Issue 2, Vol. 59

highlights October 2018

RISING SEAS IN THIS ISSUE: STUDENT NOVELISTS (PAGES 6-7)

RISE OF DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM (PAGE 14-15)

GET FIT ON SOCIAL MEDIA (PAGE 20-21)

Issue 2, Volume 59

Coral Gables SHS

450 Bird Road, Coral Gables, FL 33146

highlights

features

advisory board Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Business Manager Social Media Manager Adviser Features News Opinion Sports The Scene Insight Online

Dylan Carol Alejandra Orozco Mariam Vela Ruben Escobar Mathilde Requier Melissa Gonzalez Estelle Erwich Angelle Garcia Jack Band Tatiana Campos Karina Wu Sutton Payne Kevin Monjarrez & Alexandra Torres

Now teaching at the school, Ilan Grapel shares his story of fighting in the Israeli army before being falsely accused of espionage and held in Egyptian prison.

4 news 9

Pep rallies make a comeback at the school, heightening school spirit and morale before the football games.

11

Two Miami malls are undergoing renovations to update their look and create a more pedestrian friendly designs.

staff writers Natalie Abrahantes Alex Anton Lisbeth Arrieta Dilan Denham Hanna Ebrahimi Sara Ebrahimi Aya Hamza Sophia Heilman Annie La Roche Ava Ledderman Alma Martinez Thomas Morcillo

Melanie Nunez Natalia Pallas Arriana Pena Grace Rodriguez Marta Rodriguez Oraida Rodriguez Alexander Sutton Emma Vela Isabella Villarroel Audrey Weigel Gregoire Winston

opinion

16

Serena Williams’ life-saving cat suit is prohibited at the French Open, so the morality of the desicion is questioned.

20

In this digital age student-athletes take their workout routines to social media and document their athletic journeys.

the scene

publication policy

2 preview

As school shootings occur more and more every year, the scope of the school’s security is brought into question.

19

Florida International University

highlights is the official student-produced news magazine at Coral Gables Senior High School published and produced by highlights staff members. highlights has been established as a designated public forum for student journalists to educate and inform their readers on issues of concern to their audience and dissemination of news and ideas to the entire school community.

As the producer of a scholastic publication, highlights subscribes to the responsibilities set forth in the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers. According to Miami-Dade County School Policy, student media is not subject to priorreview by administration or district personnel and as such, all content is determined by, and reflects the views of, student staff members only. highlights welcomes reader feedback. All letters should be addressed to highlightscghs@gmail.com with the subject line “Letter to the Editor.” highlights reserves the right to publish any letters sent.

14

sports

contributors Night Owl Theatre

With the emergence of Democratic socialism, many question its political viability in the United States government.

26

With each offering their own twist, these three cafés serve up unique treats and affordable refreshments and snacks for locals onthe-go or anyone in need of a coffee fix.

insight With the looming threats of rising sea levels and increased red tide patterns, highlights researched the issue of climate change and its potential of affecting the south florida coast.

28

1

Clubs, pep rallies and games,

OH MY!

Gables cheerleaders perform 1 The at the Alma Mater pep rally.

Alex Yelamos recruits Best 2 Senior Buddies volunteers at club fair.

2

4

band prepares for their pep 3 The rally performance on Sept. 13.

Natalia Rodriguez addresses 4 Senior FBLA members at the first meeting.

Cavalier football team 5 The prevents Palmetto from scoring.

5 3

pictures 3

h

International educator

features

From the Israeli army to Egyptian prison, teacher Ilan Grapel shares his exciting journey to the classroom

By Dylan Carol, Editor-in-Chief

B

LINDFOLDED IN THE BACK OF Israel due to his dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship. an unmarked van was the last place Although talks of peace in the Middle East math teacher Ilan Grapel wanted to were prevalent at the time, war broke out in be. He had heard the Lebanon, and from stories from the refugees one day to the he worked with, he had next, Grapel found seen the movies depicting in the midst UP UNTIL [BEING SHOT] himself those scenes and he had of combat. The IT WAS SUCH A HUGE experience quickly heeded the warnings from his childhood in New from PHYSICAL EXERTION AND morphed York City. Still, there he naïve uncertainty THEN I’M ON A MATTRESS… to stark reality. was, on his way to an AND I DIDN’T HAVE TO Here, in the forests Egyptian prison under suspicion of espionage WORRY ABOUT SHOOTING of the small Middle for Israel; an Israeli war country, AND FOR FIVE MINUTES, I Eastern veteran, SAT tutor and he experienced WAS ALMOST IN NIRVANA, the eventual International toils of Baccalaureate (IB) math from WHERE YOU HAVE NO warfare, teacher, on his way towards falling, to WORRIES.…I COULD JUST missiles five months in captivity. exhausting travel LIE THERE AND I DIDN’T under the cover of Grapel’s experience with conflict, however, was CARE. the night. The war not new. After spending ILAN GRAPEL, took a turn for the his childhood in the United worse for Grapel, MATH TEACHER when he was shot States and graduating from Johns Hopkins (where in the shoulder he studied economics, politics, international after a 15-minute standoff, which he ironically relations and math), he was required to fulfill described as the single most peaceful moment his three years of mandatory military service in of the entire conflict.

“

“Up until [being shot] it was such a huge physical exertion and then I’m on a mattress… and I didn’t have to worry about shooting and for five minutes, I was almost in nirvana, where you have no worries. … I could just lie there and I didn’t care,” Grapel said when recounting the moments after being shot.

Upon his recovery and completion of military service, Grapel lived in Israel for a year teaching SAT math, and later returned to the US, enrolling in Emory Law School. During his second year, he received a fellowship to work with refugees in Cairo and accepted the opportunity, eager to learn from conflict and those who lived through it. After a week of working with a non-governmental organization, the Egyptian secret police came knocking and put him in the unmarked van, leaving him fearing the worst.

“I worked with the refugees from Sudan and they would tell me stories about being blindfolded in an unmarked van in Sudan or in Iraq and it never ends well. I remember even in New York growing up there were a rash of kidnappings and I was warned about being in an unmarked van,” Grapel said. “So, to all of a sudden find myself blindfolded in an unmarked van was the worst part.”

In prison, he was put in solitary

Over the Years Egypt

Israel

United States

Served in war in Lebanon

Born in Queens, New York

Began term as Israeli soldier

1983 Graduated from Johns Hopkins University

2005

4 features

2005

South America

Incarcerated in Egyptian prison

2006 Began work in Cairo

2011

2011

Traveled through Colombia

2013

Today

Taught in Panama

2015-2017

Teaches at the school

2017-Present

Ava Lederman /highlights

TRAVELLING TEACHER: Teacher Ilan Grapel instructs a group of calculus students in a lesson.

confinement, under charges of espionage as a Mossad agent and claims that he catalyzed the Egyptian revolution. After hours in the Egyptian prosecutor’s office and meetings with American and Israeli diplomats came to a close, the direness of the situation became more and more apparent, and the solitude that came with prison took a bigger toll.

“The worst time was probably when they extended my time another 45 days. The first 15 days were doable, just because there was a lot of interrogations, which gave me conversations. … I thought it meant there would be more interrogations; there weren’t any for those two weeks and that was so much more difficult.

After that two weeks, they extended my time

again and I just wasn’t ready for that,” Grapel said when reflecting on the darkest point of his imprisonment.

With minimal human contact, Grapel turned to books, especially those that dealt with math, as a pastime, which would later increase his teaching capabilities. In prison, he received a Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) book, which allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of calculus. That book opened the door for a higher level of math which he now opens for students at the school today. Aside from math, he also turned to veganism and yoga during his five-month imprisonment.

“I asked for the GRE [Graduate Records Examination] book for business school because I wanted to start teaching that field and all I was getting was Sudoku which didn’t occupy my mind enough. They ended up getting their letters wrong and gave me the MCAT book,” Grapel said. “It was the greatest mistake ever for me, just because it was a huge book and it tests on everything from psychology to chemistry, physics to math to calculus. All of a sudden, I was able to get into fields which I crammed for in high Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons school ten years earlier to pass the tests.”

Although the INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: After his release was negotiated, circumstances were Grapel was able to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin undoubtedly dangerous and Netanyahu and thank him for his efforts.

troubling, Grapel was able to delve into subjects he otherwise would not have through the books he received in jail.

After his release from prison, in which he was exchanged for over 20 Israeli-held Egyptian prisoners due to international negotiations, Grapel navigated his way through South America, again immersing himself in a culture ripe with turmoil. This time, however, the conflict did not find him. He instead took another fellowship to Bogota, Colombia and spent six months traveling the area, in which he became more proficient in Spanish and continued to teach math. Throughout his time in the region, he was able to act upon the intrigue that had always driven him towards international disputes and allowed him to hear new perspectives. He then returned to Israel to meet with politicians who played a role in his release, and eventually met his wife there. Latin America came calling once more, as the newlywed Grapel moved to Panama, where his career with mathematics continued, this time teaching Advanced Placement calculus.

Now, upon his return to the United States, he teaches IB Standard Level Math at the school, among other subjects such as law studies. The various chapters in Grapel’s life have quite literally shaped his current way of living in ways most people would not imagine. He is an educator who committedly interacts with and helps students with a subject that is difficult for most in various ways. Job description aside, Grapel brings with him a “man-of-the-world” background and a personal history full of international intrigue. h

features 5

A Work in Progress Jumpstarting their writing careers, three students share their paths to their first books

By Sara Ebrahimi, Staff Writer

F

OR MANY WRITERS, PUBLISHING a debut novel marks a massive milestone in their careers. This pinnacle is typically a result of years of school, extensive research and planning and a lifetime of creative thought. This task is daunting enough for experienced writers, let alone for

amateur ones already under the stresses of high school and adolesence. Regardless of these challenges, some students have started the process of creating a debut novel before even graduating. This process includes finding inspiration, hours of writing, editing and publishing in order to make their books a

reality. This work is not in vain for these new authors though, as writing a book provides credibility and experience for the real world.

With hopes of being published one day, seniors Anna de la O and Douglas Ponce along with junior Joaquin Bierman share their journeys toward becoming authors.

Joaquin Bierman

HALL TALK

The highlights staff records what students are talking about in the hallways at school in between periods.

6 features

imi/h

ighlig

hts

Bierman’s main goal for the book is to get people thinking critically about Israel, Jewish history, Zionism and their own worldviews.

