting a stop to this neverending pandemic. Over the course of the pandemic, the use of facial masks has become normalized when going to public places. Though effective, they simply don’t measure up to the benefits a vaccine mandate would have to the ever rising COVID-19 numbers. According to the Washington Post, masks are powerful, but vaccines are even more powerful, preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations among adults older than 65 by 94%. School vaccines would be beneficial during lunch, when masks are off and many students may not social distance, putting
YES
people at risk. The virus could easily spread during this time, thus a vaccine mandate would ensure the safety of students and staff. Similarily, according to the Florida Department of Health, there are various vaccines for other diseases that are required to enroll into a school. This one shouldn’t be any different. The virus is worldwide and much more serious. The COVID-19 vaccine should be added to the list of school immunization requirements for the same reason the other vaccines were: to keep the students and faculty safe. “Vaccines have eradicated numerous diseases, saving hundreds of thousands of lives,
Maria Jose Cestero/highlights
this is no different,” Student Activities director Ana Suarez said. Additionally, mandating vaccines in schools will protect not only the students, but the entirety of the school community. Due to the number of people essential to the public school system, a COVID-19 outbreak is far more detrimental to the district. According to Local 10 news, MAST Academy had an outbreak of COVID-19, with 20 teachers and over 200 students being quarantined after at least a dozen COVID-19 cases were reported in one week.
by the numbers
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At the time, the vaccine had not been released, which goes to show the dangers of entering a school unvaccinated. Teachers and the government can only do so much to protect the public; enforcing the vaccine will greatly lower the chances of an outbreak, protecting all students, staff and families. Some may argue that they should not be forcibly vaccinated for various reasons. According to Medical News Today, some common reasons include the harmful side effects and illnesses, the belief that most people who get diseases are vaccinated and that the disease is not prevalent anymore, resulting in the vaccine being pointless. However, according to the same source, vaccines have been proven to be safe and ef-
people in the United States are fully vaccinated.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
fective. Not to mention that covid cases have continued to surge in Florida with the new Delta variant, but have been extremely rare among vaccinated people, according to the New York Times. Therefore, a vaccine mandate will dramatically decrease the chance of a COVID-19 case in the school. In the end, vaccines have shown to be the best form of protection against COVID-19 and will aid in the slow recovery from this long overdue pandemic. Everyone has the moral obligation to get vaccinated if they care about not only their health, but the health of everyone around them. them. h
10% of people could still get infected after full vaccination.
Source: Virgina Department of Heatlh
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onder whether or not they should be reCOMMENTARY BY MARCOS SNYDER, STAFF WRITER
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N THE UNITED STATES, a right to free will and decision has always been encouraged. The fundamental liberty to choose is what defines the nation as free, setting it aside from other countries to dictate the public’s decisions in resources like medicine. As vaccines against the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be debated, they certainly shouldn’t be mandated in sectors like schools and businesses as they infringe on the people’s right to choose and will ultimately affect the public market. As COVID-19 forced the closure of businesses, many struggled to fully open back up to the public. Now that the world is opening back up again, forcing a vaccine mandate on enterprises will affect them in the long run.
Noting that they would have to completely change their business model and allocate a staff member to ask each customer to show proof of vaccination, this will not only create a long line of dismayed people, but it will inevitably be evident in their sales. An analysis from the World Bank reported that sales dropped 27% in the dining sector from October 2020 through January 2021. This, coupled with the new infrastructure that has to be put in place in order to verify that every customer is vaccinated, will force many local and popular places to close until further notice. “I believe it’s unconstitutional to force a vaccine which was made in less than a year,” senior Samuel Carreno said. Starting next month, two major cities in the United States will be the testing ground for the imposition of sanction on the unvaccinated. New York City, calling it the “Key to NYC”, issued a vaccine mandate that will restrict 37.3% citizens from essential activities according to NYC Health. Similarly, San Francisco is mandating proof of vaccination in high-contact indoor
sectors, as mandated by Mayor London N. Breed. For now it’s only two cities, but others around the nation such as Los Angeles are also thinking of adopting a vaccine mandate. In other words, a city stripping away the ability to be in public is insinuating that those that have chosen not to be vaccinated are inferior and shouldn’t be allowed outside of their homes. And in places like Florida, where 50% of the population remains unvaccinated, according to the CDC, it means that half of the population would be left without the civil liberty of merely going outside. Some may argue that vaccines should be mandated across the nation as it is the only way to put an end to this pandemic. However, protecting the freedom to choose is critical. Not to mention, if schools would decide to implement a mand a t e , they would also have to navigate a way to check for proof which would create an unnecessary hurdle as it was already a challenge to mandate masks. “Ultimately, things like the constitution will defend your right to choose,” history teacher Aaron Miller said. “You can’t force people to take medicine, the basic fundamentals of this country was founded on that.” In order to move on from the effects of COVID-19, vaccines need to be strongly encouraged. But, in the end, there needs to be a universal understanding that businesses and institutions should not be deciding to ask for proof of someone’s vaccination record as some are not comfortable sharing. The inherent right to choose should not be sacrificed, not even for COVID-19. h
NO
M A R I A’ S MISCHIEF Mr. Worldwide COMMENTARY BY MARÍA JoSÉ CESTERO, OPINION EDITOR Before summer began, I made a promise to myself: indulge in different types of music. Now, don’t get me wrong, me and everyone else in the world (I asked) knows that I have the best music taste in the Western Hemisphere. Nevertheless, as I explored different genres of pop, rock, Japanese heavy metal and many more, something became abundantly clear: I love Pitbull. No, I’m not talking about the dogs people seem to be petrified of (even though we all know the true demon incarnates are chihuahuas). I’m talking about Mr. 305, the man whose skills in singing, dancing, rapping and being swag simply aren’t matched in the 21st century. Perhaps I started to listen to his music for the beautiful nostalgia of being brought back to a fourth grade pool party. But as I delved deeper into the “dale” fandom (that’s what us Pitbull enthusiasts are called, for any non-believers reading) and replayed International Love for the billionth time in a single hour, I realized my love for Mr. Worldwide went far deeper than just re-living my childhood. His music simply spoke to me like no other artist has been able to do. No matter the case, everytime I see his lustrious and shiny bald head, a feeling of overwhelming happiness and, frankly, Miami pride washes over me. Everytime I am thrown into an infinite pit of sadness and despair over the absolute trainwreck that is becoming of my life, I can’t even bear to think of Pitbull, who has been there done that. How much suffering does one human being deserve? None. But especially not Pitbull. Oh, how disappointed I was to hear that he won’t be stopping by Miami on his I Feel Good tour. After all? Isn’t he Mr. 305 first and foremost? But, alas, I forget that he is also Mr. Worldwide and in the grand scheme of things, I see that his decision to not stop by is part of his master, no, genius, plan to solve world peace, or something. Dale. h
opinion 17
Changing the game
Held to intense standards, athletes face constant pressures that become detrimental to their mental health BY EMILY KARDJIAN, STAFF WRITER
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MERICAN GYMNAST SIMONE Biles shocked millions worldwide when she stepped down from multiple Olympic events in the recent 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to issues concerning her mental health. While this came as a major surprise to fans, problems like hers are recurring among athletes who face constant pressure to succeed in their sport. A case of the “twisties” during a gymnastics routine led Biles to remove herself from the competition. According to the Associated Press, “twisties” signifies a gymnast not being able to complete a particular spin and getting disoriented in the air. This mental block was caused by the immense pressure she was under and prevented her from earning the gold medals that she had worked so hard to win. Biles’ openness about her mental health struggles encouraged fellow Olympians to voice their own internal battles, two of them being Noah Lyles and Mattie Rogers. Lyles, an American track and field athlete, spoke about battling depression and anxiety to reporters after winning a bronze medal in the 200 meter final at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. According to USA Today, Rogers, an American weightlifter, also spoke on her struggles with the anxiety that often comes with being an Olympian athlete. Four-time Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps is another athlete that has spoken up about his own issues with his mental health. According to USA Today, during his time swimming in the Olympics, Phelps struggled with anxiety and depression, as well as thoughts of suicide. Since then, he has recovered with the help of mental health professionals. In a way similar to Biles, Phelps was a decorated athlete and well-known in the public eye. Due to this, they both faced added pressure to do extremely well and win their respective events as everyone was watching them. Oftentimes, athletes are placed on pedestals and held to unrealistic standards of perfection. This does not solely apply to professional athletes, but highschool athletes as w e l l . “Sometimes I struggle with pressure and stress because as the captain of a team I try to make sure everyone is doing what they’re supposed to do and stay serious when they need
to,” girls volleyball team captain Martina Ruiz s a i d .
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SOMETIMES I STRUGGLE WITH PRESSURE AND STRESS BECAUSE AS THE CAPTAIN OF A TEAM I TRY TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS DOING WHAT THEY’RE SUPPOSED TO DO AND STAY SERIOUS WHEN THEY NEED TO. MARTINA RUIZ, SENIOR
Adding to the pressure student athletes face, high school sports have increased in both professionalism and intensity in the past years, according to The Atlantic. High school students have started being placed on intense schedules mimicking those of college athletes, leading to overtraining and sleep deprivation. When having a demanding school schedule, it can often be challenging for athletes to maintain a balance between both school and sports while still obtaining a full night’s sleep, leading to exhaustion and added s t r e s s . The pressure also begins to grow as athletes begin applying to colleges. Many high school athletes rely on being recruited for college sports teams and earning athletic scholarships in order to afford school, resulting in the stakes being incredibly high. They also want to attend a reputable college, further increas“You’re not good i n g
enough”
“Everyone will be dissapointed”
the c o m“You’ll never win” petition and the level at which they need to perform t o reach their goals. “I don’t think the pressure of going to college is the issue, I think it’s more of where the athletes go to college,” wrestling coach Thomas Hardy said. The added stress of COVID-19 has further impacted athletes, leading to even more struggles with their mental health. According to the American Psychological Association, a study conducted by the University of Northern Texas reported that 22% of their respondents, a variety of college athletes, reported having a clinical level of depression. Meanwhile, 26% of their respondents described having subclinical levels of depression. While not something often spoken of, mental health issues are a real problem among dedicated athletes, both on a professional and high school level. However, as time goes on and more major athletes continue to speak out about mental health as Biles and others have, the stigma around it will begin to reduce, allowing athletes to better deal with their stress and pressure and encouraging them to seek help. h
sports | 18
Technology doping: The new normal
Technological advances in sports equipment may be the downfall of longheld, fairly-earned world records COMMENTARY BY ALIA GAMEZ, CONTENT EDITOR
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O A NONathlete, sports’ ethics may seem simple. Do not take steroids, do not cheat and most importantly — do not acquire an unfair advantage over other players. It seems that these ethics became void in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and other recent sporting events. With sportswear advancements on the rise, there are new ways to show how athletes can earn an unqual advantage over their opponents and long held world records. Nike released their Super Spike running shoes in 2019, stirring up justified controversy that highlighted the tremendous advantage they offer to those that wear them. The shoes, made with carbon fiber plates surrounded by foam cushion, improve speed and comfort giving runners a spring every time they step down. World Athletics, the international governing body for sports, only changed their stringent technology rules in 2020 to maintain the status quo of shoes for the Tokyo Olympics. Competing companies followed by designing imitations after the Nike prototype was shown. Even with these efforts, Nike wearers decimated competition in Tokyo. Of 33 podium placements, 21 were wearing Nike shoes. Despite the effect on current athletes, retired world record holders, such as Usain Bolt, are also at risk of a loss to these shoes. These past champions trained insumbable amounts in
order to reach extreme speeds and have their legacy remembered. However, new athletes sporting super spike technology, whether it be Nike or not, are slowly surpassing various records due largely to their advanced footwear. Aside from track, biking and swimming have also had a history of technology doping. The advancement of technology has posed a threat to the fairness of the races. In the 1990s, a cyclist named Graeme Obree created a bike designed to improve his aerodynamics and speed. Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the regulators of cycling, took action against his attempt to push the rules of biking. The group banned Obree’s designs and others that he introduced. Without these preventative measures, the design could have started a pattern of people depending more on the engineering of equipment rather than on their actual skill. Tools to help bodily dynamics do not only apply above water. For the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, Speedo worked with NASA to develop a world record breaking swimsuit. According to its developers, The Speedo LZR Racer swimsuit held the body more hydrodynamically compared to past racing suits, as well as repelling water and increasing flexibility. It was neces-
sary for The “Fédération Internationale de Natation” to make the sport fair and they did so by banning the suit. When these improvements are worn only by one team and are exceedingly different from previous fixtures, the changes are unfair to present and past competition. Consistent regulation, with no exceptions, is the only way to keep sports honest. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), and other international sport governments, should take after the decisions made in the past by UCI. Unless these types of shoes become the standard — or are completely banned — past world champions will have their records beat by those who rely on equipment more so than skill. h
students speak up ghts
amez/ h ighli
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Ali
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Carlos Polita, Senior
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I THINK THAT ANY EQUIPMENT THAT ENHANCES NATURAL PERFORMANCE SHOULD BE BANNED.