He hopes that people of all different backgrounds will read the book and understand that nationalism oftentimes leads to division. Although he is not currently published, Bierman is working towards editing and presenting his work to those in the publishing industry. He hopes to continue writing novels to express what he believes must be heard.

NEW NOVELIST: Junior Joaquin “ M y Bierman shares the compelling goal is history which inspired his novel. to help change the world for the better by writing about political subjects and saying what needs to be said,” said Bierman.

Ebrah

which, in today’s world, is the exact opposite of what we need,” said Bierman.

Bierman’s novel is a fictional story with a satirical tone. It focuses on the effects of Zionism on American Jews while following the life of a conflicted Jewish American who grows up feeling as though he has lived in two worlds: one incredibly Zionist, the other very secular. He was taught a very mythologized view of Israeli history, which was built on heroism and glory. But, as he gets older, he discovers how the history of that region was extremely violent and unjust. He realizes how shallow the Zionist ideals are, and, as time passes, loses enthusiasm for Israel as well.

To evoke the loyalty of American Jews, an Israeli public relations organization and their American allies launch a great campaign, meant to secure generations of Americans for the cause of Zionism, but this trend threatens to unwind the fabric of Jewish history and what it means to be Jewish. Since Judaism is a religion with ethical ideals and beliefs that transcend these ideas, the protagonist goes to drastic measures to help his people learn a Jewish identity that is separate from that of Israel’s.

Sara

With the desire to create something that makes an impact on the world, Bierman began creative writing at the age of 12. Bierman grew up in tune with his Jewish heritage, with interest in Jewish history and Israeli news, which he would later incorporate into his writing.

Bierman became inspired to write his book in April 2018, after the Israeli Defense Forces shot and killed dozens of Palestinian protesters in Gaza. In justification, Israel emphasized that their harsh acts were not done to citizens, and that they had the right to defend their border. As a result of the conflict, Bierman wanted to draw attention to the effects of Zionism, or Israeli nationalism, on American Jews. As a Jewish American, Bierman is appalled by many of the Israeli states’ actions and he disagrees with the response from the United States’ political establishment. He argues that there is too much reluctance to criticize the Zionism in Israel when criticism is deserved. He believes that this is one of the greatest obstacles to lasting peace in the region. n “It is my firm belief that nationalism of all kinds leads to isolation and tribalism,

“The more memes you relate to, the more your life is falling apart.”

“I’m milly-rocking to fill the void in my heart.”

“How do you milk an almond? Like a cow?”

“I’m still an idiot, but I’m a smarter idiot.”

“Should I sell synonym rolls?”

“This year’s gonna give me a brain tumor.”

Anna de la O

Sara Ebrahimi /highlights

For as long as she can remember, author and playwright de la O has had a passion for writing. Though de la O has written various plays, her main goal is to establish herself as an author by completing a novel.

In her third attempt to complete a book, de la O chose spirituality as her focus. During her sophomore year, she discovered an interest for 6th century B.C. G r e e k mythology.

ASPIRING AUTHOR: Senior De la Anna de la O shares her goal of O began becoming a published author. researching

the Greek religion of Orphism, which emphasizes the necessity for individuals to rid themselves of the evil part of their nature by ritual and moral purification through a series of reincarnations. She became inspired to write a novel incorporating these spiritual ideas into fantasy concepts. Her writing focuses on gods, different entities and spiritual concepts such as soulmates, reincarnation and fantasy worlds.

By incorporating these ideas, De la O hopes to create a book that targets emotions and is based more on feeling, rather than an entirely plot driven novel. De la O focuses on the emotion and arc of a character because she has always valued the complexity of a person’s character as the most important part of a story.

Her latest novel is about the emotional journey of a young girl on her third life, who starts regaining memories and learning slowly about her identity and its significance.

Meanwhile she deciphers where her previous

lives fit in alongside her current, more complicated life.

Recently, de la O attended a one-week summer camp at the Interlochen Academy of the Arts in Michigan, in which writers take part in workshops where they edit each others work. They then had a discussion about the feedback, which gave the author perspective on what a reader’s true first impressions were.

This helped to further inspire her to pursue a career in writing and gave her insight on what she wants to pursue. In the future, she aspires to get a bachelor’s degree in creative writing, followed by a master’s degree in publishing and editing. She hopes to eventually delve into a career of editing and publishing. All the while, she plans to continue writing her own novels and work towards getting published.

“It’s my passion, it’s the only thing I know how to do, it’s everything that I want to do, ” said de la O.

Douglas Ponce

Sara Ebrahimi/highlights

As an elementary student with a love for creative writing, Ponce made it his goal to write a book later in life. In May of his junior year, Ponce made a decision to start writing a novel and by late August, he was finished.

Influenced by his faith and personal life, Ponce based the book on his experiences, with characters resembling people in his life, including himself. The novel offers insight on Christianity and Ponce’s outlook on his religion.

The novel covers the story of a Christian high school student who has trouble making decisions because of his fear of being judged and making the wrong decision. The protagonist struggles with contradicting perspectives, torn between his wants and the tenets of his faith. Until high school, the protagonist often finds himself lost in his actions. His two sides were always fighting to be the controlling voice, but they ultimately worked together to benefit him. The main character has an encounter with Jesus which encourages him to become Christian and get baptized, living a life which reflects Christ. Over time, he realizes that it is impossible to please both his inner thoughts and still remain in tune with his faith. This leads up to his final ultimatum: choosing between his faith or his vices.

With his book, Ponce hopes to inspire other Christians i n high school by expressing that they are not alone in their problems and exemplifying how faith is the best way to cope with their struggles. He also wants to give those outside of his religion a glimpse into how faith can help people overcome their shortcomings in their daily lives.

Ponce has already begun taking concrete steps towards publishing his novel. Though he started by researching many different companies, as a first time author, he believes printing through a publisher is not a wise choice financially. Ponce is therefore in the process of selfpublishing, and he hopes to produce his book before the end of the year. h PASSION PROJECT: Senior Douglas Ponce expands upon the religious infuence behind his debut book.

features 7

G!!

IN AZ

AM

h News Review news

By Ruben Escobar, Business Manager

CALENDAR Homecoming spirit week Oct. 15-

American Monday

BRIEFS Metrorail to get a makeover A vote by the Transportation Planning Organization settled on investing $243 million on the modernization and expansion of the current Metro Rail system. This is the first time Miami Dade politicians decided on a substitute for the already expensive Metrorail extensions. This new system would be the first rapid transit bus in the county’s history and would use its own lanes stretching about 20 miles connecting Florida City to the Dadeland South Metrorail station. Some of the features of the new system include street-level boarding to accommodate those with baby strollers or wheelchairs, advanced ticket sales to ensure quick boarding and wide doors to allow multiple passengers to board simultaneously and quickly. Miami Dade county estimates that the implementation of this new system could take years but save millions for the county.

Oct. 16-

Superhero/ Disney day Oct. 17-

Blast to the past Oct. 18-

Jocks vs.

Nerds

School now magnet certified Alongside three other Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the school has become one of the six official CertifiedDemonstration Magnet Schools in the county. The title is awarded by Magnet Schools of America to recognize the most exemplary magnet schools in the country. According to the school’s website, this certification helps magnet schools “expand and improve their education to provide students with higher quality curriculums”. Gables is considered a “school within a school” because it is a traditional public school, but also has two magnet programs known as the International Baccalaureate, IB, Program and the National Academy of Finance. The school’s IB program also received the Magnet School of America Award for Excellence.

Oct. 19-

Color wars

CONGRATS

The school’s College Assistance Program adviser, Elizabeth Stack, was recognized by the Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a recipient of the 2018 Yale Educator Award.

Pep rallies make a come back Starting this school year, pep rallies will be making a comeback. Last year, no pep rallies took place at the school due to scheduling and space issues because of Hurricane Irma. This year they will be in place again before each football game and special event. The first pep rally of this year happened on Aug. 30 in front of the pavillion with the Gablettes, Color Guard and the cheerleaders, performing for students during both lunches.

This year there have been two pep rallies already, like the alma mater pep rally, celebrating school tradition and the pink pep rally honoring Breast Cancer awareness. Future pep rallies include the annual senior pep rally during homecoming week.

The increase in pep rallies is a new effort to raise school spirit and moral while promoting attendance at the football games. h

news 9

Vaccine program introduced for students In time for flu season, Dade County introduces a program to protect students from the harmful, viral infection

By Melanie Hernandez, Staff Writer

M

IAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS parents or a guardian must contact the school is beginning a program that will for an appointment at one of their specific allow all students in the district to clinics. Students have easy access to these receive vaccinations at no cost to their families. clinics considering that they are conveniently The program is called “Teach Flu a Lesson” and placed in every school campus. After setting it began mid-September. “Teach Flu a Lesson” up an appointment, a reminder is sent out to may be helpful for families with students the staff and parent of the child receiving the going into third and vaccination. The vaccinations seventh grade that are are provided by the Healthy required to get certain Schools LLC’s, in partnership THE FLU VIRUS with Miami-Dade County Public vaccinations before entering the academic IS COMMON AND School, staff of nurses. year. About 8,500 Miami-Dade County is not UNPREDICTABLE. IT students are expected the only district providing the CAN HAVE SERIOUS “Teach Flu a Lesson” program to to participate in the program throughout COMPLICATIONS their students. Counties such as Miami-Dade.

EVEN IN HEALTHY Palm Beach County and Seminole Influenza, a leading County are also involved with the CHILDREN program. There are even some cause of illness in the FLOR MUNOZ, districts in Southern California United States, can be easily prevented by DOCTOR AT THE THE participating. Los Angeles, vaccinating children AMERICAN ACADEMY OF Orange, San Bernardino and starting at a young San Diego County are providing PEDIATRICS campus clinics for their students age and continuing the habit of regularly as well making it easier for getting vaccinated. Flor Munoz, a doctor at the parents who do not have the time to take their American Academy of Pediatrics says that “the children to receive vaccinations. flu virus is common and unpredictable and can Every year, many students contract have serious complications”. influenza from their classmates, family or The program will run from Sept. 11 friends, which results in loss of school days. through Oct. 11 across the entire school This can be become a problem for students and district of Miami-Dade County. In order to teachers, making it harder for them to keep up receive these free vaccinations, the student’s with their studies and plans for the year. The

“

quick facts Flu viruses

spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.