AS A RUNNER, ANY SHOES THAT WOULD GIVE MY COMPETITORS TREMENDOUS ADVANTAGES ARE UNFAIR AND CONTAMINATES THE HONESTY OF SPORTS.
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Ariadna Torras, Junior
sports | 19
New year, new coach
With a new school year approaching, new coaches at Gables discuss their new adjustments and future plans BY CRISTEL CANTARERO, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE:
sports | 20
Friday, September 24th
Friday, October 8th
Friday, October 15th
Friday, October 22nd
Question What does your typical day at practice look like?
Question How do you teach your athletes to manage both schools and sports?
Answer There is no typical day at practice, bottom line. Most of the time we’ll come out and do stretches, a little bit of cardio, run and get in shape. Then we’ll go in offensive period, defensive period, work on special individual areas with their coaches.Then we come together and try to do a little hit and live game action.
Answer I’m very strict on grades and academics. I make sure that whatever they have to do for school is being taken care of, because honestly if they don’t have the grades then they can’t play anyways.
Question What is the practice environment like and how are the attitudes of your players?
Answer Attitudes are great. They’ve been through a lot in the last year, this is probably not a normal circumstance, a coaching change...we try to keep it (practice environment) light hearted at the same time, when it’s time to get real serious, let’s get serious.
Question What are your expectations for this year?
Answer Hopefully we’ll be able to win some games and compete for the district with Miami High, Krop and Miami Beach. We know we’re probably going to have a couple of tough games. We’re just very young, I think we only have 5 seniors right now, so most of the kids are freshmen, sophomores and juniors.
Question How do you plan to teach your athletes about sportsmanship?
Answer Well, you have to act the right way whether you win or lose. Sometimes it’s more important to show your true character when things don’t go the right way. Try to keep it positive and always remember: there’s always another day, we just have to learn from our mistakes and get better.
Question What is your approach to college recruitment this year for your players?
Answer This year’s going to be a little different because we don’t have that many seniors. Really, it’s going to be the few seniors we do have, we’ll get their names out, make sure they get the credits they need, the gpa they need, test scores, make sure they’ve taken the SAT and ACT. I always go away to national conventions to help kids get into Division I, Division II and Division III. It doesn’t matter, every kid has a dream that they want to play in college, so if that’s what we can do to help them out then that’s what we’ll do.
Question How do you motivate your players to work harder?
Answer I’m just a very honest coach. I try to make sure they realize that ‘if you’re going to come here and you’re going to put this much time into this, then give it all you got. I don’t understand why you want to do something not really full speed if it’s something you really want to do. If it’s something you want to do, you’re going to have to work hard for it. it. Just being young, every kid has a different trigger, not all kids are the same. Some kids you might have to get a little more forceful, other kids you might have to be a little more sentimental.
Question Was it difficult to bond/ connect with the team or was it easy? Why? How did you bond/connect with
Answer Actually, since we’ve had a lot of kids leave, I think that it’s actually brought us together. We’re a little tighter and the kids that are here, they want to be here and want to get better. With them being young, it also gives you the opportunity to mold the younger kids the way you want to and not having to worry about the older kids that are set in their ways.
Question What values do you want your team to learn and practice within the game/in their lives?
Answer That they could always ask for help, that it’s not something to be ashamed of...always want to get better, go beyond what they just think they could do, always be able to get something better at life and also on the field. If you win by ten, win by twenty. If you win by five, win by seven… don’t be satisfied with just graduating from highschool, go to college, go to vocational school, do whatever you have to do to make your life better for yourself because in the end it’s going to be better for you and your family.
Question What was your first impression of the team you coach?
Answer The first impression of the team from May to now is completely different. It’s two total separate teams. My impression right now is that we’re very young and very inexperienced. But yet, a lot of really good kids that are trying really hard. h
sports | 21
Atypical Athletics
Unusual sports such as Spikeball, boxball and ultimate frisbee have so much more to offer than they may seem. BY CAROLINA CASTRO, STAFF WRITER
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n today’s world, millions of fans tune in daily to watch traditional sports, such as baseball, football and soccer. A portion of these fans even play them too. However, the more unconventional sports, including
Spikeball, ultimate frisbee and boxball are often ignored despite how fun and easy they are to play. Popularity isn’t everything for sports, though. While these sports are relatively unheard of to the average individual, they are still
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adored and played by thousands worldwide. With the opportunity to put a variety of skills to good use and the refreshing simplicity that comes with a game of any of these sports, the appeal is easy to understand and accesible to all.