Source: Center for Disease Control

10 news

goal of “Teach Flu a Lesson” is to ensure that fewer students have to risk or worry about their academics due to a physical illness. To ensure positive results, Healthy Schools LLC targets geographical regions where vaccination rates among children are low and where risk of contracting influenza is high. These regions include multiple counties in Florida and

DID YOU KNOW?

Flu vaccines trigger antibodies to develop in the body two weeks after vaccination providing protection against infection.

Source: Center for Disease Control

California.

The best way to protect children and parents from influenza is, and will always be, through annual vaccinations. As influenza season creeps upon us, risks of contracting the illness increases dramatically. Good habits, such as covering your cough and washing your hands, can help prevent influenza, especially if done in conjunction with vaccinations. The “Teach Flu a Lesson” program may also bring awareness to some families about the importance of flu shots. h

If 80% of children would be vaccinated, influenza cases could be

The flu is the most

contagious

reduced by 91%.

respitory infection, after the common cold.

School-aged students

Vaccines prevent more

have the highest

annual flu rates.

than 2.5 million deaths each year.

Miami malls propose an upgrade Two iconic Miami locations have been approved to undergo extensive renovations to improve their revenue

By Dilan Denham, Staff Writer

Sunset Place

T

HE ISSUE OF THE SHOPS AT SUNSET PLACE’S renovation has caused some divide in the local council of South Miami. The mayor of South Miami, Philip Stoddard, believes that the “future of South Miami depends on the project”. The plans for the Miami mall would demolish a portion of the mall along U.S. 1 and add commercial and residential buildings.

The current location of the Shops at Sunset Place has been there for more than three decades, with its businesses mostly ending in failure. In 1986 it opened as a retail and office complex called The Bakery Centre and 10 years later it was demolished and Sunset Place was built in 1999.

In 2015, Federal Realty Investment Trust, the same company that bought CocoWalk in Coconut Grove, purchased Sunset Place.

The architectural group renovating the mall wants to turn the architecture “inside-out”, eventually opening various stores and restaurants to the street, adding sidewalks, large trees for shade and other amenities, like a large community park along Red Road. They also plan to add a hotel and two apartment towers and have a separate structure for parking, leaving even more space for pedestrians and storefronts.

Plans for renovation come after a record-low year in sales and revenue for the stores and restaurants of Sunset Place, in which many businesses could not maintain a store-front in the mall because of the high rent prices SUNSET STEP-UP: The iconic Miami mall has been approved to and the low income coming in. be rennovated to include a more pedestrian-friendly design.

COOL COCOWALK: The mall is currently undergoing rennovations to turn it into a more green and open space for shoppers.

Cocowalk

The plan for renovations include the modernization of Coconut Grove’s Cocowalk architecture by developing a modern interpretation to the mall and revitalize it to the public.

The plan put into action by the three companies who bought Cocowalk in 2015 for $87.5 million dollars. The companies, Federal Realty Investment Trust, Grass River Property and the Comras Company of Florida, which specializes in retail developments all agreed on a plan started in 2015 to completely remodel CocoWalk but keep the several components of its Spanish and Mediterranean theme.

The plans started off with the demolition of several parts of the mall to start the construction on the claimed stylish mix of retail, new restaurants and Class A offices. The demolition will remove 29 hazardous sick trees in and around the mall but also a relocation of two trees on Grand Avenue.

At the time of the demolition and construction Cinepolis, GAP and other select stores will remain open for the public. Then, once the careful demolition of CocoWalk will have taken place, phase one of construction will start, which will begin with the renovation of the west wing as well as a refurbished facade and a newly added elevator and stairway.

In phase two, the demolition of the pavilion which includes the water fountain and the iconic rotunda with the green awnings will make space for a fully modernized five story building. In the end, 32 large trees are set to be installed around and inside Cocowalk to make it a green space. h

news 11

Dade County Schools invest in mental health After recent tragedies in schools, MDCPS decides to put money into creating a mental health department

By Lisbeth Arrieta, Staff Writer

M

I A M I - D A D E County’s new Mental Health Department is aiming to prevent another tragedy.

Following the mass shooting this past school year on Valentine’s Day at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Fla., many Floridian school counties have considered taking numerous safety measures for safer schools within their district. Subsequently, the mental health issue came to the forefront after officials realized that the perpetrator showed signs of a mental illness. Miami Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) announced on Aug. 17, just days before the start of the 2018-2019 school year, that a total of $6.2 million has been spent in order to establish a new Mental Health Department. The department will be carried out by the districts’ schools working with local community agencies, which are dedicated to providing services to improve students mental health.

The idea of launching a Mental Health Department with MDCPS, was an effect of the passing of Florida’s Senate Bill 7026, or the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Safety Act. The bill reads that a person who is diagnosed with a mental issue or has been committed to a mental institution is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, on account of them being a danger to the safety of a school. According to the Florida Senate, it authorizes the awarding of grants through the Crime Stoppers Trust fund as well as establishing the Office of Safe Schools within the Department of Education. The purpose of Senate Bill 7026 is to assist school districts within the state of Florida to help create and expand mental health care, especially for students who show certain symptoms.

The department will also train officials and social workers on how to help students deal with the stress and pressure that surround school and hopefully be there to talk to and assist them through problems. The

12 news

Mental health help What makes you the most stressed? school performance

athletic performance

80%

4%

family obligations

other

4%

4%

social pressure

7%

90% of students believe the school does not do enough to help students deal with stress

78% of students get 3 to 6 hours a night on average

guiding force behind this department is putting trained social workers in place when counselors are too busy with administrative work to help a student with their problems.

“This new department brings a focus on mental health, which is very significant in regard to addressing the issue. Hopefully, simply the open discussion of mental health will help ease the problem and raise awareness on such a sensitive issue.

Confidently, the new department will serve as a support resource allowing students to feel more comfortable in seeking help from others. Mental health is such a hidden weakness, which is an area I think we need more training in.” psychology teacher Scott Nelson said.

With the money, MDCPS plans to hire 70 mental health coordinators as well as social workers, which will help schools efficiently recognize a student in need or simply requiring services regarding a certain mental issue. The Children’s Trust, an organization based in Miami striving to improve the lives of children through community partnerships, are hiring 40 mental health providers to identify students in need of mental health care when needed. Broadening relationships with agencies in the community who specialize in the treatment of mental issues, along with creating a threat assessment team serving to assess the needs of students who may be showing early onset symptoms of a mental health problem, or possibly pose a threat to the safety of the school, is part of the plan. Teachers who work closely with students on a regular basis, as well as staff, will be participating in an 8-hour training program, otherwise known as the Youth Mental Health First Aid training. In order for schools to follow up with student’s health issues, new students who plan to register with the MDCPS district must state any form of current or previous mental health issues to better enforce the help the student needs. h

h

opinion

Staff Ed: Security lockdown

With an increase in school shootings, security has reached an all-time high

N

O ONE SHOULD BE AFRAID TO die in school. After the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, this was the mindset that spread throughout every classroom in the nation, and more importantly in the county’s case, sparked a series of reactionary security changes. While these changes do act in student’s favor, it is easy to call into question the effectiveness of these changes. As it stands now, Miami-Dade County is dipping into limited reserves to pacify fear and concern that will invariably die off given time.

The problem with a good portion of these changes lies in that they are more suited to calm parental fear and concern more so than actually solve the issue. Furthermore, these changes are seldom enforced, so even if these measures did protect students in the slightest, the school does not follow through with them to realize their potential value. There is also the problem that school IDs and uniforms can be extremely accessible, so they neither protect schools from student assailants, or outside threats like Nicolas Cruz, who was able to disguise himself as a student and kill 17 people.

“I really appreciate the changes made by the school,” senior Johan Soto said. “The only problem I have with them is that they don’t actually stop a student from shooting up the school.”

To their credit, some changes made by the district are practical and welcomed. The introduction of more active shooter drills, cameras and early detection software all serve to get students into a safer position faster. There is also a new “raptor” security system in place that gives any visitor a background check by scanning their license, acting as an effective way to curb outside threats.

“There is a term that I heard and I liked it, this is the new normal,” Principal Adolfo Costa said. “Our new normal is to have the entrances closed, visitors checked and IDs worn, because the safety of the school is paramount.”

According to a study by the RAND Corporation, measures that actually shelter students from danger fall into three categories: mental health improvement, early violence detection and invasive solutions. While invasive solutions like metal detectors, clear backpacks and social media monitoring are incredibly effective in preventing shootings, they are not feasible with such a large student body and a price tag far out of the range of the district.

Mental health, on the other hand, can be easily addressed.

According to the Safe Schools Initiative Report, 78 percent of perpetrators have had a history of suicidal thoughts and actions, and 71 percent have felt persecuted, bullied or attacked. As a response to statistics like these, the county has created a mental health department, whose main goal is to implement a mental health assessment team in all schools as well as provide a mandatory training for all teachers regarding identifying mental health issues. While this is a decent idea and certainly a step in the right direction, these changes are not yet reflected in MDCPS schools as of yet.

On the district side of things, while they fall short on many security issues, they do shine with early violence detection. The district plans to implement the use of more cameras and unarmed personnel to discourage and detect violence early, granting students more time to get to safety.

Despite their effort, Miami-Dade has made the mistake of spreading itself too thin.

The state government has mandated all local governments to protect local schools after the Parkland massacre, and Miami-Dade has decided to tackle this order by stationing police officers at every school in the county, as well as assembling a roaming squad of police officers.

While the school already has such an officer, the Miami-Dade budget has struggled to find the funds to carry out such a project, whose cost, according to the Miami-Herlad, is estimated to be over $30 million. Even when tapping into reserves, the county only has enough money in the budget to temporarily station police officers at half of its schools, meaning that the entire plan boils down to be a convoluted way to waste $30 million.

The school, for the most part, is making simple and effective decisions when it comes to improving security. The district, on the other hand, is making considerable efforts to improve security, but are regrettably going in the wrong direction. While at the very least they are continually revising and correcting their methods of security, they have failed to come to permanent and comprehensive and changes. Given some proper management, and a redirected focus to work on more permanent solutions or reevaluate current ones, the district can, in actuality make schools safer, rather than pretend to. h

By the numbers The current MDCPS budget includes

$5.13 billion.

MDCPS’ investment on safety and security is approximately

$50 Million.

Since the beginning of 2018, the amount of school shootings has reached

36.

The number of parents confident in their children’s school security is

68%.

Sources: PDK, National Center for Education Statistics

opinion 13

TWO VIEWS: Democratic socialism As the Democrats look for a new strategy, democratic socialists are climbing in popularity Commentary by Aya Hamza, Staff Writer

A

T THE BRIM OF the spontaneous, democratic socialist uprising, American citizens from across the 50 states are waiting in anticipation for the upcoming midterm elections taking place in November. Members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have proved to be prominent candidates in the midterm primaries, a large step for the needed legitimization of the association.

Unseating New York Congressional District 14 incumbent Joe Crowley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a proud member of the DSA. Senator Bernie Sanders serves as the leader of the pack, spearheading and avidly campaigning on behalf of progressive politicians such as Ocasio-Cortez herself and former Michigan gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Throughout his run for president in 2016, Sanders inspired a new movement of politicians advocating extreme social programs.

YES

“

HONESTLY IF IT BENEFITS EVERYONE AS A WHOLE, I SAY GO FOR IT. IT’S SOMETHING NEW AND I THINK MOST OF THEIR IDEAS AND POLICIES ARE RESPECTABLE. PENELOPE RUIZ, SENIOR

The term “socialism” communicates uncalculated, utopian ideals as the term is, in another context, the umbrella for Marxism and communism. However, contrary to common belief, the cornerstone policies of democratic socialism promotes are Medicare for All and the strengthening of union and labor rights.

Democratic socialists tend to work towards the promotion of equality, whether it come in the form of the economy, social programs

14 opinion

and even foreign policy. Auxiliary issues can vary from candidate to candidate, but one thing many of these politicians have in common is their inspiration from foreign, leftist governments.

Contempt for the group is often the product of misunderstanding regarding the difference between democratic socialism and socialism which abides by Marxist ideals.

While many fear a “socialist takeover” of government, members of the DSA, like other politicians, just care about social and economic policy.

Such policy entails strengthening the Federal Housing Association (FHA) for the common good, siding with more leftist ideals and fighting for the unalienable rights of underserved minorities such as the LatinX community.

Miami boasts of its own DSA chapter, headed by Florida International University (FIU) Political Science professor Dr. Ron Cox. Recent FIU graduate Danielle Robinson, a former organizer at the “Matt Haggman for Congress” campaign is a loyal member of the Miami DSA. “ M a n y , especially our generation, have lost faith that our government and economy are free and fair and are newly motivated w i t h the re-emergence of DSA and other social and economic justice organizations,” Robinson said.

This reveals the path many members of the organization hope to take and expect to have their views represented in the election of candidates in support of the organization, one of them being Rashida Tlaib, the first Muslim woman to become a member of the U.S. Congress, who is both a DSA member and endorsee. Her seat is guaranteed by her victory in Michigan Congressional District 13’s democratic primary, and that there were

no candidates from opposing parties, leading to a win in November by default. Michigan, possessing an abundant progressive base, was in strong support of Tlaib, supporting her not only on a local stage, but a national one.

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Ro Progressive drig uez Democrats share a variety of ideals with democratic socialists in terms of those progressive views: equal opportunity for minorities, the support of LGBTQ+ rights and a $15 per hour minimum wage.

“Honestly if it benefits everyone as a whole, I say go for it. It’s something new and I think most of their ideas and policies are respectable,” senior Penelope Ruiz said.

The practice of democratic socialism would not only benefit the country on a national level, but these changes would echo throughout the country, benefitting every citizen locally. h

Commentary by Alex Anton, Staff Writer

T

HROUGH THE EMERGENCE of a Social Democrat trend in world politics, many Americans are beginning to question their own beliefs.

Popular American political figures l i k e Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez have gained traction using these social democratic ideologies.

Perhaps, the biggest point of evidence that leftist proponents point to is the success of countries like Norway, Sweden and Finland. Sure, Scandinavian countries have garnered economic success using a more leftist structure.

However, these countries are not as “socialist” as certain pundits may argue.

All of these countries i n c l u d e competitive markets that do not have the central government

overseeing every move.

Although the nordic model does include the public owned companies, it is not heavily controlled by

politicians and the government, which helps limit corruption. In reality, no true form of socialism has even come close to being economically prosperous— as evidenced

by Latin American countries like Cuba and Venezuela.

Scandinavia aside, there are still many reasons why this system would not work in the U.S. The two biggest problems that the U.S. would face upon implementation of such model are population size and cultural issues. People tend to overlook the fact that a country like Finland is nearly 3/200ths the population of the U.S. Implementing such a complex system in a country the size of the U.S. would be a logistical fallacy.

To make matters worse, the U.S. population does not maintain homogenous political views. Creating a successful social democracy is already a tall order.

The U.S. simply does not foster the environment required for socialism to flourish.

With huge populations and divided political sentiment, a social democratic future difficult to envision.

However, there are other inherent problems within democratic socialism itself.

In order for a socialist government to offer its citizens something worthwhile, people must be willing to concede a certain degree of freedom.

Citizens of socialist nations inherently lose control because the government needs to gain more control in order to provide for them. Adopting a socialist government would mean giving up many of the same liberties dictated in the Bill of Rights to be a possibility. No matter what the potential benefits are, our liberties should never be left vulnerable.

Another problem with socialism would be the financial repercussions of such a system. In order to subsidize such a large system, tax hikes would need to occur.

Wealthier people already pay taxes near 40 percent of their income, so their taxes would only be minimally raised, while low to middle income citizens, on the other hand, will experience huge tax hikes. Thus, the same lower income residents that socialism is supposed to help, end up actually lowering their income.

Perhaps the most degrading quality of socialism is the lack of motivation that it fosters.

Socialism does not empower its people. The country transitioned into a super power by giving its people a fair opportunity to create their own wealth, not by giving struggling citizens unlimited access to their needs.

While, the system we currently have in place gives people a crutch to help them get off their feet and empowers them to make a change in their lives, socialism is counter intuitive because it gives people a wheelchair, which in the end will not propel people to “walk” on their own.

NO

DID YOU KNOW?

Membership to the DSA has increased by roughly 43,000 members since 2016. A significantly larger increase in comparison to years prior.

Source: 2018 Democratic Socialists of America financial report

Social democrats tend to use free health care as an example of our country’s current use of socialist programs. While it is true that citizens may have access to basic health services in order to treat things like the common cold, this, in fact, results in overcrowded medical centers, leaving citizens with serious conditions at risk.

Social democrats should be approached with extreme caution. When private industry becomes publicized, we begin to enter a slippery slope where we relinquish our liberties. It should be noted that most leftists are not advocating for extreme socialist ideals. However, it is important to note the cultural and economic effects that social democratic policies call for. Being a city so close to Cuba, who has succumbed to the false promises of socialism-like policies, we must tread carefully when advocating similar policies and not repeat the same mistakes of our past. h

opinion 15

Cuba: Welcome to a new era

With the death of longtime leader Fidel Castro, the Cuban government plans to amend Commentary by Mariam Vela, Copy Editor

O

N JULY 22, Cuban lawmakers approved a draft of a new constitution, and ever since, talks over whether or not this marks a new chapter for the Communist regime have swirled.

Media speculation has even led the few people who still have hope for the island’s modernization to believe that this is a historic means for change. Cuba’s new constitution is being hailed as a revolutionary step towards Democracy, but slightly updating the Sovietera piece of parchment currently in place may not be enough.

Proposed by retired leader Raul Castro, the new version of the constitution is comprised of amendments that would recognize small private businesses and possibly introduce the legalization of same sex marriage.

The Castro-proposed overhaul will be sent to Cuban communities for review in November, but the decision over whether or not to formally pass it will be left for the public to grapple with.

In February, citizens will be able to vote for or against the draft’s ratification in a nationwide

referendum.

Reuters reported that the draft legally defines marriage as a union between two individuals, and not exclusively between a man and a woman. To Castro’s credit, the legalization of same sex marriage would profoundly redefine existing social attitudes and stigmas surrounding the island’s LGBT community. Although this is the assembly’s sole attempt to lead Cuba on a more progressive path, it may very well prove to be futile, as religious conservatives are actively protesting against the amendment.

The draft would allegedly also call for vast ramifications to Cuba’s judicial system and completely reorganize their government. The odds of the island ever adopting anything other than a one-party system, however, are slim.

Since its very conception, the original 1976 constitution has referred to the Communist party as the nation’s “guiding political force,” and according to Reuters, Castro is set out to remain as head of the Cuban Communist Party until 2021.

The draft omits one of the original clauses laying out the goal of establishing a communist regime, but do not be mistaken— this new

constitution is far from a democratic one.

Although the draft recognizes the right to private property, it emphasizes that such a right will be subject to regulations, which under a communist regime, will likely be stringent. The new charter’s formal recognition of the “role of the market” may seem like a major stepping stone towards a capitalistic economy, but these tweaks most emulate the market socialist systems already practiced by the island’s allies, China and Vietnam.

DID YOU KNOW?

The new constitution restricts presidents to two terms and states that they must be no older than 60 when they first come into office.

Source: The Miami Herald

The new constitution would also reinstate a position that was in place for years in the early stages of the Cuban revolution, and that is the

opposable thumbs Kidz Bop Kanye

iPhone XS

Freshman year

“I’m a cool dude. I like some good food.”

-Kevin Monjarrez, Online Editor

“Does it come in broken?”

-Jack Band, Opinion Editor

“I’m so stressed.

I have a quiz in three weeks.”

-Hanna Ebrahimi, Staff Writer

Homecoming

Halloween

“What do I save my absences for now?”

-Audrey Weigel, Staff Writer

“It’s officially spooky season.”

-Alma Martinez, Staff Writer

16 opinion

Autumn in Miami “Sweat(i)er weather” -Alejandra Orozco, Managing Editor

post of prime minister. This prime minister and Marxism Leninism, organized vanguard would oversee the Council of Ministers, or of the Cuban nation… is the superior leading Cuba’s version of the president’s cabinet, and force of society and the state,” the Miami lead the assembly in attending to the country’s Herald writes. daily happenings. Another, slightly more In layman’s terms, the new draft directly outlandish change, is states that Cuba’s the decision to replace hereditary line of power the current presidents of cannot be challenged, provincial assemblies THE CUBAN and even continues to with governors, who that, “citizens have GOVERNMENT HAS say would each rule one of the right to combat by all A REPUTATION FOR means, including armed Cuba’s 15 provinces.

The only aspect DISAPPOINTING struggle, when other of Cuban government are not available PEOPLE, BUT THE means that is not subject to against anybody who CONSEQUENCES COULD seeks to topple the change is its one party system. Article 3 of ACTUALLY GET BACK TO political, social and the new constitution order….”