Spikeball is a fast-paced sport that stands out due to its simple, yet endlessly enjoyable nature. This sport consists of a net, a ball, two teams of two and lots of agility. It can even be compared to volleyball, in the diving, spiking and blocking aspect of it. Similarly to other sports, Spikeball requires teamwork, as you and your teammate must work together to beat your opponents. Jeff Knurek first created roundnet (the sport’s original name) in 1989, with the game later being marketed by Tomy, a Japanese entertainment company. Since then, it has gone from falling off the map to reviving through Spikeball Inc., created by Chris Ruder in 2008.
SPIKEBALL
What started off as a simple toy quickly transformed into a popular sport, with tournaments, such as the Spikeball tournament series, occurring every year. However, Spikeball is more popularly played in familiar spaces, like one’s backyard, the beach or a local park. The rules are simple: after setting up, two teams of two gather around the net, standing a few feet apart, serving the ball against the net. Each team has up to three touches per possession, and you can move as you please. “It’s simple because all you need for hours of fun is a ball, a net, a little space and a few friends,” Spikeball National Champion Ali Rogers said.
BOXBALL Similar to Spikeball, box ball is another easy, at home sport that can quickly be learned. Boxball’s exact origin is unknown, but it’s believed to have gained popularity during World War I. Although the ball size has changed from a mere tennis ball to a now larger rubber ball, the overall concept has remained the same for decades. A very simple sport, box ball can be played right on the sidewalk. Using chalk, one must draw four numbered squares, with four being the highest rank
and one being the lowest rank. Using a rubber ball, players must bounce the ball amongst themselves. As the game progresses and violations (letting the ball bounce more than once in your square, leaving your designated square, etc.) are made, players can move up to higher ranks as other participants are eliminated and go to the back of the line. While it can get highly competitive, if played by the right group, box ball is a quick game of innocent fun that can be picked up and enjoyed by all.
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Created by Joel Silver in 1969, ultimate frisbee was first played by two groups of students attending Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J.. Its humble beginnings are no representation of where ultimate, its nickname among players, stands now. Currently, it has developed into a highly competitive sport played worldwide and was even previously played at the school. Our team, the Coral Gables Ultimate Snow Leopards, was founded by now-graduated Mark Braun and Julian Elortegui in 2016. . The team was only
maintained until 2018, but they were able to go to multiple tournaments throughout Florida within their short existence. The current USA team has reigned champion for 16 years in the rigorous World Games, a multi-sport event in which teams from all over compete. “It’s all self-officiated, so you call your own fouls, and the oppnent can agree or disagree, which results in different conditions for play to restart,” said Tampa Bay Cannons player-turned coach Jacob Clary. h
sports | 22
Hidden in the heart of Little Havana
As the time for eating out begins to return, Doce Provisions, a Cuban-American restaurant, makes a strong comeback BY MANUEL ESPINOZA, STAFF WRITER
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REATING A MEAL TO REMEMber might be every restaurant’s goal, but there is a place that makes their mission to go beyond that. Combining Latin American inspired flavors with classic American foods, Doce Provisions provides a dish for everyone. Located in the popular area of Little Havana, this establishment attracts food lovers and is prepared to meet the expectations of all customers. With delicious dishes, a great environment and attentive employees, Doce Provisions is the place that will happily welcome anyone who would like to indulge in a new dining experience. The menu ranges from shrimp tacos to delicious salads. Some of their best selling dishes include their award-winning “Chorizo Croquettes,” which is a croquette with sausage, bacon, mustard and fresh cheese for $8.50 per serving. There’s also the “Short Rib Tacos,” including chipotle cream and ash relish for $9.75 per serving. Along with that, they have their “Shrimp Po Boy Tacos,” which cost $9.50 per dish. With fresh pickled peppers, green cilantro and their Cuban sriracha mayo put together with the shrimp, the dish makes itself another crowd favorite. “I was pretty stuffed because the food was too good,” sophomore Shae Avila said. What is just as attractive as the food is the
humble yet modern environment that Doce Provisions creates. The atmosphere can make one feel as if they are in their own home. Along with that, the choice to sit in their indoor or outdoor area serves as the building
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IT TAKES AN INTERESTING TWIST ON CUBAN FLAVORS THAT I THINK IS NEEDED BENJAMIN PLA, SENIOR blocks to a great experience. Looking at the indoor setting brings in the beauty of home, as it is decorated with concept paintings that contain portraits and unique designs to cover the walls. The kitchen, placed right in front of the tables, allows customers to see their food as it is being made. The outdoor area offers beautiful scenery which includes brick walls being painted over by cartoon-like portraits of people with floral backgrounds. Their garden, filled with plants, brings customers at ease and connected to nature, guar-
anteeing a wonderful experience. Doce Provisions’s hours of operation are created to fit any customer’s schedule. They are closed from Monday to Tuesday and open from Wednesday to Sunday. When they are open, their hours are from noon to 3:30 p.m., then it is reopened from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Since it is located at 541 SW 12th Ave, the restaurant immediately stands out from the street-view by having their very own Cuban flag painted right on the wall of their front of their door. Dining would not be an unforgettable experience if it weren’t for the people who go behind the scenes to make the food, dining setting and kind attitude the way they are. Doce Provisions makes it very easy to notice the priority that goes into creating every dish, from the kind treatment that employees take in serving the meals to the cleanliness of all the tables and chairs to keep everyone safe. “They were nice, responsive, quick and overall really gave a good impression,” Avila said. At Doce Provisions, great service is provided as employees immediately prioritize customers from the moment they come in, to the moment they walk out. All meals prepared at the establishment are made with patience and love and the best part is, there are seconds and more for everyone. h
PLANTAIN PLATTER: Doce Provisions chef prepares to garnish “The Guac” dish topped on a fried plantain with cilantro and salt.