THEM THIS TIME. economic states that “socialism If the first part of this MONICA GIL, and the social and draft did not properly SENIOR political revolutionary relay the message, the system established by second part surely did. this constitution are Civilian-clad secret irrevocable.” police now have the legal jurisdiction to kill “The Communist Party of Cuba, and “offenders” of this rule, or anyone that dares no one else, guided by the teachings of to create an opposition party to defy the Castro independence hero José Martí, Fidel Castro family. The reality is that this new constitution

“

aims to strengthen one of Latin America’s oldest dictatorships, and does so to assure that their system is impenetrable from inside and out.

Article 3 is later mentioned again in one of the final clauses, saying that “under no circumstance can the clauses about irrevocable nature of socialism and the political and social system established in Article 3… be subject to reforms.”

Should any uncertainty still remain over the true intent of ratifying this draft, it is made explicitly clear here. The Cuban government was never, and will never, be open to the prospect of adopting a fully capitalistic economy, much less a multi-party system.

Instead of squandering their time, officials should collaborate with citizens to pass a draft that will actually serve them. By hiding under the veil that they are slowly pushing toward democracy, Cuban lawmakers are manipulating prospective allies into serving as a bankroll for their nonsense.

“The Cuban government has a reputation for disappointing people, but the consequences could actually get back to them this time,” senior Monica Gil said. h

students speak up

“This new Constitution should present a lot of opportunities for Cubans.

If it genuinely gives people there a better way of life, then they should ratify it.”

Vanessa Grau, Sophomore

“I do think the constitution should be ratified, simply because it is another step towards western democracy.”

Mauricio Cervantes, Senior

“I hope it’s a step towards democracy for Cuba, but it’s most likely just a way to remain diplomatic with other countries.”

Neil Toloza, Sophomore

opinion 17

Scare tactics: a growing strategy

With a growing base for prejudice, many politicians are using derogatory speech as a tool to gain voters Commentary by Hanna Ebrahimi, Staff Writer

I

N THE EYES Diaz-Balart, posted a photo posing with a of politicians, man wearing a “Proud Boys” t-shirt. The experimenting with “Proud Boys” are a hate group that refer to different political techniques themselves as “western chauvinists” and clearly is imperative to attract voters’ emphasize their disapproval of feminism support. Scare tactics, or and the common feeling “white guilt.” The political strategies intended photo, with a caption regarding the politician’s to influence public opinion on certain issues support of the Nicaraguan community in by imposing fear, are becoming a more popular South Florida following the violent crimes method to attract voters under the Nicaraguan as citizens grow more president, Daniel Ortega, and more fearful of their “IT IS LIKE A PLACEMENT emphasized Diaz-Balart’s political opposition.

THING; YOU PLACE THE appeal to both the Hispanic American politicians, population of Miami and to STATEMENT EXACTLY a more conservative sector now more than ever, are WHERE YOU WANT IT of South Florida that, when resorting to harsh and offensive speech as a TO DO EXACTLY WHAT combined, creates a large potent approach to garner YOU WANT IT TO WITH voting base. political support. This “It is like a placement DIFFERENT SEGMENTS OF thing; you place the can be attributed to the THE POPULATION YOU’RE statement exactly where populace facing years of silent frustration with the DEALING WITH.” you want it to do exactly government. While their JAMES DUNN, what you want it to with harsh critiques rarely SOCIAL SCIENCES different segments of the manifest into policy, the population you’re dealing TEACHER with,” Political Theory growing base for racism and xenophobia echoes and American Government subtle changes for many citizens. teacher James Dunn said.

Although blatantly obvious to many, It is a common misconception, however, some politicians speak using a subtly implied that everyone who supports such politicians language that can both fly under the radar of the holds misogynistic or racist views. In fact, general population and appeal to the targeted there are many people that do not support the audience in a deeper, more convincing way. discriminatory jargon and still vote for these This strategy, commonly known as dog-whistle politicians based on other factors, including their politics, allows politicians to appeal to different views on the country’s economy, education and groups of people with controversial beliefs, immigration policy. The disparity in the current while not giving the general population solid economic system is among the most prominent evidence of offensive statements. Some say causes that many voters are looking to improve. this technique was recently used in the race for These voters believe that an increasingly Florida governor by Republican, Ron DeSantis, competitive economy has infringed on their when he made a comment warning Florida ability to gain wealth, and to counteract this, voters not to “monkey this up,” in regards to the they vote for politicians promising a stronger black Democratic candidate, Andrew Gillum. economy with less competition, at the expense This spurred great controversy, as many of those receiving government assistance. citizens called out the blatant racism within Politicians carefully choose their words in order the statement. But while controversial, the to appeal to these disenfranchised voters while statement widely appealed to his support base. also appealing to those who hold prejudiced Although this technique may seem and bigoted views. uncommon, politicians across the country have As more and more politicians continue to implemented the strategy, revealing a once relay discriminatory messages, their supporter hidden population of dissenting citizens. It bases continue to grow larger and direct the U.S. can even be seen in Miami, a city that prides into a more polarized, identity-based political itself on its cultural diversity. For instance, system that leeches away from the foundational not too long ago, Miami congressman Mario hope for a “land of the free.” h

“

The rise of the

Super Snake Commentary by Jack Band, Opinion Editor

J

UST WEST OF MIAMI, IN A swampy morass commonly referred to as “the Florida Everglades,” something lurks. A genetic phenomenon stalking its prey. While this may seem like the description of a low budget sci-fi film, it is in fact, very real.

The dawn of the South Florida super snake is upon us. A hybrid, this slithering monster has inherited the most fearsome traits from both the Indian python and the Burmese python. If its inheritance of the ability to grow upwards of 20 feet and roughly 200 pounds does not send shivers down your spine, its potential traversal from wet land to dry land certainly will.

The snake, while believed to have already cleared out the city of LaBelle, has inspired a revolution. Northern Floridians, outfitting a large arsenal of automatic weapons and pepper spray have marched south to partake in one of the modern age’s most daunting and perilous battles: the Battle for the Everglades.

October 2, 2018: A civilian militia arrives at the Shark Valley Visitor Center.

A wafting scent of Long John Silver’s and body odor looms in the air as thousands prepare to fight. Cletus Dangerfield, the leader of this brave militia, cocks his oakaccented Ak-47, and releases his horrifying battle cry, “what are you doing in my swamp?”

Hundreds of guns cock as a thunderous barrage of bullets proceeds to mow down the surrounding mangroves. The creature, probably somewhere else in the swamp minding its own business, continues to snidely provoke the aggressors until Dangerfield pulls one of the most unexpected battlefield strategies in civil warfare history: he calls in aerial support.

A fairly large squadron of Rockwell B-1 Lancer bombers soar past the militia and drop hundreds of tons of napalm bombs over the Everglades, showering the swamp in a downpour of hell-fire.

The flames engulf the swamp in an unprecedented act of destruction and carnage towards the planet and while the continued discretion of the super species may seem reassuring, the militia, as well as the fleet of highly trained bombers, were last seen at the site. h

opinion 18

h sports

Cat fight over “cat suit” In an untimely fashion, the French Open prohibits Serena Williams from wearing life-saving cat suit

Commentary by Natalia Pallas, Staff Writer

R

ECENTLY, A controversy involving Serena Williams’ catsuit, a jumpsuit that covers the body from neck to feet, reverberated around the tennis world. Her black cat suit, which she wore this year at The French Open, has sparked many issues, one being that it will not be allowed in the next French Open due to a change in the dress code. Enforcing a ban on Williams’s choice of attire, especially considering the health benefits, seems absurd.

Last year, Williams endured a difficult pregnancy and as a result, she suffers from swelling due to blood clots. This ‘cat suit”

by Nike was designed to prevent this lifethreatening condition.Establishing a ban on Williams’ outfit is unreasonable particularly since, this attire has helped Williams physically, and allows her to play at her best level.

Bernard Giudicelli, French Tennis Federation president in response to the backlash The French Open was receiving claimed that, “Sometimes we have gone too far.”

This weak response by Giudicelli is counterproductive as it pushes away a huge star for superficial reasons.

It appears that discrimination is also at play with this egregiously restrictive dress code. Many authority figures, such as former tennis star Billie Jean King, have spoken out about how Williams is being punished for

being a black female.

“Criticizing what [Williams] wears to work is where the true disrespect lies,” King said.

King’s statement demonstrates how the authorities consider Williams’ attire more important than her her medical issues.

According to CNN, in 1985, a white player, Anne White, wore a shiny white cat suit to Wimbledon. Wimbledon which has a strict dress code that requires players to wear all white was lenient enough to allow White’s attire. The French Open is, however, unreasonably policing the appearance of female players, when they should be more open to different types of dress, specifically ones that are necessary from a health standpoint.

As a result of William’s catsuit debate, other player’s uniforms, which have already been designed, will now be revised by manufactures during a more thorough review to see if the outfits are acceptable for the upcoming French Open in May. Of course, individual tennis organizations should have power to reasonably regulate the dress code, but they should not ban an outfit, which is medically beneficial to tennis players like Williams. Randomly fixing the dress code with no clear explanation looks as if the organization is acting arbitrarily to restrict Williams’s attire. While specific guidelines as to what players can wear could be implemented at the tournament’s discretion, these guidelines should take medical issues into account, such as William’s case with the cat suit. h

student polls

72%

believe that the cat suit ban was unreasonable.

TYPES OF DISCRIMINATION 52%

Misogynistic

27%

Body Shaming

21%

Racist

Students surveyed believed that the ban was a form of the following acts of discrimination.

35%

believe that tennis associations have the right to control what people wear.

Out of 350 students surveyed

students speak up

“Even though it’s 2018, if Serena Williams was a white woman her catsuit wouldn’t be as big as a problem. ” Daniella Mikell, Sophomore

“The catsuit is not inappropriate and if it helps Williams towards her health it should not be banned.”

Jordan Morejon, Senior

“Tennis associations have the right to determine what the atheletes wear to an extent.”

Vivian Lowe, Sophomore

sports 19

Instagram @insta_fitness

Student-athletes have begun to document their fitness journeys on social media

By Audrey Weigel, Staff Writer

Courtesy of Sofia Gonzalez-Lansing

@glfitness4: Gonzalez-Lansing demonstrating a side plank in her home gym.

Liked by _allgasnobreaks, thestudentathlete and 165 others

D

RAWN TO FITNESS THROUGH sports training, senior Sofia Gonzalez-Lansing began running track and field in seventh grade. She then began doing workouts by herself, with her coach and numerous track and field teammates. GonzalezLansing is now captain of the school’s track and field team for the second year and has created a fitness based account with 203 followers: @ glfitness4.

At the beginning of this summer, she started the account by going to the gym with her father and having him record her doing various workouts. Gonzalez-Lansing enjoys working out in different places, and instead of attending one gym regularly, she constantly tries out different one’s such as the one in her apartment building and various LA Fitness locations. While traveling this summer, Gonzalez-Lansing posted a variety of workouts in Australia, New York and California.

Track and field coach Carl Springer transferred from Ponce de Leon Middle School

20 sports

to the school the same year that GonzalezLansing entered high school, and has trained with Gonzalez-Lansing ever since. Over the years of her training, she has worked with Olympic and Miami Elite Track and Field athletes who have shown her workouts, stretches and different techniques.

She posts pictures of her friends working out on her Instagram story when she trains with them. The content on the account varies, but it is mostly focused on working out the abdominal muscles and legs. It is also geared towards athletes who want to keep the body toned, fit and not gain any excessive muscle.

“I believe that my followers want to get fit and live a healthier lifestyle,” GonzalezLansing said. “I actually have a lot of my friends come up to me and tell me that they’ve been doing my workouts and it has helped them.”

All workouts are can be altered to fit every person’s individual needs. Gonzalez-Lansing is considering majoring in health in college.

Instead of encouraging his followers to stay fit through a number of personal fitness techniques, sophomore Marco Samuely LundHansen posts a variety of different soccer approaches on his account, @marcolundhansen. Posting since December 2017, he now has 1,577 followers. He has accumulated over 600,000 views on social media through Instagram, Musical.ly and popular fitness accounts with a combined following of around 317,000.

“I started this account because I want to inspire and entertain others,” Lund-Hansen said. “I want to gain awareness from pro-clubs preferably in Europe or even here in the U.S. as my dream is to play professional soccer.”

Lund-Hansen plays for the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Florida, the Miami team in the youth system of European giant Paris SaintGermain. Thanks to his growing following, in March he attended

an event with Bundesliga, the topflight German soccer league. LundHansen was given the opportunity to meet and talk with two athletes on the Stuttgart that won the Bundesliga in 2007. At this event, he was able to showcase his skills, winning the adult category and was awarded prizes from Bundesliga and Adidas Football.

Aside from videos, he has also posts soccer photo challenges. Now as an ambassador for Soccergolf, an outdoor and sporting goods company, he promotes a company that combines soccer with golf.

By representing a company that is fun for family and friends, LundHansen is attempting to build up a social media presence in the soccer industry.

Not only is Lund-Hansen trying to build a social media presence, but actively promotes fitness through soccer, by showing his followers different tips and tricks to stay fit.

Liked by protein_on_protein, legdaybestday and 115 others

Courtesy of Cecilia Hernandez

@cecibfit: Hernandez uses a lat pull down machine to exercise her arm muscles.

Courtesy of Marco Lund-Hansen

@marcolundhansen: Lund-Hansen balances on top of a ball as he completes one of his favorite tricks.

Playing soccer all throughout middle school, junior Cecilia Hernandez grew interested in personal fitness through sports. She joined the water polo and swim team her freshman and sophomore year, of highschool. Hernandez started the account @cecibfit in May with her growing passion for staying in shape, and has grown to a social media presence of 915 followers.

She is motivated, confident and interested in sharing her fitness journey by helping inform those trying to get fit.

Hernandez attends LA Fitness in Brickell, but also posts workouts at home and at the beach. Aside from posting workout routines, she also includes different dieting ideas to manage a healthy lifestyle. She utilizes the story tool on Instagram to post more up to date information, such as food she is eating, motivational quotes and short daily routine ideas.

“I get my inspiration from a lot of other fitness influencers in

the industry and also from within myself,” Hernandez said. “A lot of people DM [Direct Message] me about how much they love my page and how much I motivate them.”

Hernandez works out five to six days a week and has a consistent workout routine every week. She focuses on a different part of the body everyday, but she always includes cardio for thirty to forty minutes.

On Mondays and Thursdays she focuses on hamstrings and glutes, Tuesdays on shoulders and abdominal muscles, Wednesdays on the back and Fridays on the chest, arms and calves. Saturdays are a full body workout.

Hernandez’s inspiration from her followers has motivated her to become a personal trainer and hopefully own a gym in the future.

She plans on majoring in physical therapy and completing a course to become certified with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a nonprofit organization that certifies and educates personal trainers. h

Liked by muscle_mania, gotgainzzz and 202 others

sports 21

s

highlight driguez/

Marta Ro

Panthers roar past the Cavs The varsity football team falls short in an overtime game against Palmetto STIMULATING SECONDS: The Cavalier defense tensly watches as the Panthers advance and close the gap at 13-6.

By Marta Rodriguez, Staff Writer

A

S THEY SWAGGERED ONTO THE Cavaliers scored their first touchdown. In the field the Cavaliers varsity football crowd, screams of joy and stomping feet filled team was ready to face one of their the bleachers as the game’s tone quickly shifted. fiercest competitors yet: the Palmetto Panthers.

By halftime, the Cavs had scored two Although the Cavs put touchdowns and held the up a great fight, on opposition scoreless, starting Sept. 20 the Panthers to put together a dominant “PALMETTO WAS won the game 13-16, performance. marking their second It was not until the HARDER TO BEAT loss of the season. fourth quarter that the THAN OTHER The Cavs started Panthers stepped up their SCHOOLS BECAUSE off the game strong, game. Entering the quarter with their defensive with a 13-0 lead, the tide THEY ARE A MORE linemen repeatedly quickly turned in favor of the QUALITY TEAM suffocating the Panthers, who were able to WITH A LOT OF Panther’s plays. The score two touchdowns in the offense followed final frame. The first came PLAYMAKERS.” aggressively and when Palmetto’s special teams DARREN MCQUEEN, executed pass after came through on a Cavalier FRESHMAN pass. punt, allowing Palmetto to “We need to learn take over in plus territory and to finish games. It all score seven plays later. After starts at practice,” senior offensive guard, Chris missing the extra point, the Cavaliers lead still Suarez said. held at 13-6. Yet another touchdown quickly Only halfway into the first quarter, the thereafter, and the subsequent extra point, tied

“

22 sports

the game at 13-13.

With a few seconds left on the clock, a game-winning Panther field goal was blocked and the game went to overtime. In overtime, Palmetto ended up kicking a 21-yard field goal, giving them the win.

“We were disappointed that they lost the game because they worked very hard, but this will only help them get better as a team and I’m sure they know that,” freshman Thais Forbes said.

When the whistle blew, and the intense game had finished, the Cavs looked disappointed after their lost.

“Palmetto was harder to beat than other schools because they are a more quality team with a lot of playmakers,” freshman safety, Darren McQueen said.

Undeterred by the loss, the team recovered the following game and trounced the Miami Beach Hi-Tides by a score of 37-0. Now sporting a 4-2 record the Cavs will continue to work on their skills in order to triumph over their archrivals, the Christopher Columbus Explorers, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. h

Tatiana Campos/highlights

Bowling team pinned The Cavalier bowling team suffers a painful loss against Braddock

By Gregoire Winston, Staff Writer

H

UDDLED UP, THE BOYS VARSITY bowling team was ready to confront their opponents: the Braddock Bulldogs. After a disappointing start of the season, in which the team lost consecutive games, this was a chance to redeem themselves.

On Sept. 20 at Bird Bowl, the Cavs, in their signature crimson uniforms and khaki pants, went up against the blue-clad Bulldogs, full of confidence. Braddock was tough competition, but the skilled players on the team were up for the challenge. One of the team leaders, junior Alejandro Mejia, was getting his team ready for the match, as they knew this would prove to be a real challenge.

As their side was getting ready, junior Lorenzo Diaz had much to say about his high-spirited team.

“I have 100 percent faith and confidence in my teammates and myself as well. We have a long way to go, but we are on the path to success,” Diaz said. “Bowling is a mental sport, not just a physical one. It requires 100 percent confidence in your ability and your teammates when the struggle is real.”

The game started promptly at 3 p.m, with the Cavs ready to hit the alley. They did their traditional huddling up chant, yelling “Cavs on three: one, two, three” and turned their focus towards the task at hand.

After many turns, the game was tight and both teams were fighting hard for victory. They executed multiple opens, spares and strikes, but the Bulldogs took an early lead to end the first set 100 points ahead.

“I think on the bowling alley, we could all stand to improve. We are doing pretty good, I believe somewhere in the top five. And off the alley, I think we are pretty close and we are definitely getting friendlier with each other and

bowling schedule:

OCT. 12 Youth Fair

Tournament

bonding,” junior Jonathan Mesa said.

Although the team was disappointed going into the second set, they BOWL OF SPARES: Junior Jonathan Mesa, a starting player on the fought through and clung team, warms up before the game. onto their hopes of making fought hard. Unfortunately, after a tight set, the a comeback. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, were rolling in more confident team lost the match in straight sets. On this than ever following the previous set. However, day, Braddock was simply a better team. They the game did not turn in the team’s favor, and could count on many assets and key players, and ultimately lead the team to victory the Cavs lost the second set as well.

Despite the loss, the team quickly picked “When we lose, we get motivated. We want up and followed with two consecutive wins. On to win. When we see another team do good, we Oct. 1 they defeated Coral Reef in straight sets want to prove and show we are better,” senior and then took the second win on Oct. 2 after co-captain Arturo Diaz-Dube said.

After losing the first two sets, the team South Miami forfeited the game. h

OCT. 16 GMAC Tournament

OCT. 23

District Championships

OCT. TBA State Championships

All games take place at Bird Bowl at 3 p.m. sports 23

h

the scene

Monster MAZe MANIA

With thrills and live action Scares, Paranoia and PanIQ Room stand as some of Miami’s best horror mazes

By Emma Vela, Staff Writer

PARANOIA

E

ERIE CREATURES SURROUND THE MAZE as thick vines wrap around the brick wall exterior. Upon entrance, wandering skeletons and lost souls part to reveal the face of death itself. With a dead-eyed smile, the grim reaper greets the upcoming victims.

Founded by Richard Castañeda in October of 2017, Paranoia stands as one of Miami’s most popular horror mazes.

For only $25, Paranoia provides a horror-filled adrenaline rush while sending chills down one’s spine.