Manuel Espinoza/highlights
23 the scene
Hardback in hand Within a city of consistently current style, Dunbar brings old books to new readers every day BY LENOX BALZEBRE, STAFF WRITER
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ITH BOOKS STACKED ENDlessly on shelves and hints of cigarette smoke lingering in the air, Dunbar Old Books is the dream destination for book lovers and cheap book buyers. Located in the midst of a warehouse district, on 7601 SW 46 St., one can find the store owner Mary Ann Talmadge rifting through the new books she has collected. Dunbar’s multitude of books ranges from old Russian architecture to the “Hunger Games” saga. Originally planned to be a storage unit with an online website, Dunbar’s was quickly converted into a working bookstore when people began showing up. “[In Miami] it is very odd to find a used book store, so here people aren’t quite aware that you can buy second-hand books,” Talmadge said. Inspired by her own admiration for used books, which she discovered while living in New York City, Talmadge opened up her own second-hand bookstore in Miami, hoping to bring the culture of rare and out-of-print books to the lives of Miamians. From estate sales to an average person trying to get rid of their books, Talmadge buys them intending to expand her collection. Many times, these books are worth nothing more than $20 in historic value. However a rare find is occasionally discovered at the bottom of a box. Nonetheless, Talmadge takes the risk, not guaranteed to find something valuable, but willingly knowing the uncertainty was worth the thrill of obtaining new additions. Dunbar’s wide collection of rare books exceeds 25,000. Most commonly, they are found in the art and history section rather than the fantasy, as fantasy is more of a collectible, personal item than a rarity. Fiction books are less common and only in demand if there is a tragedy, such as an author’s only published book prior to death. However, the fantasy selection is present with outlandishly cheap prices unlike any chain bookstore, ranging from $5-$10 on a commonly sold book. Even so, the rarest of all the books are tucked safely away in the back to keep away from too much handling, with the occasion of being displayed on Dunbar’s website: dunbaroldbooks.com. The website generates most of
the store’s publicity, with the majority of their orders coming from their online store. Not only does the website bring in revenue, it also attracts potential and current employees, such as Austin San Juan. With inspiration, shown affection for used books and a bit of persistence, San Juan was able to get a job here as a bookkeeper. After being told by Talmadge that they were not hiring, San Juan came in constantly to browse the bookshelves. Shortly after, he was given the job as bookkeeper and has been working for almost a month since. Stocking and organizing shelves for hours a day, San Juan finds pleasure in the security of the classics and poetry section. Peaked with fascination, he admires the language variety displayed along many of the same books, allowing people to have the same book in multiple languages. “When the few people do come, it’s usually for the fiction section … especially for Spanish fiction,” San Juan said. Undoubtedly, any person walking into Dunbar will be well taken care of when finding a book that will fulfill any of their needs. This “warehouse bookstore” was recognized by the New Times Magazine for Miami’s Best Used Bookstore in 2010. In the depths of the secluded back section of the store, all of the rare and ancient stories are kept. Every turn in the tight space leaves one’s eyes lingering on a new book, and when given the history and context of the book, one’s eyes begin to widen. Among this ancient selection, one may find books from the museum-worthy English artworks from the 1800s with an inclusive analysis of the artwork beside the piece to the tales of the old British villages, filled with witty remarks and comments trashing other villages and the wealthier families. Hoping to reach out to more people and show them the ways of second-hand bookstores, Talmadge and San Juan encourage more people to visit Dunbar. Any patron brings both Talmadge and San Juan joy no matter what section invites them into the store. “Dunbar has a more neighborly atmosphere in comparison to a chain bookstore,” sophomore Natalie Muñiz said. “You can’t find a more unique selection of books than you would at other stores.” h
24 the scene Lenox Balzebre/highlights
Following Traditions: Tran An
A Vietnamese restaurant allows groups of all ages to savour succulent recipes bound to bring anyone together Grandma’s Grub:
BY CHIARA ABAD-SANCHEZ, STAFF WRITER
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TEPPING INSIDE THE WARM, cozy scene of an up-and-coming Vietnamese restaurant, tables with red velvet chairs and family photos contribute to the inviting atmosphere. Serving customers since 2018, Tran An aims to satisfy customers’ appetites with its traditional culinary creations. After welcoming the public, the fondness over Tran An’s “Grandma Sauce” grew. The sauce consists of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, water, garlic, lime juice and chili. Originally named “nuoc cham” in Vietnamese, Nguyen decided to change it so that customers could pronounce it with ease. After gaining such popularity and receiving praise for the sauce, Nguyen began manufacturing it. This sauce accompanies more than five dishes in the menu, one of these dishes being the pork and shrimp imperial rolls. This roll is filled with pork and shrimp and then garnished with fresh herbs. Originally cooking for his restaurant, Nguyen worked in the kitchen, coming up with recipes alongside his chefs. However, as the business grew, he switched gears over to administrative work. One of the most commonly ordered dishes is the broken rice, a traditional rice dish in Vietnam. Priced at $11.25, this dish includes jasmine rice, sour carrots, cilantro, scallions and cucumber. A house favorite, the papaya salad, contains shredded green papaya, red onion, pickled slaw, fresh herbs and crushed peanuts, dressed with Grandma Sauce, priced at $10.25. Along with rice, the $13.75 lemongrass braised beef stew serves as a savory option for its rich, ten-
der and juicy flavors. The Banh Mi is a homemade pork roll with roasted pork, served on a french baguette, with pâté, pickled slaw and herbs for $12.25. “The papaya salad is super fresh and it’s texturally an amazing dish; super crunchy, super light,” manager Baili Pettet said. Naming the restaurant after his grandfather, Tran An, owner Jon Nguyen wanted to continue his grandfather’s legacy by starting a restaurant in the U.S. to introduce authentic Vietnamese cuisine to others. Nguyen takes inspiration for his recipes from his hometown of Hanoi, Vietnam. Evolving from a small booth in a market, the restaurant has since opened a storefront located at 215 NE 82nd St. “It was definitely a passion project more than anything, it was a lifelong goal achieved,” Pettet said. Last July, the brick-and-mortar restaurant finally opened to the public 10 months later, after not being able to due to the pandemic. The
Traditional Vietnamese Broken Rice dish is accompanied by Grandma Sauce.
inspiration behind the open and welcoming ambience of the restaurant is a typical Vietnamese immigrant household, as its main principles incorporate these two factors: rounded walls and tables with shiny gold decorations. Tran An strives to make their customers satisfied and will never stop doing what they do best: embracing their culture with delicious food. h
Chiara Abad-Sanchez/highlights
Cultural Significance: Tran An surrounds customers with pieces of Vietnam-
ese culture such as this pig that reprents the year of the Pig in the Chinese Zodiac.