Tucked into 5th Avenue in Wynwood, the heavy mist crowds the secret corridors of the maze, enveloping the unfortunate masses struggling to get through, casting an ominous mood.

“My family and I love watching horror movies and

thrillers together, so it was great to come here and feel like I was actually part of one,” customer Stefanie Widell said.

Open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Paranoia is a perfect pastime for any horror movie or haunted house fanatic.

“As of Sept. 6, 1,012 people have chickened out of our maze. When we hear a customer scream paranoia we send one of our workers immediately to escort them out of the maze,” Castañeda said.

If the maze gets too intense, customers have the option to “chicken out” and yell paranoia at any time. But with jump scares, flashing lights, ghosts and spurting blood, walking through the Paranoia maze resembles a real-life horror movie where getting spooked is a promise.

PANIQ ROOM Time’s-a-tickin when in the PanIQ Escape Room with only 60 minutes to solve a series of clues and locked doors. PanIQ is opened every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. On 388 NW 27th st, PanIQ gives a sneak peak into the life of a secret agent and is a great way to bond with friends and family.

“We got out with only a few minutes on the clock left, but it passed by so quick I wish we could do it again,” junior Isabella Escudero said.

With gadgets, puzzles and riddles, PanIQ holds three types of rooms within the facility: Pirate’s Den, Haunted Hospital and Spy Room. In the Haunted Hospital room, fluorescent lights hit faux lifeless bodies and cold-to-thebone faces. The Pirate’s Den on the other hand provides a different experience all together. Resembling the inside

24 the scene

of a ship, the only way to escape is to solve puzzles and riddles given through maps and coordinates. The classic Spy Room meets all Escape Room expectations with fake lasers, hidden clues and fingerprints.

First based in Budapest, the PanIQ Escape Rooms have spread all over the nation, according to the owner.

Owner Mihály Csíkszentmihályi’s main hope is to have all the obstacles flow together seamlessly. In 2014, PanIQ Escape Room officially opened their location in Miami.

Now it has over a hundred locations and is one of the most popular amusement centers.

“With these Escape rooms, I hope to take away each person that walks in here’s real life worries and place them in a different world,” Csíkszentmihályi said. h

Now Showing: NITE OWL THEATRE Bringing back CULT classic films, Night Owl Theater keeps the true spirit of horror in wynwood.

By Arianna Pena, Staff Writer

H

IDDEN BETWEEN the buildings of Downtown Miami, an unsuspecting black edifice houses a theatre unlike any other.

Nite Owl Theatre provides a unique venture for the average movie-goer with its exclusive showings of cult classics and retro ambience. Located at 3930 NE 2nd Ave on the second floor, patrons entering the building can expect a different experience when they see projected on the bright marquee outside: “Nite Owl Theater Presents...”

Techno music bounces off the decorated walls, greeting the frequent crowd of film junkies.

In place of the usual trailers that play during mainstream movies, Nite Owl keeps its 70s theme through the colorful static that is projected across the theater.

Bookshelves around the theater are lined with VHS tapes and small trinkets are scattered around to add to the nostalgic fun. Open from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays with the exception of Wednesdays, and 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. on the weekends, the cult

classic movie theater is the ideal place for movie goers to stay late into the night.

Nite Owl Theater shows movies through 35 millimeter film that often were produced anytime between the 1970-90s. The Secret Celluloid Society (SCS), run by Nayib Estefan, is dedicated to making sure that classic films are still available to the public. While the SCS has moved from their theater backroom at Gramp’s, to localities like the Coral Gables Art Cinema and O Cinema, they currently reside in Nite Owl. Estefan is the son of Gloria and Emilio Estefan and moved back to Miami in 2012 after living in Los Angeles since the 1990s. Estefan was inspired by the film scene in Los Angeles and decided to start SCS with the goal of bringing this type of cinema to Miami, Florida. Estefan has said that the motto of SCS ‘what’s low is high, what’s high is low’ is essential when explaining that the eccentric midnight movie is just as important as classics like Casablanca or Citizen Kane.

“People choose not to watch

some movies because of ‘low quality filming.’ But it isn’t the quality of a camera that dictates the tastefulness of a film,” sophomore Chloe Grant said.

The SCS is known for showcasing classic cult films like Rocky Horror Picture Show, which they play monthly at midnight. A musical about the day a young couple gets engaged and must spend the night in a creepy old mansion with Dr. Frank-NFurter and his assistants. Since its release, the film has become a cultural phenomenon.

“Rocky Horror Picture Show was so controversial when it came out and even though it was considered bad, I think it’s great how now it’s embraced by a community and represents something so much deeper,” sophomore Diana Lopez said.

Nite Owl theater brings together a unique crowd of people who all share one common goal, to watch a good movie.

Entertainment and interest is never lacking in this vivid and extraordinary environment. h

Courtesy of Nite Owl Theater

Oct. 19

Oct. 20

Oct. 21

Oct. 22 the scene 25

SPILLING THE BEANS an authentic coffee shop is hard to come by. These three coffee shops, however, have made the cut. Affordable, unique and trendy are all characteristics of these top notch cafés.

By Ava Lederman, Staff Writer

T

he cultivation and trade of coffee originated on the Arabian Peninsula.

Centuries later, coffee houses surfaced, bringing people and coffee beverages together. Coffee shops have since impacted the way people communicate and

dine and have become a commonplace for leisurely gatherings, meetings and study dates. Typical bistros in Miami consist of products heavily influenced by Cuban culture with drinks such as cortaditos, coladas and café con leches. The frequent occurrence

of basic coffee bars lack originality in the community. These three shops, however, bring a twist to the usual Miami coffee bar scene. The bar is set high for new and coming cafés and shops to exceed these modern coffee houses.

PEET'S COFFEE AND CAPITAL ONE BANK

Ava Lederman /highlights

MOST POPULAR:

$4 26 the scene

Peet’s Coffee and Capital One Bank merged to get the community on board with a new approach to finance in a relaxed environment.

With easy access to do-it yourself banking, customers can handle their economic affairs in a comfortable and stress free environment. Capital One Café, however, is not solely for banking purposes. Located on 50 Miracle Mile, this is also a spacious coffee shop for anyone who wants to swing by and enjoy the creative space, finances aside.

The café offers a variety of coffee, tea and baked goods. Their most popular items on the menu for students are their sweet iced lattes and chewy chocolate cigars, both costing approximately four dollars. After ordering a beverage or snack of choice, there is a wide assortment of comfortable seating available. A customer can choose between comfortable footstools or marble tables with café chairs. This multi-purpose café is the optimal space to wind down and enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a game of chess with the boards found throughout the store.

“I’ve never been to a coffee shop like this that has so many things to do besides eating, because you can study or even sing karaoke,” customer Martina Gonzalez said.

Compounded with their unique coffee-shop and bank atmosphere, Capital One Café hosts many events to bring the community together.

They host special occasions such as Board Game Saturday, a four hour event where family and friends gather to bond over board games.

“I came here a few weeks ago with friends on the weekend and we loved all the board games they had,” customer Estella Alonso said.

“The food was really good too, especially the marble pound cake.”

This café is not a typical coffee shop, but rather a productive area with many utilities such as charging stations. In addition to games and events, those who want to study in a group can reserve private rooms to finish upcoming group projects or meet up with classmates for an important test. If group studying is not the right fit, private nooks enclosed by wooden barn doors can be found on the other side of the café. Capital One Café is there to comply to their customer’s desires.

sweet treat: A chewy chocolate cigar is a specialty offered by peet's coffee.

FIXPRESSO

Ava Lederman /highlights

MOST POPULAR:

$2

Recently opened in August, this à la mode shop welcomes all customers with their mission statement, or the 4 F’s: fixed, fast, fun, and food and drinks. This newly developed idea for setting a fixed price of two dollars on all menu items has customers scrambling for low-priced products.

Fixpresso is located on 200 Miracle Mile, where a pedestrian friendly Starbucks once stood. As soon as one enters, a gigantic white metal train captures the eye. Within the caravan lie baked goods and snack items galore. Flakey, out of the oven croissants costing only two dollars, serve as a delectable treat for the café crowd. Additionally, they offer savory options such as bagels and a variety of sandwiches. However, the contemporary café is most known for their frozen coffees and cold beverages. Their most popular, frequently sampled item, is the ‘ICE frozen coffee,’ a refreshing slushy coffee drink. This beverage is an affordable treat that instantly satisfies any sweet tooth.

“The atmosphere is fun, motivational, yet relaxed,” assistant manager Samara Saca said. “The busiest time is usually the afternoon during lunch and weekends.”

The ample seating is accented with luminous lighting allowing for a quick lunch date with a friend or a study session.

FLAKEY HEAVEN: The flakey croissant is infused with sweet chocolate in every bite.

PANTHER COFFEE Panther Coffee serves up fresh brewed drinks and confectionery treats while holding a quaint and rustic atmosphere in the heart of Coconut Grove. Located on 3407 Main Hwy, this coffee shop is filled with the Grove’s locals enjoying leisure reading with their feet up on a stool. As soon as the doors open, the aroma of newly roasted coffee beans lingers while customers decide what to order.

“Panther Coffee takes great care in carefully roasting our coffee that we source personally from farmers all over the world and we also expertly train all of our baristas to be knowledgeable, friendly and helpful,” Operations Manager Daniel Muela said.

Originally established in Wynwood, they were so popular they decided to expand the café to Coconut Grove in 2015. Panther Coffee has a diverse menu with many different options to eat and drink. The five dollar iced mocha blends rich coffee with creamy dark chocolate syrup, making it the ideal drink for the hot Miami weather. Their most popular items on the menu are the cold brew and cold brew nitro, costing four dollars each. In addition, they sell pressed juices and kombucha for customers who want healthier alternatives. Prices, however, are more on the expensive side compared to Starbucks or other coffee chains.

Panther coffee has brought a well needed level of sophistication to Miami’s traditional coffee scene. It is well worth the price for those with a more discerning coffee palette. h

MOST POPULAR:

$5

Ava Lederman /highlights

delectable drink: an iced mocha is the ideal drink, recommended for chocolate lovers. the scene 27

Heavier Deforestation precipitation Freshwater Reduction Temperature Increase Food Shortages Melting of Artic Ice

Stronger Hurricances Limited Agriculture Risk to Electrical Supply

Extreme Weather Patterns Heat Waves

Rising Sea Levels

Droughts

Flooding Ocean Acidification Species Extinction

climate change

THE MELTDOWN BY: ALEXANDER SUTTON

28 insight

Faced with the pressing issue of global climate change and controversy surrounding it, the refusal to address this problem has prompted far larger consequences. With one of the worst red tide catastrophies currently affecting the south florida coast, highlights looks at the causes of this issue and climate change’s impacts in the community.