Luminous Lighting: For more authentic dining, Tran An offers dim lighting, vines and traditional ornaments.
25 the scene
Immersive Art Experiences Taking art displays to a new level, Superblue and the Van Gogh Immersive Experience showcase art using projectors BY OLIVIA REBULL, ONLINE EDITOR AND SOFIA RODRIGUEZ, STAFF WRITER
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IAMI’S INTERNATIONAL traits have a large influence on art in the city. From the famous Wynwood Walls to the Art Basel Festival, Miami does not shy away from
26 the scene
displaying intricate and innovative art. The recently opened immersive art experiences serve as a prime example of this unique art. The Van Gogh Experience is a new exhibit which enables technology and art to merge and create
a modern masterpiece. Similarly, Superblue Miami is a new addition to the art community, featuring comparable attributes using projector technology. Both of these museums allowing art to reach new levels of creativity.
Van Gogh Museum lasts an average of 45 minutes, but each ticket purchased allows up to an hour of visitation. The main exhibit features many fascinating pieces by the keynote artist Van Gogh, such as multitudes of self portraits, the famous “The Starry Night” and “Sunflowers.” Each masterpiece of his is displayed briefly and interchanges with other pieces with plenty of chances for guests to photograph. Among the many amusing features this exhibit has, whilst the paintings are being changed, it is shown as if Van Gogh himself was the one stroking a canvas with his paintbrush. This was a unique touch that allowed guests to feel as if they were inside one of Van Gogh’s paintings and truly experience it come to life. Stretching from wall to ceiling, the projection of Van Gogh’s artwork is clear in every direction one focuses their attention on. Many other well-known pieces by Van Gogh were featured, such as “Café Terrace at Night,” “Almond Blossoms,” “The Bedroom” and “Vase with Twelve Sunflowers.” Moreover, different parts of the painting were positioned on different walls which forced guests to look around and direct their eyes to the various illuminated walls of the room, the projection, stretching from floor to ceiling. Popular on social media platforms such as
Rhone” is one of three paintings that Vincent Van Gogh made in one month which features a dark night sky.
Olivia Rebull/highlights
Freeing art from its frame, the immersive experience, located at 1400 N Miami Ave., features intricate art created by the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. This modern twist on an art museum uses innovative projector technology to portray images on the walls of an empty room, allowing guests to feel as if they are in Van Gogh’s paintings. Open everyday of the week except Monday, tickets for this unique experience range from $25 to $35. This attraction is one that is child-friendly and equally fascinating to both adults and children. When entering the exhibit, guests are welcomed by Van Gogh quotes. “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere” and “I dream my painting and I paint my dream,” are just a few displayed along a path leading to the main room, building up to a feeling of anticipation and excitement. The building in itself is one with dim lighting and minimal sound. All the walls and floors are a solid black color to attract more attention to the exhibits, creating a calm mood. To ensure comfort and full immersion, this museum welcomes guests to their varied seating arrangements, such as bean bags and benches, allowing visitors to sit and take in all the art featured around them. The experience
Pastel Painting: “Starry Night Over The
TikTok and Instagram, the Van Gogh Museum gets many visitors through exposure on these platforms. “I heard about the Van Gogh Immersive Experience through TikTok and thought it would be fun to visit with a friend,” sophomore Agatha Askari said. Furthermore, the Van Gogh exhibit has embraced recent social media trends and features many photo-taking opportunities. Near the entrance, there is a mirror with Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” behind it, allowing for unique mirror selfies to be taken. When exiting the exhibit, visitors will be lured to a gift shop which features everything Van Gogh, from puzzles, to hats, sweatshirts and even tote bags.
SUPERBLUE Museum radiant purple shades. Another room displays tranquil waterfalls covered with sunflowers. The most eye-catching display would be the neon light room, created by independent artist James Turrell. When one stands in the middle of the room, they feel as if it gets bigger and wider with each step forward, creating the illusion of being trapped in a large, color changing box. Unfortunately, for privacy towards Turrell, this part of the exhibit does not allow any sort of photography. Another room guests enjoy is the mirror room created by Es Devlin, another independent artist, who aims towards making her audience appreciate the beauty in one art piece with contrasting perspectives. “The most interesting part to me was when I watched the screen open up to a room filled with mirrors and white neon lights because it looked fun to walk through and take pictures of,” sophomore Lucrezia Basauri said. Apart from the mesmerizing works of art projected in each room, the employees are not only welcoming, but are also at the guests’ disposal with questions about the artwork at any time. “The employees were extremely helpful with everything and they were amazing in
keeping sure COVID-19 protocols were met,” junior Carla Nuñez said. From Sunday to Wednesday, Superblue is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., while from Thursday to Saturday, it is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In regards to pricing, ages 13 and up range from $36 to $42. When visiting Superblue, guests are met with a vast array of unique experiential art pieces, as well as photo worthy rooms. As this opportunity presents itself, guests are able to partake in a new and innovative immersive art experience. h Purple Petals: Cherry blossoms are one
of many nature related artworks at Superblue.
Sofia Rodriguez/highlights
Transporting guests into Japanese nature, Superblue Miami mixes immersive and experimental art to create a new dimension. Superblue, located at 1101 NW 23rd St., is divided into several rooms, offering different interactive art experiences. Large screens of calm waterfalls with flowers blossoming cover the floors and walls, providing visitors a stark yet satisfying contrast between the bright lights and originally dark room. Guests can stop the water from falling by touching the screens, allowing a small opening for red and pink flowers to grow. TeamLab, an integrative group of artists that mix the natural world with science and art in their creations, are behind the different themed rooms. Along with their already extensive display, teamLab created a separate room for customers to enter, valued at an additional $12. Inside, one is able to surround themselves with massless clouds made of foam, making guests feel as if they are flying through the night sky. In the first room of the exhibit, the cherry blossom room, employees guide customers to an area filled with the enchanting recreations of these flowers. They come to life, revealing
27 the scene
S.O.S CUBA
WRITTEN BY RAFAEL SANS, BUSINESS MANAGER After years of suffering from the iron fist of communism, the Cuban cries for freedom are being heard
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ATRIA Y VIDA — translated as “homeland and life” is the slogan at the forefront of the S.O.S Cuba movement. Focusing on liberty and freedom, this movement emphasizes such ideals that the Cuban people have desired for years after the rise of the Communist Party in their country. Generations have suffered in silence, however, amid the rise of the S.O.S Cuba movement, the island and its people have been given the spotlight. On Jan. 1, 1959, Fidel Castro, the then leader of the Communist Party of Cuba, came into power and immediately implemented restrictions for the Cuban people. With the founding of the Castro regime, generations of Cubans would be denied basic freedoms in their lives. Arrests, torture, executions, abuse of human and constitutional rights along with poverty were some of the horrors that the Cuban people faced. In a speech on Jan. 8, 1959 Castro begged the question, “¿Armas para qué?, ¿para luchar contra quién?, ¿contra el Gobierno revolucionario, que tiene el apoyo de todo el pueblo?” [Guns for what reason? To fight whom? Against the Revolutionary Government, that has the support of all the people?] Castro did not have the true support of the people, only support that he forged by threatening and slaughtering thousands. In the following days, Castro had the public register their firearms, making them believe it was in their best interest. However, this ultimately led to a gun seizure by the Cuban military, taking away the people’s ability to fight the oppressive regime. Food
Piling up Eigth Street in Little Havana, Cubans and advocates alike protest for Cuban freedom on July 11, 2021. Courtesy of Eduardo Hernandez
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would be rationed in an effort to make the economy more balanced, but only resulted in the mass starvation of the people with various staple foods being taken away from them. With the majority of Cuban capital being stolen by the communist regime
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AS A CUBANAMERICAN, BEING CUBAN IS PART OF MY ROOTS. I AM DEVOTED TO ANY ONGOING EFFORTS WITH REGARD TO RESTORING HUMAN RIGHTS IN CUBA ... IT IS TIME THAT BASIC RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY ARE RESTORED TO THE CUBAN PEOPLE. VINCE LAGO, CITY OF CORAL GABLES MAYOR and going to tourism, the military and government luxuries, the people would also suffer decades of poor healthcare, poor hygiene and most importantly, the absence of their freedoms and liberties. “As a Cuban-American, being Cuban
is part of my roots,” City of Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago said. “I am devoted to any ongoing efforts with regard to restoring human rights in Cuba. Since 1959 the people of Cuba have lived under a system that denies them basic rights such as the freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom to assemble. It is time that basic rights and democracy are restored to the Cuban people.” Because of the regime’s efforts to create a facade to mask the horrors of communist Cuba, most of this has not been uncovered by the world, until today. Now, Cuba and its people put up a final stand for liberty. Protests have occurred across the island and internationally as well. In Miami, people have been especially impacted, as there are approximately two million Hispanics of Cuban ancestry today, according to the Cuban Studies Institute, making up a large part of the population. Protests for freedom happen every day. One of the larger scale protests occurred at Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine, which has been open since 1971 and is a staple of Cuban culture in Miami, with large groups amassing in front of the restaurant showing their support for the movement. The S.O.S Cuba movement has sparked a new light of hope for Cubans, yet the Cuban government is still in control of the islanders’ lives. Innocent individuals are being imprisoned and anti-communist transmissions are censored, according to the Federation of American Scientists. Despite the attempts of the communist government to silence this cry for freedom, its message is loud and clear.
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No podia estar mas de acuerdo con la lucha cubana para la independecia. Han sido 60 años bastante largos para nuestros cubanos.Las autoridades en Cuba han aprovechado su poder y han destruido tantas vidas.
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Arriving i n t h e United States from Cuba at the age of 12, senior J e s u s Gentil was separated from his family and friends still living on the island. Coming from a country where one’s rights were taken away and where one had to conform their lives to the needs of the government, Gentil escaped a life of oppression by coming to the United States. “We were always affected by the regime’s policies because they were taking our rights, our basic rights… We have friends in Cuba, who have a small business and the police are always over them, checking on them and threatening to take their business,” Gentil said. Life in Cuba was not easy for Gentil
and his family as basic necessities were hard to come by. They were constantly coming short of resources needed to live, such as food and medicine. “Let’s say that we had eight members, so we would get eight portions of bread, like a pound of rice per person, the same for the beans. Everything was rationed… it wasn’t enough,” Gentil said. Being away from family was also very difficult for Gentil. As of now he has not seen his family in two years. Gentil doesn’t get to experience certain family traditions as he has been separate from the majority of his family. “We were always together as a family,” Gentil said. “I remember that. Always. I would always be at my grandma’s house; she would always be cooking and inviting us over... it was amazing.” Growing up in Cuba meant that Gentil
had a very different lifestyle than the one he has now in the United States. Being in an underdeveloped country meant that Gentil was not able to experience the normal life of a child. “We didn’t have the money to go to a hotel or something like that,” Gentil said. “We would usually get my grandpa’s car and we would go to the beach. Maybe one day in the summer a year. In Cuba we didn’t have malls, we didn’t have theme parks, we didn’t have many places to go.” But now with the development of the S.O.S Cuba movement, there may be hope for Cubans. The people grew tired of living in conditions like those of Gentil’s and hope to seek better lives. “[The protests] are amazing because it is time for them [the Cuban people] to act and get the rights that they deserve,” Gentil said.