A

ddressing a problem is the first step to solving it. In the wake of political divide and a growing rift in society, the issue of climate change seems to be at the center of discussion, yet nothing has changed. The issues related to global climate change have been evidently exacerbated, and our refusal to acknowledge this will prove to be catastrophic for a sustainable and livable future.

Miami, because of its elevation and location, is particularly susceptible to these effects and is, in this way, ground zero for climate change.

South Florida is uniquely situated to be the world’s foremost example for how to deal with these changing conditions. Though all coastal areas are at risk for flooding, our region is also plagued by the effects of stronger hurricanes, red tides and algae blooms. What is happening in South Florida is indicative of the effects climate change will have on our planet in the near future.

United States for climate change impact. A report by Berkeley-based advisory firm Four Twenty Seven found that communities in Florida are the most susceptible in the country when it comes to climate change, with Miami Beach being the most at-risk city.

June of 2018 was recorded as the third hottest month of all time. May of 2018 was the fourth. This global rise in temperatures intensifies hurricanes, which often come straight for South Florida. According to a report by the 2014 National Climate Assessment, the intensity, frequency and duration of North Atlantic hurricanes have been on the increase since the early 1980s. This would be assumed to be a prioritized threat considering the scope of its damage and influence, however, it is quite the contrary.

What is most concerning, is that humans are doing very little to stop these global changes. Fifty Four percent of Americans say they do not believe climate change will

but it is being heavily intensified by human activity. The transportation system along with the overproduction of American industry have created a predicament in our atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide emissions have shown steady increases and their consequences are becoming ever more apparent. Although changes in global temperature prior to the industrial revolution could be explained by a variety of natural causes, global emissions of carbon dioxide have increased to a level substantially higher than what would be caused by a natural cycle. Before 1751, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere fluctuated between 180 and 280 parts per million. According to data released by the NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Association) observatory in Mauna Loa, Hawaii, as of September of 2018, the atmosphere contains nearly 407 parts per million of carbon dioxide.

“The main cause is man-made, and it’s the burning of oil, coal and gas. Period. End of

“ You can choose to ignore this problem, but by end of the century, there will be almost one billion climate change refugees, and that’s something you have to live with. ”

Olivia Collins

Program Manager at the Climate Leadership Engagement Opportunities (CLEO) Institute

“We are on everybody’s map from a world perspective,” Todd Crowl, Florida International University (FIU) aquatic ecologist said. Crowl is also the co-founder of FIU’s Sea Level Solutions Center and director of the Southeast Environmental Research Center. “Whatever we do, whether we do it right or wrong, the world will watch us and emulate us.”

Florida is the most at-risk state in the

cause major problems within their lifetimes, according to a 2018 Gallup poll. The key to ensuring climate change is mitigated lies in public understanding; when the population can grasp the root causes behind this trend and adapt itself to become cognizant of the human interference, only then can devastation be averted.

Climate change is a natural occurrence,

story,” Olivia Collins, program manager at the Climate Leadership Engagement Opportunities (CLEO) Institute, told highlights. The greenhouse effect is caused by the emission of man-made greenhouse gases, which thicken the atmosphere and make it more difficult for the earth to radiate the Sun’s warmth back into space, essentially heating the planet. In this aspect, the warming of our earth can be

insight 29

THE PLANET’S

1.6

average surface temperature has risen about

DEGREES FAHRENHEIT SINCE THE LATE 19TH CENTURY. attributed to our excessive air pollutants.

However, our nation’s recent withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords, an international climate agreement dedicated to limiting carbon dioxide emissions, reflects the notion that we are not prioritizing this issue in the slightest.

“Put this together as a global problem, think about it from a local perspective, sort through the information and understand that this issue is happening now and something has to be done,” Crowl told highlights while giving advice to Coral Gables students.

Sea level rise is one of the most pressing effects climate change can have on South Florida. A June report by the Union of Concerned Scientists revealed that within the next 30 years, nearly 64,000 residents of Florida will have to deal with chronic flooding, 12,000 of whom live in Miami. Corroborating studies by NOAA reported that by 2070, Miami residents will experience flooding every single day. South Florida is built on an old coral reef, a remnant of the days 250 thousand years ago when the entire region was underwater.

700 More than

species will face extinction due to climate change.

2016

was the hottest year on record since 1880.

Coral is an extremely porous material, making Miami vulnerable to scenarios where saltwater works its way up through the Biscayne aquifer, the limestone bed under South Florida from which the community gets its drinking water.

With higher sea levels, the pressure against the aquifer is increased from below, pushing saltwater up against this porous coral, which then starts trickling into our freshwater drinking system. Unfortunately, this epidemic has already occurred at Gables. Due to excessive runoff from Central Florida, the aquifer beneath the school could not handle the sudden increase in pressure. The schools experienced a leak of saltwater intrusion into its water system, entirely killing the grass on one of the fields that was watered.

“That’s one vulnerability we’re real worried about. If saltwater gets into our freshwater, then we’re in real trouble, because we depend on that for drinking water and irrigation,” Crowl said.

Climate change’s negative impacts have also extended to Florida’s largest

Todd Crowl, aquatic ecologist and co-founder of FIU’s Sea Level Solutions Center, works on mitigating local climate threats facing our city. He joined FIU in 2016 and now leads their institute of Water and Environment. In speaking with highlights, Crowl advocated for young-involvement in ongoing issues like this. He claimed that being being located on the South Florida coast has caused the “world to watch and emulate us.”

30 insight

16 inches

DATA

Sea level is projected to rise by 2045

freshwater lake. Over 90 percent of the 730-square mile surface of lake Okeechobee is covered by a massive algae bloom of green cyanobacteria that sting the nose and can cause serious illnesses such as kidney and liver damage. This bloom of toxic algae, which has severely damaged tourism around the lake and even invaded the water supply of various surrounding localities, occurred at such a large scale this year because of elevated temperatures, increased pollution and more intense exposures to sunlight — all broader effects of the changing climate epidemic. A separate saltwater algae bloom, called a red tide, is forming miles off the coast of southwest Florida and dying the waves and shorelines of some of Miami’s most popular beaches.

The blooms poison marine life and wash up hundreds of dead fish, manatees, sea turtles and even dolphins. This toxic algae bloom is not uncharacteristic for Florida — red tides appear off the state’s coast almost every year — but this year’s red tide is still going strong after nearly a year, making it the worst since 2006.

“

Your generation is not only going to have to live with the consequences, but you’re gonna have to fix it.

”

STUDENTs SPEAK UP “This is a worldwide issue, and it’s been a part of my life for so long. This matters ts h g to me because it’s something that is inevitable, even if I try to ignore it and let someone else try to fix it. The place I call home, in fifty years might not be here.”

Isabella Martinez, Junior

ander Sutto n/h Alex i gh li

Broad suggestions about mitigation and adaptation are often out of reach for the everyday citizen or high school student.

Local solutions, which often have a more concrete approach, are the most effective way to begin solving an expansive problem like this one. Rita Teutonico, Associate Dean of Research at FIU and a member of the Coral Gables Sustainability Advisory Board, gives suggestions about easier, everyday actions that can be taken within one’s own community.

“We just got rid of styrofoam and plastic bags, and now we’re trying to get rid of straws.

We’re trying to start a whole big green business initiative, where you can get involved locally,” Teutonico said. “We’re doing what we think is important, but it would be great to hear from the next generation.”

Even school-level measures can prove effective in the battle against climate change.

Easy actions to implement include going paperless, using reusable water bottles and lunch containers and throwing away less food waste. School-wide efforts toward composting have also been beneficial towards reducing individuals’ carbon footprints.

This issue brings about new concerns for the residents of the South Florida area. In the wake of increasing global temperatures and rising sea levels, we have begun to see the potential effects that climate change can have on our home. It has never been a secret that global climate change is a threat to the planet.

What remains a mystery is our own lack of will to stop it. Hopefully our choice to ignore, and the consequences that we are seeing on behalf of it, will inspire others to pay attention. h

ts gh

ander Sutto n/h Alex i gh li

The root cause of this red tide is the same as what drove the freshwater bloom in Lake Okeechobee: higher temperatures caused by the greenhouse effect created an environment ideal for algae growth.

With the looming threat of a compromised underground aquifer, increased flooding and multiple algae blooms, there is no time to wait for a solution to present itself. There exists, however, a beacon of hope amidst this daunting gloom: the causes of it are clear, and effective solutions can and have been devised. The prime question to address in the development of a climate change solution is whether to employ mitigation or adaptation strategies.

Mitigation solutions are measures that, when implemented, address current climate issues or attempt to combat preexisting problems.

Conversely, adaption is the adjustment of practices to be able to better deal with the effects of climate change that have already manifested themselves. Regulatory measures — carbon taxes and limits, the Paris Climate Accords and funding into environmental research, for example — are mitigation strategies that governments can employ. However, adaptation measures are currently being implemented more widely in South Florida. An example of South Florida’s focus on adaptation is the measures Miami Beach has taken to combat flooding and sea level rise. Seawalls were raised as a barrier to sea levels higher than land, and street flooding was dealt with through the implementation of flex valves, which seal pressurized water out of underground pipes, and the installation of water pumps to move water out of the streets and back into the bay.

“This is something I have to worry about. Because of rising global temperatures, more dangerous storms are happening and that is something that would affect our home because we are on the coast.”

Bowen Murley, Junior

STUDENT POLLS highlights surveyed 350 students to gauge their opinions on current climate dilemmas.

84% OF STUDENTS THINK WE SHOULD REGULATE CO2 AS APOLLUTANT

97%

94%

of students think global climate change will pose a serious threat in their lifetime. of students believe global climate change is caused by human activities.

93% of students think THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE CAN BE SEEN TODAY. insight 31

Find us online Like our page: highlights Follow us: @highlightscghs

cavsconnect.com/category/ highlights-submissions/ Questions? Email us at highlightscghs@gmail.com.

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lightbox Senior captain Yanely Lopez leads the school’s cheerleaders at the Alma Mater pep rally on Sept.

13. This pep rally also featured performances by the Gablettes and Color Guard, as well as interactive games with the crowd, like musical chairs.