Jailer Sanchez-Madrigal The conditions that Sanchez-Madrigal lived in are what eventually forced him and his family out of Cuba. Limited access to resources and basic human rights are both things that the Cuban people advocate for in the island. Now with the S.O.S Cuba movement, Cuba’s message is being heard around the world, with numerous individuals supporting the fight for freedom that generations have longed for. “I came as a political refugee,” Sanchez-Madrigal said. “Leaving Cuba, first of all, it was a liberation… we entered college, we validated what we studied, and then competed in the professional field… I cannot tell you how Co ur much I appreciate the opportunity to come and enter [the U n i t e d States].”
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and you can imagine a shaky, eight-yearold boy,” Sanchez-Madrigal said. “On that farm, I used to play baseball. One day, they [the Cuban military] came with a bulldozer and they destroyed the fence. All the cows started running away because they needed that property.” Constantly living in fear, SanchezMadrigal and other fellow Cubans were always careful of what they would say or do, given that the Cuban government was spying on its citizens. “We were a generation that grew up in fear,” Sanchez-Madrigal said. “I think the most potent weapon of that system is the atmosphere of untrust. Even when I’m talking to you right now, we cannot have this conversation in Cuba. I had a secret process for something that I would say in my house or on the street because the Committee of the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) was listening.”
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Fleeing Cuba in November of 2005, Spanish teacher Jailer Sanchez-Madrigal sought a better life in the United States. Having lived in Cuba for almost 33 years, Sanchez-Madrigal was eager to experience a life of opportunity and liberty, as such human rights were seized from the Cuban people by the Castro regime. Living in the rural parts of Cuba, Sanchez-Madrigal and his family were livestock ranchers, owning a large plot of land where they raised cattle. “We didn’t live in the center of the city, but in the outskirts... my grandparents, they were like cowboys,” Sanchez-Madrigal said. “They raised cows, they also had their meat processors.” As a young boy, the communist regime took much of what was owned by his family. Sanchez-Madrigal was stripped of his childhood by the Cuban government. “I remember I was about eight years old,
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Fidel Castro overthrows Fulgencio Batista, the former President of Cuba, and becomes Prime Minister.
1959
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Operation Peter Pan begins a mass exodus of over 14,000 children to the United States in fear of Castro’s reign.
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The Cuban Communist Party approves a new socialist constitution while Castro is elected President.
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Around 125,000 Cubans flee to the United States during the Mariel Boatlift.
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Cuando t e n í a 14 años, Lourdes Haun, una maestra de español, escapó de la ola comunista liderada por Fidel Castro. Haun se fue antes del reinado de Castro y por eso se salvó de muchos de los horrores que experimentaron la mayoría de los que no pudieron irse. “Vino el gobierno de Fidel Castro que tomó poder el primer de enero de 1959, y mis padres no estaban de acuerdo con el gobierno y nos sentíamos inseguros,” Haun dijo. “Entonces, mis padres decidieron que era tiempo de ir para los Estados Unidos.” Al llegar como una niña del programa Pedro Pan, un programa establecido por
la iglesia católica donde mandaron más de 14,000 niños sin padres a los Estados Unidos, Haun llegó a los Estados Unidos sin su familia, debido a esto el proceso de integración en un país extranjero fue más difícil. “Llegamos aquí sin nuestros padres, ya tú te podrás imaginar el horror y la tristeza tan grande… no sabía el inglés, el idioma, otras costumbres y solos aquí nos sentíamos muy mal…,” Haun dijo. Haun eventualmente se reuniría con su familia a lo largo de los años, y ellos también escaparon de Cuba el 19 de mayo de 1959. Perderían sus derechos y libertades y se verían obligados a salir de la isla en busca de nuevas vidas y oportunidades. “No teníamos libertad, no había libertad de prensa… no había libertad de muchas
cosas, no había libertad de expresión,” Haun dijo. Por esta historia y por la situación en Cuba, Haun apoya el movimiento de libertad y restauración de libertades en Cuba. “Yo creo que el pueblo de Cuba se ha cansado ya por varias razones como te dije, no solamente políticamente, si no económicamente, no tienen oportunidades, carecen de muchas cosas y ya están cansados,” Haun dijo. Aunque Haun no pasó gran parte de su vida en la Cuba comunista, las dificultades que soportó al estar separada de su familia en un nuevo país, huyendo de los terrores en su tierra natal, son el resultado de la expansión de una dictadura comunista opresivo que robó al pueblo cubano sus derechos y libertades fundamentales. h highlights surveyed 300 students in August 2021 regarding the S.O.S Cuba movement
by the numbers of students have participated in the local protests for S.O.S Cuba
90%
of students have close family living in Cuba of students feel that the protests happening for Cuba are necessary of of students students were are Cuban born in Cuba
38%
28%
52%
16%
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The United States and Cuba sign an agreement, allowing a minimum of 20,000 migrants per year to enter the US.
1994
Raul Castro takes over as President days after his brother, Fidel Castro, retires.
2008
Fidel Castro passes away. Cuba declares nine days of national mourning.
2016
The S.O.S Cuba movement is born. Cubans across the globe protest for liberty in the island.
2021
insight 31
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lightbox 1984 alumn, Osvaldo Rodriguez strolls down “Calle Ocho” proudly wearing a cloth Cuban Flag around his neck in order to show support for the S.O.S Cuban Movement. Marta Rodriguez / highlights